“This league, 23 years ago, has arguably one of, if not the most powerful league in our section,” said Bronn. “As it stands now, I still feel that way.”
‘We have a lot of talented players spread out across this valley of 7 high schools. I think the recognition that we get is not quite what it should be, considering how talented this valley really is.”
Muir echoed that sentiment. “The history of the Foothill league is something really special, and I think that these young men are continuing that tradition,” he said.
Many coaches acknowledged how tough the competition in the Foothill League is, with 7 teams aiming for a title; this year is expected to be no different.
FOOTHILL LEAGUE FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Valencia features a talented offense
There are high expectations for the Valencia Vikings. The team won 6 league games, going undefeated in 2024. They made it to the Division 5 playoffs but lost in the first round to Lakewood.
Valencia heads into the season hoping for a repeat league performance. The talented duo of Quarterback Brady Bretthauer and 4-star Running Back Brian Bonner, known for his speed, is returning to the field for their final season.
Last season, Bretthauer threw for 2,566 yards, with 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Bonner ran for 1,493 yards and is expected again to be a key part of the Vikings’ offense.
“I’d be a fool not to get the ball in his hands. Whether it’s in the backfield in the pass or obviously in the run game,” said Muirr. “In the backfield, these two guys complement each other so well.”
Earning his place as one of the top running backs in the state, Bonner committed to the University of Washington earlier in the year. A decision, he says, came down to a simple reason.
“The whole process was a lot, but Washington showed me a lot of love during the process. I feel like that’s all for me,” said Bonner. “The coaches did a really good job recruiting me. I feel like I see myself playing there and just being there as a student, as well as an athlete.”
The Vikings will face Simi Valley at home for their first game of the season on Friday night, with kickoff at 7 p.m.
A familiar Hart roster returns for the 2025 season
Hart High School finished second in the league behind Valencia with a 5-1 record last year. The Hawks also had a disappointing playoff run, losing in the first round of the Division 6 playoffs to Rancho Verde.
This season, the roster features key returning players. The Hawks will be led by Head Coach Jake Goossen-Brown, entering his second season at Hart. The chemistry he’s built with his players and coaching staff adds another layer of confidence for him.
“I feel like we’re pretty much in sync as a player-coach relationship and our coaching staff, ” said Goosen-Brown. “We spend a lot of time together. We spend more time with the football players than they do with their families.”
Jacob Paisano returns for his second season at Quarterback. He was out for most of Foothill League play in 2024. Despite the injury, he threw for 2,222 yards with 22 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, earning him a spot on the All-CIF list for Division 6 last year.
On the offensive side of the ball, solid Wide Receiver Matix Frithsmith returns this season. Coach Goossen-Brown says he will lean on Offensive Linemen Andrew Webster and Jared Trujillo to be the anchors of the offense.
On the defensive side, Goossen-Brown is counting on Safety Devin Thompson and Linebacker Matthew Pellow to lead the defense.
Hart will be on the road against Birmingham on Friday night, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
Leadership is key for Golden Valley
Golden Valley finished third in the league (4-2), making it to the second round of the Division-7 playoffs before losing to Warren. Head Coach Dan Kelley, in his 12th season, hopes to gain some consistency in the Foothill League.
New to the program via a transfer is Senior Quarterback Jayce Johnson. Johnson is part of a group of senior players who make up the team’s captains.
Golden Valley has hybrid players in Captains Ace Frias and David Gillum. Kelley expects Frias, who has been with the team for all four years, to spend some time at receiver this season after playing on the offensive line in 2024. Gillum is a versatile player with playing time on both sides of the ball.
Kelley believes one area of improvement has been the team’s speed and style of play.
“We’re definitely faster than we were last year,” said Kelley. “We’re a different style team, where we were kind of one-dimensional with a big offensive line and a running back that ran hard.”
“We’ve got to get the balls to multiple players this year, and we definitely have some playmakers,” said Kelley.
The Grizzlies will visit Westlake Friday night with kick-off at 7 p.m.
Versatility is a must for Castaic High School
The Castaic Coyotes are the newest addition to the Foothill League, joining it in 2022. The team finished last season with a 2-4 league record.
A newer and smaller program, Head Coach Sirr Guy-Shakir has been with Castaic for all but one year. Despite little depth on the roster, Guy-Shakir says he has big expectations for the Coyotes.
The size of the program has made having a roster of versatile players critical.
“It’s kind of non-negotiable for us,” said Guy-Shakir. “Having guys that can have value in different ways is absolutely essential for us.”
Junior Quarterback Aidan Mojica is the prime example of Castaic’s system. This season will be a journey for him as he steps into the role of quarterback for the first time. Mojica has spent some time playing as a defensive end and as a tight end for Castaic.
Guy-Shakir acknowledged how vital the scrimmage with Silverado High School the night before was.
“We needed them to see more of the things that we have in game-like situations,” said Guy-Shakir.
Castaic will travel to Victor Valley to play Adelanto Friday night, with kick-off at 7 p.m.
A new era for West Ranch
The West Ranch football program has had a strong presence in the league. Led by former Head Coach Chris Varner, the Wildcats were the top two in the league for three straight seasons, notably winning the league title in 2022 with Quarterback Ryan Staub.
Last season, the team struggled, finishing fourth in the league (2-4) and missing the playoffs.
After spending some time as interim head coach, TJ Yonkers will fully take over the position this season to try and return the Wildcats to their winning form. Yonkers described his emotions upon learning the head coaching job was his as a rollercoaster.
“I just want to keep continuity going,” said Yonkers. “For me, it’s been better than I think it could’ve been.”
“I’ve managed to keep some good coaching around to help me… just trying to take it day-by-day, not put it all on my shoulders. To help delegate some of the stuff out, and so far, so good. It’s really just about the kids, it’s about coming out here helping build young men.”
The team’s starting roster features Defensive End Max Piccolino, who last year ranked top 10 in sacks in the Southern Section.
West Ranch’s first test in week one against Pacifica will be without their starting Quarterback—Blake Johnson, who’s battling an injury.
Despite having to sit out, Johnson says he’s ready to step up and help the team.
“I’m there for my team to just help anybody who needs it,” said Johnson. “Trying to do my best as a captain.”
Kick-off is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m.
Saugus looks to rebound after struggles
Saugus Head Coach Jason Bornn heads into his 22nd season at the helm. The team missed the playoffs, only winning one of its league games with five losses.
Bornn has acknowledged the last couple of years have been a struggle for the team for a ‘variety of reasons’ but says he is super excited for the season.
Quarterback Jake Nuttal returns for his final year with Saugus. Nuttal threw for 2,281 yards with 16 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Nuttal will be back with Receiver Landon Lattimore, who ranked third in the league in receiving yards at 1,046.
Bornn will also utilize versatile player Matt Long, whom he describes as a ‘jack of all trades’. Running back Ty Hall has spent his entire high school career as a Centurion and led the team in rushing yards per game.
Saugus will be at home under the Friday night lights for a game against Buena, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Canyon is pushing to win the CIF Championship
Coach Ken Holsenbeck says this season he’s expecting several senior players to make significant contributions. After a down year where the team finished at the bottom of the league at 1-5, the Cowboys have their sights set on a CIF Championship.
Holsenbeck is putting his trust in running back tandem Keyshawn Wooten and Semaj Richardson.
“They’re certainly both going to see the field a lot,” said Holsenbeck.
“They have two different styles, Keyshawn’s a little bit more of a burner, and Semaj’s a little bit more of a slippery guy; they’re both extremely effective at what they do, and I know that they’re both going to have outstanding seasons.”
Joining the two in the backfield will be Quarterback Carson Soria in his first year starting at the position after the team lost Sebastian Martinez to graduation.
The Cowboys will be at home Friday night to face Charter Oak, with kick-off at 7 p.m.
