High school football 2023 preview: PAL Ocean Division

PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE OCEAN DIVISION

(Predicted order of finish)

No. 1 SAN MATEO

Coach: Jeff Scheller

2022 record: 7-4

What to expect: The reigning PAL Ocean champions will have to replace several talented ballcarriers from last season’s crushing triple-option offense, but.the defense should give the offense some wiggle room. Senior Fone Fakava was all-league on both sides of the ball, and Titi Fungavaka is a three-year starter on the defensive line. Logan Davis is a junior Scheller expects to take over as the starting middle linebacker, and ball-hawking DB Cameron Palma led the league with seven picks last season. Junior 6-1 running back Emmanuel Fitzgerald is expected to be the main rushing threat in San Mateo’s run-heavy attack. 

Season opener: Aug. 24 at El Camino, 7 p.m.

No. 2 SEQUOIA

Coach: Rob Poulos

2022 record: 10-2

What to expect: 15-year head coach Rob Polous says that he expects a larger roster should help the Ravens adjust to the higher level of competition after being “promoted” from the El Camino the Ocean Division. The secondary will be the team’s strength, with the senior Lukes – last names Hitch, Rowell and Holmes – all making the all-league team. Junior lineman Lesoni Olive brings all-league muscle to the offensive and defensive lines, and senior RB Luke Ulrich was described as a “workhorse” who will lead an offense Poulos says needs ”to be prepared for the increased physicality of the new league.“ 

Season opener: Sept. 1 vs Patterson, 7 p.m.

No. 3 TERRA NOVA

Coach: Jason Piccolotti

2022 record: 

What to expect: Jason Piccolitti replaces almost every major contributor to last season’s 8-3 team that almost swept each position award in the league. But expected to be one of the few decorated returners is senior running back Mateo Corona, the PAL Ocean’s utility player of the year who rushed for over 800 yards and also had 50 tackles last season. Receiver Steven Dalton was second on the team with 238 yards and three receiving TDs, and junior running back Zachary Perez rushed for six touchdowns and 470 yards on just 72 rushes. 

Season opener: Aug. 25 at Santa Clara, 7 p.m.

No. 4 MILPITAS

Coach: Kelly King Sr. 

2022 record: 2-8

What to expect: After a rough season in the De Anza Division, Milpitas hopes to have better fortune in the Ocean side of the PAL. Junior Xander Lecours and senior Malachi Jackson are both expected to make plays for the Trojans, who have to replace two all-league contributors from last season’s team. Milpitas starts its season at home against Dougherty Valley. 

Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Dougherty Valley, 7 p.m.

No. 5 ARAGON

Coach: Steve Sell

2022 record: 3-7

What to expect: Aragon is back in the PAL Ocean after one season in the Bay Division. Senior San Jose State commit Tevita Manukainiu leads the offensive line, which should blow open holes for 240-pound running back Amaziah Tanielu. Sell expects a big season from Sean Hickey, who he described as a dual-threat QB. Juniors Jalen Scroggins and Markus Gosch are a pair of juniors who could have big seasons at cornerback while also contributing on offense. 

Season opener: Aug. 25 at Homestead, 7 p.m.

No. 6 CAPUCHINO

Coach: Jay Oca

2022 record: 5-5

What to expect: The Mustangs have been perfectly average the past three full seasons, going 5-5 each year. Last season’s team was anchored by co-offensive lineman of the year Jessen Blunt. This year’s Capuchino team starts with three consecutive road games and is away from home in five of its first six. But the Mustangs finish by hosting three of their last four in what could be a playoff push. 

Season opener: Aug. 25 at Burlingame, 7 p.m

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