Foothill League Preview

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Hi, my name is Austin and thanks for viewing my first “ceremonial” blog. Here at The Times, we’ll do our best to try to keep you informed and entertained in a way that’ll give you no choice but to respond to our postings in an aggressive, heart-felt manner.

With that out of the way, let’s play everyone’s favorite game: Reality Check: Foothill League edition.

REALITY CHECK #1: Canyon will not repeat as state champs. Heck, the Cowboys won’t even repeat as league champs. Which brings us to…

REALITY CHECK #2: Hart will take its first league title since 2003 thanks, in part, to having guys named Delano Howell, Patrick Larimore and B.R. Holbrook.

And to a lesser extent, REALITY CHECK #3: Saugus will make the playoffs again and Valencia won’t.

Now, I’m not suggesting the Indians will do anything crazy like begin a 65-game league winning streak or something, but their ascension to the top of the league will have little to do with Canyon’s expected return to football mortality. The Stanford-bound Howell is the league’s top running back (although I have to give a shout-out to Saugus RB Ryan Zirbel, who had a stunning sophomore year over on Centurion Way) and Holbrook is capable of orchestrating a solid passing game. Larimore, a linebacker who’s committed to UCLA, headlines a defensive contingent poised to be the stingiest in the league.

As for Canyon, let’s see: Harry Welch is gone, so is J.J. DiLuigi and Ben Longshore. So who’s left?

Plenty -- just not enough to stop the Indians.

Rookie Head Coach Chris Varner has many talented players at his fingertips, including third-year starting receivers Mark Urbina and Stephen Wirthlin. A.J. Wallerstein heads a trio of returning offensive lineman and linebackers Mike Spagnola (played defensive line last year) and Justin Stevens (transferred from Hart) will spearhead the defensive effort. Longshore’s backup Sean Gavin will be the quarterback.

“I personally think the Foothill League this year is going to be as even as it’s ever been,” said Varner, Canyon’s former J.V. coach. “I know Hart and Valencia and Saugus are all really solid teams, but we certainly have a good shot (at the league title).’

Through talking with him, it seems Varner has a pretty good feel for the league, but I just can’t see the rookie coach with seven returning starters toppling a Mike Herrington-coached Hart squad ranked No. 10 in the state by Rivals.com and CalHiSports.com.

Here’s my prediction: 1. Hart, 2. Canyon, 3. Saugus, 4. Valencia, 5. West Ranch, 6. Golden Valley

Must-See Games:
Sept. 7 – Canyon at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 7 – Hart vs. Moorpark at College of the Canyons, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 – Canyon at St. Bonaventure, 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 – Canyon vs. Hart at College of the Canyons, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 – Saugus vs. Valencia at College of the Canyons, 7 p.m.

- Austin Knoblauch