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MISSION VALLEY/WEST ALAMEDA MISSION DIVISION

What to expect: If the coaches in the Mission Division are to be believed, the Farmers will be doing far more celebrating in 2022 than they did last year. Sixteen starters return from last year’s team, with one of the best being tight end Jesse Dunning. He is a presence as a receiver but can line up at quarterback too and his coach said, “His contributions will be noticed all over the field.” Throwing him the ball as the starting QB is junior Kennedy Braziel, and blocking for both will be lineman Jeremiah Caldwell. Keep an eye out for Zach Norton, someone who can play any non-line position on both sides of the ball and “has great speed, balance and shiftiness.” Kicker Ryder Padgett is excellent at the other kind of football and his coach said Ryder “uses a mix of his soccer ingenuity to help with his football techniques.”

Season opener: Sept. 2 vs. Monte Vista, 7 p.m.

What to expect: The Monarchs’ season may have looked a lot different if a few bounces had gone their way during their four-game skid during midseason last year. They lost two of those games by one score. This year’s team would probably win those games, with four starters on the line and eight defensive starters returning. Andres Viernes is an all-Bay Area News Group performer at linebacker and offensive line, and defensive back Jacob Gastrock is so good at locking down receivers his coach said “literally no one attempts to throw on him.” Linebacker Daniel Batres is also a tall target as a 6-0 receiver, but he is dwarfed by William Ohai, a 6-5 and 350-pound offensive tackle. Kaz Gooden is another senior whom his coach called “one of the top defensive linemen in the East Bay” after he put up 14 quarterback hurries last season.

Season opener: Aug. 26 vs. Kennedy-Fremont, 7 p.m.

What to expect: Like league favorite Hayward, Moreau Catholic is another refugee from the tougher Foothill Division. If the coaches are to be believed, another winless season isn’t likely for the Mariners, who have some impressive playmakers. It all starts with halfback Dean Taylor Chapman, whom Minor — formerly of Encinal — said is “an explosive playmaker that will cause mismatches.” On the other side of the ball is the “backbone of our defense” Jesse Charles at linebacker. Khiron Mosi will be asked to make plays with the ball in his hands, while also keeping the other team’s top receiver from going off as a DB. Luca Oca started as the JV quarterback and is expected to take snaps with the varsity, and 6-2 senior Robert Morgan is a first-year player at wideout who may surprise with his speed.

Season opener: Aug. 26 at Campolindo, 7 p.m.

What to expect: Unlike most teams, David Perry’s Yellowjackets will lean heavily on sophomores to make an impact. Benjamin ‘BJ’ Thurman was described as a “physical freak” at 6-3 and 210 pounds, and his coach said, “He brings a physicality to the passing game that you don’t often see in high school.” Fellow second-year phenom Lucas Cord was called a “quintessential leader of the team” who will deliver hits as a running back and linebacker, while Nate Garland is another physical player who will run through the secondary as a defensive back. On the more experienced side of the team, junior Drew Henderson will use his big arm to throw to Jackson Harris, someone his coach described as a “jump ball machine” who will play college football.

Season opener: Aug. 26 vs. Miramonte, 7 p.m.

What to expect: Which Washington team will show up this season? The Huskies who won several close games en route to a 5-1 start? Or the freefalling team that lost its last four division games of the season, all by at least 20 points? Fortunately for Washington, the Huskies return several senior leaders. Defensive tackle Xavier Walker, who is a force at 280 pounds, was described as “a hard worker and leader.” Fullback Richard Ereno ran for 1,017 yards and 13 touchdowns, and he formed a dangerous tandem with Jalen Frenchwood, who chipped in 717 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Andrew Phan will be a leader at linebacker, and Francis Schafer will line up next to him on the strong side.

Season opener: Aug. 26 vs. American at Tak Fudenna Stadium, 7 p.m.

What to expect: The Mission Division may be more challenging than the Shoreline, but don’t be shocked if the Vikings finish far above this projected spot. They return 15 starters from last year’s team and will use a quick-passing game and RPO (Run Pass Option) attack to grind down opponents. Felipe Romero is a mauler at 315 pounds who can also play as a nose tackle on defense, and Jacob Santos is a runner whom his coach said, “Will potentially run for 1,000 yards this season.” Samuel Ma isn’t the largest linebacker in the Bay, but Kaufman said, “Samuel flies downhill and makes plays happen.” Alexis Preciado and Jovin Basra are both shifty wideouts who make plays in space, and Preciado is also a kicker who can make 40-yarders.

Season opener: Aug. 26 at Napa, 7 p.m.

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