Another unforgettable season of high school football has come to an end.
The moments will live on in the collective memories of the players, coaches, parents and fans, as will the games and championships won. So too will the all-Bay Area News Group team.
The Mercury News and East Bay Times prep sports staff selected dozens of players to fill out its first and second all-BANG teams and hundreds of honorable mentions. These young men have distinguished themselves as the best to grace gridirons across the Bay Area during the 2024 season.
From Pittsburg’s underdog quarterback Marley Alcantara, to San Ramon Valley’s tenacious edge rusher Marco Jones, to do-everything savant Brayden Rosa of Wilcox and history-making running back Jarious Hogan of St. Ignatius, these players are the best BANG’s coverage area had to offer this fall.
Stretching from San Francisco and the Peninsula to Gilroy and the far East Bay, our staff traversed the region and witnessed the best high school football has to offer.
Position groups were published throughout this week. But here is the entire team in its totality:
First team
Marley Alcantara, Pittsburg, 5-8, 170, senior
Bay Valley Athletic League Offensive player of the year threw for 2,974 yards and 40 touchdowns. The Southern Oregon commit threw just one interception all season and completed over 71% of his passes.
MORE FOOTBALL
- Special honors: Links to players, coaches of the year stories
- Keepsake: Look for players, coaches of the year stories in Sunday, Jan. 12, Mercury News, EB Times
Michael Mitchell Jr., Riordan, 5-11, 185, junior
Mitchell, a Vanderbilt commit, threw for 2,759 yards and 35 touchdowns en route to winning West Catholic Athletic League quarterback of the year honors. Was an all-league first-team selection.
Tristan Tia, Amador Valley, 6-3, 190, senior
East Bay Athletic League co-offensive player of the year threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns. The Oregon State commit also rushed for just under 1,000 yards and 18 scores while leading Amador Valley to its first state title game appearance.
Second team
Jeremiah Charles, Moreau Catholic, 6-4, 195, senior
Led Moreau to the CIF Division 7-AA state championship, throwing for 2,846 yards and 32 touchdowns. Earned Mission Valley/West Alameda Foothill Division first-team honors.
Jaxen Robinson, Christopher, 6-5, 225, senior
The Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division MVP threw for 2,592 yards and 27 touchdowns. Led Christopher to a league title. Committed to play at Northern Arizona.
Rhett Thompson, San Ramon Valley, 6-5, 215, senior
First-team all-EBAL Mountain Division selection threw for 2,874 yards and 37 touchdowns. A Bryant University commit, Thompson led SRV to the NCS Division I final.
Honorable mention
Aidan Akery, Willow Glen, junior; Jack Badger, Granada, junior; Carson Blair, Miramonte, junior; Scotty Brennan, Los Gatos, senior; Lenox Colvin, Oakland, sophomore; John Dunne, Carlmont, senior; Toa Faavae, De La Salle, senior; Jalen Fayad, Ygnacio Valley, freshman; Andrew Fernandez, Gunderson, junior; Justin Fung, Palo Alto, sophomore; Juan Gonzalez, Concord, sophomore; Brayden Hughes, Sobrato, junior; Soren Hummel, St. Ignatius, senior; Kai Imahara, Wilcox, sophomore; Aaron Knapp, St. Francis, senior; Markos Lagios, Piedmont, senior; Rome Leota-Pritchard, Valley Christian, freshman; Jack Lewis, Branham, senior; Matteo Lortie, Livermore, junior; Trevor Moelk, St. Patrick-St. Vincent, senior; Sage Robertson, Liberty, senior; Elijah Rucker, Oakland Tech, sophomore; Michael Sargent, Sacred Heart Cathedral, junior; Berrell Staples, McClymonds, junior; Toby Torres, Piedmont Hills, junior; Josh Werner, Berean Christian, senior; Devin Wilson, Bishop O’Dowd, senior
First team
Jarious Hogan, St. Ignatius, 5-8, 180, senior
WCAL running back of the year ran for 21 touchdowns and scored the winning TD in comeback victories over Serra in the regular season and St. Francis in the CCS Open Division championship game. Scored a WCAL-record six touchdowns against Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Kingston Keanaaina, St. Francis, 6-0, 200, senior
WCAL player of the year ran for 2,145 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading St. Francis to the CCS Division I championship. BYU commit was also a force in the passing game and on special teams, accumulating 2,933 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Jhadis Luckey, California, 5-9, 180, junior
EBAL co-offensive player of the year rushed for 2,053 yards and 31 touchdowns. Ran for 425 yards and seven touchdowns in a wild 54-48 victory over Amador Valley in California’s regular-season finale.
Second team
Jaxon Bell, Liberty, 5-6, 160, junior
First-team all-Bay Valley Athletic League selection rushed for 1,805 yards and 14 touchdowns, and pulled in 474 receiving yards and six TDs as Liberty reached the NCS Division II semifinals.
Dominic Kelley, De La Salle, 6-0, 210, senior
All-EBAL first-team selection rushed for 830 yards and tied for the team lead with 16 rushing touchdowns, doing so on just 92 carries. Ran for the winning fourth-quarter score against Pittsburg in the NCS Open Division championship game.
Julian McMahan, Monte Vista, 6-2, 220, senior
First-team all-EBAL selection rushed for 1,436 yards and 20 touchdowns and also had seven tackles for loss as a linebacker. Washington commit ran for a Monte Vista-record 307 yards in a playoff game against Bishop O’Dowd.
Honorable mention
Derrick Blanche, De La Salle, senior; Jaymieon Bradley, San Leandro, sophomore; Antonio Campbell, Mt. Diablo, junior; Grayson Doslak, Los Gatos, junior; Lazaro Faraj-Washington, Archbishop Mitty, junior; Elijah Fields, South San Francisco, senior; Matthew Forbes, Irvington, senior; Maurice Hall, Hayward, junior; Hayezon Jackson, Clayton Valley Charter, senior; Jeremiah Jones, Archbishop Riordan, senior; Marcel Leggett, Valley Christian, senior; Lavern Malikii, El Cerrito, junior; Alex Marston, Encinal, senior; Epifano Montiel, Mt. Pleasant, senior; Micah Parker, Campolindo, junior; Kamarri Robinson, Livermore, senior; Saliou Sow, Bishop O’Dowd, senior; Jason Stoner, Gunderson, senior; Wyatt Swanson, St. Mary’s-Berkeley, junior; Alijah Torres, Piedmont Hills, junior; Curtis Tucker, Antioch, senior; Evan Usher, Woodside, senior; Chuck Wynn, Menlo School, junior; Lucas Zayac, Capuchino, senior
First team
Jalen Arnold, Moreau Catholic, 5-10, 150, senior
Offensive most valuable player in West Alameda County Conference Foothill Division. Caught 65 passes for 1,509 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading Moreau Catholic to CIF 7-AA state championship win over Lindsay. Also added 329 kick return yards and 100 punt return yards, plus 45 tackles defensively.
Owen Scott, San Ramon Valley, 5-11, 174, senior
EBAL Mountain first-team all-leaguer caught 78 passes for 1,084 yards and 13 scores. Helped lead SRV to NCS Division I championship game.
Cynai Thomas, Archbishop Riordan, 6-3, 165, junior
Leading receiver on a Riordan team that advanced to the CCS Division I semifinals. Junior caught 47 passes for 727 yards and 12 touchdowns. Was named receiver of the year in the WCAL.
Second team
Anthony Harrington, Amador Valley, 5-8, 145, junior
EBAL Mountain first-teamer went over 1,000 yards receiving with 11 touchdowns. Was key piece for AV offense as the Dons advanced to 3-AA state title game against Frontier-Bakersfield.
Zayne St. Laurent, Branham, 6-2, 175, senior
Caught 73 balls for 1,006 yards and 12 TDs. Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division most outstanding receiver caught game-winning Hail Mary pass against Soledad.
Niko White, Acalanes, 5-10, 175, senior
Senior caught 73 passes for 1,083 yards and 15 TDs, also returning a kickoff for a touchdown. DAL Foothill first-teamer led Acalanes to NorCal Division 5-AA championship game, where the Dons lost 42-41 to Carmel, the eventual state champion in that division.
Honorable mention
Dumace Bell, South San Francisco, senior; Ymer Belvine, Oakland, senior; Kyle Chai, Sacred Heart Prep, senior; Travis Ciardella, Capuchino, senior; Jake Flood, Burlingame, senior; Spencer Hoang, Westmont, senior; Brayden Hodges, Branham, senior; Jack Haywood, Hillsdale, senior; Michael Fox, Bellarmine, senior; Makari Kenion, Pittsburg, senior; Chris Lawson, Archbishop Riordan, senior; Roman Mercado, Las Lomas, senior; Damien Miles, Granada, senior; Michael Mogannam, Leigh, senior; Beau Musser, Los Gatos, junior; RJ Mosley, Pittsburg, senior; Michael O’Donoghue, Foothill, senior; Austin Price, Silver Creek, senior; Jack Quinnild, Miramonte, senior; Grant Righellis, St. Francis, senior; Malachi Sanchez, Oakland, senior; Zion Secrease, Sacred Heart Cathedral, sophomore; Desmond Sparks, McClymonds, senior; Elijah Washington, Castlemont, senior; Kyle Welch, The King’s Academy, junior; Perrion Williams, St. Francis, junior
First team
Kellan Ford, Monte Vista, 6-5, 230, senior
Senior signed to Arizona finished with 669 receiving yards, 18.1 yards per catch and nine touchdowns. First-team all-leaguer in the East Bay Athletic League Mountain Division.
Owen Panu, Los Gatos, 6-1, 210, senior
First-team all-PAL Bay Division. Finished with 20 catches for 322 yards and five touchdowns. Caught two touchdown passes, including the game-winner, and a two-point conversion as Los Gatos beat Archbishop Riordan 35-28 in the CCS Division I semifinals.
Second team
Tony Keck, Clayton Valley Charter, 6-3, 225, senior
Caught 29 passes for 499 yards and four scores, averaging 17.2 yards per catch. First-team all-Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division.
Sean Chopoff, Carlmont, 6-4, 210, senior
Caught 30 balls for 718 yards and eight scores, an average of 23.9 yards per catch. First-team all-PAL Ocean Division.
Honorable mention
Thomas Adkins, Arroyo, senior; Matthew Anderson, Christopher, senior; Lucas Grier, Westmont, junior; Owen Harrington, Archbishop Mitty, senior; Clay Hinsdale, Serra, senior; Cameron Lowe, Capuchino, senior; Valentino Maza, Mills, junior; Miles Moore, Moreau Catholic, senior; Zachary Pallach, Piedmont Hills, senior; Anthony Rivas, Andrew Hill, senior; Davis Robu, Homestead, sophomore; Jimmy Scibetta, Branham, senior
First team
Peter Langi, Archbishop Riordan, 6-5, 330, senior
First-team two-way WCAL lineman stood out on Riordan’s imposing O-line. Blocked for offense that led Crusaders to CCS Division I semifinal. Senior, who also signed with Washington, had nine tackles.
John Mills, St. Ignatius, 6-6, 345, senior
Anchored SI’s offensive line during resurgent season as starting left tackle. Senior bound for Washington led Wildcats to best season in 12 years and hoisted CCS Open Division championship. Co-WCAL offensive lineman of the year.
Sione Netane, St. Francis, 6-5, 330, senior
Two-way lineman named first-team by WCAL. Opened up holes for record-setting season by running back Kingston Keanaaina. Wrapped up 25 ballcarriers defensively.
Ace Robinson, De La Salle, 6-4, 265, senior
Spartans’ best O-lineman led on the interior for De La Salle team that reached CIF Open Division state championship game, losing 37-15 to national No. 1 team Mater Dei. Also contributed defensively with 17 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1 1/2 sacks.
Champ Taulealea, Valley Christian, 6-5, 330, senior
Co-WCAL O-lineman of the year with Mills, will join him at Washington. Senior led Warriors to CCS Open/Division I tournament, where they lost 24-14 to St. Francis in the opening round. Added 25 tackles defensively.
Second team
Michael Klisiewicz, Liberty, 6-6, 305, senior
Senior was named Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Bay Valley Athletic League. Signed with Cal during the early signing period. Primarily an offensive tackle, he also played some defensive end and collected two tackles on that side of the ball. Star blocker for Lions team that reached NCS Division II semifinals.
Elias Shamieh, Serra, 6-3, 300, senior
Key piece to Serra offensive line that blocked for 1,000-yard back Nano Latu. Holds offer from Colorado State.
Tommy Tofi, Archbishop Riordan, 6-6, 320, senior
Junior tackle helped anchor elite, talented Riordan line that paved way for CCS Division I semifinal appearance. Co-junior of the year and first-teamer in West Catholic Athletic League. Also played defense, compiling 28 total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack.
Andrew Tresser, Acalanes, 6-2, 220, senior
Important blocker for Acalanes team that won NCS Division III championship and lost narrowly in NorCal 5-AA championship game to Carmel. Made two pancake blocks in 2024 season.
Sione Vailea, McClymonds, 6-3, 270, senior
Senior named first-team all-OAL paved the way for big seasons by stars Rahsjon Duncan, Berell Staples and Sharky Tamale. Holds scholarship offers from San Diego and Southwest Baptist.
Honorable mention
Louis Akpa, Serra, senior; Jonah Alapati, Serra, senior; Dylan Beigi, Archbishop Mitty, senior; Fabian Bustamante, Santa Teresa, senior; Leo Cocchiglia, Los Gatos, senior; Delon Craft Jr., Salesian, senior; Aaron Davis-Beckford, Christopher, senior; Chase Duarte, Clayton Valley Charter, senior; Nolan Keith, Bellarmine, senior; Daniel Leupold, St. Ignatius, senior; Matt Ludeman, Los Gatos, senior; Fuatau Lulai, James Logan, senior; Ata Mata’u, St. Francis, senior; Kekoa Mayo-McKnight, Bishop O’Dowd, senior; Bradley Ruffin, Pittsburg, senior; Richard Salas, Moreau Catholic, junior; Jacob Smith, Wilcox, senior; Jeremiah Stallworth, Palo Alto, senior; Losipini Tupou, Archbishop Riordan, senior; Deegan Waldorph, Branham, senior
First team
Deji Ajose, Bishop O’Dowd, 6-2, 188, senior
MVAL/WACC Foothill Division first-team offense selection did a little bit of everything. The Washington commit caught 47 passes for 813 yards and 12 touchdowns. Also was a standout on defense, racking up 47 tackles and intercepting two passes.
Jack Freehill, Menlo School, 6-0, 155, junior
Freehill earned PAL Bay Division first-team honors after throwing for 2,032 yards and 25 touchdowns. The Columbia baseball commit was also a force on the ground as he posted 612 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Carlton Perrilliat, Salesian, 6-5, 185, junior
The TCAL Rock Division MVP caught 56 passes for 1,078 yards and 17 touchdowns. A basketball standout, Perrilliat helped Salesian win a league football title.
Brayden Rosa, Wilcox, 5-10, 180, senior
PAL Bay Division MVP helped the Chargers win the CCS Division II title. Rushed for 1,850 yards and 30 touchdowns, caught 33 passes for 338 yards and two scores and was a standout on defense as he racked up 127 tackles and two interceptions.
Jamar Searcy, Pittsburg, 5-8, 175, senior
BVAL first-team selection rushed for 1,668 yards and 22 touchdowns to help the Pirates win a NorCal title. Also stood out on defense, finishing with 49 tackles and two interceptions. Was committed to Washington State but reopened his recruitment after a coaching change.
Second team
Savion Bandy, El Cerrito, 6-0, 180, junior
Bandy was a key piece to El Cerrito’s defense, totaling 57 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He also made plays as a receiver, catching 10 passes for 137 yards and a score.
Adler Halterman, Half Moon Bay, 5-11, 165, senior
First-team all PAL Ocean Division running back rushed for 1,233 yards and 16 touchdowns. Had a career game against Foothill in which he rushed for a school record seven scores.
Duece Jones-Drew, De La Salle, 5-8, 160, sophomore
Was a key player on both sides of the ball for De La Salle, totaling 447 yards and five touchdowns. Son of former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew, Duece was a standout on defense as a defensive back.
Sam Shelby, Piedmont, 6-0, 180, senior
First-team all-WACC Mission selection caught 66 passes for 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns as Piedmont captured the league title. Also rushed for a TD for a team that finished the regular season 9-1.
Kenneth Ward, Pittsburg, 5-8, 175, freshman
The explosive freshman standout totaled 560 yards and nine touchdowns and was a shutdown corner for a Pittsburg defense that held opponents to 17.4 points per game.
Honorable mention
Matthew Boles, Christopher, senior; George Bulychev, Prospect, senior; Teddy Chung, Serra, senior; Cylis Cook, Gunderson, sophomore; Estevan Duarte, Granada, senior; Elliot Gerbelot, Skyline, sophomore; Owen Harrington Archbishop Mitty, senior; Benjamin Hill, Liberty, junior; Kirk Humbles III, Alameda, junior; Jordan Kinnaird, Heritage, senior; Lucas Kirk, Burlingame, senior; Angelo Marin, Menlo-Atherton, senior; Lamont McDonald, Tennyson, sophomore; Kyan Phillips, Lincoln-San Jose, junior; Jakorey Robinson, Mt. Diablo, senior; Alex Tran, Piedmont Hills, senior; Anthony Young, Bethel, junior
First team
Casey Carr, Santa Teresa, 6-2, 210, senior
The “Cowboy Kicker” was the BVAL Mt. Hamilton’s co-utility player of the year after making 7 of 9 field goals and 38 PATs. Also had 24 touchbacks on kickoffs and pinned 15 of his 36 punts inside the 20.
Odhran Kenny, St. Ignatius, 6-2, 160, senior
Made 7 of 9 field goals and 31 PATs for the Wildcats and pinned 7 of 29 punts inside the 20 yard line. His longest punt went 55 yards. Had 16 touchbacks on 34 kickoffs.
Second team
Rylan Antipuesto, Christopher, 5-5, 135, senior
First-team all-BVAL Mt. Hamilton selection made 11 of 12 field goal attempts, with his longest being 42 yards. Also made 44 PATs and had 15 touchbacks on 63 kickoffs.
Aaron Vander Veen, Valley Christian, 6-2, 200, senior
WCAL kicker of the year made 5 of 6 field goal attempts and also converted all 21 of his PATs. Also served as Valley Christian’s punter. Ranked as a four-star prospect.
Honorable mention
Sebastian Aguilar, Carlmont, junior; Mateo Alvarez, Gunderson, junior; Gio Anguiono, Newark Memorial, junior; Noah Bandabaila, Oakland, senior; Samy Bendimerad, Alameda, senior; Jake Gerber, Los Gatos, senior; Noah Henzi, San Ramon Valley, senior; Aidan James, Heritage, junior; Anthony Perez, Menlo-Atherton, junior; Mateni Puamau, Capuchino, junior; Emiliano Rodriguez, Monta Vista, senior; Viliami Sekona, Mountain View, senior; Zach Tabibian, Campolindo, junior
First team
Devin Hyde, Menlo-Atherton, 6-5, 245, senior
PAL Bay defensive player of the year and first-team all-league selection had 55 tackles and seven tackles for loss. Washington signee had two sacks against Palo Alto.
Matthew Johnson, De La Salle, 6-5, 280, senior
First-team all-EBAL selection and Oregon signee had nine sacks and 11 tackles for loss, while also playing offensive line. Johnson had a sack against Mater Dei in the Open Division state title game.
Kaleb Pleis, San Ramon Valley, 6-5, 220, senior
First-team all-EBAL selection had 17.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss as San Ramon Valley reached the NCS Division I championship game. Had a season-high three sacks against Granada.
Juju Walls, Pittsburg, 6-4, 230, senior
BVAL defensive lineman of the year had 100 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and six sacks to go along with two forced fumbles and an interception. UCLA signee had a season-high six TFL in come-from-behind victory over Folsom in the NorCal 1-AA championship game.
Second team
Dillon Faga, Wilcox, 5-11, 170, senior
All-PAL Bay Division selection had 65 tackles and five sacks for the CCS Division II champions. Had a season-high three tackles for loss in a first-round victory over Santa Teresa.
Aseli Fangupo, Sacred Heart Prep, 5-10, 275, senior
Back-to-back PAL Bay defensive lineman of the year had 81 tackles, four sacks and eight tackles for loss. His 29-yard fumble return for a touchdown helped SHP secure the CCS Division IV championship.
Manoah Faupusa, St. Ignatius, 6-3, 350, junior
WCAL defensive lineman of the year had five tackles for loss and a fumble recovery for the CCS Open Division champs in the regular season. Los Alamitos transfer had a season-high seven tackles and two TFL against Archbishop Mitty.
Logan Knapp, Clayton Valley Charter, 6-6, 235, senior
The DAL Foothill defensive player of the year had 12 sacks and 65 tackles for the Ugly Eagles. The Oregon State signee also had 329 receiving yards and caught three touchdowns as a tight end.
Honorable mention
DJ Asiasi, De La Salle, senior; Jonathan Blanchard, Leigh, senior; Nehemiah Cody, McClymonds, senior; Andrew Davenport, Miramonte, senior; Daniel Downes, Las Lomas, senior; Noah Faataui, Kennedy-Richmond, senior; Lemani Fehoko, Serra, sophomore; Daniel Fernandez, Evergreen Valley, senior; Cole Goldsworthy, Amador Valley, junior; Luke Hines, Gunn, senior; Derek Holmes, Hillsdale, senior; Bethel Imasuen, Acalanes, senior; Julian Lopez, Pioneer, senior; David Mhatre, Menlo School, senior; Kevin Bradley, James Logan, junior; Julian Njelita, Heritage, junior; Isaiah Ortiz, Piedmont Hills, senior; Danny Pahulu, California, senior; Vernus Ragsdale, Vallejo, junior; Happy Rosenberg, St. Ignatius, senior; Myah Telona, De La Salle, junior; Auri Valdez, Los Gatos, senior; Isaia Vandermade, St. Ignatius, sophomore
First team
Jackson Cahoon, St. Francis, 6-1, 210, senior
WCAL linebacker of the year racked up 112 tackles, 2.5 sacks and six hurries. Helped lead St. Francis to a CCS Division I title.
Marco Jones, San Ramon Valley, 6-5, 245, senior
EBAL Mountain Division defensive player of the year recorded 125 tackles – 32 for a loss – and 10.5 sacks. The Texas A&M commit led SRV to its third consecutive NCS title game appearance.
Henry Masters, Los Gatos, 5-11, 185, senior
Led a Los Gatos defense that allowed just 14.4 points per game. Totaled 66 tackles and an interception.
Micah Mosley, Valley Christian, 6-4, 225, senior
WCAL outside linebacker of the year had 65 tackles, six sacks and three fumble recoveries. The Sacramento State commit led a Valley Christian defense that allowed just 17.5 points per game.
Second team
Jamie Forese, Menlo School, 5-10, 180, senior
A PAL Bay Division first-team defense selection, Forese totaled 76 tackles, 4.5 sacks and three interceptions. Also played wide receiver, catching 47 passes for 615 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Hayden Hobbs, Granada, 6-1, 210, senior
Hobbs was named the EBAL Valley Division defensive player of the year. Was a captain for a team that won a league title and advanced to an NCS semifinal.
Etene Pritchard, Pittsburg, 6-2, 190, senior
BVAL defensive player of the year had 77 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Committed to play at San Diego State.
Hudson Vye, Leland, 6-3, 215, senior
BVAL senior of the year recorded 75 tackles and helped lead Leland to a CCS Division V title. As a running back, he rushed for 950 yards and six touchdowns.
Honorable mention
Jamontay Amataga, Silver Creek, senior; Elijah Bow, Pittsburg, senior; Dominik Calhoun, Pittsburg, senior; Zaire Calhoun, Liberty, senior; Brandon Chan, Evergreen Valley, junior; Lucas Cord, Berkeley, senior; Jonathan Cruz, Sobrato, senior; Thomas Fries, Pioneer, senior; Cole Hardtke, Burlingame, senior; Yasser Jackson, Oakland, junior; Joseph Kessler, Palo Alto, senior; TJ Lanza, College Park, senior; Cisco Lutu, South San Francisco, senior; Deonte Littlejohn, Acalanes, junior; Junior Magana, De Anza, senior; Cameron Owen, Gunn, senior; Joel Ruiz-Pineda, Branham, senior; Mateaki Paongo, Hayward, senior; Jayden Reger, Concord, senior; Mosese Tangitau, Sequoia, senior
First team
Ant Dean, De La Salle, 5-11, 155, senior
All-EBAL selection had 42 tackles, two forced fumbles and pulled in a team-high 13 receptions and 140 receiving yards. Returned a fumble for a touchdown in the season opener against Grant-Sacramento.
Jadyn Hudson, Pittsburg, 6-2, 180, senior
First-team all-BVAL selection had eight interceptions for the NCS Division I and NorCal 1-AA champions. UCLA commit pulled in 32 receptions for 334 yards and five touchdowns as a wideout.
Jaden Jefferson, De La Salle, 5-9, 155, junior
First-team all-EBAL selection had 21 tackles, 377 kick return yards and two TD returns, plus 337 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The versatile cornerback was the top defensive back on a unit that allowed just 12 passing touchdowns all season.
Leon Sarashki, Los Gatos, 6-0, 165, senior
PAL Bay defensive back of the year had two interceptions, four passes defensed, one fumble recovery and 45 tackles as Los Gatos reached the CCS Division I championship game.
Second team
Truly Bell, Pittsburg, 6-1, 170, junior
First-team all-BVAL selection had three interceptions and eight passes defensed, while also catching seven touchdowns and returning one kickoff for a score. Had two interceptions against Los Gatos.
Jordan Crockett V, Sequoia, 6-0, 187, senior
Had 25 tackles, a team-high three sacks and one forced fumble as a defensive back. First-team all PAL Ocean Division selection also rushed for 1,203 yards and 13 touchdowns in just nine games as Sequoia went from 0-4 to playing in the CCS Division V championship game.
Samuel Dellenbach, Gunn, 6-1, 170, senior
PAL Lake Division most valuable player did everything for Gunn, which went 10-0 and allowed just 31 points in the regular season. Had three interceptions and 48 tackles while also scoring five touchdowns on offense.
Tyran Hicks, St. Ignatius, 5-11, 165, junior
WCAL defensive back of the year had an interception and 47 tackles in the regular season. Also played wide receiver and caught two touchdowns for the CCS Open champs.
Honorable mention
Marcel Brisco, Benicia, sophomore; Erique Broussard Wilson, Hercules, junior; Rahsjon Duncan, McClymonds, junior; Jack Enright, Menlo School, senior; Carson Fife, Clayton Valley Charter, junior; Brady Hernandez, Leland, senior; Nick Hubbard, California, senior; Chris Joe, Liberty, senior; Darren Miller, South San Francisco, senior; Robert Mitchell III, Fremont-Oakland, junior; Brady Montgomery, Pioneer, senior; Jayden Nicholas, De La Salle, junior; Cameron Palma, San Mateo, senior; Isaiah Rivera, Santa Teresa, senior; Salomon Quintero, Christopher, senior; Jayson Scarbrough, Kennedy-Richmond, senior; Iven Takhar, Newark Memorial, senior; Bennett Young, Hillsdale, senior
First team
Blayne Ballard, Northgate, 6-1, 195, senior
Senior was named DAL Valley offensive MVP. Caught 45 passes for 1,023 and ran for 51 on six carries. Completed two passes as well. Added seven tackles defensively, kicked off and punted and returned both punts and kickoffs, averaging 33 yards per kickoff return and 14.5 yards per punt return.
Emmanuel Fitzgerald, San Mateo, 6-1, 225, senior
Ran for 1,331 yards and scored eight touchdowns on 174 carries. Added six tackles defensively. First-team running back in the PAL Ocean.
Jeremiah Fung, Palo Alto, 6-3, 190, senior
Go-to guy for the Vikings compiled 37 catches for 694 yards and four touchdowns. Added 50 tackles and five interceptions defensively. First-team offensive player in the PAL Bay.
Drew McKenzie, Acalanes, 6-3, 230, senior
Two-way lineman was a first-teamer in the DAL Valley going both ways. Played offensive line and defensive end to anchor the Dons in their run to the state championship game against Frontier-Bakersfield.
Sharky Tamale, McClymonds, 6-0, 220, senior
Most valuable player of the Oakland Athletic League. Starred at running back and linebacker for the 2024 Silver Bowl champions. Offensively, carried 132 times for 1,630 yards and 23 TDs, adding 19 catches for 273 yards and six scores.
Second team
Dante Allendorf, Hillsdale, 5-8, 160, senior
Dominant two-way workhorse racked up 1,271 yards rushing and 11 TDs on 180 carries, an average of 7.1 yards per attempt. Also had 172 receiving yards. Added 34 total tackles on the defensive side of the ball, one for loss.
Joseph Estes, Arroyo, 5-9, 185, junior
Junior sparkplug for resurgent Arroyo team that went 8-3 under coach Jeffrey Pride. Rushed for 1,661 yards on 193 carries, averaging 8.6 yards per carry and finding the end zone 18 times. Chipped in two tackles, one for loss, and two quarterback hurries defensively.
Crosby Kelly, Campolindo, 6-5, 235, junior
Junior who holds offer from San Diego State caught 14 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. Added 62 tackles and 15 tackles for loss defensively.
Caleb Rollins, Oakland Tech, 5-9, 165, senior
Two-way leader for Oakland Tech team that finished 6-6, including a 4-1 record in Oakland Athletic League play. Scored five touchdowns and racked up 256 total yards in a 45-0 road win over Skyline.
Evan Vernon, Christopher, 5-10, 170, senior
Defensive player of the year in the Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division. Starred at linebacker and receiver for Cougars team that won the Mt. Hamilton outright and advanced to the CCS Division II bracket. Caught 55 passes for 807 yards and seven TDs. Compiled 155 tackles, averaging 14.1 per game, and 10 tackles for loss.
Honorable mention
Miguel Acosta, Gunderson, junior; Jordan Alemania, Piedmont, senior; Chris Amann, Willow Glen, junior; Jasean Amataga, Silver Creek, senior; Aron Ambrosio, Freedom, senior; Luke Anderson, Sobrato, senior; Jaylan Bryant, Deer Valley, junior; Greg Darling Jr., Gunderson, junior; Delontae Everette, Liberty, sophomore; Jesse Herrera, Pioneer, senior; Tanner Holeman, Live Oak, junior; Alonzo Johnson, Piedmont Hills, senior; Jahzeer Johnson, Deer Valley, senior; Nano Latu, Serra, senior; Elliott Lewis, Bishop O’Dowd, senior; Lucas Martinez, Lincoln-San Jose, junior; Kilan McNeal, Bethel, junior; Romeo Moran, Del Mar, freshman; Josh Prado, Richmond, senior; Jake Schwoob, Del Mar, senior; Anthony Van der Meer, Menlo-Atherton, senior
Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players and coaches.