Preview: Lincoln, Cathedral Catholic should again be City Conference’s best in football

Editor’s note: The Union-Tribune is previewing the CIF San Diego Section’s football teams, division by division, as we build up to the start of the 2025 season. High school football games begin Aug. 21.

City Conference

Western League

(in alphabetical order)

Cathedral Catholic

Last season: 9-3

Coach: Sean Doyle, 30th season

Key players: Brady Palmer (QB), Willie Flores (RB) Hunter Harrington (WR), Chase Deniz (OL), Victor Velasquez (OL), Honor Fa’alave-Johnson (WR-DB), Cade Smith (LB), Aidan Smith-McGlynn (DB), Bronx Letuligasenoa (DL), Sebastian Tucker (TE), Parker Johnson (DB-WR).

Scouting report: The offense is loaded with the athletic Palmer, a Cal commit, the trigger man at QB. Flores figures to get the bulk of the carries. Fa’alave-Johnson will play running back, receiver and defensive back. Doyle prefers to travel by ground, but his best teams have been balanced. The Dons have a plethora of pass-catchers, led by Harrington (30 receptions, 679 yards, 7 TDs last year). The offensive line is led by the 6-foot-7, 300-pound Deniz, a USC commit. Letuligasenoa is an explosive defensive lineman. Linebacker Cade Smith, a USD commit, anchors the defense. Defensive back Josh Faraimo is a Washington State commit. Smith-McGlynn is an exceptional cornerback.

Lincoln

Last season: 12-2

Coach: David Dunn, 15th seasonKey players: Jordan Roa (QB), Kainan Manna (QB), Junior Curtis (RB), Rashad Robinson (RB), Courtney Miller-Thompson (WR-DB), King David Dunn (WR), Prince Tavizon (LB), Cammeron Purnell (DB), Braylon Ross (WR), Jesus Garcia (OL), Clarence Tucker (DB), Jahmari Stoddard (OL-DL), Stephen Conde (OL), Seth Fanua (LB).

Scouting report: The Hornets have won two state titles in the past three years. The biggest question mark this season is who replaces Akili Smith Jr. at QB. Roa was Smith’s backup, and Manna is a Peoria (Ariz.) Centennial High School transfer who threw for 4,546 yards and 43 TDs against 5 interceptions the past two years. As usual, talent abounds at the skill positions. Curtis is one of the section’s best backs. Robinson is the younger brother of Roderick Robinson (Georgia), the 2022 MaxPreps state player of the year. Miller-Thompson makes game-breaking plays at receiver. Only two starters return on defense. One, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Tavizon, an Oregon commit, is one of the best defensive players in the section. After practicing and playing on the road last season because of poor field conditions, the Hornets will play and practice at home this year. The home opener: Aug. 29 vs. Long Beach Poly.

Scripps Ranch

Last season: 9-2

Coach: Marlon Gardinera, ninth season

Key players: Parker Armstrong (QB), Jackson Rochet (TE-LB), Benjamin Wellons (RB-LB), Keegan Wenker (OL), Troy Paama (OL-DL), Kale Searles (OL-DL), Kasen Mendez (WR), Jordan Zeller (DB).

Scouting report: The athletic, cerebral Armstrong orchestrates the Falcons’ run-pass option attack. It’ll be running back by committee, but with four startling O-linemen returning, the backs should have room to run. Wenker anchors the line. Paama is physical with quick feet. Mendez figures to be Armstrong’s top target. A four-year starter and excellent student, Rochet is a tackling machine. With Wellons, the linebackers are dangerous. Gardinera, who anticipates being listed as a kidney transplant recipient, plans to step down at the end of the season.

University City

Last season: 10-2

Coach: Paul Lawrence, fifth season

Key players: Quentyn DeMara (QB), Deshaun Hille (RB-LB), Tay Lockett (WR-DB), Dyami Collins (DE), Tucker Wojdowski (TE-DE), Quinn Obrigewitch (OL), Decklan Houston (WR-DB), Edward Tuala (OL-DL), Jacob Tuala (OL-DL), D.J. Ferguson (WR-DB), Michael Barrie (LB), Desmond DeMara (WR-DB).

Scouting report: Quentyn DeMara threw for 2,856 yards and 36 TDs last season. He is joined by talented teammates, beginning with Hille at running back and Lockett at receiver. Lockett (33 catches, 526 yards and 11 TDs) is an Arkansas commit as a safety. Houston, Desmond DeMara and Ferguson, a highly touted freshman, are dangerous WRs. Collins racked up seven sacks last year. Barrie is a solid linebacker.

Eastern League

Christian

Last season: 9-3

Coach: Patrick Bugg, fourth season

Key players: Kaleb Runkle (QB), Hank Houston (RB-LB), Jacob Kirchhuefer (RB-LB), Kai Rosier (WR-DB), Roman Gustin (WR-DB), Chase Togerson (RB-LB), Hayden Jeremiah (TE-DE), Peter Joseph (OL), Jack McGinnis (OL), Everick “Bam” Randall (WR-DB), Hudson McFarlane (DL).

Scouting report: The 6-foot, 175-pound Runkle is one of the section’s most athletic QBs. He completed 75% of his passes last season for 1,528 yards and 21 TDs against one interception. Rosier (61 catches, 820 yards, 7 TDs) is the best outside target. Houston and Togerson anchor the defense.

La Jolla

Last season: 7-5

Coach: Tyler Roach, 10th season

Key players: Hudson Smith (QB), Carson Diehl (WR-S-KR), Taylor Jeffery (DB-KR), Dylan Haugum (OL-DL), Charlie Martin (LB-RB), Aiden Farrell (RB-DB-KR), Joseph Crudo (LB), Zach Gergurich (OL-DL), Nicolas Bardaro (TE-DE), Lukas Grismer (WR-DB).

Scouting report: Roach has built a winning program at La Jolla, going 43-27 the past six seasons. The 2025 team is blessed with excellent top-end talent, led by Diehl, a San Diego State commit. Smith is a classic pocket passer. A talented sophomore, Farrell should get the bulk of the carries at running back. Bardaro presents matchup challenges at tight end. The Vikings offer talent at all three defensive levels.

Madison

Last season: 4-7

Coach: Kenny Nears, first season

Key players: Isaac Logo Diaz (QB), Adrian Sola (RB-LB), Romeo Pepi (WR-DB-KR), Isaiah Murrell (WR-DB), Kawika Devore (RB-TE-LB), Steven Rodriguez (TE-DE), Harrison Brown (PK), Jeremiah Rostron (OL), Zach Preciado (OL-DL), R.J. Miller (TE-DE).

Scouting report: Nears replaces Rick Jackson, who compiled a 172-71-1 record in 21 seasons and won two state titles. The Warhawks will be more run-oriented, with the physical Sola (632 yards) earning the bulk of the carries. Logo Diaz was forced into the starting QB job last season as a sophomore and gained valuable experience. Four  starters return on the O-line. Murrell is a fast receiver. Miller, the basketball team’s leading scorer, is playing varsity football for the first time and Nears expects big things. Devore anchors the defense at from middle linebacker. Pepi is the most talented defensive back. Brown is drawing college looks at kicker.

Point Loma

Last season: 6-6

Coach: Ryan Price, second season

Key players: Ryder Watson (QB), Henry Heuser (QB), Braden Lane (RB-DB), Romeo Carter (WR-DB), Ben Kamen (WR-DB), Ryan Patterson (TE), Leo Sahd (TE-LB), Mateo Correia (LB-DB), Owen Ice (DB), Braeden Bartocci (DE), Jack Lepore (OL-DL), Noah Bostwick (OL).

Scouting report: The Pointers have long been known for running the double-wing, fly-sweep offense. That changes this year. The Pointers’ attack will be more pro style, with Carter being the emphasis of the offense. The Boise State commit caught 70 passes for 1,057 yards and 5 touchdowns a year ago. Watson and Heuser will battle for the starting QB job. Bartocci led the team with 9 sacks from the defensive end spot; Correia, a linebacker, topped the team in tackles; and Carter intercepted three passes.

St. Augustine

Last season: 4-11

Coach: Ron Caragher, second season

Key players: Pai Polamalu (RB-DB-KR), Vince Smith (QB), Austin Lambeth (WR), Marcel Sandoval (OL), Brock Benson (OL), Parker Cresswell (TE-LB), Patrick McNamara (LB), Cooper Hamric (WR-DB), Mateo Iuli (WR-DB), Lorenzo Gonzalez (OL-DL), Ian Kunde (OL).

Scouting report: The Saints lost all 10 of their regular-season games last year, then won four straight playoff games to capture the Division 3 title. The defense allowed just 29 points during the section playoff run. Polamalu, a junior and son of Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu, is one of the section’s best all-around players. He logged 140 tackles as a sophomore. Benson anchors a big and physical O-line. Smith has committed to USD. Cresswell and McNamara are talented LBs.

San Diego

Last season: 8-4

Coach: Syd Reed, fourth season

Key players: Jayden Harris (QB), Jayden Johnson (RB-LB), Miles Johnson (RB-LB), Jonah Holloway (WR-DB), Kye Cooper (WR-DB), Isaiah Rocha (LB), Xavier Wilson (TE-LB), Esteban Herrera (DE), Kevin Shields Jr. (RB), Marcus Wilford (DT).

Scouting report: San Diego’s strength is on the defensive side, where 10 starters return. The team’s top defender is Kye Cooper, son of former Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper, who is the Cavers’ defensive coordinator. Harris threw for 1,633 yards and 14 TDs a year ago. Jayden Johnson rushed for 1,104 yards. With the addition of Mount Miguel transfer Kevin Shields Jr. (565 yards rushing), San Diego will be more ground-oriented. A key will be the offensive line, which will debut five new starters.

Central League

Canyon Hills

Last season: 3-7

Coach: Marcus Cook, third season

Key players: Ma-Kahi Fields-Cook (RB-DB), Taylon Sheriff (WR-DB), Josiah Singh (QB), Daniel Westhafer (WR-LB), Julius Thomas (OL-DL), Cody Tolbert (OL-DL), Mason Lee (LB), Damari Jones (RB-DB), Reece Fogg (WR-DB).

Scouting report: The Rattlers haven’t had a winning season since 2019, but Cook expects that drought to end this season. The team’s two most talented players — Fields-Cook, the coach’s son, and Sheriff, son of former San Diego State QB Lon Sheriff — are sophomores. The 6-foot-3 Westhafer could play anywhere in town. Singh is deceptively strong. All five starters return to the O-line. Thomas anchors the D-line.

Clairemont

Last season: 2-8

Coach: Eduardo Gonzales, third season

Key players: Tyler Allen (RB), Kellen Morton (QB), Joshua Davis (WR-LB), Jessen Heide (LB), Joseph Dominguez (OL-DL), Carlos Aguirre (OL-DL), Rene Carrillo (OL-DL), Michael Strickler (TE-LB), Bradley Eby (WR-DB), Salvador Morales (OL).

Scouting report: Clairemont moves down to Division 5-AA, and it’s the last year that the mascot will be Chieftains. Clairemont returns six starters, four on offense and two on defense. Allen is a dangerous weapon: He gained 1,109 yards from scrimmage last season, scoring 12 TDs. Clairemont figures to line up in the spread, emphasizing the running game. Morton shifts from receiver to QB. Davis and Eby are dangerous targets. There’s talent at LB in Heide and Davis. Claremont hasn’t posted a winning season since 2008.

Coronado

Last season: 6-6

Coach: Kurt Hines, 10th season

Key players: Spencer Reiderson (WR-DB), Stanley Guymon (OL-DL), Emiliano Marquez (WR-LB), Walter Hardy (OL-NT), Chase Jenkins (WR-LB), Decklan Shan (RB-DL), Jack O’Sullivan (QB), Reese Pagon (WR-DB), Chris Sturm (OL-DL), Mason Wilson (OL-LB), Eddie Gonzalez (OL-DL), Jack Nelson (WR-DB).

Scouting report: The Islanders have a promising QB in O’Sullivan, a sophomore and the son of former NFL QB J.T. O’Sullivan. There’s plenty of pass-catching targets, led by Reiderson and Jenkins. What makes this year’s team a threat to win the league title and make a deep playoff run is an offensive line with promise. In Wilson, Reiderson and Jenkins, there’s no lack of players capable of making tackles.

Kearny

Last season: 7-4

Coach: Jeremy Stump, sixth season

Key players: Makai Nguyen (QB), Jaylen Hill (RB), Jayson Henderson (DB), Brandon Le (DB), Casey Jones (DB), Mikey Clark (LB), Oscar Nunez (LB), Marco Salvador (DL), Jayvon Peterson (WR-DB), Daniel Castellano (OL).

Scouting report: The Komets lost four-year starting QB Brodie Stump; the head coach’s son threw for 9,495 career yards, second in section history. Look for Kearny to be more ground-oriented, led by Hill, who averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound Nguyen is one of the strongest players on the team and can tuck the ball and run. Defense will be asked to carry the team early. That unit is anchored by Clark, who racked up 136 tackles last year. Henderson is a stopper at safety, and Le intercepted four passes last year as a freshman.

Morse

Last season: 1-9

Coach: Tracy McNair, 17th season

Key players: Superior Garror (QB-Athlete), Dominic Quintanilla (WR-DB), Alex Smith (RB-LB), Ivan Scarville (LB), Benjamin Sanchez (OL-DL), Jeremiah Llanes (OL-DL), Eduardo Valencia (OL), Brandon Moore (WR).

Scouting report: Morse will try to bounce back after being outscored 370-101 last season. Garror is one of the section’s best athletes. He accounted for 2,008 all-purpose yards last season, plus logged 71 tackles and intercepted a pass. The plan is to line him up at QB, run some option and spread the ball out to Moore and Quintanilla. Smith will log a lot of carries. Scarville is a nasty tackler. Sanchez is the O-line’s anchor, while Llanes is the best D-lineman. The roster will feature 10 sophomores, including four starters. Two freshmen should earn playing time.

City League

Crawford

Last season: 6-6

Coach: Matt Marquez, eighth season

Key players: Khalid Ali (RB-DB), Abbel Martinez (RB-LB-PK), Shamar Warren (RB-LB), Damian Monroy (WR-DB), Jeremy Nguyen (QB-WR-DB), Collin Hunt (WR-DB), Yahye Abdulahi (OL-DL), Johnny Ramirez (RB-DL), Elemo Abdulkadir (WR-QB-DB), Ian Dork (OL-DL), Tayven Sang (LB).

Scouting report: The Colts are 25-12 the past three seasons under Marquez. He works security at Crawford and his football responsibilities include washing the game uniforms. Ali had a 100-yard interception return and an 85-yard TD run last season. There’s depth at running back, but will there be holes? Only one starter is back on the O-line. Hunt is a dangerous receiver. Abdulkadir is an excellent open-field tackler. Ramirez can make life miserable for QBs.

Hoover

Last season: 6-5

Coach: Will Gray, sixth season

Key players: Hez Manuel (QB), Jayden Cunningham (RB-DB), Taani Tuipulotu (RB-LB), Rhani Grant (WR-DB), Abraham Garivay (OL), Ahmed Juna (OL-DL), Nate Vongsouthi (OL-DL), Noah Contreras (LB), Abdul Abdallah (WR-DB), Osmar Cabrales (PK).

Scouting report: Offensively, no team was hit harder by graduation than Hoover. The Cardinals lost 4,916 of their 4,961 yards rushing and receiving. The biggest loss was running back Sir Autry, who gained 1,978 yards from scrimmage and scored 26 TDs last year; he’s now at San Jose State. But four starting O-linemen return along with QB Manuel. Cunningham should get the bulk of the carries. A two-way starter, Abdallah was Hoover’s best 7-on-7 player. The kicker, Cabrales, is drawing college looks.

Mira Mesa

Last season: 1-11

Coach: Jorge Reyes, first season

Key players: Max San Augustin (RB-LB), Isaac Mendiola (WR-DB), Nassem Hassan (DB), Niko Cato (RB-LB), Kane Frace (DE-TE), Derek Kanuha (OT-DT), Nico Justi (QB), Jonathan Barlette (OL-DL), Jayson Sitar (OL-DL), Czavien Brown (WR).

Scouting report: The 2024 season was a long one for the Marauders, who lost five games by one score. All five starting O-linemen return, anchored by Kanuha (6-foot-4, 280). Justi is a dual-threat QB. San Augustin will get the bulk of the carries. Mendiola may be one of the best sophomores in the section. Frace and Hassan anchor the defense. Former 49ers QB Jeff Garcia is the offensive coordinator.

Mission Bay

Last season: 3-8

Coach: Greg Tate, sixth season

Key players: Trey Arnold (QB), Shane Brushie (RB-DB), Sean Lander (WR-DB), Kai Barrios (WR-DB), Jevyn Higman (TE-RB-LB), Nerio Kraft (TE-LB), Mason Morgan (WR-DB), Jeremy Eyles (OL), Justice Kalauli-Martin (OL), Cash Kalauli-Martin (DL), Kayden Brisco (DE), Reid Van Winkle (DL).

Scouting report: After compiling a 26-12 record the previous three seasons, the Buccaneers slipped to 3-8. With 14 starters back, optimism abounds. With Arnold (1,815 yards passing and 17 TDs last year) pulling the trigger, Mission Bay will run an “Air Raid,” no-huddle offense. There’s talent at the skill positions. The Bucs’ 3-3-5 defense is new, and Higman and Kraft figure to log tons of tackles. Keep an eye on Brisco, a 6-foot-2 freshman.

Patrick Henry

Last season: 7-5

Coach: Colby Davies, fourth season

Key players: Madin Gardini (QB), Eli Brum (QB), Calvin Glenn (WR-RB), Ian Brooks (WR), Zaiden Gravely (WR), Jacob Gibb (OL), Brandon Phung (DE), James Shelton (DL), Rylan Russell (LB).

Scouting report: The Patriots lose 5,135 yards in total offense and 65 TDs to graduation. Yet Davies says his team will be even more explosive. Gardini, an athlete, and Brum, a pure passer, will battle at QB. Glenn can play receiver and running back, while Brooke is a deep threat. Gravely transferred from Kearny, where he had 1,472 yards receiving and 13 TDs. Gibb is the best linebacker, while Phung is the Patriots’ most dangerous defensive player.

DON NORCROSS