Based on 1st game, these four from Modesto Central Catholic should have huge seasons. They are (l-r) Jared Rice, Cole Petlansky, Montell Bland and DaRon Bland. Photo: Harold Abend.
See where newcomers Central Catholic of Modesto, Liberty of Bakersfield, Calabasas and La Mirada have landed and where previous No. 9 Helix of La Mesa fell after its loss to a top team from Utah. It’s still the big five of De La Salle, Corona Centennial, St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Mission Viejo at the top.
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(Preseason ranking in parentheses)
(After games of Saturday, Aug. 27)
1. (1) De La Salle (Concord) 1-0
There were some problems, like a turnover that led to a score and another one on the 5-yard line, but generally it was a solid opening for the Spartans in a 42-7 win vs. Amador Valley of Pleasanton. Tre’ White scored on a 95-yard kickoff return, junior Kairee Robinson rushed for 134 yards on 22 carries and the defense only allowed 51 yards in the first half. Defense really is what has separated DLS over the years from the rest of the state, especially compared to the top teams in SoCal, so looking at points and yards allowed is a good barometer for how each DLS team is coming together. This week, the Spartans play Serra of San Mateo at home. Serra started out with a 63-35 loss to St. Mary’s of Stockton, but the Padres have tended to play De La Salle tough in recent seasons.
