2022 large college soccer preview: Oakland Athletic League

OAKLAND ATHLETIC LEAGUE

(Predicted order of complete)

No. 1 MCCLYMONDS

Mentor: Michael Peters

2021 document: 12-1

What to hope: Unless of course Fremont or Castlemont get a Jonathan Kuminga-sized leap forward, one more yr of McClymonds dominance appears unavoidable. Halfback Jaivian Thomas is back again for his senior year, and the 5-10 scatback should really be equipped to repeat his 20 TD time for a program that won a condition championship last time. Junior linebacker Amir Gobar doubles as a crushing fullback who can make openings as a lead blocker for Thomas’ darting operates. Each have been named to previous season’s all-Bay Space Information Team crew and will be questioned to lead a crew hoping to switch longtime commencing QB Dreyan Paul. Malik Richardson, a 296-pound DT, may perhaps be immovable in the inside. McClymonds will the moment all over again participate in a brutal non-league routine, starting off its year with Bellarmine ahead of enjoying Pittsburg later on.

Year opener: Sept. 2 vs. Bellarmine, 7:30 p.m.

No. 2 FREMONT

Coach: Omarri Murphy

2021 document: 5-4

What to expect: If there is a group that could obstacle McClymonds for the league title, Fremont is it. In Omarri Murphy’s second calendar year at the top of the method, the Tigers have a collection of talent that really should be in a position to cling with some of the ideal. Quarterback Sefo Akuila threw only two picks final season and has a gun for an arm, and his mentor expects Akuila to carry on to strengthen. Siosiua Vete, a 6-5 sophomore, is a 4. student and now has a scholarship offer from San Jose Condition. Future to him is yet another mauler in the 325-pound guard Sione Taiamoni. Junior linebacker Amanaki Tuakoi is a 6-3 and 215 pound bundle of all-town talent with the smarts of a 4. college student.

Period Opener: Sept. 2 vs. Esparto, 7 p.m.

No. 3 CASTLEMONT

Mentor: Edward Washington

2021 history: 3-6

What to count on: An enhancing Castlemont has the expertise, particularly on defense, to select off other groups this drop. Senior Reggie Hall is a “silent killer” in accordance to his coach and was the team’s defensive MVP. Again for yet another year is Angel Martinez, a 280-pound lineman who can get soon after the passer as perfectly as any participant in Oakland. Offensively, the Knights will be led by senior quarterback Daniel Parsons, who has a opportunity to toss to sophomore wideout Elijah Washington. The coach’s son has a scholarship offer you from San Jose Point out. The pathway to a winning season will only be tougher nevertheless in coach Edwards’ next time on the career, with the Knights taking part in just about every match on the road this calendar year as their subject undergoes renovations.

Time opener: Aug. 26 vs. Tennyson, 7 p.m.

No. 4 OAKLAND TECH

Mentor: Virdell Larkins

2021 Document: 5-5

What to expect: Virdell Larkins’ team need to compete with Fremont and Castlemont for second in the OAL. Predicted to return are gamers like middle linebacker Vaughn Grasso, who doubles as a tricky-hitting fullback. Running driving him is halfback Anthony Alonzo, a stocky shifty runner who has breakaway velocity. A third senior, Omar Staples, has the skill to get immediately after the quarterback as a 6-2 edge rusher. Center Qai Smith carries nearly 300 lbs . on his body and opens holes for Grasso and Alonzo.

Year opener: Sept. 9 vs. Alhambra, 7 p.m.

No. 5 SKYLINE

Coach: KC Adams

2021 History: 6-5

What to assume: Last year’s group was all about line engage in, where by the Titans averaged over 300 lbs . across their 5 commencing blockers. This period will be defined by their exterior threats these kinds of as Jojo Salazar, a 6-1 senior wideout who can catch bombs as effortlessly as he does flyballs on the baseball diamond. Setting up next to him is Julian Javier, an additional DB who coach Adams calls “a ball hawk who has a nose for producing plays all over the line of scrimmage.” Damien Hardy provides toughness as a linebacker and is also an enthusiastic inside runner. De’Onte Johnson is a 160-pound speedster at tailback who his coach claims “has all-city potential on protection.”

Season opener: Sept. 3 vs. Balboa, 2 p.m.