The Bee’s Top 25 football rankings: Folsom, Grant, Oak Ridge and Granite Bay lead the pack

Joe Davidson
·10 min read

Raise your hand if you’re ready for some football and especially for some normalcy and calm. Raise both hands then. You won’t be alone.

The high school football season for Sacramento-area programs kicks off with season openers this week, and, we can all hope and expect, the chaos and drama splashed across headlines for longtime regional powerhouse programs in recent weeks dims or dies out.

The first stunner was the abrupt resignation of Capital Christian coach Saul Patu, a season after getting the young Cougars into the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV finals, thus ushering in the Aaron Garcia era. Then there was the news of Inderkum’s Reggie Harris getting suspended as coach but not as a physical education teacher for the Natomas Unified School District program, all tied to a fund-raising issue, thus ushering in the Justin Reber coaching era.

And then rampant speculation and rumor became troubling fact when Oak Ridge confirmed there was a hazing incident within the football program earlier in the summer, leading to the suspension or expulsion of several players, casting a sudden shadow over the El Dorado Hills school that expects a championship season.

The regular season is an 11-week sprint to play 10 games with a bye. The goal is a league championship, a playoff berth, a winning record. At this point, everyone has a shot. And there is this thought: Teams that entertain and compete draw big crowds, including spirited student rooting sections. This has been the case for ranked teams, those seeking to be ranked or those eager to produce a winner for the first time in years. Football remains king in this region.

Here’s a look at The Bee’s preseason 25 with rankings determined by returning talent, program pedigree and results, and strength of schedule:

Top 25

Last year’s record in parentheses

1. Folsom (12-2)

League: Sierra Foothill

Coach: Paul Doherty

Opener: Aug. 18 at Monterey Trail

Outlook: The Bulldogs again? Well, yes. Since 2012, Folsom has been The Bee’s preseason No. 1 team every season except one. Since 2010, the program has produced four CIF state championships, nine section title winners and 11 league winners. Now, they seek a section Division I three-peat with a rising-star/recruit in sophomore QB Ryder Lyons, returning Bee All-Metro receiver Brian Ray III, emerging stars like defensive back R.J. Whitten and proven body movers in lineman/LB Theo Greule, Lucas Hardeman and Nela Tupou. Early games against fellow NorCal heavies Serra of San Mateo and De La Salle will be telling.

Grant’s Kingston Lopa (2) leaps to make a first down catch past Monterey Trail’s Hasaan Miller (24) during the second quarter in the game Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at Grant High School in Sacramento.
Grant’s Kingston Lopa (2) leaps to make a first down catch past Monterey Trail’s Hasaan Miller (24) during the second quarter in the game Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at Grant High School in Sacramento.

2. Grant (12-2)

League: Metropolitan

Coach: Carl Reed/Syd Thompson

Opener: Aug. 18 at McQueen-Reno

Outlook: The storied Pacers with eight section crowns glistening in their trophy case didn’t just return to form last season after some lean years. They stormed back, winning the CIF state Division 3-AA championship. Grant returns a wealth of talent in the trenches and all over, including TE/LB Kingston Lopa, a 6-foot-5, 190-pounder headed to Oregon, and lineman Jeremiah Tuiileila. How soon running back/playmaker transfers Devin Green and Wayshawn Parker are cleared to play is key.

3. Oak Ridge (10-3)

League: Sierra Foothill

Coach: Casey Taylor

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Spanish Springs-Nevada

Outlook: The Trojans reached the section Division I finals last season and aim to win their second such title since 2019. Who starts at quarterback? The blue chippers include national tight end recruit Kaleb Edwards at 6-7, 235. The offensive line is anchored by Fresno State-bound Ethan Dasmann (6-5, 280) and the defense is bolstered by leaders Markus Hoffman (6-2, 245) and Gavin Molloy (6-3, 225).

Granite Bay’s Isaiah Ene runs the ball during the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 playoff game at Downey High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Nov.11, 2022.
Granite Bay’s Isaiah Ene runs the ball during the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 playoff game at Downey High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Nov.11, 2022.

4. Granite Bay (9-5)

League: Sierra Foothill

Coach: Joe Cattolico

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Elk Grove

Outlook: The Grizzlies have been a factor since opening in Placer County in 1996 with a string of league and section titles and a CIF D-I state crown in 2012. Granite Bay reached the section D-II finals last season and returns a veteran group, headed by running backs Carter Jackson, a speed burner junior committed to Cal. Also back are the powerful and versatile Isaiah Ene, crafty WR Joseph Cattolico and LB leaders Frank Cusano and Broc Daily.

5. Rocklin (8-4)

League: Sierra Foothill

Coach: Jason Adams

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Turlock

Outlook: The Thunder seek their second SFL crown since 2021 and will compete with a physical and big offensive and defensive front that includes John Correa, Henry Hatada and the 6-7, 315-pound Garrison Blank. Who starts at QB: Dallas Munn or Reeve Sloan? Or do both play?

6. Del Oro (9-3)

League: Sierra Foothill

Coach: Mike Maben

Opener: Aug. 18 at Inderkum

Outlook: The Golden Eagles have fielded good to great teams pretty much since opening in Loomis in 1959, and here they come again. QB Caden Pinnick was the SFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 after passing for 1,679 yards and 22 TDs. Pinnick has a top WR in Sacramento State-bound Tommy Poe and a stout defense to lean on.

7. Monterey Trail (8-4)

League: Metropolitan

Coach: TJ Ewing

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Folsom

Outlook: By design, Ewing schedules a brutal early slate of games, including Folsom, Saint Francis of Mountain View and Pittsburg. The Mustangs have not lost a league game since entering the conference in 2018, going 21-0, though Grant looms as a serious threat. MT has athletes galore again in versatile two-way leaders Davon Chism, Elijah Folau, Vontrelle Waffer and Christian Coronado.

8. Elk Grove (8-4)

League: Delta

Coach: John Heffernan

Opener: Aug. 18 at Monterey Trail

Outlook: The defending league champions lost a ton in the trenches but return QB David Hale, LB/FB Caleb Hill and LB Isea Liu. The Thundering Herd will compete in honor of beloved assistant coach James Pale, who is rounding back into health after a medical scare in the spring.

9. Jesuit (9-3)

League: Delta

Coach: Marlon Blanton

Opener: Aug. 25 vs. Bishop Manogue-Reno

Outlook: The Marauders are in their final season in the Delta before the desired switch to the SFL. They will play their first two home games under the lights on campus. Dual-threat QB CJ Lee leads the way and has star potential, as does the 6-5, 255-pound Caleb Hall in the trenches. WR/DB Caleb Dixon and DB/RB Drew Vassar expect big seasons.

10. Vacaville (8-4)

League: Monticello Empire

Coach: Mike Popadopoulos

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Davis

Outlook: The Bulldogs seek their seventh consecutive MEL championships as of the section’s powerhouse programs, big on the run and defense. QB Brody Fortunati, headed to Air Force, and RB Christian Diosdado are back, as is San Jose State-bound TE/DE Noah Siaosi.

Casa Roble Rams Cole Owens (11) catches a 21 yard pass for a touchdown past Dixon Rams Leo Iglesias (3) during the first quarter in the game Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at Casa Roble High School in Orangevale.
Casa Roble Rams Cole Owens (11) catches a 21 yard pass for a touchdown past Dixon Rams Leo Iglesias (3) during the first quarter in the game Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at Casa Roble High School in Orangevale.

11. Casa Roble (9-2)

League: Golden Empire

Coach: Chris Horner

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Placer

Outlook: Coach Horner said he’s never been more excited about a team in his 21 years in the grind, and this may be the best Rams team since the 13-0 group of 2008, if not ever. QB Connor Campbell is back, as is star WR Cole Owens and bruisers in lineman Ethan Elder and LB Evan Combs.

12. Christian Brothers (10-3)

League: Capital Athletic

Coach: Larry Morla

Opener: Aug. 18 at Reno

Outlook: The Falcons were stunned by the loss of two-time Bee All-Metro WR Philip Bell, who transferred to a school in Southern California, but they are determined to repeat as league champions and return to a section final with QB’s Deakon Holden and William Littlejohn, star OL Mason Vicari (6-4, 275) and DB leader Exekiel Castex.

13. Sutter (11-1)

League: Pioneer Valley

Coach: Ryan Reynolds

Opener: Aug. 19 vs. Carson-Nevada

Outlook: The Huskies devoured the competition for years in the Northern Section, switched to this section and kept on chowing down. QB Jagger Beck looks the part at 6-6, as does lineman leader and Fresno State-bound Asiata Auckland, Sutter and LB Jeevan Chatha.

14. Vista del Lago (6-5)

League: Capital Athletic

Coach: Kyle Landes

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Manteca

Outlook: The Eagles have star power on offense in QB John Koett (2,379 yards, 28 TDs in 2022), Air Force-bound WR Matt Long (1,017 yards, 18 TDs and inspired weight lifting sessions) and OL Brandon Nazworth, a 6-4, 275-pounder headed to Air Force.

15. Woodcreek (9-4)

League: Capital Valley

Coach: Brad Hunkins

Opener: Aug. 18 at Franklin

Outlook: The Timberwolves of Roseville opened in 1994 and are on the cusp of winning their first league championship after a spirited playoff run last season that included beating 10-0 Placer. QB Austin Katapodis leads the triple-option that includes RB Hakeem Anderson and a host of others.

16. Placer (10-1)

League: Foothill Valley

Coach: Joey Montoya

Opener: Aug. 18 at Casa Roble

Outlook: The Hillmen seek their 10th league championship in 11 seasons under coach Montoya, an alum of the school whose famed grandfather, Bill Miller, coached the program to state-level success in the 1970s and 80s. The wing-T is stocked with QB Josh Craycraft and runners Kosta Alexsic and Baylor Kelley.

17. Capital Christian (7-6)

League: Capital Athletic

Coach: Aaron Garcia

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Sheldon

Outlook: The Cougars won nine consecutive league championships in different leagues in going 51-0 in those games before going 4-2 in the CAL last season. The skill-guy returners include RB Malakai Taione and Eddie Brusuelas.

Capital Christian quarterback Eddie Brusuelas (7) steps back to pass against Vanden during the first half of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship football game at Hughes Stadium in 2022.
Capital Christian quarterback Eddie Brusuelas (7) steps back to pass against Vanden during the first half of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship football game at Hughes Stadium in 2022.

18. Sheldon (8-4)

League: Delta

Coach: Chris Nixon

Opener: Aug. 18 at Capital Christian

Outlook: The Huskies lost a ton via graduation and transfers but still look the part of an athletic and eager group, headed by new QB Zayden Learson, a 6-1, 205-pound load who also plays linebacker. He is equal bits power, gift giving and charm.

19. Inderkum (5-6)

League: Capital Valley

Coach: Justin Reber

Opener: Aug. 18 vs. Del Oro

Outlook: The Tigers are not short on skill players or bulk in two-way lineman Josiah Sharma, who fills a door frame at 6-4 and 305, and coach Reber has raved about the team’s effort to return to the playoffs.

20. Sacramento (2-8)

League: Capital Athletic

Coach: Kimmbie Drayton

Opener: Aug. 18 at Rodriguez

Outlook: Never mind the two wins last season during an injury wracked nightmare of a season. Sixteen starters return, none more burly and motivated than Utah-bound RB Lamar Radcliffe, a 6-2, 225-pounder who rushed for 2,109 yards and 23 TDs in a 9-3 season as a sophomore before missing last fall with a knee injury. Cousin Corie Radcliffe leads the D at LB, and 6-2 basketball star Kendahl Hearne at WR/DB may soon find himself fielding scholarship offers.

The next five:

21. West Park (9-2): The Panthers of Roseville have thrived under coach Jason Tenner

22. Laguna Creek (7-3): The Cardinals have a playmaker in WR Halim Tholley.

23. Twelve Bridges (7-5): The Ragin’ Rhinos held their own against Del Oro in a scrimmage.

24. Colfax (7-4): The Falcons remain one of the great programs in the section.

25. Bradshaw Christian (9-3): The Pride live to run and run and run.

Bubble: Bella Vista (5-5), Center (6-5), Cosumnes Oaks (4-6), Dixon (10-3), Johnson (7-4), Liberty Ranch (11-1), Lincoln (6-6), Marysville (7-4), Natomas (7-5), Nevada Union (5-7), Pioneer (7-4), Rosemont (5-4), Roseville (6-5), Yuba City (4-7), Whitney (3-7), Wood (5-6), Woodland Christian (10-2).

▪ Like what you read? Consider a Bee subscription to keep up with all of the Sacramento-area football action, including things you do not see. The Bee will produce top player lists, profiles, game coverage, photo galleries and insight unlike any other regional media outlet throughout the season.