Projected finishes in football

Projected finishes

Gabilan Division

1. Salinas: Dethroning the reigning two-time champs may mean shootouts as Carl Richardson is poised for a big year at quarterback.

2. Palma: Finding a quarterback and shoring its defense were the biggest concerns coming into the season for a program that's made 36 straight playoff appearances.

3. Aptos: Moving to the Gabilan has proven to be the perfect spot for Aptos, who is 11-3 in two seasons, with a share of one league title and a section crown under its belt.

4. San Benito: While the postseason has been an annual affair, the Balers haven't won a league title since 2012. A new state of the art stadium is completed.

5. Carmel: After eight league titles in the last 10 years in a smaller division, the Padres got the call. Can a roster that might suit up 30 players survive in a more physical division?

6. Christopher: Don't sleep on the Cougars, who won their last two league games to reach the postseason last fall. The program is two years removed from a CCS title.

7. Alvarez: Trying to rebuild a program in a league of this stature is a tall order. But the Eagles are embracing the challenge with an eye on the postseason.

8. Gilroy: Growing pains will continue for a program that comes into the season riding an eight game losing streak. The numbers, though, are encouraging.

Mission Division

1. Seaside: A punishing offensive line along with an imposing defensive front will be the heart of the Spartans. Discipline will determine their position in the Mission.

2. Monterey: The Cypress Division champs have a new challenge. No one has the speed that the Toreadores possess. How they utilized it will dictate their faith in league.
3. Monte Vista: Softening its non-league schedule this year will translate to confidence going into the start of league play. 
4. Alisal: There are no secrets to Alisal's attack. It's going to run the ball and dare you to stop it. A throwback style of play wears opponents down.

5. North Salinas: There's good size in the trenches for the Vikings. Execution will be critical in moving the ball in a division that's as balanced as any in the section.

6. Soledad: People look at the 3-8 record and remember the seven game losing streak. Not the three-game winning streak that vaulted them into the playoffs. 

7. Scotts Valley: A perennial postseason team that was left home last year, the Falcons are out to make amends. Injuries crippled them last season. This could be your sleeper team.

Cypress Division

1. Gonzales: Last year's record breaking 11-0 start to the season is in the rear view mirror. A new league creates new goals for a program that hasn't lost its appetite.

2. King City: It's been 35 years since the Mustangs won a league title. Injuries have crippled them the last two years. A lot of players could see action on both sides of the ball.

3. North County: A three-game improvement in the win column got them to .500 last season. Duplicate that feat and hanging a banner could follow suit.

4. San Lorenzo Valley: Erase the four wins the Cougars were forced to forfeit for a tacky issue and this was an 8-2 team in 2018.

5. Soquel: Closing the season with five straight wins is something to build off of. Of course, it came in the Santa Lucia Division.

6. Watsonville: After a 4-1 start to the season, the Wildcatz went into a tailspin, dropping their last five games.

7. Santa Cruz: Outscored 58-6 in the first quarter last year, the Cardinals scored first in one game last year in a 2-8 campaign.

Santa Lucia Division

1. Pacific Grove: With 24 seniors on the roster, experience is not an issue this fall for Pacific Grove. Depth, though, remains a concern with 26 players on the roster.

2. Stevenson: Arguably the most improved team in the last two years, there is an expectation on the Pebble Beach campus. And it's not to be home for the postseason.

3. St. Francis: This was a senior heavy team last year. While there are some parts to play with, there's a lot of inexperience at this level that has to mature quickly.
4. Marina: Despite recording two of the programs best seasons in the last two years, Marina is on its third coach in three years.

5. Greenfield: Big numbers at the lower levels may not translate to immediate success. But a resurgence in football has created a new atmosphere in south county.

6. Pajaro Valley: The Grizzlies gave the two best teams in their league all they could handle last year. That's the mindset they need for every league game.

7. Harbor: Looking to snap a 26-game league losing streak, the Pirates do have 20 returning players in the program, including all-league linebacker Brendan Bobo.