Alisal boys soccer

 It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Trojans are ranked No. 1 in Northern California. After all they did win the Nor Cal Division II title last season.
 Where Alisal earns its respect is with its non-league schedule. On it includes West Catholic Athletic League nemesis Valley Christian today.
 It has a pair of meetings with Bellarmine, one with Mitty and a rematch on Saturday of the Northern California Division II title game with Richmond.
 The Trojans have also been invited to compete in the Adidas Showcase Tournament on December 13 in Downey.
 This isn't anything new. Last year Bellarmine and Mitty were a part of the non-league schedule. The year before it was Academia Avance, Paramount, Cathedral and Loyola.
 And in 2015 it faced Del La Salle, Clovis East and Richmond. Alisal head coach Mark Cisneros has not been afraid to go out of his element and challenge his players against state powers.
 The results have not been bad, as Alisal is 50-8-8 in the last three years. It's clearly benefited them in league play -- 30-1-5 in the Gabilan Division.
 Ten players are back from last year's title team, including Angel Amezuca, who compiled 16 goals and eight assists as a junior.