NCL III football: Upper Lake, Anderson Valley want rematch NCL III football: Upper Lake, Anderson Valley want rematch

The North Central League's 8-man football division is about to kick off its 2016 season, and with more than half the league finishing 2015 with a record of .500 or better, the NCL III looks to be tough.

Upper Lake has Derek Pritchard back at quarterback and that alone probably identifies the Cougars as the preseason favorite. But in the 8-man game where speed can be the great equalizer, surprises are possible.

Pritchard to Santos

The Upper Lake Cougars will start the 2015 season as NCL III favorites after coming off a 7-2 season. The Cougars handed Anderson Valley its only loss of 2015 in a 34-22 battle, but eventually dropped the rematch to the Panthers in the Redwood Bowl.

Upper Lake will return starting quarterback Derek Pritchard, who put up good numbers through the air in 2015. Pritchard threw for more than 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns, with five of them going to Dre Santos. Santos is coming off a second-team All-Empire season at defensive back, but will also be a key contributor on offense at running back in 2016.

Retool and rebuild

Coming off a 9-1 season with seven all-league players graduating, new head coach John Toohey has a lot of work to do if he wants to recapture the magic from last season.

“It was a special class of kids, a very rare group. Probably the most talented group ever from Anderson Valley,” Toohey said. “You can't really replace kids like that.”

An Anderson Valley graduate, Toohey coached the Panthers from 2008-2012 before leaving to coach at Ukiah. Toohey is now back at his alma mater and excited to work with a new group of football players.

“It's more of a teaching atmosphere this year. We have a lot of raw athletes who aren't as familiar with football,” Toohey said. “We have a great coaching staff that is very detailed. We are going to learn and execute very well.”

NCL III offensive player of the year Tony Pardini is coming back for his senior season and looking to lead Anderson Valley to back-to-back NCL III championships.

“We're building everything around him and really going to try and show him off,” Toohey said.

“I'm putting a lot on his shoulders and giving him a lot of leeway with the offense. He's going to have a big year.”

Strength in numbers

Unlike many other teams in the NCL III, Calistoga will have more than 30 kids on this year's roster, which should give the Wildcats an advantage.

With such a large and young roster, Calistoga coach Mike Ervin is looking for someone to step up in the locker room and assume the captain's role.

“It's really difficult to replace leadership,” said Ervin. “Last year's seniors really controlled a lot. They were great football players but even better leaders. I never had to worry about anything, they kept the team in line.”

Alvaro Torres will make the change from quarterback to running back for the Wildcats, leaving an opening at quarterback. Ervin says there is a four-player battle for the starting QB position. Defensive back Julian Alfaro will throw his hat in the quarterback competition after leading the Wildcats secondary this past season.

Alfaro, Flavio Fernandez Jr, Jafiel Flores and freshman Jesus Mendoza will compete for the top QB spot.

“It's a wide open competition. It's a very fast-paced game where everyone can really run. We're looking for a guy who can run the option and put up some numbers through the air.” said Ervin.

High expectations

Rincon Valley Christian will return two second-team All-Empire players and one all-league player this season. Stat sheet stuffer Paul Bartholow will return for his senior season after leading the Eagles in almost every offensive category in 2015.

Bartholow had 932 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns last year to go along with two passing touchdowns and three receiving scores. Bartholow didn't stop with offense; he also had two interceptions and three fumble recoveries on defense.

Defensive stalwart Willie Maples will return after leading the NCL III in tackles as a sophomore.

“Willie is a force to be reckoned with. He's 190 pounds, can bench press over 300 pounds and has the speed to back it up. Basically a beast,” said Eagles head coach Robert Gray. “I won't hold a bag if he is going to hit it.”

Tyler Hawkins, a second team All-Empire nose guard, will try to wreak havoc in the trenches for the Eagles after leading them with 8½ sacks last season.

“He should've had 16 sacks last season. He's not the biggest guy on the field but I guarantee you he's the quickest. He can almost take the handoff from the opposing quarterback, he's that fast.” said Gray.

With so many key players returning, Gray has his sights set on big things for the Eagles.

“Our expectations are high. This team has a great understanding of the offense and defense. We're a lot more mature and a lot more football savvy,” said Gray.

Small but big

Point Arena is coming off its best season since 2011 and will try and continue its upward trend in 2016.

The Pirates will have the tough task of trying to replace Cody Cissna who led the team with 16 touchdowns last season. Assistant coach Dan Iffille says the Pirates will look to “a mix of guys” to replace Cissna's production on the field.

If they can make it past their depth issues, they have multiple returners on the offensive and defensive lines who will give the Pirates a heavy advantage up front. They include Jared Cissna, Cody's younger brother.