The St. Helena High School football team capped the 2025 campaign with an 11‑1 record, securing first place in the North Central League I and falling just short in the semifinals of the NCS Division 6 playoffs. The performance cemented the program’s recent resurgence and set high expectations for the upcoming season.
However, the Saints will have to rebuild after a massive exodus. Twenty‑three seniors, including eight all‑league honorees such as Offensive MVP Jhony Covarrubias and Defensive MVP Ben Brakesman, have moved on, leaving large shoes to fill.
Key Returners and New Faces
Among the returning letters are senior running back/defensive back Julian Earls, senior running back/linebacker George Filippini and junior Luca Montelli, who are expected to anchor both sides of the ball. Junior Daniel Gonzales will take over at quarterback, stepping into the role vacated by Covarrubias.
Head coach Erick Larsen has repeatedly stressed teamwork, mindset and resilience, especially as the squad navigates a second half of the season that promises new challenges.
A New League Landscape
The team now competes in a restructured league featuring ten schools split into North and South divisions. Opponents include Fortuna, Fort Bragg, Willits, Kelseyville, Upper Lake, Middletown, Clear Lake, Cloverdale, Stuart Hall and Lower Lake, each presenting a distinct test for the young roster.