Grizzlies Eye Division Crown
The Grizzlies finished the 2025 campaign as runners‑up in the Santa Lucia Division with a 5‑1 league record and a 6‑4 overall mark, marking the program’s first winning season in school history. Building on that momentum, the team enters 2026 with the explicit goal of capturing the division title and securing a postseason berth for the first time.
Head coach Ray Myers has instituted a double‑wing offensive system that emphasizes powerful blocking and misdirection. Players have taken to the new scheme quickly, and Myers says the approach gives the Grizzlies a distinct identity on the field.
At the heart of the offense is a deep stable of running backs, anchored by senior Joaquin Hidalgo, Nick Martinez and Adrian Valadez. Their versatility allows the team to attack from multiple angles, while senior quarterback Landin Manzi returns as the starter, with Ethan Andrade and Sebastian Vazquez providing solid backup options.
Defensively, the Grizzlies will line up in a 3‑4 formation, focusing on run‑stopping and giving linebackers freedom to pursue plays. Senior lineman Markus Flores leads the defensive front, emphasizing disciplined blocking to free up the backfield.
The roster also welcomes several newcomers who add size and depth, including linemen Chris Gonzalez and Manuel Martinez, as well as versatile players Noel Rincon, Waldo Ayon and Bruno Cruz. Their contributions are expected to bolster both the offensive line and the defense.
The 2026 schedule features non‑league matchups against Gunn High, Evergreen Valley, and Independence, followed by league contests against Santa Cruz, Harbor, Seaside, Gonzales, Greenfield, Rancho San Juan and Marina. If the Grizzlies secure a postseason spot, they will enter the Central Coast Section’s Division V bracket for the first time, aiming to make a historic run.