A New Chapter for Cabrillo Football
The Cabrillo Jaguars football program is leaving the familiar confines of the Moore League and stepping into the freshly minted Hub City League for the 2026‑27 season. The move is more than a schedule change; it represents a strategic push to build consistency and chase a league title that has eluded the program for years.
Second‑year head coach Malcolm Manuel sees the new league as a fresh canvas on which he can paint winning streaks. In a recent interview he said the altered competition format gives the Jaguars a better chance to find rhythm early and avoid the inconsistency that plagued them in the previous circuit.
At the heart of the offense is quarterback Fernando Leanos, who enters his second season with a clear set of goals. He is targeting 3,000 passing yards and a postseason appearance, a benchmark that would signal the team’s arrival as a contender.
Senior standouts Danny Lopez and Cruz Rivera are also focused on growth. Lopez, who logged over 700 yards in the Moore League, aims to surpass 1,500 yards and reach double‑digit touchdowns, while Rivera emphasizes a stronger mentality and deeper cohesion after addressing depth concerns.
The Jaguars’ opening slate begins on August 21 with a home matchup against Sonora, followed by contests against Big Bear, Banning, Marina, Jordan and Compton. A bye week on October 2 provides a chance to regroup before a pivotal clash with Centennial on October 9, a game that could set the tone for the remainder of the schedule.
Beyond individual statistics, the team’s projected starting lineup blends juniors and seniors across offensive and defensive positions, creating a balanced unit that hopes to translate practice intensity into game‑day execution.