A New Chapter for the Pumas
The 2025 campaign marked a turning point for the Maria Carrillo Pumas, who closed the season at 8‑4 and secured a share of first place in the Redwood Empire Conference Bay division. The team’s second straight eight‑win season culminated in a three‑way tie for the league title with St. Vincent and Ukiah, delivering the program’s first championship in recent memory.
Head coach Jay Higgins praised the continuity of the core group that helped achieve those results, noting the positive impact of the newly resurfaced practice field that finally gave the squad a proper surface to train on after a limited offseason.
Key Players and New Roles
Senior running back Andrew Godfrey returns as the offensive workhorse, having posted 873 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last year. His leadership, demonstrated through consistent example, should anchor a unit that also features junior lineman Janis Vanags and senior Cole Harpel, who has taken significant steps in preparation for the upcoming season.
Defensively, the line will be bolstered by returning contributors Jai Sihota and Nathan Tejeda. Tejeda’s expanded responsibilities will see him contribute on both sides of the ball, adding depth and versatility to the front seven.
The offense is expected to be anchored by the duo of Vanags and Harpel, who together should provide stability and experience along the line, while Godfrey’s vision and power remain the centerpiece of the rushing attack.
A Tough Road Ahead
Entering the REC‑Valley, the Pumas will face a schedule stacked with traditional rivals and new challengers, including Piner, Windsor, Milpitas, Rancho Cotate, Analy, Redwood, Ukiah, Petaluma, Vintage and Casa Grande. The heightened competition promises to test the team’s depth and resilience, but the coaching staff believes the experience will ultimately sharpen their play.
Despite the obstacles — most notably the limited practice space during the field resurfacing — the program’s momentum carries a clear message: the Pumas are poised to compete fiercely and aim for another successful campaign in their new league.