A Season of Transition
The 2026 campaign in the Southern Section and LA City Section is shaping up to be one of the most fluid in recent memory, as programs say goodbye to a wave of graduating seniors and welcome a new generation of underclassmen.
At Sierra Canyon, the departure of 5‑star defensive end Richie Wesley to Texas leaves a void on the line, prompting coaches to search for a leader who can match his disruptive presence.
Agoura High must replace quarterback Gavin Gray, who threw for 3,520 yards and 45 touchdowns last season, with junior Kris Carranza stepping into the starting role alongside rising receiver Anderson Mercer and versatile playmaker George Hastings.
Aquinas faces a quarterback battle between Gabe Gutierrez and freshman Josiah Whipp after losing three‑year starter Charlie Reyes, a competition that could set the tone for the team’s offense.
Charter Oak, having graduated more than 30 seniors, is banking on its younger roster to fill key spots, a strategy endorsed by head coach Dominic Farrar, who continues to set high expectations for the program.
Corona Centennial will be without four Division I commits on the defensive line, forcing seniors Miles Schirmer, Genesis Campos‑Barrett and Logan Strawn, along with juniors Chris Anderson, Kye Duval and sophomore Madden Lima, to shoulder the burden.
Corona del Mar’s offense will see Brady Annett’s graduation create a vacancy at quarterback, with Luca Dinapoli taking the snap and sophomore Anthony Randolph expected to fill the void left by Isaiah Arriaza.
Hart will look to juniors Camren Ketner, Jamo Pazak and Daxton Woodward to replace Jacob Paisano, who departed with 2,238 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, aiming to maintain offensive momentum.
Mater Dei’s attack will miss top tight end Mark Bowman and wideout Chris Henry Jr., but sophomore running back Asir Nembhard is poised to become a central figure in the passing game.
Mission Viejo’s defense will need to fill the gaps left by linebacker JD Hill, quarterback Luke Fahey and receiver Vance Spafford, a task that falls to sophomore quarterback Brett Burnor.
Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks will rely on wideout Mica Weaver and defensive back Obehi Oyamendan after the loss of key contributors Luc Weaver and quarterback Wyatt Brown.
Oaks Christian’s backfield will be reshaped without RB Deshonne Redeaux and DB Davon Benjamin, with underclassmen given the chance to prove themselves in Friday night contests.
Oak Hills must replace three senior running backs who combined for over 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, turning to a committee that includes Jake Tweten and Jackson Griffin to share the workload.
Orange Lutheran will address the loss of recruit Marcus Fakatou and kicker Aiden Migirdichian by turning to Court Mercure, who will bolster a defense already deep in talent.
Pacifica expects Malaika Sione to break out after the departures of linebacker Deville Warner and safety Juju Hernandez, a development that could energize the team’s front seven.
Rio Hondo Prep’s new workhorse, Christian Lee, will attempt to follow in the footsteps of RB Noah Penunuri, who led the team to three consecutive CIF titles.
Redondo Union will replace QB Cole Leinart and Bo Ausmus with junior quarterback Brady Grow and junior running back Rocky Martinez, the latter having scored 21 touchdowns in 2025.
San Juan Hills will lean on sophomores Eiler King and Preston Getz after quarterback Timmy Herr’s graduation, while senior receiver Jaxon Brown is expected to be the primary threat.
Serra’s defensive line will miss DE Khary Wilder and LB Anthony Pignatello, prompting juniors to step up in their absence.
St. John Bosco faces the challenge of replacing WR Madden Williams and DL Dutch Horisk, with WR DJ Tubbs and DL Kekoa Peko expected to make their mark.
Valencia will look to quarterback Evan McCalister and running back Nico Funez to fill the shoes of Brian Bonner and Brady Bretthauer, who combined for more than 2,800 yards and 37 touchdowns last season.
Vista Murrieta will count on quarterback Levi Dean to succeed Bryson Beaver, while a group that includes Jake Tweten and Jackson Griffin is expected to carry the rushing attack.