A fresh roster and new ambitions
The Sonoma Valley Dragons are gearing up for their first season in the REC‑Bay league after capturing two straight undefeated campaigns in the Redwood Empire Conference Mountain division.
Graduating 22 seniors, including nine all‑league honorees, left sizable holes, especially at running back, quarterback and offensive line, with standouts such as Cayden Waldrop, Dalan Lopata and Luis Botello departing.
Nevertheless, the line returns key pieces in Jacob Collins and Bryson Mettler, both seniors and juniors respectively, who have added weight and experience, while Mason Pucci will line up on both sides of the ball.
New additions to the staff include former NFL lineman Tony Moll as offensive line coach and Tyler Streblow, formerly of Justin‑Siena, taking the defensive coordinator role.
Coach Max Pond emphasizes player development, noting a strong freshman class and daily summer attendance of roughly 50 participants, and the team opens against Sacramento High School on August 29 before league play against Montgomery and Mt. Diablo.