2016 High School Football Preview
The Tribune 2016 High School Football Preview
PAC 5
Arroyo Grande Eagles
Defending champs loaded: The Eagles look primed for another PAC 5 championship after a 4-0 conference record and run to the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Northern Division playoffs last season. One big question is how they will reload on defense.
Sawyer May ready to make his mark: The elite senior quarterback (below) is poised for big things in 2016.
Atascadero Greyhounds
Smaller line, same strategy: Atascadero lost some size on the offensive line coming into this season, but they’ll still look to run the ball early and often.
QB competition turns partnership: Carson Rinkenberger (below) and Elijah Cooks split time last year. Now it’s Rinkenberger’s job, while the athletic Cooks could be one of his top targets at tight end.
Paso Robles Bearcats
Return to championship form? Two years ago, Paso went 13-2 and won the CIF-Southern Section Northern Division title, but last year the Bearcats finished 5-6. This year, they’re looking to return to their championship ways.
The Beast of Northern County: Senior running back Christian Erickson (below) is on a mission, and this year he’s adding linebacking duties to the list.
San Luis Obispo Tigers
Focus on defense: The Tigers gave up 36 points per game last season, so they’ll be looking to shore up that side of the ball this year.
Bigger, stronger, faster: Junior running back Pierson Mosichuk (below, right) hit the gym this offseason in the hopes of improving on already solid numbers from last year.
Northern League
Morro Bay Pirates
Nowhere to go but up: The Pirates were a dismal 0-10 last year, but the motivation to improve in 2016 started with a players’ meeting in early January.
Senior leadership: Danny Koval (below) is part of a group of seniors determined to improve on last year’s winless campaign. He’s switching from running back to quarterback in 2016.
Mission Prep Royals
Redemption on their minds: The Royals won the Northern League title last year with a 4-0 record but were dumped out of the CIF-Southern Section Northwest Division playoffs in the first round. They have their minds on a deep run in 2016.
‘Commander in chief’ QB: Bryce Fledderman (below) is looking to take a big step in 2016.
Nipomo Titans
League title goals: The Titans won the CIF-Southern Section Northwest Division title in 2014 and advanced to the semifinals last year. They’ll look to add a Northern League title to their haul this time around.
Running wild: Nipomo has a stable of running backs, led by JJ Ramirez (below), ready to lead the offense.
Templeton Eagles
New look, same attitude: The Eagles will be breaking in a new head coach and quarterback in 2016, but hopes are still high.
Together again: Nate Avery (below, right) is set to take on a leadership role on the field as the Eagles’ new quarterback, while Isaac Lindsey (below, left) will provide the inspiration from the sidelines.
More:
▪ Commentary: Stories to follow this fall
This story was originally published August 25, 2016 at 6:49 PM with the headline "2016 High School Football Preview."