High school football returns to the Tri-Valley this week with nearly every local team scheduled for its first contest. The regular season opener is set for Friday, August 28, at 7 p.m., featuring a dense schedule of matchups across the region.
San Ramon Valley travels to El Cerrito to face a program that has reached top-tier status in recent years. California hosts Liberty at home for its opening night game, also kicking off at 7 p.m. Monte Vista welcomes Marin Catholic to its field for another 7 p.m. start.
Amador Valley begins its campaign against Vanden, described as a very athletic squad, in a 7 p.m. showdown at Amador. Livermore, the defending East Bay Athletic League Valley Division champions, heads to Ripon for a 7:30 p.m. contest. Granada plays at Campolindo, while Foothill travels to Newark Memorial; both games are scheduled for 7 p.m.
Dublin takes on Antioch at 7 p.m., and Dougherty Valley hosts Mt. Eden in its season opener, also at 7 p.m. The week concludes with De La Salle traveling across the Bay to play Serra-San Mateo at 7 p.m., a matchup described as potentially an instant classic.
Emerald High will not begin its football season until September 5, when it travels to Fremont to face American.
In flag football, most East Bay Athletic League teams have already played. San Ramon Valley opened with a 47-6 victory over Dougherty Valley, led by junior quarterback Gia Ryan. California edged Monte Vista 13-12 in overtime, marking the Dons as a team to watch.
