Golden Valley Grizzlies: Division 6 Southern Section football preview

Carlos Meza and Johnathan Kaelin return to lead Golden Valley. Here's an inside look at the 2019 Grizzlies.

Links: Golden Valley team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

Overall record: 2-8 (1-4 in the Foothill League, 5th place).

HEAD COACH

Dan Kelley is entering his sixth season as head coach of Golden Valley. His overall record is 27-30.

TOP PLAYERS

RB Christopher Alcantar, 5’6”, 165, Sr.

WR Tyler Walker, 6’0”, 175, Sr.

WR/ATH Johnathan Kaelin, 6’4”, 210, Sr.

SS Carlos Meza, 6’3”, 190, Jr.

SS Johnathan Kaelin, 6’4”, 210, Sr. 

THREE TO SEE

Johnathan Kaelin – WR/SS/ATH

Last season, Kaelin was arguably the best offensive and second best defensive player on the team. He recorded over 500 receiving yards and over 300 rushing yards, so we’ve opted to list him at WR/ATH. He even threw a 21-yard pass as a QB. Whatever position he plays, he’s a threat whenever the ball is in his hands. Kaelin is also one of the team’s leading tacklers as a defensive back.

Christopher Alcantar – RB

Alcantar led the Grizzlies with 543 rushing yards last season. 

Carlos Meza – SS 

Golden Valley will presumably be running a lot of nickel coverages this season, as perhaps their two best defensive players are strong safeties. Last season, Meza recorded 42 tackles in only eight games as a sophomore, making him a strong breakout candidate this year.

OUTLOOK

The Grizzlies face an uphill battle in a stacked division. Returning three 300-yard rushers should help, and the fact that most of their defense is returning is a good sign. 

Their defense should be able to keep them in games if they can get significant contributions from the likes of Alcantar (SS), Walker (CB), Chris Mendoza (DB), AJ Hall (DB), Zachary Perez (DE), Raysean Gilmore (DE), Darnell Musgrove (DL), Pablo Duran (DE), Lendale Cervantes (DT), Daniel Morales (DT), and Hunter McMahon (MLB).

Carlos Meza and Johnathan Kaelin will need to have big years if the Grizzlies hope to improve on their 2-win campaign from 2018.