10 storylines for 2026 high school football season: Can anyone end De La Salle's reign?

1. Can Pittsburg dethrone De La Salle-Concord? For 35 years, the Spartans have won 33 consecutive North Coast Section titles and never lost to a non-section opponent. However, Pittsburg, led by quarterback JaVale Jones and speedy receiver Kenneth Ward, might be capable of breaking De La Salle's 10-year unbeaten streak. With a strong group of future college players, the Pirates seem ready to take on the challenge.

2. Watch out for the North Bay power with a SoCal twist. Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa, a former state Open Division champion, is powered by a top-tier offensive line averaging over 300 pounds, a versatile quarterback in Retamoza, and a coaching staff trained at defending state champion Santa Margarita-Rancho Santa Margarita. The Cardinals' nonleague schedule includes several top Bay Area teams, making them a formidable force.

3. St. Ignatius and El Cerrito face uncertainty. Both teams, coached by first-year leaders, won state titles last season but have lost key players to graduation. St. Ignatius, currently led by Jack Lucas and Luke Tribolet, and El Cerrito, with Dejuan Compton Jr. and new coach Tim Johnson, will aim to secure double-digit wins in the 2026 season.

4. Joseph Smith to lead Balboa to success. The returning sophomore, who was the Chronicle's San Francisco Player of the Year as a sophomore, is expected to gain yardage for the Buccaneers as they prepare for a successful campaign. His strong performance will be crucial for Balboa, who aims to defend their San Francisco Section and state titles.

5. Riordan battles without Mitchell. After losing their starter, Mike Mitchell, to Stanford, head coach Adhir Ravipati will have to find a new quarterback. However, the incoming quarterbacks and running back Adonyae Brown show promise, as Riordan has shown consistent success in recent years.

6. Sacred Heart Cathedral welcomes Darius Bell. The first-year head coach, who previously worked as an offensive coordinator at Serra, will bring a talented wide receiver group to the Irish team. Bell faces the challenge of finding a new quarterback, after star Michael Sargent graduates, to lead the Cathedral's offense.

7. McClymonds-Oakland's Peters dynasty continues. Former NFL All-Pro and current defensive back Marcus Peters takes over as head coach, replacing his father, who led the Warriors to 13 seasons of undefeated records and four state titles. With returning star Prince Staten, the Peters family will keep the Oakland Athletic League title streak going strong.