Woodbridge quarterback Waylon Stone drops back to pass in last year’s CIF championship game vs. Montebello. (FILE PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Woodbridge’s football team, coming off a CIF Division 13 championship in 2025, opens the season Friday night at 7 hosting former Pacific Coast League rival Portola at University.
Portola was 6-5 overall and 4-1 in league play last season.
“No better way to open up season than against a crosstown team in Portola,” said second-year Woodbridge Coach Connor McBride. “It is one of those weeks where I do not need to say anything to motivate our boys in preparing for our opponent. Portola has continuously been a successful program. I respect and admire what Coach {Peter} Abe has built at our newest school in the district.
“Our students, ASB, staff and surrounding community will be in attendance Friday and are excited for the 2026 Warrior football season.”
Woodbridge will again be led by sophomore quarterback Waylon Stone, who made big strides in the off-season, the coach said. The Warriors were 7-9 overall last season.
“Waylon Stone will be leading our team again this year,” McBride said.”He has had a stellar off-season, gaining 20 pounds in muscle, perfecting his QB craft, and strengthening the team around him. He has grown into a vocal leader and will be fun to watch this year. I expect him to be a known name around the county after this season.”
Junior middle linebacker Timothy Sullivan will lead the Warriors defense.
“He, too, has gained 20 pounds this offseason and has stepped into the premier linebacker spot for this season. He has big shoes to fill for last year’s CIF defensive MVP in David Bosley, but we have full confidence in him doing so,” McBride said.
A number of other players are also expected to contribute.
“Lavel Atkins {senior running back and free safety} will be making plays on both sides of the ball,” McBride said. “He is the most athletic guy on the field and knows how to make people miss. He knows how to find the ball on defense and cause turnovers.
“We have a strong receiving core this season who has worked daily in the off-season. Names such as Ryan Dumont {junior}, Greyson Chandler {junior} and tight end {Joey Coykendall} will be a tough bunch to contain this season.
“Our line is led by junior captain Sebastian Guevara. One of two returning starters on the offensive line – he is our leader in the trenches. The other returning starter will be Alex Harris, who will be making plays on both the offensive and defensive side of the line.”
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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