Foothill football team counting on returning starters for another successful year

Foothill Coach Doug Case talks to his players during a game last season. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Coming off a successful 2023 season, Foothill High School football coach Doug Case said his team is looking to “reload.”

“There are 42 seniors this season with 200 in the program for three levels,” said Case, who led Foothill to a tri-championship in the Crestview League last season.

The Knights, who were 7-5 overall last season, defeated Aquinas 35-22 in the opening round of the CIF playoffs before losing to Newbury Park, 41-34.

This year, Foothill moves into the Epsilon League with Crean Lutheran, Laguna Hills, Huntington Beach, El Dorado and La Habra.

“The new league is very competitive,” Case said. “Played them all at some point over the years. All teams are great programs ran by great coaches.”

Seniors who are expected to lead Foothill are wide receiver Nico Mancini, the leading returning receiver and quarterback Gino Marchetti, who Case said is a “dual threat.”

Other key players are returners linebacker Brady Holcomb, defensive end/tight end Porter Elms; linebacker/tight end Zach Schutt; offensive linemen Brayden McIntyre and Isaiah Vizcarra and defensive tackle Juan Jaurez.

Wide receiver Mike Galey and running back Nate Gouvion are the Knights top newcomers, Case said.

Foothill will be competing in passing tournaments at El Toro and Huntington Beach this month.

2024 SCHEDULE

Home games at Tustin

Friday, Aug. 23, at Madison (San Diego)

Friday, Aug. 30, at Tustin

Thursday, Sept. 5, at Orange (Fred Kelly Stadium)

Friday, Sept. 13, at Troy

Friday, Sept. 20, (H) vs. Capo Valley

League games

Friday, Oct. 4, at Crean Lutheran

Thursday, Oct. 10, (H) vs. Laguna Hills

Friday, Oct. 18, (H) vs. Huntington Beach

Friday, Oct. 25, at El Dorado

Friday, Nov. 1, at La Habra

(Sixth in a series of summer football previews)

—-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com