Final season was the third time ever that the North Bay introduced residence two state titles in soccer.
St. Vincent and American Canyon added to a lofty lineage in 2024 that’s included a number of the prime groups this space has ever seen.
Now, for simply the second time ever, two North Bay groups coming off a state title will play one another face to face.
St. Vincent will likely be making the journey to American Canyon for a extremely anticipated matchup between the realm’s two reigning CIF state champions. Kickoff is ready for 7 p.m. Saturday in southern Napa County between the Mustangs (1-0) and the Wolves (1-0).
It’s the primary assembly of two North Bay defending state champions since San Marin and Marin Catholic in 2022 and the primary assembly ever between St. Vincent and American Canyon.
“Must be a fantastic evening with a giant crowd and a extremely good soccer sport,” St. Vincent head coach Trent Herzog mentioned.
St. Vincent, ranked No. 5 on this week’s North Bay Soccer Ballot, has received back-to-back state titles, final 12 months in Division 4-AA and the 12 months prior in Division 6-AA.
American Canyon, ranked No. 8 this week by North Bay prep writers, received the Division 5-A state title in 2024, the primary state champion ever from Napa County.
Saturday’s matchup will pit two of essentially the most explosive offensives in the complete Bay Space towards one another. The Mustangs averaged over 400 complete yards and 46 factors per sport final 12 months en path to their state title. The Wolves put up comparable numbers in 2024, averaging 435 complete yards, together with over 300 dashing, and 39 factors per sport.
St. Vincent could return extra firepower from final 12 months’s state run, led by star quarterback/operating again duo Gabe Casanovas and Mason Caturegli, however the Wolves confirmed final week in a 58-14 win over Wooden that they’ll nonetheless gentle up the scoreboard.
Slowing down Wolves senior operating again Andre Lopez will likely be a giant precedence for the Mustangs. Lopez was second within the North Coast Part final 12 months with 1,862 dashing yards and ninth within the part in complete touchdowns with 25. He’s primed for a giant season and acquired issues began final week with a 177-yard, three-touchdown sport on simply 9 carries.
Sophomore quarterback Kameron Hunter, a rising star within the area, additionally had a powerful season debut, finishing 5-of-8 passes for 131 yards with two touchdowns.
“I believe he’s actually good proper now, however I believe he’s going to be particular in the long run,” Herzog mentioned of Hunter.
Add in some explosive playmakers and proficient defenders on the surface like Evan Paras and Jamar Choyce, together with some large, sturdy defensive standouts like all-league linemen Evan Emmons and Samuel Escobar-Montoya, and the Wolves current a stark problem for the Mustangs.
“Athletically and velocity clever, they’re in all probability one of the best crew on our schedule that we’re going to face,” Herzog mentioned. “We’ll undoubtedly have our arms full.”
The Mustangs had a stout protection final 12 months of their repeat state title run however acquired off to a little bit of a shaky begin final week as Woodland Christian put up 41 factors and handed for 447 yards. The 41 factors are essentially the most St. Vincent has given up since its 44-22 loss to Truckee final 12 months and the 447 passing yards are a excessive since Herzog took over this system in 2018.
Shoring up their protection has been a precedence this week.
“We’ve got crew and good depth and I’m undoubtedly excited to see what our youngsters can do, particularly on protection, getting back from giving up 41 factors and 400 yards passing,” Herzog mentioned. “Positively stuff we are able to work on. Our children, simply in yesterday’s movie (session), you may inform they’re not proud of the win. Coaches aren’t proud of the win and we undoubtedly must get higher if we wish to have an opportunity towards American Canyon on Saturday evening.”
Recreation of the Week
No. 5 St. Vincent at No. 8 American Canyon (1-0), 7 p.m. Saturday
HSratings rating projection: St. Vincent 42, American Canyon 22
Press Democrat sports activities author predictions
Gus Morris: St. Vincent
Kienan O’Doherty: St. Vincent
American Canyon (1-0)
-Gained CIF State Division 5-A title in 2024
-Averaged 39 factors, 335 dashing yards per sport in 2024
-Senior operating again Andre Lopez 2nd in NCS in dashing yards (1,862) and ninth in touchdowns in 2024
-Beat Wooden 58-14 in season opener, had 435 complete yards, 304 dashing
St. Vincent (1-0)
-Gained two straight CIF state titles (Division 4-AA in 2024, Division 6-AA title in 2023)
-Averaged 46.2 factors, 415 complete yards per sport in 2024
-Senior operating again Mason Caturegli sixth in state in complete touchdowns (37) and tenth in NCS in dashing yards (1,495) in 2024
-Senior quarterback Gabe Casanovas fifth in NCS in passing yards (2,780) and and third in complete yards (3,758) in 2024
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