BSN Preseason Football Rankings
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Football season is getting closer, and the local preseason picture is already filled with storylines.
From defending champions to loaded rosters, breakout players, key transfers, returning stars, and programs looking to take the next step, this year’s BSN preseason football rankings feature some of the most talented teams in Kern County and the surrounding area.
Here is the BSN preseason Top 10.
10. Wasco High School
Wasco enters the rankings at No. 10 after coming off a strong season built around a physical, run-heavy double wing offense. The Tigers return one of the area’s young breakout backs in Aiden Husley, a Class of 2028 running back who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore. Senior Moroni Carranza also returns at WR/DB, giving Wasco a 6-foot-1, 170-pound playmaker on both sides of the football.
9. Foothill High School
Foothill is coming off an 8-4 season and enters the year with momentum. The Trojans are adding weapons to a new spread offense led by Hugo Santana and CJ Smith, giving Foothill a different look heading into the season. With more talent across the roster than the program has had in a long time, Foothill is one of the teams to watch as it looks to build on last year’s success.
8. Liberty High School
Liberty remains one of the most respected football programs in the area. The Patriots have built a culture that continues to produce talent year after year, with many of their players developing through the program from the youth level up. Liberty is not just a team, it is a program built on consistency, structure, development, and years of excellence.
7. Centennial High School
Centennial has several key pieces that make the Golden Hawks dangerous heading into the season. Christian Meyers, one of the area’s top running backs, returns after missing last season due to injury and gives Centennial a major boost. Josiah Grant is also back after an impressive offseason and brings versatility at quarterback, receiver, and safety. Dezion Williams is another player to watch after standing out as one of the bright spots from last year’s team.
6. Ridgeview High School
Ridgeview moves into the No. 6 spot with a strong group of athletes who can impact the game in multiple ways. Darryon Casteel brings playmaking ability at quarterback and receiver, while Meikhi White gives the Wolf Pack a senior presence at WR/DB. Tray Stocker is an incoming junior who brings speed, shiftiness, and a physical downhill running style, while also contributing on defense. Javon Kemp is another do-it-all athlete who can line up at running back, receiver, outside safety, or corner. Alfonso Garabay also gives Ridgeview a dominant presence on both offense and defense.
5. Independence High School
Independence enters the season at No. 5 under legendary head coach Paul Golla. The Falcons return Jechai Irvin, who had over 800 yards and six total touchdowns as a junior. Independence also adds Sekye Hodges from Centennial, giving the Falcons a long, lengthy, fast deep threat who can return kicks and has the ability to lock down an entire side of the field defensively. Rayland Denweed is another major piece after rushing for over 500 yards and nine total touchdowns on 70 carries.
4. Robert F. Kennedy High School
Robert F. Kennedy is coming off a championship season after winning both a Valley championship and a state title. With five Valley championships in the past seven years, RFK has become more than just a great team. It has become a powerhouse program. With Jace Demacabalin, who led the nation in rushing yards last season, now at College of the Sequoias, Christian Hernandez is expected to take on a major role after rushing for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.
3. Bakersfield High School
Bakersfield High enters the season with one of the top players in the section in Damir Lomax. Lomax was an all-state selection as a sophomore after rushing for over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, and he currently holds six Division I offers. The Drillers also have Damariae Lee, an incoming senior linebacker and running back who is a player to watch on both sides of the football.
2. Garces Memorial High School
Garces comes in at No. 2 with one of the most talented rosters in the area. The Rams are loaded across the field and have the type of team that can compete with anyone in the state. Key additions like Jackson Parker and Carter Hanson add even more firepower to a roster already filled with college-level talent. As a team, Garces holds more than 35 Division I offers combined and is led by a reputable coaching staff with NFL backgrounds.
1. Bakersfield Christian High School
Bakersfield Christian opens the BSN preseason rankings at No. 1 after playing for a state title last season and adding major talent across the roster. The Eagles bring in RJ Shehee at receiver from BHS, Cannon Machado at linebacker from Frontier, Dennis Perry at running back from Liberty, and 6-foot-6 quarterback Colton Michael from Tehachapi. BCHS also returns Darriyon Page, an incoming senior who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
Led by Coach Darren Carr, Bakersfield Christian enters the season with weapons everywhere and championship expectations. After making a state title run a year ago, the Eagles begin the preseason as the team to beat in BSN’s local football rankings.
