San Jose, Calif. – June 19, 2026
The inaugural Bulldogs South County Invitational 7v7 Tournament proved to be much more than a summer passing league event. Hosted by the Sobrato Bulldogs, the tournament showcased eight programs committed to one thing—getting better.
Teams from Milpitas, Leland, Yerba Buena, Harbor, Gunderson, Piedmont Hills, and host Sobrato spent the day competing with energy, sportsmanship, and intensity. Every game carried the feeling of meaningful preparation for the upcoming high school football season.
One of the biggest takeaways from the event was how much every team improved throughout the day. Coaches weren’t simply chasing wins—they were teaching, evaluating, and building chemistry. Players competed hard, learned from each rep, and elevated their level of play with every game.
When the dust settled, it was Sobrato defending its home field with an impressive 8-6 championship victory over Milpitas.
Milpitas quarterback Jonah Mati guided an explosive offense all tournament long, leading a talented group of playmakers into the championship game. The Trojans consistently moved the football and challenged every defense they faced.
But in the title game, Sobrato’s defense delivered when it mattered most.
The Bulldogs came away with three interceptions, including two game-changing takeaways that halted Milpitas scoring opportunities. Linebacker Jace Aguilera continued his outstanding day with several momentum-changing defensive plays in both the semifinal and championship games. Brady Lennon also made a huge impact on both sides of the football, adding an interception in the championship while contributing offensively throughout the tournament.
Earlier in the semifinals against Leland, Kai Loperena came up with one of the biggest plays of the tournament, intercepting a pass to seal Sobrato’s trip to the championship game.
Offensively, sophomore quarterback Liam Hughes (Class of 2028) efficiently directed the Bulldogs offense. Hughes, the younger brother of Brayden Hughes, who is headed to Butte College after earning GSF Senior All-Star Game MVP honors for Team ICONS, displayed poise beyond his years while spreading the football to several playmakers.
One of his favorite targets was Michael Moore (Class of 2029), who quietly became one of the tournament’s most consistent performers. Moore repeatedly made difficult receptions while also excelling on defense, defending deep balls and making plays from sideline to sideline.
While the championship trophy was a nice reward, Head Coach Joel Rueda emphasized afterward that winning wasn’t the primary objective.
“Our goal is to make this feel as close to real football as possible,” Rueda said after the victory. “What I loved most wasn’t just winning—it was watching us get better every single game. Our pattern reading improved, our communication improved, and we started playing together.”
Rueda explained that every offseason rep is designed to prepare his players for one purpose—competing against elite competition before league play begins.
“Our job is to prepare these guys,” he continued. “We’re going to Fresno to play some of the best teams in the state. We play some of the best teams in the Bay Area because that’s how you find out where you really are. Every team has talented players, so we want our guys competing against the best. We have to keep stacking days.”
That message has clearly resonated throughout the program.
Aguilera credited the Bulldogs’ trust in one another for the championship performance.
“We just came out here and put our best guys on the field,” Aguilera said. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to trust your teammates. If one guy doesn’t make the play, someone else will. Brady had an interception, Liam led the offense, everybody stepped up.”
For Hughes, the chemistry developed during the offseason has been the difference.
“We’ve got Mikey, we’ve got Brady, we’ve got so many guys putting in work every day,” Hughes said. “Everybody is disciplined and keeps showing up to practice. That’s what makes this team special.”
Lennon described his championship interception simply.
“I trusted myself,” he said. “I stayed where I was supposed to be, he threw it up, I went up and made the play.”
Loperena pointed to the Bulldogs’ commitment long before tournament day.
“We’ve been working every day,” he said. “We’re at 6 a.m. practices, paying attention, focusing, and working hard.”
Moore echoed the same message while praising the culture inside the program.
“This whole team is committed,” Moore said. “We wake up for 6 a.m. practices, and nobody complains. That’s what makes this group different.”
The Bulldogs South County Invitational delivered exactly what summer football should provide: quality competition, meaningful development, and another opportunity for athletes to sharpen their skills before the lights come on this fall.
If the inaugural event was any indication, Sobrato has started something that could become one of the Bay Area’s premier summer 7-on-7 traditions.