GSF Weekly – GetSportsFocus

🏆 Current #1: N0Z0N3 Sets the Standard

GetSportsFocus — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:34:18 +0000

GSF Rankings Take Shape: N0Z0N3 Takes the Lead as the Season Heats Up

The race for the top spot in the GSF 15U / Freshman / 8th Grade Division is officially underway, and after four major tournaments, the rankings are beginning to separate contenders from the rest of the field.

With results now in from the NorCal Shootout, Silicon Valley Classic, Top Gun, and the 9th Annual Rapid Fire Tournament, one thing is clear: every game matters, every weekend counts, and the top teams are starting to define themselves.

N0Z0N3 Rises to No. 1

N0Z0N3 currently sits at the top of the rankings after capturing the Rapid Fire Championship, the most impactful tournament of the season because it carried double points in the GSF standings.

Their run was not just impressive — it was timely. N0Z0N3 opened the tournament with a 14-14 tie against T1, then responded with dominant wins over RSF (27-0) and 2G (29-7). In bracket play, they defeated 2G again in the semifinals (22-12) before closing the deal with a 19-12 championship win over Activated.

That final victory over Activated became the biggest result of the season so far, giving N0Z0N3 the biggest jump in the rankings and putting them squarely in the driver’s seat.

How the GSF Rankings Work

The GSF rankings are built around a performance-based system that rewards both production and consistency throughout the season.

Wins and losses remain the foundation of the rankings.
Bracket advancement matters, especially Final Four appearances, runner-up finishes, and championships.
Strength of competition plays a role when teams are closely grouped.
Tournament participation matters because teams that consistently show up and compete build a stronger overall body of work.
Rapid Fire carried double weight, making it the most valuable tournament in the standings so far.

That double-points factor is a major reason why N0Z0N3 surged to the top. Winning Rapid Fire did more than add another trophy — it changed the shape of the standings.

Key Matchups That Changed the Standings

N0Z0N3 vs. Activated — Rapid Fire Championship

Final: N0Z0N3 19, Activated 12

This was the biggest game of the season to date. Activated entered the tournament with one of the strongest multi-event resumes in the division, but N0Z0N3’s win gave them the double-points championship and dropped Activated just below the very top tier. That one game did more to reshape the rankings than any other result this season.

N0Z0N3 vs. 2G — Rapid Fire Semifinal

Final: N0Z0N3 22, 2G 12

2G had built momentum and looked like a team ready to make a serious move in the standings. Instead, N0Z0N3 controlled the semifinal and prevented 2G from reaching the title game, keeping 2G from making an even bigger jump.

Alpha Dawgs vs. DT — Top Gun Semifinal

Final: Alpha Dawgs 14, DT 13

One of the closest and most important games of the Top Gun tournament. Alpha Dawgs survived by a single point, preserved their undefeated run, and turned that into a championship. That narrow semifinal win is a big reason Alpha Dawgs remain firmly in the upper tier of the rankings.

ERA vs. GBGB Vegeta — Silicon Valley Classic Championship

Final: ERA 21, GBGB Vegeta 12

ERA’s championship win at Silicon Valley Classic gave them one of the strongest overall resumes in the division. Beating GBGB Vegeta in the final helped push ERA into the Top 3 discussion and showed that their success was not a fluke.

CreekBoyz vs. 209TMP — NorCal Shootout Championship

Final: CreekBoyz 25, 209TMP 0

This was the most dominant championship performance of the season. CreekBoyz completely controlled the title game and left NorCal Shootout as unquestioned champions. The challenge for CreekBoyz, however, has been tournament volume. Their championship matters, but teams with stronger multi-event resumes have made up ground.

Who Is Rising?

Several teams have helped themselves with strong recent showings.

Activated remains one of the most dangerous teams in the division after a runner-up finish at Rapid Fire and a semifinal run at Silicon Valley Classic. ERA has built one of the strongest complete resumes after winning Silicon Valley Classic and competing in multiple events. T1 Sports Academy also deserves attention after reaching the semifinals at Silicon Valley Classic and opening Rapid Fire by tying eventual champion N0Z0N3.

At the same time, talented teams like CreekBoyz, GBGB Vegeta, and 209TMP still have strong cases, but they need continued appearances if they want to stay in the championship conversation all season long.

Can N0Z0N3 Finish the Year and Win the Cash Prize?

That is now the biggest question in the division.

Right now, N0Z0N3 has the biggest win, the hottest momentum, and the No. 1 ranking. But there is one important reality — they have only played in one GSF tournament so far.

That means their ceiling is extremely high, but so is the pressure. Other teams can still make up ground by stacking tournament appearances, reaching more Final Fours, and continuing to pile up wins. If N0Z0N3 wants to finish the year on top and take home the cash prize, they will likely need to do three things:

Keep entering GSF tournaments
Continue making deep bracket runs
Beat other top-ranked teams head-to-head

The good news for N0Z0N3 is that they already proved they can win on the biggest stage. The challenge now is sustaining that momentum over the rest of the season.

If they continue to show up, continue to compete, and continue to beat teams like Activated, ERA, and Alpha Dawgs, then yes — N0Z0N3 absolutely has a real shot to finish the year at No. 1 and win the cash prize.

N0Z0N3 is the hottest team in the GSF circuit right now, but the race is far from over.

Alpha Dawgs still have one of the cleanest championship runs of the year. ERA has built a strong multi-event resume. Activated remains a serious threat. And several other programs are still very much alive in the standings battle.

The top of the division is loaded, the rankings are tightening, and the road to the cash prize is only getting tougher.

In GSF, rankings are not given — they are earned every weekend.

At the 9th Annual GSF Rapid Fire 7v7 Tournament (15U / Freshman / 8th Grade Division)—a premier event worth double points in the GSF rankings—N0Z0N3 didn’t just win a championship…They told a story.A story of resilience. A story of belief. And a story rooted in something much bigger than football.

From Doubt to Dominance

After opening the tournament with a 14-14 tie against T1, N0Z0N3 had a choice—fold under pressure or rise.They chose to rise.

Defeated RSF 27-0
Defeated 2G 29-7
Defeated 2G again in the semifinals 22-12
Defeated Activated in the championship 19-12

What started as uncertainty quickly turned into one of the most complete runs of the tournament.

“They Always Doubted Us”

For Kamani Harris (WR/ATH, Edison HS ‘28), this championship meant more than just a win.

“We come here and work every day… they always doubted us… my beautiful team over here… Coach Mike always working for us… we just come out here—that’s all we do.”

That edge—that chip on their shoulder—was evident all day. N0Z0N3 didn’t just play to win. They played to prove something.

A Team That Knows How to Respond

Quarterback Kitiona Lafaele (Central East HS ‘29) highlighted the team’s ability to reset and refocus:

“We won the Pylon a few weeks ago… then we took a break… but we came back and went back to it.”

That ability to regroup and return hungry is what separates good teams from championship teams.

Coach Mike Ware: Building More Than a Team

Head Coach Mike Ware has built a program centered on discipline, belief, and opportunity.

“That’s the mission… to go and try to get to the top… we had some downtime… but we came back out here to get back to work.”

“Shoutout to GetSportsFocus… they always give a nice foundation… if you ain’t tapped in, tap in.”

Playing for a Legacy: Tony Perry

N0Z0N3’s identity is deeply rooted in honoring the legacy of Tony Perry.

“He wanted to get the best kids out and help them get to college… his message was to believe in yourself… he brought that DAWG out of us… we’re continuing his legacy.”

This isn’t just a team—it’s a movement built on opportunity, belief, and purpose.

MVP Performance: Marcus Burton Leads the Way

Marcus Burton (RB/LB, Hoover HS ‘28) earned Tournament MVP honors for his impact throughout the day.

“I want to thank the team, coaches, parents…”

A simple message that reflects the culture of N0Z0N3—team first.

Coaching Staff: Giving Back Through the Game

Offensive Coordinator Braxton Hicks emphasized a player-first approach:

“Game plan was get the ball in their hands and let them do what they do… just giving back to the kids.”

Defensive Coordinator Tyler Horton spoke on inspiring the next generation:

“We wear his gear so the kids can see the goal… what they can reach… make it to that high level.”

Respect from the Competition

Even in defeat, Activated Head Coach Tyrone Jones showed respect:

“I wanna play the best… and that’s what we got… phenomenal job… your coaches are preparing you for the next level.”

More Than a Championship

Overcoming doubt
Representing something bigger
Honoring a legacy
Creating opportunities

Yes, N0Z0N3 won one of the biggest tournaments on the GSF circuit. Yes, they earned double points.But this run meant more.N0Z0N3 didn’t just leave Rapid Fire as champions.They left as a team with purpose.A team with identity.A team carrying a legacy forward.And they’re just getting started.

GSF 15U / Freshman / 8th Grade Division Rankings

Based on NorCal Shootout, Silicon Valley Classic, Top Gun, and Rapid Fire (Double Points)

Rank	Team	Tournaments	Why They’re Here
1	N0Z0N3	1	Rapid Fire Champions (Double Points), hottest team right now
2	Alpha Dawgs	1	Top Gun Champions, undefeated and dominant
3	ERA	2	Silicon Valley Classic Champions + NorCal presence
4	Activated	2	Rapid Fire Runner-Up + Silicon Valley semifinalist
5	GBGB Vegeta	1	Silicon Valley Classic Runner-Up, strong offensive team
6	CreekBoyz	1	NorCal Shootout Champions, dominant early season
7	East County Lions	1	Top Gun Runner-Up, strong bracket performance
8	2G	1	Rapid Fire Final Four team
9	DT	1	Top Gun semifinalist, consistent competitor
10	T1 Sports Academy	2	Silicon Valley semifinalist + tied N0Z0N3 at Rapid Fire
11	WickFit	2	Multiple events, strong wins across both
12	G4G 14u	2	Competitive across Silicon Valley + Top Gun
13	209TMP	1	NorCal runner-up, strong early showing
14	RSF	2	Competed in multiple tournaments
15	College Park Knights	1	Strong pool play but no deep run
16	GSF Unlimited	2	Battled across multiple events
17	Apex Premier	1	High scoring but inconsistent
18	Marin Heat Black	1	Faced tough NorCal competition
19	Marin Heat Blue	1	Development stage

GSF 7v7 Tournament Series Rankings With One Last Tournament To Go

GetSportsFocus — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:50:47 +0000

Current GSF 7v7 Varsity Rankings

Below are the current High School Varsity rankings based on the updated GSF scoring system, which rewards championships, runner-up finishes, pool play wins, playoff wins, and season-long participation across multiple GSF tournaments.

Rank	Team	Points	Tournaments	Notes
1	DT (DT Precision)	585	4	2x Champion, strongest overall resume
2	CCST	570	4	Rapid Fire Champion, major late-season push
3	College Park Knights	520	4	Consistent high-volume winner
4	RSF	505	4	Deep playoff runs across multiple events
5	GSF	495	5	Most active top team, Super Team XII Champion
6	High Intensity	480	2	Silicon Valley Champion
7	GBGB	455	3	Super Team XI Champion
8	Game-Time	420	3	Big Open Runner-Up, trending upward
9	2G	395	2	Runner-Up finish and strong playoff record
10	Alpha Dawgs	370	2	Final Four presence and solid consistency
11	The Finest	305	3	Earned ranking through participation and results
12	Underdawgz	280	2	Strong Big Open performance
13	Prolific Star	285	2	Strong multi-event resume
14	ERA White	270	2	Reliable playoff team
15	N0Z0N3	260	2	Strong Rapid Fire showing
16	M7	360	1	Big Open Champion, capped due to one event
17	ELEVATE	405	1	Runner-Up finish, limited sample size
18	Team PALA	340	1	Good run, limited participation
19	North Coast Elite	325	1	Strong Top Gun showing
20	TOPNOTCH YouthSF	310	1	Final Four finish, limited sample

GSF Introduces Balanced Ranking System for 2026 7v7 Varsity Division

As the 2026 GSF 7v7 Tournament Series continues to grow in competition and participation, the need for a fair and accurate ranking system has become more important than ever.

With teams traveling from across Northern California and beyond to compete in GSF events, the goal has always been to identify not just the most talented teams—but the teams that consistently perform at a high level throughout the entire offseason.

After evaluating results from multiple tournaments, GSF has introduced a balanced ranking system designed to reward both performance and participation.

How the Ranking System Works

The GSF Varsity rankings are based on a cumulative point system that tracks results across all official tournaments in the series.

Championship Win: 100 points
Runner-Up Finish: 50 points
Each Pool Play Win: 10 points
Each Playoff Win: 35 points

In addition, the Rapid Fire Tournament carries extra weight:

Rapid Fire Champion Bonus: +50 points
Rapid Fire Runner-Up Bonus: +25 points

This structure ensures that teams are rewarded for advancing deep into tournaments while also recognizing consistent success throughout the day.

Why Participation Matters

One of the biggest adjustments to the ranking system is the emphasis on tournament participation.

While winning a championship is a major accomplishment, rankings should also reflect a team’s commitment to competing across multiple GSF events. Teams that consistently show up, compete, and win games over time build a stronger overall resume than teams with limited appearances.

As a result, teams that have only participated in a single tournament—and did not reach the finals—are adjusted accordingly in the rankings.

This ensures that the rankings reflect:

Consistency across the season
Strength of schedule and competition
Commitment to the GSF tournament series

Balancing Peak Performance and Season-Long Success

The updated system strikes a balance between rewarding teams that peak at the right time and those that consistently perform throughout the offseason.

For example:

Teams that win championships are heavily rewarded
Teams that make repeated deep playoff runs gain value through consistency
Teams that participate in multiple tournaments build stronger resumes

This prevents rankings from being skewed by a single strong performance while still recognizing teams capable of winning at the highest level.

A System Built for Competitive Integrity

The goal of the GSF ranking system is simple: create a fair, transparent, and competitive structure that accurately reflects team performance across the entire season.

By combining results, wins, playoff success, and participation, the rankings now provide a more complete picture of which programs are truly performing at the highest level.

As the season heads toward its final tournament, the rankings will continue to evolve—ensuring that every game, every win, and every tournament appearance matters.

Looking Ahead

With the final event approaching, teams now have one last opportunity to strengthen their position and compete for the top spot in the GSF 7v7 Varsity rankings.

The updated system ensures that the final standings will reflect not just who won—but who earned it over the course of the entire season.

M7 Travels Through Snow and Rain to Capture GSF “The Big Open” Championship

The 9th Annual GSF “The Big Open” 7v7 Tournament delivered one of the most memorable storylines of the 2026 offseason—and it belonged to a team that traveled hundreds of miles through snow, rain, and adversity just to get there.

M7, a squad out of Reno, Nevada, arrived in Hayward after battling harsh weather conditions on the road. What followed was a dominant, undefeated run through one of the toughest tournaments on the GSF calendar.

With only 12 players, in cold and rainy conditions, and against a loaded field of Bay Area talent, M7 proved its toughness, chemistry, and resilience—finishing the day as champions.

A Journey Defined by Adversity

Head Coach Tim Green described the trip as anything but easy, as the team navigated difficult travel conditions just to compete.

“I know it was a long trip. We figured we’d get there and figure out how to get home later because mother nature was not being very kind. We just piled in the cars, white-knuckled it for a good 60 miles, and we showed up.”

That mindset carried over into the tournament. No excuses—just execution.

Top Seeded From the Start

M7’s championship run included a statement semifinal win over host team Toa Strength, 24–11, before closing out Game-Time in the title game.

Despite the rain, the cold, and a wet football all day, M7 looked comfortable—almost like they were built for it.

That shouldn’t be a surprise. Many of these players come from McQueen High School, a program that captured the Nevada NIAA 4A State Championship with an 11–2 record, including a perfect 5–0 league mark.

Precision at Quarterback

At the center of M7’s offense was quarterback Ryder Tucker, who controlled the game with poise and accuracy throughout the tournament.

His ability to distribute the ball and keep the offense moving earned high praise—his precision was so sharp, you could say he has the hands of a surgeon.

“I grew up with most of these kids. It’s just something to do in the offseason to get better instead of being on the couch. Coming out here and playing 7v7 is good work for us. That’s why we won state.”

A Breakout Star: Otearle Birden

Wide receiver Otearle Birden, a sophomore and recent transfer from Florida, was named MVP of the tournament by his team after a standout performance.

Coach Green shared how quickly Birden became part of the group:

“We were out working out in the park, and I saw him putting in work. I told him, ‘You’re coming to practice with us, and you’re coming to this tournament.’ That was five days ago—now he’s MVP.”

For Birden, it was about more than football:

“I do this for my mom. I’m trying to make it and get out. This team is a great team.”

Chemistry Wins Championships

With only 12 players, M7 relied heavily on chemistry and communication—something the team takes pride in.

Isaiah Beck explained what makes the group special:

“Chemistry. We all love each other, we’re always around each other. We communicate well across the whole defense, and everything just meshes. That’s why we won.”

Running back Nico Panelli echoed that same sentiment, while also recognizing the support system behind the team:

“Our parents always come out and support us. That’s part of what gives us our chemistry. We know we have people behind us every time we play.”

What This Means for the Rankings

With the championship win at The Big Open, M7 immediately enters the GSF Varsity rankings as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the final tournament of the season.

While other programs have built their resume over multiple events, M7 proved that a complete team, playing at a high level at the right time, can change the landscape in a single weekend.

Looking Ahead

With one final tournament remaining, all eyes now turn to the 3rd Annual Champion of Champions at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California.

If M7 carries this momentum into the final event, they could play a major role in deciding who finishes the 2026 GSF 7v7 season at the top.

From battling snow on the road to dominating in the rain, M7’s championship run at The Big Open was built on toughness, trust, and elite execution.

They didn’t just win a tournament—they made a statement.

Game-Time (SF) Wins First GSF Title – BIG DAWG #012 5v5 Tournament

GetSportsFocus — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:41:28 +0000

GSF Big Dawg #012 5v5 Tournament Recap: Game-Time Makes a Statement in Just Tournament #2

The GSF Big Dawg #012 5v5 Tournament delivered a physical and competitive day of trench football on Sunday, April 12, featuring Game-Time, Toa Strength, and Trench Town in the 11u–13u lineman division.

Each team brought toughness and effort, but by the end of the day, one program clearly separated itself. In just their second tournament appearance, Game-Time went undefeated and captured the Big Dawg #012 championship.

How the Teams Fared Against Each Other

The tournament featured a round-robin style format followed by playoffs, giving each team multiple opportunities to compete head-to-head.

Game-Time vs. Trench Town: Game-Time controlled this matchup throughout the day, defeating Trench Town 20-10 in their first meeting and then dominating the rematch 26-4. The two teams met again in the championship, where Game-Time completed the sweep with an 18-12 victory to secure the title.

Game-Time vs. Toa Strength: Game-Time also handled the host team, earning back-to-back 20-10 wins over Toa Strength in pool play. Their consistency in this matchup played a major role in their undefeated finish.

Trench Town vs. Toa Strength: These two teams were evenly matched all day. Their two pool-play games both ended in 15-15 ties, showing how competitive the matchup was. In the playoff round, Trench Town finally broke through with a 17-13 win, earning their spot in the championship game.

Overall, the results showed a clear hierarchy: Game-Time led the field, while Trench Town and Toa Strength battled closely behind in highly competitive matchups.

Game-Time Goes Undefeated

Led by 3-time State Champion Coach Fred Velasquez of Balboa High School, Game-Time showcased discipline, physicality, and strong fundamentals throughout the tournament.

Their ability to consistently win at the line of scrimmage set them apart. From their opening game to the championship, Game-Time controlled the tempo and executed at a high level, proving that even as a young team, they are already a force in the Big Dawg series.

A Coach’s Message Beyond Football

After the tournament, Coach Velasquez spoke about something bigger than the game — mentorship.

“Man, I want to help these kids out, you know, not a lot of mentors out there anymore, but if you are a mentor, keep fighting, help these kids out.”

His words reflected the deeper purpose of GSF events: building young athletes through guidance, structure, and positive influence.

MVP: Navi Uhatafe

The tournament’s MVP honors went to Navi Uhatafe, a 10th grader from Balboa High School, who played a major role in Game-Time’s undefeated run.

Playing both defensive tackle and defensive end, Navi consistently impacted games with his physical presence and effort in the trenches.

“I learned lots of things you know being my teammate you know they always inspire me, especially with my big brother.”

“Looking forward to getting another ring, you know, state champion.”

Big Dawg #012 highlighted exactly what the series is about — competitive trench play, player development, and high-level coaching.

In just their second tournament, Game-Time went undefeated, beat every opponent multiple times, and finished the job in the championship. It was a complete performance — and a clear sign that this group is just getting started.

M7 Travels Through Snow and Rain to Capture GSF “The Big Open” Championship

With only 12 players, in cold and rainy conditions, and against a loaded field of Bay Area talent, M7 proved its toughness, chemistry, and resilience—finishing the day as champions.

A Journey Defined by Adversity

Head Coach Tim Green described the trip as anything but easy, as the team navigated difficult travel conditions just to compete.

“I know it was a long trip. We figured we’d get there and figure out how to get home later because mother nature was not being very kind. We just piled in the cars, white-knuckled it for a good 60 miles, and we showed up.”

That mindset carried over into the tournament. No excuses—just execution.

Top Seeded From the Start

M7’s championship run included a statement semifinal win over host team Toa Strength, 24–11, before closing out Game-Time in the title game.

Despite the rain, the cold, and a wet football all day, M7 looked comfortable—almost like they were built for it.

Precision at Quarterback

At the center of M7’s offense was quarterback Ryder Tucker, who controlled the game with poise and accuracy throughout the tournament.

His ability to distribute the ball and keep the offense moving earned high praise—his precision was so sharp, you could say he has the hands of a surgeon.

“I grew up with most of these kids. It’s just something to do in the offseason to get better instead of being on the couch. Coming out here and playing 7v7 is good work for us. That’s why we won state.”

A Breakout Star: Otearle Birden

Wide receiver Otearle Birden, a sophomore and recent transfer from Florida, was named MVP of the tournament by his team after a standout performance.

Coach Green shared how quickly Birden became part of the group:

“We were out working out in the park, and I saw him putting in work. I told him, ‘You’re coming to practice with us, and you’re coming to this tournament.’ That was five days ago—now he’s MVP.”

For Birden, it was about more than football:

“I do this for my mom. I’m trying to make it and get out. This team is a great team.”

Chemistry Wins Championships

With only 12 players, M7 relied heavily on chemistry and communication—something the team takes pride in.

Isaiah Beck explained what makes the group special:

“Chemistry. We all love each other, we’re always around each other. We communicate well across the whole defense, and everything just meshes. That’s why we won.”

Running back Nico Panelli echoed that same sentiment, while also recognizing the support system behind the team:

“Our parents always come out and support us. That’s part of what gives us our chemistry. We know we have people behind us every time we play.”

What This Means for the Rankings

With the championship win at The Big Open, M7 immediately enters the GSF Varsity rankings as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the final tournament of the season.

While other programs have built their resume over multiple events, M7 proved that a complete team, playing at a high level at the right time, can change the landscape in a single weekend.

Looking Ahead

With one final tournament remaining, all eyes now turn to the 3rd Annual Champion of Champions at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California.

If M7 carries this momentum into the final event, they could play a major role in deciding who finishes the 2026 GSF 7v7 season at the top.

From battling snow on the road to dominating in the rain, M7’s championship run at The Big Open was built on toughness, trust, and elite execution.

They didn’t just win a tournament—they made a statement.

GSF 7v7 Varsity Rankings (Updated After The Big Open)

Rank	Team	Points	Tournaments	Key Notes
1	DT (DT Precision)	585	4	2x Champion, most consistent
2	CCST	570	4	Rapid Fire Champion (+50 bonus)
3	College Park Knights	520	4	Most consistent win total
4	RSF Black	505	4	Deep runs every event
5	GSF	495	5	Super Team XII Champion
6	High Intensity	480	2	Silicon Valley Champion
7	GBGB	455	3	Super Team XI Champion
8	Game-Time	420	3	Big Open Runner-Up
9	ELEVATE	405	1	Super Team XI Runner-Up
10	2G	395	2	Super Team XII Runner-Up
11	Alpha Dawgs	370	2	Final Four team
12	M7	360	1	Big Open Champion
13	Team PALA	340	1	Silicon Valley Final Four
14	North Coast Elite	325	1	Top Gun Final Four
15	TOPNOTCH YouthSF	310	1	Super Team XII Final Four
16	The Finest	305	3	Rapid Fire Final Four
17	King of Kings	300	2	Consistent playoff team
18	Prolific Star	285	2	Strong across events
19	ERA White	270	2	Consistent playoff team
20	N0Z0N3	260	2	Rapid Fire QF

M7 (Reno) – 9th Annual GSF “THE BIG OPEN” 7v7 Tournament Champions

GetSportsFocus — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:33:00 +0000

M7 Travels Through Snow and Rain to Capture GSF “The Big Open” Championship

With only 12 players, in cold and rainy conditions, and against a loaded field of Bay Area talent, M7 proved its toughness, chemistry, and resilience—finishing the day as champions.

A Journey Defined by Adversity

Head Coach Tim Green described the trip as anything but easy, as the team navigated difficult travel conditions just to compete.

“I know it was a long trip. We figured we’d get there and figure out how to get home later because mother nature was not being very kind. We just piled in the cars, white-knuckled it for a good 60 miles, and we showed up.”

That mindset carried over into the tournament. No excuses—just execution.

Top Seeded From the Start

M7’s championship run included a statement semifinal win over host team Toa Strength, 24–11, before closing out Game-Time in the title game.

Despite the rain, the cold, and a wet football all day, M7 looked comfortable—almost like they were built for it.

Precision at Quarterback

At the center of M7’s offense was quarterback Ryder Tucker, who controlled the game with poise and accuracy throughout the tournament.

His ability to distribute the ball and keep the offense moving earned high praise—his precision was so sharp, you could say he has the hands of a surgeon.

“I grew up with most of these kids. It’s just something to do in the offseason to get better instead of being on the couch. Coming out here and playing 7v7 is good work for us. That’s why we won state.”

A Breakout Star: Otearle Birden

Wide receiver Otearle Birden, a sophomore and recent transfer from Florida, was named MVP of the tournament by his team after a standout performance.

Coach Green shared how quickly Birden became part of the group:

“We were out working out in the park, and I saw him putting in work. I told him, ‘You’re coming to practice with us, and you’re coming to this tournament.’ That was five days ago—now he’s MVP.”

For Birden, it was about more than football:

“I do this for my mom. I’m trying to make it and get out. This team is a great team.”

Chemistry Wins Championships

With only 12 players, M7 relied heavily on chemistry and communication—something the team takes pride in.

Isaiah Beck explained what makes the group special:

“Chemistry. We all love each other, we’re always around each other. We communicate well across the whole defense, and everything just meshes. That’s why we won.”

Running back Nico Panelli echoed that same sentiment, while also recognizing the support system behind the team:

“Our parents always come out and support us. That’s part of what gives us our chemistry. We know we have people behind us every time we play.”

What This Means for the Rankings

With the championship win at The Big Open, M7 immediately enters the GSF Varsity rankings as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the final tournament of the season.

While other programs have built their resume over multiple events, M7 proved that a complete team, playing at a high level at the right time, can change the landscape in a single weekend.

Looking Ahead

With one final tournament remaining, all eyes now turn to the 3rd Annual Champion of Champions at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California.

If M7 carries this momentum into the final event, they could play a major role in deciding who finishes the 2026 GSF 7v7 season at the top.

From battling snow on the road to dominating in the rain, M7’s championship run at The Big Open was built on toughness, trust, and elite execution.

They didn’t just win a tournament—they made a statement.

GSF Introduces Balanced Ranking System for 2026 7v7 Varsity Division

As the 2026 GSF 7v7 Tournament Series continues to grow in competition and participation, the need for a fair and accurate ranking system has become more important than ever.

After evaluating results from multiple tournaments, GSF has introduced a balanced ranking system designed to reward both performance and participation.

How the Ranking System Works

The GSF Varsity rankings are based on a cumulative point system that tracks results across all official tournaments in the series.

Championship Win: 100 points
Runner-Up Finish: 50 points
Each Pool Play Win: 10 points
Each Playoff Win: 35 points

In addition, the Rapid Fire Tournament carries extra weight:

Rapid Fire Champion Bonus: +50 points
Rapid Fire Runner-Up Bonus: +25 points

This structure ensures that teams are rewarded for advancing deep into tournaments while also recognizing consistent success throughout the day.

Why Participation Matters

One of the biggest adjustments to the ranking system is the emphasis on tournament participation.

As a result, teams that have only participated in a single tournament—and did not reach the finals—are adjusted accordingly in the rankings.

This ensures that the rankings reflect:

Consistency across the season
Strength of schedule and competition
Commitment to the GSF tournament series

Balancing Peak Performance and Season-Long Success

The updated system strikes a balance between rewarding teams that peak at the right time and those that consistently perform throughout the offseason.

For example:

Teams that win championships are heavily rewarded
Teams that make repeated deep playoff runs gain value through consistency
Teams that participate in multiple tournaments build stronger resumes

This prevents rankings from being skewed by a single strong performance while still recognizing teams capable of winning at the highest level.

A System Built for Competitive Integrity

The goal of the GSF ranking system is simple: create a fair, transparent, and competitive structure that accurately reflects team performance across the entire season.

By combining results, wins, playoff success, and participation, the rankings now provide a more complete picture of which programs are truly performing at the highest level.

As the season heads toward its final tournament, the rankings will continue to evolve—ensuring that every game, every win, and every tournament appearance matters.

Looking Ahead

With the final event approaching, teams now have one last opportunity to strengthen their position and compete for the top spot in the GSF 7v7 Varsity rankings.

The updated system ensures that the final standings will reflect not just who won—but who earned it over the course of the entire season.

Current GSF 7v7 Varsity Rankings

Rank	Team	Points	Tournaments	Notes
1	DT (DT Precision)	585	4	2x Champion, strongest overall resume
2	CCST	570	4	Rapid Fire Champion, major late-season push
3	College Park Knights	520	4	Consistent high-volume winner
4	RSF	505	4	Deep playoff runs across multiple events
5	GSF	495	5	Most active top team, Super Team XII Champion
6	High Intensity	480	2	Silicon Valley Champion
7	GBGB	455	3	Super Team XI Champion
8	Game-Time	420	3	Big Open Runner-Up, trending upward
9	2G	395	2	Runner-Up finish and strong playoff record
10	Alpha Dawgs	370	2	Final Four presence and solid consistency
11	The Finest	305	3	Earned ranking through participation and results
12	Underdawgz	280	2	Strong Big Open performance
13	Prolific Star	285	2	Strong multi-event resume
14	ERA White	270	2	Reliable playoff team
15	N0Z0N3	260	2	Strong Rapid Fire showing
16	M7	360	1	Big Open Champion, capped due to one event
17	ELEVATE	405	1	Runner-Up finish, limited sample size
18	Team PALA	340	1	Good run, limited participation
19	North Coast Elite	325	1	Strong Top Gun showing
20	TOPNOTCH YouthSF	310	1	Final Four finish, limited sample

Current HS Varsity 7v7 Rankings With Two More Tournaments To Go

GetSportsFocus — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:52:25 +0000

Rank	Team	Points	Notes
1	DT (DT Precision)	258	2x Champion, Top Gun Winner
2	CCST	245	Rapid Fire Champion (Double Points)
3	High Intensity	185	Silicon Valley Champion
4	College Park Knights	180	Rapid Fire Runner-Up
5	RSF Black	175	Consistent Final Four team
6	GSF	170	Super Team XII Champion
7	GBGB	172	Super Team XI Champion
8	ELEVATE	150	Runner-Up (ST XI)
9	2G	148	Runner-Up (ST XII)
10	Alpha Dawgs	142	Final Four (Top Gun)
11	Team PALA	120	Silicon Valley Final Four
12	North Coast Elite	115	Top Gun Final Four
13	TOPNOTCH YouthSF	108	ST XII Final Four
14	King of Kings	105	Deep playoff runs
15	The Finest	100	Rapid Fire Final Four
16	Prolific Star	98	Consistent playoff team
17	ERA White	95	Silicon Valley QF
18	N0Z0N3	90	Rapid Fire QF
19	Apex Premier	88	Top Gun QF
20	Rise Above	85	Consistent playoff team

How the Rankings Are Calculated

The GSF 7v7 Tournament Series rankings are based on a cumulative points system that evaluates team performance across all official tournaments throughout the season.

Each tournament awards points based on how far a team advances:

Champion: 100 points
Runner-Up: 50 points
Semifinalist: 30 points
Quarterfinalist: 20 points
Playoff Wins: Additional value

Select tournaments, such as the Rapid Fire event, carry double points, making those performances especially impactful on the overall standings.

In addition to placement, rankings also account for seeding and strength of performance. Teams that outperform their seed or make deep runs against strong competition gain added value, while consistency across multiple tournaments is heavily rewarded.

The goal of the system is to reflect not just who wins, but which teams consistently perform at a high level throughout the entire GSF 7v7 season.

CCST Captures Rapid Fire Championship, Shakes Up GSF Varsity Rankings

The 9th Annual GSF Rapid Fire 7v7 Tournament delivered exactly what it promised: elite competition, high-level matchups, and a championship run that reshaped the 2026 High School Varsity rankings.

In one of the toughest tournaments of the season, and one that carried double points value, Central Coast Stars Training (CCST) rose above the field, captured the title, and established itself as a legitimate championship contender heading into the final stretch of the GSF 7v7 Tournament Series.

A Championship Built Through Growth and Opportunity

For CCST, the journey to the top did not happen overnight. According to Sobrato Football head coach Joel Rueda, the foundation of the program has always been about creating opportunities for athletes who want extra work and want to sharpen their game outside of the regular season.

“This started as a chance to give players an opportunity, guys who wanted extra work and did not always have that outlet. Now it’s getting bigger and bigger, and more players have opportunities to sharpen their skills and get better.”

Rueda also pointed to the history of talent that has come through the program and how those steppingstones helped lead CCST to this moment.

“We’ve had a bunch of stellar athletes come through here, guys who led the section in statistical categories and even the state in statistical categories. It’s been a lot of steppingstones to get to this point.”

Battling Through a Tough Day

Rapid Fire is known as one of the most demanding events on the GSF calendar. The pace is fast, the bracket is loaded, and the physical toll builds throughout the day. CCST head coach and offensive coordinator Rich Delapaz said the group had to fight through plenty before reaching the top.

“It’s all about the kids at the end of the day. The relationships I make with them and trying to teach them how to be better grown men, while also working on their craft on the football field.”

“I’m just so proud of the guys. After a long day in the sun, a lot of guys were cramping and going through adversity, but at the end of the day, we champions.”

That toughness showed up in the bracket. CCST powered through the field, earned a statement semifinal win over RSF Black, and then edged College Park Knights 13-12 in the championship game to finish the job.

Trust and Team Football Made the Difference

One of the clearest themes from the championship interviews was trust. CCST’s players repeatedly pointed to everyone doing their part, staying composed, and responding together when adversity hit.

Sobrato junior Jace Aguilera explained how that trust helped the team stay locked in.

“It really took trusting all our guys, our safeties and linebackers, trusting that everyone would do their individual job. I got scored on the first drive, but you’ve got to let that go. The team picked us up, offense did their job, and we all did our one part. That’s football.”

Freshman Michael Moore also pointed to the chemistry of the offense and how much everyone depended on one another.

“I can’t really say much because I’m only as good as my quarterback. By him getting me the ball, I’m able to do what I do, and our offense works because we’re all good together.”

Tournament MVP Sets the Tone

Monte Vista junior quarterback Evan Vessey was named Tournament MVP after helping guide CCST through one of the toughest brackets of the season. His message was simple: trust the talent around you and let them make plays.

“It’s about trusting your players. You’ve got guys like Mike, and he’s only a freshman, but he has three more years to be great. You put the ball in their hands, trust them, and they’ll do good things with it.”

Vessey’s poise, leadership, and ability to spread the ball around made him one of the biggest difference-makers of the entire event and helped lift CCST to the biggest win of its season so far.

Why This Championship Matters

This was not just another tournament title. Rapid Fire is one of the most important events on the GSF schedule because it carries double points toward the season rankings. That means CCST’s championship run did more than earn a trophy. It dramatically boosted the program’s position in the High School Varsity season race.

In a field loaded with quality teams, CCST proved it could handle pressure, survive adversity, and close out games against strong competition. That kind of performance can change the entire outlook of a season.

What’s Next

With two major tournaments remaining, the race for the top spot in the GSF 7v7 Tournament Series is still wide open.

9th Annual The Big Open Championship — Hayward High School in Hayward, California
3rd Annual Champion of Champions Tournament — Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California

CCST’s Rapid Fire title has officially put the rest of the Varsity field on notice.

Built on opportunity, strengthened through adversity, and powered by trust, CCST’s Rapid Fire championship run was one of the biggest statements of the 2026 offseason.

They did not just win a tournament. They changed the season rankings, elevated their status in the championship race, and showed they are fully capable of competing with anyone left in the field.

CCS Wins First Ever 7v7 Title – 9th Annual Rapid Fire 7v7 Tournament HS Champions

GetSportsFocus — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:40:18 +0000

CCST Captures Rapid Fire Championship, Shakes Up GSF Varsity Rankings

The 9th Annual GSF Rapid Fire 7v7 Tournament delivered exactly what it promised: elite competition, high-level matchups, and a championship run that reshaped the 2026 High School Varsity rankings.

A Championship Built Through Growth and Opportunity

“This started as a chance to give players an opportunity, guys who wanted extra work and did not always have that outlet. Now it’s getting bigger and bigger, and more players have opportunities to sharpen their skills and get better.”

Rueda also pointed to the history of talent that has come through the program and how those steppingstones helped lead CCST to this moment.

“We’ve had a bunch of stellar athletes come through here, guys who led the section in statistical categories and even the state in statistical categories. It’s been a lot of steppingstones to get to this point.”

Battling Through a Tough Day

“It’s all about the kids at the end of the day. The relationships I make with them and trying to teach them how to be better grown men, while also working on their craft on the football field.”

“I’m just so proud of the guys. After a long day in the sun, a lot of guys were cramping and going through adversity, but at the end of the day, we champions.”

Trust and Team Football Made the Difference

One of the clearest themes from the championship interviews was trust. CCST’s players repeatedly pointed to everyone doing their part, staying composed, and responding together when adversity hit.

Sobrato junior Jace Aguilera explained how that trust helped the team stay locked in.

“It really took trusting all our guys, our safeties and linebackers, trusting that everyone would do their individual job. I got scored on the first drive, but you’ve got to let that go. The team picked us up, offense did their job, and we all did our one part. That’s football.”

Freshman Michael Moore also pointed to the chemistry of the offense and how much everyone depended on one another.

“I can’t really say much because I’m only as good as my quarterback. By him getting me the ball, I’m able to do what I do, and our offense works because we’re all good together.”

Tournament MVP Sets the Tone

“It’s about trusting your players. You’ve got guys like Mike, and he’s only a freshman, but he has three more years to be great. You put the ball in their hands, trust them, and they’ll do good things with it.”

Vessey’s poise, leadership, and ability to spread the ball around made him one of the biggest difference-makers of the entire event and helped lift CCST to the biggest win of its season so far.

Why This Championship Matters

What’s Next

With two major tournaments remaining, the race for the top spot in the GSF 7v7 Tournament Series is still wide open.

9th Annual The Big Open Championship — Hayward High School in Hayward, California
3rd Annual Champion of Champions Tournament — Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California

CCST’s Rapid Fire title has officially put the rest of the Varsity field on notice.

Built on opportunity, strengthened through adversity, and powered by trust, CCST’s Rapid Fire championship run was one of the biggest statements of the 2026 offseason.

They did not just win a tournament. They changed the season rankings, elevated their status in the championship race, and showed they are fully capable of competing with anyone left in the field.

Easter Sunday Soccer Showdown – 2nd Annual Stand Up and Support: Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention Senior All-Star Game

GetSportsFocus — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:49:13 +0000

Captains Announced for 2026 GSF Stand Up and Support All-Star Soccer Game

The stage is set for the 2026 GSF Stand Up and Support: Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention Senior All-Star Soccer Game, as team captains and honorary captains have officially been announced ahead of this year’s highly anticipated matchup.

Taking place on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday) at Oak Grove High School (San Jose, CA), this event brings together elite talent from across the Greater Bay Area, while promoting a mission far greater than the game itself.

Team Captains Revealed

Head coaches Manny Borrayo (Team 5-Star) and Armando Padilla (Team HEROES) officially introduced their captains following an extremely competitive selection process.

With rosters filled with team captains, All-League players, League MVPs, and athletes from league, section, and regional championship programs, the decision was not easy for Padilla and Borrayo. Each selection was based on a combination of on-field performance, leadership, character, and academic excellence.

A minimum 3.0 GPA was required, and this year’s group carries an impressive 3.88 average GPA, highlighting the complete student-athlete.

Team HEROES Captains

Raul Ramos – Christopher Cougars
Mateo Alvarez – Gunderson Grizzlies
Cruz Velazquez – Piedmont Hills Pirates

Raul Ramos is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the Bay Area, finishing the season with 18 goals and 8 assists. His creativity and scoring ability make him a natural leader on the field.

Mateo Alvarez brings elite-level experience from MLS Next and the ability to impact the game in multiple positions. His composure and soccer IQ set him apart.

Cruz Velazquez anchors the defense with consistency and leadership, earning All-League honors while establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the Bay Area.

Team 5-Star Captains

Miguel Camacho Jr – Santa Clara Bruins
Diego Hernandez – Hollister Haybalers
Patrick McGuirk – Mountain View Spartans

Miguel Camacho Jr. is one of the most accomplished players in the game, earning MVP honors, All-League recognition, and selection to the U16 US Futsal National Team.

Diego Hernandez is a proven winner and leader, playing a key role in a CCS Championship team while earning All-League recognition.

Patrick McGuirk is a dominant defender with a championship resume, including NorCal and CCS titles, as well as Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Honorary Captains

Announced by Coach Luis Comesana, this year’s honorary captains represent decades of excellence, leadership, and service to the game.

Roland Hedgpeth
Frank Quintero
Payam Hajjarian
Jim McGuirk
Víctor “Muma” Bernárdez
Bryce Filippini
Josue Salgado

Roland Hedgpeth is a legendary figure with over 55 years of coaching experience, highlighted by 33 league titles and 11 CCS championships.

Frank Quintero has dedicated 24 years to coaching and developing players, leading San Jose High School to league success and CCS competition.

Payam Hajjarian is a mentor and educator with a background in service, including time in the U.S. Air Force, and a strong impact on student-athletes.

Jim McGuirk recently retired after a remarkable 38-year career with 418 wins, multiple championships, and CIF Coach of the Year honors.

Víctor “Muma” Bernárdez is a former professional standout with the San Jose Earthquakes and the Honduras National Team, now giving back through coaching and mentorship.

Bryce Filippini brings 28 years of coaching experience and a passion for player development, including work with athletes of all abilities.

Josue Salgado is a rising leader in the game, with experience at the collegiate level and a background as a Division I player at UC Santa Barbara.

More Than a Game

While the talent on the field will be undeniable, the mission behind the event remains the most important.

The GSF All-Star Soccer Game serves as a platform to raise awareness for anti-bullying and suicide prevention, using soccer to bring communities together and create meaningful impact.

“I’m super thankful for Coach Luis, Coach Armando and Coach Borrayo. These rosters are loaded with talent. But the most important part of this experience are the two issues we are addressing: bullying and suicide. I want to thank the players who went on record to be part of the campaign. Thank you to the parents who allowed their players to participate and represent their community.”

— Alf Joaquin

Event Information

Date: Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday)
Location: Oak Grove High School, 285 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95126
Gates Open: 4:00 PM
Warm-Ups Begin: 4:30 PM
Admission: $10 (Adults)
Students: Free with school ID

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy All-Star warmups and the full game-day atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

With elite athletes, respected leaders, and a powerful mission, the 2026 GSF Stand Up and Support: Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention Senior All-Star Soccer Game promises to be an unforgettable event.

This is more than a game — it’s a movement, a platform, and a community coming together to support something bigger than sports.

All-Star Team	Number	Name	High School	Position	Ht/Wt	Bio
5-Star	00	Yair Arias	Hollister	GK	—	Anchor in goal for Hollister, bringing composure, shot-stopping ability, and leadership from the backline.
5-Star	3	Dylan Hightower	Santa Teresa	LW / RW / LOB / LCB / ROB / RCB	5’10 / 150	Los Gatos United ECNL player, tournament champion, ODP Northern California State Team, BVAL 2nd Team and 1st Team All-League honors, captain.
5-Star	4	Travis Tran	Piedmont Hills	LCB / RCB	5’7 / 145	Co-Senior of the Year (Santa Teresa-North League) and First Team All-League selection.
5-Star	6	Miguel Camacho Jr	Santa Clara	DCM / CM / RCB	5’10 / 165	Santa Clara Varsity Soccer MVP, SCVAL First Team All-League, Winter Tournament MVP, Championship Game Player of the Match, 2024 U16 US Futsal National Team selection.
5-Star	7	Angel Avalos	Piedmont Hills	ACM / CM	5’8 / 155	Dynamic midfielder with strong playmaking ability and leadership in the midfield.
5-Star	8	Brayan Ortega	Yerba Buena	LW / CM	5’4 / 135	Versatile winger and midfielder with strong work rate and attacking instincts.
5-Star	9	Michael Scavotto	Saint Francis	CF	5’8 / 155	Two-time WCAL First Team selection with CCS and CIF Division I finals experience and MLS Next background.
5-Star	10	Diego Hernandez	Hollister	DCM / CM	5’11 / 170	First Team All-League, Second Team All-League, sportsmanship award, and CCS champion.
5-Star	11	Patrick McGuirk	Mountain View High School	LCB / RCB	6’0 / 150	2025 NORCAL D2 Champion, 2025 SCVAL Defensive Player of the Year, and 2026 CCS D1 Champion.
5-Star	12	Enrique Esparza	Independence	CM	—	Central midfielder known for work rate, ball control, and ability to connect play across the field.
5-Star	14	Rithvik Tharkabhushanam	Santa Teresa	LW / RW / LOB / ROB	5’8 / 140	Santa Clara Sporting ECNL player, captain, varsity career of 5 goals and 3 assists, BVAL 2nd Team All-League.
5-Star	16	Luis Aguilar	Hollister	ROB / RCB	5’5 / 161	Key contributor to a CCS Championship team, bringing toughness and versatility on the defensive line.
5-Star	17	Yandel Munoz	San Jose	LCB / RCB	5’7	Four-year high school player who plans to continue at Evergreen Valley College; versatile defender who can play all over the field.
5-Star	19	Christopher Mendez	Yerba Buena	ACM / DCM / CM	5’6 / 135	5 goals, 3 assists this season, BVAL-West Valley Undefeated League Champion, Freshman of the Year, and MLS NEXT experience.
5-Star	21	Aron Plancarte	Cristo Rey	CF	5’11 / 180	Physical forward with a strong presence in the attacking third.
5-Star	27	Eduardo Bustamante	San Jose	LW / RW / ACM / DCM / CM	5’7 / 140	BVAL Freshman of the Year and a versatile playmaker capable of impacting the game from multiple positions.
5-Star	28	Thomas Woldu	Abraham Lincoln	CF / ACM / CM	5’9 / 163	Versatile attacker capable of creating and finishing scoring opportunities across multiple positions.
5-Star	30	Jesus Lopez	Cristo Rey	ACM	5’10 / 180	PSAL First Team selection, bringing creativity and attacking presence in the midfield.
HEROES	2	Ricardo Carias	Latino College Prep	LOB / ROB / RCB	5’6 / 142	Versatile defender capable of playing across the back line with strong positioning and awareness.
HEROES	3	Nathan Lopez Acosta	Santa Clara	LW / RW / LOB	5’7 / 130	All-League honorable mention, tournament champion, and key attacking contributor with club travel experience.
HEROES	4	Anthony Espinoza	Live Oak	LW / RW / LCB / ROB / RCB	5’7 / 145	2nd Team All-League, senior captain, and dependable two-way player with strong leadership.
HEROES	5	Damian Avila	San Jose	ACM / DCM / CM	5’11 / 176	Midfield leader who helped elevate his team’s level of play and contribute offensively.
HEROES	6	Giovanni Lopez	San Jose	DCM / CM	5’8 / 140	Four-year varsity captain known for consistency, leadership, and control in the midfield.
HEROES	7	Raul Ramos	Christopher	ACM	5’11 / 142	Explosive attacking midfielder with 18 goals and 8 assists this season.
HEROES	8	Alwin Ruiz	Santa Teresa	ACM / DCM	5’7 / 130	Versatile midfielder with strong technical ability and two-way impact.
HEROES	9	Charlie Hudson	Sequoia	CF / LW / ROB	5’11 / 160	Top scorer and All-League performer with offensive versatility and finishing ability.
HEROES	11	Jason Lauriano	Yerba Buena	CF / LW / RW	5’8 / 140	Top goal scorer and league champion, dangerous in the attacking third.
HEROES	12	Noah McIntosh	Saint Francis	CF / LW / RW	5’8	Dynamic forward with the ability to stretch defenses and create scoring chances.
HEROES	13	Cole Imrey	Sacred Heart Cathedral	ACM / DCM / LCB / RCB	6’0 / 150	Three-year captain with MLS Next experience, known for leadership and versatility.
HEROES	14	Diego Andrade Benitez	Abraham Lincoln	LW / RW / ACM	5’11 / 150	PSAL Champion, Top 10 in league points, Top 5 in assists, and a captain with strong playmaking ability.
HEROES	15	Mateo Alvarez	Gunderson	ACM / ROB / RCB	5’8 / 160	MLS Next player with 14 years of experience and Sophomore of the Year honors.
HEROES	16	Avery Montejano	Christopher	CF	5’10 / 160	League MVP, 4-year starter, and 3-year captain with multiple college offers.
HEROES	17	Cruz Velazquez	Piedmont Hills	DCM / LOB / LCB / ROB / RCB	5’9 / 150	First Team All-League (sophomore), Second Team (junior), and a strong defensive leader.
HEROES	20	Guillermo Franco	San Leandro	RW / ROB	5’7	Hardworking player with strong determination, leadership, and love for the game.
HEROES	21	Julian Petty	Piedmont Hills	ROB	6’2 / 185	Physical defender with size and presence on the back line.
HEROES	22	Damian Amador	Watsonville	MF	—	Played MLS Next and currently competes at the ECNL level, adding elite experience to the midfield.
HEROES	77	Isaac Olivares	Gilroy HS	GK	—	Reliable goalkeeper with strong leadership, communication, and shot-stopping ability.

Manny Borrayo Named GSF 5-Star Head Coach (2026)

GetSportsFocus — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:04:03 +0000

March 31, 2026 – San Jose, CA

Coach Manny Borrayo brings more than a decade of coaching experience and over 25 years in the game to Team 5-Star, but what stands out most is his passion for developing young men both on and off the field.

“It’s a privilege being here,” Coach Manny shared. “To be around some of the best high school athletes, great coaches, and a positive environment—it means a lot. But more importantly, it’s about the mission.”

That mission—centered around mental health awareness, support, and growth—is something Coach Manny takes to heart. He emphasized the importance of providing student-athletes with the resources and support they need to thrive beyond the game.

“It’s very important for these young men to take care of their mental health. I’m glad we’re bringing awareness and giving them the tools so they can continue to grow—not just as athletes, but as people.”

A former standout at Silver Creek High School, where he played four years of varsity soccer, Coach Manny has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the game across Northern California.

“The level of play has improved tremendously over the last decade. From club programs to development academies, it’s an exciting time to be a soccer player and a coach.”

Now based in Hollister, he continues to see the game grow across different communities, united by a shared love for soccer. That unity is what makes the All-Star experience special.

“You see public school and private school athletes come together, all for the love of the game. It’s a beautiful thing. These are talented young men supporting a bigger cause.”

Beyond the field, Coach Manny stresses the importance of balance—encouraging athletes to stay focused on both their academic and athletic development.

“They have to keep working in the classroom while continuing to grow in their sport. That balance is key.”

For Coach Manny, soccer is more than just a game—it’s been life-changing.

Born in Mexico and moving to the United States at the age of seven, he credits the sport with shaping his path and opening doors that led him to San Jose State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“If it wasn’t for soccer, I don’t know where I would be. It kept me on the right path, helped me grow, and continues to push me to get better every day.”

His story is a powerful reminder of the impact sports can have on young lives—something he now passes on to the next generation.

“Sometimes we forget how important sports are. But it’s clear—they make a real difference in these young men.”

With his leadership, experience, and purpose-driven mindset, Coach Manny Borrayo is set to guide Team 5-Star with pride in the 2026 GSF Stand Up and Support: Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention All-Star Game.

5-Star Official 2026 GSF All-Star Roster

#	Name	School	Position	Bio
00	Yair Arias	Hollister	GK	Anchor in goal with strong shot-stopping ability and leadership.
3	Dylan Hightower	Santa Teresa	LW / RW / LOB / LCB / ROB / RCB	ECNL standout, NorCal Champion, BVAL First Team All-League.
4	Travis Tran	Piedmont Hills	LCB / RCB	Co-Senior of the Year, First Team All-League defender.
6	Miguel Camacho Jr	Santa Clara	DCM / CM / RCB	Team MVP, SCVAL First Team, US Futsal National Team selection.
7	Angel Avalos	Piedmont Hills	ACM / CM	Creative midfielder with strong playmaking ability.
8	Brayan Ortega	Yerba Buena	LW / CM	Versatile attacker with strong work rate.
9	Michael Scavotto	Saint Francis	CF	Two-time WCAL First Team, CCS & CIF finalist.
10	Diego Hernandez	Hollister	DCM / CM	First Team All-League and CCS Champion.
11	Patrick McGuirk	Mountain View	LCB / RCB	NORCAL Champion, SCVAL Defensive Player of the Year, CCS Champion.
12	Enrique Esparza	Independence	CM	Reliable central midfielder with strong ball control.
14	Rithvik Tharkabhushanam	Santa Teresa	LW / RW / LOB / ROB	ECNL player, captain, All-League performer.
16	Luis Aguilar	Hollister	ROB / RCB	Key defensive contributor on CCS Championship team.
17	Yandel Munoz	San Jose	LCB / RCB	4-year varsity player, continuing career at next level.
19	Christopher Mendez	Yerba Buena	ACM / DCM / CM	5 goals, 3 assists, Freshman of the Year, MLS NEXT experience.
21	Aron Plancarte	Cristo Rey	CF	Strong physical forward in attacking third.
27	Eduardo Bustamante	San Jose	LW / RW / ACM / DCM / CM	BVAL Freshman of the Year, highly versatile.
28	Thomas Woldu	Abraham Lincoln	CF / ACM / CM	Dynamic attacker with scoring and playmaking ability.
30	Jesus Lopez	Cristo Rey	ACM	PSAL First Team midfielder.

Coach Armando Padilla – Team HEROES Head Coach (2026)

GetSportsFocus — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:47 +0000

March 31, 2026 – San Jose, Ca

Please join us in welcoming Coach Armando Padilla, Head Coach of Team HEROES for the 2026 GSF Stand Up and Support: Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention All-Star Soccer Game.

A pillar in the Gilroy community, Coach Padilla brings over 25 years of coaching and teaching experience at Gilroy High School, where he has dedicated his career to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

“It’s an honor to be here,” Coach Padilla shared. “To be part of this All-Star game and support anti-bullying and suicide prevention—it means a lot to me.”

For Coach Padilla, this mission is deeply personal.

“Over the years, I’ve had students, friends, and family members affected by bullying and even suicide. It’s something that hits very close to home. When I was asked to be part of this, I didn’t hesitate—I wanted to help bring awareness and be part of something that makes a difference.”

Through the platform of soccer, Coach Padilla is able to connect his life’s work—education, mentorship, and athletics—into one meaningful experience.

“We get to spread awareness through the game of soccer, which is special. That’s my classroom. That’s where I connect with these young men.”

Taking the lead of Team HEROES, he embraces the opportunity to coach some of the top talent from across the Bay Area.

“This is what an All-Star game is about—the best of the best coming together. Whether these players are moving on to the next level or not, this is their moment to showcase their talent and represent something bigger than themselves.”

Coach Padilla also expressed his gratitude to those who helped make the event possible.

HEROES Official 2026 GSF All-Star Roster

#	Athlete	High School	Position	Bio
77	Isaac Olivares	Gilroy HS	GK	Reliable goalkeeper with strong leadership and shot-stopping ability.
2	Ricardo Carias	Latino College Prep	LOB / ROB / RCB	Versatile defender capable of playing across the back line.
3	Nathan Lopez Acosta	Santa Clara	LW / RW / LOB	All-League performer with strong attacking ability and club experience.
4	Anthony Espinoza	Live Oak	LW / RW / LCB / ROB / RCB	2nd Team All-League and senior captain with strong leadership.
5	Damian Avila	San Jose	ACM / DCM / CM	Midfield leader who helped elevate his team’s level of play.
6	Giovanni Lopez	San Jose	DCM / CM	Four-year varsity captain known for consistency and leadership.
7	Raul Ramos	Christopher	ACM	Attacking midfielder with 18 goals and 8 assists.
8	Alwin Ruiz	Santa Teresa	ACM / DCM	Versatile midfielder with strong technical ability.
9	Charlie Hudson	Sequoia	CF / LW / ROB	Top scorer and All-League performer.
11	Jason Lauriano	Yerba Buena	CF / LW / RW	League champion and top goal scorer.
12	Noah McIntosh	Saint Francis	CF / LW / RW	Dynamic forward with strong attacking presence.
13	Cole Imrey	Sacred Heart Cathedral	ACM / DCM / LCB / RCB	3-year captain with MLS Next experience.
14	Diego Andrade Benitez	Abraham Lincoln	LW / RW / ACM	PSAL champion and top performer in league stats.
15	Mateo Alvarez	Gunderson	ACM / ROB / RCB	MLS Next player and Sophomore of the Year.
16	Avery Montejano	Christopher	CF	League MVP, 4-year starter, multiple college offers.
17	Cruz Velazquez	Piedmont Hills	DCM / LOB / LCB / ROB / RCB	All-League defender with strong leadership.
20	Guillermo Franco	San Leandro	RW / ROB	Hardworking player with strong determination.
21	Julian Petty	Piedmont Hills	ROB	Physical defender with strong presence.
22	Damian Amador	Watsonville	MF	Played MLS Next and currently competing at the ECNL level.

GBGB Rises to #1: How Get Better or Get Beat Took Over the GSF 12U Division

GetSportsFocus — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:45:14 +0000

The 2026 GSF 7v7 Tournament Series for the 12U / 7th Grade division unfolded as one of the most competitive and balanced seasons in recent memory. Across four tournaments, multiple teams made championship runs, and no single program dominated from start to finish.

But when the final whistle blew on the last event of the season, one team stood above the rest: GBGB (Get Better or Get Beat), the No. 1 ranked team in the final GSF 12U standings.

A Division Defined by Competition

NorCal Shootout: Creek Boyz Set the Early Tone

The season opened with Creek Boyz making the first major statement of the year. They defeated ERA Black in pool play, finished strong through the bracket, and beat 209TMP in the championship game to take the first title of the season.

Creek Boyz showed early balance, toughness, and the ability to win key matchups. Their semifinal victory over ERA Black and championship win over 209TMP immediately placed them among the top teams in the division.

Top Gun Tournament: CENCAL Apex Enters the Race

The second stop in the series brought a new champion. CENCAL Apex made a strong run through the Top Gun Tournament, defeating Alpha Dawgs in pool play before going on to beat WickFit in the quarterfinals, Activated in the semifinals, and Alpha Dawgs again in the championship.

That title run showed how wide open the division really was. At that point, the 12U / 7th Grade race already had multiple legitimate contenders, and no team had separated itself from the rest.

Silicon Valley Classic: Zoom Sports Academy Breaks Through

The parity continued at the Silicon Valley Classic. Zoom Sports Academy put together a championship run by winning key pool play games over ERA Black and G4G 12u before defeating ERA Black in the semifinals and G4G 12u in the championship.

Meanwhile, Creek Boyz continued to stay in the mix with three pool play wins, and ERA Black remained competitive with a semifinal appearance after knocking off G4G 12u and WickFit during the event.

After three tournaments, the division had produced three different champions:

Creek Boyz
CENCAL Apex
Zoom Sports Academy

The title picture remained completely open heading into the final event.

Rapid Fire Changed Everything

The final tournament of the season, the GSF Rapid Fire 7v7 Tournament, carried the most weight because it was a double-points event. That meant every game had major impact on the final standings, and the teams that handled the pressure best would have the chance to jump to the top.

That is exactly what GBGB did.

GBGB’s Championship Path

GBGB opened Rapid Fire with a pool play loss to 2Hunnit Rebels, but quickly responded with the kind of resilience championship teams need. They came back to beat RSF in pool play, then advanced to the playoff round with everything still in front of them.

In the semifinals, GBGB delivered a strong performance against 2Hunnit Rebels, winning 17-0 to flip the earlier result and punch their ticket to the championship game. Waiting for them was Certified Diamonds, who had been dominant in pool play with wins over RSF, 2Hunnit Rebels, and GBGB before shutting out RSF in the semifinals.

Championship Matchup: GBGB vs. Certified Diamonds

In the title game, GBGB put together their best performance of the tournament. After having lost to Certified Diamonds earlier in pool play, GBGB responded in the rematch with an 18-12 championship win.

That result not only secured the Rapid Fire title, but because of the double-points format, it also pushed GBGB to the top of the final season rankings.

It was the biggest win of the season in the division, and GBGB made it count.

How GBGB Became the Top Team

GBGB did not spend the season collecting points across multiple tournaments like some of the other teams. Instead, they made their defining statement when the pressure was highest and the stakes were greatest.

Their Rapid Fire championship run was worth more than any other result all season because of the double-points structure. That gave them 360 total points and vaulted them past the rest of the field in the final standings.

Final GSF 12U / 7th Grade season rankings:

Rank	Team	Total Points	Tournaments Played
1	GBGB	360	1
2	Certified Diamonds	230	1
3	CENCAL Apex	225	1
4	Creek Boyz	220	2
5	Zoom Sports Academy	220	2
6	G4G 12u	140	2
7	Alpha Dawgs	130	1
8	209TMP	105	1
9	ERA Black	65	2
10	Activated	20	1
11	2Hunnit Rebels	20	1
12	WickFit	10	2
13	ERA White	0	2
14	RSF	0	1

The GBGB Standard

GBGB, short for Get Better or Get Beat, has steadily grown into one of the standout youth organizations on the Central Coast. Under the leadership of Coach Maurice “Mo” Mann, the program has built a reputation for developing players, mentoring youth, and competing for championships both within the GSF 7v7 Tournament Series and outside of it.

Their Rapid Fire title was another example of what the organization has become over the last few years: competitive, disciplined, and battle-tested.

“It’s been a learning experience, man. A lot of guys are new. We joined with my guy Dustin and an FAA group and we’re building this chemistry, so it takes a lot. But we got some talented guys. We got a 12-year-old that’s probably gonna play in the league next year because he’s so good. This guy here, he plays up, he plays everywhere. Maybe we got a solid defense. TreVohn, Isaak, our quarterback is stellar, so we got a good group, man. I’m proud of these guys.”

— Coach Maurice “Mo” Mann

Coach Mann also spoke about the support system surrounding the team, pointing to the families and team moms who help make the organization go.

“The support is great. We got some great team moms, that is for sure. Some special team moms, and they support me. Sometimes I show up late. Sometimes there’s not a lot of communication. But all in all, man, I’m here to win, and this is what makes them happy, I hope, because we’re getting better and we’re not getting beat.”

— Coach Maurice “Mo” Mann

Aiden Rodriguez Helped Set the Tone

One of the standout players for GBGB during the Rapid Fire tournament was Aiden Rodriguez, who emerged as arguably the team’s most dynamic player during the event. His versatility and growth within the program were evident throughout the weekend, and his understanding of the team’s identity reflected the culture Coach Mann has built.

“Since I joined this program since I was like 10, I learned a lot from them. I learned coverages, concepts, all my footwork drills, all the things that I do when I work out and just practices. We all take it seriously. We’re consistent and we communicate as a team. That’s what made us win this tournament.”

— Aiden Rodriguez

Rodriguez’s impact was felt throughout GBGB’s championship run and he was one of the major reasons the team peaked at the right time.

Eric Perez Jr. Earned the Most Valuable Honor

While Aiden Rodriguez may have been the most explosive player on the roster during Rapid Fire, Coach Mann made it clear that the most valuable recognition belonged to Eric Perez Jr., who played a major role at free safety.

In a sport and format where offensive stars often get the most attention, Perez stood out because of his discipline, toughness, and ability to answer every challenge that came his way. Undersized or not, he got the job done and helped anchor GBGB’s defense when it mattered most.

“MVP, man, it’s easy to pick the best guy. It’s easy to pick the quarterback. I’m gonna give the tournament MVP to Erick, free out there.”

— Coach Maurice “Mo” Mann

Perez kept his response simple when asked what he learned from being tested throughout the day.

“I learned the coverage and that’s it.”

— Eric Perez Jr.

That kind of mentality matched the way GBGB played all tournament long.

A Team That Rose at the Right Time

The story of the GSF 12U / 7th Grade division was not about one team controlling the season from wire to wire. It was about a division filled with contenders, each capable of making a run.

Creek Boyz opened the year with a title. CENCAL Apex answered with one of their own. Zoom Sports Academy broke through at Silicon Valley Classic. Certified Diamonds looked dominant heading into the Rapid Fire final.

But in the end, it was GBGB that delivered the defining performance of the season. Their Rapid Fire championship, highlighted by a revenge win over Certified Diamonds in the title game, was enough to secure the No. 1 ranking and cap off one of the most memorable finishes in the division.

For GBGB, the ranking validates what the program has been building for years. For the rest of the division, it sets the standard heading into the next chapter of GSF competition.