Head Coach: Tim Lugo

2016-2017 record: 5-6

2016-2017 Recap: The Falcons managed to qualify for the CCS playoffs after a solid regular season performance, but lost in the first round to Palma.

Key Losses: quarterback Will Liddle, receiver Kian Ghelichkani, defensive lineman Aaron Vogel, running back Nolan Chao, lineman Jesse Chung

Key Players: Seniors quarterback Niko Rositano, receiver Harrison Fong, lineman Allie Liddle

Key Additions: Juniors receiver Ryan Huseby, running back Jonathan (JJ) Wang

Key Matchups: Los Gatos on Nov. 3, Palo Alto on Oct. 27

League: De Anza Division

Prognosis:

Coming off a CCS qualifying season last year, the Falcons hope to replicate and build on their success to reach their ultimate goal of a CCS title. The Falcons lost the bulk of their offensive and defensive line to graduation, along with quarterback Will Liddle, and star receiver Kian Ghelichkhani, who finished his senior year with a total of 1,446 all-purpose yards, fourth for wide receivers in CCS.

Senior captain Robert Scott believes that their shoes can be filled by the team’s returning and newly added skill players.

“Kian’s loss is really tough on our team, but at the same time we have three or four players that can make up for it,” Scott said.

New quarterback Niko Rositano looks forward to having several veterans to throw to, including seniors Harrison Fong and Will Turpin, both of whom played an integral role in the team’s offensive success last year.

“Harry and Will are two amazing receivers, and I am looking to connect with them a lot this year,” Rositano said.

The team dropped their home opener with a 63-7 loss against Half Moon Bay on Aug. 25, primarily due to problems with their line stopping Half Moon Bay’s run and failing to protect Rositano. According to Scott, Half Moon Bay also had a variety of  defensive and offensive schemes that the Falcons hadn’t planned for.