2018 Early Contenders presented by Shock Doctor high school football preview: No. 18 De La Salle

By Zack Poff Jul 27, 2018, 10:30am

Spartans have won at least 10 games in 13 consecutive seasons, but face early test against Folsom.

Video: Early Contenders presented by Shock Doctor
We set the tone for 2018 by looking at high school football's elite.


Head coach: Justin Alumbaugh

Last season: 11-2, No. 25 national ranking, lost 52-21 to National Champion Mater Dei in the CIF Open Division state championship.



Last decade: 130-11, 6 state titles

Famous alumni/players: T.J. Ward, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety; Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons TE; Brent, Jon and Drew Barry, former NBA players; Maurice Jones Drew, former NFL All-Pro; D.J. Williams, former NFL LB.

Star power (According to 247Sports): 5-star recruits — 0; 4-star recruits — 2; 3-star recruits — 1
Head coach Justin Alumbaugh
Head coach Justin Alumbaugh
File photo by Dennis Lee
KEY PLAYERS

LB Henry To'oto'o (6-2, 210, Sr.) The 5-star linebacker is one of the best players in the country.

TE Isaiah Foskey (6-5, 240, Sr.) Expect the No. 5 rated tight end from the Class of 2019 to be a key contributor on both sides of the ball.

LB Jhasi Wilson (6-1, 215, Sr.) One of the most underrated players in the country, Wilson is a name to keep tabs on in 2018.

RB Shamar Garrett (5-7, 170, Jr.) — The Spartans will have a run-heavy attack, like usual, and Garrett will be the featured back following the graduation of Kairee Robinson.



DT Beaux Tagaloa (6-0, 275, Sr.) — Tagaloa is hoping to end his high school career just like his older brother Boss ... by winning a state championship.
Linebacker Henry To'oto'o
Linebacker Henry To'oto'o
Photo by Dennis Lee
KEY GAMES

Aug. 17 — vs. No. 19 Folsom

Aug. 24 vs. Central Catholic (Modesto)

Aug. 31 vs. Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland)

Sept. 14 vs. No. 11 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Linebacker Jhasi Wilson
Linebacker Jhasi Wilson
Photo by Dennis Lee
STORYLINES

• There might not be a more prestigious high school football program than De La Salle. Hollywood made a movie about the program in 2014. The Spartans have appeared in the CIF state championship game 12 straight years and have dominated Northern California competition.



• De La Salle hasn't lost a game to a NorCal opponent since 1991, a span of 291 games.

• The Spartans open the season against Folsom, a match-up featured in the MaxPreps Top 10 Games of the Year and the winner puts itself in a great spot to represent Northern California in the CIF Open Division championship game.

• De La Salle always has a big-time run game and big-time defense, and things aren't changing in 2018. To'oto'o is one of the best players in the state and he made a huge impact on both sides of the ball during his junior season.

• The Spartans have played in the CIF open division state championship nine consecutive years and have gone 6-3 in those games.

De La Salle has a wealth of experienced players including seniors (left to right) Henry To'oto'o, Beaux Tagaloa, Isaiah Foskey, Gunnar Rask and Jhasi Wilson.
De La Salle has a wealth of experienced players including seniors (left to right) Henry To'oto'o, Beaux Tagaloa, Isaiah Foskey, Gunnar Rask and Jhasi Wilson.
Photo by Dennis Lee