Salinas is gearing up for major changes to its football landscape as the Pacific Coast Athletic League (PCAL) announces a restructuring for the 2025 season. After a significant vote, three teams—Alisal, Carmel, and North Salinas—are set to move from the Mission Division to the Gabilan Division, which is recognized as the most competitive level in the league. This vote passed by an overwhelming margin of 25-1, indicating broad support for the shift.
This restructuring means that the Gabilan Division will now consist of nine schools vying for four automatic playoff spots. On the other hand, both the Mission Division North and South will feature six teams each, allowing for two automatic playoff teams from each division. The Santa Lucia Division will settle into a seven-team format, making adjustments to accommodate these changes.
Coach Francisco Estrada of Alisal expressed his commitment to the challenge, stating, “I won’t shy away from the challenge. We’re not looking at this as a learning year. Every single week will be a playoff game.” Despite the competitive jump, Alisal and its peers are ready to tackle the tough schedule ahead.
Meanwhile, Carmel, which recently completed a stunning season with a 15-0 record and a State Division 5AA championship, was the only school to oppose this adjustment. Coach Golden Anderson felt that the previous proposal for smaller divisions was more suitable for their program but acknowledged that they are prepared for the upcoming challenges.
The changes are significant as they affect past routines and programs. For instance, Carmel and North Salinas will not have freshman programs next season, adding pressure to field competitive teams in the Gabilan Division. Alisal, determined to bring back its freshman team, aims to establish a robust pipeline for future success.
Coaches like Ben Newman of Alvarez, which is dropping to the Mission Division South, see an opportunity for their teams as well. Alvarez, which has struggled since 2015, hopes to build momentum, especially with the return of standout player Roman Garcia.
In summary, the fallout from this recent restructuring presents both challenges and opportunities for the various teams involved. Coaches are optimistic but realistic about the new competitive landscape they will face come fall.
