You Won't Believe How Local Stars Are Shaping This Year's College Football Bowl Season!

The holiday season is upon us, and for college football fans, that means bowl game excitement is in the air. As teams battle it out on the field, American viewers will see a sprinkling of local talent showcased throughout the bowl season, starting this Friday when Alabama faces Oklahoma in the College Football Playoffs.

Among the players to watch is former Carmel High multi-sport standout Jackson Lloyd, a backup offensive tackle and true freshman for the Crimson Tide. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 315 pounds, Lloyd was instrumental in Carmel's journey to a state Division 5AA football title last year. This season, he has made appearances in four games for Alabama, which is currently ranked No. 11 in the nation.

Another notable player is James Milovale, who will line up at guard for Hawaii when they face California in the Hawaii Bowl on December 23. A former Seaside High all-state lineman and Hartnell College standout, the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Milovale has started all 12 games this season for the Warriors, who ended their regular season with an 8-4 record, including a significant win over Stanford.

As college football heats up, fans will also see a competitive matchup on December 27 in the Pop Tart Bowl, where J.T. Byrne from Georgia Tech could face off against Evan Johnson of BYU. Byrne, a senior tight end who prepped at Carmel, has contributed to the Yellowjackets with five catches for 36 yards and a touchdown while excelling as a run blocker. In contrast, Johnson, a defensive back from Stevenson, has been a force for the Cougars, leading the team with four interceptions while also making over 40 tackles and securing a sack.

Additionally, former Soledad receiver Josiah Freeman will conclude his college career with Fresno State when they take on Miami of Ohio in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl on December 27. Freeman led the Bulldogs this past fall with 45 receptions for 499 yards and six touchdowns, and his impressive performance has made him a candidate for invitation to the NFL combine in February.

Another standout, Nyziah Hunter, a Salinas graduate, will lead Nebraska into the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on December 31. The 6-foot-1 redshirt sophomore has been impactful, leading the Cornhuskers with 691 receiving yards on 43 catches, averaging nearly 15 yards per reception and contributing five touchdown catches.

Rounding out the bowl season will be the Holiday Bowl on January 2, featuring Arizona against SMU. The Wildcats will have Ronnie Palmer, a former coach who led MPC to four consecutive Coast Conference titles, as part of their defensive coaching staff.

Hartnell College Achievements

Shifting focus from football, the Hartnell College soccer program has also made headlines. Angel Lomeli-Zuniga and Julian Espinoza Camacho were named to the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Division III All-American team. Lomeli-Zuniga, a team captain and Coast Conference’s South Player of the Year, recorded eight goals and eight assists, playing a vital role in helping Hartnell reach the State Final 4. Espinoza Camacho shone defensively, earning the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year accolade and contributing to a defensive unit that recorded numerous shutouts.

On the women’s side, Elizabeth Ortega received second-team All-American honors, showcasing her skills with one goal and five assists for Hartnell.

Monterey Bay FC Developments

In professional soccer news, the Monterey Bay FC has made a significant move by re-signing defender Nico Gordon to a multi-year contract. Gordon, who captained the Union last season, logged nearly 2,600 minutes over 31 appearances. “Leading this group has been a privilege,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to the club and its community.

Joining him next season will be Kelsey Egwu, a 21-year-old Canadian defender with a notable 6-foot-5 frame. Egwu is coming off a loan spell at Valour FC and has had a promising career trajectory, previously logging significant minutes in both Canadian and Estonian leagues.

In swimming, the Cypress Swim Club saw seven competitors achieve Top 8 finishes at the Figure Invitational skills testing in Pacifica, with notable performances from Aranza Fernandez and Areej Salah, who both captured gold medals in their respective categories.

As the sports calendar unfolds, local talent continues to shine, providing ample reasons for fans to stay glued to their screens and support these remarkable athletes during this holiday season.

In addition to student-athletes, the Peninsula Sports Incorporate seeks high school and middle school officials for all sports, alongside coaching positions available in track and field, boys volleyball, and baseball, reflecting the ongoing growth and engagement in local athletics.