Today’s edition is sponsored by The Rose Hotel.
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Welcome to the Playbook!
It’s time for another week of the Tri-Valley Preps Playbook, your inside source for all sports when it comes to the East Bay Athletic League. Join me each week for some honest feelings about the good, the bad, and the ugly side of high school athletics!
The Big Picture looks at the new Dublin High girls’ rugby program. After an incredible Olympic performance by the United States women’s team thrust the sport into the spotlight, the Gaels look to make a name for themselves.
EBAL Power Rankings have a big shake up in the Valley football rankings as the No. 5 team knocked off the No. 1 team. See how the Valley shakes out now!
What to Watch lets you know the must-see girls’ volleyball games this week as the EBAL is down to the final three regular season games. There are a couple of big football games this week as well.
Fast Five helps us get to know a little more about Amador Valley water polo player Eli Morris. His favorite channel to watch is the bible for sports fans!
Got a great story idea for something coming up in the fall? Let me know at acesmag@aol.com!
From the sidelines,
Dennis Miller, Playbook Editor
Dublin High introduces inaugural girls’ rugby club team
“It’s an exciting time to be in high school rugby,” said Reina Madali, the Dublin coach. “This is going to be the up-and-coming sport.”
Power Rankings as of Oct. 15.
EBAL FOOTBALL
Mountain Division
1. San Ramon Valley (6-0, 1-0): The Wolves stay unbeaten by surviving California in a 38-26 shootout. This week: at De La Salle, 7:15 p.m.
2. California (6-1, 0-1): The Grizzlies suffer their first loss as they went into San Ramon Valley, put up a fight, but fell 38-26. This week: vs. Monte Vista, 7:15 p.m.
3. Monte Vista (5-1, 0-0): The Mustangs had a bye last week. This week: at California, 7:15 p.m.
4. Amador Valley (4-3, 0-0): The Dons ended their non-league campaign with a 37-7 win over Campolindo. That’s three wins in a row for the Dons. This week: bye
Valley Division
1. Livermore (4-3, 1-0): The Cowboys open league play with an impressive 40-0 win over Dougherty Valley. This week: bye.
2. Granada (3-3, 0-0): The Matadors enjoyed a week off, now ready for EBAL play. This week: at Dublin, 7:15 p.m.
3. Dublin (2-5, 1-0): Things have not been going great for the Gaels this year but by knocking off Foothill 18-14 to open EBAL play is a big step in the right direction. This week: vs. Granada, 7:15 a.m.
4. Foothill (3-4, 0-1): The Falcons fall 18-14 to Dublin, and will fall from the top of the rankings. This week: at Dougherty Valley, 7 p.m.
5. Dougherty Valley (2-5, 0-1): Opened Valley play by taking on explosive Livermore, and fell 40-0. This week: vs. Foothill, 7 p.m.
*** Not included in the weekly Mountain Division Power Rankings – De La Salle (6-0): The Spartans went across the pond to London and took out the NFL Academy team made up of the best players from Europe in a 31-9 final.
EBAL GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Mountain Division
1. Carondelet (18-5, 9-1): The Cougars fall from the unbeaten ranks in league play when they get swept by Amador Valley. Did come back to beat Monte Vista 3-1.
2. San Ramon Valley (20-6, 9-1): The Wolves sweep Granada and Dougherty Valley. Monster match with Carondelet on Tuesday, then face red-hot Amador on Thursday.
3. Monte Vista (11-10, 6-4): The Mustangs had a tough week, losing 3-0 to Foothill, then 3-1 to Carondelet.
4. California (17-13, 4-6): The Grizzlies take care of business against Dublin, winning 3-1, but then get swept by Foothill.
5. Dougherty Valley (11-14, 2-8): The Wildcats get swept by San Ramon Valley but did sweep Livermore 3-0.
Valley Division
1. Foothill (20-8, 8-2): The Falcons took on Monte Vista and California, sweeping both of them.
2. Amador Valley (18-8, 7-3): The Dons got a huge win when they swept Carondelet 3-0, then come back and sweep Granada. Big game on Thursday night against San Ramon Valley.
3. Dublin (10-12, 4-6): The Gaels got a split last week, falling 3-1 to Cal, then rallying to sweep Livermore 3-0.
4. Granada (9-15, 1-9): No days off in league, the Mats were swept by San Ramon Valley and Amador Valley.
5. Livermore (4-18, 0-10): The Cowboys were swept by Dougherty Valley and Dublin last week.
Tuesday, Oct. 15 – EBAL girls’ volleyball: San Ramon Valley at Carondelet, 60 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17 – EBAL girls’ volleyball: San Ramon Valley at Amador Valley, 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18 – EBAL football: Foothill at Dougherty Valley, 7 p.m.; Granada at Dublin, Monte Vista at California, 7:15 p.m.
Non-league football: San Ramon Valley at De La Salle, 7:15 p.m.
Pleasanton Preps: Big night from Ti’a leads Amador Valley to blowout win over rival Foothill
To say Amador Valley quarterback Tristan Ti’a was near-perfect against Foothill in the Dons 48-12 win on Friday is not far from the truth.
We interview high school athletes and coaches all the time. Occasionally we ask them questions that have nothing to do with sports. Here’s one:
Name: Eli Morris
School and grade: Amador Valley (2025)
Sport: Water Polo
Favorite streaming channel/favorite show: ESPN
What music are you listening to: Rap
Must follow on social media: USA Water Polo (@usawp)
Favorite fast-food restaurant/meal: McDonald’s (McChicken)
Favorite quote: “Be the best version of yourself” (Oscar Wilde)
Do you have someone you want us to interview? Email us.
Dennis Miller is a veteran sports writer and editor, covering sports in the Tri-Valley for over 35 years. In addition to being the editor of Tri-Valley Preps Playbook, he has written a weekly column for Pleasanton Weekly and PleasantonWeekly.com, “Pleasanton Preps,” since 2011. Email him at sports@pleasantonweekly.com.
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