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 things 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 catches up with former San Ramon Valley pitcher Joey Matulovich. The former ace for the Wolves was recently named Pitcher of the Year for the American Association, an independent minor league baseball group. Matulovich, who also pitched at Cal and in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, put together a big year for the Winnipeg Goldeyes.
EBAL Power Rankings see no change in the football rankings, but in volleyball, there is a new No. 1 in the Mountain Division.
Fast Five this week visits with Amador Water Polo player Bryce O’Nesky. Check out his favorite meal — it’s the Playbook’s favorite as well!
What to Watch keeps you up to date with the key football and volleyball matches this week
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
San Ramon Valley alum Matulovich finds groove on mound in Canada
For former SRVHS baseball star Joey Matulovich, when one door closes, another one opens. After being released from the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 2023, Matulovich found a spot with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the American Association…
Power Rankings as of Sept. 17.
EBAL FOOTBALL POWER RANKINGS
Mountain Division
1. San Ramon Valley (3-0): The Wolves confirmed the feelings they are tough again this year as they take a 31-15 win over Clayton Valley. This week: at McClymonds, 7:15 p.m.
2. California (3-0): The Grizzlies offense continues their early season roll, beating Monterey Trail 35-21. Through the first three games, Cal is averaging 38 points per game. The defense is being touched for just over 20 points a game. This week: at Antioch 7:15 p.m.
3. Monte Vista (2-1): The Mustangs go on the road and come away with a 24-13 win over Bellarmine, not an easy road game. Big win after a tough loss to Bishop O’Dowd. This week: vs. James Logan, 7 p.m.
4. Amador Valley (1-2): Had to travel out to the Central Valley on a very hot September day and fell 47-38 to Downey. The Dons have scored 98 points in their last two games, but the defense has given up 85 points in their two losses. This week: vs. Liberty, 7 p.m.
Valley Division
1. Foothill (2-1): The Falcons travel to Fremont and come away with a win over Kennedy to keep the top spot. This week: vs. San Leandro, 7 p.m.
2. Dublin (0-3): The Gaels fall to 0-3 with the 22-13 loss to Heritage. This week: vs. Windsor, 7 p.m.
3. Livermore (2-1): The Cowboys picked up another home win, this time beating Gregori 39-27. The offense has put 75 points on the board in their last two games. This week: at Moreau Catholic, 7 p.m.
4. Granada (1-2): The Mats pick up their first win, beating Castro Valley 21-6. This week: vs. Berkeley, 7:15 p.m.
5. Dougherty Valley (1-2): The Wildcats get their first win with an impressive 35-0 victory over Hercules. This week: Kennedy, 7 p.m.
*** De La Salle (3-0): The Spartans continue their impressive non-league run, going through some of the top programs in Northern California. This time it is a 42-7 thumping of St. Francis. This week: at St. Mary’s-Stockton, 7:15 p.m.
EBAL GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL RANKINGS
Mountain Division
1. San Ramon Valley (6-2, 2-0): The Wolves shoot to the top of the rankings this week with a big 3-2 win over Foothill in the opening week of league.
2. Carondelet (11-4, 2-0): Beat former No. 1 California twice last week, winning 3-1 league and 2-0 in a tournament.
3. California (7-3, 1-1): Lost twice this week to Carondelet, once in league and once in tournament play.
4. Monte Vista (3-5, 1-1): Fell to Carondelet in league but then rallied to beat Livermore 3-0.
5. Dougherty Valley (6-5, 1-1): The Wildcats got their first league win, beating Granada 3-0.
Valley Division
1. Foothill (11-4, 1-1): The Falcons drop a tough 3-2 match to San Ramon Valley but then come back to win the Bay Area Invitational over the weekend.
2. Dublin (4-6, 1-1): The Gaels had an interesting first week of league, getting swept by San Ramon Valley but then coming back to beat Amador Valley 3-1.
3. Amador Valley (5-5, 1-1): The Dons sweep Dougherty Valley but then fall 3-1 to Dublin in the first week of league play.
4. Livermore (3-6, 0-2): The Cowboys start slowly in league, getting swept by California and Monte Vista.
5. Granada (4-8, 0-2): Tough week for the Matadors as they get swept by Foothill and Dougherty Valley in the first week of league play.
Thursday (Sept. 17) – EBAL girls’ volleyball: Carondelet at San Ramon Valley, 6 p.m.
Friday (Sept. 18) – Football: Liberty at Amador Valley, San Ramon Valley at McClymonds, De La Salle at St. Mary’s-Stockton, 7 p.m.
Pleasanton Preps: Foothill girls bounce back in second week of volleyball season
When the Foothill girls’ volleyball team uncharacteristically lost the first two games of the non-league season, there was no need to panic. And the patience paid off the second week of the season, as the Falcons ran off a series of wins and advanced to the finals of the very strong East County Tournament.
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: Bryce O’Nesky
School and grade: Amador Valley (2025)
Sport: Water polo
Favorite streaming channel/favorite show: “Snowfall”
What music are you listening to: House music and Rap
Must follow on social media: ESPN
Favorite fast-food restaurant/meal: Steak and potatoes
Favorite quote: “Be the best of whatever you are” (Martin Luther King Jr.)
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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