Junipero Serra

A handful of pleasant surprises in the first week of the season.

Padres get shutdown pitching from youngsters to take home Battle for Atherton crown again.

Menlo School has its winning streak snapped as Los Gatos advances into the Battle for Atherton finals against Serra.

Covey strikes out 10 in five innings, but Serra finds a way to scratch out a 4-1 victory.

A Prime number is one that is divisible only by one and, of course, itself. Prime 31 honors the players we think best illustrate the Peninsula's talent. If we missed you, prove us wrong and make the postseason list. After all, it's not where you start, but where you finish.

The 2026 season promises plenty of highlights and a bevy of surprises on the Peninsula.

2026 Schedule Feb. 24 at Sacred Heart Prep, The Battle of Atherton tournament, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Menlo Atherton, The Battle of Atherton, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28 Battle of Atherton tournament finals, TBA March 3 San Ramon Valley, 3:30 p.m. March 4 College

Serra Padres 2025: 28-7, 12-2 WCAL championship. CCS-Division I championship. Northern California-Division I runner-up, tournament champion in the inaugural Battle For Atherton. Coach: Mat Keplinger. Gone is a core of five seniors, including Serra's up-the-middle strength – its catcher, shortstop, second baseman and centerfielder – that was essential in guiding