Wilcox Chargers

Wilcox Charger: 2025- 21-9, 10-4 SCVAL-De Anza Division. CCS-Divsion II qualifier, lost in championship game to Hollister. Coach: Matt Huth.

The Chargers return three starters from last year's Central Coast Section-Division II runner-up squad, but coach Matt Huth likes his chances in a SCVAL-De Anza Division that is loaded with talent.

"We are a program that positions ourselves in the top half of our league each year," Huth says.

Yes, Wilcox graduated nine players from last year's 21-9 squad, and the team suffered the tragic loss of junior Isaiah Mendoza, who was killed in an automobile accident in September.

What remains is a team with plenty of motivation, Huth said.

"With the experience our underclassman gained last year, we expect them to fill the gaps left by the graduating class of 2025," Huth said.

Pitcher Eliah Laureles, who beat Capuchino in the CCS semifinals last year, steps in as the Chargers' ace. He won six games and pitched 57 innings as a junior and will be counted on to be even better this year.

Sam Martinez will play infield and get the call on the mound, too. He hit .286 with 18 hits, including three triples, last year, while third baseman Dylan Jackson brings a steady glove to the hot corner. His .957 fielding percentage was solid. He also scored 18 runs.

Catcher Isaiah Mata hit .289 with three doubles last year.

Huth is excited by a crop of players who finished the last two seasons at or near the top of the De Anza Division's junior varsity level.

"We have a solid group of underclassmen coming up from JV," Huth said. "Expectations for the next two seasons are high."

Middle infielder Preston Jestson figures to step into the lineup after hitting .511 with 23 hits and 29 RBI last year at the JV level. Shortstop Ryan Cabildo hit .478 with 20 hits, while compiling a 1.02 earned-run average in 2025.

Bishop Roque, who had a 2.07 ERA will get some innings, too.

2026 Schedule

Feb. 24 at Tamone Tournament, McDonald High School, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 at Tamone Tournament, McDonald High School, TBA

Feb. 28 at Tamone Tournament, McDonald High School, 7 p.m.

March 3 Monterey, Hazlett tournament at Washington Park, Santa Clara, 4 p.m.

March 5 Hazlett tournament at Washington Park, Santa Clara, TBA.

March 7 Hazlett tournament at Washington Park, Santa Clara, TBA

March 11 at Dublin, 4 p.m.

March 18 Los Gatos, 4 p.m.

March 20 at Los Gatos, 4 p.m.

March 25 at Santa Clara, 4 p.m.