2026 SANTANA SULTANS PREVIEW

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

SANTANA SULTANS SEASON PREVIEW

With guests DENTON GOAR, ETHAN MILLER, ETHAN SMITH, and head coach TIM ESTES 

Experienced Sultans expect to take another step

Senior quarterback Miller leads veteran group of returning playmakers as Santana looks to build on last season’s playoff victory

EastCountySports.com

SANTEE — Santana’s 2025 season provided progress, a memorable playoff victory and a difficult ending that continues to motivate the Sultans entering 2026.

Santana finished 6-6 overall and 2-3 in Grossmont Valley League play before defeating Bonita Vista 11-10 in the opening round of the playoffs. The Sultans’ season ended one week later with a 38-0 loss at Morse.

They will not have to wait long for another opportunity against the Tigers.

Santana opens the 2026 season at Morse on Aug. 21, returning to the site of the loss that ended its previous campaign. Coach Tim Estes deliberately placed the rematch at the beginning of the schedule.

“We lost, and we didn’t lose the way we wanted to,” Estes said. “They ended up going to the state game, so they did really well and they were very talented. Do they have all their guys back? No. But I’m looking for a good game this year, and I kind of want to get them back. That’s why I wanted to schedule them again.”

The Sultans should take a more experienced team into the rematch.

Senior quarterback Ethan Miller returns after establishing himself as Santana’s starter. The Sultans also bring back their leading rusher, their two leading receivers and several of their most productive defensive players.

The returning skill group gives Santana reason to believe it can improve an offense that averaged 14 points per game last season.

“This is going to be a fun group to watch this year,” Estes said.

Miller returns as established quarterback

Miller completed 125 of 203 passes for 1,285 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. His 61.6-percent completion rate provided the Sultans with stability at the position.

He returns for his senior year with a deeper understanding of the offense and considerable familiarity with the players around him.

Miller believes the Sultans had enough ability to accomplish more than they did last season.

“I think the season turned out not how we wanted it to,” Miller said. “I think we should have done better. I feel like we had the skill and we had the talent. It just didn’t go our way in the end.”

The playoff victory over Bonita Vista provided a different memory. Santana survived one of the tensest games of its season and successfully took the risk necessary to win.

“In my last three years at the school, it was probably the most nervous I’ve been, but also prepared for the moment,” Miller said. “It was cool how it ended. We were able to celebrate it. It shows that we’re risk-takers here, and that’s something we take pride in.”

Senior Josh Pehl gives Santana an experienced secondary quarterback option. Pehl is listed as a receiver and quarterback after catching 10 passes for 65 yards last season.

Sophomores Landon Braaksma and Ethan Brozek also are listed at both quarterback and receiver. Miller has taken a particular interest in helping Braaksma develop.

“I’m taking him under my wing,” Miller said. “We work great together at football. I also play baseball with him. We have that bond. We’re both baseball guys, and we both love football.”

Braaksma is one of several sophomores who could begin earning varsity opportunities behind Santana’s veteran seniors.

Miller’s experience should allow Santana to expand its offense, but its success will depend upon improved protection and the ability to establish a more consistent running game.

Goar and Thornton give Santana proven playmakers

Senior Denton Goar and senior Kolten “Koko” Thornton return as the leading members of Santana’s receiving corps.

Goar caught 38 passes for a team-high 384 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also played cornerback, intercepted two passes and contributed significantly in the return game.

Goar averaged 26.6 yards on nine kickoff returns and 15.3 yards on four punt returns. He finished with 704 all-purpose yards despite rarely leaving the field.

“I like being on the field,” Goar said. “I like supporting my team, so whenever I can get on the field, I want to stay on. Being able to have that longevity in the game really helps out the team.”

Goar expects the receiving corps to become one of the offense’s strengths, but he indicated that the Sultans will not simply repeat what they did last season.

“Without saying too much, we’re definitely coming different on offense this year,” Goar said. “We have a lot of opportunities to come. I think all those stats for our players are going to see a high boost.”

Thornton may be Santana’s most versatile player.

He led the Sultans with 42 receptions last season, producing 363 yards and three touchdowns. Thornton also rushed 48 times for 196 yards and another touchdown.

His impact extended across defense and special teams. Thornton intercepted a team-high three passes and accumulated 539 return yards, including 450 yards on 15 kickoff returns.

Thornton finished the season with 1,137 all-purpose yards.

Miller has known Thornton since they were children and considers him one of Santana’s most trusted players and leaders.

“I’ve grown up with Koko,” Miller said. “I’ve known him since I was about four years old. It’s a big thing to be able to grow up together playing football.”

Thornton’s versatility allows Santana to line him up at receiver, in the backfield, in the secondary and as a returner.

“He’s a guy you need to have on the team because he can play both ways,” Miller said. “He can lead the team. He never has an attitude, which is huge. He always keeps the spirit around the team high.”

Miller also praised Thornton’s ability to contribute in virtually any offensive role.

“He can run the ball from the backfield, he can run great routes and he has great hands,” Miller said. “He’s just an overall great player.”

Smith ready for expanded offensive role

Senior Ethan Smith could become one of Santana’s breakout offensive players.

Smith caught only four passes last season, but those receptions produced 80 yards. His 20-yard average demonstrated the big-play ability Santana hopes to feature more regularly.

Smith expects to concentrate primarily on receiver while remaining available to provide defensive relief when needed.

“I’m mostly going to be playing offense this year,” Smith said. “I will be playing a little defense when people like Denton or Koko need breathers, but usually it’s going to be more on the offensive side of the ball.”

Estes confirmed that Smith should receive more opportunities within a passing attack designed to involve several receivers.

“Yes, he will,” Estes said when asked if Smith would receive more touches. “I think we’ll be able to spread out the ball quite a bit. Our offense is looking pretty good with everything we’ve been adding to it.”

Pehl and senior Brenden Varner provide additional experience. Varner played primarily on special teams last season but is expected to compete for a more substantial offensive role.

Junior Noah Nolin, junior Cameron Cipro, junior Brynn Warren, junior Israel Sanchez and junior Luna Biggs are among the other receiving candidates on the varsity roster.

The Sultans also list sophomores Connor Galarneau, Marco Colon, Aaron Rodriguez, Julian Walker-Andrade, Noah Handgis, Benton Sergent and Aaron MacLay at receiver.

The size of that group should allow Santana to rotate more players and reduce some of the workload carried by Goar and Thornton.

Miller views Pehl as one of the offense’s most dependable athletes.

“Josh Pehl is another receiver-quarterback, a great athlete and somebody I can trust wherever he is on the field,” Miller said.

Mayers positioned to lead the running game

Junior Julian Mayers returns as Santana’s leading rusher and is expected to begin the season as the Sultans’ primary running back.

Mayers carried 158 times for 508 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore. He also caught nine passes for 108 yards, giving him 616 yards from scrimmage in 11 games.

“He’ll probably be our main back to get started,” Estes said. “But we have a couple of other guys, obviously, who can run the ball.”

Miller believes Mayers has the potential to produce a much larger season if Santana’s blocking improves and the offense can provide him with enough opportunities.

“He 100 percent has the potential,” Miller said when asked if Mayers could become a 1,000-yard rusher. “If he gets the chance and he gets enough touches, he has so much potential to shock people with his stats.”

Santana needs that development.

The Sultans rushed for 691 yards as a team last season and averaged 2.3 yards per attempt. Mayers produced nearly three-quarters of Santana’s positive rushing yardage among its returning players.

Thornton gives the offense a proven alternative after averaging 4.1 yards on 48 carries last season.

Junior Tatum Morehouse also could contribute at running back or tight end. Sophomore Evan Montello and junior Tristan Russo provide additional backfield possibilities on the varsity roster.

Estes wants the offense to create touches for its playmakers in different locations rather than making its intentions obvious based upon personnel.

“We have a number of weapons on offense, and spreading the ball out is going to be one of the key things for us,” Estes said. “We can get Julian running the ball or get him the ball in other ways. The same with Denton and Koko.”

Young offensive line faces important assignment

The development of Santana’s offensive line could determine how much the offense improves.

Senior Raul Cortez is the most experienced upperclassman listed at tackle. The 6-foot-2 lineman came to Santana from Granite Hills and made a quick impression during offseason practices.

Miller said Cortez quickly learned the Sultans’ terminology and blocking responsibilities.

“I’ve never seen somebody come in so quick, be so comfortable and know everything,” Miller said. “This guy knew the plays and the blocking schemes within two days.”

Cortez is expected to compete for the left tackle position and the responsibility of protecting Miller’s blind side.

“He’s going to make a huge impact on my blind side,” Miller said. “I trust him every play. I’m able to communicate with him.”

Sophomore Izaiah Celindro returns after gaining varsity experience as a freshman. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound tackle and defensive tackle is one of the largest players on Santana’s roster.

“He was a starting tackle last year as a 14-year-old freshman who had never touched a football field before, and he shocked multiple people,” Miller said. “I think that’s somebody who can play at the next level.”

Sophomore Silas Waider also returns with varsity experience and is listed at defensive tackle. He could compete for an interior offensive position despite not being listed at guard on the current roster.

Santana’s other varsity offensive-line candidates include senior Cortez, junior Jamison Teak, junior Allan Luna and sophomores Brandon Slaff, Sam Ramirez Gomez, Matt Pumariega, Celindro, Isaac Vasconez and Troy Leroy.

Slaff is listed at center and defensive tackle. Luna can play guard or center, while Teak, Ramirez Gomez, Vasconez and Leroy are listed as guards. Pumariega is listed at tackle and defensive tackle.

The roster is young up front, but it contains several players between 190 and 235 pounds who could grow together over the course of the season.

Miller is confident that the group will surprise opponents.

“This is probably one of the strongest lines I’ve seen,” Miller said. “I think they will shock people because nobody is going to be in the backfield. I can trust myself, make my reads and take just a little bit longer.”

The Sultans need that optimism to translate into results. Better protection should allow Miller to take advantage of Santana’s receiving depth, while improved run blocking would ease the pressure on the passing game.

“These guys are the most important people on the field at all times,” Miller said. “I give them credit every day.”

Morehouse leads returning defense

Morehouse enters his junior season as Santana’s leading returning tackler.

He recorded 75 tackles as a sophomore, including 16 tackles for loss and four sacks. Morehouse also recovered two fumbles and scored on one of those recoveries.

He is expected to remain one of Santana’s primary linebackers while contributing at running back, tight end and punter.

“He’s going to be on both sides of the ball,” Estes said. “He’ll be one of our linebackers, and he’ll be one of the running backs or tight ends whenever we need him.”

Goar said Morehouse’s effort and instincts have been evident since Morehouse joined the varsity program as a freshman.

“He instantly made a big impact on our defense,” Goar said. “He was a guy who flew around, got to the ball and showed a lot of hustle and a lot of heart.”

Morehouse’s 75 tackles were 10 more than any other Santana defender recorded last season. His 16 tackles for loss shared the team lead.

“Now this is his third year, and he has a lot of experience,” Goar said. “He’s going to be a great factor on defense.”

Senior Ryder Davey returns as an outside linebacker after recording 18 tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season.

“He’s another huge impact on our defense,” Goar said. “He’s very strong. He’s the kind of guy who is going to get that ball and get that quarterback. Having a guy like that is very crucial in our defense.”

Senior Brody Tena is listed at middle linebacker. Senior Brayton Knight, junior Kyler Wakefield and sophomore Charlie Olvera are additional linebacker or edge candidates.

Mayers and junior Morehouse are both listed at running back and outside linebacker, providing Santana with two more two-way options.

“We don’t have a ton of numbers, but we have guys who are going to want to play both sides of the ball, which is awesome,” Estes said.

Experienced secondary should be a strength

Santana returns three of its most productive defensive backs in Goar, Thornton and senior Anthony Terry.

Goar intercepted two passes last season and broke up three more. Thornton led Santana with three interceptions, returning them for 39 yards.

Terry recorded nine pass breakups, recovered two fumbles and forced another. He is listed at free safety and strong safety but was projected during the preseason interview to work with Goar at cornerback.

“At the corner spot, it’s going to be me and returning varsity player Anthony Terry,” Goar said. “We have that chemistry. I’ve known him for a long time. I played Little League with him, so we have that eye-to-eye vision on coverage.”

Santana’s exact secondary alignment could change. The experience of Goar, Thornton and Terry nevertheless gives the Sultans a strong foundation.

Goar described Terry as a defender he trusts when the ball is in the air.

“He’s my right-hand guy,” Goar said. “Whenever he’s in that coverage, I feel comfortable with him there. He’s a ball hawk.”

Senior Dillon Timanus is listed at free safety, while junior Jordan Pike can play strong safety. Junior Cipro could earn a larger role after recording 19 tackles in only four games as a sophomore.

Sophomores Daxton Amantea, Noah Handgis and Marco Colon and junior Israel Sanchez are listed at cornerback. Sophomore Anthony Alegria provides another option at free safety.

The returning experience should allow Santana’s defensive backs to communicate more effectively and play with greater confidence.

“Over the top, we’re going to have Koko,” Goar said. “I trust him a lot. We’re going to have some new players in our linebacker spots and our other safety spots, so I’m excited to see where that takes us.”

Defensive front will rely on young players

Santana’s greatest defensive uncertainty may be along the line.

The current varsity roster contains several young defensive linemen but few seniors at those positions. Celindro, Waider, Pumariega, Vasconez, Slaff, Leroy and sophomore Jackson Gilio are among the candidates.

Celindro and Pumariega are listed as tackles. Vasconez is listed at nose guard, while Gilio can play defensive end or offensive tackle.

Junior Wakefield is another defensive end candidate.

The group possesses useful size but will have to develop quickly. Santana produced 29 sacks and 83 tackles for loss last season, but several of the players responsible for those totals graduated.

Morehouse and Davey give the Sultans proven pressure players at linebacker. The defensive line must prevent opposing blockers from consistently reaching them and create opportunities for Santana’s experienced secondary.

The presence of multiple two-way linemen could also test Santana’s depth late in games.

Special teams remain central to Santana’s identity

Morehouse returns as Santana’s punter after averaging 34.1 yards on 41 attempts. He placed 10 punts inside the 20 and produced a season-long kick of 54 yards.

Estes expects Morehouse to retain that role.

“And he’s the punter,” Estes said. “We’re looking forward to a lot of big things from him.”

Thornton and Goar give Santana two established returners.

Thornton averaged 30 yards per kickoff return and 11.1 yards per punt return. Goar averaged 26.6 yards on kickoffs and 15.3 yards on punts.

Senior Varner is listed as Santana’s kicker and is a candidate to replace Landon McGhen, who converted 19 of 20 extra-point attempts last season.

The Sultans’ ability to create field position through Morehouse’s punting and the return skills of Thornton and Goar could be especially important during close league games.

Morse rematch opens schedule

The Sultans begin Aug. 21 at Morse before hosting Crawford on Aug. 28. Santana defeated Crawford 14-7 on the road last season, but Miller did not believe the Sultans performed to their ability.

“I think we were a way better team than we played that game,” Miller said. “Luckily, we were still able to pull it off, 14-7. Now we play them at our house, and I think it’s going to be a completely different game.”

Miller expects the returning experience to produce more consistent performances.

“We’ve worked so hard to prove that we’re not the same team we were last year,” Miller said.

Brawley visits Santana on Sept. 4. The Wildcats were not on the Sultans’ schedule last season, although the teams saw each other during offseason seven-on-seven competition.

“Brawley historically has been very good over the years,” Estes said. “I would never take them lightly. They are normally a talented team.”

Santana hosts Fallbrook on Sept. 25.

Grossmont Valley League play begins Oct. 2 against El Capitan. The meeting restores an important East County matchup after the teams were unable to arrange a regular-season game last year.

“I always like playing El Cap,” Estes said. “That’s always fun. Ron and I have been coaching against each other for a long time, so it’s always a fun game.”

The El Capitan game begins a five-week league schedule.

Santana hosts West Hills in the Santee rivalry game on Oct. 9. West Hills defeated Santana 10-7 in overtime last season.

“It’s always a rivalry we look forward to,” Goar said. “We all know kids from that team. We all have a relationship with them, but at the end of the day, we’re playing football. It’s our 11 against their 11.”

Goar left no doubt about the importance of the rematch.

“We’re coming for that Mayor’s Cup this year,” he said.

Santana then plays consecutive road games against Valhalla on Oct. 16 and Monte Vista on Oct. 23.

Valhalla defeated Santana 28-0 last season and enters 2026 with a new coaching staff and significant expectations. Monte Vista lost 14-7 at Santana last year and should present another physical test.

Santana closes the regular season at home against El Cajon Valley on Oct. 30. The Sultans defeated the Braves 21-14 last season.

League race presents opportunity

The 2026 Grossmont Valley League consists of Santana, El Capitan, Valhalla, Monte Vista, West Hills and El Cajon Valley.

Santana went 2-3 in league play last season, defeating El Cajon Valley and Monte Vista. The Sultans lost in overtime to West Hills and were shut out by Valhalla. Their other league loss came against Grossmont, which has moved into the Grossmont Hills League under the current alignment.

The new schedule gives Santana an opportunity to improve upon last season’s fifth-place finish, but every league game presents a distinct challenge.

El Capitan renews a familiar matchup. West Hills brings the intensity of a crosstown rivalry. Valhalla appears significantly improved. Monte Vista traditionally presents a physical running attack, and El Cajon Valley stayed within one score of Santana last year.

Santana’s experience at quarterback, receiver, linebacker and defensive back should make it competitive throughout that stretch.

Whether the Sultans can challenge near the top of the league may depend upon the development of their lines and their ability to remain healthy while several important players work on both sides of the ball.

Sultans seeking more than another playoff appearance

Santana’s 2025 season demonstrated both its resilience and its limitations.

The Sultans won their first three games and later defeated El Cajon Valley and Monte Vista. They also lost four games by at least 19 points and were shut out twice.

Their 11-10 playoff victory over Bonita Vista showed they could remain composed and win a close postseason game. The loss at Morse demonstrated the distance Santana still had to travel against a more complete opponent.

The Sultans believe they possess more options in 2026.

Miller returns as a proven quarterback. Mayers is positioned for a larger season at running back. Goar and Thornton are established all-purpose threats. Smith could emerge as another big-play receiver, while Pehl and Varner provide additional senior experience.

Morehouse leads a defense with proven players at linebacker and in the secondary. Santana’s young linemen will determine whether that experience can translate into a more consistent team.

For the senior class, the goal is to ensure that the Oct. 30 home game against El Cajon Valley is not its final appearance.

“I’m not expecting it to be the last game,” Miller said. “I’m hoping to get to that point in the season where it doesn’t matter if we win or lose, we’re going to the playoffs.”

Miller would like Santana to earn more than simple postseason qualification.

“Maybe we get a first-round bye or a home game,” Miller said. “For the last regular-season game, I think a win would be huge. It means something to all of us.”

Santana enters the season with enough returning production to expect improvement. The Sultans now must turn that experience into greater offensive consistency, stronger line play and a higher position in the Grossmont Valley standings.

Last season’s playoff victory showed them what was possible.

The way the season ended showed them how much work remained.

Santana Sultans at a glance

Head coach: Tim Estes
2025 record: 6-6 overall, 2-3 Grossmont Valley League
2025 playoffs: Defeated Bonita Vista 11-10; lost to Morse 38-0
League: Grossmont Valley
Returning quarterback: Ethan Miller
Top returning rusher: Julian Mayers — 508 yards, three touchdowns
Top returning receivers: Denton Goar — 38 receptions, 384 yards, three touchdowns; Kolten Thornton — 42 receptions, 363 yards, three touchdowns
Top returning tackler: Tatum Morehouse — 75 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks
Other key returners: Ethan Smith, Josh Pehl, Ryder Davey, Anthony Terry, Brenden Varner
Season opener: Aug. 21 at Morse
Home opener: Aug. 28 vs. Crawford
League opener: Oct. 2 vs. El Capitan
Santee rivalry game: Oct. 9 vs. West Hills
Regular-season finale: Oct. 30 vs. El Cajon Valley

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