Oaks Christian, Simi Valley football embracing a revamped Marmonte League

Oaks Christian, Simi Valley football embracing a revamped Marmonte League

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The six head coaches of the Marmonte League all agreed on one thing on Monday at the league’s media day at Oaks Christian School: The Marmonte League is the toughest league in Ventura County.

“There’s not a team that you can look past in this Marmonte League,” Simi Valley coach Jim Benkert said. “All of them are good. We’re excited to be competing against the best of the best in Ventura County.”

Simi Valley High School football coach Jim Benkert gives a preview of his team during the 2024 Marmonte League Media Day Aug. 5, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

League realignment has given a new look to the Marmonte League. Simi Valley and Oaks Christian are both part of the group as well as Bishop Diego, Camarillo, Pacifica and St. Bonaventure — which are outside of the Daily News coverage area.

Last season, the league included Oaks Christian, Simi Valley, Bishop Diego, St. Bonaventure, Calabasas and Westlake. Leagues are periodically examined and realigned to ensure competitive equity among teams.

Pacifica, which is in Oxnard, was the CIF State 2A champion as well as the Division 6 CIF Southern Section champions in 2019. The Tritons were moved up to Division 3 in the CIF-SS last season.

Camarillo last played in the Marmonte League in 2017 and rejoins after being in the Canyon League.

“We like the realignment because we always like competition,” Oaks Christian head coach Charlie Collins said. “Bringing in Pacifica was an added plus to the strength of our league. And then Camarillo was in the league about four or five years back and so to have them back is a good thing.”

Oaks Christian football coach Charlie Collins answers questions during the 2024 Marmonte League Media Day Aug. 5, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Benkert seemed elated on Monday to remain in the Marmonte League and added that it’s important to keep the league at six teams because it can be difficult for programs to find and schedule nonleague games.

Simi Valley football has experienced unprecedented success and growth in recent seasons. The Pioneers moved from the Canyon League to the Marmonte League in 2022 and went on to win a CIF-SS Division 6 title in 2023 — which was the first CIF-SS football title in school history.

There are over 150 players in the program now and the team is traveling to Nevada to play Spanish Springs on Aug. 16. The out-of-state game is another program first. All of the above were reasons as to why the Pioneers were placed in the Marmonte League.

“Simi Valley wasn’t known for being a Marmonte League football power,” Benkert said. “And now here we are. There were 19 proposals in the section to put this league together and every one of the proposals had Simi Valley in the top league.”

The Pioneers return quarterback Tagg Harrison, who has offers from Louisville and Ole Miss, and Brice Hawkins at running back. Four-year starter Kevin Alano and three-year starter Gino Veon will hold down the offensive line.

Junior Izak Simpson returns at defensive end as the reigning Marmonte League lineman of the year.

But as much as Simi Valley has improved, Oaks Christian still looks to be the favorite to win the league championship for a second straight year behind a formidable, experienced defensive front.

Oaks Christian’s Hayden Lowe lets out a smile during the 2024 Marmonte League Media Day Aug. 5, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Defensive end and USC commit Hayden Lowe will be tough to get through and he has UC Davis commit Christian Knoos at linebacker to support him.

“We rely on our senior defense,” Lowe said. “And over here we have a great culture and we really worked this offseason to really perfect our craft and not have a lot of errors in our calls, our coverages and really want to have a great year.”

Stevie Amar, an uncommitted tight end with 16 offers, will work with quarterback Axel Eason. The UC Davis-bound senior earned the starting job after backing up Nate Bennett and Devin Tate last season.

“I’ve had great opportunities to back up and learn from some great quarterbacks like Nate and Devin,” Eason said. “And especially with the mental side of the game, they’ve helped prepare me. And Coach Collins has helped improve my game tremendously. I think that really helps me this year and it’s kind of let our offense really take off.”

The Lions begin their season on Aug. 23 at Chaminade and the Marmonte League season kicks off on Oct. 4. Oaks Christian will host Pacifica and Simi Valley will host St. Bonaventure.

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