With the loss of 24 seniors to graduation in 2025, some might say that this year is a season of rebuilding for the Wildcats’ varsity football team, but for the athletes on this year’s squad, the theme is not “rebuild,” it’s reload.

In the months following one of the most successful seasons in the program’s 98-year history — a 10-1 overall record, a Kappa League championship, and a first-round appearance in California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 5 playoffs (a 16-10 overtime loss to Palos Verdes High School) — the Wildcats, led by head coach Justin Villasenor, have endured four-hour practice sessions, film study, weight training, and team-building. 

Improving on a season that included an undefeated regular season record — BOHS was one of only four teams in Orange County to achieve the feat — is a lofty challenge for the program. 

But for Villasenor, the success of last season is something to build upon, not replicate, for his new-look team. 

“Coming off a championship and losing so many seniors is just extra motivation for these players to constantly want to be better,” Villasenor, in his second season as head coach, said.

The Wildcats graduated All-CIF Southern Section running back Nathan Aceves (‘25), who rushed for 1033 yards on 155 carries; three-year starting quarterback Cullen Doyle (‘25) and his 2454 yards on164 completions; and Kappa League Defensive Player of the Year Jake Brooks (‘25), who led the Wildcats with 17 sacks.

But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another door opens.

With 16 starting positions up for grabs, training camp provided an opportunity for this year’s roster to step up and earn playing time. 

Strong safety Logan King (‘26), who snagged two interceptions last season, acknowledged the highly-competitive environment. “Everyone is trying to outwork each other because everyone wants to be a starter,” King said.

While the Wildcats reload 16 spots, they return six veterans who saw frequent action during the 10-1 campaign.

One of two returning starters on offense is Gavyn Nicholson (‘27). However, instead of lining up on the wing as a receiver where he hauled in 267 yards last season, Nicholson will start behind center as QB1. 

Although he only took 15 snaps as quarterback last season, the junior threw for 66 yards with six completions. 

Filling the void left by Doyle — who started 32 games and threw for 5828 yards in his varsity career — was a challenge for Villasenor, but he knew he had his man in Nicholson whom the coach expressed “confidence” in due to last season’s experience taking snaps as Doyle’s backup. 

Nicholson is not new to the position. He played QB on Brea’s Pop Warner teams, and in 2023, he led the Wildcat freshman squad to an 8-2 record.

This season, Nicholson’s main target will be the other returning offensive starter, wide receiver Ryan Nero (‘26) who amassed 497 yards and five touchdowns last season. Nero was recently named one of the top 150 varsity football players in Orange County by the Register, which ranked Nero 143rd in the entire county. 

Stepping into the offensive line, and providing protection to Nicholson and the running game, are guard Austin Elder (‘27) and tackle Nick Major (‘27).

One of the program’s biggest challenges is replacing the All-County Aceves and his team-high 19 touchdowns. Running back coach Jay Luevanos (’92) sees potential in new starting running backs Kolotolu Liti (‘26) and Brandon Bartell (‘27). 

“I see a lot of talent in them because they are super aggressive on the field,” Luevanos said.

Similarly depleted is the Wildcats’ defense, where only four veterans return: outside linebacker Nick Davis (‘27), who averaged 7.6 tackles per game and totaled four sacks last season; King, who was second on the team in interceptions; Troy Lagraffe (’26), who had 15 tackles; and Dalton Tagaloa (’26).

Another void to fill is the one left by Brooks, who led the Wildcats with 17 sacks, 28 quarterback hurries, and three caused fumbles. 

“It’s hard to fill Jake’s spot, but we have Julian Crader (‘26), Grant Ahn (‘27), and Jake Bryant (‘26) to do that job,” Villasenor said. 

(Brooks – who now plays at Fullerton College – will coach the freshmen team alongside Brandon Elder (‘25), who was last season’s top receiver. “Brooks is able to help out the defensive guys and offer advice and they all really look up to him,” Villasenor said of his first-year coach.)

“Losing so many seniors is a huge shift in our team dynamic since we relied on them so heavily,” linebacker Bryant said, “but I know we’ll overcome that because we have a lot of talent.”

Returning to special teams is kicker Colby Thuman (‘26) who scored 60 points last season. Thuman was one of the more consistent threats on offense, converting 48 out of 55 points after touchdown attempts, and nailing four of five field goals, with a long of 33-yards.

Four players were named captain by Villasenor: Nicholson, Nero, wide receiver Carson Tracey (‘26), and guard Luke Carren (‘26).

The new captains had an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership Aug. 15 as the Wildcats competed in a three-team scrimmage at Troy High School against the Warriors and Kennedy High School. The scrimmage enabled the program’s coaches to see how the team performed in live game situations. 

“Since we lost all of our starters and stat leaders, we had all new players on the field so it was interesting to see who would step up and rise to the occasion,” Kyle Mahlstede, assistant coach, said.

The Wildcats’ starters will have another opportunity to rise to the occasion when they kick off the season against the Sonora Raiders in Wildcat Stadium Aug. 22. Last season the Wildcats shut out Sonora in La Habra, 45-0. 

“We’ve prepared all off-season so I know we’ll do good against [Sonora],” Nero said.

The Division 9 Raiders finished last season with a 7-5 record, 3-2 in the Iota League. They return Tucker Hunnicutt (‘27) Sonora’s starting quarterback, and Alexsay Nazaroff (‘26), who averaged 91 rushing yards per game and totaled 14 touchdowns, second on the team.

But instead of focusing on the Raiders and their similarly overhauled roster (Sonora lost 19 players to graduation), the Wildcats have been focusing on fine-tuning their plays and developing their athletes, many of whom will start for the first time this Friday.

“We’re dialing in on what we want to do and how we want the game to go technique-wise,” Villasenor said.  “I know [we’re] up for the challenge. Our team is really good and I think we’ll perform well and enter the season with a win.” 

Gallery • 10 Photos

Issabella Garcia

Running back Jio Kang ('27) sprints past a Troy defender at Troy High School in Fullerton Aug. 15.