The 2025-26 school year is underway, and with it comes the return of the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Press Luncheons at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.
Local high school football, flag football, girls volleyball and boys water polo teams provided early-season updates and a look into the coming week at the first SBART luncheon of the year on Monday.
Click here for a full livestream of Monday’s luncheon, including full reports from local coaches.
Local Flag Football Teams Off to Hot Starts
The third season of girls flag football is off and rolling in town, and Santa Barbara has once again proven to be one of the most talent-rich areas for the sport in the Southern Section.
Dos Pueblos currently boast an 8-1 record, San Marcos sits at 6-1, and Santa Barbara High holds a 2-1 record through two weeks of non-league action.
A chunk of the Chargers’ wins this season came at the Los Angeles Chargers Invitational, which featured some of the top teams in the Southern Section. Dos Pueblos fell in the championship to highly ranked Orange Lutheran.
“We got a ton of experience that weekend and played against some of the best,” Dos Pueblos assistant coach George Hedricks said of the tournament. “I think it’s really going to help us as we get into the league.”
After dropping their season opener in overtime, the Dons bounced back with a dominant win over Cabrillo before pulling out an overtime win of their own against Channel Islands.
The Royals have found a groove as well, winning three straight games and outscoring their last two opponents by a mark of 71-0.
“We are in the third season, and we’ve had three different rule books,” San Marcos coach Jaylon Letendre said. “We are so proud of our players, Santa Barbara, DP, Santa Marcos, all here today, who are just taking that and rolling with it.
“The girls are so impressive at learning, taking on the challenge of new roles every season and just doing a great job with that. We appreciate everyone supporting us and supporting our girls.”
Channel League Girls Volleyball Season Begins this Week
After a few non-league contests to begin the year, San Marcos, Santa Barbara High and Dos Pueblos will open up their Channel League schedules on Thursday this week.
The Royals (2-1) will take their all-senior squad into an opener against Oxnard High on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
While San Marcos boasts plenty of experience up and down the lineup, the Dons (2-3) and Chargers (0-7) will lean on a few strong returners and many first-time varsity players when they begin Channel League play.
“We’ve had a pretty competitive preseason,” Dons head coach Kristin Hempy said. “I’m really happy with just the level the girls have risen to, still kind of figuring out our lineups, especially with so many new girls to varsity, so I’m excited to kind of get that mesh going.”
Santa Barbara High will host Buena on Thursday inside J.R. Richards Gym, while Dos Pueblos will be on the road against Rio Mesa on Thursday. Both matches are scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.
Local Football Teams Find Success in Week Zero
Three of the four local high school football teams to suit up last week came away with the win, getting their seasons started on a high note.
Powered by the arm of quarterback Tua Rojas and the legs of running back Oscar Mauia, Bishop Diego pulled out a 42-40 win over Lancaster on the road.
The Dons also came away with the win on the road, surviving a Camarillo comeback effort to take down the Scorpions, 21-14. Running back Aaron Baizan rushed for two scores in the win.
San Marcos rounded out the local winners by taking down Del Sol by a score of 35-0 in Del Sol’s first-ever game as a varsity football program.
Meanwhile, Santa Ynez came into Goleta and earned a 43-22 victory over Dos Pueblos in a rematch of last year’s season opener.
Student-Athletes in Attendance
San Marcos Girls Volleyball: Charlotte Hastings, Gracie Stone, Samantha Fallon
Santa Barbara High Football: Aaron Baizan, Everett Rabb Preston
Santa Barbara High Flag Football: Laila Hernandez, Elina Stump, Sofia Lopez
San Marcos Football: Cole Dominguez, Dominic Christman
Santa Barbara High Girls Volleyball: Paylin Marcillac, Blake Saunders
Santa Barbara High Boys Water Polo: Paolo Borgioli, Oliver Kelly
Dos Pueblos Flag Football: Kacey Hurley, Carly Letendre
Bishop Diego Girls Volleyball: Sophie Otte
Bishop Diego Football: Tua Rojas, Sam Crawford
San Marcos Flag Football: Drea Obispo, Peyton Sperling
Dos Pueblos Football: Micah Barnhart, Andrew Cook
Dos Pueblos Girls Volleyball: Addie Low, Maggie Squires
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