2025 metro-mesa league preview: kickers edition
Metro Mesa League Specialists Preview
The Metro Mesa League is loaded with talent in the South Bay, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for special teams. From proven veterans to rising underclassmen, each program has its own storyline heading into the season.
Mater Dei Catholic headlines the league with one of the deepest specialist rooms in the entire county, while other schools are breaking in new kickers eager to make their mark. With league play known for explosive offenses and high-scoring matchups, kickers, punters, and long snappers will have plenty of chances to impact games. Whether it’s booming kickoffs, clutch field goals, or perfectly placed punts, the Metro Mesa League’s special teams could play a huge role in determining this year’s standings.
Mater Dei Catholic
The Crusaders enter 2025 with arguably the most complete and talented specialist group in the Metro Mesa League — and perhaps all of San Diego.
Angel Mendoza (2026) returns after a perfect 6-for-6 field goal season with a long of 45 yards. Deadly accurate inside 50 with true 50+ yard range, Mendoza also averages 65 yards per kickoff and is refining his steps to maximize hang time and consistency. This offseason, Mendoza was on the road visiting multiple colleges and performing in front of numerous special teams coaches, building valuable recruiting connections. With his game experience and proven production, expect his recruitment to heat up significantly as the 2025 season progresses, especially toward signing day. He is our favorite to be the metro-mesa league kicker of the year.
Alex Lopez (2027) handles the punting duties, standing 6’2" with a 4-star rating and a stronger, more muscular frame after an impressive offseason. With his leg speed and build, Lopez could evolve into the top punter in San Diego by his senior year, especially as he finds his rhythm mid-season.
Gavin Quintana, the Crusaders’ 4-star long snapper, delivers fast, pinpoint snaps on punts and field goals. On punts, he hits the punter’s chosen hip — righty or lefty — with precision, and on field goals, his delivery is consistent and clean to the holder’s hands every time. His big frame and athleticism give him the upside to compete for a college roster spot.
Rounding out the group is Luis Heraldez (2028), one of the top kickers in the nation for his class. Standing 6’2" with a powerful frame, Heraldez consistently booms 65+ yard kickoffs. He made history as a freshman by becoming the first ninth-grader ever to win a competition at a New Gen Kicking event, taking home the 2025 Winter Kickoff Camp title with a 68-yard kickoff at 3.85 seconds of hang time. Now entering his sophomore year, his leg strength, size, and composure make him a future national name to watch.
From snap to kick, Mater Dei Catholic’s special teams are elite. With Mendoza, Lopez, Quintana, and Heraldez, the Crusaders have the depth, range, and accuracy to dominate every special teams phase in 2025.
Sweetwater Red Devils
Following the graduation of 2025 Metro Mesa League Kicker of the Year Gio Aceves—now playing Division II soccer at Chaminade University in Hawai’i—Sweetwater will have a brand new face handling kicking duties. Stepping into the role is Anthony Peralta, a 2026 prospect in his first year playing football.
Peralta has shown early flashes of potential, with a current field goal range of 35–40 yards and a smooth, repeatable swing. His focus this season will be on developing his kickoff game—improving both hang time and distance to help Sweetwater win the field position battle. While raw in experience, his athletic upside gives the Red Devils a strong foundation to build on in the coming seasons. If he adapts quickly to varsity game speed, Peralta could be a valuable contributor in a league known for producing high-level specialists.
Eastlake Titans
The Titans enter 2025 with one of the most intriguing kicking battles in the league. Two returning specialists—Jake Naiman (2026) and Christian Vargas (2027)—are set to compete for the top spot.
Naiman, a senior, could step into the role of handling field goals and extra points. While he’s primarily been focused on soccer, an offseason dedicated to private training and refining his mechanics could help him become a consistent, accurate option in the kicking game.
Right behind him is junior Christian Vargas, a 4-star kicker with a naturally explosive leg and varsity-ready kickoffs. Vargas is a consistent ball striker with the ability to handle all three phases—field goals, kickoffs, and punts. His athleticism and power give him a high ceiling, and with more varsity reps this season, his contact and accuracy should continue to improve. We expect Vargas to be one of the most experienced returning specialists in San Diego heading into 2026, making him a valuable weapon for Eastlake.
Otay Ranch Mustangs
2027 prospect Chris Esquibel takes over kicking duties for the Mustangs after the graduation of Alex Farias — a standout who nailed a 50-yard field goal last season, went 7/10 overall, and earned a KUSI Prep Pigskin Report Special Teams Player of the Year nomination. Farias is now at Southwestern College, competing for the starting punting job.
Esquibel brings a tall, athletic 6’1” frame and a strong leg to the position. His natural, fluid field goal swing already shows signs of 50+ yard range, and with consistent training and refinement in his technique, he could quickly develop into one of the top 2027 prospects in San Diego by next season. His success in year one will hinge on maintaining health, improving accuracy, and adding distance to his kickoffs. If he continues progressing, Esquibel could be a major difference-maker for the Mustangs in the Metro Mesa League.
Chula Vista Spartans
Chula Vista enters the 2025 season without a clear starter at the kicker position, as injuries have left plenty of question marks heading into fall camp. With a new head coach and a fresh look on offense, there’s a real opportunity for someone to step up and take control of the role early in the season.
The Spartans’ offense should provide plenty of scoring chances, giving the new starter multiple opportunities to showcase their talents. With the program’s rich soccer presence, finding a strong-legged athlete to fill the job should be achievable. The real test will be transitioning that skill into consistent execution under game-day pressure—especially on longer field goals and kickoffs with hang time. Whoever claims the job could emerge as a surprise difference-maker in the Metro Mesa League.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Metro Mesa League features a fascinating mix of established talent and players stepping into the spotlight for the first time. For returning stars like Angel Mendoza, Alex Lopez, and Gavin Quintana, this season is a chance to cement their legacies. For newcomers like Anthony Peralta, Chris Esquibel, and whoever claims the Chula Vista job, it’s an opportunity to write their own chapter in South Bay football.
With so much skill across the board, expect this league to produce some of the most impactful special teams plays in San Diego County this fall. As the season unfolds, every extra point, punt, and kickoff could make the difference between a win and a loss—making these specialists some of the most important athletes on the field.
