2025 western league preview: kickers
2025 Western League Specialist Preview
Three Newcomers. One Proven Leg. One Crown.
The 2025 Western League opens with a unique storyline: three of the four programs will start the season with brand new varsity kickers, while the fourth — Lincoln — adds a proven leg with varsity experience to its state championship roster.
Cathedral Catholic, University City, and Scripps Ranch each hand the reins to fresh starters, ready to make their varsity debut in one of San Diego’s toughest leagues. Lincoln, meanwhile, welcomes in Adell Nunez, a 2028 standout who already proved himself last season at Mission Bay and now steps into a high-pressure role for the defending state champs.
With the mix of first-time varsity specialists and a young but battle-tested transfer, every PAT, kickoff, and field goal attempt this fall will carry extra weight — and could decide the Western League title race.
Cathedral Catholic — “New Chapter, Same Standard”
Kicker to Watch: Bryce Bergman (2027)
Previous Specialist: Gage Eastlack – Signed with Pomona-Pitzer (NCAA D3 – CA)
With the graduation of Gage Eastlack, the Dons turn the page to a new era of specialists — and leading that charge is Bryce Bergman, a rising 2027 K/P combo with all the tools to make an impact. After a strong offseason of technical development, Bergman enters his first varsity season poised to be a key contributor for one of San Diego’s most explosive offenses.
Bergman’s offseason growth has been noticeable — especially in refining his steps, posture, and overall swing mechanics. With a clean ball-strike and calm mental approach, he’s expected to handle both placekicking and punting duties for Cathedral Catholic this fall.
While his field goal mechanics and poise are varsity-ready, Bergman’s biggest area for continued growth is in his kickoff depth and hangtime. His technique is fundamentally sound, but an increase in overall leg speed and power will elevate his game to the next tier. As he continues to add weight and functional muscle, especially in his hips, glutes, and core, expect his kickoff touchback ratio to rise throughout the season.
If Cathedral’s high-octane offense continues to produce scoring opportunities, Bergman could find himself logging 4–6 PATs per game — and with enough field goal attempts, he’s a legitimate contender for 2025 Western League Kicker of the Year.
Right now, the only thing standing between him and that crown may be his kickoff performance — a key metric used in all-league selections and college evaluations alike. But the foundation is there: clean form, improving pop, and a high ceiling. If he puts it all together, San Diego may be witnessing the rise of one of its next elite specialist prospects.
Lincoln — “Big Stage, Big Leg”
Kicker to Watch: Adell Nunez (2028)
Previous Program: Mission Bay High School (Transfer)
After capturing a CIF state title in 2024, Lincoln enters the 2025 season with national attention — and a new face at kicker. Freshman standout Adell Nunez, now a sophomore, is transferring in from Mission Bay and brings one of the strongest legs in San Diego’s 2028 class.
Nunez earned his first varsity reps as a freshman during the second half of the 2024 season — an accomplishment in itself — and made the most of his opportunity, converting 3-of-4 field goals and 6-of-6 PATs for the Buccaneers. Now at Lincoln, he steps into a high-powered, championship-caliber program with a fresh start and a national schedule ahead.
The offseason transformation has been real — physically and mentally. Nunez has completely reshaped his frame and sharpened his approach in preparation for a breakout Year 2. He brings long-range capability on field goals and has shown the ability to consistently drive kickoffs into the end zone, a major asset for a team that values field position against elite competition.
While Lincoln’s strength of schedule might limit high-scoring blowouts, it creates a different kind of opportunity: close, high-pressure moments where a kicker’s value is magnified. Nunez is expected to see plenty of clutch situations this season — and if he capitalizes, he’ll have a strong case for Western League Kicker of the Year, even if his stat sheet isn’t padded with volume.
As his game continues to evolve, punting remains an area of growth. With Lincoln set to battle some of the top programs in the state and country, every phase of special teams will matter — and any strides Nunez makes in the punting game will further solidify his value to the Hornets.
Big leg. Big upside. Big program. The stage is set for Adell Nunez to become one of San Diego’s breakout specialist stories in 2025
University City — “Opportunity Awaits”
Kicker to Watch: Position Open
Previous Specialist: Kainalu Lee – Pursuing Rugby
The Centurions enter 2025 without their starting kicker from last season, as Kainalu Lee has chosen to focus on rugby. That leaves the varsity spot wide open — and for a program with one of the fastest-scoring offenses in San Diego and a defense that forces plenty of short fields, this is a dream scenario for any aspiring varsity kicker.
University City’s up-tempo, high-output offense means plenty of PAT attempts and consistent field goal opportunities, while their defensive speed often forces opponents into poor field position — putting a premium on kickoffs that can pin teams deep or go for touchbacks. The right kicker in this system could soar to the top of both the XP/PAT leaderboards and the kickoff touchback rankings in the county.
Whether it’s a soccer crossover, a developing underclassman, or a transfer ready to make a splash, the Centurions have a golden opportunity to find a difference-maker on special teams. Whoever steps into the role in 2025 will have the chance to rack up stats, build a highlight reel, and become a key piece of University City’s championship push.
Scripps Ranch — “Next in Line”
Kicker to Watch: Asher Sturch (2028)
Previous Specialist: Tyler Meltzer – Multi-year varsity starter, Class of 2025
The Falcons will have a new face at kicker this fall, as multi-year starter Tyler Meltzer graduates and passes the torch to rising sophomore Asher Sturch. A 2028 prospect with a strong, developing leg, Sturch has the raw tools to become a long-term solution for Scripps Ranch’s special teams.
While still young, Sturch has shown flashes of the power and composure needed to compete at the varsity level. The 2025 season will be his first real test against Western League competition, but his fundamentals and natural leg speed suggest he can handle the role.
For Scripps Ranch, the key will be getting Sturch consistent in-game reps — whether on PATs, field goals, or kickoffs — so he can build confidence and rhythm. If he’s given the opportunity to showcase his talent early and often, the Falcons may find themselves with a reliable specialist for the next three seasons.
With a high ceiling and time to grow, Sturch enters the year as one of the youngest projected starters in the league — and 2025 could be the season he makes his varsity mark.
2025 Western League Kicker of the Year Watchlist
Tier 1 — Front-Runners
Adell Nunez (2028) – Lincoln
One of the strongest legs in San Diego’s 2028 class. Proven varsity experience as a freshman (Mission Bay) now steps into the state champion Hornets’ lineup. Long-range field goals and consistent touchbacks make him a prime contender.
Bryce Bergman (2027) – Cathedral Catholic
Varsity debut in 2025 after a big offseason refining his steps and swing. Handles all three phases and thrives under Cathedral’s high-powered offense. With his FG and XP volume, he could own the stat sheet.
Tier 2 — Contenders
Asher Sturch (2028) – Scripps Ranch
Young, strong-legged prospect ready to take over for a multi-year starter. If given consistent opportunities, could rise fast in the rankings.
University City — Open Competition
With one of San Diego’s highest-scoring offenses, the varsity kicker role here comes with massive upside. Whoever wins it will have the volume to make noise in the award race.
Final Thoughts: Specialists Will Steal the Spotlight
The 2025 Western League is built for fireworks — but this year, don’t be surprised if the loudest moments come from the quietest players on the roster. Between Nunez’s power, Bergman’s precision, and the league’s fresh faces at Scripps Ranch and University City, every Friday night could feature a kick that changes the playoff picture.
The race for Western League Kicker of the Year is wide open, but two names stand out early: Adell Nunez and Bryce Bergman. Both have the skill, confidence, and team situations to dominate — and both will be tested against some of the toughest schedules in the state.
Big kicks. Big stakes. Big moments ahead.
Follow @NewGenKicking for midseason updates, highlight reels, and big kicks as we track this race from Week 1 to the final whistle.
