George Gilbert will play a key role for Miramonte, starting at both safety and wide receiver. Unlike the recent past, Gilbert is the only player who will start on both offense and defense, an indication of the increased depth and talent of the Miramonte roster.
“We can’t have any letdowns,” said Miramonte coach Nick Safir as he contemplated a daunting 2026 schedule. That schedule, though, will make the defending North Coast Section Division 4 champions even more fun for fans to watch this year, with a home schedule filled with highlight games.
Some fans, of course, plan on regular attendance, but those who need to be a little picky might circle the following home games on their calendar.
Northgate (Homecoming), Sept. 18: Sometimes teams make sure Homecoming is a game they can win, but not the Mats. Northgate is expected to battle Miramonte for the Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Foothill Division title, and Safir said flatly, “This could be the championship game.” (Note that the DAL is divided into three separate divisions, and that neither Campolindo nor Acalanes are in the Foothill with Miramonte.)
“They bring a ton of people back,” said Safir of the Broncos. “Their defense last year was pretty much all sophomores” – including now-junior linebacker Micah Anum, one of the top defensive players in the area.
“That’s going to be a major battle,” he said, and it comes after three previous games, one of them against up-and-coming Granada, a much larger school that plays in the powerhouse East Bay Athletic League with De La Salle and San Ramon Valley.
But there’s no breathing room, because next up is …
Windsor, Sept. 25: Windsor hosted the Mats last year, and were not polite, winning 59-21, and the Jaguars are expected to be just as good this year. They are ranked 11th in NCS in preseason, and their defensive line gave Safir’s team fits in 2025.
But this season, Windsor takes the long ride before the game, and the younger Miramonte players have some confidence to build on, as they knocked off the unbeaten Jaguars in the junior varsity game last year.
Still, this game will be a challenge, as senior quarterback Carter Vose III will lead a talented offense that averaged just over 30 points a game.
But that can’t hold a candle to …
Campolindo, Oct. 9: Could this be the year? The last time Miramonte beat Campolindo was 2010, and last year, the margin was only three points – at Campo. And though the Cougars were 9-3 last season, 21 of their 22 starters graduated, and 26 spots filled by seniors are now vacant.
“There are a lot of new guys but [Campolindo coach] Kevin Macy will find a way,” said Safir. “Campo’s still Campo.”
Miramonte, though, has improved steadily with Safir in charge, and one big change will be noticeable even before the game starts. “We’ve got 40 players on varsity,” Safir said, “and only one player will start on both sides of the ball.”
That’s a huge step for a program that didn’t suit up 30 in Safir’s first season, and it not only allows players to focus more on one set of assignments, it also helps cut down on the inevitable injuries that crop up during a season.
George Gilbert is the only Matador expected to start on offense and defense, though more than a few players will get on the field regardless of who has the football. Still, that depth should help Miramonte weather this very difficult stretch of games that moves on to …
At Acalanes, Oct. 16: OK, this one will require a bit more of a drive, but fans and students always show up for the Lamorinda games – and even though Acalanes will be favored in this matchup, expect an intense, competitive contest.
“It’s a big one,” said Safir of the game against one of the section’s top teams. “We’ve been proud of how we’ve played them,” but the returning duo of quarterback Tyler Winkles and receiver Finley Rivera will be a challenge for any opponent this fall.
“They have some fantastic football players,” but Safir looks back on that 21-10 loss to an 11-1 team as one of the Mats’ best efforts of 2025. And he feels this year’s team is better.
But he also knows that Miramonte will need support from the stands. “It’s extremely important for our fans and students to travel,” he said. “It makes a big difference.”
But the gantlet doesn’t stop there. Next up is …
Las Lomas, Oct. 23: The Knights did not expect to lose to Miramonte last year, especially not at home. But the Mats gutted out a 25-22 win, catching Las Lomas off guard.
This year, the new coaching staff in Walnut Creek will try to turn the tables, as this is a classic trap game. Miramonte will be coming off four brutal games that will have defined its season, in many ways, and then in comes Las Lomas for a league game that not only could decide the DAL title, but also determine if the Mats have enough wins to move onto postseason.
“It’s going to be a test of mental toughness,” said Safir, “but the good teams find a way to win these games.”
And “finding a way to win” might well become the theme of the 2026 season, as outside observers look at this schedule and shake their heads.
Miramonte is forced by the school district, and tradition, to play both Acalanes and Campolindo, and adding Granada, Windsor and league opponents Northgate and Las Lomas to the mix gives the Mats one of the toughest schedules around.
And of course there will be adversity and injuries along the way, adding to the challenges inherent in any high school football season. Safir knows there’s no way to predict how things will play out, so like everyone else, he’ll have to wait and see.
“It will be very interesting,” he said, “to see how our team responds.”
Las Lomas, Oct. 23: