The River Valley Falcons hit the sleds on Aug. 6, during their warmup in practice. Photo by Chris Pedigo

2025 Record: 2-8

Coach: Mikey Badaluco

League: Greater Sacramento League

YUBA CITY, CA (YSBC) - In 2025, River Valley was considered young as a lot of players were underclassmen and getting their first taste of varsity experience.

For 2026, that year of experience helped the younger 2025 roster as they come into this year with a lot of confidence.

Falcons head coach Mikey Badaluco told Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that they will have a few seniors this season, but this group is primarily made up of 2028 graduates.

River Valley had an independent schedule last season and Badaluco told YSBC that he is excited to join the Greater Sacramento League (GSL).

Badaluco added the new league gives the Falcons an opportunity to qualify for the postseason, as the last appearance for the Falcons qualified in the postseason was 2019.

River Valley junior quarterback Oscar Hull (3) rolls out to the right during practice on Aug. 6. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Offense

The new signal caller for River Valley is 2028 quarterback Oscar Hull and he brings a lot of dynamic ability to the offense in 2026.

Hull told Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that the team chemistry between one another is off the charts as that has grown by a ton since Badaluco took over the program in 2025.

“The bonding we’ve done has helped us a lot and we want more than just an average season,” Hull said.

Hull added that some of the team bonding activities included a giant pool party and multiple team dinners have helped build the trust in one another.

Hull will be handing the ball and looking downfield for senior Kavari Drummonds.

Drummonds averaged six yards-per carry and almost 18 yards per catch in 2025.

Drummonds expressed to YSBC that he is excited to see the offense shine this year as they feel a lot more comfortable with the offense Badaluco introduced to them last year.

He added that the comfortability factor of the offense in its second year allows the Falcons to add more plays in the long run and added the offensive line upfront is going to be making a lot of holes for the rushers and will be able to withstand pressure from the defensive push.

Hull will also be looking downfield for junior wide receiver Kobe Edwards as he returns as the Falcons is the leading rusher back for River Valley and hauled in a few receptions last season.

River Valley senior Kavari Drummonds (1) tracks down a pass on Aug. 6, during the Falcons’ practice. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Defense

The defense for River Valley is not going to be pushed around this year as they have an experienced group of athletes who are hungry.

Two-way lineman Derek Young said that the lines on both sides of the ball have improved a lot due to the exposure of last season being a young group.

“We’re coming in with a winners mentality and going to grind it out on a daily basis,” Young said. “Our lines all have the same kind of grit.”

Edwards is the returner on the defensive side of the ball with the most tackles in 2025 (34).

All of the Falcons expressed to YSBC that things aren’t the same at River Valley anymore and they look to make that a statement at the end of the season.

River Valley junior lineman Derek Young (right) goes full steam during a drill on Aug. 6. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Schedule

8/28 vs. McClatchy (Sacramento), 7:15 p.m.

9/4 vs. Woodland, 7:15 p.m.

9/18 vs. Yuba City (Mayor’s Cup), 7:15 p.m.

9/25 at Armijo (Fairfield), 7:15 p.m. *

10/2 at Johnson (Sacramento), 7:15 p.m. *

10/9 vs. Foothill (Sacramento), 7:15 p.m. *

10/16 at Davis, 7:15 p.m.

10/23 vs. Fairfield, 7:15 p.m. *

10/30 vs. Kennedy, 7:15 p.m.

11/6 at Burbank (Sacramento), 7:15 p.m. *

*= Greater Sacramento League contest

River Valley head coach Mikey Badaluco speaks to his team during practice on Aug. 6. Photo by Chris Pedigo