As the 2024 high school football season approaches, the Chino Hills Huskies, led by veteran Head Coach Keland Johnson, are gearing up for what promises to be a year of intense competition and renewed determination. Coach Johnson, who has been at the helm since 2012, is no stranger to the highs and lows of the game. Reflecting on last year’s 5-5 season, he acknowledges the challenges his team faced: “We fought all year. The record didn’t show how we wanted our season to go. Played tough in league and thought we had a chance at playoffs, but we didn’t make the cut,” said Johnson.

Despite the setbacks of 2023, the Huskies are returning with a solid core of 12 players who are ready to make an impact. On the offensive side, the team will be anchored by wide receivers Cameron Bateman, Calim Ferrell, and Jake Jimenez, alongside running back AJ Quijas and offensive linemen Dario Romero and Dylan Hernandez. Defensively, the Huskies will rely on the leadership of linebackers Connor Dackovich, Andrew Baldimno, and Joshua Baker, safety Ty Roberts, defensive lineman Rodrigo Prieto, and long snapper Stanley Avila.

This year, Chino Hills also welcomes three new additions to the team: tight end Luke Lopez, quarterback Alex Medyn, and safety Durand Johnson. These fresh faces bring a mix of talent and energy that Coach Johnson believes will be pivotal as the Huskies look to improve upon last year’s performance.

The 2024 season will see Chino Hills competing in the ever-challenging Baseline League, which has grown even more competitive with the addition of their rivalsl, the Ayala Bulldogs. The historic “Battle for the Bone” game between Chino Hills and Ayala, once a non-league contest, now carries even more weight as it will now become a league matchup. Coach Johnson is fully aware of the intensity this rivalry brings, noting, “Baseline league was already a physical gauntlet of teams. Now with the addition of the team across the street, it adds additional fuel each week.”

As the Huskies prepare to face some of the toughest teams in the area, Coach Johnson’s strategy is clear: “Play fast, play physical, play together.” This mantra underscores the approach Chino Hills will take into each game, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, speed, and physicality.

While the Baseline League offers no easy victories, Coach Johnson remains focused on the bigger picture. “We have to play our brand of football. We may not be the biggest team in the area, but we have to rally to the football on each snap, take care of each possession offensively, and make plays on special teams. We will need something from each phase to be successful,” Johnson said.

Looking ahead, the Huskies goal is simple: take each game week by week, and in doing so, position themselves for a shot at the playoffs. “Proud of the work our boys and families have put in since spring. It’s time to put that hard work to the test,” Coach Johnson expressed with pride. “Every team we play is a prepared opponent, so we don’t take anything lightly. Look forward to the season.”

With a mix of returning talent, new blood, and a relentless drive to succeed, the 2024 Chino Hills Huskies are poised for a season that could redefine their legacy. Fans can expect a team that will leave everything on the field, fighting for every yard, every point, and every victory. As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Chino Hills, eager to see how this resilient squad rises to the challenge.

Chino Hills Huskes 2024 Football Schedule

8/22/24 Chino Hills vs Glendora 7 pm

8/30/24 Chino Hills vs Charter Oak 7 pm

9/6/24 Colony vs Chino Hills 7 pm

9/13/24 JW North vs Chino Hills 7 pm

9/20/24 Chino Hills vs San Clemente 7pm

10/4/24 Ayala vs Chino Hills 7 pm

10/11/24 Etiwanda vs Chino Hills 7 pm

10/18/24 Chino Hills vs Damien 7pm

10/24/24 Rancho Cucamonga vs Chino Hills 7pm

11/1/24 Chino Hills vs Upland 7 pm