ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Following Donald James’ first year as the head coach of Valley High School, he’s still trying to exceed expectations for his squad. 

Despite a 2-8 overall record and 1-4 record in the Greater Sacramento League, this was an improvement from the 0-10 record in 2022. 

“We shocked more people because they didn’t think we were going to score a point or win a game, so we’re kind of ahead of schedule,” James said. 

This current group of players have played together since their sophomore year and could be instrumental to improving this year, James said, 

“This team that I’m carrying on, they played varsity since their sophomore year together so they were on that team that went 0-10 and only scored six points all season, and with the bond that they have last year into this season it should be helpful,” James said. 

Team Strengths: The bond that these players have is the strength of this team, James said. 

“This summer has been one of the ones in the books where you know we had to come together as a team, facing a lot of adversity, even right now, coming back to school, where you know we are the underdogs,” James said. 

The two games they won last season is a big step up from Valley’s latest season performances, so James has to tell his team to remain humble, he said. 

“Stay humble, don’t think that because we beat Western Sierra last year we can beat them again this year. Things change over the overtime,” James said. 

Team Unknowns: The unknown for Valley this season comes from who will step up as leaders. 

“Even though it’s a team full of veterans that are returners, still this team has been from coach to coach. We’re still a young team so we have a far way to go at Valley,” James said. 

The leadership starts with his quarterback, Carmine Bermudez, but James also talked to his seniors in order to step up for the team this season. 

Overall Outlook: James just wants a successful season for his team as he sees Valley as a long-term project to turn the program around. 

“We built on the two wins and I’m banking on we could get more wins, but I’m just grateful if we get a win this year. It all depends on them, how they work and the results will come. But right now, I’m not looking for playoffs or anything. I’m just trying to continue to build on the momentum that we had last year,” James said. 

Schedule: The pre-season schedule of the Valley Vikings is a competitive one as they’ll be taking on the Western Sierra Collegiate Academy Wolves, River Valley Falcons, Richmond Oilers and Modesto Panthers. 

They’ll be taking on Division I schools, which have more students than Valley does.

“I want my kids to see, ‘Hey, we play teams that’s in the top tiers in divisions,’” James said. 

As far as the realignment within the Greater Sacramento League, James said he’s not focused on that yet; he has Western Sierra on his mind. 

Despite that, he said that the schools coming in like Armijo, Burbank and Fairfield are good programs and he is excited for what’s coming. 

“I’m excited to see what the future holds. They are good schools. I have to give them respect, though. They are good schools, good programs and coaches are great over there with those guys,” James said. 

Valley opens its season at home on Aug. 30 against Western Sierra Collegiate Academy, hoping to beat the Wolves for the second consecutive season.