More than 25 local seniors took center stage at the Ventura County Football Coaches Association’s annual signing day luncheon in Newbury Park, celebrating their next steps to college football.

Among the honorees was Pacifica High linebacker Deville Warner, who transformed from a part-time starter into a defensive force during his senior season. "He had one of the best years as a linebacker statistically that I've ever coached," said Pacifica head coach Mike Moon.

Then there's Gavin Gray of Agoura High, who battled back from a broken leg that sidelined him for much of his junior year. His resilience paid off in a big way. "He's leaving Agoura as one of the most decorated passers in our school's history," said Agoura head coach Dustin Croick.

Both Warner and Gray proved that the college football recruiting process isn't over until it's over. Despite their unique paths, they committed to Eastern Washington University and Washington State University in February and signed Division 1 scholarship offers in April.

"Although it never happens late, he had faith," Moon added. "I had faith."

The luncheon, held at the Palm Garden Hotel, brought together more than two dozen local seniors from the Class of 2026, a standout group of football talent. St. Bonaventure head coach Troy Hill offered some wisdom to the athletes: "When you have this dream, you have to be delusional about it. Because there's going to be guys out there who don't see the vision that you see."

The class was headlined by four Division I quarterbacks: Gray, Newbury Park's Brady Smigiel (Michigan), Ventura's Derek Garcia (Nevada-Las Vegas), and Thousand Oaks' Jackson Taylor (Boise State). Other Division I signees included St. Bonaventure defensive end Matt Perez (Nevada-Reno), Simi Valley defensive tackle Isak Simpson (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo), Ventura linebacker Tristan Phillips (Oregon), St. Bonaventure defensive end Walter Moore (New Mexico), Newbury Park receiver Vincent Carner (Nevada-Las Vegas), Newbury Park receiver Devin Olmande (San Jose State), Thousand Oaks tight end Hayden Vercher (Arizona State), and Ventura defensive lineman Jordan Butcher (University of San Diego).

"You guys compete your tail off," said Camarillo head coach, summing up the spirit of the event. For these athletes, the dream of playing college football is now a reality—and their journey is just beginning.