Del Norte High to join Palomar League

Two years ago, Del Norte High wanted to move in the Palomar League with the rest of the Poway Unified School District schools. The idea was shot down by the 24 principals of North County Conference schools who instead voted to move the Nighthawks to the Avocado East.

It was disappointing to Del Norte athletic director Mike Giame who was hoping to cut down on transportation costs and build on the natural rivalry that comes with schools close in proximity.

But he took it well, knowing there was another chance coming just two years down the road. And this time he got his wish.

The Nighthawks will join the Palomar League for all sports in the 2016-2017 school year. Also joining the Palomar League for football is Vista. Football in North County will shrink from four to three leagues, as the Avocado East has been eliminated.

For all other sports, the Palomar League will include Poway, Del Norte, Mission Vista, Westview, Rancho Bernardo and Mt. Carmel. Canyon Crest Academy and Torrey Pines will now play in the Avocado West.

“For me, it just shows that competitively we are there,” Giame said. “I think as a younger school in the district we have paid our dues and we deserve a chance to compete with our sister schools.”

It likely also means an increase in revenue. Del Norte will have less distance to travel and should draw more in attendance with the local schools playing each other more often.

“Our hope is that it creates a lot more revenue and saves money in regards to transportation cost,” Giame said. “It is going to help us tremendously competitively and financially.”

Torrey Pines has been a thorn in the side of PUSD schools in many sports over the years. The Falcons have developed many rivalries with Poway and Rancho Bernardo through their time in the league, especially in girls tennis, girls golf and boys and girls basketball. Those classic showdowns for league titles are over with the new alignment.

A North County Conference realignment is done every two years and considers factors such as geography, school size and competitive equity.

Here is a look at the approved leagues for the 2016-2017 school year:

Football Leagues

Avocado West: Oceanside, Mission Hills, Carlsbad, Torrey Pines, La Costa Canyon, El Camino and San Marcos.

Palomar: Ramona, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Mt. Carmel, Westview, Del Norte and Vista.

Valley: San Pasqual, Rancho Buena Vista, Valley Center, Escondido, Fallbrook and Orange Glen.

All Other Sports

Avocado West: Torrey Pines, San Dieguito Academy, Carlsbad, Sage Creek, Canyon Crest Academy and La Costa Canyon.

Palomar: Poway, Mission Vista, Mt. Carmel, Westview, Del Norte and Rancho Bernardo.

Avocado East: Oceanside, El Camino, Vista, San Marcos, Mission Hills and Rancho Buena Vista.

Valley: Escondido, San Pasqual, Ramona, Fallbrook, Orange Glen and Valley Center.