2024 Football Coaches

Midget - Justin Sanders

Justin Sanders is a retired Fire Fighter and has resided in Folsom for 25 years. He attended Sacramento State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. Justin recently retired as a Deputy Chief with CAL FIRE after 32 years of service. In high school he was a three sport athlete and awarded “all conference” in football, wrestling, and track. He also completed at the state level in high school in wrestling and track. Justin has been involved with various youth sports as a volunteer and coach for the Broadstone Barracudas, Folsom Soccer Club, El Dorado Hills Soccer Club, and the Vista Junior Eagles Football program. Folsom has provided Justin and his wife of 27 years with an amazing place to live while raising two beautiful daughters. Justin's retirement has allowed him the opportunity and the time needed to represent the VJE Midget Football Team as their head coach. 

Jr. Midget - Marq Gonzales

Head Coach Marq Gonzales has been coaching with the Vista Jr. Eagles program for the past 2 season as a defensive coordinator and has coached youth sports for the past 9 years. He has a passion for football and all the life lessons that football can provide to young athletes. He is married to his wife Jenny Gonzales who he met in High School, where they both participated in high school and college athletics. He graduated from Sacramento State University with a Mechanical Engineering degree.

Pee Wee - Don Hochanadel

Don Hochanadel has been a part of the Folsom community for over 20 years working in the medical field in sales, sales management, and as a national trainer.  Don grew up in the Midwest where football and sports were a key part of his life. He played football, basketball, baseball and ran track. He played college football for almost 3 years before an injury ended his career.  Don has a passion for sports and developing outstanding young adults. He has coached in various roles with the VJE program over the last several years.  He has also coached youth basketball, baseball, and flag football. Don is married to his wife Alicia, and they have a 13-year-old son, Luke, who recently went through the VJE football program. He is excited to be a part of the Vista Junior Eagle family. 

Jr. Pee Wee - Jeff Dreher

Jeff Dreher is currently the Chief of Investigations at the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office.  Jeff has a BS degree in Criminal Justice and has worked in Law Enforcement for 29 years. Jeff graduated from El Dorado High School and returned to El Dorado to coach both football and baseball at the high school level. He has coached numerous sports at various levels including competitive soccer, baseball, football and basketball. Jeff has lived in Folsom since 2010 with his beautiful wife Amy and has four children Kelsey (23), Hagen (20), Talon (16) and Jaxon (8). “The greatest joy of being a coach is watching kids become a team and learning to play and love the game.” This is Jeff’s second year of coaching for the Vista Jr. Eagles and he is looking forward to working with great assistant coaches in teaching our athletes the game of football.


Volunteer Information

The Vista Jr. Eagle Program is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Football and Cheer seasons. If you are interested in becoming a member of our coaching staff and inspiring young athletes, we want to hear from you!  Each of our football and cheer teams is managed by a Head Coach who is supported by multiple assistant coaches and instructors. So there are plenty of opportunities to assist!  All perspective Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches will need to complete the online application in TeamSideline and tell us more about your experience in the football and cheer worlds. Applications will then be reviewed by the VJE Board and interviews will be conducted before final selections are announced. 

 Interested in helping our Jr. Eagles soar? Click here: Football Volunteer