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lay locally. Resonate nationally. While the athletic endeavors of the Sac-Joaquin Section still have progress left to become nationally-recognized in the same light as prep hotbeds like Southern California, the Bay Area, and parts of Texas and Florida, the section continues to rise and turn the nation’s attention toward the state’s capital. From showdowns with national powerhouses to big-time networks featuring college recruiters cultivating the region’s latest crop of talent, the once-sleepy Central Valley and foothills is now a waking giant ready for the national spotlight. When high school football super power De La SalleConcord came to town for the first time in years to play in the CIF Northern California Regional Football Championship game against local juggernaut Folsom, the area seized the opportunity to showcase a top-notch venue packed with fans. Folsom featured sophomore quarterback Jake Browning, who earned attention with a state record-breaking season that included a 10-touchdown game. De La Salle would prove deserving of its perpetual national spotlight by beating the Bulldogs, but Folsom and the SJS gained simply by being in the matchup. One week later, the SJS flexed its muscle in the CIF State Championship Bowl Championships as Granite Bay
won the CIF Div. I bowl championship with a thrilling televised 21-20 victory over SoCal power and NFL breeding-ground Long Beach Poly. Central Catholic-Modesto blew out its SoCal counterpart in the Division IV bowl game while Oakdale fell to Serra-Gardena in the Division II final. The St. Francis girls volleyball team featured several major recruits, including Pepperdinecommit Gabriella Palmeri, and played in the CIF Div. I state final. The Troubadours fell short in their quest for a second state title, but their presence was another reminder to the rest of California and the country that we can play some ball up here. A pair of SJS champion wrestlers took state titles back home. Oakmont’s Peter Santos (state champ) and Bella Vista wrestler Shayne Tucker (state runner-up) enjoyed heavy recruiting attention and chose college powers North Carolina State and Oklahoma, respectively. Yet no Sac-Joaquin athlete was more sought after than Placer football star Eddie Vanderdoes. His primetime decision on National Signing Day had the national spotlight on the town of Auburn, rather than the Auburn of SEC athletics lore. At 6-foot-3, 305-pounds, he was the No. 10 overall national recruit — and the top defensive lineman — according to ESPN. Several national powers came
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calling before Vanderdoes chose Notre Dame. Two neighboring hoops programs from Elk Grove gained recognition. The 2012 State Div. I runner-up Sheldon played in national showcase tournaments in December, and the Huskies would roll to a fourth straight SJS Div. I title before becoming part of the inaugural Open Division and falling in the NorCal final to McDonald’s All-American Game MVP Aaron Gordon and Archbishop Mitty-San Jose. Sheldon’s exit from Div. I opened the door for Pleasant Grove to give the section its second consecutive participant in the Div. I state final. The Eagles’ “big three” of Malik Thames, Cole Nordquist, and Matthew Hayes did not headline any national recruiting lists, but they topped those who did en route to a state title. Spring featured more big-time programs and individuals attracting a spotlight that nearly outshined the Sacramento Kings saga. Elk Grove teammates Rowdy Tellez and Dom Nunez have signed with USC and UCLA, respectively, but the June Amateur Draft could alter their paths to professional baseball. Numerous other baseball, softball, golf, tennis, volleyball, and swimming stars are certain to make an impact at major colleges or even on the Olympic stage in the future. So, as the 2012-13 athletic seasons come to a close, one thing is clear: the SJS is no longer a secret. ✪
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May 23, 2013
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