High School Football Preview 2018 by Specialty Publications

2018 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

FLYING HIGH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

| Wednesday, August 15, 2018

F LY I N G H I G H

Embracing the aerial attack By Nick Woodard Record Staff Writer

he most successful area football team in 2017 had quite the formula: • Find a quarterback with a rocket of an arm and a knack for making plays. • Pair with a talented, athletic receiving corps. • Make stops on defense. • Let the offense fly. With its appearance in a CIF State Division 2-A bowl game last season, Manteca was the last team standing, at least in The Record’s coverage area. Heading into 2018, it seems that plenty of squads are poised to take a page out of the Buffs’ book. All across the San Joaquin, Calaveras and Amador counties, teams are stacking their passing attack. It could lead to huge seasons from many of the area’s rising stars, some high-flying league competition and intense playoffs games.

One thing is certain. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch. St. Mary’s quarterback Noah May is back for his junior season, his arm fully healed after being injured in the first game of last season. Despite the loss of May, the Rams earned a berth in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship. His won’t be the only big arm in the Tri-City Athletic League. Tracy has dual threat junior QB Logan Fife, and Lincoln has Grant Stevenson and plans to rely on his ability to take control of the team. The San Joaquin Athletic Association has an abundance of talent at QB, with Chavez' Giovanni Gonzalez, Stagg’s Cameron Deville, Edison’s Davis Raya-Ruiz and McNair’s Rafael Lara. The biggest spectacle of the SJAA, though, might just be the receivers in the league. McNair’s Andrew Hem was second in the section in receiving yards, and Lincoln transfer Merle Bass Jr., who will play for Stagg this

The Area’s All-Time Sac-Joaquin Section Champions |

season, was fifth. Bear Creek has its own playmaker in senior Chaz Davis. The team with the toughest task in trying to follow Manteca may be the Buffaloes themselves. But that’s only because quarterback Gino Campiotti, The Record’s 2018 Male Athlete of the Year, has moved on to Northern Arizona University. The Buffaloes still have their top two receivers in junior Jacob De Jesus and senior Jorge Cedano, and firstyear coach Mark Varnum is handing the reins to junior QB Ryan Ward, a stud on the baseball field with a live arm and a calm demeanor. Even run-centric Ripon Christian, led by senior running back Michael Kamps and fresh off a trip to the Division VII section championship, has plans to add some offense through the air. If it seems that something’s in the air this year, that’s because there is — footballs. So get a good seat for this year’s action, and try not to blink.

Andrew Hem, McNair, Noah May, St Mary’s, Gio Gonzalez, Chavez, Merle Bass, Stagg, and Jacob de Jesus, Manteca are among the area’s top quarterbacks and wide receivers. The athletes are in front of a 1945 Lockheed PV-2D Harpoon Long Range Patrol Bomber owned by the Stockton Field Aviation Museum.[CALIXTRO ROMIAS/THE RECORD]

Some of the section’s best quarterbacks and wideouts alike are right here. You’re not going to want to miss it.

A look back at the championship history of teams from The Record’s coverage area

Author’s note: This list includes any team from San Joaquin, Calaveras or Amador Counties who had advanced to a section ﬁnal. Teams that have only appeared in championship games, but have not won, are included.

DIVISION I

DIVISION III

DIVISION IV

DIVISION VI

Edison Vikings 2003 - 14-6 loss to Grant Lincoln Trojans 2000 - 35-28 OT win over Elk Grove 2002 - 9-6 loss to Jesuit St. Mary’s Rams 2004 - 50-45 win over Nevada Union 2007 - 38-36 loss to Napa 2008 - 36-14 win over Pleasant Grove 2016 - 56-25 win over Folsom 2017 - 50-21 loss to Folsom Stagg Delta Kings 1976 - 22-21 OT loss to Cordova 1979 - 21-8 loss to Cordova Tracy Bulldogs 1982 - 14-12 win over Cordova 1987 - 17-16 win over Yuba City 2014 - 55-7 loss to Folsom West Wolf Pack 2005 - 46-7 loss to Nevada Union

Bret Harte Bullfrogs 1978 - 22-0 loss to Delta 1979 - 19-12 win over Justin-Siena Calaveras High 1971 - 26-7 loss to Dixon 1980 - 21-0 loss to Central Catholic 1991 - 34-14 loss to Hughson 1992 - 27-21 loss to Hughson Escalon Cougars 1990 - 28-21 loss to Livingston 1993 - 34-17 win over Ripon 1996 - 16-14 win over Hughson 1998 - 19-12 OT loss to Mesa Verde 1999 - 20-7 loss to Mesa Verde 2001 - 20-14 loss to Central Catholic Linden Lions 1977 - 38-28 loss to Delta Manteca Buffaloes 2002 - 33-30 loss to Colfax 2005 - 34-7 win over Sonora 2013 - 49-6 win over Sacramento 2017 - 34-17 win over Oakdale Ripon Indians 1976 - 40-16 loss to Washington 1982 - 21-14 loss to Benicia 1983 - 27-6 loss to Justin-Siena 1993 - 34-17 loss to Escalon

Argonaut Mustangs 2004 - 17-0 win over Linden Bret Harte Bullfrogs 1986 - 35-17 loss to Hilmar 1987 - 28-14 loss to Hilmar

Amador Thundering Herd 2016 - 30-7 win over Bradshaw Christian Brookside Christian 2009 - 42-38 loss to Bradshaw Christian 2010 - 28-6 win over Bradshaw Christian 2012 - 60-26 win over Foresthill Ripon Christian Knights 2013 - 35-28 loss to Bradshaw Christian

DIVISION II East Union Lancers 1989 - 29-22 loss to Del Oro Manteca Buffaloes 1975 - 20-6 loss to Placer 1978 - 15-12 loss to Ponderosa 1993 - 16-0 loss to Del Oro 2001 - 21-0 win over Del Oro St. Mary’s Rams 1976 - 28-20 loss to Placer 2014 - 21-14 loss to Grant West Wolf Pack 1997 - 41-19 loss to Del Oro

Calaveras High 1989 - 28-7 loss to Hilmar 1997 - 30-6 loss to Central Catholic 2002 - 33-0 loss to Escalon 2010 - 22-20 loss to Escalon Escalon Cougars 1994 - 19-0 win over Modesto Christian 2000 - 23-20 win over Marysville 2002 - 33-0 win over Calaveras 2003 - 21-20 win over Hilmar 2005 - 23-0 win over Hilmar 2010 - 22-20 win over Calaveras 2011 - 20-17 loss to Hilmar 2012 - 52-10 loss to Central Catholic Linden Lions 1988 - 48-28 loss to Hilmar 2004 - 17-0 loss to Argonaut Manteca Buffaloes 2006 - 34-14 win over Colfax 2016 - 50-28 win over Placer Ripon Indians 1996 - 31-14 win over Mariposa Sierra Timberwolves 2015 - 42-0 win over Liberty Ranch No teams have played in Division V finals

DIVISION VII Brookside Christian Knights 2016 - 54-21 win over Stone Ridge Christian Elliot Christian Eagles 2014 - 19-14 loss to Stone Ridge Christian Ripon Christian Knights 2017 - 56-28 loss to Rio Vista

TOTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WON Area leaderboard The team is followed by number of championships won, and ﬁnals appearances in paranthesis.

Escalon: 8 (14) Manteca: 6 (10) St. Mary’s: 3 (7) Brookside Christian: 3 (4) Tracy: 2 (3) Ripon: 1 (5) Bret Harte: 1 (4) Lincoln: 1 (2) Ripon Christian: 1 (2) Argonaut: 1 (1) Sierra: 1 (1) Amador: 1 (1)

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X3

2018 PREP FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WEEK 0 (Aug. 17) 7 p.m. Roseville at Bear Creek 7 p.m. Stagg at Hughson 7 p.m. Lincoln at Antioch 7 p.m. East Union at Downey 7 p.m. Atwater at West 7 p.m.Orestimba at Bret Harte 7 p.m. Davis at Amador 7 p.m. Manteca at Lathrop 7 p.m. Brookside Christian at Rio Vista 7 p.m. Sierra at Modesto Christian 7 p.m. El Dorado at Argonaut 7 p.m. Patterson at Tokay (Grape Bowl) 7 p.m. Delta Charter at Delta 7:15 p.m. Mountain House at Chavez 7:15 p.m. Edison at Vanden 7:15 p.m. Franklin (EG) at McNair 7:15 p.m. Kimball at Tracy 7:30 p.m. Escalon at Union Mine 7:30 p.m. Millennium at Ripon Christian 7:30 p.m. Weston Ranch at Ripon 7:30 p.m. Franklin at Linden WEEK 1 (AUG. 24) 5 p.m. Ripon at Sonora 7 p.m. Mt. Diablo at Mountain House 7 p.m. Riverbank at Delta 7 p.m. Central Valley at Sierra 7 p.m. West at Enochs 7 p.m. Lodi at Ceres 7 p.m. Downey at Manteca 7 p.m. Stagg at Atwater 7 p.m. Lathrop at Kimball 7 p.m. St. Mary’s at Pittsburgh 7 p.m. Valley at Chavez 7 p.m. Livingston at Amador 7 p.m. Bret Harte at Truckee 7 p.m. Davis at Franklin 7 p.m. Union Mine at Argonaut 7 p.m. Brookside Christian at Mira Loma 7:15 p.m. Modesto Christian at Edison 7:15 p.m. Bear Creek at Tokay (Grape Bowl) 7:15 p.m. Buhach Colony at Tracy 7:15 p.m.Cosumnes Oaks at McNair 7:15 p.m. Pitman at Lincoln 7:30 p.m. Calaveras at Escalon 7:30 p.m. Stone Ridge Christian at Ripon Christian 7:30 p.m. Linden at Gustine 7:30 p.m. Lodi at Ceres WEEK 2 (AUG. 31) 5 p.m. Escalon at Sonora 7 p.m. Tracy at Turlock 7 p.m. Delta Charter at Bret Harte 7 p.m. Chavez at Lodi (Grape Bowl) 7 p.m. Ygnacio Valley at Brookside Christian 7 p.m. Ripon Christian at Summerville 7 p.m. Pacheco at Sierra 7 p.m. Buhach Colony at Edison 7 p.m. Bear Creek at East Union 7 p.m. McNair at Enochs 7 p.m. Vacaville Christian at Delta 7 p.m. St. Mary’s at Central Catholic 7 p.m. Manteca at Granada 7 p.m. Modesto Christian at Calaveras 7 p.m. West at Kimball

7 p.m. Franklin at Weston Ranch 7:15 p.m. Tokay at Stagg 7:15 p.m. Vintage at Lincoln 7:30 p.m. Linden at Galt 7:30 p.m. Liberty Ranch at Amador 7:30 p.m. Argonaut at Hughson 7:30 p.m. Millennium at Denair 7:30 p.m. Central Valley at Ripon WEEK 3 (SEPT 7) 7 p.m. Amador at Union Mine 7 p.m. Brookside Christian at Miramonte 7 p.m. Argonaut at Stellar Prep 7 p.m.Tracy at Manteca 7 p.m. Ceres at West 7 p.m. Sierra at Lathrop 7 p.m. Kennedy at Bear Creek 7 p.m. Millennium at Riverbank 7 p.m. Kimball at Mountain House 7 p.m. Le Grand at Linden 7 p.m. St. Mary’s at Mater Dei 7 p.m. Delta at San Juan 7 p.m. Delta Charter at Golden Sierra 7 p.m. Lincoln at Central Catholic 7 p.m. Vanden at East Union 7 p.m. Weston Ranch at Buhach Colony 7:15 p.m. Lodi at Stagg 7:15 p.m. Chavez at Tokay (Grape Bowl) 7:30 p.m. River City at Escalon 7:30 p.m. Bret Harte at El Dorado 7:30 p.m. Calaveras at Ripon 7:30 p.m. McNair at Gregori WEEK 4 (Sept. 14) 7 p.m. Damonte Ranch at St. Mary’s 7 p.m. Delta at Esparto 7 p.m. Chavez at Oakland 7 p.m. Sonora at West 7 p.m. Sierra at Kimball 7 p.m. Delta Charter at Turlock Christian 7 p.m. Davis at Mountain House 7 p.m. Oakdale at East Union 7 p.m. Arroyo at Amador 7 p.m. Manteca at Central Catholic 7 p.m. Modesto at Franklin 7 p.m. Ceres at Lathrop 7:15 p.m. Fortuna at Tracy 7:15 p.m. Tokay at McNair 7:15 p.m. Waterford at Ripon Christian 7:30 p.m. Bradshaw Christian at Calaveras 7:30 p.m. Edison at Lodi (Grape Bowl) 7:30 p.m. Hilmar at Ripon WEEK 5 (SEPT. 21) 7 p.m. Stagg at Modesto 7 p.m. Pacheco at Lathrop 7 p.m. St. Mary’s at Bishop O’Dowd 7 p.m. Central Catholic at Sierra 7 p.m. Ripon Christian at Denair 7 p.m. Sierra Ridge Academy at Brookside Christian 7 p.m. Mountain House at Johansen 7 p.m. Stellar Prep at Calaveras 7 p.m. Dixon at Argonaut 7 p.m. Lodi at Bear Creek 7 p.m. Weston Ranch at Oakdale 7 p.m. Kimball at East Union 7 p.m. Bret Harte at Linden 7:15 p.m. Inderkum at Lincoln 7:15 p.m. Enochs at Edison

7:30 p.m. Riverbank at Ripon 7:30 p.m. Galt at Franklin 7:30 p.m. Hilmar at Escalon WEEK 6 (SEPT. 28) 1 p.m. Delta Charter at Sierra Ridge Academy 7 p.m. Calaveras at Amador 7 p.m. Summerville at Argonaut 7 p.m. McNair at Franklin 7 p.m. East Union at Central Catholic 7 p.m. Kimball at Weston Ranch 7 p.m. Woodland Christian at Delta 7 p.m. Beyer at Lathrop 7 p.m. Linden at Golden Sierra 7 p.m. Mountain House at Los Banos 7 p.m. Oakdale at Manteca 7 p.m. Sonora at Bret Harte 7:15 p.m. Lodi at Lincoln 7:15 p.m. Tracy at Tokay (Grape Bowl) 7:15 p.m. West at St. Mary’s 7:15 p.m. Orestimba at Ripon Christian 7:15 p.m. Bear Creek at Chavez 7:15 p.m. Stagg at Edison 7:30 p.m. Escalon at Modesto Christian 7:30 p.m. Ripon at Livingston WEEK 7 (OCT. 5) 5 p.m. Argonaut at Sonora 7 p.m. Linden at Vacaville Christian 7 p.m. Sierra at Oakdale 7 p.m. Manteca at Kimball 7 p.m. Calaveras at Summerville 7 p.m. Lathrop at Davis 7 p.m. Weston Ranch at Central Catholic 7 p.m. Beyer at Mountain House 7 p.m. McNair at Chavez 7 p.m. Sierra at Oakdale 7 p.m. Bret Harte at Amador 7:05 p.m. Delta at WSCA 7:15 p.m. Ripon Christian at Gustine 7:15 p.m. Lincoln at Tracy 7:15 p.m. Franklin at Stagg 7:15 p.m. Bear Creek at Edison 7:15 p.m.. St. Mary’s at Lodi (Grape Bowl) 7:15 p.m. Tokay at West 7:30 p.m. Escalon at Riverbank WEEK 8 (OCT. 12) 5 p.m. Amador at Sonora 7 p.m. Kimball at Oakdale 7 p.m. Stagg at Bear Creek 7 p.m. Chavez at Franklin 7 p.m. Valley Christian at Delta 7 p.m. Johansen at Lathrop 7 p.m. East Union at Sierra 7 p.m. Calaveras at Argonaut 7 p.m. Rio Vista at Linden 7 p.m. Weston Ranch at Manteca 7 p.m. Mountain House at Pacheco 7 p.m. Bret Harte at Summerville 7:15 p.m. Tracy at St. Mary’s 7:15 p.m. Tokay at Lincoln 7:15 p.m. Lodi at West 7:15 p.m. Mariposa County at Ripon Christian 7:15 p.m. Edison at McNair 7:30 p.m. Ripon at Escalon WEEK 9 (OCT. 19) 7 p.m. Ceres at Mountain House

7 p.m. Central Catholic at Kimball 7 p.m. San Juan at Linden 7 p.m. Lathrop at Los Banos 7 p.m. Sierra at Manteca 7 p.m. Delta at Foresthill 7 p.m. Franklin at Bear Creek 7 p.m. Delta Charter at Stone Ridge Christian 7 p.m. Sonora at Calaveras 7 p.m. East Union at Weston Ranch 7 p.m. Summerville at Amador 7 p.m. Argonaut at Bret Harte 7:15 p.m. St. Mary’s at Tokay (Grape Bowl) 7:15 p.m. Lincoln at West 7:15 p.m. McNair at Stagg 7:15 p.m. Edison at Chavez 7:15 p.m. Lodi at Tracy 7:30 p.m. Ripon Christian at Le Grand 7:30 p.m. Hughson at Ripon 7:30 p.m. Livingston at Escalon WEEK 10 (OCT. 26) 7 p.m. Lathrop at Mountain House 7 p.m. Encina at Delta 7 p.m. Sierra at Weston Ranch 7 p.m. Manteca at East Union 7 p.m. Linden at Highlands 7 p.m. Stone Ridge Christian at Millennium 7 p.m. Argonaut at Amador 7 p.m. Brookside Christian at Turlock Christian 7 p.m. Calaveras at Bret Harte 7:15 p.m. Bear Creek at McNair 7:15 p.m. Tokay at Lodi (Grape Bowl) 7:15 p.m. Delhi at Ripon Christian 7:15 p.m. Lincoln at St. Mary’s 7:15 p.m. Chavez at Stagg 7:15 p.m. Tracy at West 7:15 p.m. Franklin at Edison 7:30 p.m. Escalon at Hughson 7:30 p.m. Ripon at Modesto Christian

SATURDAY GAMES WEEK 1 (AUG. 25) 11 a.m. Delta Charter at Encina Prep 7 p.m. Napa at East Union 7:30 p.m. Rio Vista at Millennium WEEK 4 (SEPT. 15) 7:30 p.m. Brookside Christian at Millennium WEEK 5 (SEPT. 22) 1 p.m. Millennium at Delta Charter WEEK 7 (OCT. 6) 1 p.m. Brookside Christian at Delta Charter 7:30 p.m. Big Valley Christian at Millennium WEEK 8 (OCT. 13) 1 p.m. Big Valley Christian at Delta Charter 7 p.m. Stone Ridge Christian at Brookside Christian WEEK 9 (OCT. 20) 7 p.m. Big Valley Christian at Brookside Christian

F R I DA

| Wednesday, August 15, 2018

T C A L S T. M A R Y ' S R A M S

Rams reload for another deep run By Nick Woodard Record Staff Writer

t may have been late July when official practice began, but the St. Mary’s High football team already knew exactly where it wanted to be in November. “Franksgiving, said Hunter Jones, a senior lineman. “Everybody looks forward to Franksgiving. Everybody’s excited to eat.” The term “Franksgiving” references the running tradition of a Thanksgiving breakfast, with all the varsity players and their families in attendance, hosted by Rams head coach Tony Franks ahead of the section championship. Even after making three title games in the last four seasons, the Rams are still hungry. Should St. Mary’s make a return to the table in 2018, it would be doing so with a significantly different roster than in year’s past. Many Rams stars — from running back Dusty Frampton to lineman Max Barth and twin leaders on defense Andrew and Tre Jenkins, among others — have moved on to college. In their absence stands expectations for the next class of Rams to step up. Jones is a part of that, as are fellow seniors like cornerback Jordan Doyle and William Brown. So are a talented group of juniors, including players like the athletic Jamar Marshall and quarterback Noah May. The 2017 season was supposed to be May’s breakout season, and in the Ram’s first game last year, it definitely looked like it could have been the case. But after throwing for 241 yards and three touchdowns against Serra, a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder abruptly ended his sophomore season. “It was the first year I’ve ever not played football for that long of a period of time,” May said. “I’ll have to get it back this year, and try to make up for the time I missed.” The Rams have Week 0 as their bye, so May’s first chance

SEASON OUTLOOK Head coach: Tony Franks (20th year, 17th in a row) 2017 results: 11-3, 5-0 TCAL, lost 50-21 to Folsom in section Division I ﬁnal Toughest losses: RB Dusty Frampton, QB Marcus Aponte, OL Max Barth, CB/WR Andrew Jenkins, FS/WR Tre Jenkins Key returners: WR Jamar Marshall, jr., CB Jordan Doyle, sr., CB William Brown, sr. , OL Hunter Jones, sr. Top newcomers: QB Noah May, jr. Schemes - Offense: Pistol, Defense: Even Jamar front/4-2-5 Marshall Area of strength: veteran offensive and defensive line Area of concern: ﬁlling roles left by class of 2017

BY THE NUMBERS

144.7

In his only action of 2017, Noah May completed 11 of 18 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns for a quarterback rating of 144.7 before injury shut him down for the rest of the season.

St Mary’s Noah May rolls behind his blockers looks for receivers against Serra during last season’s opener at Sanguinetti Field.

The Rams’ Week 3 matchup is against Mater Dei, which was ranked No. 1 in the country in 2017 by MaxPreps.

[CALIXTRO ROMIAS/THE RECORD]

NFL ALUMNUS to show off his healed shoulder will be Aug. 24 at Pittsburg. That’s followed by Central Catholic the week after. On Sept. 7, St. Mary’s will play Mater Dei, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation in 2017 according to MaxPreps, at Santa Ana Stadium. It’s a brutal pre-league schedule, but it’s meant to be. Playing that kind of competition, year after year, prepares St. Mary’s not only for the TriCity Athletic League schedule, but for the postseason beyond that. “It’s about quality experiences,” Franks said. “We want a great environment. We want the stands full. We want people who are really enthusiastic and well prepared and will go out and play hard. Hopefully we’ll go out and do the same thing.” Consistently playing topnotch teams will certainly be important for this year’s batch of Rams. Doyle, one of the top returning tacklers besides Brown, acknowledged that while they are trying to be at least as successful as last year’s group, they aren’t trying to emulate them entirely. “I did at first,” said Doyle when asked about a year-toyear comparison, “but seeing what we have this year, no I don’t. This is a whole new group, a whole new talent and a whole new level of football.

“I think this is a different group, and we’re out to do different things.” Not to be lost in the team’s goals for the end of the year, St. Mary’s does still have a competitive TCAL schedule to get through, and five teams aiming squarely at them. The Rams haven’t lost a league game since 2013, and Franks said that even with the postseason success, winning a league championship is incredibly meaningful. “Our football plan has not changed since I arrived at St. Mary’s,” Franks said. “It is to win a league championship. First and foremost, we want to have a winning season, we want to win a league championship. “Then, when we go into the playoffs, we want to go on a playoff run.” The preseason, the league schedule, the postseason run. It’s the trinity of things on the to-do list for the new leaders at St. Mary’s, if they want to find themselves sitting down for breakfast on Franksgiving. The incentive is there, both on and off the field. “As far as we can go. Everyone wants to eat, nobody wants to miss out on the food,” Jones. “We’re making it to the section. We’re going to be the underdogs this year, for sure. But I think we’ll be able to pull it off. “And if we get it done, on to the next one.”

Doug Martin: The 29-year-old former St. Mary’s star is now a part of the Oakland Raiders’ backﬁeld. The two-time Pro-Bowl running back was brought in by the Raiders this season.

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 - Pittsburg, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - Central Catholic, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Mater Dei, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Damonte Ranch, 7 p.m. Sept. 21 - Bishop O’Dowd, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 - West, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Lodi, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Tracy, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m.^* Oct. 26 - Lincoln, 7:15 p.m.* *Tri-City Athletic League game ^Tokay plays at Grape Bowl Home games in bold

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X5

TCA L T RACY B U L L D O G S

Junior class is key to Tracy’s success By Nick Woodard Record Staff Writer

sked to name a strength of the Tracy High football team, head coach Matt Shrout didn’t hesitate to call on his junior class. It’s a group filled with athleticism and talent, he said, that should mesh well with the veteran seniors. The biggest challenge for the Bulldogs? How quickly they can assimilate the two groups, and how fast they can turn that raw talent into success. As Tracy heads into 2018 on the heels of last year’s 8-4 regular season record and 4-1 mark in the Tri-City Athletic League, that’s essentially where the Bulldogs stand. Large contributors from last season, including the team’s starting offensive line, have graduated. It’s up to Shrout and the rest of the Bulldogs to find the right combination of classmen to fill the gaps. That includes seniors like lineman Angelo Ortega as well as juniors like Trevion Shadrck-Harris. And, of course, Logan Fife. The Bulldogs junior quarterback threw for 1,781 yards with 17 touchdowns last season while also leading the team in rushing with 455 yards on 103 carries. Shrout

Tracy HIgh’s quaterback Logan Fife, will be an even bigger part of the Bulldogs’ success this season. [CALIXTRO ROMIAS/THE RECORD]

said another year in Tracy’s system will only bolster Fife’s ability as a dual-threat QB. It may need to. With the Bulldogs’ offensive losses, more of the work load may fall on Fife’s shoulders. And he knows it. “That’ll put more pressure on me to be more aware of

my surroundings,” said Fife of the changes on the line. “It’ll give us some challenges, but it’ll be fun. I need to do what I know how to do, and everything will fall into place.” Fife won’t be alone. Incoming juniors like Trevor Pope II and Elias Williams will be expected to

SEASON OUTLOOK

TWO FROM THE COACH

Head coach: Matt Shrout (ninth year) 2017 results: 8-4, 4-1 TCAL, beat Turlock 24-14 in ﬁrst-round Division I playoff, lost 56-21 to Folsom in second round. Toughest losses: MLB Oyebolaji Akinyemi, WR Xavier Moore Key returners: QB Logan Fife, jr., WR Trevion Shadrck-Harris, jr., OL/DL Angelo Ortega, sr. Top newcomers: RB Elias Williams, jr., WR Trevor Pope II, jr. Schemes: Offense: Veer, Defense: 4-4 Area of Strength: Athleticism and talent of junior class Areas of Concern: Speed of progression of juniors

Scariest player to get hit by: “Isaiah Smith. He’s not afraid to hit you in the face.” Funniest player on the team: “Angelo Ortega. He keeps it light.”

contribute, as will ShadrckHarris, the team’s top returning wideout. “If we work hard, everything will come,” Shadrck-Harris said. “I want to be a leader, carry the young guys and make plays all around. That’s about it.” Tracy opens at home against Kimball on Friday,

and starts league Sept. 28 at Tokay. Plenty of Bulldogs have Oct. 12 against St. Mary’s — the only team to beat Tracy in TCAL the last two seasons — in their crosshairs. “We’re not underestimating any team,” Fife said. “But, as far as St. Mary’s, I’m excited for that game. I know what we need to do to beat them. “It’s communication with coaches, knowing which plays to call and which ones to run. It’ll be about being smart, while playing good football at the same time.” Shrout, though, has sights set past the Rams and into the postseason. He said he expects the team to be successful, and continue to improve as the junior class progresses. Winning at the end of the year is achievable, and it’s what the Bulldogs will strive for. “I expect us to make the playoffs, win a couple games,” Shrout said, “and see if we can catch lightning in a bottle again.” The last time that happened was 2014, when Tracy made the Division I championship game. But why stop there? “State. All the way,” Ortega said. “We can’t think anything less.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Tracy scored at least 35 points in seven different games last season, all wins. In all four losses, the Bulldogs didn’t break 21 points in a game.

Aug. 17 - Kimball, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 24 - Buhach Colony, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 31 - Turlock, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Manteca, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Fortuna, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 28 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Lincoln, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - St. Mary’s, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Lodi, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 26 - West, 7:15 p.m.* ^Tokay plays at Grape Bowl *Tri-City Athletic League game

28 22

As a sophomore, Logan Fife accounted for 22 touchdowns; 17 through the air and ﬁve on the ground.

Home games in bold

| Wednesday, August 15, 2018

TCA L L I N CO L N T ROJA N S

A family that sticks together, wins together By Nick Woodard Record Staff Writer

arly in preseason practice at Lincoln High, sophomore Kevin McBrown, Jr. was vying to make the Trojans varsity squad. When it came time for it, Lincoln head coach Anthony Martinez assigned McBrown, Jr. the locker that belonged to his brother, Cameron Allison. As the Trojans head towards the 2018 season, they continue to hold the life and memory of Allison close to their hearts. The 17-yearold running back was killed on Sept. 15 last year when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an alleged drunken driver. “We preach family, we say family on three when we break huddles. But what does that really mean?” Martinez said. “Cameron’s death taught not only us as a football team, but our community what family actually means.” Early in camp, Martinez has already seen the effects. Through tragedy, this is a group that has bonded. They don’t have to learn to be together as a unit; they already are. There are some differences in this team than the one that played on in Allison’s memory last year. There are

Lincoln’s Justin Russell, right, evades St. Mary’s Rick Telitz during a varsity football game at Lincoln in Stockton on November 3, 2017. [CLIFFORD OTO/THE RECORD]

new players to count on, new strengths and new challenges in Lincoln’s way. Quarterback Quinton Gaines was spotted on the field in the early days of camp, though only temporarily. The recently graduated Trojan was just getting some work in. Permanently missing, however, is top wideout Merle Bass, Jr. The talented pass catcher has transferred to Stagg. Replacement duties start

with senior quarterback Grant Stevenson, who completed 60 percent of his passes and threw for five touchdowns in a backup role last season. Martinez had high praise for his new starter, saying the 6-foot-5 Trojan had a strong offseason and showed impressive command over the offense. And if there’s any pressure in replacing a player who threw for almost 3,000 yards, Stevenson doesn’t

SEASON OUTLOOK

NFL Alumnus

Head coach: Anthony Martinez (third year) 2017 results: 5-6, 3-2 TCAL, lost 63-12 to Oak Ridge in ﬁrst-round Division I playoff Toughest losses: QB Quinton Gaines, WR Merle Bass, Jr., RB William Jones III Key returners: QB Grant Stevenson, sr., WR Justin Russell, sr., TE Johnell Carter, sr., WR Darian Pollard, jr. Top newcomers: LB Jahidi West, sr., WR Jaden Lang, sr. Schemes - Offense: Air Raid, Defense: 4-3 Area of Strength: balanced talent on offense and defense Are of Concern: establishing a run game to complement the pass

Brandin Cooks: The former Lincoln wideout played in last year’s Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, then was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. Cooks was also the guest speaker at the second annual Best of the Record All-Star Preps banquet.

show it. “I don’t really worry about pressure or anything,” Stevenson said. “I sit back there and think to myself about what I have to do, what I have to improve on. “It’s my time.” Flanking Stevenson offensively are names like receivers Justin Russell, Joshua Black and Jaden Lang, as well as tight end Johnell Carter and utility man Darian Pollard.

A more seasoned defensive group will return for Lincoln as well, with Martinez mentioning Jahidi West as a name to look out for. An outside linebacker and defensive end, West said the Trojans are a group with big upside. “Honestly, the sky’s the limit for us,” West said. “We have a good core coming back, and we’ve played with each other for a while now. The sky’s the limit.” Martinez did not hide the challenges Lincoln faces. The Trojans need to establish a balance in their pass-heavy offense. And, of course, they still play in the TriCity Athletic League, where they earned a 3-2 record last season. There’s a reason Lincoln’s pre-league schedule is loaded with tough competition, starting at Antioch on Friday. Martinez said he wants to acclimate this group to tough, challenging football early in the hopes that it will prepare them for league and hopefully, playoffs. “I want them to see what they need to do early to get through the playoffs,” Martinez said. “I don’t want to be one and done. We want to go in and have some great games and get deep into those playoffs. “I think the talent’s there. It’s going to come down to how we respond.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Stevenson, a senior quarterback, had a 103.9 quarterback rating in limited action in 2017. It’s a small sample size, but the Trojans are hoping Stevenson can replicate it for a full season.

Aug. 17 - Antioch, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - Pitman, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 31 - Vintage, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 7 - Central Catholic, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - BYE Sept. 21 - Inderkum, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 28 - Lodi, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Tracy, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 19 - West, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 26 - St. Mary’s, 7:15 p.m.* * Tri-City Athletic League game

103.9

In Martinez’ first two seasons as head coach, the Trojans have had exactly the same record. They’ve won five games overall each season, and have finished 3-2 in their five-game TCAL schedule. They’ll try to take the next step this season.

Home games in bold

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X7

T C A L T O K AY T I G E R S

Young Tigers focused on playoff push By Nick Woodard

SEASON OUTLOOK Head coach: Michael Holst (fourth year) 2017 results: 4-6, 2-3 TCAL, did not qualify for playoffs Toughest losses: RB Cory Glasgow, WR Joseph Heryford, DE Zach Fleming Key returners: LB/RB Luke Millan, jr., LB/RB Nathan Branco, sr., DE/OT Dillon Schmidt, sr. Top newcomers: WR/SS Rich Villalobos, sr., WR/FS Joseph Filippini, so., QB Chase Howell, sr. Schemes: Offense: Pistol spread option, Defense: 4-2-5

Record Staff Writer

TWO FROM THE COACH

illon Schmidt wants to make the playoffs. It’s a feat the Tokay High football team hasn’t achieved since 2014. But the senior lineman believes the team has the talent and schedule to make it happen. The Tigers just have to make sure they show up and put in the necessary work. “If we don’t know what we’re doing, then we can’t get it done,” Schmidt said. “With who we have, we can do pretty well. We just need to focus on what we need to do.” Make no mistake. The road to the playoffs for Tokay, which went 4-6 and 2-3 in the Tri-City Athletic League in 2017, won’t be an easy one. The roster is talented, but relatively young and inexperienced. And chances are, TCAL play isn’t going to get any easier this time around. Tokay head coach Michael Holst has said as much. He’s also said he believes the nucleus of this youthful group is strong, and it starts with a pair of returning twoway players. In his sophomore season, Luke Millan had 52 carries as a running back for 275 yards and three touchdowns. At the same time, he led the team in tackles (82) as a linebacker. “My focus is to build on it,” said Millan of his standout sophomore campaign. “I want to run the ball harder, and on defense just keep doing what I’m doing. Just be a ball hog playing both sides.” Playing alongside him, both in the backfield and in the middle of the defense, is incoming senior Nathan Branco and his 202 rushing yards and 63 tackles. Add in a leader like Schmidt, and the core that Holst is confident about comes into focus. “Everything’s a little more fluid than previous years

Funniest player on the team: “I would say the guy who makes me laugh is Jacob Schneider. He makes me laugh at just weird stuff all the time.” Scariest player to get hit by: “When Nathan Branco, wants to, he can bring it. Luke Millan’s also one of those guys who’s super explosive.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Tokay averaged 39 points per game in its four wins during the 2017 season. In their six losses, the Tigers scored 8.6 points per game.

5-3

Since the start of this decade, the Tigers hold a 5-3 advantage over their cross-town counterparts at

Lodi High.

2018 SCHEDULE Tokay’s Luke Milan will be a returning force on both offense and defense for the Tigers. [CALIXTRO ROMIAS/THE RECORD]

“Don’t worry about Friday night. Friday night takes care of itself if you handle everything else.”

Aug. 17 - Patterson, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 24 - Bear Creek, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 31 - Stagg, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 7 - Chavez, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 14 - McNair, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 28 - Tracy, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 5 - West, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Lincoln, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 19 - St. Mary’s, 7:15 p.m. 1Oct. 26 - Lodi, 7:15 p.m.* Lodi, Tokay play at Grape Bowl *Tri-City Athletic League game

— Michael Holst, Tokay head coach Home games in bold

with this team,” Branco said. “We’re more of a brotherhood, more closer. These guys, they don’t really stop.” That’s the strength for Tokay. The challenge, then, is the Tigers’ inevitable need to rely on inexperienced players to make an impact when called upon. “We have some first-year varsity guys that need to step in and play big roles,” Holst said. “They’re going to have to step up in order for us to be successful.” Tokay’s definition of said success — according to Schmidt, Holst and darn near every other Tiger — is a postseason berth at year’s end. Moving towards that end starts Friday against Patterson and continues with a preseason schedule that’s meant to infuse Tokay with real-time experience, and situate itself with an

opportunity to fight its way through league come the end of September. “I hope we maximize where we could be at that point,” Holst said, “and hopefully put ourselves in a position to be able to compete for a spot to be able to go to the playoffs.” If the Tigers can make it happen, Holst said, they can start thinking about what comes next. The goal for now, though, is playoffs. And, most importantly, doing everything they can to improve their young lineup day-in and day-out. “Our job’s to focus on how do we win, what steps do we need to do every day to win?” Holst said. “That’s really our continual daily focus. “Don’t worry about Friday night. Friday night takes care of itself if you handle everything else.”

| Wednesday, August 15, 2018

TCAL LODI FLAMES

Flames unite under new head coach By Nick Woodard Record Staff Writer

fter a promising start to 2017 went sour the moment league started, a new strategy has been adopted for the upcoming season in Lodi. Out with the old, in with the new. The Lodi High football team has a new head coach in George Duenas, a 2006 Lodi High graduate who was most recently a principal at a high school in North Dakota. He replaces Robert Sperling, who spent five years at the helm. Already, things seem different for the Flames. “The team’s looking really great, said senior lineman Kent Powell. “This is the biggest turnout I’ve ever seen.” Numbers mean confidence and optimism in the program, something that was absent when last year’s 3-2 pre-league record was flattened by a 1-4 run in Tri-City Athletic League play. This particular infusion of energy just may have something to do with the change up top. “Change is good, you know? Too much of one thing can be repetitive,” said junior wide receiver and cornerback Angelo Zazzarino. “Coach Duenas is amazing. Everyone’s feeding off him and the coaching staff. “I’m happy with the way he runs the program. It’s high tempo, high speed.”

Lodi High’s Logan Stout celebrates a TD in front of Bear Creek High’s Jafari Binder in the ﬁrst quarter at the Grape Bowl last season. [RECORD FILE PHOTO 2017]

It seems the new coach has won over his new team. The task now becomes preparing that team for what’s to come this season. dUENAS has help in that department; Powell returns as a two-way lineman who led the team with five sacks, and incoming juniors like Zazzarino and

Ethan Bronson will serve as young, yet experienced leaders for the Flames. The offense, as it did last year, will run through quarterback Logan Stout. As a sophomore, Stout passed for 12 touchdowns while also running for 535 yards and six scores.

Stout said he’s been focusing on certain things in camp, like rolling out and getting his reads down, to better adapt to Duenas’ shotgun-style offense. He’s hoping to build off of last season, he said, and he and the rest of the Flames have lofty expectations as soon as they break camp.

“Our goal is 14,” Stout said. “We’re going for 14.” “Fourteen” refers to the number of games it takes - regular season and postseason combined - to make it to the section championship game. It’s a tall order for any team, especially for a program that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2011. Change, and the confidence that comes with it, can have that effect. It’s the motto the Flames have operated under early on this summer, which really is the quintessential time to have it. Lodi has a Week 0 bye, and will start the year Aug. 24 at Ceres. A hefty helping of opponents from the San Joaquin Athletic Association follows, with the Flames opening league Sept. 28 at Lincoln. Lodi doesn’t need to be told it plays in one of the tougher leagues in the area. The Flames know they’ll have to surprise a few teams to find their way back to the postseason. To make that happen and to give themselves a shot at 14, they know what they need to see out of each other, consistently, week after week. “It’s going to take a ton of effort,” Bronson said. “We have to make sure that everyone’s going as hard as they can. If we give up, there’s obviously no chance. “We want to give ourselves a chance every single time.”

SEASON OUTLOOK

TWO FROM THE COACH

2018 SCHEDULE

Head coach: George Duenas (ﬁrst year) 2017 results: 4-6, 1-4 TCAL, did not qualify for playoffs Toughest losses: RB Trey Reese, WR Jake Hayes, LB Tyler Rowlands Key returners: QB Logan Stout, jr., RB/CB Angelo Zazzarino, jr., DT Ethan Bronson, sr., G Kent Powell, sr. Top newcomers: Andreas Pappas, jr., TE Isaac Bishop, soph. Schemes: Offense: Pistol Wing-T, Defense: 3-4 Area of Strength: team camaraderie, energy levels Area of Concern: inexperience of roster

On team work ethic: “You want kids who are willing to work, and they want to work. It’s our responsibility to make sure we’re getting to that level.”

Aug. 24 - Ceres, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - Chavez, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Stagg, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 14 - Edison, 7:30 p.m. (at Bear Creek) Sept. 21 - Bear Creek, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 - Lincoln, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 5 - St. Mary’s, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - West, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Tracy, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 26 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m.* Lodi, Tokay play at Grape Bowl *Tri-City Athletic League game

On excitement of first year coaching alma mater: “I’m excited to be back in my hometown, playing Friday nights in the Grape Bowl. I get to teach the kids from the same town I grew up in. I’m trying to give back that same experience.”

Home games in bold

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X9

T C A L W E S T W O L F PA C K

Wolfpack out for redemption after down year By Nick Woodard Record Staff Writer

hroughout a 20-minute conversation during the first week of official football practice in late July, West High coach Steven Wichman consistently hammered home the biggest thing his club faces going into the 2018 football season. As early as it possible can, the Wolfpack needs an identity. West struggled through the 2017 season, compiling a 1-9 overall record while going 0-5 in the Tri-City Athletic League. Their returning cast is a bit thin on experience, though it has plenty of youth and confidence. Somewhere in the middle of all that, West needs to figure out what kind of team it will be this season. “It’s been a process, said Frank Castellano, an incoming senior fullback and linebacker. “We’re all trying to get this team back on a good start. We have issues here and there, but we’re trying to fill in the spots.” Castellano is part of the Wolfpack’s returning veterans, along with fellow seniors like center Allen Villasenor and wide receiver Ethan Casados, who also played cornerback but will transition to safety this season. Outside of that trio, West

is a largely young group. Wichman said he’s excited about players like Josh Bolden, TJ Williams and Amari Henderson, among others. But they, like others of the Wolfpack, still need to prove themselves. The good news is, they know this. And they seem up for the challenge. “People look at us as underdogs. They think they can check us off their calendar as a win,” Villasenor said. “We’re going to keep working hard, and we’re going to give them a fight.” That’s part of Wichman said is encouraging about this group; the confidence. They’re ready to put past seasons behind them, he said, and move forward. The swagger, if you will, is alive and well on this roster. It just hasn’t been battletested yet. West won’t have to wait long. Friday is its season and home opener against Atwater, and Wichman said the Pack needs to hit the ground running. “They understand the challenge that has been presented to them. The sooner they accept that challenge, the better off we’re going to be,” Wichman said. “If we haven’t established that identity by league play, it’s going to be an uphill battle.” It’s a feeling they’re too familiar with from previous

Allen Villasenor

league seasons. Wichman and West are ready to change that, but they’re also realistic. They aren’t in the conversation with the league’s elites yet, because they haven’t earned it with their play. The hard part comes first - laying the foundation for a successful program in the future. That doesn’t mean the Wolfpack of today, though, isn’t out to set the record straight. “I think we’ll use some of that for motivation, for the teams that beat us,” Casados said. “We’ll show them we’re better. We’re not the same team.”

SEASON OUTLOOK

ONE FROM THE COACH

Head coach: Steven Wichman (second year) 2017 results: 1-9, 0-5 TCAL, did not qualify for playoffs Toughest losses: RB/CB James Cannon, G/FB Sione Bourke, QB Yannick Refell Key returners: WR/CB Ethan Casados, sr., MLB/FB Frank Castellano, sr., C/ DT Allen Villasenor, sr. Top newcomers: Joshua Bolden, sr., TJ Williams, jr., Area of strength: conﬁdence of roster’s playmakers Area of concern: ﬁnding identity as a team

Funniest player of the team: “Alfred Robinson. He keeps the mood light.”

Frank Castellano

Ethan Casados

BY THE NUMBERS:

2018 SCHEDULE

Of West’s nine losses in 2017, the team’s closest loss was a 26-13 game against Lodi.

Aug. 17 - Atwater, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - Enochs, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - Kimball, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Ceres, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Sonora, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 - St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Lodi, 7:15 p.m.^* Oct. 19 - Lincoln, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 26 - Tracy, 7:15 p.m.* *Tri-City Athletic League game ^Lodi plays at Grape Bowl

1-6

West split the ﬁrst two games of the decade against cross-town rival Tracy, but has since fallen behind in the seasonby-season battle. The Wolfpack will try to tip the scales back their way this season.

Home games in bold

X10 | Wednesday, August 15, 2018

S J A A S TA G G D E LTA K I N G S

Delta Kings determined to rule SJAA By Scott Linesburgh Record Staff Writer

he Stagg High football team realizes there is added pressure to being on top, and that the Delta Kings are a target for the rest of the San Joaquin Athletic Association teams. And they wouldn’t want it to be any different. The Delta Kings have become quite comfortable atop the SJAA, and have won the league crown four of the past five seasons. They know they can win and, most importantly, understand the effort and sacrifice it takes. “Yeah, there’s pressure. There’s external and internal pressure to do well, and that’s not a bad thing,” Stagg head coach Don Norton said. “Internally, we talk to the kids about wanting to keep this going. You get used to winning championships, you don’t want to let it go. The kids talk about it, and we talk about it.” The players are glad for a chance to live up to recent successes. “I think its good pressure. We’re up for the challenge and we’re ready to go,” said returning quarterback Cameron Deville. “We kind of like the pressure.” The Delta Kings were 7-4 overall last season and a perfect 5-0 in league. They were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Central Catholic.

Cameron Deville

Keith Smith

Stagg’s Phoenix Smith slips from the grasp of Edison’s Javon McGee on his way t a touchdown during a varsity football game at Stagg in Stockton on October 27, 2017. [CLIFFORD OTO/THE RECORD]

The Delta Kings’ goals are clear – try to repeat as league champions and go on a long playoff run. Stagg has only advanced out of the opening round of the postseason once in their last four playoff appearances. “We really want to make it past the first round,” receiver Keith Smith said. “That’s what we are working for.” To get back to and advance

in the postseason, the Delta Kings will rely on a veteran offense (by high school standards) and hope a young defense molds quickly. As has been the case in the recent seasons, Stagg can score, and it can score quickly. The offense is built around Deville, who is coming off of a fine junior year. He completed 81 of 168 passes for

SEASON OUTLOOK

TWO FROM THE COACH

Head coach: Don Norton (14th year) 2017 results: 7-4, 5-0, won SJAA title, lost to Central Catholic in ﬁrst round of Division II playoffs Toughest losses: SB/RB Lee Webb, DB Nate Bones, DE/OT Tim Omstead, OL Julian Moreno, OL Dimitirius Dominguez. Key returners: OL/DL Roman OstlyAmeperosa, QB Cameron Deville, WR Keith Smith, TE/DT/DE Phoenix Smith, WR Dominique James, OLB Jabarii Pharms. Top newcomers: RB Josh Lewis, RB Markell Shelton, Sr. WR Merle Bass, Sr., Schemes: Offense: Spread. Defense: 4-2-5 Area of strength: Offensive ﬁrepower Area of concern: Youth in defensive secondary.

Defining successful season: ” “Our goal is to win the league championship. That’s always number one, to win the league and get into the section playoffs. And we want to advance past the ﬁrst round and see how far we can go. That’s a good year.” “Our young guys on defense have to step up and show they can play. And we’re going to have to stay very healthy. We’re not very deep at some key positions.”

1,258 yards, 15 touchdowns and a 90.8. He has a reliable set of receivers, including wide outs Dominique James and Keith Smith and tight end Phoenix Smith. James had 47 catches for 632 yards and 11 TDs, and is among the familiar targets Deville has available to him. “I’ve been playing with Cameron (Deville) since Pop Warner, so I feel pretty

comfortable,” Keith Smith said. “We can trust him to throw the ball to the right guy every time. We trust each other.” The running game has to be rebuilt, but the Delta Kings received some help from from Markell Shelton, who transferred from Lincoln. Among the returning lineman is Roman Ostly-Ameperosa, who will play both ways. The defense has promise, but will have to learn on the job. Phoenix Smith will help bring some experience and versatility as a defensive end and defensive tackle. “We have a lot of good players on defense, they just need to play,” Norton said. “We like what we’ve seen.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Receiver Dominique James had 11 touchdowns to lead the Delta Kings last season, and he’s back to help them spread the ﬁeld. James totaled 47 catches for 632 yards in 2017.

Aug. 17 - Hughson, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - Atwater, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 7 - Lodi, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 21 - Modesto, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 - Edison, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Franklin, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Bear Creek, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 - McNair, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 26 - Chavez, 7:15 p.m.* *San Joaquin Athletic Association game

The Delta Kings had 20 sacks last season in 11 games, a healthy number. Can they match or surpass the total in 2018?

Home games in bold

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X11

S J A A M C N A I R E AG L E S

Eagles work toward taking next step By Scott Linesburgh Record Staff Writer

hen the players and coaches of the McNair High varsity football team discuss the upcoming season, the same phrase come up time after time. “Put the work in.” It’s a motto which originated from their head coach, Terry Hampton, and the Eagles have taken it to heart as they chase the one thing which has eluded them in recent years – the San Joaquin Athletic Associated title. Getting to the playoffs alone is not going to be enough for this version of the team, who believe the time has come to take the next step. “I really hope this is the year, and I feel we have a really good team,” said McNair receiver Andrew Hem. “I think we have a lot of potential. We really want to beat Stagg, and Edison is moving up too. There’s a lot of competition this year, and the difference is going to be teamwork and hard work.” Hampton smiled when he heard about the comments from Hem and similar ones from his teammates. Hampton, a probation officer by trade, said “put the work in” is more than just a statement. “That’s the motto I preach, and it’s not just about football. In the classroom and on the field, it goes hand in hand,”

McNair’s Andrew Hem was one of the top receivers in the area last season as a junior. [CLIFFORD OTO/RECORD FILE 2017]

said Hampton, entering his fourth season in charge of the Eagles. “If you work hard in the classroom, it will carry over to the field. Good students are good athletes.” The attitude is there for McNair to finally be able to wrestle the league crown from Stagg, but is the talent sufficient? The Eagles have several good reasons to think so. The coaching staff has been together for four years,

and players returned to a smooth, comfortable system. And some are coming off of standout seasons, especially on offense. Hem, a senior, was second in the Sac-Joaquin Section in 2017 with 1,350 yards receiving as a junior, an average of 122.7 per game. He caught 17 touchdown passes and will remain the top target for three-year starting quarterback Rafael Lara.

Lara led an offense which averaged 30.5 points per game, and he threw for 2,451 yards and 27 touchdowns. He is arguably the Eagles’ most important returning player. “(Lara) is a three-year starter, and very well could have played as a freshman,” Hampton said. “So our quarterback is a strength, you live and die with him. But you also need your line in the trenches.” And McNair has plenty

of faith in an offensive line which has three 300 pounders and averages about 280. “I think that we can go pretty far this year. We have the talent,” senior offensive/defensive lineman Reggie Walker said. “We’ve been putting in the work, especially the O line and D line. We can go far.” The Eagles are a confident group, and looking forward to a chance to turn that confidence into wins.

SEASON OUTLOOK

TWO FROM THE COACH

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Head coach: Terry Hampton (fourth season) 2017 results: 5-6, 3-2, lost to Oakdale 56-12 in ﬁrst round of Division III playoffs. Toughest losses: OLB/RB Dennis Oyewole, FS/WR Isaiah Redic. Key returners: CB Alex Sous, Jr., QB Rafael Lara, Sr., WR Andrew Hem, Sr. Top newcomers: RB Stefan Thomas, Sr., WR/DB Zay Thomas. Schemes – Offense: Spread. Defense: 4-2-5 Area of strength: QB, offensive line Area of concern: Rebuilding running game

Taking on Stagg: “The last three years made playoffs and came in second to Stagg (in league). A couple of those games between us were close. Stagg has had our number, but I think this could be the year the McNair Eagles prevail.”

3,075

Aug. 17 - EG-Franklin, 7:15 p.m. Aug 24 - Cosumnes Oaks, 7:15 p.m. Aug 31 - Enochs, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Gregori, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 28 - Franklin, 7 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Chavez, 7 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Edison, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 Stagg, 7 p.m.* Oct. 26 - Bear Creek, 7 p.m.* *San Joaquin Athletic Association game

Using football to change lives: “I think the most important thing is for the young men to have a personal sense of changing their surroundings for the better. And that trickles down to the classroom and the ﬁeld.”

Total yards gained last season by returning quarterback Rafael Lara. He threw for 2,451 yards and ran for 624. Lara accounted for 37 touchdowns.

The Eagles aren’t overlooking anyone, but the key date on their schedule is Oct. 19, when they meet defending SJAA champion Stagg. The matchup is at Stagg.

Home games in bold

X12 | Wednesday, August 15, 2018

SJAA BEAR CREEK BRUINS

Close not good enough for 2018 Bruins By Scott Linesburgh Record Staff Writer

eggie Camp wants this to be the year that the Bear Creek Bruins stop being the team that comes close. The 2017 season was an especially frustrating one for the Bruins, who played well enough in enough games that they could have realistically reversed their 3-7 record. Camp, in his eighth season as head coach, said there are several good reasons to think that this could be a good year for Bear Creek High football. Most notably, the incoming seniors have long memories, and Camp has liked the energy at Podesto Field during practice sessions. “A lot of our guys were juniors that understand the opportunities we missed last year,” Camp said. “And they want to make up for that this year. I think that’s why you’ve seen such a turnaround in how guys are committed in the offseason, and hopefully that will translate on game day.” Bear Creek lost its opener in 2017 to Modesto-Davis 42-35, and lost four games by a touchdown or less. The Bruins also came up on the short end of a thrilling 74-64 result against Chavez. “We have a lot of seniors who are determined to win

Jasjeet Dosanjh

Quincy Glasper

Bear Creek High’s Terry Holmes (15) retuns as a top running back and linebacker for the Bruins. [CRAIG SANDERS/FOR THE RECORD FILE 2017]

Chaz Davis

this year,” senior receiver Chaz Davis said. “Last year we came out, and I thought that first loss messed up the whole season. This time we’re going to

and will be one of the highlights of what looks to be a talented and productive offense. He had 43 catches for 10 TDs and 880 yards last year,

come out strong, and no matter what the outcome is, we’re going to prepare every week.” Davis is coming off a tremendous junior campaign

SEASON OUTLOOK

TWO FROM THE COACH

Head coach: Reggie Camp, eighth year 2017 results: 3-7, 2-3, did not qualify for the playoffs Toughest losses: DL/OL Adrian Nisihura, OT/DT Desmond Gallardo, QB Justin DeMello, WR/DB Nate Morris. Key returners: WR/DB Chaz Davis, sr., QB Quincy Glasper, sr., RB/LB Terry Holmes, sr., FB/LB Isaiah Franklin, sr., LB/RB Daniel Adams, sr. Top newcomers: WR/DB Jafari Binder, sr., WR Marcos Tristan, jr. WR Chris Rico, jr. Schemes – Offense: Pro style, Defense: Base 4-3. Area of strength: A balanced team Area of concern: Inexperience

Coaching philosophy: “What I’ve learned over the years is that not to focus too much on other teams. I focus on what I have here. I’m really not concerned with what’s out there. I hope that if we hope for the best and prepare for the worst, we’ll create our own luck.” On finding big linemen: “Everyone has that problem, ﬁnding those big linemen. I guess it’s a good thing because it’s pretty equal. The thing is to take what you have and coach.”

and he has a new quarterback looking for him downfield. Quincy Glasper, a 6-foot-3 senior, takes over. Glasper has some talented targets and returning running back Terry Holmes, who will also start at linebacker. On offense, Holmes averaged 6.1 yards per carry. Holmes and Davis said they feel a restocked defense will be Bear Creek’s strength. “Our defense is a big part of our team,” Holmes said. “Most of us play defense, and I think we’ll be solid. The important thing is that we have each other’s back.” As always in high school football, there will be some unpredictability. “We lost a lot of seniors who did a really good job for us, and we have a lot of shoes to fill,” Camp said. “But we have talented people ready to step in, and I really like what I’m seeing from everyone out here. The effort is there, now we just need to get down the technique and play well when it counts.” The Bruins will reach opening day against Roseville as a confident group. “We can be as good as anybody in Stockton,” offensive lineman Jasjeet Dosanjh said. “We have a strong offense, a strong defense and we just have to stay focused and do our jobs.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Receiver Chaz Davis had an excellent junior season, catching 43 passes for 880 yards and 10 TDs. He averaged 20.5 yards a catch, 97.8 yards receiving in his nine games.

Aug. 17 - Roseville, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m.^ Aug. 31 - East Union, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Kennedy (Sacramento), 7 p.m. Sept. 21 - Lodi, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 - Chavez, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Edison, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Stagg, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Franklin, 7 p.m.* Oct. 26 - McNair, 7 p.m.* ^Tokay plays at Grape Bowl *San Joaquin Athletic Association game

880

Home games in bold

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X13

SJAA EDISON VIKINGS

Veterans lead Vikings in pursuit of league crown By Thomas Lawrence Record Correspondent

he phrase “unfinished business” is tossed around in modern sports a shameful amount, underscoring the real meaning of physical and emotional anguish from an injury or loss. John Hillman, though, would have every right to say it if he wanted to. Hillman, now a senior, was on the cusp of his varsity debut as a junior before breaking his arm during Edison High's annual jamboree scrimmage last August. His quest to become a Vikings enforcer on defense, and Edison’s quest to win its first league championship in 41 years, define E-House’s upcoming season. “I’m ready to get back on the field and play with my team. This is going to be a great season. I can feel it,” the muscular 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker said during a hot, smoky practice on August 1 at Magnasco Stadium. “The way practices have been going are way better.” Guyton and Hillman attribute that to the leadership of the players, including secondyear starting quarterback Davis Raya-Ruiz (junior) and returning linebacker and senior Jacob Castro. “We were a team last year where we had a lack of leadership,” said Edison alumnus Booker Guyton, in his third consecutive year and sixth year overall guiding the Vikings. “We’ve got some guys stepping up, and Jacob is one in camp who’s stepping up.” A “silent leader” behind the demonstrative Castro is thirdyear starter and defensive back Dominick Zackery – younger brother of former Edison star Hassani Zackery. Plus, Edison has a dynamic backfield in senior Ezekiel Bush and freshman phenom Raleek Brown. The term “phenom” is not hyperbole when talking about Brown. The 5-9, 170-pound tailback already has four verbal offers,

SEASON OUTLOOK Head coach: Booker Guyton (3rd consecutive year, 6th overall) 2017 results: 6-5, 2-3 SJAA; lost 58-20 to St. Mary’s in Division I playoff opener Toughest losses: WR Hassani Zackery; RB/WR/ DB Jordan Whatley; DB Marcus Baker Key returners: QB Davis Raya-Ruiz, jr.; DB Dominick Zackery, sr.; LB Jacob Castro, sr. Top newcomers: RB/ATH Raleek Brown, frosh; RB Ezekiel Bush, sr.; LB John Hillman, sr. Schemes – Offense: Shotgun spread; Defense: 3-4 Area of strength: Running backs and linebackers Area of concern: Youth on the defensive line

John Hillman

QUOTE FROM THE COACH “We made the playoffs as the second seed Davis Rayaout of our league last year. They don’t give Ruiz the SJAA a lot of credit. What I had to do… is beef up our schedule. No more trying to ﬁnd teams we can roll over.” — Edison coach Booker Guyton, whose team now plays former section champion Fairﬁeld-Vanden in Week 0.

BY THE NUMBERS

1977

Edison is hungry to win its ﬁrst league championship since 1977, when the legendary Charles Washington was coach. Edison, though it made the playoffs, went 2-3 in league last year including a heartbreaking last-minute loss at Stagg (the eventual champion).

The Vikings have the tall task of replacing Hassani Zackery and the 40 total touchdowns he posted in two varsity seasons with Edison (not counting being a sophomore on varsity at Stagg in 2015). Zackery unselﬁshly played quarterback as a junior when the Vikings’ slated starter was not eligible after a transfer, and dominated at his natural position of receiver as a senior.

Edison’s Isaiah Evans takes the opening kickoff back for a short gain in a game last season. [CRAIG SANDERS/FOR THE RECORD]

from USC, BYU, Arizona State and Utah. Guyton believes he could be the first running back in Edison history to be a fouryear varsity starter. “We’ve got a lot of young kids who are superb athletes,” Guyton said. Raya-Ruiz opened eyes across Stockton and San Joaquin County in his varsity debut as a sophomore, passing for 2,548 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. He even marched Edison down the field for a touchdown to take an early lead over St. Mary’s in the playoffs before the Rams roared back. “We’re expecting him to grow up and become ‘that guy,’” Guyton said of RayaRuiz. “He’s just a junior, but he’s a junior with a lot of experience under his belt.” Raya-Ruiz and company have a loaded coaching staff to learn from. La Te’f Grim — Franklin High and Pitt star receiver and former Chavez and Brookside Christian head coach — is offensive

coordinator. Edison graduate Lavelle Hawkins, a retired NFL and CFL receiver, is back as an assistant and helped bring in Desmond Bishop. Bishop, a former NFL linebacker who won a Super Bowl with Green Bay, is the defensive coordinator and has the Vikings’ in a 3-4 (three linemen, four linebackers) formation. “We want to do our best to give back as much as we can,” said Hawkins, who like Bishop, played his college ball at Cal. “What people don’t understand is we don’t play. All we can do is pass on information. ... but the kids have to answer the call.” Edison opens with a former Sac-Joaquin Section champion in Vanden on Friday in Fairfield. “We haven’t had any growing pains,” Raya-Ruiz said. “We’ve come together well.” Said Hillman: “Our motto has been ‘planting the seed,’ and now we’re trying to harvest it.”

2010

Edison has a new defensive coordinator, and he comes with one heck of a resume. Former NFL linebacker Desmond Bishop, now guiding E-House’s defense, won a Super Bowl with the 2010 Green Bay Packers. He’s one of the assistant coaches Hawkins has brought in to create an all-star staff.

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 17 - Vanden, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - Modesto Christian, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 31 - Buhach Colony, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Lodi, 7:30 p.m.# Sept. 21 - Enochs, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 28 - Stagg, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Bear Creek, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - McNair, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Chavez, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 26 - Franklin, 7:15 p.m.* # Game played at Bear Creek *San Joaquin Athletic Association game Home games in bold

X14 | Wednesday, August 15, 2018

S J A A C H AV E Z T I TA N S

Titans hope defense keeps pace with powerful offense By Thomas Lawrence Record Correspondent

coring has not been a problem for Chavez High football. Even in a down season like a 3-7 campaign in 2017, the Titans averaged 40 points per game. But defense for Chavez, and the majority of the current makeup of the San Joaquin Athletic Association (formed before 2014-15), has been sparse. “In the SJAA, defense has been the downfall,” secondyear Chavez coach Michael Chicago said. “We’ve been making some moves” to amend that. That move — said the former Titans defensive coordinator Chicago — is switching to an odd front (either three or five linemen) with high pressure on the backfield. This will include 3-5 (three linemen, five linebackers), 3-3-5 (three linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs) and 5-2 (five linemen, two linebackers) looks to flummox offenses. Chavez plans to make SJAA quarterbacks, who have a tendency to post gaudy numbers, as uncomfortable as possible. “We’re coming fast. Everyone’s hitting somebody,” senior linebacker Jodhbir Sahota said. “No one’s untouched. Everyone’s getting smacked.”

Sahota is one of the emotional and veteran leaders on defense, which includes lineman Brent Bingley — who Chicago said lost 40 pounds to better fit Chavez’s new defensive mantra of speed and pressure. Malik Dominique, a junior, will make an impact at cornerback and receiver, as will junior Adriel Horton on the D-line. “We have aggressive people. As soon as we come together, we have a really hard team to stop,” senior tailback George Romero Robinson said. “People don’t think that we have the talent, but we have guys everywhere.” Romero Robinson, who according to Chicago has four NCAA Division I offers, tallied 11 rushing touchdowns in 2017. Senior quarterback Giovanni Gonzalez led the SJAA with 30 touchdown passes, and will orchestrate the Titans multi-formation offense. Chavez is about more than its veterans, though. The sophomore team won nine games last autumn, and the returning varsity players have been dazzled by how ready the up-and-comers are. “They’re coming in hot. They’re ready to play,” Sahota said. “They’re keeping up with us.” Chavez is seeking its second league championship (the first was under current

Chavez’s Giovanni Gonzalez is pressured by Tokay’s Zach Fleming, left, and Luke Millan, during a game last season at Chavez HIgh School. [CALIXTRO ROMIAS/THE RECORD]

Delta College assistant John Ward in 2014) and third winning season. Chicago admires the team’s quick progress as well, which he noticed during the “Titan Day” intrasquad scrimmage on Aug. 2. “I was pleasantly

SEASON OUTLOOK

Quote from the coach

Head coach: Michael Chicago (2nd year) 2017 results: 3-7, 2-3 SJAA, did not qualify for playoffs Toughest losses: RB/WR Jasaun Allen; WR Jamal Fullard, DL Henry Flores Key returners: RB George Romero Robinson, sr., QB Giovanni Gonzalez, sr., MLB/DE Jodhbir Sahota, sr. Top newcomers: WR/CB Malik Dominique, jr., TE/DE Adriel Horton, jr. Schemes – Offense: Multiple formations, Defense: 3-5, 3-3-5 or 5-2 (Odd fronts) Area of strength: Offensive depth and athleticism Area of weakness: Inexperience on defense

“In the SJAA, defense has been the downfall. We’ve been making some moves with the defense.” — Chavez coach Michael Chicago, on the Titans’ move to a high pressure, odd front defense.

surprised,” Chicago said. “We did very well.” Chavez then scrimmaged against Ripon, Patterson, Mountain House and Sierra, and opens the regular season against Mountain House on the road Friday.

“We trust in one another. We trust that we have the guys to do exactly what we’ve been doing in the past,” the 6-foot-1, 245pound Romero Robinson said. “We can go really far.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Gonzalez stormed onto varsity and led the SJAA with 30 passing touchdowns in 2017.

Aug. 17 - Mountain House, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - Valley, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - Lodi, 7 p.m.^ Sept. 7 - Tokay, 7:15 p.m.^ Sept. 14 - Oakland, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 - Bear Creek, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 5 - McNair, 7 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Franklin, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Edison, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 26 - Stagg, 7:15 p.m.* *San Joaquin Athletic Association game ^Tokay and Lodi play at Grape Bowl

Despite a tough season overall, Chavez still averaged 40 points per game in Chicago’s debut (39.5 PPG to be exact) as a head coach and Gonzalez’s debut as a starting quarterback in 2017.

Home games in bold

George Romero Robinson

Jodhbir Sahota

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X15

S J A A F R A N K L I N Y E L L O WJ A C K E T S

’Jackets ready to prove they can be a surprising team By Scott Linesburgh Record Staff Writer

ranklin High is the easternmost school in the San Joaquin Athletic Association, separated from their league rivals by Highway 99. It has also been separated from the top of the league standings and the postseason for a dozen years, a situation the confident Yellowjackets believe they have the talent and drive to rectify this season. “Barring injuries, I think we can surprise a lot of people,” said Franklin head coach Larry Thompson. “We have good talent. We have good coaches, and it’s our responsibility to put them in position to win. “I think if they buy into it and they believe, we can do a lot.” Thompson's optimism has caught on at his team’s practices. Senior running back Felipe Figueroa said this is a much different squad than the one which finished 4-7, 1-4 SJAA in 2017. “I feel like this team is way better than last year, even though we improved our record from the year before,” Figueroa said. “I know Franklin hasn’t been one of the top teams, but I feel we’re more explosive and work better as a team, even though we’re young.” Thompson said he has

Alonso Madrigal

Franklin’s Felipe Figueroa rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2017 and is back to lead the Yellowjacket’s ground attack. [CLIFFORD OTO/RECORD FILE 2017]

plenty of “young veterans.” “A lot of our returners were ‘the guy’ last year,” Thompson said. “And that’s a good thing. They played a lot of football, and that's how you learn. So we've got some

young but experienced guys.” A good deal of the Yellowjackets’ hopes revolves around its promising running game, which is led by Figueroa. He rushed for 1,105 and 16 touchdowns as

SEASON OUTLOOK

TWO FROM THE COACH

Head coach: Larry Thompson (fourth year) 2017 results: 4-6, 1-4, did not qualify for playoffs. Toughest losses: DL Kylan Mangum. Key returners: RB Felipe Figueroa, sr., OL/DL Alonso Madrigal, sr., DB/ WR Nick Dominguez, jr., DB Angelo Washington, sr. Top newcomers: RB John Williams, sr., DB Maurice William, soph., DB Augustine Ramirez, soph. Schemes – Offense: Spread. Defense: Cover 2. Area of strength: Running game. Area of concern: Younger players getting up to speed.

Strength of the SJAA: “It’s going to be a good league. Everything changes. You used to have a few dominant teams (in the area), but now I think everyone is improving.” On the Yellowjacket’s fluid defense: "Every play, we have a job to do. … We learn their tendencies, see what they’re doing, and base it on that. Every week, our defense will change.”

a junior, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. As a team the Yellowjackets picked up 5.5 yards a pop, and Thompson expects the running game to be better. Joining Figueroa in the

backfield will be junior John Williams, who didn’t play as a sophomore but has impressed the coaching staff in camp. Sophomore Pedro Dominguez will also be in the mix. “I think we’ll be able to run the ball,” Williams said. “And we have a good line.” Thompson said as a school which hasn’t had much success in recent years, getting off to a good start is crucial. The Yellowjackets open the season Friday at Linden, and have an interesting matchup at home against Modesto on Sept. 14, two weeks before their SJAA opener with McNair. “Modesto is always a very good team, so that will be a good early test for us,” Thompson said. “Franklin hasn't won in a long time, so we do need to come out and play well. We have to show that we’re going to compete. If we don’t compete, we’re the same old Franklin that gets beat every time.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Felipe Figueroa’s rushing average per game as a junior, and he’s had one more year to mature and get stronger. He is poised to be one of the premier running backs in the area.

Aug. 17 - @Linden, 7 p.m. Aug, 24 - Davis, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - Weston Ranch, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Modesto, 7 p.m. Sept. 21 - Galt, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 - McNair, 7 p.m.* Oct. 5 - @Stagg, 7:15 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Chavez, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 - @Bear Creek, 7 p.m.* Oct. 26 - @Edison, 7:15 p.m.* *San Joaquin Athletic Association games

110.5

2006

The last year the Yellowjackets made the playoffs, a drought they hope to end this season.

Home games in bold

X16 | Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X17

V O L M A N T E C A B U F FA L O E S

New chapter, same story for reigning champions By Thomas Lawrence Record Correspondent

Every Wednesday evening during football season, Manteca hosts a “loyalty meeting.” In this meeting, all three levels for the Buffaloes convene to hear from notable alumni in the program’s history — taking in stories and lessons, many of which involve capturing one of the school’s six Sac-Joaquin Section championships. Mark Varnum, the firstyear coach taking over for five-time champion Eric Reis, is embracing that tradition while molding the program’s offense and mentality with his own intense, up-tempo style. “Our biggest thing is it’s a different chapter to the same book. We’re not changing a lot of things,” said Varnum, the offensive coordinator last year for Manteca’s Division III champion that stormed past rival Oakdale in the section finals. “For me, it’s a lot more administrative stuff. “I’m the same guy I was last year, the same coach I was last year. It’s just a little more paperwork.” Manteca is also introducing a slew of new leaders on the field. Quarterback Gino Campiotti (Northern Arizona); linemen Justin Kakala (Harvard) and Kyle Reis (Cal Poly); linebacker

Manteca’s Jacob De Jesus, left, tries to evade Valley Christian’s Blake Newquist during a varsity football game at Manteca’s Gus Schmiedt Stadium last season in Manteca. [CLIFFORD OTO/THE RECORD]

Ferrin Manuleleua and defensive backs Kyle Rachels and Vincent Ferro have all graduated. Replacing Campiotti is especially daunting, after the bazooka-armed three-sport star — and The Record’s Male Athlete of the Year for 2017-18 — compiled 99 touchdowns and two section titles in three varsity seasons.

In his place is a star in his own right as a baseball pitcher: junior Ryan Ward. “He doesn’t shy away from the spotlight at all. He’s definitely accepted that role as the guy who’s following Gino,” Varnum said during a July practice under a sweltering Central Valley sun. “He’s ice cold, man. It’s probably from being a varsity baseball

SEASON OUTLOOK

QUOTE FROM THE COACH

Head coach: Mark Varnum (1st year) 2017 results: 12-3, 5-2 VOL, beat Oakdale 34-17 in Sac-Joaquin Section Division III ﬁnal, lost 28-23 to Mountain View-Saint Francis in CIF NorCal Division 2-A bowl Toughest losses: QB/K Gino Campiotti, OL/DL Justin Kakala, LB/RB Ferrin Manuleleua Key returners: OLB/MLB Nick Kreighton, sr., MLB/G Tyler Brintley, sr., RB Trabon Russell, sr. Top newcomer: QB Ryan Ward, jr. Schemes – Offense: Multi-formational, Defense: 3-4 Area of strength: Depth and speed at skill positions Area of concern: Youth and inexperience on defense

“I’m the same guy I was last year, the same coach I was last year. It’s just a little more paperwork. ... Our biggest thing is it’s a different chapter to the same book.”

player since his freshman year. “Nothing rattles him.” Backing Ward are junior tailback Trabon Russell and receivers Jorge Cedano, and Kyle Lynch, as well as junior receiver Jacob De Jesus. “There are some changes. We’re working a lot harder because we don’t have as much talent as we did last

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Ward and the Buffaloes have the tough task of replacing three-year quarterback Gino Campiotti — The Record’s All-Area Male Athlete of the Year who’s now at Northern Arizona University. Campiotti produced 99 touchdowns during his three-year varsity career — 76 passing and 23 rushing – with 6,225 passing yards.

Aug. 17 - Lathrop, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - Downey, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - Granada, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Tracy, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Central Catholic, 7 p.m.* Sept. 28 - Oakdale, 7 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Kimball, 7 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Weston Ranch, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Sierra, 7 p.m.* Oct. 26 - East Union, 7 p.m.* *Valley Oak League game

6 Mark Varnum

Tyler Brintley

year. We don’t have the biggest people,” said De Jesus, who is 5-foot-7. “We don’t have the fastest people. But I feel like we have the group with the most heart this year.” On defense, senior linebacker Tyler Brintley holds the traditional Shepherd’s Stick — given to a senior captain each year as voted upon by his teammates. Brintley is joined by fellow senior linebacker Nick Kreighton and defensive back Jose Ceja to continue the path set by their unmerciful predecessors. “They’re definitely bringing that nastiness back,” De Jesus said. The Buffaloes are more inexperienced on defense than offense, but Varnum and company have longtime defensive coordinator and guru Rick James to lean on. “When you have coach James calling your defense, it’s a lot less for me to worry about,” Varnum said. The Buffaloes are seeking their seventh section title, and third consecutive championship and NorCal bowl appearance. Manteca has reached three NorCal bowls in the past five seasons, but is yet to prevail. “We don’t have a lot of height, but we have a lot of heart,” Brintley said. “I believe we’re going to go all the way.”

When Manteca shocked rival Oakdale 34-17 in last season’s Division III ﬁnals, it clinched its sixth section championship and the ﬁfth for former head coach Eric Reis.

The Buffaloes have reeled off 14 consecutive winning seasons. The one campaign in Reis’ 16-year span as head coach was a 5-5 mark in 2003.

Home games in bold

X18 | Wednesday, August 15, 2018

VO L E A S T U N I O N L A N C E R S

Lancers plan to keep the good times going By Kevin Niendorf Record Correspondent

oming off backto-back seasons of making the playoffs, East Union intends to keep that streak going with a bevy of seniors who went undefeated as freshmen in the Valley Oak League. With hopes that could translate into another playoff-bound team, eighthyear coach Willie Herrera will lead a team that includes 32 seniors, but he has tabbed junior quarterback Eric Morales to run the offense. He’ll take over for senior JoJo Espinosa, who will start at wide receiver. “I’m excited about this group because there’s a ton of potential,” Herrera said. “These seniors know how to win. We still have a tall mountain to climb, but we’re sitting right there. “We have the experience to get one of those wins against the big three (Manteca, Oakdale, Central Catholic), we just have to play at a high level and match their intensity,” he added. Herrera points to last season’s victory over Sierra, the first in school history against the Timberwolves, as the change of attitude at East Union over his tenure. He recalls the years of having just one of two victories to show for a season’s worth of hard work. “I was here when it probably wasn’t cool to wear EU

Eric Morales

Alex Alexander

JoJo Espinosa

“I’m excited about this group because there’s a ton of potential. These seniors know how to win. We still have a tall mountain to climb, but we’re sitting right there.” — Willie Herrera

stuff around town,” Herrera said. “But we broke through last year with Sierra. You want to win, or own, your own city if you can.” But even in those tough times, Herrera’s staff has focused on developing all-around young men for life after high school. One example includes 25 former players going on to join the

SEASON OUTLOOK Head coach: Willie Herrera (eighth year) 2017 results: 7-4, 4-3 Valley Oak League, lost 63-28 to Patterson in ﬁrst-round Division III playoffs. Toughest losses: RB Isaiah Sholund, WR Andrew Sena Key returners: WR JoJo Espinosa, sr., RB Alex Alexander, sr., RB Raylen Carter, sr. Top newcomers: QB Eric Morales, jr., WR Lorenzo Contreras, jr., WR Nicco Cedolini, jr. Schemes: Offense: Pistol wing, Defense: 3-4 Area of strength: veteran leadership Area of concern: stacking up against tough VOL competition

military, and he sees even more potential up and down this year’s roster. Key returning players include second-team all-league defender Alex Alexander, who will also play running back, ballcarrier Raylen Carter, tight end/ lineman Marquise Higgins, Andrew Mount, Anthony Anaya, Thomas Cann and

Espinosa. Herrera speaks highly of Anaya and Cann, who with Gabriel Herrera, Josh Grabowski, Alex Yang and Joey Aguirre will make a formidable line. “Right now, we’re seeing that this could be the best line since I’ve been here,” Herrera said. “We’ll have to wait and see what happens on

game day. Another strength will be our secondary, especially against teams that like to air it out. We’re very deep there.” The Lancers’ defense was a big part of East Union’s success a season ago when it gave up 20 points or less in seven of its first nine games. Top newcomers include a pair of junior wide receivers Lorenzo Contreras and Nicco Cedolini, who were Morales’s primary targets at the JV level. Leo Bonilla, Shane Crawford and Sebastian Ellis are also newcomers expected to shine. Gone is all-league running back Levi Huffman, who left to play his final season in Wyoming. But Herrera said there are as many as nine players who will see time in the backfield. “That’s the beauty of it, we have home-run hitters as well as those who can pound it,” he said. Espinosa is excited to be a part of an offense that could score a lot of points. “We have the most talent here than we’ve had in years,” Espinosa said. “We have a winning foundation at EU, and I feel like we can win the VOL if everyone buys in.” Morales, who Herrera said shined in 7-on-7 camps, said he’s not intimidated to play at the varsity level. “We have to have a good attitude,” Morales said. “Our talent will get us there. If we keep our heads in the game, we’ll win.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

Going back to MaxPreps’ ﬁrst recorded season for the Lancers, East Union hasn’t won its rivalry game against Sierra in 14 years.

Aug. 17 - Downey Aug. 25 - Napa, 7 p.m. (Memorial Stadium) Aig. 31 - Bear Creek, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Vanden, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Oakdale, 7 p.m.* Sept. 21 - Kimball, 7 p.m.* Sept. 28 - Central Catholic, 7 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Sierra, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Weston Ranch, 7 p.m.* Oct. 26 - Manteca, 7 p.m.* *Valley Oak League game

14 9

On the other hand, East Union has fared well in preseason play over the last few seasons. The Lancers have won nine straight preleague games dating back to 2015.

East Union won seven games in 2017, tied for the most in a season since 2010.

Home games in bold

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X19

VO L K I M BA L L JAGUA R S

Kuhnlenz brings winning attitude to Jaguars By Scott Niendorf Record Correspondent

he Jaguars leap into their 2018 campaign with fresh faces and renewed energy and a new coach set on establishing a winning culture at Kimball High. While victories have been infrequent, Kimball head coach Mike Kuhnlenz has seen his share of wins, including as a member of the 2005 Manteca Buffaloes Sac-Joaquin Section championship team. Kuhnlenz knows programs aren’t built overnight, but is content to guide his gridiron squad in “setting the standard” the players desire to establish for years to come. “Our school’s namesake, John C. Kimball, passed away in May and was a quality person who set the standard here,” said Kuhnlenz, who was a coach at Modesto Junior College in 2017 and previously an offensive coordinator at Weston Ranch. “It’s up to our guys now to go out and set that standard of excellence here.” It won’t be easy as a member of the formidable Valley Oak League and with a schedule laced with five playoff teams from 2017. “Tracy is a powerhouse program so we’re going to try to come out of that game healthy,” said Kuhnlenz, as the Jaguars prepare to take on the cross-town rival Bulldogs in its season opener. Kimball then competes against a familiar foe led by another Eric Reis protégé, Joe Pirillo, as it meets the

Mainarick

McGowan

Decoite

Kuhnlenz

“We have to hold each other accountable and show the new guys what to expect. We have to have good role models, good communication and leadership.” — Noah Mainarick

Lathrop Spartans in Week 2. Reis retired from the sidelines as long-time head coach of the Buffaloes after winning the section championship against Oakdale last December. After a battle with the West Wolf Pack the next week, Kimball will travel to face Mountain House in their first ever matchup on Sept. 7. The Kimball offense took an early hit this summer when 2017 starting sophomore quarterback Kyle

SEASON OUTLOOK Head coach: Mike Kuhnlenz (1st year) 2017 results: 2-8, 2-5, did not qualify for playoffs Toughest losses: RB Rahbert Woodie; SS Jace Chavez; DT Marquise Cunningham; DE Chenedu Nwadike; QB Kyle Gibson Key returners: WR Cam Sims, sr., RB Noah Mainarick, sr., WR Matt McGowan, sr. Top newcomers: OL Moe Khan 6-5 257, soph., LB Leo Farfan-Lowe, soph., RB Saheed Oladunjaye Soph. Area of Strength: Wide receivers Area of Concern: Depth on lines

Gibson decided to leave football to focus on baseball. But Kuhnlenz is excited in what he sees in senior Mateo Decoite, who threw one touchdown pass at quarterback last season, and junior Mason Salazar as they compete for signal-caller duties. Whoever takes the step forward will have an experienced receiving corps to throw to, including returning seniors Cam Sims and Matt McGowan. Sims, who caught half of

Gibson’s touchdown passes last season, has the speed to stretch the defense for scores as seen with a 57-yard touchdown against Livermore and a 75-yard bomb in a win against Weston Ranch. “The key is to beat the corner off the line (of scrimmage),” said Sims, who also doubles as a cornerback on defense, where he had 24 tackles and an interception last year. “I like to watch Julio Jones play (in the NFL). He’s good. I like to go up and catch

BY THE NUMBERS

73 12

Number of total tackles by Noah Mainarick, leading returner from 2017 defense.

Combined wins the Jaguars have over Lathrop (5) East Union (4) and West (3) since

2010.

5 5

2017 playoff teams on Kimball’s 2018 schedul4.

Coaches Kimball has had since 2010.

a (pass) at the high point.” Jaguars senior Noah Mainarick returns to the Kimball backfield where he averaged 4.6 yards per carry last year. Mainarick leads returning defenders with 75 tackles from his linebacker position last season and sees potential with this year’s squad. “We just made a lot of little mistakes that cost us last year,” said Mainarick, who tallied 156 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a crowded backfield in 2017. ‘“We have to hold each other accountable and show the new guys what to expect. We have to have good role models, good communication and leadership.” New faces Kuhnlenz is eager to see contribute include sophomores Moe Khan, a 6-5 lineman, Saheed Oladunjaye with some carries at running back and linebacker Leo Farfan-Lowe.

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 17 - Tracy, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 24 - Lathrop, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - West, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Mountain House, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Sierra, 7 p.m.* Sept. 21 - East Union, 7 p.m.* Sept. 28 - Weston Ranch, 7 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Manteca, 7 p.m.* Oct. 12 - Oakdale, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Central Catholic, 7 p.m.* *Valley Oak League game Home games in bold

X20 | Wednesday, August 15, 2018

VO L W E S T O N RA N C H CO U G A R S

Season-long road trip awaits Cougars By Scott Niendorf Record Correspondent

he bus driver won’t be Mad Max, but the 2018 Cougars football team will epitomize the nom de guerre “Road Warriors.” It’s looking like first-year head coach Kevin Breaker will be guiding the Cougars from the visitors sideline for all 10 games of the upcoming season while the Weston Ranch football field undergoes a much-needed renovation after years of abuse from cleats and gophers. Breaker, a retired law enforcement officer, enthusiastically takes the reins of the Weston Ranch program after years of coaching in various capacities at all levels of the Lincoln High program, as well as years of youth football, and most recently as the head coach of the Bear Creek junior varsity squad under varsity coach Reggie Camp. As Breaker embarks on instilling the fundamentals the Cougars need to be competitive in the Valley Oak League after Weston Ranch finished 2-8 last season, the mentor said he is more concerned with what his athletes put into the game so they will gain as much as possible from the demanding team sport. “It will probably be one of the most difficult years a team can have as we try to build a program and not being able to play at home,” said Breaker, who is also dealing with lower numbers

Amier Bowen

The Weston Ranch football stadium is undergoing a makeover, so the Cougars will spend the 2018 season on the road. [SCOTT LINESBURGH/THE RECORD]

Coach Kevin Breaker

who will don the maroon and gray this year. “We will be competitive. We have got the talent and the kids who love to play the game. We have to get them to believe to achieve the stars and buying into committing to becoming the best team they can be.” Leading the Cougars will be senior quarterback Amier Bowen, who threw for 2,556 yards and 20 touchdown passes and averaged 318.5 all-purpose yards per game last season. Breaker will likely use Bowen’s ability to spread

player, ‘I am my brother’s keeper’ and it really resonated with me and it stuck. We need our players to be responsible (to do their jobs the right way). We are starting from scratch and developing fundamentals that will take several repetitions to get the skills dialed in. “After a game, regardless of how many (more) players the other team may have had, and we competed with everything they could imagine,” said Breaker, “We will have earned their respect. We can’t give up.”

SEASON OUTLOOK Head coach: Kevin Breaker (1st year) 2017 results: 2-8, 1-6, did not qualify for playoffs Toughest losses: WR Larry Fairbanks, RB/WR Cori Floyd Key returners: QB Amier Bowen, Sr., RB Omar Hernandez, Sr., WR Fletcher Pitts, Sr. Top newcomer: OL/DL Isaiah Maxie, Jr. Schemes – Offense: West Coast Defense: 4-3/Bear Area of Strength: Experience at skill positions Area of Concern: Overall depth

the field by running to keep defenses guessing as opponents gave up 629 rushing yards and six touchdowns to the signal-caller, including a trio of 100-yard rushing games. Bowen’s favorite receiver, senior Fletcher Pitts, returns after gaining 763 yards on a team-high 45 receptions and five touchdowns and averaging 76 yards per game last year. Senior Omar Hernandez should lead the backfield attack after the running back averaged a solid 3.5 yards per

carry last season. The Cougars were junior heavy in the trenches last season so Breaker will be counting on all the experience he can get as the line battles opponents each week. Junior lineman Isaiah Maxie has already impressed Breaker with his energy this summer as the players have come together to mesh into a unit. “We need our teammates to depend on each other,” said Breaker, who credited assistant coach Lamar Mitchell with an oft-repeated motto. “(Mitchell) was telling a

BY THE NUMBERS

Touchdowns Bowen helped to score for Weston Ranch through the air or by rushing

in 2017

13 10 3

Seasons since the Cougars have had a winning record (8-2, 2005) Wins Weston Ranch has over East Union in past 14 year.

2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 17 - Ripon, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 - Franklin, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Buhach Colony, 7 p.m. Sept. 13 - Gregori, 7 p.m. Sept. 21 - Oakdale, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 - Kimball, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 - Central Catholic, 7 p.m. Oct. 12 - Manteca, 7 p.m. Oct. 19 - East Union, 7 p.m. Oct. 26 - Sierra, 7 p.m.

100-yard rushing games by Bowen in 2017. All games on the road

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X21

V O L S I E R R A T I M B E R W O LV E S

Sierra playing to strengths with scheme switch By Thomas Lawrence Record Correspondent

hris Johnson and the Sierra High football team have no desire to cling to past schematics for the sake of tradition. The second-year coach and the Timberwolves are morphing their offense to their present roster and strengths. Sierra – which just four years ago knocked off Valley Oak League titans Oakdale and Central Catholic with a devastating shotgun spread offense – is switching to a tripleoption flexbone formation. The Timberwolves no longer have hulking linemen and a lethal crop of skill position players. Johnson revels in, but is realistic about, the current Timberwolves who are grinders. The flexbone – instead of leaning on foot speed and brawn – rewards practice, precision and timing. “To be able to compete in this league, they’ve got to be able to have something that’s geared more to the strength of our kids,” said Johnson, formerly the head coach of his alma mater Ripon High. “It’s very team-oriented. You don’t need dominant athletes to run it. It’s a very unselfish package. “It puts a lot of pressure on defenses to make sure they’re

Sierra´s fans ready for East Union during a 2016 game at Daniel Teicheira Stadium in Manteca. [CALIXTRO ROMIAS/THE RECORD]

playing sound football.” Sierra features a first-year starting quarterback in junior Shane Johnson. Johnson, who guided the sophomore team in 2017, has the kind of versatility and studiousness that are conducive to mastering a flexbone offense. “He’s a good athlete, but his greatest strength is he never stops studying, he never stops learning,” a sun hat-adorned Chris Johnson said during a

SEASON OUTLOOK Head coach: Chris Johnson (2nd year) 2017 results: 2-8, 1-6 VOL, did not qualify for playoffs Toughest losses: RB Daemon Duran; WR David Reyes Key returners: RB Nicholas Stanley, sr., CB/WR Carlos Tovar, sr., MLB Eli White, sr. Top newcomers: QB/FS Shane Johnson, jr., RB Kimoni Stanley, soph. Schemes – Offense: Triple-option ﬂexbone, Defense: 4-3 Area of strength: Team-ﬁrst mentality Area of concern: Lack of size and experience

scorching July practice. “He’s the guy who’s here early, he’s here late. He’s got kids out on the weekend on their own doing work.” Shane Johnson will hand off to brothers and first-time varsity teammates in senior tailback Nicholas Stanley and sophomore Kimoni Stanley. Senior Carlos Tovar, a twoway standout at defensive back, will play an important role at receiver.

Nicholas Stanley was Sierra’s starting quarterback for the majority of 2017 and is making the transition to the backfield. “Everybody is working together and pushing everybody,” Nicholas Stanley said. “Nobody is lagging. It’s like a real family.” On defense, Chris Johnson pointed to middle linebacker Eli White (senior) to anchor the front seven in

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 SCHEDULE

While Sierra had a tough debut for Johnson, his track record shows he can guide a winning program. Johnson went 77-53 in 12 seasons at his alma mater Ripon. He then came to Sierra as a teacher in 2016 and took over as football coach in 2017.

Aug. 17 - ModestoChristian, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 - Central Valley, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 - Pacheco, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 - Lathrop, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 - Kimball, 7 p.m.* Sept. 21 - Central Catholic, 7 p.m.* Oct. 5 - Oakdale, 7 p.m.* Oct.. 12 - East Union, 7 p.m.* Oct. 19 - Manteca, 7 p.m.* Oct. 26 - Weston Ranch, 7 p.m.* *Valley Oak League game

77-53 1,478

Sierra had 1,478 more rushing yards (1,937) than passing (459) last season. That can be attributed to the steady switch to a more run-heavy offense. Sierra ran the shotgun spread for years – winning a section and state title with that approach under Jeff Harbison in 2015 – and is making the switch to better ﬁt its current roster.

12.1

Tovar quietly showed promise as ball carrier a junior, averaging 12.1 yards per carry.

Chris Johnson

Nick Stanley

Carlos Tovar

the Timberwolves’ 4-3 (four linemen, three linebackers) scheme. “You aren’t going to be wowed by our size or anything like that, but we have a bunch of kids who have bought in,” Chris Johnson said. “There aren’t a lot of ‘energy vampires’ as I call them out here.” Both Tovar and Nicholas Stanley said the Timberwolves are more cohesive than a year ago, when the program was in a transitional phase from former coach Jeff Harbison to Johnson. “He’s a great coach,” Tovar said of Chris Johnson, who went 77-53 at Ripon. “He works the basics but he brings the mental and physical aspects of football.” The Timberwolves have shifted their nonleague schedule, dropping Ripon for another Trans Valley League team in Modesto Christian. They’ve also picked up Lathrop, a former VOL foe now in the Western Athletic Conference. Sierra faces Modesto Christian in their season opener Friday in Modesto. If history repeats itself at Sierra, Chris Johnson’s regime will improve quickly. Harbison’s only losing season in his 12 campaigns was his first in 2005, and after that it was nine winning seasons and two at 5-5.

Home games in bold

X22 | Wednesday, August 15, 2018

M O T H E R L O D E L E AGU E

Calaveras to chase Sonora for MLL crown By Thomas Lawrence Record Correspondent

cross the past decade, no team has produced consistent winners in the Mother Lode League like Calaveras. Calaveras has reached the playoffs and earned a winning record in nine of coach Jason Weatherby’s 10 seasons leading the program. The low point in 2014? A .500 record at 5-5. The problem for Calaveras (and the rest of the MLL) is since 2014 when Sonora rejoined the league, nobody has been able to top the newcomers. Sonora is 24-0 in the MLL since, including a dramatic one-point win over Calaveras at home three years ago. And the Wildcats are favorites again in 2018. Calaveras, which has seen its past three seasons end in home playoff losses, brings back an experienced starting tailback and linebacker in Logan Weatherby – son of coach Jason Weatherby. Safety and tailback Cade Overley and running back and linebacker John Arbuckle back Logan Weatherby as a trio of senior leaders. “I think it’s getting closer,” Jason Weatherby said of the MLL, and the competition

Logan Weatherby, Calaveras

Ryan Kraft, Bret Harte

Luke Martz, Amador

with Sonora. “Everybody’s kind of coming up to Sonora’s caliber of football. We kind of have an advantage this year in that we play them later in the season rather than the first week of league.” Indeed, Calaveras goes to Sonora on Oct. 19 in San Andreas – the penultimate game of the regular season. “I’m not sure if that’s an advantage for us or them, but I feel like we’ll be a little better prepared for that,” Weatherby said. Three offensive leaders have graduated in quarterback Kyle Byrd, tailback Tanner Joses and two-way lineman John Kelley (a Lions North all-star). Calaveras is not as senior-laden as a year ago, and is attempting to overcome three consecutive

playoff home losses to end its seasons. Here to help are newcomers and juniors in defensive back and receiver Nolan Dart, receiver, slot back Johnny Lozano and guard Austin Brown. Weatherby said this version of Calaveras is inexperienced but improved in other ways. “We’re more athletic than we’ve been in a few years,” the 11th year coach Weatherby said. And while Calaveras has been the most consistent teams in this league since the turn of the century, two years ago, one of its longtime foes generated one of the high school football stories of the millennium. Amador stormed to a 14-2 record in 2016, capturing the

program’s first Sac-Joaquin Section and Northern California championships. The Thundering Herd came back to earth in 2017, going 3-7 and missing the playoffs, and lose a Lions all-star in linebacker Brandon Wright. Nash Wylie (offensive lineman and linebacker, junior) will be expected to anchor the defense. He had 56 tackles in eight games in 2017, according to MaxPreps. Outside linebacker and tight end Luke Martz is a leader and vital player as well for Amador. Amador’s arch rival Argonaut – which nearly topped Amador in the section semifinals during that fateful 2016 season – is also coming off a frustrating sub-.500 season (4-6).

Sonora Wildcats In a nutshell: Sonora, a longtime small-school power, has ran through the MLL undefeated for four consecutive seasons since joining the league before 2014-15. Sonora opens the season against arch rival Oakdale. The Mustangs have beaten the Wildcats in 11 of their past 13 meetings.

Summerville Bears In a nutshell: The Bears improved mightily in 2017 and surged to an 8-3 mark overall and 4-2 in the MLL before falling against Hilmar 47-3 in their playoff opener.

However, the Mustangs return quarterback Wyatt Elmore. The incoming senior posted 1,221 combined yards passing and rushing in 2017 – 799 through the air and 422 on the ground. Elmore accounted for 15 total touchdowns. Bret Harte also has the luxury of a veteran quarterback. The Bullfrogs’ Ryan Kraft totaled 22 touchdowns last autumn – 17 passing and five rushing. Kraft and Bret Harte, like Amador, hope to summon the glory of 2016. In 2016, the Bullfrogs reached the playoffs for the first time in at least 15 years, and nearly won a first-round game at Newman-Orestimba. Kraft is entering his third season as a starter. Linden is gone from the MLL, heading to the Sacramento area Sierra Delta League with Garden Valley-Golden Sierra, North Highlands-Highlands, Rio Vista, Citrus Heights-San Juan and Vacaville Christian. The Lions’ administrators pointed to the school’s struggles in MLL competition in football and basketball when vying for a departure during realignment meetings.

BY THE NUMBERS

2018 MLL SCHEDULE

Nine out of Weatherby’s 10 seasons have been winning campaigns for Calaveras. Weatherby has no losing seasons, only a 5-5 mark in 2014.

Sept. 28 Calaveras at Amador, 7 p.m. Summerville at Argonaut, 7 p.m. Sonora at Bret Harte, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 Argonaut at Sonora, 5 p.m. Calaveras at Summerville, 7 p.m. Bret Harte at Amador, 7 p.m. Oct. 12 Amador at Sonora, 5 p.m. Calaveras at Argonaut, 7 p.m. Bret Harte at Summerville, 7 p.m. Oct. 19 Sonora at Calaveras, 7 p.m. Summerville at Amador, 7 p.m. Argonaut at Bret Harte, 7 p.m. Oct. 26 Summerville at Sonora, 5 p.m. Argonaut at Amador, 7 p.m. Calaveras at Bret Harte, 7 p.m.

24-0

Sonora is 24-0 since returning to the MLL in 2014. The league is now down to six teams from seven after Linden departed to the Sacramento area Sierra Delta League.

Bret Harte quarterback Ryan Kraft, in his third year as a starter, accounted for 22 total touchdowns last autumn – 17 passing and ﬁve rushing.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | X23

SDL , SL , CCAA

Ripon Christian hopes air aids another section run By Kevin Niendorf Record Correspondent

The senior class of the 2018 Linden Lions’ football team is grateful to have a chance to redeem themselves over last year’s winless season, and expectations are high as they relocate from the Mother Lode League into the Division VI Sierra Delta League. Meanwhile, Ripon Christian coach Trey Ozenbaugh is looking to return to the Division VII section championship game with an abundance of proven talent who will compete against the Southern League. A quarterback battle has been in the works since summer conditioning as 6-foot 8-inch senior Cade Alger and junior Nolan Lingley have each proven they are capable of being under center. “That race is even, so

Michael Kamps

Christian Sanders

we have a good problem,” Ozenbaugh said. The running game will feature senior Michael Kamps and Michael Solario, who transferred from Central Catholic as a junior. However, it may be junior fullback Max Steele who highlights Friday night show with his bruising style

of rushing. Returning to anchor the defensive line are two allleague linemen, senior Drew Van Vliet and junior Garrett Bryan. Joining them on the all-league team last season is returning junior Sean McGovern at defensive back, while Drake Nelson could also factor in the secondary.

LINDEN Linden coach Chris Herrera, who took over the program midway through the 2017 campaign, said re-establishing structure and discipline among the program was the top priority beginning in the offseason. “This is (the seniors’) swan song so they’ve really bought in,” said Herrera, who played for the Lions in the late 1980s. Senior quarterback Kaige Camper will target top receivers Jared Dimas and Tyler Rathjen, while Christian Sanders will share running back duties with Dimas. Questin Fowler will anchor a much-improved defense that also features Tyler Bickford. CCAA Three area teams reside in the Central California

Athletic Alliance this season, with Delta Charter joining the ranks alongside Brookside Christian and Millennium. Brookside Christian took a step back from its 2016 run to the CIF State Division 6-A Championship Bowl game. The Knights still made the playoffs and will return players like standout junior receiver Ernest Curry (539 receiving yards) after a 5-6 overall record and 3-2 league mark. Millennium finished just under Brookside Christian at 2-3 in the CCAA, and returns a strong cast of playmakers. Senior running back Isaiah Woods is looking for his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season, and senior Nathan Graf had 11.5 sacks last season. In its second year of existence, Delta Charter will join the CCAA. The Dragons went 1-5 in freelance competition in 2017.

T V L , WA C

Indians and Cougars remain after TVL shake-up favorable WAC schedule which includes Mountain House, Beyer, Johansen, Grace Davis, Pacheco, Los Banos and Ceres. Quarterback Justin Manuel returns, and will also lead the defense as a returning allleague defensive back. Paul Kiggins could be his favorite target at wide receiver, as will wideout Maurice Saulsbury II, who transferred from St. Mary’s his junior season.

By Kevin Niendorf Record Correspondent

The reassignment of teams between leagues will only add to the drama of high school football in the Trans Valley League and the Western Athletic Conference as the gridiron season plays out in 2018. Ripon, Escalon and Modesto Christian were co-champions of the TVL last season after finishing 4-1 in league and are vying to claim the title outright. RIPON Third-year Ripon coach Chris Musseman has bevy of experience at the skill positions but must depend on a junior class to provide support on the line. He has just 23 players overall, and only six seniors with experience. Among them are thirdyear starters Roland Davis at running back and all-league quarterback Ryan Daggett. Musseman’s best defensive

Kaden Christensen, Escalon

Roland Davis, Ripon

Ryan Daggett, Ripon

player, Justin Hansen, has proven himself to be a quality ballcarrier as well. The only returning lineman is all-league guard/linebacker Gregory Clark. The Indians finished 8-4 last season, upsetting No. 2 Calaveras 28-13 before losing in the Division V semifinals.

taking over the varsity program this year after legendary coach Mark Loureiro stepped away. The team claimed a share of the league title and finished 7-5. “Whoever is in this (coaching) position, the expectation is the same,” said Beam. “We’re still striving for championships.” Among his stable of 40 players will be returning starters Kaden Christensen,

a junior all-league running back; linebacker-of-the-year Nash Satnat, a 6-foot 3-inch, 225-pounds; and Cole Gilbert, a two-way starter on the line and one of the strongest players on the team.

ESCALON Former junior varsity coach Andrew Beam is charged with

LATHROP Fourth-year coach Joe Pirillo leads the Spartans, who finished 3-7 last season, into the school’s 10th season of football. It leaves the VOL for a more

MOUNTAIN HOUSE Coach Jason McCloskey has been the coach for all five seasons to lead the Mustangs, who are in search of their first league win and winning season. A move to the WAC could be advantageous as it faces other schools of comparable populations. The Mustangs, who were 4-6 overall and 0-5 in the TVL last season, lost a heartbreaker in overtime at home against Hughson, 38-32. They began the season 4-0 before dropping their final six games.

X24 | Wednesday, August 15, 2018