2024 Prep Football by 209 Multimedia Publications

Prep Football 2024 preview

Comes toEat Where America

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Hank Vander Veen

Kristina Hacker

Sharon Hoffman

Chris Correa

Joe Cortez

Candy Padilla

Beth Flanagan

Cover photo by Candy Padilla

Cover: Hughson quarterback Robert McDaniel is the feature of this year’s Prep Football Preview tab. Pictured alongside him are Turlock’s Jr Silva, Pitman’s Chase Martin, Hilmar’s Caden Bailey and Denair’s Jesse Ruelas.

Q & A with Chris & JoE

breaking down the 2024 prep football season

Chris Correa and Joe Cortez have worked together the past two seasons to bring you coverage of high school athletics in the Turlock Journal’s six-team district — Turlock, Pitman, Hilmar, Hughson, Denair, and Turlock Christian — that touches the Central California Athletic League, the Trans-Valley League, the Southern League and the Central California Athletic Alliance.

Correa graduated from Stanislaus State in 2022 and has worked for the Journal since then. Cortez, set to embark upon his 39th season covering prep sports, is the former sports editor for the Merced SunStar and Modesto Bee. He has been with the Journal since 2022. The reporters got together recently at Cafe Rome near CSUS to discuss the 2024 high school football season, which kicks off on Aug. 23 at a stadium near you.

Question: What storylines are you most excited about this season?

Chris Correa: The TVL, far and away.

Joe Cortez: That is the correct answer! Now, let’s hear why.

CC: I feel like each team in the TVL doesn’t have a single week off and will be put through the ringer almost every Friday night. Each team is going to be really battle-tested, and I’m interested to see how it comes out. I think what I’m most interested in seeing is how healthy they can remain, to be honest. Because each team is going to be so physical and playoff-caliber.

JC: I agree. The TVL is widely regarded as the best small-school conference in the state, and it only got better with the additions of Sonora and Orestimba. I wouldn’t be surprised if the league champion had two losses, or even if cochampions had three losses. You mentioned they’re all playoff-caliber teams. It’s really mind-blowing. Escalon has won two state titles since 2019. Hilmar won state in 2018, and Ripon in 2019, and Hughson in 2022. Ripon Christian — along with Hughson and Escalon — are defending section champs.

Sonora is always a Sac-Joaquin Section contender. Orestimba has been close a couple of times in the past three years. This league is crazy good. There’s a “Super Bowl” every week.

Question: Which player are you most excited about seeing this year?

CC: There are two. The obvious answer is Hughson quarterback Robert McDaniel, considering what he’s done in three years on the varsity level, winning back-to-back section titles, and a state title as a sophomore, and then getting back to the NorCal bowl last year. Even with the tougher schedule, I expect him to be similarly dominant as he was the past two seasons because he still has so many offensive weapons around him. The other player I’m excited to see is also from the TVL: Hilmar’s Caden Bailey. He’s going to be a full-time slot receiver and running back. No more quarterback for him, according to what he told me. He’s a marvel to watch with the ball in his hands.

JC: I’ve got to stop letting you go first. You took my answer. Those two are the most exciting players in the conference, with all due respect to Escalon’s Sam Jimenez, who’s out for the season with a blown ACL. Bailey is just a freak: fast and shifty. And it takes about 30 seconds of watching McDaniel to see why he’s going to Arizona next year after getting about two dozen Division I offers. I’m really excited about seeing Hughson’s

receiving corps. Malaki Sumter, Max Mankins, and Bryce McDaniel return, plus they’ve added Pitman transfer Lawson Aviles into the mix. The real key is going to be running back Eli Wilbank. This kid is built like a keg of beer and craves contact. He’s tougher than a $2 steak. A dark horse is Hilmar’s John Labno. He’s really developed into a special player on both sides of the ball, and he’s really big and sturdy. And look out for Juan Ponce this year at tailback for the Yellowjackets. And Bailey ... Bailey is a no-brainer.

Question: Let’s shift our focus to the CCAL. What do you make of Turlock and Pitman?

CC: Turlock had a lot of key players graduate, but the Bulldogs will still be competitive. I think the only team standing between them and a repeat is Downey.

JC: That seems right, and I’m just going to go ahead and say it: the CCAL is not a good conference. Modesto and Enochs have struggled for years, Gregori is hit-and-miss, and Pitman has been in a down cycle since Tom Tyler departed. It’s really, basically, a two-team conference. And those two teams — Turlock and Downey — are closer than two coats of paint.

CC: I’m intrigued by Turlock’s size, and not in a good way. Compared to teams of the recent past, they’re small up front, which is not the best scenario when you’re going with a freshman quarterback. Coach James

Peterson told me they’re going with Scout Silva to start the season and they’ll have Russell Spaulding waiting in the wings.

JC: There’s definitely a risk-reward in going with a freshman at quarterback. On the one hand, if it works out, you’ve got a seasoned quarterback for three more seasons. And if it doesn’t work, well, it doesn’t work.

CC: As for Pitman, well …

JC: Let me take this, because I sense you’re trying to be diplomatic. Pitman is in a really bad place right now. They haven’t won more than three games since 2018, when they were 9-0 heading into the Harvest Bowl — a game they haven’t won since 2013, by the way. And here’s the really bad news: the Pride is young again this year, not to mention the fact they lost Aviles to Hughson. But I like what coach Eric Reza is doing. He’s not afraid to go young and get these guys some experience for 2025 and even 2026. Not that he’s giving up on 2024, I just think he realizes that experienced, battle-tested players are going to be the ones who break this cycle.

Question: Let’s move to the Southern League. How do you see that shaping up?

TVL COACHES POLL

1. Hughson (5) … 12

2. Escalon (1) … 17

3. Sonora … 21

4. Hilmar (1) … 26

5. Ripon … 39

6. Ripon Chr. … 39

7. Orestimba … 42

8. Modesto Chr. … 49

One point for a first place vote, two points for a second, etc. First-place votes in parenthesis. Only seven of the eight TVL coaches responded.

CC: I think it’s a three-team race. Le Grand, Waterford, and the newcomer Stone Ridge Christian. And with Orestimba and Ripon Christian having left for the TVL — the teams that won the last two SL titles — I think it’s pretty wide open. I really do.

JC: I fear that I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but I agree. Le Grand has an exciting sophomore quarterback in Diego Martinez, and Waterford has some exciting players in brothers Maverick and Michael Statzer and sophomore quarterback Brian Martinez. The Statzer boys are the sons of head coach Lonnie Statzer, one of the best around. Michael, by the way, is a freshman and checks in a 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds. A beast!

CC: You mentioned Brian Martinez and Diego Martinez. They had a bigtime showdown in a playoff game in Le Grand last year. Diego Martinez had 11 completions in that game — six of them for touchdowns. And Brian Martinez threw for 405 yards and three TDs in Le Grand’s 62-36 win. These guys are going to be staples in this area.

JC: But let’s not sleep on Denair. And I’ll tell you why. I say it all the time: When coach Anthony Armas has the horses, he’ll deliver.

CC: He has almost 30 players this year.

JC: And that’s my point. When the numbers are low, there’s really not much even the best coach can do. But when Armas has the numbers … look out. Remember, this is a coach who won section and state championships in 2018, and nearly repeated as section champ in 2019.

Question: Time for predictions. Who wins these conferences?

CC: I’m taking Hughson for the TVL. Maybe that changes if they get beat up going through the tough schedule …

JC: You’re equivocating.

CC: I know. I think they have one of the best offenses in the region and they have the experience. They know what it takes to win down the stretch in big games.

JC: I’m going to say Hughson, too,

but I don’t think it’s the layup some might think. Yes, Escalon and Sonora have suffered key injuries already, which has been something of a buzz kill. But Hilmar is going to be up to the challenge. Remember, the Yellowjackets beat Hughson last year. Remember, too, that the Huskies haven’t won a league title during this run of theirs.

CC: I’m not saying it’s a layup, at all. But if you look at the games they’ve played in their last two playoff runs, they’ve come from behind multiple times. And with their core still intact, I really think they know what it takes.

JC: Totally agree. Just don’t sleep on Hilmar.

CC: I would never sleep on a team coached by Frank Marques.

Joe Cortez

Christopher Correa

Turlock christian eagles

Turlock Christian set for second 8-man season under new head coach

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA

There will be football at Turlock Christian High School for another year.

The 2023 season marked the return of the school’s football program, which had been dormant for five years. And like last year, the Eagles will be competing in 8-man games to accommodate the institution’s smaller enrollment numbers and will have a full, 10-game schedule.

The difference, though, starts at the top. Over the summer, TC hired James Brummet to be their new head coach. Brummett, who began coaching the Turlock Hornets of the Trans-Valley Youth Football League in 2021, takes over for Michael McFadden. McFadden left his post at TC this offseason to take the same position at Modesto Christian.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity and the challenge,” Brummett said. “Right now, it’s about relaying the game to everybody since

it’s been a program that hasn’t really flourished in the past few years. The school just hasn’t really embraced and found success in football like they have in other sports like baseball and basketball and even trap shooting.”

Last year, the school’s goal was to have the team compete in the Central California Athletic Alliance for standard, 11-on-11 football, but participation remained low in their comeback year with 10 players signed up. It’s a similar situation this year, with just 9 on Brummett’s current roster sheet.

“With tackle football, it’s a lot for the kids to try to grasp on to, especially ones that aren’t used to playing the game. So trying to get them past the mental aspect of it is a lot. Everything here is a building process,” Brummett added. “We’re trying to get people at this school to fall in love with this sport. TC is a program that’s not really established at all. Unlike all the other schools in

the area that already have a football foundation, they have a lot of interest with it because of the amount of kids enrolled and the fact that many have been playing for a long time.”

Despite the low numbers of participants for the second straight year, Brummett has been impressed with the passion his players have practiced with in the weeks leading up to the regular season.

“The teamwork here is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. These kids have heart,” he said. “Although small in numbers, I have a motivated group of kids that are prepared spiritually and mentally, and they deserve all the support they can get.

“This is a community-funded school, and any and all support we can get is how we end up growing the program, how we end up taking our youth to the next level. The community support will lead to a stronger foundation that will keep these kids in the private school system and playing football.”

Turlock High Bulldogs

kaeden patterson

Bulldogs hope balanced attack can be the recipe for a league title, long playoff run

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA

Turlock High head coach James Peterson was candid in the moments following the Bulldogs’ 45-6 loss to Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills) in November’s SacJoaquin Section Division I quarterfinal matchup.

“We gotta do something different,” he said bluntly. “It’s hard to be doing this, having to travel all these hours and play a football game in these conditions. It takes a lot out of you. Realy. We need to figure out a way to get more home games.”

The Turlock faithful may be having nightmares of the cold nights at the Oak Ridge football field, as this past winter’s game marked the fourth time in the past six seasons that the Trojans bounced Bulldog from the playoffs.

Despite the latest loss continuing to linger and losing several skill players to graduation, Peterson is feeling good about his current roster.

“Truthfully, I really like where we’re at,” he said. “I just feel like we’re really balanced this year.”

The Bulldogs will look to repeat as Central California Athletic League champions with several returners, but a plethora of newcomers.

Holding down the defense will be the energetic senior trio of Jeremiah Stine, Junior Silva. Dominick Luna. Offensively, a combination of Stine, fellow senior Kaeden Patterson and sophomore Alex Ventura will be taking handoffs. Under center is expected to be a freshman, Scout Silva.

Silva has impressed the coaching staff

with his arm strength and accuracy, but the risk of starting a freshman remains, which is why junior Russell Spaulding is staying ready.

Peterson has also enjoyed watching the receiving core of seniors Joseph Delte and Leo Contreras Martinez and junior Landyn Fitzgerald run routes and catch passes.

“This is a really good group of kids, and they know that nothing is given. Nothing will be easy,” said Peterson.

That sentiment will ring especially true in the preseason, where the Bulldogs will once again navigate a gauntlet of top tier teams.

The Bulldogs went 0-5 during the 2023 preseason, but posted a perfect 5-0 league record en route to the CCAL title. Four of Turlock’s preseason opponents will

be the same as last year: Rocklin, Central (Fresno), Folsom, and Clovis West (Fresno). Meanwhile, Tracy will fill a spot previously held by Clayton Valley Charter. Folsom and Rocklin are the section’s reigning Division 1 and Division 2 champions, respectively, while Central was the Central Section’s D-1 runnerup, losing to Clovis North. Clovis West, meanwhile, fell to Clovis North in the quarterfinal round.

“Our goal as a program is to make it to the fourth round and to do that, we need to be among the top four seeds in the section to have a legitimate shot,” Peterson told the Turlock Journal in June when the schedules were announced.

“We need that strength of schedule to justify the seeding when it comes time for playoffs.”

2023 RESULTS

Turlock bulldogs (6-6)

Aug. 18 Rocklin 31 Turlock 3

Aug. 25 Clovis West 56 Turlock 16

Sept. 1 Central 21 Turlock 18

Sept. 8 Folsom 49 Turlock 7

Sept. 15 Clayton Valley 21 Turlock 14

Sept. 29 Turlock 51 Gregori 24

Oct. 6 Turlock 58 Pitman 0

Oct. 13 Turlock 24 Downey 11

Oct. 20 Turlock 49 Modesto 6

Oct. 27 Turlock 55 Enochs 14

Nov. 3 Turlock 57 Sheldon 14

Nov. 10 Oak Ridge 45 Turlock 6

capsule

Turlock Bulldogs

Stadium: Joe Debely Stadium

Head coach (career record):

2023 CCAL standings

James Peterson, 16th season, 94-67 career record

2023 record: 6-6 overall, 5-0 CCAL

Last league title: 2023

Key departures: Jeremiah Bertalotto, RB/DB; Logan Durkee, DE; Vincent Gonzales, QB; Owen Miller, LB; Andrew Johnson, WR/DB, Tarell Johnson, RB

Key returners: Junior Silva, Sr., DB/RB/WR; Jeremiah Stine, Sr., DB/RB; Kaeden Patterson, Sr., RB/LB; Dominick Luna, Sr., LB/RB

russell spaulding

Pitman High Pride

Pride starting season with winning attitude

BY JOE CORTEZ

For the past five seasons, the Pitman Pride has been the Cinderella of the Central California Athletic League — a tattered step-child to powerhouses Turlock and Downey.

Pitman has failed to win more than three games in a season since 2018. And, at some point between later summer and early winter, each of those seasons have turned into pumpkins.

So, why not shake things up a bit.

Head coach Eric Reza tried to reverseengineer things a little, starting this year’s fairy tale with a midnight practice on July 29.

Who knows? With midnight behind them, maybe this is the year they make it all the way to the big ball.

“The guys arrived and got their helmets and at 12:01 a.m. we got out on the field and blew the whistle,” said Reza. “The clock was running and the stadium lights were on.”

A handful of teams start their season at the earliest time possible. It’s an annual tradition for powerful Central Catholic of Modesto. It’s a way of letting the players know that there is work to be done, and daylight’s wastin’ — so to speak.

“Everybody, at first, had the sleepy eyes,” said Reza. “But after our first conditioning session, everybody was awake and motivated. We had some music playing on the sound system. It was a fun atmosphere. I hope we keep doing this and make a tradition of it.”

Reza hopes it will lead to other traditions, too. Like winning consistently. Right now, the Pride have about three dozen players on the roster. That’s a relatively small number for the CCAL, but it’s a step in the right direction for the Pride.

“Right now, we’ve got about 36 or 37 players,” said Reza. “A lot of time, after

school starts, you pick up a few more players.

“I like having a roster somewhere in the 40s because it helps you split up the practices a little easier, but this works. We have plenty of guys.”

One of those guys is Chase Martin, a senior who will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. The 5-11, 250-pound senior can play any position on the offensive side, and he moves around on defense, too.

Another two-way lineman who’s being counted on is Jordan Urango.

“Jordan came on late for us last year on the defensive side and he’ll be asked to play some offensive line this year, as well,” Reza said of the 6-foot, 260-pound senior. “But he’s mostly a defensive guy.”

The player that Reza is most excited about is Syncyr Sanders, a returning starter at cornerback who was also in the team’s receiving rotation.

“He’s fast and has great hands,” Reza said of the 5-11, 170-pound senior. “He’s also got great instincts to the ball.”

Kingston De Leon, a 5-8, 170-pound senior, and Kingston Slater, a 5-11, 180-pound senior, are also expected to see time at receiver and cornerback.

The Pride will go with an untested quarterback in 5-9, 150-pound junior R.J. Wilharm, who started on the junior varsity last season. He replaces Andrew Azevedo and will be backed up by De Leon.

“I really like that way that this team is bonding right now,” said Reza. “I like their attitude and their hustle. We’re pretty young, but we’re literally getting better every day. Some of these guys are being asked to step up, and that step between JV and varsity is huge. They’re being asked to fill big shoes and play a lot of minutes. We’re asking them to grow up in a hurry.

syncyr sanders

capsule

Aug. 23 @ Central Valley

Aug. 30 vs Cosumnes Oaks

Sept. 6 @ Hughson

Sept. 13 vs Golden Valley

Sept. 20 vs Atwater

Oct. 4 @ Downey

Oct. 11 vs Turlock

Oct. 18 @ Enochs

Oct. 25 vs Gregori

Nov. 1 @ Modesto

2022 CCAL standings

Pitman Pride

Stadium: Joe Debely Stadium

Head coach (career record): Eric Reza, fourth season (8-21) 2023 record: 3-7 overall, 2-3 CCAL

Last league title: 2005

Key departures: QB Andrew Azevedo, DB Sean Forte-Richard, RB Matthew Burciaga, WR Kolten Pruitt, OL Lucas Arrizon.

Key returners: Chase Martin, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 250; Jordan Urango, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 260; Syncyr Sanders, Sr., WR/DB 5-11, 170; Kingston De Leon, Sr., WR/DB, 5-8, ,170; Kingston Slater, Sr., WR/DB, 5-11, 180.

Key newcomer: R.J. Wilharm, Jr., QB, 5-9, 150.

Worth noting: The Pride haven’t won a Harvest Bowl, the annual showdown with crosstown rival Turlock, since 2013 (27-25) … Pitman is looking for its first winning seasons since 2018 when it was 10-1 in Tom Tyler’s last season as head coach. Since then, the Pride have won just 12 games total … The Pride will be tested with back-to-back games against Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove) and Hughson on Aug. 30 and Sept. 6. They also face Downey and Turlock back-to-back weeks on Oct. 4 and Oct. 11.

THE PITMAN HIGH VARSITY FOOTBALL ROSTER WAS NOT AVAILABLE BY PRESSTIME.

2023 RESULTS

Pitman Pride (3-7)

Aug. 18 Pitman 29 Central Valley 7

Aug. 25 Cosumnes Oaks 49 Pitman 24

Sept. 1 Hughson 50 Pitman 20

Sept. 8 Golden Valley 21 Pitman 16

Sept. 15 Hilmar 24 Pitman 14

Sept. 29 Downey 35 Pitman 7

Oct. 6 Turlock 58 Pitman 0

Oct. 13 Pitman 22 Enochs 10

Oct. 20 Gregori 28 Pitman 7 Oct. 27 Pitman 52 Modesto 13

HuGHSON HIGH HUSKIES

Huskies seek third consecutive banner in new division

BY JOE CORTEZ

HUGHSON — Last summer, in an effort to motivate his team, Shaun King flung his 2022 Sac-Joaquin Section championship hat into a roaring bonfire. The message to the 2023 squad was simple: Last year is in the past; it’s time to go out and get a new hat.

At this year’s preseason retreat, there were no such histrionics by the coach. After winning back-to-back section banners, King figures this team doesn’t need the extra motivation.

“We ended up a possession short last year,” said King, referring to the Huskies’ loss to Palma (Salinas) in the Northern California regional championship. “Our seniors have been there before and they’ve done it. Some have played, some have witnessed it. You never want to take anything for granted. Only one team is completely satisfied at the end of the year. We want to get that satisfaction back.”

In 2022, the Huskies were completely satisfied after winning the state championship. Last year, they fell one step short of returning to the state championship game.

This year, behind Arizona-bound quarterback Robert McDaniel, starting his fourth year on the varsity level, the Huskies are looking for a history-making third consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section championship.

“It’s not often that a team gets to break a record at a school that’s more than 100 years old,” said King. “We have a chance to be the first team to win three consecutive section championships. We want to make history.”

Under coach Reyn Franca, the Huskies won the back-to-back D-3 championships in 1991 and 1992. To eclipse that mark, this year’s team will have to conquer the Division 5 field after earning a promotion from D-6.

Really, though, it doesn’t matter in which division the Huskies play. Teams throughout the section know their reputation. Hughson will have a target on its back starting this Friday night against Ceres.

McDaniel has a solid group of receivers in Malaki Sumter, Max Mankins, brother Bryce McDaniel, and newcomer Lawson Aviles, a transfer in from Pitman.

Sumter, a senior, is the deep threat. His speed, height (6-3) and hands make him one of the most dangerous players in the conference, and he’s drawing interest from college scouts. Mankins, also senior, is a 6-3, 225-pound tight end, is an inviting target over the middle of the field. Bryce McDaniel (6-3) is another big target, and Aviles is a speedy slot receiver who is most dangerous after making the catch.

Truly, it’s an embarrassment of riches for a quarterback that has thrown 62 career touchdowns against just 12 interceptions. McDaniel has only got better in the offseason, competing at the Elite 11 finals in Southern California.

“We have a lot of good receivers and we have faith in Robert that he’s going to make the right read,” said Mankins, who has committed to play at the U.S. Air Force Academy. “A lot of the time, it works out.”

The receivers take pride in their roles.

“We have our part to play in the offense,” said Sumter. “Some plays are meant for us, and some plays aren’t.”

Bryce McDaniel has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, partially a function of a mind-meld with his brother.

“We’re always playing catch and stuff like that,” said Bryce McDaniel. “I kind of feel like we do have a special connection.”

Newcomer Aviles is just looking forward to being part of the equation.

“I think everyone in their high school career wants to be the guy,” said Aviles, who also plays defensive back and battled Sumter during their 2023 non-conference matchup. “But with this team, everyone’s that guy. And Robert can’t go wrong with whoever he throws to. I just think there’s nobody that can stop all of us.”

Mankins agrees, and views the four receivers as a collective, rather than four separate entities.

“As long as we’re bringing home wins, I’m fine with it.”

Eli Wilbanks, a junior tailback, will be asked to replace Alex Villarreal, who rushed for 1,372 yards last year and scored 17 touchdowns. Without Wilbanks, defenses can pin their ears back and come after McDaniel.

“I just see my role as to kind of contribute any way I can,” said Wilbanks, a 5-9, 200-pounder. “I just want to do my best to help us repeat as champions.”

Wilbank’s success will help take pressure off McDaniel, but it’s the offensive line that will keep him upright … and healthy.

Center Carlos Guizar, a 5-11, 230-pound senior, will anchor a line that

is not nearly as big as last year’s, but still just as capable.

“Of course, with how big his reputation has gotten, we know that everybody’s going to be coming after him,” said the soft-spoken Guizar. “It’s up to us to protect him with all we have to make sure he’s healthy throughout the season.”

lawson aviles, bryce mcddaniel, malakai sumter, max mankins

eli wilbanks

2023 RESULTS

Hughson Huskies (10-4)

Aug. 18 Hughson 32 Ceres 0

Aug. 25 Hughson 56 Central Valley 9

Sept. 1 Hughson 50 Pitman 20

Sept. 8 Downey 19 Hughson 13

Sept. 15 Hughson 49 Elite 20

Sept. 29 Escalon 21 Hughson 14

Oct. 6 Hughson 41 Livingston 0

Oct. 13 Hughson 28 Modesto Chr. 14

Oct. 20 Hilmar 24 Hughson 23

Oct. 27 Hughson 55 Ripon 26

Nov. 10 Hughson 54 Colfax 13

Nov. 17 Hughson 21 Sutter 14

Nov. 25 Hughson 40 Bradshaw Chr. 39

Dec. 2 Palma 31 Hughson 21

capsule

Stadium:

Husky Memorial Stadium

Head coach (career record):

Shaun King, seventh season (45-23)

2022 record: 10-4 overall, 3-2 TVL

Last league title: 1998

Key departures: WR/DB Larkin Meyer, WR/ DB David Delgado, LB/FB David Burns, RB/ DB Alex Villarreal, OL/DL Ivan Flores, OL/DL Navi Arretche.

Key returners: Robert McDaniel, Sr., QB, 6-2, 200; Malakai Sumter, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 170; Max Mankins, Sr., 6-3, 225, TE/DE; Bryce McDaniel, Jr. 6-3, 170, WR, Carlos Guizar, Sr., 5-11, 230, OL/DL.

2022 TVL standings

Key newcomers: Lawson Aviles, Jr. WR/DB; Eli Wilbank, Jr., RB/LB.

Worth noting: The Huskies won back-to-back Sac-Joaquin

Section titles for the first time since 1991-92, when they competed in Division 3 … In a 40-39 win over Bradshaw Christian for the section title last year, Hughson overcame an 18-point deficit in the second half. It was the second consecutive season they had to overcome an 18-point margin in a playoff game.

75 Diego Arreola Sr. OL/DL

76 Matthew Earle Jr. OL/DL

77 Esteban Ramos Jr. OL/DL

78 James Mathiesen Sr. OL/DL

85 Luke Berdion Jr. OL/DL

87 Maxwell Clawson Sr.

Hughson Huskies

carlos guizar

JC: Great point. Frank’s the best. And you can’t forget about Phil Grams up at Ripon Christian and Aaron Souza out in Orestimba, or Kirk Clifton in Sonora, Andrew Beam in Escalon, Shaun King at Hughson, and Chris Musselman in Ripon. These are all highly successful coaches. I would venture to say, that behind the Division 1 Sierra Foothill League, the TVL is the best league — small or large — in the Sac-Joaquin Section.

CC: In the CCAL I think it’s going to be Downey. Downey was solid last year, with a lot of young guys. I just think with another year of experience, that could be huge for them.

JC: I’m going to go with Turlock. A). The game is at Joe Debely this year and B). Turlock is a groundand-pound team, and when you’re dealing with high school athletes, I’ll take the running team more often than I won’t — with Hughson being the most

JC: True, but I covered that game. Downey scored to take a 6-0 lead after the first two plays of the game. But for the remaining 47 and a half minutes, that game was a dead heat. Not to say the Knights didn’t deserve that win, but they in no way outclassed Hughson. And Downey is so pass-heavy. Sometimes that can bite you when you’re dealing with 16- and 17-year-old athletes.

CC: We kind of already touched on the Southern League, but if I had to choose, I’d go with Waterford, just because of the sheer number of players coming back.

JC: They had seven sophomores starting on the varsity last year and four of them made the allleague squad. Waterford is poised. But I’m going with Le Grand in a close race.

Question: Do any of our local teams win a section title this year?

JC: I’m going to crawl out on a limb and say Hughson

CC: I think Hilmar’s due.

JC: Due? Is that a guarantee?

CC: Is that a guarantee? Hmmm, I don’t know. I think Hilmar can, but I’m not sure I’d go so far as to guarantee it.

JC: Well, you know what is a guarantee? It’s a guarantee that high school football fans are going to be treated to a magnificent season in 2024.

CC: Yes, that I can guarantee.

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Denair High Coyotes

Coyotes hoping to find strength in numbers in new-look Southern Athletic League

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA

As Anthony Armas embarks on his 10th year as head coach of the Denair High School varsity football team, he will have a luxury that hasn’t been at his disposal since 2019: Depth.

For the first time since the pre-COVID era, the Coyotes have a group of well over 20 players. There were 28 student-athletes listed on the active roster a week out from the team’s season-opener against Big Valley Christian, a game they feel incredibly prepared for think could set the tone for the 2024 campaign.

“Having this kind of depth, it’s huge, It’s something we really haven’t had in so long,” Armas said. “In past years, these kids would have to be in for so many plays on both sides of the ball because there’d be

nobody else to give them a rest. And we’d have to be careful in our practices because the guys would get banged up. It’s been fun to be able to work with a deep roster and rotate these guys to keep each other fresh in what we think will be a fun, competitive year.”

Armas is also optimistic about the program for the years to come considering the junior varsity roster has similar participation.

“Right now, we’re kind of in that process, that building stage of it all,” he said.

“We’re definitely excited about the year. And I think the potential is there. We’ve talked to kids a lot about how the potential is there, but potential is nothing if we don’t actually see it through.”

The Coyotes will again hunt for wins starting in the trenches. One of the team’s

top returners is senior Jesse Ruelas, who was the team’s top rusher last year. Complimenting him in the backfield will be junior Alex Vargas, who has impressed in practices and scrimmages. And there will be a strong dose of power with the implementation of fellow junior Degan Butler at fullback. Additionally, if the injury bug still manages to bite the Coyotes, Armas has four others on the roster capable of taking handoffs behind their offensive line.

“I’m pretty excited about our backfield with the little bit of depth we have there now, too. If we do get kind of dinged up, which has kind of been our thing the last few years, we’re far better prepared,” Armas said.

Armas also welcomes the addition of quarterback Derek Potter to the mix. He joins the varsity team as a sophomore and

has shown an ability of being able to throw downfield and find open targets.

“Don’t get me wrong, we’re still a runheavy team,” said Armas, “But we are going to try to throw the ball in a lot more than we have in the past, which is exciting.”

Overall, the vibe around the team is that they have a legitimate shot to make their presence known in the Southern Athletic League, which looks significantly different than it did six months ago.

Leaving this offseason for the Trans Valley League were Ripon Christian and Orestimba, who finished 1-2 in league competition the past two seasons. RC captured the SAL crown last year, while the Warriors clinched the league title in 2022. Coming into the SAL will be Stone Ridge Christian of Merced, who come from the small Central California Athletic Alliance.

I’m pretty excited about our backfield with the little bit of depth we have there now, too. If we do get kind of dinged up, which has kind of been our thing the last few years, we’re far better prepared.

— Coach Anthony Armas

2023 RESULTS

denair coyotes (2-7)

Aug. 19 Big Valley Chr. 14 Denair 6

Sept. 1 Denair 20 Riverbank 0

Sept. 15 Ripon Chr. 49 Denair 0

Sept. 22 Gustine 18 Denair 14

Sept. 29 Le Grand 35 Denair 17

Oct. 6 Denair 14 Mariposa 0

Oct. 13 Delhi 21 Denair 0

Oct. 20 Orestimba 41 Denair 3

11 vs Mariposa Oct. 25 vs

Oct. 27 Waterford 41 Denair 14

Denair Coyotes

Stadium:

Jack W. Lytton Stadium Head coach: Anthony Armas, 10th season, 39-49 (career record) 2023 record: 2-7 overall, 1-6 SAL Last league title: Never (Second-place in 2018 when Coyotes won Division 7 State Championship)

Key departures:

Landen Borges, QB/DB; Emanuel Renteria, RB/LB; Jordan Rubio, OL/LB

Key returners: Jesse Ruelas, Sr., RB/LB; Luis Esquivel, Sr., OL/DL; Eduardo Zacarias, Sr., OL/DL

Vrioni Sr. FB/OL/LB 7 Adrian Sharma Sr. QB/LB 8 Derek Potter So. QB/DB

Chace Butler Jr. WR/LB 12 Jesse Ruelas Sr. RB/LB 13 Braden Leal Jr. RB/DB

Brayden Hart Jr. RB/DB

Hilmar High Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets ready to tackle new pumped up TVL

BY JOE CORTEZ

HILMAR — Frank Marques has coached Hilmar High’s football team for more than two decades and has won eight Trans-Valley League titles — not to mention four SacJoaquin Section championships and a state crown — during that span.

So, when he learned that rival Hughson was favored to win the league title by a consensus of coaches, he did what you might expect him to do. Marques just shrugged and said, “Hey, I’d pick ’em, too. They’re a heck of a football team.”

Marques, the dean of TVL coaches entering his 22nd season, says this as if encouraging you to draw to an inside straight, knowing full well he’s holding four aces. He knows championships aren’t won on paper.

One of the bullets in Marques’ hand is senior Caden Bailey, who was elevated to the varsity two seasons ago to take over for injured quarterback Hudson Azevedo.

Though not a pure passer, Bailey maintained his grip on the position because having the ball in his hands every play is not a bad strategy for winning football games. But this year, he’ll be a halfback/receiver and leave the quarterbacking duties to either senior Merek Ellerd.

Bailey is the catalyst; a legitimate threat to score from any spot on the field. He’s added 10 pounds of muscle to better handle the physical abuse that comes with playing the new position and also comes with being a member of the ultra-physical TVL.

But make no mistake, the Yellowjackets are not a one-man show.

Juan Ponce, a 5-8, 170-pound senior, is also going to be a featured piece in Hilmar’s running attack.

“We’re just looking to work together and get the job done,” said Ponce, who’s eying 1,500 rushing yards as a personal goal this season. “We want to go undefeated. That’s the goal.”

Ponce knows that going undefeated through the TVL is a tall order. But, hey, goals are goals.

“We just have to stay focused and stay

locked in,” Ponce added.

Another key piece for Hilmar is senior John Labno, a 6-4, 220-pound specimen who will play all over the field. On offense, Labno will play tight end, and he’ll also move out wide to play split end. On the other side of the ball, he’ll play defensive end and sometimes outside linebacker. He, too, knows how tough the league is with the additions of Sonora, Orestimba and Ripon Christian after offseason realignment.

“It’s just football for us,” said Labno. “We played Sonora in our preseason before, we’ve played Orestimba before. Ripon Christian is nothing new, we used to play them. We’ve just got to keep playing football, that’s it.”

While Hughson is getting the bulk of the praise this summer, Matthew Avila, a 5-10, 250-pound senior who plays on the offensive and defensive lines, feels that Hilmar is a tad undervalued this preseason.

“I feel like we kinda are,” said Avila. “We beat Hughson last year, and the year before that, too. Then they go down to D-6 and win a section title. It’s like come play with the big boys.”

Ponce agrees with his teammate’s assessment.

“I think we’re definitely being overshadowed,” said Ponce. “They deserve the hype; they’re definitely a good team. But we’ve beat them eight years in a row now, and I think we deserve some hype, too.”

Hughson won the Division 6 title the past two seasons, while Hilmar and Escalon were left to duke it out in Division 5 and Division 4, respectively. That changes this year, with the elevation of the Huskies to D-5.

And all will all be settled on Oct. 25, when Hughson visits McSweeney Field for a game that almost assuredly will have title implications.

Until then, Hilmar just plans on going about its business.

“We just need to stay together as a team, work hard in the weight room and get better every day,” said Avila. “These other teams are getting better and better, too. We have to keep pace.”

john labno

capsule

Aug. 23 @ Grace Davis

Aug. 30 vs Los Banos

Sept. 13 @ Atwater

Sept. 20 @ Ripon Christian

Sept. 27 vs Escalon

Oct. 4 @ Sonora

Oct. 11 vs Orestimba

Oct. 18 @ Modesto Christian

Oct. 25 vs Hughson

Nov. 1 vs Ripon

2022 TVL standings

Hilmar Yellowjackets

Stadium: McSweeney Field

Head coach (career record): Frank Marques, 22nd season (187-63) 2023 record: 8-4 overall, 4-1 TVL

Last league title: 2022

Key departures: OL/DL Alex Cardenas, OL/ DL Jaden Strickler, OL/DL Dakota Maynard, RB/LB Logan Cardoso, OL/LB Cody Bray, TE/ LBZ Devin Colston.

Key returners: Caden Bailey, Sr., QB, 5-10, 180; John Labno, Sr., TE/DE, 6-4, 220; Juan Ponce, Sr., RB/LB, 5-8, 170; Matthew Avila, Sr., OL/ DL, 5-10, 250.

Worth noting: Senior Caden Bailey was named the TVL’s Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and a junior … Head coach Frank Marques has guided the Yellowjackets to four section championships, tying him with Jerry Van Lengen for most in school history, and has reached the final on five other occasions. In 2018, Marques led Hilmar to the state’s 6-AA state championship. He needs 13 more victories to reach 200 for his career.