Football Preview 2025

Steak&Shrimp

6OZ TRI-TIP & all-you-can-eat crispy shrimp with unlimited cheese toast! add fresh salad bar to your meal!

Advertising

Cover photo by Candy Padilla

Hilmar’s John Lopez, Denair’s Derek Potter, Hughson’s Bryce McDaniel, Pitman’s RJ Wilharm and Turlock’s Landyn Fitzgerald are helping their respective teams prepare for a successful prep football season.

Turlock christian eagles

Eagles hope to soar to new heights in new league format

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA

One of the most common struggles with smaller schools in the region has been a lack of participation in athletics. One school that has dealt with those issues firsthand has been Turlock Christian High School, who have been working diligently to revive their football program since it was derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, a significant change has arrived to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section in hopes of preventing forfeits and incomplete schedules on the gridiron. It comes in the form of leagues for 8-man football teams.

Fifteen teams, including Turlock Christian, have committed to 8-man football in a new format that will include a postseason and a section championship. Schools up north will be in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League, while schools down south will be in the Northern Pacific Athletic League. There will also be four teams competing as independents.

The Eagles are placed in the Northern Pacific Athletic League alongside Delta (Clarksburg), Florin (Sacramento), Valley (Sacramento) and Vacaville Christian. Teams in the Sac Metro Athletic League are Encina (Sacramento), Foresthill, Mira Loma (Sacramento), San Juan, Valley Christian (Roseville) and Western Sierra (Rocklin). Independent programs are Adventure Christian (Roseville), Aspire Stockton, Kairos Public Schools (Vacaville) and West Campus (Sacramento).

After three years being dormant, Turlock Christian has fielded a football team for the past two seasons. But with a lack of numbers, the Eagles opted to play an independent, 8-man schedule.

“It’s a big change this year, and we’re super pumped to be able to actually compete for something,” said secondyear head coach James Brummett. “I think it gives the athletes a better sense of urgency, knowing that they’re not just ‘scrimmaging’ every game with no end result, right? All the players seem super hyped for the ability to be able to compete for some hardware at the end of the season. It really puts their skills to test, being able to compete in an actual division for relevancy.”

Over the last two years, the results haven’t been stellar (a 4-14 record). But Brummett believes experience is everything, with TC being the lone school in the entire section that has competed in 8-man football prior to this year.

“With a year under my belt, I just feel like this season’s just off to such a better start,” Brummett said. “When I walked in last season, it was just a couple weeks before our first game, so I didn’t have any time to get acclimated with the players, equipment, all that. I feel like this is the start of some consistency, where we can really build off it and start growing this program and begin this new era of football at Turlock Christian.”

The Eagles again have a small roster, fielding just nine players heading into their opening game against Encina on Aug. 22. The flipside is that the new league format

allows more equal competition, as all teams participating have 12 to 14 players, a stark contrast from when last year’s Eagles team of 10 were taking on programs of over 40 players.

“It was really discouraging at times to see teams with such large rosters playing the 8-man format, taking on real small schools like ours,” Brummett said. “That’s the cool part about this season is, it kind of evens the playing field, so that’s a huge jump for us this season, being able to participate in some real competitive football amongst the other small schools.”

As for the action on the field, Brummett — who coached the 8-man format for the first time in his career last fall — downplayed the differences between traditional 11-man football and the new 8-man format. Eight-man football means that each team has two fewer players blocking and rushing on the line, while there is one less skill position. Recent results have proved that the format translates into more offense, with there being more space to make plays.

“It was a weird perspective coming from the 11-man world and not knowing what to expect from 8-man, but it went well, and I learned that it’s ultimately the same game with the same equipment, just different formations with three less men on each side of the field. This is real football,” Brummett said.

Brummett, also fairly new to the Turlock Christian campus, worked diligently to get students to join the team, attending sporting events and personally reaching out to them and parents about his vision for the program.

“Turlock Christian has great athletes, and you see that with the success in other sports like basketball and baseball,” he said. “These men have passion for sports, competitiveness, but maybe they don’t know much about football. I want to teach them the game, get them to fall in love with the game, coach up great men and maybe find that spark that they don’t know is inside of them. They way we’re practicing, I see it already, and we couldn’t be more excited for this new era.

Turlock Christian Eagles (1-9)

Oct.

Nov. 11

Turlock CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Home games:

Monte Vista Chapel campus

Head coach:

James Brummett, second season, 1-9 career record 2024 record: 1-9

Last league title: 2007 Southern Athletic League (10-1 overall, 5-0 SAL)

Key departures:

Michael Perez, Joseph Kuykendall, Christian Perez

Key returners:

Jake Dein, Jakobe Garcia, Isaac Toledo, Ty Lancaster

Worth noting:

The 2025 season will be the third for Turlock Christian since the Covid-19 pandemic… Head coach James Brummett enters his second season at the helm after serving as vice president and coach with the Turlock Hornets youth program.

Turlock High Bulldogs

Turlock aims to affirm position as one of section’s top D-1 dogs

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA

The Turlock High School football program is hoping that they don’t just dominate the offseason headlines.

After shocking the Sac-Joaquin Section with a thrilling 43-42 overtime upset against nearby powerhouse Central Catholic in the Division I playoff quarterfinal last season, the Bulldogs believe that there is a target on their backs, while having a growing sense of belief they can further shake up the regional scene.

A lot has happened since that classic at David Patton Field. The win propelled the Bulldogs into the semifinals for just the third time in school history, but they ended up losing by a 23-0 score to Oak Ridge, a program that has ended Turlock’s season five of the last seven years. Then, the offseason was consumed by

an investigation by the section surrounding violations of rules on eligibility and recruitment, pre-enrollment contact and off-season activities.

Head coach James Peterson is entering his 17th season as Turlock’s head coach, and feels as if his team has responded well to the adversity, praising their chemistry and work ethic.

“These kids put in the work, out here in practice, in the weight room, film study, so now we’re itching to get out and finally play,” Peterson said.

“I feel like we’re ahead of schedule in terms of knowing what we have,” he continued. “Usually, we wait and see what happens at these scrimmages to watch the film back and figure things out, but I feel like we have a good pulse on it and I’m really excited about what we have go-

ing into the season.”

One of the most eye-catching players in the section is dual-threat quarterback Scout Silva, who made his presence immediately known during his freshman campaign a year ago by setting a singleseason program record with 2,456 yards and leading all freshmen in the state with 3,056 total yards at the varsity level. He also lit up the scoreboard with 29 passing touchdowns and another 12 rushing scores.

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Silva already shattered the glass ceiling with his efforts last season, which makes it no surprise that he has even loftier expectations for himself and his team come 2025.

“I wasn’t really overwhelmed last year, but coming into a new season, already seeing these teams once, plus a new one

with Sonora, knowing what it feels like to play for all these fans just really helps out. I know what to expect now,” Silva said.

“Personally, it would be cool to get to 3,000 (Passing) yards, and then on the rushing side, I’ll try to get close to 1,000 this year. That’d be a huge season for me. And the biggest thing would be to break 50 touchdowns, because scoring is the game which means more wins. The most important thing is winning games. To go 10-0 is a serious goal this (regular) season.”

All of that is on top of the expectations the public has for the program.

“We’re being looked at as one of the better teams in all of the 209 now,” Silva said. “It’s about not taking that fell off the gas pedal, to keep going just because

we’re up at this level now, and we have to take it even higher. We can’t just stop. We’re trying to make it to that fourth round, that section championship this year.”

With the graduations of explosive wideouts like Junior Silva and Joseph Delte, senior Landyn Fitzgerald is expected to be a consistent target down the field. He’s the team’s leading returner with 538 yards and eight touchdowns on 25 catches. The arrival of the shifty Jeremy Garcia from Merced will also help.

There is also the running game, which began to blossom late in the year to help spread the offense and relieved the young Silva of some responsibility down the stretch. Braiden Fuentes and Alex Ventura led the way, splitting carries to combine for 565 yards. Ventura’s signature moment came in that aforementioned Central Catholic clash, catching the game-winning 2-point conversion.

“I think they’ll both have big seasons, each of them having that ability to be physical, they’re athletic with good speed and good pass-catching ability,” Peterson said. “They can be difference-makers.”

Behind (or at the forefront) of all dynamic offenses is a strong offensive line. Doing the dirty work in the trenches for the skill players is a physical and athletic wall made up of the likes of senior Braxten Durkee, junior Avery Michael and sophomore Sebastian Jimenez.

“We’ve got some big boys up there and they make the engine go,” Peterson said. “All of them got stronger, some slimmed down, so it’s a real athletic group.”

Michael certainly performs above his level, and college programs have taken notice, too.

At 6-foot-7, Michael is by far the tallest man on the team. His stature makes him a coach’s dream. He is currently listed a threestar recruit by 247 Sports and 10 standing offers to play at the next level after impressing at area camps.

“I started getting more playing time down the stretch last year, and this offseason was the real difference, being able to showcase my talents,” Michael said. “Football has been a part of my life since I was really young, so it’s special to know that the team, my coaches trust me and that people think highly of me.”

Also receiving praise of the defensive side of things has been Levi Cook and David Soria. Cook is another intimidating figure as a lineman on both sides of the ball, standing 6-foot-4 with a lengthy wingspan that has brought him success as a grappler on the wrestling mats. Soria is a quiet sophomore stationed in the secondary who has racked up his fair share of interceptions during practices, and someone Peterson feels can turn into a program mainstay.

“Both those guys, so different in terms of figure and age and everything, but they can break out,” Peterson said. “I really think this can be a breakout season for both of these guys.

“There’s a lot of opportunities for so many guys with the amount of depth we have at each position. We’re really deep at a lot of positions, and it just feels good right now, giving us a good chance to build on last year.”

Aug. 22 @ Rocklin

Aug. 29 vs. Tracy

Sept. 5 @ Central East

Sept. 12 vs. Sonora

Sept. 19 vs. Clovis West

Oct. 3 @ Enochs

Oct. 10 @ Gregori

Oct. 17 vs. Pitman

Oct. 24 @ Downey

Oct. 31 vs. Modesto

2024 RESULTS

Turlock bulldogs (8-5)

Aug. 2 Rocklin 41 Turlock 28

Aug. 30 Turlock 24 Tracy 19

Sept. 6 Central East 28 Turlock 22

Sept. 13 Folsom 56 Turlock 14

Sept. 2 Clovis West 19 Turlock 15

Oct. 4 Turlock 35 Gregori 0

Oct. 11 Turlock 66 Pitman 6

Oct. 18 Turlock 33 Downey 14

Oct. 25 Turlock 42 Modesto 0

Nov. 1 Turlock 51 Enochs 7

Nov. 11 Turlock 48 Laguna Creek 12

Nov. 15 Turlock 43 Central Catholic 42 OT

Nov. 22 Oak Ridge 26 Turlock 0

capsule

Stadium: Joe Debely Stadium

Head coach:

James Peterson, 17th season, 103-71 career record

2024 record: 9-4 overall, 5-0 CCAL

Last league title: 2024

Key departures:

Junior Silva, WR; Bradlee Green, DB; Jeremiah Stine, DB/RB; Joseph Delte, WR/DB; Kaeden Patterson, LB/RB; Time Sitala Jr., OL/ DL

Key returners: Scout Silva, So., QB; Landyn Fitzgerald, Sr., WR/DB; Avery Michael, Jr., T/DE; Alex Ventura, Jr., RB/SB

Pitman High Pride

Reviving the Pride: Pitman

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA

Braden Plaa has never led a varsity program in his life, at that one that hasn’t had a winning season since 2018. But none of that isn’t stopping him from setting big goals for Pitman High School. After tying for the worst record in program history at 2-8 last season, the Pride turned to Plaa in the offseason in hopes of turning things around and snapping their streak of six straight losing seasons. While he has no record to his name, the Pitman special education teacher has been the Pride’s JV football coach for the last three seasons and has a lifetime of wisdom following his father manage the sidelines.

The son of Downey High’s Jeremy Plaa, the new Pitman skipper has already implemented stark changes to the operations on Christoffersen Parkway. He has

hopes to return to glory with new head coaches, more depth

organized a group of nearly a dozen experienced coaches around him, and with their arrival has been a surge of participation. Plaa estimated that there are 130 to 140 participating in football at Pitman between their three levels, with roughly 50 on the varsity squad.

“I think there’s a lot of optimism revolving around Pittman right now. There’s a lot of positivity with the staff that we put together and the kids that are out here, and their mindset,” Plaa said.

“One of the biggest challenges is getting the kids into that mindset to believe and be optimistic again, which may be difficult considering the past couple of years. We obviously haven’t played a game yet, but so far, it’s nice to see an interest in playing football here and an excitement around the guys we have.”

Of the 50 varsity players, some have

never played football before, while others are returning after a short layoff. There are also a handful that will be entering their fourth season in the program.

“I’m really excited to have a big senior class,” Plaa said. “Them having a bit of experience and some more maturity is really helpful for the big junior class we have.”

The Pride have 28 total seniors, with 16 being four-year players and 12 taking last year off. The 27 juniors are going to learn and really contribute, and we’ll have a few continue developing at the JV level,” Plaa explained.

That luxury of having an abundance of players was a rare occurrence over recent years.

Running back Mason Helwick is one of the four-year seniors that is excited to play under Plaa and help shift the pro-

gram in a positive direction.

“I want to be one of the leaders here,” Helwick said. “I have to be vocal for everybody else and make sure everybody’s sticking to what they’re doing. I hope that we stick together, and we just have a good first season with the new coaching staff.”

“It’s not going to happen overnight,” Plaa acknowledged. “We have to just get back to understanding how we compete, what are the challenges we face, and how we overcome those challenges. There needs to be a shift in the mindset of people walking the hallways, understanding and believing that you’re going to do well on Friday night. That’s just the biggest thing as a coach in my first year, is I want to see that shift in our hallways. I want to see that shift in our school and see the shift in our kids. I want to see the shift in

Aug. 22 vs. Central Valley

Aug. 29 @ Cosumnes Oaks

Sept. 5 vs. Hughson

Sept. 12 @ Golden Valley

Sept. 19 @ Atwater

Oct. 3 vs. Modesto

Oct. 10 vs. Downey

Oct. 17 @ Turlock

Oct. 24 vs. Enochs

Oct. 30 @ Gregori

2024 RESULTS

Pitman Pride (2-8)

Aug. 23 Central Valley 27 Pitman 0

Aug. 30 Cosumnes Oaks 27 Pitman 24

Sept. 6 Hughson 45 Pitman 7

Sept. 13 Golden Valley 25 Pitman 23

Sept. 20 Atwater 42 Pitman 10

Oct. 4 Downey 56 Pitman 3

Oct. 11 Turlock 66 Pitman 6

Oct. 18 Pitman 27 Enochs 21

Oct. 25 Gregori 25 Pitman 22

Nov. 1 Pitman 31 Modesto 28

their mind, know that they’re going to go out and they’re prepared and really just change that mindset of Pitman football.”

A word Plaa repeatedly used when describing his team is “tenacious.”

“When people talk about us, about Pittman, I want to see them talk about a team that’s tenacious and getting after it… We want to make sure every Friday night we’re going to compete against every team that we play against, and get to that next level of competition, and hopefully, eventually the winning comes.”

Helwick is a tenacious one, a speedy rusher who isn’t shy to run through contact.

“I put my head down and I find ways to gain yards,” Helwick said with a laugh and a shrug. “That’s contagious, right? People love it.

2024 CCAL standings

capsule

Stadium:

Joe Debely Stadium at Turlock High School

Head coach:

Braden Plaa, first season

2024 record: 6-6 overall, 3-3 SAL

Last league title: 2005

Key departures: Syncyr Sanders, WR/DB; Grant Day, RB/LB; Tristan Fuentes, RB/LB; Chase Martin, OL/DL

Key returners: RJ Wilharm, Sr., QB; Xadian Padilla, Sr., RB/LB; Mason Helwick, Sr., RB

Worth noting: This season is the first under new head coach Braden Plaa, who takes over for Eric Reza after serving as the Pride’s JV skipper the last three years… Plaa is the son of longtime Downey head coach Jeremy Plaa, who visit the Pride on Oct. 10… Pitman hasn’t posted a winning record since 2018, when Tom Tyler went 10-1 in his final season.

That’s the example that needs to be set, that’s who we need to be, and we’ll keep being who we are and trusting the process.”

One of the teammates that Helwick will be sharing handoffs with is Xadian Padilla, an intimidating force that has made plays on both sides of the ball in recent years. Like Helwick, he is taking pride in being a senior leader that could kickstart change at Pitman.

“I’m pretty excited,” Padilla said. “From the first day of camp, I was ready to come out here and change the program, to do better and show everyone what we’re about… I’m definitely proud to be here for all four years and to be here when things start getting turned around. People always have a lot to say about Pitman, but this is the start of us changing that and proving people

wrong.”

Padilla knows a thing or two about winning on the wrestling mats, as he is a former state qualifier for the Pride’s powerhouse program. Also a dominant grappler is secondyear quarterback RJ Wilharm, who will have a stable of horses around him to help spread the offense. Plaa was particularly excited about the emergence of senior receivers Caleb Grossman, Stephan Schmidt, Daniel Villasenor, Jaevion Burch and juniors Jayden Machado and Santiago Flores.

“I just think we could surprise a lot of people,” Helwick said. “People are going to think what they’re going to think because we’ve been the same, losing for a while, but I think we are going to shock some people.”

HuGHSON HIGH HUSKIES

Huskies seek to continue their winning ways with new QB

BY JOE CORTEZ

HUGHSON — Any football team, no matter how good or how bad, always faces a handful of questions about the upcoming season.

For fans of the three-time defending SacJoaquin Section Hughson Huskies, there’s really only one question that matters: Who will replace four-year varsity starter Robert McDaniel at quarterback?

The heavily recruited McDaniel eventually landed at San Jose State, but not before leaving a king-sized legacy at Hughson. Apart from three three straight section title runs, which included coming back from three-touchdown deficits in 2022 (Ripon Christian) and 2023 (Bradshaw Christian), McDaniel led the Huskies to the state’s Division 5-AA crown in 2022.

All told, he was 38-10 in four seasons at Hughson, completing 60 percent of his passes, with 96 touchdowns and just 20 interceptions.

But for the first time in three years, there’s a genuine quarterback battle brewing in training camp. And that’s a good problem for head coach Shaun King to have. Right?

“It’s really not,” said King, chuckling at the thought of having to make a King Solomon-like decision. “All three are really good.”

Seniors Brandon Switzer (McDaniel’s backup last year) and Russell Spaulding (a transfer from Turlock High) are competing with freshman Hudson Baldwin to be the man who replaces The Man.

“I feel very confident in the offseason

training I’ve done with my teammates,” said Spaulding, who changes the dynamics of the offense with his running ability.

“We’ve got a lot of leaders on this team that lead by example. We need a vocal leader out here, and I’ve kind of stepped up and taken on that role.”

“It’s definitely a big challenge and a big mental battle,” said Switzer, the most familiar with the team’s playbook. “I’ve never faced something like this, because I’ve always been looking up to Robert, and learning. But now I have to put all I’ve learned into a game and see what I’m capable of doing.”

“I’m just worrying about trying to win a starting job,” said Baldwin, who entered a classroom for the first time this month after being home-schooled for his entire

academic career. “That’s been my whole focus. I’m not trying to be like Robert McDaniel. I’m just trying to be myself and make a name for myself.”

King realizes that this year’s quarterback competition comes with extra pressure, just based on what the program has accomplished over the past three seasons and who is being replaced.

“One thing we’ve talked to them about over summer is that we still want them to have fun,” said King. “They’re in such a competition that every time they make a mistake, they’re dropping their heads. But mistakes are going to happen, so we’re trying to keep them up. Still, here we are, a week before our official scrimmage and we’ve got a battle going on.”

“But we feel like we can win some games

capsule

Hughson Huskies Stadium:

Husky Memorial Stadium

Head coach (career record):

Shaun King, eighth season (58-24/.707) 2024 record:

13-1 overall, 6-0 TVL

Last league title: 2024

Key departures: QB Robert McDaniel, WR/S Malakai Sumter, TE/DE Max Mankins, OL/DL Carlos Guizar, MLB Colt Foss.

Key returners: WR/SS Lawson Aviles, WR Bryce McDaniel, OLB/TE Valente Soria, CB Bryce Williams, RB/MLB Eli Wilbanks, DT Nic Wiggs, DE Brady Caldwell.

Key newcomer: QB Hudson Baldwin. Worth noting: Hughson became just the 11th school in history to win three consecutive SacJoaquin Section titles, joining Cordova, Folsom, Placer, Del Oro, Colfax, Oak Ridge, Hilmar, Central Catholic, Le Grand, and Escalon. … Hughson scrimmaged two of the teams on the list — Central Catholic and Del Oro — on Aug. 15 in Modesto. “We want to go up against teams that will make us stronger,” said head coach Shaun King. … The Huskies face Sonora on Oct. 10 in a rematch of 2024’s Game of the Year, which Hughson won 52-51 when it thwarted the Wildcats’ try for a two-point conversion on the game’s final play. Both teams went on to win section banners: Hughson in Division 5 and Sonora in Division 6. … Hughson’s state championship in 2022 is one of eight state titles won by TransValley League teams over the past 16 seasons — Modesto Christian (2009), Escalon (2010), Hilmar (2018), Escalon (2019), Ripon (2019), Escalon (2022), Sonora (2024).

with any of them back there.”

In addition to losing McDaniel, the Huskies lost WR/ DB Malakai Sumter and TE/DE Max Mankins to graduation.

But this year’s roster isn’t without skill.

Back for the 2025 campaign are receivers Bryce McDaniel and Lawson Aviles, as well as running back Eli Wilbanks.

On defense, Hughson is expecting big contributions from returning starters Aviles (strong safety), Valente Soria (outside linebacker) and Bryce Williams (cornerback). Wilbanks (middle linebacker), Nic Wiggs (defensive tackle), and Brady Caldwell (defensive end) also are expected to contribute.

Despite all the new faces on both sides of the ball, King said the focus remains the same.

“I want to stick with the goals of winning another league title and another section championship,” said King. “I don’t think there’s a coach out there that would lessen his goals. I’m still just addicted to practicing on Thanksgiving and playing that (championship) weekend, so I don’t want that to go away.

Aug. 22 at Ceres

Aug. 29 at Atwater

Sept. 5 at Pitman

Sept. 12 vs Linden

Sept. 19 vs Ripon

Sept. 26 vs Ripon Christian

Oct. 3 at Escalon

Oct. 10 at Sonora

Oct. 17 vs Orestimba

Oct. 24 vs Hilmar

Oct. 31 Bye

2024 TVL standings

Titus Beers

Tristan Benhem

Russell Spaulding

Brandon Switzer

Bryce McDaniel

Gabriel Lemmons

Alexis Rosales

2024 RESULTS

Hughson Huskies (13-1)

Aug. 23 Hughson 35 Ceres 7

Aug. 30 Hughson 42 Central Valley 0

Sept. 6 Hughson 45 Pitman 7

Sept. 20 Hughson 28 Ripon 7

Sept. 27 Hughson 28 Ripon Chr. 21 Oct. 4 Hughson 24 Escalon 21

11 Hughson 52

51 Oct. 18 Hughson 48

12

25 Hughson 41 Hilmar 24 Oct. 29 FORFEIT WIN vs. Modesto Christian Nov. 15 Hughson 28 El Dorado 6

Noe Pacheco

Cole Prouty

Paul Golding

Aaron Kennedy

Brady Caldwell

Valente Soria

Logan Barnes

Christian Ruiz

Bryce Martinez

Fabian Haro

Luke Berdian

Cooper Peterson

Gage Hartgrove

Bryce Caulkins

Nico Preciado

Ryan Coldicutt

Nic Wiggs

Ivan Rivera

Eduardo Aviles

Jonathan Madrigal

Victor Perez

Matt Earle

Esteban Ramos

Nathan Tyrell

Andres Barron

Darren Jenks

Nick Peabody

Humberto Gutierrez

Hilmar High Yellowjackets

BY JOE CORTEZ

HILMAR — Typically, when you attend a high school football game, it takes all of about two seconds to spot the head coach among the knot of players and assistants roaming the sideline.

Not so with Hilmar’s Frank Marques, who has always preferred moving in near anonymity.

He’s not wound rubber-band tight, and doesn’t flail and stalk and bark. In fact, he’s usually stationed far from the line of scrimmage, about 10 or 15 yards off the ball, gleaning information from a different point of view.

Nor does he carry a laminated, menusized play-calling sheet, opting instead for a slip of paper that looks like it was fished out of his car’s glove compartment. Heck, he doesn’t even wear headphones.

“Too much of a distraction,” he said. No, Marques has never been showy … unless you consider his run as head coach at his alma mater.

In 22 seasons, Marcus has compiled a glitzy 192-70 record, with six league championships, four Sac-Joaquin Section championships in 10 trips to the final, and the state’s Division 6-AA crown in 2018. His record is even more impressive when you consider that most of it was compiled in the Trans-Valley League, a loop that has produced eight state champions since 2009. Truly, his is one of the most storied careers in section history.

And it all comes to an end this season.

Marques announced earlier this year that the 2025 campaign will be his last.

“I know that I’m ready,” said Marques, a 1981 graduate of Hilmar High. “I’m fine with the next chapter in my life and I’m excited for this last hurrah.”

That last hurrah begins Aug. 22 against Grace Davis High School in Modesto. A week later, against Los Banos, Marques will make his 23rd and final home opener.

The Yellowjackets travel to Salinas to take on perennial powerhouse Palma on

Sept. 5, then host Atwater on Sept. 12 before opening TVL play the following week against Ripon Christian at McSweeney Field.

And the TVL figures to be as tough as ever, with defending state champion Sonora returning just about everybody, and three-time defending section champ Hughson out to prove it was more than a one-man team, with quarterback Robert McDaniel set to play for San Jose State.

Escalon, Ripon and RC all figure to be in the mix, as well.

But Marques thinks this year’s edition of the Yellowjackets has a chance to be special.

“I think we’re going to make a good run and be a special team,” said Marques. “This is a great group of guys.”

Seniors Mattheu Brum (RB/SS), Jacob Sward (WR/DB/K), Colton Johnston (DE/SB), along with junior Nathan Ayala (WR/DB), and sophomore Adam Branco (TB/MLB) will be leaned upon heavily this season.

“We are very confident we have what it takes based on all the offseason work in the weight room, and the work on the field,” said Brum. “I know there are a lot of doubters because of our performance last year (5-7), but I’m pretty confident in this team being contenders for the league title, the section title, and the state title.” Sward echoed his teammate’s sentiments.

“Helping Coach win a blue banner in his final season is our big goal,” said Sward, referring to the section championship. “Obviously, winning a state title would be nice, but the blue banner and helping him go out with a bang is the big goal.”

Marques would love that, too, but he doesn’t want the season to become The Frank Marques Show.

“This year is about this year’s team,” said Marques. “And the key to this season will be getting these kids ready to play.

“But as for all the ‘lasts’ … I’m ready.”

2024 RESULTS

Hilmar Yellowjackets (5-7)

Aug. 23 Grace Davis 19 Hilmar 14

Aug. 30 Hilmar 21 Los Banos 20

Sept. 13 Hilmar 24 Atwater 23

Sept. 20 Hilmar 31 Ripon Chr. 21

Sept. 27 Escalon 42 Hilmar 17

Oct. 4 Sonora 45 Hilmar 28

Oct. 11 Hilmar 21 Orestimba 13

Oct. 18 Summerville 28 Hilmar 19

Oct. 25 Hughson 41 Hilmar 24

Nov. 1 Ripon 27 Hilmar 26

Nov. 8 Hilmar 14 Livingston 7

Nov. 15 Lathrop 35 Hilmar 14

Aug. 22 vs Grace Davis

Aug. 29 at Los Banos

Sept. 5 at Palma

Sept. 12 vs Atwater

Sept. 19 vs Ripon Christian

Sept. 26 at Escalon

Oct. 3 vs Sonora

Oct. 10 at Orestimba

Oct. 17 Bye

Oct. 24 at Hughson Oct. 31 at Ripon

2024 TVL standings capsule

Hilmar Yellowjackets Stadium:

McSweeney Field Head coach (career record): Frank Marques, 23rd season (192-70/.733) 2024 record: 5-7 overall, 2-4 TVL Last league title: 2022

Key departures: RB Caden Bailey, QB Merek Ellerd, TE/OLB John Labno.

Key returners: QB Jorden Jacobo, QB Cohen Felber, OT/DE Justin Ortiz, OG/DT Nicholas Salas, WR/DB Nathan Ayala, Brum, WR/ DB/K Jacob Sward, DE/SB Colton Johnson, RB/SS Mattheu Brum.

Key newcomer: TB/MLB Adam Branco. Worth noting: Frank Marques could secure career victory No. 200 on Oct. 10 against Orestimba, at the earliest. … With eight overall SacJoaquin Section championships, Hilmar ranks seventh on the all-time list behind Central Catholic (20), Escalon (14), Folsom (14), Del Oro (11), Manteca (10), and Grant (10). … Hilmar’s state championship in 2018 is one of eight state titles won by Trans-Valley League teams over the past 16 seasons — Modesto Christian (2009), Escalon (2010), Escalon (2019), Ripon (2019), Escalon (2022), Hughson (2022), Sonora (2024).

Denair High Coyotes

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA

Spend any time around the Denair High football program, one thing is clear — there is now a sense of belonging.

“We’re feeling pretty good,” said longtime head coach Anthony Armas. “Last year and just getting that experience was huge for these guys.”

The 2024 campaign saw the Coyotes players and several coaches into uncharted territory, the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs. And not only did Denair punch a ticket to their first postseason in five years, but they experienced success, running Delta of Clarksburg out of Jack W. Lytton Stadium with a 49-16 beatdown.

“I think it gives us a lot more motivation just because we got to win in our hometown, everyone got to watch, they came out in huge numbers to support us. I’m just excited that they experienced that, and I do get the vibe that it’s pushing these guys harder to go even further,” Armas said.

Degan Butler is one who is itching at the bit to make a longer run this year. Butler was a member of last year’s

“four-headed monster” in the backfield, alongside Jesse Reulas Jr., Alex Vargas and Jayden Hensley. Against Bret Harte last year, each ran for over 100 yards as they cruised to a 54-35 win.

Butler, now a senior, is the lone back that remains, but he proved last year that he has what it takes to carry Denair’s run-heavy offense. Last October against Le Grand, Butler set a singlegame rushing record with 316 yards and five touchdowns on 25 carries.

The Denair roster lists seven others available to take handoffs and tosses, though Armas expressed particular excitement over the emergence of juniors Connor Hart and Bryson Salazar.

Running is a staple of the Denair football program, stressed Armas, who knows what it takes to have a deep playoff run. He led the Coyotes to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 7 title and the CIF State Division 7-AA championship in 2018. Armas is also a realist.

While there are several play-making returners at the skill positions, he acknowledged that there is a bit of a lack of depth in the trenches.

Depth is always a factor when it comes to programs at smaller schools.

The offensive and defensive lines include senior mainstays Even Cronel and Brody McFarland. There are seven other lineman available, but nearly all play on both sides of the ball, which means not many injuries can be afforded.

The Denair offense won’t be all ground-and-pound. Throughout the season, young quarterback Derek Potter received his fair share of opportunities, catching opposing secondaries by surprise when he unloaded balls down the field, forcing defenders to spread out in critical situations.

“We’ve been doing a little bit more with the passing game this year, trying to open up a little more,” Armas said. “Potter is great, so we’re easing him into it. He’s just a smart kid, doesn’t make any bad decisions. He had a handful of interceptions (2) the whole year. He throws a really good ball, and he’s getting better and better.”

Potter, a junior who tossed 11 touchdowns last season, is excited for the opportunity.

Aug. 22 vs. Modesto Christian

Aug. 29 @ Summerville

Sept. 5 vs. McClatchy

Sept. 13 @ Pajaro Valley

Sept. 19 vs. Stone Ridge Christian

Sept. 26 @ Gustine

Oct. 3 vs. Le Grand

Oct. 10 @ Mariposa County

Oct. 24 @ Delhi

Oct. 31 vs. Waterford

2024 RESULTS

denair coyotes (6-6)

Aug. 24: Big Valley Chr. 36 Denair 30

Aug. 30: Summerville Denair 0

Sept. 6: Denair 54 Bret Harte 35

Sept. 13: Denair 44 Pajaro Valley 23

Sept. 20: Stone Ridge Chr. 28 Denair 6

Sept. 27: Denair 24 Gustine 13

Oct. 4: Denair 54 Le Grand 35

Oct. 11: Denair 20 Mariposa 6

Oct. 25: Delhi 27 Denair 20

Nov. 1: Waterford Denair 14

Nov. 8: Denair 49 Delta 16

Nov. 15: Stone Ridge Chr. 35 Denair 15

2024 sAL standings

1. Stone Ridge Chr. 10-3 5-1

2. Delhi: 8-3 5-1

Waterford: 5-6 3-3

Denair: 6-6 3-3

Gustine: 5-7 2-4

Mariposa: 3-7 2-4

Le Grand: 2-6 1-5

capsule

Stadium: Jack W. Lytton Stadium Head coach: Anthony Armas, 11th season, 45-55 (career record) 2024 record: 6-6 overall, 3-3 SAL Last league title: Never (Best finish was secondplace in 2018 when Coyotes won

Division 7-AA State Championship)

Key departures: Jesse Ruelas, RB/ LB; Alex Vargas, RB/LB; Eduardo Zacarias, OL/DL; Chris Vilichis, OL/ DL

Key returners: Degan Butler, Sr., RB/LB; Derek Potter, Jr., QB/FS; Even Coronel, Sr., OL/DL; Ernesto Silva, Sr., TE/DL