2017 august ph lo lmn football preview

ANY GIVEN

FRIDAY 2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

Del Oro

GOLDEN EAGLES

Lincoln

FIGHTING ZEBRAS

Whitney WILDCATS

Rocklin THUNDER

Western sierra WOLVES

2 Any Given Friday 2017 |

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

What’s inside

Del Oro schedule............................................................................4 Del Oro preview..............................................................................6 Del Oro roster..................................................................................7 Lincoln preview...............................................................................9 Lincoln schedule.............................................................................10 Lincoln roster..................................................................................13 Whitney schedule...........................................................................14 Whitney preview.............................................................................15 Whitney roster................................................................................17 Rocklin preview..............................................................................17 Rocklin schedule.............................................................................18 Rocklin roster..................................................................................20 Western Sierra preview...................................................................21 Western Sierra schedule.................................................................22 Western Sierra roster......................................................................23 General Info, (530) 885-5656, (916) 985-2581 or goldcountrymedia.com.

Loomis Office, 3550 Taylor Rd., Loomis, CA 95650.

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3

DATE OPPONENT

2017 varsity

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

DEL ORO HIGH

LOCATION

7:30 p.m. Aug. 25

Cathedral Catholic SAN DIEGO, CA

Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road, Loomis

4:30 p.m. Sept. 2

Timpview PROVO, UT

Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road, Loomis

7:30 p.m. Sept. 8

Windsor WINDSOR, CA

Windsor High School, 8695 Windsor Road, Windsor

7:30 p.m. Sept. 15

Monterey Trail ELK GROVE, CA

Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road, Loomis

7:30 p.m. Sept. 22

Granite Bay* GRANITE BAY, CA

Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road, Loomis

7:30 p.m. Sept. 29

Nevada Union* GRASS VALLEY, CA

Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road, Loomis

7:30 p.m. Oct. 6

Folsom* FOLSOM, CA

Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road, Folsom

7:30 p.m. Oct. 13

Rocklin* ROCKLIN, CA

Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road, Loomis

7:30 p.m. Oct. 20

@ Oak Ridge* EL DORADO HILLS, CA

Oak Ridge High School, 1120 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills

7:30 p.m. Nov. 3

@ Woodcreek* ROSEVILLE, CA

Woodcreek High School, 2551 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd, Roseville

JV games are prior to varsity games and Frosh games are heald the Thursday prior to the Varsity game. *Sierra Foothill League game

and

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5

DEL ORO

Answering the burning questions

PHOTO BY IKE DODSON

A few things have changed at Del Oro High, but certainly not the pride and enthusiasm of the football program; shown here pouring through the Golden Eagles Helmet and onto the field.

BY MIKE RAY

If

ever the Del Oro football program would appear to be coming up on a down year, 2017 would seem to be it — but don’t count on it.

With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at Del Oro’s football prospects for 2017. Here are five big questions that the Golden Eagles will be trying to answer before the season begins Aug. 25.

6 Any Given Friday 2017 |

For the past two seasons, Del Oro’s offense was in good hands with Stone Smartt at the controls of the Golden Eagles’ attack. With Smartt calling signals, Del Oro posted a two-year win-loss mark of 23-9 and made two CIF state championship game appearances, winning a title in 2015.

Now, entering 2017, new Del Oro head coach Jeff Walters is looking at four possible replacements — seniors Josh Gazzaniga and Cade Davenport (6-5, 195)

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

Del Oro’s Bryce Edwards was the fourth leading rusher behind three seniors last year. Chances are he will be called upon to carry the Golden Eagles’ mail this season.

PHOTO BY IKE DODSON

DEL ORO HIGH

2017 varsity FOOTBALL ROSTER

NO. NAME POSITION YR. HT. WT. QB Jr. 6-3 204 15 Carson Jarratt 56 Cameron Nelson C Jr. 6-0 235 Adam Lowe

Carson Westlake 6-0 168

Cody Oldwin

Cole Schaefer 5-10 155

Conor Kheeley

Dante Pericin

Diego Miller 6-1 215 Ethan Suchomel 6-3 190

Evan Shannon

Garret Houser Garrett Curtis

Hunter Silva

Isaiah Smith

Jack McCormick

Jacob Moulos Jaden Gravatt

Joshua Moore 5-11 180 Nick Giovanonni

Noah Gravatt 5-8 155

Robbie Clegg 5-11 155

Ryan Whalley 5-11 140

Seth Farrish

Taitan Capel 6-0 170

Wyatt Berry PHOTO BY IKE DODSON

The Golden Eagles’ Dawson Hurst was called up as a sophomore last season and only three receivers caught more passes than he – they were all seniors – including top receiver Mason Hurst. and juniors Dante Pericin (5-11, 170) and Carson Jarratt (6-3, 204).

All of the candidates bring something different to the table, and Walters wouldn’t dismiss rotating quarterbacks early in the season to find the best fit.

The Golden Eagles lost a lot studs on defense through graduation, so who are the players to watch this year?

It starts at the linebacker position with returning all-Sierra Foothill League choice Andrew Birch (110 tackles, 5 sacks)

leading the way. Also expect to see big years out of juniors Dawson Hurst and Tatuo Martinson.

Both played “up” last season as sophomores, with Hurst recording 46 tackles and two interceptions. Wyatt Craythorn and Colin Rosenberg were also starters in 2016.

So will the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section consider Division I or Division II, should the Golden Eagles make the playoffs against this season?

Although Del Oro has made back-toback trips to the state championship, unless they win the Division I Sierra Foothill League campaign, in most seasons they have entered as Division II. In the past, the Sac-Joaquin Section has based its decision on student enrollment.

However, there are rumblings through the section that the CIF — because of the continued success rule — is contemplating moving three teams – Del Oro, Oakdale and Capital Christian — up for the postseason. According to sources, this is a testy situation with those involved and may come to a vote in October.

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How will the Loomis club stack up against its typically difficult preseason?

The schedule-maker didn’t cut the Golden Eagles any slack, with Del Oro starting the season off at home against San Diego large school power and defending CIF state champion Cathedral Catholic; then comes Utah state power Timpview in Under Armor’s Brothers in Arms Classic in Mission Viejo.

When you toss in North Bay up-andcomer Windsor of Sonoma County on the road and Monterey Trail, a 2-2 split in nonconference action would be welcomed.

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| Any Given Friday 2017

7

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The next question is how well will Del Oro do in the SFL this year?

For all of their playoff success at the section and state levels, the Golden Eagles haven’t won a league championship since 2013, the last season prior to Folsom and Oak Ridge joining the SFL. Going into this season, it’s probably a toss-up between the Bulldogs and Trojans as SFL preseason favorites. Del Oro then falls into a bunch a step behind with Rocklin and Granite Bay.

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The Village at Loomis In spite of taking a big hit on graduation day last spring, and coming under the leadership of a new coach, the Golden Eagles rarely ever been a nonfactor in football and most any other sport. Coach Walters’ new motto for the black and gold is “Pride Matters,” and indeed it does.

Pride runs high in Loomis so don’t expect Del Oro football to consider this a rebuilding year — preseason, regular season, postseason — or otherwise. ■

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LINCOLN

It was a banner year for Lincoln High football, beating Placer 48-34 for a share of the Pioneer Valley League title.

PHOTO BY PAUL HATTEN

The foundation has been set

BY AARON JACKSON

The

Lincoln High School varsity football team is coming off of a 2016 season that featured a 6-4 record and, most importantly, the fighting Zebras first Pioneer Valley League championship since 2009.

Even after losing key elements of their offense and defense through graduation, the team is still confident they can get back to the promise land.

The key players the Zebras have lost on their offensive and defensive lines are Jackson Tofft and Chad Bagwell. Also on defense, the Zebras lost linebacker Charles Middleton, who had 164 total tackles last year; Alex Benavidez had 93 total tackles and Chase Rose finished up with 63.

FILE PHOTO

In three short years, Coach Chris Bean took 1-9 team to a Pioneer Valley League championship and their second trip to the playoffs.

Coming back for their senior year and filling their vacancies are Kenneth Lucas, Colton Fraga, Zach Eutsey, Jack Boatman and Antonio Nevarez.

As Lucas said, “The pressure is definitely there for us replacing them. We know we lost some spectacular athletes last year, but that just gives us a driving factor to want to work harder knowing whose shoes we are filling.”

Lucas continued, “We are going to face adversity this season, but I expect us to come out of that by out-working our opponents and by falling back on the brotherhood bonds we have with each other.”

In total, the Zebras are replacing 17 of their 22 starters from last season.

Other key players the team lost on the offense included quarterback Isaac Adams. Adams threw for 11 touchdowns and had a quarterback rating of 91, and a 59.8 percent completion rate.

Filling Adams’ high-tops will be junior quarterback

Tommy Turner, head coach Chris Bean’s choice to lead the Fighting Zebras’ offense for the season.

Bean stated “Tommy has taken it upon himself to carry this offense. He has earned a lot of respect since he was here last season in the system as well.”

Turner said the focus right now is to get better and try to figure out what Lincoln will need to win football games.

Last season, Turner only got to throw the ball four times during the campaign, but one of those passes resulted in a touchdown for the Zebras.

Lincoln also lost their kicker and punter Julian Diaz, who had 68.4 percent of his kickoffs end up in the end zone for touchbacks. Diaz also made 41-of-47 extra point tries and put two field goals through the uprights as well.

Stepping into Diaz’s golden shoe will be junior Brett Woolley.

Most importantly, the Zebras lost star running back Ryan Graham.

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

➧

| Any Given Friday 2017

9

DATE OPPONENT

2017 varsity

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

LINCOLN HIGH

LOCATION

7:15 p.m. Aug. 25

Ponderosa SHINGLE SPRINGS, CA

Ponderosa High School, 3661 Ponderosa Road, Shingle Springs

7:30 p.m. Sept. 1

Antelope ANTELOPE, CA

Lincoln High School, 790 J Street, Lincoln

7:30 p.m. Sept. 8

Nevada Union GRASS VALLEY, CA

Nevada Union High School, 11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley

7:30 p.m. Sept. 15

Wheatland WHEATLAND, CA

Wheatland High School, 1010 Wheatland Road, Wheatland

7:30 p.m. Sept. 22

Casa Roble ORANGEVALE, CA

Lincoln High School, 790 J Street, Lincoln

7:30 p.m. Oct. 6

Bear River* GRASS VALLEY, CA

Lincoln High School, 790 J Street, Lincoln

7:30 p.m. Oct. 13

Colfax* COLFAX, CA

Colfax High School, 24995 Ben Taylor Road, Colfax

7:30 p.m. Oct. 20

Center* ANTELOPE, CA

Lincoln High School, 790 J Street, Lincoln

7:30 p.m. Oct. 27

Foothill* SACRAMENTO, CA

Lincoln High School, 790 J Street, Lincoln

7:30 p.m. Nov. 3

Placer* AUBURN, CA

Placer High School, 275 Orange Street, Auburn

JV games are at 5 p.m. vs. Ponderosa, 5:30 p.m. for non PVL games and 5:15 p.m. for PVL games prior to Varsity games. Frosh games are at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays except at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 and Oct. 19 is a bye week.*Pioneer Valley League Game

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11

2017 VARSITY COACHING STAFF

Head Coach Linebackers and

Defensive Coordinator Andre Berg Defensive Backs Chad Bramer Running Backs JJ Castillo Defensive Line Offensive Line Grant Fowler Trevyn Jenkins Receivers John Jewett Receivers Charles Middleton Linebackers Nathan Peach Defensive Line “Pops” Equipment Manager Chris Bean Allen Berg

2017 JUNIOR VARSITY COACHING STAFF Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Linebackers and Defensive Coordinator Offensive Line Defensive Line Quarterbacks and Receivers Receivers and Defensive Backs Receivers and Defensive Backs

2017 FRESHMEN COACHING STAFF

Jon Scofield

Tony Handley

Christian Guerguy Greg Turner John Russell

Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Linebackers and Defensive Coordinator Defensive Backs Receivers and Running Backs Offensive Line

PHOTO BY PAUL HATTEN

To the victor go the spoils, such as new turf on the football field and multiple improvements to Lincoln High Stadium.

Last season, Graham was 56th in the state of California for rushing – 1,798 yards – and ranked 31st for touchdowns with 28. Graham was the Zebras top receiver, as well, pulling in 28 receptions for 494 yards and five touchdowns.

Grahams’ extremely huge shoes are going to be difficult to fill, but Lincoln does have some athletes ready and able to come in and do the job.

In terms of running the football, the Zebras have senior

➧

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Marty Morris Tony Ramirez Aaron Coats Tom Turner Justin Belding

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Pete Murillo, who played with the squad last season. He will be joined by sophomore Seth Sampson, who was moved up to varsity this year. Also ready to tote the leather is junior Deven Coffer. Playing for the junior varsity last year, Coffer rushed for over 350 yards and two touchdowns.

“We are not asking our guys to be Ryan Graham, our expectations are for them to be who they are,” said Coach Bean. “At the same time, the only way they can become a kid like Graham is with experience on this field.”

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FOOTBALL ROSTER

2017 varsity

LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

NO. NAME 1 Pete Murillo 2 Luke Wiley 3 James Sweet Harry Rounds 4 5 Tommy Turner 6 Emiliano Ruiz 7 Carlo Rodriguez 8 Deven Coffer Andrew Chinich 9 10 Elijah Gomez 11 Riley Meyer 12 Stephen Berlenghi 13 Daniel Garcia 15 Zach Eutsey 17 Brandon Wells 18 Brett Woolley 19 Jake Kincaid 20 Alonzo Anglada 21 Rey Miguel 22 Josh Ballesteros 23 Seth Sampson 24 Grady Manley 25 Colton Jones 26 Dylan Jacobs 27 Omar Ibrahim 28 Anthony Salustro 32 Mason Scott

POSITION RB WR WR WR QB WR SS RB CB QB WR QB WR TE OLB K QB MLB CB WR RB MLB OLB CB NG FS WR

Now in his fourth season at Lincoln, Bean said the players moving into varsity roles now know what is expected of them. The need to rebuild is no longer the case.

“We are at the point to where we aren’t rebuilding anymore. There is a strong belief in what we do and guys are ready to step in,” Bean said. “We are expecting other guys to step up in different ways and alter a bit of what we do on offense and defense to fit what these guys can do.”

Coach Bean came to the Fighting Zebras in 2014 and rebuilt the team introducing his system and culture. Bean believes his squad understands the culture now and said it will help carry the team through difficult times.

“Just because some guys are no longer with us doesn’t mean we aren’t still who we are,” said the head coach. “It just means there are certain things we have to tweak.”

There is plenty of reason to think this year’s Zebras are fired up and ready to get back to the business of winning football. Now it is a matter of reaping the fruits of the hard work and effort they put in during the offseason.

Lincoln opens Friday at Ponderosa, a team that finished 2-8 last season. ■ ~Aaron Jackson is the sports information director of Lincoln High School.

YR. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

HT. 5-6 5-8 5-11 5-8 6-5 5-9 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-11 5-8 5-11 5-5 5-5 5-9 5-11 6-3 5-9 5-10 5-5 5-11 5-10

WT. 145 145 170 145 180 160 180 170 165 163 155 165 170 235 170 140 140 145 125 180 195 210 155 160 160 160 155

33 36 44 45 47 50 51 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 63 65 68 70 71 74 79 82 87 88

Antonio Nevarez Sean Aslakson Nate Labrado Dalton Hansen Eddy Mendoza Timothy Tran Jack Boatman Jakob Archuleta Keiffer Hubert Joseph Funaki Noah Almora Dylan Quinn Alex Anguiano Gabriel Polkenhorn Lucas Cook Gianni Greco Daniel Ayala Anthony Tingler Cole Guadarrama Tyler Peacock Kenneth Lucas Colton Fraga Daniel Munch Blake Havey Gabino Rodriguez Connor Swartz Nick Panto

OLB CB NG TE DT G MLB T MLB DT DT DT MLB OL OL G DT DT T DT C G T TE DT WR WR

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

6-1 6-0 5-10 6-2 5-7 5-7 5-9 5-10 5-7 6-0 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-2 6-2 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-4 6-0 6-4 6-0 5-6

195 130 195 215 190 200 185 220 165 195 250 210 170 206 230 200 235 190 275 225 235 260 255 180 260 140 115

Lincoln Zebras Cheer and dance teams

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| Any Given Friday 2017

13

DATE OPPONENT

WHITNEY HIGH

7 p.m. Aug. 25

Davis DAVIS, CA

Davis High School, 315 West 14th Street, Davis

7:30 p.m. Sept. 1

Granite Bay GRANITE BAY, CA

Whitney High School, 701 Wildcat Blvd, Rocklin

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

7:30 p.m. Sept. 8

2017 varsity

LOCATION

QUARRY BOWL VIII, Rocklin ROCKLIN, CA

Whitney High School, 701 Wildcat Blvd, Rocklin

7:15 p.m. Sept. 22

Bella Vista* FAIR OAKS, CA

Bella Vista High School, 8301 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks

7:15 p.m. Sept. 29

Del Campo* FAIR OAKS, CA

Del Campo High School, 4925 Dewey Drive, Fair Oaks

7:15 p.m. Oct. 6

Ponderosa* SHINGLE SPRINGS, CA

Whitney High School, 701 Wildcat Blvd, Rocklin

7:15 p.m. Oct. 13

Oakmont* ROSEVILLE, CA

Oakmont High School, 1710 Cirby Way, Roseville

7:15 p.m. Oct. 20

Roseville,* ROSEVILLE, CA

Whitney High School, 701 Wildcat Blvd, Rocklin

7:15 p.m. Oct. 27

Cosumnes Oaks* ELK GROVE, CA

Whitney High School, 701 Wildcat Blvd, Rocklin

7:15 p.m. Nov. 3

Antelope,* ANTELOPE, CA

Antelope High School, 7801 Titan Drive, Antelope

JV games are 5 p.m. prior to Varsity game. Frosh games are 5:30 p.m. Thursday before the Varsity game. *Capital Valley Conference Game

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Pictured left to right: • Dr. Kuo Ooi is the 2014 recipient of the Placer Herald's "Best of the Best" doctor award and Recipient of 2015 Sutter Medical Network Patient’s Choice Award. He is one of the only pediatric sports medicine specialist in the region. He is one of the first in the region to adopt the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for injury diagnosis and ultrasound guided injections.

• Dr. Roy Harris has been serving the Rocklin community for over 30 years and is a 3 time recipient of the Placer Herald's "Best of the Best." He has a special interest in reducing cardiovascular risks.

• Dr. Biljinder Chima is the recipient of the 2014 Sutter Medical Network’s Patient’s Choice Award, ranking above the 90th percentile in patient satisfaction nationally and is one of the few Credentialed ImPACT Concussion specialists in the region. Voted Top Doctor in 2016 in Sacramento Magazine.

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14 Any Given Friday 2017 |

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

WHITNEY

Deep enough to win it all

BY JIM LINSDAU

One

year before moving to the Sierra Foothill League, optimism is running high for Whitney High School football. Much of that enthusiasm stems from the team’s chances of winning a Capital Valley Conference title before the Wildcats’ depart.

Another reason is a near doubling of the roster for the 2017 season. This year’s squad has a lot more players wearing the maroon and vegas gold and is the first varsity squad to come up through head coach Paul Doherty’s system.

“So now that it’s been three years in I kind of have my name to it and for better or worse; we’ll see how we do,” Doherty said. “But I think this is the first year I’ve had a chance to kind of see the whole thing through.

Everyone on the varsity football team has only played football in my tenure here.”

But many of the names, as well as the football program, have changed at 701 Wildcat Blvd. in Rocklin. The relatively young school has competed in three different leagues since its founding. It has also won league titles for football in all but the CVC. Although the SFL is considered one of the strongest conferences in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section, the CVC commands no less respect.

Antelope, Roseville and Whitney all made the Division II playoffs last year. The Titans made it to the semifinals in Division II and Del Campo made the quarterfinals in Division III. “They’re all good. Maybe it’s not the SFL yet … ,” Doherty said of the CVC. “But I think we’re going to have to be at our best week-in and week-out.”

Antelope has been undefeated in conference play the last two years and Cosumnes Oaks was the 2014 CVC champion.

Del Campo Greg Cabral was the league’s leading rusher last year, as a junior. Cosumnes Oaks’ Jacob Trach ranked third behind Cabral and should also return.

Junior Tyler Dimino of Del Campo was the CVC’s

PHOTO BY GARY JONES, THEWINNINGSHOT.COM

There is no lack of desire at Whitney High, with one more year to capture a Capital Valley Conference title before moving over to the Sierra Foothill League next year.

No. 3 passer and could have back the league’s No. 5 receiver in David Joseph.

Although league-leading passer Jake Cruz did not return for his senior season at Whitney, 2016’s original starting quarterback, Preston Eklund, is back and healthy.

“I’ve known Preston a long time.” said CVC 2016 Outstanding Offensive Player Justin Kraft. “I grew up with him. He’s a really hardworking kind of guy, always loved football … and should have a good season.”

Joining Kraft as a receiver is CVC Underclassman of the Year Nick Eaton. A highly recruited linebacker, Eaton has also shown great promise catching the ball.

The quarterback position has plenty of depth and

2017 VARSITY COACHING STAFF

Paul Doherty Marc Rubalcaba Ed Eaton Aaron Day Kevin Estes Jesse Armas Zach Sclater Brent Lane Robert Mosher

Head Coach Defensive Coordinator Linebackers and Defensive line Assistant Defensive Line Defensive Backs Offensive Line Assistant Offensive Line Offensive Skill Positions Offensive Quality Control

➧

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

| Any Given Friday 2017

15

Capital Valley Conference Outstanding Offensive Player Justin Kraft returns to the Whitney Wildcats for his senior season. there is power and speed at running back. Returning is senior Jason Sanchez (5-feet-10inches, 195-pounds) and transfer student Sergio Sanchez. Sergio had a good showing during Whitney’s Maroon-Gold scrimmage Aug. 11.

The Wildcats’ talented backfield will also be operating behind a talented and efficient offensive line.

Although not that big, it is a line that knows Doherty’s system.

Back on the front line for his senior season is Howard Filbert. Filbert has played football for almost a decade and said Whitney has the tools

they need for success.

“We’re pretty athletic. We’re not the biggest, but we’re pretty athletic so I think we’ll be pretty good,” said Filbert. “Basically, since we’re not big we’ve got to be good at technique and stuff like that, just quicker and stronger.”

However, the Wildcats also have back allleague selections Dagne Buck (220) and Xzavier Caldwell (260). The pair should help make up what Doherty said could be his best offensive and defensive lines yet.

Part of what helps Whitney’s defense is practicing each day against one of the area’s most sophisticated offenses. “(Coach) Doherty is like an offensive specialist. He knows everything on how to pick you apart (with) offense,” said Kraft, who doubles as a defensive back. “Playing against (the offense) every day in practice, and we get good

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16 Any Given Friday 2017 |

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Whitney High football head coach Paul Doherty leads the Wildcats into their final season in the Capital Valley Conference. practice, you get used to it and our secondary is used to every combination we need to know.”

Doherty would probably not call himself a specialist, more of a coach who knows how to fit his system to his players. Being that his 2017 club knows his system better than those of the previous two years, add that to this year’s depth and a CVC title is certainly within reach of the Wildcats’ claws.

“I think we’re far, far further ahead than we were a year ago,” Doherty said. “And I think we’re at least comparable or maybe better than we were two years ago.” ■

Whitney High’s 260-pound tackle and nose guard Xzavier Caldwell will shore up both offensive and defensive lines this season.

WHITNEY HIGH

2017 varsity FOOTBALL ROSTER

NO. NAME POSITION YR. HT. WT. Nathan Sanchez WR, FS, K Jr. 5-11 155 1 2 A.J. Stafford NG, DE Jr. 5-9 160 Brayden Coon RB, FS Jr. 5-7 153 3 3 Cole Cavarra QB Sr. 6-3 180 Dominic Souto FS, WR Sr. 5-6 125 4 4 Preston Deruelle WR Sr. 6-0 165 5 Nick Eaton DE, TE Sr. 6-3 215 Jacob Mcclish WR, CB, SS Jr. 6 Justin A. kraft WR, CB Sr. 6-0 172 7 7 Robert Jones QB, FS Jr. 6-0 170 Collin Larson WR, CB Sr. 5-11 175 7 10 Cole Milisci WR, SS, OLB Jr. 5-11 152 QB So. 6-2 175 10 Luke Berry 10 Max McChesney WR, OLB Sr. 6-2 165 11 Preston Eklund QB Sr. 6-3 198 12 Tyler Murray QB Jr. 5-10 140 SS, WR Jr. 6-0 158 13 Jake Blumenstein 17 Aiden Brent CB, WR Jr. WR, OLB, CB Jr. 5-11 140 17 Chris Hernandez 17 Preston Marks WR Sr. 18 Zach Chaffin RB, OLB, MLB Jr. 5-8 160 RB, OLB Jr. 21 Conner Sparks 23 Colton Medeiros CB, DE Jr. RB, CB Sr. 5-6 130 24 Sebastian Aria 28 Jason Sanchez RB, MLB Sr. 5-10 196 28 Luke Vorndran FS, SS Jr. 5-7 30 Brennen Henderson MLB, WR Sr. 5-11 170 32 Brett Lindsay OLB, RB Sr. 5-10 160 33 Ben Sopinski OLB Sr. 6-1 172 35 Elijah Annis QB, OLB Jr. MLB, RB So. 5-10 185 42 Chase Meniatis WR, CB Jr. 43 Matthew Engebretson WR, FS Jr. 44 Max Martinez DT, MLB Sr. 5-9 205 44 Christian Cornes 50 Adam Magnesi DE, T Sr. 6-1 165 52 Christian Restori G, C, DT Jr. 53 Dagne’ Buck DE, G Sr. 6-0 220 53 Bryce Simpson G, DT Jr. 54 Dyllan Hyde MLB, FB Jr. 6-0 205 55 Tyler Hill Sr. 58 Steven Bowers DE, G Jr. 5-11 170 60 Sam Black T, DT Jr. T, DT Jr. 6-1 170 62 Kevin Smith 68 Joseph Esparza C, DT Jr. 5-11 205 70 Christian Bamba G, T, DT Jr. G, DT Sr. 73 Samuel Salva T, NG Sr. 6-0 260 74 Xzavier Caldwell 75 Dominic Hernandez G, DE Jr. C, G Sr. 6-0 225 75 Howard Filbert 77 Wyatt Arbaugh T, C, DT Jr. 5-11 205 80 Jaidon Williams WR, CB Jr. DE Jr. 81 Aaron Foster 81 Michael Mckibbon CB, WR 120 WR, CB Jr. 82 Ty Berns

ROCKLIN

Embracing the SFL challenge

BY JIM LINSDAU

The

Rocklin High School football program was showcased Aug. 11 at RHS Stadium for fans to preview 2017’s Thunder Nation.

Head coach Greg Benzel is quietly optimistic, although coming off a 4-6 season and 1-6 in the heralded Sierra Foothill League. But much of last year’s downslide had to do with graduating a section Division II runner-up team two years ago and the loss of his starting quarterback last year in the third game.

“Moving forward we like where we’re at. We are excited about the chemistry of this team,” Benzel said of the near 50 players who will wear the blue and silver. “We’re excited about the potential leaders that are emerging on this team and we’re excited about the atmosphere these guys have already set up in terms of working hard.”

To compete in the SFL working hard is a prerequisite for success and Rocklin thrives on it. Benzel never makes predictions, but said the Thunder has always competed well in the SFL and does not see 2017 as being any different.

The hard work began in the weight room following the end of the fall season.

Although summer conditioning consists largely of 7-on-7 competition, Benzel feels his front lines will be up to the task this year.

“We return some guys that have had some experience,” said Benzel. “We’ve had a great offseason, in terms of our winter and A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

spring. And over the summer we’ve lived in the weight room, no doubt.”

Returning to the offensive line for their senior season are Brad Rawlinson, Ryley Dyson, Carson Cox, Sam Hinerman, Tyler Geide, Caden Green, Max Diven and Noah Dyson. Collectively, these seniors average around 225 pounds per man

➧

PHOTOS BY DAVID KINSELLA, THEWINNINGSHOT.COM

Rocklin High’s Blayden Brown helps put the rumble in the Thunder, whether running the ball or stopping opposing runners in their tracks at linebacker.

| Any Given Friday 2017

17

DATE OPPONENT

2017 varsity

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

ROCKLIN HIGH

LOCATION

7:30 p.m. Aug. 25

Grant SACRAMENTO, CA

Rocklin High School, 5301 Victory Lane, Rocklin

7:30 p.m. Sept. 1

Napa NAPA, CA

Rocklin High School, 5301 Victory Lane, Rocklin

7:30 p.m. Sept. 8

QUARRY BOWL VIII, Rocklin ROCKLIN, CA Whitney High School, 701 Wildcat Blvd, Rocklin

7 p.m. Sept. 15

Clovis West FRESNO, CA

Clovis West High School, 1070 E Teague Ave, Fresno

7 p.m. Sept. 22

Nevada Union* GRASS VALLEY, CA

Rocklin High School, 5301 Victory Lane, Rocklin

7:30 p.m. Oct. 6

Oak Ridge* EL DORADO HILLS, CA

Oak Ridge High School, 1120 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills

7:30 p.m. Oct. 13

Del Oro* LOOMIS, CA

Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road, Loomis

7:30 p.m. Oct. 20

Woodcreek* ROSEVILLE, CA

Rocklin High School, 5301 Victory Lane, Rocklin

7:30 p.m. Oct. 27

Folsom* FOLSOM, CA

Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road, Folsom

7:30 p.m. Nov. 3

Granite Bay* GRANITE BAY, CA

Rocklin High School, 5301 Victory Lane, Rocklin

JV games are prior to Varsity games. Frosh games are the Thursday before Varsity games. *Sierra Foothill League game

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2017 VARSITY COACHING STAFF

Head Coach Defensive Coordinator,

Defensive Backs John Kirk Linebackers Bob Barnes Defensive Line Defensive Line, Tim Night

Assistant Head Coach Defensive Backs Chris Leichus Tim Kenney Offensive Coordinator,

Wide Receivers Matt Eckman Offensive Line Drew Wyant Quarterbacks Greg Benzel Jason Adams

and they are backed up by eight juniors.

“We have a couple good leaders and leaders that can get everybody on board and do better than we did last year,” said Geide, the team’s center. “I love (the SFL) and I hope every team is sleeping on us.”

Last season, Benzel had to turn to more offensive innovation after losing several all-league players to graduation. This year he feels Rocklin can return to a more balanced attack.

The Thunder is deeper at quarterback, with three signal-callers fighting for that spot. He has three returning wide receivers, but they have limited experience. Rocklin scored just 18 touchdowns through the air in 2016 and totaled 1,851 yards.

As a sophomore, tight end Charlie McBride caught 24 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns. At 6-feet-3inches, 215 pounds, McBride is just as formidable playing defensive end.

➧

PHOTOS BY DAVID KINSELLA, THEWINNINGSHOT.COM

The Rocklin Thunder will storm onto the field this year in anticipation of a better season than they had in 2016, knowing they will have to be at their best to compete in the Sierra Foothill League “Last year we didn’t finish the way we wanted to and this year we’ve just got to come out ready to prove something; prove to people that we’re a team that can compete for a section title” said McBride. “We’re getting better every day.”

Now graduated, running back Brenden Rakela had 65 percent of the touches last year and those backs who were juniors last season gained only 55 total yards, if one doesn’t count the 58 negative yards suffered by the quarterback.

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19

FOOTBALL ROSTER

2017 varsity

ROCKLIN

NO. NAME POSITION 2 Cory Gohl WR, SS 3 Jacob Meggers CB, WR 4 Cade Wyant QB 5 Callum Janis CB, WR 7 Cole Wyant QB, MLB 9 Hunter Gonzalez MLB, RB 11 Jake Nigh FS, WR 13 Garet Ruffner RB, WR, CB 15 Daniel Roberts WR, FS 16 Sawyer Skerl QB, SS 17 Jordan Daniel WR, FS, SS 19 Timothy Vukasin CB, WR 21 Kiki Ruiz RB, CB 25 Tanner Soares CB, WR 27 Joe Passadore RB, OLB 28 Blayden Brown MLB, OLB 30 Ben Jaquish CB, WR 34 Christian Elliot 41 Christian Robbins RB, OLB 53 Max Pitts T, DE, SS

YR. HT. WT. Jr. Jr. 5-8 140 Jr. 6-2 185 Jr. 5-11 150 Jr. 6-0 177 Sr. Sr. 6-0 165 Sr. 6-2 215 Jr. 6-0 175 Jr. 6-0 185 Sr. 6-2 195 Sr. 6-0 160 Jr. 5-8 165 Sr. 5-10 154 Jr. Sr. 6-0 210 Jr. 5-11 150 Jr. Jr. 6-0 180 Jr.

54 56 57 58 61 63 65 66 67 70 71 72 74 75 76 78 81 82 87 88 99

Bradley Rawlinson MLB, OLB, G Douglas Barnes OLB, C Ryan Sgambati OLB, MLB, G Kristopher Koch G, DT Joshua Lopez T, DT Caleb Banks T, DT Tyler Geide C, DT Caden Green NG, DE, T Max Diven DE, OT Ryley Dyson Carson Cox T, DT Joey Wuelfing G, DT Noah Dyson DT, T Gabriel Pereira T, DE Antonio Gutierrez DE, T Steven Ea T, DT Robert Matulich CB Clayton Cottrell WR, CB Ethan Remmers TE, DE Charlie Mcbride TE, DE, K John Currenton NG, DT

PHOTO BY IKE DODSON

Rocklin High head coach Greg Benzel (headset) is optimistic about 2017 after coming off a 4-6 season a year ago.Barnes (56) and Ryan Sgambati (57) during the Blue-Silver Game.

“We feel pretty balanced,” said Coach Benzel. “There’s definitely more multifaceted (aspects) and multi-dimensions to the things that we can do that will not be geared toward a run emphasis or a pass emphasis.

“We have some backs that can carry the ball,” Benzel added. “We have some quarterbacks that are pretty smart and they understand the dynamics of their reads, and some guys who can catch the ball.”

Cade Wyant returns at quarterback, along with his twin brother Cole. Cole Wyant and Sawyer Skerl move up from the junior varsity team that finished 5-5 in 2016.

On defense, the Thunder’s leading tackler

➧

PHOTO BY DAVID KINSELLA, THEWINNINGSHOT.COM

Rocklin High running back Damiano Parra gets a tasted of Thunder gang tackling by Hunter Gonzalez (9), Ricky Purvis (24), Douglas Barnes (56) and Ryan Sgambati (57) during the Blue-Silver Game.

20 Any Given Friday 2017 |

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

Sr. 5-10 190 Jr. Jr. Jr. 5-10 190 Jr. 6-0 185 Jr. Sr. 6-2 280 Sr. Sr. 6-3 185 Sr. 5-10 195 Sr. 6-0 267 Jr. Sr. 6-0 230 Sr. 6-0 205 Jr. Jr. 5-8 215 Jr. 5-7 125 Sr. 6-2 170 Jr. Jr. 6-3 215 Sr.

last season, Blayden Brown at 6 feet, 210 pounds returns at linebacker, along with Bradley Rawlinson (510, 190). There also are a couple candidates up from the junior varsity squad.

“Everyone just has to have the thought that we’re going to win, beat the other team,” said linebacker Hunter Gonzalez. “It’s not a matter of size or anything — anything outward — so it’s a mindset.”

Four defensive backs have returned, along with two kickers and a coaching staff capable of taking some of the offensive pressure off of Benzel. In spite of losing six of seven games in the SFL, the deficit in all by the Folsom game was no more than 12 points.

Benzel said the culture of winning football is alive and well at Rocklin High. It will be on display Aug. 11 giving fans a preview of the season to come at the annual Blue-Silver Game.

“There are some pretty cool pieces that are coming together here. I mean obviously you don’t know until you know, until we see,” said Benzel.

“There are some pretty cool pillars that are coming into place here that leads to positive things.”

Rocklin will waste no time finding out where they stand, hosting Grant Aug. 25. The Pacers eked out a 21-20 victory over the Thunder last year.

Grant made it to the second round in the playoffs last season, but lost to Antelope, 29-28, in the quarterfinals. The Pacers will join the SFL in 2018, for football only. ■

WESTERN SIERRA

Expectations are high

BY JIM LINSDAU

Now

in its third year, the Western Sierra Collegiate Academy football program took a little over 12 months to win its first game. On Sept. 17 last year, they shocked the Bulldogs of Encina Prep 16-15 at Encina.

Three losses later the Wolves went on a 3-0 tear to finish 2-2 their first year in the Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League. That was good enough for third place ahead of Foresthill and Valley Christian.

“I think the first year was kind of treading water and making sure we held interest for the kids in the program and the school in general,” said Western Sierra head coach JP Dolliver. “This year, the expectations are there, they’re higher. The bars kind of been set and we need to rise to the occasion and step up at this point.”

Stepping up won’t be that easy. Although the SMAL is a Division VII conference, they play a hardnosed brand of football knowing that in the playoffs they will come up against teams capable of scoring 60 or more points a game.

Another downside is the loss of eight seniors, including starting quarterback Adam Wright, now playing at Lewis & Clark College in Portland. The Wolves also graduated SMAL Defensive Player of the Year Reggie Rowlett.

“Losing (Rowlett) was a big deal and we lost Joe Dalton too,” Dolliver said. “You lose those guys it’s hard to fill in those blanks.

“The thing about Adam (Wright) is his perseverance on and off the football field, and just the kind of person he is. I might never get a kid like that again. It’s hard to replace kids like that.”

But like any high school football coach, Dolliver turns his attention to those eagerly waiting in the wings for their chance at being in the gridiron spotlight.

At quarterback, Dolliver is turning to Aiden Lucia.

A transfer from Del Oro last year, the 6-foot-1-inch, 170-pound Lucia played outside linebacker for the academy in 2016 and is not afraid to mix it up.

Just a junior, Lucia has been working in the weight room and attending summer camps to help improve his play.

“He’s tall, he’s fast, he’s got a big arm,” said Dolliver.

PHOTO BY CURTLERNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Western Sierra Collegiate Academy returns only Josh Long (57) from last year’s defensive line that allowed less than 200 yards rushing in their final three victories.

“He’s confident, knows the offense, a real high football IQ.” But like most small schools, building a strong offensive line capable of protecting the quarterback and opening holes for running backs is a challenge.

This year the offensive line personnel range from 155 pounds to 280 pounds. But Dolliver said the key to success up front is his coach Pedro Garza. Garza has been there from the beginning, turning an inexperienced group of kids into a solid offensive wall in 12 months.

Dolliver said his line is also deep enough this season to keep fresh legs on the field.

The head coach is also optimistic that his defense can make a big difference in the success of 2017. He is leaning heavily on returning linebacker Anthony Boisvert and free safety Chris Delaloye.

“I just hope we can set the tone defensively. It’s really important for (small) schools, in particular, to set the tone defensively,” Dolliver said. “If we set that tone on

Western Sierra thirdyear football head coach JP Dolliver believes his team will be a factor in the Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League this season.

PHOTO BY JIM LINSDAU

➧

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

| Any Given Friday 2017

21

DATE OPPONENT

2017 varsity

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

WESTERN SIERRA

LOCATION

7:30 p.m. Aug. 25

Johnson SACRAMENTO, CA

Mahaney Park, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville

7 p.m. Sept. 1

Riverbank RIVERBANK, CA

Riverbank High School, 6200 Claus Road, Riverbank

7:05 p.m. Sept. 8

Encina Prep SACRAMENTO, CA

Mahaney Park, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville

7:05 p.m. Sept. 15

Sierra Ridge Academy SAN ANDREAS, CA

Mahaney Park, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville

7 p.m. Sept. 22

Hamilton HAMILTON CITY, CA

Hamilton Union High School, 620 Canal Street, Hamilton City

7:05 p.m. Oct. 6

Delta* CLARKSBURG, CA

Mahaney Park, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville

7 p.m. Oct. 13

Woodland Christian* WOODLAND, CA

Mahaney Park, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville

7 p.m. Oct. 20

Valley Christian* ROSEVILLE, CA

Highlands High School, 6601 Guthrie Street, North Highlands

7:05 p.m. Oct. 27

Foresthill* FORESTHILL, CA

Mahaney Park, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville

7 p.m. Nov. 3

Turlock Christian TURLOCK, CA

Denair High School, 3431 Lester Road, Denair

*Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League games

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Western Sierra’s Anthony Boisvert (12) and Brandon Adams return to provide needed defense for the Wolves in 2017.

PHOTO BY CURTLERNER PHOTOGRAPHY

the defensive side it just makes it so much easier offensively.”

Although Dolliver adopted the wide open offense used by Whitney head coach Paul Doherty when they were both at Sacramento High, Dolliver modified it a bit because of his team’s inexperience. He tightened up the spread a bit to give the Wolves a more balanced attack.

Dolliver will rely heavily on the speed of sophomore Joe Martinez, a player the coach refers to as “an absolute burner,” and returning senior Will Dibble. At 6-3, 180, Dibble can fill multiple roles and is not afraid to take the leather into the teeth of the defense.

At least 11 seniors will dot the landscape in blue and gold, five of which can play wide receiver. But Delaloye, a sophomore, has shown promise as a receiver in 7-on-7 drills and doubles as the backup quarterback.

“He and (Lucia) are on the same page,” Doliver said. “The kid’s hands are remarkable.”

Of course, the competition in the SMAL will have made strides as well. Although the Wolves beat both Foresthill and Valley Christian last year, Dolliver said those two teams should also be much improved.

Jim Herlehy, Foresthill’s first head coach, has returned to the Wildfires’ helm. Like Dolliver, Herlehy turned a bunch of kids who had never played the game into playoff contenders.

Valley Christian hopes to get back in contention after going 0-7 last year. Dolliver said the Lions have a strong-armed quarterback who could give defenses trouble.

Delta lost nine to graduation, but last year’s SMAL champion Woodland Christian bid farewell to just three.

Woodland returns Eric Wyatt under center. Although he ranked fourth in the SMAL passing, he was No. 1 in rushing yards, points and total touchdowns. He was also the league’s MVP last year. “(Delta) is a hardnosed football team. They are a small school from Clarksburg, but those kids can play and they play hard,” said Dolliver.

WESTERN SIERRA

2017 varsity FOOTBALL ROSTER

NO. NAME POSITION YR. HT. WT. 3 Chris Delaloye FS, WR So. 5-5 130 6 Michael Everson WR, CB Sr. 5-4 142 7 Joseph Martinez RB, CB So. 5-7 175 8 Oscar Hernandez WR, CB Jr. 5-8 10 Christopher Arellano MLB, RB Sr. 5-9 150 11 William Sokol OLB, RB Jr. 5-8 150 12 Anthony Boisvert RB, OLB Sr. 5-6 160 16 Aiden Lucia QB, OLB Jr. 6-1 170 18 Brayden Biel WR, CB So. 6-0 150 20 Jacob Sarver WR, CB Jr. 21 Evan Strasser WR, MLB Sr. 6-0 155 23 Chris Cornell SS, WR Sr. 6-4 170 31 John Van Kempen RB, MLB Sr. 5-7 184 32 Karene Robertson K Sr. 5-6 155 42 William Dibble WR, MLB Sr. 6-3 180 43 Jason Boisvert WR, SS Sr. 5-6 145 56 Skyler Biel T, DT Jr. 57 Josh Long G, DT Sr. 6-0 215 63 Colton Bagley G, DT Jr. 6-0 235 68 Elias Bundren G, NG So. 5-11 220 77 Noah Black T, NG Sr. 6-3 280 80 Christopher Shimp WR, FS So. 6-5 166 82 Seth Sabra DT, T Jr. 5-11 155

Brandon Adams Jr. 5-11 145

Jalen Bretz OLB, WR

Richard Korshkov Samson Haefele WR So. 5-7 147

Tareq Allen

“And I honestly think Foresthill is going to be a little bit better than they were last year. They were super young, kind of like us. ”We’ll be better, but our competitors are going to be pretty good too.”

Meanwhile Dolliver said he is coaching rugby-style tackling to help reduce the incidence of concussions.

PHOTO BY Football at all levels is taking a look at better techniques CURTLERNER PHOTOGRAPHY to avoid head-to-head contact and make the game safer.

“Football has had to make adjustments in the past and this is one of those issues they’re really going to have to jump on,” Dolliver said. “I think if they learn at a young level the proper way to do things they’re going to be that much brighter going forward and that much more protected in high school football.” ■

John “JD” Van Kempen (31) should give Western Sierra power in the backfield alongside the speed of sophomore Joe Martinez.

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

| Any Given Friday 2017

23

➧

Go Zebras!

Make 2017 a year to remember.

The experiences you have on and off the field this season will be the memories you cherish for the rest of your life.

Thank you coaches for building another strong team…the impact you’ve had on your players will stay with them a lifetime.

— Jeff Culbertson

Proud member of the 1975 Zebra Pioneer League Championship team

EXPERIENCE IS THE DIFFERENCE. With over 30 years of real estate experience as a top-producing Sales Associate, owner of a successful real estate brokerage, and local expertise scanning from the Bay Area to San Diego County, experience is paramount when buying or selling a home. ©2016 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker© is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Oppoprtunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker REsidential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real Estate Licenseees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304.

24 Any Given Friday 2017 |

A GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PUBLICATION

Jeff Culbertson 916.996.3900

Broker Associate CalBRE #715870 JeffCulbertson.com Jeff.Culbertson@camoves.com