Football Preview 2026

Prep Football 2026 preview

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Revamped and recharged Bulldogs hope to reclaim CCAL crown

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA Turlock Journal

It has been an offseason of change for the Turlock High School football program.

Following a 2025 campaign where injuries piled up by the week, a transfer controversy lingered and the team fell just short of a third straight Central California Athletic League crown, the Bulldogs are entering the new season with dozens of new faces.

For one, Turlock lost a whopping 19 players to graduation. On top of that, a handful of players transferred out of the program, including standout quarterback Scout Silva, who is now enrolled at Patterson High. Even the coaching staff under head coach James Peterson has experienced turnover, with more than half from a year ago not returning.

In terms of player personnel, all the departures have translated into a roster that will have 28 slated to experience their first

taste of the varsity level.

On paper, the odds are stacked against the program that has won a conference championship seven times in the last 10 seasons. But you wouldn’t think that by walking around practice, where upbeat music is blasting, dance moves are being shown off, and the camaraderie and chemistry seems to be at the highest it has been in recent memory.

As far as actual skill and performance goes, the student-athletes who are returning are battle tested, and more than eager to prove that the Bulldogs are still one of the powerhouses of Stanislaus County and the surrounding region.

As Peterson, a former defensive and offensive lineman with the Bulldogs, would know, games can be won and lost in the trenches. It’s easy to have an optimistic outlook for the offense when a handful of returning skill players are lined up behind

senior Avery Michael, a tackle who has committed to the University of Oregon.

Michael stands 6-foot-6, 290 pounds. Despite the intimidating and powerful frame, he has not always been an animated player.

That has also changed, as he is sure to make sure his teammates are focused and always in position.

“I’ve never been one of the more vocal guys,” Michael said. “I was always one of the guys who’d just put my head down and do my job like everyone else, but that’s not going to make the team better.

I need to lift up the guys around me. We're a young group, but we’re solid. As the season goes on and as we keep practicing, we're growing and getting better.”

That’s splendid news to hear for Braiden Fuentes, the reigning CCAL Offensive Player of the Year.

Fuentes is one of the most dynamic running backs in the area. Last season, he racked up

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

1,098 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns. On the ground, he gained 169 yards on 21 carries while snagging 34 receptions and using his speed to rack up 735 yards. He also had 194 kickoff return yards. Added muscle from over the offseason (and continuing to be a 4.0 student in the classroom) has Peterson believing that he can not only carry an offense but begin collecting college offers.

Senior Noel Garcia is another returning weapon, who made his share of acrobatic catches.

The speedster played on both sides of the ball and earned All-CCAL First Team honors as a defensive back alongside corner Xavier Spivey and linebacker Michael Cardoso, both also back for their senior seasons.

“It’ll mean a lot to me for us to have a deep run during my senior season because these are my brothers,” Spivey said. “I look up to a lot of them.

I look up to my DBs right 8

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next to me, my linemen, my quarterback. We’re a family.”

Peterson has options at quarterback, though senior Donnell Harmon III has taken the most first-string snaps. Harmon took the reins in the second half of last season beginning with the second half of the Harvest Bowl, as Silva nursed a banged up shoulder.

A dual-threat play caller in his own right, Harmon impressed not just those at Turlock, but opposing coaches as he led the Turlock to a 2-2 record down the stretch, which included a spot start — his first of the season — in a thrilling but heartbreaking 29-26 loss to Downey that ultimately decided the CCAL championship.

“Being thrown in the fire made a big difference,” Harmon said.” I've been bouncing around a lot of positions since I was little, so I'm kind of used to being thrown into the fire almost. In high school, that rarely happened, so I

feel like being prepared in practices and coming into this year with confidence is a big thing. I have a lot of confidence in my team, on and off the field.”

Owen King, also a senior, appeared in multiple games early in the year as an injury replacement, and is known for having a strong arm.

“I’m so excited,” Peterson said. “I often think about my first year here (2009), and I thought I was going to come in and conquer the world, and then we got our teeth kicked in, didn’t win a game. I was optimistic that year, and it was tough. But when you’re out here with these kids and see how much fun they’re having, how hard they’re working, you see the pieces of the puzzle coming together.

These guys really care for each other and about the team. I'm seeing a lot of smiles, a lot of energy at these practices, and that's what keeps me going.”

Turlock High

2025 CCAL standings

Aug. 28 vs. Rocklin Sept. 3 @ Clovis East Sept. 11 vs. Central East Sept. 18 @ Clovis West Sept. 25 @ Tracy Oct. 9 vs. Enochs Oct. 16 vs. Gregori Oct. 23 @ Pitman Oct. 30 vs. Downey Nov. 11 @ Modesto

2025 RESULTS Aug. 22:

Rocklin 35

Turlock 7

Aug. 29:

Turlock 26

Tracy 23

Sept. 5:

Central East 44

Turlock 20

Sept. 12:

Sonora 35

Turlock 24

Sept. 19:

Clovis West 54

Turlock 7

Oct. 3:

Turlock 43

Enochs 6

Oct. 10:

Turlock 43

Gregori 0

Oct. 17:

Turlock 28

Pitman 14

Oct. 24:

Downey 29

Turlock 26

Oct. 31:

Turlock 41

Modesto 0

Nov. 7:

Lincoln 54

Turlock 15

Team Overall 1. Downey: 7-4 2. Turlock: 5-6 3. Gregori: 4-7 4. Pitman: 5-6 5. Enochs: 3-8 6. Modesto: 2-8

League 5-0 4-1 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5

capsule Turlock Bulldogs Head coach: James Peterson, 18th season, 108-77 (career record) 2025 record: 5-6 overall, 4-1 CCAL Last league title: 2024 Key departures: Scout Silva, QB; Kaleb Guinn, RB; Landyn Fitzgerald, WR; Donovan Muirbrook, LB/WR; Levi Cook, DE; Braxten Durkee, G; Wynn Brazil, TE/DE; Noah Tovar, CB Key returners: Braiden Fuentes, Sr., RB; Donnell Harmon III, Sr., QB/SS; Noel Garcia, Sr., WR/CB; Avery Michael, Sr., OT; Xavier Spivey, Sr., CB/WR Worth noting: Bulldogs lost 19 players to graduation… The 28 players new to this year’s varsity roster mark the most for Turlock since 2021, the first full season after the pandemic… RB Braiden Fuentes is the reigning CCAL Offensive Player of the Year… Senior OT Avery Michael has verbally committed to Fresno State… Bulldogs have won the CCAL title seven of the last 10 seasons…

Head coach James Peterson is nine wins away from matching Joe Debeley’s all-time leading mark of 117 wins.

Coach James Peterson

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

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0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 31 42 44 50 51 52 54 55 58 64 68 70 71 76 77 81 88 97

AJ Brown FS, SS Donnell Harmon lll SS, QB Xavier Spivey CB, WR Noel Garcia CB, WR Robert Hernandez RB, FS Tarell Gipson WR, SB Owen King QB Dj Robertson WR, CB Reed Miller MLB, TE Tanner Lee Linhares DE, TE Hector Imperial MLB Michael Cardoso DE, WR Tyler Ulrich TE, RB Julian Tejeda SS, MLB Knyco Garcia MLB Louis Morrison MLB Conor Pacheco SS Hunter Clinkenbeard OLB Israel Lopez CB Joseph Paradiso CB Isaac Jeffcoats CB, SS Armani Alvarado WR Brady Neto OLB, WR Kahlil Victoriano WR Braiden Fuentes SB, RB Elias Galvan MLB Mayolo Banuelos DE, TE Naythan Diaz CB Miles Miller K, P Dominic Dominguez SS, CB Coy Guyer CB, FS Isaac Tenorio Jr. DT, DE Dallas Richardson DE, G Laveion McDaniel DT Sydney Aguilar G, DT Elias Barriga G, C Avery Michael T, DE Andrew Diaz G Javier Pereyra G Steven Dean T Michael Valdez DT Isaiah Calderon G Louie Martinez T, DT Christian Zayehmoureh C, G Juan Rodriguez TE Mohammad Noori NG Julian Nicolini DT, G

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

Pride hope to take next step and return to winning ways

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA Turlock Journal

As the seconds on the Joe Debeley Stadium scoreboard ticked away and Pitman High’s season came to an end with a 20-17 bowl loss to Kimball last November, the disappointment of just missing out on its first winning season in seven years quickly transitioned into determination. It’s on clear display as the Pride prepares for the 2026 campaign.

“We’re going to have a winning season,” said senior safety Ryder Munoz.

“I already know it.”

Fellow defensive back Daniel Serrato set the team’s goal even higher: “We’re ready to compete for the CCAL (championship),” he said.

Confident, they are. But the Pride also recognize that to claim the Cen-

tral California Athletic League title for the first time since 2018, proper preparation is required.

And come the start of the season Aug. 28 at Central Valley High in Ceres, they must take things one play and one game at a time.

“The mindset here has definitely shifted,” said second-year head coach Braden Plaa. “I think our mentality and our focus has been at the highest it's been in a long time. Usually, you don't want to put expectations on anything, but at the same time, you want to hold yourself to that high standard and do a really good job of pushing the needle forward.

We’re confident, but it’s a long season ahead of us, and we can’t let ourselves get too high or too low.

We need to focus on what we can control. We're just trying to get ready as best we can for Central Val-

ley.”

In Plaa’s first year at the helm, the Pride came out of the gates coming out on top of a pair of one-point shootouts, 28-27 over Central Valley and 42-41 over Cosumnes Oaks. If there were any questions as to whether the 2-0 start was a fluke or not, Pitman proceeded to take Trans-Valley League powerhouse and three-time reigning section champion Hughson to the brink, ultimately falling by a 2421 score.

The Pride finished the year with a 5-6 overall record and a 2-3 mark against conference opponents. The last time the program achieved five wins was the undefeated 2018 season. A threewin improvement from the season prior, Pitman can’t help but think there was greater success left on the table, with four losses

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

being by one score. Even the Harvest Bowl against crosstown rival Turlock was a one-possession game at one point in the fourth quarter, “We can be happy that we improved from some of those two-win or threewin seasons and be satisfied with going 5-6 or 6-5 every year, but we want to win more,” Plaa said. “We need to win.”

Munoz and Serrato are a handful of returners on the defensive side. Joining them win the defensive backfield is Isaac Villapudua, an All-CCAL First Team selection last season. As was Jaiden Brown at linebacker, who is also expected to split carries at running back during his senior year.

Much of Pitman’s offensive success last year came courtesy of star running back Mason Helwick. Last year’s CCAL Outstanding 10

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Offensive Back rushed for 1,301 yards and 21 touchdowns in his senior year, and Plaa acknowledged the challenge of replacing his production.

Expected to tally carries alongside Brown is fellow senior Carlos Terrazas and juniors Daniel Capote and Isiah Vasquez.

“Replacing a guy like Mason Helwick is one of the toughest tasks you can have, but we have guys that are capable and ready for the challenge,” Plaa said.

Junior Brayden Esparza has taken most of the starting reps at quarterback. He is a dual-threat talent that, despite it being his first go at the varsity level, has his teammates excited for the year ahead.

Esparza shares the same excitement and confidence in his teammates.

“This group right here, we have something go-

ing for us,” Esparza said.

“We have something really special. Working with this group, we really bring each other up. We're really positive, and we try to get better as a team every day.

“I understand that there is this (stigma) about Pitman not being very good in the last few years, and I want to be part of the change. When this team makes it to the top and people ask what changed or what was different, I want me and my teammates to be the ones people point at. We are the change that helped this program get there. To be a part of the turnaround and make this a winning team, that would be my biggest and proudest accomplishment in my football career. I think a lot of the guys here would say that.”

2025 CCAL standings Aug. 28 @ Central Valley Sept. 4 vs. Franklin Sept. 11 @ Ripon Sept. 18 vs. Golden Valley Sept. 25 vs. Atwater Oct. 9 @ Modesto Oct. 16 @ Downey Oct. 23 vs. Turlock Oct. 29 @ Enochs Nov. 6 vs. Gregori

2025 RESULTS Pitman Pride (5-6) Aug. 22:

Pitman 28

Central Valley 27

Aug. 29:

Pitman 42

Cosumnes Oaks 41

Sept. 5:

Hughson 24

Pitman 21

Sept. 12: Pitman 28

Golden Valley 19

Sept. 19: Atwater 29

Pitman 26

Oct. 3:

Pitman 29

Modesto 12

Oct. 10:

Downey 28

Pitman 0

Oct. 17:

Turlock 28

Pitman 14

Oct. 24:

Pitman 31

Enochs 24

Oct. 30:

Gregori 28

Pitman 21

Nov. 7:

Kimball 20

Pitman 17

Team Overall 1. Downey: 7-4 2. Turlock: 5-6 3. Gregori: 4-7 4. Pitman: 5-6 5. Enochs: 3-8 6. Modesto: 2-8

League 5-0 4-1 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5

capsule Pitman Pride Head coach: Braden Plaa, second season, 5-6 (career record) 2025 record: 5-6 overall, 2-3 CCAL Last league title: 2018 Key departures: Mason Helwick, RB; Xadian Padilla, LB/RB; RJ Wilharm, QB; Jonathan Alderman, OL; Jordan Riley, DE; Ben Vilhauer, DE; Caleb Grossman, WR/DB Key returners: Isaac Villapudua, SS; Jaiden Brown, RB/LB; D’Angelo Ahedo, DB; Harlem Toilolo, Sr., OT; Brayden Esparza, Jr., QB; Xavior Cantu, Sr., DT; Jackson King, Sr., C; Ryder Munoz, Sr., SS Worth noting: The Pride’s five wins in 2025 marked the most for the program since 2018…

Nov. 7 bowl game against Kimball marked first postseason appearance since 2018… Will open the season Aug. 28 at Central Valley’s new $16.2 million stadium… Second straight year with over 45 players on roster

Jaiden Brown

coach Brandon Plaa WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

11

football preview

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 44 45 55 56 67 70 71 72 73 74 75 77 79 85 88 90 99

Logan Martinez CB Brayden Esparza QB Ryder Munoz SS Isaac Villapudua FS Victor Mendoza WR Isiah Vasquez HB Terrell Estes CB Jaevion Burch WR Daniel Serrato SS Eli Torres DE Isaak Santos ILB Tarnveer Sandhu DE Omar DeLaTorre QB Santiago Flores WR Landon Arrizon CB Daniel Capote HB Matthew Griffin WR Gavin Wolford WR KeiMoine Townsend WR David Sanchez WR Chris Heredia FS Carlos Terrazas HB Jayden Ramirez ILB Jaiden Brown HB, ILB Jayden Machado WR Dante Jenkins SS DAngelo Ahedo CB Brandon Samaro FS Joe Brown CB Elijah Casillas ILB Federico Vuittonet WR Andres Plata DT Julian Coelho DT Ethan Babb G Angel Hernandez OT Reynaldo Corona DT Collin Briones OT Jackson King C Jonathan Campos G Ivan Hernandez G Rivers Buchannan OT Jayden Walsh G Harlem Toilolo Luis Cruz DT Noah Sloan WR Jayce Olesen WR Xavior Cantu DT Will Cole DE

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

Huskies look to regain dominance of the TVL

BY JOE CORTEZ Turlock Journal

If it’s been said once it’s been said a thousand times: the Trans-Valley League is the best smallschool football conference in all of California.

TVL teams have accounted for nine state championships – Escalon (3), Sonora (2), Hughson, Hilmar, Ripon, and Modesto Christian – since 2009, with seven of those titles coming in the past eight seasons.

Other small-school programs in the region have also won crowns or advanced to the title game since the CIF went to a North-South championship format in 2006 (Denair, Central Catholic, Oakdale, Le Grand, Calaveras, Summerville, Amador, and Sierra have combined for nine titles in a total of 13 trips to the big game over the past 19 years), but it’s the Trans-

Valley League that shines brightest.

And between 2022 and 2024, nobody shone as brightly as Hughson High.

The Huskies won three consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section banners and a state crown during the span. It’s the most successful run for a public school in these parts since Jerry Van Lengen’s Hilmar teams reached six straight finals and won four consecutive banners in the 1980s.

But the Huskies took a back seat last year to undefeated Sonora and will be looking to get back to the top of the standings in 2026, which is easier said than done in the rugged TVL. “Every game in our league is test,” said head coach Shaun King, who brings a 67-28 (.705) career record, as well as a 16-7 postseason mark, into his ninth season at

the helm. “One thing that I took from Coach (Frank) Marques at Hilmar is to treat every league game as a preseason game for the postseason. And that’s how we’re approaching it.

We want to get better every single week and be at our peak in November, because it’s all about getting into the playoffs and being ready come November.”

This 2026 Huskies will need plenty of time to get ready. King graduated nine offensive players – including all five linemen – and eight from the defensive side. But if anybody knows about rebuilding on the fly, it’s King. He’s had to fill voids left by four players who departed for NCAA Division I programs: QB Robert McDaniel (San Jose State), TE/DE Max Mankins (Weber State), WR/DB Malakai Sumter (Fresno State), and OL Navi Arretche (Mercyhurst). He’ll

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

need to replace another this season: WR Bryce McDaniel, who is now at Fresno State. On top of all that, Hughson’s varsity numbers are down this year. The Huskies will suit just 35 players, down from around 60 during the championship run.

But don’t let King hear you say the Huskies are rebuilding.

“We don’t use the term ‘rebuild,’” said King.

“This team is built to win now. And even though we’re small in numbers, I think we’ve got the right 35 guys here. To tell you the truth, I kind of like it. It’s much easier to organize and to coach. I told my coaches that I’m thinking about capping the roster at 40 in the future.”

Returning starters on offense include sophomore quarterback Hudson Baldwin, who took over the starting duties last year

12

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heading into league play, and senior tight end Titus Beers.

“We’re going to play Titus all over the place,” said King. “We’ll play him at tight end, we’ll play him at H-back, we’ll split him out wide, and we’ll play him in the slot. He’s special.”

On defense, Beers returns to play defensive end and strongside linebacker, Luke Faulkner is back at middle linebacker, and cornerback Noah Bradley will move to safety this season.

Two players who started for Turlock High last year have transferred in and will be eligible to play after the mandatory sitout period. David Soria will play slot receiver and cornerback for the Huskies, while junior Sebastian Jimenez will take a place on the offensive line, along with junior Michael Statzer (transfer from Waterford), and sophomores

Fabian Reyna and Zach Wiggs. Bryce Martinez, who was penciled in to start on the last as a junior in 2025 before breaking his ankle in training camp, will be the only senior on the unit.

Junior running back Caden Bowerman and sophomores Isaac Atkinson and Blake Hobbs will split the carries.

“We’ve had a lot of experienced guys in the past and a lot of three-year varsity guys,” said King.

“We’re starting fresh this year. There are a lot of new faces, and I think it’s brought about more energy … even amongst the coaching staff. You wouldn’t be able to point out who’s a sophomore or a junior or a senior.

They’ve really bonded all through spring and summer. We’re excited for this year and for the future.

Like I said, I think we’ve got the right 35 dudes.”

2025 RESULTS Aug. 28 vs. Ceres

0

Luke Faulkner

—

Sr.

Sept. 4 vs. Atwater

1

Matthew Ruiz

—

Jr.

Sept. 11 vs. Patterson

2

Logan Ramirez

—

Sr.

Sept. 18 @ Linden

3

Noah Bradley

—

Sr.

4

Alexis Rosales

—

Sr.

5

Blake Hobbs

—

So.

Oct. 23 @ Orestimba

6

Isaac Atkinson

—

So.

Oct. 30 vs. Ripon Christian

7

Titus Beers

—

Sr.

Nov. 6 @ Hilmar

9

Hudson Baldwin

—

So.

10

David Soria

—

Jr.

11

Riley Clark

—

Sr.

12

Jaden Navarro

—

Jr.

14

Izaiah Alkhas

—

Jr.

15

Aiden Goularte

—

Jr.

17

Berto Gutierrez

—

Sr.

18

Chase Muirhead

—

Jr.

21

Lucas Tribble

—

So.

22

Xavier Lovelace

—

Sr.

23

Gabe Lemmons

—

Sr.

26

Logan Barnes

—

Sr.

33

Caden Bowerman

—

Jr.

34

Bryton Reyes

—

Sr.

39

Cooper Nobles

—

Jr.

42

Joseph Ameral

—

Jr.

44

Ben Declerq

—

Jr.

51

Zac Wiggs

—

So.

52

Michael Statzer

—

Jr.

53

Fabian Reyna

—

Jr.

54

Darren Jenks

—

Sr.

55

Bryce Martinez

—

Sr.

56

Emanuel Artea

—

Jr.

64

Noah Ocegueda

—

Sr.

66

Tanner Costa

—

Sr.

71

Logan Mendoza

—

So.

74

Elliot Burbank

—

Jr.

75

Sebastian Jimenez

—

Jr.

78

Kyler Wool

—

Jr.

Aug. 22: Hughson 33

Ceres 7

Aug. 29: Hughson 27

Atwater 21

Sept. 5:

Hughson 24

Pitman 21

Sept. 12: Hughson 28

Linden 21

Oct. 2 vs. Ripon

Sept. 19: Hughson 31

Ripon 28

Oct. 9 @ Escalon

Sept. 26: Ripon Christian 21

Hughson 14

Oct. 3:

Hughson 29

Escalon 6

Oct. 10:

Sonora 43

Hughson 12

Oct. 17:

Hughson 38

Orestimba 13

Oct. 24:

Hughson 35

Hilmar 29

Nov. 14: Hughson 49

Pioneer 6

Nov. 21:

Hughson 15

Roseville 23

Oct. 16 vs. Sonora

capsule Hughson Huskies

2025 TVL standings Team Overall 1. Sonora: 15-0 2. Ripon Christian: 10-3 3. Hughson: 9-3 4. Escalon: 5-6 5. Hilmar: 7-5 6. Ripon: 5-6 7. Orestimba: 2-9

titus beers

League 6-0 4-2 4-2 3-3 3-3 1-5 0-6

Stadium: Husky Memorial Stadium Head coach: Shaun King, ninth season, 67-27 (career record) 2025 record: 9-3 overall, 4-2 TVL Last league title: 2024 Key departures: Bryce McDaniel, WR/TE/ DB; Eli Wilbanks, RB/MLB; Lawson Aviles, WR/DB; Valente Soria, LB/TE; Nic Wiggs, DT; Brady Caldwell, DL; Bryce Williams, DB; Karsen Moore, DB Key returners: Hudson Baldwin, So., QB; Titus Beers, Sr., WR/TE/LB; Logan Ramirez, Sr., CB/WR; Luke Faulkner, Sr., LB; Bryton Reyes, Sr., DB Worth noting: The Huskies have advanced to at least the quarterfinal of the section playoffs for the past four years, raising three straight blue banners between 2022 and 2024… 32 graduates this past summer marks the most during Shaun King’s tenure as head coach… QB Hudson Baldwin carries collegiate offers from Boise State, Cal and Boise State

suBject to change WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

13

football preview

Hilmar is united this season

BY MIKE BUSH

Turlock Journal

Mark Santos has a new role in the Hilmar High School football program.

Head coach.

Three-year starter Justin Ortiz also will have a new role in December: Hilmar graduate.

But first, Santos, Ortiz and the rest of this year’s Yellowjackets are focused on the 2026 football season.

Santos, a 2005 Hilmar graduate, enters his first season running the program after Frank Marques retired as head coach and teacher at the campus this past school year. Marques was the head coach from 2003 until last fall, racking up 199 total wins and many Trans-Valley League, CIF Sac-Joaquin Section and California Interscholastic Federation regional and state titles.

The transition from serving various roles in the Yellowjackets’ program, most recently as the junior varsity head coach, to running the program year-round, is

something Santos has been preparing since the mid2000s when started coaching under Marques.

“With getting equipment, helmets and uniforms ordered early,” Santos said.

“Setting up fundraisers, a youth camp and 7 (on) 7 competitions are all now part of the job. The good thing is that I have a great staff of experienced coaches around me to help.”

Santos is also happy to have a lot of returning players back for this year’s team that was a part of the 2025 finishing 7-5 overall, including a 3-3 mark in the TVL. The Yellowjackets reached the section’s Division V semifinals.

“The biggest thing with this group is that we have had 50+ kids (JV and Varsity) consistently in the weight room MondayThursday at 6:30 a.m. since early January,” Santos said.

Hilmar returns many offensive weapons from the 2025 team.

Quarterback Cohen Felber, a senior who Santos describes as a dual threat,

returns to run the Yellowjackets’ offense. Felber threw for 718 yards during the 2025 season. He also rushed for 821 yards and a combined 10 touchdowns.

Running backs Adam Branco, a junior, and Hunter Gruenke, another senior, join Felber in the backfield.

“Darkhorse for breakout season,” said Santos of Greunke. “Great change of pace back to pair with Branco.”

On the offensive line, Ortiz is back as tackle. The 6-foot-7, 305-pound Ortiz is one of two three-year starters back on the line.

“Practices have been good, everyone’s been working hard, and plays are coming together,” Ortiz said. “(The team has) been jelling pretty well under Coach Santos. A lot of guys put in extra time in the off season.”

Ortiz is Fresno State bound. He will go from being a Yellowjacket into a Bulldog quickly, as he will graduate from high school in December. That’s right, graduating from high

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

school in 3 ½ years.

“I’ve been working out two times a day, 5 days a week,” Ortiz said. “I’ve been working out with my team and then also working out with a personal trainer from Turlock (Anthony Harding, a Pitman High graduate and running back who also played at Fresno State).”

Santos added of Ortiz, who started playing tackle football in high school and played other sports growing up, “Justin is a man child.

He has dedicated himself to the weight room this year and has become much more flexible and athletic.

He is starting to play faster and more aggressively as he continues to learn and comprehend the reason on why we run plays and what we are trying to achieve on offense and defensive line.

We cannot wait to see his growth on the field this year.”

Other returning ’Jackets on the line is Nick Salas, who stands at 6' 1 and 221. He is also a three-year starter.

14

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Richard Brace, a senior, and Maddox Branco, a junior, fill out the Yellowjackets’ offensive line, along with tight end Vincent Machado and wide receiver Nathan Ayala, both seniors.

Hilmar has a Swiss-knife player in wide receiver/defensive back/kicker Blake Vitorino.

“Really worked hard on perfecting his craft,” said Santos of Vitorino. “In my opinion, (the) best kicker in the area.”

On defense, Hilmar has additional muscles from the line to the secondary.

Defensive end Dominick Clayton, along with linemen Drake DeCosta and Omar Hernandez, are back. Clayton and DeCosta are seniors and Hernandez a junior.

Three more seniors, two at the linebacker spots and the other at defensive back, will join the trio. They are Lucas Belo and John Pereira, both linebackers, and defensive back Blake Alves.

After opening the season

at Argonaut of Jackson, Hilmar will host Los Banos, followed by two more non-league games against Atwater and Palma of Salinas.

Then the fun in the TVL begins for the Yellowjackets, along with Hughson, Escalon, Orestimba, Ripon, Ripon Christian and league champion Sonora beginning in September.

“In my opinion, the TVL is the strongest small school league in California,” Santos said. “We continue to create great football teams and compete at high levels.

Football at small schools is just different, what it means to the community and the connections and traditions we all have.

“I really do believe that any TVL team can win the league this year. It will be a battle and I would be shocked if anyone ended up going undefeated in the league.”

Santos has one word describing this year’s Hilmar football team.

“United,” he said.

2025 RESULTS H i l m a r Y e l l o w j a c k e t s ( 7- 5 )

Aug. 28 @ Argonaut

Aug. 22: Hilmar 32

Grace Davis 0

Sept. 4 vs. Los Banos

Aug. 29: Hilmar 31

Los Banos 21

Sept. 11 vs. Palma

Sept. 5:

Hilmar 20

Sept. 18 @ Atwater

Sept. 12: Hilmar 52

Atwater 28

Sept. 25 @ Ripon

Sept. 19: Hilmar 35

Ripon Ch. 21

Oct. 2 vs. Escalon

Sept. 26: Escalon 27

Hilmar 9

Oct. 9 @ Sonora

Oct. 3:

Sonora 22

Hilmar 21

Oct. 16 vs. Orestimba

Oct. 10:

Hilmar 41

Orestimba 0

Oct. 24:

Hughson 35

Hilmar 29

Oct. 31:

Hilmar 33

Ripon 21

Palma 48

Nov. 14: Hilmar 41

Rio Linda 13

Nov. 21:

Hilmar 14

Sutter 48

capsule

Oct. 23 @ Ripon Christian Nov. 6 vs. Hughson

2025 TVL standings Team

Overall

League

1.

Sonora:

6-0

15-0 overall

2.

Ripon Ch.:

4-2

10-3 overall

Stadium:

3.

Hughson:

4-2

9-3 overall

McSweeney Field

4.

Escalon:

3-3

5-6 overall

Head coach:

5.

Hilmar:

3-3

7-5 overall

Mark Santos, first season

6.

Ripon:

1-5

5-6 overall

2025 record:

7.

Orestimba:

0-6

2-9 overall

7-5 overall, 3-3 TVL Last league title: 2022 Key departures: John Lopez, DB/WR; Jorden Jacobo, QB; Jayden Jacobo, G/DE; Jacob Sward, WR/CB/K; Nick Baballe, G/T; Leo Nunes, CB/WR Key returners: Justin Ortiz, Sr., OT; Nathan

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 44 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 64 65 66 71 72 77

John Pereira Logan Von Aspern Blake Alves Hunter Greunke Nathan Ayala Bryce Johnson Evan Deus Blake Vitorino Drake DeCosta Jaxson Bettencourt Nehemiah Gil Trevor Aguiar Caden Robbins Orlando Vazquez Jax Parmley Andrew Sousa Riley Butler Cameron Sousa Braidyn Correia David Espinoza Cohen Felber Gage Gonzalez Vincent Machado Adam Branco Azriel Navarro Sethe Paris Lucas Belo Richard Brace Jacob Lima Omar Hernandez Isaiah Gil Dominick Clayton Hector Nuno Maddox Branco Alexander Lawton Nicholas Salas Angel Roy-Garrett Alden Kuchta Andrew Avila Joey Soares Justin Ortiz

RB, LB WR, DB WR, DB RB, LB ATH, DB QB, DB WR, DB WR, DB, K TE, DE WR, DB RB, LB WR, DB WR, DB WR, DB RB, LB QB, DB WR, DB WR, LB WR, DB TE, LB QB, LB WR, DB TE, LB RB, LB WR, DB TE, DE RB, LB OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL FB, LB OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL OL, DL

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Ayala, Sr., WR/DB; Cohen Felber, Sr.; QB/LB;

justin ortiz

John Pereira, Sr., RB/LB; Lucas Belo, Sr., RB/ LB Worth noting: Frank Marques retired after 24 seasons as head coach… New skipper Mark Santos is a 2005 graduate of Hilmar High… Santos has been on the Hilmar coaching staff for 20 years… OT Justin Ortiz is committed to play at Fresno State… Yellowjackets have had a winning record in 10 of the last 11 seasons

coach Mark Santos WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

15

football preview

Coyotes field team of skilled players Anthony Armas is pretty much the Eddie Arcaro of local football coaches.

For those of you not born during the century, Arcaro was a Hall of Fame thoroughbred jockey who always got the most out of his horses – as evidenced by the fact he’s the only jockey ever to helm two 3-year-olds – Whirlaway and Citation – to the Triple Crown.

In other words, when Arcaro had the goods, he delivered. Same with Armas. Give him a “horse” he can ride, and he’ll give you a solid trip around the track.

And, this year, Armas may very well be saddling a monster.

First, a recap 2025: The Coyotes finished 9-3, with all of the losses coming on the road to eventual playoff teams: Summerville (47-17), Mariposa (24-23 in OT) – Denair did to avenge the Mariposa loss with 33-28 triumph in the opening round of the SacJoaquin Section Division 7 playoffs – and eventual state champion Calaveras (41-0).

This year, the Coyotes return a plethora of skill

players and should be the most explosive team in the Southern League.

Quarterback Derek Potter, running backs Connor Hart and Bryson Salazar, and receiver Harlan Brown all are returning for their senior campaign.

Potter didn’t throw much last year – why would you when you had the three-pronged running attack of Hart, Salazar, and the graduated Degan Butler? – but was accurate when he did twirl it. He averaged just six attempts per game during the regular season but completed nearly 60 percent of those throws.

Butler rushed for 1,078 and 13 touchdowns in the regular season, and his production will be missed.

But Salazar was the bell cow of the backfield with 1,327 yards on 92 carries (14.4 yards per tote) and 22 touchdowns heading into the playoffs. Hart amassed 592 yards on 58 carries, good for 10.2 yards per attempt.

Meanwhile, Brown averaged better than 35 yards per catch and scored seven TDs. Junior RB John Wilmouth, who carried the ball five times for 100 yards last year, will be asked to

help mitigate the loss of Butler.

“It’s possible we could be even better than last year,” said Armas. “We’re returning almost all of our skill position players from last year, and those players have continued to excel in the offseason. I think how far we go is going to depend on how well our upcoming linemen fill the shoes left behind by last year's group of linemen.”

Junior two-way lineman Victor Sarmiento is expected to play a key role on an untested offensive line, in addition to being a contributor on the defensive side of the ball.

“We have a great group of young men,” said Armas. “We’re really deep on both sides of the ball.”

This year, the Coyotes open the preseason slate on a Saturday – Aug. 29 – for a 1 p.m. contest at Mission High of San Francisco, followed by home Friday night contests against Madera South and Amador (Sutter Creek).

The Coyotes will open Southern League play on Sept. 25 in Atwater against Stone Ridge Christian, which along with Mariposa, shared the conference title with the Coyotes last season.

B rya n Sal azar

Derek Potter

H ar l an b r o w n

BY JOE CORTEZ Turlock Journal

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

Aug. 29 @ Mission San Francisco Sept. 4 vs. Madera South Sept. 11 vs. Amador Sept. 25 @ Stone Ridge Christian Oct. 2 vs. Gustine Oct. 9 @ Le Grand Oct. 16 vs. Mariposa Oct. 23 @ Modesto Christian Oct. 30 vs. Delhi Nov. 6 @ Waterford

-- Jude Moody

RB, LB

Jr.

-- Ryan Rohn

OL, DL

Jr.

-- Chase Steeley

WR, DB

Sr.

-- Tyler Avrett

OL, DL

Jr.

2 John Wilmoth

RB, OLB

Jr.

3 Harlan Brown

WR, DB

Sr.

2025 RESULTS

5 Seth Hall

QB, OLB

Jr.

7 Isaac Colon

WR, DB

Sr.

8 Derek Potter

QB, DB

Sr.

Modesto Ch. 0 Denair 17 McClatchy 21 Pajaro Valley 0 Stone Ridge Ch. 21 Gustine 14 Le Grand 21 Denair 23 Delhi 0 Waterford 34 Mariposa 28 Denair 0

11 Tegan Alsobrook WR, LB

Sr.

12 Troy Williams

FB, LB

Sr.

13 Isaac Maldonado RB, DB

Jr.

14 Kyler Prescott

WR, DB

Jr.

16 Philip Brigham FB, OLB

Jr.

21 Devin Silva

WR, DB

Sr.

23 Connor Hart

RB, LB

Sr.

25 Noah Chavez

RB, OLB

Sr.

2025 sAL standings

26 Bryson Salazar RB, DB

Sr.

33 Luis Anguiano-Vargas WR, DB

Jr.

51 Kyle Sorensen OL, LB

Jr.

52 Ulices Flores

OL, DL

Jr.

54 Jose Mora

OL, DL

Sr.

58 Ezequiel Silva

OL, OLB

Jr.

72 Victor Sarmiento OL, DL

Jr.

78 Nolan Peardon OL, DL

So.

denair coyotes (9-3)

Aug. 22: Denair 66 Aug. 29: Summerville 47, Sept. 5: Denair 42, Sept. 13: Denair 41, Sept. 19: Denair 36, Sept. 26: Denair 42, Oct. 3: Denair 49, Oct. 10: Mariposa 24, Oct. 24: Denair 41, Oct. 31: Denair 59, Nov. 14: Denair 33, Nov. 21: Calaveras 41,

Team Overall 1. Denair: 5-1 SAL 1. Stone Ridge Ch.: 5-1 SAL 1. Mariposa: 5-1 SAL 4. Le Grand: 3-3 SAL 5. Waterford: 2-4 SAL 6. Delhi: 1-5 SAL 7. Gustine: 0-6 SAL

League 9-3 overall 9-2 overall 9-2 overall 6-5 overall 6-5 overall 2-9 overall 2-9 overall

capsule Stadium: Jack W. Lytton Stadium Head coach: Anthony Armas, 12th season, 54- 58 (career record) 2025 record: 9-3 overall, 5-1 SAL Last league title: 2025 Key departures: Degan Butler, RB; Sebastian Esquivel, DB/WR; Ernesto Silva, DL/TE; Even Coronel, OL/DL; Darrien Schell, OL/DL 16

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Key returners: Bryson Salazar, Sr., RB/DB; Connor Hart, Sr., RB/LB; Derek Potter, Sr., QB; Harlan Brown, Sr., WR/DB; Devin Silva, Sr., WR/DB; Noah Chavez, Sr. RB/LB Worth noting: Last season’s three-way tie atop Southern League standings marked the first conference title for the Coyotes since 2018, when the team won a state championship… The 2025 campaign marked the program’s first winning season since 2019… Denair is coming off consecutive playoff appearances following five-year drought

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