Football Preview 2015

U N C A N N Y AUGUST 26, 2015

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2015 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

A Special publication of the

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

C O N T E N T S Prep football intro.............................................. 3 Turlock High Bulldogs......................................... 4 Pitman High Pride............................................... 6 Turlock Christian High Eagles............................ 8 Hilmar High Yellowjackets............................... 10 Denair High Coyotes......................................... 12 Delhi High Hawks.............................................. 14 Publisher Editor Cover & Ad Design Writing & Photography Advertisement

Hank Vander Veen Kristina Hacker Harold L. George, Jaime Ramirez

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Prep Football Preview 2015

Players, Assemble!

The lines of the 2015 prep football season are drawn; competition is upon us Football, more than any other sport, requires a unique combination of individual effort and teamwork.

To be successful and win, football teams must be a cohesive unit, like cogs in a fine-tuned machine. But unlike the traditional cog-in-a-machine analogy, football players — the moving parts — cannot be expendable or replaceable. For a team to truly be great, each player must possess his own identity and set of skills. From the lineman to the skill positions, the components of a winning team must be impressive on their own, so that when the parts are combined to make the whole the final product’s presence is undeniable.

In this vein a football team is much like the super hero team-ups so many of us grew up reading and watching.

The X-Men, Avengers, Justice League and Teen Titans —collections of heroes who normally operate on their own, brought together to achieve something greater. This is the essence of any athletic team, but in the world of football the concept seems to ring truer.

It was only natural then that when it came time to preview the 2015 prep football season we looked to comics for inspiration. Who are the leaders of each team? What skills and abilities do they wield? Do they become something else, something more, when they don their uniform?

These were questions we asked ourselves and were able to quickly answer as we referenced performances from last season and observations from offseason practices. Turlock, Pitman, Hilmar, Turlock Christian, Delhi and Denair — each had its own leader that personified their team and its strengths.

We assembled these players to create the ultimate prep football squad: The Uncanny Captains.

We have the young but experienced

Bulldog Danny Velasquez, returning as a junior running back FRANKIE for Turlock, known TOVAR for his field of vision TURLOCK JOURNAL and cuts. There’s the towering tight end Micah Millentree, Pitman’s senior weapon gifted with the ability to track and snag any football that breaches his perimeter. By way of Delhi there’s the specimen that is Jesse Flores, a mountain of a man who’s assumed the linebacker position to anchor the Hawks’ defense. Hilmar’s Daniel Teixeira stands as the squad’s sole quarterback, equipped with a canon for an arm as he enters his first starting season as a senior. With an unwavering will and a running style akin to a battering ram, TC’s Dominic Zendejas represents the Eagles as a senior seeking respect from his opponents. Rounding out the team is the third running back of the bunch, Denair’s Juan Barrera who brings elusiveness to the field that is typically reserved for shadows in the night as he too embarks on his senior season.

The stage is now set for these players to make an impact, for themselves and their respective teams. They’ll battle worthy adversaries, and in some cases each other, along the path that leads to football glory. We’ll chronicle their journeys from start to finish with articles, photos and video. Their followers will revel in the tales of their adventures on the gridiron, sharing triumph and pain alike as the season winds through wins and losses. Names and deeds will be remembered and celebrated, heroes in their own right bleeding from the ink of newsprint instead of comic books.

Prep football season is here, the players are assembled and the action will soon commence. When it does, all bets are off. The only guarantee is that the Valley’s thirst for football will be quenched by the sweat of determination, effort’s blood and the tears of the fallen.

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AFTERNOONS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL, FROM THE FIELD TO YOUR SCREEN

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Turlock High Bulldogs There’s no question that Turlock High had a talent-heavy roster last season, from offense to defense and across all positions. But by season’s end the Bulldogs were forced to settle for second place in the Central California Conference, a first-round playoff elimination and an overall record of 6-5. Their five losses came by a combined 13 points, their sole league loss came at the hands of eventual champions Merced High by three points and their biggest margin of defeat was by five points.

It was a lesson in the ebb and flow of a football season, a reminder that talent only flourishes when teamwork is involved. Now, with the start of the 2015 season just days away, the Bulldogs are ready to hit the field with a balanced group of returners and newcomers who have seemingly learned from the mistakes of the past and who are ready to seize victory rather than hope for it.

“The great thing about this squad is that they were involved with the team from last year and they got to see both sides of the ball. So they got to see the good and the bad of that team,” head coach James Peterson said. “Last year it was like a team full of thoroughbreds. It’s almost more difficult to harness that energy and get it going all in one direction.”

With returning starters Danny Velasquez, Jereicho Taamu, Mustafa Noel-Johnson and Allen Padilla leading the way, Turlock is confident that a unified sense of direction will not be an issue this season.

“We’ve got those guys returning and they’re great. They’ve been battle tested, so to speak,” Peterson said.

Velasquez will reassume his role as running back as well as safety while Taamu and Noel-Johnson shore up a linebacker corps at inside and middle, respectively, that alongside middle backer Chris Silva is expected to be Turlock’s greatest strength.

“The guy is a junior, but I’m looking at him — this is his second year of varsity— he should be playing like a senior. He should have the respect of his teammates like that, and he does,” Peterson said of Velasquez.

“The guy is the sharpest dude out there,” he added about Taamu.

Padilla is expected to make the

greatest impact on offense from the tight end position where he is sure to become a favored target for first-year starting quarterback Peyton Dunseth.

“He’s come out this year like, ‘Dude, I’m the guy,’” Peterson said of his quarterback’s confidence.

Other notable players include the junior center Nicolas Berry, senior running back Nathan Arianeh, senior transfer from Pitman AJ Chaney and sophomore running back Dustin Grein.

“I think he’s one of the fastest guys on our team,” Peterson said of Grein.

Turlock looks to start the season with a bang in their home opener against Enochs High on Friday, but the biggest test will be maintaining and harvesting that energy throughout the entire schedule.

“We got a T-shirt this year that says, “We Stick Together.’ We’ve had that since spring ball and I think the guys really got their minds wrapped around that, that we’re in this together,” Peterson said. “These guys aren’t pointing fingers at each other. I think they will stick together, and that’s really what I’m hoping happens this year.”

TURLOCK SCHEDULE Aug. 28 v. Enochs, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4 @ Oakdale, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 @ Clovis West, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 v. Modesto, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 @ Tracy, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 v. Golden Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 @ Buhach Colony, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 @ Atwater, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 @ Merced, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 v. Pitman, 7:30 p.m.

TURLOCK STATS 2014 record: 6-5; 4-1 CCC Head coach: James Peterson Points per game allowed: 24.6 Points per game scored: 33.7

ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 27 28 29 31 32 34 35 36 38 41 42 44 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 70 76 77 88

Landon Curtis Jereicho Taamu Aj Chaney Danny Velasquez Dominic Silva Nathan Arianeh Brett Pollinger Alex Oliveira Peyton Dunseth Austin Taylor Alex Ceja Chris Silva Allen Padilla Dylan Cummings Randy Barajas Donte Nickelberry Sean Arianeh David Perez Michael Linares Mark Flores Kevin Hernandez Julian Gutierez Adrian Perez Devin Jordao Dustin Grein Brandon Booz Mustafa Noel-Johnson Andy Orozco Garrett Thompson David Rios Hunter Harris Brandon Macias Elijah Valentine Juan (Mango) Lopez Justin Teran Moises Garcia Breck Jeffus Alex McKeon Ronald Sharlou Leo Roa Adelo Fields Tom Dominguez Chris Cortez Nick Wasso Nicolas Berry Alejandro Rocha

Prep Football Preview 2015

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5 Questions For Danny Velasquez Q: How would you describe this year’s team?

A: I would describe this year’s team as really fast and rugged. A bunch of mean kids on our team.

Q: What was your most memorable moment from last season?

A: My most memorable moment was definitely losing against Merced. That was probably the one—from the one yard line — that was the one that hit me.

Q: What are your individual or team goals?

A: My individual goals are definitely to go over 2,000 yards rushing and get at least ten picks. Just to have a great season. And my team goals are definitely win CCC, go to playoffs and then sections. Go as far as you can go.

Q: Who is your favorite superhero?

A: My favorite superhero has got to be Captain America. I mean, that guy’s a bad ass. He gets all the girls; he’s a bad guy.

Q: If you were a superhero, what would your special skills and abilities be?

A: Super strength because I’m not very strong. So yea, super strength.

Danny Velasquez

Pitman High Pride 6

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Last season was a compelling year to say the least for the Pitman High Pride varsity football team, which ended the year with a 7-3 overall record, including 3-2 in the Central California Conference. It was a junior-stacked team with very few starting seniors that managed to crawl their way into the postseason.

Their playoff run ended early, however, when the Pride suffered a 25-point loss to Napa in the first round. It wasn’t a complete surprise as Pitman was missing eight starters from the regular season and had to move up five sophomores to round out the roster. The postseason defeat has a bright side though, as head coach Tom Tyler will return 16 starters from last season to boast a team that has improved and has a year of playoff experience under their belt.

As the Pride move into the 2015 season, the defense has spent some time finding their identity and assistant coach Chris Wolfley is very confident that his linebacker crew will cause some problems for the opposition.

“We are going to come out and hit people hard,” said Wolfley.

The quarterback position is still up for grabs, as the battle continues between Jacob Perez and Tony Aguilar taking the key starting position. Don’t be surprised, however, if Coach Tyler decides to go with the duo threat.

“As far as we’re concerned that is a battle still going on for us,” Tyler said of his quarterback situation.

With so many returners the Pride will be a very tough team to overtake this season. Tight end Micah Millentree is expected to light up the scoreboard and the Pride offensive line boasts one of the best linemen in the area in Arturo Hernandez.

“Micah is one of our leaders on the team and our line should be very strong this season,” Tyler said.

“This summer I think we have gotten so much better,” added Tyler. “I am approaching this as a way of taking a step forward because we don’t want to just stagnate; we want to continue to get better every day.

We are going to hustle and we are going to fly at the football. We will be more physical than we were last year.”

ROSTER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33

Kamio Borja Tyress Pope Micah Millentree Josh Fletcher Marcus McBay Ryan Yniquez Blake McBay AJ Bird Christiano Silva Krish Sharma Jacob Perez Tony Aguilar Jaydon Schieser Devan Bass Adrian De La Riva Brady Lightner Quinton Coelho Titus Schammel Sinue Cortes Gaurav Johal Brendan Patterson Tondrick Pope Mehki Anker Joseph Florez Matt Parker Danipal Younan Rylan Boutelle

34 35 36 37 44 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 64 66 68 70 71 72 73 75 76 77

David Fox Brandon Pacheco Belson Aghasi Benny Salas Anthony Carbajal Austin Russell Lorenzo Carrera Diego Basulto Chris Martinez Jonathan Pina Damanjeet Singh Trenton Brock Richard Yates Adrian Marquez Drew Fusi Christopher Hanham Anthony Trapolino Tristan Nguyen Julian Barrera JT Mercer Arturo Hernandez Evan Scott Eric Perez Cristian Cooley Van Concepcion Jason Wise Orlando Hernandez

PITMAN SCHEDULE Aug. 28 @ Downey, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 4 v. Lincoln, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 v. Napa, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 @ Deer Valley, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 2@ North Salinas, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 v. Buhach Colony, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 16 v. Merced, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 23 v. Golden Valley, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 30 v. Atwater, 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 6 @ Turlock, 7:15 p.m.

PITMAN STATS 2014 record: 7-3; 3-2 CCC Head coach: Tom Tyler Points per game allowed: 22.3 Points per game scored: 23.8

Prep Football Preview 2015

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5 Questions For Micah Millentree Q: How would you describe this year’s team?

A: I would describe this year’s team as more experienced than last year, definitely. We have very good team chemistry. I’d say we have almost a family-like mentality.

Q: What are your individual or team goals?

A: Just to make a contribution to the team, give it my all every single play. Our team goal would to definitely beat Turlock and win CCC. Q: What does it take to be a successful football player?

A: You got to have tenacity. You got to be determined, you have to go the extra mile, and you have to do what other people aren’t. That sounds cliché, but you really do.

Q: Who is your favorite superhero?

A: My favorite superhero is Spider-Man, just because he’s really agile and moves really cool ways and does stuff that I can’t.

Q: What team are you most looking forward to playing?

A: I’m most looking forward to playing Turlock because last year we didn’t do so well against them.

I think this year is a totally different year.

Micah Millentree

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Turlock Christian Eagles

Turlock Christian High School’s football team has taken huge strides in the off season to improve their strength and continue to work towards their goals.

“The teams are tough, it’s a good conference, the coaches are very solid,” Jake Von Sherrer, TC head coach and athletic director, said. “But our goal is just like last year, and that is to get better.”

Entering their second year competing in the Central California Athletic Alliance, the Eagles will look to improve on their 1-9 overall record from 2014. Dominic Zendejas and Manny Preciado, both seniors, will lead their team. Zendejas was the leading rusher last year with 794 yards for the season and Manny Preciado was the Eagles’ leading tackler, as well as their second leading rusher and one of their biggest offensive threats.

“We will go as well as they go,” Von Sherrer said. “Our line is still very young; we don’t have a single senior on our offensive line, but we’ve got a few returning starters and that’s exciting.”

The Eagles started six freshmen last year and graduated three seniors.

They’re experienced, but still young.

TC stepped up their conditioning considerably in the offseason, incorporating a training technique that they did not use last year.

“This summer we spent a considerable amount of time flipping tires,” Von Sherrer said. “Many of these guys have gone over 2,000 flips the last couple months, and we had set a goal of 1,000. Everybody has either hit that goal or is on the verge of breaking it.”

Between lifting, running and tire flips, Turlock Christian football is stronger than ever.

“They have confidence,” Von Sherrer said. “They know they’re stronger, they know they’re in better shape, and it’s all part of our process of getting better.”

With strength, comes numbers.

Turlock Christian spent most of their season last year with about 16 players and currently they have roughly 27 players out on the practice field.

“The spirits are high, right now we’re undefeated,” Von Sherrer said. “The kids are healthy, they’re working tremendously hard and we’re very excited about the upcoming season.”

TC SCHEDULE Aug. 28 @ Livermore Valley Charter Prep, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4 v. Delta, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 @ Woodland Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 v. Sierra Ridge, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 @ Brookside Christian, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 v. Big Valley Christian Oct. 16 v. Harker, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 @ Millennium, 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 v. Stone Ridge Christian, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 @ Valley Christian, 7 p.m.

TC STATS 2014 record: 1-9; 0-6 CCAA Head coach: Jake Von Sherrer Points per game allowed: Points per game scored: 10.6

ROSTER 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 12 16 20 21 22 23 26 32 51 54 55 56 57 59 71 72 75 78 80 85 88

Jakob Skinner Zach Silva Ryan Beard Coleman Kirkendall Hunter Wyatt Evan Muller Kojo Bekoe-Sakyi Logun Crowell Brynn David Saint Sung Manny Preciado Des Barron Nathan Son Dominic Zendejas Glen Wang Michael Turpin Judah Gregg Dan Riley Aaron Olivas Drake Maliepaard Bret Jones Ben Balswick Kyle Rodrigues Kevin Fang Harmon Hundal Mason Mark Raven Park Jerod Muller

Prep Football Preview 2015

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5 Questions For Dominic Zendejas Q: How would you describe this year’s team?

A: We’re young. There’s maybe only a couple of seniors on the team, but those seniors, we’re going to lead the team and we’re going to do what we can with what we’ve got.

Q: What was your most memorable moment from last season?

A: My most memorable moment from last year was when we won our last football game and we all got together after the game and sung our victory song to the crowd and they were all cheering for us.

Q: What does it take to be a successful football player?

A: Hard work, determination, motivation. But mostly leadership and humility. If you don’t have those and a great attitude you won’t get anywhere or be successful.

Q: Who is your favorite superhero?

A: I’ve always loved Spider-Man. He’s just crazy. He does all those agile things, flips, and I just like him.

Q: What team are you most looking forward to playing?

A: I’m most looking forward to playing Stoneridge because they’re our league rivals and I can’t wait to play them and show them what we’ve got this year.

Dominic Zendejas

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Hilmar High Yellowjackets

Hilmar would like to forget 2014. The Yellowjackets are coming off Frank Marques’ worst regular season record since becoming the head coach with a 3-7 overall posting. To make matters worse, the ‘Jackets won only a single game in the Trans Valley League, finishing the year at 1-4 while allowing the second most points in league (184).

Competing in a congested Trans Valley League and hoping for success won’t be a simple task. The ‘Jackets have been working towards improving on last year and the defense looks to be one of the strong points for the upcoming season.

The team said goodbye to defensive coordinator George Stavrianodakis and welcomed former player Mark Santos to take over the defense. Nine out of 11 juniors are hoping to start for the ‘Jackets on defense, many coming from a JV defense that went 10-0 last season, beating every team convincingly.

“Our defense will be mostly dominated by underclassmen, but they are just so talented,” Marques said. “These juniors and seniors really mix well together and we have seen in the past that helps us be successful.”

The ‘Jackets have a long list of talented players to draw from this year, but expect to see quarterback Daniel Teixeira do some work from the pocket. Alex Chavez looks to be one of the top targets for Teixeira along with Noah Baptista and Brandon Almeida. The team also returns three offensive linemen from last year’s team, including standout Jarrod Willis who goes both ways on defense and offense, something not common for this year’s team said Marques.

“We are loaded with depth this year... and that is a good problem to have,” said Marques. “I think Daniel [Teixeira] could be a big weapon for us along with all the skill position players we have.”

With a new group, the Yellowjackets have their eyes set on making the postseason and maybe more.

“I think our outlook is always the same, and that is to win every football game and win Sections then get to the State title game,” Marques said. “I think if that’s not your expectations in a season then you are in the wrong sport. Should be a heckuva year.”

HILMAR SCHEDULE Aug. 28 v. Livingston, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 4 @ San Benito, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 @ Sonora, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 @ Brookside Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 v. Pacific Grove, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 v. Ripon, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 v. Escalon, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 @ Hughson, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 @ Modesto Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 v. Mountain House, 7:30 p.m.

HILMAR STATS 2014 record: 3-7; 1-4 TVL Head coach: Frank Marques Points per game allowed: 29.4 Points per game scored: 21.4

ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 32 42 44 46 51 52 54 55 56 58 60 61 65 68 72 77 80 81

Brandon Almeida Kelby Perez Chase Kindberg Adam Merinho Wyatt Amaral Josh Borba Daniel Texeira Brock Tate Thomas Stewart Nick Olivera Trent Casqueira Wyatt Gaches Payton Azevedo Alejandro Corrales Christ Zambrano Vital Verissimo Freddy Delgadillo Josh Jennings Austin Gregorio Noah Batista Joaquin Cruz Cody Rentfro Andres Valadez Elias Kindberg Bobby Hughes Klay Farris Steven Cardoso Xavier Burke EJ Evans Jeff Knupp Elias DeLeon Joshua Lopes Bryan Walley Colton Dutey Gabriel Aguilar Jarrod Willis Christian Lozano Joey Pereira Derek Rios Max Morales Matthew Gover Ethan Jones Alex Chavez Derrick Durjava

Prep Football Preview 2015

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5 Questions For Daniel Texeira Q: What are your individual and team goals?

A: My individual goal this year is to throw over 1,000 yards passing. The team goal is to definitely to try to win the league championship and then hopefully move on to Sections.

Q: How would you describe this year’s team?

A: This year’s team is very dedicated.

There are a lot of people in the weight room. More people are focused on improving themselves and their skills rather than just winning games.

Q: What does it take to be a successful football player?

A: It takes dedication, hard work and determination on what you want and what goals you want to set for yourself.

Q: What was your most memorable moment from last year?

A: When we played Modesto Christian in the rain. It was my first time playing high school ball in the rain. When you’re a kid you always dream about playing a football game in the rain, but it was probably one of the hardest games to play in.

Q: Who are you most looking forward to playing this year?

A: I’m looking forward to playing Ripon.

They have been a team that is difficult to beat but I think this year they will be a good challenge for us. The whole league is looking pretty good, but definitely Ripon.

Daniel Texeira

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Denair High Coyotes Ted Howze stepped in as head coach of the Denair High varsity football team last year and changed the culture for the struggling program. A tradition that had been in hiatus for some time, Howze brought back enthusiasm and excitement from the players. Although Howze had to step down after only one year, new head coach Anthony Armas is looking to continue the positive changes to the Coyotes team.

Armas takes over a team in the Southern Athletic League that ended the year at 1-6, and 3-7 overall after finishing winless a year prior. This year there is no wasting time and Armas has his team stretching for a possible playoff berth but is also focused on establishing “a culture that will lead to continued success every day,” he added.

Reducing the bad habit’ and working on the good ones is coach Armas’ main focus.

The line is returning five players from last season that includes Kyle Perkins and Eli Johnson, so the team should boast an experienced side with returner Juan Barrera working in the backfield for coach Armas.

This year’s team might not be the biggest physical team but they are a tight-knit group that puts in the work needed. Armas is confident that hard work will help the Coyotes overcome their youth and become a more consistent team.

“Consistency at every position is key and being able to execute quickly,” Armas said.

“We hope that the big picture with this team and our identity is going to be a hard-working team that executes and works together as a team. We want to be the team that changes the culture in Denair and we believe that these student-athletes are more than capable of doing so,” Armas added.

DENAIR SCHEDULE Aug. 28 @ Summerville, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 v. Brookside Christian, 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 18 @ Argonaut, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 @ Delhi, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 v. Mariposa County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 v. Gustine, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 v. Orestimba, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 @ Ripon Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 v. Le Grand, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 @ Waterford, 7:30 p.m.

DENAIR STATS 2014 record: 3-7; 1-6 SAL Head coach: Anthony Armas Points per game allowed: 27.2 Points per game scored: 23.6

ROSTER Juan Barrera Joe Brasil Jarred Carbajal Joseph Ciccarelli Brenden Curnow Giovanie Flores Joey Freitas Chris Galhano Justin Gomes Nicolas Hake Jan Heyer Dylan Mann

Hector Obando Omar Padilla Wyatt Parker Kyle Perkins Chase Pritt Kyle Prock Zach Ramaley Seth Snider Justin Steeley Bryant Van Fleet Matthew Wiseman

Prep Football Preview 2015

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5 Questions For Juan Barrera Q: How would you describe this year’s team?

A: This year’s team is pretty small, but we are athletic and quick and I think it will fit our offense pretty good.

Q: What does it take to be a successful football player?

A: You have to be a good leader. You have to be there at practice everyday and lead the younger ones to make sure they follow your footsteps.

Q: What was your most memorable moment from last year?

A: Every game and every practice last year was memorable, playing with my friends. Most of them were seniors so I was able to play with them.

Q: Who is your favorite superhero and why?

A: To be invincible. Because who wants to die? No one wants to die, so yeah that’s why.

Q: Who are you most looking forward to playing this year?

A: Delhi. Last year we lost to them in overtime and I’m looking forward to playing them.

Juan Barrera

Delhi High Hawks 14

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

A team is typically forced to rebuild after losing a large number of senior leaders, but as Delhi High prepares for the beginning of the 2015 prep football season it finds itself in a unique position. The Hawks are without eight senior players from last season, including their proverbial one-man show in Garret Thomas, but with a slew of juniors returning with varsity experience and a handful of transfers, Delhi seems poised to make positive strides instead of regressing.

“This, by far, has been the most dedicated off seasons and group of kids than we’ve had in the past,” head coach Rod McCombs said. “Despite the fact that Garret has left, we are, believe it or not, more athletic this year than we have been in seasons past.”

Leading the charge for Delhi is junior Jesse Flores, a powerhouse on the offensive and defensive lines last season who has transitioned to fullback and linebacker this season. Flores, who has dropped nearly 40 pounds over the course of the offseason, is expecting to anchor the Hawks defense while opening running lanes on offense.

“He expressed an interest last year, towards the end of the season, about playing some fullback. I kind of made a deal with him and told him if he could get down to a reasonable playing weight, I actually just spouted off a number at him and said if you can get down to 230 then I would consider it,” McCombs said. “Not only is he lighter but he’s quicker, more agile, he’s more athletic and he’s stronger.”

Also returning to aid Flores are fel-

low second-year varsity starting juniors Luis Avalos at quarterback and Scorpio Martinez at running back. Avalos, who assumed quarterbacking duties late last season, will be taking snaps from one of the Hawks’ transfers, Manuel Garcia, who made the switch from Pitman High to Delhi.

Sam Rodriguez and Roy Rogers also join the Hawks cast from Riverbank High with Rodriguez playing defensive back and backup quarterback and Rogers playing running back and defensive back. Delhi’s biggest transfer acquisition, however, is Daniel Jimenez who transferred from Atwater High and is expected to be an impact player at running back, defensive back and in the return game.

“Right now he’s looking like one of the most athletic kids on the team,” McCombs said of Jimenez. “He’s pretty electric.

“We expect real big contribution from all of them,” he added.

After getting off to a hot start in preleague play before cooling down during league play last season, Delhi is focused on maintaining and building energy throughout the season. To do so, McCombs plans on tuning his offense to become the Southern Athletic League’s top rushing attack — a goal he intends to achieve by committee rather than by a select few.

“This year, the biggest difference is that the wealth is going to be spread and we’re not depending on one particular athlete,” McCombs said. “Our primary guys are coming from the junior class right now.”

DELHI SCHEDULE

Sept. 4 v. Florin, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 @ Riverbank, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 v. Big Valley Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept 25 v. Denair, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 @ Orestimba, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 @ Le Grand, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 @ Mariposa County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 @ Waterford, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 v. Gustine, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 v. Ripon Christian, 7:30 p.m.

ROSTER 5 Louie Avalos 17 Daniel Cortez 25 Scorpio Matinez 45 Braulio Gamino 56 Adrian Garcia 67 Giovanni Samuel 72 Jesse Flores 74 Jaime Vera 77 Alejandro Pulido Armando Fernandez Armando Garcia Daniel Bello Daniel Jimenez Derek Perry

DELHI STATS 2014 record: 5-5; 3-4 SAL Head coach: Rod McCombs Points per game allowed: 20.8 Points per game scored: 19.9

Edgar Castillo Erik Mayorga Ernesto Rocha Fabian Garcia Felipe Solis Fernando Martinez Humberto Ochoa Jacob Padilla Jesus Campos Jonathon Juarez Jose Gutierrez Jose Magana Jose Ortega Juan Oropeza Juan Torrez Julian Moreno Manuel Garcia Ramon Gonzalez Raymond Figueroa Roy Rogers Samuel Cortez Samuel Rodriguez Silvano Barajas Steven Quintero

Prep Football Preview 2015

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5 Questions For Jesse Flores Q: How would you describe this year’s team?

A: This year’s team is very fast, athletic and quick. Very strong.

Q: What was your most memorable moment from last season?

A: My most memorable moment from last year? The Denair game,

the overtime tackle. Yea, the best play ever.

Q: What are your individual or team goals?

A: To be the best I can be and make as many tackles as possible.

Q: Who is your favorite superhero?

A: My favorite superhero is the Hulk. That guy is just massive.

Q: If you were a superhero, what would your special skills and

abilities be?

A: Super speed and super strength.

Jesse Flores

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Downtown

Hey Mom & Dad

Popcorn & Ice Cream From Noon to 5:00 at Central Park

bring your scary little monsters to the downtown trick or treat event.

It’s safe and fun for everyone!

When: Halloween, Oct. 31st Time: 12pm to 5pm Starting point: Central Park (by the Chamber of Commerce) Pick up your list of participating merchants at Central Park

Sponsored by Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association and Turlock Journal