Football Preview 2015

U N C A N N Y

2015 PREP#3

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

A Special publication of the

AUGUST 26, 2015

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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

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL, FROM THE FIELDTO YOUR SCREEN

Football, more than any other sport, re-quires a unique com-bination 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 replace-able. 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 he-roes 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 some-thing else, something more, when they don their uniform?

These were questions we asked our-selves 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 cre-ate the ultimate prep football squad: The Uncanny Captains.

We have the young but experienced

Bulldog Danny Velas-quez, returning as a junior running back for Turlock, known for his field of vision 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 moun-tain of a man who’s assumed the line-backer 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 elu-siveness to the field that is typically re-served 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 arti-cles, photos and video. Their followers will revel in the tales of their adven-tures on the gridiron, sharing triumph and pain alike as the season winds through wins and losses. Names and deeds will be remembered and cele-brated, heroes in their own right bleed-ing 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 determina-tion, effort’s blood and the tears of the fallen.

Players, Assemble!The lines of the 2015 prep football season are drawn; competition is upon us

FRANKIE TOVARTURLOCK JOURNAL

3Prep Football Preview 2015

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 Califor-nia Conference, a first-round playoff elimination and an overall record of 6-5. Their five losses came by a com-bined 13 points, their sole league loss came at the hands of eventual champi-ons 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 Bull-dogs are ready to hit the field with a balanced group of returners and new-comers 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 thorough-breds. It’s almost more difficult to har-ness that energy and get it going all in one direction.”

With returning starters Danny Velasquez, Jereicho Taamu, Mustafa Noel-Johnson and Allen Padilla lead-ing 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 test-ed, 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 look-ing 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, se-nior 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,” Peter-son 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 High Bulldogs ROSTER

TURLOCK STATS

TURLOCK SCHEDULE


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1 Landon Curtis2 Jereicho Taamu3 Aj Chaney4 Danny Velasquez5 Dominic Silva7 Nathan Arianeh8 Brett Pollinger9 Alex Oliveira10 Peyton Dunseth11 Austin Taylor14 Alex Ceja15 Chris Silva16 Allen Padilla17 Dylan Cummings18 Randy Barajas19 Donte Nickelberry20 Sean Arianeh21 David Perez22 Michael Linares24 Mark Flores25 Kevin Hernandez27 Julian Gutierez28 Adrian Perez29 Devin Jordao31 Dustin Grein32 Brandon Booz34 Mustafa Noel-Johnson35 Andy Orozco36 Garrett Thompson38 David Rios41 Hunter Harris42 Brandon Macias44 Elijah Valentine50 Juan (Mango) Lopez51 Justin Teran52 Moises Garcia53 Breck Jeffus54 Alex McKeon55 Ronald Sharlou56 Leo Roa58 Adelo Fields59 Tom Dominguez70 Chris Cortez76 Nick Wasso77 Nicolas Berry 88 Alejandro Rocha

2014 record: 6-5; 4-1 CCCHead coach: James Peterson Points per game allowed: 24.6Points per game scored: 33.7

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.

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.


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5 Questions For Danny VelasquezDanny Velasquez


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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 Cen-tral 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 start-ers 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 as-sistant coach Chris Wolfley is very confident that his linebacker crew will cause some problems for the op-position.

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

The quarterback position is still up for grabs, as the battle contin-ues between Jacob Perez and Tony Aguilar taking the key starting posi-tion. 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 Millen-tree is expected to light up the score-board 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 Ty-ler. “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.”

Pitman High PrideROSTER

PITMAN STATS

PITMAN SCHEDULE

1 Kamio Borja 2 Tyress Pope3 Micah Millentree4 Josh Fletcher 5 Marcus McBay 6 Ryan Yniquez7 Blake McBay 8 AJ Bird 9 Christiano Silva 10 Krish Sharma 11 Jacob Perez 12 Tony Aguilar14 Jaydon Schieser15 Devan Bass 16 Adrian De La Riva 17 Brady Lightner20 Quinton Coelho21 Titus Schammel23 Sinue Cortes 24 Gaurav Johal 25 Brendan Patterson26 Tondrick Pope27 Mehki Anker28 Joseph Florez 31 Matt Parker32 Danipal Younan33 Rylan Boutelle

34 David Fox 35 Brandon Pacheco36 Belson Aghasi37 Benny Salas44 Anthony Carbajal 50 Austin Russell51 Lorenzo Carrera 52 Diego Basulto 53 Chris Martinez54 Jonathan Pina55 Damanjeet Singh56 Trenton Brock 57 Richard Yates 58 Adrian Marquez 59 Drew Fusi 60 Christopher Hanham 62 Anthony Trapolino64 Tristan Nguyen66 Julian Barrera 68 JT Mercer 70 Arturo Hernandez 71 Evan Scott72 Eric Perez 73 Cristian Cooley 75 Van Concepcion76 Jason Wise77 Orlando Hernandez

2014 record: 7-3; 3-2 CCCHead coach: Tom Tyler Points per game allowed: 22.3Points per game scored: 23.8

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.


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5 Questions For Micah MillentreeMicah 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.


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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 over-all 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. Ev-erybody has either hit that goal or is on the verge of breaking it.”

Between lifting, running and tire flips, Turlock Christian foot-ball 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.”

Turlock Christian Eagles ROSTER

TC STATS

TC SCHEDULE2 Jakob Skinner3 Zach Silva4 Ryan Beard5 Coleman Kirkendall7 Hunter Wyatt8 Evan Muller9 Kojo Bekoe-Sakyi12 Logun Crowell16 Brynn David20 Saint Sung21 Manny Preciado22 Des Barron23 Nathan Son26 Dominic Zendejas32 Glen Wang51 Michael Turpin54 Judah Gregg55 Dan Riley56 Aaron Olivas57 Drake Maliepaard59 Bret Jones71 Ben Balswick72 Kyle Rodrigues75 Kevin Fang78 Harmon Hundal80 Mason Mark85 Raven Park88 Jerod Muller

2014 record: 1-9; 0-6 CCAAHead coach: Jake Von Sherrer Points per game allowed: Points per game scored: 10.6

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 ChristianOct. 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.


Dominic Zendejas

5 Questions For Dominic ZendejasQ: 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.


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 improv-ing 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 High Yellowjackets ROSTER

HILMAR SCHEDULE

HILMAR STATS

1 Brandon Almeida

2 Kelby Perez

3 Chase Kindberg

4 Adam Merinho

5 Wyatt Amaral

6 Josh Borba

8 Daniel Texeira

9 Brock Tate

10 Thomas Stewart

11 Nick Olivera

12 Trent Casqueira

14 Wyatt Gaches

15 Payton Azevedo

16 Alejandro Corrales

18 Christ Zambrano

19 Vital Verissimo

20 Freddy Delgadillo

21 Josh Jennings

22 Austin Gregorio

23 Noah Batista

24 Joaquin Cruz

25 Cody Rentfro

28 Andres Valadez

29 Elias Kindberg

30 Bobby Hughes

31 Klay Farris

32 Steven Cardoso

42 Xavier Burke

44 EJ Evans

46 Jeff Knupp

51 Elias DeLeon

52 Joshua Lopes

54 Bryan Walley

55 Colton Dutey

56 Gabriel Aguilar

58 Jarrod Willis

60 Christian Lozano

61 Joey Pereira

65 Derek Rios

68 Max Morales

72 Matthew Gover

77 Ethan Jones

80 Alex Chavez

81 Derrick Durjava

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.

2014 record: 3-7; 1-4 TVLHead coach: Frank MarquesPoints per game allowed: 29.4Points per game scored: 21.4


1 Brandon Almeida

2 Kelby Perez

3 Chase Kindberg

4 Adam Merinho

5 Wyatt Amaral

6 Josh Borba

8 Daniel Texeira

9 Brock Tate

10 Thomas Stewart

11 Nick Olivera

12 Trent Casqueira

14 Wyatt Gaches

15 Payton Azevedo

16 Alejandro Corrales

18 Christ Zambrano

19 Vital Verissimo

20 Freddy Delgadillo

21 Josh Jennings

22 Austin Gregorio

23 Noah Batista

24 Joaquin Cruz

25 Cody Rentfro

28 Andres Valadez

29 Elias Kindberg

30 Bobby Hughes

31 Klay Farris

32 Steven Cardoso

42 Xavier Burke

44 EJ Evans

46 Jeff Knupp

51 Elias DeLeon

52 Joshua Lopes

54 Bryan Walley

55 Colton Dutey

56 Gabriel Aguilar

58 Jarrod Willis

60 Christian Lozano

61 Joey Pereira

65 Derek Rios

68 Max Morales

72 Matthew Gover

77 Ethan Jones

80 Alex Chavez

81 Derrick Durjava

5 Questions For Daniel TexeiraDaniel 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.


Ted Howze stepped in as head coach of the Denair High varsity football team last year and changed the cul-ture 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 wast-ing 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 Bar-rera 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 need-ed. Armas is confident that hard work will help the Coy-otes 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 High Coyotes ROSTER

DENAIR SCHEDULE

DENAIR STATS

Juan BarreraJoe BrasilJarred CarbajalJoseph CiccarelliBrenden CurnowGiovanie FloresJoey FreitasChris GalhanoJustin GomesNicolas HakeJan HeyerDylan Mann

Hector Obando

Omar Padilla

Wyatt Parker

Kyle Perkins

Chase Pritt

Kyle Prock

Zach Ramaley

Seth Snider

Justin Steeley

Bryant Van Fleet

Matthew Wiseman

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.

2014 record: 3-7; 1-6 SALHead coach: Anthony Armas Points per game allowed: 27.2Points per game scored: 23.6


5 Questions For Juan BarreraJuan 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.


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 posi-tion. The Hawks are without eight se-nior players from last season, including their proverbial one-man show in Gar-ret 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 dedi-cated 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 ju-nior Jesse Flores, a powerhouse on the offensive and defensive lines last sea-son 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 open-ing 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 play-ing 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 Gar-cia, 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 Rog-ers playing running back and defensive back. Delhi’s biggest transfer acquisi-tion, however, is Daniel Jimenez who transferred from Atwater High and is expected to be an impact player at run-ning 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 pret-ty electric.

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

After getting off to a hot start in pre-league play before cooling down dur-ing league play last season, Delhi is focused on maintaining and building energy throughout the season. To do so, McCombs plans on tuning his of-fense 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 par-ticular athlete,” McCombs said. “Our primary guys are coming from the ju-nior class right now.”

Delhi High Hawks ROSTER

DELHI STATS

DELHI SCHEDULE

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

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

2014 record: 5-5; 3-4 SALHead coach: Rod McCombs Points per game allowed: 20.8Points per game scored: 19.9

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.


5 Questions For Jesse FloresJesse 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.

Popcorn & Ice CreamFrom Noon to 5:00 at

Central ParkDowntown

Hey Mom & Dad bring your scary little monsters to the downtown trick or treat event. It’s safe and fun for everyone!

When: Halloween, Oct. 31stTime: 12pm to 5pmStarting 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


Football Preview 2015

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