The Southern League has a few new faces this fall, as Gustine and Ripon Christian join with hopes that the new environment will be beneficial.
RC struggled in the Trans-Valley League, unable to play with the league's traditional powers, while Gustine has been overwhelmed since leaving the SL for the Western Athletic Conference in 2006.
Their arrival isn't expected to change the balance of power, though, with Mariposa, Le Grand and Denair considered the contenders for the crown.
FRIDAY, 7 P.M.
Division I (Full bracket)
• No. 5 Granite Bay (10-2) at No. 1 Lincoln (11-1)
• No. 3 Bethel (11-1) at No. 2 Pleasant Grove (11-1)
Division II (Full bracket)
• No. 4 Vacaville (11-1) at No. 1 Buhach Colony (12-0)
• No. 6 Folsom (10-2) at No. 2 Elk Grove (12-0)
Division III (Full bracket)
• No. 5 Casa Roble (10-2) at No. 1 Oakdale (12-0)
• No. 6 Whitney (10-2) at No. 2 Del Oro (11-1)
Division IV( (Full bracket)
• No. 5 Central Catholic (10-2) at No. 1 Escalon (12-0)
• No. 7 Liberty Ranch (9-3) at No. 3 Hilmar (10-2)
SATURDAY AT LODI GRAPE BOWL
Division V (Full bracket)
• No. 3 Highlands (10-2) at No. 1 Le Grand (11-0), 6 p.m.
Division VI (Full bracket)
• No. 2 Foresthill (10-1) at No. 1 Bradshaw Christian (10-1), noon
Dates and times to be announced Hit it here to join our prep football discussion.
Denair has a workhorse in Dylan Souza, who had 1,297 yards and 17 TDs a year ago, but does it have the physical play that is needed up front?
Le Grand has the defending SL MVP (Robert Perez) and Outstanding Linemen (Alex Martinez) on the field again, and they carried the Bulldogs to the section final last year.
Mariposa, meanwhile, graduated virtually everyone of consequence. It's counting on the Kinaleles, running backs Brandon and Justin, to find holes behind a young line.
RC has a promising back of its own in Isaac Norman, who is stronger and quicker than a year ago. Gustine's edge is having played larger schools in recent years, and it should adapt well to its new league.
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