For Hilmar, Trans-Valley League title goes through Escalon

Mark Loureiro coached Escalon High to a state title last fall, and his Cougars are eager to defend their crown. Before they can do that, though, they have to win their league.

"The more I talk to people, the more I feel like the underdog," Loureiro said. "This Hilmar team reminds me of the one that won a section title."

That was 2008 when Hilmar shocked Central Catholic 17-6 in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 final, denying Central an eighth straight title.

Hilmar (8-1, 5-0 in the Trans-Valley League) has an opportunity to perform a similar feat Friday when it hosts Escalon (8-0, 4-0) in a battle of The Bee's top small schools.

Escalon is ranked No. 1 and Hilmar No. 2, and they've been juggernauts this season.

Escalon averages 48 points and allows just six, while Hilmar scores 42 and allows 12.

When Loureiro sees Hilmar on film, at times it seems as if he's watching his own team.

"They play on a short field, their defense forcing a three-and-out or a turnover, and then their offense getting the ball in a good spot," Loureiro said. "It's tough to go 80 yards for a touchdown, so it's a plus if you start near midfield."

Escalon's bid to repeat took a hit when all-district tackle Nate Caton went down with a knee injury three weeks ago. That's ominous, considering Hilmar's aggressive defense.

Hilmar coach Frank Marques will be the first to say this year's seniors are special: They were freshmen in 2008 and most watched Hilmar shock Central Catholic.

"We were planning for this four years ago because even as freshmen we could see this class would be special," said Marques, 81-21 in nine years at Hilmar. "Being one of the smallest public schools in our divisions, we knew we'd have to prepare them to compete."

Hilmar lined up four large schools to open its season, going 3-1 with the loss coming on a game-ending field goal to Beyer.

"We didn't want to play big schools every week, but we're struggling to find schools our size who will play us," Marques said. "With the playoff criteria based on wins, everyone wants their six wins and won't risk a loss to us."

Marques' leaders are quarterback Andrew Olson (1,136 yards, 16 TDs, two picks), linebacker Zach Giuliano (12 tackles a game), wing Ryan White (687 yards offense, eight TDs) and Kurtis Bettencourt, one of the district's elite kickers.

Hilmar has an edge in versatility and depth, but Escalon has one of the most dynamic players in the district in wing Josh Miguel — The Bee's Player of the Year last year.

He had 2,982 yards offense and 38 TDs a year ago, but he's been on a light schedule this fall.

"Our playoffs begin Friday, and Josh and (fullback Matt) Roberson will see their touches rise," Loureiro said. "We'll get Gino (Franceschetti) passing too, 12 to 16 times a game instead of four or five times."

Both are headed to the playoffs, but the winner has an opportunity to earn the top seed in the Division 4 playoffs. The top two seeds are guaranteed home games until the final at Lincoln High in Stockton, so long as they keep winning.

"I'll guarantee you neither team is going to beat itself Friday; these teams are too good for that," said Loureiro, 234-40-1 in 24 years at Escalon. "No one's laying an egg."

Bee staff writer Richard T. Estrada can be reached at (209) 578-2300 or restrada@modbee.com.