Sierra at full speed, Manteca's motivation, uncertain future

Sierra is a relative pup compared to some of its VOL rivals, having opened in 1994. But it's already earned a reputation as the most difficult foe on everyone's schedule. Coach Jeff Harbison's high-octane spread never huddles and his eye for talent gives the Timberwolves big-play threats at every skill position. It can be a fascinating offense as it works its way downfield, a blur of runs mixed with short tosses. Harbison has a new QB to run it this year — Guillermo Nunez, the point guard who led the basketball team into the section finals last year. He's a threat to run.

Manteca's Motivation

Manteca has been among the section's elite programs since the millennium, and the Buffaloes won three titles during a six-year span from 2001-06. The Buffs were 12-2 in the playoffs in those six years, but they have struggled to maintain that level of excellence these last few years. Three consecutive first-round exits pushed the Buffs to get more physical up front. Coach Eric Reis thinks he has two of the region's top linemen in 6-foot, 280-pound Issac McClain and 6-1, 280-pound Bill Sharmoug. Daniel Clark (5-11, 230) will flank one of the 280-pounders, giving the Buffs plenty of beef for Eddie Smith to run behind.

Uncertain Future

Sonora faces a challenge each fall, being the smallest school in the league, but that could change in two years if the section grants the Wildcats' wish to move to the Mother Lode League. That's extremely likely, so Sonora probably has just two more opportunitites to beat Oakdale in their traditional season-ending rivalry. Oakdale leads the series 58-31-5 and has won the last five, including 42-7 in 2011. Sonora put together a schedule to prepare for that battle, locking up 2011 playoff teams Turlock, Paradise and Calaveras.