MODESTO -- Before the start of every trip, with the Central Catholic football team filed in their seats, Dennis Thompson would begin his bus ride with the same speech.
"This isn't our last trip," the 59-year-old Storer Coachways driver would tell his passengers.
On Thursday morning, Thompson, Central Catholic's cheery chauffeur for all eight of its road contests this fall, tailored his speech for the occasion.
"This will be our last trip," said Thompson, a first-year driver.
Indeed, the Raiders' season has reached its final destination. Central Catholic (13-2), bleary-eyed and bundled in heavy jackets and sweaters, departed for Carson on Thursday morning.
There, the 16-time Sac-Joaquin Section champions and two-time state bowl qualifier will face Santa Fe Christian (11-3) in the CIF Division 4 State Bowl on Friday afternoon.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4 o'clock.
Just as he has all season, Thompson will make sure the favored Raiders arrive at the Home Depot Center in time.
Head coach Roger Canepa and the school requested Thompson because the Salida Union School District president and retired Postmaster has developed a unique bond with the team.
"It's comfortable for us," Canepa said. "Dennis is our bus driver, been on every trip and been our good luck charm."
Winning helps, too.
The Raiders are 7-1 on the road this season.
"It's not so much a superstition thing," said athletic director Billy Hylla, also the defensive coordinator. "We pride ourselves on being a family here at Central Catholic.
"He is part of the family now. That's the thing about families, you don't leave anyone behind.
"With something like this — something so positive and so special — he's earned the right to be there."
Thompson has been more than a driver.
While most would be content to remain in the bus or find a seat in the bleachers, Thompson, a Turlock High graduate with zero football experience, often finds himself under those Friday night lights.
He is the team's water boy on the road, hustling a six-pack of Gatorade bottles out to midfield during breaks in the game.
Thompson volunteered for the post during a 68-6 season-opening victory at Brookside Christian on Aug. 25.
Unbeknownst to Canepa and his staff.
"During the first defensive timeout, I look up and Dennis is in huddle with me. It threw me off," Hylla said. "I look down and he's got the water jugs in his hand. Later, I look down the sideline and he's filling the water jugs.
"Most sit in the stands, but he wanted to be a part of it."
Within a few weeks, it became official. Canepa presented Thompson with a shirt and hat — the mark of a Central staffer — and burdened him with same expectation of excellence he has for his players.
"Let's go, Dennis," Canepa said, re-enacting his call for water during a game. "A lot of people want that job."
Thompson appreciates the support. He never intended to weave himself into the fabric of the program. He was simply trying to help.
"I've had so much fun watching these kids, being a part of their team," Thompson said. "And to think it all started with 'I'm a Storer bus driver and I took them to their first game in Stockton.
"I would never have thought it would come to this spot," Thompson said. "I just love to drive. I love to drive these boys to their games. They've honored me by letting me be a part of their world."
• DIVISION 4
Who: Santa Fe Christian of Solano Beach (11-3) vs. Central Catholic (13-2)
When: Today; kickoff at 4
Where: Home Depot Center, Carson
TV: Comcast SportsNet California
• DIVISION 2
Who: Serra of Gardena (13-2) vs. Oakdale (14-1)
When: Saturday; kickoff at 4 p.m.
Where: Home Depot Center, Carson
TV: Comcast SportsNet California
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