Big Valley Christian Outlook

By Richard T. Estrada
restrada@modbee.com

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Coach: Larry Shimel

Last season: BV (5-0 HCL, 9-1 overall) routed nine regular-season foes, but soft schedule had a role in Lions� being upset in first round.

Last league title: 2008

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Big Valley Christian Schedule
- Sept. 11, Turlock Christian
- Sept. 19, at Cristo Rey (San Juan)
- Sept. 25, California School for the Deaf
- Oct. 2, Lathrop
- Oct. 9, Bradshaw Christian
- Oct. 17, at Rite of Passage
- Oct. 23, at Elliot Christian
- Oct. 30, Brookside Christian
- Nov. 6, Millennium
- Nov. 13, Stone Ridge Christian

Last playoff berth: 2008

Top returners: OL/DL Ryan Splitstone (6-1, 225), RB/DB D.J. Plichta (5-8, 160), OL/LB Alex Dickerson (5-10, 180), RB/DB Anthony Will (6-1, 175), QB/DB James Doyle (6-0, 160), Zack Gravel (6-0, 180), OL/DL Kyle Russell (Jr., 6-2, 205).

Top newcomers: RB/LB Jonathon Golliher (Soph., 5-10, 175), TE/DL Justin Nielson (Jr., 6-3, 185), RB/DB Luke Lemmings (Jr., 5-11, 155), RB/DB Nick Martin (Jr., 5-11, 165), OL/LB Kyle Filbrum (Jr., 6-1, 190), QB/LB Colton Whisenhunt (Jr., 6-1, 170).

Outlook: Big shift on offense with the departure of RB Blake Sturdivan (1,598 yards, 30 TDs), so all eyes turn to Plichta (697 yards, 9 TDs). Whisenhunt, a transfer, looks to be the QB and needs to help the Lions develop a passing game. Not a lot of depth, o Only 22 players, but good athletes can compensate for low numbers.

Worth noting: Lions host Turlock Christian in the opener, and it�s a good opportunity to check out the new stadium lights at the corner of Pelandale and Tully. in north Modesto. ... Shimel is counting on a solid contingent of JVs kids coming up, and Filbrum has come over from the soccer team. � for his depth.

Key game: Week 5 vs. Bradshaw Christian. Revenge and need a midseason test before league.

* Players are seniors, unless noted