Friday, Aug. 29, 2008

Downey aims for more net gains

Downey High was on top of the world a year ago, stunning three conference champions and playing in its first Sac-Joaquin Section Division I boys' soccer final.

The Knights fell to 3-1 to Davis of Yolo County in the championship, but coach Adrian Romero says the confidence his players gained during last year's playoff run will carry into this season.

"We came on strong at the end of last season," Romero said. "It gave our kids an opportunity to see how good they can be. Confidence carries you a long way."

The Knights hope to continue last year's success this weekend at the Davis Tournament, Friday and Saturday at Davis High.

A jamboree schedule will be used, with the top two teams in each pool getting an additional game after round-robin play.

The event mixes schools of different sizes, including defending champion Buhach Colony (a D-I quarterfinalist in 2007), Hilmar and Riverbank (D-V contenders this season), and Oakdale -- which forfeited its 2007 D-IV title after using an ineligible player.

The event will provide an early look at the Modesto Metro Conference, with five of the city's six public schools participating.

Johansen volleyball

Hilmar returns to defend its title in the 17th Johansen Tournament, which begins Friday with junior varsity play at 3:30 p.m. and concludes Saturday with the varsity portion. The Yellowjackets return two top players, blocker Caitlin Benning and setter Madison Harris, who led them to the section D-V quarterfinals.

Four of the six MMC teams are playing, led by defending conference champ Modesto. A featured game pits the Panthers and Valley Oak League favorite Oakdale at about 1 p.m., a match likely to decide the title in their pool.