Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009

2009 Football Preview: Stanislaus District's must-see games

Grab your stadium chair, a coat and your best friend, and prepare to hit the road for Friday night football this fall. Whether it’s old rivals like Turlock and Oakdale, or new rivals Johansen and Central Catholic, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The big games feature the top stars and the best teams — you won’t find more talent than when Merced visits Los Banos on Oct. 9 — but there’s also some good ball being played by kids who will never take a snap after high school.

Each game is precious, because most players have only two years to showcase their skills before they graduate.

Given that small window to admire their talent, you don’t want to miss the opportunity.

We’ve put together a list of some of the Stanislaus District’s top games, giving you an 11-week schedules that features the top teams and stars.

There will be something at stake each game, each week. It starts Friday night and continues into December, with section championship banners as Christmas gifts for the Stanislaus District’s best.

WEEK ZERO

North Monterey County at Golden Valley, Sept. 4: GV, trying to forget its 1-9 record of a year ago, needs to open with a strong showing. The Cougars struggled with turnovers last season, so ball security has to be a priority in the opener.

WEEK 1

Turlock at Oakdale, Sept. 11: There aren’t two programs in the region that are more physical, or dedicated, than these two. Both are retooling on offense, after the loss of all-district tailbacks, so don’t be surprised by a slugfest dominated by defense and line play. Be sure to get a juicy tri-trip before they’re all gobbled up.

WEEK 2

Beyer at Buhach Colony, Sept. 18: Beyer’s program, depleted when Enochs opened a few years ago, is trying to recover and this will be an indication of how the project is going. Buhach has a hot transfer — 6-foot-4, 360-pound Matt Cochran, a sophomore from Texas — and he is ideal for the Thunder’s running game. Get your seat in the season-ticket section — it’s worth it.

WEEK 3

Sonora vs. Davis (at Johansen), Sept. 25: New coaches, Len Johnston (Davis) and Bryan Craig (Sonora), and quality running backs that should have them challenging for league titles. There will be plenty of carries here for Sonora’s Dan Link and Davis’ Xevion Vega. Former Davis star Frank Bispo is now the offensive coordinator, so be sure to welcome back him into the program.

WEEK 4

Johansen at Central Catholic, Oct. 2: Any time a Modesto City School faces Central on the football field, it’s a grudge match. The Raiders routed Johansen 35-0 a year ago, which only adds to the excitement of this rematch. This should tell us if Johansen is ready to repeat last year’s run to the section Division I quarterfinals. Give a shout-out to Johansen line coach Don Toscano, a legend who has brought a lot of toughness to the program.

WEEK 5

Merced at Los Banos, Oct. 9: For sheer excitement, it will be tough to top this one. Both are loaded, LB’s Erik Martin and Darron Brown might be the top quarterback-running back duo in the district, and being at home is worth an extra TD for LB. Bring your bug spray, because the mosquitoes have big appetites over here.

WEEK 6

Bret Harte at Summerville, Oct. 16: Take a trip to the foothills to see these rivals pound away. The quality of the football — the host Bears have a hot passing game — combined with the beautiful scenery can’t be beat. Get here early: The view from your seat is as beautiful as the drive here.

WEEK 7

Modesto Christian at Ripon, Oct. 23: There’s not a more exciting player than MC quarterback Isaiah Burse, so don’t miss this one. He’ll run, pass, catch, and score — sporting a smile all night. Can’t make it, but want to know who is winning? Highway 99 runs by the east end zone, so you can see the scoreboard from the road.

WEEK 8

Johansen vs. Davis (at Downey), Oct. 30: If you’re going to see an MMC game, this is the one — and it will be on the slick artificial turf at Downey. Johansen has the size, Davis the skill — and they are co-favorites. Need to make a quick exit afterward? Find a side street on the east side of Coffee and park there, rather than the congested lot.

WEEK 9

Turlock Chr. at Waterford, Nov. 6: The athletes can’t compare with Division I talent, but the ’Cats have a cozy stadium and the emotion makes up any shortcomings in skill. Leave home early and eat at The Fruit Yard (Highway 132 and Geer Road), where they load up the plates with food.

WEEK 10

Hilmar at Patterson, Nov. 13: There’s nothing like a trip to Patterson Community Stadium, with the sheen of its artificial turf and palm trees waving in the wind. Hilmar quarterback Cade McCown’s got a gun, and both teams should be prepping for the playoffs in this regular-season finale.

Click here for an easy-to-read list and map.