The best athlete in CA played in the Stanislaus District. Here’s what he accomplished
Oakdale High’s do-it-all athlete Wes Burford took home one final award this summer, marking the end of an impressive senior campaign. The future Air Force running back was a three-sport varsity athlete in multiple years of his high school career but as a senior he posted career numbers in football, wrestling and track and field.
His numbers did not only stand out locally, they were comparable with some of California’s best athletes. MaxPreps noticed his accomplishments and on June 22, named him the site’s California’s Male Athlete of the Year.
Burford was one of 51 athletes highlighted in the story. MaxPreps selected an Athlete of the Year in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
According to MaxPreps, “The athletes recognized were selected either for exceptional all-around success across multiple sports or for achieving elite, national-level distinction in a single sport.”
In football, Burford became the Sac-Joaquin Section’s all-time leading rusher in a rivalry win over Central Catholic. He led the Mustangs to a second straight section title game and by the time his three-year varsity career ended, he rushed for 7,364 yards and over 100 touchdowns. He never left the field, also playing multiple positions on defense, punting, kicking off, and kicking some extra points and field goals. He was named The Bee’s Football Player of the Year.
He started the wrestling season as the No. 1 ranked 215-pound wrestler in California, a position he didn’t surrender all season. He was also the No. 3 wrestler in the nation at 215 pounds. He won a Sac-Joaquin Section Masters championship and finished as the California state runner up at 215 pounds.
In track and field this season Burford starred as a hurdler, recording top two finishes in six of his seven races in the 110-meter hurdles. He finished second at the Valley Oak League Championships and Sac-Joaquin Section Division III finals, and finished sixth at the SJS Masters Finals. In the 300-meter hurdles he had a pair of second-place finishes, an eighth-place finish and a ninth-place finish.
He set personal bests in both hurdles events, finishing the 110 meters in 14.55 seconds at Divisionals and the 300-meters in 40.75 seconds at the VOL Championships.
Patterson’s Jace Johnson commits to EWU
All it took was for the right school to offer Patterson senior Jace Johnson and now, after three full varsity seasons so far, the tight end is an Eastern Washington University commit. He posted the scholarship offer on social media July 1 and committed July 3.
“First and foremost, all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who’s supported me along the way. I’m blessed and excited to continue my journey at Eastern Washington University. Go Eags!” he said in the post on X.
Johnson’s senior year will be his fourth at the varsity level, and he was an impact player from the start. In 35 career games, he has caught 100 passes for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns. After playing only tight end as a freshman, he saw his role increase as a two-way player his next two seasons, tallying 42 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, eight sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries as a sophomore and junior. He helped the Tigers reach back-to-back section title games in 2023 and 2024.
Central Catholic’s Collin Benninger commits to New Mexico
What started out as a promising career at quarterback has resulted in an even brighter future as a Division I tight end for Central Catholic’s Collin Benninger. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior caught 16 passes for 324 yards and four touchdowns last season and chose to play for New Mexico despite holding offers from UNLV, Sacramento State, San Diego State and other local Division I schools.
Benninger was named All-Valley Oak League second team in his first varsity season after finishing second on the Raiders in every receiving category.
He posted his commitment on social media on June 13.
Downey’s Adriel Cooks picks up first Division I offer
A rising sophomore Downey High defensive back has proven to be a name to watch heading into the 2026 season. Adriel Cooks has impressed at every stop he’s made on the summer circuit, standing out at camps at Sacramento State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a number of 7-on-7 events around the area.
He’s caught the attention of college coaches outside of California as well, picking up his first scholarship offer from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., in late-June.
According to MaxPreps, Cooks played in 10 junior varsity games last season and recorded 36 total tackles, a tackle for loss and a pair of pass deflections. He returned a fumble for a touchdown in a 36-26 win over Elk Grove.
Modesto Christian’s Dickson continues to shine on summer circuit
The 2025-26 season was a breakout campaign for Modesto Christian basketball guard Trevor Dickson, and he hasn’t slowed down this summer. After averaging almost 20 points a game, finishing in the top 20 in California in made 3-pointers (105) and winning Tri-City Athletic League and Modesto Bee Player of the Year honors, scholarship offers have continued to roll in for the 6-foot-6 guard.
At the Nike EYBL Circuit’s third session in Kansas City, he averaged 17.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and two steals playing against some of the nation’s top prospects. He impressed with the Crusaders at the top summer showcases, Section 7 in Arizona and Cali Live and has picked up offers from Stony Brook University, UC Santa Barbara,University of San Francisco, UC San Diego, Fresno State, Loyola Marymount, the University of Montana and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
