High school football notebook: Stone Ridge Christian staff steps down

The architect of one of the stingiest defenses in California high school football history is stepping down.

After three wildly successful seasons at the helm of the Stone Ridge Christian program, Arthur De Jager is ready to retire to ranch and family.

De Jager owns and operates a dairy in Chowchilla.

“When I came into this thing, I had given a three-year commitment ... that’s if they were still happy with me after the first season,” De Jager said. “If they weren’t happy, they could kick me out. I think they were happy.”

Were they ever. Stone Ridge Christian won back-to-back Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII championships the last two seasons and reached the CIF Northern California Regional Division VI-AA final last fall.

Along the way, the Knights shut out a state-record 10 consecutive opponents, thrusting a school of 161 students into the national spotlight. Stone Ridge was 29-10 in De Jager’s three seasons, with three playoff appearances and back-to-back 10-win campaigns.

“I’m very proud, but I’ve got to give tons and tons of credit to my staff. There’s no way I could have done this without those guys,” De Jager said. “They’re far better coaches when it comes down to it; I just have the title.

“I’m proud of my team. They fought hard and played hard. They were tough from start to finish.”

Stone Ridge Christian confirmed the position has been offered to an unnamed candidate, but a contract hasn’t been signed.

As of now, the Knights are without a football coach of any sort. De Jager said his staff of six also stepped down. They included: Anthony (offensive coordinator) and Alex De Jager (offensive line), Art’s sons; David De Jager (linebackers/running backs), a nephew; Nick Rae (defensive coordinator); Morgan Madruga (special teams); and Eddie Frazier (defensive backs/quarterbacks).

Art De Jager said the chance to repeat as Central California Athletic Association and Sac-Joaquin Section champions was alluring. The Knights will return speedy running back Shane Casillas, who rushed for a team-high 1,991 yards and 28 touchdowns; linebacker/running back Jonathan Collazo, who rushed for 1,826 yards and 23 touchdowns; and cornerbacks Bryce Louters (seven interceptions) and Cole Houweling (five interceptions).

Ultimately, De Jager said he couldn’t commit the time and energy the position demanded.

“I did give it some thought – not a ton of thought but some,” De Jager said. “The bottom line is I’m just a very busy guy. I’m a dairy farmer, and I have a big family with a bunch of grandkids. I’m stretched so thin every day that I wasn’t able to do another season.

“I’m not a youngster. I’m in my 60s, and I work every day all day long. It was too much of a time commitment.”

While there are a few interested in returning to Stone Ridge Christian, De Jager said many on his staff faced the same dilemma: Coaching or career? Football or family?

“My whole staff is a bunch of young guys raising young families. They’re hard-working guys that need to make a living to put bread on their tables,” De Jager added. “The time commitment has been difficult. They sacrificed a lot and did a great job. I’ve got nothing but praise for my staff.”

Oakdale football schedule – The Mustangs have beefed up their nonconference schedule, dropping Turlock while adding Campolindo of Moraga and Crater of Oregon.

Oakdale will begin the season Aug. 26 at Sonora, which is installing new FieldTurf and an all-weather track ahead of the 100th meeting between former Valley Oak League rivals.

The Mustangs’ first home game will be against an opponent that will have traveled nearly 400 miles to The Corral. The Crater Comets were 11-1 last fall and reached the Oregon state semifinals.

After a bye, the Mustangs will travel to Campolindo on Sept. 16. The Cougars reached the CIF State Division III-AA final at Sacramento State, where they were defeated by La Mirada 27-3. In the last five seasons, Campolindo has reached three state finals, with a Division III state championship in 2014.

Of the new contacts, only Campolindo is on a two-year, home-and-home contract.

“Gonna be fun,” Oakdale coach Trent Merzon said. “Great challenges for us. I always like taking a travel game; (it’s) good for us.”

Tweetables – Manteca junior forward Loretta Kakala has been invited to the under-17 U.S. national team trials in May. A four-star recruit, Kakala is rated No. 4 at her position and No. 26 overall in the Class of 2017. ... Ceres softball went 2-0 during a recent trip to Hawaii. The Bulldogs blasted Kalaheo 26-0 and Kalani 8-3. ... Downey pitcher Jimmy Calvillo tossed a no-hitter in a victory over Johansen on Wednesday. Calvillo struck out 10. ... Central Catholic forward Peter Hamilton dislocated his left shoulder playing in a senior showcase with the Oakland Soldiers. ... Pitman sprinter Kiana Clay will sign with Cal State Fullerton on Tuesday. Clay advanced to the CIF state meet last spring in the 400 meters. Also signing: Pride soccer player Jesus Nunez with Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 3:23 PM with the headline "High school football notebook: Stone Ridge Christian staff steps down."