This is the second of four or five proposals that the section board will vote on in April 2013 for realignment effective the 2014-2015 season until the 2017-2018 season. This time, the board took the requests of the schools and leagues more under consideration. I was not at the meeting, but I followed some of the people who were there. Very few teams and leagues wanted change. Some proposals were good (putting the Lodi schools back together), some were bad (Nevada Union to the CVC), and some were laughable (Calaveras to the TVL? Really?). Only one of the proposals I put in parenthesis was approved (guess which one). Here is proposal #2. I will have fewer comments, and I will keep them short.
Division I
CCC MMC SJAA
Atwater Beyer Lincoln (Stockton)
Buhach Colony Downey Lodi
Davis (Modesto) Enochs St. Mary's
El Capitan Gregori Tokay
Golden Valley Modesto Tracy
Johansen Pitman West
Merced Turlock
Modesto Christian (basketball only)
TCAL Delta MEL SFL
Bear Creek Davis Bethel Del Oro
Chavez Elk Grove Napa Folsom
Edison Franklin (Elk Grove) Rodriguez Granite Bay
Franklin (Stockton) Grant Vacaville Nevada Union
McNair Jesuit (boys only) Vallejo Oak Ridge
Stagg Monterey Trail Vintage Rocklin
Pleasant Grove Woodcreek
Sheldon
St. Francis (girls only)
Comments: CCC- I can see the section keeping this line-up and dropping them down to division II. Mosr of the enrollments are expected to stay at 1,800 with Davis having a little less. If that happens, look for Oakdale possibly joining. The Mustangs are going to fight to stay in the VOL, and the VOL wants them to stay, but the board wants Oakdale to move up to division II. MMC- I love the line-up they have. The Turlock-Modesto rivalry would return, and Modesto Christian can save money on traveling. Plus, most of the Modesto schools, except the smallest two stay in tact. SJAA/TCAL- The Tracy and Lodi schools would be together again. What took the section so long? However, the Tracy and Lodi schools are playing for 3rd place in football. St. Mary's and Lincoln are going to play for 1st and 2nd. SFL-Both Roseville and Nevada Union wanted to go to the CVC. Roseville got its wish. As it should be. The Miners are too big and too good to drop a division.
Division II
CVC SCAC
Antelope American Canyon
Bella Vista Armijo
Cosumnes Oaks Benicia
Del Campo Fairfield
Oakmont Vanden
Ponderosa Wood
Roseville
Whitney
Comments- I have none for the individual leagues, except that most of the SCAC is too small for division II. Another reason why I believe the CCC will drop to division II is that with this proposal, the division has 2 leagues and 14 teams total. For sports that playoffs are not based on enrollment, that is too small of a playoff field and probably too "watered-down."
Division III
VOL CAL Metro TCC
East Union Casa Roble Burbank Inderkum
Kimball Christian Brothers Florin Pioneer
Lathrop El Camino Johnson Rio Linda
Manteca Placer Kennedy River City
Oakdale Rio Americano Laguna Creek River Valley
Sierra Vista del Lago McClatchy Woodland
Weston Ranch Sacramento Yuba City
Valley
Comments: VOL- Look for Patterson to ultimately end up here. The section commissioner is looking to push the Tigers to the VOL according to the Modesto Bee. Central Catholic is also being considered. Only the three schools in the Manteca City Limits (Manteca, East Union, Sierra) can nearly guarantee that they'll stay in the VOL. There can be arguments for the other 4 to leave (and there have been). CAL- I think keeping them in the PVL would be better for them. Metro: In order for the ML to be worthy of a division III placing, Burbank has got to go. A school with more than 2,000 kids is too big for the division. Either put them in the SFL (because there is nowhere else to put them) or throw all this away and start over.
Division IV
WAC PVL SVC
Central Catholic Bear River Cordova
Central Valley Center El Dorado
Ceres Colfax Galt
Livingston Foothill Liberty Ranch
Los Banos Lincoln Rosemont
Pacheco Mira Loma Union Mine
Patterson
Comments: WAC: This proposal makes no changes to the WAC, but I don't expect it to pass. I think Patterson will leave and Central Catholic may join them. I can see Lathrop or Hilmar going to the WAC. PVL: I'll say it again, put Placer back.
Division V
MLL TVL GEL
Amador Escalon Capital Christian
Argonaut Hilmar Dixon
Bret Harte Hughson Lindhurst
Calaveras Modesto Christian (except for basketball) Marysville
Linden Mountain House Mesa Verde
Sonora Ripon Natomas
Summerville Riverbank West Campus
Ripon Christian (basketball only)
Comments: MLL- How long do I have? According to the Modesto Bee, this league wanted to keep Sonora out so bad that it proposed that Calaveras would go to the TVL and it didn't care what happened to Sonora. I understand the MLL not wanting Sonora, though I think it would be good for the league. Here's my proposal if the section doesn't mind 4-team leagues. Keep Amador, Argonaut, Bret Harte, and Summerville in the MLL, move Linden to the TVL, and create a 4th division IV league with Calaveras, Lathrop, Sonora, and Weston Ranch. And if geography doesn't matter, take Mountain House with them until they are big enough to join the VOL.
TVL: Mountain House doesn't fit, but again, with an expectant enrollment of 900, where else do you put them? Also Linden needs to join. Linden, CA is a Valley city, not a Mother Lode one. With Sonora joining the MLL, there is no need for Linden to stay. Everything else works
Division VI
Southern CVCL SDL
Delhi Delta Bradshaw Chr.
Denair Forest Lake Christian Encina
Gustine Foresthill Golden Sierra
Le Grand Sacramento Waldorf Highlands
Mariposa Victory Christian Rio Vista
Orestimba Woodland Christian San Juan
Ripon Christian (except for basketball) Vacaville Chr.
Waterford
Comments: SL- This conference works. Keep an eye on Delhi. The enrollment is pushing to the point that it may be too big. However, the lack of athletic success of the Hawks may keep that team in the Southern League. CVCL: Only 3 teams have a football program: Delta, Foresthill, and Woodland Chr. I wonder if they will once again combine with the 2 football teams in the SMAL. SDL: No changes
Division VII
CCAA MVL (non-football) NPAC (non-football)
Big Valley Delta Charter Freedom Christian
Brookside Christian Don Pedro Global Youth Charter
Elliot Christian Excel Academy Lutheran
Millennium Holt Academy New Life Christian
Sierra Ridge/ROP (boys only) Hughes Academy Trinity Prep
Turlock Christian Lodi Academy Western Sierra Collegiate
Venture Academy Mountain Oaks Woodland Poly
Stockton Christian
Tioga
SMAL
Buckingham Charter
Cristo Rey
Faith Christian
Sacramento Advenist
Sacramento Country Day
Valley Christian
Wilton Christian
Note: Cristo Rey and Valley Christian are the only 2 SMAL schools with football programs.
Next meeting is February 19th. I got the information from the Sac-Joaquin Section website and the Modesto Bee. However, the comments were my own thoughts unless noted.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
zzzzz vol. 5 Jan. 2013
FIFA RANKINGS
- This month, I will post 2 sets of rankings. That is because I did not realize that in December and January, they didn't post them the first weeks of the month, and on the last issue, I missed the December Rankings.
December 2012
1. Spain 2. Germany 3. Argentina 4. Italy 5. Colombia 6. England 7. Portugal 8. Netherlands 9. Russia 10. Croatia 11. Greece 12. Switzerland 13. Ecuador 14. Cote D'Ivoire 15. Mexico 16. Uruguay 17. France 18 Brazil 19. Algeria 20. Sweden 21. Belgium 22. Japan 23. Denmark 24. Norway 25. Mail (Note: The USA is ranked 28th)
December 2012 Bottom 10
1. (3 way tie) Bhutan, San Marino, Turks & Caicos Islands 4. Mauritania 5. Anguilla 6. Andorra 7. (tie) Djibouti, Mauritius 9. Cook Islands 10 (tie) Kyrgyzstan, South Sudan
January 2013
1. Spain 2. Germany 3. Argentina 4. Italy 5. Colombia 6. England 7. Portugal 8. Netherlands 9. Russia 10. Croatia 11. Greece 12. Ecuador 13. Switzerland 14. Cote D'Ivoire 15. Mexico 16. Uruguay 17. France 18. Brazi 19. Sweden 20. Belgium 21. Japan 22. Algeria 23. Denmark 24. Norway 25. Mali (Note: The USA is ranked 28th)
NCAA Basketball
Cross another team off the list of those that I needed to see live. For a birthday present, my awesome girlfriend and I went to Moraga, CA to see the local St. Mary's Gaels take on the Loyola Marymount Lions. The most impressive thing that I saw that day was nothing that the players on the Gaels nor the Lions did, but during a timeout, the promotions guy from St. Mary's had a contest for two kids who couldn't be older than 12. They had to do 10 push-ups and then shoot a basketball from three-point range. The first kid did the 10 push-ups, shot the ball and made it. Two seconds later the second kid completed his push-ups, shot the ball and made it. It is hard to imagine how impressive this feat really is until you have tried it. I have tried to shoot a basketball immediately after doing push-ups. The arms feel like noodles by the time the push-ups are finished. Needless to say, my shot was nowhere near the hoop. That is what impresses me more with the fact that these kids made it. By the way, St. Mary's won 74-61. At that time, it put them at 1-0 in WCC play and 12-3 overall (I wrote this paragraph on 1/24/13, they are currently 4-1 in WCC and 15-4 overall). Loyola Marymount was 0-2 in WCC and 7-8 overall (they are now 1-5 WCC, 8-11 overall).
NCAA FOOTBALL
-The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the previously undefeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 42-14 to win the BCS national championship. I would also like to congratulate the North Dakota State Bisons (Division I-FCS), Valdosta State Rams (Division II), and Mt. Union Purple Raiders (Division III) for winning the national championship in their respective divisions, since no one else will. They earned their championships just as much as Alabama did (if not more so). The only team to finish undefeated in Division I-FBS was Ohio State, but due to sanctions, they were ineligible to play in any bowl game.
COLLEGE SPORTS
-Within a month, both Boise State and San Diego State announced that they were going to decommit from the Big East in football and the Big West in all other sports to stay in the Mountain West conference. The original reason for their move to a conference nearly 3,000 miles away was so they could get an automatic berth to a BCS bowl game should they win their conference. With the new format in 2014, the Mountain West will have an equal footing with the Big East, making the move unnecessary. However, each team will have to pay a $5 million exit fee as part of the contract.
I am personally relieved to see both teams staying. I am saddened that division I college sports is ignoring geography just to get money. Of course, most of these moves are football-centric, but other sports suffer. Not only will these moves hurt those players who won't go pro (which is most of them), but it will hurt the minor programs that are on a shoestring budget that can barely afford to go to all the places they have to go as it is; but now they are going to have to go farther. For example, Hawai'i joined the Big West for all sports except for football. Prior to this season, the Big West consisted of only California teams. Those teams could just take a bus to all their opponents. Now those minor programs are going to have to find a way to go to Hawai'i. The islands would be great for a vacation, but having several teams in a program going to Hawai'i can cripple a budget. I think that is why Pacific will be going to the West Coast Conference next year (though I don't know that for sure.)
On another tangent, the Mountain West will have two six-team divisions for football and have a championship game, according to ESPN. How the teams will be divided has not been mentioned. Since, it hasn't, let me make a suggestion:
West (in alphabetical order): Fresno State, Hawai'i, Nevada, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV
East: Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, New Mexico, Utah State, Wyoming
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
-Last week, I wrote a blog on my complete thoughts on the potential realignment in the Sac-Joaquin Section. If this proposal is approved, the new MMC will be Atwater, Beyer, Buhach Colony, Davis, Downey, El Capitan, Johansen, and Oakdale. From what I have read, Oakdale coaches hate this move. Most of the reasoning has to do with tradition. Oakdale was one of the charter members of the Valley Oak League. The other charter member (Sonora) is set to leave to go to the MLL. I would like to ask all coaches who are traditionalists, if Sonora does leave, are you willing to schedule the Wildcats for a non-league game to keep the Oakdale-Sonora game alive?
I am normally a traditionalist and I hate change whether it would benefit me or not, but I am looking forward to this move; and I hope it happens. Let me rephrase that. I am saying that assuming Sonora is going to leave. If Sonora somehow stays in the VOL. I want Oakdale to stay in the VOL. In every publication I have read on the subject, I only see reasons to hate the Oakdale move to the MMC. I would like to take this opportunity to write reasons to love this move (some of which is also in my other blog.)
1.) Economic factors
I admit that this reasoning would be better if the current MMC were to stay intact and just add Oakdale, but trips to Modesto, instead of Manteca, Lathrop, and Stockton will save the district money in transportation costs, not just in football, but in all sports. Plus, two trips in the VOL take at least 45 minutes. In this MMC format, only one team has that distance (El Capitan). Plus, the Downey High School football field has similar turf to Oakdale, and most of the games against Modesto schools would be at Downey. Also, if Oakdale plays its cards right, there could be senarios where a Modesto school would need to rent the Corral (Oakdale's stadium) for a game or two, even though Gregori will have a stadium in a few years. Finally, Oakdale and Buhach Colony have been the top two ranked football teams in the area. If they were to move their game to a Saturday, they could not only get the gate fees from the Oakdale and Buhach fans, but fans and players of other teams wanting to see a great game. It is no Oakdale-Sonora in the perspective of gate receipts, but it could be close.
2) Better Teams (ok slightly)
Obviously, I mean in football, since conference changes in high school and college tend to be football-centric (though, the reasoning for Oakdale to go to the MMC is because of the record in most sports). If Oakdale is the best team in the area (as they have been rated), then Buhach is easily number two. Over time, the rivalry with the Thunder can top the one with the Buffaloes. The VOL is a two-tier league, and the MMC could suffer the same fate (Oakdale, Buhach Colony, Atwater, and Downey would be the top, while Beyer, Davis, Johansen, and El Capitan would be the bottom). Sonora is slipping in talent, so Downey would soon be able to provide more competition for the Mustangs than the Wildcats would. As a "fifth" team, Beyer, at times has the ability to crack the top-four, and give this MMC the potential to put 5 teams in the playoffs. I also think Davis is stronger than Lathrop or Weston Ranch. El Capitan is the wildcard. We probably won't know until 2015 or 2016 if the Gauchos are good. It takes tough competition to grow as a team and a program; and I think Oakdale has grown to what it is going to in the VOL. This MMC line-up would be perfect for the Mustangs. The skill level is slightly better, so Oakdale should be able to handle it. If it was put in a league that is too advanced, then it could end up being a detrement to the Mustangs. However, that would not be an issue in the MMC. Plus, if the Mustangs don't do well as expected, they could go back to the VOL in 2018.
3) Better Exposure to the Passing Game (Football)
In order to win a championship in football, teams will see a variety of systems en route to the title. Oakdale nearly got exposed for its lack of a good pass-defense when the Mustangs played both Benecia, who almost solely passes, and American Canyon, who has a great running-back to mix with the passing game. Both teams nearly controlled the tempo of the games against Oakdale, and could have defeated the Mustangs. The weakness of the current VOL is the passing game. Those teams who try do not have the talent to be a threat. There is one team in the proposed MMC that can test Oakdale's pass defense and better prepare the Mustangs for the play-offs. That team is the Downey Knights. According to maxpreps.com, quarterback, Aaron Zwahlen (who will be playing college football at Hawai'i, I believe) passed for 3,852 yards for the season and averaged 321 a game. The season total is nearly 1,400 yards more than anyone Oakdale has played prior to playoffs (2,458 total and 189.1 yards per game from the Oceanside quarterback) and more than 2,000 yards more than anyone Oakdale played in the VOL (1,626 from the Sierra-Manteca quarterback). Having Oakdale play a quarterback like Zwahlen in league play would have better prepared the Mustangs for the passing game they would face in the playoffs.
4) Sports That Enrollment Does Not Determine Divisions For Playoffs Will Be Promoted to Division II
Some of the Oakdale faithful see this as a bad thing, but I see it as a good thing. Baseball and softball have won multiple championships in division IV where in some cases, Oakdale plays teams half its size. Currently, the VOL is a division IV league. Therefore, the sports which enrollment is not a deciding factor for divisions, the Mustangs play in the division IV playoffs. In this move, the MMC would become a division II league (currently the MMC is in division I). Under this proposal, Oakdale would play teams similar in size, and some teams that are larger. That generally means better competition, and more entertaining games for fans.
5) Oakdale Would Still Play Division III For Sports in Which Enrollment Determines the Divisions for Playoffs
Currently, football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball use enrollment numbers to determine its divisions for playoffs (I believe basketball will go to the league assignment system next year). Oakdale, with 1,613 students, would fall in division III for those playoff spots. The Mustangs would play in the same division as they currently do now in football; and with a better league assignment, they would be better prepared for a section title, and a state title. Also, for the Oakdale fans, imagine playing old rivals Manteca and Sierra in the first round of the playoffs. Oakdale can still play the better teams of the VOL, and do not have to bother with those schools that are not strong in football.
6) Oakdale Football Would Finally Get a Chance to Play Davis and Atwater
When I was in high school, the football players wanted to play Davis and Atwater, and the fans wanted to see those game. The reason why is because those two teams were the best in the old CCC, and we all thought Oakdale was better than both those teams, despite the fact those two got more publicity. Thirteen years after my graduating date, Modesto gained two more schools that depleted the talent in the city, and Atwater built Buhach Colony, which got the better football talent. Davis is still struggling through their losses and now is a medium-sized school and not a large. Atwater suffered through a few bad years and is now back to a good team, and working on being a great one again. The Davis-Oakdale game was a dream match-up when I was a student, and the game would be fifteen years too late when the first game would be played. The Atwater-Oakdale game can be a classic and a nice preview for Buhach Colony.
7) Boys Basketball Will Have a Chance at the Playoffs
The one sport Oakdale continues to struggle with is basketball. The VOL is one of the better leagues in the area, and the playoffs are dominated by Weston Ranch, Sierra, East Union, and Manteca. Oakdale has the ability to beat the Modesto schools in basketball. The boys team defeated Davis for third place in the Oakdale Rotary Tournament. If Oakdale can beat at least one of the Atwater schools and El Capitan, then it could earn a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
8) Water Polo Benefits From More League Competition
Currently, only three of the VOL schools have a water polo team (Oakdale, Sonora, and Kimball). The VOL water polo team is just a four-team league (Ripon is in the VOL for water polo only, as it is the only TVL team that has water polo). I do not know if El Capitan is going to have water polo, but all the other teams in this proposed MMC do. The Mustangs can play more league games, and be better prepared for playoffs. Plus, they won't have to desperately find other teams and tournaments to play just to fill a schedule. In addition, the Mustangs have already proven that the water polo team can thrive in the MMC. When Oakdale started the water polo program, they had to play in the MMC, because Sonora and Oakdale were the only two VOL teams with the sport at the time (Sonora played in the TCAL if anyone cares). The second year of the programs existence, both the boys and girls teams advanced to the playoffs, with the boys winning the league the third year. The Mustangs showed they had what it takes to play with the big boys of the MMC, and they can do it again.
9) The Possibility for More College Scouts to See the Mustangs
The reality is that college scouts will spend more time going to games featuring big schools than small schools (yes, I know there are exceptions). Oakdale currently has two players in NCAA division I-FBS schools (Devin Combs at Nevada and Justin Martin at Wyoming). The last time a Mustangs played at that high level was in 2000 (Zach Quaccia-Stanford). Not many play at division I schools period. The number is low for a program that wins year in and year out. I believe some of the Mustang players could have had a few offers if the scouts wanted to see Zwahlen (see reason number 3) and they just happened to see the Mustangs perform well. Being in a league with larger schools could mean a better chance to be discovered.
10) Sometimes a Change is for the Best
Over the summer, I read that Sonora asked the Sac-Joaquin Section to be moved to the Mother Lode League (MLL). Once I read that the section would likely approve the move, I saw Oakdale's move to the MMC coming. Sonora's enrollment is currently at 1,108 and is projected to drop to 1,050. Plus, with Oakdale being the closest league-rival at 36 miles, it may be time for Sonora to play in a similar area to its opponents (or perhaps move to the WAC or TVL whose schools have similar enrollment numbers). Since Sonora is likely leaving, maybe it is just time for Oakdale to also leave and see better opportunities that are present. Tradition is valuable and it is nice, but going back to reason number 2, if a program is to grow, it has got to go out and play not only better competition, but different competition.
11) My own Selfish Reason
I live near Downey High School now, and I would be able to see a few Oakdale games without having to leave my neighborhood.
- This month, I will post 2 sets of rankings. That is because I did not realize that in December and January, they didn't post them the first weeks of the month, and on the last issue, I missed the December Rankings.
December 2012
1. Spain 2. Germany 3. Argentina 4. Italy 5. Colombia 6. England 7. Portugal 8. Netherlands 9. Russia 10. Croatia 11. Greece 12. Switzerland 13. Ecuador 14. Cote D'Ivoire 15. Mexico 16. Uruguay 17. France 18 Brazil 19. Algeria 20. Sweden 21. Belgium 22. Japan 23. Denmark 24. Norway 25. Mail (Note: The USA is ranked 28th)
December 2012 Bottom 10
1. (3 way tie) Bhutan, San Marino, Turks & Caicos Islands 4. Mauritania 5. Anguilla 6. Andorra 7. (tie) Djibouti, Mauritius 9. Cook Islands 10 (tie) Kyrgyzstan, South Sudan
January 2013
1. Spain 2. Germany 3. Argentina 4. Italy 5. Colombia 6. England 7. Portugal 8. Netherlands 9. Russia 10. Croatia 11. Greece 12. Ecuador 13. Switzerland 14. Cote D'Ivoire 15. Mexico 16. Uruguay 17. France 18. Brazi 19. Sweden 20. Belgium 21. Japan 22. Algeria 23. Denmark 24. Norway 25. Mali (Note: The USA is ranked 28th)
NCAA Basketball
Cross another team off the list of those that I needed to see live. For a birthday present, my awesome girlfriend and I went to Moraga, CA to see the local St. Mary's Gaels take on the Loyola Marymount Lions. The most impressive thing that I saw that day was nothing that the players on the Gaels nor the Lions did, but during a timeout, the promotions guy from St. Mary's had a contest for two kids who couldn't be older than 12. They had to do 10 push-ups and then shoot a basketball from three-point range. The first kid did the 10 push-ups, shot the ball and made it. Two seconds later the second kid completed his push-ups, shot the ball and made it. It is hard to imagine how impressive this feat really is until you have tried it. I have tried to shoot a basketball immediately after doing push-ups. The arms feel like noodles by the time the push-ups are finished. Needless to say, my shot was nowhere near the hoop. That is what impresses me more with the fact that these kids made it. By the way, St. Mary's won 74-61. At that time, it put them at 1-0 in WCC play and 12-3 overall (I wrote this paragraph on 1/24/13, they are currently 4-1 in WCC and 15-4 overall). Loyola Marymount was 0-2 in WCC and 7-8 overall (they are now 1-5 WCC, 8-11 overall).
NCAA FOOTBALL
-The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the previously undefeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 42-14 to win the BCS national championship. I would also like to congratulate the North Dakota State Bisons (Division I-FCS), Valdosta State Rams (Division II), and Mt. Union Purple Raiders (Division III) for winning the national championship in their respective divisions, since no one else will. They earned their championships just as much as Alabama did (if not more so). The only team to finish undefeated in Division I-FBS was Ohio State, but due to sanctions, they were ineligible to play in any bowl game.
COLLEGE SPORTS
-Within a month, both Boise State and San Diego State announced that they were going to decommit from the Big East in football and the Big West in all other sports to stay in the Mountain West conference. The original reason for their move to a conference nearly 3,000 miles away was so they could get an automatic berth to a BCS bowl game should they win their conference. With the new format in 2014, the Mountain West will have an equal footing with the Big East, making the move unnecessary. However, each team will have to pay a $5 million exit fee as part of the contract.
I am personally relieved to see both teams staying. I am saddened that division I college sports is ignoring geography just to get money. Of course, most of these moves are football-centric, but other sports suffer. Not only will these moves hurt those players who won't go pro (which is most of them), but it will hurt the minor programs that are on a shoestring budget that can barely afford to go to all the places they have to go as it is; but now they are going to have to go farther. For example, Hawai'i joined the Big West for all sports except for football. Prior to this season, the Big West consisted of only California teams. Those teams could just take a bus to all their opponents. Now those minor programs are going to have to find a way to go to Hawai'i. The islands would be great for a vacation, but having several teams in a program going to Hawai'i can cripple a budget. I think that is why Pacific will be going to the West Coast Conference next year (though I don't know that for sure.)
On another tangent, the Mountain West will have two six-team divisions for football and have a championship game, according to ESPN. How the teams will be divided has not been mentioned. Since, it hasn't, let me make a suggestion:
West (in alphabetical order): Fresno State, Hawai'i, Nevada, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV
East: Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, New Mexico, Utah State, Wyoming
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
-Last week, I wrote a blog on my complete thoughts on the potential realignment in the Sac-Joaquin Section. If this proposal is approved, the new MMC will be Atwater, Beyer, Buhach Colony, Davis, Downey, El Capitan, Johansen, and Oakdale. From what I have read, Oakdale coaches hate this move. Most of the reasoning has to do with tradition. Oakdale was one of the charter members of the Valley Oak League. The other charter member (Sonora) is set to leave to go to the MLL. I would like to ask all coaches who are traditionalists, if Sonora does leave, are you willing to schedule the Wildcats for a non-league game to keep the Oakdale-Sonora game alive?
I am normally a traditionalist and I hate change whether it would benefit me or not, but I am looking forward to this move; and I hope it happens. Let me rephrase that. I am saying that assuming Sonora is going to leave. If Sonora somehow stays in the VOL. I want Oakdale to stay in the VOL. In every publication I have read on the subject, I only see reasons to hate the Oakdale move to the MMC. I would like to take this opportunity to write reasons to love this move (some of which is also in my other blog.)
1.) Economic factors
I admit that this reasoning would be better if the current MMC were to stay intact and just add Oakdale, but trips to Modesto, instead of Manteca, Lathrop, and Stockton will save the district money in transportation costs, not just in football, but in all sports. Plus, two trips in the VOL take at least 45 minutes. In this MMC format, only one team has that distance (El Capitan). Plus, the Downey High School football field has similar turf to Oakdale, and most of the games against Modesto schools would be at Downey. Also, if Oakdale plays its cards right, there could be senarios where a Modesto school would need to rent the Corral (Oakdale's stadium) for a game or two, even though Gregori will have a stadium in a few years. Finally, Oakdale and Buhach Colony have been the top two ranked football teams in the area. If they were to move their game to a Saturday, they could not only get the gate fees from the Oakdale and Buhach fans, but fans and players of other teams wanting to see a great game. It is no Oakdale-Sonora in the perspective of gate receipts, but it could be close.
2) Better Teams (ok slightly)
Obviously, I mean in football, since conference changes in high school and college tend to be football-centric (though, the reasoning for Oakdale to go to the MMC is because of the record in most sports). If Oakdale is the best team in the area (as they have been rated), then Buhach is easily number two. Over time, the rivalry with the Thunder can top the one with the Buffaloes. The VOL is a two-tier league, and the MMC could suffer the same fate (Oakdale, Buhach Colony, Atwater, and Downey would be the top, while Beyer, Davis, Johansen, and El Capitan would be the bottom). Sonora is slipping in talent, so Downey would soon be able to provide more competition for the Mustangs than the Wildcats would. As a "fifth" team, Beyer, at times has the ability to crack the top-four, and give this MMC the potential to put 5 teams in the playoffs. I also think Davis is stronger than Lathrop or Weston Ranch. El Capitan is the wildcard. We probably won't know until 2015 or 2016 if the Gauchos are good. It takes tough competition to grow as a team and a program; and I think Oakdale has grown to what it is going to in the VOL. This MMC line-up would be perfect for the Mustangs. The skill level is slightly better, so Oakdale should be able to handle it. If it was put in a league that is too advanced, then it could end up being a detrement to the Mustangs. However, that would not be an issue in the MMC. Plus, if the Mustangs don't do well as expected, they could go back to the VOL in 2018.
3) Better Exposure to the Passing Game (Football)
In order to win a championship in football, teams will see a variety of systems en route to the title. Oakdale nearly got exposed for its lack of a good pass-defense when the Mustangs played both Benecia, who almost solely passes, and American Canyon, who has a great running-back to mix with the passing game. Both teams nearly controlled the tempo of the games against Oakdale, and could have defeated the Mustangs. The weakness of the current VOL is the passing game. Those teams who try do not have the talent to be a threat. There is one team in the proposed MMC that can test Oakdale's pass defense and better prepare the Mustangs for the play-offs. That team is the Downey Knights. According to maxpreps.com, quarterback, Aaron Zwahlen (who will be playing college football at Hawai'i, I believe) passed for 3,852 yards for the season and averaged 321 a game. The season total is nearly 1,400 yards more than anyone Oakdale has played prior to playoffs (2,458 total and 189.1 yards per game from the Oceanside quarterback) and more than 2,000 yards more than anyone Oakdale played in the VOL (1,626 from the Sierra-Manteca quarterback). Having Oakdale play a quarterback like Zwahlen in league play would have better prepared the Mustangs for the passing game they would face in the playoffs.
4) Sports That Enrollment Does Not Determine Divisions For Playoffs Will Be Promoted to Division II
Some of the Oakdale faithful see this as a bad thing, but I see it as a good thing. Baseball and softball have won multiple championships in division IV where in some cases, Oakdale plays teams half its size. Currently, the VOL is a division IV league. Therefore, the sports which enrollment is not a deciding factor for divisions, the Mustangs play in the division IV playoffs. In this move, the MMC would become a division II league (currently the MMC is in division I). Under this proposal, Oakdale would play teams similar in size, and some teams that are larger. That generally means better competition, and more entertaining games for fans.
5) Oakdale Would Still Play Division III For Sports in Which Enrollment Determines the Divisions for Playoffs
Currently, football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball use enrollment numbers to determine its divisions for playoffs (I believe basketball will go to the league assignment system next year). Oakdale, with 1,613 students, would fall in division III for those playoff spots. The Mustangs would play in the same division as they currently do now in football; and with a better league assignment, they would be better prepared for a section title, and a state title. Also, for the Oakdale fans, imagine playing old rivals Manteca and Sierra in the first round of the playoffs. Oakdale can still play the better teams of the VOL, and do not have to bother with those schools that are not strong in football.
6) Oakdale Football Would Finally Get a Chance to Play Davis and Atwater
When I was in high school, the football players wanted to play Davis and Atwater, and the fans wanted to see those game. The reason why is because those two teams were the best in the old CCC, and we all thought Oakdale was better than both those teams, despite the fact those two got more publicity. Thirteen years after my graduating date, Modesto gained two more schools that depleted the talent in the city, and Atwater built Buhach Colony, which got the better football talent. Davis is still struggling through their losses and now is a medium-sized school and not a large. Atwater suffered through a few bad years and is now back to a good team, and working on being a great one again. The Davis-Oakdale game was a dream match-up when I was a student, and the game would be fifteen years too late when the first game would be played. The Atwater-Oakdale game can be a classic and a nice preview for Buhach Colony.
7) Boys Basketball Will Have a Chance at the Playoffs
The one sport Oakdale continues to struggle with is basketball. The VOL is one of the better leagues in the area, and the playoffs are dominated by Weston Ranch, Sierra, East Union, and Manteca. Oakdale has the ability to beat the Modesto schools in basketball. The boys team defeated Davis for third place in the Oakdale Rotary Tournament. If Oakdale can beat at least one of the Atwater schools and El Capitan, then it could earn a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
8) Water Polo Benefits From More League Competition
Currently, only three of the VOL schools have a water polo team (Oakdale, Sonora, and Kimball). The VOL water polo team is just a four-team league (Ripon is in the VOL for water polo only, as it is the only TVL team that has water polo). I do not know if El Capitan is going to have water polo, but all the other teams in this proposed MMC do. The Mustangs can play more league games, and be better prepared for playoffs. Plus, they won't have to desperately find other teams and tournaments to play just to fill a schedule. In addition, the Mustangs have already proven that the water polo team can thrive in the MMC. When Oakdale started the water polo program, they had to play in the MMC, because Sonora and Oakdale were the only two VOL teams with the sport at the time (Sonora played in the TCAL if anyone cares). The second year of the programs existence, both the boys and girls teams advanced to the playoffs, with the boys winning the league the third year. The Mustangs showed they had what it takes to play with the big boys of the MMC, and they can do it again.
9) The Possibility for More College Scouts to See the Mustangs
The reality is that college scouts will spend more time going to games featuring big schools than small schools (yes, I know there are exceptions). Oakdale currently has two players in NCAA division I-FBS schools (Devin Combs at Nevada and Justin Martin at Wyoming). The last time a Mustangs played at that high level was in 2000 (Zach Quaccia-Stanford). Not many play at division I schools period. The number is low for a program that wins year in and year out. I believe some of the Mustang players could have had a few offers if the scouts wanted to see Zwahlen (see reason number 3) and they just happened to see the Mustangs perform well. Being in a league with larger schools could mean a better chance to be discovered.
10) Sometimes a Change is for the Best
Over the summer, I read that Sonora asked the Sac-Joaquin Section to be moved to the Mother Lode League (MLL). Once I read that the section would likely approve the move, I saw Oakdale's move to the MMC coming. Sonora's enrollment is currently at 1,108 and is projected to drop to 1,050. Plus, with Oakdale being the closest league-rival at 36 miles, it may be time for Sonora to play in a similar area to its opponents (or perhaps move to the WAC or TVL whose schools have similar enrollment numbers). Since Sonora is likely leaving, maybe it is just time for Oakdale to also leave and see better opportunities that are present. Tradition is valuable and it is nice, but going back to reason number 2, if a program is to grow, it has got to go out and play not only better competition, but different competition.
11) My own Selfish Reason
I live near Downey High School now, and I would be able to see a few Oakdale games without having to leave my neighborhood.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
A zzzzz special- Sac-Joaquin Section realingment Proposal #1
Every four years, the Sac-Joaquin Section does a realignment in order to keep an enrollment, geographic, and competetive balance. Most changes are subtle as usually only a few schools out of over 150 move. By the looks of things, there will be major changes starting in the 2014-2015 school year. Under the first proposal, every football league except for three (four leagues total) will be changed in one way or another. Personally, I feel that two of the leagues that need change will be left alone.
If you are a parent of a future high-school athlete, or a coach, or school administrator, you will be affected by the change somehow whether it be increased (or in some cases, decreased) transportation costs, level of play your kids will see, and even the chances of going to state. If you are a parent of an athlete who will play football at a Modesto public high school, be prepared to leave the city of Modesto to go to a league game. For those from Oakdale and Sonora who remember the glory days of the rivalry, get ready for it to disappear. Get ready for an Oakdale-Davis game that is at least 15-years overdue. Get ready for the Sierra Foothill League to be even stronger (if that was even possible). Get ready to say goodbye to some old rivals and hello to some new ones (as a fan, I am looking forward to a Sonora-Summerville rivalry. Just imagine how Tuoloumne County can promote that).
Now, this is just the first proposal. There will likely be some changes to it before a final decision is held at the end of April. There is no way the section can make everyone happy, but I hope they at least make it the best possible for all teams. Here is what they came up with. Some moves are good, some are bad, and others are just plain insane, and I hope they change it. I will not have comments for all leagues, but I will give you the current format and the proposed format for each league.
Division I
Central California Conference
Current: Atwater, Buhach Colony (Atwater), Golden Valley (Merced), Merced, Pitman (Turlock), Turlock
Proposed: Enochs, Golden Valley, Gregori, Merced, Modesto, Pitman, Turlock, Modesto Christian (Boys/Girls Basketball only)
Comments: This line up reminds me of the old-fashioned CCC when the Modesto schools competed against the other big schools of Stanislaus and Merced Counties. That is what I like about it. It also forces Enochs to become more competetive. Enochs finished 2nd in the MMC in 2012, and won the conference in 2011, but with this line-up, there is a good chance the Eagles wouldn't have made the playoffs with the team they had. I think Merced would have won, Pitman would get 2nd, and Golden Valley or Enochs would get the at-large spot. However, what I don't like about it is that this line-up weakens the confernces. The CCC as it currently is, is by far the strongest league in the southern part of the section, and one of the strongest in the entire section. Gregori and Modesto would instantly make it mediocre. As for Modesto Christian basketball, they are the best school in the area, and need to compete with the best. However, I fear that it may cause a slippery-slope. From what I read in the Modesto Bee, Ripon Christian and Riverbank want to compete in the Southern League for football only and the TVL for every other sport. How many other schools will create ideas to separate sports and leagues? I think Modesto Christian should join the WAC or VOL for all sports.
San Joaquin Athletic Association
Current: Bear Creek (Stockton), Chavez (Stockton), Franklin (Stockton), Lincoln (Stockton), Lodi, Tracy
Proposed: No changes
Tri-City Athletic League
Current: Edison (Stockton), McNair (Stockton), St. Mary's (Stockton), Stagg (Stockton), Tokay (Lodi), West (Tracy)
Proposed: No changes
Comment: I think there needs to be changes in these two leagues. It made absolutely no sense to me to split up the Tracy and Lodi schools eight years ago, it made no sense four years ago, and it makes no sense now. The schools are nearly alike in enrollment. What they should do is make a Northern San Joaquin League and a Southern San Joaquin League. Put the Lodi schools in the Northern League, the Tracy schools in the Southern League, and separate the Stockton schools however they see fit.
Delta League
Note: Currently the Section has the Delta River League and the Delta Valley League. Each league will lose some teams, and the remaining teams will form one eight-team league.
DRL: Folsom, Jesuit (Carmichael) (boys only), Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills), Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove), Ponderosa (Shingle Springs), Sheldon (Sacramento), St. Francis (Sacramento) (girls only)
DVL: Davis, Elk Grove, Franklin (Elk Grove), Grant (Sacramento), Laguna Creek (Elk Grove), Monterey Trail (Elk Grove)
Proposed: Davis, Elk Grove, Franklin (Elk Grove), Grant, Jesuit (boys only), Monterey Trail, Pleasant Grove, Sheldon, St. Francis (girls only)
Monticello Empire League
Current: Armijo (Fairfield), Napa, Rodriguez (Fairfield), Vacaville, Vintage (Napa), Wood (Vacaville)
Proposed: Bethel, Napa, Rodriguez, Vacaville, Vallejo, Vintage
Comment: It's hard to do anything geographically except for switching teams with the SCAC.
Sierra Foothill League
Current: Del Oro (Loomis), Granite Bay, Nevada Union (Grass Valley), Rocklin, Roseville, Woodcreek (Roseville)
Proposed: Del Oro, Folsom, Granite Bay, Nevada Union, Oak Ridge, Rocklin, Roseville, Woodcreek
Comment: This is the Sac-Joaquin's version of the SEC in football. It is a league that most people (but not everyone) feel is the strongest by far. And adding Folsom and Oak Ridge only make it stronger. I read in the Sacramento Bee that the section wants to give this league four automatic berths to this league. I can understand three, but four is too many.
Division II Leagues
Modesto Metro Conference
Current: Beyer, Grace Davis, Downey, Enochs, Gregori, Johansen, Modesto (all in Modesto)
Proposed: Atwater, Buhach Colony, Beyer, Grace Davis, Downey, El Capitan (Merced-open 2013), Johansen, Oakdale
Comment: I am ok with this league, but if they keep it; the name has to change. I am an Oakdale alum, and I know most Oakdale fans and coaches hate the idea of leaving the VOL; what is worse in their eyes is joining a league with bigger schools. I like this idea. Economically, it would save Oakdale money on transportation. Currently, the Mustangs' closest league competetor is Manteca. There are four schools in this group closer than that. Merced is the furthest they would have to travel. That is about the same distance as to Sonora. Another reason I like it is that if Sonora is leaving the VOL, there really is no reason for the Mustangs to stay. Beyer could become a bigger rival than anyone else the VOL has. Some people don't like it, because they feel Oakdale is being punished for being too good. They should look at it as an opportunity for Oakdale to prove that it can beat bigger schools. And I have to say (as unpopular as it is), the only reason why the Mustangs won the Section championship in football this year is that Del Oro got moved up because it was too good. This Mustangs team was not equipped to beat the Golden Eagles. It just might be the Mustangs turn to move up.
When I was in high school, Oakdale-Davis was a dream match-up in football. Oakdale was one of the best in the VOL, and Davis was one of the best in the old CCC. In addition, Atwater was up there with Davis. Unfortunately, the Oakdale-Davis game would not be good anymore, as new schools (Enochs and Gregori) caused Davis to lose a lot of talent, and they have not been able to get it back. However, some people wonder how MMC champion, Downey, can compete with Buhach Colony and Oakdale. If this league stays as proposed, we will find out. Atwater would renew its old rivalries with the Modesto schools from the old CCC. The wildcard is El Capitan for two reasons. First, a high school is usually excellent at at least one sport; and it usually only takes the first two years at the varsity level to find out what it is. Second, how will the addition of the Gauchos effect the talent levels of Merced and Golden Valley. Merced was a nationally-ranked football power before Golden Valley came. Will having El Capitan have the same effect? Finally, the Modesto Bee reports that Modesto City Schools will fight as hard as it can to keep the MMC as it is. The Bee also reported that there would have to be some enrollment equality for that to happen. Currently, Davis has 1,465 students while Modesto has over 2,500 (and I think Enochs also has over 2,500). There may be enrollment shifts soon at the Modesto high schools. Stay tuned.
Capital Valley Conference
Current: Bella Vista (Fair Oaks), Casa Roble (Orangevale), Christian Brothers (Sacramento), Del Campo (Fair Oaks), Oakmont (Roseville), Rio Linda
Proposed: Antelope, Bella Vista, Del Campo, Ponderosa, Rio Americano, Whitney
Comments: I do not know a lot about the geography of high schools in the Sacramento-area, but all these schools have about the same enrollment, it also makes sense competetively. Ponderosa was "in over their head" in the Delta River League. This move should better suit them.
Solano County Athletic Association
Current: American Canyon, Benicia, Bethel (Fairfield), Fairfield, Vallejo, Vanden (Fairfield)
Proposed: American Canyon, Armijo, Benicia, Fairfield, Vanden, Wood
Division III Leagues
Valley Oak League
Current: East Union (Manteca), Kimball (Tracy), Lathrop, Manteca, Oakdale, Sierra (Manteca), Sonora, Weston Ranch (Stockton)
Proposed: Central Valley, East Union, Kimball, Manteca, Patterson, Sierra
Comments: Oakdale will fight hard to stay in the VOL. If that happens, I would like to see a Patterson-Oakdale matchup. Also, the MLL will fight hard to keep Sonora in the VOL. However, declining enrollment numbers for Sonora makes the Wildcats' move out of the VOL necessary. Also, personally, I feel keeping Kimball in the VOL is a mistake. The Tracy to Ceres (Central Valley) drive is unnecessary. Plus, Kimball's projected enrollment would make either the SJAA or TCAL a better fit for them. Since geography doesn't seem to be a factor in this league, Pacheco would be the best fit for the sixth team, enrollment wise.
Capital Athletic League
Current: Antelope, Cordova (Rancho Cordova), El Camino (Sacramento), Mira Loma (Sacramento), Rio Americano (Sacramento), Whitney (Rocklin)
Proposed: Casa Roble, Christian Brothers, El Camino, Oakmont, Placer, Sacramento, Vista del Lago
Comments: This is a better fit for Sacramento than the Metro League. According to the Auburn Journal, Placer does not belong in this league. It makes sense, most of these schools are either in Sacramento, or along US HWY-50, where as Placer is too far east, and along I-80 and CA-HWY 49. I have a feeling Placer will not be in this league when the final decision is made. On a side note, only El Camino would remain in the CAL.
Metro League
Current: Burbank, Florin, Johnson, Kennedy, McClatchy, Rosemont, Sacramento, Valley (all in Sacramento)
Proposed: Burbank, Cosumnes Oaks, Florin, Johnson, Kennedy, Laguna Creek, McClatchy, Valley
Comments: The board needs to do a better job with this one. If this one is kept, the name must change, as the proposed additions are in Elk Grove, and not in Sacramento. Plus, Burbank is too big and too good to be a division III team. I think it would be a good league if they moved Burbank to a division I league and Cosumnes Oaks to the CAL.
Tri-City Conference
Current: Inderkum (Sacramento), Natomas (Sacramento), Pioneer (Woodland), River Valley (Yuba City), Woodland, Yuba City
Proposed: Inderkum, Pioneer, Rio Linda, River City, River Valley, Woodland, Yuba City
Comments: Currently, Rio Linda and River City are too big for this league. However, if West Sacramento High School ever gets built, then that should balnace the enrollment. Plus, the plan is to split the two Natomas neighborhood schools, but Natomas is declining in enrollment and talent.
Division IV Leagues
Western Athletic Conference
Current: Central Catholic (Modesto), Central Valley (Ceres), Ceres, Livingston, Los Banos, Pacheco (Los Banos), Patterson
Proposed: Central Catholic, Ceres, Lathrop, Livingston, Los Banos, Pacheco, Weston Ranch
Comments: Enrollment-wise, it almost makes perfect sense. The board just neeeds to put Pacheco in the VOL, and either East Union or Sonora in the WAC. Geography-wise, asking the Los Banos schools and Livingston to drive to Stockton (and vice-versa) may be too much to ask for. Football wise, it is just a new set of schools for Central Catholic to dominate.
Pioneer Valley League
Current: Bear River (Grass Valley), Center (Antelope), Colfax, Foothill (Sacramento), Lincoln, Placer (Auburn)
Proposed: Bear River, Center, Colfax, Foothill, Lincoln, Mira Loma
Sierra Valley Conference
Current: Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove), El Dorado (Placerville), Galt, Liberty Ranch (Galt) River City (West Sacramento), Union Mine (El Dorado), Vista del Lago (Folsom)
Proposed: Cordova, El Dorado, Galt, Liberty Ranch, Rosemont, Union Mine
Comments: Cordova, Rosemont? Really? I think that says enough.
Division V Leagues
Trans-Valley League
Current: Escalon, Hilmar, Hughson, Modesto Christian, Orestimba (Newman), Ripon, Riverbank
Proposed: Escalon, Hilmar, Hughson, Mountain House (open 2014), Orestimba, Ripon, Riverbank
Comments: The only change is that Modesto Christian leaves and Mountain House is added. The problem with Mountain House is that as bad as this line-up is for them, with their low projected numbers, there is no where else to put them. I have a feeling that in 2018, they will move to either the VOL or the TCAL.
Mother Lode League
Current: Amador (Sutter Creek), Argonaut (Jackson), Bret Harte (Angels Camp), Calaveras (San Andreas), Linden, Summerville (Tuoloumne City)
Proposed: Amador, Argonaut, Bret Harte, Calaveras, Linden, Sonora, Summerville
Comments: According to the Modesto Bee, there is a movement to keep Sonora out. They feel Sonora is too big (Calaveras is bigger), they feel Sonora is too good (Calaveras and Argonaut are just as good). The team they should get rid of is Linden. Linden is not even in the Mother Lode. It is in San Joaquin County. They should be added to the TVL to make an 8-team league. Plus, on week 10, they would have an all Amador county game (Argonaut-Amador), and all Calaveras County (Bret Harte-Calaveras), and an all Tuoloumne (Sonora-Summerville). I think Sonora could build interesting rivalries with Summerville and Calaveras.
Golden Empire League
Current: Capital Christian (Sacramento), Dixon, Lindhurst (Olivehurst), Marysville, Mesa Verde (Citrus Heights), West Campus (Sacramento)
Proposed: Capital Christian, Dixon, Lindhurst, Marysville, Mesa Verde, Natomas, West Campus
Comments: The only change is that Natomas would be added
Division VI Leagues
Southern League
Current: Delhi, Denair, Gustine, Le Grand, Mariposa, Ripon Christian, Turlock Christian, Waterford
Proposed: Delhi, Denair, Gustine, Le Grand, Mariposa, Modesto Christian (in all but boys/girls basketball), Ripon Christian, Waterford
Comments: Modesto Chrsitian? Are you kidding? Their football and baseball teams are too good for this league. They needed to move up from the TVL, not down. The WAC would be better suited for them.
Sierra Delta League
Current: Bradshaw Christian (Sacramento), Encina (Sacramento), Golden Sierra (Garden Valley), Highlands (North Highlands), Rio Vista, San Juan (Citrus Heights), Vacaville Christian
Proposed: No changes
Comments: Highlands is too big for this league. They should be in the GEL.
Central Valley California League (non-football league)
Current: Cristo Rey (Sacramento), Delta (Clarksburg), Forest Lake Christian (Auburn), Foresthill, Sacramento Waldorf (Fair Oaks), Victory Christian (Carmichael), Woodland Christian
Proposed: All teams stay except for Cristo Rey
Note: Cristo Rey, Delta, Foresthill, Valley Christian, and Woodland Christian play in the SMAL for football. I believe that will remain the case.
Division VII Leagues
Central California Athletic Alliance
Current: Big Valley (Modesto), Brookside Christian (Stockton), Elliot Christian (Lodi), Millennium (Tracy), Sierra Ridge/ROP (San Andreas), Stone Ridge Christian (Merced)
Proposed: These six plus Turlock Christian and Venture Academy (non football playing school)
Mountain Valley League (non-football)
Current: Delta Charter (Tracy), Don Pedro, Holt Academy (Stockton), Hughes Academy (Stockton), Lodi Academy, Mountain Oaks (San Andreas), Stockton Christian, Tioga (Groveland), Venture Academy (Stockton)
Proposed: Adding Excel Academy
Northern Pacific Athletic Conference
Proposed: Freedom Christian, Global Youth Charter, Lutheran, New Life Christian, Trinity Prep, Western Sierra College Prep, Woodland Poly
Sacramento Metro Athletic League
Proposed: Buckingham Charter, Cristo Rey, Faith Christian, Sacramento Adventist, Sacramento Country Day, Valley Christian, Wilton Christian
Note: Cristo Rey is in this league for football. They are proposed to be in this league for all sports
If you are a parent of a future high-school athlete, or a coach, or school administrator, you will be affected by the change somehow whether it be increased (or in some cases, decreased) transportation costs, level of play your kids will see, and even the chances of going to state. If you are a parent of an athlete who will play football at a Modesto public high school, be prepared to leave the city of Modesto to go to a league game. For those from Oakdale and Sonora who remember the glory days of the rivalry, get ready for it to disappear. Get ready for an Oakdale-Davis game that is at least 15-years overdue. Get ready for the Sierra Foothill League to be even stronger (if that was even possible). Get ready to say goodbye to some old rivals and hello to some new ones (as a fan, I am looking forward to a Sonora-Summerville rivalry. Just imagine how Tuoloumne County can promote that).
Now, this is just the first proposal. There will likely be some changes to it before a final decision is held at the end of April. There is no way the section can make everyone happy, but I hope they at least make it the best possible for all teams. Here is what they came up with. Some moves are good, some are bad, and others are just plain insane, and I hope they change it. I will not have comments for all leagues, but I will give you the current format and the proposed format for each league.
Division I
Central California Conference
Current: Atwater, Buhach Colony (Atwater), Golden Valley (Merced), Merced, Pitman (Turlock), Turlock
Proposed: Enochs, Golden Valley, Gregori, Merced, Modesto, Pitman, Turlock, Modesto Christian (Boys/Girls Basketball only)
Comments: This line up reminds me of the old-fashioned CCC when the Modesto schools competed against the other big schools of Stanislaus and Merced Counties. That is what I like about it. It also forces Enochs to become more competetive. Enochs finished 2nd in the MMC in 2012, and won the conference in 2011, but with this line-up, there is a good chance the Eagles wouldn't have made the playoffs with the team they had. I think Merced would have won, Pitman would get 2nd, and Golden Valley or Enochs would get the at-large spot. However, what I don't like about it is that this line-up weakens the confernces. The CCC as it currently is, is by far the strongest league in the southern part of the section, and one of the strongest in the entire section. Gregori and Modesto would instantly make it mediocre. As for Modesto Christian basketball, they are the best school in the area, and need to compete with the best. However, I fear that it may cause a slippery-slope. From what I read in the Modesto Bee, Ripon Christian and Riverbank want to compete in the Southern League for football only and the TVL for every other sport. How many other schools will create ideas to separate sports and leagues? I think Modesto Christian should join the WAC or VOL for all sports.
San Joaquin Athletic Association
Current: Bear Creek (Stockton), Chavez (Stockton), Franklin (Stockton), Lincoln (Stockton), Lodi, Tracy
Proposed: No changes
Tri-City Athletic League
Current: Edison (Stockton), McNair (Stockton), St. Mary's (Stockton), Stagg (Stockton), Tokay (Lodi), West (Tracy)
Proposed: No changes
Comment: I think there needs to be changes in these two leagues. It made absolutely no sense to me to split up the Tracy and Lodi schools eight years ago, it made no sense four years ago, and it makes no sense now. The schools are nearly alike in enrollment. What they should do is make a Northern San Joaquin League and a Southern San Joaquin League. Put the Lodi schools in the Northern League, the Tracy schools in the Southern League, and separate the Stockton schools however they see fit.
Delta League
Note: Currently the Section has the Delta River League and the Delta Valley League. Each league will lose some teams, and the remaining teams will form one eight-team league.
DRL: Folsom, Jesuit (Carmichael) (boys only), Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills), Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove), Ponderosa (Shingle Springs), Sheldon (Sacramento), St. Francis (Sacramento) (girls only)
DVL: Davis, Elk Grove, Franklin (Elk Grove), Grant (Sacramento), Laguna Creek (Elk Grove), Monterey Trail (Elk Grove)
Proposed: Davis, Elk Grove, Franklin (Elk Grove), Grant, Jesuit (boys only), Monterey Trail, Pleasant Grove, Sheldon, St. Francis (girls only)
Monticello Empire League
Current: Armijo (Fairfield), Napa, Rodriguez (Fairfield), Vacaville, Vintage (Napa), Wood (Vacaville)
Proposed: Bethel, Napa, Rodriguez, Vacaville, Vallejo, Vintage
Comment: It's hard to do anything geographically except for switching teams with the SCAC.
Sierra Foothill League
Current: Del Oro (Loomis), Granite Bay, Nevada Union (Grass Valley), Rocklin, Roseville, Woodcreek (Roseville)
Proposed: Del Oro, Folsom, Granite Bay, Nevada Union, Oak Ridge, Rocklin, Roseville, Woodcreek
Comment: This is the Sac-Joaquin's version of the SEC in football. It is a league that most people (but not everyone) feel is the strongest by far. And adding Folsom and Oak Ridge only make it stronger. I read in the Sacramento Bee that the section wants to give this league four automatic berths to this league. I can understand three, but four is too many.
Division II Leagues
Modesto Metro Conference
Current: Beyer, Grace Davis, Downey, Enochs, Gregori, Johansen, Modesto (all in Modesto)
Proposed: Atwater, Buhach Colony, Beyer, Grace Davis, Downey, El Capitan (Merced-open 2013), Johansen, Oakdale
Comment: I am ok with this league, but if they keep it; the name has to change. I am an Oakdale alum, and I know most Oakdale fans and coaches hate the idea of leaving the VOL; what is worse in their eyes is joining a league with bigger schools. I like this idea. Economically, it would save Oakdale money on transportation. Currently, the Mustangs' closest league competetor is Manteca. There are four schools in this group closer than that. Merced is the furthest they would have to travel. That is about the same distance as to Sonora. Another reason I like it is that if Sonora is leaving the VOL, there really is no reason for the Mustangs to stay. Beyer could become a bigger rival than anyone else the VOL has. Some people don't like it, because they feel Oakdale is being punished for being too good. They should look at it as an opportunity for Oakdale to prove that it can beat bigger schools. And I have to say (as unpopular as it is), the only reason why the Mustangs won the Section championship in football this year is that Del Oro got moved up because it was too good. This Mustangs team was not equipped to beat the Golden Eagles. It just might be the Mustangs turn to move up.
When I was in high school, Oakdale-Davis was a dream match-up in football. Oakdale was one of the best in the VOL, and Davis was one of the best in the old CCC. In addition, Atwater was up there with Davis. Unfortunately, the Oakdale-Davis game would not be good anymore, as new schools (Enochs and Gregori) caused Davis to lose a lot of talent, and they have not been able to get it back. However, some people wonder how MMC champion, Downey, can compete with Buhach Colony and Oakdale. If this league stays as proposed, we will find out. Atwater would renew its old rivalries with the Modesto schools from the old CCC. The wildcard is El Capitan for two reasons. First, a high school is usually excellent at at least one sport; and it usually only takes the first two years at the varsity level to find out what it is. Second, how will the addition of the Gauchos effect the talent levels of Merced and Golden Valley. Merced was a nationally-ranked football power before Golden Valley came. Will having El Capitan have the same effect? Finally, the Modesto Bee reports that Modesto City Schools will fight as hard as it can to keep the MMC as it is. The Bee also reported that there would have to be some enrollment equality for that to happen. Currently, Davis has 1,465 students while Modesto has over 2,500 (and I think Enochs also has over 2,500). There may be enrollment shifts soon at the Modesto high schools. Stay tuned.
Capital Valley Conference
Current: Bella Vista (Fair Oaks), Casa Roble (Orangevale), Christian Brothers (Sacramento), Del Campo (Fair Oaks), Oakmont (Roseville), Rio Linda
Proposed: Antelope, Bella Vista, Del Campo, Ponderosa, Rio Americano, Whitney
Comments: I do not know a lot about the geography of high schools in the Sacramento-area, but all these schools have about the same enrollment, it also makes sense competetively. Ponderosa was "in over their head" in the Delta River League. This move should better suit them.
Solano County Athletic Association
Current: American Canyon, Benicia, Bethel (Fairfield), Fairfield, Vallejo, Vanden (Fairfield)
Proposed: American Canyon, Armijo, Benicia, Fairfield, Vanden, Wood
Division III Leagues
Valley Oak League
Current: East Union (Manteca), Kimball (Tracy), Lathrop, Manteca, Oakdale, Sierra (Manteca), Sonora, Weston Ranch (Stockton)
Proposed: Central Valley, East Union, Kimball, Manteca, Patterson, Sierra
Comments: Oakdale will fight hard to stay in the VOL. If that happens, I would like to see a Patterson-Oakdale matchup. Also, the MLL will fight hard to keep Sonora in the VOL. However, declining enrollment numbers for Sonora makes the Wildcats' move out of the VOL necessary. Also, personally, I feel keeping Kimball in the VOL is a mistake. The Tracy to Ceres (Central Valley) drive is unnecessary. Plus, Kimball's projected enrollment would make either the SJAA or TCAL a better fit for them. Since geography doesn't seem to be a factor in this league, Pacheco would be the best fit for the sixth team, enrollment wise.
Capital Athletic League
Current: Antelope, Cordova (Rancho Cordova), El Camino (Sacramento), Mira Loma (Sacramento), Rio Americano (Sacramento), Whitney (Rocklin)
Proposed: Casa Roble, Christian Brothers, El Camino, Oakmont, Placer, Sacramento, Vista del Lago
Comments: This is a better fit for Sacramento than the Metro League. According to the Auburn Journal, Placer does not belong in this league. It makes sense, most of these schools are either in Sacramento, or along US HWY-50, where as Placer is too far east, and along I-80 and CA-HWY 49. I have a feeling Placer will not be in this league when the final decision is made. On a side note, only El Camino would remain in the CAL.
Metro League
Current: Burbank, Florin, Johnson, Kennedy, McClatchy, Rosemont, Sacramento, Valley (all in Sacramento)
Proposed: Burbank, Cosumnes Oaks, Florin, Johnson, Kennedy, Laguna Creek, McClatchy, Valley
Comments: The board needs to do a better job with this one. If this one is kept, the name must change, as the proposed additions are in Elk Grove, and not in Sacramento. Plus, Burbank is too big and too good to be a division III team. I think it would be a good league if they moved Burbank to a division I league and Cosumnes Oaks to the CAL.
Tri-City Conference
Current: Inderkum (Sacramento), Natomas (Sacramento), Pioneer (Woodland), River Valley (Yuba City), Woodland, Yuba City
Proposed: Inderkum, Pioneer, Rio Linda, River City, River Valley, Woodland, Yuba City
Comments: Currently, Rio Linda and River City are too big for this league. However, if West Sacramento High School ever gets built, then that should balnace the enrollment. Plus, the plan is to split the two Natomas neighborhood schools, but Natomas is declining in enrollment and talent.
Division IV Leagues
Western Athletic Conference
Current: Central Catholic (Modesto), Central Valley (Ceres), Ceres, Livingston, Los Banos, Pacheco (Los Banos), Patterson
Proposed: Central Catholic, Ceres, Lathrop, Livingston, Los Banos, Pacheco, Weston Ranch
Comments: Enrollment-wise, it almost makes perfect sense. The board just neeeds to put Pacheco in the VOL, and either East Union or Sonora in the WAC. Geography-wise, asking the Los Banos schools and Livingston to drive to Stockton (and vice-versa) may be too much to ask for. Football wise, it is just a new set of schools for Central Catholic to dominate.
Pioneer Valley League
Current: Bear River (Grass Valley), Center (Antelope), Colfax, Foothill (Sacramento), Lincoln, Placer (Auburn)
Proposed: Bear River, Center, Colfax, Foothill, Lincoln, Mira Loma
Sierra Valley Conference
Current: Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove), El Dorado (Placerville), Galt, Liberty Ranch (Galt) River City (West Sacramento), Union Mine (El Dorado), Vista del Lago (Folsom)
Proposed: Cordova, El Dorado, Galt, Liberty Ranch, Rosemont, Union Mine
Comments: Cordova, Rosemont? Really? I think that says enough.
Division V Leagues
Trans-Valley League
Current: Escalon, Hilmar, Hughson, Modesto Christian, Orestimba (Newman), Ripon, Riverbank
Proposed: Escalon, Hilmar, Hughson, Mountain House (open 2014), Orestimba, Ripon, Riverbank
Comments: The only change is that Modesto Christian leaves and Mountain House is added. The problem with Mountain House is that as bad as this line-up is for them, with their low projected numbers, there is no where else to put them. I have a feeling that in 2018, they will move to either the VOL or the TCAL.
Mother Lode League
Current: Amador (Sutter Creek), Argonaut (Jackson), Bret Harte (Angels Camp), Calaveras (San Andreas), Linden, Summerville (Tuoloumne City)
Proposed: Amador, Argonaut, Bret Harte, Calaveras, Linden, Sonora, Summerville
Comments: According to the Modesto Bee, there is a movement to keep Sonora out. They feel Sonora is too big (Calaveras is bigger), they feel Sonora is too good (Calaveras and Argonaut are just as good). The team they should get rid of is Linden. Linden is not even in the Mother Lode. It is in San Joaquin County. They should be added to the TVL to make an 8-team league. Plus, on week 10, they would have an all Amador county game (Argonaut-Amador), and all Calaveras County (Bret Harte-Calaveras), and an all Tuoloumne (Sonora-Summerville). I think Sonora could build interesting rivalries with Summerville and Calaveras.
Golden Empire League
Current: Capital Christian (Sacramento), Dixon, Lindhurst (Olivehurst), Marysville, Mesa Verde (Citrus Heights), West Campus (Sacramento)
Proposed: Capital Christian, Dixon, Lindhurst, Marysville, Mesa Verde, Natomas, West Campus
Comments: The only change is that Natomas would be added
Division VI Leagues
Southern League
Current: Delhi, Denair, Gustine, Le Grand, Mariposa, Ripon Christian, Turlock Christian, Waterford
Proposed: Delhi, Denair, Gustine, Le Grand, Mariposa, Modesto Christian (in all but boys/girls basketball), Ripon Christian, Waterford
Comments: Modesto Chrsitian? Are you kidding? Their football and baseball teams are too good for this league. They needed to move up from the TVL, not down. The WAC would be better suited for them.
Sierra Delta League
Current: Bradshaw Christian (Sacramento), Encina (Sacramento), Golden Sierra (Garden Valley), Highlands (North Highlands), Rio Vista, San Juan (Citrus Heights), Vacaville Christian
Proposed: No changes
Comments: Highlands is too big for this league. They should be in the GEL.
Central Valley California League (non-football league)
Current: Cristo Rey (Sacramento), Delta (Clarksburg), Forest Lake Christian (Auburn), Foresthill, Sacramento Waldorf (Fair Oaks), Victory Christian (Carmichael), Woodland Christian
Proposed: All teams stay except for Cristo Rey
Note: Cristo Rey, Delta, Foresthill, Valley Christian, and Woodland Christian play in the SMAL for football. I believe that will remain the case.
Division VII Leagues
Central California Athletic Alliance
Current: Big Valley (Modesto), Brookside Christian (Stockton), Elliot Christian (Lodi), Millennium (Tracy), Sierra Ridge/ROP (San Andreas), Stone Ridge Christian (Merced)
Proposed: These six plus Turlock Christian and Venture Academy (non football playing school)
Mountain Valley League (non-football)
Current: Delta Charter (Tracy), Don Pedro, Holt Academy (Stockton), Hughes Academy (Stockton), Lodi Academy, Mountain Oaks (San Andreas), Stockton Christian, Tioga (Groveland), Venture Academy (Stockton)
Proposed: Adding Excel Academy
Northern Pacific Athletic Conference
Proposed: Freedom Christian, Global Youth Charter, Lutheran, New Life Christian, Trinity Prep, Western Sierra College Prep, Woodland Poly
Sacramento Metro Athletic League
Proposed: Buckingham Charter, Cristo Rey, Faith Christian, Sacramento Adventist, Sacramento Country Day, Valley Christian, Wilton Christian
Note: Cristo Rey is in this league for football. They are proposed to be in this league for all sports
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