I recently read a blog by Thomas Lawrence of The Stockton Record where he made a mock tournament of San Joaquin County high school football teams. That originally inspired me to write one about Stanislaus County teams. However, to allow maximum participation, I thought, "What if there was a Modesto vs. Stanislaus County football challenge?" Almost half of the high schools in Stanislaus County, public and private, are in the city limits of Modesto.
Before we get to the theoretical matchups, here are a few rules:
1) Teams in the same league would not be able to play each other. That means no Central Catholic vs. Oakdale game. They will play in the regular season. There would be games just as intriguing to replace it.
2) Most games would be neutral. I would have the games at Modesto Junior College, Turlock High School, and Oakdale High School.
3) Riverbank would be on Team Modesto. That would allow every team to participate, and that would allow a decisive winner of the challenge, since Modesto has 10 schools. I chose Riverbank, because that is the only in Stanislaus County that directly borders Modesto with only one high school.
4) School sizes would not be a factor in determining match ups. Sometimes the best possible match up is a big school vs. small school.
For this model, I am going by the calpreps.com rankings. If this event ever happened in real life, I would imagine a committee would select the games based on the previous year's results and what each team is expected to return. I must confess that if I was an actual sportswriter, this blog would have more in-depth summaries, but I will do my best.
Site I: Modesto Junior College
Main event: Stanislaus County Turlock Bulldogs (CCC) vs. Modesto Central Catholic Raiders (VOL)
Both teams have historically depended on the running game, and if you like old-fashioned football, this should be the game for you. I know the Raiders are returning a lot of young talent and they should be better this year.
My prediction if this game actually happened: Central Catholic
Calpreps.com hypothetical result: Turlock 24, Central Catholic 21
(Stanislaus would lead challenge 1-0) (For the count, I will use calpreps projections, even if I disagree.)
Mid-Card #1: Central Valley Hawks (WAC, Ceres) vs. Gregori Jaguars (MMC, Modesto)
Gregori will once again be in contention for a MMC title. Central Valley has constantly improved under a better running game.
My pick: Gregori
Calpreps projection: Central Valley 14, Gregori 13
(Stanislaus would lead the challenge 2-0)
Mid-Card #2: Patterson (WAC) vs. Johansen (MMC, Modesto)
Calpreps must know something I don't. They have Johansen ranked #7 of all the Modesto schools, but Johansen has been struggling the last few years. They have had no freshman team, which is rare for a large school. Patterson struggled last year, but historically they have been a great team.
My pick: Patterson
Calpreps projection: Patterson 31, Johansen 21
(Stanislaus would lead the challenge 3-0)
Opening Game: Ceres Bulldogs (WAC) vs. Big Valley Lions (CCAA, Modesto)
This might be an even match up, but I would think numbers would have to be in the favor of Ceres.
My pick: Ceres
Calpreps projection: Ceres 35, Big Valley 22
(Stanislaus would lead challenge 4-0)
Site 2: Oakdale High School (The Corral)
Main event: Downey Knights (MMC, Modesto) @ Oakdale Mustangs (VOL)
This a dream match up for some. The running game of the Mustangs vs. the passing game of the Knights. The Mustangs are returning 12 players from the state championship team last year. The Knights have found a new quarterback that should put up impressive numbers this year.
My pick: Oakdale
Calpreps projection: Oakdale 42, Downey 6
(Stanislaus would lead the challenge 5-0.)
Mid-Card: Beyer Patriots (MMC, Modesto) vs. Hughson Huskies (TVL)
To be honest, this is a match up I would have loved to see 15-20 years ago. Hughson was one of the best small schools around, and it was possible that they could beat some division I teams. This version should be a close game, too.
My pick: Beyer
Calpreps projection: Beyer 22, Hughson 17
(Stanislaus would lead the challenge 5-1.)
Opening Game: Davis Spartans (MMC, Modesto) vs. Denair Coyotes (SL)
This is another match up that has me scratching my head. However, I think the Coyotes are up for the challenge. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2010, and they are supposed to be better this coming year. My one concern would be the numbers for Davis.
My pick: Denair
Calpreps projection: Denair 24, Davis 21
(Stanislaus would lead the challenge 6-1, and thus win the challenge.)
Site 3: Turlock High School
Main Event:
Modesto Panthers (MMC) vs. Pitman Pride (CCC, Turlock)
Until the final game of the regular season I would have argued that Pitman was having the best season of all the Stanislaus County teams. From what I have read, Pitman plays a very athletic wing-T.
My pick: Pitman
Calpreps projection: Pitman 28, Modesto 19
(Stanislaus would lead the challenge 7-1)
Mid-Card #1: Modesto Christian Crusaders (TVL) vs. Orestimba Warriors (SL, Newman)
This game has the potential of being a great small-school game. Orestimba has been in league contention. Modesto Christian has been on the decline, but have the opportunity to improve.
My pick: Orestimba
Calpreps projection: Modesto Christian 28, Orestimba 26
(Stanislaus would lead the challenge 7-2)
Mid-Card #2: Enochs Eagles (MMC, Modesto) vs. Waterford Wildcats (SL)
This is the third large school vs. small school game in this series. Both teams are generally in the middle of their leagues.
My pick: Enochs
Calpreps projection: Waterford 26, Enochs 20
(Stanislaus would lead the challenge 8-2)
Opening game: Riverbank Bruins (IND, Team Modesto) vs. Turlock Christian Eagles (CCAA)
Both teams have been struggling for a few years. Riverbank went independent in football with hopes of joining the CCAA.
My pick: Riverbank
Calpreps projection: Riverbank 31, Turlock Christian 21
(Stanislaus would win the challenge 8-3)
List of these theoretical match ups that are actually going to happen this year
9/22/17 Turlock Christian @ Riverbank
