At the beginning of the year, over 160 schools in the Sac-Joaquin Section play to become champions in six different divisions. The Sac-Joaquin Section not only consists of teams from the 209 area code, but also the 916, and parts of the 530 and 707. Of course, I will only break down the leagues with teams in the Stockton-Modesto-Merced and Foothill areas.
The season officially starts September 6th. However, since different sections and states start at different times, the Sac-Joaquin section allows teams to start games a week earlier, also known as the "week 0 game". Those who take advantage will have a bye in the middle of the season. The season will close November 8th.
In order to win the championship, a team has to get to the playoffs. Here is how the playoffs work. The section is divided into two groups. The first group is divisions I-IV, that consist of 20 of the 24 leagues. The second group is the four leagues that make up divisions V and VI (CCAA and SL from the 209 region, and the SDL and SMAL from the Sacramento area). In all leagues, the top two finishers automatically go into the playoffs, regardless of record. In the first group (divisions I-IV), the 24 teams with the best record (of those not automatically in) will earn an at-large bids. In the second group (divisions V-VI), the next 6 best records will earn at-large bids. Once the playoff teams are determined, the divisions are determined by enrollment. In other words, for the first group, the largest 16 schools are Division I, the 2nd largest 16 are Division II, the 3rd largest 16 are Division III, and the smallest 16 are Division IV. In the second group, the largest 6 schools are Division V, and the smallest 6 are Division VI. At the risk of more confusion, I must make you aware of the exception. The exception is that no team may drop down more than one division than what the league is assigned. The only two schools who would fit into that are Davis and St. Mary's. The enrollment of Davis is small enough for the Spartans to play in Division III for the playoffs. However, they play in a league that is assigned for Division I. Therefore, the lowest they can drop down is Division II. Same for St. Mary's. Its enrollment is small enough for Division IV, but since it is in a Division I league, it too, must play in Division II.
The defending champions are:
Division I: Granite Bay (also won state championship in division I)
Division II: Folsom
Division III: Oakdale
Division IV: Central Catholic (Modesto) (also won championship in division IV)
Division V: Le Grand
Division VI: Brookside Christian (Stockton)
Here is a break-down of all the leagues each with a question, my predictions of how they will finish (based on very little), schedules for each team, and how the leagues will change with the section-mandated realignment in 2014. (Note: The realignment happens every four years). They are divided by the divisions the leagues are assigned.
Note on the schedules: Home games will be in the primary color of the team. Road games will be in the secondary color (I will use gray to represent white and silver). Games against teams of other sections will be in italiacs. Also, all games are on Fridays between 7:00 and 7:30 P.M. unless otherwise noted.
DIVISION I-IV PLAYOFF GROUP
DIVISION I LEAGUES
Central California Conference
Question to look for: Will this league, once again, be the most competetive league from top to bottom in the 209?
Prediction: 1) Buhach Colony 2) Pitman 3) Merced 4) Turlock 5) Atwater 6) Golden Valley
Schedules
Atwater Falcons
Last year: 2-3 in league (4th place) 6-5 overall, lost to Folsom in the first round of the Division II playoffs
8/30 vs. Franklin (Elk Grove) (@ Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove)
9/7 Washington Union (Fresno) (Saturday- 6:00 P.M.) Central Section
9/13 Roosevelt (Fresno) Cetnral Section
9/30 Beyer
9/26 @ Clovis (Thursday-7:00 P.M.) Central Section
10/4 Bye
10/11 Golden Valley
10/18 @ Pitman
10/25 @ Turlock
11/1 @ Merced
11/8 Buhach Colony
Buhach Colony Thunder (Atwater)
Last year: 5-0 in league (1st place) 10-3 overall, lost to Folsom in the semi-finals of the Division II playoffs
(all home games at Atwater High)
8/30 San Ramon Valley (Danville) North Coast Section
9/6 Enochs
9/13 vs. Clovis North (Fresno) (@ Buchanan-Clovis) Central Section
9/20 @ Whitney (Rocklin)
9/26 vs. Serra (San Mateo) (@ Chabot College-Hayward) Thursday 7:00 P.M. Central Coast Section
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Pitman
10/18 Merced
10/25 Golden Valley
11/1 Turlock
11/8 @ Atwater
Golden Valley Cougars
Last year: 0-5 in league (6th place) 3-7 overall, missed playoffs
8/31 @ Downey Saturday 7:15 P.M.
9/6 Beyer
9/12 Granada (Livermore) Thursday 7:00 P.M. North Coast Section
9/20 @ Davis (Modesto) (location TBA)
9/27 McNair
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Atwater
10/18 Turlock
10/25 @ Buhach Colony
11/1 @ Pitman
11/8 Merced
Merced Bears
Last year: 4-1 in league (2nd place), 7-4 overall, lost to Lincoln (Stockton) in 1st round of Division I playoffs
all home games at Golden Valley High School
8/30 Clovis West (Fresno) Central Section
9/6 @ Downey
9/13 Edison (Fresno) Central Section
9/20 vs. Enochs (@ Johansen)
9/26 vs. Clovis North (Fresno) (@ Buchanan-Clovis) Thursday 7:00 P.M Central Section
10/4 Bye
10/11 Turlock
10/18 @ Buhach Colony
10/25 Pitman
11/1 Atwater
11/8 @ Golden Valley
Pitman Pride
Last year: 3-2 in league (3rd place), 9-3 overall, lost to Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills) in 2nd round of the Division I playoffs
all home games at Turlock High School
8/31 Enochs Saturday 7:30 P.M.
9/6 Lincoln (Stockton)
9/13 vs. Modesto (@ Johansen)
9/20 Oakland Tech Oakland Section
9/27 vs. Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove) (@ Sheldon-Sacramento)
10/4 Bye
10/11 Buhach Colony
10/18 Atwater
10/25 @ Merced
11/1 Golden Valley
11/8 @ Turlock
Turlock Bulldogs
Last year: 1-5 in league (5th place), 4-6 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Oakdale
9/6 @ Sonora
9/13 vs. Enochs (@ Downey)
9/19 Modesto Thursday 7:00 P.M.
9/27 @ West Valley (Cottonwood) Northern Section
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Merced
10/18 @ Golden Valley
10/25 Atwater
11/1 @ Buhach Colony
11/8 Pitman
2014 Changes in Alignment:
None
Modesto Metro Conference
Question to look for: Can this league finally get a team to the semi-finals of the section playoffs?
Prediction: 1) Enochs 2) Downey 3) Beyer 4) Gregori 5) Modesto 6) Davis 7) Johansen
Schedules
(Note: All MMC and non-league home games at Downey, Gregori, and Johansen High Schools, with a few non-league games at Modesto Junior College.
Beyer Patriots (Modesto)
Last year: 4-2 in league (3rd place), 5-5 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 West (@ Modesto Junior College)
9/6 @ Golden Valley
9/13 Tracy (@ Gregori)
9/20 @ Atwater
9/27 vs. Enochs (@ Johansen)
10/4 vs. Davis (@ Gregori)
10/11 Bye
10/18 vs. Johansen (@ Downey)
10/25 @ Gregori
11/1 vs. Modesto (@ Downey)
11/8 vs. Downey (@ Gregori)
Davis Spartans (Modesto)
Last year: 2-4 in league (5th place), 2-8 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 @ East Union
9/6 Sierra (@ Johansen)
9/13 @ Patterson
9/20 Golden Valley
9/27 Bye
10/4 vs. Beyer (@ Gregori)
10/11 @ Johansen
10/18 @ Gregori
10/25 vs. Modesto (location TBA)
11/1 vs. Downey (@ Gregori)
11/8 vs. Enochs (@ Johansen)
Downey Knights (Modesto)
Last year: 6-0 in league (1st place), 10-2 overall, lost to Granite Bay in the 2nd round of the Division I playoffs
8/31 Golden Valley Saturday 7:15 P.M.
9/6 Merced
9/13 @ Ceres
9/20 @ Central Catholic
9/27 Johansen
10/4 Gregori
10/11 vs. Modesto (@ Gregori)
10/18 Bye
10/25 Enochs
11/1 vs. Davis (@ Gregori)
11/8 vs. Beyer (@ Gregori)
Enochs Eagles (Modesto)
Last year: 5-1 in league (2nd place), 6-5 overall, lost to Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills) in the 1st round of the Division I playoffs
8/31 @ Pitman Saturday 7:30 P.M.
9/6 @ Buhach Colony
9/13 Turlock (@ Downey)
9/20 Merced (@ Johansen)
9/27 Beyer (@ Johansen)
10/4 @ Johansen
10/11 Gregori (@ Downey)
10/18 Modesto (@ Johansen)
10/25 @ Downey
11/1 Bye
11/8 Davis (@ Johansen)
Gregori Jaguars (Modesto)
Last year: 3-3 in league (4th place), 3-7 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Chavez
9/6 Ceres
9/12 Bear Creek Thursday 7:00 P.M.
9/20 @ Liberty Ranch
9/27 Modesto
10/4 @ Downey
10/11 vs. Enochs (@ Downey)
10/18 Davis
10/25 Beyer
11/1 Johansen
11/8 Bye
Johansen Vikings (Modesto)
Last year: 1-5 in league (6th place), 1-9 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Patterson
9/6 @ Livingston
9/13 Central Valley
9/20 @ Ceres
9/27 @ Downey
10/4 Enochs
10/11 Davis
10/18 Beyer (@ Downey)
10/25 Bye
11/1 Gregori
11/8 Modesto (@ Downey)
Modesto Panthers
Last year: 0-6 in league (7th place), 1-9 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Ceres
9/6 @ Stagg
9/13 Pitman (@ Johansen)
9/19 @ Turlock Thursday 7:00 P.M.
9/27 @ Gregori
10/4 Bye
10/11 vs. Downey (@ Gregori)
10/18 vs. Enochs (@ Johansen)
10/25 vs. Davis (location TBA)
11/1 vs. Beyer (@ Downey)
11/8 vs. Johansen (@ Downey)
2014 Changes in Alignment:
None
San Joaquin Athletic Association
Question to look for: Which team will join Lincoln as the other team to automatically qualify for the playoffs? The other five usually play for second place?
Prediction: 1) Lincoln 2) Tracy 3) Lodi 4) Franklin 5) Chavez 6) Bear Creek
Schedules
Bear Creek Bruins (Stockton)
Last year: 1-4 in league (T-4th place), 2-8 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Tokay
9/6 @ McNair
9/12 @ Gregori Thursday 7:00 P.M.
9/20 @ Weston Ranch
9/27 Bye
10/4 Edison
10/11 Lincoln
10/18 @ Franklin
10/25 @ Chavez
11/1 Lodi
11/8 Tracy
Chavez Titans (Stockton)
Last year: 1-4 in league (T-4th place), 3-7 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 @ Gregori
9/6 Edison
9/13 @ Sierra
9/20 Kennedy (Sacramento)
9/27 Bye
10/4 @ Stagg
10/11 Lodi
10/18 @ Lincoln
10/25 Bear Creek
11/1 @ Tracy
11/8 Franklin
Franklin Yellowjackets (Stockton)
Last year: 1-4 in league (T-4th place), 1-9 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Antioch North Coast Section
9/6 @ Weston Ranch
9/13 Stone Ridge Christian
9/20 @ West
9/27 Edison
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Tracy
10/18 Bear Creek
10/25 @ Lodi
11/1 Lincoln
11/8 @ Chavez
Lincoln Trojans (Stockton)
Last year: 5-0 in league (1st place), 8-4 overall, lost to Franklin (Elk Grove) in 2nd round of Division I playoffs
8/30 @ Elk Grove
9/6 @ Pitman
9/13 Vacaville
9/20 Bye
9/27 St. Mary's
10/4 Granite Bay
10/11 @ Bear Creek
10/18 Chavez
10/25 Tracy
11/1 @ Franklin
11/8 Lodi
Lodi Flames
Last year: 3-2 in league (3rd place), 3-7 overall, missed playoffs
(Home games at Grape Bowl)
8/30 Bye
9/6 Sheldon (Sacramento)
9/13 @ McNair
9/20 Stagg
9/27 Tokay
10/4 Calaveras
10/11 @ Chavez
10/18 @ Tracy
10/25 Franklin
11/1 @ Bear Creek
11/8 Lincoln
Tracy Bulldogs
Last year: 4-1 in league (2nd place), 7-4 overall, lost to St. Mary's (Stockton) in the 1st round of the Division II playoffs
8/30 Sierra
9/6 Franklin (Elk Grove)
9/13 vs. Beyer (@ Gregori)
9/20 @ Kimball
9/27 West
10/4 Bye
10/11 Franklin (Stockton)
10/18 Lodi
10/25 @ Lincoln
11/1 Chavez
11/8 @ Bear Creek
2014 Changes in Alignment:
Leaving: Bear Creek, Chavez, Franklin
Entering: St. Mary's, Tokay, West
Tri-City Athletic League
Question to look for: Will Stagg be able to take first place away from St. Mary's?
Prediction: 1) St. Mary's 2) Stagg 3) McNair 4) Tokay 5) Edison 6) West
Schedules
Edison Vikings (Stockton)
Last year: 0-5 in league (6th place), 2-8 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Bye
9/6 @ Chavez
9/13 San Lorenzo Valley (Felton) Central Coast Section
9/20 Fremont (Oakland) Oakland Section
9/27 @ Franklin (Stockton)
10/4 @ Bear Creek
10/11 @ Stagg
10/18 @ St. Mary's
10/25 McNair
11/1 West
11/8 Tokay
McNair Eagles (Stockton)
Last year: 3-2 in league (3rd place), 7-4 overall, lost to Buhach Colony (Atwater) in the 1st round of the Division II playoffs.
8/30 @ Sheldon (Sacramento)
9/6 Bear Creek
9/13 Lodi
9/20 @ Pacheco
9/27 @ Golden Valley
10/4 Bye
10/11 West
10/18 Stagg
10/25 @ Edison
11/1 @ Tokay
11/8 @ St. Mary's
St. Mary's Rams (Stockton)
Last year: 5-0 in league (1st place), 9-3 overall, lost to Del Oro (Loomis) in 2nd round of Division II playoffs.
8/30 @ Stockdale (Bakersfield) Central Section
9/6 Central Catholic
9/13 De La Salle (Concord) North Coast Section
9/20 Bye
9/27 @ Lincoln (Stockton)
10/4 @ Del Oro (Loomis)
10/11 @ Tokay
10/18 Edison
10/25 @ West
11/1 Stagg
11/8 McNair
Stagg Delta Kings (Stockton)
Last year: 4-1 in league (2nd place), 9-2 overall, lost to Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove) in the 1st round of the Division I playoffs.
8/30 Bye
9/6 Modesto
9/13 @ American Canyon
9/20 @ Lodi
9/27 Fairfield
10/4 Chavez
10/11 Edison
10/18 @ McNair
10/25 Tokay
11/1 @ St. Mary's
11/8 @ West
Tokay Tigers (Lodi)
Last year: 2-3 in league (4th place), 7-4 overall, lost to Pitman (Turlock) in the 1st round of the Division I playoffs.
(all home games at the Grape Bowl)
8/30 @ Bear Creek
9/6 @ El Dorado (Placerville)
9/13 Weston Ranch
9/20 @ Galt
9/27 Lodi
10/4 Bye
10/11 St. Mary's
10/18 West
10/25 @ Stagg
11/1 McNair
11/8 @ Edison
West Wolfpack (Tracy)
Last year: 1-4 in league (5th place), 1-9 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 vs. Beyer (@ Modesto Junior College)
9/6 Liberty (Brentwood) North Coast Section
9/13 Kimball
9/20 Franklin (Stockton)
9/27 @ Tracy
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ McNair
10/18 @ Tokay
10/25 St. Mary's
11/1 @ Edison
11/8 Stagg
Changes in 2014 Alignment:
Leaving: St. Mary's, Tokay, West
Entering: Bear Creek, Chavez, Franklin
DIVISION IV LEAGUES
Valley Oak League
Two questions to look for:
1) As an Oakdale alum: They are losing a lot of players to graduation. Will this be a rebuilding year for the Mustangs, or a reloading year?
2) As a neutral observer: Kimball looked to begin to join the ranks of the upper-level of the VOL with an upset of Sonora. Are the Jaguars progressing to move into that upper level of the VOL (or perhaps the SJAA when it is time for them to join), or were they just one-year wonders?
Prediction: 1) Sierra 2) Oakdale 3) Manteca 4) Sonora 5) Kimball 6) Weston Ranch 7) East Union 8) Lathrop
Schedules
East Union Lancers (Manteca)
Last year: 1-6 in league (7th place), 1-9 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Davis (Modesto)
9/6 Orestimba
9/13 Bye
9/20 Modesto Christian
9/27 Oakdale
10/4 @ Kimball
10/11 Sonora
10/18 @ Lathrop
10/25 Sierra
11/1 @ Weston Ranch
11/8 @ Manteca
Kimball Jaguars (Tracy)
Last year: 4-3 in league (4th place), 5-5 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Bye
9/6 Patterson
9/13 @ West
9/20 Tracy
9/27 @ Sierra
10/4 East Union
10/11 Weston Ranch
10/18 @ Manteca
10/25 Oakdale
11/1 @ Sonora
11/8 @ Lathrop
Lathrop Spartans
Last year: 0-7 in league (8th place), 0-10 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Bye
9/6 Liberty Ranch
9/13 @ Capital Christian (Sacramento)
9/20 @ Ripon
9/27 Weston Ranch
10/4 @ Manteca
10/11 @ Sierra
10/18 East Union
10/25 Sonora
11/1 @ Oakdale
11/8 Kimball
Manteca Buffaloes
Last year: 5-2 in league (3rd place), 6-5 overall, lost to Inderkum (Sacramento) in the 1st round of the Division III playoffs.
8/30 @ Central Valley
9/6 Wilcox (Santa Clara) Central Coast Section
9/13 @ Los Banos
9/20 Bye
9/27 Sonora
10/4 Lathrop
10/11 @ Oakdale
10/18 Kimball
10/25 @ Weston Ranch
11/1 @ Sierra
11/8 East Union
Oakdale Mustangs
Last year: 7-0 in league (1st place), 14-2 overall, won Division III Section championship, won Division II Nor-Cal regional championship. Lost to Serra (Gardena) in Division II Bowl Game.
8/30 @ Turlock
9/6 Enterprise (Redding) Northern Section
9/13 Bye
9/20 Paraclete (Lancaster) Southern Section
9/27 @ East Union
10/4 @ Weston Ranch
10/11 Manteca
10/18 Sierra
10/25 @ Kimball
11/1 Lathrop
11/8 @ Sonora
Sierra Timberwolves (Manteca)
Last year: 6-1 in league (2nd place), 10-2 overall, lost to Inderkum (Sacramento) in the 2nd round of the Division III playoffs.
8/30 @ Tracy
9/6 vs. Davis (Modesto) (@ Johansen)
9/13 Chavez
9/20 Bye
9/27 Kimball
10/4 @ Sonora
10/11 Lathrop
10/18 @ Oakdale
10/25 @ East Union
11/1 Manteca
11/8 Weston Ranch
Sonora Wildcats
Last year: 3-4 in league (5th place), 4-6 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Bye
9/6 Turlock
9/13 @ Paradise Northern Section
9/20 @ Calaveras
9/27 @ Manteca
10/4 Sierra
10/11 @ East Union
10/18 Weston Ranch
10/25 @ Lathrop
11/1 Kimball
11/8 Oakdale
Weston Ranch Cougars (Stockton)
Last year: 2-5 in league (6th place), 4-6 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Bye
9/6 Franklin (Stockton)
9/13 @ Tokay
9/20 Bear Creek
9/27 @ Lathrop
10/4 Oakdale
10/11 @ Kimball
10/18 @ Sonora
10/25 Manteca
11/1 East Union
11/8 @ Sierra
Changes in 2014 Alignment: (1) VOL becomes a Division III league
Leaving: Sonora
Entering: Central Catholic
Western Athletic Conference
Question to look for: Central Valley has the individual talent to go far. Can the Hawks get together as a team and get a playoff spot?
Prediction: 1) Central Catholic 2) Patterson 3) Los Banos 4) Central Valley 5) Pacheco 6) Livingston 7) Ceres
Schedules
Central Catholic Raiders (Modesto)
Last year: 6-0 in league (1st place), 14-2 overall, won Division IV Section championship, won Division IV Northern California regional, won Division IV state bowl game.
8/30 @ Placer (Auburn)
9/6 @ St. Mary's
9/13 McClymonds (Oakland) Oakland Section
9/20 Downey
9/27 @ Livingston
10/4 @ Pacheco
10/11 Los Banos
10/18 Bye
10/25 @ Central Valley
11/1 Ceres
11/8 Patterson
Central Valley Hawks (Ceres)
Last year: 2-4 in league (5th place), 5-5 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Manteca
9/6 Brookside Christian
9/13 @ Johansen
9/20 vs. Madera South (Madera) (@ Madera High School) Central Section
9/27 Pacheco
10/4 @ Patterson
10/11 Bye
10/18 @ Livingston
10/25 Central Catholic
11/1 Los Banos
11/8 @ Ceres
Ceres Bulldogs
Last year: 0-6 in league (7th place), 2-8 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 @ Modesto
9/6 @ Gregori
9/13 Downey
9/20 Johansen
9/27 @ Los Banos
10/4 Livingston
10/11 @ Patterson
10/18 Pacheco
10/25 Bye
11/1 @ Central Catholic
11/8 Central Valley
Livingston Wolves
Last year: 1-5 in league (6th place), 4-6 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 @ Hilmar
9/6 Johansen
9/13 Le Grand
9/20 @ Mariposa
9/27 Central Catholic
10/4 @ Ceres
10/11 @ Pacheco
10/18 Central Valley
10/25 @ Los Banos
11/1 Patterson
11/8 Bye
Los Banos Tigers
Last year: 5-1 in league (2nd place), 11-2 overall, lost to Escalon in the semi-finals of the Division IV playoffs.
(all home games at Loftin Stadium in Los Banos)
8/30 @ Escalon
9/6 @ Roosevelt (Fresno) Central Section
9/13 Manteca
9/20 Dos Palos Central Section
9/27 Ceres
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Central Catholic
10/18 Patterson
10/25 Livingston
11/1 @ Central Valley
11/8 @ Pacheco
Pacheco Panthers (Los Banos)
Last year: 3-3 in league (4th place), 5-6 overall, lost to Oakdale in the 1st round of the Division III playoffs.
8/30 @ Selma Central Section
9/6 Escalon
9/13 @ Dos Palos Central Section
9/20 McNair
9/27 @ Central Valley
10/4 Central Valley
10/11 Livingston
10/18 @ Ceres
10/25 @ Patterson
11/1 Bye
11/8 Los Banos
Patterson Tigers
Last year: 4-2 in league (3rd place), 7-4 overall, lost to Benicia in the 1st round of the Division III playoffs.
8/30 @ Johansen
9/6 @ Kimball
9/13 Davis (Modesto)
9/20 Escalon
9/27 Bye
10/4 Central Valley
10/11 Ceres
10/18 @ Los Banos
10/25 Pacheco
11/1 @ Livingston
11/8 @ Central Catholic
Changes in 2014 Alignment:
Leaving: Central Catholic
Entering: El Capitan (Merced) (new school)
Sierra Valley Conference
Two questions to look for:
1) In the 209 region: Can Galt field a whole team for the season?
2) Rest of league: Will Vista del Lago (Folsom) win a championship?
Prediction: Liberty Ranch will finish 3rd, and Galt will finish 7th.
Schedules for the 2 Galt teams (*=other teams in SVC)
Galt Warriors
Last year: 0-6 in league (7th place), 0-9 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 @ Delhi
9/6 Kennedy (Saramento)
9/14 Amador Saturday 7:15 P.M.
9/20 Tokay
9/27 Liberty Ranch*
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove)*
10/17 Vista del Lago (Folsom)* Thursday 7:15 P.M.
10/25 @ Union Mine (El Dorado)*
11/1 River City (West Sacramento)*
11/8 @ El Dorado (Placerville)*
Liberty Ranch Hawks (Galt)
Last year: 3-3 in league (4th place), 5-5 overall, missed playoffs
(all home games at Galt High School)
8/30 @ Amador
9/6 @ Lathrop
9/13 Yuba City
9/20 Gregori
9/27 @ Galt*
10/4 Vista del Lago (Folsom)*
10/11 @ Union Mine (El Dorado)*
10/18 River City (West Sacramento)*
10/25 @ El Dorado (Placerville)*
11/1 @ Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove)*
11/8 Bye
DIVISION V LEAGUES
Mother Lode League
Question to look for: Will Calaveras go back to reigning supreme, or will Argonaut repeat as champions? Perhaps Summerville can overtake them both.
Prediction: 1) Calaveras 2) Argonaut 3) Summerville 4) Linden 5) Amador 6) Bret Harte
Schedules
Amador Buffaloes (Sutter Creek)
Last year: 2-3 in league (4th place), 7-4 overall, lost to Ripon in the 1st round of the Division IV playoffs.
8/30 Liberty Ranch
9/6 Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage
9/14 @ Galt Saturday 7:15 P.M.
9/20 @ Natomas
9/27 Capital Christian (Sacramento)
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Bret Harte
10/18 Calaveras
10/25 Summerville
11/1 @ Linden
11/8 @ Argonaut
Argonaut Mustangs (Jackson)
Last year: 5-0 in league (1st place), 10-1 overall, lost to Center (Antelope) in the 2nd round of the Division IV playoffs.
8/30 @ Colfax
9/6 @ Golden Sierra (Garden Valley)
9/13 @ River City (West Sacramento)
9/20 Bye
9/28 @ Ferndale Saturday 2:00 P.M. North Coast Section
10/4 Castlemont (Oakland) Oakland Section
10/11 Summerville
10/18 @ Linden
10/25 @ Calaveras
11/1 Bret Harte
11/8 Amador
Bret Harte Bullfrogs (Angels Camp)
Last year: 0-5 in league (6th plave), 1-9 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 @ Ripon
9/6 Gustine
9/13 Drake (San Anselmo) North Coast Section
9/20 Hughson
9/28 vs. Brookside Christian (@ Lincoln-Stockton) Saturday 1:00 P.M.
10/4 Bye
10/11 Amador
10/18 @ Summerville
10/25 Linden
11/1 @ Argonaut
11/8 @ Calaveras
Calaveras Redskins (San Andreas)
Last year: 4-1 in league (2nd place), 8-3 overall, lost to Escalon in 1st round of Division IV playoffs.
8/30 Bye
9/6 @ Yosemite (Oakhurst) Central Section
9/13 @ Modesto Christian
9/20 Sonora
9/28 @ Rio Americano (Sacramento) Saturday 1:00 P.M.
10/4 @ Lodi
10/11 Linden
10/18 @ Amador
10/25 Argonaut
11/1 @ Summerville
11/8 Bret Harte
Linden Lions
Last year: 1-4 in league (4th place), 3-7 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Gustine
9/6 Ripon
9/13 @ Escalon
9/20 @ Riverbank
9/27 Dixon
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Calaveras
10/18 Argonaut
10/25 @ Bret Harte
11/1 Amador
11/8 @ Summerville
Summerville Bears (Tuolumne City)
Last year: 3-2 in league (3rd place), 8-3 overall, lost to Los Banos in 1st round of Division IV playoffs.
8/30 Bye
9/6 Mariposa
9/13 @ Bradshaw Christian (Sacramento)
9/20 Denair
9/27 @ Hughson
10/5 vs. Brookside Christian (@ Lincoln-Stockton) Saturday 1:00 P.M.
10/11 @ Argonaut
10/18 Bret Harte
10/25 @ Amador
11/1 Calaveras
11/8 Linden
Changes in 2014 Alignment:
Leaving: none
Entering: Sonora
Trans-Valley League
Question to look for: Will Orestimba's RB, Steven Machado carry the Warriors to the playoffs?
Prediction: 1) Escalon 2) Ripon 3) Hilmar 4) Hughson 5) Modesto Christian 6) Orestimba 7) Riverbank
Schedules
Escalon Cougars
Last year: 5-1 in league (2nd place), 11-3 overall, lost to Central Catholic (Modesto) in the championship of the Division IV playoffs.
8/30 Los Banos
9/6 @ Pacheco
9/13 Linden
9/20 @ Patterson
9/27 @ Ripon
10/4 Hughson
10/11 @ Orestimba
10/18 Bye
10/25 @ Hilmar
11/1 Modesto Christian
11/8 Riverbank
Hilmar Yellowjackets
Last year: 2-4 in league (5th place), 6-5 overall, lost to Placer (Auburn) in the 1st round of the Division IV playoffs
8/30 Livingston
9/6 @ Dos Palos Central Section
9/13 Chowchilla Central Section
9/20 Fresno Central Section
9/27 @ Modesto Christian
10/4 @ Orestimba
10/11 Riverbank
10/18 Ripon
10/25 Escalon
11/1 Bye
11/8 @ Hughson
Hughson Huskies
Last year: 3-3 in league (4th place), 6-5 overall, lost to Argonaut (Jackson) in 1st round of Division IV playoffs.
8/30 Bye
9/6 @ Waterford
9/13 Denair
9/20 @ Bret Harte
9/27 Summerville
10/4 @ Escalon
10/11 Ripon
10/18 Orestimba
10/25 @ Modesto Christian
11/1 @ Riverbank
11/8 Hilmar
Modesto Christian Crusaders
Last year: 4-2 in league (3rd place), 6-5 overall, lost to Capital Christian (Sacramento) in 1st round of Division IV playoffs.
8/30 Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) North Coast Section
9/6 @ Chowchilla Central Section
9/13 Calaveras
9/20 @ East Union
9/27 Hilmar
10/4 @ Ripon
10/11 Bye
10/18 Riverbank
10/25 Hughson
11/1 @ Escalon
11/8 @ Orestimba
Orestimba Warriors (Newman)
Last year: 1-5 in league (6th place), 5-5 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 LeGrand
9/6 @ East Union
9/13 Mariposa
9/20 @ Gustine
9/27 @ Riverbank
10/4 Hilmar
10/11 Escalon
10/18 @ Hughson
10/25 Bye
11/1 @ Ripon
11/8 Modesto Christian
Ripon Indians
Last year: 6-0 in league (1st place), 11-1 overall, lost to Central Catholic (Modesto) in the 2nd round of the Division IV playoffs.
8/30 Bret Harte
9/6 @ Linden
9/13 Ripon Christian
9/20 Lathrop
9/27 Escalon
10/4 Modesto Christian
10/11 @ Hughson
10/18 @ Hilmar
10/25 @ Riverbank
11/1 Orestimba
11/8 Bye
Riverbank Bruins
Last year: 0-6 in league (7th place), 2-8 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 @ Waterford
9/6 @ Denair
9/13 Delhi
9/20 Linden
9/27 Orestimba
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Hilmar
10/18 @ Modesto Christian
10/25 Ripon
11/1 Hughson
11/8 @ Escalon
Changes in 2014 Alignment:
Leaving: Orestimba
Entering: Mountain House (new school)
DIVISION V-VI PLAYOFF GROUP
DIVISION VI LEAGUE
Southern League
Question to look for: Will the section champion from this league get a chance to play in the regional and state title games? Odds are that this league will get a section champion.
Prediction: 1) LeGrand 2) Mariposa 3) Waterford 4) Ripon Christian 5) Delhi 6) Denair 7) Turlock Christian 8) Gustine
Schedules
Delhi Hawks
Last year: 3-4 in league (5th place), 4-6 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Galt
9/6 Big Valley
9/13 @ Riverbank
9/30 Bye
10/4 @ Le Grand
10/11 Gustine
10/18 Ripon Christian
10/25 @ Mariposa
11/1 vs. Turlock Christian (@ Hilmar)
11/8 Denair
Denair Coyotes
Last year: 2-5 in league (6th place), 2-8 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Bye
9/6 Riverbank
9/13 @ Hughson
9/20 @ Summerville
9/27 Le Grand
10/4 vs. Ripon Christian (@ Modesto Christian)
10/11 Mariposa
10/18 @ Gustine
10/25 Turlock Christian
11/1 @ Waterford
11/8 @ Delhi
Gustine Redskins
Last year: 1-6 in league (7th place), 1-9 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 @ Linden
9/6 @ Bret Harte
9/13 Bye
9/20 Orestimba
9/27 Turlock Christian
10/4 @ Waterford
10/11 @ Delhi
10/18 Denair
10/25 @ Le Grand
11/1 Ripon Christian
11/8 Mariposa
Le Grand Bulldogs
Last year: 6-1 in league (T-1st place), 11-2 overall, won Division V championship.
8/30 @ Orestimba
9/6 Berean Christian (Walnut Creek) North Coast Section
9/13 @ Livingston
9/20 Bye
9/27 @ Denair
10/4 Delhi
10/11 Waterford
10/18 vs. Turlock Christian (@ Waterford)
10/25 Gustine
11/1 Mariposa
11/8 vs. Ripon Christian (@ Ripon)
Mariposa Grizzlies
Last year: 4-3 in league (4th place), 4-6 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Bye
9/6 @ Summerville
9/13 @ Orestimba
9/20 Livingston
9/27 Ripon Christian
10/4 Turlock Christian
10/11 @ Denair
10/18 Waterford
10/25 Delhi
11/1 @ Le Grand
11/8 @ Gustine
Ripon Christian Knights
Last year: 6-1 in league (T-1st), 9-3 overall, lost to Foresthill in semi-finals of Division VI playoffs.
(4 home games at Ripon High School, 1 home game at Modesto Christian)
8/30 Bye
9/6 vs. Jim Elliot Christian (@ Lincoln-Stockton)
9/13 @ Ripon
9/20 Big Valley
9/27 @ Mariposa
10/4 vs. Denair (@ Modesto Christian)-home game
10/11 Turlock Christian
10/18 @ Delhi
10/25 Waterford
11/1 @ Gustine
11/8 Le Grand
Turlock Christian Eagles
Last year: 0-7 in league (8th place), 2-8 overall, missed playoffs
(2 home games at Waterford High School, 1 home game at Hilmar High School)
8/30 @ Big Valley
9/6 Bye
9/13 Livermore Valley Prep North Coast
9/20 @ Stone Ridge Christian
9/27 @ Gustine
10/4 @ Mariposa
10/11 vs. Ripon Christian (@ Ripon)
10/18 Le Grand
10/25 @ Denair
11/1 Delhi (@ Hilmar)- home game
11/8 @ Waterford
Waterford Wildcats
Last year: 6-1 in league (T-1st place), 9-3 overall, lost to Le Grand in the championship game of the Division V playoffs.
8/30 Riverbank
9/6 Hughson
9/13 @ Big Valley
9/20 Bye
9/27 Delhi
10/4 Gustine
10/11 @ Le Grand
10/18 @ Mariposa
10/25 vs. Ripon Christian (@ Ripon)
11/1 Denair
11/8 Turlock Christian
Changes in 2014 Alignment:
Leaving: Turlock Christian
Entering: Orestimba
DIVISION VII LEAGUE
Central California Athletic Alliance
Question to look for: Who will win it this year?
1) Brookside Christian 2) Millennium 3) Big Valley 4) Sierra Ridge/ROP 5) Jim Elliot Christian 6) Stone Ridge Christian
Schedules
Big Valley Lions (Modesto)
Last year: 4-1 in league (2nd place), 6-6 overall, lost to Brookside Christian (Stockton) in semi-finals of Division VI playoffs.
8/30 Turlock Christian
9/6 @ Delhi
9/13 Waterford
9/20 vs. Ripon Christian (@ Ripon)
9/27 Valley Christian (Roseville)
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage
10/18 Millennium
10/25 Brookside Christian
11/2 vs. Jim Elliot Christian (@ Lincoln-Stockton) Saturday 7:00 P.M.
11/8 Stone Ridge Christian
Brookside Christian Knights (Stockton)
Last year: 5-0 in league (1st place), 10-2 overall, won Division VI championship.
(all home games at Lincoln High School-Stockton)
8/30 Bye
9/6 @ Central Valley
9/14 El Dorado (Placerville)
9/20 @ Capital Christian (Sacramento)
9/28 Bret Harte Saturday 1:00 P.M.
10/5 Summerville Saturday 1:00 P.M.
10/11 Jim Elliot Christian
10/18 @ Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage
10/25 @ Big Valley
11/1 @ Stone Ridge Christian
11/8 Millennium
Jim Elliot Christian (Lodi)
Last year: 3-2 in league (3rd place), 7-4 overall, lost to Ripon Christian in 1st round of Division VI playoffs.
(all home games at Lincoln High School-Stockton)
8/30 Bye
9/6 Ripon Christian
9/14 @ Johnson (Sacramento) Saturday 1:00 P.M.
9/20 Encina (Sacramento)
9/28 North Tahoe (Tahoe City) Saturday 7:00 P.M. (One of 5 California school that plays in Nevada)
10/4 @ Woodland Christian
10/11 Brookside Christian
10/18 Stone Ridge Christian
10/26 vs. Millennium (@ Kimball) Saturday 7:00 P.M.
11/2 Big Valley Saturday 7:00 P.M.
11/8 @ Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage
Millennium Falcons (Tracy)
Last year: 0-5 in league (6th place), 1-9 overall, missed playoffs
(all home games at Kimball High School)
8/30 Woodland Christian
9/7 @ Johnson (Sacramento) Saturday 1:00 P.M.
9/14 Delta (Clarksburg) Saturday 5:00 P.M.
9/20 @ Vacaville Chrisitan
9/28 Livermore Valley Prep (Livermore) Saturday 7:00 P.M. North Coast Section
10/4 Bye
10/11 @ Stone Ridge Christian
10/18 @ Big Valley
10/26 Jim Elliot Christian Saturday 7:00 P.M.
11/2 Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage Saturday 7:00 P.M.
11/8 vs. Brookside Christian (@ Lincoln-Stockton)
Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage Rams (San Andreas)
Last year: 1-4 in league (5th place), 2-8 overall, missed playoffs
8/31 Incline (Incline Village, NV) Saturday 1:00 P.M. Nevada
9/6 @ Amador
9/13 @ Silver State Academy/Rite of Passage (Yerington, NV) Nevada
9/20 @ Laton Central Section
9/27 Bye
10/4 Maxwell Northern Section
10/11 Big Valley
10/18 Brookside Christian
10/25 @ Stone Ridge Christian
11/2 vs. Millennium (@ Kimball) Saturday 7:00 P.M.
11/8 Jim Elliot Christian
Stone Ridge Christian Knights (Merced)
Last year: 2-3 in league (4th place), 3-7 overall, missed playoffs
8/30 Bye
9/6 @ Laton Central Section
9/13 @ Franklin (Stockton)
9/20 Turlock Christian
9/27 vs. West Campus (Sacramento) (@ Burbank-Sacramento)
10/4 @ East Nicolaus (Nicolaus) Northern Section
10/11 Millennium
10/18 vs. Jim Elliot Christian (@ Lincoln-Stockton)
10/25 Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage
11/1 Brookside Christian
11/8 @ Big Valley
Changes in 2014 Alignment:
Leaving: None
Entering: Turlock Christian, Venture Academy (Stockton) (does not have football team)
For now, this is just a hobby, so I want to present other good websites:
www.calpreps.com
www.maxpreps.com
blackhatfootball.com
Modesto Bee website
Stockton Record
Merced Sun-Star
Nor-Cal Preps
www.calhisports.com
Sac-Joaquin Section website www.cifsjs.org
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
zzzzz Debate #3- MLS Playoffs
ARGUMENT:
The MLS should dump the playoffs and divisions and go to a single table.
ISSUE
Major League Soccer (MLS) is in a struggle every year to attract both "soccer purist" in the United States and new fans. It is a decent league, but commisioner, Don Garber, strives to make the league one of the best in the world by 2022. However, many people think that the MLS should be like the European leagues and get rid of the playoffs. They should go to a single-table, which means that each team would play everyone else twice (once home, once away), and the team with the best record wins the title. They would also argue that the MLS needs to do a promotion/relegation system, but I may tackle that issue later.
ARGUMENTS FOR A SINGLE-TABLE
The MLS has a problem establishing itself as a legitimate league in the world; one of the reasons being is that it is virtually the only league in the world that does not do a single-table. It is also a fair way of determining who is the best team of the year, because everyone plays each other twice, unlike the MLS which the teams play intra-conference opponents three times, and inter-conference opponents once each year.
Even if we can't get rid of the playoffs, the single-table can guarantee that the best 10 teams in the MLS will make the playoffs. Under this current format, when one conference is stronger than the other, some of the best teams will be left out of the playoffs, becuase each conference has to have five teams each. If we must have playoffs to try to bring in new fans, it should be a single-table, every team plays the other 18 (19 in 2015) twice, and the best 4,8, or however the amount make it, regardless of where they are geographically.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST A SINGLE-TABLE
A single table is great for Europe, but it would not work in the MLS. In most European countries, the teams are so close together, that the players can travel by a team bus to the games. In England, for example, most of the teams are within 70 miles of each other, with several being in London, and two in Manchester. The farthest they have to travel is when Swansea (Wales) is in the English Primier League. In the MLS, many teams do not have rivals that are within 70 miles. For example, the closest opponent for the San Jose Earthquakes is the Los Angeles Galaxy, and they are nearly 300 miles away. Many European players who have played in the MLS say that the travel is one of the most difficult things about the league.
European teams may have to travel to the other side of the continent for Champions League or Europa League play, but that travel is only once or twice every two or three months. This travel is on a weekly basis for some teams. Especially, since this league covers two vast countries. A single-table sounds good on the surface, but it is not logistically possible.
Finally, it is not in the American sports culture. Every other league in the United States has playoffs. The problem that the MLS has is that it is not just competing against other leagues in Europe for quality of players, but it is also competing with the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NASCAR, and the PGA for ratings in the United States. There are fans who will tune in to a sporting event if it is in the playoffs. Those are potential fans that the MLS will lose, and to non-soccer fans, the MLS is hard to follow to begin with. They will be in danger of contracting teams without the support of playoffs.
MY THOUGHTS
I understand both sides of the argument, and I personally tend to support playoffs. I would be in favor of a compromise. In this compromise, I propose that the conferences would play a single-table against each other, no inter-conference games. The conference champions would play each other for the MLS championship. There would probably have to be a few more teams in each conference before that can happen, though.
The MLS should dump the playoffs and divisions and go to a single table.
ISSUE
Major League Soccer (MLS) is in a struggle every year to attract both "soccer purist" in the United States and new fans. It is a decent league, but commisioner, Don Garber, strives to make the league one of the best in the world by 2022. However, many people think that the MLS should be like the European leagues and get rid of the playoffs. They should go to a single-table, which means that each team would play everyone else twice (once home, once away), and the team with the best record wins the title. They would also argue that the MLS needs to do a promotion/relegation system, but I may tackle that issue later.
ARGUMENTS FOR A SINGLE-TABLE
The MLS has a problem establishing itself as a legitimate league in the world; one of the reasons being is that it is virtually the only league in the world that does not do a single-table. It is also a fair way of determining who is the best team of the year, because everyone plays each other twice, unlike the MLS which the teams play intra-conference opponents three times, and inter-conference opponents once each year.
Even if we can't get rid of the playoffs, the single-table can guarantee that the best 10 teams in the MLS will make the playoffs. Under this current format, when one conference is stronger than the other, some of the best teams will be left out of the playoffs, becuase each conference has to have five teams each. If we must have playoffs to try to bring in new fans, it should be a single-table, every team plays the other 18 (19 in 2015) twice, and the best 4,8, or however the amount make it, regardless of where they are geographically.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST A SINGLE-TABLE
A single table is great for Europe, but it would not work in the MLS. In most European countries, the teams are so close together, that the players can travel by a team bus to the games. In England, for example, most of the teams are within 70 miles of each other, with several being in London, and two in Manchester. The farthest they have to travel is when Swansea (Wales) is in the English Primier League. In the MLS, many teams do not have rivals that are within 70 miles. For example, the closest opponent for the San Jose Earthquakes is the Los Angeles Galaxy, and they are nearly 300 miles away. Many European players who have played in the MLS say that the travel is one of the most difficult things about the league.
European teams may have to travel to the other side of the continent for Champions League or Europa League play, but that travel is only once or twice every two or three months. This travel is on a weekly basis for some teams. Especially, since this league covers two vast countries. A single-table sounds good on the surface, but it is not logistically possible.
Finally, it is not in the American sports culture. Every other league in the United States has playoffs. The problem that the MLS has is that it is not just competing against other leagues in Europe for quality of players, but it is also competing with the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NASCAR, and the PGA for ratings in the United States. There are fans who will tune in to a sporting event if it is in the playoffs. Those are potential fans that the MLS will lose, and to non-soccer fans, the MLS is hard to follow to begin with. They will be in danger of contracting teams without the support of playoffs.
MY THOUGHTS
I understand both sides of the argument, and I personally tend to support playoffs. I would be in favor of a compromise. In this compromise, I propose that the conferences would play a single-table against each other, no inter-conference games. The conference champions would play each other for the MLS championship. There would probably have to be a few more teams in each conference before that can happen, though.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
209 Sports-an introduction
I bet you didn't know...
1) That Turlock has a professional indoor-soccer team.
2) That one of Oakdale High's most successful sports is water polo.
3) That in the mid "oughts", the United States only had one Formula 1 race car driver, and he is from Manteca. (He is now in NASCAR.)
4) That there is an independent professional wrestling company that tours the state of California and is based in Modesto.
The Stockton-Modesto-Merced area has had a contribution to the sports nation and in some cases, the sports world. Also, there are some interesting sports that take place in the valley, but they do not get a lot of coverage. My hope with 209 sports is to bring some of those to light. I will draw attention to things sporatically for a while, and see if this idea has a possible market. I will do an occasional reporting for the first year or two, and do more reporting if this idea becomes a success. Until it is, I will post scores for the high school football games in this area. I will also write opinions having to do with 209 sports, as well as football playoff updates. I don't know if this will be permantly a hobby, or if I will do something more with it.
Teams in the 209 area
Professional Teams
Modesto Nuts (class A baseball team of the Colorado Rockies)
Stockton Ports (class A baseball team of the Oakland Athletics)
Stockton Thunder (ECHL team of the Edmonton Oilers)
Turlock Express (PASL team)
American Basketball Association Teams (Semi-Pro)
Port City Pirates (Stockton)
Independent Professional Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Bushido (Headquarters in Modesto. Often performs in Modesto and Stockton)
NCAA and NAIA Teams
Pacific Tigers (Division I- West Coast Conference)
Stanislaus State Warriors (Division II-California Collegiate Athletic Association)
UC-Merced Bobcats (NAIA-California Pacific Conference)
JUCO Teams
Columbia Claimjumpers (Sonora)
Delta Mustangs (Stockton)
Merced Blue Devils (Merced)
Modesto Pirates (Modesto)
High School Teams (by league)
Central California Athletic Association
Big Valley Lions (Modesto)
Brookside Christian Knights (Stockton)
Jim Elliot Christian Eagles (Lodi)
Millennium Falcons (Tracy)
Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage Rams (San Andreas)
Stone Ridge Christian Knights (Merced)
Central California Conference
Atwater Falcons
Buhach Colony Thunder (Atwater)
Golden Valley Cougars (Merced)
Merced Bears
Pitman Pride (Turlock)
Turlock Bulldogs
Modesto Metro Conference (all schools in Modesto)
Beyer Patriots
Davis Spartans
Downey Knights
Enochs Eagles
Gregori Jaguars
Johansen Vikings
Modesto Panthers
Mother Lode League
Amador Buffaloes (Sutter Creek)
Argonaut Mustangs (Jackson)
Bret Harte Bullfrogs (Angels Camp)
Calaveras Redskins (San Andreas)
Linden Lions
Summerville Bears (Tuoloumne City)
Mountain Valley League (non-football)
Delta Charter Dragons (Tracy)
Don Pedro Panthers (La Grange)
Holt Academy Bobcats (Stockton)
Hughes Academy Titans (Stockton)
Lodi Academy Titans
Mountain Oaks Eagles (San Andreas)
Stockton Christian Eagles
Tioga Timberwolves (Groveland)
Venture Academy Mustangs (Stockton)
San Joaquin Athletic Association
Bear Creek Bruins (Stockton)
Chavez Titans (Stockton)
Franklin Yellowjackets (Stockton)
Lincoln Trojans (Stockton)
Lodi Flames
Tracy Bulldogs
Sierra Valley Conference
Galt Warriors
Liberty Ranch Hawks (Galt)
(Note: There are 5 other teams in the SVC, but they are in the 530 and 916 area codes)
Southern League
Delhi Hawks
Denair Coyotes
Le Grand Bulldogs
Gustine Redskins
Mariposa Grizzlies
Ripon Christian Knights
Turlock Christian Eagles
Waterford Wildcats
Trans Valley League
Escalon Cougars
Hilmar Yellowjackets
Hughson Huskies
Modesto Christian Crusaders
Orestimba Warriors (Newman)
Ripon Indians
Riverbank Bruins
Tri-City Athletic League
Edison Vikings (Stockton)
McNair Eagles (Stockton)
St. Mary's Rams (Stockton)
Stagg Delta Kings (Stockton)
Tokay Tigers (Lodi)
West Wolf Pack (Tracy)
Valley Oak League
East Union Lancers (Manteca)
Kimball Jaguars (Tracy)
Lathrop Spartans
Manteca Buffaloes
Oakdale Mustangs
Sierra Timberwolves (Manteca)
Sonora Wildcats
Weston Ranch Cougars (Stockton)
Western Athletic Conference
Central Catholic Raiders (Modesto)
Central Valley Hawks (Ceres)
Ceres Bulldogs
Livingston Timberwolves
Los Banos Tigers
Pacheco Panthers (Los Banos)
Patterson Tigers
Professional Athletes from the 209. (Note: I'm sure this is an incomplete list, becuase I probably do not know who all the athletes from the area are. Also the only fighters and racecar drivers included are those who fight or race nationally.)
Scott Brooks (Oklahoma City Thunder Coach) (East Union-Manteca)
Phil Coke (Detroit Tigers Pitcher) (Sonora)
Nate Diaz (UFC Fighter) (Note: Officially fighting out of Stockton)
Nick Diaz (UFC Fighter) (Tokay-Lodi) (Note: Officially fighting out of Stockton)
Doug Fister (Detroit Tigers Pitcher) (Golden Valley-Merced)
Chuck Hayes (Sacramento Kings PF) (Modesto Christian)
Colin Kaepernick (San Francisco 49ers QB) (Pitman-Turlock)
Logan Mankins (New England Patriots OL) (Mariposa)
Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB) (St. Mary's-Stockton)
Michael McDonald (UFC Fighter) (Davis-Modesto)
Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls Soccer Player) (Johansen-Modesto)
Scott Speed (NASCAR Driver) (East Union-Manteca)
Minor League System
Boone Whiting (Pitcher-Memphis Redbirds, Cardinals AAA)
Former Olympians
Erin Cafaro (Rowing) Modesto
Ali Cox (Rowing) Turlock
Suzy Powell (Track and Field) Modesto
Mark Spitz (Diving) Modesto
Tisha Venturini (Soccer) Modesto
1) That Turlock has a professional indoor-soccer team.
2) That one of Oakdale High's most successful sports is water polo.
3) That in the mid "oughts", the United States only had one Formula 1 race car driver, and he is from Manteca. (He is now in NASCAR.)
4) That there is an independent professional wrestling company that tours the state of California and is based in Modesto.
The Stockton-Modesto-Merced area has had a contribution to the sports nation and in some cases, the sports world. Also, there are some interesting sports that take place in the valley, but they do not get a lot of coverage. My hope with 209 sports is to bring some of those to light. I will draw attention to things sporatically for a while, and see if this idea has a possible market. I will do an occasional reporting for the first year or two, and do more reporting if this idea becomes a success. Until it is, I will post scores for the high school football games in this area. I will also write opinions having to do with 209 sports, as well as football playoff updates. I don't know if this will be permantly a hobby, or if I will do something more with it.
Teams in the 209 area
Professional Teams
Modesto Nuts (class A baseball team of the Colorado Rockies)
Stockton Ports (class A baseball team of the Oakland Athletics)
Stockton Thunder (ECHL team of the Edmonton Oilers)
Turlock Express (PASL team)
American Basketball Association Teams (Semi-Pro)
Port City Pirates (Stockton)
Independent Professional Wrestling
Pro Wrestling Bushido (Headquarters in Modesto. Often performs in Modesto and Stockton)
NCAA and NAIA Teams
Pacific Tigers (Division I- West Coast Conference)
Stanislaus State Warriors (Division II-California Collegiate Athletic Association)
UC-Merced Bobcats (NAIA-California Pacific Conference)
JUCO Teams
Columbia Claimjumpers (Sonora)
Delta Mustangs (Stockton)
Merced Blue Devils (Merced)
Modesto Pirates (Modesto)
High School Teams (by league)
Central California Athletic Association
Big Valley Lions (Modesto)
Brookside Christian Knights (Stockton)
Jim Elliot Christian Eagles (Lodi)
Millennium Falcons (Tracy)
Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage Rams (San Andreas)
Stone Ridge Christian Knights (Merced)
Central California Conference
Atwater Falcons
Buhach Colony Thunder (Atwater)
Golden Valley Cougars (Merced)
Merced Bears
Pitman Pride (Turlock)
Turlock Bulldogs
Modesto Metro Conference (all schools in Modesto)
Beyer Patriots
Davis Spartans
Downey Knights
Enochs Eagles
Gregori Jaguars
Johansen Vikings
Modesto Panthers
Mother Lode League
Amador Buffaloes (Sutter Creek)
Argonaut Mustangs (Jackson)
Bret Harte Bullfrogs (Angels Camp)
Calaveras Redskins (San Andreas)
Linden Lions
Summerville Bears (Tuoloumne City)
Mountain Valley League (non-football)
Delta Charter Dragons (Tracy)
Don Pedro Panthers (La Grange)
Holt Academy Bobcats (Stockton)
Hughes Academy Titans (Stockton)
Lodi Academy Titans
Mountain Oaks Eagles (San Andreas)
Stockton Christian Eagles
Tioga Timberwolves (Groveland)
Venture Academy Mustangs (Stockton)
San Joaquin Athletic Association
Bear Creek Bruins (Stockton)
Chavez Titans (Stockton)
Franklin Yellowjackets (Stockton)
Lincoln Trojans (Stockton)
Lodi Flames
Tracy Bulldogs
Sierra Valley Conference
Galt Warriors
Liberty Ranch Hawks (Galt)
(Note: There are 5 other teams in the SVC, but they are in the 530 and 916 area codes)
Southern League
Delhi Hawks
Denair Coyotes
Le Grand Bulldogs
Gustine Redskins
Mariposa Grizzlies
Ripon Christian Knights
Turlock Christian Eagles
Waterford Wildcats
Trans Valley League
Escalon Cougars
Hilmar Yellowjackets
Hughson Huskies
Modesto Christian Crusaders
Orestimba Warriors (Newman)
Ripon Indians
Riverbank Bruins
Tri-City Athletic League
Edison Vikings (Stockton)
McNair Eagles (Stockton)
St. Mary's Rams (Stockton)
Stagg Delta Kings (Stockton)
Tokay Tigers (Lodi)
West Wolf Pack (Tracy)
Valley Oak League
East Union Lancers (Manteca)
Kimball Jaguars (Tracy)
Lathrop Spartans
Manteca Buffaloes
Oakdale Mustangs
Sierra Timberwolves (Manteca)
Sonora Wildcats
Weston Ranch Cougars (Stockton)
Western Athletic Conference
Central Catholic Raiders (Modesto)
Central Valley Hawks (Ceres)
Ceres Bulldogs
Livingston Timberwolves
Los Banos Tigers
Pacheco Panthers (Los Banos)
Patterson Tigers
Professional Athletes from the 209. (Note: I'm sure this is an incomplete list, becuase I probably do not know who all the athletes from the area are. Also the only fighters and racecar drivers included are those who fight or race nationally.)
Scott Brooks (Oklahoma City Thunder Coach) (East Union-Manteca)
Phil Coke (Detroit Tigers Pitcher) (Sonora)
Nate Diaz (UFC Fighter) (Note: Officially fighting out of Stockton)
Nick Diaz (UFC Fighter) (Tokay-Lodi) (Note: Officially fighting out of Stockton)
Doug Fister (Detroit Tigers Pitcher) (Golden Valley-Merced)
Chuck Hayes (Sacramento Kings PF) (Modesto Christian)
Colin Kaepernick (San Francisco 49ers QB) (Pitman-Turlock)
Logan Mankins (New England Patriots OL) (Mariposa)
Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB) (St. Mary's-Stockton)
Michael McDonald (UFC Fighter) (Davis-Modesto)
Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls Soccer Player) (Johansen-Modesto)
Scott Speed (NASCAR Driver) (East Union-Manteca)
Minor League System
Boone Whiting (Pitcher-Memphis Redbirds, Cardinals AAA)
Former Olympians
Erin Cafaro (Rowing) Modesto
Ali Cox (Rowing) Turlock
Suzy Powell (Track and Field) Modesto
Mark Spitz (Diving) Modesto
Tisha Venturini (Soccer) Modesto
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
zzzzz vol. 10 June 2013
THINGS AT CHURCH
Bethel Assembly is doing the annual fireworks booth in the K-Mart parking lot in Oakdale. The proceeds for this booth go to the youth group. The booth opens at 9:00 A.M. on June 28th (I believe). The address for K-Mart in Oakdale is 175 S. Maag Ave.
If you would like to promote a fireworks booth for your church or program, please leave a comment.
NEWS
(From SFgate.com): A woman got arrested for forging a marriage certificate and perjury in a gold-digging scheme . Allison Lear was racecar driver named Alexander Djordevic. She was dating him when he got into a car accident. I don't know if he was a professional driver in any organization, but she tried to make money from his death. Click on this link for the full story. http://m.sfgate.com/sfchron/db_106665/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=zuyuEMym&full=true#display
STUPID LAWSUITS
This one is actually a frivolous (sp?) lawsuit. I make a distinction between the two. I define a "stupid" lawsuit as one that either has no basis to be filed, and everyone but the plaintiff knows it, or if that person does something stupid and sues (even if technically the plaintiff has legal basis, but it is still stupid, because we used to live in a society that did not reward stupid behavior). An example of the latter definition is when the daughter of a customer breaks a glass of pickle juice, or whatever it was, and then slips, and the mother sues the grocery store. The grocery store should not have to be responsible for an accident that the plaintiff caused. A frivolous lawsuit is one that the plaintiff was actually wronged by the defendant, but is asking for an amount of money that is extremely higher than the correction is worth. Both have been harmful to our society, in my opinion; and has been one cause of why things are more expensive, amusment parks have closed, and stupid warning signs have been printed on our cup of coffee. (Note: Before you go crazy, I said "one of the reasons", not "the reason".)
(from kcra.com). A woman in Egg Harbor, NJ, named Hyun Lee, is suing CVS pharmacy for $1 million because one of the cashiers gave her a racist receipt. The cashier put "Ching Chong Lee" on the receipt. The woman and her attorney considered "Ching Chong" to be racist to all people of Asian descent (as do I).
The woman was truly wronged. That CVS employee was truly being offensive. However, $1 million? Really? Was she physically hurt? No. Did this incident hinder her ability to make a living? No. Is $1 million warranted? Absolutely not! This could have (and should have) been settled with a couple of free prescriptions and an apology. Now, thanks to you, Ms. Lee, the prices of everything are going to increase, and the prices at CVS are expensive to begin with. If she actually took the time to try to settle the matter, then I put the blame on CVS. However, in this day and age of people suing over the smallest things, she does not get the benefit of the doubt. Right now, I am left with the impression that Ms. Lee is looking to get rich at the expense of the general public.
FIFA.COM TOP 25 RANKINGS
1. Spain 2. Germany 3. Argentina 4. Croatia 5. Netherlands 6. Portugal 7. Colombia 8. Italy 9. England 10. Ecuador 11. Russia 12. Belgium 13. Cote d'Ivoire 14. Switzerland 15. Bosnia-Herzegovina 16. Greece 17. MEXICO 18. France 19. Uruguay 20. Denmark 21. Ghana 22. Brazil 23. Mali 24. Czech Republic 25. Chile (Note: The U.S. moved up one spot to 28. Top Asian team, Japan, is 32. The top Oceania team, New Zealand is 57 [moved up 30 spots])
IF I WERE KING OF SPORTS
When I was watching the NCAA Baseball tournament selection show, I saw that the committee decided Florida deserved an at-large bid at 29-28. Normally I think the baseball committee is the most objective of all the NCAA division I sports, but I think this year was an exception. I cried SEC bias when I saw that. I know records are not everything, but I decided to look up every conference record and see how many teams with better records got passed over. The count was 74. Some with significantly better records, like Campbell University at 49-10, and I was told they had a good resume. Also, Arizona, the defending champion with a 34-21 record, was told to stay home. Luckily, Florida went two-and-out with losses to Austin Peay and Valparaiso (for those who don't know, college baseball is a double-elimination tournament, which means that a team is eliminated when it loses twice and not once like in basketball). I apologize for the tangent, but I will get back on point. I am now convinced that there needs to be a NIT-type tournament. It bugs me that Campbell won 83% of its games, and was sent home instead of playing in a post-season.
I would call it the Bias Tournament (because I am convinced that there was some bias that got Florida in). Every team that has a better record than the NCAA tournament at-large with the worst record would be invited (in this rule, I would not consider the conference regular-season winner as an at-large, but Florida did not win the conference regular-season championship, either). Like the NCAA tournament, there would be 16 regions with 4 teams each. There would be 16 national seeds solely based on record. After that, the teams would be assigned with a combination of record and geography as best as possible, with all 4 teams in different conferences. Since there are 10 extra teams, the 20 teams with the worst record would be playing in at-large games. It will work like the NCAA tournament, a regional double-elimination, the winners play in super-regionals, followed by a tournament like the CWS at a neutral-site. I will put the model on the bottom of the blog.
GOOD SONGS NEVER TO BE RELEASED
I cannot believe I did three of these before I got to my favorite band. I am going to correct that injustice now. In fact, I will give you a bonus song. My favorite Band is Collective Soul. My sister got me into them when they first came out. Every song that Collective Soul ever recorded was either written or co-written by lead singer, Ed Roland, except for three. Two of those that will be featured were sung by different members (the only two songs out of around 75 that Ed Roland was the back-up).
The first song featured is called, "Dandy Life". It was sung by lead guitarist, Ross Childress (who is no longer with the band. He later formed a band called, Starfish and Coffee). It is on the Dosage album. Other songs on that album are "Trembled for My Beloved"(can also be found on the Twilight soundtrack according to wikipedia), "Run" (can also be found on the Varsity Blues Soundtrack, and "Heavy".
Song: "Dandy Life"
Artist: Collective Soul
Album: Dosage (1999)
To listen to "Dandy Life" click here http://youtu.be/r7OMcfW_or4
The second song is "I Don't Need Anymore Friends". It is sung by Joel Kosche, who replaced Childress on the lead guitar. It is found on the Afterwards album. The only hit song found on that album is "Hollywood" (which Fox used to promote one of the seasons of American Idol.) I personally think this is the best song on the album, and it gets stuck in my head a lot.
Song: "I Don't Need Anymore Friends"
Artist: Collective Soul
Album: Afterwards (2007)
To listen to "I Don't Need Anymore Friends"
R.I.P. (in alpahbetical order)
-Heinz Flohe (Midfielder, spent most of his career in FC Cologne, member of the 1978 West Germany team) (January 28, 1948-June 15, 2013) age 65
-Joe Glynn (Forward for Division II Bentley University basketball) (?-June 3, 2013) age 19
-Deacon Jones (former NFL linebacker, member of "fearsome foursome) (December 9, 1938- June 3, 2013) age 74
-Kristians Pelss (Prospect for NHL's Edmonton Oilers, once played for Stockton Thunder) (?-June 15, 2013) age 20
-Richie Phillips (lawyer, negotiator for NBA referees and MLB umpires) (1940-May 31, 2013) age 72
-Jean Stapleton (played Edith Bunker on "All in the Family") (January 19, 1923-June 1, 2013) age 90.
-Ottmar Walter (former Striker, played most of his career for FC Kaiserslautern and member of West Germany's World-Cup winning 1954 team) (March 6, 1924-June 16, 2013) age 89
-Scott Winkler (Prospect for the NHL's Dallas Stars) (?-June 12, 2013) age 23
STORY YOU SHOULD READ
http://beta.theriverbanknews.com/section/22/article/408/
4 things I thought of from this:
1) There has to be more to the story. One of my friend's planted that idea in me, and a Riverbank resident has told me there is more to the story.
2) The Riverbank school board is putting petty differences in the way of doing what is best for the students. That is unbelievably horrible. These guys are supposed to act in the best interest of the students, and that includes those who represent the school and the town in football.
3) Riverbank football has only made the playoffs once in the past 10 years, and truthfully hasn't been relavent in the football world since the '70's. Just when things are looking up, the hopes might be brought back down.
4) What if Oakdale coach Merzon brings Oliver and Patterson in as assistants? Would the town think anything of it? Most of the coaches are Oakdale alumni. Either way, from what I read, these two coaches would be great additions to the Oakdale program if Riverbank fumbles in this drama.
BIAS TOURNAMENT MODEL
1. Buies Creek, NC Regional
(4) At-large #10 vs. (1) Campbell (49-10)
(3) Alabama St. (32-25) vs. (2) Minnesota (32-22)
16. Orono, ME Regional
(4) Old Dominion (30-24) vs. (1) Maine (37-22)
(3) Cornell (23-17) vs. (2) Sacred Heart (34-24)
8 East Lansing, MI Regional
(4) At-large #3 vs. (1) Michigan St. (33-17)
(3) Milwaukee (29-21) vs. (2) Creighton (30-18)
9 Cullowhee, NC Regional
(4) At-large #2 vs. (1) Western Carolina (39-20)
(3) The Citadel (35-25) vs. (2) Stanford (32-22)
5 Dover, DE Regional
(4) At-large #6 vs. (1) Delaware St. (33-17)
(3) Furman (32-25) vs. (2) Delaware (33-22)
12 Nashville, TN Regional
(4) Nebraska-Omaha (27-22) vs. (1) Belmont (38-20)
(3) Sacramento St. (34-25) vs. (2) Georgia St. (35-21)
4 Cookeville, TN Regional
(4) At-large #7 vs. (1) Tennessee Tech (40-17)
(3) Missouri St. (31-23) vs. (2) Ohio St. (35-23)
13 Palm Beach, FL Regional
(4) Jacksonville St. (32-26) vs. (1) Florida Gulf Coast (37-20)
(3) Bethune-Cookman (34-25) vs. (2) Auburn (33-23)
6 Jacksonville, FL Regional
(4) At-large #5 vs. (1) North Florida (40-19)
(3) Southeastern Louisiana (36-24) vs. (2) UC-Irvine (32-22)
11 East Orange, NJ Regional
(4) Navy (28-23) vs. (1) Seton Hall (37-19)
(3) Ball St. (31-24) vs. (2) Rider (35-22)
3 Pittsburgh, PA Regional
(4) At-large #8 vs. (1) Pittsburgh (42-17)
(3) West Virginia (33-26) vs. (2) Kent St. (36-23)
14 Las Vegas, NV Regional
(4) Appalachian St. (30-24) vs. (1) UNLV (37-20)
(3) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (36-24) vs. (2) Arizona (34-21)
7 Normal, IL Regional
(4) At-large #4 vs. (1) Illinois St. (39-19)
(3) Kansas (34-25) vs. (2) BYU (32-21)
10 Beaumont, TX Regional
(4) At-large #1 vs. (1) Lamar (39-20)
(3) Houston Baptist (34-24) vs. (2) Houston (36-22)
15 Bakersfield, CA Regional
(4) Monmouth (30-24) vs. (1) Bakersfield St. (37-22)
(3) Northern Colorado (33-24) vs. (2) Gonzaga (32-21)
2 Hanover, NH Regional
(4) At-large #9 vs. (1) Dartmouth (32-9)
(3) Buffalo (33-24) vs. (2) Notre Dame (34-24)
Here are the at-large matches. Each match would be one game, winner to the main field.
(20) Indiana St. (26-25) @ (1) Kentucky (30-25)
(19) Tulane (30-28) @ (2) Maryland (30-25)
(18) Gardner-Webb (29-27) @ (3) East Carolina (31-26)
(17) Long Beach St. (29-27) @ (4) College of Charleston (31-26)
(16) Michigan (29-27) @ (5) Northeastern (31-26)
(15) Southern Mississippi (30-27) @ (6) Northridge St. (31-26)
(14) Central Connecticut St. (28-25) @ (7) Radford (30-26)
(13) Holy Cross (28-25) @ (8) Texas-Arlington (31-27)
(12) Marist (27-24) @ (9) North Dakota (25-22)
(11) Pepperdine (27-24) @ (10) Texas (27-24)
Bethel Assembly is doing the annual fireworks booth in the K-Mart parking lot in Oakdale. The proceeds for this booth go to the youth group. The booth opens at 9:00 A.M. on June 28th (I believe). The address for K-Mart in Oakdale is 175 S. Maag Ave.
If you would like to promote a fireworks booth for your church or program, please leave a comment.
NEWS
(From SFgate.com): A woman got arrested for forging a marriage certificate and perjury in a gold-digging scheme . Allison Lear was racecar driver named Alexander Djordevic. She was dating him when he got into a car accident. I don't know if he was a professional driver in any organization, but she tried to make money from his death. Click on this link for the full story. http://m.sfgate.com/sfchron/db_106665/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=zuyuEMym&full=true#display
STUPID LAWSUITS
This one is actually a frivolous (sp?) lawsuit. I make a distinction between the two. I define a "stupid" lawsuit as one that either has no basis to be filed, and everyone but the plaintiff knows it, or if that person does something stupid and sues (even if technically the plaintiff has legal basis, but it is still stupid, because we used to live in a society that did not reward stupid behavior). An example of the latter definition is when the daughter of a customer breaks a glass of pickle juice, or whatever it was, and then slips, and the mother sues the grocery store. The grocery store should not have to be responsible for an accident that the plaintiff caused. A frivolous lawsuit is one that the plaintiff was actually wronged by the defendant, but is asking for an amount of money that is extremely higher than the correction is worth. Both have been harmful to our society, in my opinion; and has been one cause of why things are more expensive, amusment parks have closed, and stupid warning signs have been printed on our cup of coffee. (Note: Before you go crazy, I said "one of the reasons", not "the reason".)
(from kcra.com). A woman in Egg Harbor, NJ, named Hyun Lee, is suing CVS pharmacy for $1 million because one of the cashiers gave her a racist receipt. The cashier put "Ching Chong Lee" on the receipt. The woman and her attorney considered "Ching Chong" to be racist to all people of Asian descent (as do I).
The woman was truly wronged. That CVS employee was truly being offensive. However, $1 million? Really? Was she physically hurt? No. Did this incident hinder her ability to make a living? No. Is $1 million warranted? Absolutely not! This could have (and should have) been settled with a couple of free prescriptions and an apology. Now, thanks to you, Ms. Lee, the prices of everything are going to increase, and the prices at CVS are expensive to begin with. If she actually took the time to try to settle the matter, then I put the blame on CVS. However, in this day and age of people suing over the smallest things, she does not get the benefit of the doubt. Right now, I am left with the impression that Ms. Lee is looking to get rich at the expense of the general public.
FIFA.COM TOP 25 RANKINGS
1. Spain 2. Germany 3. Argentina 4. Croatia 5. Netherlands 6. Portugal 7. Colombia 8. Italy 9. England 10. Ecuador 11. Russia 12. Belgium 13. Cote d'Ivoire 14. Switzerland 15. Bosnia-Herzegovina 16. Greece 17. MEXICO 18. France 19. Uruguay 20. Denmark 21. Ghana 22. Brazil 23. Mali 24. Czech Republic 25. Chile (Note: The U.S. moved up one spot to 28. Top Asian team, Japan, is 32. The top Oceania team, New Zealand is 57 [moved up 30 spots])
IF I WERE KING OF SPORTS
When I was watching the NCAA Baseball tournament selection show, I saw that the committee decided Florida deserved an at-large bid at 29-28. Normally I think the baseball committee is the most objective of all the NCAA division I sports, but I think this year was an exception. I cried SEC bias when I saw that. I know records are not everything, but I decided to look up every conference record and see how many teams with better records got passed over. The count was 74. Some with significantly better records, like Campbell University at 49-10, and I was told they had a good resume. Also, Arizona, the defending champion with a 34-21 record, was told to stay home. Luckily, Florida went two-and-out with losses to Austin Peay and Valparaiso (for those who don't know, college baseball is a double-elimination tournament, which means that a team is eliminated when it loses twice and not once like in basketball). I apologize for the tangent, but I will get back on point. I am now convinced that there needs to be a NIT-type tournament. It bugs me that Campbell won 83% of its games, and was sent home instead of playing in a post-season.
I would call it the Bias Tournament (because I am convinced that there was some bias that got Florida in). Every team that has a better record than the NCAA tournament at-large with the worst record would be invited (in this rule, I would not consider the conference regular-season winner as an at-large, but Florida did not win the conference regular-season championship, either). Like the NCAA tournament, there would be 16 regions with 4 teams each. There would be 16 national seeds solely based on record. After that, the teams would be assigned with a combination of record and geography as best as possible, with all 4 teams in different conferences. Since there are 10 extra teams, the 20 teams with the worst record would be playing in at-large games. It will work like the NCAA tournament, a regional double-elimination, the winners play in super-regionals, followed by a tournament like the CWS at a neutral-site. I will put the model on the bottom of the blog.
GOOD SONGS NEVER TO BE RELEASED
I cannot believe I did three of these before I got to my favorite band. I am going to correct that injustice now. In fact, I will give you a bonus song. My favorite Band is Collective Soul. My sister got me into them when they first came out. Every song that Collective Soul ever recorded was either written or co-written by lead singer, Ed Roland, except for three. Two of those that will be featured were sung by different members (the only two songs out of around 75 that Ed Roland was the back-up).
The first song featured is called, "Dandy Life". It was sung by lead guitarist, Ross Childress (who is no longer with the band. He later formed a band called, Starfish and Coffee). It is on the Dosage album. Other songs on that album are "Trembled for My Beloved"(can also be found on the Twilight soundtrack according to wikipedia), "Run" (can also be found on the Varsity Blues Soundtrack, and "Heavy".
Song: "Dandy Life"
Artist: Collective Soul
Album: Dosage (1999)
To listen to "Dandy Life" click here http://youtu.be/r7OMcfW_or4
The second song is "I Don't Need Anymore Friends". It is sung by Joel Kosche, who replaced Childress on the lead guitar. It is found on the Afterwards album. The only hit song found on that album is "Hollywood" (which Fox used to promote one of the seasons of American Idol.) I personally think this is the best song on the album, and it gets stuck in my head a lot.
Song: "I Don't Need Anymore Friends"
Artist: Collective Soul
Album: Afterwards (2007)
To listen to "I Don't Need Anymore Friends"
R.I.P. (in alpahbetical order)
-Heinz Flohe (Midfielder, spent most of his career in FC Cologne, member of the 1978 West Germany team) (January 28, 1948-June 15, 2013) age 65
-Joe Glynn (Forward for Division II Bentley University basketball) (?-June 3, 2013) age 19
-Deacon Jones (former NFL linebacker, member of "fearsome foursome) (December 9, 1938- June 3, 2013) age 74
-Kristians Pelss (Prospect for NHL's Edmonton Oilers, once played for Stockton Thunder) (?-June 15, 2013) age 20
-Richie Phillips (lawyer, negotiator for NBA referees and MLB umpires) (1940-May 31, 2013) age 72
-Jean Stapleton (played Edith Bunker on "All in the Family") (January 19, 1923-June 1, 2013) age 90.
-Ottmar Walter (former Striker, played most of his career for FC Kaiserslautern and member of West Germany's World-Cup winning 1954 team) (March 6, 1924-June 16, 2013) age 89
-Scott Winkler (Prospect for the NHL's Dallas Stars) (?-June 12, 2013) age 23
STORY YOU SHOULD READ
http://beta.theriverbanknews.com/section/22/article/408/
4 things I thought of from this:
1) There has to be more to the story. One of my friend's planted that idea in me, and a Riverbank resident has told me there is more to the story.
2) The Riverbank school board is putting petty differences in the way of doing what is best for the students. That is unbelievably horrible. These guys are supposed to act in the best interest of the students, and that includes those who represent the school and the town in football.
3) Riverbank football has only made the playoffs once in the past 10 years, and truthfully hasn't been relavent in the football world since the '70's. Just when things are looking up, the hopes might be brought back down.
4) What if Oakdale coach Merzon brings Oliver and Patterson in as assistants? Would the town think anything of it? Most of the coaches are Oakdale alumni. Either way, from what I read, these two coaches would be great additions to the Oakdale program if Riverbank fumbles in this drama.
BIAS TOURNAMENT MODEL
1. Buies Creek, NC Regional
(4) At-large #10 vs. (1) Campbell (49-10)
(3) Alabama St. (32-25) vs. (2) Minnesota (32-22)
16. Orono, ME Regional
(4) Old Dominion (30-24) vs. (1) Maine (37-22)
(3) Cornell (23-17) vs. (2) Sacred Heart (34-24)
8 East Lansing, MI Regional
(4) At-large #3 vs. (1) Michigan St. (33-17)
(3) Milwaukee (29-21) vs. (2) Creighton (30-18)
9 Cullowhee, NC Regional
(4) At-large #2 vs. (1) Western Carolina (39-20)
(3) The Citadel (35-25) vs. (2) Stanford (32-22)
5 Dover, DE Regional
(4) At-large #6 vs. (1) Delaware St. (33-17)
(3) Furman (32-25) vs. (2) Delaware (33-22)
12 Nashville, TN Regional
(4) Nebraska-Omaha (27-22) vs. (1) Belmont (38-20)
(3) Sacramento St. (34-25) vs. (2) Georgia St. (35-21)
4 Cookeville, TN Regional
(4) At-large #7 vs. (1) Tennessee Tech (40-17)
(3) Missouri St. (31-23) vs. (2) Ohio St. (35-23)
13 Palm Beach, FL Regional
(4) Jacksonville St. (32-26) vs. (1) Florida Gulf Coast (37-20)
(3) Bethune-Cookman (34-25) vs. (2) Auburn (33-23)
6 Jacksonville, FL Regional
(4) At-large #5 vs. (1) North Florida (40-19)
(3) Southeastern Louisiana (36-24) vs. (2) UC-Irvine (32-22)
11 East Orange, NJ Regional
(4) Navy (28-23) vs. (1) Seton Hall (37-19)
(3) Ball St. (31-24) vs. (2) Rider (35-22)
3 Pittsburgh, PA Regional
(4) At-large #8 vs. (1) Pittsburgh (42-17)
(3) West Virginia (33-26) vs. (2) Kent St. (36-23)
14 Las Vegas, NV Regional
(4) Appalachian St. (30-24) vs. (1) UNLV (37-20)
(3) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (36-24) vs. (2) Arizona (34-21)
7 Normal, IL Regional
(4) At-large #4 vs. (1) Illinois St. (39-19)
(3) Kansas (34-25) vs. (2) BYU (32-21)
10 Beaumont, TX Regional
(4) At-large #1 vs. (1) Lamar (39-20)
(3) Houston Baptist (34-24) vs. (2) Houston (36-22)
15 Bakersfield, CA Regional
(4) Monmouth (30-24) vs. (1) Bakersfield St. (37-22)
(3) Northern Colorado (33-24) vs. (2) Gonzaga (32-21)
2 Hanover, NH Regional
(4) At-large #9 vs. (1) Dartmouth (32-9)
(3) Buffalo (33-24) vs. (2) Notre Dame (34-24)
Here are the at-large matches. Each match would be one game, winner to the main field.
(20) Indiana St. (26-25) @ (1) Kentucky (30-25)
(19) Tulane (30-28) @ (2) Maryland (30-25)
(18) Gardner-Webb (29-27) @ (3) East Carolina (31-26)
(17) Long Beach St. (29-27) @ (4) College of Charleston (31-26)
(16) Michigan (29-27) @ (5) Northeastern (31-26)
(15) Southern Mississippi (30-27) @ (6) Northridge St. (31-26)
(14) Central Connecticut St. (28-25) @ (7) Radford (30-26)
(13) Holy Cross (28-25) @ (8) Texas-Arlington (31-27)
(12) Marist (27-24) @ (9) North Dakota (25-22)
(11) Pepperdine (27-24) @ (10) Texas (27-24)
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