Sac-Joaquin League Championship Predictions: Divisions 1 and 2

[MTsince2004]

Some of the larger leagues (number of schools, not enrollment) are beginning league play this week. Mostly, I pay attention to Division I and II since that is where Monterey Trail and its league sit. League champ predictions anybody? Here's the "Chalk" according to Calpreps.com ratings (as of this moment) before the league play starts:

Division 1
Sierra Foothill: Folsom
Delta: Jesuit
Tri-City: St. Mary's

Division 2
Capital Valley: Woodcreek
Metropolitan: Monterey Trail
Central California Athletic: Downey/Turlock toss-up
San Joaquin Athletic: Edison

 

[Rocknrolus 95361]

Some of the larger leagues (number of schools, not enrollment) are beginning league play this week. Mostly, I pay attention to Division I and II since that is where Monterey Trail and its league sit. League champ predictions anybody? Here's the "Chalk" according to Calpreps.com ratings (as of this moment) before the league play starts:

Division 1
Sierra Foothill: Folsom
Delta: Jesuit
Tri-City: St. Mary's

Division 2
Capital Valley: Woodcreek
Metropolitan: Monterey Trail
Central California Athletic: Downey/Turlock toss-up
San Joaquin Athletic: Edison

Central Catholic has to play D2. The VOL is a strange league. If you go by enrollment they are D4. But the winner plays D3. And the others can play D4. Central because of continued success has to play D2. So 3 different divisions in one league.

 

[zebs]

Capital Valley league is very similar to the VOL. If you win the league you go D2. Antelope, Roseville, Yuba City, and River valley have played in the D3 playoffs. Woodcreek one year played in the D2 playoffs, and Inderkum will have to go to the D1 playofffs with 2387 students.

 

[MTsince2004]

Central Catholic has to play D2. The VOL is a strange league. If you go by enrollment they are D4. But the winner plays D3. And the others can play D4. Central because of continued success has to play D2. So 3 different divisions in one league.

Yes, the system does have some idiosyncrasies. Del Oro will have to play in D1 this post-season, regardless of league finish. A couple dozen schools have "floors" they cannot play below, but they also could be placed higher if they win their league. St. Mary's is a good example of that. Schools that are pretty clearly in a particular division could actually be bumped DOWN if there is a surge of league wins by smaller schools. For example, if Jesuit, Cosumnes Oaks, or Elk Grove wins the Delta, Inderkum will probably be pushed down from D1 to D2.

 

[Rocknrolus 95361]

Yes, the system does have some idiosyncrasies. Del Oro will have to play in D1 this post-season, regardless of league finish. A couple dozen schools have "floors" they cannot play below, but they also could be placed higher if they win their league. St. Mary's is a good example of that. Schools that are pretty clearly in a particular division could actually be bumped DOWN if there is a surge of league wins by smaller schools. For example, if Jesuit, Cosumnes Oaks, or Elk Grove wins the Delta, Inderkum will probably be pushed down from D1 to D2.

It's fun actually talking about SJS football. There ysed to be a Sacbee forum we used to talk football. Met some good dudes. One Placer fan had issue with one Oakdale fan. I had him meet me at a game. One year later his wife and him have a tailgate for Oakdale fans. At the worst weather game I had been to since 1972 St Mary's game.. Placer is now my third favorite HS football team!.

 

[Streak One]

Some of the larger leagues (number of schools, not enrollment) are beginning league play this week. Mostly, I pay attention to Division I and II since that is where Monterey Trail and its league sit. League champ predictions anybody? Here's the "Chalk" according to Calpreps.com ratings (as of this moment) before the league play starts:

Division 1
Sierra Foothill: Folsom
Delta: Jesuit
Tri-City: St. Mary's

Division 2
Capital Valley: Woodcreek
Metropolitan: Monterey Trail
Central California Athletic: Downey/Turlock toss-up
San Joaquin Athletic: Edison

I like the picks, though I would go with Inderkum in the Capital Valley. Different team than past seasons, but I was impressed with what I saw against Elk Grove

 

[MTsince2004]

I like the picks, though I would go with Inderkum in the Capital Valley. Different team than past seasons, but I was impressed with what I saw against Elk Grove

Yes, I would take Inderkum to win that league, as well. I just posted what Cal Preps currently had as ratings. Most of them will probably work out that way. However, at this point St. Mary's and Lincoln is too close to call. I also think Turlock's losses are more impressive than Downey's wins. The largest ratings advantages belong to Folsom, Jesuit, Edison, and Monterey Trail. I can definitely see those leagues playing out that way.

 

[Larno51]

The CCAL is very weak except for Turlock which has never lost a league game in its existence. They're not Div. II because of enrollment, as Turlock and Modesto are close to the top in the section. Turlock has won the league, and the CCC before that, since 2016 and has always played in Div. I playoffs. If other teams make the playoffs they might play Div. I or II. Pitman used to have decent teams but they have fallen way off. Don't be misled by Turlock''s four losses; Rocklin, Clayton Valley Charter, and Manteca are exceptional teams, and Bullard is not bad. They still have Clovis West so it's possible they could be 0 - 5 going into league. Coach Peterson believes in putting together a tough non-conference schedule to prepare for the playoffs. It would be easy to just schedule weak teams to pad the record. I expect them to run the league and be in the Div. 1 playoffs. I would say this year's team is weaker than in previous years, primarily in line play. Turlock has done well in the opening games of the playoffs, thumping Del Oro in the first round of 2019, for example. But they just have not had enough to get past that, although they gave Oak Ridge a good fight in the second round. But they are not alone as Div. I schools in the southern part of the section rarely win it all.

 

[MTsince2004]

The CCAL is very weak except for Turlock which has never lost a league game in its existence. They're not Div. II because of enrollment, as Turlock and Modesto are close to the top in the section. Turlock has won the league, and the CCC before that, since 2016 and has always played in Div. I playoffs. If other teams make the playoffs they might play Div. I or II. Pitman used to have decent teams but they have fallen way off. Don't be misled by Turlock''s four losses; Rocklin, Clayton Valley Charter, and Manteca are exceptional teams, and Bullard is not bad. They still have Clovis West so it's possible they could be 0 - 5 going into league. Coach Peterson believes in putting together a tough non-conference schedule to prepare for the playoffs. It would be easy to just schedule weak teams to pad the record. I expect them to run the league and be in the Div. 1 playoffs. I would say this year's team is weaker than in previous years, primarily in line play. Turlock has done well in the opening games of the playoffs, thumping Del Oro in the first round of 2019, for example. But they just have not had enough to get past that, although they gave Oak Ridge a good fight in the second round. But they are not alone as Div. I schools in the southern part of the section rarely win it all.

Thanks for the insight on the CCAL.

There could be a little bit of intrigue around the finishers further down the list. If Enochs makes the playoffs, that would mean that Inderkum would likely be the first team pushed out of D1 if a D2 team wins the Delta or the Tri-City.

If instead Gregori makes it into the final 12, they are the smallest school in D1 with a reasonable shot at the playoffs. That would mean they are the first to bump down (assuming West of the Tri-City doesn't shock the world).

Here is a link to the Enrollments for 21-22:

CIF Sac-Joaquin Section

CIF Sac-Joaquin Section

cifsjs.org

And here is the link to the Division breakdown on Cal Preps:

calpreps.com

 

[Cuba_Libre]

Edison will steam roll the SJAA, possibly earn a #1-#4 seed in playoffs and get bounced against any team with discipline. St. Mary's will continue to be the favorite over Lincoln (regardless of talent) until Lincoln actually beats SM on the field...which hasn't happened since 2005. Any team north of Galt will win over any team south in the semifinals or finals...and it will continue that way until the majority of schools in the south manage football the way the teams in the north do. The VOL is by far the best league in the section south of Galt. The SJAA is the "have-nots" league in Stockton, and Central Catholic wiped the TCAL off of the map with their curb stomping of St. Mary's. Turlock is a good team, but the rest of the league is not up to par sans Downey. Downey will be close, but not on the same level. Calpreps currently has them ranked the same value (take that for what it's worth). Merced showed promise with a close loss to Central Catholic, but then laid an egg against Downey. Maybe it is akin to the SF-DLS game...maybe not. Time will tell. Whoever wins the SFL (Folsom, most likely) or the Delta will be in the driver's seat for DI (Jesuit is currently top dog in the Delta, but has a loss to Folsom). The outlier would be Monterey Trail in the metro league. MT is currently 0-3, but all three losses are against quality opponents. MT's test will be this week against Lincoln. A Lincoln win would ensure the Metro league being irrelevant in the playoffs, while an MT blowout (especially if coupled with a DLS blowout win over Folsom) sparks banter of MT potentially making a run in the playoffs (see Folsom and Grant week 1 vs section finals from years ago). Vacaville showed promise with their win over Oak Ridge as well and has potential to make a run. At the end of the day, however one slices it, DI in the SJS belongs to Folsom until someone else takes it from them.

 

[CoachDViks]

Edison is D1. I believe as long as they win out, Edison has earned the #2 seed with their strong Preseason schedule and a very close loss to power house central.

 

[MTsince2004]

Edison is D1. I believe as long as they win out, Edison has earned the #2 seed with their strong Preseason schedule and a very close loss to power house central.

That is quite possible.

The exception could be that Del Oro or Oak Ridge beats Folsom. Either of them could even get the #2 spot by losing a close game to Folsom and running the table otherwise. Oak Ridge accomplished that in the 2019 seedings, even though they had two losses in league.

 

[Rocknrolus 95361]

Well for me personally it fun time! VOL starts Friday. East Union comes to Oakdale. Have not been able to see any video if their team. But they have another Weaver! Fun to watch. Very athletic family. Watched Kimall Escalon game Escalon gave up 56? Have never seen an Escalon team throw 4 int. Kimball QB very actuate. Those 2 with the big 3 makes for fun season!

 

[MTsince2004]

Edison is D1. I believe as long as they win out, Edison has earned the #2 seed with their strong Preseason schedule and a very close loss to power house central.

The more I look at the Cal Preps ratings and their methodology, the more I think Edison does NOT control their destiny for the #2 seed. They certainly can get there, but they are going to need a lot of things to line up for them. That being said, they have an excellent shot at a top 4 spot and a first round bye.

The problem lies in their league. Once the league season starts, not a single game will elevate their Cal Preps rating. NOT. ONE. I keep thinking back to Monterey Trail in 2019 as the model for this. That season, MT had its entire league schedule "grayed" out by Cal Preps. What that means is that the opponent is rated so far below them that a blow out win does not deserve to be counted. It's one of the tings Cal Preps does to keep teams from benefiting too much from really weak schedules.

In the 2019 season MT had convincing wins against strong opponents in three of the five preseason games. They also beat a team that was much lower rated. Their one loss was by one point to a highly rated Cosumnes Oaks team (#2 seed in D2). Even with all of that, MT ended up seeded 5th in D1.

Nothing against Edison. I just have seen this scenario before. MT was on the wrong end of the ratings game in 2019 and Edison is in almost the exact same position. It will take all of their pre-season opponents winning convincingly from here on out AND probably some key teams in the SJS taking multiple losses along the way for them to get to #2. Not impossible, but not a lock either.

We will know more in a month. It often gets pretty clear around week 8. Clearer, anyway.

 

[Rocknrolus 95361]

The more I look at the Cal Preps ratings and their methodology, the more I think Edison does NOT control their destiny for the #2 seed. They certainly can get there, but they are going to need a lot of things to line up for them. That being said, they have an excellent shot at a top 4 spot and a first round bye.

The problem lies in their league. Once the league season starts, not a single game will elevate their Cal Preps rating. NOT. ONE. I keep thinking back to Monterey Trail in 2019 as the model for this. That season, MT had its entire league schedule "grayed" out by Cal Preps. What that means is that the opponent is rated so far below them that a blow out win does not deserve to be counted. It's one of the tings Cal Preps does to keep teams from benefiting too much from really weak schedules.

In the 2019 season MT had convincing wins against strong opponents in three of the five preseason games. They also beat a team that was much lower rated. Their one loss was by one point to a highly rated Cosumnes Oaks team (#2 seed in D2). Even with all of that, MT ended up seeded 5th in D1.

Nothing against Edison. I just have seen this scenario before. MT was on the wrong end of the ratings game in 2019 and Edison is in almost the exact same position. It will take all of their pre-season opponents winning convincingly from here on out AND probably some key teams in the SJS taking multiple losses along the way for them to get to #2. Not impossible, but not a lock either.

We will know more in a month. It often gets pretty clear around week 8. Clearer, anyway.

Did Edison get a make-up game for the Oakdale cancelation ? But then that game would not helped them. Oakdale not even in to 50 in northern California? I say play the season and then we see how things come out! All this arguing about who plays in open bowl game? Doesn't matter! South team is going to walk all over ANY TEAM from up here. Mater Dai is the architect of the California transfer rules! Deep pockets!

 

[carlmerritt]

The CCAL is very weak except for Turlock which has never lost a league game in its existence. They're not Div. II because of enrollment, as Turlock and Modesto are close to the top in the section. Turlock has won the league, and the CCC before that, since 2016 and has always played in Div. I playoffs. If other teams make the playoffs they might play Div. I or II. Pitman used to have decent teams but they have fallen way off. Don't be misled by Turlock''s four losses; Rocklin, Clayton Valley Charter, and Manteca are exceptional teams, and Bullard is not bad. They still have Clovis West so it's possible they could be 0 - 5 going into league. Coach Peterson believes in putting together a tough non-conference schedule to prepare for the playoffs. It would be easy to just schedule weak teams to pad the record. I expect them to run the league and be in the Div. 1 playoffs. I would say this year's team is weaker than in previous years, primarily in line play. Turlock has done well in the opening games of the playoffs, thumping Del Oro in the first round of 2019, for example. But they just have not had enough to get past that, although they gave Oak Ridge a good fight in the second round. But they are not alone as Div. I schools in the southern part of the section rarely win it all.

Turlock may win the CCAL this year but their reign as league champions will be in serious jeopardy if not this year, then next.

 

[CoachDViks]

The more I look at the Cal Preps ratings and their methodology, the more I think Edison does NOT control their destiny for the #2 seed. They certainly can get there, but they are going to need a lot of things to line up for them. That being said, they have an excellent shot at a top 4 spot and a first round bye.

The problem lies in their league. Once the league season starts, not a single game will elevate their Cal Preps rating. NOT. ONE. I keep thinking back to Monterey Trail in 2019 as the model for this. That season, MT had its entire league schedule "grayed" out by Cal Preps. What that means is that the opponent is rated so far below them that a blow out win does not deserve to be counted. It's one of the tings Cal Preps does to keep teams from benefiting too much from really weak schedules.

In the 2019 season MT had convincing wins against strong opponents in three of the five preseason games. They also beat a team that was much lower rated. Their one loss was by one point to a highly rated Cosumnes Oaks team (#2 seed in D2). Even with all of that, MT ended up seeded 5th in D1.

Nothing against Edison. I just have seen this scenario before. MT was on the wrong end of the ratings game in 2019 and Edison is in almost the exact same position. It will take all of their pre-season opponents winning convincingly from here on out AND probably some key teams in the SJS taking multiple losses along the way for them to get to #2. Not impossible, but not a lock either.

We will know more in a month. It often gets pretty clear around week 8. Clearer, anyway.

I agree with most things you are saying. But Edison cant control its league. And with 40+ point blowout wins. The SOS from league should be taken into consideration. Totally possible they drop from #2 but there is a possibility that happens. Edison has backed up their play by there Preseason games though. If Folsom does lose then yes I do see a shakeup but if not I think 9-1 gets them a #2 Spot.

 

[MTsince2004]

In 2019 Inderkum was undefeated, but was seeded 3rd behind Folsom a 9-1 and an 8-2 Oak Ridge. St. Mary's was seeded 4th at 6-4 ahead of a 9-1 Monterey Trail.

The Section and Cal Preps have a built in bias favoring tougher leagues in the seedings and ratings.

The league schedule matters a lot. Cal Preps ratings only give a team at most a 29-point boost above the rating of the opponent, no matter how far above that number the margin of victory actually is. This hurts teams in weak leagues. When MT beat McClatchy 57-0, the Cal Preps performance rating was -5.4. That's NEGATIVE 5.4. Conversely, McClatchy's performance in the same game was rated as 15.4.

Weak leagues seriously skew ratings in a way that holds back dominant teams in those leagues. That's why Monterey Trail argued so hard not to be placed in the Metro for football.

Again, I'm not rooting against Edison's seeding. I'm just sharing what I have gleaned from being on the short end of that stick.

That being said, so what? Edison almost knocked off Folsom in Folsom. MT beat both St. Mary's and Folsom on the road. The truth comes out on the field. MT has been to the Section finals four times. in 2009 and 2018 Monterey Trail had home field advantage until the neutral site championship game. In 2010, they had to play every game on the road. in 2019 they had one home game and took two games away.

 

[mistark]

The CIF uses Calpreps, league schedule, non league opponents as guides only. At the end of the day the commitee makes the final decision, nothing else. We had been on both sides on seeding arguments. Responses from the CIF always similar, the committee thought xyz..., and figured it would be settled on the field. My only gripe was the CC game where we played on wet grass vs our speed on turf. Lost by 1pt, oh well should have caught the 2pt conversion with a min left.

Imo, past experience-great program(s) with years of deep playoff runs will always get the nod over a newer team with less history in the playoffs.

When in doubt, follow the gate money for your final 4 matchups.

Imo. Save yourself some time and pain...Don't try and figure it out, it's all going to change week 10 anyways.

 

[Rocknrolus 95361]

Gate money is right! That's why Oakdale gets low rankings. But high seeds in playoffs!

 

[carlmerritt]

Edison will steam roll the SJAA, possibly earn a #1-#4 seed in playoffs and get bounced against any team with discipline. St. Mary's will continue to be the favorite over Lincoln (regardless of talent) until Lincoln actually beats SM on the field...which hasn't happened since 2005. Any team north of Galt will win over any team south in the semifinals or finals...and it will continue that way until the majority of schools in the south manage football the way the teams in the north do. The VOL is by far the best league in the section south of Galt. The SJAA is the "have-nots" league in Stockton, and Central Catholic wiped the TCAL off of the map with their curb stomping of St. Mary's. Turlock is a good team, but the rest of the league is not up to par sans Downey. Downey will be close, but not on the same level. Calpreps currently has them ranked the same value (take that for what it's worth). Merced showed promise with a close loss to Central Catholic, but then laid an egg against Downey. Maybe it is akin to the SF-DLS game...maybe not. Time will tell. Whoever wins the SFL (Folsom, most likely) or the Delta will be in the driver's seat for DI (Jesuit is currently top dog in the Delta, but has a loss to Folsom). The outlier would be Monterey Trail in the metro league. MT is currently 0-3, but all three losses are against quality opponents. MT's test will be this week against Lincoln. A Lincoln win would ensure the Metro league being irrelevant in the playoffs, while an MT blowout (especially if coupled with a DLS blowout win over Folsom) sparks banter of MT potentially making a run in the playoffs (see Folsom and Grant week 1 vs section finals from years ago). Vacaville showed promise with their win over Oak Ridge as well and has potential to make a run. At the end of the day, however one slices it, DI in the SJS belongs to Folsom until someone else takes it from them.

Care to comment on the CCAL’s Downey after it’s 23-21 win over Lincoln?

 

[Larno51]

Care to comment on the CCAL’s Downey after it’s 23-21 win over Lincoln?

Turlock is the favorite until proven otherwise. If their starting quarterback is still injured and can't play that will be a factor but Turlock beat a good Clovis West team without him using a strong running game and good defense. Projections from lower levels aren't always precursors for later success but in the recent spring league the Turlock JV team did not give up a single point all season. Now, the implication from the above statement is that Downey's chances in the CCAL are good after its win over Lincoln and that certainly could be true. At least Downey has played a couple of good teams although their non-conference schedule is not even close to the difficulty of Turlock's schedule. Turlock has won the CCAL and CCC before that with dominant lines and physicality and that is what league teams have to overcome to beat them.

 

[Cuba_Libre]

Care to comment on the CCAL’s Downey after it’s 23-21 win over Lincoln?

Larno51 said it better, but, IMO, Downey will have to take it from Turlock, which is much easier said, than done.

 

[carlmerritt]

Turlock is the favorite until proven otherwise. If their starting quarterback is still injured and can't play that will be a factor but Turlock beat a good Clovis West team without him using a strong running game and good defense. Projections from lower levels aren't always precursors for later success but in the recent spring league the Turlock JV team did not give up a single point all season. Now, the implication from the above statement is that Downey's chances in the CCAL are good after its win over Lincoln and that certainly could be true. At least Downey has played a couple of good teams although their non-conference schedule is not even close to the difficulty of Turlock's schedule. Turlock has won the CCAL and CCC before that with dominant lines and physicality and that is what league teams have to overcome to beat them.

I can’t disagree with your assessment. I do believe that Turlock will be the ultimate test for Downey out of all its games.

 

[carlmerritt]

Turlock is the favorite until proven otherwise. If their starting quarterback is still injured and can't play that will be a factor but Turlock beat a good Clovis West team without him using a strong running game and good defense. Projections from lower levels aren't always precursors for later success but in the recent spring league the Turlock JV team did not give up a single point all season. Now, the implication from the above statement is that Downey's chances in the CCAL are good after its win over Lincoln and that certainly could be true. At least Downey has played a couple of good teams although their non-conference schedule is not even close to the difficulty of Turlock's schedule. Turlock has won the CCAL and CCC before that with dominant lines and physicality and that is what league teams have to overcome to beat them.

Care to comment now?

 

[H.E.A.T.]

You do know the starting QB didn’t

I like the picks, though I would go with Inderkum in the Capital Valley. Different team than past seasons, but I was impressed with what I saw against Elk Grove

streak The starting QB who avgs 150 yds per game rushing didn’t play for EG vs Inderkum

 

[Streak One]

You do know the starting QB didn’t

streak The starting QB who avgs 150 yds per game rushing didn’t play for EG vs Inderkum

I was aware of that. I still liked what I saw from them just in general for a program with that much transition in Game 1. They have since got blown out by Jesuit. I think Inderkum will still win their league.

What do you think about Elk Grove-Jesuit?

 

[MTsince2004]

I was aware of that. I still liked what I saw from them just in general for a program with that much transition in Game 1. They have since got blown out by Jesuit. I think Inderkum will still win their league.

What do you think about Elk Grove-Jesuit?

I think the teams are closer than the Cal Preps ratings indicate. However, Jesuit is at home, so they have to be the favorite. Their field is just different from any of the other turfs. It requires a different shoe to be most effective. The Jesuit players have those shoes. Most other teams don't. They aren't unbeatable at home, but every little bit helps.

 

[Cuba_Libre]

Care to comment now?

I will. Downey stepped up to the plate and defeated the team in their way. Downey is king of the SJS south of Galt until someone takes the crown from them.

 

[Rocknrolus 95361]

I will. Downey stepped up to the plate and defeated the team in their way. Downey is king of the SJS south of Galt until someone takes the crown from them.

Seriously? Downey lost to Manteca by 32 points. Downey would place no better than fifth place in the VOL this year! CC, Kimbal ,Manteca and Oakdale all would trounce Downey! Nothing against Downey. My son is a Downey graduate.

 

[Larno51]

I will. Downey stepped up to the pte and defeated the team in their way. Downey is king of the SJS south of Galt

I didn't watch the game live but the next day on Youtube. The game was closer than the score as Downey got two quick touchdowns at the end with interceptions and short fields. Nevertheless, they did something that no league team had done since 2015 and that is to match Turlock physically. Since the last league loss for Turlock in 2015, which was in a different league, this game saw a league team in Downey which had risen to the point of contention and the weakest Turlock team in years. So in that respect the outcome of the game was not surprising. That might sound condescending but the Downey coach himself said in the paper that their goal each year is to try and beat Turlock. Turlock will continue to be good as the JV team has been rolling over the opponents (their win against Manteca was close) and they will continue to schedule tough non-conference games. As for Downey being king of the south SJS that is ludicrous. I hope the statement was made in jest.

 

[carlmerritt]

Seriously? Downey lost to Manteca by 32 points. Downey would place no better than fifth place in the VOL this year! CC, Kimbal ,Manteca and Oakdale all would trounce Downey! Nothing against Downey. My son is a Downey graduate.

Newsflash: Downey is a MUCH different team now compared to game one. Yes, Downey did lose to Manteca by 32 — a Manteca team that beat Turlock by only 8 points. Hmmm. That’s not to say that Downey is the top team in the southern part of the SJS. Not at all. However, until they face one another on the field, saying “they would trounce Downey” is as laughable as saying Downey would trounce Oakdale, Kimball, and Central.

I didn't watch the game live but the next day on Youtube. The game was closer than the score as Downey got two quick touchdowns at the end with interceptions and short fields. Nevertheless, they did something that no league team had done since 2015 and that is to match Turlock physically. Since the last league loss for Turlock in 2015, which was in a different league, this game saw a league team in Downey which had risen to the point of contention and the weakest Turlock team in years. So in that respect the outcome of the game was not surprising. That might sound condescending but the Downey coach himself said in the paper that their goal each year is to try and beat Turlock. Turlock will continue to be good as the JV team has been rolling over the opponents (their win against Manteca was close) and they will continue to schedule tough non-conference games. As for Downey being king of the south SJS that is ludicrous. I hope the statement was made in

 

[carlmerritt]

Newsflash: Downey is a MUCH different team now compared to game one. Yes, Downey did lose to Manteca by 32 — a Manteca team that beat Turlock by only 8 points. Hmmm. That’s not to say that Downey is the top team in the southern part of the SJS. Not at all. However, until they face one another on the field, saying “they would trounce Downey” is as laughable as saying Downey would trounce Oakdale, Kimball, and Central.

And Downey also will continue to be good. Despite the worst officiating I’ve ever witnessed at a high school game (and I’ve been to many games), Downey’s freshman beat Turlock at Turlock. Also, Downey is a young team and will return several skill players next year. Just because Coach Plaa said Turlock is the team they focus on beating is just a fact. The past three seasons since the CCAL was formed, Turlock has been the league’s top team and Downey has been the second-place finisher. So, obviously, it makes perfect sense the Coach Plaa said what he did. He’s also is very respectful in his comments about his opponents. And, that you appear to insinuate Turlock having a down year and Downey having a good year is the main reason why Downey won, is laughable. The game WAS close entering the 4th quarter BUT let me point out that the Knights never trailed in this game. Furthermore, Turlock’s offense managed just 50 yards in the second half and, had it not been for a spectacular one-handed catch, Downey easily could have been ahead 17-6 at halftime and were in the red zone twice in the third quarter but penalties squelched these drives. I, too, am a Downey grad and I’ve been to at least 90% of their games (home and away) since 1966 when I was a freshman there. I’ve witnessed some of Downey’s greatest seasons (1974, 10-1, 1975, 11-0, and 1986, 12-1) and many dismal seasons during the 1990’ and early 2000’s where having a good season meant 2-8 or 3-7 (with the exception of the year that Deshon Benton was a senior) and Coach Plaa is the primary reason for Downey’s return to success. Friday’s game was proof of this.

 

[Rocknrolus 95361]

And Downey also will continue to be good. Despite the worst officiating I’ve ever witnessed at a high school game (and I’ve been to many games), Downey’s freshman beat Turlock at Turlock. Also, Downey is a young team and will return several skill players next year. Just because Coach Plaa said Turlock is the team they focus on beating is just a fact. The past three seasons since the CCAL was formed, Turlock has been the league’s top team and Downey has been the second-place finisher. So, obviously, it makes perfect sense the Coach Plaa said what he did. He’s also is very respectful in his comments about his opponents. And, that you appear to insinuate Turlock having a down year and Downey having a good year is the main reason why Downey won, is laughable. The game WAS close entering the 4th quarter BUT let me point out that the Knights never trailed in this game. Furthermore, Turlock’s offense managed just 50 yards in the second half and, had it not been for a spectacular one-handed catch, Downey easily could have been ahead 17-6 at halftime and were in the red zone twice in the third quarter but penalties squelched these drives. I, too, am a Downey grad and I’ve been to at least 90% of their games (home and away) since 1966 when I was a freshman there. I’ve witnessed some of Downey’s greatest seasons (1974, 10-1, 1975, 11-0, and 1986, 12-1) and many dismal seasons during the 1990’ and early 2000’s where having a good season meant 2-8 or 3-7 (with the exception of the year that Deshon Benton was a senior) and Coach Plaa is the primary reason for Downey’s return to success. Friday’s game was proof of this.

Newsflash: Downey is a MUCH different team now compared to game one. Yes, Downey did lose to Manteca by 32 — a Manteca team that beat Turlock by only 8 points. Hmmm. That’s not to say that Downey is the top team in the southern part of the SJS. Not at all. However, until they face one another on the field, saying “they would trounce Downey” is as laughable as saying Downey would trounce Oakdale, Kimball, and Central.

Stand by my statement. Downey could not do well in the VOL! They are yo soft! They never have a good defense. If they can't tackle they can't win. This more about how tough the VOL is.

 

[mistark]

My old qb coach in hs and college is a Downey grad that played at UNR, we always talk Downey FB. Got a ton of respect for them and their coach. A program on the rise since Plaa has got there. All that said, the 209 is still Central Catholic, Oakdale, Manteca and St. Mary's till somebody knocks them off. Both Downey and Turlock are doing things the right way and will get their get shot in the playoffs, win big games in the playoffs and championships, then you can call yourself the top team. These teams need to getting to the semis or finals before we start calling them the best.

 

[mistark]

A healthy Downey would not finish 5th or 6. Come on. A good program that throws the ball vs teams that don't see that type of pass game on a regular basis. And don't say Kimball, they just had their 1st good win and has not been on Downeys level in the past. The VOL is awesome but not the SEC.

 

[Rocknrolus 95361]

A healthy Downey would not finish 5th or 6. Come on. A good program that throws the ball vs teams that don't see that type of pass game on a regular basis. And don't say Kimball, they just had their 1st good win and has not been on Downeys level in the past. The VOL is awesome but not the SEC.

Okay 4 th. Downey once beat CC at home. But that same CC lost yo tiny Placer. That year CC was down year. I am not saying Plaa is not a great coach! My son not a football player has much respect for him
My son was at Downey when it's program started to come back. Great offence. But they can't tackle. Look at how many points they give up. Just an honest point of view. VOL not SEC but still the toughest league in southern SJS.

 

[mistark]

Lol. Tiny Placer is sometimes big time Placer playing D4. This yr may be lil ol/tiny Placer, but what about when they have 4 D1 OL, no body in the SJS had their OL about 5 years ago.

 

[mistark]

We scored something like 70 vs maybe their best team. Im not saying they are world beaters, just saying they are a good program who can beat other good programs when those others don't have their elite teams.

 

[FBAddict]

I, too, am a Downey grad and I’ve been to at least 90% of their games (home and away) since 1966 when I was a freshman there. I’ve witnessed some of Downey’s greatest seasons (1974, 10-1, 1975, 11-0, and 1986, 12-1) and many dismal seasons during the 1990’ and early 2000’s where having a good season meant 2-8 or 3-7 (with the exception of the year that Deshon Benton was a senior) and Coach Plaa is the primary reason for Downey’s return to success. Friday’s game was proof of this.

A true sign of a diehard fan! Quite the opposite of another poster that used to make comments here - I think his handle was Fairweather_Fan or something like that. He admittedly posted for his team of two years only because they were doing well. A fan, like yourself, may or may not post, but they stick with their team no matter the outcome! Refreshing!