No. 5 Monterey Trail gets a win, but not how it wanted. ‘Tough situation for everyone’
Nothing stings more than a canceled game.
That has been a troubling theme this high school football season as low roster numbers have led programs throughout the Sac-Joaquin Section to pull the plug on a scheduled contest big on attrition.
Burbank coach Eddie Elder and his administration decided they could not competitively field a team Friday against No. 5 Monterey Trail (6-1) in a Metropolitan Conference game, something the school has considered before.
It’s a triple loss – a lost opportunity for Burbank and Monterey Trail to play, and lost revenue for the Titans, who, like any program, depend on gate receipts to help fund campus programs.
Burbank is now 0-8, though not for lack of effort. Despite losing their first- and second-string quarterbacks to injuries, the Titans plan to finish the season with games against Metro rivals McClatchy (0-7) and Kennedy (2-5).
In the southern part of the section, Modesto Christian has forfeited against Hilmar this week due to having just 12 varsity players. In July, Turlock Christian announced that it was canceling its season due to roster numbers. Florin and Mira Loma also forfeited games this season for the same reasons.
Monterey Trail coach T.J. Ewing was scrambling for a game, but mostly felt for his coaching friend.
“It is a tough situation for everyone, but there are tougher things in the world right now,” said Ewing, a big guy and a big-picture thinker. “We’ll get over it. I feel for their program. Coach Elder is a great man. Great leader to have. He will get their program rolling again.”
Joe D. picks the preps
I went a strong 4-1 in our picks last week, but I’m not offering to handle anyone’s tax returns, thanks to my striking ability to hit and miss.
I was right on Placer beating Rio Linda, Oakmont over Nevada Union, Bradshaw Christian over Galt and Dixon beating Mesa Verde. But I missed on Jesuit toppling Elk Grove, though we have dibs on Jesuit quarterback Daniel Susac if we’re picking teams on the blacktop.
Grant (1-6) at No. 10 Del Oro (4-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Storyline: Grant has size and speed, but has lost steam. The Pacers badly need a Sierra Foothilll League win to salvage flickering playoff hopes. Del Oro aims to halt a two-game losing streak and knows it has to clean up mistakes to become playoff ready.
We think we know: Del Oro 30-24
Jesuit (3-4) at No. 8 Davis (6-1)
When: Friday, 7:15 p.m.
Storyline: Jesuit is 3-1 under now-healthy quarterback Daniel Susac, who had five touchdowns to help Elk Grove win 38-35 last week. He has a lot of weapons, including receiver Jacob Hall. Davis, which has only lost to Elk Grove by a touchdown in a Delta League opener, has a dynamic 1-2 punch in QB Luke Carrell and RB Taylor Vaughn.
We think we know: Jesuit 35-34
No. 17 Lincoln (4-3) at No. 19 Rio Linda (5-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Storyline: The Foothill Valley League features good teams and wild upsets. At some point in this one, Lincoln’s star defender Grady Manley will crash into Rio Linda’s top backs Cameron Skattebo and Abraham Banks in must-see action.
We think we know: Rio Linda 35-34
No. 18 Whitney (3-5) at No. 4 Oak Ridge (5-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Storyline: Oak Ridge coaches are well aware of Whitney’s penchant for pulling upsets, including wins over Placer and Del Oro. Whitney is led by rising QB ace Eli Brickhandler and Oak Ridge by its own ace in QB Justin Lamson, whose play-making teammate Avant Jacobs is a threat on offense, defense and special teams.
We think we know: Oak Ridge 42-28
No. 15 Vista del Lago (6-1) vs. Christian Brothers (5-2)
When: Saturday, 11 a.m. at Hughes Stadium
Storyline: The Capital Athletic League has a nice race that includes Capital Christian, and a Vista win here sets up a potential Week 10 showdown with the Cougars. This will be a fun affair with QBs Jacob Stewart of Christian Brothers and Nik Goodwin of Vista.
We think we know: Vista 45-42
This story was originally published October 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM.