Pick the Preps: Oak Ridge-Granite Bay, Nevada Union-Del Campo, Grant-San Diego power and more
A generation ago, Del Campo and Nevada Union battled each other and Grant for top honors in the Capital Athletic League, a league of champions in the 1990s.
Our Sacramento Bee football rankings in 1997 and ‘98 often had Grant, Nevada Union and Del Campo leading the Top 10 when I was full of gusto and topped with a shock of hair (The Bee now runs a Top 25, reflective of the booming growth of new schools the last 25 years). Realignment has over the years moved Del Campo and Nevada Union into different leagues with those proud programs taking a significant dip in enrollment, dropping the athletic programs from large-enrollment D-I status to D-IV.
After recent off seasons, DC and NU have flexed some throwback muscle this season. The teams sport 4-1 records as contenders in the Foothill Valley League, and they meet Friday in Fair Oaks, one of a handful of intriguing games as league play hits the second week.
▪ Speaking of hitting a new gear, more flowers to our sports freelancer Nick Pecoraro, the host of the weekly, highlight-heavy “Premier Preps” on YouTube. He went 6-0 in our weekly Pick the Preps segment, a week after going 6-0. Enough already. Scott Tedmon, the retired area basketball coach and current color man for streaming NFHS broadcasts, also went 6-0. He gloats. Matthew Bessette of ABC JAM Productions in conjunction with NFHS went 5-1. So did I, but I see no flowers.
Lincoln-San Diego (2-2) at No. 2 Grant (3-2)
When: Friday, 7:15 p.m.
JoeD: This game came about when McClatchy informed Grant in the spring that it would not play the Pacers in Metro League action, stressing that the Lions are not at Grant’s level. This at least allowed Grant time to find an opponent to fill the void — it’s the top-ranked team in the San Diego Section. Lincoln is led by 5-star QB recruit Akili Smith, Jr., the son of the one-time Oregon Ducks All-American and 1999 NFL first-round pick. Grant has a nifty QB, too, in Luke Alexander, and he finds a way to win it, 35-31.
MatthewB: I’m excited to be broadcasting this one on the NFHS Network. Much respect to both teams for taking on this heavyweight bout. You rarely get teams from different sections playing this late in the season but we are spoiled this week. Lincoln with a narrow victory, 35-34.
NickP: I’m going to need to get some new vases if these 6-0 weeks continue. This will be the third Top-20 team in California that the Pacers will play. Respect. Players on both sides are being heavily recruited, so this should be a fun one. Grant wins, 27-21.
CoachT: This is a beauty with outstanding QBs. Grant needs to find a way to slow down Lincoln’s high-flying offense that is averaging 39 points. It promises to be an entertaining shootout with the Hornets heading home to San Diego with a 38-35 win.
No. 5 Oak Ridge (1-3) at No. 4 Granite Bay (4-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
JoeD: Never mind Oak Ridge’s record as the Trojans took on a brutal early schedule against out-of-area heavies. GB should be favored, but what’s a season without an upset, and it happens here in this Sierra Foothill League rumble as Oak Ridge prevails behind all-purpose star Jasen Womack, 24-21.
MatthewB: No weeks off in the SFL. Well, sort of. Oak Ridge got its first win and Granite Bay rudely welcomed Jesuit to the SFL. Grizzlies pull this one out, 20-17.
NickP: I’ll be there Friday for The Bee and Premier Preps. Oak Ridge might be the best 1-3 team in the section, but Granite Bay has been gelling all season. Grizzlies get it done, 23-20.
CoachT: Coach Casey Taylor’s Trojans have played one of the toughest non-league schedules around, preparing them well for the SFL gauntlet. GB has been impressive, led by two-way star Isaiah Ene. This one will be fast and physical, with OR having just enough to outlast the Grizzlies, 28-24.
Vista del Lago (2-3) at No. 10 Christian Brothers (2-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
JoeD: Vista scores a ton, and gritty CB has had great defensive moments behind the state’s leading tackler in Josiah Campbell. QB Deakon Holden led a spirited late rally to stun Inderkum last week and does enough here, too, in a 35-30 victory.
MatthewB: This matchup has decided league champions in the past. The league has changed, but these two remain. Vista can score with anyone. CB has a stout defense and its offense exploded a week ago. The Falcons ride the momentum of last week’s big win, 28-24.
NickP: What a rollercoaster win for Christian Brothers last week in what they’re calling the “South Sac Stunner.” Don’t count out the Falcons in this battle of the birds. CB wins, 38-30.
CoachT: CB has found its form behind Holden and defensive monster Josiah Campbell. VDL can score with anyone. There will be points aplenty but the Falcons will make the key defensive stop late to secure the win, 35-34.
Nevada Union (4-1) at No. 22 Del Campo (4-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
JoeD: The host Cougars were humbled by a superb Placer team last week, but make no mistake: The Cougars are back in business with their best team in a few seasons, a credit to tireless coaches such as Matt Costa, Ernie Cooper and staff. DC in a fun one, 28-27.
MatthewB: Both teams have potent run games with multiple ball carriers. One of these teams is going to notch a big Foothill Valley League win. Nevada Union gets it done, 24-21.
NickP: You have to go back to 2009 to find the last time Del Campo and Nevada Union started at least 4-1. Both teams won section titles that year and both could be dark horses in the playoffs this season. It starts with taking care of wins now. Del Campo does it, 33-21.
CoachT: NU has lit up the scoreboard the past two games. DC was outclassed by Placer last week, but there’s no shame in that. These are two evenly matched teams, with the Cougars winning, 34-31.
Wheatland (4-0) at Lincoln (4-0)
When: Friday, 7:15 p.m.
JoeD: We applaud the small-school showdowns, and here’s another one to fire up the Pioneer Valley League. Wheatland has allowed 21 points and stalled a good Bear River bunch last week, 28-7. Lincoln is 4-0 for the first time since 2009, a credit to coach Allen Berg. Wheatland in a slugfest, 14-13.
MatthewB: What an incredible start for both of these teams. Wheatland was winless just two seasons ago and Lincoln earned just one victory last year. Change can take time but it can also be abrupt as these teams are demonstrating. Wheatland wins it, 17-16.
NickP: What a turnaround it’s been so far for Wheatland. The Pirates seem to be adjusting well to the Sac-Joaquin Section after decades in the Northern Section, and they keep the ship sailing with a 27-24 win.
CoachT: Wheatland and Lincoln are two of the best feel-good stories this season. The Fighting Zebras and Pirates will battle but when the smoke clears, Wheatland wins, 24-21.
Oakmont (3-1) at Bear River (3-1)
JoeD: This is another PVL clash on natural grass in Grass Valley/Lake of the Pines. Coach Jake Messina has Oakmont off to a strong start after a winless 2023 campaign, and though coach Tanner Mathias has another formidable crew at BR, Oakmont wins behind dual-threat QB Beau Ogles, 28-21.
MatthewB: So many fun matchups now that league play has begun. Oakmont was held to 7 points in its only loss and rebounded to score 52. Bear River scored seven last week and looks to bounce back in the same fashion. The Vikings stay hot, 35-30.
NickP: Two PVL picks in one week? I told you this league was intriguing. Ogles and KC Tibbits are champions and leaders from their Oakmont baseball titles last spring, and they look to lead the Vikings to new heights on the football field. Oakmont wins, 30-17.
CoachT: Bear River is looking to bounce back after last week’s disappointing loss to Wheatland. Oakmont is having a terrific turnaround season fueled by their potent offense. The Bruins are on their home turf and that will be the difference, 31-28.
Season totals
NickP: 23-7
CoachT: 23-7
MatthewB: 23-7
JoeD: 21-9