Pick the Preps: Flashback to 1993? Grant-Jesuit playoff football game promises excitement
It happened 31 years ago but the flashback remains clear.
Jesuit High School’s football program delivered a hit by its roaming free safety, Nigel Burton, that knocked out Grant’s star quarterback and its storied program out of the playoffs in front of an overflow crowd of some 5,000 in broad daylight.
It was a 1993 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoff showdown, a day game on Jesuit’s grass field, the gritty Pacers from hard-boiled Del Paso Heights taking their act to the beautiful Carmichael campus, home of a football program that wanted to embrace the moniker of “Big Red” but had yet to deliver a Big Win since opening in 1963.
That win happened when the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Marcette Lawson ran wide on a designed keeper and saw the 5-foot-8, 155-pound Burton closing in like a missile. The missile won. Burton leveled Lawson. Burton got up, wobbled to the sideline, and then back out to check on Lawson, who was taped down to a stretcher to protect his neck, just in case, and taken away by ambulance.
Lawson suffered a concussion, the Sacramento Bee No. 1-ranked Pacers suffered a 27-6 setback, and the Marauders had officially arrived. Jesuit and coach Dan Carmazzi finished the season a game shy of the section finals at 12-1.
I recalled hustling back to The Bee office and declaring that starting that season in our Bee All-Metro package, we have to start naming a Defensive Player of the Year. It was Burton that first season, the logical choice, for making plays that resonate. Burton went on to star in the secondary for the Washington Huskies and later was the head coach of Portland State. He would every so often reach out to me so I could settle a bet with coaching pals who could not believe Burton earned the first Bee Defensive honor because of a hit for the ages.
The schools met again in 1999 D-I semifinals, then known as the City Championship, and Grant prevailed behind Bee Player of the Year receiver/defensive back star Paris Warren in front of nearly 20,000 at Sacramento City College’s Hughes Stadium.
The programs meet on Friday in a D-II quarterfinal in Del Paso Heights, and you can bet the old timers will talk old times. The Bee’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 was Jeremiah Tuiileila, Grant’s superb rush end who having another strong season.
▪ Speaking of old school, memory recall hasn’t saved me in the Pick the Preps roundtable sweepstakes as I am in last place.
The leader of the pack remains Scott Tedmon, the retired area basketball coach who stays in the game as a color voice for football and basketball broadcasts on the streaming NFHS Network, including those produced by play-by-play man Matthew Bessette of his own ABC JAM Productions (those two will call Friday’s Flashback Bowl).
Also in the running for first in the Prep Picks is freelancer Nick Pecoraro, the host of “Premier Preps” on YouTube.
Division I
No. 8 seed Downey-Modesto (10-1) at No. 1 Folsom (9-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
JoeD: The Knights have played good football in the 209 for decades, winning league championships starting back in the 1950s, and still achieving since 2007 under coach Jeremy Plaa. The loss was to rival Turlock, 33-14, to decide the Central California Athletic League championship (Turlock is in the quarterfinals on the other side of the bracket). To beat a Folsom program that seeks its 11th section crown since 2010 and fourth in succession, Downey has to pass protect for QB star Carson Lamb, who has 3,421 yards passing and 39 touchdowns with four interceptions. Downey also has to deal with Folsom’s 5-star recruit QB wiz Ryder Lyons, who has five consecutive games of five touchdown passes. Folsom wins 49-21, and a run game featuring Carter Jackson and Daymion Rivera.
MatthewB: Downey’s Joseph Ramirez can go over 1,000 yards receiving with a catch of four or more yards. Junior Vlad Dyakanov is a mountain of a young man and has helped Folsom dominate the trenches. The Bulldogs are too good, 42-28.
NickP: This is the time of year when we see a lot of that blue turf in Folsom. Downey has always produced terrific quarterbacks, and Mr. Lamb is right there at the top of the section’s leaderboard in passing. The Knights are annually one of the top 209 teams, but they’re just different out there on Prairie City Road. Folsom wins, 40-17.
CoachT: Downey is a seasoned squad, defeating six playoff teams. Folsom is, well, Folsom. Bulldogs live for the playoffs and this year’s team might be their best ever. Lyons-led ‘Dawgs roll, 54-24.
No. 7 seed Monterey Trail (8-3) at No. 2 Oak Ridge (6-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m. in El Dorado Hills
JoeD: The Mustangs will trot out their considerable running game, headed by strong line play and the dynamic D’Adrien Sanders, and Oak Ridge will counter with balance and the blur that is all-purpose star Jasen Womack, who will test MT’s defensive speed. MT also has to deal with Alabama-bound tight end recruit Kaleb Edwards. Oak Ridge in a slugfest, 21-20.
MatthewB: This is the last D-I championship matchup that didn’t feature Folsom, from 2019. Both teams have a tackling machine in Kharter Turk for Monterey Trail and Dean Davis for Oak Ridge. The Trojans control the trenches and win, 31-27.
NickP: Oak Ridge’s QB1, Joaquin Graves-Mercado, is back in the fold after missing several weeks with injury. Oak Ridge had a tremendous win over Rocklin in the regular season finale that boosted its confidence. MT’s Sanders ran for 243 yards and five scores last week against the Lincoln Trojans of Stockton. But the Trojans from El Dorado Hills are a different bunch. Oak Ridge, 37-24.
CoachT: MT takes on Trojans 2.0, having dispatched the Lincoln Trojans in an impressive performance last week. OR has played a brutal schedule and for the most part without star QB Graves-Mercado. With his steady hand running the offense, the Trojans are marching toward a third straight D-I section final against Folsom. OR wins, 24-21.
Division II
No. 6 seed Jesuit (7-4) at No. 3 Grant (7-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., in Del Paso Heights
JoeD: This one will not be dull, or your money back. Can Jesuit handle Grant’s speed, RB Brandon Lambert, QB Luke Alexander and targets Koby Shabazz and Zo Edwards? Jesuit’s solid offensive line has to contain Grant’s Tuiileila. Jesuit is led by senior two-way standout Jack Pattock, who has seven rushing touchdowns and averages eight tackles a game. Grant wins it, 35-27.
MatthewB: Jesuit is battle tested coming out of the Sierra Foothill League and is strong up front with guys like Luke and Wade Johnston. Grant is young and explosive, and keep your eyes on the freshman Julian Bruno. The Pacers score early and often to win this one, 38-31.
NickP: An interesting contrast with these two is that Jesuit is banking on its SFL competition to prep for the postseason while Grant is banking on its non-league portion of the schedule. Pacers hold it down at home, 35-21.
CoachT: With a season of SFL play under its belt, Jesuit is well-prepared to take on all playoff challengers. The Marauders took care of business against Lodi. The Pacers are rested, ready and it will be rocking at 1400 Grand Ave. Pacers prevail, 38-21.
No. 8 seed Elk Grove (8-4) at No. 1 Rocklin (8-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
JoeD: Rocklin’s stout defense faces a option team heavy on the run with a burly, experienced quarterback in leading rusher David Hale and a fleet of fast backs. Rocklin’s excellent offensive line includes UCLA-bound tackle Garrison Blank and will have to contain Washington State-bound defensive end Lucan Amituanai, who has eight sacks. Rocklin’s run game and the steady and reliable QB leadership of Reeve Slone lead to a 24-21 victory.
MatthewB: Elk Grove has an opportunistic defense led by sophomore Lance Lewis’ seven interceptions. Mavrik Collins is back from injury for Rocklin and should provide a boost on both sides of the ball. Thunder win, 27-21.
NickP: Hale is approaching 2,500 career rushing yards, an astounding feat for a quarterback. Rocklin’s pass rushers, which include Derek Keeley, Travis Ledbetter, Henry Hatada and Alex Durham, among others, will be the key in neutralizing Elk Grove’s run game. Rocklin wins, 24-17.
CoachT: This is not your typical 1 vs. 8 matchup. Can the Herd’s vaunted run game led by Hale match the Thunder’s balanced attack led by Slone? Which defense steps up and makes the big play? This one goes down to the wire. Thunder survives, 28-24.
Division III
No. 5 Destiny Christian Academy (9-2) at No. 4 Christian Brothers (6-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., in Oak Park
JoeD: This figures to be fast and fun with athletes, playmakers and stoppers in abundance. DCA has been rolling, losing to Grant in a competitive game and losing a heartbreaker to West Park in Metro League games. CB’s stout defense, led by tackling leader Josiah Campbell, has to prevent QB Dallas Munn, RB Malakai Taione-Tauataina and two-way star Greyson Smith (12 TD catches, five interceptions on defense) from taking over and camping out in the end zone. DCA squeezes out a thriller, 24-23.
MatthewB: Destiny freshman Champ Aaron has been fantastic this year with 63 tackles. Diego Taylor is just a sophomore but has helped Christian Brothers dominate the trenches. Destiny wins, 24-23.
NickP: This matchup could steal the weekend. Former Capital Athletic League members reignite their rivalry, and Destiny keeps rolling, 35-30.
CoachT: DCA is on a burner winning five straight with three shutouts. CB was rolling until it unexpectedly stumbled against Rio Americano in Week 10. Can the Falcons regain their form, or will they fall against a Lions club that is roaring? It’s DCA, 31-28.
No. 7 Merced (8-3) at No. 2 West Park (9-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
JoeD: How’s this for a contrast: Upstart West Park is in the playoffs for the third time as a newer school in Roseville, and the storied Bears have been a playoff regular since the 1970s, including some all-time section D-I teams from the 1980s and early ‘90s. WP offers a balanced offense with QB Jaden Jackson, RB Ben Osby and receivers HaReal Greer and Mason Smith, and the Panthers are rested from an opening bye. Merced has won seven consecutive games, holding off late-charging Rio Americano 41-35 last week in a playoff opener. Merced has athletes, including QB Quintell Dupree (19 TD passes) and RB Cammarri Jackson (13 TDs). West Park in a high-scoring one, 40-35.
MatthewB: Merced head coach Rob Scheidt always has his guys ready to play and they will have to be in this one. Briggs Bevans has been in opponent’s backfields for West Park with six sacks and six tackles for loss. The Panthers win, 27-24.
NickP: Merced is superbly coached with one of the longest tenured coaches in the section in Scheidt. The Bears have at least one playoff win in each of the past five seasons. But if the Panthers are at full strength with receiver Mason Johnson in uniform, West Park will be tough to beat. WP takes it, 21-19.
CoachT: WP is a Placer County powerhouse newbie led by the law firm of Jackson, Osby, Greer and Smith. Merced is a tradition-rich program with dynamic QB Dupree at counsel table for the Bears. The verdict? Panthers win in a shootout, 45-38.
Division IV
No. 5 Escalon (6-5) at No. 4 Placer (8-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., in Auburn
JoeD: Buckle up the chin straps and add extra eye black and ankle tape because tradition meets tradition here. Escalon is an 18-time section finalist and a 12-time champion, and the Cougars are still loaded, never mind the misleading won-loss record. Coach Andy Beam is 15-1 in section playoff games since replacing the retired and ever-so-fun Mark Loureiro, whose 281 career wins at his alma mater are the most in section history. So why does Placer win? The storied Hillmen with a trophy case full of winnings are motivated, faster and fired up with the belief that they are seeded too low. Placer makes a point, 28-24.
MatthewB: Logan Huebner is back under center for Escalon and the Cougars are playing their best football. Placer feels it should be a higher seed and has a chance to prove it. Hillmen win in a shootout, 42-38.
NickP: Escalon is a three-time defending section champ and is tied with Folsom and Del Oro for second-most section titles all-time. Defensive end Ryan Lewis is a game-changer for the Cougars, who come in and stun the Hillmen, 28-27.
CoachT: Escalon makes the 100-mile trip to Auburn and are accustomed to traveling to secure rings, so no worries there. The Hillmen had a first-round bye, while the Cougars sharpened their claws against Fairfield. Escalon’s big-game experience will be the difference in a 31-28 win.
No. 6 Sacramento (8-3) at No. 3 Roseville (7-3)
JoeD: Kudos to the old schools that continue to produce such a good product, decade after decade. Both teams are battle tested from the rigors of their league, Roseville finishing with Placer in a tie for second place in the Foothill Valley League behind D-IV top seeded Twelve Bridges, and Sacramento taking fourth in the Monticello Empire League behind 11-0 Rodriguez of Fairfield, D-II playoff entry Vacaville and D-III entry Vanden. Roseville’s veteran lineup edges the faster-yet-younger Dragons, 30-28.
MatthewB: I don’t know if many saw this season coming from the young Dragons but here they are. Roseville is a team to watch in this bracket and the Tigers take this one, 20-14.
NickP: I’ll have a game recap for The Bee as well as highlights on Premier Preps on YouTube on Sunday night. D’Marcis Gresham is a bruiser in the Tiger backfield. Sophomore QB Laron James Radcliffe has 21 touchdown passes to only one interception. With two very evenly matched teams, I’m taking Sac High, 21-20.
CoachT: Roseville had the week off after its impressive 31-6 Junction Bowl win over rival Woodcreek while Sac took care of Del Campo in a tough first-round meeting. The Tigers have seen the likes of Twelve Bridges and Placer so they’ll be ready for the fire-breathing Dragons. Roseville’s experience and depth will be able to counter the Dragons dynamic big-play offense. Tigers win, 31-24.
Season totals
CoachT: 52-15
MatthewB: 50-17
NickP: 50-17
JoeD: 44-23