Gary Womack feels like a little kid on Christmas.
The Merced offensive lineman has been waiting for tonight since the morning after a season-ending 49-7 loss against Pitman in last fall.
"I kind of almost get shaky thinking about it," Womack said. "I've been thinking about it after every rep in the weight room; after every (40-yard dash) we ran this summer.
Merced Sun-Star - PHOTO BY LISA JAMES
Merced running back Eric DeAnda, left, looks to shed the tackle of an unidentified Pitman player during their Central California Conference game last fall. Pitman won the game handily, 49-7, sending Merced into the off-season with a bitter taste in its mouth. Merced hosts Paradise tonight.
Merced Sun-Star - Dustin Bender (75) and his Atwater teammates head to Napa tonight to kickoff the 2010 season. Atwater is trying to follow up the success from last year, which resulted in a playoff appearance.
"My mind has always been on this game."
Finally, the wait is over.
For Womack and his teammates, it's Christmas in August as Merced kicks off the 2010 season at home against Paradise tonight at Merced College.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
"It is like Christmas," the third-year starter said. "I'm excited. It's like buying a brand new pair of shoes. You can't wait to get them on."
Merced is one of six area teams opening the new season tonight.
After making a run to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I semifinals last year, Los Banos will try to continue its resurgence under Dennis Stubbs against Rocklin tonight at Loftin Stadium.
Rocklin won the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship last year and lost 33-30 to Servite in the CIF State Bowl Game.
Rocklin is led by one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Jimmy Laughrea, who passed for 2,635 yards and 22 touchdowns last year.
"I got a chance to watch their scrimmage last week against Sheldon and he's the real deal," Stubbs said. "It's scary. He's got the size at 6-3 and he's got a cannon for an arm.
"The scariest thing is he finds his receivers. In high school, quarterbacks usually can find their main option and maybe a No. 2 option, but he just sees the whole field."
Winning the Central California Conference championship and making a deep run in the playoffs helped LB land a marquee matchup.
"There's all kinds of different theories on scheduling your opening game," Stubbs said. "Some coaches want to find someone they can beat. Others want to play a tough team to set the tone for the year.
"I've done it both ways. I don't know if there is a right way, but how could you not get something out of playing an opponent like this?"
Atwater is making the longest trip with a game against Napa at Justin-Sienna High.
Life after Nathan Sanchez begins for Bob Valladao's bunch after the former star led Atwater to the second round of the playoffs last year.
Other games include Hilmar hosting Beyer, Livingston opening against Orestimba and Stone Ridge Christian against East Nicolaus.
After months of waiting, teams finally get to strap on their helmets and get after it.
"There's a lot of apprehension because everyone wants to play their best and get all the bugs out," said Merced coach Rob Scheidt.
"There's a lot of excitement because of all the hoopla leading up to it, but that's good because that's what high school football is all about."
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