Merced eyeing back-to-back Central California Conference football championships
Rob Scheidt liked what he saw from his team in their scrimmage last week against a very talented Clovis team.
The Bears defense was burned for a couple long touchdown passes early, but after a few adjustments, Merced held its own against a team with a quarterback Nate Johnson, who has committed to Utah, and a big, formidable offensive line.
The Bears defense was able to sack Johnson multiple times and were able to force a couple interceptions.
Merced rode a dominant defense to a Central California Conference championship this past spring and hope to do the same this fall.
“We scrimmaged against one of the better teams in the Central Section and our guys weren’t phased by it,” Scheidt said. “They were ready to compete. They trust their coaches. Clovis had a potential All-American quarterback, a really good offensive line and a DB that has committed to Oregon State and our guys got after it.”
The Bears will be led by their front seven on defense, which includes brothers Jaylen Thao-Booth and Jalonn Booth on the defensive line and Seth Scheit at middle linebacker.
“Jalonn is a sophomore who got tremendously better after those five games this spring,” Rob Scheidt said. “His brother (Jaylen) was the linemen of the year for our conference. We’ve had other guys step up. Jack Dunbar has impressed me with his motor and willingness to play hard on every down. Other guys like Bryant Gray and Isaac Haro give us good size.”
Only Oakdale scored more than 14 points against the Merced defense last spring as the Bears surrendered just over 16 points per game.
Offensively Merced hopes to improve with Seth Scheidt leading the way at quarterback.
It’s not uncommon for players to play on both sides of the ball, but it’s rare to see players start at quarterback and middle linebacker like Scheidt because the physical toll it takes to play linebacker.
Scheidt was able to pull it off during a five-game spring season. Asking him to do it during a 10-game fall season is much more difficult.
The Bears have confidence in sophomore quarterback Phoenix Lawrence to spell Scheidt at times. Lawrence played up with varsity this spring and saw limited action.
“I think last season helped prepare me for it,” Seth Scheidt said. “It helps that we have a second quarterback that is super athletic. If I get tired he can come right in there.”
The Bears offense was impressive in their season-opener against Central Catholic as Merced battled back from a 31-7 deficit before falling short 31-28.
The Bears are counting on big plays from junior receive Enoch Evans, who displayed his speed on a long touchdown catch and run against Clovis.
Evahn Perez, Jack Collins and Cyrus Amos will also contribute at receiver. Ryan Lee and Chase Smith will share the load at running back.
“We have a lot of athletes,” Seth Scheidt said. “I feel we’re way more dialed in. I think we have a lot more potential.”
The Bears should be in the mix for another CCC title.
“I feel we have a great chance to go undefeated in the CCC and win back-to-back title,” Thao-Booth said. “I love our tenacity. We get after it. We keep getting better and better.”
Schedule
Aug. 20 Central Catholic 31, Merced 28
Aug. 27 vs Gregori
Sept. 3 at Downey
Sept. 9 vs Madera
Sept 17 at Atwater
Sept. 24 at Patterson
Oct. 1 vs El Capitan
Oct. 15 vs Buhach Colony
Oct. 22 at Central Valley
Oct. 29 vs Golden Valley
This story was originally published August 20, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
