‘It’s been a heck of a ride.’ Father and son aim to lead Merced to section title
Just before Merced High senior Seth Scheidt led the Bears on a dramatic, season-saving drive in the final seconds against Kimball in last week’s semifinal playoff game, he shared a moment with his dad on the sideline.
Going into that final drive, Bears head coach Rob Scheidt told his son he loved him.
“He said, ‘He loves me.’ Then it was like let’s do this,” Rob Scheidt said. “He was ready for the moment. That’s a great moment that we’ll never forget for sure.”
Scheidt led the Bears on a 53-yard drive, scoring a 1-yard touchdown on the final play of regulation. Scheidt then threw the ball out to lineman Jaylen Thao-Booth for the two-point conversion to give No. 4 Merced (9-3) a thrilling 51-50 victory over No. 1 Kimball.
Merced will now face No. 2 Vanden (10-2) in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship game on Saturday at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton.
Shortly after the game on Friday night, Seth Scheidt tweeted: “DREAM COME TRUE. Time to accomplish it.”
Looking for first section championship
Seth would like nothing more than deliver his dad’s first section championship.
It’s Merced’s first finals appearance since losing to Vacaville 37-36 in 2006. The Bears lost when they failed on a two-point conversion on the final play of the game.
It seemed only fitting that the Bears are back in the championship game after winning on a two-point conversion on the final play 15 years later.
“It’s kind of been a goal forever,” Seth said. “It’s always been a goal for me and my family. My grandpa coached (at Dos Palos) and won a couple. My dad hasn’t won one yet. My brother (Sam) didn’t get a chance to play for one. This is exciting for me and my family.”
It’s been a special journey for father and son — two people who have had to navigate the coach-player, father-son dynamic for the past three seasons.
Growing closer
For both of them the good has far outweighed any hiccups during Seth’s time wearing black and orange.
“From my sophomore year to my senior year has been a grind,” Seth said. “Playing for my dad has been awesome. Our relationship has grown. We see the game through each other’s eyes.”
“All coaches get frustrated with players and I definitely frustrated him,” Seth added. “It was hard not to take it personally, especially when I was younger. Now I don’t take it as personally.”
Seth has excelled playing for his dad. He was named the Central California Conference MVP as a junior this past spring. He’s played even better his senior year.
He’s completed over 60% of his passes for 2,249 yards and 25 touchdowns. He’s also been a force on the ground, rushing for 892 yards and another 17 touchdowns.
“It’s been a heck of a ride,” Rob Scheidt said. “I couldn’t be prouder. This is a fleeting moment. It goes by so quickly and I want to enjoy it. I’ve had to tell myself this week to enjoy it because it’s hard because you want to be prepared.”
This isn’t the first time Rob Scheidt has done the father-coaching-son thing. His eldest son Sam played three years for him from 2011-14. He was also on the other side of the equation when he played for his father, Tom, at Dos Palos High.
Sam played linebacker and fullback during his time at Merced.
What’s made it different coaching Seth is Rob also coaches the quarterbacks.
“It gets really dicey with me as the quarterback coach because I’m a perfectionist,” Rob said. “I’m coaching every aspect of the position and sometimes it gets tough.”
Enjoying the moment
Rob says the toughest part about coaching Seth is remembering sometimes he needs to be a dad first.
“My son is a hard-headed kid like other teenagers but he is a great kid,” Rob said. “He loves his teammates, he loves our coaching staff and he loves our school. I think the toughest thing at times is managing myself. I have to realize I’m his dad first and his coach second.”
A blue banner would would just mean more to a kid like Seth Scheidt who grew up around the Merced football program, looking up to players like his brother Sam, Jake Foss, Ulonzo Gilliam, Paul Scroggins, David Perales and Travante Richards.
“I have nothing but good memories,” Seth said. “The teams have always treated me right. I’ve always enjoyed being around them. I know some coach’s sons who don’t enjoy football. I’ve always loved it.”
Regardless of what happens on the field Saturday, the Scheidts are grateful for the time they’ve been able to spend together as coach and player.
“I feel really fortunate to be in the situation we find ourselves, with me coaching my youngest son,” Rob said.
“I feel he’s played a tremendous role on our team. Our relationship has grown. With my oldest son, Sam, coaching too, I get to spend a lot of time with my sons and football has been the vehicle to make it happen.”
