Hilmar is healthy, confident and ready for another shot at Escalon for section crown
The first time Hilmar played Escalon the Yellowjackets offense couldn’t really do much against the Cougars stifling defense.
Hilmar was limited to just 152 yards of offense in a 24-14 loss.
When the two longtime Trans-Valley League rivals meet again in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V championship game on Saturday night at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, the Yellowjackets hope it will be a different outcome.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The first loss against No. 1 Escalon (11-1) forced No. 6 Hilmar (11-2) to make some changes.
“Looking back we’ve never won a section championship the same year we won a league title,” said Hilmar coach Frank Marques. “So it’s not like we were in uncharted territory. It wasn’t time to panic. Our history shows that we’ve overcome bad starts before.”
The Yellowjackets came out of their bye following the Escalon loss with a new starting quarterback in Jason Pimentel.
The senior has rushed for 365 yards and six touchdowns in the six games since taking over as the starting quarterback. Hilmar is 6-0 in those game, outscoring their opponents 279 to 66.
“Our quarterback change has added a dimension to our offense,” Marques said. “We have a running quarterback who is now a weapon that has changed the mind-set of our team.”
The Yellowjackets are also healthy again.
When Hilmar played Escalon on Oct. 1 the Yellowjackets were without three starting offensive linemen in Nicholas Vitorino, Justin Souza and Brandon Freitas.
The Yellowjackets make-shift offensive line didn’t have a chance against the physicality of the Escalon defense in the first matchup.
Hilmar also lost running back Luis Vargas to a concussion in the first quarter against the Cougars.
“We have everyone back,” Marques said. “We’re healthier than we’ve been all year.”
The changes made and the offensive line back to full strength could set up another classic game in this long rivalry.
Saturday will be the fifth time the two teams have squared off in a section championship game with Escalon winning in 2019, 2005 and 2003. Hilmar defeated Escalon to win the 2011 championship.
Marques has been a frequent visitor the sideline in championship games, leading Hilmar to a fourth consecutive championship game and seven in the last 10 title games.
“It doesn’t get old,” Marques said. “I really believe in my heart there is no guarantee that you’ll make it back here. I’ve seen teams make it and they don’t get back for 10, 15, 20 years. I never take it for granted.”
Marques can wait for another shot at Escalon.
“Escalon is a heck of a football team,” he said. “They are really good. Now we’ll be ready for the challenge.”
This story was originally published November 25, 2021 at 10:00 AM.
