Golden Valley has city bragging rights on their mind and ending losing streak to Merced
Jonah White says there’s one topic that dominates the conversation at Golden Valley High School when it comes to football.
When the Cougars junior was asked about expectations for the Cougars this season he didn’t hesitate in his response.
“Really, it’s beating Merced,” White said. “That’s it. That’ what we talk about.”
The Bears have dominated the crosstown rivalry, owning a 20-8 edged in the Battle for the Mayor’s Cup, including 16 consecutive victories over the Cougars.
“Sixteen years has been way too long,” said Golden Valley senior quarterback Eleazar Garza. “It’s always on our mind.”
Garza says Merced has always been the rival, even going back to youth football. He says he has friends at Merced, who have had bragging rights.
“That puts a chip on your shoulder,” Garza said. “One hundred percent I think our group of young men are mature enough to realize the legacy that we’d leave behind us if we can beat Merced. The last time Golden Valley beat Merced was in 2005 and most of us were barely alive.”
“If we can beat them that would shock the community,” Garza added. “If we can beat them that would also slingshot us into the playoffs.”
Garza and White are two big reasons Golden Valley enters this season with confidence.
Garza had a busy summer attending various football camps at Sacramento State, Fresno State and UC Davis. Garza passed for 1,296 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.
Garza said he spent a couple weeks this summer in Oregon working out with a family friend and some college football players.
“I think those weeks in Oregon improved my game a lot,” Garza said. “The game really slowed down for me. I made some good plays last year but I felt rushed and I played a little scared. This year I know what I can do. I’ve done it this summer and the end of last year.”
White gives the Cougars a big-play threat at receiver on offense, a tough cornerback on defense and a return threat on special teams.
White caught 35 passes for 623 yards and nine touchdowns last year as a sophomore.
“Jonah White can be great,” Garza said. “He came in and lit a fire in our offense last year as a sophomore. If he keeps climbing and climbing he can be one of the best to come out of Merced since (former Golden Valley star) Chris Randle.”
One of the biggest holes to fill will be at running back with the graduation of running back Jabari Phillips, who rushed for 1,584 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Cougars fans will get get to know Jahkylle Smith.
“That’s always going to be the big question,” said Golden Valley coach Rick Martinez. “Jabari was a great athlete but we feel we have another solid back in Jahkylle. He’s gone to a couple camps in Texas and California this summer. I don’t think we’re going to skip a beat.”
Martinez likes what he has up front in his offensive line and he likes his defense.
“I like the direction we’re headed and the way the kids have responded,” Martinez said. “I don’t think anyone has missed a day of practice since day one.”
2022 Schedule
Aug. 19 vs Del Campo
Aug. 26 at Madera South
Sept. 2 vs Sierra
Sept. 9 at Pitman
Sept. 16 at Buhach Colony
Sept. 30 at Central Valley
Oct. 7 vs Atwater
Oct. 14 vs Patterson
Oct. 21 at El Capitan
Oct. 28 vs Merced
