‘I just want to ball out.’ Hilmar High football’s dynamic star adds power to his game
Hilmar High star Caden Bailey has proven over the past two seasons he’s one of the most dynamic football players in the Sac-Joaquin Section.
Using his break-away speed and elusiveness, Bailey ranked eighth in the section last year with 1,788 rushing yards.
After adding 20 pounds this offseason, Bailey now has extra power to go with it.
“I’m bigger and stronger and I’m just as fast or even faster,” Bailey said. “It’s going to be harder to take me down.”
Bailey’s offseason plan was clear: Eat more and hit the weights hard.
Hilmar head coach Frank Marques, who enters this season with a career record of 187-63, says the Trans-Valley League’s Outstanding Offensive Player is on the short list of the most dynamic players he’s ever coached along with Nate Costa, Isaac Sharp and brothers Justin and Cody Rentfro.
Marques says Bailey looks like a different player this year even though the coaching staff is bringing Bailey along slowly this preseason after he pulled a hamstring during track season this spring.
“He’s a hard guy to catch to begin with, because he’s so quick and elusive, but now he’s got some power behind him,” Marques said. “Even at practice, when he does go, he’s not going full speed, but he’s still hard to wrap him up because he’s so powerful.”
Bailey transitioned from quarterback to slot receiver midseason last year and that’s where he’ll see most of his time this year. Bailey will also line up at quarterback and running back as the Yellowjackets draw up different ways to get the ball in his hands.
Hilmar hopes to get back to a more balanced offensive attack instead of the run-heavy approach the Yellowjackets have used the past two seasons.
“For two years we’ve been really one dimensional,” Marques said. “I think when we’ve been firing on all cylinders — and we’ve had some of our best teams — we’re about 50-50, running and passing. It’d be nice to get back to that, it’d be nice to not face a nine-man box.”
Expect the Yellowjackets to use 6-foot-4 receiver John Labno more as a weapon this year, especially at the goal line.
Skill players like Juan Ponce, Tanner Westmoreland and John Lopez will also be used on offense.
The offensive line will be anchored by senior Matt Avila and the Yellowjackets have two quarterbacks competing for the job in senior Merek Ellerd and sophomore Jorden Jacobo.
Marques says Bailey, Avila and Labno better be in fantastic shape this season because they will rarely come off the field with Labno able to play defensive end, linebacker or safety on defense.
The Yellowjackets know the TVL will be a grind with teams like Escalon and Hughson and new additions Ripon Christian, Orestimba and Sonora.
“The three teams added to the TVL are all solid football programs,” Bailey said. “I think they are going to fit really well.”
Marques likes the make-up of his team.
“We’re pretty athletic as a whole team,” he said. “You know, we’re not very big, we’re probably one of the smaller teams I’ve had, but we’ve been pretty successful with teams like this.”
With a schedule that also includes Central California Conference teams Los Banos and Atwater, the Yellowjackets are ready to hit the ground running.
“It’s exciting, I’m going into my senior year,” Bailey said. “I feel every football players looks forward to that. It’s my last year playing high school football. I want to show out for colleges that might be looking at me. I just want to ball out.”
Hilmar 2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 at Grace Davis
Aug. 30 vs Los Banos
Sept. 13 at Atwater
Sept. 20 at Ripon Christian
Sept. 27 vs Escalon
Oct. 4 at Sonora
Oct. 11 vs Orestimba
Oct. 18 at Modesto Christian
Oct. 25 vs Hughson
Nov. 1 vs Ripon
