Stone Ridge Christian football staff steps down

The architect of one of the stingiest defenses in California high school football history is stepping down.

After three wildly successful seasons at the helm of the Stone Ridge Christian program, Arthur De Jager is ready to ready to retire to ranch and family.

De Jager owns and operates a dairy in Chowchilla.

“When I came into this thing, I had given a three-year commitment ... that’s if they were still happy with me after the first season,” De Jager said. “If they weren’t happy, they could kick me out. I think they were happy.”

Were they ever.

Stone Ridge Christian won back-to-back Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII championships the last two seasons and reached the CIF Northern California Division VI-AA regional final this past fall.

Along the way, the Knights shut out a state-record 10 consecutive opponents, thrusting a school of 161 students into the national spotlight. Stone Ridge was 29-10 in his three seasons with three playoff appearances and back-to-back 10-win campaigns.

“I’m very proud, but I’ve got to give tons and tons of credit to my staff. There’s no way I could have done this without those guys,” De Jager said. “They’re far better coaches when it comes down to it; I just have the title.

“I’m proud of my team. They fought hard and played hard. They were tough from start to finish.”

Stone Ridge Christian confirmed that the position has been offered to an unnamed candidate, but a contract hasn’t been signed.

As of now, the Knights are without a football coach of any sort. De Jager said his staff of six also stepped down. They included: Anthony (offensive coordinator) and Alex De Jager (offensive line), Art’s sons; David De Jager (linebackers/running backs), a nephew; Nick Rae (defensive coordinator); Morgan Madruga (special teams); and Eddie Frazier (defensive backs/quarterbacks).

Arthur De Jager said the chance to repeat as Central California Athletic Association and Sac-Joaquin Section champions was alluring. The Knights return speedy running back Shane Casillas, who rushed for a team-high 1,991 yards and 28 touchdowns; linebacker/running back Jonathan Collazo, who rushed for 1,826 yards and 23 TDs; and sophomore cornerbacks Bryce Louters (seven interceptions) and Cole Houweling (five interceptions).

Ultimately, De Jager said he couldn’t commit the time and energy the position demanded.

“I did give it some thought. Not a ton of thought, but some,” De Jager said. “The bottom line is I’m just a very busy guy. I’m a dairy farmer and I have a big family with a bunch of grandkids. I’m stretched so thin everyday that I wasn’t able to do another season.

“I’m not a youngster. I’m in my 60s, and I work everyday all day long. It was too much of a time commitment.”

While there are a few interested in returning to Stone Ridge Christian, De Jager said many on his staff faced the same dilemma: coaching or career? Football or family?

“My whole staff is a bunch of young guys raising young families. They’re hard-working guys that need make a living to put bread on their tables,” De Jager added. “The time commitment has been difficult. They sacrificed a lot and did a great job. I’ve got nothing but praise for my staff.”

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Stone Ridge Christian football staff steps down."