Sun-Star preseason all-area team

Quarterback: Adam Herrera, Los Banos. The Western Athletic Conference’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player last year orchestrates the Tigers’ high-powered offense. He is a dual-threat quarterback.

Quarterback: Armando Muzquiz, Golden Valley. The second-year starter shined at the Nate Costa Camp this summer and should have more weapons to work with this season.

Running back: Anthony Stewart, Chowchilla. The fourth-year varsity player aims for a 2,000-yard season in the Redskins’ power running game. He rushed for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

Running back: Ulonzo Gilliam, Merced. The junior takes over as the featured back after rushing for 618 yards and eight touchdowns and averaging 9.8 yards per carry last season.

Running back: Josh Stewart, El Capitan. An all-Western Athletic Conference selection last year, Stewart is a big, physical back with speed. He also will be a force on the defensive line.

Wide receiver: A.J. Stewart, Merced. In the Bears’ two playoff games last year, the dynamic playmaker caught 14 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns.

Wide receiver: David Walker, Los Banos. Walker has received interest from Fresno State and Sacramento State. Blessed with size and speed, he is a big play waiting to happen.

Wide receiver: Cadrian McDaniel, Golden Valley. Cougars coach Dennis Stubbs raved about McDaniel this offseason. The 6-foot-1 receiver gives Muzquiz a serious deep threat.

Offensive line: Reno Bandoni, El Capitan. The all-Western Athletic Conference selection anchors the offensive line as the Gauchos begin their first season with seniors.

Offensive line: Christian Lopez, Merced. An all-Central California Conference selection last season, Lopez helps lead the way for one of the top offenses in Merced County.

Offensive line: Evan Duran, Los Banos. The all-Western Athletic Conference pick headlines a big, strong Tigers offensive line.

Offensive line: Gary Nieuwkoop, Chowchilla. The Redskins will count on their big right tackle to pave the way for their shotgun double-wing power rushing attack.

Offensive line: Thor Rodoni, Pacheco. The young Panthers will turn to their senior linemen for leadership. Rodoni emerged as one of the top linemen in the WAC last season.

Defensive line: John Becerra, Merced: The all-Central California Conference first-team selection led the Bears with seven sacks last season. His speed, strength and motor make him tough to block.

Defensive line: Hunter Stefani, Buhach Colony. The third-year starter will play both ways for the Thunder. Stefani is another high-energy guy who happens to be the student body president.

Defensive line: William Vander Woude, Stone Ridge Christian. The Knights are counting on their big guys up front to lead the way to another Sac-Joaquin Section title, and Vander Woude is the leader on both sides of the ball.

Defensive line: Mark Hooker, Stone Ridge Christian. Hooker set a school record with 22 sacks last season to go with 99 tackles. He’s one of four Hooker brothers on the Knights this season.

Linebacker: Kory Woods, Buhach Colony. Look for another big season from Woods, a two-way starter who will log heavy minutes at running back and middle linebacker.

Linebacker: Jake Williams, Mariposa. The all-Southern League selection led the Grizzlies with 127 tackles last season to help the Grizzlies win a co-Southern League championship.

Linebacker: Brandon Labry, Gustine. The middle linebacker will be a force this season after registering 76 tackles and four sacks last year.

Linebacker: Alex Flores, Dos Palos. The returning West Sierra League Defensive Player of the Year anchors the Broncos’ defense after 72 tackles last season.

Defensivbe back: Noah Torres, Atwater. The senior brings experience to the Falcons’ secondary. The two-way starter should have a big impact on both sides of the ball.

Defensive back: Isaiah Montanez, Golden Valley. One of the Cougars’ few two-way players, Montanez is a lock-down cornerback and an explosive running back.

Defensive back: Chris Munoz, Pacheco. Munoz was an all-Western Athletic Conference selection as a sophomore last year. He’s a big hitter with his 6-foot, 170-pound frame.

Defensive back: Rayveon Slaton, Merced. The Bears expect big things from the junior, who joins a very fast secondary that includes Gilliam. Slaton also could make an impact in the offensive backfield.

Multipurpose: Carlos Iniguez, Le Grand. As a sophomore last year, Iniguez rushed for 1,039 yards and six touchdowns. He’ll also play linebacker.

Multyipurpose: Brandon McKinney, Merced. He’s expected to be a playmaker after catching 23 passes for 377 yards and four touchdowns last season. He also will see time in the secondary.

This story was originally published August 27, 2015 at 11:20 PM with the headline "Sun-Star preseason all-area team."