Predicting the opening week of prep football

I remember the voice clearly: “This is all your fault, Shawn!”

It was 2002 and Merced High School was unbeaten in the Central California Conference late in the season. However, I picked against the Bears in a showdown against Beyer because Merced’s starting quarterback, Corey Brown, was out with a knee injury.

As the teams switched ends of the field for the start of the fourth quarter with Merced trailing, I heard the scream from the top of the bleachers.

Sun-Star reporter Sean Lynch and I make predictions each week on our online show, and when we miss picks against local teams, we hear about it.

We don’t mind. We can take the heat, and it means people are watching.

I’m bringing the predictions back to print because it’s fun and a chance to get a blurb in on each game.

So let’s get started:

Friday

Placer at Golden Valley – This is my upset special. Everything about this matchup should favor the Hillmen from Auburn. Placer has made the playoffs eight years in a row. Golden Valley hasn’t advanced to the postseason since 2006. However, I think this is the year the Cougars break the playoff drought, and it starts Friday. Placer is young, and Golden Valley is led by third-year quarterback Armando Muzquiz, who I believe is poised for a big season. Pick: Golden Valley.

Calaveras at El Capitan – This is an interesting matchup between a small school and a third-year program. El Capitan is making some changes. We won’t see the Gauchos in a spread formation on every play. We’ll even see their quarterbacks under center at times. Calaveras returns its two leading rushers, Anthony Giangregorio (1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns) and Noah Preuss (689 yards and seven touchdowns). Pick: Calaveras.

Merced at Del Campo – Whenever a local team faces a Sacramento team, it’s always an opportunity to make a statement. The Bears are loaded at the skill positions, and quarterback Jake Foss has looked good in camp. Pick: Merced.

Central Valley at Atwater – This is the debut for Atwater coach Nelson Medeiros. The Falcons struggled to hold onto the ball in their scrimmage Saturday with three fumbles and an interception in the first three quarters. Atwater must clean up its mistakes against the Hawks. Pick: Central Valley.

Madera at Los Banos – The Coyotes have a new coach, Yosef Fares. Madera won a shootout against the Tigers last year 42-39. I expect another close game. Pick: Madera.

Pacheco at Madera South – The Panthers should be fun to watch on offense with quarterback Aric Barton and weapons such as running back Tk Teneng and wide receivers Carl Schofield and Chris Munoz. The question is, can Pacheco slow teams down on defense? Pick: Pacheco.

Beyer at Hilmar – Yellowjackets coach Frank Marques really likes this veteran group. Marques is usually right. Hilmar faces a bigger school, but look for big games from the Yellowjackets’ running back duo of Joshua Lee Jennings and Cody Rentfro. Pick: Hilmar.

Delhi at Livingston – This one is tough to call. Delhi could compete for a Southern League title. Livingston is looking to rebound from a 1-9 season. I think the Hawks’ Jesse Flores could be the difference. Pick: Delhi.

Le Grand at Yosemite – The Badgers exited the North Sequoia League after an 0-9 season. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back after a 2-8 season. Look for Bulldogs quarterback Beto Marquez and receiver Rigoberto Mares to hook up for a couple of touchdowns. Pick: Le Grand.

Woodland Christian at Stone Ridge Christian – Keith Borges returns as the Knights’ coach. Stone Ridge Christian lost 11 key seniors from last year’s Sac-Joaquin Section championship team, but look for a big game from running back Jonathan Collazo. Pick: Stone Ridge Christian.

Roosevelt at Chowchilla – Chowchilla should be strong on defense with linebackers Damon Perry and Ronnie Reyes and safety Justin Cantrell. It will be a different look on offense with four-year starter Anthony Stewart gone, but Chowchilla will get it done. Pick: Chowchilla.

Dos Palos at Sierra Pacific – The Broncos know what they want to do, and that’s pound the football. Dos Palos wins a close battle between playoff teams from last year. Pick: Dos Palos.

Saturday

Manteca at Buhach Colony – The Buffaloes’ defense dominated and Manteca pulled away late to win 34-6 last year. Buhach Colony should be improved, and this could be a competitive game. I still have to give the advantage to Manteca. Pick: Manteca.

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Predicting the opening week of prep football."