STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

A bittersweet ending to an incredible 2018 football season has the Del Oro Golden Eagles playing with a chip on their shoulders in 2019. On the field, Del Oro went 13-2 last year, winning its first nine games and riding a memorable postseason run filled with late-game heroics by a plethora of Golden Eagles all the way to a CIF State Championship game. There, Del Oro fell just a touchdown shy of its second state title in program history. Off the field, however, Del Oro was discovered to have inserted an ineligible player during one of its early postseason games and thus was forced to forfeit all playoff wins, including what would have been its 12th Sac-Joaquin Section championship banner and its NorCal victory over Saint Francis of Mountain View. "Unfortunately, people didn't get to see the outstanding young men they were off the field," said Del Oro Head Coach Jeff Walters about his 2018 group. "They took what could have been a really bitter thing and they understood they did nothing wrong. Because of a technicality, people want to get in their face, but they just held their heads high and did what we did. So, those are the things that I'm always thinking about – just the great memories and how they persevered and continued to be great men." The Golden Eagles graduated 18 starters, including several Division I talents such as cornerback Dawson Hurst (Cal Poly), lineman Wyatt Berry (University of San Diego), kicker Ryan Whalley (UC Davis), linebacker Charlie Rogers (San Diego State) and all-purpose stud Johnny Guzman (Sacramento State). Del Oro also graduated starting quarterback Carson Jarratt (Laney College), receiver Matt Smart (Sierra College) and 2018 Sierra Foothill League Lineman of the Year Tatuo Martinson (American River College). The juniors from last year's squad, however, return as seniors with valuable lessons learned and experience gained. "We always play for one another. Last year we all became close, that's just how it was on Friday nights. We just trusted each other. We knew everyone was going to do their jobs and we all came together," said senior Sheldon Conde, who returns after leading the SFL in rushing last season, racking up 1,141 yards and 14 touchdowns. Conde brings back a work ethic rivaled by few, Walters said. "It's not uncommon to come here at 8 o'clock at night and see him with a weighted vest and 45-pound weights running up the hill. That's just the kind of guy he is. He doesn't need attention, he just goes about his business," Walters said. "He just really likes running the football and he's pretty darn good at it." Conde looks to be the focal point of the offense but he will have returning help in the backfield. Aiden Foster was second on the team last year with nine TD runs and an average of 6.2 yards per carry. "There's a lot of hidden talent on this team. There are kids that have kicked it in gear and will turn it up to the next level," said Foster. "Our group puts in a lot of effort. I think that's the strength of our team… We're tight, we've got chemistry, but at the end of the day, we've got hustlers and dudes that aren't going to give up, no matter the situation. So, if you play Del Oro, it's going to be a tough game." Walters said that there is a healthy competition for the quarterback duties, which could see shared time between junior Logan Stough and senior Kal Lunders. "It's been a great competition. We both love each other and whatever happens at the end of the day, were both going to support each other," said Lunders, who is also expected to play a big role at safety. He had a 99-yard interception return in the 58-20 victory over Oak Grove in Week 2 last season. "It's probably the most fun QB competition I've ever seen because they root for each other. They have this high-five they do. There's no animosity between those two," said Walters. "And the biggest thing is that has spilled over into the other position battles, where we really come out of a philosophy that we want as many kids to play as possible on Friday night. We don't have a group of superstars, we just have a superstar team." Looking to add to the Del Oro depth in 2019 includes seniors Aidan Mack, Jared Hill, Blake Demar, David Veske, Bear Bews and Tucker Black and juniors TJ Wilson, Isaiah Oates, Tyler Randall and Maclain Stoneking, among others. Walters said one of the biggest adjustments the team will make this season is the move up to the Division I playoff bracket should Del Oro reach the postseason. This is due to the recent, consistent success the Golden Eagles have had at the D-II level. Del Oro would likely compete with the likes of D-I powers Folsom, Oak Ridge, Sheldon, Monterey Trail and St. Mary's of Stockton. Del Oro begins 2019 hosting Division 4-AA State Champion Pleasant Valley of Chico this Friday. The rest of the pre-league slate includes matchups with Inderkum (Aug. 30 at home), Spanish Springs of Sparks, Nevada (Sept. 6 away), and against Sacramento at Hughes Stadium at Sacramento City College Sept. 13. The SFL gauntlet begins with Granite Bay Sept. 20 in the Hometown Honor Bowl before following with Whitney, Oak Ridge, Grant, Rocklin and Folsom, who has gone unbeaten in the SFL every year since entering the league in 2014. "The road to the championship will definitely go through Folsom, so we'll do our best to be better every day and meet that challenge. Eventually, one of these days, somebody's going to knock them off, and we want to be that team," said Walters. "Hopefully, people realize were still one of the premier programs."