Escalon-Hughson: Five key storylines in Trans-Valley League showdown

Hughson and Escalon face off for the first time since both were crowned state champions in thier respective divisions. Both teams have lost production from last year’s title teams, but have returners at key positions and others that have stepped up through the first five non-league games.

It is the league opener for both. Escalon and Hughson each went 4-1 in their first few games, only adding to the anticipation of Friday night’s showdown.

The best part about small-school rivalries isn’t just the packed stands on game days. It’s also the fact that at least one side keeps record of everything. Here are five key storylines heading into Friday night’s matchup including its historical significance, key players to watch and how this year’s teams are more similar than one might think.

Re-birth of a rivalry

The late 90s- early 2000s rivalry is being reborn with Friday’s matchup.

Friday night will be the 94th matchup between the two storied programs. Escalon leads the all-time series 68-22-3. The Cougars are 20-2 since 2001, but Hughson won last year’s matchup, also a league opener, 29-14. The Huskies are looking to beat the Cougars in back-to-back years for the first time since the 1997 and 1998 seasons.

An obvious added element only makes this game even bigger: both teams enter the matchup defending section and state champions.

In 2022, Escalon won the Division V section and Division 4-AA state titles and Hughson was crowned Division VI section and 5-AA state championships.

“It doesn’t happen very often,” King said. “Up and down the state, you don’t see this. This is not normal. Which tells you a lot about how good the league is.”

Escalon and Hughson are ranked the No. 1 and No. 3 small-school teams in the state, respectively, by Cal-Hi Sports.

“What’s really cool to me as this is kind of a rejuvenation of this rivalry that in the 90s, was unbelievable,” Beam said. “This is bringing back that old 90s rivalry where it was Escalon-Hughson and just smash mouth football.”

Passing game for both teams is there

While historically matchups between the two programs have been ground and pound, old school showdowns, this year both teams have expanded their offenses, passing the ball more than in years prior. Hughson coach Shaun King says second-year starter Robert McDaniel and receivers Malakai Sumter, Larkin Meyer and David Delgado have put in the work in the summer and continue to perfect their connection after practicing during the season.

If, for some reason, one of those three electric targets are covered, the junior quarterback has his brother, sophomore Bryce McDaniel, and tight end Max Mankins as sure-handed outlets. This season, McDaniel has passed for 1,003 yards and has thrown 12 touchdowns to three interceptions. Sumter, Delgado and Meyer have produced 701 yards and nine touchdowns.

“We were really focused on it in the offseason and the first part of the season and I’m very pleased with our passing game, and the relationships and the connections between our quarterback and our receivers,” said King. “Robert’s been throwing to Larkin and Delgado now for three years and Malikai for two years. And then he’s got his brother who he’s thrown to his whole life. So they’re all on the same page. They work out extra after practice before practice and on their own time.”

Escalon coach Andrew Beam feels his team’s passing game has been a work in progress that finally shaped into form two weeks ago. Three-year senior starting quarterback Donovan Rozevink completed 17 passes for 285 yards and tossed five touchdowns. Go-to receiver Sam Jimenez finished with 10 catches for 144 yards and three scores.

“We think our passing game is progressing,” Beam said. “As we get deeper and deeper into the season, I’m happy with where our passing game is.”

Speed vs Power

Like with any long-standing rivalry, each coach knows his opponent’s strengths. Beam knows Hughson is athletic and can beat opponents with big plays from its receivers on offense and will fly to the ball. Last season, David Burns and David Delgado finished near the top of the section in tackles and interceptions, respectively. This season, the Huskies have forced nine picks. Offensively, their receivers can explode for a big play at any time.

The name of Escalon’s game will always be power. Before a phenomenal passing performance against Oakdale, the Cougars beat some of California’s best teams by being the most physical team on the field.

“They are a very physical team,” King said, “and that’s why we’ve ramped up our practices the last two weeks. We’ve been practicing more physically than what we usually do. To get ready for Escalon I knew we had to be physical.”

Said Beam: “We are not a flashy team, we can’t break a 25 yard run … Hughson is much more athletic than us. But I just think that our guys are really tough.”

Put it in perspective

What both coaches also know is though this game means a lot, it is just the first matchup of a tough five-game TVL schedule. They still have to face reigning undefeated league champion Hilmar, Ripon, Modesto Christian and Livingston.

“We’re excited for this game, but we also know that the TVL championship is not decided in week one, and it’s going to be a grind,” Beam said. “This is one we’ve been looking forward to for a year now, but I can’t say this is the biggest game on our schedule, because win or lose this one, the next one’s the big one, and then the next one.”

Said King: “Hilmar is the league champion. I will never say I’ve forgotten that. Hilmar gets all the respect that they deserve as the reigning league champion, and they’re getting better every single week.”

Escalon finishes its TVL campaign with road games at Modesto Christian and Livingston Oct. 6 and 27 and will play a pair of home games, hosting Hilmar Oct. 13 and Ripon Oct. 20.

Three of Hughson’s final four league games are on the road against Livingston (Oct. 6), Hilmar (Oct. 20) and Ripon (Oct. 27). The Huskies host Modesto Christian Oct. 13.

Impact Players

Here are some impact players that will likely have a hand in determining Friday’s outcome:

Escalon

Donovan Rozevink, QB: 49/85 passing for 655 yards, 12 TD/2 INT

Sam Jimenez, WR/DB: 25 catches, 336 yards, 6 TD, 17 tackles, 3 INT

Jamin Miller, RB/LB: 47 caries, 275 yards, 3 TD, 7 catches 122 yards, 2 TD, 38 tackles

Josh Graham, RB: 101 carries, 615 yards, 6 TD

Geo Chavez, Lineman: Three-year starter on offensive line

Anthony Jones, Lineman: Three-year starter on offensive line

Hughson

Robert McDaniel, QB: 59/101 passing for 1,003 yards, 12 TD/3 INT

Alex Villarreal, RB: 73 carries, 547 yards, 6 TD

Malakai Sumter, WR/DB: 14 catches, 266 yards, 5 TD, 6 tackles, 3 INT

David Delgado, WR/DB: 15 catches, 224 yards, 2 TD, 16 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks

David Burns, FB/LB: 13 carries, 172 yards, 1 TD, 37 tackles, 2 TFL

Larkin Meyer, WR/DB: 11 catches 211 yards, 2 TD, 8 tackles, 1 INT

Navi Arretche, Lineman: Reigning TVL Outstanding Offensive Lineman