Hilmar QB transforming into ‘dual threat,’ has Yellowjackets ready to face difficult schedule

Hilmar High School quarterback Caden Bailey was thrust into the spotlight as a sophomore last year.

Four weeks into the season, Bailey was promoted from junior varsity when Yellowjackets starting quarterback Hudson Azevedo got injured.

Bailey used his legs to quickly become a dynamic threat and helped lead the Yellowjackets to a Trans-Valley League championship.

Bailey rushed for 800 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, the Yellowjackets passing game was limited as Bailey threw just one touchdown in eight games.

With improvement in Bailey’s game this offense, the junior appears to be an even bigger threat for opposing defenses now.

“Now he’s truly a dual-threat quarterback,” Hilmar coach Frank Marques said. “Last year, we weren’t much of a threat throwing the ball. The first two days of practice this year, Caden looks like a different guy throwing the ball.”

Bailey agrees.

“I’d like to say I’m throwing the ball better,” Bailey said. “I worked more on throwing than previous year. I know if I can throw the ball better, it will help us.”

The experience Bailey gained last year will only help him as the Yellowjackets prepare for another run at a TVL championship.

“I feel like I already got the first-game jitters out of the way as a sophomore,” he said. “Even though I’m still a junior, I’ve played almost as many games as most of our seniors.”

Bailey will be helped by running backs Logan Cardoso and Jack Inderbitzen, who will both play bigger roles in the Hilmar offense this season.

“Cardoso worked his butt off and probably added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason,” Marques said. “His legs are stronger. He looks like a whole different player.”

Bailey will have weapons at receiver in Jordan Lundquist and John Labno and tight end Devin Colston.

The Yellowjackets need all the weapons with a challenging schedule waiting for them yet again.

The TVL is one of the toughest small-school conferences in the state year in and year out.

In addition, Hilmar’s nonconference schedule features five larger schools in Patterson, Los Banos, Sonora, Atwater and Pitman. Patterson, Los Banos and Sonora all won their respective league championships last season.

“The schedule is by design,” Marques said. “All those coaches are good friends and people we enjoy playing. The problem is we don’t have the numbers that those school have so we can’t afford any injuries.”

The Yellowjackets have a roster of just 42 players. To compete in the TVL, they are going to have to remain healthy.

It helps to have an experienced coach like Marques.

Entering his 21st season as the Yellowjackets head coach, Marques has compiled a 179-58 career record and four Sac-Joaquin Section championships.

Marques says the players keep him going strong.

“Watching how hard these kids work and seeing the effort they put in revitalizes me,” Marques said. “How can I walk away when I have so much to forward to, I’ve been spoiled with a great group of kids.”

Hilmar 2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 at Patterson

Aug. 25 at Los Banos

Sept. 1 vs Sonora

Sept. 8 vs Atwater

Sept. 15 vs Pitman

Sept. 29 vs Livingston

Oct. 6 at Ripon

Oct. 13 at Escalon (Modesto Junior College)

Oct. 20 vs Hughson

Oct. 27 at Modesto Christian