Valley Home is well known for making lifetime friends. Several years ago a young man from Valley Home, Caleb Cooper, would share that thought with one of my children. Many times over the past years, his words have come back to me. This past Friday night at our Oakdale High School Football Stadium, those words would come back once again. It was standing room only, a beautiful stadium, and a huge high school rivalry. Those bright Friday Night Lights would be home on this evening, September 15th, 2023, to some of the most amazing high school football players in our area. Two great high schools, within 10 miles of each other, would go to battle. Our Valley Home boys Rowdy Sphar and Cooper Bartholomew, both now Oakdale High Mustangs, and good friend, fellow Valley Home boy Tommy Eproson, who is now an Escalon Cougar, would meet each other on opposite sides of the playing field. What a great honor for each of them to be a part of this special night. The rivalry was intense; both sides of the bleachers were packed. Cowbells and air horns along with tremendous cheers from both sides created an amazing atmosphere. Our cheerleaders were magnificent. Yes, it was a friendly rivalry, but definitely a very intense and hard fought victory for the winning team. We congratulate the Escalon Cougars. The great thing about this friendly, but tremendous rivalry is the fact that these three Valley Home boys are all juniors. Perhaps these three best friends Tommy, Rowdy and Cooper will meet again next fall under those bright Friday Night Lights once again. God bless the boys of fall, each and every one of them.

Thank you to our amazing coaches and to all who make Oakdale football so great!

As always, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by telephone at 209-985-5233.

Until next time … “Happy Trails to All!”