The days of Tokay showing up to the Corral for the Oakdale Mustangs’ final preseason tune up are a distant memory and now it’s the Central Catholic Raiders who brought their army up for final action leading up to the important non-league schedule.

Oakdale and Central Catholic banged helmets for a little over an hour in the Mustangs’ annual preseason scrimmage and the Mustangs were able to do themselves proud with an impressive showing against one of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s consistent playoff forces.

The Mustangs had a valiant effort on the defensive side of the ball, flying to the football and disrupting the Raiders’ itinerary in each of the team’s 10-play series against the Mustang’s starting defensive unit.

Teams rotated from the first string to their second string on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, with the third string sprinkled in the action with the second string.

The Mustangs showed the explosive offensive set that fans have become accustomed to with Devin Brooks and Nate Madsen displaying big-play capabilities against a stable Central Catholic defensive unit.

There was no reason to expect anything less than what both teams brought, with the playoff programs buzzing with energy in their first action outside of intra-team action. Both teams were extremely physical as the Raiders had nearly a handful of injuries that were forced to get attention. Oakdale was able to hold the Raiders out of the end zone for the majority of the 10-play sequences, surrendering one score late in the second string squad’s action.

Fans showed up in droves for both squads, making the entrance into the 2009 season all the more appealing. Fans filled both sides of the Corral’s bleachers, providing a slight glimpse as to what the Mustangs will be able to expect during a pivotal non-league schedule that will have Oakdale at home for three consecutive contests.

The Mustangs will surely look to take advantage of a full week of practice before kicking off things for real when they play host to the Turlock Bulldogs on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Corral. The Bulldogs left Oakdale on the wrong end of a 14-7 contest the last time the teams met, giving the host squad a little extra incentive to get the second defense of their Valley Oak League crown off on the right foot.

The JV team will get things under way with a 5 p.m. kickoff, with the varsity Mustangs’ action immediately following.