Helmets on, shoulder pads strapped down, the youngest boys of fall, future Mustangs, returned to the field on Saturday, Aug. 22 for the Oakdale Stampede Youth Football Round Robin event. Oakdale played host to four local youth football teams in an all-day five-way gridiron battle. The Corral at Oakdale High School welcomed the Modesto Broncos, Livingston Timberwolves, Turlock Pride and Turlock Bulldogs in a unique scrimmage. The scrimmage featured each of the teams from Rookies to Varsity squads clashing with each other in two 12-minute halves, where each team got to work on both sides of the ball, spending one half on offense and the other half on defense.

Although no scores were kept; the competitive level, pride and sportsmanship the kids displayed toward one another was noticed by the large crowd of appreciative fans that packed the stands, both home and away. The crowd gathered under the hot afternoon sun, many brought canopies for shade, while cheering on their boys.

Oakdale Stampede squads open the 2015 regular season on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Turlock High School against the Pride. Rookies take the field at 1 p.m.; Peewee follows at 3 p.m.; Junior Varsity takes the field at 5 p.m.; and Varsity headlines the night at 7 p.m.

Oakdale will return home Saturday, Sept. 5 when the Stampede hosts Manteca.