By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Defense, Aerial Attack Lead Oakdale Over Lancers
10-17 OAK Football1
A short pass from Spencer Thomas gives Austin Jones room for an 11-yard gain on this reception during Oakdales first play from scrimmage on Friday. Oakdale would go on to win 54-6. - photo by IKE DODSON/THE LEADER

Oakdale High’s varsity football team has seen more spread than a knife at a sandwich shop.

Mustang defenders faced a spread offense for the sixth time in seven games on Friday, delivering perhaps their most dominant performance of the season during a 54-6 blowout of the visiting East Union Lancers.

Oakdale defenders landed six sacks and held East Union to just 135 yards of offense and no scores until a 64-yard drive against Mustang reserves in the fourth quarter. The Lancers’ spread accumulated only three first downs against Oakdale starters.

“They all spread you out, but every team is a little unique within what they do with their weapons,” Oakdale defensive coordinator Hondo Arpoika said afterward the game. “Our kids kept their focus and their game plan to get better every day.

“That’s what they do.”

While Oakdale’s defense patrolled the line of scrimmage like sharks, their offensive attack proved potent by land and air. The Mustangs rolled to 548 yards with a balanced dose of rushing (280 yards) and passing (268 yards) plays.

Oakdale quarterbacks were a perfect 11-for-11 in the contest. Senior Spencer Thomas hit Austin Jones (four catches, 111 yards) on a 34-yard strike to give Oakdale a 14-0 lead, then made a halfback pass from Oakdale’s own spread formation deep downfield for a 75-yard catch and score to DeWayne Finney. He finished the first quarter spectacle three minutes later by hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from freshman Adam Olsen as time expired in the period.

Thomas ended 5 for 5 for 170 yards and also ran twice for 12 yards. Olson was 4 for 4 for 82 yards.

“I think Adam did a great job tonight,” Thomas said. “Our line blocked great.”

Junior quarterback Dillon Tamburrino also got some work, completing both of his passes for 16 yards and hauling in a big interception on defense to end a solid Lancer drive against Mustang reserves in the third quarter.

“It felt good to have my opportunity and try and capitalize on it,” Tamburrino said. “I just tried to play the best I could.”

Max Stevens broke loose for 101 yards on 13 touches (one touchdown) to lead Oakdale down the field in the second half. Marcus Northcutt had paved the way for his success by bolting for 76 first half yards (nine carries) and a 30-yard score to close the second period. Nikk Ryan ran for 20 yards and two touchdowns on just four carries while Josh Watts escaped for Oakdale’s last score and 63 yards on nine rushes.

Miko Arpoika had two sacks and shared a third with Hondo Arpoika. Ryan landed two sacks while Watts captured an East Union quarterback for one. Ryan had six tackles to lead the Mustang defense.

Oakdale (4-0 Valley Oak League, 6-1 overall) hosts Weston Ranch (2-2, 4-2) for Homecoming on Friday. The Cougars beat East Union 12-7 and Lathrop 15-6 to capture consecutive VOL wins and need to win two of their next three games (they also face Kimball and Sierra) to qualify for the postseason. Weston Ranch trailed Manteca on Sept. 28 just 14-6 after a quarter and 21-6 at the half, but ultimately fell 34-6. The Cougar defense has allowed over 28 points to opposing offenses just twice (Manteca and Sonora).

 

Junior Varsity

Oakdale rumbled to a 47-6 win over East Union after C.J. Backman landed an exciting touchdown pass from Charles Shepherd in the third quarter. The Mustangs needed only 27 offensive plays, watching Kevin Corral do most of the work on 82 yards (just five carries) and two touchdowns.

Oakdale reserves got into the game in the second quarter and played for nearly all of the second half.

“It was kind of fun to see everyone get in there,” Oakdale coach Dave Hill said. “I think they did a good job.”

Frankie Trent and Wyatt Hjelm also scored in the victory.

 

Freshmen

Oakdale scored early and often in a 49-8 victory to start what was ultimately a 150-20 complete program sweep of East Union squads by the host Mustangs.

Darus Nelson ran for touchdowns of five and 20 yards while Isaac Moreno connected with Bobby DePuy on two 50-yard touchdown passes. Broderick Medrano ran for touchdowns of 15 and five yards while Austin Manning ran for a 15-yard score.