Oakdale High seniors Marcus Hernandez and Cody Cole each landed an All Sac-Joaquin Section honor, while 12 football teammates played a role in 20 total selections onto the All Valley Oak League team.
After easily surpassing 1,500 rushing yards and 20 scores, Hernandez was an easy All SJS selection after his big runs, tackles and interceptions led Oakdale to a 13-1 season and entrance in the SJS Division III title game (a 21-7 loss to Del Oro).
“I thought Marcus had a phenomenal year,” Oakdale coach Trent Merzon said. “In my opinion he was the best player in the area and he made big plays at big times all year long.”
Cole was a physical force for the Oakdale offensive line and played a huge role in an Oakdale offense that outscored opponents 642-212. He constantly worked downfield to maintain blocks and proved tenacious when Oakdale runners needed holes most.
“Cody was a good leader for us, and he’s the end of an era as the third Cole I have coached,” Merzon said. “His brothers played here and left him a lot to live up to.
“I know his family is real proud of him.”
Cole was named a first team All-VOL offensive lineman while Hernandez captured VOL MVP status. Fellow running back Marcus Northcutt (junior) was named the Outstanding Offensive Player of the VOL while savvy safety Justin Martin (senior) was named the Outstanding Defensive Player and Outstanding Kicker.
Junior Spencer Thomas nabbed selection as the First Team All VOL quarterback while seniors Tyler Dailey, Stefan Aguilar and Jason Peterson corralled first team selections on the offensive line. Juniors Bastian Jimenez, Nikk Ryan, Miko Arpoika and Hondo Arpoika collected first team defensive honor while senior Manny Hernandez landed the same recognition.
Juniors C.J. Picinich, Eddie Machado, Tyler Malone, Austin Jones and Nik Garza all garnered VOL Honorable Mention status.
Merzon was selected as the VOL Coach of the Year after an undefeated league season saw leads of 35 points or more in all seven conference contests.
“Our kids are real proud of a fifth consecutive VOL title, getting back to the section final and winning 13 games for a school record,” Merzon said. “When our kids look back they will know we had a great year. They played great every single week.”