The 2021 Valley Oak League season got underway this past Friday night, Sept. 17. Oakdale hosted East Union inside The Corral and in front of a massive crowd for the OHS Homecoming festivities, the Mustangs defeated the Lancers 59-13. The Mustangs defense had a huge night, getting to Lancers quarterback, Luke Weaver, seven times. Cam Loureiro had three sacks, Dalton Vargas had two sacks, Brock Osmundson and Garrison Gerber had one each and a large group of Mustangs picked up the other sack. Titan Ginger had an interception as well.

“We were highly motivated tonight as a unit,” said Ginger. “We want to prove that we are the best in the Valley Oak League and tonight was a big statement.”

Offensively, the Mustangs could not be stopped either. In the air and on the ground, Oakdale dominated against the visiting team. Quarterback Jackson Holt went 9-for-16 for 125 yards passing with three touchdowns and an interception. Holt connected with Mick Merzon six times for 72 yards and a touchdown and found Jack Kjeldgaard three times for 51 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

“Endless hours of route running have led to the chemistry with my receivers. Hard working group of guys,” said Holt.

Oakdale’s backfield had contributions from Yahir Ayala, Kevin Camelin, Dalton Vargas and Garrison Gerber. Ayala had 83 yards rushing and a touchdown, Camelin added 64 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Vargas and Gerber each found the end zone as well.

“Tonight was wild; we fed off the crowd and adrenaline to be honest. We know we have a job to do and each week we do it,” said offensive lineman Zander Espinoza.

This Friday night Oakdale heads to Tracy for a showdown with Kimball. This is the first road game of the season for the Mustangs. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Oakdale’s junior varsity team earned a 49-26 Homecoming night win over East Union on Friday to kick off the pair of contests. The team will play at Kimball Friday night, Sept. 24 with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m.

There was no freshman game played this week.