The accolades keep on coming for area standouts Nick Gardner and Michael Turner, as they joined two others from the Valley Oak League on the ESPN RISE/CalHiSports.com all-state medium schools second team.
Turner, a Sierra High senior, helped lead his school to its first ever Sac-Joaquin Section postseason appearance and victory. He was named the Bulletin and VOL’s Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 104 tackles.
Sierra rounded out the season at 9-3 following its 51-28 loss to eventual section Division IV champion Whitney of Rocklin in the semifinal round.
Manteca finished 8-2 with two-way lineman Gardner anchoring the Buffaloes in the trenches. The 6-foot, 240-pound two-way lineman was one of just two VOL players to earn all-league, first-team honors for both offense and defense.
He compiled 42 tackles, nine for losses and two sacks on defense but was named to the all-state’s second-team offense.
Also earning all-state recognition from the VOL were Oakdale running back Nicky Batteate and Central Valley wide receiver DeAngelo Williams.
Batteate was voted the VOL’s Most Valuable Player, as he led the team to its second straight conference championship. Williams was a key figure in the league’s most potent passing attack, as he amassed 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns on 55 receptions.
Turner, a Sierra High senior, helped lead his school to its first ever Sac-Joaquin Section postseason appearance and victory. He was named the Bulletin and VOL’s Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 104 tackles.
Sierra rounded out the season at 9-3 following its 51-28 loss to eventual section Division IV champion Whitney of Rocklin in the semifinal round.
Manteca finished 8-2 with two-way lineman Gardner anchoring the Buffaloes in the trenches. The 6-foot, 240-pound two-way lineman was one of just two VOL players to earn all-league, first-team honors for both offense and defense.
He compiled 42 tackles, nine for losses and two sacks on defense but was named to the all-state’s second-team offense.
Also earning all-state recognition from the VOL were Oakdale running back Nicky Batteate and Central Valley wide receiver DeAngelo Williams.
Batteate was voted the VOL’s Most Valuable Player, as he led the team to its second straight conference championship. Williams was a key figure in the league’s most potent passing attack, as he amassed 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns on 55 receptions.
—Jonamar Jacinto
