ASD Sports Media

09/03/2026

ASD Sports Media Game of the Week: St. Mary’s and Central Catholic Renew the Holy Bowl Rivalry

One of the 209’s most recognizable high school football rivalries returns Friday night when the St. Mary’s Rams of Stockton visit the Central Catholic Raiders in Modesto for the annual Holy Bowl.

The highly anticipated matchup has been selected as the ASD Sports Media Game of the Week.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at Central Catholic High School. The nonleague contest brings together two Catholic-school programs with rich football histories, championship expectations and generations of connections throughout the Central Valley.

St. Mary’s Arrives With Momentum

St. Mary’s enters the Holy Bowl with a 1–0 record after defeating Bishop Manogue 27–7 in Reno.

The Rams’ opening victory demonstrated their ability to travel, perform against a respected opponent and control a game defensively. St. Mary’s entered this week ranked No. 4 in the Sac-Joaquin Section and No. 1 in Division II by MaxPreps.

A second consecutive road victory would give the Rams an impressive beginning to the season. However, defeating Central Catholic on its home field will require another disciplined performance.

Central Catholic Returns Home

Central Catholic opened its season with a 33–21 loss to Homedale during a trip to Idaho. Friday’s home opener gives the Raiders an opportunity to respond against their longtime rival.

Central Catholic has built its reputation through physical football, strong preparation and postseason success. Although the opening result did not go its way, the program remains a dangerous opponent—especially at home.

A Holy Bowl victory would immediately change the direction of the Raiders’ season and provide an important boost in confidence.

More Than an Ordinary Game

The Holy Bowl has become an annual measuring stick for football in Stockton and Modesto.

The rivalry represents more than two schools competing for an early-season victory. It brings together two communities, two successful athletic traditions and players who often know one another through youth football, camps and other 209 sporting events.

The series has produced memorable results for both prog

09/03/2026

ASD Sports Media Game of the Week: St. Mary’s and Central Catholic Renew the Holy Bowl Rivalry

One of the 209’s most recognizable high school football rivalries returns Friday night when the St. Mary’s Rams of Stockton visit the Central Catholic Raiders in Modesto for the annual Holy Bowl.

The highly anticipated matchup has been selected as the ASD Sports Media Game of the Week.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at Central Catholic High School. The nonleague contest brings together two Catholic-school programs with rich football histories, championship expectations and generations of connections throughout the Central Valley.

St. Mary’s Arrives With Momentum

St. Mary’s enters the Holy Bowl with a 1–0 record after defeating Bishop Manogue 27–7 in Reno.

The Rams’ opening victory demonstrated their ability to travel, perform against a respected opponent and control a game defensively. St. Mary’s entered this week ranked No. 4 in the Sac-Joaquin Section and No. 1 in Division II by MaxPreps.

A second consecutive road victory would give the Rams an impressive beginning to the season. However, defeating Central Catholic on its home field will require another disciplined performance.

Central Catholic Returns Home

Central Catholic opened its season with a 33–21 loss to Homedale during a trip to Idaho. Friday’s home opener gives the Raiders an opportunity to respond against their longtime rival.

Central Catholic has built its reputation through physical football, strong preparation and postseason success. Although the opening result did not go its way, the program remains a dangerous opponent—especially at home.

A Holy Bowl victory would immediately change the direction of the Raiders’ season and provide an important boost in confidence.

More Than an Ordinary Game

The Holy Bowl has become an annual measuring stick for football in Stockton and Modesto.

The rivalry represents more than two schools competing for an early-season victory. It brings together two communities, two successful athletic traditions and players who often know one another through youth football, camps and other 209 sporting events.

The series has produced memorable results for both programs. Central Catholic has celebrated significant victories, including a 41–27 win in 2021, while St. Mary’s captured a competitive 24–17 meeting in 2024.

Past records and rankings rarely tell the entire story when these teams meet. Rivalry games frequently come down to ex*****on, turnovers, field position and which team handles the emotion of the occasion most effectively.

What to Watch Friday

St. Mary’s will attempt to carry the confidence and defensive strength from its opening victory into Modesto. Central Catholic will look to protect its home field, establish its physical style early and prevent the Rams from controlling the game’s tempo.

Special teams could also play an important role. In a matchup between two well-coached programs, one long return, blocked kick or major change in field position could influence the outcome.

Most importantly, watch how each team responds when momentum changes. The Holy Bowl has a history of competitive games, comebacks and pivotal second-half possessions.

The 209 Takes Center Stage

Friday’s ASD Sports Media Game of the Week gives the region an early-season showcase involving two of its best-known programs.

It is Stockton against Modesto, Rams against Raiders and another chapter in a rivalry that continues to hold an important place on the Sac-Joaquin Section football calendar.

St. Mary’s wants to remain undefeated. Central Catholic wants to rebound and defend its home field. Only one team will leave Modesto with the Holy Bowl victory.

ASD Sports Media Game of the Week
Matchup: St. Mary’s at Central Catholic
Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
Kickoff: 7:15 p.m.
Location: Central Catholic High School, Modesto

Follow ASD Sports Media for continuing coverage of the teams, athletes and stories shaping high school football throughout Stockton, Modesto and the entire 209.

09/03/2026

209 Football Games to Watch: Stockton and Modesto Take Center Stage

Friday night brings another strong schedule of CIF Sac-Joaquin Section football, with teams from Stockton and Modesto facing important early-season tests.

Here are five games ASD Sports Media will be watching Friday, September 4, 2026.

St. Mary’s at Central Catholic — 7 p.m.

The week’s headline game sends St. Mary’s of Stockton to Modesto for a showdown with Central Catholic.

St. Mary’s opened its season with a convincing 27–7 victory over Bishop Manogue and entered the week ranked No. 4 in the Sac-Joaquin Section by MaxPreps. Central Catholic will be looking to respond after dropping its season opener.

This matchup brings together two of the 209’s most respected football programs. Both teams have championship traditions, talented athletes and demanding schedules, making this an important early-season measuring stick.

Lincoln at Oakdale — 7 p.m.

Lincoln travels from Stockton to face Oakdale in another significant 209 matchup.

The Trojans are seeking their first victory after falling 33–14 to Jesuit. Oakdale’s physical style and successful football tradition will present another challenging assignment for Lincoln.

For the Trojans, this game provides an opportunity to demonstrate improvement and regain momentum. Oakdale, meanwhile, will try to protect its home field and strengthen its position among the area’s leading teams.

Monterey Trail at Downey — 7:15 p.m.

Downey returns to Modesto for its home opener against Monterey Trail after beginning the season with a 42–20 road loss against Del Oro.

The Knights faced a demanding opponent in their opener and now receive another difficult nonleague test. Monterey Trail traditionally brings speed, athleticism and physical play, giving Downey another opportunity to measure itself against strong Sac-Joaquin Section competition.

Downey will look for improved ex*****on and a strong response in front of its home crowd.

Edison at Franklin of Elk Grove — 7:15 p.m.

Edison High School of Stockton travels to Elk Grove to face Franklin High School in one of Friday’s most intriguing regional matchups.

Edison enters the game with a 1–0 record and an o

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

209 Football Games to Watch: Stockton and Modesto Take Center Stage

Friday night brings another strong schedule of CIF Sac-Joaquin Section football, with teams from Stockton and Modesto facing important early-season tests.

Here are five games ASD Sports Media will be watching Friday, September 4, 2026.

St. Mary’s at Central Catholic — 7 p.m.

The week’s headline game sends St. Mary’s of Stockton to Modesto for a showdown with Central Catholic.

St. Mary’s opened its season with a convincing 27–7 victory over Bishop Manogue and entered the week ranked No. 4 in the Sac-Joaquin Section by MaxPreps. Central Catholic will be looking to respond after dropping its season opener.

This matchup brings together two of the 209’s most respected football programs. Both teams have championship traditions, talented athletes and demanding schedules, making this an important early-season measuring stick.

Lincoln at Oakdale — 7 p.m.

Lincoln travels from Stockton to face Oakdale in another significant 209 matchup.

The Trojans are seeking their first victory after falling 33–14 to Jesuit. Oakdale’s physical style and successful football tradition will present another challenging assignment for Lincoln.

For the Trojans, this game provides an opportunity to demonstrate improvement and regain momentum. Oakdale, meanwhile, will try to protect its home field and strengthen its position among the area’s leading teams.

Monterey Trail at Downey — 7:15 p.m.

Downey returns to Modesto for its home opener against Monterey Trail after beginning the season with a 42–20 road loss against Del Oro.

The Knights faced a demanding opponent in their opener and now receive another difficult nonleague test. Monterey Trail traditionally brings speed, athleticism and physical play, giving Downey another opportunity to measure itself against strong Sac-Joaquin Section competition.

Downey will look for improved ex*****on and a strong response in front of its home crowd.

Edison at Franklin of Elk Grove — 7:15 p.m.

Edison High School of Stockton travels to Elk Grove to face Franklin High School in one of Friday’s most intriguing regional matchups.

Edison enters the game with a 1–0 record and an opportunity to continue building momentum under head coach Eric Crocker. This will not be an all-Stockton matchup: the Franklin Wildcats are located in Elk Grove and represent another important part of the Sac-Joaquin Section football landscape.

The road contest should test Edison’s preparation, discipline and ability to perform away from home. A victory against Franklin of Elk Grove would give the Vikings a 2–0 start and provide another encouraging step for the program.

Johansen at Buhach Colony — 7 p.m.

Johansen carries early momentum into its road game against Buhach Colony after shutting out Modesto 27–0 in its opener.

The Vikings made an immediate defensive statement, but Friday’s game will test whether they can reproduce that performance on the road. Another victory would give Johansen an impressive 2–0 beginning and strengthen its position among Modesto-area teams to watch.

An Important Friday for 209 Football

The St. Mary’s–Central Catholic showdown leads a schedule filled with strong regional competition. Lincoln faces a difficult trip to Oakdale, Downey welcomes Monterey Trail, Johansen takes its momentum on the road and Edison travels outside the 209 to challenge Franklin of Elk Grove.

These games will offer an early look at which Stockton and Modesto programs are prepared to emerge as serious contenders during the 2026 season.

ASD Sports Media will continue spotlighting the teams, athletes and stories shaping high school football throughout Stockton, Modesto and the entire 209 region.

09/01/2026

Brandon Peel Delivers 20-Tackle Performance in Merced’s Overtime Victory

MERCED, Calif. — Merced High School senior linebacker Brandon Peel opened the 2026 season with the kind of defensive performance that immediately gets attention.

According to statistics posted on MaxPreps, Peel recorded 20 total tackles in Merced’s thrilling 24-21 overtime victory over Patterson on Friday, August 28.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior middle linebacker and running back was seemingly everywhere for the Bears’ defense as Merced overcame a 14-point second-half deficit and escaped Patterson with its first victory of the season.

Peel’s 20 tackles put him among the early defensive leaders in the Sac-Joaquin Section, with MaxPreps listing him as the section’s leader in total tackles following the opening weekend.

His performance also earned him recognition as one of Merced’s Players of the Game.

The big opening night continues what Peel established during his junior season. According to MaxPreps, Peel finished the 2025 season with 83 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 2 caused fumbles.

Now a senior, Peel appears ready to take another step as one of the leaders of a Merced program coming off a 10-1 season and league championship.

Twenty tackles in the season opener is an impressive way to begin.

If Friday night is an indication of what is ahead, Brandon Peel could be a defensive player worth following closely throughout the 2026 season.

09/01/2026

Ayden McClendon Announces His Arrival With 434-Yard Performance for Edison

By ASD Sports Media

Edison High School sophomore quarterback Ayden McClendon delivered a memorable performance in his first varsity start Friday night, leading the Vikings to a 39–20 victory over Elk Grove in Stockton.

According to MaxPreps, McClendon completed 73.1% of his passes while throwing for a career-high 434 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. MaxPreps described it as his first career game with at least 300 passing yards and rated it as his best performance to date.

The numbers become even more impressive when looking at the complete stat line. McClendon finished 20-of-27 passing, repeatedly connecting with his receivers on everything from shorter throws to deep passes. His performance helped Edison generate 530 yards of total offense in the season-opening win.

Senior receiver Travis Gresham was one of McClendon’s biggest weapons, finishing with 161 receiving yards and a touchdown, according to MaxPreps.

For a sophomore stepping into the starting quarterback position, McClendon showed impressive production immediately. His 434-yard night also earned him recognition as one of the nominees for the San Joaquin County Week 0 Football Athlete of the Week.

McClendon is listed by MaxPreps as a 5-foot-8, 165-pound sophomore quarterback wearing No. 6 for Edison. With the victory, the Vikings begin the 2026 season 1–0 and now prepare to travel across Stockton to face Franklin.

Ayden McClendon vs. Elk Grove

20-of-27 passing | 434 yards | 3 TDs | 1 INT | 73.1% completion rate

FINAL: Edison 39, Elk Grove 20

McClendon’s first varsity start provided Edison with more than an opening-night victory. It offered an early look at a young quarterback who could become one of the 209 area’s most interesting players to follow during the 2026 season.

ASD Sports Media — Covering the athletes, teams and stories of the 209.

09/01/2026

Taevion Gibson Explodes for 204 Yards as McNair Rolls Past Livingston

By ASD Sports Media

McNair High School opened its 2026 football season with a statement on the road Friday night, and senior Taevion Gibson delivered one of the biggest individual performances in the Sac-Joaquin Section.

Gibson was the difference-maker on both sides of the football as the McNair Eagles defeated Livingston 34–14, starting their season 1–0.

The senior wide receiver was nearly unstoppable in the passing game, hauling in nine receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns. His performance included an explosive 85-yard reception, demonstrating the big-play ability that Livingston struggled to contain throughout the night.

What makes Gibson’s night even more impressive is the improvement it represents. He recorded 302 receiving yards during his entire junior season, meaning his 204 yards against Livingston put him within 98 yards of matching that total in just one game. After Week 0, Gibson also led the entire Sac-Joaquin Section in receiving yards, according to The Record’s reporting.

And Gibson wasn’t finished after making his impact offensively.

Playing in the secondary, he recorded an interception, giving him a major defensive contribution to go along with his two receiving touchdowns. MaxPreps subsequently named Gibson among McNair’s Players of the Game.

Quarterback Shawn San helped Gibson produce the monster receiving night, throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns, while McNair finished with 468 yards of total offense. The Eagles’ combination of explosive passing and a strong defensive effort ultimately produced the convincing 20-point victory.

Taevion Gibson vs. Livingston

9 receptions | 204 receiving yards | 2 receiving TDs | 85-yard reception | 1 interception

FINAL: McNair 34, Livingston 14

For Gibson, it was an outstanding beginning to his senior season and the type of two-way performance that makes him one of the 209 area’s players to watch in 2026.

ASD Sports Media — Covering the athletes, teams and stories of the 209.