THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Whitney High School Athletics

One year before moving to the Sierra Foothill League, optimism is running high for Whitney High School football. But the enthusiasm this season is having one more shot at winning the Capital Valley Conference title before the Wildcats’ departure. One of the reasons is a near doubling of the roster for the 2017 season. More than 70 ‘Cats are listed to wear the maroon and vegas gold this year and this is the first varsity squad to have played exclusively under head coach Paul Doherty’s system. “So now that it’s been three years in, I kind of have my name to it and for better or worse we’ll see how we do,” Doherty said. “But I think this is the first year I’ve had a chance to kind of see the whole thing through. Everyone on the varsity football team has only played football in my tenure here.” But many of the names, as well as the football program, have changed at 701 Wildcat Blvd. in Rocklin. The relatively young school has competed in three different leagues since its founding. It has also won league titles for football in all but the CVC. Although the SFL is considered one of the strongest conferences in the Sac-Joaquin Section, the CVC commands no less respect. Antelope, Roseville and Whitney all made the Division II playoffs last year. The Titans made it to the semifinals in D-II and Del Campo made the quarterfinals in Division III. “They’re all good. Maybe it’s not the SFL yet … ,” Doherty said of the CVC. “But I think we’re going to have to be at our best week-in and week-out.” Antelope has been undefeated in conference play the last two years and Cosumnes Oaks was the 2014 CVC champion. Del Campo’s Greg Cabral was the league’s leading rusher last year as a junior. Cosumnes Oaks’ Jacob Trach ranked third behind Cabral and should also return. Junior Tyler Dimino of Del Campo was the CVC’s No. 3 passer and could have back the league’s No. 5 receiver, David Joseph, to join him. Although league-leading passer Jake Cruz did not return to Whitney for his senior season, 2016’s original starting quarterback, Preston Eklund, is back and healthy. Doherty said the quarterback position has a lot of depth this year. 2016 conference Outstanding Offensive Player Justin Kraft returns at receiver. CVC Underclassman of the Year Nick Eaton also looked good participating in 7-on7 drills this summer. “I think we’re far, far further ahead than we were a year ago,” Doherty said. “And I think we’re at least comparable or maybe better than we were two years ago.” Also returning is all-league selection Dagne Buck. He and Xzavier Caldwell should help make up what Doherty said could be his best offensive and defensive lines yet.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Whitney High School Athletics

WHITNEY FOOTBALL NUMBERS WAY UP IN 2017

STAFF

Placer Herald | 8/2/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Gary Jones