Sept. 02--Matt Shrout toiled in obscurity for years, working his way through the freshman and sophomore ranks in hopes of one day heading up his own varsity football program. When that day arrived, he found that his work had just begun.

Shrout took over as head coach at Tracy High when former coach and athletic director Mark Stroup left the school afterguidingtheBulldogstoan 11-1 record last season. All but two of the team's 22 starters graduated, including 12 who were named to The Record's All-Area Team after helping Tracy go 10-0 in the regular season and 5-0 in league play.

Lincoln and Lodi return more talent and appear to be on a collision course in the San Joaquin Athletic Association, but Shrout feels his team can contend for another title.

"Three months ago, in the middle of the summer, I was pretty nervous, but I'm very happy with where we're at," said Shrout, who joined the Tracy coaching staff in 2004 after six years at James Logan High in Union City.

"I truly think we can win the league again, and our kids believe it, too. All they've been hearing all summer is how they're not going to be as good as last year, and I think they're tired of it. I think they're tired of hearing how good that team was, and they want to prove to everybody how good they can be."

The Bulldogs must replace 2009 SJAA player of the year Depray Celestine, a multidimensional running back who scored 25 touchdowns last season; SJA A co-offensive lineman of the year Kevin Speer; and all five linebackers who started in their vaunted 3-5 defense.

Despite the turnover, Shrout has a number of talented players, including senior quarterback Casey Wichman, a second-team A ll-Area selection last season, senior running back Dominique Harrison and senior lineman Patrick Alegre.

Trojans have talent

Lincoln features Brandin Cooks, a senior wide receiver and defensive back who has verbally committed to UCLA, and Charles Howard, a 6-5, 305-pound lineman. Junior Joseph Bones and sophomore Zach Greenlee both are likely to see time at quarterback.

The Trojans must replace A ll-Area linebacker and running back Phillip Ruhl. Seniors Bobby Bivens and Christian Penzon will get the bulk of the carries at running back early, but coach Brian Gray said sophomore Justin Davis could emerge as a featured back as the season progresses.

"It's going to be difficult to replace Phillip's size and intensity, but we have some experienced running backs and some very athletic linebackers who enjoy hitting," Gray said. "You have to give Tracy respect as the defending league champion and Lodi is going to be good, but our goal is to win our league and contend for a section title."

Flames experienced

With 16 returning starters, Lodi coach Todd Dillon might have his best team since 2005, when the Flames finished 8-4 and reached the second round of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

Senior Jordan Perkins returns at running back after rushing for 1,377 yards to earn All-Area and SJAA offensive player of the year honors last season. He will miss Friday's opener at Sheldon with a shoulder injury.

Senior Joey Armstrong is back at quarterback after missing much of last season with a knee injury. Senior Collin Rhoads is moving back to wide receiver after filling in at quarterback last season, adding another dimension to the offense.

"I like the fact that we have more depth at more spots than we've had in the past, and I like the fact that we're faster than we've been," Dillon said. "I kind of like our chances, but time will tell."

Trying to close the gap

Franklin, Chavez and Bear Creek all hope to improve after going 2-8 last season.

Franklin will feature Paul Ware, a junior quarterback, and Guillermo Magallanes, a 300-pound lineman. Chavez, led bynewcoachJohnWard,returns senior quarterback Niles Villalobos and senior wide receiver Harry McKenzie, while Bear Creek welcomes back senior running back Jack Phouminavong and junior fullback/linebacker J.T. Goodwin.

Contact reporter Jason Anderson at (209) 546-8283 or janderson@recordnet.com.

Visit his blog at recordnet.com/sportsblog.

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