Five weeks of nonleague play in the books and the league openers are officially here.
The early schedule as a whole might be some of the best games for the opening month the area has seen in some time, at least this decade.
Much of it had to do with ambitious scheduling, with Division III teams such as Del Campo taking on D-I programs in Pleasant Grove (and prevailing 21-20 on Friday), or D-II Del Oro taking on D-I Elk Grove (and winning with a last-play defensive stand at the goal line, 27-22).
Here are four games to ponder for Week 1 of league play (No. 15 CBS downed No. 11 Ponderosa 38-21 in a Sierra Valley Conference opener Friday, if that's any indication of an "upsets" to come from here on out):
1. Del Oro at No. 1 Granite Bay - Comcast TV wanted to air this Sierra Foothill League game on Thursday, but the schools didn't want to have one fewer day to prepare - and teachers and coaches aren't exactly thrilled about the prospect of late nights for students on a school night. So it's a Friday tilt that should be every bit as good as advertised.
Del Oro is feeling frisky again, and Granite Bay has crunched all comers in starting 5-0.
2. Bella Vista and Casa Roble - In a matchup of 5-0 clubs, we find out in a hurry how far the Broncos and tailback supreme Troy Samas have come as they venture into Orangevale for a Capital Athletic League eye-opener. The Rams have been prolific behind quarterback Sam Martinez, running back Matt Satchwell and receiver Tristan Baer.
3. Whitney and Bear River - The teams are a combined 9-1, and Whitney remains the Pioneer Valley League and section favorite in Division IV behind tailback ace Zach Graves and coach Mike Gimenez. But the Bruins are formidable with runners Johnny Jewett and Jason Varni.
4. Folsom at Jesuit - Jesuit has long been a quarterback factory with Ken O'Brien, J.T. O'Sullivan and C.J. Bacher, among others. Now it's Folsom's turn, with David Graves dominating his craft this season with 16 touchdowns already this season as a first-year starter. This Delta River game is a Saturday game.
