Senior quarterback Mickey Merzon keeps a handoff and runs down the sideline for one six rushing touchdowns on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. (Diego Hernandez)

Photo essay: Oakdale shuts out former section champion in bounce-back win

Independent Contributor
-

OAKDALE – One week after a narrow loss to Aptos, the Oakdale High football team righted the ship against another out-of-section opponent.

A reigning San Francisco Section champion, Balboa had no chance against the Mustangs at The Corral, one of the toughest venues in all of Northern California. Oakdale scored eight touchdowns in the 55-0 victory, including six on the ground, one through the air, and another coming from the defense.

FrontRowPreps.com sent photojournalist Diego Hernandez to the game to capture the Mustangs' bounce-back victory. His shots tell the story of Oakdale domination. The Mustangs, now 2-1, travel to Orinda to face Miramonte on Friday, Sept. 16.

Diego Hernandez is a first-year intern with FrontRowPreps.com. He is currently enrolled at Modesto Junior College and enjoys all aspects of journalism and communications, especially photography.

The Oakdale High football teams line up, helmets in their hands, for the national anthem.
Oakdale seniors Brock Osmundson and Alex Thompson line up to rush Balboa on third down.
Balboa's Javaris Richmond drops back with pressure coming from Oakdale's Garrison Gerber.
Oakdale quarterback Mickey Merzon completes the handoff during a 55-0 win over Balboa
Oakdale players celebrate one of their seven offensive touchdowns on Friday evening.
Oakdale senior Jason Lucas nails an extra-point kick in the shutout victory over Balboa.
Oakdale's Zach Zopfi (right) and Balboa's Owen Hu race a to recover a fumble in the back field.