SANTA CLARA, CA -- All high school football teams are excited for the start of football season as summer practices start to wind down and the first game of the season approaches.
Wilcox, the reigning Santa Clara Valley Athletic League-De Anza champ, is no different.
However, as most astute prep observers know the Chargers will experience a decidedly unique start to their season.
The Chargers open the 2014 campaign against Manteca in the first high school football game at Levi's Stadium -- the new home of the San Francisco 49ers -- as part of an opening-night doubleheader August 29. Wilcox plays at 4:30 with De La Salle vs. Jesuit-Carmichael to follow.
“It’s a self-motivator,” said Wilcox coach Dan Brown. “We’re the local team - the kids have been seeing the facility being built. We are excited to represent the Central Coast Section and obviously Wilcox High School and the community of Santa Clara.”
Wilcox, which is only 3½ miles from the new $1.3 billion stadium, has won 13 SCVAL titles in the school's 53 years.
Many of the players as well as Brown were in shock and when they heard their first game would be at Levi's.
“It was a big surprise when we found out we we’re going to play on a big stage like that,” said senior tackle Jonathan Herrera. “It’s a great accomplishment. I’m glad we got this chance.
“Manteca is a great team and we are a great team. Last year was a close game and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was another one this year.”
Last year Wilcox edged the Buffaloes 28-27 in the Chargers’ season opener.
Despite losing 22 seniors from last year’s league title team, Wilcox will still be a contender. Given the location of the Chargers' opener, Brown hasn't had to motivate his team any more than usual.
“We bring up the date a little bit as a check just in case the kids are a little out of line,” Brown said. “But they straighten up real quickly once you throw that at them.”
Wilcox is aware of the magnitude of playing a team the caliber of Manteca — winners of four Sac-Joaquin Section titles since 2001 (including last season). It also wants to soak in the sensation of playing at Levi’s.
“It’s going to be cool and a once in a lifetime experience,” said senior quarterback Adam Hernandez. “I hope everybody is ready. We are just going to worry about our game and (block) out everybody because we know there is going to be a lot of people.”
Brown estimates around 25,000 people will show up between the four teams competing in the doubleheader.
Playing in front of that many people is enough to make any player anxious.
“I feel like it’s going to be really nerve-racking at the start,” said Wilcox junior Julian Jones. “But once everybody gets on the field and after the first play everything will be normal.”
And memorable.
