It was a season in which the Escalon varsity football Cougars weren’t supposed to do much. Tapped as the third or fourth place finisher in the Trans-Valley League with few returning starters and a lot of unproven players at the varsity level, the EHS gridders paid no attention to the script.

Instead, they went 12-2 for the campaign, losing once in the preseason, at their Homecoming to the powerful Kimball Jaguars of the Valley Oak League, and then again in their final game. They lost to Marin Catholic in a NorCal Division 4-AA bowl game, fighting to a 21-14 final. Escalon was the undefeated TVL champion this season at 6-0, and defeated league rivals Ripon and Hilmar twice, first in league and then in playoffs. They won the D5 Section title with a 20-13 victory over Hilmar on Nov. 27 after having defeated Ripon in the semifinal round.

Now, several players have been recognized with Trans-Valley League honors for their hard work and excellent play this season. Escalon head coach Andrew Beam was also selected as the Coach of the Year.

Named as the Trans-Valley League Most Valuable Player was senior EJ Lewis, a tight end/defensive end for the Cougars.

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman was senior Nathan Chavez, a tackle; Most Outstanding Linebacker was junior Ryker Peters.

Making First Team All-League were sophomore quarterback Donovan Rozevink; junior running back Logan Anderson; senior outside linebacker Nathan Chavez; junior wide receiver Owen Nash; freshman defensive lineman Ryan Lewis; junior defensive lineman Tate Christensen; junior linebacker Ryker Peters; senior linebacker Caden Gonsalves; junior defensive back Matthew Baptista.

Second team All-TVL selections were Sebastian Snow, offensive line; Tate Christensen, offensive line; Matthew Baptista, running back; JP Lial, running back; Jamin Miller, outside linebacker; Tyler Medina safety; Alfonzo Gonzalez, kicker/punter.