Patriots Fall award winners announced

PIONEER HIGH SPORTS

Pioneer High School senior running back Landon Dahler runs for a nice gain during the first half of the Patriots game against Woodland High School on Sept. 6. CARLOS GUERRERO — DAILY DEMOCRAT

Pioneer sophomore libero Layla Medalle serves during a 3-0 loss at Liberty Ranch on Aug. 29 in Galt. SHAUN HOLKKO — DAILY DEMOCRAT

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By Carlos Guerrero

cguerrero@dailydemocrat.com

After years of being one of the top teams in the Golden Empire League, Pioneer High School took a massive step up in competition in the fall of 2024 as they debuted in the Monticello Empire League.

While league championships and long playoff berths might not have been on the agenda this year, a strong first season in a more competitive league has set the foundation for the school’s sports programs for years to come.

For their troubles, nine teams across seven fall sports received recognition from the league in terms of first or second-team awards and Honorable Mentions.

Football

After a strong final season in the GEL, the Pioneer High School varsity football team had an impressive showing in their first season in the MEL. While a trip to the playoffs wasn’t in the cards, the Patriots finished the year off strong, amassing a 5-5 overall record and going 2-4 in the league.

Key wins on the year included a 28-6 win over rivals Woodland High School and a 35-0 shutout over Dixon, two of their main rivals last season in the GEL.

For their troubles, the Patriots collected one MEL first-team award for wide receiver Devion Corley, two second-team defensive awards for linebacker Landon Dahler, and another award for Corley, who also played defensive back.

Five Patriots earned an Honorable Mention, including lineman Angel Lopez Roa, running back Joe Mendez, linebacker/running back Nicco Hargrove, linebacker/tight end Max Pineda, and wide receiver/defensive back ‘Turbo’ Tiburcio Silva.Volleyball

After an undefeated 12-0 season in the GEL last year, the Patriots figured they’d have a rougher go of things in their first season in the MEL. While the record was spotless, they still managed to make the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D3 playoffs by going 13-19 overall and 4-8 in the league.

Before the playoffs, the No. 18-seeded Patriots upset No. 15-seeded Beyer in the Division III play-in. In the first round, however, their season ended after a 3-1 set loss to No. 3 seed Vista De Lago. In the D3 final, fellow MEL rival Vanden defeated Roseville to take the division title.

For their troubles, junior Ally Nunez and sophomore Layla Medalle received MEL first-team recognition.

Flag Football

After a dominant debut season of flag football for the Patriots in 2023/24, in which they went 11-4 overall and won the GEL with a 10-2 record, the flag football team took a step back as the faced a rougher slate of games in 2024/25. Despite the higher competition, the Patriots still managed to go 5-12, and 2-10 in the league.

Sofia Castro was the lone player on the team to get a MEL first-team award.

Cross Country

Camila Perez was the lone Patriot to earn a cross county MEL first-team award.

Water Polo

For the girls water polo team, Pioneer High Schools Ashley Gruben and Jenna Howe received a MEL first-team award. Senior Jack Cullison on the boy’s side was the lone Patriot to receive a MEL first-team award.

Girls Tennis

Marissa Bautista was the lone Patriot to take home a MEL first-team award.

Girls Golf

On the girls golf team, two Patriots, Audrey Gutierrez and Constance Hershberger, earned MEL first-team recognition.