11/10/2026
Nelson, Ball and Brown Enter SJS Playoffs With Momentum After Standout Performances
STOCKTON, Calif. — November 10, 202
The Sac-Joaquin Section football playoffs begin Friday, and three running backs from the 209 are entering the postseason following impressive regular-season finales.
Central Catholic's Zymir Nelson, Escalon's Dylan Ball and St. Mary's Jerimiah Brown combined for 552 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in their latest games.
Their performances helped their teams secure victories and provided another example of the individual talent emerging from Stockton, Modesto and surrounding communities.
Nelson continues remarkable scoring streak
Central Catholic's Zymir Nelson has become a consistent scoring threat for the Raiders.
In Friday's 37–27 victory over Oakdale, Nelson rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 8.4 yards per carry. It was his sixth consecutive game with at least two rushing scores.
The Raiders' defense also contributed three interceptions, with Josh Peinado, Cole Collins and Damian Leal each recording one.
Central Catholic finished 9–1 and will host Jesuit in the Division II quarterfinals.
Ball delivers explosive performance for Escalon
Escalon running back Dylan Ball produced one of the week's most impressive statistical performances.
Ball rushed for 216 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries in a 48–10 victory over Orestimba. His teammate Jake Ferreira added 133 yards and three touchdowns on six carries.
Together, the two runners accumulated 349 rushing yards and six touchdowns, helping Escalon finish the regular season 7–3.
Ball's production is especially notable because he has now reached 110 rushing yards in nine consecutive games. 
Escalon enters Division V postseason competition with a home matchup against Foothill.
Brown powers St. Mary's fifth consecutive victory
St. Mary's running back Jerimiah Brown helped the Rams complete one of the area's strongest late-season turnarounds.
Brown rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns in a 42–27 victory over Lincoln, adding 12 receiving yards.
Receiver Traye Harrell contributed 96 receiving yards and one touchdown as St. Mary's extended its winning streak to five games.
The Rams finished 6–4 after beginning the season 1–4. They will travel to Whitney for their Division II quarterfinal matchup.
The postseason test
Nelson, Ball and Brown have demonstrated their ability to produce against regular-season competition.
Now the challenge changes.
Playoff defenses will attempt to limit explosive plays, force long-yardage situations and make opposing offenses rely on multiple contributors.
For the three running backs, Friday offers an opportunity to show how their production translates to higher-pressure competition.
For college recruiters, their recent performances also create opportunities to evaluate game speed, decision-making, ball security, blocking and consistency against postseason opponents.
ASD Sports Media will continue tracking the 209's top performers throughout the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.
ASD Sports Media — Covering the 209 and Beyond.