Who brings the hype? Vote for the best football student section in San Joaquin County

Big-time plays happen on the field.

But the plays we remember? They’re written by the fans.

The roar, the gasps, the stomps, the sudden hush after a game-changing play — it’s the reason broadcasters let the sounds of the game speak for themselves.

A familiar face, a burst of noise, a wave of emotion — it can push a player further than any coach or teammate.

Fans are the lifeblood of sports.

Without them, it’s a game. With them, it’s a moment.

Every football player in San Joaquin County would attest.

The students show up every Friday night with full enthusiasm, bright themes, thumping music, and non-stop cheers and boos.

Which student section brings it the most?

Players shared their thoughts, but in the end, it’s the voters who decide.

Cast your vote now for your favorite student section in San Joaquin County. Voting stays open until 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, one week after the regular season ends.

The nominees are in alphabetical order by school. You may vote as many times as you'd like through the duration of the poll, so vote now and vote often. We will announce the winner online shortly after.

Directly beneath the poll, 21 players — each representing a different school — explain why they believe their student section stands above the rest.

VOTE HERE

The Case for No. 1

Bear Creek running back Jeremiah Robertson: "My student section is the best because no matter the score or the record, they always show up and bring energy. The Creek always shows up and shows out, and they’re the best 12th man in the area."

Chavez defensive end Damarion McDonald: "Our student section helps influence us by keeping the energy alive while we’re in the game. It helps us feed off their energy and get even more hyped by chanting and trolling the other team."

East Union quarterback Kirk Simoni: "Our student section is fantastic. Before kickoff, they supply the energy that motivates us. When we’re on offense and make a big play, the energy hits an all-time high and helps us keep the momentum."

Edison wide receiver Alonzo Ward: "No matter the level of difficulty we face, our student section always comes out and supports us, showing that Viking spirit. One moment that showed their impact was in our first game when we were down in score. I returned a kick, and they got really loud, showing how into the game they were. The student section motivates us by staying loud."

Kimball linebacker Dawson Pelech: "Our student section here at Kimball brings a different energy and atmosphere every Friday night. Their support gives us momentum, and you can feel the entire school rally behind you. Their presence makes the home games special for our entire community."

Lathrop defensive back Amaari Harris: "Our student section not only shows up every Friday to root us on, but chants us through all the ups and downs. Against Grace Davis, we threw an interception for six, and our crowd didn’t quiet down — they only got louder. It motivates us to stay focused. We sometimes lack in cheering on our teammates after good plays, so that definitely plays a big part. The Spartans are the best student section."

Liberty Ranch offensive lineman Daniel Swearingen: "Our student section helps motivate us by being engaged during the game and knowing when to get loud. When there’s a big play or a call on the field they don’t agree with, they’re going to make it known."

Lincoln tight end/defensive end Rene Garcia: "I think our student section is the best because they provide an atmosphere unlike any other school in the area. A moment that showed their impact would be during any big play — the crowd just explodes. I wouldn’t say our student section necessarily motivates or influences us, but when we’re down, they support us and believe we’ll win, just like we do as players."

Lodi running Back Cooper Mettler: "Our student section is the best because of the unity of our school. We have a lot of students come out and support our team, and when they do, it’s amazing the energy they can feed the team."

Manteca wide receiver Quinn Martinez: "Our student section brings unmatched energy and passion to every game, creating an electric atmosphere that fuels our team. We’re known for our creative themes, coordinated chants, and unwavering support, making us the envy of every other school. No matter the score, we stand together, united in our school spirit, proving that our dedication is unmatched."

McNair athlete Corey Waters III: "I think my student section is the best because they’re always rooting for us, winning or losing. They always bring good energy the whole game and, a lot of times, get our momentum up."

Merrill West running back/linebacker Ryder Harmison: "I feel like having a good student section like ours can help players with confidence. Let’s say you make a big play and the student section is celebrating for you. That can boost your confidence and make you play better. Our student section does that for us."

Mountain House running back Jacoby Johnson: "I’d say our student section is the best because they always come with a theme to every game. They pop confetti and other things, no matter what the score is, and always show up even to away games."

Oakdale running back Richard Flores: "I think our student section is the best because no matter what, they show up and bring the energy. Our student section influences us to keep going and get the team hyped up. I say this because they are always loud, and it’s a way to keep us going and keep fighting till the end."

Ripon running back Kael Rangel: "Our student section is great. We actually had around 25 kids from Kyoto, Japan, in the student section last week. I thought that was really cool — to give them a high school rival football game experience, and they loved it. Everyone was being loud. It’s overall a great experience, from the chants to the people you meet. It’s impacted me because one of my friends broke his ribs last year playing football and is no longer able to play with us, but he leads the student section and is there watching us almost every game. Them just showing up to watch us play means a lot. Shout out to everyone in the stands supporting us."

River Island quarterback Daryl Carpenter: "Our student section is called the Splash Zone. Ours is the best because it’s the first year of having home games, and people are really excited. When you come, you wouldn’t think it’s a small school. We have a huge student section, and they are crazy. When I’ve seen videos of it, water is everywhere and people go crazy, our band is entertaining, and our cheerleaders are great. Ultimately, our student section is crazy, wild, and loud. They’ve been waiting a long time for this, and it shows."

Sierra tight end AJ Chapman: "I feel like our student section is the best because they show out, whatever the theme is. I remember the first game, the front row of guys ripped off their shirts to show their chests painted with the word Timberwolves. It’s the spirit that they show and how consistent it is, no matter the matchup, that makes them the best."

St. Mary’s wide receiver Kenneth Moore III: "I think our student section is the best because, with our school being a smaller school — like less than 900 people — it has been packed in the Green Machine, and everyone has been screaming for us on the field, rooting us on."

Stagg running back Darnell Holmes II: "I would say our student section is the best because each home game a theme is presented, and when I look over, I notice each individual repping the theme faithfully. Another thing I would say is the band — I’m not sure if they’re a part of it, but when they are in attendance, you’ll know for sure. Them playing gets me game-ready, and even during the game, I feel it blends well with the students as they cheer for us."

Tokay offensive lineman Logan Johnson: “Tokay’s student section is more than a section — it’s a family that backs our football team every drive and every touchdown. Whether we’re up or down, they keep us motivated to put points on the board.”

Tracy running back David Grisham: "Tracy High’s student section motivates us to play well, with a loud band and fans that always cheer for us."

This article originally appeared on The Record: The Record's 2025 Football Student Section of the Year Poll vote