A massive show of fan enthusiasm helped determine the preseason Most Valuable Player for Merced County high school football. The poll, which gathered nearly 75,000 votes from readers of the Merced Sun‑Star, highlighted the region’s deep interest in the upcoming campaign.
A Vote of 75,000 Voices
Blake O’Brien of Buhach Colony High emerged as the clear favorite, capturing exactly half of the ballots cast. As a junior he averaged 105.1 rushing yards per game and scored nine touchdowns last season, numbers that helped persuade a majority of voters to back him.
Close behind, Adam Branco from Hilmar secured second place with 35% of the vote. The sophomore posted a 78.3‑yard average and reached the end zone 20 times, a performance that kept him in the conversation despite the narrow margin.
Isaiah Welch of Golden Valley rounded out the top three with 8% of the tally. The junior managed 91.1 yards per game and added 17 touchdowns, earning a respectable share of the fan vote.
The season is set to open on August 28, giving each of these standout runners a chance to turn preseason buzz into real‑time impact on the field.