Isaiah Hidalgo finalized his four-year college plans this past week.
The 2021 Central Valley High School grad will continue his football career and education at Southern Oregon University.
Hidalgo’s signing ceremony was staged in front of family and friends on Friday at Bonsu Elite Athletics in Ceres.
“It’s a blessing to be able to find a school that was highly interested in me,” said Hidalgo, a 5-foot-7 170-pound junior all-purpose player. “They showed me love. They’re going to use me in a good way. Going forward, I want to be successful no matter where I’m at. I just want to be an all-round producer and playmaker. At the end of the day, all I want to do is win.”
Hidalgo, 18, verbally committed to SOU after visiting the NAIA school this summer.
Grandfather Mario Baines and BEA owner Les Bonsu accompanied Hidalgo during the recruiting trip.
“I took a visit there in June,” he said. “I liked the environment. It’s really beautiful out there. The coaching staff was really welcoming. They did a good job of showing us what they are as a program. The head coach grew up in Modesto and went to MJC.”
Berk Brown, SOU’s new leader and former assistant coach, has ties to the Central Valley.
Brown played defensive line at Modesto Junior College before joining SOU’s program as a player (2005, 2006).
He was defensive coordinator for SOU’s 2014 team, which captured the NAIA title.
SOU also recruited 2014 Central Valley grad Ja’Quan Gardner, who had a record-breaking career at running back at Humboldt State. He also played professional football.
“It’s cool having a mentor and somebody I could look up to,” Hidalgo said. “We have a big brother-little brother relationship. I can reach out to him any time for advice.”
Brown was hired to rebuild SOU’s program, which has suffered three straight losing seasons.
“They have a good history of winning,” Hidalgo said. “These last few years haven’t been the best. I want to be a part of bringing a national championship to SOU. Their coaches have experienced that.”
Hidalgo enjoyed a success-filled final season while starring on the Merced College football team this past fall.
“It always brings a smile to my face when I think about Merced,” Hidalgo said. “I loved my time there. Merced College did a lot for me. I can’t say a bad thing. I became a better man mentally and physically.”
Hidalgo was rewarded for his outstanding play as an all-purpose standout on Dec. 14.
He was named to the 2022 California Community College Football Coaches Association Region II All-State First Team.
“All the hard work put in paid off,” said Hidalgo, who also earned Northern California American Division Golden Coast league honors as a returner. “I’m happy. It’s definitely a huge accomplishment. Honestly, it wasn’t on my list of goals. I just wanted to be successful.”
Hidalgo had a breakout year during his final season with the Blue Devils.
“My preparation changed,” he said. “Knowing it was my last year of JUCO football, I had to turn the switch and ball out the best I possibly could.”
“I worked on my speed and strength during the offseason,” Hidalgo added. “I changed my diet. I went from eating everything and anything to certain foods. Spaghetti. Chicken. Steak. Pasta. Rice. You won’t catch me eating McDonalds. But I do like McDonalds.”
Hidalgo returned kickoffs and punts, started at slot receiver and logged playing time at running back.
He ranked first in the state in kickoff return yards (800) and fourth in yards per return (29.6).
“You see a hole and hit it,” Hidalgo said. “You try to get as many yards as you can. You want to put your team in a good spot to score. You have to be fearless. You have to keep your head on a swivel. The return team is looking to take your head off.”
Hidalgo also ranked fifth in the state in all-purpose yards (1,597) and yards per game (145.2).
He scored 13 touchdowns and totaled 78 points in 11 games.
Hidalgo rushed for 483 yards and eight touchdowns on 50 carries.
He averaged 9.7 yards per attempt.
He grabbed 14 passes for 241 yards and four TDs.
He had one kickoff return touchdown.
Hidalgo totaled 73 yards on six punt returns.
“Everything clicked,” Hidalgo said.
“I surprised myself with how well I did at receiver,” he added.
Hidalgo broke a 42-year-old program record when he broke loose for a 99-yard rushing touchdown in Merced College’s 52-6 win at Gavilan College on Nov. 5.
“I give all credit to my linemen, fullback and receivers,” he said. “The blocking was perfect. I didn’t have to do much.”
Hidalgo helped lead Merced College to an 8-3 record and first-place finish in the Golden Coast League standings (5-1).
The Blue Devils lost 50-32 to Feather River College in the American Conference Bowl Game on Nov. 26 in Quincy.
Hidalgo ran for 17 yards and one touchdown on three carries and had a 31-yard TD reception while suiting up for Merced College for the final time.
He ran for 317 yards and five touchdowns, caught six passes for 48 yards, returned 10 kickoffs for 187 yards and totaled 97 yards on six punt returns freshman year.
“Every day is competitive,” he said while talking about the grind of being a college athlete. “You have to have mental toughness. You have to have heart. You have to battle every day. You have to hold yourself accountable and make sure you make as less mistakes as possible.”
A three-year varsity player at Central Valley High School, Hidalgo contributed at quarterback during his final season with the Hawks.
He was voted the Western Athletic Conference South Division’s Most Valuable Player. He earned first-team all-league honors as well.
He rushed for 1,005 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on 134 carries.
He passed for 189 yards with four TDs and two interceptions.
He hauled in two passes for 52 yards.
Hidalgo helped lead the Hawks to new heights.
Central Valley completed its first undefeated season and captured its second conference championship.
The Hawks went 5-0 and placed first with a 4-0 mark in the WAC South Division standings.
Hidalgo starred at running back as a junior and sophomore.
Hidalgo racked up 1,844 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns junior year.
He earned CCC honorable-mention recognition.
Hidalgo piled up 983 yards and tallied 12 TDs on 205 carries.
He caught 26 passes for 163 yards and one score.
Hidalgo totaled 537 yards and two touchdowns on 20 kickoff returns.
He had 161 yards and one TD on seven punt returns.
Hidalgo gained 2,551 yards and scored 32 touchdowns in 25 career games.
He totaled 515 yards and three TDs on 25 receptions.
He amassed 4,525 all-purpose yards and 38 touchdowns.
Hidalgo and the Ceres Seahawks pee-wee youth football team won the ultimate prize in 2014.
Hidalgo scored five rushing touchdowns and intercepted two passes during the Seahawks’ 35-26 win over the Turlock 49ers in the Cen-Cal League Super Bowl.
Hidalgo has been a standout at every level.
“I’ve always believed in myself,” he said. “Mastering my craft day in and day out has allowed me to excel. Having a strong mindset and faith in God definitely helps. He’s helped keep me healthy and get me through each season.”
Hidalgo could make his debut with SOU on Sept. 2.
The Raiders open the 2023 season on the road at College of Idaho.
“I don’t feel much pressure going into games,” he said. “Practice is the answer key. Saturday is the test. You control what you can control.”
Les Bonsu, owner of BEA, plans on watching Hidalgo play football in person.
Hidalgo started training with Bonsu at the age of 13.
“Coming from a single parent household, having that father figure in my life means a lot,” Hidalgo said. “I call him my god-dad. He’s done so much for me. He prepares me for everything. It’s a blessing to have Bonsu in my life. It’s an unbreakable bond.”
