Jonah Whites’ versatility will be on display this season for the Golden Valley High School football team.

The Cougars dynamic playmaker will line up just about everywhere, splitting time as an outside receiver, slot receiver, running back, safety, corner back, kick returner and punt returner.

“I’m ready to play where ever my team needs me,” White said.

The Cougars will find different ways to get the ball in the hands of White, who can score from anywhere on the field.

“Jonah is one of the best athletes in the league,” said Golden Valley coach Rick Martinez.

The Cougars featured an explosive offense last year, averaging over 36 points per game. However, many of those key players graduated, including quarterback Eleazar Garza and running back Jahkylle Smith.

White returns after hauling in 23 catches for 490 yards and nine touchdowns. He showed his big-play ability, averaging 21.3 yards per reception.

White put up those numbers despite playing the final few weeks with a leg injury.

“It was tough but I fought through it,” White said.

The Cougars will hope young guys coming like Domonic Gonzalez, Aiden Valtierra, Tyrrell Johnson and Deavon Williams can come in and produce.

Wiliiams and Johnson look to lead a group of running backs who are trying to replace the production of Smith from last year. Smith received a scholarship to Graceland University after rushing for 1,629 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.

Senior Austin Mello will start at quarterback this year

“He’s an athlete,” Martinez said. “He’s smart, he’s another returning guy who played different spots for us last year.”

Martinez feels the strength for this year’s team will be up front with three starters returning on the offensive line in Alex Duran (6-foot-3, 310 pounds), Trytin Gastelum (5-10, 280) and Jacob Coronado (6-0, 270).

“We’re strong and our job is to move people off the ball,” Duran said. “We’ve got good chemistry. We’re a close group. We hang out together off the field. We’re ready to go.”

The Cougars hope to return to the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs this season. Golden Valley has made the playoffs the last two years, but exited in the first round.

“We have a young group, but we’re all here to work,” White said. “We all want the same thing. We want to go past the first round.”

Golden Valley 2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 vs Escalon

Aug. 25 vs Madera South

Sept. 1 at Sierra

Sept. 8 vs Pitman

Sept. 15 at Merced

Sept. 22 vs Buhach Colony

Oct. 6 vs Central Valley

Oct. 13 at Atwater

Oct. 20 at Patterson

Oct. 27 vs El Capitan