Hughson quarterback Robert McDaniel knows that his Huskies will get everybody’s best game this season.

As defending state 5-AA champions, the Huskies are the team circled on everybody’s schedule.

Even state 4-A champion Escalon will be gunning for Hughson, looking to avenge last season’s 29-14 loss to the Huskies.

McDaniel knows he has to be ready. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior was more than ready Friday in a 56-9 rout of Central Valley in Hughson’s 2023 home opener. 

McDaniel completed 12 of 18 passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns.

The Huskies will be tested again Friday when they travel to Joe Debely Stadium to take on Pitman, a school nearly three times as big as Hughson.

“We ramped up our preseason schedule this year,” said McDaniel. “We want to be tested going into league.”

McDaniel, who started a sophomore and spent some time on the varsity even as a freshman, is comfortable running Hughson’s offense. And why wouldn’t he be with all the weapons that surround him. Receivers Malakai Sumter and Larkin Meyer are dynamic, and tight end Max Mankins is huge target over the middle. Running back Alex Villarreal, who had 175 yards rushing and three scores against CV, takes pressure off the passing game.

“We came into this season wanting to create our own legacy,” said McDaniel, who already has two Division I offers in his pocket. “We want to create our own outlook as to how our season goes.”

Age: 17

Grade: Junior

Hobbies: “I play baseball as well and I like to hang out with my friends. I have 200 goats out my house, a little farm, that takes a lot of my time.”

Favorite class: History

Favorite food: “I really like chicken, rice and broccoli. That or my dad’s homemade fried rice. It’s awesome.”

Dream college: Definitely something on the west coast. A Pac-12 school, even though the Pac-12 is going away. Maybe Fresno State.”

Three songs on my playlist: “Long Gone” by Benjamin Todd; “Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton; Anything by Morgan Wallen

I can’t live without … "My family and sports.”