Steam is shooting up from Wyatt Davis’ covered head, making him look like some comic book hero with unknown superpowers. 

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive lineman is standing in the middle of a frigid and frosted Hornet Stadium (temperature in the low 30s) after Bellflower St. John Bosco defeated Concord De La Salle, 56-33, on Saturday night in the CIF state championship Open Division bowl game.

“Every hit hurt,” he said. “It was that cold. The field started to freeze up after halftime. I can’t feel my arms right now.... I’m pretty cold, but woo...”

If you want to know why St. John Bosco (13-2) proved itself the best high school football team in California over the six weeks of the postseason, it’s because the Braves could not be stopped running the football.

They pummeled the De La Salle defense for 357 rushing yards, including 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns from Terrance Beasley. Demetrious Flowers had 91 yards rushing and three touchdowns. It was the same story line against Santa Ana Mater Dei and Corona Centennial earlier this season. St. John Bosco’s offensive line, led by the Ohio State-bound Davis, provided better protection than a Secret Service detail.

“We did a great job running the ball,” Coach Jason Negro said. “That’s demoralizing when you can’t stop it.”

There also was the performance of junior quarterback Re-Al Mitchell, whose season-long development proved the wisdom of Negro and offensive coordinator Chad Johnson in their belief that he’d become a top player. Mitchell completed 18 of 20 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns.

De La Salle (11-2) put up a good fight, even threatening the Braves late in the third quarter when they closed to within 42-27. Junior running back Kairee Robinson rushed for 202 yards and scored two touchdowns.

But the Braves had too much athleticism, too much depth and too much speed.

You have to remember very few teams ever beat De La Salle, the school that once had a 151-game win streak. St. John Bosco, however, also defeated the Spartans in 2013, leaving Negro with a 2-0 record against De La Salle. And to beat Centennial, Mater Dei and De La Salle in consecutive games is tough to do.

“I’m proud of my program,” he said. “No one has done that in the country to play those three teams the way we did.

”It was a great weekend for state championship football in California. Southern California teams swept the five games in Sacramento, but overall, it was South 7, North 6. And seven of the 12 games (leaving out the Open Division) were decided by five points or less.The lesson is no matter what the predictors or analysts say, once you’ve reached a final in week 16, the odds are pretty good you’ve proven you belong.

This was another season in which offensive numbers were staggering. The spread offense isn’t just leading to big passing days. It’s creating opportunities for teams with size and speed to run the ball effectively, no matter how cold it gets.

“Dude, it’s freezing out here,” Negro said late Saturday night.

Yes it was, and Davis showed he might do just fine if he gets to play in a Michigan or Ohio snow storm.

For a one-stop place for all of the CIF state bowl winners crowned on Friday, Dec. 16 or Saturday, Dec. 17 with an MVP chosen for each game, this is the place to go. First-time champions include San Clemente, Paraclete, Oakdale, Pleasant Valley, Bishop O’Dowd, McClymonds, Rancho Christian and St. Patrick-St. Vincent. No school won more than its second. We also predicted the winners from all 13 games last Wednesday and were correct nine times. In the last two years, we’re also now 19-7.

Thanks to Stockton office assistant editor Paul Muyskens, who contributed many of the writeups for this post.

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Open Division
Bellflower St. John Bosco (13-2) 56,
Concord De La Salle (11-2) 33

 

It wasn’t the most points scored in a CIF state final or even an Open Division state final – De La Salle scored 63 in 2014 – but considering the Braves did it against the Spartans, who only gave up seven in their last game to Freedom of Oakley team that was 11-0, their 56 in this game was perhaps even more impressive.

MVP Re-al Mitchell. In the last game the Braves lost to Mater Dei, a fourth quarter interception thrown by Mitchell really cost the Braves. He was nearly flawless against DLS, completing 18 of 20 for 191 yards and two TDs, adding 50 yards rushing and running the offense smoothly. It’ll be interesting to see how he does – more as a throwing QB than one who’s known for his track speed – in this spring’s camps and Elite 11 QB events.

 

Cathedral Catholic stuns St. Mary’s of Stockton 38-35 in overtime to win school’s second CIF state title and complete perfect season. The Dons overcame 28-14 deficit in the second half and win title in higher division (I-AA) than in 2008. Cathedral Catholic’s win also gave the CIF San Diego Section a 2-0 record on the day after Madison took the D2-AA crown earlier at Sacramento State with an almost equally exciting 21-17 triumph over Valley Christian of San Jose.

We hope you like this free post on CalHiSports.com. Please help us out today by becoming a member of our Gold Club so you can see all of our great content, including next week’s Final State Top 25 expanded out to 50 teams. For details, CLICK HERE.

The CIF might have to slip some extra payola into the coffers of San Diego Cathedral Catholic and Stockton St. Mary’s after the two parochial powerhouses played in another of the most exciting CIF state football finals since the series was jump started in 2006.

This time, St. Mary’s hopes of capturing its first-ever CIF state title were ripped from the players’ collective hearts in a 38-35 overtime loss to the Dons in the CIF Division I-AA state championship played Friday at Sacramento State. In the school’s first trip to the state finals in 2008, Cathedral Catholic happened to be on the other side that day as well and defeated the Rams 37-34 in another back-and-forth thriller.

With the teams sitting right next to each other in the Cal-Hi Sports State Top 25 with the Dons at No. 5 and the Rams at No. 6, such a close contest was expected by many.

Both teams also were looking to become historically great teams within their CIF sections. Cathedral Catholic became just the second team in San Diego Section history to finish 15-0 on-the-field and just the second to win a CIF state title in Division I. The first was Oceanside in D1 in 2009. Last year’s Mater Dei Catholic team also went 15-0 on-the-field, but had a forfeit loss so its official final record was 14-1. With another win, St. Mary’s also would have perhaps lifted itself into discussion about the best teams ever from the Sac-Joaquin Section. Even in defeat, the Rams still scored 831 points in 16 games for the fourth-highest total in state history, according to the Cal-Hi Sports state records.

“These kids fight for it,” said Cathedral Catholic head coach Sean Doyle. “They work for it since January to get something like this. It’s a special thing.”

“It was just an amazing season,” said St. Mary’s head coach Tony Franks, who has been friends with Doyle for many years. “It was historical. We never in the history of our school won 14 games in a season and we did that this year. Winning 14 games, a NorCal championship and all the things we accomplished this year with this team was historical.

“The game could of gone either way there at the end and it didn’t go our way.”

St. Mary’s, the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I champion and winner last week over Freedom of Oakley in the NorCal regional game, looked to be in good shape with 58 seconds left in the third quarter when junior standout Dusty Frampton powered into the end zone on a 14-yard run to give the Rams a 28-14 lead.

Cathedral Catholic answered with a 12-play drive that covered 69 yards and got back in the game on a 8-yard pass from Tate Haynes to Jack Thompson with 7:22 remaining.

It looked like St. Mary’s might answer with another score of its own, but was stopped one-yard short on a fourth-down play at the 10-yard line. Cathedral Catholic’s chance to tie it up on the next series, however, was prevented on a fumble recovery by the Rams’ Marquez Vaughn.

With 2:54 left and the Dons still down 28-21, they started a drive at their own 20-yard line and on just the second play the game turned completely in their favor. That’s when sophomore running back Shawn Poma grabbed a screen pass from Haynes and weaved his way down the sidelines for a 77-yard touchdown. After the PAT, the score was tied 28-28.

At this point, Frampton was getting treated for a foot injury and was not available. The Rams still had plenty of firepower on the field and plenty of time to score, but disaster struck on their second play on the next series. QB Jake Dunniway tried a pass down the seam, but Morrison Mirer of the Dons came up with the interception and not only that but ended up returning the theft for a 55-yard touchdown.

Just like that St. Mary’s saw a 28-21 lead turn into a 35-28 hole.

“I was just smiling,” said Mirer, the son of former Notre Dame QB Rick Mirer. “It was my first pick of the year. We had our coverage in and just executed.”

There was still 1:30 left in the game, however, and it ended up being Cathedral Catholic’s turn to get stunned. With 45 seconds left, Dunniway bought time and scrambled before spotting a wide open Tre Jenkins 50 yards down the field. Jenkins hauled in the pass and scored. The PAT tied it up at 35-35 presenting the likelihood of overtime.

After some checking, it was confirmed that the only other overtime game since the CIF bowl games from 2006 was a 2006 game between Oaks Christian of Westlake Village and Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa.

In the extra period, the Rams went first and on fourth down from the 1-yard line, Dunniway took it himself but could not squeeze into the end zone. That gave Cathedral Catholic a huge advantage because all it had to do was kick a field goal to win. Doyle still called three running plays, which did get the ball to the 1, but a fourth down play pushed the Dons back five yards on a penalty. Kicker Liam King then trotted out and after a St. Mary’s timeout drilled the game-winning field goal.

“It was unreal,” Doyle said. “We score one to tie the game and one to take the lead. A minute left in the game and we think we have it done and they get behind us to tie the game.”

Not having Frampton available for the final 3:36 of regulation and overtime proved very costly for St. Mary’s. When he left, he had 33 carries for 179 yards and one TD. Dunniway also still had a strong night despite the last pick six and ended 31 of 46 for 411 yards and four TDs. Seniors Dewey Cotton (12 catches, 123 yards) and Marcus Aponte (10 for 126, 2 TDs) both went out with style as well.

With Cathedral Catholic also churning out more than 500 yards with 503, the two teams combined for 1,114 yards. The Dons didn’t have a 100-yard rusher, but Haynes topped out with 318 yards (going 18 of 28) and three TDs. Thompson also had a TD catch in the first half to go with the one he had at the start of the fourth quarter.

“Unbelieveable,” Mirer said. “All season we had our three goals. Undefeated, CIF and state and we got it.”

Division 1-AA
San Diego Cathedral Catholic (15-0) 38,
Stockton St. Mary’s (14-2) 35 (OT)

 

An instant classic, the Rams lost on a field goal in overtime by Liam King. They had 611 yards of offense, but didn’t score on five trips inside the red zone (one on a missed field goal, the other four on fourth-down stops). Cathedral Catholic won its second CIF state title, the first coming in 2008 in what was another memorable game vs. St. Mary’s.
MVP Tate Haynes. This was perhaps the hardest game of the five played at Sac State to choose an MVP. Two St. Mary’s players easily could have been chosen despite the loss – RB Dusty Frampton or QB Jake Dunniway – but Haynes was more than solid for the Dons all season long. In this game, although the Rams got to him for a sack and fumble, he didn’t throw any big interceptions, finished with 318 yards passing and three TDs and rushed for 57 yards on 13 carries. He’s the son of NFL

 

Division I-A:
San Clemente 22, Del Oro (Loomis) 17

USC-bound quarterback Jack Sears has gotten the bulk of the attention for the Tritons as a passer, but in this matchup it was fellow senior Brandon Reaves who was more in the spotlight and it was Sears making a rare play as a defensive back that helped San Clemente win its first state title.

With the Tritons (13-3, ranked No. 13 in the state) trailing 17-15 late in the game, Reaves took a punt return and ran it back for a 54-yard touchdown to give his team a 22-17 lead.

Del Oro, which was hoping to win a D1-A state title after knocking off Camarillo in last year’s D2-AA finale, still had plenty of time to re-take the lead. The Golden Eagles picked up two first downs, but faced a fourth-and-nine from their own 48. Head coach Casey Taylor decided against punting, but the fourth down play resulted in a sack of QB Stone Smartt by San Clemente’s Austin Moore.

After a 15-yard penalty, San Clemente still had 2:11 to kill off of the clock to get the win and almost did it, but after running past a first-down marker with 48 seconds left (and with Del Oro already having burned all of its timeouts) Sears was hit and fumbled into the end zone. He probably should have just fallen down. The Golden Eagles recovered and then had a last-gasp chance from 80 yards out.

The furthest Del Oro could get on that last drive, however, was the 27 and on the final play a desperation heave pass was intercepted by Sears, who was just inserted into the game.

“He’s in our prevent defense and he was back there last week as well (in similar situation),” said San Clemente head coach Jaime Ortiz. “We like to make sure we have our best 11 of the field.”

“It’s always great to make history,” Sears said.

At the beginning of the game, it looked like the best 11 were all on the Del Oro sidelines. The Golden Eagles scored on their first series on a 17-yard scamper by Dalton Gee. They also stopped San Clemente on its second possession, then rolled down the field on a 88-yard scoring driva. That one ended on a 2-yard TD run by Smartt.

Del Oro continued to have the momentum well into the second quarter. The Golden Eagles took a 17-0 lead on a 26-yard field goal by Conor Calvert with 3:50 remaining in the period and even got another stop of the Tritons. That’s when the momentum finally turned away from them when a punt was fumbled and recovered on the 10-yard line by San Clemente’s Moore.

The Tritons converted on that turnover with 1:05 left before halftime on a 12-yard TD pass from Sears to Chase Berman. Del Oro was then punting with less than 20 seconds remaining and suffered another costly mistake on a high snap that went into the end zone, resulting in a safety.

“We just got a little momentum there in the second quarter and my feeling all week is that they have five to six guys going both ways so that might help us,” Ortiz said. “We took their best punch and now it was time to get ours.”

San Clemente’s defense did a much better job shutting down Del Oro’s offense in the second half, although the Tritons weren’t doing much on offense, either. They finally got a chance after getting good field position on a drive early in the fourth quarter. A 25-yard pass from Sears to Keith Jones got them down to the 1-yard line and then with 6:48 left it was Reaves who bowled into the end zone.

Still trailing by 17-15, San Clemente needed a two-point conversion to tie and didn’t get it on an incomplete pass.

Del Oro then had to punt on its next possession, which set the stage for Reaves to come through with his game-winning punt return.

“We just had a mantra of us against the world,” said Ortiz when asked about the team’s long road from not even being a top four seed in the CIF Southern Section Division II playoffs to a state title. “Heritage was the top seed and we went there, we had to go out to Murrieta Valley to play the second seed and then last week we had to play at Edison (Huntington Beach). This week, we drive eight hours to play a great Del Oro team. For our guys it became we’ll play anyplace, anywhere.”

Reaves’ big punt return also was significant since the game in general lacked much offense. He was the Tritons’ leading rusher with 14 carries for 66 yards while Gee led the Golden Eagles with 12 carries for 85 yards. Sears had a sub-par outing with only nine completions in 17 attempts for 95 yards. He also rushed for 55 yards. Smartt threw for 104 yards and ran for 35 for Del Oro.

“This wins means a lot for our program,” Reaves said. “We weren’t going to lose this game. We didn’t come all this way to lose this game so we came out in the second half and gave it all we had.”

Another of the game’s top performers was senior Camrion Davis of Del Oro. He was a standout last year in the team’s big win over Camarillo in the state final and came up with three defensive turnovers. He also rushed for 55 yards and caught one pass.

“It was a great year and I’m proud of our boys,” said Taylor, whose team fell to 13-3 and will drop from No. 21 in the State Top 25. “I wish we could have found a way to win tonight but it just didn’t happen.”

 

San Clemente scores 22 straight to claim first state title

 

It’s in the DNA of San Clemente High football players that when the going gets tough, they persevere, grind away and wait for any opening to turn adversity into success.

Down by 17 points late in the first half of Saturday’s CIF state championship Division 1-A bowl game, the Tritons had little going for them against Loomis Del Oro. That hardly mattered. A turnover, a relentless pass rush from Austin Moore and terrific athleticism from running back Brandon Reaves helped San Clemente score 22 consecutive points and pull out a 22-17 victory on a chilly night at Sacramento State.

“The adrenaline was through the roof, and it was the best feeling ever,” said the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Moore, who recorded three sacks in the second half.

It was Reaves’ 54-yard punt return for a touchdown with 5:38 left that gave San Clemente its first lead of the game.

 

“I caught it and saw no one to the right side, so I just ran to the right and got a big block at the end that pushed me into the end zone,” he said.

Reaves also had a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. His parents are Marines, so he’s learned to never give up.

As if coming back from a 17-0 deficit wasn’t enough adversity, San Clemente (13-3) received another shock as they tried to run out the clock. 

Del Oro had no timeouts left when San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears fumbled at the opponent’s one-yard line. Camrion Davis recovered the ball in the Del Oro end zone for a touchback with 48 seconds left.

It had been a difficult night for Sears, the USC quarterback commit who was intercepted twice by Davis and passed for just 95 yards. But Coach Jaime Ortiz inserted Sears to play on defense in the secondary, and on the final play of the game, he came up with an interception.

“Oh, my god! Oh, my god!” San Clemente players shouted on the field during their victory celebration.

“We always like to make it close,” Ortiz said. “The kids did a great job battling back.”

The game's momentum shifted late in the second quarter when San Clemente recovered a fumble at the Del Oro 10. Sears completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chase Berman. Then the Tritons picked up a safety on a high punt snap to cut their deficit to 17-9 at halftime.

It was San Clemente’s defense that kept the team in the game while waiting for someone to make a big play on offense.

“Austin Moore was a physical presence in the second half,” Ortiz said.

San Clemente won its first Southern Section Division 2 football title in school history two weeks ago and now has its first state championship bowl title.

“How 'bout those Tritons,” Ortiz said.

Division 1-A
San Clemente (13-3) 22,
Loomis Del Oro (13-3) 17

 

The Tritons returned to a heroes welcome in their community that is the last one travelers heading on I-5 south see before they hit San Diego County. A parade also is in the works and why not? Del Oro had one in Loomis last year. This was San Clemente’s first state title.
MVP Brandon Reaves. Although he doesn’t have the recruiting offers of teammate QB Jack Sears (USC commit), Reaves was the versatile, multi-faceted threat who was just as valuable to the Tritons all season long. He scored twice in this game, including of course the game-winning 54-yard punt return in the fourth quarter. He also scored with 48 seconds left in the game when San Clemente edged Edison of Huntington Beach in the SoCal regional final.

 

Valley Christian falls just short of state crown...

 

 

SACRAMENTO — Before their state championship game Friday night, Valley Christian players got a history lesson. They stopped on the way to Sacramento by a church in Elk Grove, where the school’s first football coach led a pregame chapel — the pastor telling the team how far the program had come from its humble beginnings in the early 1980s.

 

A few hours later, Valley Christian nearly made the ultimate history.

 

Miles Kendrick’s 42-yard Hail Mary pass to the end zone on the final play hung long enough — and sailed far enough — to think the prayer might be answered. But defender Terrell Carter knocked the ball away from receiver D’Angelo Mckenzie, clinching Madison of San Diego’s 21-17 victory in the Division 2-AA state championship game at Sacramento State.

 

As it ended, several Valley Christian players dropped to their knees, tears flowing as a program that had never gone this far fell just short of the coveted prize.

 

“You do not need to cry,” senior lineman David Beltramo told one teammate. “We gave everything we had. I know we didn’t win, but we still made Valley Christian history.”

 

For Valley Christian to have a shot at the finish, it took a defensive stop that gave the Warriors the ball 88 yards from the championship, 30 seconds on the clock and no timeouts in their pocket.

 

Kendrick threw a 25-yard pass to Anthony Flores. The two connected again on the next snap for 11 yards. Suddenly, Valley Christian had reached midfield.

 

After a near completion at the 25, Kendrick completed a pass for 10 yards to the Madison 42 with two seconds to go.

 

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“I was just fighting to give my guys another chance,” said Kendrick, a senior. “That’s what it’s about. It’s a Hail Mary. You just throw it up, and you’re hoping for the best.”

 

“I was nervous,” said Carter, the defender. “The ball was in the air forever. At first, I was going to pick the ball. Then I was like, ‘Nah, I am going to slap it down so we could take the win.’”

 

As Madison celebrated its second state title, Valley Christian coach Mike Machado told his players that he loved how they battled, that nobody quit and that the seniors left a legacy. Valley Christian lost two games this season, in overtime to St. Francis and narrowly Friday.

 

“Fifteen game season, and they won 13 games — and the two they lost weren’t by much,” Machado said. “They raised the bar. We have some young kids on this team that anything less than this from here on out is going to be a little bit of a letdown.”

 

 

 

Valley Christian, which had never played for a state championship, led 10-7 at halftime. But the advantage was gone just minutes into the third quarter.

 

Madison went 80 yards in six plays to take a 14-10 lead.

 

Carter, who also plays quarterback, avoided pressure on the touchdown play, throwing a pass to Brandon Lewis along the sideline. Lewis broke a tackle and raced into the end zone, the play covering 37 yards.

 

Valley Christian responded with a 69-yard drive that ended with a 6-yard pass from Kendrick to Flores that gave the Warriors a 17-14 lead.
Madison answered that touchdown on its next series as Erick Buchanan scored on an 8-yard run to give the Warhawks a 21-17 lead with 41 seconds left in the third quarter. Buchanan finished with 159 yards and two touchdowns in 26 carries.

 

“Oh my God, Erick Buchanan is the best running back ever,” Carter said. “I don’t have to do so much because Erick does so much.”

 

Madison (13-2) scored 60 points in an overtime win a week earlier and looked as if it hadn’t slowed down, at least on its first series Friday.

 

The Warhawks needed 13 plays to go 59 yards for a 7-0 lead, a series capped by Buchanan’s 11-yard run. Valley Christian answered on its next possession, taking advantage of a short kickoff that gave the Warriors the ball near midfield.

 

Kendrick’s 31-yard pass down the right sideline to Isaiah Rodriguez, who was wide open, moved the ball from the 42 to the 11. Two plays later, Javon Sturns followed his bulky offensive line for an 8-yard touchdown run that evened the score 7-7.

 

Valley Christian had two golden opportunities to take the lead. Madison fumbled on a punt return, giving Valley Christian possession at the Madison 25. The Warriors ultimately missed a 40-yard field-goal attempt.

 

Madison fumbled two plays after the miss, but Valley Christian again did not score after taking over at the Warhawks’ 25. A 20-yard pass completion from Kendrick to Flores in the end zone was negated by a penalty, and Valley Christian eventually punted.

 

“They said one of the linemen wasn’t down for a full second,” Machado said.

 

Bailey Schroeder eventually broke the tie with a 33-yard field goal on the final play of the half, giving Valley Christian a 10-7 advantage.

 

It remained close all the way down to the final heartbreaking play for Valley Christian.

 

“Our kids are part of a great tradition,” Valley Christian defensive coordinator Eric Scharrenberg said. “There’s a great tradition in the Valley Christian football program, and they have added to the tradition. We’re going to be disappointed tonight. But we’re proud of them and proud of everything we did.”

 

 

Division 2-AA
San Diego Madison (13-2) 21,
San Jose Valley Christian (12-2) 17

It was a defensive battle that came down to the final play of the game as the Warriors’ Hail Mary chance to win the game was knocked down by the Warhawks’ quarterback Terrell Carter, who played both ways. Carter passed for 195 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 28 yards in the come from behind win.
MVP Erick Buchanan. He rushed for their first and last touchdown on the day and finished with 163 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns, including the game-winner late in the third quarter.

 

Division II-AA:
Madison (San Diego) 21,
Valley Christian (San Jose) 17

Writeup by Paul Muyskens

As they had been doing all postseason long, the Warhawks once again came from behind to get the win as they trailed twice before holding on for the Division II-AA state championship in the first of five games to be played at Sacramento State.

Despite several big penalties, the Warhawks were able to take the early lead on a Erick Buchanan 11-yard touchdown run to start a big night that saw him rush for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. That lead would be a short one, however, as Javon Sturns scored on a 8-yard touchdown run to tie things up late in the first quarter.

“Our defense was unbelievable tonight,” said head coach Rick Jackson after the game.

That defense had the Warhawks down by just three points at halftime despite a pair of turnovers deep in their own territory — one on a fumbled punt. All that Valley Christian could get in three trips inside the 25-yard line was Bailey Schroeder kicking a 33-yard field goal on the final play of the first half to give the Warriors a 10-7 lead.

Getting the ball to start the second half, Madison once again scored on its first series of the half. Quarterback Terrell Carter made two big plays on the drive, the first of which saw him complete a 28-yard pass to move the chains on third down and get the ball down to the Warriors’ 37-yard line. One play later, Carter again created a big play as he scrambled back 15 yards to avoid a sack and let go of a pass to Brandon Lewis down the sideline for the 37-yard touchdown and the lead.

“We wanted to prove we can run the ball too. We weren’t trying to score but were trying to chunk them,” said Jackson, whose now won two CIF state titles (the first in 2012 against Marin Catholic and QB Jared Goff). “It was okay in this game to get three or four yards at a time. I just think (winning two) says a lot about our program. We have guys who work all year round and it validates why we do it. Helps everyone buy into it.”

Just like they did in the first half, the Warriors responded with a touchdown of their own on a lengthy drive that included several big pass plays to Anthony Flores, including a six-yard touchdown pass from Miles Kendrick to cap the 11-play 69-yard drive to give them a 17-14 lead with 3:41 left in the third quarter.

Unlike the first half, the Warhawks then found the end zone a second time. Their eight-play drive went 75 yards in 2:54 capped off by an eight-yard run nearly untouched into the end zone by Buchanan with 41 seconds left in the third quarter that turned out to be the game-winning score.

“We just love to work hard, we just never give up,” said Carter. “This is a great feeling.”

“Countless hours of hard work and everyday running and it all paid off,” said standout linebacker Sampson Niu after the game.

Niu and that defense still had to come up with one final stop. The Warriors got a fourth-down stop with 30 seconds left from their own 12-yard line, but had no timeouts and needed a touchdown to steal the state title. After three passes moved them within range, Kendrick was able to unleash a Hail Mary pass. Carter, the quarterback, was the one who knocked down the pass, causing the Warhawks’ sideline to go nuts celebrating their state title.

“It was a tall order to go the length of the field in 30 seconds but we executed it well and having that last play was all we could ask for,” said Warriors head coach Mike Machado. “I’ll think about all the mistakes we made tonight when looking back on it. In games like this you just can’t make them like that. Our defense played great. These guys we just played are disappointed when they don’t get 50. This was a united group this year. I’m prouder of them than you can imagine. It was a united group that stuck together. They earned the right to be here.”

Sturns finished with 76 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries while Kendrick completed 8 of his 17 pass attempts for 104 yards and one score in the loss. Carter ended the night completing 14 of his 24 pass attempts for 195 yards and a score while also rushing for 28 yards. Elijah Thomas and Brandon Lewis each caught four passes with Thomas going for 63 yards and Lewis ending with 60 yards and the touchdown catch.

 

Serra loses to Sierra Canyon 42-40 in 2-A state title game...

 

 

Division 2-A:
Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) 42,
Serra (San Mateo) 40

Writeup by Paul Muyskens

In the third straight incredibly close, tough loss for a Northern California team at Sac State, Serra fell short in its first-ever trip to the state finals while the Trailblazers won their second title.

Senior running back Bobby Cole lifted the winners with 220 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

“I’m going to keep giving the ball to our horse and Bobby is one heck of a running back,” said Sierra Canyon head coach Jon Ellinghouse as they rode Cole early and then at the end to keep Serra’s offense off the field.

Cole made his impact on the second offensive play of the day as he took his first carry and broke free through the middle for an 80-yard touchdown. He scored on two of his first four carries and had 104 yards and two touchdowns as the Trailblazers jumped out to a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Serra would quickly respond as senior quarterback Leki Nunn got the Padres into the end zone on a 14-yard run as they went 63 yards in three plays in under a minute. Nunn followed that with two touchdown passes as he connected with Isiah Kendrick for a 37-yard touchdown and Chris Park for a 35-yard score.

Serra’s 20-0 run, however, did not give the Padres a very short-lived lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, sophomore J.J. Hernandez broke through a hole in the Serra return defensive alignment and outraced the kicker for a 95-yard touchdown and after the PAT Sierra Canyon was back on top 21-20.

“There was a lot of swings in that game and that is what happens when you play fantastic teams that are used to fighting themselves,” Ellinghouse said.

“Yeah, definitely after that TD they scored we had to capitalize,” said Hernandez. “I saw the hole and knew I had to do it for our seniors.”

“All things being equal, we had the same number of TDs as they did,” said Serra head coach Patrick Walsh. “The biggest play in the game was that kickoff return. Finally, we had crested and got a score, then we gave it up right away.”

For the second time on the afternoon, the Padres still came back to take the lead when Nunn led the Padres on a scoring drive on the opening series of the second half. He ended that drive by rushing it in from two yards out for their final lead of the day.

Nunn on the day also completed 18 of his 34 pass attempts for 331 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries.

“Just unbelievable,” said Walsh on his standout dual-threat signal caller. “He’s right up there with the best players I’ve ever coached. No, he doesn’t look like D.J. Williams or Matt Gutierrez or Kevin Simon (De La Salle players), but if you cut him open he’d be just the same.”

Unfortunately for the Padres, their defense then couldn’t get a stop when they needed it the most.

Just like they did after trailing the first time, the Trailblazers matched with a touchdown drive of their own. Senior QB Niko Harris, a starter last year but who was injured and out of action until just this week, hit Dylan Tait for a touchdown with the extra point giving them a 28-27 lead. Harris completed 12 of his 22 pass attempts for 201 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 23 yards.

Cole scored his third touchdown to cap a lengthy drive that expanded from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. His 11-yard touchdown run and the extra point upped the score to 35-27 with 8:15 remaining and still kept Serra in the position of having to get a TD and a two-point conversion to tie it.

On the next series, Nunn again found Kendrick for a touchdown but the attempted two point conversion to tie the game was incomplete when the wide receiver couldn’t keep his feet in bounds.

Serra was still down 35-33 at that point with 4:36 left and tried to use its timeouts in an effort to get the ball back. Cole and the Trailblazer offensive line, however, would have none of that. He scored on a 7-yard run just 1:31 later for a 42-33 lead.

The Padres still weren’t done yet. Without timeouts, they raced down the field and scored with 2:06 left on a 3-yard run by Nunn. Serra had no choice to try an onside kick, which Sierra Canyon easily recovered. The Trailblazers technically then ran out the clock, but with three seconds left Harris just ran backwards to kill the time and caused a lot of confusion when he tossed the ball in the air in celebration. No Serra player fell on the ball, but the Padres also were called for having too many players on the field. The end result was an untimed play for Sierra Canyon, which was a simple kneel down.

Sierra Canyon also ended a 15-0 season, although one of the wins was a forfeit. The Trailblazers haven’t been in the State Top 25 yet, but probably will get that high for the final rankings since Serra (9-5) had moved up to No. 24 last week.

“This wasn’t really even thought of,” said Cole after the game on going undefeated and winning a state championship. “We really didn’t expect to be here but we were and we made the most of it.”

“It is an incredible feeling,” said Ellinghouse. “Both times we’ve won state titles have been awesome but different. The first time we were in our infancy and this time we had to move up a bunch of divisions. Both great cases of accomplishment. This is a great group of kids and I am very proud of them.”

 

Division 2-A
Chatsworth Sierra Canyon (15-0) 42,
San Mateo Serra (9-5) 40

 

QB Niko Harris returned to the starting lineup and the Trailblazers captured their second state championship in a back and forth game that saw multiple lead changes and a two-point conversion to tie the game came within inches of being completed in bounds. Leki Nunn passed for 331 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 109 yards and three scores in the loss. His touchdown pass to Isiah Kendrick made it 35-33 with 4:36 remaining but the attempted tying two-point conversion was caught but ruled just out of the back of the end zone.
MVP Bobby Cole. Called a workhorse by his head coach, Jon Ellinghouse, he rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries and scored Sierra Canyon’s first touchdown on an 80-yard run. He also scored on a 7-yard run with 3:05 remaining that would end up being the game-winner.

 

Menlo-Atherton its own worst enemy in state final defeat...

 

 

 

 

 

Division 3-AA
Lancaster Paraclete (12-4) 39,
Atherton Menlo-Atherton (13-3) 21

 

For a program that has nine CIF Southern Section titles, this was a first for the Spirits. They also became the first school from the Antelope Valley to win a state football crown. M-A scored just before halftime to cut a deficit to 26-21, but the Paraclete defense shut out the Bears in the second half. Jaylan Tynes led the defense with two fumble recoveries and one interception. Aaron Cooper also had a 45-yard interception return. M-A’s Aajon Johnson rushed for 138 yards and one TD and passed for 121 yards and one score. Paraclete head coach Dean Herrington, who was at Alemany (Mission Hills) last year and also well-known for assisting his brother, Mike, at Hart (Newhall), also celebrated winning his first state title.
MVP K.J. Latu. The four-year varsity performer at Paraclete rushed for three touchdowns as a fullback and had an interception on defense. Latu even punted for the Spirits.

Division 3-A
Oakdale (14-2) 47,
La Jolla Bishop’s (13-1) 0

While Northern California teams went 0-5 in games at Sacramento State, they were 6-2 in the Saturday divisional games (all on the road). No team perhaps represented better than the Mustangs, who were backed by more fans 450 miles from home than the Knights. They also rolled to the most lopsided win in any state final this year. It’s Oakdale’s first CIF state title after lopsided loss in its previous title game appearance vs. Gardena Serra.
MVP Will Semone. Perhaps the easiest MVP pick of any game, Semone scored six touchdowns to tie the single-game record for any CIF state final, a record set in 2008 by San Diego Cathedral Catholic’s Tyler Gaffney. Semone also had 28 carries for 219 yards to put his final season total at 2,851 yards.

 

Campolindo wins state title with 31-7 rout of Bakersfield Christian

 

BAKERSFIELD — For a minute or two, Campolindo coach Kevin Macy tried to explain the key to his team’s state championship in his own terms.

 

Then he gave up and used a term more popular with the current generation.

“It’s like the kids like to say, their language, we just ‘grinded,’” Macy said after his team beat host Bakersfield Christian 31-7 on Saturday for the CIF Division 4AA state title. “They were just grinding away.”

 

Jacob Westphal passed for 188 yards and two touchdowns, John Torchio intercepted two passes and caught another for a touchdown and the Cougars (12-3) forced four Bakersfield Christian turnovers.

 

Three of those takeaways came in the second half, when Campolindo out-scored the Eagles 21-0.

 

“It’s unbelievable. It’s awesome. It’s once in a lifetime,” said Torchio, who was a freshman when the Cougars won the CIF Division III state title in 2014.

 

“That is a great football team,” said BCHS coach Darren Carr, older brother of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. “Their first snap looks like their last snap. They went out there and took advantage of our fumbles, our interceptions, man. They didn’t shoot themselves in the foot. They kicked our butt.”

 

Torchio was key for a Campolindo defense that held a vaunted Bakersfield Christian passing attack in check. BCHS quarterback Braden Wingle entered with more than 4,000 passing yards but was just 11 of 22 for 155 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. His top target, 1,600-yard receiver Jeremiah Foster, was held to two catches for 36 yards.

“We knew they passed the ball really well, and we worked all week on covering the pass,” Torchio said. “Coach Macy, his game-planning is ridiculous.”

Macy’s top priority was to get pressure on Wingle, which the Cougars had noticed on film led to the quarterback dropping his eyes. To that end, a defensive end crew led by Joey Berzins forced Wingle to scramble all night and sacked him three times.

“We didn’t think we could run with them, so we knew we’d have to bring pressure on them, and the kids off the edge did enough,” said Macy, who also mentioned Jonathan Cirelli and Justin Ehrenberger as key pass rushers.

Bakersfield Christian (13-2) also helped the Cougars’ cause. The Eagles’ Brock Holloway rushed for 95 yards but also lost a fumble on the team’s first offensive play. Campolindo didn’t directly capitalize, but the turnover flipped field position and led to the game’s first touchdown on the next drive, a 4-yard pass from Westphal to Kannah Cruickshank.

BCHS also missed a field goal, ended another drive with a bad snap, fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half and threw two late interceptions.

 Each time, Campolindo was there to pounce.

“We all felt this was the football gods saying it was our chance,” Berzins said. “We needed to capitalize, and we did.”By the time Matthew Ringquist ran for a 36-yard touchdown deep into the fourth quarter, it was all over but the celebrating.

 The Cougars gathered as one for a photo, fitting for a team that lost several key players from last year’s roster but still returned to a state championship — and this time emerged victorious.

 “We’re sort of an unknown story all year,” Macy said. “We sort of liked it that way. This was a team that just didn’t have marquee names. If you look at us, we’re small linemen, just kind of a small team. Joey Berzins stands out, but other than that we’re just kind of anonymous. We just compete, we fight.

 “This game is emblematic of what they’ve been about all year, so maybe it’s the perfect ending.”

 

Division 4-AA
Moraga Campolindo (12-3) 31,
Bakersfield Christian (13-2) 7

 

Facing a quarterback, Braden Wingle, who had passed for over 4,000 yards this season, the Cougars’ defense held him to just 155 passing yards with two interceptions. They also helped the school earn its second CIF state title (first was in D3 in 2014) in the fourth straight season in which it has been in a state final.
MVP John Torchio. The son of former Cal QB Jay Torchio recorded both of the interceptions thrown by Bakersfield Christian in this game and he also had a pick six in the NorCal final. A junior, don’t be surprised if he’s the QB for the Cougars next season.

Division 4-A
Chico Pleasant Valley (12-3) 50,
Long Beach St. Anthony (13-3) 49 (OT)

In a game that rivaled Cathedral Catholic-Stockton St. Mary’s as the craziest of the weekend, the Vikings brought home their first state title and no doubt brought a smile to the face of famous NFL alum Aaron Rodgers. St. Anthony took a 42-34 lead with 2:02 left in regulation on a 60-yard interception return by B.J. Busbee. On PV’s next series, a fourth-and-10 (match point so to speak) was picked up on a pass from Kyle Lindquist to Quiane Rhodes. Teammate Trevor Owens caught another pass from Lindquist a few plays later and turned it into a 47-yard TD with 1:13 left. Payton Williams next came through with a diving catch in the end zone for the two-point conversion that tied the score. In overtime, the Saints took the lead at 49-42 on a 10-yard run by Talaun Patton and a PAT. Pleasant Valley went next and after a 6-yard TD pass from Lindquist to Max Andersen, head coach Mark Cooley went for the two-point conversion to win – or lose – the game. Lindquist found Sean Seibert open (who had only two catches in the game previously). He made the catch and the Vikings had their state title.
MVP Kyle Lindquist. Anybody who stands out among all of the QBs who go to the annual Elite 11 camp in the Bay Area can’t be a sleeper, but Lindquist still is among any listing of top QBs in the state. He had a huge CIF state final, completing 27 of 44 passes for 406 yards and four TDs with another TD rushing. It may be the second-best CIF state passing total for anybody following the 445-yard total for Folsom’s Jake Browning in 2014.

 

 

 

 

MORENO VALLEY  – When vision becomes reality, it’s easy to see the future. And the future looks bright for Bishop O’Dowd football.

 

Austin Jones ran for three touchdowns, and Christopher Lucas returned an interception for a late score as Bishop O’Dowd ran away from Valley View for a 43-24 victory in the CIF-State Division 5-AA championship game.

 

The city of Oakland, which had never produced a state football champion, produced two Saturday as O’Dowd and McClymonds won titles within minutes of one another.

 

“I set the vision that we believe we can do this, and when you get people to buy in to the vision and start pushing in the same direction, you can achieve great things,” said Bishop O’Dowd coach Napoleon Kaufman, the former Oakland Raiders running back.

 

Bishop O’Dowd (15-1 overall) reached the mountaintop despite playing its last three games without one of its biggest stars, cornerback Je’quari Godfrey, who injured his left knee before the North Coast Section Division III championship game.

 

“We knew our brother was down and it was next-man-up,” said Jones, a sophomore who carried 28 times for 195 yards. “We did what we had to do. We got this ‘W’ for him. We love him and thank him for everything he did for us.”

 

“I’m just ecstatic,” said Godfrey, who has committed to Cal. “I know I can’t be on the field but my bros have gotten it done.”

 

Senior quarterback Joe Deluca played his final game and got Bishop O’Dowd going on its second possession, marching the Dragons down to the 18-yard line before Trey Miller kicked a 35-yard field goal. Jones made it 9-0 with a 29-yard touchdown run on O’Dowd’s second possession.

 

Bishop O’Dowd’s defense held Valley View without a first down until the Eagles’ fourth possession, limiting its opponent to just 87 yards in the first half.

 

“We figured that we were going to be able to contain them, and I tip my cap to Valley View, but we played better tonight,” Kaufman said.

 

Jones added his second touchdown — from 1 yard out — with less than two minutes remaining in the half to make it 16-0. He broke loose on a 50-yard scoring run after Valley View had closed to within 16-10.

 

“It’s been a dream of mine and now it’s finally here, but we’re going to come off this and keep pushing,” said Jones, who led the Dragons with 1,966 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns this season.

 

Jones will be back next season, as will most of the team. The Dragons had just 17 seniors.

 

“We just have a great group of kids,” said Kaufman, whose team’s only loss came against NCS Open runner-up Freedom. “We want to win on the field but we want to win off the field. We’re building men of character, and it doesn’t stop. There’ll be another group coming in soon.”

 

 

Division 5-AA
Oakland Bishop O’Dowd (15-1) 43,
Moreno Valley Valley View (12-4) 24

 

The Dragons scored the game’s first 16 points and would never trail as the city of Oakland won two state football championships within minutes on Saturday after never having had one before. While we’ll get a lot of these types of accomplishments now that there are 13 different state champions, the city of Oakland needs any kind of lift after the recent warehouse fire that killed 36 people.
MVP Austin Jones. The standout sophomore rushed for 195 yards on 28 carries and three touchdowns while also catching three passes for 31 yards. One of many that will be back next season, he ended the year rushing for 1,966 yards and 27 touchdowns.

 

McClymonds stuns La Jolla Country Day to win state title

 

 

 

 

Division 5-A
Oakland McClymonds (13-1) 20,
La Jolla Country Day (12-4) 17

Yet another prolific passer who was limited by a stingy defense was Country Day’s Braxton Burmeister, who was held to just 7 of 26 for 113 yards. Devin White’s kickoff return right before halftime that made the score 20-14 also turned out to be the game-winner. Emoreea Fountain had two touchdown passes, both going to Angelo Garrett, in the first half while the Torreys two touchdowns’ came on runs by Burmeister. Mack won its first CIF state football title.
MVP Devin White. His kickoff return turned out to be the game-winner. White also has been one of the team’s top two-way threats all season long.

 

Division 6-AA
Temecula Rancho Christian (14-2) 38,
Sutter Creek Amador (14-2) 13

 

Head coach Jim Kunau of the Eagles became just the second coach in CIF state history to guide a second, different school to a title. He did it the first time as the head coach at Orange Lutheran in 2006. The only other on that list is Harry Welch, who actually has led three different schools to state titles (Canyon of Canyon Country 2006, Rancho Santa Margarita St. Margaret’s 2008 and Rancho SM Santa Margarita 2011). Rancho kicker Emma Baker had one field goal and four PATs for seven kicking points. She ended the season with 99 kicking points (75 PATs, 8 of 10 FGs, long of 40) and already has 208 for her career. We already knew she had a state record for most points by a girl kicker and she already has a national record for that category. It’s going to be even better, however, when she ends her career on several all-time state lists regardless of gender. She’s in the book already for season kicking points and career kicking points.
MVP Carter Treadway. While RB Daylan Thetford of the Buffaloes had another strong outing, the junior QB for Rancho Christian hit on 10 of 11 passes for 211 yards and two TDs. He also rushed for 42 yards.

 

Division 6-A
Vallejo St. Patrick-St. Vincent (13-3) 29,
Strathmore (14-1) 28

 

Joseph Garcia rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries and Andres Lara caught two touchdown passes from Nick Salas to build a 28-14 halftime lead for Strathmore, but the Bruins outscored the Spartans 15-0 in the second half for the road win. Gabe Fuentes kicked a 19-yard field goal to win the game with six seconds left. It also was the Bruins’ first-ever state title in football.
MVP Marshel Martin. Nearly scoring the game-winning touchdown, he was knocked out at the one-yard line to set up the game-winning field goal and his 72-yard touchdown run with under nine minutes remaining made it 28-26. Martin also rushed for more than 100 yards on the night.

 

Mark Tennis is the co-founder and publisher of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at markjtennis@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow Mark on the Cal-Hi Sports Twitter handle: @CalHiSports

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships DIVISION 1

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships DIVISION 2

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships DIVISION 3

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships DIVISION 4

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships DIVISION 5

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships OPEN

It’s not the same as when there was no Open Division of the CIF state bowl games, but the Braves still officially get added to the list of all-time great teams in California that dates back more than 100 years.

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This year’s St. John Bosco football team lost twice, so any comparisons to the Braves’ 2013 squad that finished 16-0 would be foolish, correct?

 

Not so fast. Although it would be hard to say 2016 was better than 2013, the Braves were comparable, especially after their 56-33 win last Saturday night over two-time defending champion De La Salle of Concord in the CIF Open Division state final.

 

Now that the season is completely over, the first act of business on the Cal-Hi Sports’ parade of postseason honors is the official crowning of the State Team of the Year. That comes today and just like having two CIF state titles in four years St. John Bosco also is now State Team of the Year twice in four years.

The last 13-2 team to finish No. 1 in the state was De La Salle in 2009, which was the first in a four-year run atop the state rankings for the Spartans, until 2013 when they lost to that 2013 Bosco squad. Before that, you have to go back to 1979 for Edison of Huntington Beach when it was so dominant in the CIF Southern Section Big Five playoffs that it had to come up to No. 1 in the final rankings despite two early-season losses.

This year’s two-loss Braves weren’t as dominant over the competition at the end like Edison 1979, but if you look at all of the competition that they had to get past then it’s still easy to elevate them into conversations about other No. 1, even unbeaten State Teams of the Year.

 

First, this year’s team at Mater Dei of Santa Ana was on track to perhaps being the greatest-ever at the school, but St. John Bosco spoiled that by avenging an early-season 26-21 loss with a 42-28 victory in the CIF Southern Section Division I championship. The Monarchs were No. 1 in the state and pushing for No. 1 in the nation at the time.

 

Second, the Braves’ only other loss was to national No. 1 Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas and it’s at least arguable that this was the best Gorman team there’s ever been.

 

It’s also hard to envision any offensive line in the nation playing as well as St. John Bosco in the last month. With mammoth Wyatt Davis leading the way, one of the best offensive lineman many in Southern California have ever seen, Bosco became unstoppable with its running game and when junior QB Re-al Mitchell did pass he was rarely touched.

 

“We trusted our offensive line tonight and have been all season,” Mitchell said after his team defeated Mater Dei. “They made it so much easier for everything.”

 

“I’m just so happy for the kids, they never lost faith,” head coach Jason Negro told the Long Beach Press-Telegram. “They believed all year, they really did.”

 

As is our custom for State Team of the Year posts, congratulations to Coach Negro and the entire staff: Offensive Coordinator Chad Johnson, Defensive Coordinator Chris King, Wide Receivers Bryan Treggs, Wide Receivers James Leeman, Offensive Line Jim Adams, Offensive Line Fredy Arteaga, Linebackers Jonathan Hall, Corners & Safeties Tim Richmond, Defensive Line Paul Diaz, Linebackers Rob Fuiava, Strength & Conditioning David Amescua, Tight Ends Nate Munson, Running Backs Mike Crawford, Defensive Line Mia Tui, Football Operations Jessie Christiansen plus all of the trainers, team doctors, cheerleaders and parents.

 

CAL-HI SPORTS STATE
TEAMS OF THE YEAR
ALL-TIME HONOR ROLL

 

(Last 105 years listed, but it goes back further than that to 1891 in our files, as compiled from 1891 to 2003 by the late Nelson Tennis)

2016 — Bellflower St. John Bosco (13-2)
2015 — Concord De La Salle (13-1)
2014 — Concord De La Salle (15-0)
2013 — Bellflower St. John Bosco (16-0)
2012 — Concord De La Salle (15-0)
2011 — Concord De La Salle (13-1)
2010 — Concord De La Salle (14-0)
2009 — Concord De La Salle (13-2)
2008 — Corona Centennial (15-0)
2007 — Concord De La Salle (13-0)
2006 — Westlake Village Oaks Christian (15-0)
2005 — Ventura St. Bonaventure (14-0)
2004 — Mission Viejo (14-0)
2003 — Concord De La Salle (13-0)
2002 — Concord De La Salle (13-0)
2001 — Concord De La Salle (12-0)
2000 — Concord De La Salle (13-0)
1999 — Concord De La Salle (12-0)
1998 — Concord De La Salle (12-0)
1997 — Concord De La Salle (12-0)
1996 — Concord De La Salle (12-0)
1995 — Concord De La Salle (13-0)
1994 — Concord De La Salle (13-0)
1993 — Rialto Eisenhower (14-0)
1992 — Concord De La Salle (13-0)
1991 — Santa Ana Mater Dei (13-1)
1990 — Merced (14-0)
1989 — Fontana (14-0)
1988 — Carson (12-1)
1987 — Fontana (14-0)
1986 — El Toro (14-0)
1985 — Vista (13-0)
1984 — Riverside Poly (13-1)
1983 — Mountain View St. Francis (13-0)
1982 — Anaheim Servite (11-1)
1981 — San Jose Bellarmine (12-0)
1980 — Wilmington Banning (12-0)
1979 — Huntington Beach Edison (12-2)
1978 — Visalia Mt. Whitney (13-0)
1977 — Rancho Cordova (12-0)
1976 — Wilmington Banning (12-1)
1975 — Rancho Cordova (11-0)
1974 — Vista (13-0)
1973 — Hacienda Heights Los Altos (12-1)
1972 — Santa Fe Springs St. Paul (13-0)
1971 — Carson (12-0)
1970 — La Puente Bishop Amat (12-1)
1969 — Pasadena Blair (13-0)
1968 — Alameda (9-0)
1967 — Anaheim (12-1)
1966 — Pico Rivera El Rancho (13-0)
1965 — San Jose Bellarmine (9-0)
1964 — Stockton Stagg (10-0)
1963 — Los Angeles Loyola (12-0)
1962 — Los Angeles Loyola (12-0)
1961 — Monterey (8-0)
1960 — Redwood City Sequoia (9-0)
1959 — Long Beach Poly (11-0)
1958 — Long Beach Poly (11-0-1)
1957 — Berkeley (8-0)
1956 — Downey (12-0-1)
1955 — San Diego (11-0-1)
1954 — Vallejo (9-0)
1953 — Santa Monica (10-0-1)
1952 — Santa Monica (11-0-1)
1951 — Pomona (12-0)
1950 — Compton (11-1)
1949 — Compton (10-1)
1948 — Long Beach St. Anthony (11-1-1)
1947 — L.A. Washington (8-0)
1946 — Alhambra Keppel (8-0)
1945 — Santa Ana (11-1)
1944 — Alhambra Keppel (8-0)
1943 — Redondo Beach Redondo (6-0)
1942 — La Verne Bonita (11-0)
1941 — Piedmont (9-0)
1940 — Piedmont (8-0)
1939 — Alhambra (10-0)
1938 — Stockton (8-0)
1937 — L.A. Manual Arts (8-0)
1936 — L.A. Manual Arts (8-0-1)
1935 — Long Beach Poly (9-0)
1934 — Piedmont (8-0)
1933 — S.F. Galileo (8-2-1)
1932 — Inglewood (10-2)
1931 — Santa Ana (13-0)
1930 — Berkeley (11-0-1)
1929 — Berkeley (11-0-1)
1928 — Lodi (9-0)
1927 — Bakersfield (12-0)
1926 — San Mateo (9-1-1)
1925 — Los Angeles (10-0)
1924 — Berkeley (11-0)
1923 — Bakersfield (10-0-1)
1922 — Bakersfield (10-0-1)
1921 — Bakersfield (9-0-1)
1920 — Bakersfield (9-1)
1919 — Long Beach Poly (12-0)
1918 — L.A. Manual Arts (9-0)
1917 — L.A. Manual Arts (11-1)
1916 — San Diego (12-0)
1915 — Pasadena (7-1)
1914 — Pomona Rugby (12-0)
1913 — Pomona Rugby (11-0)
1912 — Berkeley Rugby (7-2-1)
1911 — Los Angeles Rugby (9-0)
1910 — Alameda (5-0)

As is our tradition, we go through each of the 13 upcoming CIF state football championship games and provide a predicted final score. We think a lot of NorCal teams will be successful on the road and perhaps one of the biggest underdogs is team with six state titles in the last seven years.

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Open Division
St. John Bosco 40, De La Salle 24
Since the first few weeks of the season, it’s been somewhat obvious of the wide gap between the Braves, league rival Mater Dei, CIF Southern Section rival Corona Centennial and everybody else in the state. The Spartans struggled early, losing once to an unbeaten eventual state champ from Utah and winning by only one point over Anaheim Servite and San Ramon Valley, but have looked great in last three wins. Has the improvement been enough? Probably not. Bosco just won by 14 over a Monarch team that in person was more impressive than DLS team we saw in person beat Monte Vista of Danville.

Division I-AA
St. Mary’s (Stockton) 35,
Cathedral Catholic 28
Fans at Cathedral Catholic know this score very well because it was 35-28 when the Dons beat Narbonne last week, it was 35-27 when they beat Helix for the San Diego Open Division title and 35-28 when they beat Helix in the regular season. While there are concerns about the health of St. Mary’s receiver/secondary corps and the Rams can’t afford to play as sloppy as they did last week against Freedom (five turnovers), we think they’ll play more like they did the last time at Sac State (beat Folsom 56-25) and if they do they should win school’s first CIF state football title.

Division I-A
San Clemente 33, Del Oro 30
Yes, we know that the Golden Eagles have had an almost magical quality playing at Sac State (like last year when they took apart unbeaten Camarillo in the D2-AA state final), but this is a higher division and we just really like the road that the Tritons have taken to get this far. Del Oro has played teams as good and one team (Folsom) probably better than San Clemente, but hasn’t gone through a gauntlet like Heritage of Menifee (11-0 at the time), Valencia (has a 48-9 win over Bakersfield), Murrieta Valley (No. 10 in the state at the time) and Huntington Beach Edison (No. 11 in the state at the time).

Division 2-AA
Madison 29, Valley Christian (San Jose) 24
This one caused a lot of disagreement among us at the Stockton office. Reasons to like VC include wins over three teams still going for state titles (Campolindo, Pleasant Valley, San Mateo Serra) and a defense that gave no more than 14 points twice all year. But none of those teams are explosive Calabasas, the team Madison beat to win the SoCal crown. There’s also got to be good reasons why so many in San Diego thought the Warhawks were the top team around until they played Cathedral Catholic late in the regular season.

Division 2-A
Serra (San Mateo) 42, Sierra Canyon 34
While it’s a battle of a four-loss Padres team against an undefeated Trailblazers team we will give the nod to the team from the super tough West Catholic Athletic League. Sierra Canyon actually will be playing a team currently ranked in the State Top 25 for the first time this season. Since opening the season 0-4 against some of the top teams in the state, including De La Salle of Concord, Valley Christian of San Jose and St. Mary’s of Stockton who will also both be in Sacramento this weekend, the Padres have won 10 straight led by dual-threat quarterback Sitaleki Nunn and we think he will be the difference in a high-scoring shootout.

Division 3-AA
Paraclete (Lancaster) 28, Menlo-Atherton 21
Playing at home at Antelope Valley College and having head coach Dean Herrington at the helm with all of his big-game experience plus how well the Spirits have been playing gives them the edge. Their win over a Mater Dei Catholic team that has been in the top five overall in San Diego and their win in the CIFSS D6 final over previous 13-0 Los Altos (Hacienda Heights) are both good signs as well. M-A had a lot of success against Manteca running the ball with Jordan Mims and Aajon Johnson. Since the Spirits just faced C.J. Verdell (going to Oregon), they should be well-prepared.

Division 3-A
Oakdale 28, Bishop’s (La Jolla) 21
When the four teams north and south were slotted for this bracket, Oakdale stood out as a favorite since the other three teams were going to have to step up more to Oakdale’s usual level of competition than the other way around. Both teams are led by players in the middle of great seasons – RB Will Semone of the Mustangs and QB Jeffrey Jackson of the Knights. Bishop’s is basically playing at home and is unbeaten, but Oakdale just knocked off 13-0 Sutter and has a win over Central Catholic of Modesto, which basically won the state division that Bishop’s was in the last four seasons.

Division 4-AA
Campolindo 35, Bakersfield Christian 19
With the CIF Central Section down a bit this season we will once again go with the more battle tested team from the Bay Area despite the Cougars having to go on the road to Bakersfield for this game on Saturday night. In fact, one local historian tweeted it’s the first state final to be held in Bakersfield since 1923. Junior Braden Wingle has had a nice postseason and has now passed for over 4,000 yards and 43 touchdowns this season but he will be tested by a Cougars defense that has not allowed more than 21 points in a game the last three weeks and has already faced several state finalists including Valley Christian of San Jose and Oakdale. Scoring at least 40 points in their three wins before last week’s 30-21 road win at Palma we see them breaking the 30 point mark once again with their defense again doing enough to get the win.

Division 4-A
Pleasant Valley (Chico) 22, St. Anthony (Long Beach) 21
It’s going to help the visiting Vikings a lot that they got to play Milpitas coming into this game because St. Anthony has a lot of the same kind of speed that ordinarily isn’t seen in the CIF Northern Section. Two of PV’s losses are to teams still going – Valley Christian of San Jose and Del Oro and the VC contest was just 17-14. Saints QB John Buksa enters with 2,800 yards passing and 1,500 rushing with 51 combo TDs. Pleasant Valley QB Kyle Lindquist doesn’t have those kind of stats, but we’ve seen him and he’s got D1 possibilities. This looks like a toss-up with the X-factor perhaps being St. Anthony WR/DB B.J. Busbee. He can score on returns, pick sixes and on long pass plays.

Division 5-AA
Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland) 34, Valley View (Moreno Valley) 27
If the Dragons play like they did in their 27-7 win over Marin Catholic in the NCS D3 final, they might be okay even on the road against the Eagles. The problem is their second half against Capital Christian last week was questionable and their NCS semifinal win vs. Rancho Cotate needed a last-second field goal. Still, while Valley View has lit it up in the post-season behind QB Jacob Barlage (son of head coach Daniel Barlage) and RB Justin Keeling (2,000 yards), O’Dowd is a team with some legit D1 college talent. Jordan Jackson and Cooper Hagmaier at defensive end are beasts and Alijah Vera-Tucker is one of the state’s top offensive linemen. RB Austin Jones of O’Dowd also is one of the state’s top sophomores.

Division 5-A
La Jolla Country Day 55, McClymonds (Oakland) 48
This looks like it could be the most high-scoring of the weekend state finals. The Mack offense will bring a lot of speed to San Diego County, led by junior QB Emoreea Fountain and senior RB Jerrell Alberty, but may not have faced the kind of offense that the Torreys have and the Warriors will have to do it 500 miles from home. QB Braxton Burmeister will head to the University of Arizona almost right after the game and will add on to his season rush-pass totals of 5,693 yards and 78 TDs.

Division 6-AA
Amador 27, Rancho Christian 22
It’s a ride of more than 400 miles for the Buffaloes, but it was even longer last year in this division when St. Bernard’s of Eureka went to Saddleback Valley Christian and won. Rancho Christian has home area advantage and has a head coach in Jim Kunau who’s won at the highest levels, including 2006 CIF D2 state title at Orange Lutheran. We’re not sure that’ll be enough against a foe that has slugged it out in a tougher league and has knocked off two unbeaten teams in its last three outings.

Division 6-A
St. Patrick-St. Vincent 36, Strathmore 20
It’s not the two regional games that favor the Bruins, but some of the games beforehand, such as SPSV’s wins over Berean Christian and Fort Bragg in the North Coast Section and Strathmore’s 26-20 close call vs. Riverdale in the Central Section. If Spartans’ RB Joseph Garcia goes off again (he had 421 yds, 7 TDs last week), however, all bets are off.

All of the CIF NorCal and SoCal regional bowl choices are out. Go inside to see what we think for each division and to check out which teams we peg as the favorites to win titles in every division.

We hope you enjoy this free feature. It’s also a great time to sign up for our Gold Club to see all of our great content. Some of the all-state football teams will be Gold Club, including All-State Underclass. This week’s new State Top 25 rankings and first look at what our traditional five-division state rankings will look like also will be Gold Club. For details, CLICK HERE.

The following is the schedule for the 2016 CIF Regional Football Championship Bowl Games for Divisions 1-AA through 6-A. Winners from the NorCal and SoCal Regional games will advance to the CIF State Football Championships representing their respective divisions for the title of CIF State Champion. All teams were slotted based on competitive equity and the respective criteria.

All comments and quick picks for each division are from Cal-Hi Sports and not an indication of any input from the CIF itself.

OPEN DIVISION
De La Salle of Concord (11-1) Concord vs. St. John Bosco of Bellflower (12-2) at Hornet Stadium, Sacramento State – Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8:00 p.m.
Comment: As long as the Spartans are continuing to cast their giant shadow on all of NorCal (no losses to teams north of Fresno in 25 years, no losses ever to any teams from Sac-Joaquin Sec, etc.) there’s no other way for the CIF to go when they win their NCS title. There’s also no other way to go to match DLS against the CIFSS D1 winner unless there’s some head-to-head loss to an L.A. City, Central Sec or San Diego team.
Quick Pick: As much as we respect all that is DLS and how far the Spartans have come since early in the season, the sense we’ve had all season is the fairly large gap that St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Corona Centennial have over everybody else in the state.

DIVISION 1–AA
North: Freedom of Oakley (11-1) at St. Mary’s of Stockton (13-1) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Narbonne of Harbor City (14-0) at Cathedral Catholic of San Diego (13-0) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: Freedom may have lost big to DLS, but its wins throughout the season clearly kept the Falcons in the three spot on the NorCal board. Narbonne on the road instead of at home is a reflection of the Gauchos’ computer ranking dropping in the course of the season due to the general weakness of the L.A. City D1 bracket compared to CC being in an Open Division. You’d think winning a CIF D1-A state title and having to travel last year to play Bakersfield Ridgeview would have merited a better deal for Narbonne from the CIF.
Quick Pick: A lot of folks in Stockton have thought about St. Mary’s playing Cathedral Catholic again in a state final. They played in the D2 bowl game in 2008 in a game State Player of the Year Tyler Gaffney scored six TDs for the Dons. First reaction is that it will happen again, but the Tyler Gaffney clone plays at St. Mary’s named Dusty Frampton. Many in SoCal will scoff at the Rams because of their huge loss to Bosco, but Frampton got hurt on the first play in that game and the way they are playing with the final at Sac State this is a bracket they definitely can win.

DIVISION 1–A
North: Bakersfield (11-2) at Del Oro of Loomis (12-2) – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
South: San Clemente (11-3) vs. Edison of Huntington Beach (13-1) at Huntington Beach HS – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: We’ve thought all year and in talking to our great Central Section correspondent Bob Barnett that it’s just been a down season there. The CIF struggled with this placement but put the Drillers in this spot opposite Del Oro anyway. Our problem with DO is that until this week we had to still rank the team behind Oak Ridge due to head-to-head loss. San Clemente and Edison is indeed a strong matchup and will get strong support from Orange County. Regardless, Calabasas has been the better team since day one over either one. We get it that the CIFSS wants to protect its competitive equity divisional pecking order as much as possible (San Clemente D2, Edison D3 and Calabasas D5) and you could argue that Edison could be ranked higher than Calabasas. There’s not a metric at all (humans, computers, common sense), however, that would rank San Clemente with three losses ahead of the Coyotes.

Quick Pick: Since the Tritons just knocked off Murrieta Valley, they can easily add Edison to the list. The Chargers’ offensive line, however, may be the difference once again. We’d say Del Oro is a one score favorite in its game at home. Having seen Edison beat La Mirada and Del Oro many times over the years, we can say for sure neither of the two SoCal teams has the kind of speed that gave DO such trouble in its bowl losses to Helix and Bakersfield. Calabasas not being picked this high actually helps the Golden Eagles because that’s a team that does have that kind of abilities. Great spot for DO to win another one.

DIVISION 2–AA
North: Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa (12-1) at Valley Christian of San Jose (12-1) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Calabasas (14-0) at Madison of San Diego (11-2) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: In a nutshell, Cardinal Newman is too high. Yeah, know that VC can’t play Serra in a bowl game. But putting the Cards this high on the board basically because their one loss to Stockton St. Mary’s “wasn’t that bad” isn’t enough. We’d have had VC playing Del Oro, Serra in this division playing Bakersfield and Newman down further playing Sanger or Manteca. In the south, Calabasas actually could have been even lower (behind Sierra Canyon due to CIFSS divisional order), but at least some sanity prevailed to match up the Coyotes with San Diego Madison, which has some of the top D1 talent of any team in that section.
Quick Pick: No doubt that Calabasas is the favorite here. How the team will react given its attention will be key. No disrespect to Madison fans and players, but for various reasons we’ve never seen QB Tristan Gebbia, WR/DB Darnay Holmes and company yet and we really want to see them up in Sac. Holmes didn’t play in this week’s game, though, so hope injury isn’t bad.

DIVISION 2–A
North: Serra of San Mateo (9-4) at Sanger (13-0) – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Los Angeles (11-3) at Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth (13-0*) at Granada Hills HS – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: Some in the Central Section have thought all year that Sanger was right up there with Bakersfield and Central of Fresno as top overall team in section. There just aren’t a lot of scores to look at to prove that, which made it hard to place the Apaches on the board. If Serra plays like it has in the last month, even on the road might be tough for Sanger. In the south, once Calabasas got slotted into D2-AA, Sierra Canyon was a cinch for D2-A. Hawkins probably would have played Calabasas in D2-AA if it had won vs. L.A. High, but the Romans winning basically caused a flip with Madison going up and them coming in opposite the Trail Blazers.
Quick Pick: Serra is like Del Oro last year, which went 4-6 in regular season only to come back and beat a 15-0 team for a CIF state title. The way the Padres beat St. Francis a second time is a good sign for them.

DIVISION 3–AA
North: Manteca (12-1) at Menlo-Atherton of Atherton (11-2) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Mater Dei Catholic of Chula Vista (12-1) vs. Paraclete of Lancaster (10-4) at Antelope Valley College – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: We would have had Manteca a bit higher so the Buffs getting an M-A team that arguably should have been behind Palma of Salinas in CCS pecking order is a good spot for them. Mater Dei Catholic probably was locked into this game to play Los Altos of Hacienda Heights and it didn’t take long to check out Paraclete’s resume to just replace the Spirits after their win over the Conquerors. The losses are against a strong schedule for team in this bracket range.
Quick Pick: MD Catholic easily has the most dynamic player among the four with Oregon-bound RB C.J. Verdell. A Manteca-MD Catholic final, since it may be down south, would be too tough to call. Paraclete also may have edge due to experience of head coach Dean Herrington (formerly Alemany and longtime assistant at state power Hart of Newhall), who knows how to win big games.

DIVISION 3–A
North: Sutter (13-0) at Oakdale (12-2) – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Bishop’s of La Jolla (13-0) at Valley Christian of Cerritos (12-2), Cerritos – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: We had Sutter and Oakdale playing in several run-throughs of our NorCal board (not the last one) so that’s a pairing that makes sense. Both Valley Christian and St. Anthony of Long Beach (in same league) were moved up higher than CIFSS D7 and D8 champions because St. Anthony has a high computer ranking and VC beat the Saints head-to-head. We checked that out as well and frankly just don’t see why that computer ranking for St. Anthony is that high. We would have kept San Gorgonio and Yorba Linda higher.
Quick Pick: Oakdale is a team that has played Clayton Valley and Gardena Serra in CIF state bowl games. Sorry, but none of these teams are close to that. The way the Mustangs have been rolling, they’d be our choice at first glance.

DIVISION 4–AA
North: Campolindo of Moraga (10-3) vs. Palma of Salinas (10-3), Salinas at Rabobank Stadium, Salinas – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Bakersfield Christian (12-1) at Selma (13-0) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: After our projections were off by a team or two from NorCal divisions 1-A and downward, they got more in line from this point downward. Campolindo’s recent CIF state bowl titles likely helped the Cougars get seeded higher than Bishop O’Dowd and beating Milpitas last year helped as well. Putting the two Central Sec teams together generally isn’t preferred by the CIF but doing it with these two prevents travel and it’s not a bad matchup.
Quick Pick: Yes, Palma lost that first game to Sutter, but we keep thinking about the team that beat San Benito when it was 9-0, the team that lost to St. Francis (Mountain View) by one point and then Valley Christian 14-10. If that team shows up the next two weeks, Salinas folks may be very happy.

DIVISION 4–A
North: Milpitas (10-3) vs. Pleasant Valley of Chico (9-3) at Harrison Stadium, Oroville – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Yorba Linda (12-2) vs. St. Anthony of Long Beach (12-2) at Veterans Stadium, Long Beach – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: Since Milpitas and Palma can’t play each other and you wouldn’t want the Trojans any lower, they had to kind of fit in this division. Pleasant Valley didn’t do well last year in its home game vs. St. Francis, but this could be a better fit. In the South, we’ll find out quickly if St. Anthony’s high computer ranking is accurate or not.
Quick Pick: Just like Palma is in a good spot in the division above, Milpitas is a team many will remember that beat Antioch this season and has some great D1 players. We like the way PV, though, beat Paradise in its section final. Think winner of that game will win state.

DIVISION 5–AA
North: Capital Christian of Sacramento (11-2) at Bishop O’Dowd of Oakland (13-1) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Valley View of Moreno Valley (11-3) at San Gorgonio of San Bernardino (11-3) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: We still like the idea better of having Selma from the Central Sec in this spot and Sanger over on the SoCal board. O’Dowd has been ranked higher than Campolindo in Bay Area all year but CIF and NCS seeded it other way around. Both Valley View and San G had to survive thrillers to win CIFSS titles so matching them up and both from Inland Empire makes sense.
Quick Pick: O’Dowd recently beat Capital Christian in a NorCal Open Division game in boys hoops, then won state title the next week. Look for that to happen again in football in this division.

DIVISION 5–A
North: East Nicolaus (13-0) vs. McClymonds of Oakland (11-1) at Chabot College, Hayward – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Arroyo of El Monte (13-1) at La Jolla Country Day (11-3) – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: We had it this way as well but assume the most unhappy folks have to be in East Nicolaus. Team won D6-A last year, gets jumped two divisions and on the road to play in East Bay against team with computer ranking about 30 spots higher. Glad CIF did not match the D12 and D13 teams from the CIFSS together and placed Country Day here.
Quick Pick: Since LJCD would get to play both games at home and has record-breaking QB Braxton Burmeister going at a high level, the Torreys may get a CIF football title to go with the ones they have had from the great Terri Bamford’s girls basketball program.

DIVISION 6–AA
North: Mendota (13-0) vs. Amador of Sutter Creek (13-1) at Calaveras HS – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Rancho Christian of Temecula (12-2) at Franklin of Los Angeles (13-1) – Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: East Nicolaus and Amador certainly could have switched positions, but choice already was made with Amador having to be in a play-in game against SF Lincoln. Building the board from the bottom up also showed CIFSS D13 vs. LA City D3 was going to be hard to ignore.
Quick Pick: We’re already thinking about list of coaches who have won state football titles at different schools. Rancho Christian’s Jim Kunau won one in 2009 at Orange Lutheran. We like the way his team knocked off Santa Ana in CIFSS D13 final.

DIVISION 6–A
North: Brookside Christian of Stockton (9-4) at St. Patrick-St. Vincent of Vallejo (11-3) – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
South: Horizon Christian Academy of San Diego (7-6) at Strathmore (13-0) – Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Comment: There were no surprises on these matchups. It could be an opportunity for small town team from Central Section in this division.
Quick Pick: The 13-0 record of Strathmore stands out, but pretty sure Brookside Christian has a couple of athletes that none of the other teams do.

 

De La Salle to play in Open title game against St. John Bosco; Freedom to face St. Mary’s-Stockton.

 

OPEN DIVISION

De La Salle (11-1) vs. St. John Bosco (12-2) at Sacramento State, Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m.

DIVISION 1–AA

North: Freedom (11-1) at St. Mary’s-Stockton (13-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Narbonne (14-0) at Cathedral Catholic-San Diego (13-0), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 1–A

North: Bakersfield (11-1) at Del Oro-Loomis (12-2), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

South: San Clemente (11-3) vs. Edison-Huntington Beach (13-1), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 2–AA

North: Cardinal Newman (12-1) at Valley Christian (12-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Calabasas (15-0) at Madison-San Diego (11-2), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 2–A

North: Serra (9-4) at Sanger (13-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Los Angeles (11-3) vs. Sierra Canyon-Granada Hills (14-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 3–AA

North: Manteca (12-1) at Menlo-Atherton (11-2), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Mater Dei Catholic (12-1) vs. Paraclete (10-4) at Antelope Valley College, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 3–A

North: Sutter (13-0) at Oakdale (12-2), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Bishop’s (13-0) at Valley Christian-Cerritos (13-2), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 4–AA

North: Campolindo (10-3) vs. Palma (10-3) at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Bakersfield Christian (12-1) at Selma (13-0), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 4–A

North: Milpitas (10-3) vs. Pleasant Valley-Chico (9-3) at Harrison Stadium, Oroville, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Yorba Linda (12-2) vs. St. Anthony (12-2) at Veterans Stadium, Long Beach, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 5–AA

North: Capital Christian (11-2) at Bishop O’Dowd (13-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Valley View (11-3) at San Gorgonio-San Bernardino (11-3), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 5–A

North: East Nicolaus (13-0) vs. McClymonds (11-1) at Chabot College, Hayward, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Arroyo (13-1) at La Jolla Country Day (11-3), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 6–AA

North: Mendota (13-0) vs. Amador (13-1) at Calaveras High, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Rancho Christian (12-2) at Franklin-Los Angeles (13-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION 6–A

North: Brookside Christian (9-4) at St. Patrick-St. Vincent (11-3), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

South: Horizon Christian Academy (7-6) at Strathmore (13-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

PLEASANT HILL — Jacob Westphal threw for 284 yards and four touchdowns as Campolindo High School won its third straight North Coast Section football title, beating Windsor 40-20 in the Division II championship at Diablo Valley College.

The Cougars (10-3) won Division III the previous two years before moving up to stiffer competition. The Cougars will now await word on whom they will play in the California Interscholastic Federation North Regional playoffs. The announcement is Sunday.

“When we lost some games early on in the season against some top-notch teams, some were doubting we can win it all again,” Westphal said. “We used those losses as a stepping stone down the stretch.”

Westphal connected on scoring strikes of seven yards to John Torchio and eight yards to Vincent Mossotti to erase a 13-6 deficit and take a seven-point lead.

The second half was all Cougars as they scored two touchdowns in a span of two minutes to take a commanding 34-13 lead. Westphal marched the Cougars 78 yards in 10 plays and found Raymond Berzins for a six-yard scoring play in the back of the end zone on their first possession of the second half.

Windsor then turned the ball over on a fumble on its next possession and Campolindo used a trick play to score quickly.

Westphal threw a backwards pass to Torchio in the right flat, and Torchio found a wide-open Lev Garcia for a 53-yard touchdown that extended the Cougars lead in the third. When Torchio wasn’t throwing passes, he hauled in seven receptions for 85 yards.

The Jaguars (9-4) tried to get back into it when Kobe Roman connected with Jorgen Sarganis for a 11-yard scoring play with seven seconds left in the third.

Campolindo responded when the Westphal-to-Torchio connection made its move again, this time from 19 yards out. The Cougars cruised the rest of the way.

“We had some jitters early one but we calmed down and made the plays when we had to,” Torchio said.

Garcia caught four balls for 118 yards and Mossotti added five receptions for 101 yards. Roman finished with 213 yards and two scores on 11 for 18 passing.

 

Posted: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 3:02 pm

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor

by Dale Watkins

 

After Windsor thumped Santa Rosa in the regular season 50-26, the two teams clashed once again, this time in the Division 2 playoffs: win or go home. But the #10 seed Panthers’ unbelievable 4^th quarter scoring flurry came up literally inches short of the victory, as #2 Windsor outlasted the scare to prevail in overtime, 38-37.

 

 

         Santa Rosa opened the game convincingly marching down the field on consecutive drives, but failed on 4^th down both times for empty possessions. Windsor grabbed the lead with a Kobe Roman QB keeper at the goal-line, but the speedy Carlos Lemus would tie the game, taking the handoff and busting it to the outside, reaching for the pylon while being tackled to score with 7:58 left in the 2^nd quarter.

 

But on the very first play from scrimmage on the ensuing Windsor drive, the always-dangerous Jackson Baughman would get the ball and race up the sideline, then cut back to the middle before he was off to the races; 60 yards to the house as it was now 14-7 Jaguars in a flash. Santa Rosa’s Emilio Campos would fumble on a running play, as Jorgen Sarganis scooped it up and sprinted 58 yards the other way before finally being tripped up by the quarterback, Isaiah Steele. The Jags had to settle for a 23-yard Olin Piotter field goal, pushing the lead to 17-7 at the half.

 

A poor punt gave Windsor tremendous field position at the 31-yard line. Jorgen Sarganis would then take a screen pass, fake out one man, and then reverse field, eluding numerous Panthers along the way for a crazy TD run. He just made the defense look silly trying to stop him. After Justin Fa’gaata forced and recovered a Panther fumble, David Escarcega blasted through a huge hole and went 18 yards untouched into the endzone on Windsor’s next drive, widening the margin to 31-7 with 8:09 left in the 4^th quarter. It felt inevitable that the Panthers’ dream season was over.

 

But never underestimate the heart of a champion, as such was displayed by the Santa Rosa Panthers. Isaiah Steele would score on a keeper and convert the 2-point conversion to Banks. After a crucial stop on defense, Blake Thomas found the endzone on a 3-yard run, as Steele then rolled out to the right and threw back left to find Thomas again on the 2-point PAT, now 31-23 with less than three to play.

A Windsor three-and-out would give the Panthers possession back, with more than enough time for Steele to come in clutch. Steele reared back and fired downfield to Kalei Aukai who beat double coverage, as he scored on a 61-yard catch-and-run. Cassius Banks would take the handoff on the ensuing 2-point attempt and smash through the pile and through the goal-line to tie the ball-game.

 

Just an epic and improbable Panther comeback, roaring back from being down 31-7 in the 4^th quarter as the Jaguar fans sat in disbelief, watching their insurmountable lead vanish. The Jaguars capitalized on the remaining 1:13 to set up Olin Piotter from 32 yards for the win. but he missed wide right on the field goal, which sent the game into overtime.

Kobe Roman would connect with Jackson Baughman as he scampered 5 yards in for the overtime’s first score. The Panthers got the ball, and Cassius Banks got the handoff and bullied his way in to make it 38-37. It was decision-time for head coach Denis Brunk, but after being successful on going for two all game, why not go for the win doing just that.

 

Everyone on their feet, watching in anticipation as the game came down to one play. Steele took the snap, faked the handoff one way, then gave it to Cassius Banks the other, trying to plunge his way in for the win. After several seconds of digging forward, Banks appeared to be stopped just inches short of the goal-line, and indeed he was. Windsor’s Bas Osborn led the incredible game-saving goal-line stand. But there was some controversy buzzing along the Santa Rosa sideline, as Denis Brunk asserted that an extra push got Banks across. Nevertheless, the Jags had lived to see another day, while the Panthers walked slowly off the field heartbroken.

 

Jackson Baughman and David Escarcega led the Jags’ stellar ground attack, as Baughman racked up 174 yards on 22 rushes, while Escarcega added 104. The electrifying Isaiah Steele would complete 28 of 46 passes for 439 yards and three touchdowns in his final game for Santa Rosa. This amazing season will be one Panther fans will surely remember for a long time.

 

Windsor advances to the Division 2 semi-finals, and will now host the winner of Concord and Granada next Saturday night.

 

 Windsor holds off Santa Rosa for thrilling win

By MICHAEL BARIBAULT, PETALUMA
Prep2Prep.com

November 19, 2016

WINDSOR, CA - A local showdown in the NCS Division 2 quarterfinals between Santa Rosa and Windsor was nothing short of exciting and nail biting. Windsor thwarted a miracle Panther comeback to hold on and win 38-37 to move on to the NCS Division 2 semifinals.

After trailing 31-7 in the fourth quarter, Santa Rosa forced overtime with 24 straight points before the end of regulation, converting three straight two-point conversions following touchdowns. In overtime, however, Windsor's Jackson Baughman put the Jaguars in front with a five-yard touchdown run on the first possession. Santa Rosa responded with a touchdown of its own, when Cassius Banks scored from five yards out on third down, but the Panthers went for two and the win. Banks' attempt was stopped inches shy of the goal-line, enabling Windsor to escape with the 38-37 victory.

“Without a doubt, a team with momentum like that and they're on the road, I was fully aware of the two-point conversion try coming up," said Windsor coach Tom Kirkpatrick. "We knew it was coming."

David Escarcega's touchdown run had staked Windsor to a 24-point lead, after having led 17-7 at halftime. An Isaiah Steele touchdown run with just over eight minutes remaining cut the lead to 31-15 after a successful two-point conversion by Banks. It was still a 16-point game with under three minutes to go, but the Panthers sliced into that lead on a three-yard run by Blake Thomas with 2:15 remaining, and then got the ball back on an onside kick.

Incredibly, with just over a minute to go, Steele hit star receiver Kalei Aukai for a 76-yard touchdown, and Banks' two-point conversion tied the game at 31.

“These kids never gave up and you saw that in the fourth quarter comeback," said Santa Rosa coach Dennis Brunk. "They played their hearts out. I’m extremely proud of the boys.”

Windsor took an early lead in the game on a touchdown run from quarterback Kobe Roman, but Thomas tied the game on a seven-yard run, following a fumbled pitch between Roman and Baughman.

Following Thomas' touchdown, though, Baughman responded with a 60-yard jaunt to give Windsor back the lead, one it would extend to 10 points at halftime on a 26-yard Olin Piotter field goal.

Windsor plays on and will host the winner of the Concord-Granada game on Saturday, November 26.

Santa Rosa finishes 6-6, one of the best seasons in school history.

 

Jags footballers survive 38-37 donnybrook over Santa Rosa...

 

 Posted: Wednesday, November 23,2016

 

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor | 

Windsor will host #6 Granada on Saturday in NCS semifinals

As high school football games go, they don’t get any more exciting than Friday’s North Coast Section Division 2 quarterfinal clash with visiting Santa Rosa, as the Jaguars watched a 31-7 fourth-quarter cushion evaporate before regrouping to score a 38-37 overtime win.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jags finished with over 300 yards rushing for the game, led by Baughman (22-174 yards, 2 TDs), Escarcega (14-101), Sarganis (1 rushing TD) and Roman (50 yards rushing, TD, 1 passing TD).

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships Division 1

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships Division 2

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships Division 3

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships Division 4

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships Division 5

NCS/Les Schwab Tires Football Championships Open Division

Posted: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 2:00 pm

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com

 

Pounding the Rock

Running back David Escarcega (left) took a handoff from quarterback Kobe Roman. The Jaguars churned up almost 400 yards on the ground to key a 50-26 win over Santa Rosa on Friday. By Greg Clementi.

 

 

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com 

 

Hog Tied

Windsor receiver Jorgen Sarganis (5) was wrapped up by a Montgomery defender after a reception in the Jaguar's 28-8 win over the host Vikings on Friday. Windsor will host Rancho Cotate in the Homecoming Game on Oct. 7.By Greg Clementi

 

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com 

Home field passes test, Windsor to host Rancho in Homecoming Game.

The Jaguars turned in one of their best efforts of the season on Friday at Montgomery, exploiting five Viking turnovers to lead from start to finish in a 28-8 romp in Santa Rosa.

 

Strong Arm

Windsor quarterback Kobe Roman will lead the Jaguars in a road clash at Montgomery this Friday, Sept. 30 in a battle of 3-1 teams. By Vera Roman

 

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com

3-1 Jags will visit Montgomery this Friday, Sept. 30.

The varsity football Jaguars hit their first road-bump of the 2016 campaign on Friday, falling 12-7 to visiting Maria Carrillo in the North Bay League opener at Bailey Field on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus.

 

Playmaker

Jags receiver Zach Rackman has been a go-to player for the unbeaten varsity football team this season. Windsor will host Maria Carrillo on Sept. 23 at Bailey Field on the Santa Rosa JC campus.Photo by Vera Roman

 

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com

Jean Fruth

Veteran Leadership

Senior Mitchell Bruning will lead a deep and talented varsity football squad as the Jaguars open the 2015 campaign on Friday, Aug. 28 at Petaluma.

 

Posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2015 12:27 pm

WHS footballers take aim at winning seasonBy Greg Clementi Sports Editorgpclementi@yahoo.comSonoma West Times and News                                

By LORI A. CARTER

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

PETALUMA — Windsor’s David Escarcega rushed for two touchdowns and quarterback Max Brown ran in a third as the Jaguars defeated Petaluma 21-9 in a non-league game Friday.

Petaluma grabbed the lead briefly in its first possession, opening the scoring with an Isiah Blomgren 37-yard field goal, capping an 18-play drive that ate up most of the first quarter.

The Trojans ran the ball 13 times and attempted just 5 pass plays in the quarter, slowly but steadily moving the ball downfield against Windsor’s defense.
Petaluma almost went three and out on its first drive, but won new life on a fourth-down Windsor penalty on the punt.

Six plays later, Trojan quarterback Brenden White pitched to Luke Wheless, who grabbed the high toss on the left side and picked up 21 yards, the longest play in the drive.

Windsor answered on its first drive, taking a lead 7-3, which it never relinquished.

Escarcega scored on a 1-yard run with 14 seconds left in the first quarter. Kicker Dalton Mullins followed with the first of his three successful point-after attempts.

Windsor coach Tom Kirkpatrick, returning from retirement to helm the Jaguars after a long career at Healdsburg, praised his team’s defense, which held the Trojans to just 114 rushing yards and 96 passing.

“Defensively, we played really well,” he said. “Offensively, we were inconsistent. It’s something we’re going to work on.”

Brown completed 8 of 15 passes for 133, including a 44-yard completion to Curtis Johnson. He also rushed four times for 18 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown with 9:16 left in the game to put Windsor on top 20-9.

Brown also connected with Parker Canady for two 25-yard completions.

Escarcega rushed 12 times for 61 yards, including touchdowns of one and 42 yards. Jackson Baughman led the Jaguars with 64 rushing yards on 13 carries.

Petaluma coach Rick Krist said he was disappointed in the result and impressed with Windsor’s depth.

“We hoped to get more movement from our offense,” he said. “We had sparks at times, but not enough.”

Petaluma runs an option offense, relying on its backs instead of a passing game.

Quarterback Brenden White completed 8 of 17 pass attempts for 96 yards, all but 23 of it in the second half.

“We’re a running team,” Krist said. “We threw (17) times in the game, which is about eight times more than we did last year. They just had a good plan against us.”

The Trojans ran 42 rushing plays, good for 114 yards.

Running back Lucas Dentoni pushed it up the middle mostly, but could manage only 34 yards on 17 carries against Windsor’s stifling defensive line. White carried 14 times for 19 yards. Luke Wheless added 40 yards on 9 carries.

The unsuccessful running game frustrated Petaluma fans, who by the fourth quarter were tired of hearing the public address announcer call out “Dentoni up the middle…”

Fans could be heard yelling, “Pass the ball!” and “Call a different play!”

Windsor went on top 14-3 with 11:04 left in the third quarter after Anthony Rea’s 40-yard punt return set up the Jaguars into the Trojans’ territory.

After a short Brown keeper up the middle, Escarcega took the handoff and flashed down the right side for a 42-yard score.

Sports writer Lori A. Carter can be 
reached at lori.carter@pressdemocrat.com 
or at 521-5470.

Greg Clementi

Pay-Dirt

Jag's running back David Escarcega (20) dove over from a yard out to score a first-quarter touchdown in en route to a 21-9 victory over Petaluma on Aug. 28. The Jags will host Northgate on Friday in the home opener.

 

Posted: Wednesday, September 2, 2015 12:34 pm

Jags footballers power past Petaluma, 21-9By Greg Clementi Sports Editorgpclementi@yahoo.comSonoma West Times and News                                

Posted: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com | 

Windsor faces test this Friday against Miramonte

 

The varsity football Jaguars made it two straight in week two of the pre-league schedule, using a dominant defensive effort to power past visiting Northgate 38-22.

Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2015 

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com | 

Windsor enters bye week with 2-1 record

 

Football is a game of emotion, and the team that takes the field with more of it usually prevails.

....................................................................................................................................................................................................

At Windsor, the home team opened the scoring with a field goal and then the Matadors reeled off the next 40 points.

Dalton Mullins got the Jaguars on the scoreboard with a 40-yard field goal but the lead didn’t last long as the Matadors raced to three touchdowns before the first quarter ended.

Both schools came into the game with 2-0 records.

“They’re definitely a very good team,” Windsor coach Tom Kirkpatrick said. “They’re one of the best teams that I’ve seen in quite some time, especially at skill positions.

“Their defense did a few things that surprised us. We didn’t play well at all.”

Windsor quarterback Max Brown, who threw for three touchdowns last Friday against Northgate, was held to 38 yards. He completed 5-of-15 passes.

Jackson Baughman was the Jaguars’ top runner with 94 yards on 17 carries. David Escarcega had 54 on nine touches and Chris Licea wound up with 32 on seven rushes.

Miramonte was led by quarterback Tim Tague. He threw for three touchdowns, two of those in the first half.

 

 

 

Defense

Windsor defenders Marcel Sands (4), Payton Easton (17) and Trevor Tobon (22), broke up a pass in Friday's 39-22 varsity football win at Ukiah. The Jaguars visit Casa Grande on Oct. 4.

 

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com

Windsor visits Casa Grande this Friday in key match-up

The varsity football Jaguars didn’t have to wait long for their first North Bay League victory, powering past the host Ukiah Wildcats, 39-22 in the NBL opener on Friday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leading defenders were Sam Fletcher (4 tackles, 1 assist, INT), Mitch Bruning (5 tackles), Rea (3, 1), Pignataro (3 tackles), Anthony Spallino (2, 1), Cameron Caughey (2 tackles), Jordan Diaz (2 tackles), Marcel Sands (2 tackles), Luke Au-Yeung (1, 1), Jared Martin (1, 1), Fadi Husary (1, 1) and a tackle apiece from Chris Licea, Evan Legaspi, Cesar Herrera, Alex Tancreto, Logan Conner and Trevor Tobon (FR).

 

 

 

 

Posted: Wednesday, October 7, 2015 12:22 pm

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com 

After being held scoreless in the opening quarter, Windsor erupted for 28 unanswered points in the second and went on to defeat visiting Montgomery 35-7 in an NBL football game Friday night.

David Escarcega scored two of the Jaguars’ touchdowns in the second. He opened the scoring with a 3-yard run and then found the end zone from 1-yard out.

Quarterback Max Brown rushed for the other first half touchdown (1-yard run) and then hooked up up Anthony Reya on a 29-yard scoring play.

Brown was nearly perfect with his passing. The 180-pound senior completed eight of 10 attempts for 193 yards.

Curtis Johnson was his favorite target. The senior 6-foot-4 wide receiver hauled in four passes good for 103 yards. Reya caught three balls for 48 yards.

Escarcega led the ground attack with 63 yards on 16 carries. Jackson Baughman finished with 41 yards on nine touches.

“Our game plan was to just try to improve our execution,” coach Tom Kirkpatrick said. “For the most part, we did that that. It was a positive game for us.

“I thought our defense played real well, especially the linebackers.That would be Mitchell Bruning, Sam Fletcher and Anthony Spallino.”

Montgomery finally found the Windsor end zone in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard pass from Ricky Medina to Pascal Camarillo.

Scoring has been a problem for the Vikings this season. This was the fourth game they’ve been limited to only one touchdown.

Montgomery is 0-6 and 0-3 in league. Windsor improved to 4-2 and 2-1.


AT WINDSOR

Montgomery          0     0   0   7–7
Windsor                 0   28   0   7–35

Wind.: David Escarcega 3 run (Dalton Mullins kick)

Wind.: Max Brown 1 run (Mullins kick)

Wind.: Escarcega 1 run (Mullins kick)

Wind.: Anthony Reya 29 pass from Brown (Mullins kick)

Wind.: Chris Licea 1 run (Mullins kick)

Mont.: Pascal Camarillo 15 pass from Ricky Medina (Jordan Page kick)

Passing: Wind.-Brown 8-10-193, TD.

Rushing: Wind.-Escarcega 16-63, Jackson Baughman 9-41.

Receiving: Wind.: Curtis Johnson 4-103, Reya 3-48, TD.

Records: Mont. 0-6, 0-3; Wind. 4-2, 2-1

Posted: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 1:33 pm

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com 

Posted: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 1:17 pm

By Greg Clementi Sports Editor gpclementi@yahoo.com 

2015 CIF North Coast Section High School Football Playoff Brackets Division 1

2015 CIF North Coast Section High School Football Playoff Brackets Division 2

2015 CIF North Coast Section High School Football Playoff Brackets Division 3

2015 CIF North Coast Section High School Football Playoff Brackets Division 4

IRVINE, Calif. – The matchups for the 2015 CIF Regional Football Championship Bowl Games are now set following the placement of the 50 Section Championship teams. Games will be held Friday-Saturday, December 11-12, at various host sites in the North and South please see below for schedule and game locations.

Additionally, the top teams from the North and South respectively have been selected and will advance directly to the Open Division CIF State Championship Bowl Game:

OPEN DIVISION

De La Salle (12-1) vs. Centennial, Corona (14-0) at Sacramento State – Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8:00 p.m.

The following is the schedule for the 2015 CIF Regional Football Championship Bowl Games for Divisions Open-Small School through VI-AA. Winners from these NorCal and SoCal Regional games will advance to the CIF State Football Championship representing the respective divisions for the title of CIF State Champion. All teams were slotted based on competitive equity and the respective criteria.

DIVISION OPEN–SMALL SCHOOL

North: Marin Catholic (12-1) at Central Catholic (14-0) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Sierra Canyon (14-0) at San Marino (14-0) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION I–AA

North: Bellarmine (12-1) at Folsom (14-0) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Helix (11-1) at Mission Viejo (14-0) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION I–A

North: Clayton Valley Charter (12-1) at Oak Grove, San Jose (11-2) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Narbonne (12-2) at Ridgeview (13-0) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION II–AA

North: Del Oro (8-6) at Liberty, Bakersfield (9-3) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

South: La Habra (13-1) at Camarillo (14-0) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION II–A

North: St. Francis, Mountain View (11-2) vs. Pleasant Valley (12-0) at Harrison Stadium, Oroville – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Calabasas (13-1) at Citrus Hill (12-2) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

North: Milpitas (10-3) at Campolindo (13-1) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Oceanside (9-4) at La Mirada (11-3) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION III–A

North: McClymonds (12-0) vs. Sacred Heart Prep (10-3) at Independence HS, San Jose –

Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Rancho Bernardo (11-2) at Oak Hills (9-5) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION IV–AA

North: Hanford (12-1) at Sonora (12-1) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Canyon, Anaheim (9-5) vs. Bonita Vista (11-2) at Southwestern Community College, Chula Vista – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION IV–A

North: Sierra, Manteca (8-5) vs. Sutter (9-4) at River Valley HS, Yuba City – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Fairfax (8-6) at Chowchilla (11-2) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION V–AA

North: Bradshaw Christian (12-1) vs. Immanuel, Reedley (10-2) at Reedley HS – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Notre Dame, Riverside (14-0) at Mater Dei Catholic, Chula Vista (12-2) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION V–A

North: Fall River (12-0) vs. St. Bernard’s (12-1) @ Humboldt State University – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Kennedy, Delano vs. Saddleback Valley Christian @ TBD – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

DIVISION VI–AA

North: Stone Ridge Christian (12-1) at East Nicolaus (11-2) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

South: Belmont (14-0) at Coronado (9-4) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division I-A

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division II-A

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division II-AA

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division III-A

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division III-AA

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division IV-A

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division IV-AA

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division Open-Small Schools

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division V-A

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division V-AA

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Division VI-AA

2015 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games Open Division

Rematches definitely were avoided and an effort to have games hosted throughout the state by each section were among the takeaways from the first announcement of team placements in the CIF’s new 13-division state bowl game series. No surprise at the top, of course, as De La Salle of Concord and Corona Centennial will meet for the fifth time in two weeks in the Open Division.

 

Sure, there were bound to be a few football teams and schools disappointed about having to take a long road trip next week for a CIF regional bowl game, but in the eyes of the 10 section commissioners and other high-ranking CIF officials that’s way better than what had been happening on past selection Sundays and that was having to tell many more teams that they were not selected for a game and that their seasons were over.

“In most sports, we do take runner-up teams into the regionals and even some quarterfinalists,” said CIF Associate Executive Director Ron Nocetti, who has taken the lead on the selection process and spoke during a Sunday phone press conference from Irvine after this year’s lineup of games was announced. “We just no longer wanted to tell schools that their teams didn’t get picked.”

“We got a lot of positive input from everyone on the committee,” said Jim Monico, the CIF Football Advisory Chair. “They all believe that these games will give more kids throughout the state to be involved in the state championship process.”

The 10 section commissioners met at the Irvine Marriot beginning at 11 a.m., which was a quick turnaround for some since some of the various sections had football title games just the previous night.

As with previous years, each member of the committee had access to team rankings, including those of Cal-Hi Sports, and were sent a proposed board for both Northern California and Southern California by Cal-Hi Sports. In addition, the CIF had drawn up its own proposed lineups before the day began.

“No team really moved more than a half of a division from where we thought they would be,” Nocetti said.

Nocetti later added: “When the commissioners came back into the room after calling schools, there wasn’t one complaint and half of them didn’t know what division they were in. We checked and counted 31 schools playing that wouldn’t have been in games before.”

Here is a division-by-division breakdown of this year’s regional games with our own commentary:

OPEN DIVISION
De La Salle (12-1) vs. Centennial, Corona (14-0) at Sacramento State – Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8:00 p.m. The Spartans beat the Huskies 63-42 in last year’s Open Division final. They have won five of the last six games in this division, but are playing a team that likely will be No. 1 in at least two national rankings since St. John Bosco of Bellflower (which Centennial topped 62-52 on Saturday night) had been in that position before.

DIVISION OPEN–SMALL SCHOOL
North: Marin Catholic (12-1) at Central Catholic (14-0) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Central Catholic has won three straight state titles in the previously used Division IV bracket. This was an easy one to choose after Central Catholic got eligible by winning its CIF Sac-Joaquin Section title.
South: Sierra Canyon (14-0) at San Marino (14-0) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. After checking enrollments in October and realizing San Marino was below the cutoff line of 1,250, the Titans were always thought of as a strong possibility for this game. They were in a much tougher CIFSS bracket than Sierra Canyon, though, so their odds of getting through weren’t as high. Once they did on Saturday night, they became another easy selection for this bracket.

DIVISION I–AA
North: Bellarmine (12-1) at Folsom (14-0) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. This could have gone to Clayton Valley of Concord instead of Bellarmine based on the Uglies only losing to Folsom by one point. Since then, though, injuries have hit them hard and they only won in their section final by one point on Saturday night over Concord.
South: Helix (11-1) at Mission Viejo (14-0) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Coach Bob Johnson was telling others that Helix would be the opponent after last Friday’s win over Vista Murrieta. We told him we thought so as well and on Sunday after Helix won its game the night before that was indeed the case.

DIVISION I–A
North: Clayton Valley Charter (12-1) at Oak Grove, San Jose (11-2) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. We would have found a way to have Clayton Valley be the host school for this game based on its overall resume not only from this year but last year. Oak Grove is surging after it avenged both of its losses in the last two weeks to Valley Christian of San Jose and St. Francis of Mountain View.
South: Narbonne (12-2) at Ridgeview (13-0) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. We have Narbonne at No. 13 in the state and Ridgeview lower, but the CIF had to find a way to keep Ridgeview and Liberty of Bakersfield over on the north board in separate divisions. One of Narbonne’s losses was 41-40 to Serra of Gardena in overtime and Serra’s playoff loss in the CIFSS Pac-5 was by one point to Mater Dei. No way we’re changing Narbonne’s ranking until proven otherwise.

DIVISION II–AA
North: Del Oro (8-6) at Liberty, Bakersfield (9-3) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. This is the matchup we would have had as well. Of Del Oro’s six losses, one was to De La Salle, one to Folsom, one to Oak Ridge, one to Punahou (Hawaii), one was to Bellarmine and one was to Rocklin (now avenged). Despite all that, couldn’t see the Golden Eagles in front of Oak Grove and they had to know with that many losses that they’d probably be traveling next week.
South: La Habra (13-1) at Camarillo (14-0) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. If Camarillo is as strong as we think it might be (based on wins over Calabasas and St. Bonaventure and Thousand Oaks), this could be a low placement. On the other hand, this looks like a good spot to us for them to run the table and go 16-0. If the CIF didn’t have the Central Section matchup problem to deal with, it’s a weak case for Ridgeview to be in front of Camarillo and Camarillo would have been in D1A.

DIVISION II–A
North: St. Francis, Mountain View (11-2) vs. Pleasant Valley (12-0) at Harrison Stadium, Oroville – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Getting down on the board in this area, the CIF wasn’t going to have St. Francis and Milpitas play each other as the two CCS runner-up teams, especially after it was determined that Milpitas was going to be higher on the board than CCS Open 3 champ Sacred Heart Prep. Pleasant Valley is more of an unknown than recent teams from Enterprise of Redding and we would have had the Vikings lower.
South: Calabasas (13-1) at Citrus Hill (12-2) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. We’re not sure if it’s good news or bad news for Calabasas to be here. With just a one-point loss to Camarillo, we don’t see the Coyotes behind Citrus Hill in any way. Still, if they go on the road and win, we think they’ll win in the state final (which would be at Calabasas) in a showtime fashion.

DIVISION III–AA
North: Milpitas (10-3) at Campolindo (13-1) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. We have Campo higher in our rankings than Pleasant Valley, but facing the big boys of Milpitas is still going to be a challenge for last year’s CIF D3 champs.
South: Oceanside (9-4) at La Mirada (11-3) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Where Oside was going to be placed was one of the big questions of the day. Most around San Diego have had the Pirates behind SDS D2 champ Rancho Bernardo all season, but the committee went against that and slotted the Pirates higher. La Mirada is in a good spot here after beating La Serna for CIFSS Southeast Division title. La Mirada lost its first game 76-8 to St. John Bosco, which shows great resilience but also how much better the Pac-5 is compared to every other CIFSS division.

DIVISION III–A
North: McClymonds (12-0) vs. Sacred Heart Prep (10-3) at Independence HS, San Jose – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. We think Mack people were hoping for D4AA to play either Hanford or Sonora so having to play SHP (which just beat Riordan) is going to be more of a challenge.
South: Rancho Bernardo (11-2) at Oak Hills (9-5) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. We had Oak Hills vs. Oceanside on our board so instead of the Pirates it’s just the other San Diego Section team. Both the Broncos and Bulldogs are much larger schools than Sacred Heart Prep, but the Gators proved last year they can beat schools of all sizes. Could be a division they can win.

DIVISION IV–AA
North: Hanford (12-1) at Sonora (12-1) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. The travel for this game makes a lot of sense and might have been a factor in McClymonds playing Sacred Heart Prep instead. This should be a very competitive matchup.
South: Canyon, Anaheim (9-5) vs. Bonita Vista (11-2) at Southwestern Community College, Chula Vista – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Canyon’s record includes a forfeit loss. We had Mater Dei Catholic of the SDS higher on our board due to early-season win (later forfeited) over El Capitan (played in last year’s D3 state bowl final). But Bonita Vista does have stronger overall schedule.

DIVISION IV–A
North: Sierra, Manteca (8-5) vs. Sutter (9-4) at River Valley HS, Yuba City – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Guess we can call this the “We Got Beat by Ripon” Bowl since both teams had losses to Ripon. Sierra is in the right spot, but Sutter definitely could have been in D5AA and should be ecstatic it is getting a home game.
South: Fairfax (8-6) at Chowchilla (11-2) – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. So how low would Fairfax be placed with its six losses after the win Saturday vs. Los Angeles? We had it D4AA, but we’ll see if D4A is correct. So far, we have learned that city football in L.A. and S.F. is even worse than we thought.

DIVISION V–AA
North: Bradshaw Christian (12-1) vs. Immanuel, Reedley (10-2) at Reedley HS – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. In our D5 state rankings, we have Bradshaw two spots higher, but Immanuel is right there so we will find out. Definitely two teams real close to each other.
South: Notre Dame, Riverside (14-0) at Mater Dei Catholic, Chula Vista (12-2) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Not sure where the CIF got 12-2 for MD Catholic’s record. The Crusaders have one forfeit loss but none on the field. Some of these small school games will be very helpful for our final D4 and D5 overall state rankings.

DIVISION V–A
North: Fall River (12-0) vs. St. Bernard’s (12-1) @ Humboldt State University – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. From a travel standpoint, as soon as St. Bernard’s won its game Saturday vs. Berean Christian, Fall River fans had to know they were headed to the North Coast. The placing of these two teams also matches our D5 state rankings in that they’re both behind Bradshaw Christian and Immanuel.
South: Kennedy, Delano (9-3) vs. Saddleback Valley Christian (13-0*) @ TBD – Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The bottom four teams in the South were easy to see so it then just became a matter of travel and other logistics to place the teams. If it St. Bernard’s vs. SVC in the final in two weeks, however, that’s a road trip of epic proportions. Fall River to SVC might be even worse.

DIVISION VI–AA
North: Stone Ridge Christian (12-1) at East Nicolaus (11-2) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Stone Ridge won a play-in game on Saturday 70-21 over Mission of San Francisco. Since East Nicolaus was next lowest on the board, it had to be the team that Stone Ridge would play.
South: Belmont (14-0) at Coronado (9-4) – Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. We had it Kennedy to Coronado in bottom bracket, but Belmont of L.A. is definitely shorter for travel and probably doesn’t matter much.

Mark Tennis is the co-founder and publisher of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at markjtennis@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow Mark on the Cal-Hi Sports Twitter handle: @CalHiSports

 

 

 

 

Our board is now updated and complete through all weekend games for projected matchups in the CIF bowl games for Northern California that will be decided on Sunday and announced Sunday afternoon. This is the same report that will be sent to the CIF and the section commissioners before they meet to place teams on their own board. This also is where to go for scores of all top-ranked teams playing in section finals.

 

(Note: CIF Central Section championship teams for Divisions II, IV and VI will be placed into Southern California regional bowl games)

OPEN DIVISION (NORTH)
De La Salle of Concord (12-1, ranked No. 1 in our State Top 25 rankings and winners of five of the last six CIF Open Division state titles) blanked state No. 10 Foothill of Pleasanton 35-0 in Saturday night’s CIF North Coast Section D1 final. The Spartan first string defense now hasn’t given up a touchdown in 11 straight games and shut out a team that scored 55 last week. DLS will be going for its sixth CIF Open Division state title in seven years and eighth state crown overall.

SMALL SCHOOLS OPEN DIVISION (NORTH)
Central Catholic of Modesto (14-0) outlasted Oakdale 21-7 on Friday in CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D3 final. The Raiders, who were led by Justin Rice with 29 carries for 165 yards and two TDs and Hunter Petlansky with 120 yards passing and a TD run, won in their first try in D3 section bracket. They’ll likely move up to D2 next year. For state games, however, their enrollment is well below the cutoff to be in the new small schools open division. Central Catholic will be going for its fourth straight state title (the previous three were in D4 bowl games).
In this regional bowl game, Central Catholic should match up with Marin Catholic of Kentfield (13-1), which defeated Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa (11-3) by a 38-21 count on Saturday to win the NCS Division IV title. There could be a late push for Sacred Heart Prep out of the CCS to take the Wildcats’ place, but still seems to us to not be a strong enough case.

DIVISION 1AA
Folsom (14-0, No. 4 overall in state) knocked off No. 6 Elk Grove (13-1) in Saturday night’s CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D1 final 35-27. The winner would be the No. 2 team on North board and host school for this game. For game recap, CLICK HERE.
Bellarmine of San Jose (12-1, No. 11 overall in state) defeated Milpitas (10-3) 26-13 on Friday to win CIF Central Coast Section Open Division I title. The Bells have done enough in their recent wins to move past Clayton Valley of Concord in next week’s rankings. We’ve had Clayton Valley higher all year in the rankings until now based on the only loss being by one point to Folsom.

DIVISION 1A
Clayton Valley of Concord (12-1, No. 9 overall in state) has been ranked in front of Bellarmine all season due to having the one-point loss to Folsom. Seems very likely now that Ugly Eagles would be in this division instead of D1AA. They barely squeeked by Concord 23-22 in the NCS D2 championship on Saturday night.
Oak Grove of San Jose (11-2) took down St. Francis of Mountain View 27-21 on Saturday in CCS Open Division 2 final. The Lancers were 11-1 and No. 25 in the state this week with the only loss before Saturday to Bellarmine. With Oak Grove now avenging both of its earlier losses and having a better record than either Liberty of Bakersfield or Del Oro of Loomis, the Eagles do indeed move up to D1A on our board.

DIVISION 2AA
Liberty of Bakersfield (10-3) topped Clovis (11-2) 56-21 to win its first CIF Central Section D1 crown. The Patriots could move up to D1A, but makes more sense to us to leave them here and then on the South board pair up Ridgeview in D2A. One of Liberty’s losses was to Mission Viejo, one was to Cathedral Catholic of San Diego and the other was to Central Section D2 champ Ridgeview although D1 college QB Jordan Love was injured and didn’t play against Ridgeview.
Del Oro of Loomis (7-6) avenged one of its earlier losses with a 30-20 victory on Friday night over Rocklin in the Sac-Joaquin Section D2 championship. The other five losses were all to higher-ranked teams, including those to De La Salle and Bellarmine. CCS Open 2 runner-up St. Francis of Mountain View (11-2) could be in this spot as well, but we like the pairing of Central Section vs. SJS here and then the two Bay Area teams — Clayton Valley & Oak Grove — pairing in D1A.

DIVISION 2A
Campolindo of Moraga (13-1) knocked off previously unbeaten Analy of Sebastopol (13-1) 38-28 in Friday’s NCS D3 championship. The Cougars won last year’s CIF D3 state bowl game and have proven in recent weeks to be a worthy successor. Their only loss is to Napa.
St. Francis of Mountain View (11-2) lost in the CCS Open Division 2 final on Saturday 27-21 to Oak Grove, but beat Oak Grove earlier in the season and its only other loss was to Bellarmine. The Lancers possibly could switch with Sacred Heart Prep of Atherton (10-3) for this spot since SHP is a championship team while St. Francis is coming in as a runner-up.

DIVISION 3AA
We’re going to list Sacred Heart Prep (10-3) in this bracket after it defeated Archbishop Riordan of San Francisco 35-28 in Saturday’s CCS Open Division 3 title game. Not only do the Gators have one CIF state final appearance, but also are coming off of a 2014 season when they won the CCS Open Division crown.
Pleasant Valley of Chico (12-0) won the CIF Northern Section Division I title last week. The Vikings are looking like they will play one of the CCS Open teams in their bowl game.

DIVISION 3A
Milpitas (10-3) lost in the CCS Open 1 final to Bellarmine but is making the NorCal field due to a CCS decision to take advantage of new state stipulation that allows runner up teams to move on if a section has an Open Division bracket or brackets. Milpitas could move up to D3AA with Sacred Heart Prep getting placed lower in this bowl bracket.
If Milpitas is in this bracket, which team to play the Trojans is quite the tossup. We would have ranked McClymonds of Oakland (12-0) as the next highest team, but Mack is quite small in enrollment and perhaps should not be placed here. On the other hand, both Hanford (12-1 and won Central Section D3 title on Friday 42-28 over San Joaquin Memorial) and Sonora (12-1, won SJS D5 title last week) both have bad losses – Hanford’s 42-7 to Lemoore and Sonora 41-15 to Oakdale. Hanford has the highest computer ranking of the three so best solution may be to have Hanford play Milpitas and give the Bullpups a home game as a two-time section champion.

DIVISION 4AA
If Hanford inches up into D3A, then McClymonds of Oakland (12-0) and Sonora (12-1) would match nicely for D2AA. The Warriors won the CIF Oakland Section title last week while the Raiders won the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D5 crown. Mack’s win over SJS D1 playoff team Stagg of Stockton may be the difference in being the higher-placed team, but the CIF obviously would make more dollars if it was a Sonora home game.

DIVISION 4A
The next group of teams after Hanford, McClymonds and Sonora includes Sierra of Manteca (8-5), the SJS D4 winner, along with Bradshaw Christian of Sacramento (12-1), from SJS D6, and Sutter (9-4), which avenged one its losses last week by beating Orland in the Northern Section D3 final. Since one of Sutter’s losses also is to Ripon of the SJS, Bradshaw should rank higher. Its only loss (on-the-field) is to much larger school Vista del Lago of Folsom. Sierra’s losses come from being in the same Valley Oak League as SJS D3 finalists Central Catholic and Oakdale plus others. The Timberwolves won their section final by a large margin vs. Liberty Ranch of Galt. Going by our analysis, we’d have it Bradshaw vs. Sierra and which would be home could be tossup.

DIVISION 5AA
In the end, we see Sutter behind Sierra and Bradshaw and thus possibly hosting the next team on our board, Immanuel of Reedley (10-2). It’s also not even a stretch to say that Immanuel should be higher and hosting. The Raiders won the CIF Central Section D5 title on Friday night over Mendota 35-20 and also have a win over Central Section D4 champ Chowchilla. The other key is that Immanuel can’t be in the same CIF state bowl division as Chowchilla (which will be in the south) and it’s going to make a lot more sense to move up Immanuel than doing anything with where Chowchilla is expected to be. One of Immanuel’s losses also was to Bishop Diego of Santa Barbara, a CIFSS semifinalist from its Northern Division.

DIVISION 5A
St. Bernard of Eureka (12-1) played its way onto the NorCal board by defeating previous board member Berean Christian of Walnut Creek (11-2) by a 31-17 margin in Saturday’s CIF North Coast Section Division V title game.
St. Bernard just doesn’t have the resume to be in front of Sutter, Sierra, Bradshaw or Immanuel and thus would get the host placing for this division. It’s opponent would be the highest ranked Northern Section team, D5 champ Fall River of McArthur (11-0). Fall River has a head-to-head win over Northern Section D4 winner East Nicolaus (11-2).

DIVISION 6AA
East Nicolaus (11-2) defeated Williams last week for its section title. Since the Spartans didn’t have to be in the play-in game, they’d clearly to us would be the last team on the board so would be facing the play-in winner. That game was Saturday between Stone Ridge Christian of Merced (12-1) and Mission of San Francisco (9-4) with Stone Ridge winning 70-21 but allowing points for the first time to end a 10-game shutout wins streak.

Mark Tennis is the co-founder and publisher of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at markjtennis@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow Mark on the Cal-Hi Sports Twitter handle: @CalHiSports

 

 

CIF SoCal Bowl Board

 

(Note: CIF Central Section championship teams for Divisions I, III and V will be placed into Southern California regional bowl games)

OPEN DIVISION (SOUTH)
No analysis is required for Corona Centennial (14-0) to be quickly going onto the board opposite De La Salle of Concord in the north after the Huskies blitzed St. John Bosco of Bellflower (13-1) 62-52 in the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 championship on Saturday night at Angels Stadium. Centennial, as defending champion, entered the game No. 2 in the state overall while Bosco was No. 3. Bosco was No. 1 and Centennial No. 2 in MaxPreps’ national rankings. For recap, CLICK HERE.

OPEN DIVISION SMALL SCHOOLS (SOUTH)
Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth (14-0) stamped its ticket with a 20-0 win on Friday vs. San Dimas in the CIFSS Mid-Valley Division championship. The Trailblazers, the last CIF D4 state champ prior to Modesto Central Catholic’s three-peat, generally have to beat bigger schools in the CIFSS to get bowl eligible. They did this year with little difficulty.
San Marino (14-0) also put a strong finish to its run through the CIFSS Central Division with a 45-28 victory over higher-seeded Charter Oak of Covina (12-2). The Titans would clearly be the opponent for Sierra Canyon. The Titans come in just below the 1,250 enrollment cutoff for the division. Since the Central Division is regarded as being stronger than the Mid-Valley Division by the CIFSS, looks like San Marino also gets home game.

DIVISION 1AA
Mission Viejo (14-0, ranked No. 5 overall in the state) topped No. 17 Vista Murrieta (12-2) 21-14 in Friday night’s CIFSS West Valley Division championship. For recap, CLICK HERE.
With Mission clearly now sitting in the No. 2 position on the South board, it would play Helix of La Mesa (11-1, ranked No. 8 overall in state) in this bracket. The Highlanders won the CIF San Diego Section Open Division on Saturday vs. St. Augustine of San Diego (10-3) by 44-30 margin. If St. Augustine had won in the upset, then Narbonne of the L.A. City Section likely would have come up.

DIVISION 1A
With Helix winning in San Diego, Narbonne of Harbor City (12-2) would then be good for D1A. The Gauchos, who beat Crenshaw 57-21 in Saturday’s L.A. City Section D1 championship, have a bad computer ranking due to the league and section they’re in. But their talent is on a very high level, which really showed in that 41-40 overtime loss to Gardena Serra. That’s a team that only lost to Mater Dei by one point in CIFSS Pac-5 playoffs.
Camarillo (14-0, No. 19 overall in state) actually may have done enough to be in front of Narbonne and could host this game. We don’t have it ranked that way — Narbonne was No. 13 in state last week — but never know how commissioners might vote. The Scorpions blew out Thousand Oaks in second half of their game on Friday 55-27 and made a big statement. It was an opponent that came close earlier this year in a 49-45 defeat. Camarillo also has a win over St. Bonaventure (Ventura), but Narbonne’s overtime loss to Gardena Serra still gets the edge in our rankings.

DIVISION 2AA
After Bosco-Centennial winner, Mission Viejo, San Diego Open and Camarillo, the next teams on the board would clearly be among a group that includes La Habra, Ridgeview of Bakersfield and Calabasas. La Habra (13-1, No. 21 overall in state) won on Friday 39-36 over San Clemente in the CIFSS Southwest Division final and needed a miraculous 27-yard TD pass from Eric Barriere to Prince Ross on the final play. Ridgeview (13-0, No. 22 overall in state) also won on Friday over Lemoore 45-19 for its second straight Central Section D2 crown. The Wolf Pack also has a win over Central Section D1 champ Liberty of Bakersfield.
It seems fairly certain La Habra is one of the two teams in this bracket. Calabasas (12-1) rolled past defending champion Palos Verdes (PV Estates) 42-3 in the CIFSS Western Division championship. We have Calabasas No. 24 overall in state with its only loss to Camarillo by one point. Ridgeview also has to be in a different division on the SoCal side of the board than Liberty of Bakersfield in the north. It’s possible Liberty to go to D1A on that side, but if not then it’s more likely Ridgeview gets placed in D2A with Calabasas in D2AA.

DIVISION 2A
The first team on the board for this slot will be the odd team out between Calabasas and Ridgeview. Heading into Saturday night, still hard to see with certainty how that will go, but Ridgeview being placed here shouldn’t be viewed as a sign of disrespect. There is just a lot more depth of strong teams in the south than in the north.
Heritage of Menifee, if it has finished 14-0, would have been next but lost in the CIFSS Inland Division title game to Citrus Hill of Perris. The Hawks (12-2) suffered both of their losses to CIFSS playoff teams from higher divisions (Norco in Pac-5 and Murrieta Valley in West Valley) and would be a good opponent for either Calabasas or Ridgeview. Ridgeview, in fact, played and lost to the Inland Valley champ last year, Redlands East Valley, in the SoCal D2 regional game.

DIVISION 3AA
Could Oceanside (9-4) with its history come up to this game? It’s possible, but Rancho Bernardo (11-2) won 41-23 in the San Diego D2 final on Saturday over Mt. Carmel so probably not because the Broncos have been ranked higher locally all season.
The winner of the CIFSS Southeast Division, La Mirada (11-3), checks in next. The Matadores downed La Serna of Whittier (11-3) 45-20 on Saturday. La Mirada also has a head-to-head win over CIFSS Central Division finalist Charter Oak of Covina.

DIVISION 3A
If Sierra Canyon was not in the SoCal Small Schools Open Division, it might be here or in D3AA. One intriguing matchup between schools that have been surging in the playoffs would be Oceanside, which defeated its arch-rival from El Camino 23-14 in Friday’s CIF San Diego D1 final and has four losses, vs. Oak Hills of Hesperia (9-5), which topped Serrano of Phelan 40-21 to avenge an earlier loss and earlier in the CIFSS Eastern Division was the team that knocked off unbeaten Palm Springs.

DIVISION 4AA
Earlier on Saturday, the SoCal board got shaken up when 12-0-1 Los Angeles High was upset by Fairfax in the CIF L.A. City Division. That clearly dropped Fairfax (8-6) down below all of the CIFSS title teams except the two small schools. Moving up also would be Mater Dei Catholic, the projected San Diego D4 winner, and Canyon of Anaheim (9-4), the CIFSS Southern Division champion. Mater Dei also was forecast to be in the Small Schools Open Division, but wouldn’t go there because of San Marino beating Charter Oak in CIFSS Central Division. Mater Dei Catholic crushed Bishop’s of La Jolla on Saturday 49-14 in the SD D4 final. Canyon, meanwhile, used several big return plays to beat Brea Olinda of Brea 31-21.

DIVISION 4A
Although Bonita Vista of Chula Vista (11-2) won the San Diego D3 title compared to Mater Dei Catholic being in D4, it would still be lower placed due to comparative scores. Fairfax winning in the L.A. City Section puts the Lions probably here, but they might even get consideration to play Notre Dame of Riverside or Saddleback Valley Christian.

DIVISION 5AA
The bottom six slots in our board for the south are still pretty easy to call despite some of the upsets on Saturday. Saddleback Valley Christian of SJ Capistrano (13-0 on-the-field) won the CIFSS East Valley Division title on Friday by forfeit when our D5 state No. 1-ranked team from Grace Brethren of Simi Valley self-reported that an ineligible player had been on the roster. Hard to see SVC being placed higher than Canyon of Anaheim despite its record.
The other team in this bracket to face SVC would be Notre Dame of Riverside (14-0), which beat Linfield Christian of Temecula (12-2) 14-8 on Saturday in the CIFSS Northeast Division title. The Northeast does have some bigger schools compared to the East Valley (like Nipomo, Templeton, etc) but not enough for its champion to be placed any higher and into the mix with Bonita Vista. And for the record, the Notre Dame is higher in our D5 state rankings than SVC.

DIVISION 5A
Belmont of Los Angeles (14-0) won the CIF L.A. City Division III title on Saturday afternoon with a 24-7 victory over Hollywood High. Isaiah Chatman, according to the L.A. times, rushed for 142 yards on 31 carries as the Sentinels won the first section title in the school’s 93-year history.
Belmont used to be a school with 3,000 to 4,000 enrollment, but is much lower these days. A logical opponent for the Sentinels may be Chowchilla from the CIF Central Section in this division. Chowchilla (11-2) avenged an earlier loss with a 20-16 triumph vs. Washington of Easton in the D4 section final. Wouldn’t it be something if Chowchilla won a CIF state title nicknamed the Redskins before the name becomes banned next season.

DIVISION 6AA
The CIF has indicated long travel is going to be considered in placing these games, but it may be too hard to get around Coronado (9-4) and Kennedy of Delano (10-3) from being at the bottom of the SoCal board. Coronado won the CIF San Diego Section D5 championship last weekend over Crawford. Kennedy won its second straight Central Section D6 crown on Friday night against Avenal 30-14 behind David Zepeda’s 229 yards rushing and three TDs.

Mark Tennis is the co-founder and publisher of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at markjtennis@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow Mark on the Cal-Hi Sports Twitter handle: @CalHiSports

The first year of California's 13 bowl game alignment gets underway with announcement of 24 regional games and Open Division showdown between two of nation's top squads.

• Sunday, December 06, 2015
• By Mitch Stephens | MaxPreps.com

The much-anticipated fifth CIF State Bowl showdown between two of the nation's top programs — De La Salle (Concord) and Centennial (Corona) — was just announced the California Interscholastic Federation, along with 24 other regional football matchups.

Those 24 will take place this weekend at various dates and places throughout the state, while the De La Salle-Centennial game is already slated for 8 p.m. Dec. 19 at Sacramento State. That matchup is the Open Division (large school) meeting and each of those teams - voted by the 10 section commissioners - is considered the top team, no matter enrollment, from the South and North.

See all division brackets here

Centennial is coming off a stirring 62-52 win over St. John Bosco (Bellflower) late Saturday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim in a meeting of the No. 1 and 2 ranked teams in the country, according to MaxPreps. De La Salle, ranked ninth, won its 24th consecutive North Coast Section crown with a 35-0 win over previously unbeaten Foothill (Pleasanton).

De La Salle defeated Centennial in last year's State Open Bowl game and has won three of the four meetings between the state powers.

Here are all the matchups for regional games Friday and Saturday, unless noted.

Open Division

North - NCS D1 – De La Salle (Concord), 12-1
South - SS Pac-5 – Centennial (Corona), 14-0
Saturday, Dec. 19, Sacramento State

1-AA Division

North
CCS D1 – Bellarmine College Prep (San Jose), 12-1
SJS D1 – Folsom, 14-0
Friday at Folsom, 7:30 p.m.

South
SDS Open – Helix (La Mesa), 11-1
SS West Valley – Mission Viejo, 14-0
Friday at Mission Viejo, 7:30 p.m.

1-A Division

North
NCS D2 – Clayton Valley Charter (Concord), 12-1
CCS D2 – Oak Grove (San Jose), 11-2
Saturday at Oak Grove, 7:30 p.m.

South
LAS D1 – Narbonne (Harbor City), 12-2
CS D2 – Ridgeview (Bakersfield), 13-0
Saturday at Ridgeview, 7:30 p.m.

2-AA Division

North
SJS D2 – Del Oro (Loomis), 8-6
CS D1 – Liberty (Bakersfield), 9-3
Friday at Liberty, 7:30 p.m.

South
SS Southwest – La Habra, 13-1
SS Northern – Camarillo, 14-0
Friday at Camarillo, 7:30 p.m.

2-A Division

North
CCS D2 runner up – Saint Francis (Mountain View), 11-2
NS D2 – Pleasant Valley (Chico), 12-0
Saturday at Harrison Stadium, Oroville, 7:30 p.m.

South
SS Western – Calabasas, 13-1
SS Inland – Citrus Hill (Perris), 12-2
Saturday at Citrus Hill, 7:30 p.m.

3-AA Division

North
CCS D1 runner-up – Milpitas, 10-3
NCS D3 – Campolindo (Moraga), 13-1
Friday at Campolindo, 7:30 p.m.

South
SDS D1 – Oceanside, 9-4
SS Southeast – La Mirada, 11-3
Friday at La Mirada, 7:30 p.m.

Open Division (under 1,250)

North
NCS D4 – Marin Catholic (Kentfield), 12-1
SJS D3 – Central Catholic (Modesto), 14-0
Saturday at Central Catholic, 7:30 p.m.

South
SS Central – San Marino, 14-0
SS Mid-Valley – Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth), 14-0
Saturday at Sierra Canyon, 7:30 p.m.

3-A Division

North
OS – McClymonds (Oakland), 12-0
CCS D3 – Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton), 10-3
Saturday at Independence (San Jose), 7:30 p.m.

South
SDS D2 – Rancho Bernardo (San Diego), 11-2
SS Eastern – Oak Hills (Hesperia), 9-5
Saturday at Oak Hills, 7:30 p.m.

4-AA Division

North
CS D3 - Hanford, 12-1
SJS D5 - Sonora, 12-1
Friday at Sonora, 7:30 p.m.

South
SS Southern – Canyon (Anaheim), 9-5
SDS D3 – Bonita Vista (Chula Vista), 11-2
Friday at Southwestern Community College (Chula Vista), 7:30 p.m.

4-A Division

North
SJS D4 – Sierra (Manteca), 8-5
NS D3 – Sutter, 9-4
Saturday at River Valley High (Yuba City), 7:30 p.m.

South
LAS D2 – Fairfax (Los Angeles), 8-6
CS D4 – Chowchilla, 11-2
Saturday at Chowchilla, 7:30 p.m.

5-AA Division

North
SJS D6 – Bradshaw Christian (Sacramento), 12-1
CS D5 – Immanuel (Reedley), 10-2
Friday at Reedley High, 7:30 p.m.

South
SS Northwest – Notre Dame (Riverside), 14-0
SDS D4 – Mater Dei Catholic (Chula Vista), 12-1
Friday at Mater Dei, 7:30 p.m.

5-A Division

North
NS D5 – Fall River (McArthur), 12-0
NCS D5 – St. Bernard's (Eureka), 12-1
Saturday at Humboldt State University (Arcata), 7:30 p.m.

South
CS D6 – Kennedy (Delano), 10-3
SS East Valley – Saddleback Valley Christian (San Juan Capistrano), 14-0
Saturday at TBD, 7:30 p.m.

6-AA Division

North
SJS D7 - Stone Ridge Christian (Merced) 13-1
NS D4 – East Nicolaus (Nicolaus), 11-2
Friday at East Nicolaus, 7:30 p.m.

North Play-in Game
SFS – Mission (San Francisco) - 21
SJS D7 - Stone Ridge Christian (Merced) - 70

South
LAS D3 – Belmont (Los Angeles), 14-0
SDS D5 – Coronado, 9-4
Friday at Coronado, 7:30 p.m.

Key: NCS = North Coast Section, NS = Northern Section, SJS = Sac-Joaquin Section, LAS = Los Angeles City Section, CS = Central Section, CCS = Central Coast Section, SDS = San Diego Section, OS = Oakland Section, SF = San Francisco Section, SS = Southern Section.

 

 

 

 

SONOMA COUNTY LEAGUE, All League

Player of the Year: Erik Hernandez, Sr., Windsor, running back/linebacker

Back of the Year: Ryan Blum, Sr., Sonoma, quarterback

Lineman of the Year: Riordan Gomez, Sr., Casa Grande

Defensive Player of the Year: Mike Bogdanovich, Sr., Windsor, linebacker

Specialist of the Year: Scott Poole, Sr., Casa Grande

Coach of the Year: Jason Fayter, Windsor

First Team Offense: Corey Harms, Jr., Healdsburg, quarterback; Anthony Biasi, Jr., Casa Grande, running back; Mitch Arreguin, Sr., Healdsburg, running back; Drew Gaidano, Sr., Petaluma, running back; Matt Darnell, Jr., Sonoma, running back; Matt Johnson, Sr., Casa Grande, tight end; Randall Packard, Sr., El Molino; Nick Johnson, Sr., Analy, wide receiver; Jared Garcia, Jr., Healdsburg, wide receiver; Ian Albrecht, Sr., Sonoma, wide receiver; Brandyn Reed, Sr., Windsor, wide receiver; Garrett Labberton, Sr., Casa Grande, kicker; Michael Stone, Sr., Analy, line; Tobin Cameron, Sr., Healdsburg, line; Christopher Bach, Sr., Healdsburg, line; Ryan Jensen, Sr., Petaluma, line; Kevin Burkett, Sr., Sonoma, line; Tom Walton, Sr., Windsor, line

First Team Defense: Andrew Snyder, Sr., Casa Grande, end; Daniel Erdman, Sr., Healdsburg, end; Matt Lamberson, Sr., Windsor, end; Justin Phelan, Sr., Casa Grande, line; Tobin Cameron, Sr., Healdsburg, line; Sean McLaughlin, Sr., Petaluma, line; Tom Walton, Sr., Windsor, line; Colin Ryan, Sr., Casa Grande, linebacker; Joe Bouchard, Sr., Casa Grande; linebacker; James Jewett, Sr., Windsor, linebacker; Matt Johnson, Sr., Casa Grande, linebacker; Mitch Arreguin, Sr., Healdsburg, linebacker; Drew Gaidano, Sr., Petaluma, linebacker; Michael Mulas, So., Sonoma, linebacker; Scott Poole, Sr., Casa Grande, back; Ronnie Arowcavage, Sr., Healdsburg, back; Mitch Isetta, Sr., back; Brandyn Reed, Sr., Windsor, back

Second Team Offense: Nick Maloney, Sr., Analy, quarterback; Tyler Kozlowski, Sr., El Molino, quarterback; Scott Poole, Sr., Casa Grande, running back; Leroy Green, So., Windsor, running back; Daniel Albert, Sr., Analy, wide receiver; Kyle Molkenbuhr, Sr., Analy, wide receiver/kicker/punter; Matt Nadolski, So., Casa Grande, wide receiver; Ricky Bostic, Jr., Analy, end; Michael Stone, Sr., Analy, line; Ryan Jensen, Sr., Petaluma, line; Allen Bryson, Sr., Sonoma, line; Kyle DeTommaso, Jr., Analy, linebacker; Randall Packard, Sr., El Molino, linebacker; Dominic Patrick, Sr., Analy, linebacker; Korey Gosselin, Sr., El Molino, linebacker; Nick Pappas, Jr., Sonoma, linebacker; Leroy Green, So., Windsor, linebacker; Michael Crivello, Sr., Analy, back; Anthony Biasi, Jr., Casa Grande, back; Zac Salaun, Sr., Petaluma, back; Dane Greco, Sr., Petaluma, back; Jamal Russell-Black, Sr., Windsor, back

Honorable Mention: Analy—Luke Wells, Alex Houlemard, Cameron Cook, Josh Cota, Nestor Torres, Juan Moreno, Michael Paggi, A.J. Fox; Casa Grande—Bobby Ramirez, Vince Weaver, Jared Smith, James Rodrigues; Bryan Lee; El Molino—Andrew Raggio, Evan Englar; Healdsburg—Justin Brandt, Cody Manning, Nick Fore, Chris Saulter, Jared Garcia; Petaluma—Chadd Krist, Dane Greco, Joe Bertolucci, Garrett Hagerla, Kyle McFadden, Cameron Ross, Joe Saldana, Matt Pepper; Windsor—Tysen Gray, Kevin Cramer, Danny Hardisty, Kyle Kellough

NUMERO UNO - The Sonoma County League senior all-stars celebrated a 14-0 win over the North Bay League on Saturday at the 34th annual Richard Bigham Memorial Game sponsored by the Santa Rosa Kiwanis club. The win evened the overall series at 8-8. Greg Clementi

Annual showcase of graduated seniors a tough, defensive battle

by GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor



Saturday's 34th annual Kiwanis senior football clash proved that defense doesn't just win championships - it also wins all-star games.

The SCL, led by a gritty effort from a determined and spirited group of athletes, prevailed in a hard-hitting contest to post a 14-0 victory.

The yearly meeting between the top graduated seniors from the Sonoma County League against their North Bay League counterparts, now known as the Richard Bigham Memorial Game for the late, long-time event organizer, was played in front of an enthusiastic throng of 2,000 fans at Bailey Field in Santa Rosa.


The SCL contingent was led by Jag's head coach Jason Fayter and his Windsor coaching staff.

“I thought our guys played really well,” said Fayter, set to return for his fifth season as Windsor varsity head coach this fall. “We moved the ball throughout the game and had our chances to break it wide open in the first half, but just couldn't punch it in.”

The Jaguars were represented by players: Brandyn Reed (WR/DB), Erik Hernandez (RB/DB), Mike Bogdanovich (LB), Matt Lamberson (OL/DL), Tom Walton (OL/DL), James Jewett (LB) and Jamal Russell Black (DB/RB).

All Windsor players played a critical role in their team's victory, with most seeing action on both sides of the ball. Bogdanovich, Lamberson and Walton were among the game's leading tacklers, while Reed, Hernandez and Russell Black orchestrated several big plays on offense. Hernandez scored the game's only offensive touchdown.

The game was a battle of field position and special teams, as the squads combined for a total of 14 punts on the night.

The SCL drew blood with 9:29 left in the second period when Healdsburg's sure-handed cornerback Ronnie Arowcavage picked off a pass from Montgomery quarterback Austin Williams and scampered 12 yards for the touchdown. The PAT kick failed and the SCL took a 6-0 halftime lead.

El Molino quarterback Tyler Kozlowski replaced SCL starter Ryan Blum on the second offensive series of the third quarter, and gave his team an immediate spark, scrambling and passing for a couple of big gains on a drive culminating in a five-yard scoring burst from Windsor running back Erik Hernandez. Kozlowski made good on the two-point conversion with a pass to Analy's Nick Johnson for a 14-0 bulge.

“This game meant a lot to us, we definitely wanted to win,” said Kozlowski, who will attend Mendocino Jr. College this fall. “I just wanted the ball in my hands so I could make something happen.”

The two-touchdown lead proved more than enough for the SCL stars, who would allowed the NBL precious few big plays enroute to the eventual, 14-0 win. The victory evened the 16-year series between the teams at eight wins apiece.

Jarudd Prosser Named New Football Coach: Homecoming

By Rob Roy, FMHS Athletic Director

Homecoming is an annual tradition in America that evokes memories of leaves changing color in late autumn and is usually punctuated by a football game played on the home field in front of the student body, family and friends, members of the community and returning alumni.

Recently, a member of the first graduating class at Frazier Mountain High School made a different sort of homecoming. Jarudd Prosser was not only the tenth FMHS graduating class graduating, but he was also named the new head varsity football coach.

Coach Prosser will also teach physical education classes when the 2007- 2008 school year begins in August.

Prosser and his staff have already started summer practice with about forty players attending.

The Falcons are coming off one of the best seasons in FMHS history and with a majority of the team returning, look toward another successful campaign.

FMHS would like to welcome Coach Jarudd Prosser to the Falcon Coaching Fraternity and invite the community to take part in celebrating Jarudd's return.

The Falcons will play ten scheduled games during the upcoming year. Our schedule includes five home games beginning Friday, September 7 against Mendota High School. The JV team takes the field at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Varsity squad at 7:30 p.m.

All other home games will be played at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Falcons also play host to Desert Christian High School on Friday, September 14 and McFarland High School on Friday, September 21.

The annual FMHS Homecoming game takes place against High Desert League team Rosamond High School on Friday, October 26. The last scheduled home game is slated for Friday, November 2 when Desert High School comes to Falcon Field.





Jarudd Prosser speaking at the FMHS class of 2007 graduation.


By Patric Hedlund

Jarudd Prosser may be a jock, but circumstances have also created of him a thoughtful man.

"It is a death that touched a lot more than our family, because of the circumstances," he recalls of the events surrounding the loss of his older brother, Cody Prosser, who was one of the first American soldiers to die in Afghanistan following America's initial military response to the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers in New York City.

Prosser spoke in an interview just after conducting the football team's first week of summer training as Frazier Mountain High School's new varsity coach.

Just months ago he received his bachelors degree from Sonoma State University, but he served as a volunteer coach at FMHS while attending College of the Canyons for three years. In 2001 and 2002 he was varsity baseball coach and coached offensive and defensive line for football. "I took classes in the morning at COC and worked as an aide at FMHS, then coached after school. For the last year, in 2003, I was JV head coach.

"I was pretty young to start coaching, but as I got more involved, I liked it more and more. About two years ago I decided exactly what I wanted to do."

He grew up in Lockwood Valley. The family had five acres, near Adams Trail. "My dad was a retired L.A. City fireman. He built the house. We had horses, cows, chickens, geese, peacocks and pigs for the first ten years. We collected eggs from the chickens. Our parents had a welding shop and my mom had a beauty salon called Juliana's Place. We sold eggs there.

"I was in charge of the kitchen garden, but after we got rid of most the animals, I rode dirt bikes more than I rode horses.

"My older sister was a good athlete. Three brothers were involved in sports too. I'm the youngest. I was in AYSO and FMLL, so athletics were always a big part of my life.

"The thing that I feel separates FMHS from other schools is that there is a powerful work ethic here. That is good to have for a coach- much better than having a few 'A' type superstars who don't have a work ethic. Here, even our really great athletes are very willing to work."

He stops for a moment to think again about what he dreamed of when he was a boy, and what he has learned from the loss of his brother.

"Cody was the nearest to me in age," he said. "When my brother died it made all of us much closer. I drew a lot of strength from my parents.

"I have pictures of the [Cody Prosser Memorial in Frazier Mountain Park]. I go over sometimes. It is a death that touched a lot more people than our family, because of the circumstances.

"When a death happens like that, it makes you want to spend quality time with your family. I try not to be stressed out about things that in the long run do not carry long-lasting importance.

"Losing him made me re-evaluate my priorities and the way I spent my time. We can get focused on making money and lose sight of what is really most valuable. Our time together is short in the grand scheme of things.

"Any coach will tell you that the profession is not about money, it is about relationships and having an impact on the people you interact with."

by GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor


Every football team has question marks that need to be answered in the first game of the season.

The Jaguars had their share entering Saturday's pre-season opener at Maria Carrillo in Santa Rosa.

Could Windsor overcome the loss of 22 seniors from 2006, including some of the top skill position players in the SCL? Would the Jags be able to build on the momentum gained from each of the past two years that ended with North Coast Section playoff appearances?


Each of those compelling questions were answered on Saturday, yes and yes.

The Jaguars turned in a strong overall effort against the Pumas, led by superb offensive varsity debuts from quarterback Blake Schmidt, receiver Kyle Yung and running backs Garrett Kellough and Joe Ramos, who combined forces to lead a decisive, 33-17 victory.

“I think we have higher expectations all around, even though we lost a lot of seniors last year,” said head coach Jason Fayter, entering his fifth season. “We had some concerns about our inexperience, but we know that we've got some guys that can play.”

One of those guys is Kellough, a 5' 11”, 190-pound tailback whose JV season was cut short last year due to injury. The talented junior took over the game against the Pumas, ripping off huge gains all afternoon behind a solid offensive line.

“Garrett is the complete package,” noted Fayter. “He's strong and fast and is a very good all-around player. “Our offensive line did a great job opening up some big holes for him.”

Schmidt was also impressive in his first varsity start, connecting on 7-17 pass attempts for 89 yards and three touchdowns, including a pair of scoring tosses to Yung.

Windsor's offensive line, which features seniors Kyle Kellough, Brandyn Schmidt, Andrew Jones, Chris Michaels and junior Korey Langhals, is one area that figures to be solid again this year.

“We knew coming in that the line was going to be our strength,” said Fayter, who led the Jags to a 9-3 mark in 2006. “These guys gained a lot of varsity experience last year, but most of them will be going both ways this season.”

Windsor drew first blood in the opening quarter on Saturday, when Schmidt found Yung on a nine-yard scoring pass for an early 6-0 advantage. After Maria Carrillo took a brief, 7-6 lead in the second period, Garrett Kellough took the ensuing kickoff and raced 95 yards for the touchdown. Morgan Rennie added a PAT boot for a 13-7 Windsor lead.

The Jaguar defense continued to stuff the Pumas, giving Schmidt good field position to work with. Windsor capped a second-quarter explosion with a 17-yard scoring pass to Garrett Kellough, followed by a 28-yard strike from Schmidt to Yung for a 26-7 halftime bulge.

The Pumas clawed back in the third quarter with a 31-yard scoring pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. On Windsor's ensuing offensive series, a bad snap sailed into the Jags' end zone and was recovered for a Maria Carrillo safety, cutting the lead to 26-17.

The Windsor defense regained control, as evidenced by six second-half sacks from the D-line. Garrett Kellough would do the rest, ripping off another 34-yard touchdown scamper for the eventual, 33-17 win.

Kellough would end the afternoon with 17 carries for 202 yards, and three touchdowns. His total of 313 all-purpose yards was among the best single-game performances in school history. Other offensive standouts included: Yung (3-32 yards, 2 TDs receiving), Ramos (6-18 yards rushing) and Sean Eldridge (2-31 yards receiving).

Kyle Kellough led the defense with a team-high 10 tackles and a pair of sacks. Other top defenders were: Ryan Pedersen (10 tackles, sack, INT), Chris Michaels (10 tackles, sack), Danny Hardisty (8 tackles), Benny Anderson (6 tackles), Brandyn Schmidt (7 tackles), Jason Langhals (9 tackles, sack), Dillon Morrow (5 tackles), Ramos (4 tackles, INT), Yung (4 tackles), Deandre Faaita (2 tackles), Sean Eldridge (2 tackles, INT) and, Mike Azanza (2 tackles).

Brother act

One rarity for the Jags this season is the addition of three sets of brothers which include: Kyle and Garrett Kellough, Brandyn and Blake Schmidt and Korey and Jason Langhals.

JV win big

The Jag's JV squad led by quarterback DJ King, posted a 30-7 win over Maria Carrillo on Saturday.

The Jags will take on visiting Santa Rosa this Friday, Sept. 14 in the home opener. Game times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT



Windsor junior Garrett Kellough showed Saturday that speedand shifty moves can overcome mistakes in a big way.


Maria Carrillo had just taken a one-point lead over the Jaguars early inthe second quarter and the ensuing kickoff sailed over Kellough's head.He tried to pick up the ball on the Jaguars' 5-yard line, grabbed it and fumbled it. By the time he picked it up clean, the entire Pumas defense had reached him.

That turned out to be a good thing, as the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder slipped behind a couple of blockers, turned the corner near the sideline and then raced untouched for a 95-yard touchdown.

Kellough's electrifying run seemed to kick-start Windsor's offense and the Jaguars rolled to a 33-17 preseason win.

Kellough, who was limited in playing junior varsity ball last year because of a broken collarbone, added runs of 53 and 34 yards, filled with jukes and misdirection, and finished the day with 16 carries, 197 yards and three touchdowns.

Junior Windsor quarterback Blake Stein, who began quarterbacking just last

season, threw for three TDs, two to Kyle Yung and another to Kellough.

Windsor led 26-7 at halftime. Maria Carrillo did score the first 10

points of the second half, but Windsor, which went 9-3 last season, unleashed

a strong pass rush the rest of the afternoon (6 sacks in the second half)

and controlled the final quarter.

Windsor head coach Jason Fayter was happy with the game's outcome, but not

with a number of penalties common with season openers. Kellough had another

pass reception for a touchdown called back because of a penalty.

"We just had too many mental mistakes," Fayter said. "I give us a C-plus, but we can play better."

It was an initiation of sorts for Maria Carrillo junior quarterback Nick Hammaren. Senior returner Keaton Kovatch was slated as the starting quarterback, but broke his left hand in practice two weeks ago.

Kovatch wore a cast and started at running back, limiting his handling of the ball.

Kovatch still rushed for 87 yards and Hammaren was 13-for-26 passing for

156 yards and three interceptions.

A 1-yard run by Zack Sheets and extra point gave the Pumas their only lead of the game, early in the second quarter. Kellough followed with his kickoff run for a score and Schmidt threw 17 yards to Kellough and 28 yards to Yung for TDs before the half.

Windsor lost 22 seniors to graduation and Fayter wasn't sure until Saturday

if he had enough replacements.

"I think our lines are strengths, that's where most of our experience and

leadership comes from," he said.

"I was happy with the way we played," said Windsor lineman Brandyn

Schmidt, Blake's brother. "I see a lot of potential."

Kyle Kellough, brother of Garrett, a lineman, and Korey Langhals each

had two sacks for the Jaguars.

Joe Ramos, Ryan Pedersen and Sean Eldridge had interceptions for

Windsor.

Windsor hosts Santa Rosa Friday and Maria Carrillo plays at Casa Grande

Friday.


Windsor 33, Maria Carrillo 17
Windsor 6 20 0 7-- 33
Maria Carrillo 0 7 10 0 -- 17

W -- Kyle Yung 9 pass from Blake Schmidt (kick failed)
MC -- Zack Sheets 1 run (James Procsal kick)
W -- Garrett Kellough 95 kickoff return (Schmidt kick)
W -- Kellough 17 pass from Schmidt (Procsal kick)
W -- Yung 28 pass from Schmidt (kick failed)
MC -- Procsal 31 pass from Nick Hammaren (Sheets run)
MC -- Safety
W -- Kellough 34 run (Morgan Rennie kick)
JV -- Windsor 30, Maria Carrillo 17

SANTA ROSA 47, WINDSOR 22

WINDSOR -- It was the Therman McGowan running show as the Panthers’ junior back rushed for 324 yards on 26 carries and scored four TDs.

Windsor (1-1) led 22-13 late in the second quarter, but Santa Rosa (2-0), with McGowan leading the way, scored three times and led at the half 32-22.

McGowan, who rushed for 105 yards last week in a blowout win against Richmond, had two 35-yard runs, a 50-yard TD run and a 50-yard punt return for a TD.

Windsor’s Garrett Kellough rushed 18 times for 116 yards.

D-FENCE - Kyle Yung led a swarm of Windsor tacklers in the Jag's 21-8 win over Castlemont on Sept. 21

by GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor

The varsity football Jaguars invoked the often-heard sports term,' winning ugly,' following a hard-fought, 21-8 pre-season victory over host Castlemont of Oakland on Friday.

Although their overall effort may not have conjured up images of the '85 Chicago Bears, the win was good enough to improve the Jags' record to 2-1 on the year.

This Friday, Sept. 28, Windsor will put the wraps on its pre-season schedule, when it plays host to the visiting Redwood Giants. Kickoff times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.


“Yeah it was a win, but it was pretty ugly,” said Windsor head coach Jason Fayter. “We've been finding every way possible to shoot ourselves in the foot lately. We just haven't been playing very well.”

The Jags were not without excuses on Friday, with the team missing a few key players on both sides of the ball. Among them was Jaguar defensive back/wide receiver Danny Hardisty, who suffered a mild concussion during the game and will be out for at least a week.

Windsor drew blood midway through the second quarter on Friday when quarterback Blake Schmidt found receiver Dillon Morrow with a seven-yard scoring strike. Castlemont took advantage of a short Windsor punt to score its only touchdown of the game to trail, 7-6 at the break.

The Jags gained separation in the third quarter when defender Kyle Yung scooped up a Castlemont fumble and raced 80 yards to the house, giving his team a 14-6 lead. A few minutes later, the Knights sacked Schmidt in the end zone for a safety to cut the deficit to 14-8.

Windsor finally iced the game late in the final period when running back Joe Ramos broke loose on a 50-yard bolt, setting up his own three-yard scoring burst for the eventual, 21-8 victory.

Ramos turned in a solid night's work, churning up 130 yards on the ground with one touchdown. Schmidt added 80 passing yards and one score, while Morrow hauled in one scoring pass.

Top defenders for the Jaguars were: Yung (80-yard TD on fumble recovery), Mike Tracy (INT) and Sean Eldridge (INT).

WINDSOR -- Redwood rallied from a 20-3 halftime deficit to earn its first win of the season.

The Giants (1-3) scored on a 2-yard pass from Ryan Russell to Alex Monetta with 41 seconds left to close the gap to 20-19. Russell then ran in the two-point conversion for the win.

Windsor (2-2) jumped out to the early lead on two touchdown passes from Blake Schmidt, who connected with Kyle Yung on a 7-yard pass and added a 65-yard score to Dillon Morrow.

By PHIL BARBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT



HEALDSBURG — For about 45 minutes of game time, Windsor kept the deadly Healdsburg passing game off-balance, and the Greyhounds out of the end zone.

But in the last three minutes of the game, the Hounds showed why they’re 5-0 and throwing scares into the rest of the Sonoma County League.

Quarterback Corey Harms overcame three quarters of uneven play to lead Healdsburg to an improbable win. The Hounds drove 96 yards for a touchdown with 1:05 left, recovered the ensuing onside kick, and took less than a minute to score again, turning a 19-9 deficit into a thrilling 23-19 victory at Recreation Park in Healdsburg.

“That’s fun right there,” Greyhounds coach Tom Kirkpatrick said of the late drama. “Just like you’re playing in the back yard.”

Even the final touchdown didn’t come easy. Harms’ pass was tipped by defensive back Blake Schmidt before wide receiver Jose Barajas snagged it in the end zone with only 15 seconds left.

Harms finished with 22 completions in 43 attempts for 253 yards, and did not throw an interception. Unlike some of his previous games, however, the big quarterback had trouble cracking the Windsor secondary. The Jaguars’ defensive backs did a superb job of covering Healdsburg’s dangerous receivers. That was especially true of cornerback Daniel Hardisty, who repeatedly denied deep passes to star receiver Jared Garcia.

Windsor (2-3) got 168 rushing yards on 27 carries from Joe Ramos, who hurt the Hounds on short pitches that he took up the middle

.

If Healdsburg had lost, its fans would have pointed to a key play in the second quarter. On fourth-and-goal from the Windsor 3, Harms kept the ball and took off behind the left side of his line, diving into the end zone. The ball came out as he hit the ground, and officials ruled it a fumble.

The Jaguars recovered and, apparently fired up, marched 80 yards for their second touchdown of the game. Schmidt finished that drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Yung. The quarterback had earlier plunged a yard for Windsor’s first touchdown, helping his team to a 12-6 halftime lead.

Windsor scored late in the third quarter when Ramos finished a 10-play drive with a 14-yard touchdown run, padding the lead to 19-9. The Jaguars then forced Healdsburg to punt twice. By the time the Greyhounds got it back at their 4 with about 3:00 left, their homecoming looked dead.

But Harms completed 7-of-11 passes for 83 yards and ran twice for 13 yards on Healdsburg’s next drive, capping it with a 12-yard scoring pass to Barajas. Then junior Elliot Fritz came up with an onside kick with 1:02 left in the game.

“I was like, ‘I can’t believe I have this right now,’ ” a hoarse Fritz said afterward.

His recovery set up Harms’ ricocheting, game-winning pass to Barajas.

Garcia caught seven passes for 82 yards, while Wilson grabbed eight for 76. Windsor’s Schmidt completed 9-of-16 passes for 87 yards, with two interceptions.

Healdsburg stays unbeaten; travels to Fortuna Friday

By GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor



Someone once said that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.

That was definitely the story on Friday as the Greyhounds combined talent and skill with an abundance of good fortune in an improbable, 23-19 win over Windsor.

The victory, witnessed by a wildly appreciative Homecoming throng, kept the Hounds unbeaten with a perfect 5-0 record (2-0 in the SCL). It also extended Healdsburg's record to 8-1 in the nine-year Grape Bowl series against Windsor.


The miracle finish was in stark contrast to the game's first 47 minutes, which the Jaguars controlled with tough defense and a solid running attack. Healdsburg's big-play combo of quarterback Corey Harms and receiver Jared Garcia were kept in check for much of the night by a Windsor defense that refused to be beaten deep.

The Hounds were down to their last gasp, trailing 19-9 when they drove 95 yards to score on a 12-yard pass from Harms to receiver Jose Barajas, cutting the deficit to 19-16 with 1:05 left. Harms then pulled off a perfectly executed on-side kick, which was smothered by teammate Elliot Fritz near midfield.

“We worked on that play all week and it paid off,” said Harms, referring to the text-book on-side kick that led to the go-ahead touchdown. “We got a good bounce and it worked out just like we'd practiced it.”

The winning score came with just 15 ticks left when Harms found a well-covered Barajas in the end zone on a 24-yard, deflected pass for an improbable, four-point victory.

“That was unbelievable,” said a stunned Healdsburg head coach Tom Kirkpatrick after the game. “Windsor beat us up pretty good and did a great job defensively, but somehow we were able to come back at the end. Someone wished me good luck today, but said we probably wouldn't need it. In football, you can never have enough luck.”

The Jaguars drew first blood with 1:41 left in the opening quarter when quarterback Blake Schmidt capped a sustained drive with a one-yard keeper and a 6-0 lead.

The Hounds got on the board early in the second period when linebacker Brandon Behl forced and recovered a fumble at the Windsor 25, setting up a 27-yard field goal by Jon Cattalini, cutting the deficit to 6-3.

An interception by Healdsburg defender Caleb Rummonds gave his team great field position, but the drive would end in disaster for the Hounds. Harms appeared headed for pay-dirt on a keeper near the Windsor goal line, when he was hit and fumbled into the end zone for a touchback.

The Jaguars capitalized on their ensuing series when Schmidt capped an 80-yard drive with a 26-yard scoring strike, deflected into the waiting arms of receiver Kyle Yung for a 12-3 Windsor lead. Harms nailed a 42-yard field goal at the end of the period, giving the Jags a 12-6 halftime bulge.

Healdsburg pulled within three points midway through the third quarter, when Harms ended a short drive with another 27-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 12-9. The Jaguars would answer on their next possession, finishing off a 60-yard march with a 15-yard scoring strike from Schmidt to Ramos for a 19-9 Windsor advantage.

The Jaguars took control of the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter, with Ramos ripping off big gains behind a good push from his offensive line.

Windsor was headed for what appeared a certain victory when the Greyhounds drove the ball 95 yards, resulting in a 12-yard scoring pass to Barajas with 65-seconds left to cut the lead to three. The ensuing on-side kick would lead Healdsburg to the winning touchdown and an improbable, 23-19 win.

Harms (22-43, 253 yards) carried the team with both his arm and legs, finishing his fifth straight game with over 200 yards through the air and a pair of touchdowns. He also added 18 yards on the ground and two field goals. Barajas, ironically crowned the Homecoming King at halftime, had his best varsity game with four catches for 59 yards and two scores. Other offensive stars included: Garcia (7-88 yards receiving), Paul Wilson (8-53 yards rushing), and Andrew Baroni (2-12 yards rushing).

Anchoring the Healdsburg defensive unit were: Garcia (8 tackles, 4 assists), Rummonds (2 tackles, 2 INTs), Andy Phillips (5 tackles, 5 assists), Anthony Barnes (5 tackles), Tom Belli (4 tackles, assist, sack), Elliot Fritz (2 tackles, 2 assists), Sam Ayers (6 tackles, assist), Barajas (tackle, 2 assists), Baroni (2 tackles, 4 assists), Behl (tackle, FR), Dante Fountain (2 tackles),Travis Paasche (tackle) and Anthony Ruiz (assist).

The Greyhound JV squad (4-1, 1-1) fell from the unbeaten ranks with a 60-7 loss to Windsor.

Healdsburg travels to Fortuna this Friday, Oct. 12 in a non-league clash.

Windsor will take on El Molino this Friday in Homecoming game

by GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor


Among the cruelest of realities in football is when one team dominates another and still doesn't come away with a win.

The Jaguars could make that case on Friday night at the ninth annual Grape Bowl, as they watched a 10-point lead with just over a minute left evaporate into the chilly Healdsburg night in an incomprehensible, 23-19 loss to the Greyhounds.

The loss dropped the Jags to 0-1 in league and 2-3 on the season.


Windsor quieted the huge, spillover crowd at Recreation Park for most of the evening, controlling the game with a punishing running attack and defensive scheme that denied the Hounds any big plays for the game's first 47 minutes.

Windsor defensive backs Danny Hardisty and Dillon Morrow would effectively shut down Healdsburg's top pass catcher, Jared Garcia for most of the game, but it would present a hero's role for another Hounds' receiver.

The Greyhounds trailed 19-9 with just 1:05 left before driving nearly the length of the field to score on a 12-yard pass from quarterback Corey Harms to receiver Jose Barajas, cutting the deficit to 19-16. Harms then pulled off a perfectly executed on-side kick, recovered by Healdsburg's Elliot Fritz near midfield with 45 seconds remaining.

“We worked on that play all week and it paid off,” said Harms, who finished the game with 253 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns. “We got a good bounce, it worked out just like we'd practiced it.”

The winning score came with just 15 ticks left when Harms found a well-covered Barajas in the end zone on a 24-yard deflected pass for a devastating, four-point loss.

“It was a tough loss, but at least we played well this week,” said Windsor head coach Jason Fayter. “It was frustrating because we did everything we wanted to do in the game, it just didn't work out at the end.”

The Jaguars drew first blood with 1:41 in the opening quarter when quarterback Blake Schmidt capped a sustained drive with a one-yard keeper and a 6-0 lead.

The Hounds got on the board early in the second period when linebacker Brandon Behl forced and recovered a fumble at the Windsor 25, setting up a 27-yard field goal by Jon Cattalini, cutting the deficit to 6-3.

An interception by Healdsburg defender Caleb Rummonds gave his team great field position, but the drive would end in disaster for the Hounds. Harms appeared headed for pay-dirt on a keeper near the Windsor goal line, when he was hit and fumbled into the end zone for a touchback.

The Jaguars capitalized on their ensuing series when Schmidt capped an 80-yard drive with a 26-yard scoring strike, deflected into the waiting arms of receiver Kyle Yung for a 12-3 Windsor lead. Harms nailed a 42-yard field goal at the end of the period, giving the Jags a 12-6 halftime bulge.

Healdsburg pulled within three points midway through the third quarter, when Harms ended a short drive with another 27-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 12-9. The Jaguars would answer on their next possession, finishing off a 60-yard march with a 15-yard scoring strike from Schmidt to Ramos for a 19-9 Windsor advantage.

The Jaguars took control of the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter, with Ramos ripping off big gains behind a good push from his offensive line.

Windsor was headed for what appeared a certain victory when the Greyhounds drove the ball 95 yards with 65 seconds left, resulting in a 12-yard scoring pass to Barajas to cut the lead to three. The ensuing on-side kick would lead Healdsburg to the winning touchdown and an improbable, 23-19 win.

Schmidt finished up an effective night under center (9-16, 89 yards, TD, 5-9 yards rushing, TD). Other solid efforts were turned in by Ramos (28-180 yards rushing, TD), Yung (4-59 yards receiving, TD), Danny Hardisty (2-21 yards receiving), Dillon Morrow (1-7 yards rushing) and Sean Eldridge (1-6 yards receiving). Garret Kellough had two kickoff returns for 58 yards.

Hardisty turned in a superb effort to lead the Windsor defensive unit (11 tackles, 3 assists, INT). Other solid performances were had by: Kyle Kellough (5 tackles, assist), Benny Anderson (2 tackles, 5 assists, sack), Brandyn Schmidt (4 tackles, 6 assists), Yung (4 tackles, assist), Korey Langhals (tackle, 4 assists), Ryan Pedersen (tackle, 2 assists), Ramos (tackle), Morrow (2 assists), Edgar Canchola (tackle), Max Devlin (2 assists), Deandre Faaita (2 assists), Chris Green (assist) and Chris Lowe (assist).

The Jags will try to get back into the win column this Friday when they host El Molino in the Homecoming game. Game times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m. Parking for all home games will be available at Keiser Park, and fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Running back Joe Ramos turned in one of the best games ever for the Jaguars on Friday, rushing for 259 yards and four touchdowns en route to a 28-14 win over the Lions. Greg Clementi

by GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor



The Jaguar varsity football squad found the perfect remedy to end a two-game losing streak on Friday, using a relentless ground attack to grind out a 28-14 victory over visiting El Molino.

Windsor was fresh off a pair of devastating, last-minute losses to Redwood and Healdsburg the previous two games, but there would be no miracle finish from the opposition this week.

After spotting the Lions a 14-7 halftime lead, the Jags rode the strong legs of senior running back Joe Ramos and a great effort from its offensive line to squash the El Mo upset bid. Ramos turned in the best single-game rushing performance in school history, churning up 259 yards and four touchdowns en route to the victory.


“I just let our offensive line push the big boys out of the way and I run through the holes,” said the tough, 150-pound Ramos, who has already amassed 496 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this year. “I worked really hard to get ready in the off-season and the hard work is paying off.”

A Windsor victory was anything but assured in a shaky first half that featured dropped passes and a couple of key turnovers, giving the Lions an early advantage.

El Molino broke on top early in the second quarter when linebacker Joe Durling picked off a pass at the Windsor six-yard line, setting up a two-yard quarterback keeper from Andrew Raggio for a 7-0 Lions lead.

The Jags used a good mix of pass and run to get on the scoreboard mid-way through the second period. Windsor quarterback Blake Schmidt directed an impressive drive culminating in a five-yard scoring burst from Ramos. Morgan Rennie added the PAT boot to knot the game at 7-7.

The tie was short-lived, as El Mo return man Tony Massey took the ensuing kickoff and raced 90 yards to the house, giving the Lions a 14-7 lead at the break.

The second half belonged to Ramos and the Jaguars. The Windsor back broke loose on a 57-yard scoring dash just 30 seconds into the third quarter to forge a 14-all tie.

With the Windsor defense stiffening, Ramos put his team up for good late in the third quarter on another electrifying, 64-yard touchdown run for a 21-14 Jaguar lead at the end of three.

A fake punt by the Lions midway through the final period would seal their fate, with Windsor taking over on downs at its own 47. Three plays later, Ramos ripped off a 27-yard scoring burst for the eventual, 28-14 victory.

The win evened the Jaguars league record to 1-1 and 3-3 overall, while the Lions dropped to 0-3 in the SCL and 2-4 on the season.

In addition to Ramos' heroics, Schmidt turned in an effective night's work with six completions on 19 attempts for 75 yards passing, adding 30 yards on the ground. Other top offensive performances were had by: Dillon Morrow (2-25 yards receiving), Deandre Faaita (2-29 yards receiving), Sean Eldridge (1-13 yards receiving) and Danny Hardisty (1-8 yards receiving).

Leading defenders included: Faaita (6 tackles, assist), Benny Anderson (5 tackles, 3 assists), Hardisty (5 tackles), Morrow (3 tackles), Mike Tracy (2 tackles) and Elias Carreno (FR). The Jags will host Casa Grande (2-1, 4-1) this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

— Kyle Yung (#6) tackled a Casa Grande ball-carrier in Friday's 31-0 loss to the visiting Gauchos

At Windsor, senior running back Joe Ramos rushed for 259 yards on 28 carries and scored four touchdowns to lead the Jaguars to an SCL victory.

Ramos, who has rushed for 427 yards and five touchdowns in two league games, scored on runs of 4, 56, 64 and 27 yards as Windsor (3-3, 1-1) rallied from a 14-7 second-quarter deficit. El Molino (2-4, 0-3) took the early lead on a 2-yard run by quarterback Andrew Raggio and an 85-yard kickoff return by Anthony Massey.

Windsor falls to 3-4; entertains Petaluma this Friday

by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor


The varsity Jaguar football squad dropped its third game in the last four outings on Friday, suffering a 31-0 drubbing at the hands of visiting Casa Grande.

The game was not a thing of beauty from a Windsor perspective, as the team shot itself in the foot with mistakes all night.

“They're definitely a really good team but we killed ourselves all night with bad snaps, penalties and dropped passes,” said Jag's coach Jason Fayter. “If we could have made some plays in the first half it might have been a different game, but we could never get anything going offensively.”


The loss slipped the Jags to 1-2 in the Sonoma County League and 3-4 overall, further damaging Windsor's hopes for a third straight post-season appearance. Windsor will need a strong league finish to remain eligible for the North Coast Section playoffs, beginning this Friday, Oct. 26 against visiting Petaluma. .

“We'll need to win at least two of our last three league games to have a shot at the playoffs,” noted Fayter. “This is a big game coming up against Petaluma, because we should be battling them for one of the last playoff spots.”

The Gauchos (3-1, 5-1-1) drew blood in the opening quarter on Friday when quarterback Matt O'Brien found favorite receiver Matt Nadolski on a 27-yard scoring pass and a 7-0 lead.

Casa Grande gained separation in the second period, using good field position and a bruising running game to mount a pair of drives resulting in scoring bolts from running backs Anthony Biasi (17 yards) and Paul Trombetta (7 yards). The Gauchos led, 20-0 at the break.

Casa, which rolled up 276 rushing yards to just 60 for Windsor, continued to control the clock in the second half. The Gauchos used a 30-yard, third-quarter field goal from Connor Derby and added a seven-yard scoring pass from O'Brien to Reece Haslet in the fourth quarter to post the 31-0 victory.

Leading the Windsor offensive attack were: quarterback Blake Schmidt (5-15, 33 yards passing), Joe Ramos (14-48 yards rushing), Dillon Morrow (1-11 yards rushing, 2-24 yards receiving) and Danny Hardisty (1-5 yards receiving).

Top defenders included: Ramos (6 tackles, assist), Kyle Kellough (5 tackles, 3 assists), Brandyn Schmidt (5 tackles), Benny Anderson (4 tackles, assist), Andrew Jones (4 tackles), Ryan Pedersen (4 tackles), Kyle Yung (4 tackles, 3 assists, sack), Max Devlin (3 tackles, assist), Anthony Schenone (2 tackles, assist), Deandre Faaita (2 tackles, assist), Rosendo Castro (2 tackles), Mike Azanza (tackle, assist), Mike Lopez (tackle, assist), and one tackle apiece from Korey Langhals and Aaron Fletcher.

The Gauchos ran for 262 yards and the defense posted its fourth shutout as Casa bounced back from last week’s loss at Sonoma.

Anthony Biasi rushed for 115 yards on 14 carries and has now rushed for 1,011 yards on the season. He scored on a 17-yard TD run.

Casa quarterback Matt O’Brien threw for two TDs, a 27-yarder to Matt Nadolski and seven yards to Reece Heaslet.

Kenny Samana and Heaslet each had a sack and Blaine Peterman had 10 tackles.

Casa is 5-1-1, 3-1 and plays at Healdsburg on Friday.

Windsor is 3-4, 1-2.

At Windsor, Sean Sullivan ran for three touchdowns and the Trojans overcame a quick 7-0 deficit and took a 20-7 lead at the half.

Petaluma’s Nick Marsh kicked two field goals, from 22 and 32 yards.

Sullivan scored on runs of 6, 6 and 41 yards.

Petaluma quarterback Chadd Krist also threw a 40-yard TD pass to Dalton Johnson as the Trojans improved to 4-4, 2-2.

Joe Ramos scored on a 27-yard run for Windsor and finished with 139 yards rushing.

Windsor fell to 3-5, 1-3.

At Analy, Joe Ramos rushed for 197 yards, scored two touchdowns and added two interceptions to lead Windsor to the SCL victory.

Ramos, who had 30 carries, scored on runs of 2 and 11 yards to give the Jaguars (4-5, 2-3) a 14-0 halftime lead. Anthony Giacobbe’s one-yard TD run cut the gap to 14-6 in the third quarter, but Windsor quarterback Blake Schmidt score on a two-yard run to hand the Jaguars a 21-6 fourth-quarter lead.

Ross Bostock had 10 catches for 88 yards and had an interception for Analy (2-6, 1-4). Deandra Faaita and Daniel Hardesty also had interceptions for Windsor.



Friday highlights: Healdsburg outlasts Petaluma; Casa rolls; Sonoma wins at Kezar
By THE PRESS DEMOCRAT



HEALDSBURG 38, PETALUMA 35
At Petaluma, Cory Harms threw for 222 yards and four touchdowns — three to Jared Garcia — to lead Healdsburg to a wild SCL win.

The Greyhounds (8-1, 4-1) took the lead on a 19-yard pass from Harms to Garcia with 4:25 left. Petaluma (4-5, 2-3) missed a potential game-tying 25-yard field goal with 25 seconds left.

Garcia, who had 9 catches for 142 yards, also scored on catches of 29 and 20 yards.

The Trojans, who had 440 yards rushing and four scoring runs of more than 40 yards, were led by quarterback Chad Krist (13 carries, 173 yards), who had TD runs of 55 and 45 yards. Sean Sullivan (12, 133) scored on runs of 56 and 57 yards.

CASA GRANDE 33, EL MOLINO 7
Casa Grande improved to 5-1 in SCL play with another dominant defensive effort. The Gauchos built a 19-0 lead with 5:00 left in the first quarter, pushed it to 33-0 at halftime and cruised to the victory.

Casa held El Molino to 122 total yards, recording four sacks and two takeaways. The Gauchos have given up a total of 67 points in nine games.

Senior Anthony Biasi ran 19 times for 127 yards, scored once and went over 1,000 in SCL play, while Casa quarterback Matt O’Brien ran for one score and passed for another.

The Gauchos climbed to 5-1 in league play, while the Lions fell to 0-5.



SONOMA VALLEY 21, SACRED HEART 17
At Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, Sonoma capped a 95-yard drive on Mike Mulas’ 1-yard run with 1:36 left to grab the non-league win.

Matt Darnell (17 carries, 141 yards, TD) had four carries for 70 yards on the game-winning drive, and Jake Powers connected with Steve Filippi on two passes for 24 yards as the Dragons improved to 7-1.

Mulas also scored on a 36-yard pass from Powers to tie the game at 14 in third quarter.

Sacred Heart dropped to 5-4.

Running back Joe Ramos churns up 197 yards

by GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor

The Varsity football Jaguars kept their slim post-season hopes alive on Friday with an impressive, 21-6 victory over the Analy Tigers in Sebastopol.

The win was important on a couple of fronts. Most notably, it snapped a two-game losing skid to improve the Jags' record to 2-3 in league and 4-5 overall. The victory also kept the team in the hunt for a third consecutive North Coast Section playoff berth, although an at-large berth may be just a remote possibility.

Windsor will close out the SCL regular season campaign this Friday, Nov. 9 when they host first-place Sonoma. Game times beginning with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.


Friday's game at Karlson Field was another match-up of a solid running team in the Jaguars against Analy's potent vertical game. The contest lived up to advanced billing as the Tigers put up 238 yards in the air, to 233 on the ground for Windsor.

Jaguar running back Joe Ramos did the bulk of the damage, churning up 197 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Ramos is now just 120 yards away from a 1000-yard season, with a total of 880 yards on the ground on 135 carries.

Windsor drew first blood midway through the opening period when quarterback Blake Schmidt directed a drive resulting in a two-yard scoring burst from Ramos. Morgan Rennie added the PAT boot for a 7-0 Windsor lead. The Jags went up by two scores late in the second quarter when Ramos found pay-dirt on an 11-yard touchdown burst for a 14-0 Jaguar lead at the break.

The Tigers came out firing in the third quarter, going to an effective short passing game to keep the chains moving. Analy quarterback David Glass led an impressive march late in the period culminating in a one-yard scoring dive from Anthony Giacobbe to cut the deficit to 14-6 at the end of three.

The Windsor secondary came up big in the fourth quarter, with goal-line picks from defensive backs Danny Hardisty and Deandre Faaita to kill Analy scoring threats. The defenders, along with defensive backs, Dillon Morrow and Ramos, would turn in outstanding efforts in keeping the Tiger receivers out of the end zone.

The Jags iced the contest late in the game with a two-yard plunge from Schmidt for the eventual 21-6 victory.

Pacing the Windsor offensive attack were: Schmidt (7-17, 72 yards, 6-27 yards rushing), Ramos (30-197 yards rushing, 2 TDs), Elias Carreno (2-8 yards rushing), Morrow (1-10 yards receiving), Hardisty (3-24 yards receiving), Sean Eldridge (2-19 yards receiving) and Edgar Canchola (1-9 yards receiving).

Top Windsor defenders included: Morrow (6 tackles, 2 assists), Faaita (2 tackles, 4 assists, INT), Andrew Jones (3 tackles, 2 assists), Hardisty (3 tackles, assist, INT), Sean Eldrdge (4 tackles, assist), Ramos (3 tackles, 2 INTs), Benny Anderson (tackle, 3 assists), Max Devlin (tackle, assist, sack), Ryan Pedersen (2 tackles, assist), Korey Langhals (2 tackles), Brandyn Schmidt (tackle, assist), Chris Michels (tackle, 2 assists), Mike Azanza (tackle), Aaron Fletcher (tackle) and Chris Lowe (FR).

CASA GRANDE 35, EL MOLINO 7
Gauchos’ defense is a force.

HEALDSBURG 28, PETALUMA 20
Corey Harms goes to the air with success.

SACRED HEART 28, SONOMA VALLEY 20
The Fight’n Irish are very good.

ANALY 38, WINDSOR 21
The Tigers finally put it all together.

At Windsor, Joe Ramos rushed for 263 yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead the Jaguars to an upset of No. 2-ranked Sonoma Valley.


Sonoma (7-2-1, 4-2) could have caused a three-way tie for the SCL championship with a win.

Windsor led 12-6 at the half and was up 18-13 as Sonoma's Matt Darnell ran for a 24-yard TD, but the Dragons tried an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff and Windsor's Daniel Hardisty return it 52 yards for a TD that put the game away.

Defensive standouts for Windsor included linemen Kyle Kellough and Max Devlin and linebacker Ryan Pedersen.

SANDWICH — Jaguar varsity defenders Danny Hardisty and Kyle Kellough brought down a Sonoma ball-carrier in a 25-13 win over the Dragons on Friday. Paul Calvert

Windsor beats Sonoma Dragons to end season at 5-5

by GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor


The varsity football Jaguars finished the season on a winning note on Friday, torching the visiting Sonoma Dragons, 25-13.

The victory evened Windsor's league record to 3-3, and 5-5 overall.

“We played some pretty good football the past couple of weeks, our offensive line did a great job of opening some big holes,” WHS head coach Jason Fayter


Senior running back David Ramos did the rest, adding a whopping 263 yards on the ground against Sonoma, running his overall total to nearly 1200 rushing yards on the season.

The Windsor defensive unit turned in arguably its best effort of the year on Friday, limiting Sonoma to 229 yards in total offense, including just 56 on the ground.

“Our defense did a great job in stopping their running game, they weren't able to get much going offensively against us,” said Fayter. “Offensively, I was surprised that we were able to run the ball as well as we did.”

The Dragons drew first blood in the opening period, taking advantage of a Windsor fumble on a punt return to set up a three-yard scoring dive from Matt Darnell for a 6-0 lead.

The Jags took control in the second quarter, as quarterback Blake Schmidt hit Edgar Canchola with a 13-yard touchdown pass. Windsor finished off a solid half with a two-yard scoring burst from Ramos for a 12-6 halftime lead.

The Jaguars continued to dominate the line of scrimmage in the third period, as Ramos found pay-dirt again on a four-yard scamper and an 18-6 Windsor bulge.

Sonoma made it interesting in the final period, with Darnell breaking loose on a 24-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to five points. Windsor, which had squandered several scoring chances throughout the game, iced the contest when Daniel Hardisty took the ensuing kickoff and raced 52-yards for the eventual, 25-13 victory.

Ramos earned another game ball with 263 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns. Other solid individual efforts were had by: Schmidt (7-11, 89 yards passing, 17 yards rushing), Elias Carreno (2-10 yards rushing), Dillon Morrow, (2-47 yards receiving), Sean Elldridge (2-12 yards receiving), Hardisty (1-13 yards receiving) and Edgar Canchola (2-17 yards receiving).

Leading defenders included: Chris Michels (4 tackles, assist, sack), Andrew Jones (4 tackles, 2 assists), Hardisty (4 tackles, 3 assists), Kyle Kellough (2 tackles, 2 assists, 2 sacks), Benny Anderson (2 tackles, 6 assists), Ryan Pedersen (3 tackles, assist), Korey Langhals (3 tackles, 2 assists), Eldridge (tackle, 3 assists), Deandre Faaita (tackle, assist), Max Devlin (tackle, assist), Morrow (2 tackles) and a tackle apiece from Aaron Fletcher, Ramos and Brandyn Schmidt.

By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


There weren’t any real surprise teams chosen at the North Coast Section football seeding meeting Sunday at Las Lomas High in Walnut Creek.


The surprises come later in the form of upsets and there are usually a
few of those in the four different NCS playoff classifications.

“I think Cardinal Newman is the best team, no question,” said Rancho Cotate coach Ed Conroy. “They’re the class of the group and everyone is hoping to get there (the championship game) and take a crack at them.”

Newman (8-1-1), not quite a year removed from its appearance in the
Division III state championship game, received the top seed in 3A Redwood Empire. Rancho Cotate (8-2) is the second seed and is followed by No. 3 Casa Grande (8-1-1), No. 4 Sonoma Valley (7-2-1), No. 5 Montgomery (6-3-1), No. 6 Santa Rosa (7-3), No. 7 Petaluma (5-5) and No. 8 Redwood (7-3).

Opening weekend games include Redwood at Cardinal Newman and Petaluma vs. Rancho Cotate at Santa Rosa High Friday and Montgomery at Sonoma Valley and Santa Rosa at Casa Grande Saturday night. Two of those games -- Montgomery-Sonoma and Petaluma-Rancho Cotate -- are repeats of preseason games.

“There’s some good teams in the playoffs,” Newman coach Paul Cronin said. “You definitely don’t look ahead in the playoffs. Right now, we’ve got to focus on Redwood.”

For the second year, the NCS Redwood Empire 3A winner will meet the NCS
East Bay champ. That game will be played at the McAfee Coliseum, at 4 p.m., Dec. 8.

The top four seeds in 3A East Bay are San Ramon Valley (8-1-1), Newwark
Memorial (9-1), Pinole Valley (8-1-1) and College Park (8-2). Newman, Redwood, Sonoma and Montgomery are in the top bracket and RanchoCotate, Petaluma, Casa Grande and Santa Rosa in the bottom.

CLASS 2A PLAYOFFS
Top seed and unbeaten Novato (10-0) received a first-round bye because
only seven teams applied in the eight-team field.

Healdsburg (9-1) received the No. 2 seed and will play No. 7 Analy (2-7) for the second consecutive week at Rec Park Friday night. Healdsburg broke open a close game late to win 33-21 and share the Sonoma County League championship with Casa Grande.

Analy was eligible because it was 2-2 against 2A schools.

Lower Lake (6-3-1), the Cinderella team of Lake County and for coach Stan Weiper in his first year at the school, received a No. 5 seed and hosts No. 4 Terra Linda (5-5) Friday night. Lower Lake hadn’t had a winning season in 10 years.

Novato plays the winner of Terra Linda/Lower Lake.

The Healdsburg-Analy winner will play the winner of No. 3 Del Norte (9-0) and No. 6 Fortuna (9-1), who will be meeting for the third time.


By THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


CLASS 3A
Friday's games

Redwood at Cardinal Newman, 7 p.m.

Petaluma vs. Rancho Cotate at Santa Rosa High School, 7 p.m.

Saturday's games

Montgomery at Sonoma, 7 p.m.

Santa Rosa at Casa Grande, 7 p.m.


CLASS 2A
Friday's game

Analy at Healdsburg, 7 p.m.

By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT



College coaches might not be drooling over the talents of Windsor running back Joe Ramos, but you won’t find anyone in the Redwood Empire unimpressed by his play.


Ramos, only 5-foot-6 and 145 pounds, set a Windsor single-game rushing record in Friday’s upset win against Sonoma, rushing for 263 yards on 30 carries, breaking the mark of good friend Erik Hernandez, set last year.

“I just look for the holes and find the creases,” said Ramos, a senior, who may be as strong as he is quick. Ramos ran for 197 yards the previous week against Analy and totals 1,340 yards.

“He’s an all-around athlete, extremely strong and with balance like a cat,” said Windsor wrestling coach Rich Carnation. Ramos has a good chance of reaching state this year in wrestling.

A torn muscle in his shoulder required surgery and caused Ramos to miss the entire football season last year. He return to wrestle in the final weeks, won an SCL title and qualified for the NCS.

“He’s very tough and there’s no quit in him,” Carnation said.

Ramos played almost every position in youth football since he was eight. He plays safety on defense. He’s also proud of a 3.0 GPA. “I’ve picked up my grades,” he said.

4A East Bay
(1) De La Salle defeated (3) California 37-0



3A
(1) San Ramon Valley defeated (1) Cardinal Newman 38-28




2A
(1) Novato defeated (1) Las Lomas 34-21

Class A
(2) Ferndale defeated (1) St. Patrick/ St. Vincent, 6-0



Class B
(2) St. Elizabeth defeated (1) St. Vincent, 12-0

Friday 11/30/2007 7:00pm
3A #3 Pinole Valley 10-1-1 vs #1 San Ramon Valley 10-1-1 @ Dublin

3A #2 Rancho Cotate 10-2 vs #1 Cardinal Newman 10-1-1 @ Santa Rosa

2A #7 Campolindo 9-3 vs #1 Las Lomas 12-0 @ Las Lomas

Saturday 12/1/2007 1:30pm
2A #3 Del Norte 11-0 vs #1 Novato 11-0 @ Novato

12/8
7:00pm
4A #3 California 11-1 VS #1 De La Salle 11-0 @ Oakland

By THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Comcast, DirecTV and Dish TV have announced that they will broadcast all three state championship games Saturday.

THE MATCHUPS

Division III
Modesto-Central Catholic(11-1-1) from the Sac-Joaquin Section, taking on St. Bonaventure-Venture, (13-1) from the Southern Section.11:30 a.m.

Division II
Novato (12-0) from the North Coast Section goes up against Oceanside (11-1) from the San Diego Section. 3:30 p.m.

Division I

De La Salle(12-0) out of the North Coast Section goes up against Centennial-Corona, (13-1) from the Southern Section., 7:30 p.m.




It will never be known whether Cardinal Newman would have outpolled Central Catholic of Modesto, a team it tied 35-35 in the opening week of the regular season, and earned the Northern California berth in the state championship games. The Cardinals’ 38-28 loss Saturday night to Division I San Ramon Valley settled that debate before it could occur

So Sunday when the 10 section commissioners of the California Interscholastic Federation met to decide the state finalists, the decision was easy: Central Catholic got the nod to play in Saturday’s first game at Carson against St. Bonaventure of Ventura. Kickoff for that one is set for 11:30 a.m.

The Division II final starting at 3:30 p.m. has Novato with its 25-game winning streak against Oceanside. In Division I, De La Salle will play Centennial of Corona starting at 7:30 p.m..

De La Salle is the only one of the six finalists to be making a return trip to the Home Depot Center in Carson. The Spartans head to the state final again with an unbeaten record, at 12-0, but they did that a year ago and came home as state runners-up after a 27-13 loss to Canyon. In the other state finals a year ago, when California resumed playing for a state championship after 91 years without one, Cardinal Newman lost to Westlake Oaks Christian 27-20 in overtime and Orange Luteran won the Division II title with a 42-28 victory against Palo Alto.

2008 SUPER 25 RANKINGS

Super 25: Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) opens the season at No. 1 in USA TODAY's prep rankings

1. Byrnes, Duncan, S.C. (15-0)

Returning starters: 17. Outlook: The Rebels, coming off their fifth 5A title in six years, have 38 seniors returning but two key players are juniors, running back Marcus Lattimore and quarterback Chas Dodd. Lattimore rushed for 1,884 yards and 26 touchdowns last season while Dodd threw for 3,202 yards and 32 TDs. Tough schedule includes games with Georgia runner-up North Gwinnett (Suwanee), Lincoln (Tallahassee) and defending Florida 2B champion Pahokee. Next: Opens Aug. 29 at North Gwinnett.

2. Trinity, Euless, Texas (15-1)

Returning starters: 11. Outlook: The defending 5A champions return RB Dontrayevous Robinson (17 rushing TDs, 6.5 yards a carry), QB Denarius McGhee 1,800 yards passing) and their top tackler, LB Elikena Fieilo. They've gone 40-3 the past three seasons. Tough games include John Curtis (River Ridge, La.) and Allen. Next: Sept. 1 vs. John Curtis.

3. Gateway, Monroeville, Pa. (11-2)

Returning starters: 15. Outlook: Has most of its offensive and defensive lines intact. Top players include two who have committed to Ohio State, WR Corey Brown and LB Dorian Bell, and OL Colin Rodkey, who has committed to Indiana. The Gators also have a three-year starter at QB, Rob Kalkstein, and three juniors who are Division I prospects — G Mitch DeVall, LB Delbert Tyler and CB Dayonne Nunley. Next: Aug. 29 vs. Penn Hills (Pittsburgh).

4. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, N.J. (12-0)

Returning starters: 12. Outlook: The Ironmen are loaded on offense, with eight returning starters, including all-state QB Brett Knief, along with RBs Tony Jones and Dillon Romain, plus three offensive linemen. Will face one of the toughest schedules in the country with games at No. 18 St. Xavier (Cincinnati) and No. 7 De La Salle (Concord, Calif.). Next: Sept. 13 at No. 18 St. Xavier (Cincinnati).

5. Long Beach Poly, Long Beach (13-1)

Returning starters: 11. Outlook: The Jackrabbits won the CIF Southern Section last season and open at last year's top-ranked team, Miami Northwestern. Top players include RB Melvin Richardson, who ran for 1,316 yards and 15 TDs, and QB Morgan Fennell. Next: Aug. 30 at Miami Northwestern.

6. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale (14-1)

Returning starters: Seven. Outlook: The defending 5A champs are in a good position to repeat with plenty of incoming talent. Because the Saints outscored opponents by an average of 28 points, reserves saw plenty of playing time last season. Returnees include senior QB Ryan Becker, Junior RB Giovanni Bernard and TE Gabe Holmes. Aquinas also has two returning players who are sons of former NFL players, WR Duron Carter, son of Chris Carter and DB Cody Riggs, son of Gerald Riggs. Next: Aug. 30 vs. Elder (Cincinnati) in Cincinnati.

7. De La Salle, Concord, Calif. (13-0)

Returning starters: Seven. Outlook: The Spartans are looking to win their third consecutive California Division I title. Will play host to No. 4 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.). Arizona recruit RB Kylan Butler rushed for 1,006 yards and 20 TDs while Blake Wayne, a part-time starter at QB, also returns. Next: Sept. 13 at Junipero Serra (San Mateo).

8. Armwood, Seffner, Fla. (13-1)

Returning starters: Nine. Outlook: State 4A runner-up has nine players who have been offered Division I or I-AA scholarships, including DL Ryne Giddens, who had 21 sacks last season, LB Petey Smith and DB Angelo Hadley. Will face early test on Sept. 5 at Plant (Tampa). Next: Aug. 29 vs. Lake Gibson (Lakeland).

9. Carmel, Ind. (13-2)

Returning starters: 12. Outlook: Led by 6-4, 215-pound QB Morgan Newton, the defending 5A champion Greyhounds will be tested early by Cathedral (Indianapolis) and Center Grove (Greenwood). Last season, Newton passed for more than 2,000 yards and ran for more than 900. Other key players include RB Kurt Freytag and DB Joe Rippe and C Joey Barnes. Next: Saturday vs. Cathedral (Indianapolis).

10. Brentwood Academy, Brentwood, Tenn. (11-2)

Returning starters: 12. Outlook: The spread offense should improve with the return of QB Cody Nelson, who threw for 1,500 yards on a state runner-up team, along with heavily recruited DE/TE Thad McHaney and OT Alex Bullard, a Notre Dame commit. Plays a tough game at Prattville, Ala., on Sept. 26. Next: Friday vs. Independence (Thompsons Station).

11. Rockhurst, Kansas City, Mo. (13-0)

Returning starters: Nine. Outlook: The defending 6A champions have plenty of talent back, including Illinois recruit QB Nathan Scheelhaase, who passed for 1,861 yards and 20 TDs and ran for 917 yards and 14 TDs last season, and WR Keith Langtry, who had 11 TD catches. Rockhurst has a tricky schedule that includes Kansas 6A champion Hutchinson, which has won 28 in a row, Blue Springs South (Blue Springs), the Missouri 6A champ two seasons ago, a game at Mullen Prep (Denver) and a game vs. Minnetonka, Minn. Next: Aug. 31 at Blue Springs South (Blue Springs).

12. River Hill, Clarksville, Md. (14-0)

Returning starters: 13. Outlook: The defending 2A champions are 48-4 during the past four years and have two 1,000-yard rushers returning, Michael Campanaro and Malek Redd. Luke Hostetler, nephew of former NFL QB Jeff Hostetler, is the starting QB. Next: Sept. 5 at Atholton (Columbia).

13. Lowndes, Valdosta, Ga. (14-1)

Returning starters: 14. Outlook: The Vikings, who have won three of the past four 5A titles, are now are in the same 5A region as 4A champion No. 22 Northside (Warner Robins). QB Khary Franklin, DB Gerald Demps, a FSU commit, and senior RB Greg Reid, a Florida commit, will help the Vikings compete. Next: Aug. 29 vs. Woodland (Stockbridge).

14. Madison County, Madison, Fla. (13-1)

Returning starters: 16. Outlook: The defending 2A state champions return almost fully loaded, led by Florida State commit RB Chris Thompson and RB Cory Akins. The two combined to rush for 50 TDs and more than 3,600 yards last season. The return of two-way lineman Jacobbi McDaniel, an FSU commit and the No. 2 DT in the class of 2009, according to rivals.com, and LB Cortez Akins mean the Cowboys are strong on both sides of the ball. Next: Sept. 5 vs. Independence (Charlotte).

15. Oscar Smith, Chesapeake, Va. (13-1)

Returning starters: 15. Outlook: The Tigers averaged 43 points a game last season and have junior QB Phillip Sims, who passed for 3,000 yards and 33 TDs, returning. Oscar Smith's defense, which allowed only four points a game, has eight starters returning, including all-state players LB Jerod Askew, Virginia commit LB Perry Jones and DT Evan Hailes. Next: Aug. 29 vs. Booker T. Washington (Norfolk).

16. St. Ignatius, Cleveland (8-3)

Returning starters: 13. Outlook: With nine offensive starters back, including the entire offensive line, QB Andy Holland should have it easy finding WR Mike Myers and TE Brendan Carozzoni. The Wildcats will be tested early vs. Glenville (Cleveland) and late October by No. 18 St. Xavier (Cincinnati). Notre Dame commit WR/DB Dan Fox anchors St. Ignatius' defense Next: Saturday vs. Glenville.

17. Skyline, Issaquah, Wash. (14-0)

Returning starters: 12. Outlook: The defending 3A champions open with the Oregon 6A champion, Sheldon. The Spartans won six state titles under Steve Gervais but have a new coach in Mat Taylor. They should be in good shape offensively with junior Jake Heaps, possibly the top underclassman QB in the country, and all-state WR Gino Simone along with WR Kasen Williams. The defense, which led the state in fewest points allowed last season, is led by DT Rob Tramonte. Next: Sept. 6 at Sheldon (Ore.).

18. St. Xavier, Cincinnati (15-0)

Returning starters: Four. Outlook: The Bombers lost a lot of key players but have Luke Massa back at QB and plenty of talent in the wings. DE Patrick Muldoon, LB Pete Lees and LB Luke Kuechly lead the defense while OT Matt James anchors the offensive line. The Bombers have a tough schedule that includes No. 4 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), Cathedral (Indianapolis), No. 16 St. Ignatius (Cleveland), Prattville, Ala., and Trinity (Louisville). All but the Trinity game will be in Cincinnati, however. Next: Friday vs. Colerain (Cincinnati).

19. Centennial, Corona, Calif. (13-2)

Returning starters: Nine. Outlook: State Division I runner-up last season may be even better with the addition of transfers, junior LB Brandon Brown, OL Elijah Baltavich and QB Taylor Martinez. The Huskies have plenty of D-I talent, including LB Vontaze Burfict, a USC commit, WR Ricky Marvray and DL Will Sutton, son of ex-Los Angeles Ram Mickey Sutton. Will play at Mater Dei (Anaheim) on Sept. 19. Next: Sept. 12 at Chaparral (Temecula).

20. Stone Bridge, Ashburn, Va. (14-1)

Returning starters: 12. Outlook: The 3A champion Bulldogs return key talent from the defensive line. Stone Bridge has four players who have committed to ACC schools. DL/TE Zach Thompson and LB Mike Olson are expected to sign with Wake Forest while DL/OL Brian Slay has committed to N.C. State and DL/OL David Wang has committed to Virginia Tech. QB Patrick Thompson, who threw for 2,500 yards and 30 TDs, and DB/RB Daniel Allen, hurt for much of last season, also are highly coveted recruits. Matt Custer, a talented lineman, transferred from Loudoun Valley (Purcellville). Next: Aug. 29 vs. West Springfield (Springfield).

21. South Panola, Batesville, Miss. (15-0)

Returning starters: 10. Outlook: Yes, the Tigers lost some key players, including RB Tig Barksdale, a program that has won 75 consecutive games and five consecutive 5A titles can't be easily dismissed. South Panola will be tested by a schedule that includes Apopka, Fla., Tupelo and Olive Branch. LB David Conner, an Auburn commit, anchors the defense along with LB Marvin Burdette and DE Kendrick Strong. Next: Aug. 29 at Vicksburg.

22. Northside, Warner Robins, Ga. (15-0)

Returning starters: 10. Outlook: The 4A state champs jump to 5A but have two of the most recruited players in the state, DE Abry Jones and LB Eric Fields. DB K.J. Morton, LB Darius Ivey, QB Joe Scott and TE Evan Arthur lead the rest of the returnees. The Eagles will have a difficult schedule, including Florida 4A champion Booker T. Washington (Miami) and 5A champion and No. 13 Lowndes. Next: Aug. 29 vs. Perry.

23. Highlands, Fort Thomas, Ky. (15-0)

Returning starters: Six. Outlook: The defending 5A champs have their nucleus intact, including RB/DB Josh Conner, who rushed for 1,700 yards last season, all-state WR/DB Austin Collinsworth, son of NFL great Chris Collinsworth, DT Brandon Roller and QB Tony Guidugli, an all-state player as a sophomore last season. Next: Aug. 29 vs. Ryle.

24. Lake Travis, Austin (15-1)

Returning starters: 11. Outlook: The defending 4A champions have plenty of firepower back on offense, led by two Texas commitments — senior QB Garrett Gilbert, who passed for 52 TDs and almost 5,000 yards last season and 6-5, 275-pound OT Paden Kelly. Another big returnee is WR Cade McCrary. Chad Morris, who was 49-10 at Stephenville, replaces Jeff Dicus as coach. Next: Aug. 29 vs. Westwood (Austin) in San Antonio.

25. Parkland, Allentown, Pa. (15-1)

Returning starters: 15. Outlook: State 4A runner-up has nine starters back on a defense that had seven consecutive shutouts last season. Jaleel Clark, a DB-WR, is a returning all-state player, as is DE/TE Clint Miller. The team's offensive line averages 260 pounds. Tough schedule includes St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia) and Liberty (Bethlehem, Pa.) in the first two weeks. Next: Aug. 29 vs. St. Joseph's Prep.

***

USA TODAY's Super 25 football rankings were compiled by Jim Halley. Among criteria considered are a team's strength of schedule, quality of wins and quality of players.

The Windsor Times Sports

Windsor opens pre-season campaign at Redwood on Saturday

By Greg Clementi, Sports Editor

The varsity football Jaguars should return to the upper-echelon of Sonoma County League teams this fall, if early projections hold up.

Windsor will field one of its largest and most athletic teams ever, with outstanding team speed and talent at the skill positions.

Head coach Jason Fayter returns for his sixth year at the helm, hopeful of improving on last years 5-5 varsity team. A solid core of returnees and the addition of 20 more athletes from last seasons undefeated JV squad, should spell success for the Jags.


This is a very tough league, but we definitely expect to be in the hunt for the SCL title, said Fayter. We might not be quite as strong on the O-line as last year, but Id say our overall speed and athleticism is better.

Key skill-position players include senior quarterback Blake Schmidt, junior running backs Cameron Erion and Steven Hutchison, junior receivers; DJ King, Michael Campbell, Miles Williams, and CJ Landwehr.

Manning the offensive line are: left guard Kory Langhals, center Rosendo Castro, right guard Chris Lowe, right tackle Michael Lopez, and left tackle Jordan Winkler.

The Jags have suffered a rash of recent injuries to their defensive line, but hope to have most of their kids back by mid-season. Senior defensive end Chris Michels will be a key pass-rusher when he returns from a broken hand.

The linebacking corps will feature a combination of Winkler, senior Kyle Yung, Michael Hutchison, juniors Teddy Van Bebber, Cody Paz, and Zach Arvig. The defensive backfield will consist of cornerbacks; senior Aaron Fletcher, Landwehr, Erion, and safeties; senior Deandre Faaita, King, Williams, Campbell, and Steven Hutchison.

Junior Morgan Rennie returns to handle the kicking chores.

The Jaguars kicked off the pre-season on Saturday with a scrimmage at Sir Francis Drake in San Anselmo, flashing signs of brilliance on both sides of the ball. Windsor used a balanced offensive attack to score six touchdowns- three rushing and three receiving. The Jags also had another pair of scores nullified by penalties.

We looked pretty good, but its hard to say because we dont know how strong Drake is this year, said Fayter. One big positive was that we came out of the scrimmage healthy.

The Jaguars will begin the season in earnest this Saturday, Sept. 6 in the pre-season opener at Redwood in Larkspur. Game times for the JV and varsity are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Windsor will host Maria Carrillo in the home opener on Friday, Sept. 12.

2008 Jaguar JV/

varsity football

schedule

Sept. 6- Windsor @ Redwood, 10 a.m./ 1 p.m.

Sept. 12- Maria Carrillo @ Windsor, 5/7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19- Windsor @ Santa Rosa, 5/ 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26- Castlemont @ Windsor, 5/7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3- Sonoma @ Windsor, 5/7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10- Bye

Oct. 17- Healdsburg @ Windsor, 5/7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24- Windsor @ El Molino, 5/7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30- Casa Grande @ Windsor, 5/7:30 p.m.

Nov. 7- Windsor @ Petaluma, 5/7:30 p.m.

Nov. 14- Analy @ Windsor, 5/7:30 p.m.

Nov. 21- NCS playoffs

Big second half lifts Jags to 28-15 win over Montgomery

by Greg Clementi,
Sports Editor
Published: Thursday, September 9, 2010

As football season openers go, they dont get much better.

The Jaguars made their 2010 gridiron debut on Friday, erasing a brief third-quarter deficit to defeat visiting Montgomery, 28-15.

The Jags wont have much time to savor the win, with a road game against Redwood looming this Saturday, Sept. 11 in Larkspur. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are set for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Fridays home opener on Kirkpatrick Field was big on several fronts, not the least of which was an impressive victory over a perennial football power. The win also represented the first in what promises to be many in the varsity career of first-year coach Dustin Davis.

Davis, who piloted the Windsor JV squad to a 29-0-1 mark the past three years, expressed both excitement and relief that this one was finally in the books.

Its always nice to start a season with a win, for both the team and a new coaching staff, said Davis. I thought our focus was spot on. We didnt have any penalties until late in the second half, and didnt make a lot of mistakes. Overall, we played a pretty good game.

The outcome against another NCS division-two opponent could also prove especially significant for a Windsor program with playoff aspirations.

We have a lot of respect for Montgomery, noted Davis. When we look back in ten years on our program, we hope to have half as much success as theyve had.

Fridays clash with the visiting Vikings featured the varsity debut of junior quarterback Christian McAlvain, who turned in a solid performance in completing 8 of 15 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. His steady play bodes well for a team that stresses both balance and mistake-free football.

We have a lot of trust in our coaching staff and they had us well-prepared for this game, said McAlvain. Our goal is to win an SCL championship and this win really sets the tone for the season.

The Vikings drew first blood with 2:56 left in the opening quarter on a one-yard TD plunge from running back from Alex Cuidad-Real. The PAT kick was good and Montgomery led 7-0.

The Jags came right back on their next drive with running backs Jerad Leon and Darrian Roman ripping off big chunks of real estate to set up an eventual, 15-yard touchdown scamper from Roman. Kicker Lee Aranda made good on the PAT boot and the teams were knotted at the half, 7-7.

The Jags used a short field on their first possession of the third period to rip off a 54-yard march, culminating in a two-yard scoring dive from Dalton Mathia for a 14-7 Windsor lead. The Vikes would answer with 3:30 to go in the third when Cuidad-Real broke loose on a 54-yard bolt up the middle for his second score of the game. Montgomery converted the ensuing two-point conversion try and took a 15-14 lead at the end of three.

The Jaguars took control of the contest on their first possession of the final period when a long pass from McAlvain to receiver Kyle Smith led to a five-yard touchdown burst from Leon. The two-point conversion attempt failed and Windsor led, 20-15.

The Jags sealed the victory on the next defensive stand, when Roman stripped the Viking ball-carrier and Stephen Camilleri recovered at the Montgomery 24. McAlvain capitalized when he found talented wide-out Kameron Richardson with an 11-yard touchdown dagger, providing Windsor with the eventual, 28-15 margin of victory.

Windsor churned up 128 yards on the ground against a stubborn Viking defense, led by Leon (15-54 yards, TD), Roman (4-47, TD), and McAlvain (5-14). Top receivers included Valdes (1-43 yards), Smith (2-35), Richardson (2-22), Lorenzo Camarena (1-10), and Taylor Biaggi (1-6).

Leading defenders were Kevin Brown (7 tackles, sack), Camilleri (3 tackles, 3 assists, FR), Brad Stibi (5 tackles), Brad Grainger (4 tackles), Joe Winkler (4 tackles, assist), Roman (3 tackles, 2 assists, CF), Camarena (3 tackles, assist), Biaggi (2 tackles), Josh Duke (sack), and a tackle apiece from Dan Schenone, and Mathia.

Aranda turned in a great night with his leg, with five kickoffs for 140 yards and three touchbacks. He also narrowly missed on a 53-yard field goal attempt in the first half.

JV post win

The Windsor JV squad (1-0) made it a clean sweep over Montgomery with a 31-6 win, giving head coach DJ Sexton his first career victory.

Press Democrat Staff Writer Rich Rupprecht takes a look at some of this weekend’s most intriguing football matchups:


SCOTT MANCHESTER / PD Vikings' fans had a lot of cheer about last season. Will they be cheering after Friday night's home opener against Grant?TONIGHT
Grant at Montgomery, 7:30 p.m.

Grant would be an excellent test for any school, but a season opener against a Montgomery team switching to a new offense would seem to favor the Pacers, who averaged over 40 points a game last season, while going 7-4. Just about all Grant’s skill players are returning, including quarterback Kipelli Koniseti and receiver Howard Warren. Montgomery returns running back/defensive back James Berthinier and has switched receiver Derek Klomhaus to quarterback.

Terra Linda at Analy, 7:30 p.m.

Terra Linda lost 18 to graduation from a team that went 6-6 and reached the NCS 2A title game (a loss to Novato). This year’s team is inexperienced, but has skill at quarterback (Chris Migdal) and wide receiver (Casey Maloney). Maloney should be a name called frequently by the Karlson Field PA announcer. Joe Maloney caught 49 balls last year from returning quarterback David Glass (nearly 2,500 yards passing). Analy is looking to improve on last year’s 2-8 record under new head coach Dan Bourdon.

Healdsburg at McKinleyville, 7:30 p.m.

These two teams had polar opposite seasons in 2007. Healdsburg went 10-2 and tied for the SCL championship. McKinleyville went 0-9 and finished last in the Humboldt-Del Norte Little Five. Healdsburg returns its entire offensive line and hopes to unleash its running game. Travis Paasche was a two-way all-league lineman for the Greyhounds last season.

SATURDAY
Windsor at Redwood (Larkspur), 1 p.m.

The Jaguars lost a lot to graduation, but do return QB Blake Schmidt. Windsor finished 5-5 and didn’t make the playoffs last year, in part because Redwood defeated the Jaguars 21-20. Redwood lost its first three games last season and then went 7-1, losing to Cardinal Newman in a 3A playoff opener.

Petaluma at Washington (Fremont), 7 p.m.

Washington plays in the tough Mission Valley League and went 5-6-1 last season, deceiving, because the Huskies managed two playoff games, losing to a strong Pinole Valley team, 35-28. Washington also tied San Ramon Valley and defeated Newark Memorial. Petaluma went 5-6 last year, but returns 1,000-yard rusher Sean Sullivan and looks to have a sold corps of running backs and receivers for its triple-option offense.

El Molino at Berean Christian (Walnut Creek), 1 p.m.

Berean Christian went 4-6 last season, but lost its last four games to good teams — Salesian, Sacred Heart Prep, Kings Academy and St. Elizabeth. El Molino went 2-8, winning preseason games against Elsie Allen and Piner. The Lions return 1,000-yard running back Tony DeMarco.

REDWOOD 28, WINDSOR 21

Erion rushes for 234 yards on 24 carries; Schmidt throws two touchdowns
By Eric Branch
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


LARKSPUR They couldnt find a way to win, but the Windsor Jaguars discovered several reasons for optimism Saturday afternoon.


In a stifling season opener played in temperatures hovering near 100 degrees, Windsors defense melted in the second half en route to a 28-21 non-league loss to Redwood.

The sting of defeat, however, was dulled by a few promising varsity debuts against the Giants, a program returning plenty of experience from last years run to the Class 3A playoffs.

Windsor junior tailback Cameron Erion rushed for 234 yards on 24 carries and junior wide receiver Miles Williams had five catches for 98 yards.

But their contributions werent enough to overcome Redwoods fearsome rushing attack.

Windsor had just one turnover and five penalties impressive numbers for a season opener but coach Jason Fayter pointed to several subtle breakdowns as the difference in the game.

I felt good about a lot of stuff we did on offense, Fayter said. We just had some bad timing on blown assignments on critical third- and fourth-down plays. We had an opportunity to win the game, but it just didnt happen.

Trailing 14-6 early in the third quarter, the Jaguars rallied on Erions 92-yard run, which set up a 4-yard scoring pass from Blake Schmidt to Michael Campbell. Schmidt then connected with King on a two-point conversion to tie the score at 14.

The Giants response was powerful.

Led by tailback Joe Klemme (23 carries, 186 yards, 3 TDs), Redwood scored on its next two drives, a pair of odes to power football.

The drives covered 107 yards and featured 13 plays, 12 of them runs. After tailback Andrew ODorisio scored on a 5-yard blast, Redwood led 28-14 with 7:29 left and had left no doubt about who controlled the line of scrimmage.

When our linemen are doing their job, theyre fun to watch, Redwood coach Jim Nelson said. We call them Kahunas.

Equally fun to watch was Erion, a shifty runner who ripped off three gains of at least 20 yards against a defense returning seven starters from a unit that allowed an average of 204.9 yards a game last year.

Erion, who had 143 yards in the second half, held up in the heat. And he credited his post-practice routine for his stamina.

After the rest of the team leaves practice, Windsors offensive linemen must stay to run wind sprints for 30 minutes. During summer practices, Erion began joining his linemen for the extra half-hour of exhaustion.

I just decided Id run with the line, Erion said. I know the lines got my back and I wanted them to know Ive got theirs.

In his second year as a starter, Schmidt completed 15 of 29 passes for 176 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Schmidt connected with King on an 18-yard scoring pass with 35 seconds left to trim the deficit to 28-21. King opened the scoring with a 43-yard interception return.

Schmidt also found Williams for completions of 30 and 39 yards, the last of which Williams leaped high for and landed hard on his left shoulder. Fayter said Williams might have dislocated the shoulder, but didnt know about the extent of the injury.




Box ScoreNon-league
AT LARKSPUR

Windsor 6 0 8 7 21
Redwood 0 7 14 7 28

W D.J. King 43 interception return (kick failed)
R Joe Klemme 63 run (Jake Anderson kick)
R Klemme 6 run (Anderson kick)
W Blake Schmidt 4 pass to Michael Campbell (Schmidt pass to King)
R Klemme 7 run (Anderson kick)
R Andrew ODorisio 5 run (Anderson kick)
W Schmidt 18 pass to King (Morgan Rennie kick)

Rushing, W Cameron Erion 24-234, Schmidt 1-(-3). R Klemme 23-186, ODorisio 5-36, Tony Bricca 1-4, Ryan Russell 7-(-4).

Passing, W Schmidt 15-29-1-176. R Russell 4-9-1-76.

Receiving, W Miles Williams 5-98, King 4-38, Campbell 3-17, James Reed 1-19, Erion 1-5, Landwehr 1-(-3).

Record: W 0-1, R 1-0

Varsity football receiver Kameron Richardson hauled in an 11-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter on Friday to help seal a 28-15 win over visiting Montgomery. The Jags visit Redwood on Saturday. Greg Clementi

Windsor's Cameron Erion dives for extra yardage against Redwood in first half action at Redwood High School in Larkspur on Saturday September 6, 2008.

A year ago, the Sonoma County League went a decisive 14-0 against the North Bay League in preseason play.
It was utter dominance. This year, the NBL already has two victories over the SCL, including last nights 33-13 win by Mario Carrillo at Petaluma.

The SCL holds a 3-2 lead overall, but the gap seems to be closing even in the NBL;s losses.

In 2009, for example, Casa Grande defeated Ukiah 30-7. Last nights result was much closer: Casa 26, Ukiah 17.

High school football, youre gonna see cycles all the time, Maria Carrillo coach Jay Higgins said after his teams victory. One team goes on a run, and then they have a little dip, and then another team goes on a run. The same thing can happen with leagues.

Of course, there could be one major explanation for the seeming parity between the leagues this year. Petaluma was the Empires dominant team a year ago. With a new coach and just one returning starter, the Trojans are struggling to regain their prominence. They have both SCL losses this year (the other to Santa Rosa).

Carrillo star Sam Atoe wasnt aware of the SCLs undefeated record against his NBL a year ago. But he made no attempt to downplay the significance of beating Petaluma.

To beat a team from a different league, its pretty big for me, because it says a lot about your team, Atoe noted. It shows people you can beat any team from any other league.

Windsor's DJ King interceps a Redwood pass and run it in for a touchdown to put Windsor ahead 6-0 in the first quarter at Redwood High School in Larkspur on Saturday September 6, 2008.

Michael Wells
Marin Independent Journal.
Posted: 09/11/2010

week ago the Redwood High football team won in spectacular fashion on one of the most amazing plays in school history. Saturday the feeling couldn't have been more different.

Redwood's Zac Neiman couldn't mimic his Week 1 heroics when he caught a Hail Mary pass on the final play of a 24-20 victory so incredible it made ESPN's SportsCenter's top 10 plays.

Nothing really went right this time in a less dramatic 38-0 loss to visiting Windsor on Saturday.

"We didn't execute to our ability," said Neiman, a team captain. "I take responsibility for some of the stuff that happened today."

Redwood coach Jon Hirsch said the Giants (1-1) would have needed to play perfect football to stay with Windsor (2-0).

"We knew they were a good football team and we knew we had a shot if we played well. We made too many mistakes," Hirsch said. "You can't make mistakes against good football teams."

The Jaguars were able to capitalize on Redwood's mishaps by converting five plays for more than 50 yards each to set up four different Windsor scoring drives.

"Our offense took a while to get going, but once we woke up we were able to do what we wanted," Windsor coach Dustin Davis said.

Quarterback Christian McAlvain was involved in three of the big plays and finished the day completing 7-of-16 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown pass, while rushing six times for 62 yards and two TDs.

"Our team played very well," McAlvain said. "To dominate a pretty good team feels really good."

Windsor amassed 257 yards rushing with three players totaling more than 60 yards. Jerad Leon led all backs with 90 yards on 12 carries.

"It's pretty simple, they made more plays than we did," Giants lineman Sam Perrella said. "Sometimes getting your butts kicked like that gives you more than beating a team like Mount Diablo (last week)."

Linebacker Brad Stibi spoiled any progress the Giants made with two interceptions, including one in his own end zone. The pick ended one of two scoring opportunities for Redwood. The Giants' Cody Baldwin missed a 25-yard field goal try in the final seconds of the game.

Hirsch said his team will need to put this game behind it quickly and get ready for a road game against Lowell of San Francisco on Friday.

"It's something we've been stressing since the beginning of spring ... mental toughness," Hirsch said. "Our ability to block out everything that doesn't matter and focus on what's important now."




..........................................................................

Windsor blanks Redwood, 38-0

Windsor cut through Redwood for a 38-0 victory Saturday, yet credit the Jaguars defense and play along the lines as much as a big-play offense for the road win.




By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Windsor cut through Redwood for a 38-0 victory Saturday, yet credit the Jaguars defense and play along the lines as much as a big-play offense for the road win.

Playing another sharp game early in the season, the young Windsor team could still have some of its best football ahead.

Its a huge win, said linebacker Brady Stibi, who had two interceptions. It comes from hard work. If you practice hard, you play hard.

Dominating a Redwood team that was coming off a comeback win last week impressed Giants coach Jon Hirsch.
We knew we had our hands full. Credit them for playing a really, really sound football game, Hirsch said.

Windsor opened the scoring with an early 54-yard touchdown run by quarterback Christian McAlvain. But the Jaguars couldnt get much else going until late in the second half.

No problem there, however, because Windsors defense limited Redwood to a meager 21 yards in offense during the first half. Linebacker Kevin Brown led the unit in tackles, including several behind the line of scrimmage.
Our defense was pretty dominant today, said Windsor coach Dustin Davis.

When the offense switched into gear, McAlvain directed the balanced attack to a pair of scores before halftime.

A 43-yard Jerad Leon run was the big play in a drive that led to an impressive 41-yard field goal by kicker Lee Aranda.
On the Jaguars next possession, McAlvain hit Lorenzo Camarena with a well-thrown ball up the right side, and the speedy receiver was tripped up just short of the end zone. Leon ran the ball in from two yards out with just 10 seconds left in the half.

The large guys up front opened things up for Windsors skill players.
Our offensive line did an awesome job today opening holes and giving me time to pass, McAlvain said.

One of those big openings allowed McAlvain to scamper up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown run on a fourth down in the third quarter.

Redwood answered with its longest play on the day. Zach Dubin hit on a 28-yard pass that Zac Neiman wrestled away from a Windsor defender, getting the Giants deep into Jaguars territory.

On the next play, Dubins pass bounced off a Redwood receiver and Stibi snagged it out of the air. Stibi was headed for a touchdown when a Giants player tripped him up.

I thought I had six (points). I got caught from behind, Stibi said.

Windsor would score one play later when McAlvain connected with Taylor Biaggi on a 75-yard touchdown pass.

I was looking to go short, but it just opened up, McAlvain said.
Determined to avoid a shutout, Redwood put together its best drive for the game. Mixing some passes with gritty running, the Giants possession came down to a fourth-and-goal.

There was Stibi again, stepping in front of a Redwood receiver at the back of the end zone to pull in his second interception, holding on after bobbling the ball.

I wasnt expecting it. He threw it right to me, Stibi said.
While the win might have looked easy, Windsor created opportunities and took advantage of Redwood mistakes.

With two wins to open the season, Windsor and its first-year coach are confident, but not comfortable.
Its a great start, Davis said.

The Windsor Times Sports



Erion runs for 234 yards; Windsor hosts Maria Carrillo Friday

By Greg Clementi, Sports Editor

The varsity football Jaguars did everything but declare victory in their 2008 debut on Saturday, dropping a 28-21 decision to the host Redwood Giants.


The season opener in Larkspur was contested on a brutally hot day, testing the will and stamina of both teams. Despite the 100-degree field temperature, the combatants combined for over 750 yards in total offense- including 416 for Windsor.

Jaguar junior running back Cameron Erion did the bulk of the damage for the Jags, ripping off 234 yards on 24 carries against the top-ranked defense in the Marin County Athletic League. Unfortunately for the Jags, Redwood’s Joe Klemme was nearly as impressive, gaining 187 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in a duel of two outstanding backs.

Despite the loss, there was no shortage of great offensive efforts for Windsor, including that of senior quarterback Blake Schmidt, who threw for 176 yards and a pair of scores. Junior receiver Miles Williams added 98 yards on five receptions, while junior slot receiver DJ King hauled in four catches for 38 yards.

“Cameron ran tough and our O-line did a pretty good job, but we made too many mistakes in the game,” said Jags coach Jason Fayter. “We had over 400 yards in offense and only scored two offensive touchdowns- and that’s just not good enough.”

The Jags drew first blood midway through the opening quarter when defensive back DJ King stepped in front of Redwood quarterback Ryan Russell’s pass and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. The PAT kick failed and Windsor led 6-0.

Windsor dodged an early bullet when the Giants blocked a punt to give them the ball at the Jag’s 10 yard line, but Redwood would cough up a fumble on the ensuing series (recovered by Chris Lowe) to kill the threat.

The Giants got on the board early in the second period when Klemme broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown scamper. The successful PAT boot gave Redwood a 7-6 lead at the break.

Redwood used another in a series of long kickoff returns to start the third quarter, setting up a short drive to grab a 14-6 lead. But Erion put the Jaguars back in business on the next series, bouncing to the outside on a 92-yard scamper to the Giant’s one. The run set up a four-yard scoring pass from Schmidt to junior wide-out Michael Campbell. King hauled in the pass for the two-point conversion and the game was knotted at 14-apiece.

The Giants took advantage of another short field to regain the lead, as Klemme capped the drive with a seven-yard scoring burst for a 21-14 lead. A Redwood interception early in the fourth quarter would eventually lead to a five-yard touchdown run by Andrew O’ Dorisio for a 28-14 bulge.

The Jags refused to go quietly however, using Schmidt’s arm and Erion’s legs to methodically drive for the game’s final touchdown. A leaping grab by Williams would keep the chains moving, leading to an 18-yard scoring strike from Schmidt to King for the eventual, 28-21 Redwood victory.

In addition to the outstanding numbers put up by Erion, Schmidt, Williams, and King, other offensive leaders included: Campbell (3-16 yards receiving, TD), and James Reed (1-18 yards receiving). .

Defensive standouts included: Cody Paz (7 tackles, 4 assists), King (3 tackles, 3 assists, INT, TD), Kory Langhals, (5 tackles, 4 assists), Kyle Yung (4 tackles, 3 assists), Teddy Van Bebber (2 tackles, 4 assists), Jacob Welch (2 tackles, 4 assists), Zack Arvig (4 tackles, assist), Lowe (2 tackles, 3 assists, FR), Campbell (4 tackles), Erion (2 tackles, assist), Michael Lopez (tackle, 2 assists), Reed (tackle, assist), Michael Hutchison (tackle, assist), Jordan Winkler (tackle, assist), Rosendo Castro (2 tackles), Aaron Fletcher (tackle, assist), CJ Landwehr (2 assists), and a tackle apiece from Zack Schlief, Edgar Canchola, Deandre Faaita, and Craig Lyman.

The Jags will host visiting Maria Carrillo this Friday, Sept. 12 in the home opener. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Windsor teams pitch three shutouts; visit Santa Rosa on Friday

by Greg Clementi
Sports Editor
Published: Thursday, September 16, 2010 2:55 PM PDT

The varsity football Jaguars stayed perfect on the pre-season circuit on Saturday, taking apart another perennial power in beating Redwood, 38-0.

The win, played in front of a stunned partisan home crowd in Larkspur, was contested on a brutally hot day and completed a three-game sweep for the Windsor football program, which also featured wins by the frosh (26-0), and JV squads (22-0).

The dominant victory evened the score at 2-2 in the four-year history of the series against the Giants and pushed Windsor’s season record to 2-0.

“As a group, our defense was suffocating,” said Jags head coach Dustin Davis, but was quick to point out, “We’re where we should be right now, but we want to continue to get better each week.”

Next up for the Jags is a pre-league clash with the Panthers at Santa Rosa’s Ernie Nevers Field this Friday, Sept. 17 (5/7:30 p.m.).

Santa Rosa (1-0) is coming off a season-opening, 13-0 shutout win over defending SCL champion Petaluma on Sept. 3. The Panthers appear to be much stronger than last year’s 2-8 team, which dropped a 14-6 decision to the Jaguars.

“They’re far improved from where they were a year ago,” noted Davis. “The system they run isn’t complicated, but what they do, they do well.”

Windsor defense throttles Giants

Saturday’s win over Redwood was about as complete as they come, thanks in large part to a Windsor defensive unit that allowed the Giants few opportunities to get untracked.

Led by linebackers Kevin Brown, Brady Stibi, Josh Duke, Louis Correria, Vince Valdes, and Darrian Roman, Windsor effectively controlled the line of scrimmage and the clock.

The Jags drew first blood with five minutes left in the opening quarter when junior quarterback Christian McAlvain called his own number on a five-yard keeper. Lee Aranda added a PAT kick and the Jags led, 7-0 at the end of one.

Aranda made it 10-0 midway through the second period when he drilled a 41-yard field goal, and the Jags padded their lead at the end of the quarter when running back Jerad Leon found pay-dirt on a two-yard burst and a 17-0 halftime lead.

The Jaguars gained separation shortly after intermission when a sustained drive led to another six-yard keeper by McAlvain. The junior signal-caller would effectively ice the game with five minutes left in the third when he hooked up with receiver Taylor Biaggi on a 75-yard scoring pass and a 31-0 bulge at the end of three. Roman would cap the Windsor scoring in the final period when he busted loose on a five-yard bolt for the eventual, 38-0 victory.

McAlvain continued to impress as the Windsor field general, completing seven of 17 passes for one touchdown and no picks. He also rushed for 61 yards on six carries and a pair of scores.

“Our offense played a strong game, and we’re getting very solid play from our quarterback,” said Davis. “He’s got a lot of poise and polish for a junior, probably because he’s played the position for so long.”

Other top Windsor rushers were Leon (13- 88, TD) and Dalton Mathia (4-88 yards). Leading receivers included Biaggi (2-82, TD), Lorenzo Camarena (2-55 yards), Kyle Smith (2-18 yards), and Valdes (1-16 yards).

Brown anchored the defensive unit (11 tackles, 4 assists), while Stibi (7 tackles, 4 assists) killed two Redwood drives with a pair of interceptions. Other top defenders were Valdes (7 tackles, 8 assists), Correria (6 tackles, 9 assists), Biaggi (5 tackles, 3 assists), Mathia (5 tackles, 2 assists), Ishi Silva (4 tackles, 3 assists), Duke (4 tackles, 2 assists), Brad Grainger (3 tackles, 5 assists), Austin Boetiger (3 tackles, 2 assists), Trevor Doherty (2 tackles, 4 assists), Andrew Nguyen (2 tackles, 5 assists), Joe Winkler (2 tackles, 3 assists), Kameron Kiech (2 tackles, 2 assists),Carlos Gonzales (2 tackles, 3 assists), Jason Foell (1 tackle, 4 assists), Leon (1 tackle, 4 assists), Stephen Camilleri ( tackle, assist), and a tackle apiece from Zach Barton, Anthony Ketzer, and Camarena.

Injury notes

The victory over Redwood did come at a cost, as senior linebacker and captain Joe Winkler went down with a broken bone in his leg. The Jags are hoping to have him back by the end of the regular season.

JV Jags post win

The junior varsity ran its record to 2-0 with a 22-0 victory over the Giants. Leading the Windsor offense were quarterback Derek Hensley 14-30, 206 yards passing, 2 TDs, 12-75 yards rushing, TD), running backs Chad Tolson (6-48 yards rushing), Mike Piazza (1-9 yards rushing), and receivers Trey Tobin (3-79 yards, TD), Trenton Wells (2-20), and Michael Basich (TD).

Leading defenders included Mark Purter (8 tackles, 4 assists), Sheldon Logan (6 tackles, 4 assists), Alex Tietsort (4 tackles, 5 assists), Anthony Randel (3 tackles, 4 assists), Chad Gradek (3 tackles, 2 assists),Michael Gower (3 tackles, 2 assists), and Beau Thompson (3 tackles, 1 assist).

Record-setting season for four Casa Gauchos


Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Going into the North Coast Section playoffs, three members of the Sonoma County League champion Casa Grande High School varsity football team have already established school records and one is within a couple of plays of a school mark.

Quarterback Matt OBrien has broken the career passing record with 3,157 yards. His mark surpasses the 2,560 yards established by Chris Forni.

OBriens 1,441 yards this season surpasses the single-season passing yardage record of 1,340 yards thrown for by Forni in 2005.

OBrien has also surpassed Fornis single-season and career touchdown passes records. OBriens total this season is 19. For his high school career, he has 34. Forni passed for 26 touchdowns in his career and 15 in 2005.

Matt Nadolski has established a new Casa Grande career record with 100 catches and is closing in on Justin Elseys career best of 1,679 yards. Going into the playoffs, Nadolski has caught passes for 1,667 yards.

Conner Derby has broken the career field goal record, making 14 of 24 kicks during his varsity career. Derby tied the single season record last year by making nine of 13 field goal attempts.

Linebacker Blaine Peterman is one tackle away from tying, and two tackles away from breaking the Casa Grande career record of 229 set by Adrian Barajas in 2002-2003.
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Sonoma West Sports
Lions and Tigers fall in lopsided league pigskin finales
Despite five-game losing skid, Analy lands playoff berth

by Greg Clementi
Sports Editor



The Lions and Tigers wrapped up their respective league football campaigns on Friday, as the Lions fell to SCL champion Casa Grande, 45-7, while the Tigers dropped their fifth straight in a 42-7 drubbing at Windsor.

Despite the losing skid, Analy (5-5) was awarded the 12th-seed in the 15-team North Coast Section division-three playoff tournament, and will face fifth-seeded Marin Catholic this Saturday, Nov. 22 in Kentfield. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Tigers wild ride lands NCS playoff spot Unusual doesnt begin to describe Analys 2008 season, a year that began with five straight wins. The Tigers havent been the same since dropping a 21-19 decision to El Molino in the Golden Apple Bowl on Oct. 10, which started the aforementioned five-game slide.

I told the kids this week that our season hasnt been a roller-coaster ride, its been more like the Drop Zone, said Analy head coach Dan Bourdon. Straight up and straight down.

The Tigers entered the SCL finale at Windsor with high hopes of righting the ship, but had no answer for a powerful Jaguar ground attack led by 1641-yard rusher Cameron Erion. Windsor (4-6) chalked up another 323 yards on the ground on Friday, effectively controlling the clock and the scoreboard.



The Jaguars served notice on their first possession, as Erion returned a Tiger punt to the Analy five yard line. The play set up the first of four eventual rushing touchdowns by Erion, this one a five-yard burst to give Windsor an early, 7-0 lead.

The Tigers showed promise on their third possession of the opening period, as quarterback David Glass directed a 66-yard march highlighted by a 20-yard pass to Jimmy McCann and capped by a three-yard scoring run by Anthony Giacobbe. Eric Bolen made good on the PAT kick to knot the contest at 7-7.

The Jaguars took charge early in the second quarter, mounting a 68-yard drive fueled by big runs from Erion and Schmidt, and culminating in an 11-yard touchdown dash by Erion for a 14-7 advantage.

Windsors defense forced the third Analy punt of the half, and the Jags returned the favor with another march resulting in a 10-yard scoring burst by Erion for a 21-7 lead.

Jaguar defensive back D.J King picked off an Analy pass on the ensuing series and returned it to the Tiger 25. The play set up a seven-yard Erion touchdown scamper for a 28-7 bulge at the break.

The carnage continued early in the third period when King hauled in a pass from Schmidt and raced 50-yards to the house for an insurmountable, 35-7 advantage.

The Tigers battled back on their next possession with a pair of pass completions to sophomore Julian Titus-Patino, but Kings third interception of the game would kill the threat. The Jaguars ended the madness with 4:47 left in the fourth quarter when Schmidt called his own number on a one-yard scoring dive for the eventual, 42-7 victory.

Glass finished off a tough night with 14 completions on 22 pass attempts for 182 yards and three picks. Other offensive standouts included leading rushers: Alex Mora (8-26), Giacobbe (5-14), (Titus-Patino (2-8), Isias Alcantar (3-3), and Jeremy Van Riet (2-2). Top receivers were: Titus-Patino (5-61), Jimmy McCann (2-30), Jack Doran (2-28), Ben Doran (2-29), Alcantar (1-12), Giacobbe (1-10), and Chris Bostock (1-4).

Top Tiger defenders included: Levi Mills (5 tackles, 5 assists), Van Riet (4 tackles, assist), Nathan Fox (3 tackles, 3 assists), Jack Doran (3 tackles), Nick Calkins (2 tackles, 3 assists), Robert Leon (2 tackles, 2 assists), Giacobbe (tackle, 4 assists), Ryan Beretta (tackle, 2 assists), Malcolm Townsend (3 assists), Matt Michelsen (2 assists), Glass (2 assists), Alcantar (2 assists), and a tackle apiece from Brandon Riebli, and Cameron Dotti.

Lions fall to Gauchos to end rebuilding campaign

Despite suffering a 45-7 shellacking at Casa, the Lions wrapped up their most successful season in four years to finish the year at 3-7.

The Apple Bowl was obviously the highlight of the season for us, and Im thrilled for the kids to have that memory, said head coach Mike Roan. We knew coming in that it would be a tough year with an inexperienced line, but weve got a good group coming up from the JV team that should really help us next season.

The Gauchos demonstrated why theyve won six league titles in the past seven years, dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Casa held the Lions to under 20 yards rushing on the night, making it tough to move the chains.

The Gauchos opened the scoring barrage with a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt OBrien to receiver Matt Nadolski in the first quarter, and then ignited a 31-point, second-quarter explosion to put the game away. Casa found pay-dirt on a runs of four, six, and one yard, and added a 20-yard pass and 33-yard field goal to grab a commanding, 38-0 bulge at the break.

The Lions avoided the shutout early in the fourth period when second-half quarterback Michael Pierson directed a solid drive culminating in a 15-yard scoring pass to H-back Cole Parmeter for the eventual, 42-7 Casa victory.

Senior quarterback Tony DeMarco finished off a strong high school football career with nine completions in 21 pass attempts for 93 yards. Pierson capped his sophomore campaign with 10-15 passing accuracy for 94 yards and a touchdown. Leading receivers included: Rhodes Wroth (7-79 yards), Parmeter (4-40, TD), Ricky Franceschi (4-35), and Miles Chenoweth (2-15).

Top defenders were: Wroth (11 solo tackles, 3 assists), Chaz Mathias (5 tackles, 3 assists), Chenoweth (5 tackles, FR), and Buck Skalicky (5 tackles, FR).
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The Healdsburg Tribune Sports
Greyhounds pounded by Petaluma, 41-6 in SCL grid finale
7th seeded Hounds host McKinleyville Saturday in NCS playoffs

By GREG CLEMENTI
Sports Editor

Good news for Greyhound football fans this week- there are no more Petaluma teams left on the schedule.

The Hounds suffered their second blowout loss in as many weeks on Friday, this one a forgettable, 41-6 drubbing at the hands of the Petaluma Trojans in the league finale. The loss comes on the heels of a 38-0 pounding administered by Casa Grande a week earlier in what has been a very tough finish to the SCL season.

Despite the setbacks, Healdsburg wrapped up SCL play with a very respectable record of 3-3 and 7-3 overall.


The North Coast Section committee was dually impressed on Sunday, awarding the Hounds the number-seven seed in the 15-team division-three playoff tournament this week. This years playoff format includes teams from the East Bay, making for a very tough road to the title game.

The Greyhounds will host 10th-seeded McKinleyville in the playoff opener this Saturday, Nov. 22 at Recreation Park. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The winner will advance to play second-seeded Miramonte the following Friday in Orinda. Check the NCS website at www.cifncs.org for complete bracket information.

Saturdays playoff game will mark the second meeting this season with the Panthers, who fell to the Hounds, 31-22 in the season opener on Sept. 5. All things considered, its a good draw for a Healdsburg team reeling from two straight losses.

Its nice that well get to play somebody our size, said Hounds coach Tom Kirkpatrick. Out of the 15 teams in the playoffs, five are really good, so I think were about where we should be in terms of seeding.

The complete list of NCS division-three teams in order of seeding is: Encinal (10-0), Miramonte (8-2), Novato (8-2), Bishop ODowd (9-1), Marin Catholic (7-3), Piedmont (8-2), Healdsburg (7-3), El Cerrito (6-4), J.F. Kennedy (5-5), McKinleyville (7-3), Fortuna (6-4), Analy (5-5), Tamalpais (5-5), Drake (5-5), and Del Norte (5-4).

Fridays game against the visiting Trojans did have a silver lining with the return of star senior running back David Balestrieri, who missed the past seven weeks with a broken leg.

The Trojans wasted no time in establishing control, mounting a pair of drives culminating in scoring runs of 20 and three yards by quarterback Taylen Hinks to grab a 14-0 lead by the end of one.

Petaluma gained separation in the second quarter, finding pay-dirt on a 43-yard run by Sean Sullivan and a three-yard plunge by Ricky Sims for a commanding, 28-0 bulge at the break.

The Trojans opened up a 31-0 lead with a 29-yard field goal from kicker Nick Marsh before the Hounds finally hit the scoreboard late in the third quarter.

Running back Andy Phillips busted loose on a 52-yard scoring dash for a 31-6 ballgame, providing local fans with the lone offensive highlight of the night.

The Trojans put the wraps on a dominant performance in the final period with another 38-yard field goal from Marsh, adding a late, two-yard scoring run from Colby Reece to post a 41-6 victory.

Ironically, the Trojans were snubbed by the NCS division-two playoff seeding committee on Sunday.

Quarterback Killian Collins finished the night with three completions in seven pass attempts for 18 yards. Other offensive leaders were: Phillips (11-85 yards rushing, TD), and Balestieri (5-18 yards rushing).

Leading tacklers included: Placido Lopez (12), Phillips (10, sack), Travis Paasche (9), Caleb Rummonds (8), Anthony Barnes (8, sack), Tom Belli (7), Trey Davis (5, sack), Colin Brown (5), Dillon Cattalini (5), Elliot Fritz (4, sack), Dante Fountain (3, INT), Tyler Whitmore (2), Justin Furia (2), Quaid Mancini (2), Carlos Basurto (2), Zach Zeiger (2), and a tackle apiece from Thomas Kozel, Alex Espinosa, Balestrieri, Tanner Walker, Devin Bryant, Anthony Ruiz, Josh Steffen, and Cele Fernandez.
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Gauchos playing at championship level
The following blog entry is from Press Democrat Staff Writer Eric Branch:

An upset loss in its league opener to its cross-town rival would have a way of crushing some team's spirit.

In the case of Casa Grande, it has only appeared to make the Gauchos very, very angry.

Casa Grande has followed its 21-14 loss to Petaluma in the Egg Bowl with four consecutive dominant performances, the latest a 38-0 whipping of Healdsburg on Friday in which it surrendered 55 yards, four first downs and limited the Greyhounds to an average of 1.7 yards a play.

After three quarters, when Casa Grande's starters were removed, Healdsburg had 30 yards and two first downs.

"We took this like a championship game," said Casa Grande linebacker Conner Waggoner, who returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown. "We said to ourselves we had to come out here and play like it was our last game of the season."

The victory - combined with Petaluma's 48-27 loss to Petaluma - gave the Gauchos at least a share of their sixth straight Sonoma County League title and continued a stunning string of domination.

Casa Grande has allowed seven points in its past 15 quarters. The only points the Gauchos have allowed came in last week's 31-7 win over Windsor when the Jaguars scored against Casa Grande's reserves in the final minute.

Not only is the Gauchos' defense air-tight, their special teams, led by rocket-footed kicker Conner Derby, keep opponents pinned back deep in their own territory.

With Derby blasting five of his seven kickoffs into the end zone, the Greyhounds never started a drive beyond their own 35-yard line. After Derby's kickoffs, they had an average starting position of their own 19-yard line.

Schedule change: Saturday's game between Laytonville (1-6, 0-4) and Rincon Valley Christian (4-2, 3-1) has been moved from the originally scheduled kickoff of 2 p.m. to a 1 p.m. start. The game will be played at Santa Rosa High School.
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CASA GRANDE 38, HEALDSBURG 0
Gauchos leash Greyhounds
Casa Grande earns at least share of sixth consecutive Sonoma County League title
Eric Branch
PRESS DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER


Published: Friday, November 7, 2008
Early in the second quarter Friday night, a few Casa Grande defensive players were out of position on a screen pass.


In response to the blown assignments, a slew of Gauchos assistant coaches began screaming on the sidelines, seemingly shocked by such sloppy play.

Never mind that the pass fell incomplete.

The play wasnt perfect.

And thats not only the level Casa Grande strives for, its just about the level the Gauchos have attained over the past four weeks.

Led by yet another jaw-dropping defensive performance, Casa Grande throttled visiting Healdsburg, 38-0, to claim at least a share of its sixth consecutive Sonoma County League title.

The win was coupled with Petalumas 48-27 upset loss to Windsor, which means the Gauchos could win the SCL crown outright with a win over El Molino in next weeks regular-season finale.

On Friday, Casa Grande (6-2-1, 4-1) limited the Greyhounds (7-2, 3-2), who were playing without injured quarterback Zach Shippey, to 55 yards and four first downs. The numbers are impressive, but they are almost routine for a team that has allowed only seven points in the past 15 quarters and has posted three shutouts this season.

At halftime, the Gauchos led 28-0 and Healdsburg had 24 yards on 20 offensive plays. The Greyhounds, who entered averaging 323 yards a game, finished with 34 rushing yards on 18 attempts.

We were just overmatched, Healdsburg coach Tom Kirkpatrick said. They played great. They controlled the line of scrimmage and were a team that needs to be balanced. We need to be able to run the ball and we couldnt do it. That put us in a real tough spot.

The Gauchos took a 7-0 first-quarter lead on quarterback Matt OBriens 9-yard pass to Matt Gallo. Casa Grande then blew the game open in the second quarter with three touchdowns in less than five minutes.

The barrage began with OBriens 27-yard dart to Gallo in the end zone. Three minutes later, Kahlil Keys (20 carries, 88 yards) scored on a 13-yard run. On Healdsburgs next possession, Conner Waggoner returned an interception 23 yards for a score to give Casa Grande a 28-0 lead with 4:21 left in the second quarter.

We got a big lead and that took them out of some things they like to do, Casa Grande coach Rick OBrien said. When you have to throw the ball against our defense, thats hard to do.

In days before the game, the Gauchos defense prepared like it always does, with film study and test taking.

On Mondays, Casa Grande defensive coordinator Trent Herzog reviews the upcoming opponents offensive formations and tendencies and provides notes with details such as whether the opposing quarterback is a running threat.

On Thursdays, the Gauchos take a 25-question test and players who fail cant play on Friday. Sample question this week: Name eight of Healdsburgs 10 offensive formations.

Players who get a perfect score are rewarded with a T-shirt or Gatorade.

And judging by Fridays performance, plenty of Gauchos received a prize on Thursday.

We really came together this week and it was just an awesome display on the field, said defensive tackle Zach Burnett, who had two sacks.

It was so good, in fact, that Herzog will have to open his wallet. Again.

If Casa Grande posts a shutout, Herzog treats the entire team to dinner at Mikes at the Crossroads, a burger joint in Cotati.

So Casa Grandes latest win meant Herzogs pocketbook will get smaller this week. And he couldnt have looked much happier about it late Friday night.

They can eat as much as they want, Herzog said. Thats where my money goes from coaching every year.

NOTE
The game was delayed about 20 minutes following the second-half kickoff due to an injury to Healdsburg junior lineman Anthony Ruiz.

Ruiz was taken by ambulance to Petaluma Valley Hospital due to pain in his neck. Ruiz was able to move his arms and legs.

You can reach Staff Writer Eric Branch at 521-5268 or eric.branch@pressdemocrat.com.

AT CASA GRANDE
Healdsburg 0 0 0 0 0
Casa Grande 7 21 10 0 38
CG Matt Gallo 9 pass from Matt OBrien (Conner Derby kick)
CG Gallo 27 pass from OBrien (Derby kick)
CG Kahlil Keys 13 run (Derby kick)
CG Conner Waggoner 23 interception return (Derby kick)
CG Derby 30 FG
CG Keys 2 run (Derby kick)
Leaders: Healdsburg-Rushing: Andy Phillips 12-27, Dillon Cattalini 4-16, Killian Collins 2-(-9). Passing: Collins 5-14-1-21. Receiving: Paul Wilson 2-13, Phillips 1-5, Dante Fountain 1-4.
Casa Grande - Rushing: Keys 20-88, OBrien 12-60, Kyle Smith 8-51, Matt Nadolski 1-14, Waggoner 1-6, Gabriel Sanchez 3-6; Passing: OBrien 6-8-0-75; Receiving: Waggoner 3-34, Gallo 2-36, Nadolski 1-5.
Records: H 7-2, 3-2 SCL; CG 6-2-1, 4-1 SCL



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Lions, Tigers fall in SCL gridiron action
West County football report

by Greg Clementi
Sports Editor



Week four of the Sonoma County League football season was not kind for local teams, as both El Molino and Analy suffered lopsided losses.

The Tigers dropped a disappointing, 45-7 decision at Petaluma, while the Lions saw their Homecoming spoiled in a 31-7 loss to visiting Windsor.

Lions fall to Jaguars in Homecoming Game


The Lions turned in an uninspired performance in the annual Homecoming Game, dropping a 31-7 decision to the visiting Windsor Jaguars.

Windsor, led by 1000-yard junior running back Cameron Erion, turned up a season-high 357 yards on the ground in dominating the line of scrimmage.

I dont know whether we came out flat, or if it was a matter of them taking away some things from us on offense, said El Mo head coach Mike Roan. When youre not able to do anything offensively, it takes it out of you as a team.

The Jaguars served notice on their second possession on Friday, as quarterback Blake Schmidt hooked up with receivers Michael Campbell and Kyle Yung on big gains to move the ball into the El Mo red zone. The drive resulted in a 15-yard touchdown burst by Erion, followed by a successful PAT boot for a 7-0 Windsor lead.

An inspired Jaguar defense forced the Lions third punt of the opening quarter, and Erion would soon return the favor with a 46-yard scoring dash for a 14-0 Windsor advantage.

The Jags threatened an early blow-out in the second quarter following an Erion interception at the Lions eight yard line. Schmidt, employing an effective mix of run and pass, led the team on a 92-yard march culminating in another six-yard touchdown scamper by Erion for a decisive, 21-0 bulge at the break.

Windsor went to work on the clock in the third quarter, relying on a strong push from its offensive line to keep the chains moving. The Jags effectively squashed any Lion upset hopes late in the third period, ripping off a 50-yard, six-minute drive that ended with a two-yard scoring burst by Steven Hutchison for a 28-0 advantage.

The Lions mounted their best drive of the night early in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Tony DeMarco engineered an 80-yard march, highlighted by long completions to receivers Rhodes Wroth and Joe Douglass. DeMarco capped the drive on an outstanding, 16-yard touchdown run on a fourth-down play to make it a 28-7 ballgame.

On a night with few offensive highlights, DeMarco led the Lions with 8-25 passing efficiency for 135 yards, adding 22 yards and a score on the ground. Other offensive leaders were: Wroth (4-88 yards receiving), Ricky Franceschi (2-16 yards receiving) and Douglass (2-31 yards receiving).

Top defensive efforts were had by: Wroth (15 tackles), Douglass (13 tackles), Cole Parmeter (9 tackles, INT), and Miles Chenoweth (10 tackles, FR).

The Lions JV squad (3-5, 1-3) fell to Windsor, 38-13.

The Lions will travel to Healdsburg (2-1, 6-1) this Friday, Oct. 31 to battle the Greyhounds at Recreation Park. Game times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Tigers tamed by Trojans

The good news for Tiger fans is that arent any more Petaluma teams on the schedule this year. Analy has navigated the toughest stretch of their league season, dropping their third straight SCL contest, a 45-7 drubbing to the first-place Trojans.

The loss to Petaluma pushed the Tigers record to 1-3 in the SCL and 5-3 overall, with upcoming league games remaining against Sonoma (home, Nov. 9) and at Windsor (Nov. 16). Analys bye week comes at a perfect time, as the team attempts to re-group and get back on track.

Fridays game at venerable Durst Field started well enough for the Tigers, taking their opening possession and driving to the Trojan four-yard line before coughing up a fumble. Things didnt get much better for Analy, as Petaluma would churn up a collective 315 rushing yards to take control of the clock and the scoreboard.

The Trojans found pay-dirt on each of their first-quarter possessions, scoring on a 69-yard run by running back Sean Sullivan, a 45-yard pass play from quarterback Taylan Hinks to receiver Dalton Johnson, and a one-yard touchdown dive from Ricky Sims to grab a decisive, 21-0 lead.

The offensive barrage continued in the second period, as Petaluma defensive back Jeff Crudo picked off a pass from Analy quarterback David Glass and raced 32 yards to the house. The Trojans finished off the first-half explosion with scoring runs of 69 and 66 yards to grab an insurmountable, 42-0 bulge at the break.

Petaluma kicker Nick Marsh banged an impressive, 48-yard field goal late in the third quarter for a 45-0 ballgame, before the Tigers drove for their lone touchdown in the final period. Analy running back Vinnie Caruana helped his team avoid the shutout when he scampered in from 10 yards out in the fourth quarter for an eventual, 45-7 Petaluma victory.

Despite the lopsided score, the Tigers did log some notable offensive efforts that included: Glass (10-22, 131 yards passing, 8-29 yards rushing), Jeremy Van Riet (8-33 yards rushing), Caruana (2-20 yards rushing, TD), Anthony Giacobbe (4-14 yards rushing), and Isias Alcantar (4-9 yards rushing). Top receivers were: Julian Titus-Patino (2-43 yards), Jack Doran (2-27 yards), Jimmy McCann (2-21), Alcantar (1-17), Chris Bostock (1-10), Ben Doran (1-8) and Grant (1-5).

Leading defenders were: Levi Mills (3.5 tackles, 10 assists), McCann (3.5 tackles, assist), Giacobbe (tackle, 4 assists), Mora (tackle, 3 assists), Fox (2.5 tackles, 2 assists), Alcantar (tackle, 2 assists), Fernandez (tackle, 4 assists), Michelsen (4 assists), Libby (3 assists), and Tucker (tackle, 2 assists).

The Tiger JV team posted a 22-21 win over Petaluma.
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CASA GRANDE 29, ANALY 7
Slow start, fast finish for Casa Grande
Gauchos score 20 points in four-minute span in fourth quarter to beat Analy
By Eric Branch
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


Published: Friday, October 17, 2008
SEBASTOPOL
They dont have the Egg Bowl.

But they do have a pulse.

A week removed from a punch-in-the-gut loss to rival Petaluma, the Casa Grande Gauchos shook off a sluggish first half and overwhelmed host Analy, 29-7, on Friday night with a ferocious fourth-quarter charge.

The Gauchos, winners of six Sonoma County League titles since 2001, scored 20 points in a four-minute span of the final period to turn a 9-7 lead into a laugher.

The barrage was somewhat unexpected considering the state of Casa Grandes previously sputtering attack. Prior to the fourth quarter, the Gauchos (3-2-1, 1-1 SCL) had scored 33 points in their past 15 quarters.

We walked through the first half a little bit, but give credit to Analy. They were a big reason for that, Casa Grande coach Rick OBrien said. In the second half we made some adjustments and tried to challenge our kids. They responded.

No kidding.

Leading 9-7, the uprising began when Casa quarterback Matt OBrien connected with Matt Nadolski on an 11-yard scoring pass with 9:43 left.

Three minutes later, OBrien found a streaking Matt Gallo down the middle for a 39-yard score. Finally, 47 seconds later, sophomore linebacker Makana Garrigan returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown to give the Gauchos a 29-7 lead with 6:07 remaining.

OBrien tossed three touchdown passes connecting with Nadolski for two and hard-running junior running back Kahlil Keys rushed for 202 yards on 23 carries.

The offensive numbers were a stark contrast to last week when the Gauchos leapt out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead, but went scoreless in the final three quarters.

Rick OBrien insisted his team wasnt suffering from a hangover effect when it trudged into the halftime locker room trailing 7-6 on Friday. But it was suffering from something. And the players began the halftime session talking their problems out amongst themselves.

At the beginning it was more just the players, said junior linebacker Conner Waggoner, who had one of Casas three interceptions. We all told each other that we needed to step it up.

Said Garrigan, That talk in the locker room really pumped me up. I think it pumped the whole team up.Similar to the Gauchos, Analy (5-2, 1-2) entered on the heels of its own difficult loss, a 21-19 defeat to El Molino in the Golden Apple game.

The Tigers took a 7-0 second-quarter lead on fullback Anthony Giacobbe 3-yard run, but they were held scoreless in the final 30 minutes.

We clearly got outplayed in the second half, Analy coach Dan Bourdon said. We tried to make some adjustments, but they didnt pan out for us.

You can reach Staff Writer Eric Branch at 521-5268 or eric.branch@pressdemocrat.com.



CASA GRANDE 29, ANALY 7
AT ANALY

Casa Grande 0 6 3 20 -- 29
Analy 0 7 0 0 -- 7

A Anthony Giacobbe 3 run (Ben Doran kick)
CG Matt Nadolski 6 pass from Matt OBrien (kick failed)
CG Conner Derby 36 FG
CG Nadolski 11 pass from OBrien (Derby kick)
CG Matt Gallo 39 pass from OBrien (kick failed)
CG Makana Garrigan 37 interception return (Derby kick)

Rushing -- CG: Kahlil Keys 23-202, OBrien 9-(-9). A: Glass 16-62, Isias Alcantar 11-26, Giacobbe 2-(-1), Nick Calkins 3-4, Alex Mora 1-1.
Passing -- CG: OBrien 9-20-0-119. A: Glass 10-23-3-182.
Receiving -- CG: Teddy Osmundson 4-42, Conner Waggoner 2-21, Nadolski 2-17, Gallo 1-39. A: Ben Doran 4-67, Jack Doran 2-20, Xzavier Garcia 1-30, Ryan Beretta 1-36, Alcantar 1-22, Jimmy McCann 1-17.

Records: CG 3-2-1, 1-1, A 5-2, 1-2
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Greyhound gridders power past Sonoma 29-22
Hounds push record to 5-1 overall; travel to Windsor on Friday...

By GREG CLEMENTI
Sports Editor Sonoma West Sports

The Greyhounds vaulted back into the win column on Friday, recording a key, 29-22 victory over the visiting Sonoma Dragons in the annual Homecoming Game.

The victory pushed Healdsburgs season record to an impressive, 5-1 overall and evened its Sonoma County League mark at 1-1.

The Hounds will put local bragging rights on the line this Friday, Oct. 17 when they travel to Windsor (1-4, 0-1) in the annual clash now known as the Grape Bowl. Game times beginning with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.


The Windsor team is better than its record, cautioned Hounds head coach Tom Kirkpatrick. They present some match-up problems for us so we need to prepare for that. When it comes to this game, you just throw the records out the window, he added.

Fridays clash at Recreation Park featured the surprising return of star receiver/DB Dante Fountain, who missed three games to an Achilles tendon injury suffered against Piner on Sept. 20. The speedy wide-out showed no ill effects from the injury, hauling in two passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in a sparkling effort.

Dantes return had a huge impact on the team, noted Kirkpatrick. He was cleared to play by the doctor that afternoon, and he was a game-time decision.

The Hounds broke a scoreless tie in the second quarter when quarterback Zach Shippey hooked up with Fountain on an 85-yard lightening bolt to gain the lead. Kicker Colin Brown followed with the PAT boot for a 7-0 advantage.

Healdsburg went up by two scores on its next possession when running back Andy Phillips capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown burst for a 14-0 advantage. The Dragons answered later in the period when quarterback Jake Powers found receiver Steve Filippi with a six-yard scoring pass. The PAT kick failed and the Hounds led 14-6 at the break.

The Dragons made it interesting in the third quarter, as Powers fired a 45-yard scoring pass to cut the deficit to 14-12 at the end of three.

Sonoma took a brief, 15-14 lead with a 37-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter before the Hounds clawed back.

Shippey capped the Hounds next possession with a 35-yard scoring pass to receiver Caleb Rummonds. Phillips ran in the two-point conversion and Healdsburg had a 22-15 lead. Sonoma didnt waste any time in setting up a great finish, answering with a tying score with just five minutes left to knot the game at 22-all.

Fending off a relentless Sonoma pass rush, Shippey marched his team down the field, finishing off a great drive with a 10-yard touchdown strike to Ian Gallagher with 1:30 left for a 29-22 lead. The Hounds defense survived a last desperate Dragon threat in the waning seconds, hanging on to preserve a seven-point victory.

Shippey turned in his best performance of the season, amassing 283 yards through the air on 15-25 passing accuracy and three touchdowns. Other offensive leaders included: Phillips (18-65 yards rushing, TD, 2-12 yards receiving), Rummonds (8-125 yards receiving, TD), Cabby Basurto (1-46 yards receiving), Dillon Cattalini (9-24 yards rushing), and Gallagher (2-20 yards receiving, TD).

The Healdsburg defensive unit enjoyed another stellar performance, recording a total of four sacks. Top defenders were: Placido Lopez (10 tackles, 4 assists), Phillips (8 tackles, 4 assists), Brown (7 tackles, assist), Travis Paasche (4 tackles, 3 assists, sack), Anthony Barnes (5 tackles, 2 assists, sack), Anthony Ruiz (3 tackles, 3 assists, sack), Tyler Whitmore (2 tackles, assist, sack), Rummonds (4 tackles), Elliot Fritz (2 tackles, 4 assists), Basurto (tackle, assist), Gallagher (2 tackles), and a tackle apiece from Trey Davis, Alex Espinosa, Justin Furia, and Wes Young.

Grape Bowl parking

With an overflow crowd expected at Windsor High School this Friday, school administrators have opened up the use of adjacent Kaiser Park to allow for additional parking. Fans are also encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic problems.
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Lions shock Tigers, 21-19 to win 43rd Golden Apple Bowl
Improbable upset snaps 10-game losing streak...

by Greg Clementi
Sports Editor Sonoma West Sports



FORESTVILLE As the saying goes, this is why they play the game.

The underdog El Molino Lions erased a decade of frustration on Friday, using every ounce of energy, skill, and emotion in their arsenal to emerge with a 21-19 win over the visiting Analy Tigers in the 43rd edition of the Golden Apple Bowl

An overflow crowd of some 3000 rabid fans, including a huge throng of Tiger supporters, assembled in Forestville to witness perhaps the most unlikely of all El Mo victories in the proud tradition of the series.


Few could have predicted the outcome, as the unbeaten Tigers entered the game flush with confidence after a 17-0 win over Healdsburg, while the Lions were reeling from a 57-0 pounding at the hands of Petaluma a week earlier.

But something magical happened on Friday that transcended a mere sporting event, reminding us of the power of the human spirit and all that is possible when pride and raw emotion are on the line. When the clock expired after the stunning El Mo victory, it was the Lions that were hoisting the prized Golden Apple Trophy.

The significance of the moment was not lost on the El Mo student body, as hundreds of fans swamped the field in a huge wave to hale their conquering heroes.


This win means everything to us, said senior back Tony DeMarco, who turned in a superb effort in his second start at quarterback for the Lions. Coming in, we felt like all the pressure was on them and we had nothing to lose.

The Golden Apple win was the Lion’s first in the series since 1997 and the teams first Sonoma County League victory for head coach Mike Roan since he took over the program in 2004- a span of 23 games.

I couldnt be prouder of this group, especially the way we played defensively, said Roan. We talked all week about using the emotion of the game to our advantage, and I think we were finally able to do that. It was pretty special.

With the victory, the Lions improved to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in league, regaining a 22-21 overall edge in the series.

The 43rd Apple Bowl was a tough pill to swallow for the Tigers, after racing to a 5-0 record in one of the best starts in school history under first-year head coach Dan Bourdon. Although the team may have fallen victim to over-confidence coming in, Analy battled like champions in nearly erasing a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

El Molino played a great game and was just more focused than we were,said Bourdon. They wanted the Apple more than we did.

The Lions served notice on their first possession on Friday, as DeMarco directed an efficient, 75-yard drive highlighted by a 20-yard pass to slot receiver Joe Douglass to the Analy four, and capped by a four-yard scoring strike to Chaz Mathias. Kicker Michael Starr followed with the first of his eventual three PAT boots for a 7-0 El Mo lead.

The Tigers were on the move in the second quarter, with quarterback David Glass marching his team 83 yards in four minutes. Glass completed first down passes to Chris Bostock and Jack Doran before connecting with big-play receiver Jimmy McCann on a 55-yard bomb to the Lions 10 yard line. The play set up a one-yard scoring plunge by running back Anthony Giacobbe, followed by a Ben Doran PAT kick to knot the contest at 7-7 at the break.

There was no let-up from the upset-minded Lions in the third quarter, as senior defensive back Miles Chenoweth picked off a pass at the El Mo 43. DeMarco then found wide-out Rhodes Wroth on a 37-yard completion to the Analy eight, setting up an eight-yard scoring pass to Cole Parmeter for a 14-7 advantage.

The game turned dramatically when the Tigers stalled on their ensuing series, and Parmeter spoiled a fake punt attempt with a bone-jarring tackle to give the Lions possession at the Analy 31.

The Lions took full advantage of the opportunity, converting a fourth and 10 situation with a 19-yard pass to the Analy one yard line. DeMarco capped the drive on the first play of the fourth period with a one-yard dive and a stunning, 21-7 El Mo bulge.

The Tigers would not go quietly into the Forestville night, as Glass orchestrated a 46-yard scoring march that culminated in a seven-yard touchdown strike to Bostock. The PAT boot failed and the Tigers trailed, 21-13 with 4:49 left.

The howling Lions fans held their collective breath when Analys Nick Calkins pounced on the ensuing on-side kick, putting the Tigers in business at the El Mo 47. The threat ended momentarily when the Lions recovered a fumble, but El Mo would return the favor on the next play, giving Analy possession at the El Mo 44 with 2:28 remaining.

The Tigers employed a bit of trickery, as running back Isias Alcantar took the snap and found Glass on a swing pass resulting in a stunning, 43-yard scoring play to cut the deficit to 21-19 with just two minutes showing on the clock.

The El Molino defense had just enough magic left, stuffing the two-point conversion try inches short of the goal line to preserve the lead. With Analy out of timeouts, the Lions exorcized 10 years of demons on their last possession, as DeMarco ran out the clock for a 21-19 victory.

The Lions defensive unit turned in a performance for the ages, led by: Trevor Watson (13 tackles, sack), Buck Skalicky (11 tackles), Rhodes Wroth (9 tackles), Joe Douglass (8 tackles, Int), Miles Chenoweth (5 tackles, Int.), Cole Parmeter (8 tackles) and Chaz Mathias (Int.).

DeMarco showed the way on offense for the Lions, completing 12 of 19 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns, and adding 26 yards and a score on the ground. Other strong offensive performances were turned in by: Wroth (4-65 yards receiving, TD), Parmeter (4-32 yards receiving, TD), Douglass (3-55 yards receiving), Mathias (2-23 yards receiving, TD), and Quante Brinson (5-30 yards rushing).

Leading the Tiger offense were: Glass (17-32, 204 yards passing, TD, 1-43 yards receiving, TD), Alcantar (1-1, 43 yards passing, TD, 8-40 yards rushing), Anthony Giacobbe (5-11 yards rushing, TD), Bostock (3-26 yards receiving, TD), McCann (6-109 yards receiving), and Jack Doran (4-50 yards receiving).

Top Analy defenders were: Nate Daniels (8 tackles), Jeremy Van Riet (8 tackles), Matt Michelsen (7 tackles), Giacobbe (6 tackles), Levi Mills (5 tackles), and Alcantar (5 tackles).

The Lions will take a deep breath before resuming league action this week at Sonoma, while the Tigers entertain Casa Grande.
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Two rivalry games, two big upsets...

By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


Published: Monday, October 13, 2008
The underdogs in the two Empire traditional rivalry games The Egg Bowl and the Golden Apple Game came up big on Friday night, Petaluma upsetting No. 5 ranked Casa Grande, 21-14, and El Molino knocking off No. 4 Analy, 21-19.


Halfback Sean Sullivan helped Petaluma snap a five-game Egg Bowl losing streak, rushing for 132 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown run, after Casa built a 14-0 lead.

Quarterback Tony DeMarco threw for two TDs and ran for another to lead the Lions. It was El Molinos first win in the Golden Apple Game since 1996.

Wins by Petaluma and El Molino have also thrown the Sonoma County League race upside down. Petaluma (3-3, 2-0) is the only undefeated team in the SCL and now El Molino, Analy, Healdsburg and Sonoma are all 1-1. Casa Grande and Windsor are 0-1.

In Friday nights other SCL contest, Zach Shippy threw for three TDs, including an 85-yarder to Dante Foutain.

In the North Bay League, No. 1-ranked Cardinal Newman defeated Piner 49-0, No. 2 Rancho Cotate won at Maria Carrillo, 41-19, No. 3 Ukiah edged Santa Rosa, 21-20, and Montgomery blanked Elsie Allen, 63-0.

Newman quarterback Randy Wright threw for four TDs (giving him nine TD passes in his last two games), three of them to Wade Amaral. Amaral has six TD receptions in his last two games.

Rancho Cotate was led by quarterback Cody Allen, who ran for a TD and threw for two others and, as a defensive back, caused a fumble on a hard hit that the Cougars recovered. Sophomore Brian Dworkin rushed for 138 yards and Sergio Orduna for 117 for Rancho and each ran for a TD.

Gabe Ott scored all three TDs for Ukiah, two on runs and one on a pass from Kyle Morris. Santa Rosa nearly pulled off the upset, scoring with two minutes left, but failed on a game-winning two-point conversion try. Chris McCloskey scored the games final TD for the Panthers on a 71-yard catch and run.

James Berthiner and Jake Haas each scored three TDs for Montgomery. One of Haas TDs came on a fumble return.

In small-school action, No. 1 St. Vincent blanked Lower Lake, 28-0; No. 2 Fort Bragg defeated Clear Lake, 28-6; No. 3 Middletown shut out No. 4 Upper Lake, 35-0; Kelseyville defeated No. 5 Cloverdale, 22-16; St. Helena defeated Willits, 27-7; Tomales defeated Calistoga, 48-14; Anderson Valley defeated Laytonville, 36-12, and Potter Valley defeated Point Arena, 13-6.

Cullen Carroll rushed for 86 yards and two TDs and also had a team-high 13 tackles to lead St. Vincent.

Fort Braggs Jake Cimolino ran for three TDs, returned a kickoff 85 yards for a score and rushed for 240 yards. Cimolino has rushed for 550 yards in his last two games.

Tyler Owen rushed for 152 yards and Middletown finished with 350 yards on the ground.

Mike Duman returned a fumble 46 yards for a TD and the deciding score in Kelseyvilles win. Steven Grossner added 119 yards rushing and two TDs. Cloverdales Chayton Osmon rushed for 178 yards and a TD.

Stan Moody rushed for 251 yards on just 12 carries in Tomales win. Moody ran for four TDs, including a 75-yarder.

Potter Valleys Matthew Moore scored both his teams TDs, on 7-yard and 9-yard runs.
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What a difference a week makes...
Following a 57-point drubbing the previous week, El Molino gets first SCL win in 4 years
By RICH RUPPRECHT
PRESS DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER


Published: Thursday, October 16, 2008
How does a high school football team lose by 57 points one week and the next beat an undefeated team?


The best answer might be its high school football.

El Molino coach Mike Roan, a former NFL player, said if his team played every week like it did against area rival Analy, posting a 21-19 victory and getting its first Sonoma County League win in four years, it would be a coachs dream.

But Roan is well aware of the factors involved in competing in the SCL and not all involve the play on the field or the intensity of the players.

El Molino (952) and Healdsburg (885) are the smallest schools enrollment-wise in the SCL with most of the schools being nearly twice as large. The smaller player pool normally equates to a varsity team of around 30 players for the Lions and Greyhounds. Add injuries and by this time of the season, rosters can fall into the mid 20s.

Theres also a success factor in high school football. The most successful programs usually attract more players. Nobody likes to lose. That can also affect the size of JV and frosh teams, which feed the varsity the core of its roster.

We just didnt play well against Petaluma, Roan said of his teams 57-0 loss to the Trojans, a week before the Lions unexpected two-point win against Analy.

We preach all the time about working hard and how the effort pays off, Roan said. The most satisfying part of the win against Analy was everyone played a part.

Many thought if ever El Molino was going to break its 11-year losing streak with Analy, it would have been last year with a more experienced team, particularly with its line.

Senior quarterback Tony De Marco, who sparked the victory against Analy by throwing for two touchdowns and running for another, said that its not that the Lions are void of talent. De Marco said the hardest part of high school football is playing together as a team and everyone needs to build confidence in their own abilities.

The frustrating part is knowing if we play as a team we can win, De Marco said. For one game we put it all together, offensively and defensively.

I think we have some good skill people, De Marco said. That group includes junior running back Quante Brinson and wide receivers Chaz Mathias, Rhodes Wroth and sophomore Joe Douglass.

Roan said maybe the biggest difference in a week was the performance of the Lions defense.

The seniors really stepped up, Roan said.

Major contributors in the win included linebackers Cole Parmeter and Trevor Watson, Wroth at safety, Miles Chenoweth at cornerback and Dakota Lerner-Ross at end.

Roan said Chenoweth played extremely well. Chenoweth was named an honorary captain for the game. Chenoweths mother died of cancer during the summer and Roan said she was one of the Lions most dedicated boosters.

Roan knows the road through the SCL is a tough one, but with a 3-3 overall record, believes the Lions are headed in the right direction.

He tried to use the Analy game as motivation for the rest of the season, telling the players that they are capable of repeating their performance against Analy.

It was Roans fourth Golden Apple Game and the most satisfying, not just because of the win. Roan said at least 35 of his former players were in attendance, adding to the feeling of a developing program.

Roan has also helped start a youth football program in Forestville, introducing the sport to youths before they begin high school.

El Molino plays at Sonoma tonight at 7:30. Both the Lions and Dragons are 1-1 in the SCL.

For more on Empire high school sports, read Richs blog at prepsports.pressdemocrat.com. You can reach Staff Writer Rich Rupprecht at 521-5275 or rich.rupprecht@press

democrat.com.
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PETALUMA 21, CASA GRANDE 14
Trojans finally crack Egg Bowl..
After five straight losses to Casa Grande, Petaluma turns the tide
By PHIL BARBER
PRESS DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER


Published: Friday, October 10, 2008

PETALUMA. When they arrived at the football stadium at Casa Grande on Friday night, the Petaluma Trojans were greeted with a stark reminder of where this rivalry stood. Hanging in front of the Casa Grande bleachers was a long sign that read: HEY TROY DONT YOU KNOW ... ITS BEEN 5 YEARS IN A ROW.


Casa Grande has a streak of five consecutive outright or shared Sonoma County League championships. The school also had beaten its cross-town rival five straight years. Perhaps thats why when this one was over and Petaluma had stormed back from a 14-0 deficit to win 21-14, students and parents alike stormed the field, hugged, cried, snapped cell-phone photos and chanted Egg Bowl! Egg Bowl!

How good did it feel? Nothing better so far, said Trojans Sean Sullivan, the super-quick halfback who ran for 132 yards on 14 carries.

Casa (2-2-1, 0-1 SCL) was left to wonder how it could have rushed for 314 yards and been on its way to a blowout, only to allow Petaluma (3-3, 2-0) first to hang around, then to steal a win.

Early in the second quarter, a Petaluma loss seemed like a real possibility. The Gauchos scored on their first two possessions to grab a 14-0 lead. OBrien, son of coach Rick OBrien, got both touchdowns. First he ran around the left end for a 4-yard score. And on Casas next possession, he started right, circled left and bolted for a 67-yarder.

Casa Grande threatened to make it 21-0 when Trojans quarterback Taylen Hinks fumbled late in the first quarter and the Gauchos recovered.

I thought here we go again, Petaluma coach Steve Ellison admitted. But we talk every week about how theres good stuff and bad in a game. How you deal with it is whats important.

On a third-down play, Casas Matt Gallo fumbled after catching a pass inside the 10-yard line. Petaluma recovered, and the momentum suddenly shifted.

Two plays later, Sullivan rocketed 77 yards down the left sideline to cut the deficit to 14-7. On the Trojans next possession, Sullivan took a well-executed screen pass for 39 yards, and Hinks broke a tackle and ran for 30, down to the Casa 2-yard line. From there, fullback Ricky Sims bulled over the goal line to tie the score.

We knew we were gonna be in a fight, Sullivan said. We never thought we were down.

Petaluma didnt let up in the third quarter. After recovering another Gauchos fumble, the Trojans marched 54 yards to take a 21-14 lead, Hinks bouncing around the left side for a 17-yard touchdown run.

Casa Grande had its chances after that, but Petaluma seemed to come up with big defensive plays when needed. In the fourth quarter, Sims batted down a pass by OBrien to end one possession, and Dalton Johnson and Drew Pawlan ended the Gauchos final two drives with interceptions deep in Trojans territory.

Nearly lost amid the turnovers was a huge play by Johnson just before halftime. With 2:41 left in the second quarter, Casa receiver Matt Nadolski took a double reverse from running back Kahlil Keys that completely fooled the Trojans. Nadolski looked to be gone down the left sideline, but Johnson caught him at the 5-yard line. After losing 4 yards in three plays, Gauchos kick holder Matt Gallo tried to pass after getting a high snap, and his throw fell incomplete.

That sort of summed up Casa Grandes night. Keys had 118 yards on 23 carries, OBrien 117 yards on nine attempts, but the yardage didnt translate into enough points.

Petaluma, meanwhile, played a nearly error-free game. The Trojans were penalized only one time, lost just one turnover on a fumble, and didnt throw an incomplete pass in Hinks three attempts.

We lost three games we could have won, Ellison said. Maybe we had to lose em to get to this point. I think we learned a lot along the way.



AT CASA GRANDE
Petaluma 0 14 7 0 21
Casa Grande 14 0 0 0 14
CG Matt OBrien 4 run (Derby kick)
CG OBrien 67 run (Derby kick)
P Sean Sullivan 77 run (Marsh kick)
P Ricky Sims 2 run (Marsh kick)
P Taylen Hinks 17 run (Marsh kick)
Rushing - Petaluma: Sean Sullivan 14-132, Taylen Hinks 11-66, Ricky Sims 13-50. Casa Grande: Kahlil Keys 23-118, Matt OBrien 9-117, Matt Nadolski 1-79.
Passing - Petaluma: Hinks 3-3-0-59 yds. Casa Grande: OBrien 5-10-2-51. Receiving - Petaluma: Jake Montero 2-20, Sullivan 1-39. Casa Grande: Nadolski 5-24, Teddy Osmundson 3-44.
Records: P 3-3, 2-0; CG 2-2-1, 0-1
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Lions, Tigers are set to battle for Golden Apple Trophy
El Mo looking to end 10-year skid with series knotted at 21-all

by Greg Clementi
Sports Editor

The greatest high school football rivalry west of the Rockies will resume this Friday, Oct. 10 when the Lions and Tigers renew hostilities in the 43rd edition of the Golden Apple Bowl.

This years meeting moves to Forestville, with the JV and varsity games set for 5 and 7:30 p.m.

El Molino, led by fourth-year head coach Mike Roan, is determined to snap a 10-game losing skid, with the last Lions victory coming in a 21-17 win in 1997. Despite the losing streak, the overall series is knotted at 21 wins apiece.


Its always a big game, maybe too big in the minds of the players, said Roan. As a coach, you do what you can to use the added emotion, but at the same time, you try to down-play it as much as possible.

The Lions (2-3, 0-1) are small in terms of numbers and varsity experience this season, led by senior running backs Tony DeMarco and Cole Parmeter, senior receiver/DB Rhodes Wroth, senior linebacker Dakota Lerner-Ross, and sophomore sensations; quarterback Michael Pierson and receiver/safety Joe Douglass.

The Tigers (5-0, 1-0) are off to one of the best starts in school history under first-year head coach Dan Bourdon. The team features a strong offensive line and defensive unit, along with a bevy of talent that includes: senior quarterback David Glass, senior running back Anthony Giacobbe, senior big-play receiver Jimmy McCann, and junior running back Isias Alcantar. Senior play-maker Joey Maloney has a foot injury and is not expected to play.

Were very aware that in this game, the best team doesnt always win, noted Bourdon. As for the added emotion and adrenaline associated with the rivalry he added, We dont want our guys to get too pumped up until Friday.
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Greyhounds fall to Analy in mud-soaked SCL opener
Hounds fall to 4-1; host Sonoma on Friday in Homecoming game

By Greg Clementi
Sports Editor

One of the great things about football and there are many is that games are played regardless of weather or field conditions.

Fridays mud-soaked gridiron clash at Karlson Field in Sebastopol was a soggy reminder of that fact, as the Analy Tigers slogged and slipped past the visiting Greyhounds, 17-0 in the Sonoma County League opener for both teams.

The meeting between the two unbeaten squads was one of the most anticipated league openers in recent memory, as both teams entered the game with identical 4-0 records. With weather conditions deteriorating rapidly, it seemed that whichever team had more success hanging onto the football would emerge the winner.


That was certainly the case on Friday, as the Tigers fully capitalized on several Healdsburg turnovers to gain a lead they would not relinquish.

They definitely out-played us, no question about it, said Hounds head coach Tom Kirkpatrick. It was one of those nights, and youre going to have those kinds of games in the course of a season. The important thing is how we respond in the next game, he added.

The teams came into the game at considerably less than 100 percent, with Analys top offensive threat, Joey Maloney, sidelined with a foot injury, while Healdsburg was missing star running back/DB David Balestrieri and speedy receiver/DB Dante Fountain to serious injuries.

The game took an early turn for the Tigers when they pounced on a Hounds fumble at the Healdsburg eight yard line four minutes into the game. Analy running back Isias Alcantar capped the possession with a seven-yard scoring burst, followed by a Ben Doran PAT boot for a 7-0 lead.

Analy threatened again early in the second quarter, when a bad snap on a Hounds punt put the Tigers deep in Healdsburg territory. The drive eventually stalled, but Doran nailed a 25-yard field goal to open up a 10-0 Analy advantage.

The Hounds drove to the Analy 10 late in the period, but another offensive mistake ended the threat. Analy gained separation with 1:12 to go in the half when quarterback David Glass found emerging receiver Jimmy McCann on a 34-yard touchdown strike for a 17-0 Tiger lead at the break.

The skies opened up in the second half, as the middle of the field turned into a muddy quagmire.

The Tigers, behind a good push from their offensive line and punishing runs by backs Anthony Giacobbe, Alcantar and Jeremy Van Riet, would control the clock and the scoreboard the rest of the way. Hounds back-up quarterback Killian Collins replaced starter Zach Shippey in the fourth quarter, and Analy hung on to post a 17-0 win.

The Healdsburg defensive unit turned in another solid performance, led by: Placido Lopez (11 tackles), Caleb Rummonds (5 tackles), Dillon Cattalini (5 tackles), Cabby Basurto (5 tackles), Anthony Barnes (4 tackles), Colin Brown (4 tackles), Andy Phillips (4 tackles), Elliot Fritz (4 tackles), Ian Gallagher (3 tackles), Tyler Whitmore (3 tackles), Wes Young (3 tackles), Cele Fernandez (2 tackles), Alex Espinosa (2 tackles), David Capron (2 tackles), Tom Belli (2 tackles), and a tackle apiece from Devin Bryant, Travis Paasche, and Anthony Ruiz.

Solid offensive efforts included: Shippey (8-16, 58 yards passing), Phillips (9-46 yards rushing, 2-23 yards receiving) Cattalini (12-40 yards rushing), Paul Wilson (1-12 yards receiving), and Rummonds (4-23 yards receiving).

The Greyhound JV squad (4-1, 0-1) suffered their first loss of the campaign on Friday with a 14-6 loss to Analy.

The Hounds return home to host Sonoma this Friday, Oct. 10 in the Homecoming Game. Kickoff times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
..........................................................................




Tigers slosh past Greyhounds

The Analy varsity squad recorded its most important win of the fall campaign on Friday, handing previously unbeaten Healdsburg a 17-0 loss in a driving rainstorm at Karlson Field. The victory ran the Tigers season mark to 5-0 and 1-0 in the SCL, while the Hounds fell to 4-1 and 0-1.

The meeting between the two unbeaten squads was one of the most anticipated league openers in recent memory, as both teams entered the game with identical 4-0 records. With weather conditions deteriorating rapidly, it seemed that whichever team had more success hanging onto the football would emerge the winner.

That was certainly the case on Friday, as the Tigers fully capitalized on several Healdsburg turnovers to gain a lead they would not relinquish.

We knew coming in that wed have to run the ball to be successful against them, said Tiger head coach Dan Bourdon. We didnt do anything flashy, but our guys came to play.

The teams came into the game at considerably less than 100 percent, with Analys top offensive threat, Joey Maloney, sidelined with a foot injury, while Healdsburg was missing star running back/DB David Balestrieri and speedy receiver/DB Dante Fountain to serious injuries.

The game took an early turn for the Tigers when they pounced on a Hounds fumble at the Healdsburg eight yard line four minutes into the game. Analy running back Isias Alcantar capped the possession with a seven-yard scoring burst, followed by a Ben Doran PAT boot for a 7-0 lead.

Analy threatened again early in the second quarter, when a bad snap on a Hounds punt put the Tigers deep in Healdsburg territory. The drive eventually stalled, but Doran nailed a 25-yard field goal to open up a 10-0 Analy advantage.

The Hounds drove to the Analy 10 late in the period, but another offensive mistake ended the threat. Analy gained separation with 1:12 to go in the half when quarterback David Glass found emerging receiver Jimmy McCann on a 35-yard touchdown strike for a 17-0 Tiger lead at the break.

The skies opened up in the second half, as the middle of the field turned into a muddy quagmire.

The Tigers, behind a strong push from their offensive line and punishing runs by backs Anthony Giacobbe, Alcantar, Alex Mora and Jeremy Van Riet, would control the clock and the scoreboard the rest of the way, as the Tigers hung on to post a 17-0 win.

Offensive leaders included: David Glass (4-10, 49 yards passing, TD), Alcantar (10-43 yards rushing), Giacobbe (11-33 yards rushing), Mora (33 yards rushing).

The Tiger defensive unit held the Hounds to just 89 yards on the ground, led by: Leon (7.5 tackles), Fox (9.5 tackles), Alcantar (8 tackles), Giacobbe (6.5 tackles), Daniels (6.5 tackles, sack), Van Riet (6.5 tackles), Mills (6 tackles), and Townsend (4.5 tackles),
..........................................................................




Tigers shut out Greyhounds in battle of unbeatens...

ANALY 17, HEALDSBURG 0

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Friday, October 3, 2008

SEBASTOPOL -
Not rain or muck can keep the Analy football team from winning this season.


In the slop on Friday night at Karlson Field, the Tigers, one year removed from a 2-8 season, continued their stunning turnaround with a 17-0 win against previously unbeaten Sonoma County League rival Healdsburg.

The victory in the league opener for both teams improved the host Tigers to 5-0. Healdsburg dropped to 4-1.

A 5-0 record?

Tigers coach Dan Bourdon admits he might not have believed it if someone told him two months ago.

I would have been extremely happy, Bourdon said. But I wouldnt have expected it.

Analy jumped out to 17-0 lead and cruised despite playing without star running back/wide receiver Joey Maloney, who is expected to miss at least several more weeks with a foot injury.

Isias Alcantar opened the scoring with a 5-yard, first-quarter run.

In the second quarter, Ben Doran added a 20-yard field goal and David Glass connected with Jimmy McCann on a 35-yard scoring pass.

This was a big win for us, Bourdon said. We knew our league schedule was going to be a lot tougher than the non-league teams we played.



AT SEBASTOPOL
Healdsburg 0 0 0 0 0
Analy 7 10 0 0 17
A Isias Alcantar 7 run (Ben Doran kick)
A Ben Doran 20 FG
A Jimmy McCann 35 pass from David Glass (Doran kick)
Records: H 4-1, 0-1; Analy 5-0, 1-0
..........................................................................





Perfect opener for Healdsburg and Analy...
Greyhounds and Tigers are both undefeated and meet tonight in a Sonoma County League contest
By RICH RUPPRECHT
PRESS DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER


Published: Thursday, October 2, 2008

Both Healdsburg and Analy are enjoying the rarified football air of being undefeated heading into tonights Sonoma County League opener at Karlson Field in Sebastopol.


For first-year head coach Dan Bourdon at Analy, a 4-0 start is far beyond expectations after a 2-8 2007 season, in which Bourdon was the offensive coordinator.

For Healdsburgs Tom Kirkpatrick, who ranks near the top for winning percentage among Empire coaches, he was faced with trying to repeat a 10-2 season that saw him lose an all-Empire quarterback and receiver to graduation. Healdsburg is also 4-0.

In the past, both Analy and Healdsburg have been known for running wide open offenses, throwing the ball frequently and scoring a lot of points. This year, scores have reflected teams relying on controlling the ball and playing outstanding defense. Last week, Analy topped Santa Rosa, 14-7 and Healdsburg defeated Acalanes, 8-7.

We still spread it out, but our time of possession has been through the roof, Bourdon said. Last year we had a streak of nine interceptions in two games and we cant put the defense on the field that much.

While Analy quarterback David Glass is not throwing the ball anywhere close to the number of times he did a year ago, Bourdon said hes playing smart. As an example Bourdon said there was a recent play where instead of Glass trying to force a pass, he tucked it under his arm and ran for a touchdown.

And while its running game runs hot and cold, Glass has still gone to the air when needed, as he did last week. Without top back and slot receiver Joey Maloney, out with a foot injury against Santa Rosa, Analy had a negative 56 yards rushing (losses from sacks in high school are taken off rushing stats). But Glass threw two TD passes to senior Jimmy McCann, playing football for the first time, who had 135 yards on receptions. McCann also came up with an interception at free safety with Santa Rosa attempting a late comeback.

Bourdon credits defensive coordinator Toby Carpenter with toughening the Tigers defense.

He changes things all the time, depending who were playing, Bourdon said.

Linebacker Isiah Alcantar and lineman Levi Mills have been major contributors for the Tigers.

For Healdsburg, one play last week may have best illustrated this teams persistence and need to come up with a big play.

Capping a long drive with a 4th-down Andy Phillips 1-yard run for a TD with about three minutes remaining against Acalanes, Kirkpatrick opted to go for the win and two-point conversion. The ball went to Phillips who looked as if he would try to run wide to the end zone. Instead, before getting to the line of scrimmage, he pulled up and threw a pass to Caleb Rummonds in the back of the end zone. Rummonds jumped as high as he could, caught the ball on his fingertips and then was described as coming down with a toe inside the corner of the end zone.

It looked like The Catch, said Kirkpatrick, referring to Joe Montanas pass to Dwight Clark against the Cowboys.

Quarterback Zach Shippy has thrown for 727 yards, but the Greyhounds have suffered injuries to skill players, back David Balestrieri breaking a bone in his leg and wide receiver Dante Fountain suffering a partial tear of his Achilles tendon and high ankle sprain. Playing conservatively on offense has become a necessity.

Healdsburg also defeated Riordan of San Francisco, 10-7.

The kids have done what theyve had to do to win, Kirkpatrick said. Its not last years team. Its a blue collar team where we have to grind it out.

Kirkpatrick said its good to be playing a game tonight with so much at stake.

Its neat what Analy has done with a young coach and staff. Theres a lot of excitement.

You can reach Staff Writer Rich Rupprecht at 521-5275 or rich.rupprecht@press

democrat.com.
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Tiger gridders remain unbeaten; Lions fall to Piner
West County football report

by Greg Clementi
Sports Editor



The varsity football Lions and Tigers put the wraps on a successful pre-season campaign on Friday with a pair of home clashes against North Bay League opponents.

Tigers maul Panthers; push record to 4-0

There is joy and anticipation in Sebastopol this week on the heels of Analys 14-7 victory over visiting Santa Rosa on Friday. The win closed out a perfect pre-season for the Tigers and ran their record to 4-0 heading into the Sonoma County League play. The fast start represents one of the best ever in Analys rich football history, and the first time since 1995 that the Tigers have emerged unbeaten after four games.


This Friday, the Tigers will take on visiting Healdsburg (4-0) in the much-anticipated league opener for both teams. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity at Karlson Field are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Were excited about the week and the fact that well be playing against Healdsburg, another undefeated team, said Analy head coach Dan Bourdon. At this point Im just happy to be 4-0, and Id have to say that weve exceeded my expectations so far.

The Analy defense chipped in another stellar performance in Fridays clash with Santa Rosa, overcoming a challenging night for the Tiger offense.

The Panthers drew first blood in the early seconds of the second quarter, when a sustained march led to a six-yard scoring burst from quarterback Darryl Thomas. The PAT kick was good and Santa Rosa took a 7-0 lead into the halftime locker room.

Analy got on the scoreboard early in the third quarter when quarterback David Glass found first-year receiver Jimmy McCann over the top on a 26-yard lightening bolt. Ben Doran followed with the PAT boot to knot the contest at 7-7. The pass-catch tandem struck again on the Tigers next possession when a third and 18 from the Panther 30 resulted in a 70-yard scoring bomb from Glass to McCann for a seven-point Tiger advantage.

With both defenses allowing precious few yards in the final period, Tiger punter Jeremy Van Riet pinned the Panthers deep with a 53-yard punt late in the game to help preserve a 14-7 Tiger victory.

Glass finished up a solid effort under center with 14 completions on 22 attempts for 237 passing yards, two scores and no picks. McCann led the receiving corps with four catches for 135 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Other top receiving targets included: Chris Bostock (4-48 yards), Ben Doran (3-33 yards), Jack Doran (3-20 yards), and Isias Alcantar (1-18 yards). The Tiger running attack was held to minus yardage on the night.

Top Tiger defenders included: Alcantar (6 tackles, 5 assists), Fox (4 tackles, 6 assists), Daniels (4 tackles, 3 assists), Michaelsen (3 tackles, 7 assists, blocked pass), McCann (3 tackles, 4 assists), Giacobbe (3 tackles, 3 assists), Leon (2 tackles, assist), Tucker ( 2 tackles), Mills (tackle, 2 assists), and a tackle apiece from Swift, Libby, Calkins, Van Riet and Ben Doran. The Panthers attempted just two passes in the game, with one resulting in an Analy pick.

Lions fall to Piner Prospectors, 28-6

El Molino emerged from a solid pre-season on Friday with a disappointing, 28-6 loss to visiting Piner. The loss evened the Lions season record at 2-2 heading into the league opener at Petaluma this Friday.

I felt like we played okay until about midway through the third quarter, said El Mo coach Mike Roan. Offensively, we had some penalties and turnovers and couldnt get into a rhythm. Were just not good enough where we can make mistakes and get away with it.

Despite the setback against Piner, there were plenty of positives to go around, including the continued improvement of talented sophomore signal-caller Michael Pierson, who amassed another 231 passing yards and a touchdown on 17-29 accuracy. Other top offensive efforts were had by: Tony DeMarco (5-26 yards receiving, 13 yards rushing), Chaz Mathias (3-92 yards receiving, TD), Dakota Lerner-Ross (2-33 yards receiving), and Joe Douglass (3-29 yards receiving).

The Lions welcomed the return of DeMarco, who missed most of the last two games with a separated shoulder. DeMarco turned in a stellar defensive effort against the Prospectors, chipping in a pair of interceptions. Lerner-Ross has also been a defensive force from his linebackers spot, and recorded a pair of sacks, four tackles and a forced fumble on Friday. Also turning in solid defensive performances were: Rhodes Wroth 10 tackles, INT), Trevor Watson (8 tackles), Cole Parmeter (9 tackles), Mathias (7 tackles) and Kenny Deurloo (FR).

Piner jumped on top in the opening period with a 14-yard scoring strike for a 7-0 lead. The Lion defense rose up throughout the first half, forcing four turnovers to stay within a touchdown, trailing 7-0 at the break.

The Prospectors gained separation late in the third quarter on a 22-yard scoring burst, and added touchdown passes of 20 and five yards to go up by four scores. El Mos lone touchdown came late in the fourth quarter when Pierson found Mathias on a 51-yard strike for the eventual, 28-6 Piner victory.
..........................................................................



Hounds shock Acalanes 8-7 in preseason gridiron finale..
Healdsburg runs record to 4-0; opens SCL at Analy on Friday

By GREG CLEMENTI
Sports Editor



Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said that in great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.

The varsity football Greyhounds did not fail in their great attempt on Friday night against the visiting Acalanes Dons, instead posting a courageous, 8-7 victory with a heart-stopping finish in the teams preseason finale at Recreation Park.

Trailing 7-0 late in the fourth quarter, the Hounds marched 70 yards for a touchdown when running back Andy Phillips powered over the goal line from one yard out. Instead of sending in reliable kicker Colin Brown for the game-tying PAT boot, veteran head coach Tom Kirkpatrick called a time-out and huddled with his team.


I ran it by the kids and our senior captains said Lets go for two, said Kirkpatrick. A tie wouldnt have done anybody any good, I know that we wouldnt have felt good about it.

What followed was nothing short of dramatic, as Phillips took the pitch from quarterback Zach Shippey and lofted the ball toward a wide-open receiver Caleb Rummonds near the back of the end zone. Alertly, Rummonds reached up and caught the pass while keeping both feet firmly on the ground and in bounds.

We watched the tape a few times and saw that if Rummonds had jumped for the ball, he would have landed out of bounds, noted Kirkpatrick. It was quite a catch.

The Healdsburg defensive unit, in the midst of another stellar game, held off a late Acalanes comeback bid in the final minute of play to preserve the 8-7 Hounds victory.

The win ran Healdsburgs unbeaten record to a perfect 4-0 heading into the Sonoma County League opener this week. The Hounds will open the SCL campaign this Friday, Oct. 3 against the undefeated Analy Tigers at Karlson Field in Sebastopol. Kickoff times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

After notching a 14-7 win over Santa Rosa, Analy has also emerged from pre-season play with a 4-0 mark, representing one of the best starts for the Tigers in their history under first-year head coach Dan Bourdon.

The last time both teams met undefeated was in 1995 when we were both 5-0 and they came up to our place, recalled Kirkpatrick. Were looking forward to a great game, its going to be a lot of fun.

The Healdsburg defense and special teams deserve top billing in this one, led by a pair of standout efforts from cornerback/kicker Colin Brown (8 tackles) and senior defensive tackle Josh Steffen (2 tackles). Punter Elliot Fritz kept Acalanes pinned deep, averaging almost 37 yards per kick.

Other outstanding defensive performances were turned in by: Tom Belli (7 tackles), Ian Gallagher (4 tackles, INT), Dillon Cattalini (7 tackles), Placido Lopez (5 tackles), Phillips (5 tackles), Cabby Basurto (4 tackles), Tyler Whitmore (3 tackles), Anthony Barnes (3 tackles), Rummonds (3 tackles), Anthony Ruiz (3 tackles), Wes Young (2 tackles, sack), Travis Paasche (2 tackles, FR), and one tackle apiece from Fritz, Alex Espinosa and Cele Fernandez.

Leading the offensive unit were: Shippey (23-45, 250 yards passing), Phillips (16-68 yards rushing, TD, 3-23 yards receiving), Cattalini (11-26 yards rushing, 1-6 yards receiving), Rummonds (10-118 yards receiving), Paul Wilson (4-45 yards receiving), Thomas Kozel (1-30 yards receiving), Gallagher (2-20 yards receiving), Belli (1-11 yards receiving) and Basurto (1-11 yards receiving).



..........................................................................



Thursday, September 25, 2008

Shutout is not enough for Gauchos
Montgomery and Casa Grande tie, 0-0

By JOHN JACKSON
ARGUS-COURIER SPORTS EDITOR

After two outstanding previous efforts, Casa Grandes defense finally came up with a shutout Friday night It wasnt enough.

Playing on their home field, the Gaucho varsity football team stood toe to toe with Montgomerys talented and physical Vikings and slugged its way to a 0-0 tie.

Unlike last season when the Gauchos were frustrated with a 17-17 tie with the Vikings after letting a two-touchdown lead get away, this time they had to scrape, claw and get a bit fortunate to manage the scoreless standoff.

They are very physical and they blitzed a lot, noted Casa Grande coach Rick OBrien. We had a couple of opportunities for big plays and didnt capitalize.

Defensively, I thought we played real well. When they got inside our 10, we made some big plays.

Whenever Casa and Montgomery play, it is going to be a physical, defensive game.

Physical, it definitely was, with some huge hits from both sides. It was also exciting, with Montgomery three times being denied after driving inside the Casa Grande 10-yard line and the Gauchos seeming on the verge of the big play all night, but never getting past the verge.

Pretty it wasnt. Montgomery helped in its own offensive destruction with an unofficial total of 11 penalties for 95 yards, many at crucial times. Casa Grande was flagged 7 times for 55 yards, including once for a pass interference that gave the Vikings one last shot at victory in the games waning seconds.

Casa Grandes defensive integrity was tested early in the second quarter when Montgomery used a 23-yard run by game-long standout James Berthinier to set up a first and goal at the Gaucho 4-yard line.

Twice the Vikings smashed Berthinier into the middle of the Gaucho defense only be smothered by Howard Perry, Blaine Peterman, Zach Burnett and friends. On third down, Matt OBrien swiped a Derek Klomhaus pass in the end zone to end the threat.

On the other side of the ball, quarterback OBrien was battered all evening by a swarm of blitzing Viking linebackers and defensive backs. Still, he managed to led a 40-yard march late in the first half that gave strong-legged Gaucho kicker Conner Derby a shot at a 48-yard field goal that had distance, but missed wide left.

Midway through the third quarter, a 33-yard burst by Berthinier gave the Vikings another first-and-goal, this time from the Casa Grande 8-yard line. Again the Gauchos were team tough and the threat ended when Dillion McEwan recovered a fumble at the 5-yard line.

The relentless Vikings drove back to the Casa three with about four minutes to play, but once again the Gaucho defense with Ian Phoenix, Makana Garrigan and Peterman prominent refused to yield and a bad snap doomed a 24-yard field goal try by Nick Spaan.

Casa Grande, helped by a late out-of-bounds hit on OBrien that provided a key first down and a gutsy run by the quarterback for another chain-moving 10-yard gain, shoved out to the Montgomery 33-yard line in the games final minute, only to lose possession on a fumble.

The Casa Grande seemed to have halted the last Viking hopes on strong efforts by defensive backs Matt Nadolski, OBrien and Matt Gallo when a deserved, but unnecessary pass interference penalty on a Klomhaus throw that had no prayer of connection, allowed Montgomery a last shot at victory on the games final play.

Spanns 34-yard field goal was short and left and there was no score and little satisfaction for either team.

Casa Grande is now 2-0-1 for the season, while Montgomery at 0-2-1 is still looking for its first win.

The Casa Grande junior varsity remained undefeated on the season, handling the Viking JVs, 28-7.
..........................................................................





Thursday, September 25, 2008
High School Football
Gauchos wallop Pumas

BY JOHN JACKSON
ARGUS-COURIER SPORTS EDITOR

Casa Grandes Gauchos gave Maria Carrillos Pumas a two-three punch, scoring twice on the ground and three times through the air for a dominating 35-12 victory.

Playing in the final Saturday afternoon game before new lights are turned on for Friday night football at Maria Carrillo, the Gauchos sputtered along through a scoreless opening quarter and then unleashed their multitude of rapid-fire weapons to mortally wound the Pumas with three second-quarter touchdowns.

After a touchdown early on in the fourth period had upped the score to 28-0, Casa Grande went to its bench and Maria Carrillo took advantage for two fourth-quarter touchdowns on a pass interception return and a passing bomb.

At 28-14, it looked for three minutes as if the game might get to be a bit exciting, but the Gauchos used those three minutes for a second-team drive that covered 49 yards and resulted in an end-all-doubts touchdown.

That touchdown was scored from the 1-yard line by Blaine Peterman, who is definitely a first-line player, but on defense, not offense.

It was great fun, he said of his touchdown run, but Im a defensive player.

After going three and out in their first three possessions, Matt OBrien, who is both an offensive and defensive player, provided the spark that snapped the Gauchos out of their lethargy by picking off a Hunter Odom pass at the Maria Carrillo 41-yard line.

It was the start of a huge afternoon for the senior, who finished with three pass interceptions and three touchdown passes on offense. After a slow start, he completed 12 of 19 passes for 119 yards. He also rushed for 36 yards and, for good measure, put Casa Grande in position for its final touchdown with a 37-yard kickoff return.

I just dropped back and read the quarterback and the receivers, OBrien noted. I was looking at the quarterbacks eyes.

He just has an understanding of the game, noted his coach-father Rick OBrien. He understands what is going on on the field.

Two of his touchdown passes came on throws of nine and 10 yards to Matt Nadolski on identical fade patterns to the right corner of the end zone. Both were audibles to plays changed by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage.

His other TD throw, a nice 21-yard connection to Conner Waggoner for the juniors first varsity touchdown, provided the Gauchos with their first points of the warm afternoon.

After the TD tosses to Nadolski had made the Pumas aerial conscious, the Gauchos showed they also are ground dangerous. Senior Kahlil Keys went 42 yards in just two plays for the score, getting 35 on one carry and seven yards and six points on the next. Keys finished with 141 yards on 19 carries.

Kahlil had an outstanding game, coach OBrien pointed out. When he gets into the secondary he just runs over people.

Keys and Alan Vargas carried the load on the final Casa Grande scoring march, putting Peterman in a position for his chance at offensive glory.

But it was on defense that the senior shined, as always, recording 10 solo tackles, helping on three others and recording a sack.

He had all sorts of help. Dillion McEwan was always around the football, recording eight tackles, a total matched by Ian Phoenix, who alternates between end up front and linebacker slightly off the ball.

Zach Burnett pretty much stuffed the Maria Carrillo running game. He finished with five solo tackles, a big number for a down lineman, and had six tackles for the game.

A very pleasant surprise for the Gauchos was Vargas, who stepped in for injured safety Danny Cuevas and made some outstanding plays, recovering two fumbles and being credited for six tackles. Matt Gallo, Nadolski and Makana Garrigan were each credited with five tackles.

In addition to Peterman, Tyler Selna and Kevin Brown each had a sack.

The youthful Maria Carrillo team is now 1-1. The Pumas first touchdown came on a 57-yard return of a pass stolen from reserve quarterback Spencer Finkbohner by Anthony Chavez.

The other Maria Carrillo score was a 34-yard pass connection from Odom to Nick Dengler.

Casa Grande won the junior varsity preliminary, 13-6, and, like the Gaucho varsity, is now 2-0 for the season.
..........................................................................










CASA GRANDE 35, MARIA CARRILLO 12

Casa cruises to victory
Gauchos' O'Brien sets school record with three interceptions, throws three TD passes
By Eric Branch
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


Published: Saturday, September 20, 2008

A few years ago, before his son Matt was one of his players, Casa Grande coach Rick OBrien considered trading in his headset for a spot in the stands.


The idea of just watching his son, not coaching him, was appealing. To get some advice, OBrien called three of his peers who had coached their sons Petalumas Steve Ellison, Healdsburgs Tom Kirkpatrick and Sonoma’s Mick OMeara and asked them about their experiences.

All three of them said Stay, OBrien said. They said it was the most memorable part of their career.

A few years later, he understands what they were talking about.

The approving coach and proud father watched his sons brilliant two-way performance Saturday afternoon in Casa Grandes 35-12 non-league win at Maria Carrillo.

Matt OBrien, who plays safety and quarterback, set a school record with three interceptions, and he threw three touchdown passes in a six-minute span of the second quarter to give the Gauchos (2-0) a 21-0 halftime lead.

A two-year starter, OBrien, a senior, has thrown six touchdowns and one interception this season.

And his father is cherishing each moment.

Its all great, the coach said. Watching film, and practicing, and watching him perform in the game, and after the game. Just talking football. Its just a lot of fun. He loves football, and obviously football is a big part of our family. Its awesome. From the moment we get up to the moment we go to sleep, its football.

Casa Grandes defense overwhelmed Maria Carrillo (1-1), which was playing without senior quarterback Nick Hammaren, who suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury last week.

With eight minutes left, the Gauchos defense had held Maria Carrillo to three first downs, 86 yards and zero points. The Pumas had run 50 offensive plays, and 41 had gained 3 yards or fewer.

Casa Grande senior middle linebacker Blaine Peterman had 13 tackles, a forced fumble and a sack. Senior nose tackle Zach Burnett made five tackles, three for a loss.

Our defense is the best part of our team, Peterman said. We came out here, played hard-nosed, and we won.

And the defense got all the support it would need in the second quarter.

In a scoreless tie, OBrien connected with Conner Waggoner on a 21-yard touchdown to give the Gauchos a 7-0 lead with 11 minutes left in the second quarter. Four minutes later, OBrien floated a 9-yard fade pass to 6-foot-2 senior Matt Nadolski in the right corner of the end zone. After the Pumas fumbled the kickoff, OBrien found Nadolski two minutes later on a 10-yard fade in the same spot.

Suddenly, it was 21-0.

And the rest of the offensive highlights came from hard-running junior Kahlil Keys, who gave Casa Grande a 28-0 third-quarter lead on a 7-yard run. Keys, who had 131 yards on 19 carries, had 81 yards in the second half as the Gauchos nursed their lead.

The Pumas did rally to cut the deficit to 28-12 in the fourth quarter, a charge that began when junior Anthony Chavez returned an interception 63 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter.

With seven minutes left, junior Hunter Odom, making his first varsity start, connected with senior Nick Dengler on a 29-yard pass to close the gap to 28-12.

Odom completed 13 of 23 passes for 114 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.

Im pretty proud of his performance today, Maria Carrillo coach Jay Higgins said. Hell learn from it and hell get better.

For proof, look at Matt OBrien, who is already just four touchdown passes shy of matching his total from last year.

For his part, OBrien says hes happy his dad hung around to coach him.

Its mostly about communication, he said. And we communicate well together. If he ever gets mad at me, I know that I did something wrong and I need to do it better.

Rick OBrien, standing nearby, looked at Matt.

And when something happens thats good? he asked, still coaching his son minutes after the game.

Matt OBrien didnt pause, And when something happens thats good, hes always there to pat my back.

You can reach Staff Writer Eric Branch at 521-5268 or eric.branch@pressdemocrat.com.


AT MARIA CARRILLO
Casa Grande 0 21 7 7 35
Maria Carrillo 0 0 6 6 12

CG Conner Waggoner 21 pass from Matt OBrien (Conner Derby kick)
CG Matt Nadolski 9 pass from OBrien (Derby kick)
CG Nadolski 10 pass from OBrien (Derby kick)
CG Kahlil Keys 7 run (Derby kick)
MC Anthony Chavez 63 interception return (kick
failed)
MC Nick Dengler 29 pass from Hunter Odom (pass failed)
CG Blaine Peterman 1 run (Derby kick)

Rushing, CG: Keys 19-131, OBrien 9-19, Allan Vargas 4-20, Kyle Smith 2-18. MC: Odom 8-28, Zack Sheets 10-25, Terry Reid 2-6, Sam Atoe 6-6, Tyler Schlieder 1-2, Patrick Rex 1-2, Matt Hart 5-1.

Passing, CG: OBrien 10-18-1-98, Spencer Finkbohner 1-5-1-6. MC: 13-23-3-114.

Receiving, CG: Nadolski 4-26, Waggoner 3-53, Matt Gallo 2-15, Teddy Osmundson 1-4. MC: Dengler 5-51, Hart 3-14, Chavez 2-13, Atoe 2-13, James Nobles 1-22.

Records: CG 2-0, MC 1-1
..........................................................................







Thursday, September 18, 2008
Saturday Football
Once rolling, Gauchos romp by Maria Carrillo
O'Brien has three interceptions and three touchdown passes

By JOHN JACKSON
ARGUS-COURIER SPORTS EDITOR

It took Casa Grande High Schools varsity football Gauchos a little while to get rolling, but once offensively underway, there was no stopping the Gauchos as they rolled to an impressive 35-12 victory over Maria Carrillo.

Playing in the final Saturday afternoon game before new lights are turned on for Friday night football at Maria Carrillo, the Gauchos sputtered along through a scoreless opening quarter and then unleashed its multitude of rapid-fire weapons to mortally wound the Pumas with three second-quarter touchdowns.

After a touchdown early on in the fourth period had upped the score to 28-0, Casa Grande went to its bench and Maria Carrillo took advantage for two fourth quarter touchdowns on a pass interception return and a passing bomb.

At 28-14, it looked for three minutes as if the game might get to be a bit exciting, but the Gauchos used those three minutes for a second-team drive that covered 49 yards and resulted in an end-all-doubts touchdown.

That touchdown was scored from the 1-yard line by Blaine Peterman who is definitely a first-line player, but on defense, not offense.

It was great fun, he said of his touchdown run, but Im a defensive player.

After going three and out in their first three possessions, Matt OBrien, who is both an offensive and defensive player, provided the spark that snapped the Gauchos out of their lethargy by picking off a Hunter Odom pass at the Maria Carrillo 41-yard line.

It was the start of a huge afternoon for the senior, who finished with three pass interceptions and three touchdown passes on offense. After a slow start, he completed 12 of 19 passes for 119 yards. He also rushed for 36 yards and, for good measure, put Casa Grande in position for its final touchdown with a 37-yard kickoff return.

Two of his touchdown passes came on throws of nine and 10 yards to Matt Nadolski on identical fade patterns to the right corner of the end zone. Both were audibles to plays changed by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage.

His other TD throw, a nice 21-yard connection to Conner Waggoner for the juniors first varsity touchdown, provided the Gauchos with their first points of the warm afternoon.

After the TD tosses to Nadolski had made the Pumas aerial conscious, the Gauchos showed they also are ground dangerous. Senior Kahlil Keys went 42 yards in just two plays for the score, getting 35 on one carry and seven yards and six points on the next. Keys finished with 141 yards on 19 carries.

Keys and Alan Vargas carried the load on the final Casa Grande scoring march, putting Peterman in a position for his chance at offensive glory.

But it was on defense that the senior shined, as always, recording 10 solo tackles, helping on three others and recording a sack.

He had all sorts of help. Dillion McEwan was always around the football, recording eight tackles, a total matched by Ian Phoenix, who alternates between end up front and linebacker slightly off the ball.

Zach Burnett pretty much stuffed the Maria Carrillo running game. He finished with five solo tackles, a big number for a down lineman, and had six tackles for the game.

A very pleasant surprise for the Gauchos was Vargas who stepped in for injured safety Danny Cuevas and made some outstanding plays, recovering two fumbles and being credited for six tackles.

In addition to Peterman, Tyler Selna and Kevin Brown each had a sack.

The youthful Maria Carrillo team is now 1-1. The Pumas’ first touchdown came on a 57-yard return of a pass stolen from reserve quarterback Spencer Finkbohner by Anthony Chavez. The other Maria Carrillo score was a 34-yard pass connection from Odom to Nick Dengler.

Casa Grande won the junior varsity preliminary, 13-6, and, like the Gaucho varsity, is now 2-0 for the season.

Next up for the Gauchos is a home game Friday night against Montgomery.

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Thursday, September 18, 2008
Friday Night Football
Ukiah holds off Petaluma, 14-7
Late Trojan drive frustrated by fumble

By JOHN JACKSON
ARGUS-COURIER SPORTS EDITOR

Petaluma Highs varsity football Trojans lost a game they well could have won Friday night. They also stayed in a game they well could have been blown out of.

If that sounds like a contradiction, it is because Petalumas 14-7 non-league loss to Ukiah, played on a warm, but mist-dampened, evening at Durst Field was a study in contradictions.

Petalumas offense came up with the Trojans lowest point total of the three-game season, but put together several impressive drives in what may have been its most consistent effort yet.

The Trojans were driving for what might have been the tying or even winning (depending on a potential PAT decision) touchdown in the games final minutes when they fumbled away a chance at success.

Defensively, Petaluma gave away big chunks of yardage to the rifle-accurate passing arm of Ukiah quarterback Kyle Morris and the flashing legs of running back Marcos Hernandez, yet made a whole host of big plays and kept the Trojans in the game with a heroic goal-line stand at the end of the first half.

It was that kind of game.

With the Petaluma defense obviously conscious of Morris passing reputation, it proved susceptible to the draw plays by the super-fast Hernandez, who gained 160 yards on 19 carries.

A fourth of that yardage came on a 48-yard burst late in the first quarter that, coupled with Gabe Otts conversion kick, gave the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.

Petaluma answered with an impressive 80-yard drive that resulted in Lucas Charles busting into the end zone from five yards out. Halfback Sean Sullivan provided the impetus for the drive with gains of 26 and 14 yards.

Nick Marshs conversion tied the match at 7-7.

Ukiah seemed to take charge at that point, with Morris passing the Wildcats 85 yards to a touchdown that was scored by Hernandez from five yards out for a 14-7 lead.

Morris then took the Wildcats on a 76-yard journey that had them at the Petaluma 4-yard line and on the verge of taking complete charge as time was expiring in the first half.

But the Trojan defense made an inspired stand with game-long standout Drew Pawlan making an extraordinary play on fourth down to stop Morris just six inches from a first down to halt the drive.

The second half was a matter of thrust and parry with Petaluma putting the clamps on Morris with the help of a Todd Overzet interception.

With just over six minutes to play, Petaluma put together its most impressive offensive drive of the season. Crunching mostly up the middle with alternating fullbacks Charles and Ricky Sims, the Trojans moved steadily downfield, reaching the Ukiah 13 with a first-down after an inspired 11-yard run by Sullivan.

With just over a minute to play, the Trojans tried an option play wide to their own left and somehow managed to mess up the exchange. The ball popped free and Ukiah recovered both ball and victory.

Ukiah had 327 total yards, with Morris connecting on 13 of 24 passes for 158 yards to complement Hernandezs ground gains.

Petaluma gained 244 yards, all but 15 on the ground, with Sims rushing for 96 on 15 carries, Sullivan 65 on eight carries and Charles 57 on 12 carries.

The loss left Petaluma with a 1-2 record going into a game Friday night at Rancho Cotate. The win was the second of the season for the Wildcats who last week beat Sonoma Valley, 28-14.





Thursday, September 18, 2008
High School Football
Petaluma wastes strong defensive effort in first loss
Four Petaluma fumbles help Redwood spoil Trojans home opener with 18-14 victory

By GEORGE HAIRE
FOR THE ARGUS-COURIER

Ukiah invades Durst Field Friday night to face the Petaluma Trojans, who hope to rebound from a fumble- plagued 18-14 loss to Redwood. The Trojans (1-1) wasted a strong defensive effort by bobbling away field position with four costly turnovers in a game that finally wore them down in the final minutes.

Coach Steve Ellison was frustrated after the game, after his team turned over the ball twice deep in its own territory to set up a 10-7 lead by the Giants after the first half.

It was a shame to work that hard on defense and still give them so many chances by turning over the ball, he said after the game. Our kids played a very good game on one side of the ball, especially in the first half.

It got worse after intermission when turnovers continued to prevent any offensive counterattacks. Petaluma ran only 17 plays from scrimmage in the final two quarters, while its exhausted defenders battled to hold off a revitalized Redwood attack.

Led by a very active trio of linebackers, the Trojans limited top Redwood running back Joe Klemme to only 17 yards and the entire Redwood offense to 97 yards in the first two periods. The highly rated Klemme ran for 187 yards in a win over Windsor the previous week.

Junior backer Blake Olson and his mates effectively shot the gaps and stymied early Redwood attempted drives to help give the Trojans a decided early advantage on the line of scrimmage.

The Giants, however, made the most of a couple of charitable opportunities inside the 20 to score a touchdown and a field goal both by Jake Anderson. The first turnover came on the games initial play from scrimmage and Anderson converted on a 30-yard field goal four plays later.

Late in the first quarter, the Trojans put together an impressive 90-yard march in 11 plays to grab a 7-3 advantage. Quarterback Taylen Hinks broke a 26-yard run to help move the football.

The quarter came to an end with a big 32-yard hook-up between Hinks and wide receiver Dalton Johnson down the right sideline to keep the drive alive. Johnson got a step on the defenders only to be knocked out of bounds at the horn.

Ricky Sims and Sean Sullivan kept things going with short gainers, which moved the chains inside the 5-yard line. Sullivan finally started to his right and cut back behind a couple of good blocks to score from two yards out, and the Trojans took a 7-3 lead for most of the first half.

With less than three minutes on the clock, Petaluma took over the ball inside its 20-yard line. On the second play, a wide pitch in the direction of Sullivan got away and it was recovered by Mike Avtonomoff of the Giants.

Redwood quickly took advantage by scoring on a 10-yard pass from Ryan Russell to Anderson, a step inside the end zone flag. The teams broke for intermission with the visitors holding a 10-7 lead.

In only three plays following the second half kickoff, it looked like the rugged Trojan defenders would retake command of the game when a tipped pass fell into the hands of the ever-present Olson, who galloped 55 yards untouched for the go-ahead touchdown.

It would be just a matter of time for Redwood to regroup and dominate the rest of the half. With the Giant running backs finding bigger gaps up front, and the surprising Redwood passing game beginning to show signs of life, the Giants closed in by controlling field position.

Halfback Alex Luna of the Trojans was thrown down in the end zone for a safety at the end of the third period and Petaluma had to free kick from its 20, and that led to further trouble, as ball possession would become even more lopsided.

Finally, in the final stanza, Redwood put together a sustained march of 69 yards in 11 plays. A 28-yard gallop by Klemme and two pass completions by quarterback Ryan Russell were the big plays, as Petaluma began to give up bigger chunks of yardage. Russell hooked up with Anderson on an 8-yard touchdown toss to eventually give the Giants the winning margin.

They did surprise us with that amount of passing, admitted Ellison. We were never fooled by how good they were, though. Our kids knew going in that they were a quality team. In our four-year series, this is Redwoods best team. They are very good.

Klemme bounced back to lead all ball carriers with 125 yards in 17 carries. Anderson grabbed seven passes for 82 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

Sullivan topped Petaluma with 60 rushing yards in 13 tries.

It looked like Olson, Dante Cecchini and Chris Bottini all had good defensive games from my spot on the field, said Ellison.




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REDWOOD 18, PETALUMA 14
Petaluma lets one slip away

By PHIL BARBER
PRESS DEMOCRAT


PETALUMA. Petaluma should have seen it coming. The Trojans lost the ball on a bad exchange on their first play from scrimmage Friday night, a harbinger of things to come. By games end, Petaluma had coughed up four fumbles - three on exchanges and another on a high pitch - and fallen 18-14 to visiting Redwood.


The Trojans fumbled another couple times, but got them back. Not that Redwood was a lot better protecting the ball. On one extended sequence in the second half, four consecutive possessions - two by each team - ended with lost fumbles. Despite a sluggish offensive attack that would ultimately gain only 189 total yards, Petaluma went ahead early in the third quarter when Redwood quarterback Ryan Russell was hit as he threw a pass; linebacker Blake Olsen plucked the ball out of the air and sprinted 37 yards for a TD to give the Trojans a 14-10 lead.

That score held up into the fourth quarter. But working from the 2-yard line after that four-fumble give-and-take, Petaluma halfback Alex Luna was swarmed in the end zone for a safety. That cut the home team's lead to 14-12. And after a free kick, Redwood used about 6 minutes of clock and drove 68 yards for the go-ahead score.

, Russell and receiver Jake Anderson combining for their second touchdown pass of the game.

Its something weve got to clean up, Petaluma coach Steve Ellison said of the fumbles. “Im concerned about it. Its part of the problem with that (triple-option) offense. But weve been running it a long, long time, and weve had success.

You can reach Staff Writer Phil Barber at 521-5263 or phil.barber@pressdemocrat.com.


AT PETALUMA
Redwood 3 7 0 8 18
Petaluma 0 7 7 0 14
R Anderson 30 FG
P Sullivan 3 run (Marsh kick)
R Russell 11 pass to Anderson (Anderson kick)
P Olsen 55 interception return (Marsh kick)
R Safety, Luna tackled in end zone
R Russell 8 pass to Anderson (kick failed)

Rushing
PTaylon Hinks 8-49. Joe Klemme 17-125; Ryan Russell 11-38.
Passing
PHinks 3-4-0-96. RRussell 10-17-2-139.
Receiving
RJake Anderson 7-82.
Records: P 1-1, R 2-0
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Tiger gridders maul Piner; El Mo falls to Fortuna

It was a mixed bag for West County football teams last week, as the Tigers pounded visiting Piner into submission, 27-7, while the Lions dropped a heartbreaker at Fortuna, 28-24.

by Greg Clementi
Sonoma West Sports Editor


Analy defense steps up

The Tigers (2-0) won their second straight pre-season game on Friday with a potent combination of big plays, good blocking and a dominant defense.

The Analy defensive unit was particularly impressive, allowing Piner just 21 rushing yards on 15 carries for the entire game. The Tiger line was so dominant on both sides of the ball that the Prospectors were not able to threaten until they finally scored with four minutes left in the game.


Our defense played a great game, but the key was we didnt turn the ball over like we had the week before against Terra Linda, said Analy coach Dan Bourdon. If we keep playing like we have been, were going to win a lot of games.

The Tigers got on the board midway into the first period when quarterback David Glass found wide-out Chris Bostock on an 11-yard scoring strike. The PAT failed and Analy led 6-0. The Tigers gained separation late in the second quarter when Glass capped a sustained drive with a 33-yard lightening bolt to receiver Jimmy McCann. Joey Maloney ran in the two-point conversion and Analy led 14-0 at the break.

The Tigers went up by three scores with 6:15 left in the third quarter when Glass hit receiver Jack Doran with a five-yard touchdown pass, followed by a Ben Doran PAT boot for a 21-0 bulge. The Tigers highlighted the scoring when Maloney found Glass on a 13-yard scoring pass for a 27-0 advantage. Piner finally got on the board in the waning minutes with a 30-yard touchdown strike for the eventual, 27-7 Tiger victory.

Glass turned in another solid night under center, connecting on eight of 15 passes for 118 yards and three scores, rushing 16 times for 51 yards, and adding one reception for 13 yards and a touchdown. Other standout offensive efforts were had by: Maloney (15-69 yards, 1-1, 13 yards passing, TD, 4-60 yards receiving), Bostock (1-11 yards receiving, TD), McCann (1-33 yards receiving, TD), Jack Doran (1-5 yards receiving, TD), Alex Mora (8-35 yards rushing), Anthony Giacobbe (2-8 yards rushing, 1-9 yards receiving), and Jeremy Van Riet (6-7 yards rushing).

Defensively, defensive back Bo Swift intercepted two passes for a team-leading three on the year, while Maloney added one pick.

The Analy JV squad ran its record to 2-0 with a 53-0 win over Piner

The Tigers travel to Burton of San Francisco this Saturday, Sept. 20 for a non-league game. The JV and varsity kick off at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Lions drop tough road clash at Fortuna

The El Mo varsity squad came agonizingly close to winning its second game of the season, but was done in by a late Fortuna rally to fall, 28-24.

Further complicating matters is an injury suffered by senior 1000-yard rusher Tony Demarco, who went down with a separated shoulder late in the second quarter. Demarco is expected to miss at least one game.

The loss of Demarco was tempered with the varsity debut of talented sophomore quarterback Michael Pierson, who showed flashes of brilliance on Friday. Pierson was 14-32 for 254 yards passing, adding two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions in a very strong outing.

I was very pleased with the play of Pierson, noted El Mo head coach Mike Roan. He led a nice drive on our second possession of the game and threw a touchdown pass to put us ahead. Overall, I think were progressing and at times we look like a pretty decent team.

The Lions drew first blood early in the first quarter when Pierson hooked up with Cole Parmeter in the flat and the El Mo H-back raced 45 yards to the house for an early lead. Kicker Michael Starr, also a standout on the soccer team, nailed a 37-yard field goal. A short rushing touchdown run for Demarco put the Lions up 17-7 midway through the second quarter.

The Huskies battled back, surging ahead with a pair of scores just before the half to grab a 21-17 lead at the break.

The Lions re-took the lead in the third quarter when Pierson hooked up on a touchdown strike to receiver Rhodes Wroth for a 24-21 El Mo advantage. Fortuna would ultimately spoil the El Mo victory party when they mounted a four-minute fourth-quarter march resulting in the winning touchdown and a 28-24 win.

In addition to Piersons heroics, other offensive standouts were: Demarco (11-49 yards rushing, TD), Parmeter (8-25 yards rushing, 1-45 yards receiving, TD), Wroth (6-68 yards receiving, TD), Chaz Mathias (1-45 yards receiving), and Starr (3 PAT kicks, 37-yard FG).

Top El Mo defenders included: Dakota Lerner-Ross (9 unassisted tackles), Wroth (9 tackles), Trevor Watson (7 tackles), and Justin Brown (5 tackles).

The JV Lions fell to 0-2 on the season with a 20-6 loss to Fortuna

The Lions host Elsie Allen this Saturday, Sept. 20 in the home opener. Game times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
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Analy's football team is beginning to earn its cookies

By BOB PADECKY
PRESS DEMOCRAT SPORTS COLUMNIST


Published: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 7:30 a.m.

SEBASTOPOL

OK, sure, if Analy loses the rest of its football games this year and doesn’t score even a point, then, yes, last Friday will have been wasted. Thats how significant last Friday was, how unlikely it will fade to oblivion and if a victory has an aroma, then its springtime in the Rockies for Analy for the next three months. It was that powerful a moment.

I woke up the next morning, said running back Joe Maloney, and it was still like a miracle.

A miracle is a disbelieving, a defiance of the known. Or, to put it in more laymans terms Where the heck did that come from? So where the heck did this come from: As time expired Analy stopped Terra Linda from scoring from the 18-inch line to win the game? Analy did not have the pedigree for the moment, having gone 2-8 in 2007.

Well, Dan Bourdon, walked the campus halls, searching for a few good young men. No one was more eager to leave the past in the past. To say Analy struggled in 2007 would be a kind assessment.

Anybody who had an athletic build, said Bourdon, a former Analy quarterback himself, I asked them why they didnt play football. I got a wide range of answers. Some werent into it.

Some were. Ben and Jack Doran, the fiery basketball twins, came out. Bourdon didnt lay the heavy sales pitch but Analy kids arent rock heads. They could see what was going on. The new football coaching staff was so young, did they have driver’s licenses or student identification cards?

The average age of the five-man coaching staff is 24.8 years. Niko Miller, the offensive line coach, is 20. Bourdon, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is 27. The old man is defensive coordinator Toby Carpenter at 30. D.J. Sexton, defensive backs and wide receivers, is 22. Robert Brasil, 25, handles the defensive linemen and the running backs.

So this was the scene before last Friday. Analy has seven players who never played football before. Bourdon has never coached varsity, just two years as a junior varsity head coach. And it didnt take much for the team to remember why it went 2-8 last season.

We had players last year but our problem was psychological, said senior defensive end Zac Illingworth. Every time we got behind we lost it.

Down 22-8 in the fourth quarter to Terra Linda at Karlson Field after trailing we never came back last year said Maloney Analy scored 22 unanswered points. But in the space of the last five seconds of the game Analy threatened to undo all it had done. It had committed two penalties that brought the ball within 18 inches of the Tigers end zone. Maloney thought for a moment it was 2007 all over again but then banished the thought from his mind.

This game felt different, Maloney said. Meaning, no one was feeling sorry for himself.

Especially Illingworth. He is 6-foot-9, 230 pounds, has the reach of a condor but had been chewed out repeatedly by Bourdon during the game for not staying put at left defensive end, protecting the outside. Terra Linda quarterback Chris Migdal remembered it, too. Illingworth had bit on several of Migdals fakes. For the first time in the game ... I stayed where I was, Illingworth said. And Migdal came to him, and he was stopped short of the goal line like he was gift-wrapped.

It was one of the most exciting moments of my athletic career, Illingworth said. To be the star of the moment, that was special.

How many other plays has Illingworth made like that?

None, he said. And then, almost as an afterthought, Illingworth added, This was a chance to prove something to ourselves, to make something of ourselves.

Thats the high-value grand-scheme spin to be put on the victory. Heres a more intimate, personal interpretation: The chocolate chip cookies went down easy Monday.

Linda Helton teaches sixth grade at Hillcrest Middle School but has been the team statistician for 23 years. Before each season every Tiger player makes a 10-cookie bet with her. For Maloney it’s 200 all-purpose yards. For Illingworth it is making two tackles or one sack or two blocked passes. Make the numbers and a player gets 10 homemade cookies.

Sometimes last year, when we lost, said Maloney, who had 211 all-purpose yards, it didnt feel like you deserved the cookies.

The cookies, even in a loss, were Heltons way of giving the players something to look forward to the next week. This time Helton could have handed the players 10 rocks in a bag and they would have been delighted.

I made nine dozen Sunday morning, Helton said.

Sometimes a single victory feels bigger than one. Sometimes 10 cookies feel more like a hundred. And sometimes the exhilaration rush lasts for more than a moment or a day. Sometimes, when the achievement is just right, it can last for months.

You can reach Staff Columnist Bob Padecky at 521-5490 or at bob.padecky@pressdemocrat.com.
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ANALY 30, TERRA LINDA 22
Analy rallies for dramatic win
Tigers come back in fourth quarter, win on goal-line stand
By PHIL BARBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT



SEBASTOPOL
Terra Linda was inside the Analy 2-yard line with five seconds left and an eight-point Tigers lead seeming quite vulnerable. The crowd at Karlson Field was raucous, players from both teams on their feet. And then things got even hairier for Analy. A penalty for 12 men on the field moved the ball inside the 1.

Having erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, Analy was in the tightest situation imaginable. And then things got tighter yet again.

On the next play, an Analy defensive back was called for pass interference on Chris Migdals incomplete pass to Christian Manoli in the end zone. The line of scrimmage crept to about a half-yard away from the end zone, the clock still reading :05. But when it finally counted, the Tigers came up strong. Lanky senior defensive lineman Zac Illingworth pounced on Migdal before he could get to the right edge, ending the game and punctuating an improbable 30-22 comeback win.

Though the 100-degree weather has made it seem like mid-July, Analy already has half as many wins as the school recorded a year ago. The Tigers were 2-8 in a disappointing 2007 season. This year, they are 1-0 and counting under energetic new coach Dan Bourdon, a former standout quarterback at Analy.

From the start, these two teams looked evenly matched. The Tigers controlled the ground in the first half, Joe Maloney running for 86 yards on 10 carries. But Terra Linda has the crisper passing game, Migdal completing 10 of 15 passes for 115 yards and a pair of touchdowns to help the Trojans stake a 15-8 halftime lead.

That lead increased to 22-8 when Manoli leaped over Analy defensive back Bo Swift to snare Migdals pass for a 24-yard touchdown at 8:03 of the third quarter. Analy had three possessions in the third quarter, and two ended on lost fumbles by Anthony Giacobbe.

But the Tigers control of the line of scrimmage intensified in the fourth quarter, and they finally got the turnovers to go their way. When defensive back Jimmy McCann intercepted a pass that bounced off Manolis hands early in the final quarter, it gave Analy the ball at the Trojans 42-yard line. Five plays later, senior quarterback David Glass found Maloney (who often lined up as a receiver) behind the secondary and hit him for a 31-yard touchdown.

On Terra Lindas first play after the touchdown, defensive lineman Levi Mills hit running back Christon Coleman in the backfield, causing a fumble that linebacker Brandon Fox recovered at the Trojans 20. This time, it took Analy only three plays to score, burly runner Jeremy Van Riet blasting through a hole and carrying several tacklers into the end zone on a 15-yard touchdown. Glass kept the ball and scored on the conversion to tie the game at 22-22 with 8:51 left.

The action was just beginning.

Analy took over on downs with about 6:30 left, and went 69 yards to grab the lead at the 2:06 mark, Glass taking a bootleg around the left end for the score on a third-and-goal from the 7 with 2:06 left. Maloney rocketed up the middle for the conversion, giving Analy an eight-point bulge.

It nearly wasnt enough. After a long kickoff, Terra Linda ate up the rest of the clock, running 11 plays (not counting penalties) and converting two fourth-down situations to get into scoring position. But the warm night belonged to Analy.

Both teams came out in spread offenses, most often keeping one runner in the backfield. Terra Linda stuck to its scheme behind Migdal, who finished 18 of 35 for 232 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. But Analy switched to a two-back set in the second half and took quarterback Glass out of the shotgun and brought him under center.

Bourdon put the ball in Maloneys hands, and the senior rushed for 145 yards on 21 carries, adding 66 yards on five receptions. Glass finished 12 of 25 for 138 yards, but didnt turn the ball over in the second half.

Coleman, Terra Lindas speedy running back, had only 10 yards rushing. The Tigers completely bottled him up in the second half: three carries for minus-12 yards. But they were hurt by the draws and boots of Migdal, who ran for 60 yards on nine carries in the second half.

Terra Linda reached the NCS 3A title game a year ago. On this night, Analy was the better team.


Second Quarter
TL Migdal 13-yard pass to D. Higgins (Namnath kick)
A J. Maloney 19-yard run (Maloney run)
TL Migdal 24-yard pass to Coleman (Migdal pass to D. Higgins)

Third Quarter
TL Migdal 24-yard pass to Manoli (Namnath kick)

Fourth Quarter
A Glass 31-yard pass to J. Maloney (run failed)
A Van Riet 15-yard run (Glass run)
A Glass 7-yard run (J. Maloney run)

Rushing: A J. Maloney 21 for 145, Glass 10 for 62, Van Riet 6 for 59. TL Migdal 9 for 60, Coleman 8 for 10.

Passing: A Glass 12 for 25, 138 yards, 2 ints. TL Migdal 18 for 35, 232 yards, 2 int.

Receiving: A J. Maloney 5 for 66, B. Doran 2 for 23; TL – C. Maloney 6 for 59, Manoli 5 for 91, D. Higgins 3 for 35, S. Higgins 2 for 43.
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Lions overcome heat, injury to post win

Lions head coach Mike Roan recorded his fourth straight opening day victory with a solid, 21-12 win over host Berean Christian. Senior 1000-yard rusher Tony Demarco did an admirable job in filling in for injured sophomore quarterback Michael Pierson, throwing for 240 yards and a pair of scores in a great performance.

It was an ugly game with a ton of mistakes, but we were happy to get away with a win, said Roan. It was very hot on the field and we were fortunate to be playing a team about the same size as us.

The Lions got on the board first in the opening quarter when Demarco hooked up with receiver Chaz Mathias on a 65-yard touchdown strike for a 7-0 halftime lead. El Mo maintained the upper hand when Demarco capped the opening third-quarter march with a one-yard quarterback sneak for a two-touchdown advantage. The score was set up by a 50-yard pass from Demarco to Rhodes Wroth.

The Lions effectively put the game on ice in the fourth quarter when talented sophomore slot receiver Joe Douglas scored on a 10-yard reception, followed by a successful two-point conversion run from Cole Parmeter. The El Mo defense did the rest in preserving an eventual, 21-12 win.

Demarco finished the day with 9-12 passing for 240 yards and two scores, and 35 yards on the ground. Other offensive standouts were: Parmeter (12-38 yards rushing), Mathias (3-137 yards receiving, TD), Douglas (2-29 yards receiving, TD), and Wroth (2-51 yards receiving).

Defensive stalwarts included: Parmeter (11 tackles), Trevor Watson (9 tackles), Douglas (8 tackles), and Kenny Deurlo (7 tackles).
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Gauchos fly over, run through San Rafael

By JOHN JACKSON
ARGUS-COURIER SPORTS EDITOR

Casa Grande High Schools varsity football Gauchos passed over and ran through San Rafaels over-matched Bulldogs for an impressive 38-7 season-opening victory Friday night.

Playing before an appreciative home audience, the Gauchos dominated from a first-quarter 77-yard touchdown pass from Matt OBrien to Matt Nadolski right up until third-string quarterback Jimmy Cerf took a knee with his team in the shadow of the San Rafael end zone in the games final 10 seconds.

OBrien got his season off to a spectacular start, completing 12 of 19 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran five times for 58 yards, getting 25 on one mad touchdown dash through San Rafaels frustrated defenders.

OBrien spread the passing wealth, connecting three times each to Matt Gallo (who caught two for touchdowns), Conner Waggoner and Nadolski.

Kahlil Keys began his tenure as the Gauchos featured back with 66 yards and a touchdown in 11 carries..

Defensively, the Casa Grande first unit swarmed all over the Bulldogs with Zach Burnett plugging things up in the middle, Ian Phoenix rushing hard from the outside and linebackers Blaine Peterman, Dillion McEwan and Waggoner ranging all over the field to make tackles. Peterman had nine tackles and a sack, while end Phoenix had five tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Burnett bulldozed up the middle for a sack.

Casa Grande didnt lose its shutout until a blown coverage allowed San Rafael an 80-yard touchdown bomb in the fourth quarter.

Matt threw the ball very well and the line did a great job protecting him and picking up the blitzes, said Casa Grande coach Rick OBrien. We did a great job getting the ball to our athletes in a space where they were able to make plays.






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Hounds pound McKinleyville, 31-22 in grid opener

By GREG CLEMENTI

Sports Editor

It may not have been a thing of beauty, but it was a victory.

The Greyhounds made a successful 2008 gridiron debut on Friday with a closer-than-expected, 31-22 win over a stubborn visiting McKinleyville squad to start the season at 1-0.


Healdsburg didnt dominate the action as most thought coming into the season opener, but the good guys did offer enough flashes of brilliance to allow local fans reason for optimism.

The big story of the night was the successful return of senior running back David Balestrieri, who starred as a sophomore in 2006 but was lost to a serious knee injury before the start of his junior campaign. The talented senior erased any doubt that hes back to full strength on Friday, churning up a career-high 130 rushing yards on 19 carries in leading his team to victory.

Also turning in successful season-opening performances were senior quarterback Zach Shippey, (10-23, 166 yards passing, 2 TDs), senior running back Andrew Phillips (7-49 yards rushing), and senior receiver Caleb Rummonds (4-81 yards, TD). Senior receiver/defensive back Dante Fountain demonstrated his blazing speed throughout the game, most notably on a long touchdown grab in the second quarter.

We seemed a little flat and hurt ourselves tremendously with penalties, the kind that can drive a coach crazy, said Hounds coach Tom Kirkpatrick. Still, there were a lot of positives, with Davids return and the play of Zach Shippey in his first varsity start.

McKinleyville drew first blood in the opening frame, converting a short field goal attempt into a 3-0 lead at the end of one.

The Hounds awoke from an early-game slumber in the second period, fueled by a big push from the offensive line. Fountain got the party started when he hauled in a 38-yard scoring strike from Shippey, giving the Hounds a lead they would not relinquish.

On their next series, Balestrieri capped a short march with an 18-yard touchdown burst, and Shippey hooked up with Rummonds on a 40-yard lightening bolt for a comfortable lead. Place kicker Collin Brown capped the second-quarter fireworks with a 24-yard field goal to put the Hounds up 24-3 at the break.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Panthers mounted a comeback in the final period with an offensive surge to make things interesting. The Hounds answered the Panther upset bid when Balestrieri found pay-dirt on his second scoring run for a 16-point Healdsburg lead. The Panthers tallied a late touchdown to eventually fall, 31-22.

Defensive standouts included linebacker Andy Phillips and defensive back Collin Brown, who led the team in tackles with eight apiece. Fountain, Brown and Rummonds each picked off a pass for the Greyhounds.

Healdsburg will host Riordan of San Francisco this Saturday, Sept. 13 in a 7:30 p.m. non-league clash. The JV kick off the action at 5 p.m.
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Petaluma team talent more than the sum of its parts
Trojans counting on speed and depth for a big season

By JOHN JACKSON
ARGUS-COURIER SPORTS EDITOR

Petaluma Highs varsity Trojans may well defy mathematical principles the total of their talent may be greater than the sum of their individual parts.

The Trojans have only a few payers with pre-season reputations. What they do have is a lot of hard-working, quality athletes who are interchangeable parts in the best sense of that phrase.

We dont have a lot of real standouts. Just a good group of hard-working players who are in good condition, says Petaluma coach Steve Ellison, starting his 30th season as Trojan head coach. It is his 41st year in coaching.

After four decades, Ellison still gets excited about the start of a new season and particularly one where his players are willing to listen, learn and work hard.

This team has shown a lot of heart, he says, bestowing one of his ultimate compliments.

While the emphasis is on team and blue-collar work ethic, the Trojans are not without a few stars.

One of the brightest is senior halfback Sean Sullivan. Although just 5-8, 160 pounds, Sullivan has the toughness to run inside; the innate ability to twist, turn and make tacklers miss; and an overdrive that allows him to cruise away from pursuers when he breaks into the open field.

Last season, on a team that thrived on bullying up the middle, he broke enough long runs to gain 1,004 yards.

This year, he had a spectacular this-way, that-way and gone run in a scrimmage against Novato and topped that last Saturday with an even more exciting 48-yard touchdown scamper that provided the game winning touchdown in the Trojans 10-7 season-opening win over Washington of Fremont.

He looks to be one of the top running backs in the Redwood Empire, says Ellison. He does a lot of things you cant teach. He has great speed and he is much tougher than people think.

A star in the making might be senior quarterback Taylen Hinks. He started several games as a sophomore after starter Chadd Krist was injured and learned as he waited his turn as a junior last season.

This year, he seems to have a firm grasp of the difficult Petaluma option offense. He gives the Trojans a weapon with either his arm or his legs.

Petaluma has a quality athlete working behind Hinks in junior Mike Russell, who looked good in pre-season scrimmage. He is a very athletic kid, says Ellison. I would feel good about him being in the game.

Petaluma lost its battering fullback, Jake Burnett, to graduation, but has two strong replacements in senior Lucas Charles (5-7, 195) and converted tight end Ricky Sims (5-10, 205). Both gave solid efforts in the opener against Washington and both will see considerable playing time.

Counted on to rotate into the fullback/running back mix depending on the formation are junior Nick Sweeney, senior Alex Luna, senior Dante Cecchini, and senior Nick Marsh. Theyre all solid players and all will get a lot of playing time, says Ellison.

Providing running back depth are senior Colby Reece, junior Ryan Dentoni, senior D.J. Kenny, junior Dalton Berncich and senior Todd Overzet.

Petaluma makes no secret that it is a ground team, relying on blocking, quickness and the precision of its option combined with Sullivans explosiveness, but the Trojans do have several quality receivers to work with their strong-armed quarterbacks.

Dalton Johnson, who started both ways as a sophomore, brings his speed and athleticism back for what is expected to be a big junior year. He will be complemented in the speed department by Jeff Crudo and Jake Montero. Both are seniors with exceptional speed and good hands.

Transfer Kaleb Trembly, junior Chris Kane and senior Quinn Hunter will also see playing time.

Junior Joe Soares, senior Cooper Reynolds and junior Josh Wolsko are also receiving possibilities.

A pair of juniors, Braeden Ross (6-4, 180) and Nick Ziegenhagen (6-3, 190) give the Trojans size and strength at tight end.

The offensive line will be anchored by returning veteran center Chris Bottini (5-10, 200) who will make the line calls.

At least at the beginning, the other starters figure to be Jon Nadale (6-0, 225), Shawn Swanson (6-2, 220), Aaron Randall (6-1, 180) and James Sanborn (6-0, 195).

It is a solid group, but there are others who will push for playing time in an area that has a wealth of potentially good players.

Among those who will help up front are Will Walls (5-9, 180), Reggie Baker (5-11, 180), Justin Wambold (5-10, 185), Jack Woerner (5-11, 185), Will Spainhour (6-1, 260), Justin Palmer (6-3, 225), Jeremy Mahrt (6-3, 270), and Blake Olsen (5-11, 200).

The defense made an impressive debut in Petalumas opening-game victory over Washington. Like the offense, the Trojan defensive strength is in numbers, with several quality players at almost ever position.

Cecchini who had two sacks against Washington Ziegenhagen, Sims and Randall are solid against the run and provide a strong pass rush at the end positions.

Charles, Bottini, Swanson, Palmer and Nadale are being counted on to clog things up in the defensive interior.

Olsen, a returning starter from last season, is expected to be a standout at linebacker. He will play inside with Overzet, Berncich and Russell.

Outside, Marsh had an excellent game against Washington, while Sanborn, Soares and Pawlan will find playing time as will Luna and Ross at either the inside or outside positions.

Petalumas top athletes Hinks, Johnson, Montero, Trembly and Kane — provide what might be one of the best Trojan secondaries in the last several years.

Marsh gives Petaluma one of the Redwood Empires best place kickers. He already has his season off to a good start with a 33-yard field goal against Washington.

He is nationally ranked, points out Ellison. A lot of colleges are looking at him.

Marsh is also the teams punter and ranks with the Empires best in that part of the kicking game.

Much of his success depends on long snapper Kenny and holder Montero. The trio have been working together for several seasons and have mastered the all-important timing of snap, hold and kick.

Petaluma was 5-6 last season, but had several tough losses. It wouldnt take a lot of creative arithmetic to total up an even more successful Trojan season.
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Analy

First year Head Coach Daniel Bourdon believes his Analy Tigers will be somewhat improved over last year. He has a head start over most new coaches with return quarterback David Glass who is a passing leader in the area. David glass should pair well with wide receiver Joey Maloney. There will, however, be some challenges this year with inexperience at the wide receiver and line backer positions, as well as other defensive secondary positions. Fortunately, the Tigers have a lot of experience along the offensive line.

Healdsburg

Coach Tom Kirkpatrick has the challenge of replacing a powerful passing duo from last season. "We will not be the throwing team we have been in the past, but we should be able to run effectively," said Coach Kirkpatrick. The Healdsburg Greyhounds will have solid defense, but they could benefit from a deeper secondary. Andy Phillips FB/LB, Dante Fountain WR/DB and Travis Paasche OL/DL are players to watch for as the Greyhounds start their season.


Casa Grande

Rick O'Brien plans to maximize Casa Grande's team speed and athleticism to offset the loss of his 2007 running back and full back positions. Key players Matt O'Brien QB/DB, Matt Nadolski WR/DB, Dan Gustafson OL/DL and Tyler Selna DE/C will be pulling double duty. The 2008 Casa Grande Gauchos will be about at the same level or slightly improved over last year in Coach O'Brien's estimation.


Petaluma

Although the Petaluma Trojans will be a somewhat young team, outstanding players will help toward success. Running back Sean Sullivan rushed for 1004 yards as a sophomore last season. Nick Marsh has been ranked 7th best kicker, according to one national combine service. Other top players include Chris Bottini C, Ricky Sims TE/DE, Dalton Johnson WR/DB, Brandon Hansen LB and Taylen Hinks DB/QB. The Trojans supplement with a 7-3 junior varsity squad. Coach Steve Ellison mentioned that his Trojans must rebuild their offensive and defensive lines. In addition, he has to decide between two quarterbacks that had little 2007 experience. Coach Ellison's goals are to contend for the league title, make the playoffs, and improve defensively from last year.


Sonoma Valley

The Sonoma Valley coaching team, head coach Mick O'Meara, and Defensive Coordinator Mike Mulas celebrate their 25th year together. Mr. O'Meara is a chemistry teacher at Sonoma Valley High School and Mr. Mulas is a successful dairyman. Congratulations Coaches! The Sonoma Valley Dragons return seven starters and many other players with game experience. Michael Mulas FB/ILB, Jake Powers QB, Steve Filippi WR, Sam Prohoroff OG, Tyler Woods OG, and Bradley Ramirez DE/ILB will be the leaders of the Dragons this year. Michael Mulas is a three-year starter, voted as Defensive Player of the Year as a junior in the Redwood Empire. He recorded 188 tackles/assists, 7 sacks as well as some rushing and receiving yards. According to insiders, Mulas is a DI recruit prospect. Core offensive skill players include Jake Powers and Steve Filippi. Powers threw 1627 yards last year. This group of seniors was 8-2 junior varsity champions without Mulas, who was on the varsity in 2006. The Dragons will struggle with the lack of depth. Also, the valuable tailback position may be filled by committee unless someone steps forward with the desire and determination to fill the role. Coach O'Meara concluded, "We expect to compete for the Sonoma county league title. We expect to be a playoff caliber team."

Windsor stays perfect at 3-0; host Maria Carrillo on Friday

by Greg Clementi
Sports Editor
Published: Thursday, September 23, 2010

Among the most quoted lines in sports is the old cliché that offense wins games, but defense wins championships.

Friday’s varsity football win over the Santa Rosa Panthers was a good reminder of that adage, as the Windsor defensive unit survived a physical gut-check to emerge with a hard-fought, 13-0 victory.

Although the Panthers are clearly not a championship-caliber team just yet, they did provide the Jaguars with a stern challenge on Friday.

“Our defense played very well and Santa Rosa gave us some problems early in the game,” said Jags head coach Dustin Davis. “Offensively, our passing game sputtered, but we did just enough on offense to get the job done.”

The win pushed Windsor’s unbeaten record to 3-0 entering this Friday’s pre-season finale against visiting Maria Carrillo. Kickoff times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

The Pumas (1-1) are fresh off a 28-13 loss to Casa Grande last week, and figure to provide the Jags with another litmus test before heading into Sonoma County League play on Oct. 1.

“Maria Carrillo has some good players and they’re well-coached, so we’ve got our hands full,” noted Davis. “We definitely need to improve.”

Jaguar defense leads the way

Even with in the absence of many offensive highlights, Windsor fans didn’t have far to look to find the heroes in Friday’s game at Ernie Nevers Field. The defense led the charge, limiting the Panthers to precious few scoring opportunities.

The Jaguars got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter when running back Darrian Roman found pay-dirt on a six-yard scoring burst. Kicker Lee Aranda made good on the PAT boot and Windsor took a 7-0 lead at the half.

The Jags gained separation midway through the fourth quarter with a drive culminating in a two-yard touchdown dive by Jerad Leon, effectively icing the 13-0 win.

Senior linebacker Kevin Brown, a veteran defensive leader, continued his assault on the competition with a team-best 10 tackles and five assists. Other top defenders included linebackers Brady Stibi (6 tackles, 11 assists), Taylor Biaggi (2 tackles, 5 assists, sack),Louie Correa (5 tackles, 6 assists), Vince Valdes (5 tackles, 3 assists), Jason Foell (3 tackles, 4 assists, sack), and Darrian Roman,(6 tackles, 4 assists), and safety Brad Grainger (3 tackles, 6 assists). Other tacklers included Ishi Silva (4 tackles, 1 assist), Brandon Jacobs (2 tackles, 3 assists), Austin Boetiger (2 tackles, 2 assists), and a tackle apiece from Josh Duke and Kyle Smith.

Quarterback Christian McAlvain (6-20, 88 yards passing, 10-63 yards rushing), continued his steady play in leading the offense, while top rushers included Leon (14-84 yards, TD), and Roman (5-32 yards, TD). Leading receivers were Carlos Gonzalez (2-36 yards), Smith (2-20 yards), Kameron Richardson (1-18 yards), and Kevin Brown (1-14 yards).

JV stays unbeaten

The Windsor JV squad ran its pre-season mark to 3-0 on Friday with a 34-0 win over Santa Rosa. In three games, the Jags have out-scored their opponents, 87-6, including two straight shutouts.

Offensive leaders against the Panthers included running backs Chad Tolson (12-215 yards rushing, 2 TDs),DJ Edgar (3-27 yards rushing), quarterback Derek Hensley (8-21, 121 yards passing, 2 TDs, 9-63 yards rushing), and receivers Derek Brownlee (3-56 yards, TD), Mike Piazza (4-56 yards, TD), and Trenton Wells (1-9 yards).

Top defenders included Christian Delganes (6 tackles, 5 assists), Alex Tietsort (5 tackles, 4 assists), Chad Gradek (3 tackles, 4 assists), Michael Gower (4 tackles, 2 assists), Sheldon Logan (3 tackles, 3 assists), Piazza (4 tackles, 1 assist), Armando Cruz (3 tackles, 2 assists, INT), Anthony Randel (1 tackle, 5 assists, INT), JD Evans ( 2 tackles, 1 assist), Mark Purter (2 tackles, 1 assist), Brownlee (1 tackle, 3 assists), Hunter Smith (1 tackle, 2 assists), Beau Thompson (2 tackles), and a tackle each from Matt Blumenthal, Trey Tobin, Tim Murphy, and Damian Salinas.

By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


Each Friday, Press Democrat Staff Writer Rich Rupprecht makes his predictions for the weekend's football games. Agree or disagree? Let us know about it at sports.pressdemocrat.com.

FRIDAY'S PICKS

Rancho Cotate 35, Jesse Bethel 21 A reverse of last years game. Rancho should come closer to matching up in quickness.

Petaluma 24, Ukiah 21 Call it an upset special. Cant see the Trojans offense sputtering three straight weeks.

Sonoma 20, Vallejo 19 Two teams from different sections, but Dragons defense comes alive.

Fort Bragg 44, Upper Lake 12 The Timberwolves are drawing raves from area coaches.

Lower Lake 33, St. Helena 21 The Trojans scored against John Swett; just couldnt stop them.

Tomales 34, Emery 12 Braves get Toss offense untracked this week.

Cloverdale 28, Willits 8 Eagles looked good in opener against Elsie Allen.

Clear Lake 23, Kelseyville 12 Cardinals lost a lot to graduation, but rolled over Pierce.

Woodland Christian 33, Laytonville 7 The Warriors improved in loss to Potter Valley, but still looking up.

Point Arena 13, Anderson Valley 12 Pirates are young, but Panthers didnt even field a team last year.

SATURDAY'S PICKS

Del Oro 31, Cardinal Newman 28 Newman will find a way to keep it close and may even pull off the upset.

Casa Grande 27, Maria Carrillo 24 Could be a lot of offensive firepower in this one and remember Carrillo plays well at home.

Healdsburg 28, Piner 18 The Greyhounds pulled off a stunner last week against Riordan. Piner still looking to get untracked.

Windsor 33, Santa Rosa 21 Jaguars running game has been very good; Santa Rosa still untested following Richmond game.

El Molino 38, Elsie Allen 14 Lions missing Tony DeMarco, but looked good in close loss to Fortuna.

Analy 44, Burton 12 Tigers whipped the San Francisco school last year and had just two wins. Already have two wins this season.

Middletown 14, St. Vincent 13 Usually a defensive struggle when the two meet. I will say the Mustangs win.

Calistoga 21, Millennium Charter 6 Wildcats get first win in third game

Rincon Valley Christian 33, Potter Valley 13 After unable to play last week, the Eagles come out running and throwing.

Windsor looks plenty good, opening the prep football season with three wins – including two shutouts on the road.

With a balanced offense and stingy defense, the Jaguars are strong on both sides of the football.

First-year varsity players Jerad Leon, at running back, and quarterback Christian McAlvain lead an offense that averages 320 yards per game – 195 rushing and 125 passing.

Backs Darrian Roman and Dalton Mathia, who didn’t play a year ago, also give Windsor multiple options to move the ball. Kyle Smith tops the receivers in catches.

Anchoring the defense is senior Kevin Brown, averaging more than 12 tackles a game at linebacker. Brady Stibi, a varsity newcomer at linebacker, is another standout with 11 tackles per contest and a pair of interceptions.
Windsor entertains Maria Carrillo at 7:30 p.m. Friday.


Pressdemocrat.com

Windsor falls to 0-2 in pre-season; travel to Santa Rosa Saturday

By Greg Clementi, Sports Editor

The varsity football Jaguars remain in search of their first win of the fall campaign this week after dropping a hard-fought, 30-24 decision to visiting Maria Carrillo on Saturday. The loss left Windsor with a record of 0-2.

The Jags will be looking for redemption this Saturday, Sept. 20 when they travel to take on the Santa Rosa Panthers. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Friday’s home opener with Maria Carrillo was a lesson in frustration for the Jaguars, with their offense displaying a quick strike capability, but whose special teams and defense has struggled mightily in each of the team’s first two games.


The Pumas took full advantage of poor Windsor kickoff coverage again Friday, utilizing good field position to start multiple scoring drives.

The game started well enough for the Jags, as quarterback Blake Schmidt used a good mix of run and pass to direct a 79-yard scoring march on Windsor’s opening drive. A completion to wide-out Michael Campbell and long runs by running back Cameron Erion set up a seven-yard scoring pass from Schmidt to Erion. An Elias Aranda PAT boot gave the Jags a 7-0 lead.

The Pumas came right back just two minutes later when they used a short field to mount a six-play, 58-yard drive, capped by a 27-yard scoring run from running back Sam Atoe. Windsor’s Steven Hutchison blocked the PAT kick and Windsor led, 7-6.

Maria Carrillo took a lead they would not relinquish late in the first quarter on another scoring march resulting in a 19-yard burst from Zach Sheets. The Jags stuffed the try for the two-point conversion and the Pumas led, 12-7 at the end of one.

The Jaguars were on the march early in the second period when Schmidt hooked up with Campbell on a long pass to the Puma six yard line. The Jags were forced to settle for a 22-yard Aranda field goal, cutting the deficit to 12-10. The Pumas capped the first-half scoring with another five-yard scoring burst from Atoe to put Carrillo up 18-10 at the break.

The Pumas gained separation in the third quarter, using a strong push from their offensive line to score on a three-yard run by Sheets. The PAT kick failed and the Jags trailed 25-10. Windsor stayed within striking distance on its next possession, as Schmidt found Campbell on a 29-yard scoring strike to make it a 24-17 ballgame at the end of three.

The Pumas effectively put the game on ice late in the fourth quarter when Sheets found pay-dirt on an 11-yard run. The PAT kick was blocked by Jacob Welch, but Carrillo led 30-17. Windsor answered quickly on the next series on a short drive resulting in a 16-yard scoring pass from Schmidt to DJ King. The Pumas held off a Windsor come-back bid to escape with a 30-24 win.

Schmidt turned in a solid game for the Jags, connecting on 20 of 39 pass attempts for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Other strong offensive performances were had by: Erion (20-114 yards rushing, 4-42 yards receiving, TD), Campbell (3-101 yards receiving, TD), King (7-51 yards receiving, TD, 1-1, 53 yards passing), Miles Williams (5-40 yards receiving), and James Reed (1-29 yards receiving).

Saturday, September 25th, 2010
By BOB PADECKY
PRESS DEMOCRAT SPORTS COLUMNIST


WINDSOR — It wasn’t a playoff game but it should have been. Then the Maria Carrillo-Windsor game Friday night would have been given the shelf life it deserved — a forever memory that would keep people yapping about it until they run out of words.

It’s a shame this one was played in September. Too many more games to be played. Too many other games to take its spot. Too bad.

This one deserved to be on the mantle all by itself.

Windsor beat Maria Carrillo, 10-9, only because Puma kicker John Duran missed a 42-yard field goal with no time left on the clock.

“It was left about five feet,” said the Maria Carrillo junior.

“No, man!” said teammate Cody Giles. “It was only this far.”

Giles held his hands two feet apart. “I saw it with my own two eyes!” said the Carrillo running back.

Windsor remained undefeated at 4-0 but it knew that never will a victory ever be closer, be more in doubt, be held in suspense to the very last second. And that a victory is a victory sure but . . .

“If the ball (field goal attempt) is inches to the right,” said Windsor coach Dustin Davis, “they win.”

That’s how juiced people were at the end. The field goal missed by five feet, or was it two feet, or maybe it was two inches? No matter. Just as they deserved to be remembered long past September, Maria Carrillo deserved to get this close.

“We played just good enough to win the game,” Davis said afterward.

Jay Higgins, the Puma coach, could say the same thing. For the most part both teams took part in what was like a wrestling match for the first three quarters. A lot of players on the ground. Not much yardage. A burst here, a stop there. It was 3-3 at the end of the third quarter. Windsor’s Shane Hardisty had the ignominious moment of being wide open in the end zone with seven minutes left in the game and having Christian McAlvain’s 17-yard pass skim off his fingertips.

Maria had a 9-3 lead at the end with quarterback Sam Atoe bouncing in from the one-yard line. The point-after attempt, taken after only the Pumas re-shifted from a questionable two-point attempt, was blocked — the kick not elevating more than waist high.

“Coach said someone needed to step up,” said McAlvain of Davis’ speech with 6:37 left. “I felt as the quarterback it was my responsibility to get the job done.”

On that final drive that produced the winning touchdown — McAlvain’s keeper from one-yard out with 1:21 left — the quarterback provided 40 of the 54 yards it took to get there.

Which, of course, as this game played out, was Atoe’s opportunity match his opposite number. Atoe did. Maria went from its 20 to Windsor’s 25 with Atoe running four times for 33 yards and passing once for 21 more. Which set up Durand for the most important field goal of his young life.

“At the last second,” Durand said, “I lifted my head a little. If I don’t lift my head like that, I make the kick.”

I bet it was the longest 42-yard field goal attempt in Maria Carrillo history. The stands, the field, the concessionaires, too, all held their breath. It was the only quiet moment all night.

The two officials on each side of the uprights didn’t signal immediately. There was a pause. It was that close. They signaled wide left and the place went goofy, drooling crazy.

“Hold on for a second,” Davis said after he was approached. “I need to catch my breath.”

See, it was THAT kind of game. Even the adults who were standing still were out of breath.

I apologize for not removing an inappropriate posting from the message board. Due to concerns from several parents we will no longer be hosting a message board on this site. The message board was intentionally meant for players and fans to communicate. The site was made by Bart Buckner and not the coaching staff or Windsor High School. The website was created so fans and players could look up stats, game results, football info and anything else related to football...

Sincerely , Bart Buckner..

Maria Carrillo's Jake Delfino is stopped by the Windsor defense during the second quarter at Windsor, Friday Sept. 24, 2010. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Jags get first season win; host Castlemont this Friday

By Greg Clementi, Sports Editor

The varsity football Jaguars left little to chance on Saturday in their pre-season clash at Santa Rosa, pounding the host Panthers into submission, 49-7 before a packed house at Ernie Nevers Field.

Windsors convincing victory came on the heels of two close pre-season losses to Redwood and Maria Carrillo, providing a huge relief to a team with playoff aspirations.

We werent that far away the first couple of games and it was nice to finally put it all together, said Jags head coach Jason Fayter. Santa Rosa is not a bad team, but we were just hitting on all cylinders on offense.


Windsor senior quarterback Blake Schmidt orchestrated the offensive fireworks against the Panthers, amassing 181 yards through the air, including three touchdowns. Junior all-purpose back D.J. King also turned in his best outing of the season, hauling in five passes for 128 yards and three scores.

Junior running back Cameron Erion continued to churn up big chunks of real estate, gaining another 198 yards on the ground on 13 carries and a pair of touchdowns. In three games, the durable Windsor back has racked up 546 yards rushing, easily the best in the Redwood Empire this season.

The Jags wasted no time in establishing dominance on Saturday, scoring five touchdowns in a first-half offensive explosion. Windsor got the party started on their third possession of the game when Schmidt found King on a 14-yard scoring strike, followed by a Morgan Rennie PAT boot. The Jags continued the assault when Schmidt hit wide-out Michael Campbell with a 12-yard scoring pass, with King running in the two-point conversion.

Erion capped an early second-quarter drive with an 18-yard burst, followed by a reception by James Reed for the two-pointer. Erion added another 16-yard touchdown scamper, and later ripped off a big gain to set up a 35-yard scoring pass from Schmidt to King for a commanding, 35-0 lead at the break.

There was no let-up after intermission, as Erion raced 75 yards to the house for another Windsor score early in the third quarter. King replaced Schmidt in the fourth period and finished off the scoring with a nine-yard keeper en-route to a 49-7 win.

In addition to Windsors big three (Schmidt, Erion, and King) on offense, other strong efforts were had by: Campbell (4-40 yards receiving, TD), Reed (2-21 yards receiving) and Michael Hutchison (1-11 yards receiving).

Top defenders were: Zach Arvig (11 tackles), Edgar Canchola (10 tackles), Kyle Yung (10 tackles), Kory Langhals (8 tackles), Jacob Welch (8 tackles, sack), Chris Michels (6 tackles), Jordan Winkler (5 tackles), Campbell (2 tackles, 2 INTs), Deandre Faaita (5 tackles, INT), Michael Hutchison (4 tackles), Erion (4 tackles), Zach Schlief (4 tackles), King (3 tackles), Steven Hutchison (3 tackles), Rosendo Castro (3 tackles), Aaron Fletcher (2 tackles), Craig Lyman (2 tackles), Brandon Scott (2 tackles) and one tackle from Brennen Duke.

The Jags (1-2) host Castlemont of Oakland this Friday, Sept. 26 in the final pre-season game. Kickoff times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.




Jags frosh beat Trojans, 35-15 in season grid opener

By T.J. Van Bebber, Special to the Times

The game did not start off too well for Windsors returning defensive coordinator Brad Whitmore, but it ended well enough for the Jaguar offense on Sept. 18 in a 35-15 frosh football win over Petaluma.

The Trojans scored on their first possession on a 61-yard run and added the extra point. The Jaguars then mounted a seven-minute drive, but coughed up a fumble. The first quarter ended with Petaluma up by seven points.

Windsor forced a punt and went to work with the offense led by quarterback Christian McAlvain. With less than one minute to go in the first half Jerad Leon busted a 12-yard run for Windsors first score of the season. The Jags were unable to get across the line for the two-point conversion. With only seconds left on the half time clock, the Trojans went to the air and Windsors Stevie Delucchi picked it off, jetted into the end zone for a defensive touchdown. The Jags completed the two-point conversion and the first half ended with Windsor ahead by seven points.


The Jags marched down after the kick-off and scored on a six-yard pass to receiver Taylor Biaggi. Windsor then got the two-point conversion. Petaluma quickly responded with a touchdown of their own with a couple of minutes left in the third quarter.

Windsor kept rolling in the fourth quarter, scoring two rushing touchdowns; one from Leon and the other from McAlvain from 14 yards out. Windsor went for the one point conversion and made one out of two.

Im proud of these 43 boys, theyve been working hard during the summer and kept it up when we got pads on, said head coach T.J. Van Bebber. We got to play the 5th quarter and got to look at a lot of players that are up and coming.

Next up for the frosh Jags is a game at Sonoma on Oct. 2.

Windsor entertains Analy this Friday in league opener

By Greg Clementi,
Sports Editor
Published: Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Football really is a game of inches.

Just ask the varsity football Jags, who narrowly escaped Friday’s pre-season finale against visiting Maria Carrillo by the narrowest of margins to notch an electrifying, 10-9 victory.

The come-from-behind win came down to the final play, as some 2000 anxious fans held their collective breath as Carrillo kicker John Durand attempted a 42-yard field goal on the game’s final play. The kick had the distance, but drifted wide left by about two feet, as Windsor escaped with its fourth win of the campaign.

The victory propelled the Jaguars to their best start since 2006, and second best in school history, outscoring their opponents, 89-24 through the first four games.

“It was probably a great win for the fans, but a little nerve-wracking for the coaching staff,” said Jags head coach Dustin Davis. “As for the 4-0 start, we had high expectations coming into the season and thought we’d be a good football team. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’ve shown that we can win the tough games,” he added.

This week, Windsor plays host to the Analy Tigers in the Sonoma County League opener for both teams. The Tigers pushed their record to 3-1 on Friday with a 34-0 win over Santa Rosa. Their overall speed and high-octane offensive attack figure to present the Jags with a whole new set of challenges this week.

“Analy is very well-coached and has a much different style of offense than we saw last week,” noted Davis. “They have a good quarterback, good receivers and spread the ball around. Their line is not that big but they’re quick and they’ve got good team speed.”

Jags slip past Pumas

One key reason for Windsor’s 4-0 start is no doubt the kicking game and special teams, two factors that don’t always show up in the box-score. Kicker Lee Aranda (3-120 yards on kickoffs) has been a tremendous weapon in helping to win the battle of field position each week, pinning teams deep in their own territory on kickoffs. The fine job of punter Kameron Kiech was also a key factor on Friday.

“It’s been shown that 80-percent of drives that teams start at or inside the 20-yard line end in punts,” noted Davis. Lee has done a great job for us this year with his kickoffs.”

It was clear from the outset that Friday’s game would be a battle of defense and field position, a fight that Windsor was prepared to win.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Pumas drew first blood in the second when Durand nailed a 32-yard field goal to give Carrillo a 3-0 halftime edge.

The Jaguars drew even midway through the third period when a sustained drive led to a 36-yard field goal boot from Aranda to knot the contest a 3-3 at the end of three. The Pumas drove for the go-ahead touchdown on a one-yard scoring dive by quarterback Sam Atoe early in the final period. But perhaps the key play of the game came moments later, when Windsor defender Stephen Camilleri blocked the PAT kick and the Pumas led, 9-3.

Jag’s quarterback Christian McAlvain directed the winning drive late in the fourth quarter, a march culminating in a three-yard keeper by McAlvain with 1:21 remaining. Aranda’s PAT boot was good and the Jags clung to a 10-9 lead.

The Windsor faithful survived a few anxious moments on the Puma’s last, desperate drive, but ultimately were rewarded for their loyalty when Durand’s field goal sailed wide left for a 10-9 Jaguar victory.

Offensive leaders for Windsor included McAlvain (11-23, 111 yards passing, 13-49 yards rushing, TD), Dalton Mathia (8-27 yards rushing), Kyle Smith (4-77 yards receiving), Lorenzo Camarena (4-18 yards receiving), and Taylor Biaggi (3-16 yards receiving).

Top defenders were Kevin Brown (8 tackles, 7 assists), Louie Correa (8 tackles, 2 assists), Darrian Roman (5 tackles, 2 assists, sack, FR), Biaggi (5 tackles, 4 assists), Brady Stibi (5 tackles, 3 assists), Camilleri (4 tackles, 2 assists, PAT block), Justin Oxford (4 tackles), Trevor Doherty (3 tackles, 3 assists), Carlos Gonzales (3 tackles, 3 assists), Austin Boetiger (3 tackles, 3 assists), Brad Grainger (3 tackles, 2 assists), Vince Valdes (2 tackles, 3 assists), Camarena (3 tackles), Josh Duke (2 tackles, assist), Jimmy Martin (tackle, assist), and Ray Manzano (assist).

JV stays perfect

The Jaguar JV squad is off to a 4-0 start under head coach DJ Sexton following a 47-6 romp over Maria Carrillo. Leading the Windsor offense were Derek Hensley (3-5, 105 yards passing, 2 TDs), Chad Tolson (4-81 yards rushing, TD), DJ Edgar (4-59 yards rushing, 2 TDs), Trey Tobon (1-18 yards receiving, TD), Chad Gradek (2-57 yards rushing, TD), and Hunter Smith (1-58 yard receiving, TD).

Leading defenders were Anthony Randel (6 tackles, 4 assists), Oscar Rios (6 tackles, 2 sacks), JD Evans (5 tackles, 2 assists), Mark Purter (3 tackles, assist), Sheldon Logan (3 tackles, assist), Alex Tietsort (3 tackles, 4 assists), Edgar (3 tackles, assist, sack), Aidan Berman (3 tackles), Beau Thompson (3 tackles, 2 assists, FR), Gradek (3 tackles, 2 assists, sack), Tolson (tackle, assist, INT), Tim Murphy (2 tackles, 3 assists), Isai Guzman (2 tackles, assist), Damian Salinas (2 tackles), Christian Delganes (2 tackles, assist), Derek Brownlee (tackle, 2 assists), Smith (tackle, FR), Michael Gower (tackle, assist), Matt Blumenthal (tackle, sack), Mike Piazza (tackle, 2 sacks), and a tackle apiece from Armando Cruz, Michael Basich, and Tobon.

By RICH RUPPRECHT
The Press Democrat
Published: Monday, October 6, 2008

The opening weekend of the North Bay League and Sonoma County League in high school football showed that Cardinal Newman, Rancho Cotate, Ukiah and Maria Carrillo are in the hunt for a league championship, while Analy’s big win against Healdsburg has projected the Tigers into the running for an SCL crown.


Cardinal Newman (4-0) easily defeated Elsie Allen, 63-0, as quarterback Randy Wright threw for five touchdowns, three to Wade Amaral.

Rancho Cotate (4-0) blanked Montgomery, 33-0, in its NBL opener at home. Brian Dworkin had TD runs of 23 and 22 yards and Eduardo Farias kicked a 53-yard field goal.

Maria Carrillo (3-1) overcame a 14-0 deficit to defeat Santa Rosa, 26-14, in the first night game ever at the Rincon Valley school with Matt Hart scoring two TDs, one on a 22-yard fumble return, and Zack Sheets returned an interception 75 yards for a TD and rushed for 100 yards.

On Saturday, Ukiah (4-0) won its NBL opener, 47-7, at Piner. Quarterback Kyle Morris threw for 266 yards and three TDs, Marcos Hernandez caught a TD pass and rushed for another and safety Gabe Ott returned an interception 70 yards for a score.

In the SCL, Analy (5-0) won the battle of the unbeatens with Healdsburg (4-1), 17-0, on a sloppy Karlson Field in Sebastopol Friday. Analy’s defense came up big yet again and Isias Alcantar rushed for a TD and QB David Glass passed for another.

Sonoma Valley opened SCL play by picking up its first win of the season, 35-21, over Windsor. Nick Fedrick rushed for four TDs and wound up with 206 yards rushing on 26 carries for the Dragons. Linebacker Michael Mulas also had 13 tackles.

Petaluma won its SCL opener with a 57-0 blanking of El Molino at Durst Field Friday. Sean Sullivan rushed for three TDs, including scoring runs of 41 and 51 yards and finished with 173 yards on the ground on just 13 carries. Sophomore QB Mike Pierson threw for 146 yards for El Molino.

Casa Grande (2-1-1) lost at Napa, 28-10, and opens SCL play Friday night when it hosts Petaluma. Matt O’Brien threw for 142 yards for Casa and came up with his fifth interception of the season on defense.

The top-three ranked teams in small school all won, St. Vincent (4-0) defeating Willits, 14-2, Fort Bragg (3-1) won at St. Helena, 35-7, and Middletown (3-1) blanked Clear Lake, 34-0.

Kris Farinha rushed for both St. Vincent scores and finished with 149 yards on 26 carries on a muddy Willits field.

Jake Cimolino rushed for an Empire season-high 304 yards on 22 carries and had TD runs of 72, 36 and 41 yards for Fort Bragg.

Eric Tomko rushed for 161 yards on 20 carries and Tyler Owen added 121 yards on the ground for Middletown.

Chayton Osmon rushed for 114 yards in Cloverdale’s 30-0 win against Lower Lake and Upper Lake overcame an 18-0 deficit to defeat Kelseyville Saturday at the Cougars’ homecoming. Cloverdale and Upper Lake are both 3-1.

Upper Lake tailback Joe Barnes rushed for 170 yards and QB Brandon Quetza-Mendoza had a big second half throwing.

All the NCL I games continue as interlock, not league games.

In North Central League II play, Tomales and Rincon Valley Christian remained unbeaten in league. Tomales topped Laytonville, 40-0, Friday and RVC scored all its points in the second half to overcome a 13-0 halftime deficit and defeat Calistoga, 28-13.

Jordan Bright ran for three TDs and two 2-point conversions to lead Anderson Valley to a 42-0 win against Potter Valley.

By BOB PADECKY
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


WINDSOR – After a while, probably by the middle of the second quarter Friday night, it became obvious that Windsor’s players had trouble communicating, getting out of their own way and, in general, playing as if they never had seen each other before. The game against Analy stayed that way so when it was over, I had to ask Windsor coach Dustin Davis the obvious question.

“This is your team’s fifth game of the season but it looked like at times like the players just met each other. Is that a correct impression?”

Davis didn’t flinch. The Jaguars did win, 6-3, to remain unbeaten but he agreed with that impression.

“We were making mistakes out there,” Davis said, “that we were making in spring ball. I’m not sure what to do yet but we are going to make some changes. We have to get better. Six points by the special teams is not going to win the SCL title for us.”

In fact, you could make the case that if Windsor didn’t have quite likely the best placekicker in the Empire, Lee Aranda, the Jaguars might have lost 3-0. Aranda kicked a 35-yard field goal with 58.2 seconds left in the third quarter and a 38-yarder with 8:04 left in the game, with both kicks having plenty of boot left. Aranda now has made four out of five goals this season and is a perfect 9-for-9 on PATs. Yes, as security blankets go, Aranda is the warm and fuzzy one for Windsor.

The Analy-Windsor matchup was billed as this week’s game to watch but when the teams arrived at half with Analy up, 3-0, only a true football geek — or the parent of one of the players — would have said this was a match-up that lived up to the anticipation. At the half Windsor had 58 yards total offense, Analy 104.

Quite possibly the biggest statement made in this game — other than Aranda’s two field goals and the four Windsor interceptions of Analy quarterback Jake Zanutto — was the emphasis that no one on the Jaguars is above anyone else. This week Windsor starting quarterback Christian McAlvain was 30 minutes late to a team meeting. Davis easily could have given McAlvain a warning, especially with 3-1 Analy coming to town and Windsor off to its best start in five years.

“But rules are rules,” Davis said. “Christian knew that. It was a learning experience for him.”

McAlvain didn’t start and didn’t enter the game until 6:49 was left in the second quarter. To be fair to Lorenzo Camarena, who did start and struggled, it wasn’t the play by any Windsor quarterback that made this a 6-3. A few samples:

With five minutes left in the third quarter McAlvain quick-kicked on Analy’s 44. Two Windsor players had a chance to stop the ball from rolling into the end zone but didn’t. Said Davis: “We have been working on that play since spring ball.”

With two minutes left in the game and Windsor trying to run out the clock, Jaguar running back Vincent Valdes gained three yards but didn’t stay in bounds, running instead to the sidelines where he was driven out of bounds to stop the clock.

“We are 5-0 and I’m happy with that,” Davis said, “but we are not winning the way we want to win. We have to get on offense, on defense and on special teams. We dropped passes, committed penalties (eight) and we were really sloppy. And I can’t put it all on the players. We as coaches have to take a hard look. Maybe it’s the way we do drills. Or practice. But we definitely are going to make changes.”

For more on North Bay sports go to Bob Padecky’s blog at padecky.blogs.pressdemocrat.com. You can reach Staff Columnist Bob Padecky at 521-5223 or bob.padecky@pressdemcorat.com.

By RICH RUPPRECHT
PRESS DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER


Published: Thursday, October 9, 2008

Rancho Cotate (4-0, 1-0) at Maria Carrillo (3-1, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.



High school football weekend predictions

Defensive quartet sparks Ranchos success
A key league game between two of the upper-echelon NBL schools. Rancho Cotate rediscovered its option offense last week in a 33-0 win against Montgomery. The Cougars defensive line of Anthony Alicea, Jonathan Torres, Adam Murray and Budd Guinn spent much of the night in the Vikings backfield. Ranchos strength has been stopping the run. Eduardo Farias broke his own school record with a 53-yard field goal. Maria Carrillos defense also came up with key plays in its 26-14 comeback win against Santa Rosa. Two backs Zack Sheets (100 yards) and Sam Atoe (130 yards) showed the running strength of the Delaware Wing-T. Sheets also came up with a 75-yard interception return for a TD and Matt Hart scored on a 22-yard fumble recovery and a run.

Analy (5-0, 1-0) at El Molino (2-3, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.

Although there have been some close scores in the game for the Golden Apple, Analy has won the last 11 contests in the series. The Tigers defense came up big again last week in shutting out Healdsburg in rain and mud at home. Analy has cut down markedly on turnovers from last year and it has paid off with the defense not spending an exorbitant amount of time on the field. El Molino has been hit recently by injuries, although soph QB Mike Pierson continues to throw well.

Petaluma (2-3, 1-0) at Casa Grande (2-1-1, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Casa Grande owns a five-game winning streak in the Egg Bowl, which is now 8-8 since the two Petaluma schools started playing for the Golden Egg Trophy. The cross-town rivals have actually played one another since 1974. Casa, a five-time defending champ of the SCL, is coming off its first loss, 28-10, to a very good Napa team. Petalumas triple option rolled in a 57-0 win against El Molino last week. Casa likes to throw the ball, while the Trojans have stayed with the ground game most of this season.

Piner (1-3, 0-1) at Cardinal Newman (4-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.

The early part of Newmans NBL schedule wasnt expected to be nearly as difficult as the Cardinals preseason. Quarterback Randy Wright threw for five TDs against Elsie Allen, including three to Wade Amaral. Newman remains the top-ranked Division III team in Northern California, ahead of Palma and Central Catholic, teams it has beaten. Piner lost 47-7 to visiting Ukiah last week after winning at El Molino.

Ukiah (4-0, 1-0) at Santa Rosa (1-3, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.

The Wildcats continue to improve, showing a balanced offense with QB Kyle Morris (6 TD passes in two games) and RB Marcos Hernandez (averaging over 100 yards a game). Ukiahs defense, while not physically big, has shown an ability to stop opponents inside the 20. Santa Rosa has been wracked by injury but still play hard. The Panthers held a 14-0 lead against Carrillo before fading in the second half.

Sonoma (1-3, 1-0) at Healdsburg (4-1, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.

The Dragons picked up their first win last week against Windsor, 35-21, while Healdsburg lost its first against Analy, 17-0. Sonoma back Nick Fedrick rushed for 206 yards and four TDs. Healdsburgs defense continues to play well. This is a key SCL contest.

Elsie Allen (1-3, 0-1) at Montgomery (0-3-1, 0-1), 7:30.

Elsie Allen ran into a buzzsaw named Cardinal Newman last week, a week after snapping a 21-game losing streak against Richmond. Montgomery has had trouble scoring out of its Pistol Offense, and was shut out last week at Rancho Cotate. Monty is hungry for a win, its best game to this point being a 0-0 tie with Casa Grande.

Clear Lake (2-1-1) at Fort Bragg (3-1), 7:30 p.m.

Clear Lake absorbed its first loss, decisively last week (34-0) to Middletown. Fort Bragg is ranked No. 2 among small schools and has displayed a very effective power running game so far. Last week, in a 35-7 win at St. Helena that the Timberwolves broke open late, back Jake Cimolino rushed for 304 yards and three TDs on 22 carries.

Cloverdale (3-1) at Kelseyville (1-2-1), 7:30 p.m.

The Eagles bounced back from their only loss (Middletown) and defeated Lower Lake, 35-0. Chayton Osmon rushed for 114 yards on 15 carries and scored two TDs. Kelseyville squandered an 18-0 lead and lost at Upper Lake 30-18. Troy Davis had 150 rushing yards at the half and finished with 176.

St. Helena (2-2) at Willits (0-4), 7:30 p.m.

St. Helena has lost to Kelseyville and Fort Bragg after opening the season with wins against Calistoga and Lower Lake. Morgan Densberger accounted for the Saints only TD against Ft. Bragg with a 70-yard run. Willits dropped a 14-2 game to No. 1 St. Vincent in the rain and muck at Willits. The Wolverines have scored only 10 points in four games, and four of those have come on safeties.

Calistoga (1-4, 0-1) at Tomales (2-2, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.

Calistoga couldnt hold a lead and lost to league foe Rincon Valley Christian, 28-13. Tomales easily won its NCL II opener at Laytonville, 40-0.

SATURDAY
Lower Lake (0-4) at St. Vincent (4-0), 2:30 p.m.

What a difference a year has made for the Trojans, who posted their first winning season in 10 years last season, won the NCL I North and made the 2A playoffs. The Trojans are young and coming off that 35-0 loss to Cloverdale. The Mustangs are doing everything right so far this year, including scoring twice in terrible weather conditions at Willits and winning 14-2. Kris Fainha rushed for 149 yards on 29 carries and scored two TDs. The Mustangs are off to their best start since a 10-2 league championship season in 2005.

Middletown (3-1) at Upper Lake (3-1), 2:30 p.m.

Middletown would appear to be the better team on paper, but theres something about this Cougars team that keeps surprising. Middletown had two runners Eric Tomko and Tyler Owen rush for over 100 yards last week in a shutout of Clear Lake. A solid offensive line has helped make the running game work. Upper Lake fell behind Kelseyville 18-0 and won 30-18. Turnovers helped spark the win as well as back Joe Barnes, who rushed for 111 yards and had a touchdown. QB Brandon Mendoza threw for 128 yards.

Cooper Maloney of Analy is forced down by the Windsor defense, Friday Oct. 1, 2010 in Windsor. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2010

RUPE'S PICKS

Each week, Rich Rupprecht picks the winners for the weekend's Empire football games
By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Friday, October 10, 2008

FRIDAY'S PICKS

Rancho Cotate 31, Maria Carrillo 13

The Ranch has only given up 23 points in four games.

Montgomery 27, Elsie Allen 6

The Vikings’ offense comes alive.

Cardinal Newman 48, Piner 7

No one has come close to shutting down the Cardinals.

Ukiah 28, Santa Rosa 12

Wildcats can pass and run, although Panthers have only been out of one game.

Casa Grande 23, Petaluma 17

Gauchos have won the last five Egg Bowls. Don’t overlook the Trojans.

Sonoma 21, Healdsburg 20

Dragons’ offense had its best game last week against Windsor.

Analy 33, El Molino 13

Tigers have won the last 11 Golden Apple Games.

Fort Bragg 31, Clear Lake 7

The Timberwolves’ Power I running game looking pretty good.

Cloverdale 27, Kelseyville 14

Eagles’ only loss to Middletown; hard to stop Cloverdale’s ground game.

St. Helena 28, Willits 12

Saints have shown ability to score; Wolverines haven't.

Tomales 38, Calistoga 17

Braves still the favorites of the NCL II and tough at home under the lights.

Anderson Valley 40, Laytonville 6

Panthers have two league wins already

SATURDAY'S PICKS
St. Vincent 27, Lower Lake 12

No. 1 Mustangs play well at home, especially on defense.

Middletown 38, Upper Lake 7

Two 3-1 teams, but Middletown has been putting away opponents.

Point Arena 22, Potter Valley 13

Pirates at home and looking for first win.

Windsor will try for best start ever at Sonoma on Friday

by Greg Clementi
Sports Editor
Published: Thursday, October 7, 2010

In all its glamour and excitement, high school football games are still won by tough kids battling in the trenches.

Throw in a blue-collar offense, a hard-nosed defense, and a special teams unit that can win the battle of field position, and you may have the 2010 Windsor Jaguars.

The Jags needed all of the above on Friday night against visiting Analy, grinding out a gritty, 6-3 varsity football win in the Sonoma County League opener for both teams.

“There are definitely some things we need to improve on and do better, but you’re going to win a lot of football games with great defense and special teams,” said Jags head coach Dustin Davis. “We just have to continue to get better and keep building each week.”

The hard-nosed victory pushed Windsor’s season record to 5-0, equaling the 2006 varsity Jaguars for the best start in school history.

This Friday, Oct. 8, the Jags can set a new standard when they visit the 1-3 Sonoma Dragons at Arnold Field. Game times starting with the JV are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

The Dragons have struggled in the first month of the campaign, but have plenty of weapons to be concerned about.

“Sonoma always plays good defense and is well-coached,” noted Davis. “They have two great running backs, good receivers, and a couple of good D-linemen, so we’re not taking them lightly.”

Battle of field position

It was apparent early on in Friday’s contest that it was a game well-suited for the Jaguars. Both teams would find yards and points hard to come by, putting added importance on field position and special teams.

Several dropped passes and missed opportunities marked the opening quarter, but the Tigers drew first blood with 38 seconds left in the period when kicker Omar Galvan drilled a 30-yard field goal for a 3-0 Analy lead.

Regular quarterback Christian McAlvain replaced starter Lorenzo Camarena midway through the second quarter, but the stingy Tiger defense would keep the Jags off the scoreboard throughout the half. Analy clung to a 3-0 advantage at the break.

The teams traded punts in a hard-hitting third quarter, but the Jags mounted their best drive of the game late in the period. Combining tough running by junior back Jerad Leon and a key first-down pass to Camarena, Windsor drove for a tying, 35-yard field goal by kicker Lee Aranda to knot the game at 3-3 at the end of three.

Windsor took advantage of a short field on the winning drive, using passes to Taylor Biaggi, and a key third-down grab by Kyle Smith to set up a go-ahead, 38-yard field goal by Aranda to make it 6-3.

The Jaguar defense did its job in the final period, as middle linebacker Kevin Brown led a unit bent on pressuring Tiger quarterback Jake Zanutto. Linebacker Vince Valdes pulled down the fourth Windsor pick of the night at the Jaguar 14 with four minutes left as the Jags held on for an eventual, 6-3 win.

For Aranda, who also splits time as a Captain on the varsity soccer team, it was yet another outstanding game from an unlikely hero.

“I didn’t really expect to have this big of an impact on the team this year,” said Aranda, who’s kicked a 61-yard field goal in practice. “But whenever they need me I’m always ready to step up to the plate.”

Leading the offensive attack were McAlvain (8-18, 79 yards passing), Leon (13-69 yards rushing, 1-13 yards receiving),Valdes (3-6 yards rushing), Smith (2-26 yards receiving), Carlos Gonzales (2-24 yards receiving), Biaggi (2-11 yards receiving), and Camarena (1-11 yards receiving).

Leading tacklers were Brown (6 tackles, 5 assists), Camilleri (5, 3, INT), Darrian Roman (5, 7, 2 sacks), Biaggi (5, 1, 3 sacks), Brad Grainger (5 tackles, INT), Louie Correa (3, 3), Gonzales (3, 1), Valdes (4 tackles, INT), Brady Stibi (3, 2), Jason Foell (2, 2, 2 sacks), Kameron Richardson (1, 1, INT), and a tackle each from Justin Oxford, Shane Hardisty, Jimmy Martin, Ray Manzano, and Camarena.

Jaguars torched by Dragons, 35-21 in SCL grid opener
Jags in bye week; host Healdsburg on Oct. 17 in Homecoming Game

By Greg Clementi, Sports Editor

The varsity football Jaguars opened the Sonoma County League campaign on a sour note on Friday, falling to the Sonoma Dragons, 35-21 on a mud-soaked Arnold Field.

The league-opening match-up at Sonoma figured to be a good one, as the Dragons entered the game with a winless, 0-3 mark on the season, while the Jags came in at 1-3 overall. As it turned out, Sonoma had Windsor right where it wanted them-laying in the weeds and ready to ambush.

The Jaguars had no answer for the Dragon’s potent ground attack, as running back Nick Fedrick scored four touchdowns, churning up a whopping, 206 yards on the night. Sonoma used the rushing success to control the clock and the scoreboard, on a night when deteriorating field conditions would dictate offensive strategy.


The Dragons drew first blood in the opening quarter, capping a solid drive with a one-yard scoring plunge from Fedrick for a 6-0 lead. Sonoma went up by two scores early in the second period when Fedrick scampered in from three yards out, adding a run for the two point conversion and a 14-0 advantage.

The Jags got on the board midway through the second quarter when quarterback Blake Schmidt finished off a Windsor drive with a one-yard touchdown dive. Lee Aranda followed with a successful PAT boot to cut the deficit to 14-7. Sonoma capped the first-half fireworks with another five-yard touchdown burst by Fedrick for a 21-7 bulge at the break.

With field conditions worsening by the minute, the Dragons effectively put the game away in the third quarter when Fedrick found pay-dirt for the fourth time on a 29-yard scoring dash to put Sonoma up by three touchdowns. The Dragons later added a 28-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Jake Powers to receiver Andrew McGunagul for a 35-7 bulge at the end of three.

To their credit, the Jags clawed back in the final period to score on a 59-yard lightening bolt from Schmidt to slot receiver D.J. King to make it 35-14. Schmidt later hooked up with wide-out Michael Campbell on a 60-yard bomb for the eventual final score of 35-21.

The Jaguars (1-4, 0-1) have a bye this Friday before resuming league action at home on Oct. 17 against Healdsburg in the Homecoming Game. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Windsor quarterback Lorenzo Camarena (10) fired a pass in the first quarter of the Jag's 6-3 varsity football win over Analy on Friday. Photo by Greg Clementi

Rancho, Newman should both win as Halloween matchup nears
By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


Published: Friday, October 17, 2008

Each Friday, Press Democrat Staff Writer Rich Rupprecht predicts the weekend's Empire football games. Disagree with his picks? Let us know about it at sports@pressdemocrat.com



FRIDAY'S GAMES
Cardinal Newman 38, Santa Rosa 13

Dont see a repeat of last years close game. Newman has way too many weapons.

Rancho Cotate 49, Elsie Allen 0

Rancho rolls and Halloween night matchup with Newman draws closer.

Ukiah 21, Montgomery 13

Wildcats get it done, but wont be easy. Still some life in the Vikings.

Casa Grande 27, Analy 14

It has been four weeks since Gauchos last win. Matt OBrien steps up.

Windsor 28, Healdsburg 21

Yes, Healdsburg beat Sonoma and Sonoma beat Windsor, but the home team gets the nod in this rivalry game.

Sonoma Valley 28, El Molino 21

Dragons are better than record shows. Lions woke up in a big way last week in Golden Apple Game.

Fort Bragg 33, Kelseyville 12

Timberwolves appear to have a date with Middletown for NCL I North crown.

Middletown 35, Willits 0

Its the same result as the Mustangs last two games.

Clear Lake 18, Lower Lake 14

Two of the best small school teams, hit hard by graduation. Lower Lake hit harder.

Calistoga 27, Laytonville 13

Warriors getting better, but so are the Wildcats.

SATURDAY'S GAMES
Maria Carrillo 33, Piner 14

Pumas banged up, but still a lot of firepower.

St. Vincent 22, Cloverdale 8

Eagles seem dangerous, especially in a league opener, but Mustangs defense has been among the best in Empire.

Upper Lake 27, St. Helena 21

Yes, the Cougars were shut out by Middletown last week, but they surprised Kelseyville the week before.

Potter Valley 26, Point Arena 12

Bear Cats steal one on the road.

Rincon Valley Christian 28, St. Bernard 27

Very good matchup and RVC hoping to stay unbeaten.

6-0 record represents best start in school history

by Greg Clementi,
Sports Editor
Published: Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The varsity football Jags achieved a measure of immortality on Friday, recording a 38-6 win over the Sonoma Dragons for the best season start in school history.

The lopsided victory was the sixth of the fall campaign for Windsor, which enters the bye-week with a perfect overall record of 6-0, and 2-0 in Sonoma County League play.

The Jaguars, the only unbeaten large-school team left in the Redwood Empire, have the luxury of a Friday off before hosting North Bay rival Healdsburg on Oct. 22 in the Homecoming Game.

“It’s a great start for the program, certainly the direction that we wanted to go this year,” said Jags head coach Dustin Davis. “We’re trying to develop a culture of winning like you see at Cardinal Newman, Casa Grande, and Montgomery, and I think the foundation is set to achieve that.”

Friday’s dismantling of the host Dragons was about as complete as they come, as Windsor equaled its season high for points scored in a game. In fact, the 38 points scored surpassed the combined total of 29 that the Jags had put on the board in the last three games.

“We knew coming in that we were close to hitting on all cylinders and didn’t really make any major changes or adjustments to the offense,” noted Davis. “We just wanted our quarterback and receivers to relax and let the game come to them. It was a matter of better execution.”

Windsor wasted no time in Friday’s romp at Arnold Field, as linebacker Vince Valdes scooped up a Sonoma fumble and took it 40 yards to the house. Kicker Lee Aranda nailed the PAT boot and the Jaguars led, 7-0.

Windsor went up by two scores on its next possession, as quarterback Christian McAlvain directed a scoring drive culminating in a one-yard keeper for a 14-0 lead at the end of one.

The Windsor defensive unit, which recorded an eventual seven sacks, three interceptions, and a touchdown off a fumble recovery, continued to control the line of scrimmage throughout the second quarter. The Jags would cap a solid first half with a six-yard scoring burst from running back Darrian Roman for a 21-0 bulge at the break.

Aranda opened the third quarter scoring barrage by splitting the uprights on a season-long 47 yard field goal. Moments later, McAlvain found talented receiver Kameron Richardson on a 43-yard touchdown pass for a 31-0 advantage. The Dragons avoided the shutout late in the period when quarterback Sam Morgan hit wide-out Dylan Severson on a 17-yard scoring pass to make it 31-6 at the end of three. The Jaguars capped the offensive explosion in the final quarter when leading ground-gainer Jared Leon found pay-dirt on a two-yard run en route to a 38-6 win.

McAlvain finished up a solid night under center with 11 completions on 14 attempts for 153 yards a touchdown passing, adding 13 yards and a score on the ground. Top rushers were Leon (16-118 yards, TD), Lorenzo Camarena (3-59), Dalton Mathia (2-30), Roman (3-13, TD), and Stephen Camilleri (1-6). Leading receivers included Richardson (1-43 yards, TD), Valdes (1-33), Kyle Smith (2-22), Camarena (2-20), Mathia (1-17), Kameron Kiech (1-13), Carlos Gonzales (2-9), and Shane Hardisty (1-5).

Top defenders were Kevin Brown (5 tackles, 5 assists), Camilleri (6, 2), Brady Stibi (6 tackles, INT), Taylor Biaggi (3, 4), Valdes (3, 4, INT, FR, TD), Ishi Silva (3, 1), Austin Boetiger (3, 1, sack), Louie Correa (2, 3), Roman (2, 3, sack), Anthony Ketzer (2, 1, sack), Zach Barton (2 tackles, sack), Eric Sharp (1, 1, 2 sacks), Brad Grainger (INT), Trevor Doherty (1, 2), Jason Foell (sack), and a tackle apiece from Mathia, Justin Oxford, Shane Morgan, Eric Greenlee, Brandon Jacobs, and Stevie Delucchi.

JV stays unbeaten

The Jaguar JV squad (6-0, 2-0) was not to be out-done on Friday, posting a 47-27 win over Sonoma.

Quarterback Derek Hensley led the offensive attack, completing 13 of 18 passes for 271 yards and three scores, adding 23 yards and a touchdown rushing. Other top ground-gainers were DJ Edgar (6-33 yards, TD), Chad Tolson (3-26, TD), and Aidan Berman (4-19). Leading the receiving corps were Trey Tobon (2-104 yards, TD), Mike Piazza (5-97, TD), and Trenton Wells (4-55, TD).

The Jaguar defense was led by Sheldon Logan (3 tackles, 5 assists), Piazza (3, 4), Hunter Smith (3, 4, INT), Chad Gradek (4, 2), Alex Tietsort (4 tackles), Tim Murphy (3, 1, sack), Anthony Randel (3 tackles, sack), Mark Purter (3, 1), Christian Delganes (2 assists, 2 sacks), Michael Gower (2, 1), Beau Thompson (2 tackles), JD Evans (1, 2), and one tackle each from Matt Blumenthal, Aaron Fellbaum, Isai Guzman, Markus Lohner, and Wells.

Windsor hungry for victory in 10th annual Grape Bowl

By Greg Clementi, Sports Editor

Local football bragging rights will be on the line this Friday, Oct. 17 when North Bay Rival Healdsburg invades the Jungle in the annual Homecoming Game.

Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

The much-anticipated clash, also known as the Grape Bowl, is the 10th meeting between the teams, with the Greyhounds leading the series 8-1.


Last year, the Hounds pulled off a miracle finish to notch a 23-19 victory at Recreation Park. Windsors lone win in the series came in 2006 when they cruised to a 27-7 win.

The Jaguars enter this years game fresh off a bye week, with an overall record of 1-4, and 0-1 in the Sonoma County League. Windsor, led by head coach Jason Fayter, features a strong offensive unit that includes senior quarterback Blake Schmidt and talented juniors; running back/DB Cameron Erion, and receivers/DBs D.J. King and Michael Campbell. Lineman Kory Langhals is a force on both sides of the ball for the Jags.

The Hounds will be led by senior quarterback Zach Shippey, senior running back/LB Andy Phillips, and senior receivers/DBs Dante Fountain and Caleb Rummonds. Travis Paasche and Placido Lopez are the leaders in the trenches for Healdsburg.

The Greyhounds come in with a 5-1 mark on the season and 1-1 in the SCL, having posted a 29-22 win over Sonoma last week.

A packed house is expected in Windsor this year, with Kaiser Park also available to handle overflow parking. To avoid traffic congestion, fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

The halftime ceremony will feature the crowning of Homecoming royalty from each class.

By PHIL BARBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

WINDSOR — Healdsburg stole a football game from Windsor on Friday night. And then Windsor stole it back, remaining undefeated under coach Dustin Davis with a 22-20 victory secured with no time on the clock.

The Windsor student section capped an ultra-memorable homecoming night by invading the field to mob the players.

On the visitors’ sideline afterward, Healdsburg coach Tom Kirkpatrick looked almost physically pained as he attempted to come to grips with his team’s strange 48-minute journey.

“From a situation where kids were not even playing — they were down and out,” Kirkpatrick reflected. “Then they got themselves back together and played with a lot of heart. Both teams. Wow. It must have been something to watch.”

Indeed, this was almost like several games wrapped into one.

It ended with a bang when Windsor quarterback Christian McAlvain, shaking off two straight incompletions, dropped back again with 2.3 seconds on the clock. He looked for a receiver over the middle but found none, and with some measure of desperation fired the ball to fellow junior Kameron Richardson, his lanky, 6-foot-5 receiver, in a corner of the end zone.

“I threw it up there, and I saw their corners cut in front of it, and I was like, ‘No, no,’” McAlvain said. “And then I saw it floating over the top, and I was like, ‘Kameron’s got this.’”

Richardson managed to get a foot in-bounds with zeroes on the clock, giving the Jaguars consecutive wins over Healdsburg for the first time ever and keeping them undefeated under first-year coach Dustin Davis.

“I told the kids in the pregame warmup, I said you have to believe in the coaches, you have to believe in each other, like we believe in you,” Davis said. “And I told ’em again at halftime, the same thing. Apparently they did.”

At 3-0 in the Sonoma County League (7-0 overall), Windsor kept pace with Casa Grande. They play Nov.5 in a game that could be the best of the year in the Redwood Empire.

Healdsburg, which had averaged 35 points a game before traveling to Windsor, fell to 2-2 in the SCL, 6-2 overall.

After nearly getting blown out early, the Greyhounds fought back and were in position to close out the game. They blocked a Windsor field goal with about five minutes left and, clinging to a 20-16 lead, proceeded to rattle off a couple first downs on the strength of running back Carson Seanor.

Then disaster struck — or a miracle, depending upon your latitude along Highway 101.

At right around the 1:00 mark, on third-and-19, Healdsburg quarterback Max Opperman dropped into the pocket. He wasn’t going to pass. Still, the blitzing Darrian Roman hit Opperman and forced a fumble that the Jaguars’ Austin Boetiger recovered, setting up the last-second heroics.

“My call was terrible,” Kirkpatrick said, shaking his head in anguish. “It was just gonna be a QB keep, and I put the kid in a bad situation.”

That Healdsburg was in control of the game was a shocking development in itself.

Windsor started the game with two impressive touchdown drives. McAlvain finished with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Brown on the opening drive, and took it in himself from four yards out on the first play of the second quarter, giving the Jaguars a 13-0 lead.

They pushed it to 16-0 at the 2:35 mark of the second quarter on a 24-yard field goal by big-footed Lee Aranda. The Healdsburg defense forced that kick after keeping Windsor out of the end zone despite six plays from inside the 5-yard line.

On the verge of getting run off the field, seemingly unable to tackle or move the ball, the Greyhounds magically sprang to life at the end of the half.

In no-huddle mode, they took less than two minutes to drive 80 yards for a touchdown, Matt Spillane catching Opperman’s 19-yard scoring pass.

Two plays later, Dom Tynan intercepted McAlvain’s pass near the sideline and ran it to the Jaguars’ 17-yard line. With nine seconds on the clock, Opperman threw another touchdown pass, this one to George Brush.

Seanor had just 15 yards on five carries at halftime, but changed into his work clothes in the second half and wound up with 115 yards on 19 attempts.

The Healdsburg defense stiffened, too, allowing the Greyhounds to come back and take the lead. Somehow, in this wild game, you knew it wouldn’t last.

Roman led a trio of Windsor running backs with 71 yards on 11 carries, while the accurate McAlvain completed 15 of 23 passes for 164 yards. Opperman was 7 of 13 for 81 yards.



..........................................................................


Game played out like it came from Hollywood script...

BY BOB PADECKY
PRESS DEMOCRAT SPORTS COLUMNIST

WINDSOR — Friday night it was a kick in the gut for Healdsburg, and it was angels lifting Windsor skyward. It was what it always should be, the rivalry coming down to the last second, coming down to the last play. But, know this, this Grape Bowl quite likely will never, ever, see its equal. Ever. They don’t make games like this, unless it’s on a movie set in Hollywood.

The ball leaves Christian McAlvain’s hands. There’s 2.3 seconds left in the game. Windsor is on Healdsburg’s 15-yard line. Healdsburg is leading, 20-16. There is no doubt where the ball is going. It’s going to the end zone. To someone. Kameron Richardson, a Windsor wide receiver, is streaking for the end zone. The pass play was called for him, Windsor coach Dustin Davis having that much faith in him … because on the play before …

“Christian threw a perfect pass and it bounced right off my chest,” Richardson said.

So, yes, Richardson said, he wanted another shot at it. He wanted redemption.

“The defensive back was at a disadvantage,” said Richardson, 6-foot-5, referring to being taller than his defender. “I leapt over him to get the ball.”

And the gun went off, game over, the stampede was on. The Windsor folks, adults and kids alike, rush the field. The Grape Bowl is lifted by seemingly every Windsor player except Richardson. All of a sudden the guys realize, Where’s Kameron? They find him. They put down the Grape Bowl trophy. They replace it with Kameron on their shoulders. They carry him for 15 yards. They stop. Time to hug some more folks.

“I had to have that ball,” Richardson said. “I wanted that ball. Football memory? This is it. This is the top.”

Richardson will have to share his memory because at one point in the game, it looked like every Windsor player was living the dream. The Jaguars went up, 16-0, with 2:35 left in the half. It was going to be a walkover. Healdsburg was 6-1, but the Greyhounds were getting handled. Easily. At that point in the game, Windsor had 202 yards of total offense, Healdsburg just 48. But as they are so proud to say in Healdsburg, a Tom Kirkpatrick team doesn’t lie down, give up, surrender.

In the last 58.3 seconds of the first half, Healdsburg scored twice. The game was 16-13. Now it was Windsor back on its heels. The second half became Healdsburg’s. The Greyhounds went up riding the 150-pound body of Carson Seanor. Seanor scored with 1:43 left in the third quarter. It’s 20-16. Healdsburg had the momentum, and it seemed a lock, especially when the Greyhounds blocked a 41-yard Lee Aranda field goal with 5:37 left in the game. Healdsburg was playing so well then it seemed that Windsor would need two field goals to win it.

And then came the play that will make Kirkpatrick’s stomach churn and churn, a play call he’ll never forget. With 48 seconds left in the game and having a third and 19 on Healdsburg’s 47, Kirkpatrick called for his quarterback, Max Opperman, to run a bootleg.

“I should have just called a simple play into the game, punt the ball deep and let them have the whole field to move the ball with less than 50 seconds left,” Kirkpatrick said. “It was a stupid play. It was all my fault.”

Opperman was hit by Windsor defensive lineman Austin Boettger and lost the ball. Windsor got it back on Healdsburg’s 29 with 48 seconds left. Three incompletions and two passes of seven yards each brought the ball to the 15 and Richardson’s moment. When he caught the ball, there was a pause. The eyes were unbelieving. Healdsburg had gained the upper hand.

That blocked field goal seemed to have sealed the deal. Then that … and then this …

“You guys about gave me a heart attack tonight,” Davis told his team after the game.

The players, gathered in a circle, laughed. And then a voice brought through the laughter and all the people who were screaming around them.

“I love you, Kameron!” yelled one of his teammates.

Newman, Rancho, Ukiah remain 1-2-3 in rankings
Undefeated St. Vincent still No. 1 in small schools
By RICH RUPPRECHT


Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The top-three of both the large-school and small-school football rankings remained the same this week. Its the bottom of the rankings that have seen a bit of movement of late.



LARGE SCHOOL RANKINGS
1. Cardinal Newman (5-0)
2. Rancho Cotate (5-0)
3. Ukiah (5-0)
4. Analy (5-1)
T5. Healdsburg (5-1)
T5. Petaluma (3-3)
SMALL SCHOOL RANKINGS
1. St. Vincent (5-0)
2. Fort Bragg (4-1)
3. Middletown (4-1)
4. Kelseyville (2-2-1)
5. Cloverdale (3-2)

Cardinal Newman (5-0), whose toughest league games should be in the final three weeks of the season, posted its second consecutive shutout, 49-0 over Piner, and remained No. 1 ranked.

Newman is also the top-rated Division III school in Northern California by Cal-Hi Sports, ahead of two schools it defeated, Palma of Salinas and Central Catholic of Modesto.

Rancho Cotate (5-0), which played well in a 41-19 win against Maria Carrillo, remained the No. 2 ranked large school and Ukiah (5-0), which prevented a two-point conversion near the end of the game and edged Santa Rosa 21-10, holds the No. 3 spot.

Upset wins by Petaluma against Casa Grande and El Molino against Analy shook up the bottom of the rankings.

Analy (5-1) stayed at No. 4, but Healdsburg (5-1) and Petaluma (3-3) are now tied at No. 5.

El Molino defeated Analy, 21-19, in the Golden Apple Game and Petaluma came from behind to knock off Casa, 21-14.

The upsets also tightened the race in the Sonoma County League. Petaluma, which has its bye week, is the only undefeated school in the SCL and is 2-0. Analy, Healdsburg, Sonoma and El Molino are all 1-1 and Casa Grande and Windsor are 0-1.

The top of the small school rankings also remained the same.

St. Vincent (5-0) stayed at No. 1, Fort Bragg at No. 2 and Middletown No. 3. Following a win over Cloverdale, Kelseyville moved up to No. 4 and Cloverdale is No. 5.

St. Vincent blanked Lower Lake 28-0 and opens North Central League I South plays Cloverdale (3-2) Saturday afternoon at home.

Fort Bragg (4-1), with coach Jack Moyer going after his 200th career win, hosts Kelseyville (2-2-1) Friday night in an NCL I North opener.

Fort Bragg defeated Clear Lake, 28-6, last week and Kelseyville defeated Cloverdale, 22-16.

Middletown (4-1), which shut out Upper Lake, 35-0, hosts Willits Friday night in another NCL I North opener.

By HOWARD SENZELL
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

It’s been a dream season for El Molino coach Mike Roan.

While the dream is turning out well, his Lions have had to overcome nightmarish situations in order to be thinking about the playoffs for the first time in many years.

After shocking previously undefeated Windsor, 20-7 (box score), on Friday night in Forestville, El Molino takes a 6-3 record to Healdsburg this Friday for its regular season finale.

A win and El Molino is guaranteed a North Coast Section playoff invitation. Even with a loss, the selection committee would likely give the Lions a bid.

This is rarefied air for a program that had won only 33 percent of its games (15 of 45) since 2004.

Getting back to the nightmare portion of the season, starting quarterback and passer deluxe Mike Pierson suffered a concussion during the Oct. 15 game vs. Analy and did not play the following week when his teammates defeated Sonoma Valley (14-7). The 6-4, 220 pounder received clearance from his doctor to resume contact a few days before the Windsor game.

Pierson returned like he’d never been away. He hooked up with his favorite receiver, Joe Douglass, on a 17-yard pass for the game’s first touchdown. Then, despite the muddy conditions, he clicked with Toree Smith in the third to put his team up 14-7.

Before going out with the concussion, the senior had completed 81 passes, 13 of those for touchdowns.

Pierson’s concussion isn’t the only nightmare El Molino has had to overcome. In the same game Pierson went down, the Lions lost leading rusher Tommy Krausmann for the season.

“He has a separated shoulder and rotator cuff injury,” Roan said. “Unfortunately, he won’t be back this year.”

Krausmann had been the workhorse for El Molino’s rushing game. The senior had carried the ball twice as many times as any other Lions running back and was averaging more than four yards per carry.

With Krausmann gone for the season, Roan and his coaching staff needed to revamp the running game. So, they switched Douglass and Chet Lambert from receivers to running backs.

The experiment is working. Against Windsor, Lambert rushed for 153 yards, including the game‘s final touchdown (36 yards). This, against a Windsor defense that has not allowed more than 20 points in a game this year.

“The difference in the Windsor game was that we were able to run the ball effectively and our defensive coordinator (Randy Parmeter) came up with a great game plan,” Roan said.
“The players studied hard at practice and when the Windsor offense ran a play, our kids had seen it in practice and were able to react.”

After overcoming such devastating injuries and still finding ways to win, Roan said his players now believe they can match-up with the top teams in the SCL.

It hasn’t been that way in a long time.


Game Notes
EM: Joe Douglass 17 pass from Mike Pierson (Toree Smith kick)

W: Christian McAlvain 70 run (Lee Aranda kick)

EM: Smith 10 pass from Pierson (Smith kick)

EM: Chet Lambert 36 run (kick blocked)

Records: W 7-1, 3-1 EM 6-3, 3-2

Rushing: EM-Lambert 23-153.

Passing: EM-Pierson 14-20-2-163.

Receiving: EM-Nate Palmer 5-61.

Notable: Pierson, who suffered a concussion on October 15, played the entire game. It was 7-7 in the third quarter before El Molino scored the game's final two TDs.

SCOTT MANCHESTER / The Press Democrat
Windsor's DJ King intercepts a Redwood pass and returns it for a touchdown on Sept. 6. Rich Rupprecht gives the nod to Windsor on Friday night, at home against Healdsburg.

By BOB PADECKY
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

The Casa Grande players were jumping up and down Friday, keeping to the beat of the repetitive “SCL!, SCL!, SCL!” Moments later their coach, Trent Herzog, couldn’t contain himself.

Tears were coming down his face. His Gauchos had just beaten Windsor, the SCL championship was now theirs, and Herzog admitted with his wet face he never had been this emotional after a game.

“I’m going to remember this game, the kids, these coaches, forever,” Herzog said. “These are tears of joy, man. Tears of joy. This is my first SCL championship. This will stay with me forever.”

Casa won, 28-21, but not before watching a 28-7 lead get cut, courtesy in large part to the strong and willful running and defense of Windsor’s Darrian Roman. Roman scored on a two-yard run with a minute left before half, chopping the Casa lead to 21-7. It was Roman who stripped Casa quarterback Nick Sherry of the ball, returning the fumble 38 yards for a touchdown with 3:21 in the game, bringing the score to 28-21. On the final play of the game Windsor quarterback Christian McAlvain heaved a desperation pass from Casa’s 27.

Windsor’s Kameron Richardson — who caught a buzzer beater to beat Maria Carrillo earlier this season — found himself surrounded by two Casa defenders, as the ball was deflected away.

“Windsor is going to be great for a long time,” Herzog said. “Dustin Davis (Windsor coach) has them going in the right direction. They were very impressive on how they never quit and fought back.”

All that said, the most impressive performances of the night were from Casa wide receiver Makana Garrigan and Sherry. As is the case so often in high school players who have a major college future are the difference, playmakers who rise above the crowd. Sherry is committed to Colorado unless there’s a coaching change there; next on his list is Arizona, then Washington.

Garrigan is being courted by Hawaii, Fresno State and Nevada-Reno.

“You can see why big schools are going after those two guys,” Davis said.

Sherry was 13-of-16 for 234 yards. He ran for one touchdown and passed for two.

“What you saw tonight was why Colorado wants him,” Herzog said. “He played like a D1 quarterback. That throw he made to Makana was a NFL-type throw.”

“That throw” was a 76-yard touchdown reception for Garrigan and an indication that Sherry not only knows timing on his throws but also can take a lick. He experienced both on that touchdown pass.

“This is the best Nick has played since he’s been at Casa,” Herzog said. “He’s really in the groove right now.”

Sherry agreed with his coach, emphasizing that he has changed his mental approach to the game since the beginning of the season.

“I spent too much time analyzing defenses, trying to figure out coverages,” Sherry said. “I stopped doing that and I just let it flow.”

Meaning, Sherry didn’t get in the way of his talent. His throws Friday night were smooth, unhurried, crisp and accurate. Not always does a talent stand out in a game against two evenly-matched teams but Sherry’s clearly did.

“Our guy (McAlvain) struggled a bit and meanwhile Sherry looked like a guy going on to play Division 1 football,” Davis said. “Sometimes it’s just that simple.”

That was the simple part. The not-so-simple part was Windsor refusing to cave in when losing, 28-7. The not-so-simple part was seeing Roman and his bunch grind it, not sensationally like Sherry or Garrigan, but laying it out there two or three yards at a time.

“That’s why you saw a great game out there,” Herzog said.

Because two teams don’t get to be 7-1 without a reason. Sometimes it’s easy to see, like Nick Sherry. Other times it’s easy to see, like Windsor being willful, pounding the ball, getting past mistakes that might cripple the confidence of a lesser team. That’s another reason why Herzog was crying. Windsor made them earn it.

High school football roundup
Greyhounds improve to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the SCL with victory over rival
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


Published: Friday, October 17, 2008
Healdsburg gets past Windsor, 25-14

Healdsburg improved to 6-1, and 2-1 in the Sonoma County League, with a 25-14 victory at Windsor (1-5, 0-1).


The Jaguars jumped to a 7-0 lead on Camerion Erions 7-yard run in the first quarter. But after Colin Brown kicked a 24-yard field goal to get the Greyhounds on the board, the Healdsburg combination of quarterback Zach Shippey and Paul Wilson combined for two touchdown passes in the second quarter.

Windsors Blake Schmidt scored on a short run to cut the score to 16-14 at halftime, but the Jaguars would not score again. Healdsburgs Andy Phillips went in from a yard out, and the Hounds wrapped up their scoring with a safety when an errant snap flew over the punters head and into the end zone.

Erion ran for 134 yards on 12 carries. Dillon Cattalini had 91 on 19 attempts for Healdsburg, while Shippey completed 12 of 21 passes for 125 yards.

AT WINDSOR
Healdsburg 0 1 6 9 0 25
Windsor 7 7 0 0 14
W Cameron Erion 7 run (Lee Aranda kick)
H Colin Brown 24 FG
H Paul Wilson 17 pass from Zach Shippey (Brown kick)
H Wilson 14 pass from Shippey (kick failed)
W Blake Schmidt 1 run (Aranda kick)
H Andy Phillips 1 run (Brown kick)
H safety, bad snap in end zone
Records: H 6-1, 2-1; W1-5, 0-2
Rushing: WCameron Erion 12x134, Schmidt 10x64, DJ King 3x49. HDillon Cattalini 19x91.
Passing: HZach Shippey 12-21, 125.
Notable: WKory Langhals 10 tackles, 6 asst, 2 sacks.



SONOMA 30, EL MOLINO 20
Sonoma jumped out to a 16-0 lead in the first quarter, then hung on for the win. Nick Fedrick had three touchdown runs for the Dragons. Tony DeMarco threw a pair of scoring passes for the Lions.

AT SONOMA VALLEY
El Molino 0 6 6 8 20
Sonoma 16 7 0 7 30
S Nick Fedrick 2 run (kick failed)
S Sam Wallace 32 field goal
S Fedrick 3 run (Wallace kick)
EM Tony DeMarco 15 pass to Chaz Mathias (kick failed)
S Jake Powers 25 pass to Jessie Bojarsky (Wallace kick)
EM DeMarco 5 pass to Rhodes Wroth (pass failed)
SFedrick 1 run (Wallace kick)
EM Mike Pierson 20 pass to Cole Parmeger (Pierson pass to Rick Franchesei)
Records: El Molino 3-4, 1-2; Sonoma 2-4, 2-1
SPassing: Jake Powers 10-16-110 yards; Rushing: Nick Fedrick 20-100, 3 TD; Receiving:Steve Fillippi 9-95; Leading Tackler: Michael Mulas 13.


UKIAH 37, MONTGOMERY 20
At Ukiah, Ukiah remained unbeaten and senior quarterback Kyle Morris threw for four touchdowns, all four to Kyle Mayfield as the Wildcats won on homecoming.

Ukiah, ranked No. 3, is now 3-0 in the NBL and 6-0 overall.

Montgomery (1-4-1, 1-2) took a 6-0 lead on a 64-yard TD run by Alex CuidadReal, but Ukiah answered with a 15-yard TD pass from Morris to Mayfield and kicked the PAT.

Ukiah scored the next two TDs on Morris throws. Mayfield also had TD catches of 10 and 30 yards. Gabe Ott added a 20-yard field goal for the Wildcats.

Max Heller threw a pair of TD passes for Montgomery, 30 yards to James Berthinier and 16 yards to Josh LaFontaine.

Marcos Hernandez also had a rushing TD for Ukiah.


AT UKIAH
Montgomery 6 7 0 7 20
Ukiah 7 14 9 7 37
M CuidadReal 64 run (pass failed)
U Mayfield 15 pass from Morris, (Ott kick)
U Mayfield 38 pass from Morris (Ott kick)
U Mayfield 10 pass from Morris (Ott kick)
M James Berthinier 30 pass from Max Heller (Spann kick)
U Marcos Herndandez 1 run (kick failed)
U Ott 20 field goal
U Mayfield 30 pass from Morris (Ott kick)
M LaFontaine 16 pass from heller (Spann kick)
JV Ukiah 33, Montgomery 7


Rancho Cotate, also undefeated, plays at Ukiah next Friday.

RANCHO 58, ELSIE ALLEN 0
It was all Cougars as they improved to 6-0 on the year, 3-0 in the NBL. Rancho Cotate scored eight rushing touchdowns, including three by Brian Dworkin and two by Anthony Bernard.


AT RANCHO COTATE
Elsie Allen 0 0 0 0 0
Rancho Cotate 7 21 9 21 58
RC Brian Dworkin 6 run (Eduardo Farias kick)
RC Anthony Bernard 3 run (Eduardo Farias kick)
RC Dworkin 11 run (Farias kick)
RC Cody Allen 15 run (Farias kick)
RC Eduardo Farias 38 FG
RC Dworkin 37 run (kick failed)
RC Wayne Capers 17 run (Farias kick)
RC Bernard 4 run (Farias kick)
RC Steven Morales 20 run (Farias kick)
Records: EA 1-4, 0-3; RC 6-0, 3-0
RC Rushing: Dworkin 11-122, 3 TD; RC Passing: Allen 5-10 86 1 Int; RC Receiving: Dworkin 2-59