Windsor 2006 Season
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November 19, 2008 11:50 PM
(For additions, corrections or to report a statistical standout we may have missed, email mark@studentsports.com. To inquire about a section or state record, please email Senior Editor Ronnie Flores at ronnie@studentsports.com or call (800) 660-1334 Ext. 4414; For games played Nov. 13-15; Writeups by Ronnie Flores, Harold Abend, Steve Brand, Tom Shanahan, Mark Tennis & Bob Barnett)
Trevor Alcoriza (Galt): His Warriors didn't make the Sac-Joaquin playoffs but this 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior running back finished his career on a high note, rushing for 164 yards and five touchdowns in a 34-14 win over Cordova of Rancho Cordova. The performance got him over 1,000-yards on the season as he finished with 1,065 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Zack Apperson (Norte Vista, Riverside): Had a big chunk of Norte Vista's 539 yards as he rushed for 340 yards and three scores in a 54-31 victory over Jurupa Valley.
Justin Arias (Agoura, Agoura Hills): Did not get picked off once as he completed 21 of 29 passes for 310 yards and four TDs in a 49-18 win over Calabasas. Kevin Hansen had nine receptions for 123 yards and Bryce Majdick pulled in eight for 122 yards, with three going for scores.
Carlos Arredondo (Schurr, Montebello): Defensive back picked off two passes late in the fourth quarter to stymie a comeback attempt by Bell Gardens as Schurr recorded the 20-12 victory.
Dominique Barnes (Burroughs, Burbank): In the 60th edition of the "Big Game" between Burroughs and Burbank, Barnes etched his name in history by rushing for 302 yards and five touchdowns on 23 carries as Burroughs won its first consecutive game in the long-running series. Barnes' yardage total broke the single game school record of 289 yards set by Mike Perez during the 2000 season. Barnes also broke the school record for season points (162) and enters the post-season with 1,870 rushing yards.
Domenic Betts (Banning): Ended up scoring four times in the 60-12 rout of Riverside Patriot. He gained 123 yards on just three carries, scoring on 54 and 31-yard touchdowns. Betts also had a 73-yard punt return and an 85-yard kickoff return for a TD.
James Boyd (Jordan, Los Angeles): Closed out the regular season in spectacular fashion as the Bulldogs gear up for a run in the L.A. City Section Championship Division (4A) playoffs. In a 63-7 rout of South Gate, Boyd, a previous ESPN RISE CalHiSports.com State Athlete of the Week pick, completes 22 of 33 passes for a school-record 575 yards and eight touchdowns. The touchdown mark gives this talented QB-DE a permanent spot in out state record book and his passing yardage is quite high on the all-time state list. It is, however, only the third highest single game yardage mark in L.A. City Section history. David Koral of Palisades, threw for a section and state record 764 yards in a 48-30 victory over Van Nuys Grant in 2000. The year before, he ate up the defense of L.A. Fairfax to the tune of 583 yards in a 61-6 romp. Entering the city playoffs, Boys is averaging 372.1 yards passing in 10 games and has already thrown 40 touchdowns, not to mention the damage he can do running the ball or creating havoc on fellow quarterbacks from his defensive end spot. He was the L.A. City's defensive lineman of the year as a junior.
Tommy Brown (Army-Navy, Carlsbad): The running back for the all-boys military school carried 35 times for 260 yards and two touchdowns as the Warriors defeated Escondido Charter, 27-6.
Brad Bullock (El Diamante, Visalia): Rushed for a season high 268 yards on 12 carries, good for six touchdowns, as the Miners cruised by Golden West of Visalia, 53-34, in a West Yosemite League game. Quarterback Devin Lovering scored five touchdowns on 20 carries for 177 yards to lead Golden West.
Christian Bush (Knight, Palmdale): He missed the first quarter of play because of disciplinary reasons but made up for lost time thereafter, rushing for 253 yards and four touchdowns. Bush didn't waste any time as he scored on a 61-yard touchdown on his first carry.
Devontae Butler (Grant, Sacramento): The Pacers have a lot of weapons as it's shown in a 10-0 season that has them No. 7 overall in the state and the team to beat in the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. II playoffs. This past week it was Butler who led the way, rushing for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Grant will open the playoffs at home against 9-1 Granite Bay.
Darrian Cazarin (Alhambra): Threw for 274 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Moors to a 50-6 victory over cross-town Keppel. Cazarin threw touchdown passes of 31, 15, 83, 38, 9 and 45 yards as Keppel finished its season 0-10. Keppel has not won a league contest since 1999.
Moises Chavez (Glendale): Set a school record with five touchdown passes to lead the Nitros to a resounding 55-7 victory over cross-town Hoover in the "Battle for the Victory Bell." Dillon Fuller caught three of Chavez's passes for touchdowns covering 12, 28 and 69 yards as Glendale finished with its first winning season since 1993 and upped its advantage in the longtime series to 47-31-2.
Dan'ziel Collins & Jonathon Norton (Moreno Valley): Collins scored on four of his five carries (45, 47, 32 and 59 yards) while rushing for 183 yards to complement Norton's 184 yards and two scores in a 50-14 romp over La Sierra of Riverside.
Josh Correia (Nipomo): In a wild 42-41 win over Templeton, Correia was 16 of 33 for 291 yards, with the last of his three TDs going to Eric Penningroth from a yard out for the win with no time on the clock.
Robert Cruz (Magnolia, Anaheim): Helped secure Magnolia's first playoff berth in 23 years as Cruz rushed for 270 yards and all four touchdowns in a 28-17 triumph over Anaheim.
Brendan Daly (St. Ignatius, San Francisco): His Wildcats were edged out in the selection for the final spots in the CCS playoffs at Sunday's seeding meeting, however, on Friday night, no one, including 8,000 fans at Kezar Stadium for the annual Bruce-Mahoney game, knew the future. With 7:51 remaining in a 24-10 victory over cross-town rival Sacred Heart Cathedral, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior linebacker blocked an Irish punt, scooped it up and ran 52-yards to pay dirt. He already had forced a first half fumble.
Demitri Diamond (Hart, Newhall): Not only did Diamond rush for 186 yards on just six carries, two of them going for touchdowns, but he added a 99-yard kickoff return for another TD in a 47-0 win over Golden Valley of Santa Clarita. He also contributed two interceptions on defense.
Shane DeCillo and Jason Mayer (Trabuco Hills, Mission Viejo): DeCillo rushed for 223 yards and Mayer passed for 242 on a near-perfect 18 of 20 and four TDs as Trabuco Hills buried Northwood of Irvine, 49-0.
Donovan Dodd (Desert Christian, Bermuda Dunes): Amassed 243 yards on 24 carries and scored four touchdowns in a 49-36 win over the California Military Institute of Perris) in an eight-man game.
Nick Fedrick (Sonoma Valley, Sonoma): For the second straight week and third time this season, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back has rushed for over 200-yards. After going for 221 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-14 victory over Analy (Sebastopol) two weeks ago, Fedrick had a season-best 251 yards and one TD in a 40-20 non-league victory over San Marin of Novato. The Dragons won their last three games to finish 4-2 in the Sonoma County League and 5-5 overall, but lost out for the final spot in the NCS Div. II playoffs. Fedrick ends his season with 1,309 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns.
Arby Fields (Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga): Piled up 257 yards on 39 carries, three of which were stopped only by the goal line, in a 27-14 victory over Etiwanda.
Ryan Flores (Sierra, Manteca): Versatile QB passed for 162 yards and one TD and rushed for 155 yards and two other scores to lead Sierra past Weston Ranch, 41-20. Flores also directed an offense that totaled 508 yards. The win put Sierra into the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs for the first time in school history. Weston Ranch QB Michael Piccirilli also had a big game, completing 25 of 42 passes for 387 yards and three TDs.
Tate Forcier (Scripps Ranch, San Diego): The Michigan-bound quarterback finished with 385 yards total offense, but the Falcons fell to Cathedral Catholic in a wild shootout, 70-37. Forcier completed 21-of-36 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns and ran eight times for 93 yards.
Roshon Harper (El Camino Real, Woodland Hills): Churned for 234 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries in a 42-22 victory over Cleveland of Reseda.
Tyler Gaffney (Cathedral Catholic, San Diego): The senior running back scored seven touchdowns to push his season touchdown total to 42as the Dons defeated Scripps Ranch, 70-37. Gaffney carried 26 times for 225 yards. He scored on four first-half runs of five, 12, one and one yards and broke open a 28-21 game in the second half with scoring runs of 51, four and 41 yards.
Jose Garay (South El Monte): Made the last game of his prep career count as he completed 26 of 35 passes for a whopping 474 yards in a 61-14 Mission Valley League win over Mountain View of El Monte. The yardage total permanently places him on the all-time state single game state list for passing yardage. He also tossed four touchdown passes and gained an additional 78 yards rushing and scored twice on the ground.
Wallace Gonzalez (Glendora): Nine receptions is a good game but not spectacular unless those produce 197 yards as they did in Glendora's 21-14 win over Ayala of Chino Hills. QB Drew Kaluzny also played spectacularly, completing 15 of 21 passes for 285 yards and a pair of TDs.
David Graves & Andrew Benavides (Folsom): This passing/receiving duo got it done when needed as the Bulldogs rebounded from a 35-33 loss to Pleasant Grove of Elk Grove, winning by a 35-32 score against Sheldon of Sacramento this past Friday. Graves completed 22 of 30 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 51 yards and two more scores. Benavides had 126 receiving yards against Sheldon and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark this season with 1,015 and 15 touchdowns. Next up is a road game against powerful Napa in the Sac-Joaquin Div. I playoffs.
Zack Graves (Whitney, Rocklin): The Sac-Joaquin Section reported rushing leader ran for 215 yards on 35 carries and scored three touchdowns in a 34-12 win over Placer. Graves now has 1,960 yards rushing with 30 touchdowns. He's also has thrown five halfback option passes for TDs and caught a scoring pass to account for 36 touchdowns overall. He'll get a chance to add to those numbers when the 10-0 Wildcats open at home against Foothill of Sacramento.
Joseph Hill (Fullerton): Big night for the King of the Hill as he rushed for 272 yards on 27 carries and five touchdowns in a 55-21 victory over Troy of Fullerton.
Jamie Jensen (Gilroy): After a sub-par performance in a 42-14 loss to North Salinas two weeks ago, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound signal-caller was over the top in a 47-0 blowout against San Benito of Hollister, passing for 470 yards and three touchdowns on 30 of 36 attempts. The win left the Mustangs in a three-way tie for the Tri-County League title with North Salinas and Gilroy. Going into this Friday's home game against Serra of San Mateo, Jensen has compiled 2,902 yards passing with 27 touchdowns.
Rasheem Johnson (Indio): Rambled for 255 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Rajahs past Coachella Valley's Arabs, 35-7. Three of his scores came before the break.
Richard Johnson (Fairmont Prep, Anaheim): Fell just short of the single-game Southern Section TD record when he scored eight touchdowns and 54 points in a 67-0 win over Ribet Academy of Los Angeles. Johnson gained 290 yards on 18 carries.
Steven Klith (Calaveras, San Andreas): In the team's annual Calaveras County rivalry game against Bret Harte of Altaville, Klith led the Redskins past the Bullfrogs, 35-24, by rushing for 214 yards on 20 carries and scoring a pair of touchdowns.
Jimmy Laughrea & Steven Hurley (Rocklin): It was a tough year for the Thunder but mostly because of this pair, it ended on a good note in a 26-18 win over Roseville that left the team 4-6 on the season. Laughrea passed for 243 yards and three touchdowns and caught a halfback option pass for a touchdown. Hurley had two interceptions, including one late in the game that helped preserve the win.
Joey Levine (Clayton Valley, Concord): For the second straight week, Levine connected on 8-of-8 passes, this time for 256 yards and three TDs, as the Eagles defeated their arch-rivals from Ygnacio Valley, 26-7. Levine enters the North Coast Section playoffs with at least a 16-for-16 completion streak and has led Clayton Valley to its first unbeaten regular season in the 50 years the school has been open.
DeWayne Lewis & Vince Mayle (Inderkum, Sacramento): Senior running back Lewis rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns and had 10 tackles in Inderkum's 55-6 win over cross-town Natomas. Mayle, also a two-way threat at 'backer, ran for a TD, had two sacks and knocked down two passes.
Daniel Lopez (San Fernando): Lopez had a career night, rushing for 273 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the Tigers 33-8 victory over Monroe of Sepulveda. He did his damage on 17 carries and according to the San Fernando High Record Book (easily one of the best we've ever seen in the state), this year's San Fernando club became only the third team in school history to feature a 1,000 yard rusher and a 1,000 yard passer (Rashaad Reynolds). Legendary Tiger Anthony Davis passed for 1,673 yards and rushed for 1,568 yards in 1970 and the 1978 club that finished 10-1 actually featured a 1,000-yard passer (Stephen Jones) and two 1,000-yard rushers (Anthony Gibson, Robert McClanahan). That team was coached by Bill Marsh, who actually holds the single game school record for rushing yards with 360 in a 33-7 victory over Cleveland of Reseda back in 1964.
Conor Lowery (Miramonte, Orinda): Not only did this quarterback/defensive back have a hand in five of the six Matadors' touchdowns, he had an interception late in the game that secured a 42-34 victory over Alhambra of Martinez. Lowery threw four touchdown passes and returned a fumble 75 yards to pay dirt for the fifth score.
Mason Magleby (Del Oro, Loomis): The Golden Eagle faithful suffered through a disappointing 4-6 season and missed the playoffs, but last Friday they had a few final cheers for Magleby and the boys in a 37-9 home victory over Oakmont of Roseville. Playing in his final game, the senior signal-caller completed 20 of 29 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns and kicked a 19-yard field goal to boot.
Malcolm Marable (Alemany, Mission Hills): Rushed for 225 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead Alemany to a 33-13 victory over tough-luck St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs. The win clinched the Mission League title for the Warriors while the Swordsmen failed to make the playoffs against a challenging regular season schedule.
Mason Mills (Coronado): The Islanders quarterback accounted for 300 total yards once again as he led his team to a 41-7 rout of San Diego Morse. Mason completed 15-of-20 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns and he ran five times for 49 yards for a total of 324 yards.
Jose Mendez (Fowler): Standout running back galloped for a season high of 250 yards on 20 carries and scored one touchdown of 38 yards as Fowler beat Caruthers, 28-0, in a West Sequoia League game.
Carlos Morales (La Salle, Pasadena): Rushed for a season-high 230 yards on 27 carries, but the Knights' of Bishop Montgomery came from behind to win, 41-35.
Tim Morovick, Tahquitz (Hemet): Put up some nice numbers for the first-year school. Morovick completed 11 of 26 passes for 302 yards and TDs of 79 and 74 yards to Cody Piecukonis (four catches for 180 yards), but it wasn't enough in a 52-24 loss to Citrus Hill of Perris.
Adam Muema (Charter Oak, Covina): Piled up 268 yards on 22 carries while scoring four times in a 48-10 win over Bonita of La Verne.
Adam Mullen (Tehachapi): Enjoyed a career high by rushing for 236 yards on 29 carries and scoring two touchdowns as Tehachapi slipped by Shafter, 24-18, in a South Sequoia League game.
Akeelie Muhammed (Cypress): Powered Cypress past Pacifica of Garden Grove, 49-21, by rushing for 253 yards and five touchdowns, as Cypress captured its first Empire League title in a decade.
Jason Peters (Coleville): This QB is from an eight-man team that plays in a Nevada league, but his numbers will go into our California record book and what numbers they are. Last week, in Coleville's eight-man state semifinal game against Pahranagat Valley of Alamo, Nevada, Peters completed 31 of 44 passes for 519 yards and a whopping 10 touchdowns. Problem was that his team still lost, 128-74. Pahranagat Valley set a national eight-man scoring record in the game and blew open a 62-52 game at halftime by recovering five onside kicks in the third quarter.
Patrick Peterson (Ventura): When Santa Barbara's John Uribe put the ball up 49 times, Peterson was there to pick off five of them and help Ventura collect a 52-28 Channel League win. The interception total places him on the all-time single game state list, but the reported state record is six by Weston Borba of Chowchilla, who accomplished the remarkable feat during a 30-17 victory over Oakhurst Yosemite during the 1998 season.
Gregory Portis (Servite, Anaheim): Slippery back rushed for 232 yards and hit pay dirt four times in the Friars' 48-31 victory over St. John Bosco of Bellflower. Servite opens the post-season against Lakewood in an attractive CIFSS Pac-Five Division playoff game.
Keith Price (St. John Bosco, Bellflower): Price was mentioned as a Mr. Football candidate by CalHiSports.com, but he just might be the best individual player in the state that won't enjoy the luxury of competing in the playoffs. The Braves finished 2-3 in league play and were not chose for the single at-large bid in the CIFSS Pac-Five Division playoffs. St. John Bosco was downed by Servite of Anaheim, 48-31, last week but Price did his best to keep his team in contention, accounting for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and also game a team-high 135 yards rushing.
Kevin Ramay & Max Leffler (Grace Brethren, Simi Valley): The two tried everything they could, putting up big numbers, but it wasn't enough in a 42-40 loss to Santa Paula. Ramay completed 27 of 40 passes for 336 yards and two TDs while running for two others. Leffler caught 10 passes for 133 yards and two TDs.
Adam Ramirez (Kaiser, Fontana): Gained 229 yards on 18 carries, scoring four times, in a 35-14 victory over Patriot of Riverside. Anthony Brown added 117 yards on 21 carries as the 'Cats rushed for 435 yards.
Deon Randall (Francis Parker, San Diego): The Lancers quarterback scored five touchdowns in a 45-21 win over Christian in a game that decided the Coastal League title. He finished with 18 carries for 158 yards.
Jontell Reedom (Tulare): There aren't many career highs he can break but he did last week by scoring six touchdowns of 64, 12, 25, 8, 1, 10 yards against cross-town rival Tulare Western. The Redskins won, 63-0, in the East Yosemite League game and finished the regular season with a 10-0 record.
Ryan Rodriguez (Freedom, Oakley): Senior signal-caller passed for 295 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-15 victory over Liberty of Brentwood. He now has 2,516 yards passing this season with 29 touchdowns for the 9-1 Falcons. Add in 397 yards rushing with five TDs and his totals are 2,913 yards and 34 touchdowns. Rodriquez will get at least one more game to add to his totals when Freedom opens the NCS Div. I playoffs at home this Friday against James Logan of Union City.
Kaleb Sawday (Templeton): Chalked up 337 yards by completing 19 of 28 passes with three touchdowns, but it wasn't enough in a 42-41 loss to Nipomo. Kris Dearie caught seven passes for 160 yards and a 73-yard TD.
Sean Schroeder (Dana Hills, Dana Point): Passing for 319 yards, including scoring tosses of 39, 25 and 15 yards, but the Dolphins were no match for Tesoro, losing to the state-ranked Titans, 56-26.
Rickey Seale (Escondido): The junior running back once again showed he's one of the most explosive players in San Diego as he carried 17 times for 321 yards and four touchdowns in the Cougars' 45-14 Avocado League win over San Pasqual of Escondido. The son of former NFL defensive back Sammy Seale scored on runs of 81, 62, 32 and 35 yards.
David Sjelin (Modesto Christian): A safety on defense, Sjelin picked off three passes to lead the Crusaders past Ripon Christian, 51-19, in their regular season finale. Sjelin also had two touchdown catches on offense.
Tyrell Smallwood Jr. (Pinole Valley, Pinole): According to the Contra Costa Times, Smallwood Jr. ran every way but backwards against the host Hercules Titans on Friday night in the Spartans' regular-season-ending 42-0 win - and he did it all in the first half. He galloped four times to pay dirt and gained 221 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Zack Smith (Laguna Beach): A 304-yard rushing night, with TDs of 83, 10 and one yard, wasn't enough as the Artists were downed by Costa Mesa, 38-30.
Joe Southwick, Brett Trimble & Garrison Goodman (San Ramon Valley, Danville): They say anything can happen in a rivalry game and that's just what happened when this trio combined to lead SRV to its biggest victory of the year, a 26-7 mild upset of cross-town arch-rival and state-ranked Monte Vista. The win also ended a three-game losing streak. Boise State-bound signal-caller Southwick completed 16 of 22 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 50 yards and a second score. Fullback Trimble ran for two TDs and caught a Southwick pass for a third score while linebacker Garrison picked off Mustang quarterback Brett Nottingham twice.
Tra Sumler (Rosemead): Helped the Panthers finish unbeaten in the Mission Valley League and clinch their first outright league title in three seasons with a 248-yard, three touchdown performance. Rosemead defeated Arroyo of El Monte, 50-12, and finished the regular season 8-2 heading into the CIFSS Mid-Valley League Division playoffs.
Erwin Taliaoa (Overfelt, San Jose): The Royals won't be going to the playoffs so there is a possibility Omari Carr of Oak Grove may pass the current CCS' reported rushing leader. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder finished in fine fashion, rushing for 254 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-0 whitewash of cross-town Lick. Taliaoa ended his senior season with 1,820 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Nick Tenhaeff (Atascadero): Power-packed senior had a stellar night to lead the Greyhounds past Paso Robles, 38-21, in a game that decided the Pac 7 League title. Behind his offensive line and fullback Trevor Holloway (who had many crushing blocks), Tenhaeff rushed for 258 yards and five TDs. Holloway, Tenhaeff and Michael Lombardi led a defense that held Paso to 17 points below its league average. Holloway had 12 tackles including one for loss and one batted down pass. Lombardi had 11 tackles plus a sack and Tenhaeff chimed in with five tackles and a sack. Tenhaeff's night brings his season totals to 1,653 yards and 24 rushing TDs.
John Uribe & Bryson Lloyd (Santa Barbara): Uribe and Lloyd posted some big numbers but it was all for naught in a 52-28 loss to Ventura. Uribe completed 25 of 49 for 324 yards and four TDs while Lloyd gobbled in 11 of the tosses for 165 yards in a losing effort.
Anthony Wilkerson (Tustin): You'd think rushing for 307 yards, including scores of 78, 26 and three yards, would be enough to deliver a win but the Tillers fell 28-23 to El Dorado of Placentia.
Marquise Williams (Monrovia): Rushed for 193 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-19 victory over San Marino. That was actually his total in the third quarter as the Titans lead 7-0 at halftime before reeling off 27 third quarter points. Williams finished with 293 yards and four touchdowns, finishing the regular season as the Rio Hondo League's leading rusher.
Jonathan Wimberly (Wasco): Blew up for a career high of 306 yards rushing on 26 carries and scored three touchdowns of one, 26, 47 yards against Shafter. Wasco won the South Sequoia League game, 37-26.
Anthony Vitto (Chaminade, Mission Hills): His 292-yard, five-touchdown performance under center led the Eagles to a 39-34 victory over St. Francis of La Canada in the Mission League. Vitto's passing performance helped the victors overcome a 293-yard rushing effort by St. Francis' Dietrich Riley.
Ryan Zirbel (Saugus): Helped the Centurions finish with an unbeaten slate in the Foothill League for the first time since joining the loop in 1992 by rushing for 231 yards and three touchdowns in a 56-28 victory over Canyon of Canyon Country. Zirbel hit pay dirt from 80, 52, and four yards as Saugus enters the CIFSS Northern Division playoffs with a 7-3 overall mark.
CA, football, state record book, state records, stat stars, James Boyd, Ryan Zirbel, John Uribe
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Updated CIF State Bowl Game Rankings
November 19, 2008 3:56 PM
By Mark Tennis, Ronnie Flores & Steve Brand
This is the 30th year in which CalHiSports.com has been providing weekly state rankings. At the end of the season, we will be releasing final rankings according to our traditional five divisions based on league and playoff strength. Check this site on Wednesdays during the current season for updates.
Division I North
1. (1) De La Salle (Concord) 9-1
2. (2) Oak Grove (San Jose) 10-0
3. (3) Grant (Sacramento) 9-0
4. (5) Bellarmine (San Jose) 9-1
5. (6) Junipero Serra (San Mateo) 7-3
6. (4) Monte Vista (Danville) 8-2
7. (7) Pittsburg 9-1
8. (8) Foothill (Pleasanton) 8-2
9. (9) Merced 9-1
10. (10) North Salinas (Salinas) 9-1
Others: California (San Ramon) 6-4, Freedom (Oakley) 9-1, Granite Bay 9-1, Lincoln (Stockton) 9-1, Milpitas 9-1, Napa 9-1, Nevada Union (Grass Valley) 9-1, San Ramon Valley (Danville) 7-3.
Rundown: San Ramona Valley (Danville) shocked Monte Vista (Danville), 26-7, and California (San Ramon) played a close game with De La Salle (Concord), eventually losing 21-14, leaving this division with a lot of questions but not a lot of changes because Monte Vista was the only top 10 team to lose. Grant (Sacramento) won its showdown with Burbank (Sacramento), 35-13, and its reward? It opens the Sac-Joaquin playoffs against dangerous Granite Bay, which has rebounded from its one-point upset loss to Roseville to win its last two games. Oak Grove, Bellarmine, Serra and North Salinas all have challenging opening games, meanwhile, in the Central Coast Section open division. Rounding out the field in that division is Valley Christian of San Jose, Palma of Salinas, Gilroy and Milpitas.
Division I South
1. (1) Poly (Long Beach) 10-0
2. (2) Centennial (Corona) 10-0
3. (3) Tesoro (Las Flores) 10-0
4. (4) Chaparral (Temecula) 9-1
5. (5) A.B. Miller (Fontana) 10-0
6. (9) Mission Viejo 9-1
7. (10) Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley) 10-0
8. (11) Redlands East Valley (Redlands) 9-1
9. (15) Rancho Cucamonga 9-0-1
10. (12) Narbonne (Harbor City) 9-1
11. (13) Thousand Oaks 9-1
12. (14) Oxnard 10-0
13. (nr) Buchanan (Clovis) 8-2
14. (nr) Esperanza (Anaheim) 7-3
15. (nr) San Pedro 9-1
Others: Bullard (Fresno) 8-2, Clovis East (Clovis) 7-3, Clovis West (Fresno) 7-3, Edison (Huntington Beach) 7-3, La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad) 8-2, Los Osos (Rancho Cucamonga) 8-2, Los Alamitos 8-2, Loyola (Los Angeles) 6-4, San Clemente 8-2, Taft (Woodland Hills) 9-1, Vista Murrieta (Murrieta) 8-2.
Rundown: A lot of times it isn't so much losing as when you lose. Just ask Edison of Huntington Beach. Despite some quality wins and a top 25 overall rating for portions of the regular season, coach Dave White's club is on the outside looking in at the brutal CIF Southern Section Pac-Five playoffs, the toughest playoff division in the state. Edison might still be one of the better teams in this division, but the Chargers are not the only talented Pac-Five club turning in their uniforms as evidenced in the Div. II South ratings. With the top five teams winning their final regular season games, there is no movement at the top of these ratings, but with numbers 6-8 tumbling, four teams took advantage with three spot jumps. Another team coming up is unbeaten Oxnard. The Yellowjackets head into the CIFSS Northern Division seeded No. 3. Some question Oxnard's strength of schedule, but with Div. III South front-runner St. Bonaventure and fast rising Div. II Moorpark seeded ahead of them in the Northern Division, the Yellowjackets will have plenty of opportunity to prove their worth.
Division II North
1. (1) Casa Roble (Orangevale) 10-0
2. (2) St. Mary's (Stockton) 8-2
3. (3) Valley Christian (San Jose) 8-2
4. (4) Whitney (Rocklin) 10-0
5. (5) Novato 8-2
6. (6) Campolindo (Moraga) 9-1
7. (7) Inderkum (Sacramento) 9-1
8. (8) Paradise 9-1
9. (9) Miramonte (Orinda) 8-2
10. (10) Encinal (Alameda) 10-0
Others: Bear River (Lake of the Pines) 8-2, Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland) 9-1, Escalon 10-0, Lassen (Susanville) 8-3.
Rundown: For the second straight week, all of the top 10 teams win? What's going on? Well, the good teams have separated and when they don't play each other, it takes an upset and these teams have avoided that. Now that the playoffs are on across the state, things could change very quickly. Some sections have byes but not the Sac-Joaquin where Inderkum got the No. 2 seed in Division III but opens with dangerous Rio Americano (8-2). Paradise is already in the semifinals of the Northern Section Division I where it meets Enterprise of Redding, which won a shootout over Foothill (Palo Cedro), 41-40.
Division II South
1. (2) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 10-0
2. (4) Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) 10-0
3. (6) Lutheran (Orange) 8-2
4. (1) Oceanside 9-0-1
5. (5) Servite (Anaheim) 7-3
6. (7) Moorpark 9-1
7. (3) Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 7-3
8. (8) Alemany (Mission Hills) 9-1
9. (12) Tulare Union 10-0
10. (14) Citrus Hill (Perris) 10-0
11. (9) Bishop Amat (La Puente) 8-2
12. (nr) Atascadero 8-2
13. (nr) Helix (La Mesa) 8-1-1
14. (15) Edison (Fresno) 8-2
15. (13) Paso Robles 8-2
Others: Charter Oak (Covina) 9-0-1, Crespi (Encino) 6-4, El Diamante (Visalia) 9-1, Hanford 9-1, Laguna Hills 9-0, North (Torrance) 9-1, Palm Springs 7-3, St. John Bosco (Bellflower) 7-3.
Rundown: Top-ranked Notre Dame will get to compare scores, provided it gets past Compton, with state No. 1 Long Beach Poly since the Jackrabbits open the postseason with the same Bishop Amat team in which the Knights rolled up 56 points against. Of course, Poly easily handled then-unbeaten Compton when it clashed in Moore League play so the Notre Dame-Poly debate might not get settled unless the two actually meet on the field. An ideal scenario would be to seed the top 16 teams into the Pac-5 Division because each year teams with solid resumes such as Crespi of Encino and St. John Bosco this season and Los Alamitos last season, are left out of the playoffs. When "weak" teams don't make the playoffs or get bypassed for a CIF bowl game the old battle cry is usually "play a tougher schedule". One of these days the response will be, "sure, like Crespi and St. John Bosco". The season moves on and there are some great first-round playoff games, especially in the Southern Section, so this topsy-turvy division could get shaken up again next week. Cathedral Catholic moving up past Oceanside could have far-reaching implications since the two will not meet in the CIF San Diego Section playoffs. Waiting down the road for Cathedral, however, is the same Ramona team that tied Oceanside 33-33, when the Pirates couldn't stop the clock in time to attempt a game-winning 30-yard field goal. Oceanside would love nothing more than Ramona recording a postseason win over Cathedral Catholic and a second consecutive CIFSS Pac-Five Division title for Long Beach Poly.
Division III North
1. (1) Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) 10-0
2. (2) Palma (Salinas) 8-2
3. (3) Central Catholic (Modesto) 9-1
4. (4) Sutter 8-1
5. (6) Carmel 8-1
6. (5) Marin Catholic (Kentfield) 7-2
7. (7) West Valley (Cottonwood) 9-2
8. (8) Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton) 9-0-1
9. (9) King's Academy (Sunnyvale) 9-0-1
10. (10) Hilmar 9-1
Others: Colfax 6-4, Menlo School (Atherton) 6-4, Piedmont 7-3*, St. Patrick-St. Vincent (Vallejo) 7-3, Willows 9-1.
Rundown: Yes, Marin Catholic (Kentfield) lost but since Novato is the No. 5 team in Division II, and few teams have much luck playing up a division, the Wildcats didn't fall far. Carmel did move up because as the season has gone along the team's loss to North Salinas is hurting less and less. The Padres also have QB Ken Johnston, who is moving up on the state career TD pass list. Trouble is, Marin Catholic is in the tough North Coast Division III playoffs where most of the teams are state Division II, so the Wildcats are seeded fifth. Cardinal Newman, which plays in the North Coast Division II playoffs, gets the week off as the No. 1 seed. The Southern Section's Pac-5 doesn't have the corner on tough playoffs. Palma just has to work its way past teams like Bellarmine (see Division I) and Oak Grove (ditto) in the Central Coast Open Division playoffs. Cardinal Newman is looking more and more like this bracket's state bowl team, as much because the Cardinals are very good as the closest pursuers have a very bumpy road ahead.
Division III South
1. (1) St. Bonaventure (Ventura) 9-1
2. (2) Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) 10-0
3. (3) Serra (Gardena) 10-0
4. (5) Bakersfield Christian 9-1
5. (6) Harvard-Westlake (N. Hollywood) 7-2-1
6. (7) St. Joseph (Santa Maria) 9-1
7. (9) Corcoran 10-0
8. (4) Exeter 9-1
9. (10) Chowchilla 9-1
10. (nr) Paraclete (Lancaster) 7-3
Others: Fowler 9-1, Maranatha (Sierra Madre) 9-1, St. Paul (Santa Fe Springs) 4-6, Taft 7-3, Twentynine Palms 7-3.
Rundown: There were a few shakeups in this division but nothing entirely unexpected. Top-ranked St. Bonaventure rolled past San Marcos of Santa Barbara, 50-0, and has now scored in 198 consecutive games in addition to winning its last 61 league contests. If you don't come to play and are looking ahead to the post-season against teams like Central Valley Christian of Visalia or Brentwood of Los Angeles you'll likely pay the price as previous No. 4 Exeter and bubble club Maranatha of Sierra Madre found out. No. 2 Oaks Christian is the top-seeded team in the CIFSS Northwest Division playoffs, but possible hurdles such as Harvard-Westlake, Div. II North Torrance and Serra of Gardena await the Lions. Can Oaks Christian or Serra do anything to unseat St. Bonnies? If anything, the Seraphs could strengthen their case even more in the poat-season since they are in the same CIFSS playoff division as Moorpark, Oxnard and Atascadero.
Small Schools North
1. (1) Ferndale 10-0
2. (2) Modesto Christian 9-1
3. (3) Hamilton (Hamilton City) 8-2
4. (4) Modoc (Alturas) 10-0
5. (5) St. Vincent (Petaluma) 9-1
Others: Big Valley Christian (Modesto) 9-0, Capital Christian (Sacramento) 5-5, Lindhurst (Olivehurst) 7-3, Portola 9-1, Rio Vista 9-1, Vacaville Christian 8-1.
Rundown: Well, Ferndale certainly showed the victory over McKinleyville earlier in the year was well-deserved as the Wildcats did even better, winning 54-14. Modesto Christian rebounded from its loss to D2 Escalon by racing past Ripon Christian, 51-19. The Northern Section schools, meanwhile, that drew byes are back in action this week in semifinal play.
Small Schools South
1. (2) St. Margaret's (SJ Capistrano) 10-0
2. (4) Parker (San Diego) 9-1
3. (1) Santa Clara (Oxnard) 9-1
4. (5) Aquinas (San Bernardino) 9-1
5. (nr) Central Valley Christian (Visalia) 8-2
Others: Boron 9-1, Brentwood (Los Angeles) 9-1, Christian (El Cajon) 9-1, Linfield Christian (Temecula) 8-2, Mission Prep (San Luis Obispo) 8-1, Saddleback Valley Christian (SJ Capistrano) 10-0, Santa Fe Christian (Solana Beach) 6-4.
Rundown: Santa Clara finally loses its No. 1 spot after a narrow 14-13 win over Carpinteria plus the likelihood that it will run into Oaks Christian again or Serra of Gardena or another top larger school in the CIF Southern Section Northwest Division playoffs. The new No. 1 ranking is shown for St. Margaret's, but it's about as close to a tie for the top as we will ever get. This is due to Parker's impressive 45-21 victory over previous No. 3 Christian of El Cajon, which also was unbeaten. Keep in mind that Parker's lone loss came in the first game to big school Westview of San Diego, which is now 8-2 and that loss was by just 27-24. While St. Margaret's will play in a stronger playoff division this year in the Southern Section -- perhaps facing Aquinas at some point -- the Tartans have not and will not be playing anyone as good as Westview. Dropping Christian down out of the top five might seem harsh, but Central Valley Christian just beat 9-0 Exeter, 14-7, and already has a win over 9-1 Chowchilla. That team's only losses are to Div. III South contender Bakersfield Christian and to Div. II Kingsburg.
Comments or corrections? Email mark@studentsports.com and make sure to leave a comment so others can check out what you have to say.
state rankings, CIF state bowl games, football, St. Margaret's, Parker, Notre Dame Sherman Oaks, Cathedral Catholic
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New NorCal & SoCal Overall FB Rankings
November 19, 2008 12:32 AM
By Mark Tennis, Ronnie Flores & Steve Brand
This week's new listings follow below. After games of Saturday, Nov. 15. Previous ranking in parentheses.
This year, since we now have the CIF Open Division bowl game that will match the highest ranked Northern California team vs. the highest ranked from Southern California, we will place teams according to the CIF's split of north and south, which is to put Central Section schools in the south. We maintain that due to population factors that the Central Section should be in the north and have always split teams in our rankings that way. This year, however, because of the bowl game, the NorCal and SoCal overall rankings obviously have to be done according to the CIF's boundaries.
Northern California Overall Top 15
(CIF North Open Division)
1. (1) De La Salle (Concord) 9-1
2. (2) Oak Grove (San Jose) 10-0
3. (3) Grant (Sacramento) 9-0
4. (5) Bellarmine (San Jose) 9-1
5. (6) Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) 10-0
6. (7) Junipero Serra (San Mateo) 7-3
7. (4) Monte Vista (Danville) 8-2
8. (8) Pittsburg 9-1
9. (9) Foothill (Pleasanton) 8-2
10. (10) Merced 9-1
11. (11) Casa Roble (Orangevale) 10-0
12. (12) Palma (Salinas) 8-2
13. (13) Central Catholic (Modesto) 9-1
14. (14) St. Mary's (Stockton) 8-2
15. (15) North Salinas (Salinas) 9-1
Rundown: Previous No. 4 Monte Vista slipped into turnover mode for its regular season final against arch-rival San Ramon Valley and went down to a 26-7 defeat. The result, though, didn't have too much impact on the rankings or on Monte Vista getting the No. 2 seed behind De La Salle in the CIF North Coast Section Division I playoffs. This is because the Mustangs already own quality wins over both Pittsburg and Foothill of Pleasanton and California of San Ramon. They may have lost to the Wolves, but they can't drop lower than two other teams they have beaten. It's also too bad that no other NorCal top 15 teams from last week lost because that prevented SRV from being ranked itself. Kudos still should go out to head coach Dave Kravitz, QB Joe Southwick and the rest of the Wolves for their big win. The CIF NorCal open division slot is still firmly De La Salle's with a big matchup this week looming in the Sac-Joaquin Section for No. 3 Grant against previously state-ranked Granite Bay. The Pacers still probably need Oak Grove to lose in the CCS open division playoffs to get into the bowl games. If Granite Bay wins, then one-loss teams like Bellarmine will have a much greater chance of getting a bowl bid.
Southern California Overall Top 20
(CIF South Open Division)
1. (1) Poly (Long Beach) 10-0
2. (2) Centennial (Corona) 10-0
3. (5) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 10-0
4. (4) St. Bonaventure (Ventura) 9-1
5. (6) Tesoro (Las Flores) 10-0
6. (7) Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) 10-0
7. (10) Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) 10-0
8. (8) Chaparral (Temecula) 9-1
9. (12) Lutheran (Orange) 9-2
10. (13) A.B. Miller (Fontana) 10-0
11. (3) Oceanside 9-0-1
12. (11) Servite (Anaheim) 7-3
13. (17) Mission Viejo 9-1
14. (18) Moorpark 9-1
15. (9) Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 7-3
16. (19) Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley) 10-0
17. (20) Redlands East Valley (Redlands) 9-1
18. (nr) Alemany (Mission Hills) 9-1
19. (nr) Rancho Cucamonga 9-0-1
20. (nr) Narbonne (Harbor City) 9-1
Rundown: Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks replaces defending CIF Div. II state champion Oceanside in the No. 3 spot after the Pirates played to a tie in their last regular season game. The 33-33 tie against Ramona hurt Oceanside's chances to make a second consecutive Div. II title game appearance and all but killed its outside chance to appear in the open division game. There is a good chance at least one CIF Southern Section contender (Long Beach Poly, Tesoro, Centennial, Oaks Christian, etc.) will
finish as an undefeated champion, not to mention No. 7 Cathedral Catholic in the San Diego Section Div. III playoffs. St. Bonaventure is the only top-ranked club with a loss (by just five points to top-ranked Long Beach Poly) and it looks like fast-rising Moorpark is a viable opponent for the Seraphs in the CIFSS Northern Division title game so even with that loss they would have a strong resume. Moorpark's only regular season setback was to Notre Dame by three points. It will be real interesting in the Golden Knights defeat Long Beach Poly on their way to the CIFSS Pac-Five Division title and No. 2 Centennial of Corona wins the Inland Division title as expected. Will it be enough to unseat the Huskies? The Huskies' playoff division is not as tough overall, but they've been ranked ahead of Notre Dame the entire season so it would be an interesting ratings scenario to say the least.
Comments or corrections? Email mark@studentsports.com and be sure to leave a comment so others can check out what you have to say.
state rankings, Northern California, Southern California, Football, Notre Dame Sherman Oaks, Alemany, De La Salle, Rancho Cucamonga
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New Overall State Top 25 FB Rankings
November 18, 2008 3:10 AM
(Compiled by Mark Tennis, Ronnie Flores, Steve Brand, Harold Abend & Paul Muyskens; After games of Saturday, Nov. 15; Previous ranking in parentheses; These rankings are done regardless of CIF enrollment divisions; Check back Tuesday for our exclusive CIF Bowl Game ratings and our NorCal-SoCal regional rankings.)
1. (1) Poly (Long Beach) 10-0
For the second straight year, the Jackrabbits are entering the rugged CIF Southern Section Pac-Five Division playoffs as the top seed. This time, they also are defending champion and are looking to seal up their first appearance in the CIF State Championship Bowl Games. Head coach Raul Lara's team closed the regular season with a 29-13 victory over Jordan of Long Beach as Melvin Richardson scored on a 61-yard run on the first play from scrimmage and ended with eight carries for 149 yards and three TDs. Julian Camper's diving, finger-tip grab of a 17-yard pass from Morgan Fennell for a touchdown was another highlight. Poly, which opens the playoffs with a Bishop Amat club that was state ranked for majority of the regular season, has now made the playoffs for 29 consecutive seasons and the only reason they didn't make the post-season in 1979 was forfeits. Poly along with La Mirada of the Suburban League, tied the reported state record for most consecutive playoff appearances set by Dos Palos of the Central Section, which failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1978 with a 2-8 record.
2. (2) Centennial (Corona) 10-0
Arthur Burns was smokin' hot with 27 carries for 188 yards and three TDs as the Huskies defeated Norco, 31-7, to put the finishing touches on a perfect run through the Big VIII League. The Cougars have traditionally been a tough foe for Centennial over the years, but this time head coach Matt Logan's team was just too good on both sides of the ball. Taylor Martinez added 150 yards through the air, including a 50-yard TD pass to Ricky Marvray. The Huskies will be setting out to win their second straight CIF Southern Section Inland Division title with a first-round game against Yucaipa, the Citrus Belt League's No. 4 representative who checks in with a 5-5 record.
3. (3) De La Salle (Concord) 9-1
It could be the fact that the Spartans already had locked up their league title, but their last regular season game of the year was certainly nip-and-tuck to the very end. California of San Ramon, which has played everyone it has faced tough, nearly pulled out an upset before De La Salle prevailed, 21-14. With the score tied at 14-14 midway through the fourth quarter, the Spartans went ahead on a seven-yard TD run by Khyri Knowles and then prevented the Grizzlies from scoring again. Kylan Butler led DLS with 18 carries for 185 yards and two TDs. The win enabled the Spartans to earn the top seed for the CIF North Coast Section Division I playoffs. De La Salle, which has made the playoffs 27 consecutive seasons and won 16 consecutive North Coast Section titles, has a first-round bye and will play either Berkeley or Deer Valley of Antioch on Nov. 28 or Nov. 29.
4. (6) Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 10-0
This is a perfect week to elevate the Knights up to No. 4 in the state and higher in the FAB 50 national rankings as well. They just completed an extremely impressive run of wins against Serra League opponents and there's no doubt if they do play No. 1 Long Beach Poly in the CIF Pac-Five Division final that it would be a great game. Head coach Kevin Rooney's team iced the league title after defeating Bishop Amat, 56-21. Trailing 7-0 early in the game, the Knights didn't play from behind for long as Ryan Kasdorf connected with Chris McNeil for a 10-yard touchdown pass and then McNeil gave them the lead with an interception return for six points. Kasdorf was nearly perfect throwing the ball, as he completed 17 of 20 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns and finished the regular season with 2,931 yards and 32 touchdowns. McNeill finished with nine catches for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Notre Dame earned the No. 2 seed in the CIFSS Pac-Five playoffs behind Poly and will now play host to Compton in the opening round. The Tarbabes are tough, but pollsters and fans alike already are salivating at the possibility of a Notre Dame-Orange Lutheran quarterfinal match up.
5. (5) St. Bonaventure (Ventura) 9-1
The Seraphs scored at least 50 points for the third week in a row while picking up their first shutout of the year as they defeated San Marcos of Santa Barbara, 50-0. Everyone saw action in the regular season finale, including sophomore backup signal caller Tieler Souza, who ran for three touchdowns including one from 84 yards out. As a team, the Seraphs rushed for 321 yards while their defense held San Marcos to just 39 yards on 23 carries. With the victory, coach Todd Therrien's club captured its 13th consecutive league title, including every Channel League title since joining the loop during the 2002 season. The top seed in the Northern Division playoffs, the Seraphs will open up with a game against 7-3 Newbury Park.
6. (7) Oak Grove (San Jose) 10-0
An easy 56-0 romp past Westmont of Campbell wrapped up the regular season for the Eagles, which is their largest win of the season. Allen Chapman got the Eagles on the scoreboard first with a 92-yard interception return and he followed it up with a one-yard touchdown run for his second of three touchdowns on the night. Omari Carr, despite only rushing nine times, still scampered for 120 yards and one score. Jabari Carr found the end zone back-to-back, as he scored on a 61-yard catch and run and on a 59-yard punt return. Oak Grove, which has won 22 consecutive games, will be the top seed in the CCS open division playoffs that start Friday night as host to dangerous Palma of Salinas. It's been a long time since the Eagles have had to play much in the second half while Palma is a team used to playing in close games in the fourth quarter. This could be an upset special among the state's top-ranked clubs but Oak Grove won't take the visitors lightly.
7. (8) Grant (Sacramento) 10-0
It would of been a tough task for the Pacers to top their 89-0 win from the previous week but they did defeat a solid Burbank team 35-13. Junior Devontae Butler led the way for the Pacers as he rushed for 217 yards and scored four touchdowns. Grant will open the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Div. II playoffs at home against 9-1 Granite Bay. This was a much-anticipated potential title game match up until three weeks ago when Granite Bay was upset in a one-point loss to Roseville. Granite Bay also is the defending champion in this division and it's probably the best first-round playoff game in Northern California.
8. (9) Tesoro (Las Flores) 10-0
All eyes will be on the Titans' first-round game in the CIF Southern Section Pac-Five Division playoffs since they are matched up with 8-2 Los Alamitos. This, of course, means it will be a father-son showdown between head coach Brian Barnes of Tesoro and his father, John Barnes of Los Alamitos, the winningest head coach in Orange County history. The Titans completed their perfect regular season with a 56-26 demolition of Dana Hills of Dana Point. QB Robbie Picazo hit on 18 of 23 passes for 251 yards and three TDs while RB Zach Mitchell rushed for 118 yards on 19 carries and scored twice. The defense also chipped in with points as Trevor Weis went 60 yards for six points on an interception return while Brett Gudim went 35 yards to the end zone on another interception. Earlier in the season, coach John Barnes jokingly said his wife would never forgive him if he beat Brian's team and if Los Al's loses you can bet father will help his son prepare for a probably match up in the quarterfinals with Mater Dei of Santa Ana.
9. (10) Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) 10-0
The Lions took advantage of great starting field position almost all game long to score a season-high 62 points in a 62-8 rout of Ojai Nordhoff. Nate Montana connected with Brian Owusu for a 71-yard touchdown early on, setting the tone for Nordhoff to go for it on every fourth down opportunity it had. The strategy backfired as the Lions scored on five drives of less than 35 yards, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Jordan Morrison, starting in place of the injured Malcolm Jones, rushed for 95 yards and scored four touchdowns. Oaks Christian will open postseason action against a South of Torrance squad that was just 5-5 in the regular season. The Lions are gunning for their sixth straight Southern Section title and could break a section record they currently hold with Paraclete of Lancaster, which won five consecutive titles between 1997 and 2001.
10. (12) Bellarmine (San Jose) 9-1
Usua Amanam and the Bells are back in the top 10 after finishing the regular season with a 42-7 win over St. Francis of Mountain View. Amanam carried the ball just seven times, but rushed for 118 yards and scored the first two touchdowns of the game on a 35-yard run and a 40-yard punt return. With the two scores, he set a new league record with 21 touchdowns and will enter postseason play with 26 touchdowns. The Bells are seeded third and will open up what should be a challenging road in the Central Coast Section Open Division playoffs against 9-1 Milpitas.
11. (17) Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) 10-0
Cathedral Catholic erupted for 35 points in the third quarter to put up a season-high point total in a 70-37 win over Scripps Ranch of San Diego. The Dons were leading 28-21 at halftime before Josh Jacko returned the second half kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and senior running back Tyler Gaffney followed with three touchdown runs of 51, four and 41 yards. Gaffney finished with 26 carries for 225 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored four first-half touchdowns on runs of five, 12, one and one yards and scored 42 regular season touchdowns. Cathedral Catholic, the Eastern League champions, was awarded the No. 1 seed in the CIF San Diego Section Div. III playoffs and have a first-round bye. The Dons, who are now the section's top-ranked club after Oceanside played to a tie last week, will play Nov. 28 against the Point Loma-Castle Park winner and like the Pirates will now root for Long Beach Poly to win the CIFSS Pac-Five Division playoffs.
12. (13) Chaparral (Temecula) 9-1
With their 35-3 win over cross-town Great Oak this past Friday, the Pumas enter the Inland Division playoffs as the No. 3 seed, having outscored their last two opponents 88-3 en route to the Southwestern League title. QB Mitch Glasmann tossed TDs of 65 and seven yards and ran one in from six yards out while running back Jonathan Diaz rushed for 182 yards on just 15 carries, scoring twice as Chaparral gained one spot in the rankings without having to break much of a sweat. This is a school that has marched to the division finals and semifinals the last two years, so the Pumas know they have to stay focused against Vista Del Lago of Moreno Valley, which qualified as the No. 4 team from the Inland Valley League. The win over Great Oak was Chaparral's ninth straight since a 10-point setback to state No. 2 Centennial of Corona, the division's No. 1 seeded club.
13. (19) Lutheran (Orange) 8-2
It's the same ol' scenario in the Trinity League once again. In Trinity League action, Servite lost to Mater Dei (again) but defeated Orange Lutheran (again), only to see the Lancers rebound and defeat Mater Dei to create a three-way tie for first place in the rugged loop. When Parker Flynn booted a 42-yard field goal on Thursday night with two seconds remaining, it created another scenario where a three-way tie for the league crown was possible after Servite defeated St. John Bosco the next day. It wasn't easy as Mater Dei led most of the way, but Flynn's boot means that Lutheran still hasn't lost to Mater Dei since the league was formed three seasons ago. It also gave the Lancers their fourth consecutive win over Mater Dei dating back to 2004, not to mention a six spot jump in this week's ratings or basically the spot Mater Dei would have been in if it had held on for the win. Despite the win, Lutheran enters the playoffs as the No. 3 team from the Trinity League and opens the Pac-Five playoffs with battle-tested Fountain Valley. After Flynn's kick was good, do you think a possible second round game with Notre Dame is what Lancers fans had in mind?
14. (15) Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) 10-0
They don't have a tremendous amount of size up front on defense. In fact, Newman's biggest player, 6-foor-4, 275-pound Jacob McGowan plays mostly offense, but he occasionally lines up on defense with 255-pound lineman John Lawler. What the Cardinals do have are a pair of big, strong, quick running backs, Jeff Badger and Joe Ferguson, who double up as linebackers and routinely record double-digit tackles. Badger and Ferguson each scored two touchdowns in a 41-16 win against cross-town rival Carrillo as the Cardinals led 34-0 at the half before pulling their starters. Its beginning to look like this Cardinals team may be the best Coach Paul Cronin has ever had, including the one that took Oaks Christian to overtime two years ago in the Div. III state bowl game. As expected, the Cardinals received the top seed in the North Coast Section Div. II bracket after petitioning up from Div. III, the division they would be bowl eligible in should they run the table. After a bye, Newman will take on the winner of the Larkspur Redwood-Brentwood Heritage contest.
15. (16) Junipero Serra (San Mateo) 7-3
It would seem a team's record and some other computer voodoo significantly trumps strength of schedule in the way the teams are seeded in the Central Coast Section. Otherwise, how could Serra, a co-champion of the one of the toughest leagues in the state, be a seventh-seed in the Open Division? Regardless, the No. 5 ranked team in the CalHiSports.com Bay Area ratings was seeded in that spot and it means an opening round trip to Gilroy this Friday night in what should be an excellent match-up of teams with contrasting styles. We wonder if Gilroy, the No. 2 seed, really is looking forward to what will be a tougher game than any Tri-County League opponent this season. That includes North Salinas, who snagged the No. 6 seed. The Padres closed out the WCAL season by running roughshod over San Jose Mitty, leading 33-0 at the half before coasting home in a 33-14 final. Jared Braun and DonAndre Clark each had two runs to pay dirt.
16. (21) A.B. Miller (Fontana) 10-0
The Rebels showed they aren't just an offensive-oriented team as they blanked Fontana, 35-0, to record their second shutout of the season and jump up five spots in this week's ratings. Miller was given the No. 4 seed in the CIFSS Inland Division playoffs after capturing the Citrus Belt League title and there are those who believe the Rebels should have earned the No. 3 or even the No. 2 spot behind top-seeded Centennial of Corona as an undefeated club. Friday's playoff opener against Roosevelt of Corona should be interesting as it pairs two of the most prolific passers in the Southern Section in Miller's Juan Flores and Roosevelt's Andrew Corless. Against Fontana, Jacob Guzman, Raymond Del Rio and David Dash scored touchdowns, which makes it hard for Roosevelt to concentrate its defensive efforts on stopping any single player on Miller's offense.
17. (4) Oceanside 9-0-1
The final score read Oceanside 33, Ramona 33, but the result is essentially an upset loss for a Pirate team that stumbles 13 spots in this week's ratings. Oceanside might have let a second consecutive CIF State bowl bid get away with the tie that halted its 21-game winning streak and clearly puts CIF Southern Section club Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in the driver's seat for the SoCal Div. II berth. Winning the Valley League title is little consolation for a program that is the four-time defending CIF San Diego Section Div II champs and the defending state Div. II champs. Oceanside jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, but the Pirates -- whose starters had been limited to one half of play recent Valley League routs -- couldn't stop Ramona's balanced offense over the final three periods. Ramona took a 25-24 lead on a five-yard fumble return before Oceanside regained the lead at 33-25 on a touchdown and a field goal. But the Bulldogs scored and converted a two-point conversion which left Oceanside with one last chance to win the game but time expired before the Pirates could call timeout following Jordan Wynn's final completed pass. Wynn completed 23-of-31 passes for 339 yards with three touchdowns but an uncharacteristic two interceptions. Despite the tie, Oceanside was awarded the No. 1 seed in the Division II playoffs and after a bye will play the Mt. Carmel-Lincoln winner on Nov. 28.
18. (18) Servite (Anaheim) 7-3
When it was time to turn on the offense, the Friars turned to running back Gregory Portis and quarterback Cody Fajardo with glittering results in an impressive 48-31 victory over tough luck St. John Bosco of Bellflower. Servite's win clinched a three-way tie for the Trinity League title along with state-ranked Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran. A third of the league title, for the third straight season, is better than none as Servite earned a playoff spot while St. John Bosco's season ended after a terrific start. Portis gained 179 yards rushing, scoring on runs of two and 22 yards, on 25 carries. Fajardo had more than 250 yards in total offense, completing 10 of 17 passes for 183 yards and two scores in addition to rushing for 74 yards and two TDs. St. John Bosco led at intermission, 24-21, but would score just once after the break while the Friars tagged on 27 points to win going away. Servite enters the CIFSS Pac-Five Division playoffs as its league's No. 1 seed and the "reward" is a match up with Lakewood of the Moore League Friday night at Cerritos College. Lakewood enters the contest with an on-the-field record of 8-2.
19. (25) Mission Viejo 9-1
The Diablos are beginning a climb back up in the ratings following their loss to No. 8 Tesoro back on October 17 that essentially decided the South Coast League title and a high seed in the CIFSS Pac-Five Division playoffs. Instead of a probable No. 3 seed, the Diablos open with 6-4 Loyola of Los Angeles but all that seed did for Tesoro was get it a date with 8-2 Los Alamitos, which shared its league title with four other teams. That's how tough the Pac-Five playoffs are this season. In its regular season finale, Mission Viejo routed Capistrano Valley of Mission Viejo, 62-7, as Allen Bridgford passed for 223 yards and five touchdowns in less than two quarters of play. Bridgford and the offense is likely to put up points against the Loyola, so the key will likely be how well the Diablos' defense does in slowing down banged-up Loyola RB Anthony Barr.
20. (nr) Moorpark 9-1
Junior QB Brody Rohach told the L.A. Daily News that last week the Musketeers had their season's best week of practice and it showed in a 35-0 victory over Westlake. Rohach finished with 238 yards passing and two touchdowns, but it was a complete team effort as Moorpark's defense pressured Westlake QB Ben Conlin all night long and sacked him seven times. The special teams also got into the act with a 85-yard punt return by Greg Morrissey. Placing the Musketeers in the top 25 this week is a no-brainer since its only regular season loss was a 17-14 setback to a Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks club that some pundits feel is one of the nation's best. Moorpark received the No. 2 seed in the CIFSS Northern Division playoffs behind the Golden Knights and open with 5-5 Camarillo.
21. (16) Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 7-3
Following its heart-breaking 24-21 loss to Orange Lutheran to close out the regular season, the Monarchs drop five spots in these ratings but ironically, many feel Mater Dei has a chance to make some serious noise in the Pac-Five playoffs. The Monarchs have definitely improved weaknesses that were evident in its season-opening win over Carson on ESPN, but turnovers once again made the difference as Kyle Dravis picked off Mater Dei's Matt Barkley with just under 3:30 left in the fourth quarter that set up the game-wining field goal by Lutheran's Parker Flynn. It's hard not to think that the ridiculous preseason media hype bestowed on Barkley might make him feel as if he has to do something spectacular on nearly every throw, which is the feeling one gets at times when watching the talented signal-caller this season. It's a lot of pressure for any athlete to live up to, much less a high school-aged player. Barkley and company open the post-season against a dangerous Long Beach Jordan club that might give the Monarchs some problems if they get off to a slow start.
22. (11) Monte Vista (Danville) 8-2
A 26-7 loss to cross-town arch-rival San Ramon Valley didn't cost the Mustangs anything in the NCS Div. I seeding selection. What it cost Coach Craig Bergman's charges was town bragging rights, a big drop in these rankings and a likely drop in the NorCal Div. I bowl ratings. It really doesn't matter because everything in NCS Div. I will be going through De La Salle at some point. In the road loss they out gained the Wolves, piling up 427 yards, but couldn't overcome four turnovers and 10 penalties. Brett Nottingham was 21 of 30 passing for 252 yards, but he suffered three interceptions, was sacked, and on the hit fumbled to end a nine-play drive that sealed the Mustangs' fate. With or without a win they weren't getting the top seed and received the NCS Div. I No. 2 seed. They may get a chance at San Ramon Valley again, as the Wolves meet San Leandro for the right to play the Mustangs, who received a first-round bye.
23. (20) Pittsburg 9-1
The Pirate faithful are probably wondering what they did to deserve a three-spot drop, especially after rolling into Antioch and blanking the home team, 42-0, as QB Joe Lewis threw for 218 yards and four touchdowns. With a last-second loss to Monte Vista their only blemish, the Pirates snagged the NCS Div. I No. 3 seed and get a bye before facing the California (San Ramon) at Washington (Fremont) winner. Unfortunately because of that one loss, and similar to the NCS seeding selection, the Pirates must remain behind Monte Vista for now in these ratings. Monte Vista had to drop after its loss, so Pitt basically did as well.
24. (nr) Rancho Verde (Moreno Valley) 10-0
It's nothing but good news for Pete Duffy's Mustangs who wrapped up the Inland Valley League title in fine style, shutting out Canyon Springs, 35-0, to earn the No. 2 seed in the CIFSS Inland Division playoffs. Rancho Verde hosts Norco, a Big VIII League at-large selection and a program that has made the post-season 22 consecutive seasons and always puts up a good fight. A No. 2 seed is the highest form of respect for Duffy's club since the No. 1 seed is state No. 2 Centennial. The Mustangs will have something to prove in the postseason since there are two teams ranked ahead of them in the Top 25 who are seeded below them. The Mustangs enter the playoffs with glittering numbers, averaging 38.4 points per game behind RB Daniel Jenkins and TE Terrence Miller while allowing just over a touchdown (7.1 points) on defense.
25. (nr) Redlands East Valley (Redlands) 9-1
Once Gary Walker lit the spark, REV took out a lot of frustration on Eisenhower of Rialto, rolling to a 41-0 victory that catapulted the Wildcats into the Inland Division playoffs where they'll open against Santiago of Corona as the No. 6 seed. Walker's 32-yard run opened the scoring and his 69-yard punt return a few minutes later started the rout as the Wildcats handed IKE its biggest loss of the season. Getting a big bulge early allowed junior A.J. Fernandez to have his first 100-plus yard rushing game of the season as he finished with 128 yards on just 14 carries, including a two-yard touchdown. REV should have a little extra incentive this Friday night as it was Santiago that ousted the Wildcats from the playoffs last season. Santiago has major-league talent and might put it all together so REV definitely can't go in thinking about a possible quarterfinal matchup with state ranked Chaparral.
football, state rankings, De La Salle, top 25, Long Beach Poly, Oceanside, CA, Miller, Moorpark
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New Cal-Hi Sports Bay Area Top 20 FB Rankings
November 17, 2008 6:24 PM
The playoffs are here and the caravan made a stop at the NCS seeding meetings Nov. 16 in Walnut Creek after a full schedule Friday and Saturday. Watch hosts Robert Braunstein and Amy Calderone each week on Sunday at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on YourTV 20, San Francisco. Replays are shown during the week on Comcast SportsNet on cable systems throughout Northern California.
By Harold Abend, Special to CalHisports.com
A last minute switch on Friday afternoon had us climbing the hills up from the Lafayette Reservoir overlooking the beautiful Rheem and Moraga valleys.
There, while talking on the field prior to the game with the home coach, Campolindo of Moraga's Kevin Macy, CalHiSports.com almost caused the 13-year Cougar coach and dad to miss the Senior Walk on Senior Night.
Macy raced over and found his son, Miles, and his wife, and arm-in-arm they walked the walk.
The team started sluggish, but Miles, a senior wide receiver, didn't miss a beat or a single ball thrown his way. He caught four passes for 65 yards from junior signal-caller Tommy Stephens, including a 19-yard touchdown in a 44-24 come-from-behind victory over neighboring arch-rival Acalanes of Lafayette.
The victory gave Campo, as they're called in Contra Costa County, its first outright Diablo Foothill Athletic League title since 2004.
For Coach Macy, it's his fourth overall league championship in his tenure, having been co-champs also on two occasions.
The game the caravan was originally scheduled to visit put a certain Boise State-bound quarterback whom the pundits, prognosticators and self-proclaimed experts had written off, back in the spotlight.
Reality is there had been a disruption in the force, or in actuality, the predictability of the powerful East Bay Athletic League, after two Friday night matchups involving four of the tops teams left the water a little muddied.
That is until Sunday's NCS Div. I seeding meeting.
On Saturday, it was a bright sunny 80-degrees in Novato and the Hornets took advantage of not only the weather, but the Wildcats as well, disposing of Marin Catholic 21-0 while not playing that terribly crisp.
The one thing that befuddled me at the seeding meetings was where Novato was seeded in Div. III by the committee.
In selecting Encinal (Alameda) the top seed, they had a case, even though the Jets have flown real low all season schedule-wise, and admitted their toughest game was against a Piedmont team that lost 21-7 to a Drake team that lost 62-7 to Novato. The committee also cited the coaches listing Encinal either one or two in their rankings as a factor in their selection.
Then in choosing Miramonte (Orinda) the second-seed, somehow they got hung up on the margin of loss by Miramonte (7-14) and Novato (13-48) to Foothill (Pleasanton). That one criteria was the trump, rather than or any other actual criteria, such as Novato being a league champion that qualified six teams in various NCS playoffs.
Or, the fact Novato was coming off a non-lopsided 22-13 loss to powerful Valley Christian (San Jose) prior to Foothill, a Warrior team in a tier way above the NCS Div. II field based on strength of schedule.
The committee could have looked at the coaches rankings like they did for Encinal, who split the first and second choices amongst the coaches with Novato, while Miramonte got mostly five's from the coaches.
The fact Novato made a strong showing in the CIF Div. II Bowl Game and returned almost the entire team probably couldn't be used as a factor, but amongst knowledgeable football people it probably should be.
For his part, third-year Encinal Coach Joe Tenorio got what he asked for even though originally the Jets thought joining the Bay Shore League this year would weaken their chances come NCS playoffs.
After getting the top seed Tenorio wasn't so sure it was the best thing even though he told the committee in his presentation, he felt his team deserved top billing.
"Getting the top seed is something to be proud of, but I'm not crazy about the bye, Tenorio told CalHiSports.com. "We don't play well with byes.
Novato Coach Travis Brackett wasn't happy with the snub but in many ways the situation fits his team. "I'm disappointed and felt we should have been higher, but in a way its better, Brackett said. "We really didn't want a bye.
There's another guy we interviewed who would rather not come to the seeding meetings.
Every year, this one coach comes to his division's meeting and sits by himself in a corner. Unlike most other coaches who bring an entourage of assistants, this coach usually brings no one.
Not only that, when it's his turn to speak, he rarely uses more than 20-30 seconds of the allotted two minutes given to address the committee.
"I really don't want to come, he said with a chuckle. "The coaches' influence is minimal. The committee just wants the facts.
And when De La Salle's Bob Ladouceur gave them the facts, the D1 committee gave the Spartans the top seed as expected.
Monte Vista of Danville, despite losing to cross-town arch-rival San Ramon Valley, got the second-seed followed by Pittsburg and Foothill. That's what head-to-head wins do for you.
While the NCS had a few glitches like the Novato seeding, by-and-large it went as expected.
Byes in the NCS will make this a week to pay attention to the matchups in the CCS and there are plenty of those.
We'll outline those contests in this week's rankings.
Football Top 20 Teams
(Through games of Nov. 15)
(Previous ranking in parentheses)
1) De la Salle (Concord) 9-1 (1)
The Spartans finished up their first year in the East Bay Athletic League unbeaten, but it didn't come without a few tussles. This was especially true in a 21-14 victory against upset-minded California, a team Coach Lad in the seeding meeting compared to Don Bosco Prep of New Jersey, the only team to beat his squad this season. Tied 14-14 on the road at San Ramon with 5:17 left in the game, Sparta marched swiftly to the California end zone in less than a minute-and-a-half. Khyri Knowles had a 40-yard scamper in the drive and the deciding touchdown on a 7-yard run to paydirt. Kylan Butler rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. The top seed in the NCS Division I bracket draws a bye and will play the winner of the Deer Valley (Antioch) at Berkeley contest in two weeks.
2) Oak Grove (San Jose) 10-0 (2)
As expected, the Eagles received the top seed in the CCS Open Division and will be tested early in an opening round matchup at home this Friday night against eighth-seeded Palma of Salinas. Usually, opening round games for top seeds are easy contests compared to a top league foe, but in this instance that is not the case. The Chieftains will by far be the toughest team Coach Ed Buller's squad has faced all season. This past week they barely broke a sweat in a 56-0 whitewashing on the road at Westmont of Campbell. We'll see right away if a non-league and Mount Hamilton League schedule that saw Oak Grove outscore opponents 440-97 is a plus or a minus at this stage of the season.
3) Bellarmine (San Jose) 9-1 (4)
Somehow, when the computer stopped clicking at the CCS seeding meeting, the Bells landed in the No. 3 slot in the CCS Open Division. That means a matchup Saturday night at San Jose City College against a solid Milpitas team. In its WCAL finale Friday night at SJCC, the Bell tolled for St. Francis (Mountain View) in a 42-7 shellacking. Usua Amanam ran seven times for 129 yards and a touchdown and also scored on a punt return. Amanam now has 1,102 yards and 20 touchdowns rushing this season with 26 TDs overall.
4) Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) 10-0 (5)
It's beginning more and more to look like this Cardinals team may be the best Coach Paul Cronin has ever had, including the one that took Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) to overtime two years ago in the state D3 bowl game. The only thing Newman doesn't have is a lot of size up front on defense. They do have two solid running backs, Jeff Badger and Joe Ferguson, who play linebacker as well and routinely have double-digit tackles. Badger and Ferguson each scored two touchdowns in a 41-16 win against cross-town rival Carrillo. The Cardinals led 34-0 at the half before pulling all the starters. Newman, as expected, received the top seed in NCS Div. II and received a bye.
5) Serra (San Mateo) 7-3 (6)
The Padres are the third team to move up a spot after the defeat of Monte Vista. This past week they ran roughshod over Mitty (San Jose) leading 33-0 at the half before coasting home in a 33-14 final. Jared Braun and DonAndre Clark each had two runs to paydirt. The Padres, along with Bellarmine, are co-champs of the WCAL and the reward is the seventh-seed in the CCS Open Division. That means an opening round trip to Gilroy this Friday night in what should be an excellent matchup of teams with contrasting styles.
6) Monte Vista (Danville) 8-2 (3)
They say anything can happen in a rivalry game between two top teams and that's exactly what happened to the Mustangs when they lost the town's bragging rights to San Ramon Valley. They outgained the Wolves and piled up 427 yards but couldn't overcome four turnovers and 10 penalties, or find the end zone enough in a 26-7 loss. Brett Nottingham was 21 of 30 for 252 yards, but he suffered three interceptions, was sacked, and on the hit fumbled to end a nine-play drive that sealed the Mustang's fate. The loss had little effect on the seed Coach Craig Bergman's team received. With or without a win they weren't getting the top seed and received the NCS D2 second-seed. After a bye, they may get a chance at San Ramon Valley again, as the Wolves meet San Leandro for the right to play the idle Mustangs.
7) Pittsburg 9-1 (7)
Neighboring Antioch was no match for the Pirates who snuck into town and stole the all the treasure in a 42-0 blanking. Against the Panthers Joe Lewis, threw for 218 yards and four touchdowns. With the last-second loss to Monte Vista its only blemish, the Pirates snagged the NCS D1 third seed and get a bye before facing the California (San Ramon) at Washington (Fremont) winner.
8) Foothill (Pleasanton) 9-2 (8)
The Falcons got a big scare in a contest for the town's bragging rights, coming back from a 17-0 halftime deficit to defeat Amador Valley 24-17 and knock their rivals out of the playoffs for the third straight season. Senior Michael Young played a key role in the victory, recovering Dons quarterback Kean Stancil's fumble on the 21-yard-line with 5:06 left in the fourth quarter, and then scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 7-yard run with just under four-minutes remaining. Quarterback Sean Mannion had a tough first half in which he completed just three passes for 18 yards and was intercepted. In the second half he bulled into the end zone on two 1-yard plunges and completed 9 of 11 passes. As the fourth-seed in the NCS D1 bracket, the Falcons are the last team to receive a bye. They'll meet the winner of the Logan (Union City) at Freedom (Oakley) contest.
9) Valley Christian (San Jose) 8-2 (9)
Cameron Marshall, Anthony Oliveras and Daniel Johnson combined to rush for 268 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-7 victory over Riordan on the road in San Francisco. Marshall also had a 51-yard TD reception from Cory Gambello. James Yoder intercepted a pass and the Warrior defense held the Crusaders to under 100 yards of offense. Next up as the No. 5 seed in the CCS Open Division is a Saturday night trip to Salinas to meet No. 4 seed North Salinas at the Salinas Sports Complex.
10) California (San Ramon) 6-4 (10)
We keep looking at the Grizzlies' record and even with four losses it's still impressive. They lost by a touchdown on the road in Washington, by a touchdown on the road at Foothill, by a field goal at home against Monte Vista and by a touchdown while only giving up 21 points to De La Salle. Against the Spartans, Leroy Green rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. The Grizzlies get the NCS D1 sixth-seed but because they are not a league champion must travel to Mission Valley Athletic League champion and eleventh-seed Washington (Fremont) for the right to face Pittsburg.
11) Palma (Salinas) 8-2 (11)
The Chieftains built a 42-0 lead before coasting home 42-19 against cross-town Alisal. Palma wound up in a three-way tie for the Tri-County Athletic League championship with North Salinas and Gilroy, beating North Salinas 20-14 and losing the next week 34-28 to Gilroy, both six point games. Still, the CCS seeding system saw them as the last seed in the Open Division meaning Oak Grove is next up. It'll be the first time Palma has faced Oak Grove since the CCS Division I championship game several years ago, won by the Chieftains 15-14 on a touchdown with 43 seconds to play. Look for Palma to give the Eagles all they can handle.
12) North Salinas (Salinas) 9-1 (12)
Just two seasons ago, Coach Steve Zenk's Vikings were 2-8. Now, they're the No. 4 seed in the tough CCS Open division after finishing the regular season by dumping cross-town arch-rival Salinas 35-7 on the road. Salinas, however, still made the CCS playoffs marking the first time in 26 years both teams got into playoff action. Although they are only co-champs of the Tri-County League with Palma and Gilroy it did nothing to dampen the achievement, a first league title for the Vikings in 25 years. Now, Zenk's charges get a real test when they face Valley Christian right out of the box.
13) Gilroy 9-1 (13)
The Mustangs are behind Palma and North Salinas here but not in the CCS Open Div. seedings where they snagged the second spot. Quarterback Jamie Jensen and his teammates can make these rankings look bad if they do to No. 7 seed Serra what they've done to all but North Salinas this year, put a lot of points on the board and come out victorious. Jensen was over the top in a 47-0 blowout of San Benito of Hollister, passing for 470 yards and three touchdowns on 30 of 36 attempts.
14) San Ramon Valley (Danville) 7-3 (14)
It's a shame there's no where to move the Wolves upward after a 26-7 victory over Monte Vista helped end their EBAL season on a positive note with the defeat of their cross-town arch-rivals. Playing his final regular-season game, quarterback Joe Southwick, the three-year starter and Boise State-bound standout, completed 16 of 22 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for a team-best 50 yards and another score. Coach Dave Kravitz was all smiles at the seeding meeting and his team was rewarded with the No. 7 seed. That means a return trip to San Leandro and a second matchup against the Hayward Area Athletic League champion Pirates whom they defeated 38-34 in week two.
15) Novato 8-2 (15)
It probably doesn't matter that the Hornets were seeded third in the NCS Div. III bracket. Somehow, some way, the winner of the division is going to have to beat the Hornets, last year's north representative in the CIF Div. II bowl game. This past Saturday they didn't play their best game but still easily dispatched Marin Catholic (Kentfield) 21-0. The victory gave the hosts their third straight Marin County Athletic League title and fifth in eight years of Coach Travis Brackett's tenure. Kyle Campas led four running backs who combined for 240 yards. He finished with 129 yards on 21 carries. Jake Davis had two touchdown receptions from Jeff Stephens. Now comes a second meeting with a Drake (San Anselmo) team that Novato defeated 62-7 in the regular season. Drake makes the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
16) San Leandro 7-3 (16)
Coach Bart Bowers' boys got it done early and often this past week, blowing out Mt. Eden (Hayward) 55-0 on the road in a Thursday night road game. The victory wraps up a perfect 7-0 HAAL campaign for the Pirates. Against Mt. Eden they ran for 289 yards and tight end Lenny Jones had three touchdown receptions from quarterback Travis Gardner. San Leandro only got a 10th seed but because the Pirates are a league champion means home-field advantage as they look to avenge the early season loss to San Ramon Valley.
17) Milpitas 9-1 (17)
Upstart Milpitas, who two years ago won the CCS Large School title and lost last year in the opening round 30-20 to North Salinas, now gets bumped up to the Open Division where they are the sixth-seed. The reward is a meeting with Bellarmine on the road this Saturday night at San Joe City College.
18) Clayton Valley (Concord) 9-1 (18)
Coach Herc Pardi's boys completed a perfect regular season and celebrated their first outright Diablo Valley Athletic League championship in 30 years after a 26-7 win over cross-town arch-rival Ygnacio Valley. Quarterback Joe Levine was a perfect 8-for-8 passing for 256 yards and three touchdowns including a 67-yarder. Dozie Iwuagwu ran for 105 yards and a touchdown on a 70-yard run. Now comes the NCS Div. II playoffs where the Eagles are the second seed. They have a bye and await the winner of the Friday night Concord at Casa Grande (Petaluma) contest.
19) Rancho Cotate (Rohnert Park) 9-1 (19)
The Ranch closed out the regular season with a 34-20 home victory over Santa Rosa and earned the No. 3 seed in the NCS D2 bracket. With a bye for the first four seeds the Cougars will rest and meet the winner of the Las Lomas (Walnut Creek) at Eureka opening round matchup.
20) Campolindo (Moraga) 9-1 (20)
The Cougars overcame a sluggish start to win their first outright Diablo Foothill Athletic League title since 2004 with a 44-24 victory over neighboring arch-rival Acalanes of Lafayette. Trailing 14-10 just before the half, and tied 17-17 midway through the third quarter, they scored 21 points in the span of just under four-minutes between the late the third quarter and early fourth quarter to put the game away. Junior quarterback Tommy Stephens completed 12 of 20 passes for 211 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Anthony Rodriguez rushed for two second half touchdowns on runs of 21 and 51 yards and finished with 15 carries for 124 yards.
On The Bubble
Berkeley 9-1, Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland) 9-1, Carmel 8-1, Casa Grande (Petaluma), 7-2-1, Deer Valley (Antioch) 7-3, Encinal (Alameda) 10-0, Freedom (Oakley) 9-1, Fremont (Oakland) 8-2, Hill (San Jose) 10-0, Homestead (Cupertino) 9-1, Kings Academy (Sunnyvale) 9-0-1, Los Gatos 7-3, Marin Catholic (Kentfield) 7-3, Menlo-Atherton (Atherton) 8-2, Miramonte (Orinda) 8-2, *Monterey 9-1, Palo Alto 7-3, Piedmont 8-2, Pioneer (San Jose) 9-1, Sacred Heart-Cathedral (San Francisco) 5-5, Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton) 9-0-1, St. Ignatius (San Francisco) 5-5, Santa Teresa (San Jose) 10-0, Scotts Valley 9-1, Ukiah 8-2, Woodside 7-3.
(*includes Stallworth of Stockton loss)
Comments or corrections? Email mark@studentsports.com and be sure to leave a comment so others can check out what you have to say.
Cal-Hi Sports Bay Area, Encinal, Novato, Campolindo, De La Salle, football
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Regular Season Finales A Frenzy
November 16, 2008 11:14 PM
Five-way tie for Sunset League title in SoCal causes stir, Oceanside gets tied up by Ramona and state-ranked Monte Vista falls in NorCal.
By Mark Tennis & Harold Abend
It was the close of the regular season in high school football for most of the state and while the weekend was marred by disastrous fires it was a weekend where ties created the most headlines.
In the CIF Southern Section's Sunset League, which annually is one of the state's best, the extremely rare five-way tie was the end result of last Friday's games. The five teams involved Edison of Huntington Beach, Esperanza of Anaheim, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos and Newport Harbor of Newport Beach all finished up with 3-2 league records.
We have always hated games of chance to break ties in these situations, but in this case two forms of chance drawing names out of a hat and flipping coins were both utilized.
First, Newport Harbor was relegated to the fifth spot for section playoff purposes. Since the section's Pac-Five Division only has room for three and then a possible fourth through an at-large process, the Sailors were in effect coin-flipped and hat-drawn out of the playoffs.
Next, Edison had to take the fourth position and made an at-large bid, but the Chargers did not get into the Pac-Five Division as that bid on Sunday instead went to Bishop Amat of La Puente. This leaves Esperanza, Fountain Valley and Los Alamitos as the three teams from the league getting to go to the playoffs.
Five-way ties are indeed extremely rare and would create a nightmare for any tie-breaker system, but three-way ties are not that rare and it's still hard to believe how many leagues and sections around the state still insist that a coin flip or drawing names out of a hat are the best solutions.
Since its own section has had its share of controversial coin flips over the years, the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section has adopted the 13-point margin differential system in breaking ties and early indications are that coaches, players and fans seem to clearly favor it over coin flips.
We believe this system is far superior to coin flips as well and would encourage all leagues and sections to use the same tie-breaker.
It basically goes like this: the point differential between all head-to-head games between the tied teams is added up, except with the stipulation that the most positive points a team can get is 13, which is used to prevent a team from running up the score.
With the five-way tie in the Sunset League creating so much interest, we thought it would be interesting to run those five teams into that format and see what came up.
Ironically, the team that would be in the No. 1 position out of the Sunset League using the Sac-Joaquin system would be Newport Harbor with a +6. Esperanza would be next with a +2, followed by Fountain Valley with a -2. Both Los Alamitos and Edison had a -3, but that tie would then be broken by the head-to-head result and would go to Los Al.
Coin flips will never completely be gone from football, but they should be gone from determining which teams go to the playoffs and which teams are turning in uniforms.
Stunning tie: Oceanside gets one on record
The way the Oceanside High football team had been manhandling its opponents in the Valley League there was thought to be little chance that the Pirates would fare any differently in their regular season finale last Friday at Ramona.
The host Bulldogs, though, had other ideas. Joey Dambrose scored on a one-yard plunge with 27.6 seconds left and then ran it in for a two-point conversion as Ramona tied Oceanside, 33-33.
Oceanside had a 21-game win streak snapped that will now be a 21-0-1 unbeaten streak. The Pirates still received the top seed in the San Diego Section Div. II playoffs, but they will drop at least two spots in this week's CIF Div. II South bowl game rankings behind unbeaten and red-hot Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks and Cathedral Catholic of San Diego, which is the top seed in the San Diego Section Div. III playoffs.
Since Cathedral Catholic and Oceanside are not in the same playoff divisions in San Diego, the big question now will be whether the Dons or the Pirates would be considered the section's top choice for the bowl game if both win section titles. One team that is in the same division as Cathedral Catholic, though, is Ramona so if the Dons are able to play the Bulldogs in the playoffs and win then they would have the common opponent criteria clearly in their favor in a comparison with Oceanside.
The tie for Oceanside also could be an obstacle if the Pirates end up on the board during the CIF bowl game selection meeting against a potentially unbeaten team from the Central Section or against a team like Lutheran of Orange or Mater Dei of Santa Ana should either one end up as the CIFSS Pac-Five Division winner.
San Ramon Valley dominates Monte Vista
while De La Salle hangs on against Grizzlies
There's been a disruption in the force, or in actuality, the predictability of the powerful East Bay Athletic League, after two Friday night matchups involving four of the tops teams left the water a little muddied.
First, San Ramon Valley (Danville) quarterback Joe Southwick and his Wolves teammates pinned a convincing 26-7 loss on cross-town arch-rival and previous CalHiSports.com state No. 11 Monte Vista.
Playing his final regular-season game, Southwick, the three-year starter and Boise State-bound standout, completed 16 of 22 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for a team-best 50 yards and another score as the Wolves (7-3, 4-3 EBAL) stopped the Mustangs (8-2, 5-2), whose only previous loss was to state No. 3 De La Salle of Concord.
Monte Vista quarterback Brett Nottingham was 21 of 30 for 252 yards, but he suffered three interceptions, was sacked, and on the hit fumbled to end a nine-play drive that sealed the Mustang's fate.
Meanwhile, down the road in San Ramon, De La Salle got another tough tussle on the road from a Bay Area foe, slipping past California, 21-14, to keep its decade-and-a-half unbeaten streak against Bay Area teams intact.
Arizona-bound Kylan Butler rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries to lead the Spartans. Still, it took a seven-yard TD run with 3:53 left by Khryi Knowles for the game-winning points. California then went three-and-out and De La Salle ran out the clock to secure the win.
Comments or corrections? Email mark@studentsports.com and be sure to leave a comment so others can check out what you have to say.
Prep notes, football, five-way tie, Oceanside, Ramona, Joe Southwick
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State Top 25 Scoreboard
November 15, 2008 3:13 AM
Check here for glimpse at what the next overall state top 25 might look like with reported results through Friday night. Note: All content on CalHiSports.com and ESPN RISE is free. No more subscriptions, no more passwords.
1. Poly (Long Beach) 10-0 def. Jordan, 29-13
2. Centennial (Corona) 10-0 def. Norco, 31-7
3. De La Salle (Concord) 9-1 def. California, 21-14
4. Oceanside 9-0-1 tied Ramona, 33-33
5. St. Bonaventure (Ventura) 9-1 def. San Marcos, 50-0
6. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 10-0 def. Bishop Amat, 56-21
7. Oak Grove (San Jose) 10-0 def. Westmont, 56-0 Thursday
8. Grant (Sacramento) 10-0 def. Burbank, 35-13
9. Tesoro (Las Flores) 10-0 def. Dana Hills, 56-26
10. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) 10-0 def. Nordhoff, 62-8
11. Monte Vista (Danville) 8-2 loss San Ramon Valley, 26-7
12. Bellarmine (San Jose) 9-1 def. St. Francis, 42-7
13. Chaparral (Temecula) 9-1 def. Great Oak, 35-3
14. Mater Dei (Santa Ana) 7-3 loss Lutheran, 24-21 Thursday
15. Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) 10-0 def. Marillo Carillo, 41-16
16. Junipero Serra (San Mateo) 7-3 def. Archbishop Mitty, 33-14
17. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) 10-0 def. Scripps Ranch, 70-37
18. Servite (Anaheim) 7-3 def. St John Bosco, 48-31
19. Lutheran (Orange) 8-2 def. Mater Dei (Santa Ana), 24-21 Thursday
20. Pittsburg 9-1 def. Antioch, 42-0
21. A.B. Miller (Fontana) 10-0 def. Fontana, 35-0
22. Los Alamitos 8-2 loss Newport Harbor, 24-23 Thursday
23. Edison (Huntington Beach) 7-3 loss Esperanza, 16-3
24. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta) 8-2 loss Murrieta Valley, 10-3
25. Mission Viejo 9-1 def. Capistrano Valley, 62-7
football, state rankings, friday scoreboard, CA
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Prep Notes With A Twist
November 14, 2008 10:00 PM
President-elect might be the most influential, but not yet the most inspirational, from his high school. New Mayor-elect in state's Capital just might be best athlete ever from its city limits and recent San Diego State basketball signee with family ties to local legend.
Barack Obama, a graduate of Punahou School in Hawaii, inspired millions around
the world last week when he was elected to become the 44th President of the
United States.
In 30 years of covering California high school sports, the most inspirational
person we've ever encountered also is a graduate of Punahou.
This would be football coach Charlie Wedemeyer, the 1985 CalHiSports.com State
Coach of the Year from Los Gatos High School in the San Francisco Bay Area and
a 2007 inductee into the National High School Hall of Fame.
Wedemeyer, a legend when he starred at Punahou in multiple sports and called
Hawaii's best prep athlete of the 1960s, coached that 1985 Los Gatos team in
a golf cart, unable to walk or talk and even breathe without a respirator due
to the ravages of Lou Gehrig's disease.
Most people close to the program thought the 1984 season would be his last due
to the disease, so it was especially heart-wrenching to watch what up to then
was his best team go down in an upset to St. Francis of Mountain View in the
CIF Central Coast Section playoffs.
Wedemeyer's 1985 team, however, pulled together. With his wife, Lucy, his
Punahou sweetheart, reading his lips and then relaying the play calls to
assistant coaches, Los Gatos went on one of those storybook playoff rides that
culminated in a championship game against St. Francis, which this time was
favored.
As the clock was winding down, St. Francis drove down the field for what
looked like a chip-shot field goal. The three points were poised to give Los
Gatos another tough loss. But the kick was blocked and a scene erupted that
the late great Merv Harris of the San Francisco Examiner described perfectly:
"There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Wedemeyer was not allowed to coach the Los Gatos varsity the next season, but
the man who replaced him, Butch Cattolico, has won more than 200 games since
his first season in 1986.
To this day, Charlie is still part of the Los Gatos program as an assistant
coach for the freshman team and annually tours the country talking about faith
and inspiring others. He has lived with Lou Gehrig's disease for 30 years
and has met one of the others in his situation, the renowned Dr. Stephen
Hawking.
It would be interesting to know if President-Elect Obama has ever heard the
story about his fellow Punahou grad. We do know that if he ever met Charlie
Wedemeyer that he'd never forget him.
Where does K.J. rank among Sacramento athletes?
In the sports world, the ascent of Kevin Johnson, former NBA star, to become
the new mayor of Sacramento was one of the top stories on election night from
around the nation.
For us, though, it was just another reminder of how long we've been covering
high school sports since we vividly recall watching him one night light up the
scoreboard for the Sac High Dragons during a cold February night in 1983.
Johnson did that a lot that season, to the tune of 32.8 points per game to be
exact, which ended up being the top reported total in the state. He played for
Sacramento's baseball team later that year and was outstanding doing that as
well with a reported .500 batting average.
As a high school standout in two sports and later an all-star caliber
performer in the NBA, which includes his selection to the second USA Dream Team
at the Olympics, Johnson could be ranked, in fact, as the best male athlete to
ever graduate from a Sacramento area high school.
We said could be, though, because it's certainly debatable. We also said
male because several females -- particularly Olympic swimming legend Debbie
Meyer of Rio Americano and Olympic track sprinter Evelyn Ashford of Roseville
-- we'd rank higher than any males.
Another disclaimer is that we wouldn't count Olympic swimming legend Mark
Spitz as being from Sacramento even though he grew up in the city because
Spitz went to high school in Santa Clara.
We also have always had a soft spot in our heart for legendary Elk Grove
basketball player Bill Cartwright. Based on what they did in high school,
Cartwright would get the nod over Johnson. Based on what they've done
afterward, Johnson has the stronger resume.
In recent years, a Sacramento athlete coming up the charts in such a
comparison would be Derrek Lee, who has had MVP-type seasons for the Chicago
Cubs. Lee, who went to El Camino High of Sacramento, also was an 18 points per
game scorer in basketball for the Eagles. If Lee were to keep it up at his
current level for the Cubs, and perhaps do something really crazy like lead
them to a World Series, then he would pass Johnson. As of now, though, in
election terms, that one looks too close to call.
You would also have to include Dusty Baker in this field. Many around
Sacramento still think that Baker, who starred at Del Campo High of Fair Oaks
in the late 1960s and then went on to play in the major leagues, is the best
three-sport athlete in Sacramento history.
Four years ago, Johnson was the second-highest ranked athlete from the
Sacramento area (behind Cartwright) when we released our list of the top 100
boys in California history. Lee and Baker weren't on that list, but both
were close and Lee probably would be that high right now.
-MARK TENNIS
Recruit has tough act to follow
San Diego State basketball recruit Alec Williams of JSerra High in
Orange County has never lived in San Diego, but he said it feels like
he's making a homecoming of sorts after he signed his national
letter-of-intent on Wednesday to play his college career with the
Aztecs.
That's because his grandfather is a legend in San Diego sports. Art
Powell, who played at San Diego High in the 1950s when the Cavers were
a Southern California power, went on to establish himself as one of the
finest wide receveivers in the American Football League while playing
for the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills and New York Titans (before they
became the Jets). Williams can see his grandfather's plaque on the wall
at the San Diego Hall of Champions as a member of its Hall of Fame.
"That just made my choice to pick San Diego State even better,"
Williams said. "I'll be playing in a city where my grandfather was a
famous name. I know I'll be welcome in San Diego, and that makes it an
easier fit for me."
Williams is a 6-foot-7, 245-pounder with the bulk to play inside and
the quickness and shooting touch to play outside.
Although he's built like a tight end, he's never played football at any
level outside of a game of touch football. That's not only OK with his
grandfather because he actually encouraged Williams to pursue a basketball career over football.
"My grandpa always told me you can last a lot longer playing basketball
than football," Williams said. "I started playing basketball at an
early age and always liked it. I caught on fast."
-- TOM SHANAHAN
prep notes, ca, football, basketball, Alec Williams, Kevin Johnson, Barack Obama, Charlie Wedemeyer
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John Uribe: State Boys Athlete of the Week
November 14, 2008 5:03 PM
We make our first visit to the beautiful coastal area north of Los Angeles where we honor this week's boys winner. Around town, and after last week's performance, he's a big name. But, although he's currently the state's reported passing leader, he's humbled and appreciative that winning this award may help him get some recognition outside his local area and help him achieve his goal of playing college football.
By Harold Abend, Special to CalHiSports.com
Note: Remember, we are looking for those student-athletes who had a standout performance in their sport from the previous week, but we also are looking for a balance between athletic achievement, academic work in the classroom, community service or overcoming adversity. Send nominations to mark@studentsports.com.
Santa Barbara High School
John Uribe
Three weeks ago we honored the third-leading reported passer in the state, Derrick Carr of Bakersfield Christian.
Last week, James Boyd of Jordan in Los Angeles, the No. 2 passer in the state, was our boys athlete of the week.
This week, moving right up the ladder, we've chosen a young man, who like the tropical Pacific Ocean disturbances that on rare occasion hit the town, has taken the historic coastal city of Santa Barbara by storm himself.
With his performance last Friday night, John Uribe etched his name on an MVP trophy, in the county record book, and also propelled himself to the top of the yardage list for quarterbacks in California.
In a 49-28 victory over cross-town arch-rival San Marcos, he passed for 524 yards on 34 of 50 attempts with six touchdowns.
The result was Uribe was named MVP of the annual Big Game, and will have his name forever engraved on the Gary Blades Memorial Award trophy.
Besides moving into the top spot for passers in the state, he also has numbers that make him the all-time single-season passing leader in Santa Barbara County history.
That list includes players such as fomer Dons stars Poncho Renteria, who led the "Golden Tornado" to a CIF Southern Section Div. II co-title in 1989, and Randall Cunningham, Uribe's idol who led his team to the CIFSS Coastal Conference title game in 1980 and passed for nearly 30,000 yards in a NFL career from 1985 to 2001.
For the county's record, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Uribe's 3,316 yards puts him comfortably ahead of Dos Pueblos of Goleta's Shane Lopes (3,084 yards in 2001), and his 36 touchdowns surpasses the 35 thrown by Carpinteria's Henry Gonzales in 1979.
"He's my coach-in-a-lifetime quarterback," said Dons Coach Will Gonzalez, a history teacher at Santa Barbara, in his third year coaching the Dons after ironically coming over from San Marcos where he coached for five years. "We're very honored to be in the company of your other award winners.
"John has something you can't teach," continued Gonzalez. "Not only does he have one of the strongest arms I've ever seen in high school football, but what really makes him so deadly is he's accurate and delivers the ball to the receivers."
Although he was sick and in bed when CalHiSports.com did an early morning phone interview earlier this week, Uribe tried to be upbeat despite sounding pretty weak.
"John's a gamer," Gonzalez remarked. "Even though he's sick with the flu, he's one of those kids you know is going to be there on Friday night regardless."
With the Dons currently 3-1 in league, a win tonight against Ventura will get Santa Barbara into the CIF Southern Section Northern Division playoffs as a second-place team from the Channel League, behind CalHiSports.com state No. 5 ranked St. Bonaventure of Ventura. A loss still gets them in as a third-place team from its league.
In a 51-21 loss to St. Bonnies two weeks ago, Uribe had 296 yards passing on 26 of 51 attempts with two touchdowns, but also three picks.
Uribe's high-water mark this season came on Oct. 3 in a 51-21 victory over San Luis Obispo. He completed 28 of 35 passes for 574 yards and seven touchdowns.
In nine games this season, Uribe has been over 300-yards on six occasions.
Having entry into the section playoffs guaranteed, Uribe will get at least two more games to add to his record-breaking totals.
"What a lot of people don't know is John is a heck of a defensive player," Gonzalez said. "We don't want to get him hurt but he could just as well dominate on defense."
"Although he's not the ideal height, I think he'll get an opportunity to play in college," his coach continued. "His height is good enough for the same kind of spread offense we use that we've seen at Missouri and Kansas."
Competing at the next level involves more than abilities on the gridiron, it also means gaining academic acceptance if Uribe has any hope of playing D1 college football.
Currently he has a B-minus average, but just like on the field, he's working hard in the classroom.
"My goal is to get my grades up to 3.0 or 3.1," Uribe told CalHisports.com. "I'm meeting with teachers and counselors to find out what extra work I can do."
"His grades are an area he's working on and we're supporting him," Gonzalez said. "With some guys it takes a little longer."
When first informed by phone while at school just prior to practice that he was Athlete of the Week, the voices of his teammates could be heard shouting in the background.
"Woo-hoo! State player of the week!" they yelled.
Although soft-spoken due to effects of the flu, Uribe especially perked up when discussing teammates and family.
His cousin and best friend, wide receiver Roberto Nelson, is also a star on the basketball team. Nelson will be playing next fall for President-elect Barack Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson, the first-year head basketball coach at Oregon State.
"Roberto is a real friend," said Uribe, who also plays basketball and baseball for the Dons. "He lives down the street. We've gone though elementary school, junior high and now high school together."
Other teammates Uribe mentioned he's close to are senior tight end Bryson Lloyd, and Kyle Leonard, a senior running back who transferred to Santa Barbara from Florida.
"Its not just those guys, it's the entire team, the O-line," Uribe continued. "We're all real close. Like a big family."
John is not the only Uribe to play sports at Santa Barbara. His father, Vincent Uribe Jr., who works for a local school district in transportation and maintenance, played football at Santa Barbara.
Older brother Vincent III, who works at a local hardware store, played baseball at Santa Barbara.
John's mother Joey, does in-home care for children 2-months to 4-years-old, and wasn't really an athlete. "She was a cheerleader for a while," Uribe said trying to chuckle and laugh while coughing at the same time.
While Uribe's dream would be to follow his cousin and best friend Nelson to Oregon State, he's open to other possibilities and is thankful to CalHiSports.com for helping get the word out by telling his story.
"I'm trying to get to Oregon State with Roberto, and Utah and UC Davis have shown some interest, but nothing has come through yet," Uribe said. "Hopefully with the story going on the ESPN web site people will see me outside of Santa Barbara. When you're not really well known, it also feels good to know I have a lot of support, not just from my local community."
While college is still up in the air Uribe sees himself as an entrepreneur down the road, possibly in the construction business.
Before then, there's some more yards to pile up in his quest to be the state's leading passer and Friday night's game at home against Ventura is the next stop.
Past Athlete of the Week winners update:
James Boyd (Jordan, Los Angeles): One week after being named the ESPN RISE CalHiSports.com State Athlete of the Week he was at it again. He followed up on his 336-yard performance in a win over South East of South Gate by completing 14 for 27 for 327 yards and five TDs in 48-29 win over Garfield in just over a half's action as signal-caller. So far on the season, Boyd has completed 215 passes on 364 attempts good for 3,062 yards and 32 TDs.
Derek Carr (Bakersfield Christian): Besides being the CalHiSports.com State Athlete of the Week two weeks ago, the former ESPN RISE national player of the week set a new Central Section record by passing for a whopping 544 yards as Bakersfield Christian edged Arvin, 42-35, in a South Sequoia League game. He also tied a section record held by two other players as he completed 37 passes for four touchdowns and added a one-yard touchdown run, which turned out to be the game-winning score. His numbers on the season are now 2,878 yards and 30 TDs.
Ryan Kasdorf (Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks): The junior signal-caller on the CalHiSports state No. 6 ranked Knights passed his way into Notre Dame's record books while keeping the Knights undefeated with a 34-0 victory over Loyola of Los Angeles. He completed his first 10 passes on the way to an 18 of 23 night for 275 yards and four touchdowns. He now has a single season school record 30 touchdown passes on the year.
Brett Nottingham (Monte Vista, Danville): Feeling no ill effects from the loss to De La Salle two weeks ago, it was just another day at the office for the Mustang junior signal-caller this past Friday night. In a 48-21 win against visiting Amador Valley of Pleasanton he threw for 269 yards with four touchdowns on 18 of 25 attempts. He's just at No. 9 in the state but his numbers are good enough to lead the tough North Coast Section. His overall consistency plus the big numbers is making him a hot commodity. Nottingham now has 2,545 yards and 34 touchdowns with only six interceptions this season, the highest TD to INT ratio in the state amongst top signal-callers.
Adrian Pacheco (Selma): A week after rushing for 232 yards in a 62-28 loss to Exeter, Pacheco got some rest in a 38-0 whitewashing of Immanuel of Reedley. He only rushed three times for 60 yards. On the season Pacheco has 1,379 yards and 17 touchdowns in eight games for the 6-3 Bears.
Desi Rodriguez (Saugus): Accounted for 344 yards to help the Centurions defeat Valencia and clinch at least a tie for the school's first Foothill League title since joining the competitive football loop in 1992. He rushed for two touchdowns and passed for a third as Saugus won its first league title since 1983 when they were members of the Golden League. So far this season the double-threat from the Santa Clarita Valley has 1,227 yards passing with 10 TDs and 1,183 yards rushing with 16 trips to paydirt.
athletes of the week, football, John Uribe, CA, Roberto Nelson
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State Stat Stars of the Week
November 13, 2008 5:03 PM
(For additions, corrections or to report a statistical standout we may have missed, email mark@studentsports.com. To inquire about a section or state record, please email Senior Editor Ronnie Flores at ronnie@studentsports.com or call (800) 660-1334 Ext. 4414; For games played Nov. 6-8; Writeups by Ronnie Flores, Harold Abend, Steve Brand, Tom Shanahan, Mark Tennis & Bob Barnett)
James Boyd (Jordan, Los Angeles): Stat star regular was at it again one week after being named the ESPN RISE CalHiSports.com State Athlete of the Week. He followed up on his 336-yard performance in a win over South East of South Gate by completing 14 for 27 for 327 yards and five TDs in 48-29 win over Garfield. Boyd didn't even line up at QB the whole game, as junior Deshawn Beck took snaps in the first quarter and threw two touchdown passes in addition to catching four passes for 138 yards. His most important TD grab came on a toss from Boyd in the fourth quarter after the Bulldogs had cut the lead to five points. Boyd's favorite target in the game was actually Delvon Purvis, as four of his seven receptions went for scores. So far on the season, Boyd has completed 215 passes on 364 attempts good for 3,062 yards and 32 TDs.
Ben Bowen (Mt. Whitney, Visalia): Had a nice game by rushing for 219 yards on 26 carries and four touchdowns, two running and two on pass receptions (2, 73) against Cesar Chavez in a non-league game that Mt. Whitney won 48-15.
Josh Brannon (Pacifica, Garden Grove): His TD runs of 11, 55, two and 60 yards were part of 234-yard, 18-carry performance that helped Pacifica down Loara of Anaheim, 35-21.
Kenny Breaux (Carter, Rialto): Although the Lions fell to Yucaipa, 29-12, Beaux was credited with 11 tackles on defense and scored both Carter TDs on offense. The 11 tackles brings his season total to a school record 104.
Mario Brown (Bishop O'Dowd, Oakland): This junior speedster carried the Dragons to victory just like last week, and for the second week in a row makes this list by going over 200 yards rushing. In a 21-13 road victory at Arroyo of San Lorenzo, Brown carried 32 times for 289 yards and one score. Last week he had 225 yards and three scores on 43 carries in a 21-17 home victory against Castro Valley. Brown's season totals are 1,373 yards rushing with 18 touchdowns. His yardage is the No. 2 reported total in the NCS.
Ray Buford (Concord): In a 42-41 victory over Ygnacio Valley of Concord, the junior signal-caller completed 19 of 23 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 90 yards and two more scores. On the game's final play, he took the snap and rolled left, unable to find a receiver he took off for the left pylon and fittingly leaped over two Warriors' defenders into the end-zone for the winning touchdown as time expired.
Paul Buzo (Stagg, Stockton): This 5-foot-9, 205-pound stoutly-built senior linebacker was all over the field on defense in a 35-15 victory over cross-town Edison. Buzo finished with 11 tackles, a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown and two fumble recoveries.
Cody Cardenaz (Burbank): Played a great all-around game in Burbank's 29-22 victory over Acadia as he caught 11 passes good for 109 yards from QB Kevin Hunter and intercepted three passes on defense. Garrett Tuck completed 18 of 40 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns in a losing effort for Arcadia.
Derek Carr (Bakersfield Christian): Former ESPN RISE national player of the week set a new Central Section record by passing for a whopping 544 yards as Bakersfield Christian edged Arvin, 42-35, in a South Sequoia League game. Carr also tied a section record held by two other players as he completed 37 passes for four touchdowns and added a one-yard touchdown run, which turned out to be the game-winning score. Wide receivers Jake Peterson had 11 receptions for 182 yards, Colby Herron 10 receptions for 135 yards and Shawn Garrett six receptions for 124 yards.
Mookie Cooksie (Western, Anaheim): Cooksie averaged better than 20 yards a carry as he made the most of his nine rushing attempts, gaining 216 yards in a 38-0 victory over rival Anaheim.
Kyle & Jason Cool (Branham, San Jose): The quarterbacking half of the Cool twins was responsible for four touchdowns in a 35-0 Santa Teresa League victory on the road at cross-town Del Mar. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound signal-caller passed for only 88 yards but had three touchdowns. He also ran for 193 yards and one score. On the season the smaller brother now has 1,560 yards passing and 18 touchdowns and has run for 882 yards and 11 TDs. Big brother, 6-4, 220-pound Jason, plays mostly at defensive end. Against Del Mar he had eight tackles. On the season he has 53 tackles, six sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Robert Cruz (Magnolia, Anaheim): Cruz was once again unstoppable, this time cracking the 300-yard barrier with 324 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Sentinels to a 61-8 victory over Century of Santa Ana.
Kerry Daigs (Verbum Dei, Los Angeles): Churned for 220 yards on only 12 carries in a 41-14 victory over Mary Star of San Pedro to stay unbeaten in the Camino Real League. Daigs has now rushed for 1,107 yards on the year.
Mike Davis (Antelope Valley, Lancaster): There was a time in the 1980's and 1990's when the Antelopes were a statewide power, but the program has come under hard times in recent seasons. The number of students going out for football has shrunk and A.V. had not played a home game in two years because of construction to its field until last week. That's when Davis accounted for five touchdowns, four passing and one running, to not only break in the new field, but help Antelope Valley win its first game of the season.
Julian Dean-Johnson (North, Bakersfield): Established a school record by rushing for 380 yards, with 325 of those yards coming in the first half, as the Stars beat Centennial of Bakersfield, 49-42. Dean-Johnson helped his team to clinch at least a share of the Southwest Yosemite League championship. Dean-Johnson also scored four touchdowns on runs of 16, 56, 75 and 76 yards.
Jonathan Diaz (Chaparral, Temecula): Was the leading force as the state-ranked Pumas rushed for 442 yards in a 53-0 win over Temecula Valley. Diaz gained 215 yards on just 12 carries, scoring from 50, 27, 11 and 45 yards out.
Cameron Erion (Windsor): His team was only 2-5 coming into the game and Erion had to sit out a 31-7 loss to Sonoma County League leader Casa Grande two weeks ago because of a neck strain. In a 45-27 road victory over Petaluma, Erion re-wrote the Redwood Empire record book. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound junior rushed for a 450 yards on 26 carries with five touchdowns. In the game in which he suffered the neck injury three weeks ago, Erion rushed for 238 yards and three touchdowns before being removed shortly after the half in a 31-7 victory over El Molino of Forestville. Through eight games this season, Erion now has run for 1,471 yards on 144 carries (10.22 yards per carry) with 13 touchdowns. With this past week's performance, Erion has moved into the No. 2 spot for reported rushing leaders in the North Coast Section.
Clark Evans (Los Alamitos): Accounted for 321 yards in a come-from-behind 22-21 win over Esperanza of Anaheim. Evans passed for 190 yards and two TDs, including a 5-yarder to Jonathan Chen with 54.6 seconds remaining and proceeded to hit super junior Paul Richardson with the two-point PAT to seal the important Sunset League win. Evans also rushed for 131 yards and accounted for all 82 yards on the game-winning drive.
Nick Fedrick & Michael Mulas (Sonoma Valley): Senior running back Fedrick went over the 200-yard mark for the second time this season, rushing for 221 yards on 29 carries with two touchdowns in the Dragons' 34-14 victory over Analy of Sebastopol. The effort took him over the 1,000-yard mark on the season with 1,058 yards and 15 touchdowns. Mulas, a 5-11, 210-pound senior middle linebacker/fullback, had 15 tackles and a sack on defense plus a 21-yard run for a touchdown on his only carry of the game.
Tate Forcier (Scripps Ranch, San Diego): The Michigan-bound quarterback put up another 300-yard total offense performance as he led the Falcons to a 25-21 upset of then-No. 8-ranked Mira Mesa. Although he didn't score a touchdown rushing or throwing, Forcier moved Scripps into scoring position by carrying 13 times for 73 yards and completing 23 of 32 passes for 267 yards.
Miles Freeman & Terence Mitchell (Burbank, Sacramento): Senior 6-1, 195-pound quarterback Freeman rushed for 173 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries and also threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Terence Mitchell, who scored touchdowns three different ways. He returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and also took an interception 45 yards for a score. The result of these big plays was a 59-7 shellacking of cross-town Hiram Johnson, a win that keeps the Titans tied at 4-0 for the Metropolitan League lead with state-ranked Grant of Sacramento. The final league game is on the
road against the Pacers this Friday night for all the marbles.
Juan Flores (A.B. Miller, Fontana): Connected on 18 of 30 passes for 249 yards and a TD while rushing for 69 yards and another score in a key 28-21 victory over Eisenhower of Rialto.
Jordan Funtilla (Santa Clara): This diminutive 5-6, 140-pound running back may be small in stature but he came up big in a 29-19 victory over Gunn of Palo Alto that saw the Bruins erase a 19-0 deficit. The senior rushed for 207 yards and three touchdowns and also caught a pass for a TD in the
come-from-behind victory.
Tyler Gaffney (Cathedral Catholic, San Diego): The senior running back topped 200 yards rushing again and scored five more touchdowns -- four rushing, one receiving -- in a 56-30 Eastern League win over St. Augustine. Gaffney carried 19 times for 260 yards and caught one pass for an 8-yard TD. He has scored 35 touchdowns this year.
Jose Garay (Arroyo, El Monte): Against rival South El Monte, Garay came off the bench to lead his club to a 35-32 come-from-behind victory. He actually started the game at wide receiver because he had hurt his shoulder against El Monte and had trouble throwing in practice. He gutted it out and after Manny Acosta had completed all six of his passes, Garay came in and completed 19 of 28 passes for 319 yards and a score. He added 99 yards on the ground and two touchdowns to complete the storybook ending.
David Graves (Folsom): Senior 6-1, 195-pound quarterback did everything he could but the Bulldogs still went down in their first defeat of the season, 35-33, at the hands of Pleasant Grove of Elk Grove. In the game Graves was 14 of 26 for 303 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. He's now gone over 300-yards for time this season and has 2,194 yards in the air with 32 touchdowns. He's also rushed for 588 yards and eight TDs and caught a pass for a score, making his all-purpose totals 2,782 yards and 41 touchdowns for the 8-1 Bulldogs.
Zack Graves (Whitney, Rocklin): The reported rushing leader in the Sac-Joaquin Section and Northern California had a below average week with 154 yards in a 49-9 win over Golden Sierra of Garden Valley. He did rush for five touchdowns and it was in a little over a half's work. Graves' season totals are now 1,745 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground plus one TD receiving.
Zach Griffith (Foothill, Santa Ana): Cracked up the yardage meter by passing for 303 yards and four touchdowns as Foothill doubled up Northwood of Irvine, 56-28.
Tommy Hansen (Westview, San Diego): Hansen put up another 300-yard passing game, but it wasn't enough as the Wolverines fell to Ramona in a Valley League game. Hansen completed 15-of-28 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.
Jaron Hytche (Mater Dei, Santa Ana): Mater Dei is gunning for the outright Trinity League title and a big reason why they have turned things around in league play is their improved running game. In the Monarchs' 35-6 victory over St. John Bosco, Hytche scored five touchdowns and rushed for 141 yards, including scoring jaunts 12, one, 10, one and 29 yards. Mater Dei's running game will be key in Thursday night's clash with league rival Orange Lutheran and ultimately their success in the upcoming CIFSS Pac Five Division playoffs.
Charlie James (Brentwood Academy, Los Angeles): Booted a pair of 41-yard field goals during a 46-22 victory over Camp Kilpatrick of Malibu. James now has 13 field goals on the season.
Ken Johnston (Carmel): In just a half of work this senior quarterback passed for 365 yards on 24 of 32 passing with six touchdowns to four different receivers in a 51-6 victory over Soledad, a game Carmel led 44-6 when Johnston was pulled. For the season he now has 2,107 yards passing and 29 touchdowns and 383 yards rushing with six TDs.
Rasheen Johnson (Indio): Was the short and long of the Rajah's 26-10 win over Cathedral City. Johnson scored on runs of 65 and one yard en route to 246 yards on the ground.
Trevion Johnson (North Hollywood): Lugged the leather a whopping 50 times for 377 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-26 victory over Verdugo Hills. Only two reported backs in L.A. City Section history have gone over 400 yards rushing in a single game, Ricky Solario of L.A. Garfield (415 yds) in a 1982 win over L.A. Lincoln and Sherman Austin of L.A. Lincoln (475 yds) in a 1997 victory over Venice.
Collin Keoshian (Santa Clarita Christian, Canyon Country): Rushed for 292 yards and a pair of touchdowns, in addition to returning a kickoff 72 yards and passing 46 yards for another score, in a 76-28 eight-man victory over Hillcrest Christian of Granada Hills.
Deontre Lewis (Norco): Collected 307 yards on 23 lugs, the big one a 81-yard touchdown, in lifting the Cougars past King of Riverside, 29-15.
John Lister (Thousand Oaks): After being held to 55 yards rushing in the first half against Westlake of Westlake Village, Lister erupted for 167 and two short touchdowns after intermission in an eventual 28-16 victory. He finished with 217 yards on 40 carries.
Cameron Loeffler (Exeter): Continues to have big Friday nights by rushing for 304 yards on 29 carries and scoring three touchdowns in a 30-27 win over Kingsburg in a Central Sequoia League showdown. Loeffler leads the Central Section with 38 touchdowns on the season and has 87 in his career.
Michael Madkins (Pleasant Grove, Elk Grove): This three-sport star (football, basketball and track) is this week's Sacramento Bee Player of the Week after rushing for 209 yards and two touchdowns on a whopping 45 carries in a 35-33 upset victory over Folsom. The two-way starter also played every down on defense and held Folsom's leading receiver, Andrew Benavides, who came into the game with 15 TDs, to one reception. "I had no idea I had that many carries, said Madkins to the Bee's Joe Davidson, while adding he emptied his pockets after the game buying burgers for his O-line. The 5-7, 160-pouder now has 1,356 yards and 12 touchdowns this year for the 7-2 Eagles, who took over first place in the tough Delta River league with a 4-0 record with one game to play against Jesuit of Carmichael
Elliott Martin & Bronson Taylor (University, Irvine): Martin completed 20 of 38 passes for 308 yards and a pair of touchdowns while Taylor was on the receiving end of 12 of them for 234 yards, but it wasn't enough as cross-town Beckman collected a 37-29 victory.
Tevita Mafi (San Lorenzo): Senior linebacker had 16 tackles and a fumble recovery in the Rebels' 28-8 victory over Hayward.
Conor Maloney (Nevada Union, Grass Valley): A week after suffering their first defeat, the Miners needed the leg of this junior placekicker to get back on the winning track. In a 16-10 victory over Elk Grove, he booted field goals of 31, 29 and 24 yards as the Miners are now 8-1 overall and 3-1 in Delta Valley League play.
Marcus McDaniel (Christian Brothers, Sacramento): This senior running back/defensive back scored touchdowns three different ways in a 44-3 victory over Cordova of Rancho Cordova. The 5-8, 165-pounder returned a kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown, caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Michael Lahey and also ran for a 30-yard score.
Charlie McDonald (Escalon): He was the star of the night when Escalon head coach Mark Louriero won his 200th game with a 40-21 triumph over Modesto Christian. McDonald had 21 carries for 226 yards with TD runs of 80 yards and 25 yards plus a 50-yard TD catch. He also had eight tackles on defense. Teammates Spencer Franceschetti (12-8-212, 4 TDs) and Danny Thompson (4 rec, 123 yds, 2 TDs, 7 tackles) also were outstanding.
Trevor Mew (Central Valley, Ceres): For the fourth time in the six games in which he's passed for over 300 yards this season, Central Valley lost. This time it was a 32-14 setback at home against Manteca. In the game, Mew was 18 of 31 for 307 yards and two touchdowns but he was intercepted twice. The Sac-Joaquin reported passing leader now has completed 168 of 229 passes for 2,688 yards and 25 TDs with eight picks.
Cameron Mikell, Josh Guy & Josh Fields (Rio Linda): Mikell returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown and also rushed for two touchdowns; Guy had two interceptions and Fields had 11 tackles and a fumble recovery in the Knights 29-6 win over Foothill of Sacramento.
Stanley Moody (Tomales): Solidly built 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back ran for five touchdowns and 183 yards in a 68-6 crushing of Point Arena. He now has 1,222 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
David Mothander & John Murayama (St. Margaret's, San Juan Capistrano): Mothander passed for 216 yards and four TDs, all in the first half, and Murayama added six touchdowns to the seven he had last week, rushing for 191 yards as Small Schools South bowl contender St. Margaret's crushed winless Capistrano Valley Christian, 72-0.
Darius Narcoste (Valley, Santa Ana): Accounted for more than 300 yards in a 35-28 victory over Savanna of Anaheim). Narcoste rushed for 226 yards on 35 attempts, scoring three times. He added 85 yards on four receptions with another TD.
Corey Nielsen (Gahr, Cerritos): State's returning passing leader from last season led the Gladiators past Paramount by passing for 400 yards and four touchdowns in the 48-34 victory. His main target was Deondre Powell, who caught nine passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, as Nielsen completed 23 of 31 passes and added a rushing touchdown.
Lane Orender (Buchanan, Clovis): Posted a career-high in a losing cause by passing for 400 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-28 loss to Clovis East. Orender completed 33 of 47 passes in the high-scoring game.
Nicky Okano (Harvard-Westlake, North Hollywood): Intercepted four passes and helped support the run defense as Harvard-Westlake held Cathedral to zero yards rushing in a 19-6 victory. The victors forced a total of six turnovers and handed the Phantoms their first loss of the season.
Tino Petrini (Marin Catholic, Kentfield): Undersized 5-foot-10, 220-pound lineman led a stifling Wildcat defense in a 48-6 victory over host Drake of San Anselmo. Petrini finished with 10 tackles, two sacks and a blocked field goal.
Joseph Potter (McNair, Stockton): Rugged fullback powered for 219 yards on 17 carries and scored twice as the Eagles nipped West of Tracy, 38-35, on a 19-yard field goal with no time left on the clock. The win also improved McNair's record to 7-2 with still a chance to earn a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth.
Joshua Quezada (La Habra): His 230 yards rushing on 19 carries, including TD scampers of 36 and 44 yards, led La Habra to a 24-7 victory over Fullerton, and clinched the Freeway League title in the process. Quezada and San Diego State bound Ronnie Hillman led the Whittier Daily News' No. 1 ranked club with 331 yards rushing.
Kevin Ramay (Grace Brethren, Simi Valley): Accounting for six touchdowns still wasn't enough in a 49-46 loss to Fillmore. Ramay completed 23 of 36 passes for 414 yards and rushed for a pair of short TDs in the heartbreaker.
David Reyes & Ivan Lilly (Perris): Combined for 414 yards but it wasn't enough against Elsinore in a 57-35 setback. Reyes was 29 of 48 for 257 yards passing and a pair of TDs while Lilly caught 14 passes for 157 yards and a score.
Rashaad Reynolds (San Fernando): The school's all-time total yardage leader and an all-state candidate at defensive back was key on both sides of the ball in a 40-14 victory over Panorama of Panorama City. He completed 7 of 16 passes for 277 yards with four touchdowns, including bombs of 55 and 60 yards. He added 43 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown and picked off two passes deep in enemy territory. He also had a tackle for loss, a pass breakup and now have five interceptions on the year although most teams try to avoid him at all costs.
David Richie (Bullard, Fresno): In a 17-14 win over Edison of Fresno that avenged a lopsided showdown game loss from last season, Richie turned the tide with three interceptions on defense. Blake Dunn also kicked a 49-yard field goal in the second quarter that was second longest in school history.
Cameron Roberson (Newbury Park): Rambled for 267 yards on 22 carries, scoring TDs of 12, 25, 35 and 32 yards in a 34-14 win over Simi Valley.
Desi Rodriguez (Saugus): Accounted for 339 yards to help the Centurions defeat Valencia and clinch at least a tie for the school's first Foothill League title since joining the competitive football loop in 1992. He scored two touchdowns as did veteran RB Ryan Zirbel as Saugus won its first league title since 1983 when they were members of the Golden League.
Jonathan Rojas (Wilson, Los Angeles): Rojas completed 15 of 29 passes for 301 yards and 4 TDs in a 39-2 Northern League win over Marshall of Los Angeles. Felix Reyes Jr. was credited with 14 receptions, but the yardage totals don't match up with his completions and the yardage the other wide outs compile. Cole Martinez was credited with seven catches for 77 yards and a touchdowns plus two interceptions on defense. Regardless of the non-matching receiving numbers, Rojas had another spectacular day under center as the Mules improved to 6-3 and 3-1 in league heading into its league showdown with Franklin of Los Angeles. So far this season, Rojas has completed over 55 percent of his passes for 2,228 yards and 28 touchdowns.
David Ross (Washington, Fremont): This junior signal-caller helped the Huskies claim their first Mission Valley Athletic League championship since 1998. In a 41-7 win over Irvington that gave the team a 6-0 league record (6-4 overall), Ross passed for five touchdowns and 259 yards in three quarters of action.
Andy Salcido (Baldwin Park): Teamed with Christian Lazaro for three TDs in a 24-21 loss to Pomona. Salcido completed 24 of 43 for 340 yards, 163 of them to Salcido on 13 catches.
Angel Santiago (Etiwanda): Certainly did all he could do, completing 22 of 35 pass attempts for 324 yards and TDs of 18 and 86 yards. Alas, Upland rallied to ground the Eagles, 27-26.
Edgar Sims (Excelsior, Victorville): Rushed for 210 yards, including scoring runs of 35, four, 51 and 16 yards, but the Eagles came up short in a 55-32 loss to Hesperia Christian, which was led by Jacob Arreola's four scores.
Tyler Takahashi (Bradshaw Christian, Sacramento): This junior running back from southeast Sacramento rushed for 193 yards and three touchdowns and caught a 75-yard pass from Alex Williams for a fourth score in the Pride's 48-6 victory over Woodland Christian of Woodland.
David Tavita (Paloma Valley, Menifee): Good balance as he rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries before the break and then tagged on another 112 on 20 attempts in the second half to lead Paloma Valley past Hemet in overtime, 24-21.
Steve Sousa (Westview, San Diego): Sousa was the hot target for quarterback Tommy Hansen as he caught five balls for 191 yards and three touchdowns, although the Wolverines fell to Ramona 40-30. Sousa averaged 38.2 yards per catch. He scored on catches of 63, 93 and 21 yards.
Brandon Tobias (North Torrance): It looked like South Torrance was going to roar back and win this rivalry game, but Tobias sacked QB Jonathan Concetti with five seconds left to preserve the 47-42 victory. North upped its record to 9-0 and linebacker's clutch play at the end was his 15th sack of the season.
Cody Vaz (St. Mary's, Stockton): The Oregon State-bound senior threw for four TDs in the second quarter alone as the Rams clinched their league title after a 56-0 blasting of Lodi Tokay. Vaz ended the night 14 of 18 for 320 yards.
Cole White (Bear River, Grass Valley): The Sac-Joaquin Section reported leader in tackles with 139 had a season-high 23 tackles, recorded a sack, and ran for a six-yard touchdown on offense in the Bruins' 44-13 victory over Lincoln.
John White (South Torrance): Rushed for 334 yards and four scores while carrying the ball 50 times, but it wasn't enough as the Spartans were defeated by North Torrance, 47-42. He hit pay dirt four times.
Tom Wilson (Canoga Park): A crowd of 4,000 came to honor longtime Canoga Park coach Rudy Lugo, who recently passed and had dedicated his life to Hunters' athletics and alumni in the community. The school's football field was renamed Rudy Lugo Stadium and his No. 80 was retired, the first number ever to be retired in the school's history. It was only fitting that Canoga Park defeated Grant, 30-14, on the night it honored the man affectionately known as "Mr. Canoga" and perhaps one day Wilson will have his numbered retired after his 300-yard, two-touchdown rushing performance.
Patrone Wood III (Ygnacio Valley, Concord): Its hard to do what Wood did and have your team still lose, but that's what happened in a 42-41 heartbreaking loss by the Warriors to host Concord. The 5-foot-10, 235-pound junior fullback, who was named the San Francisco Chronicle Metro Player of the Week, plowed his way to 372 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He could have had a seventh score and over 400-yards rushing were it not for a personal foul penalty 30-yards behind the play that shortened a 95-yard run to 59 yards and stopped the team from scoring. He even had his sixth run to pay dirt put his team up 41-36 with 44 seconds left, but the defense couldn't hold. According to the Contra Costa Times, Wood is now the leading rusher in the North Coast Section with 1,683 yards and 18 touchdowns. Last year as a sophomore he ran for 1,666 yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 games.
CA, football, state record book, state records, stat stars, James Boyd, Cody Vaz, Derek Carr
CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games
No surprises Sunday as De La Salle, Canyon, Palo Alto, Orange Lutheran, Cardinal Newman, and Oaks Christian selected for historic event.
CARSON, Calif. --- The wait is over. After 79 years of anticipation, six teams will take the field at the Home Depot Center next Saturday in the first CIF State Championship Bowl Games.
CIF Executive Director Marie M. Ishida announced the participants Sunday, and after intense statewide debate in recent weeks, there were no real surprises. MaxPreps, among other media outlets, had all six teams pegged a week ago.
In Division I, North Coast Section juggernaut De La Salle (13-0) will face Canyon (11-2) of the Southern Section, one of the hottest teams in the state in recent weeks.
Division I
North – De La Salle (13-0)
South – Canyon (11-2)
The Division II matchup will feature Palo Alto (12-1) of the Central Coast Section, and a battle-tested Orange Lutheran (13-1) squad, fresh off wins over San Clemente, Compton, Long Beach Poly, and Edison in the Southern Section Pac-5 playoffs.
Division II
North – Palo Alto (12-1)
South – Orange Lutheran (13-1)
Cardinal Newman (13-1), another North Coast Section school, and Oaks Christian (14-0), currently riding a 45-game win streak, will face off in the Division III game.
Division III
North – Cardinal Newman (13-1)
South – Oaks Christian (14-0)
“I was impressed with the selection committee,” Event Director Ken Gunn said in a press release Sunday. “They showed depth of knowledge, thorough evaluation of all potential entrants and worked exceptionally well together. We’re going to have three great football games next week.”
The committee considered all 47 section champions, pairing it down to six based on win-loss record, strength-of-schedule, head-to-head competition, and common opponents. The CIF was careful to note that margin of victory and anticipated fan support were not a factor.
All three games will be played Saturday at the Home Depot Center, with the Division III game at 11 a.m., Division II at 3 p.m., and Division I at 7:30 p.m. All games will be broadcast live on FSN Prime Ticket and FSN Bay Area.
MaxPreps will provide daily updates and in-depth looks at each team throughout the week.
For more information, visit www.cifstate.org.
12/2/2006
3A East Bay #1 Hayward (12-1) 52
3A East Bay #3 Alhambra (11-2) 21
3A East Bay Championship
2A Redwood Empire #1 Novato (11-1) 58
2A Redwood Empire #3 Del Norte (10-2) 0
2A Redwood Empire NCS Championship.
12/1/2006
3A Redwood Empire #2 Cardinal Newman (12-1) 39
3A Redwood Empire #1 Montgomery (11-2) 0
3A Redwood Empire NCS Championship.
2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (10-3) 33
2A East Bay #1 El Cerrito (10-1-2) 23
2A Eastbay Championship
Friday 12/8/2006 7:00pm
3A East Bay #1 Hayward (12-1)
3A Redwood Empire #2 Cardinal Newman (12-1) at Santa Rosa
Championship
3A Redwood Empire #2 Cardinal Newman (13-1) 28
3A East Bay #1 Hayward (12-1) 22
Saturday 12/9/2006 4:00pm
2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (10-3)
2A Redwood Empire #1 Novato (11-1) at oakland
3A East Bay #1 Hayward (12-1) 52
3A East Bay #3 Alhambra (11-2) 21
3A East Bay Championship
2A Redwood Empire #1 Novato (11-1) 58
2A Redwood Empire #3 Del Norte (10-2) 0
2A Redwood Empire NCS Championship.
12/1/2006
3A Redwood Empire #2 Cardinal Newman (12-1) 39
3A Redwood Empire #1 Montgomery (11-2) 0
3A Redwood Empire NCS Championship.
2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (10-3) 33
2A East Bay #1 El Cerrito (10-1-2) 23
2A Eastbay Championship
Friday 12/8/2006 7:00pm
3A East Bay #1 Hayward (12-1)
3A Redwood Empire #2 Cardinal Newman (12-1) at Santa Rosa
Championship
3A Redwood Empire #2 Cardinal Newman (13-1) 28
3A East Bay #1 Hayward (12-1) 22
Saturday 12/9/2006 4:00pm
2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (10-3)
2A Redwood Empire #1 Novato (11-1) at oakland
Game Results
F 13-14 2A #7 Marin Catholic (6-6) 2A #3 Del Norte (10-1)
F 27-40 2A East Bay #5 Ygnacio Valley (5-7) 2A East Bay #1 El Cerrito (10-1-1)
F 21-23 3A East Bay #4 Irvington (8-4) 3A East Bay #1 Hayward (11-1)
F 12-38 3A #4 Windsor (9-2) 3A #1 Montgomery (11-1)
F 27-20 3A East Bay #3 Alhambra (11-1) 3A East Bay #2 Pinole Valley (11-1)
F 42-7 2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (9-3) 2A East Bay #2 Campolindo (7-5)
F 3-35 3A #3 Casa Grande (9-3) 3A #2 Cardinal Newman (11-1) Cardi
F 0-57 2A #5 San Rafael (4-6-1) 2A #1 Novato (10-1)
Friday 12/1/2006 7:00pm TBP 2A East Bay #1 El Cerrito (10-1-1) 2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (9-3) Pinole Valley
Friday 12/1/2006 7:00pm TBP 3A #1 Montgomery (11-1) 3A #2 Cardinal Newman (11-1) Santa Rosa
Saturday 12/2/2006 1:30pm TBP 2A #3 Del Norte (10-1) 2A #1 Novato (10-1) Novato
Saturday 12/2/2006 7:00pm TBP 3A East Bay #1 Hayward (11-1) 3A East Bay #3 Alhambra (11-1) TBA
F 27-40 2A East Bay #5 Ygnacio Valley (5-7) 2A East Bay #1 El Cerrito (10-1-1)
F 21-23 3A East Bay #4 Irvington (8-4) 3A East Bay #1 Hayward (11-1)
F 12-38 3A #4 Windsor (9-2) 3A #1 Montgomery (11-1)
F 27-20 3A East Bay #3 Alhambra (11-1) 3A East Bay #2 Pinole Valley (11-1)
F 42-7 2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (9-3) 2A East Bay #2 Campolindo (7-5)
F 3-35 3A #3 Casa Grande (9-3) 3A #2 Cardinal Newman (11-1) Cardi
F 0-57 2A #5 San Rafael (4-6-1) 2A #1 Novato (10-1)
Friday 12/1/2006 7:00pm TBP 2A East Bay #1 El Cerrito (10-1-1) 2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (9-3) Pinole Valley
Friday 12/1/2006 7:00pm TBP 3A #1 Montgomery (11-1) 3A #2 Cardinal Newman (11-1) Santa Rosa
Saturday 12/2/2006 1:30pm TBP 2A #3 Del Norte (10-1) 2A #1 Novato (10-1) Novato
Saturday 12/2/2006 7:00pm TBP 3A East Bay #1 Hayward (11-1) 3A East Bay #3 Alhambra (11-1) TBA
Prolific Runner
Class 3A: Montgomery 38, Windsor 12
By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
In what has become almost an annual rite of fall, Montgomery's football team has landed in the North Coast Section Redwood Empire 3A championship game.
The Vikings, playing in front of the largest crowd ever at Montgomery, about 2,800, figured out Windsor's running game early, took advantage of a couple of costly Jaguars turnovers and romped to a 38-12 semifinal playoff victory.
Montgomery, which will have played in five of the past seven NCS 3A Redwood Empire championship games, will play for the title next Friday against the winner of Saturday's Casa Grande-Cardinal Newman showdown.
"We're playing pretty well right now," said Montgomery coach Jason Franci. "We've got some great coaches and great kids."
Sometimes you manufacture your own luck. Take a 44-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Service in the third quarter, for instance.
Austin Williams threw the ball high into a crowd. Paul Tedesco jumped alongside a couple of Windsor defenders and tipped the ball to Service, who caught it in stride and took it into the end zone.
And what was Montgomery practicing before the game? Tipped passes.
"We established the run early and set the tone," said Montgomery offensive lineman Joe Stimack.
Actually, it was a Windsor fumble on the third play of the game that swung the momentum early.
Montgomery recovered on Windsor's 18 and Cameron Loomis ended up kicking a 34-yard field goal.
Windsor's defense hung tough, though. The next time Montgomery got the ball, the Vikings drove to a 1st-and-goal at the 5.The Jaguars pulled off a goal line stand and Montgomery turned the ball over on downs just inches short of the goal line.
But a short punt, gave Montgomery the ball on the Windsor 35 and this time the Vikings scored, Vikings quarterback hitting Tedesco with a 20-yard TD pass.
Windsor's second turnover was even more costly.
Brandyn Reed left a Montgomery punt hit the turf, but it bounced wildly and hit him in the arm. Montgomery recovered at the Windsor 9.
Two plays later Bryan Bei scored from the four and Montgomery led 17-0.
Windsor, running out of a wing offense called The Toss, struggled for yardage most of the night. Erik Hernandez, who entered the game with nearly 1,300 yards rushing, did break a 72-yarder for a TD in the second quarter, but Montgomery added one more score before intermission, a 6-yard run by Bei.
"We had a couple long runs and battled," said Windsor coach Jason Fayter. "Their size presented us some problems."
Hernandez, who finished with 150 yard rushing on 18 carries, broke a 48-yarder for Windsor's other TD, early in the third quarter.
Quarterback Freddy Duerr scored Montgomery's final TD, from a yard out and then Windsor quarterback Kevin Cramer completed his first passes in the fourth quarter as Windsor tried to catch up. He was 9 of 17 in the period for 68 yards.
Reed, considered the best receiver in the Empire, caught two passes for 14 yards.
Another notable difference in the game, was a handful of Windsor's players going both ways, while Montgomery uses different players on offense and defense and they stay fresher.
Injuries to key skill players also forced Windsor to switch from a passing offense to The Toss after week 5. Still, at 9-2 it was Windsor's best season ever.
Marks led the Montgomery running games with 120 yards on 21 carries and as a team the Vikings rushed 47 times for 226 yards.
"We changed our defense because we knew they would run inside," said Montgomery linebacker Chris Carr. Asked about which team he'd rather play next week, Carr said, "I'll keep it a secret. But it will be exciting."
The Montgomery coaches wouldn't reveal their preference for the title game, but the Vikings defeated Cardinal Newman and lost to Casa Grande.
The game will be played at Santa Rosa High on Friday, the site of Montgomery's last 3A championship win against Casa Grande, capping a perfect 13-0 season in 2004.
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
In what has become almost an annual rite of fall, Montgomery's football team has landed in the North Coast Section Redwood Empire 3A championship game.
The Vikings, playing in front of the largest crowd ever at Montgomery, about 2,800, figured out Windsor's running game early, took advantage of a couple of costly Jaguars turnovers and romped to a 38-12 semifinal playoff victory.
Montgomery, which will have played in five of the past seven NCS 3A Redwood Empire championship games, will play for the title next Friday against the winner of Saturday's Casa Grande-Cardinal Newman showdown.
"We're playing pretty well right now," said Montgomery coach Jason Franci. "We've got some great coaches and great kids."
Sometimes you manufacture your own luck. Take a 44-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Service in the third quarter, for instance.
Austin Williams threw the ball high into a crowd. Paul Tedesco jumped alongside a couple of Windsor defenders and tipped the ball to Service, who caught it in stride and took it into the end zone.
And what was Montgomery practicing before the game? Tipped passes.
"We established the run early and set the tone," said Montgomery offensive lineman Joe Stimack.
Actually, it was a Windsor fumble on the third play of the game that swung the momentum early.
Montgomery recovered on Windsor's 18 and Cameron Loomis ended up kicking a 34-yard field goal.
Windsor's defense hung tough, though. The next time Montgomery got the ball, the Vikings drove to a 1st-and-goal at the 5.The Jaguars pulled off a goal line stand and Montgomery turned the ball over on downs just inches short of the goal line.
But a short punt, gave Montgomery the ball on the Windsor 35 and this time the Vikings scored, Vikings quarterback hitting Tedesco with a 20-yard TD pass.
Windsor's second turnover was even more costly.
Brandyn Reed left a Montgomery punt hit the turf, but it bounced wildly and hit him in the arm. Montgomery recovered at the Windsor 9.
Two plays later Bryan Bei scored from the four and Montgomery led 17-0.
Windsor, running out of a wing offense called The Toss, struggled for yardage most of the night. Erik Hernandez, who entered the game with nearly 1,300 yards rushing, did break a 72-yarder for a TD in the second quarter, but Montgomery added one more score before intermission, a 6-yard run by Bei.
"We had a couple long runs and battled," said Windsor coach Jason Fayter. "Their size presented us some problems."
Hernandez, who finished with 150 yard rushing on 18 carries, broke a 48-yarder for Windsor's other TD, early in the third quarter.
Quarterback Freddy Duerr scored Montgomery's final TD, from a yard out and then Windsor quarterback Kevin Cramer completed his first passes in the fourth quarter as Windsor tried to catch up. He was 9 of 17 in the period for 68 yards.
Reed, considered the best receiver in the Empire, caught two passes for 14 yards.
Another notable difference in the game, was a handful of Windsor's players going both ways, while Montgomery uses different players on offense and defense and they stay fresher.
Injuries to key skill players also forced Windsor to switch from a passing offense to The Toss after week 5. Still, at 9-2 it was Windsor's best season ever.
Marks led the Montgomery running games with 120 yards on 21 carries and as a team the Vikings rushed 47 times for 226 yards.
"We changed our defense because we knew they would run inside," said Montgomery linebacker Chris Carr. Asked about which team he'd rather play next week, Carr said, "I'll keep it a secret. But it will be exciting."
The Montgomery coaches wouldn't reveal their preference for the title game, but the Vikings defeated Cardinal Newman and lost to Casa Grande.
The game will be played at Santa Rosa High on Friday, the site of Montgomery's last 3A championship win against Casa Grande, capping a perfect 13-0 season in 2004.
No. 4 Windsor (9-1) at No. 1 Montgomery (10-1), 7 p.m.
RICH RUPPRECHT'S GAME PREVIEW
Judging from these team's defenses, this could be a low-scoring game. While Windsor has been hit hard by injuries and was missing two starting linebackers last week, the Jaguars still held Maria Carrillo scoreless in an 8-0 playoff overtime win. In part because of injury, Windsor has scrapped its spread offense and gone to a Toss Offense, which emphasizes the running game and misdirection. Erik Hernandez has rushed for 1,239 yards.
One of the Empire's top receivers, Brandyn Reed has become a wingback in the new offense and now is also a running threat. He has 700 yards receiving with 11 TDs. Defensively, weakside linebacker Mike Bogdanovich is one of the best in the Empire and lineman Tommy Walton is a top offensive lineman as well as the team's sack leader. Montgomery loves to run the football and was more than mildly successful in defeating Redwood, 21-13, last week. The Vikings did have two long runs called back last week because of penalty. QBs Austin Williams and Freddy Duerr have both played well of late.
On defense, the Vikings like to hit and rush the quarterback. Linebacker Chris Carr and safety Kevin Franzman led the Vikes. Franzman stripped a receiver after a long gain against Redwood. Line play is solid for both teams. This game probably will be won in the trenches.
PLAYOFFS
11/18/2006
F 3A #4 Windsor (9-1) 8 3A #5 Maria Carrillo (6-5) 0
F 3A #3 Casa Grande (9-2) 17 3A #6 Rancho Cotate (5-6) 10
F 2A #3 Del Norte (9-1) 10 2A #6 Analy (5-6) 8
F 3A East Bay #4 Irvington (8-3) 21 3A East Bay #5 Clayton Valley (5-6) 14
F 3A East Bay #3 Alhambra (10-1) 34 3A East Bay #6 Alameda (7-4)
21
F 2A #5 San Rafael (4-5-1) 16 2A #4 San Marin (6-5) 7
F 2A East Bay #1 El Cerrito (9-1-1) 52 2A East Bay #8 JF Kennedy (4-6) 14
F 2A East Bay #5 Ygnacio Valley (5-6) 28 2A East Bay #4 Bishop O" Dowd (5-6) 14
F 2A East Bay #2 Campolindo (7-4) 42 2A East Bay #7 Acalanes (4-7) 21
F 2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (8-3) 13 2A East Bay #6 Piedmont (5-6) 6
11/17/2006 F 3A #2 Cardinal Newman (10-1) 42 3A #7 Sonoma Valley (5-6) 20
F 3A East Bay #2 Pinole Valley (11-0) 41 3A East Bay #7 Washington (4-7) 28
F 3A #1 Montgomery (10-1) 21 3A #8 Redwood (6-5) 13
F 2A #7 Marin Catholic (6-5) 27 2A #2 Healdsburg (7-4) 26
F 3A East Bay #1 Hayward (10-1) 24 3A East Bay #8 Concord (5-6) 21
F 3A #4 Windsor (9-1) 8 3A #5 Maria Carrillo (6-5) 0
F 3A #3 Casa Grande (9-2) 17 3A #6 Rancho Cotate (5-6) 10
F 2A #3 Del Norte (9-1) 10 2A #6 Analy (5-6) 8
F 3A East Bay #4 Irvington (8-3) 21 3A East Bay #5 Clayton Valley (5-6) 14
F 3A East Bay #3 Alhambra (10-1) 34 3A East Bay #6 Alameda (7-4)
21
F 2A #5 San Rafael (4-5-1) 16 2A #4 San Marin (6-5) 7
F 2A East Bay #1 El Cerrito (9-1-1) 52 2A East Bay #8 JF Kennedy (4-6) 14
F 2A East Bay #5 Ygnacio Valley (5-6) 28 2A East Bay #4 Bishop O" Dowd (5-6) 14
F 2A East Bay #2 Campolindo (7-4) 42 2A East Bay #7 Acalanes (4-7) 21
F 2A East Bay #3 Miramonte (8-3) 13 2A East Bay #6 Piedmont (5-6) 6
11/17/2006 F 3A #2 Cardinal Newman (10-1) 42 3A #7 Sonoma Valley (5-6) 20
F 3A East Bay #2 Pinole Valley (11-0) 41 3A East Bay #7 Washington (4-7) 28
F 3A #1 Montgomery (10-1) 21 3A #8 Redwood (6-5) 13
F 2A #7 Marin Catholic (6-5) 27 2A #2 Healdsburg (7-4) 26
F 3A East Bay #1 Hayward (10-1) 24 3A East Bay #8 Concord (5-6) 21
Jaguars slip past Carrillo, face #1 Vikings
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
The Jaguar varsity football squad added another chapter in WHS football history on Saturday, overcoming frequent penalties and a stubborn visiting Maria Carrillo squad to grind out an 8-0 overtime win in the opening round of the North Coast Section 3A playoffs.
The victory was the team's first ever recorded in the NCS playoffs and ran the Jag's season record to an outstanding 9-1.
Senior playmaker Brandyn Reed dove over from one yard out on the Jag's lone possession in overtime for the game's only touchdown, and then added a run for the two-point conversion. The Windsor defense did the rest, stopping the Pumas cold on four downs to preserve the win.
The victory sets up a semi-final clash at top-seeded Montgomery this Friday, Nov. 24 in Santa Rosa. Game time is set for 7 p.m. Montgomery advanced with a 21-13 win over Redwood. Should the Jags get by the Vikings, they'll face the winner of the Casa Grande-Cardinal Newman game next Friday, Dec. 1 in the NCS title game.
Windsor, seeded fourth, came into Saturday's home clash a heavy favorite against fifth-seeded Maria Carrillo after handing the Pumas a 30-0 beating on Sept. 9 in the pre-season opener. But this time around, the fired-up Pumas looked like a different team.
“There's no doubt that Maria Carrillo has improved a lot since the first game of the season,” said Windsor head coach Jason Fayter. “They played better, but we shot ourselves in the foot and helped them out a lot.”
The Jag's mounting injury list didn't help their cause either, as running back/linebacker Leroy Green and linebacker James Jewett each sat out the playoff opener. In addition, running back Erik Hernandez continues to play through a nagging ankle injury. Green and Jewett are questionable for this week's semi-final clash.
Wet field conditions played a big part in Saturday's game, as evidenced by the Jags' first offensive possession. Windsor lost the handle on its first three plays from scrimmage on its opening drive, but the Jaguars recovered all three fumbles.
Windsor's vaunted defensive unit rose to the challenge against the stubborn Pumas, not allowing Carrillo many scoring chances throughout the game. The Jags moved the ball well between the 20's all night, but untimely penalties helped derail several promising drives. After a scoreless 48 minutes of football, the Jags found themselves in their second overtime game of the season.
Maria Carrillo won the overtime toss and elected to defend, giving the Jaguars the ball at the 10- yard line. The Jags ran the ball to the one, and Reed burst through on fourth down for the go-ahead touchdown. He added the two-point conversion giving Windsor an 8-0 lead.
Windsor slammed the door on Carrillo's upset bid on the ensuing series, as they kept the Pumas out of the end zone to preserve the 8-0 win.
Hernandez added 141 yards on the ground, pushing his season total to 1239. Reed chipped in nine carries for 41 yards rushing, and caught four passes for 22 yards.
The Windsor defense overcame the loss of starting linebackers Green and Jewett to turn in a great overall performance. Tremendous individual efforts were turned in by linebacker Mike Bogdanovich and lineman Tom Walton.
NCS FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
At Windsor, Brandyn Reed's 1-yard plunge in the first overtime gave the fourth-seeded Jaguars the victory.
After both teams battled to a 0-0 tie at the end of regulation, Maria Carrillo (6-5) won the coin flip and elected to give the ball to Windsor first. The Jaguars (9-1) responded with Reed's touchdown and ensuing score on the 2-point conversion. Maria Carrillo then failed to score.
Erik Hernandez powered Windsor's ground attack with 141 yards on 35 carries. Reed added 41 yards on nine carries. He also had four receptions for 22 yards.
Fifth-seeded Maria Carrillo was led by Tyler Malone, who rushed for 88 yards on 14 carries, and Alex Sheets, who had 3 catches for 58 yards.
Windsor beat Maria Carrillo 30-0 in the season opener.
After both teams battled to a 0-0 tie at the end of regulation, Maria Carrillo (6-5) won the coin flip and elected to give the ball to Windsor first. The Jaguars (9-1) responded with Reed's touchdown and ensuing score on the 2-point conversion. Maria Carrillo then failed to score.
Erik Hernandez powered Windsor's ground attack with 141 yards on 35 carries. Reed added 41 yards on nine carries. He also had four receptions for 22 yards.
Fifth-seeded Maria Carrillo was led by Tyler Malone, who rushed for 88 yards on 14 carries, and Alex Sheets, who had 3 catches for 58 yards.
Windsor beat Maria Carrillo 30-0 in the season opener.
RICH RUPPRECHT'S GAME PREVIEW
No. 5 Maria Carrillo (6-4) at No. 4 Windsor (8-1), 7 p.m.
Here's a 3A meeting between the NBL and SCL. Carrillo reached the 3A Empire championship game last season against Cardinal Newman. The Pumas run out of the Delaware wing-T. One of the top backs and linebackers is Tyler Malone. Keaton Kovatch is the QB. Windsor, whose only loss was to Casa Grande in overtime, has been hit recently by injuries. Top receiver Brandyn Reed has a sore ankle, as does running back Leroy Green. The Jaguars have run the ball exclusively the past few weeks with great success behind Erik Hernandez and Green. Windsor's QB is Kevin Cramer. Windsor has an experienced line with Tommy Walton, Matt Lamberson, Kyle Kellough and Max Devlin. On defense, outside linebacker Mike Bogdanovich sets the pace. The winner of this 3A game gets the winner of Montgomery-Redwood.
Here's a 3A meeting between the NBL and SCL. Carrillo reached the 3A Empire championship game last season against Cardinal Newman. The Pumas run out of the Delaware wing-T. One of the top backs and linebackers is Tyler Malone. Keaton Kovatch is the QB. Windsor, whose only loss was to Casa Grande in overtime, has been hit recently by injuries. Top receiver Brandyn Reed has a sore ankle, as does running back Leroy Green. The Jaguars have run the ball exclusively the past few weeks with great success behind Erik Hernandez and Green. Windsor's QB is Kevin Cramer. Windsor has an experienced line with Tommy Walton, Matt Lamberson, Kyle Kellough and Max Devlin. On defense, outside linebacker Mike Bogdanovich sets the pace. The winner of this 3A game gets the winner of Montgomery-Redwood.
Participating Schools
Participating Schools
Name Mascot League City
Casa Grande Gauchos SCL Petaluma
Sonoma Valley Dragons SCL Sonoma
Windsor Jaguars SCL Windsor
Clayton Valley Eagles BVAL Concord
Hayward Farmers HAAL Hayward
Alhambra Bulldogs DFAL Martinez
Cardinal Newman Cardinals NBL Santa Rosa
Concord Minutemen DFAL Concord
Irvington Vikings MVAL Fremont
Maria Carrillo Pumas NBL Santa Rosa
Montgomery Vikings NBL Santa Rosa
Washington (Fremont) Huskies MVAL Fremont
Alameda Hornets ACCAL Alameda
Pinole Valley Spartans ACCAL Pinole
Redwood Giants MCAL Larkspur
Rancho Cotate Cougars NBL Rohnert Park
Name Mascot League City
Casa Grande Gauchos SCL Petaluma
Sonoma Valley Dragons SCL Sonoma
Windsor Jaguars SCL Windsor
Clayton Valley Eagles BVAL Concord
Hayward Farmers HAAL Hayward
Alhambra Bulldogs DFAL Martinez
Cardinal Newman Cardinals NBL Santa Rosa
Concord Minutemen DFAL Concord
Irvington Vikings MVAL Fremont
Maria Carrillo Pumas NBL Santa Rosa
Montgomery Vikings NBL Santa Rosa
Washington (Fremont) Huskies MVAL Fremont
Alameda Hornets ACCAL Alameda
Pinole Valley Spartans ACCAL Pinole
Redwood Giants MCAL Larkspur
Rancho Cotate Cougars NBL Rohnert Park
3A PLAYOFFS
Game 1: Concord (CA) vs Hayward (CA) at Sunset Field (Hayward, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Hayward (CA) 38-10]
Game 2: Irvington (Fremont, CA) vs Clayton Valley (Concord, CA) at Washington (Fremont, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Clayton Valley (Concord, CA) 28-26]
Game 3: Alameda (CA) at Alhambra (Martinez, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Alhambra (Martinez, CA) 28-17]
Game 4: Washington (Fremont, CA) at Pinole Valley (Pinole, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Pinole Valley (Pinole, CA) 28-22]
Game 5: Redwood (Larkspur, CA) at Montgomery (Santa Rosa, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Montgomery (Santa Rosa, CA) 31-7]
Game 6: Carrillo (Santa Rosa, CA) at Windsor (CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Windsor (CA) 31-12]
Game 7: Rancho Cotate (Rohnert Park, CA) at Casa Grande (Petaluma, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Casa Grande (Petaluma, CA) 31-10]
Game 8: Sonoma Valley (Sonoma, CA) at Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, CA) 35-14]
Game 2: Irvington (Fremont, CA) vs Clayton Valley (Concord, CA) at Washington (Fremont, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Clayton Valley (Concord, CA) 28-26]
Game 3: Alameda (CA) at Alhambra (Martinez, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Alhambra (Martinez, CA) 28-17]
Game 4: Washington (Fremont, CA) at Pinole Valley (Pinole, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Pinole Valley (Pinole, CA) 28-22]
Game 5: Redwood (Larkspur, CA) at Montgomery (Santa Rosa, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Montgomery (Santa Rosa, CA) 31-7]
Game 6: Carrillo (Santa Rosa, CA) at Windsor (CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Windsor (CA) 31-12]
Game 7: Rancho Cotate (Rohnert Park, CA) at Casa Grande (Petaluma, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Casa Grande (Petaluma, CA) 31-10]
Game 8: Sonoma Valley (Sonoma, CA) at Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, CA) 35-14]
PLAYOFFS
2ND TEAM IS HOME.
11/17/2006 7:00pm 3A #7 Sonoma Valley(5-5) 3A #2 Cardinal Newman (9-1)
11/17/2006 7:00pm 2A #7 Marin Catholic (5-5) 2A #2 Healdsburg (7-3)
11/17/2006 7:00pm 3A #8 Redwood (6-4) 3A #1 Montgomery (9-1)
11/18/2006 7:00pm 3A #6 Rancho Cotate (5-5) 3A #3 Casa Grande (8-2)
11/18/2006 7:00pm 2A #6 Analy (5-5) 2A #3 Del Norte (8-1)
11/18/2006 7:00pm 3A #5 Maria Carrillo (6-4) 3A #4 Windsor (8-1)
11/17/2006 7:00pm 3A #7 Sonoma Valley(5-5) 3A #2 Cardinal Newman (9-1)
11/17/2006 7:00pm 2A #7 Marin Catholic (5-5) 2A #2 Healdsburg (7-3)
11/17/2006 7:00pm 3A #8 Redwood (6-4) 3A #1 Montgomery (9-1)
11/18/2006 7:00pm 3A #6 Rancho Cotate (5-5) 3A #3 Casa Grande (8-2)
11/18/2006 7:00pm 2A #6 Analy (5-5) 2A #3 Del Norte (8-1)
11/18/2006 7:00pm 3A #5 Maria Carrillo (6-4) 3A #4 Windsor (8-1)
2A PLAYOFFS
Game 1: Kennedy (Fremont, CA) at El Cerrito (CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: El Cerrito (CA) 35-24]
Game 2: Ygnacio Valley (Concord, CA) at Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 1:00pm) [projection: Ygnacio Valley (Concord, CA) 31-22]
Game 3: Piedmont (CA) at Miramonte (Orinda, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Miramonte (Orinda, CA) 27-14]
Game 4: Acalanes (Lafayette, CA) at Campolindo (Moraga, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Campolindo (Moraga, CA) 24-20]
Game 5: Novato (CA) has a bye
Game 6: San Rafael (CA) at San Marin (Novato, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 1:00pm) [projection: San Marin (Novato, CA) 28-13]
Game 7: Analy (Sebastopol, CA) at Del Norte (Crescent City, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Del Norte (Crescent City, CA) 27-24]
Game 8: Marin Catholic (Kentfield, CA) vs Healdsburg (CA) at Rec Park (Healdsburg, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Healdsburg (CA) 28-19]
Game 2: Ygnacio Valley (Concord, CA) at Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 1:00pm) [projection: Ygnacio Valley (Concord, CA) 31-22]
Game 3: Piedmont (CA) at Miramonte (Orinda, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Miramonte (Orinda, CA) 27-14]
Game 4: Acalanes (Lafayette, CA) at Campolindo (Moraga, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Campolindo (Moraga, CA) 24-20]
Game 5: Novato (CA) has a bye
Game 6: San Rafael (CA) at San Marin (Novato, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 1:00pm) [projection: San Marin (Novato, CA) 28-13]
Game 7: Analy (Sebastopol, CA) at Del Norte (Crescent City, CA) (Saturday, November 18th, 7:00pm) [projection: Del Norte (Crescent City, CA) 27-24]
Game 8: Marin Catholic (Kentfield, CA) vs Healdsburg (CA) at Rec Park (Healdsburg, CA) (Friday, November 17th, 7:00pm) [projection: Healdsburg (CA) 28-19]
NCS FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Loss to Sacred Heart in regular-season finale probably cost Casa Grande.
By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The road to the North Coast Section 3A Redwood Empire football championship game may go through Montgomery, or Cardinal Newman, or Casa Grande, or Windsor.
One of the closest 3A playoff fields was sorted out somewhat Sunday at an NCS seeding meeting in Walnut Creek.
Casa Grande's loss to Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday night at Kezar Stadium probably cost the Gauchos (8-2) the top seed. Instead, Montgomery (9-1), whose only loss was to Casa, received the No. 1 seed. Cardinal Newman (9-1), whose only loss is to Montomery, is seeded No. 2, Casa Grande received the No. 3 seed and Windsor (8-1) received the No. 4 seed.
"I can't remember anything like it," said Montgomery coach Jason Franci of four teams entering the 3A playoffs with such impressive records.
Franci is certainly not looking past any of the four other schools to make the 3A playoffs.
Maria Carrillo (6-4) received the fifth seed, Rancho Cotate (5-5) is No. 6, Sonoma (5-5) is No. 7 and Redwood (6-4) is No. 8.
First round games this weekend include: Redwood at Montgomery and Sonoma at Cardinal Newman on Friday at 7 p.m. and Rancho Cotate at Casa Grande and Maria Carrillo at Windsor on Saturday, also at 7 p.m.
The difference in this year's 3A and 2A playoffs is the season doesn't end with a Redwood Empire title. The Redwood Empire and East Bay champions in the two 3A divisions will meet Dec. 8 at Santa Rosa High.
CLASS 2A
Novato (9-1) received the No. 1 seed and Healdsburg (7-3) the second seed.
Seven schools made the field and Analy (5-5) received the sixth seed.
Healdsburg, which ended the Sonoma County League season with a 40-12 win against Analy last week, will play No. 7 Marin Catholic (5-5) Friday at Recreation Park at 7 p.m.
Analy travels to No. 3 Del Norte (8-1) of Crescent City Saturday for a 7 p.m. game. Analy made the same trip last year.
The 2A Redwood Empire-East Bay title game will be at the Oakland Coliseum Dec. 9.
CLASS A
The shift in power seems to be moving away from the Redwood Empire in this classification. The only Empire schools to make the eight-team field were No. 5 Middletown (9-1) and No. 7 St. Helena (7-3).
Middletown, a Class A champ in 1997, 1999 and 2001, won the North Central League I North and received an automatic berth. St. Helena won the NCL I South to also grab an automatic berth.
Five of the eight seeds went to league champs. Justin-Siena of Napa (8-2) received the top seed, Ferndale (10-0) the No. 2 seed and Salesian of Richmond (8-2) the No. 3 seed.
Middletown plays at No. 4 St. Patrick/St. Vincent of Vallejo (8-2) Friday at 7 p.m. and St. Helena plays at Ferndale Saturday at 1 p.m.
CLASS B
Only five teams applied for the expanded six-team playoff.
Tomales (9-0) received the top seed and received a first-round bye.
No. 2 Hoopa Valley (7-3) will play No. 3 Mendocino (7-2) in a second round game Nov. 25 at Hoopa and No. 4 St. Bernard of Eureka (4-6) hosts No. 5 Calistoga (5-5) Saturday at 1 p.m.
Standings
Overall » League
TEAM
W-L-T Pct. W-L-T Pct. PF PA
Casa Grande (Petaluma) 8-2-0 .800 6-0-0 1.000 250 158
Windsor (Windsor) 8-1-0 .889 5-1-0 .833 297 76
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma) 5-5-0 .500 4-2-0 .667 213 262
Healdsburg (Healdsburg)7-3-0 .700 3-3-0 .500 307 162
Analy (Sebastopol) 5-5-0 .500 2-4-0 .333 252 241
Petaluma (Petaluma) 4-6-0 .400 1-5-0 .167 184 192
El Molino (Forestv...) 2-8-0 .200 0-6-0 .000 209 251
TEAM
W-L-T Pct. W-L-T Pct. PF PA
Casa Grande (Petaluma) 8-2-0 .800 6-0-0 1.000 250 158
Windsor (Windsor) 8-1-0 .889 5-1-0 .833 297 76
Sonoma Valley (Sonoma) 5-5-0 .500 4-2-0 .667 213 262
Healdsburg (Healdsburg)7-3-0 .700 3-3-0 .500 307 162
Analy (Sebastopol) 5-5-0 .500 2-4-0 .333 252 241
Petaluma (Petaluma) 4-6-0 .400 1-5-0 .167 184 192
El Molino (Forestv...) 2-8-0 .200 0-6-0 .000 209 251
Tough D
Jags beat Dragons and land fourth seed in playoffs
Windsor plays host to Maria Carrillo on Saturday night after ending season with decisive win.
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
The varsity football Jaguars will start a new season this Saturday, Nov. 18 when they take on Maria Carrillo in the first round of the North Coast Section 3A playoffs. Kickoff at Windsor stadium is set for 7 p.m.
The Jags landed the fourth seed in the NCS tournament after posting an impressive, 38-12 win at Sonoma on Friday to finish the Sonoma County League season at 5-1 and 8-1 overall. The victory also stamps the team as a major player in a wide-open NCS field.
The complete list of NCS 3A playoff teams in order of seeding is: Montgomery, Cardinal Newman, Casa Grande, Windsor, Maria Carrillo, Rancho Cotate, Sonoma and Redwood.
For the third straight week the Jaguars churned up 300 yards on the ground, running out of the option and power-I formations and showcasing the talent of all-league back Erik Hernandez. The talented senior averaged 61 yards rushing in the team's first four games, but in the last five has run for a 170-yard per-game clip. On Friday, Hernandez ran for 191 yards to become the first 1,000-yard rusher in school history with 1,098 on the season.
“Our offensive line continues to show that they can play with anybody, and if we can gain over 300 yards-per-game, there's no reason to make a change,” said Jags head coach Jason Fayter. “We definitely think we can go further in the playoffs than we did last year,” he added, referring to Windsor's 2005 opening round loss to Rancho Cotate.
Saturday's playoff opener is a rematch of a Sept. 8 meeting between the teams, which the Jaguars won 30-0. Should Windsor get past the fifth-seeded Pumas on Saturday as expected, they'll face the winner of the Montgomery-Redwood game on Saturday, Nov. 25 (site TBD).
On Friday the Jags ended the league season in dominant fashion, as they jumped on host Sonoma for 30 points in the first half en route to a lopsided victory. The Dragons came into the game having won five of their past six, but couldn't do much against the top-ranked Jaguar defense.
Windsor drew blood on their first possession, driving the length of the field before Brandyn Reed took a pitch from quarterback Kevin Cramer and scampered in from a yard out for a 6-0 lead at the end of one. Windsor broke it wide open in the explosive second quarter, as Hernandez found pay dirt on a pair of one-yard scoring dives, followed by an 11-yard touchdown strike with 13 seconds left in the half from Cramer to big receiver Max Devlin. Hernandez and Mike Bogdanovich cashed in on all three two-point conversion runs for a 30-0 lead at the break.
With the game in hand, Windsor worked on the clock in the third quarter. Sonoma scored on a short touchdown run from running back Matt Darnell, and added a 10-yard quarterback keeper from Ryan Blum in the final period to avoid the shutout. Hernandez scored on another one-yard burst in the fourth quarter for his third touchdown of the game and the eventual, 38-12 victory.
Cramer turned in an efficient night under center, rushing nine times for 67 yards, while completing all three of his passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. Other offensive leaders included: Hernandez (38-191 yards, 3 TDs), Reed (4-20 yards rushing, TD), Dillon Morrow (6-13 yards rushing), Jamal Russell Black (1-11 yards rushing) and Devlin (2-43 yards receiving, TD).
Leading Windsor defenders were: Danny Hardisty (5 tackles, 2 assists, INT), Jason Freyer (4 tackles, 2 assists, 2 FRs), James Jewett (3 tackles, assist, INT), Russell Black (3 tackles, 2 assists), Andrew Jones (2 tackles, 3 assists), Kyle Kellough (tackle, assist, sack), Tysen Gray (tackle, 2 assists), Bogdanovich (tackle, 4 assists, INT), Roy Edwards (tackle, assist), Reed (tackle, assist) and one tackle each by Tom Walton and Cramer.
The JV squad ended a solid season with a 21-10 loss to Sonoma.
Injury notes: Running back/linebacker Leroy Green sat out his second straight game with an ankle injury and will probably miss Saturday's playoff game. Hernandez and Reed are also hampered by ankle injuries but are expected to play this week.
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
The varsity football Jaguars will start a new season this Saturday, Nov. 18 when they take on Maria Carrillo in the first round of the North Coast Section 3A playoffs. Kickoff at Windsor stadium is set for 7 p.m.
The Jags landed the fourth seed in the NCS tournament after posting an impressive, 38-12 win at Sonoma on Friday to finish the Sonoma County League season at 5-1 and 8-1 overall. The victory also stamps the team as a major player in a wide-open NCS field.
The complete list of NCS 3A playoff teams in order of seeding is: Montgomery, Cardinal Newman, Casa Grande, Windsor, Maria Carrillo, Rancho Cotate, Sonoma and Redwood.
For the third straight week the Jaguars churned up 300 yards on the ground, running out of the option and power-I formations and showcasing the talent of all-league back Erik Hernandez. The talented senior averaged 61 yards rushing in the team's first four games, but in the last five has run for a 170-yard per-game clip. On Friday, Hernandez ran for 191 yards to become the first 1,000-yard rusher in school history with 1,098 on the season.
“Our offensive line continues to show that they can play with anybody, and if we can gain over 300 yards-per-game, there's no reason to make a change,” said Jags head coach Jason Fayter. “We definitely think we can go further in the playoffs than we did last year,” he added, referring to Windsor's 2005 opening round loss to Rancho Cotate.
Saturday's playoff opener is a rematch of a Sept. 8 meeting between the teams, which the Jaguars won 30-0. Should Windsor get past the fifth-seeded Pumas on Saturday as expected, they'll face the winner of the Montgomery-Redwood game on Saturday, Nov. 25 (site TBD).
On Friday the Jags ended the league season in dominant fashion, as they jumped on host Sonoma for 30 points in the first half en route to a lopsided victory. The Dragons came into the game having won five of their past six, but couldn't do much against the top-ranked Jaguar defense.
Windsor drew blood on their first possession, driving the length of the field before Brandyn Reed took a pitch from quarterback Kevin Cramer and scampered in from a yard out for a 6-0 lead at the end of one. Windsor broke it wide open in the explosive second quarter, as Hernandez found pay dirt on a pair of one-yard scoring dives, followed by an 11-yard touchdown strike with 13 seconds left in the half from Cramer to big receiver Max Devlin. Hernandez and Mike Bogdanovich cashed in on all three two-point conversion runs for a 30-0 lead at the break.
With the game in hand, Windsor worked on the clock in the third quarter. Sonoma scored on a short touchdown run from running back Matt Darnell, and added a 10-yard quarterback keeper from Ryan Blum in the final period to avoid the shutout. Hernandez scored on another one-yard burst in the fourth quarter for his third touchdown of the game and the eventual, 38-12 victory.
Cramer turned in an efficient night under center, rushing nine times for 67 yards, while completing all three of his passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. Other offensive leaders included: Hernandez (38-191 yards, 3 TDs), Reed (4-20 yards rushing, TD), Dillon Morrow (6-13 yards rushing), Jamal Russell Black (1-11 yards rushing) and Devlin (2-43 yards receiving, TD).
Leading Windsor defenders were: Danny Hardisty (5 tackles, 2 assists, INT), Jason Freyer (4 tackles, 2 assists, 2 FRs), James Jewett (3 tackles, assist, INT), Russell Black (3 tackles, 2 assists), Andrew Jones (2 tackles, 3 assists), Kyle Kellough (tackle, assist, sack), Tysen Gray (tackle, 2 assists), Bogdanovich (tackle, 4 assists, INT), Roy Edwards (tackle, assist), Reed (tackle, assist) and one tackle each by Tom Walton and Cramer.
The JV squad ended a solid season with a 21-10 loss to Sonoma.
Injury notes: Running back/linebacker Leroy Green sat out his second straight game with an ankle injury and will probably miss Saturday's playoff game. Hernandez and Reed are also hampered by ankle injuries but are expected to play this week.
Ground Game
Jaguars grind out win over Analy
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
Ground Game - Varsity quarterback Kevin Cramer (#5) ran for yardage on Friday in the Jag's 32-6 win over visiting Analy. Greg Clementi
The Jaguar varsity football squad is on the verge of completing its best league season ever after posting a 32-6 win over visiting Analy on Friday.
Windsor, behind a tremendous 251-yard rushing effort by senior back Erik Hernandez, turned a close game into a rout with 24 points in the fourth quarter to win going away.
For the third straight week, the Jags continued to operate the “toss” offense, which takes advantage of their strong running attack. Windsor quarterback Kevin Cramer ran it to near perfection on Friday, as Hernandez sliced and diced his way through the Analy defense on 34 carries. Cramer also made the most of his four pass attempts on the night, tossing a pair of touchdown strikes to receiver Brandyn Reed.
“It's hard to get away from the run when we're able to gain over 300 yards on the ground the last couple of weeks,” said Windsor head coach Jason Fayter. “As we get into the playoffs, we'll let the defense we're facing dictate what we'll do on offense.”
The victory ran Windsor's overall season mark to 7-1 and 4-1 in Sonoma County League play, with only a road game remaining this Friday, Nov. 10 at Sonoma to close out the league campaign.
With the Jags a virtual lock for a second consecutive North Coast Section playoff spot, Windsor can gain added momentum with a win over the surging Dragons this week.
Barring any surprises, the top three seeded teams heading into the NCS 3A playoffs figure to be Cardinal Newman, Casa Grande and Montgomery, with Windsor a good bet to land the fourth spot. A top four seed would mean the Jags would host a first-round playoff game on Nov. 17 or 18. The NCS seeding meeting is scheduled for this Sunday, Nov. 12.
Friday's clash between the Jags and visiting Tigers got off to a defensive start in a scoreless first quarter. Analy mounted a promising drive early in the period, but the threat ended with a fumble deep in Windsor territory.
The Jaguars suffered a blow in the second period when running back/linebacker Leroy Green sustained an ankle injury after a long gain, leaving Hernandez to carry much of the load the rest of the game. Windsor drew blood early in the second quarter when a long drive led to a 15-yard scoring pass to Reed. Hernandez ran in the conversion for an 8-0 lead at the break.
The Tigers made it close midway through the third quarter when quarterback Nick Maloney directed a long scoring march culminating in a one-yard keeper to cut the deficit to 8-6. The two-point conversion attempt failed and Analy trailed by two at the end of three quarters.
With the Jaguars laying serious wood on defense, Windsor put its faith in the strong legs of Hernandez in the fourth quarter. The all-league senior, in the midst of a career night, was virtually unstoppable in the final period.
The fourth quarter began with a 14-yard scoring strike from Cramer to Reed to cap a sustained drive, with Hernandez bursting through with the conversion run for 16-6 Jaguar lead. Windsor broke it wide open on its next possession, as Hernandez broke free for a 33-yard scoring bolt and an 18-point advantage. The Jags capped the fourth-quarter explosion late in the game as Hernandez scampered in from 12 yards out for the eventual, 32-6 win.
In addition to the heroics of Hernandez, the Windsor offense got strong efforts from Cramer (5-36 yards rushing, 2-4, 29 yards, 2 TDs passing), Green (7-68 yards rushing) and Reed (2-29 yards, 2 TDs receiving, 1-7 yards rushing). Top Jaguar defenders included Tom Walton (10 tackles), James Jewett (4 tackles, 4 assists, FR), Bogdanovich (5 tackles, assist), Jamal Russell Black (3 tackles, assist, INT) and John Fraga (4 tackles).
Ground Game - Varsity quarterback Kevin Cramer (#5) ran for yardage on Friday in the Jag's 32-6 win over visiting Analy. Greg Clementi
The Jaguar varsity football squad is on the verge of completing its best league season ever after posting a 32-6 win over visiting Analy on Friday.
Windsor, behind a tremendous 251-yard rushing effort by senior back Erik Hernandez, turned a close game into a rout with 24 points in the fourth quarter to win going away.
For the third straight week, the Jags continued to operate the “toss” offense, which takes advantage of their strong running attack. Windsor quarterback Kevin Cramer ran it to near perfection on Friday, as Hernandez sliced and diced his way through the Analy defense on 34 carries. Cramer also made the most of his four pass attempts on the night, tossing a pair of touchdown strikes to receiver Brandyn Reed.
“It's hard to get away from the run when we're able to gain over 300 yards on the ground the last couple of weeks,” said Windsor head coach Jason Fayter. “As we get into the playoffs, we'll let the defense we're facing dictate what we'll do on offense.”
The victory ran Windsor's overall season mark to 7-1 and 4-1 in Sonoma County League play, with only a road game remaining this Friday, Nov. 10 at Sonoma to close out the league campaign.
With the Jags a virtual lock for a second consecutive North Coast Section playoff spot, Windsor can gain added momentum with a win over the surging Dragons this week.
Barring any surprises, the top three seeded teams heading into the NCS 3A playoffs figure to be Cardinal Newman, Casa Grande and Montgomery, with Windsor a good bet to land the fourth spot. A top four seed would mean the Jags would host a first-round playoff game on Nov. 17 or 18. The NCS seeding meeting is scheduled for this Sunday, Nov. 12.
Friday's clash between the Jags and visiting Tigers got off to a defensive start in a scoreless first quarter. Analy mounted a promising drive early in the period, but the threat ended with a fumble deep in Windsor territory.
The Jaguars suffered a blow in the second period when running back/linebacker Leroy Green sustained an ankle injury after a long gain, leaving Hernandez to carry much of the load the rest of the game. Windsor drew blood early in the second quarter when a long drive led to a 15-yard scoring pass to Reed. Hernandez ran in the conversion for an 8-0 lead at the break.
The Tigers made it close midway through the third quarter when quarterback Nick Maloney directed a long scoring march culminating in a one-yard keeper to cut the deficit to 8-6. The two-point conversion attempt failed and Analy trailed by two at the end of three quarters.
With the Jaguars laying serious wood on defense, Windsor put its faith in the strong legs of Hernandez in the fourth quarter. The all-league senior, in the midst of a career night, was virtually unstoppable in the final period.
The fourth quarter began with a 14-yard scoring strike from Cramer to Reed to cap a sustained drive, with Hernandez bursting through with the conversion run for 16-6 Jaguar lead. Windsor broke it wide open on its next possession, as Hernandez broke free for a 33-yard scoring bolt and an 18-point advantage. The Jags capped the fourth-quarter explosion late in the game as Hernandez scampered in from 12 yards out for the eventual, 32-6 win.
In addition to the heroics of Hernandez, the Windsor offense got strong efforts from Cramer (5-36 yards rushing, 2-4, 29 yards, 2 TDs passing), Green (7-68 yards rushing) and Reed (2-29 yards, 2 TDs receiving, 1-7 yards rushing). Top Jaguar defenders included Tom Walton (10 tackles), James Jewett (4 tackles, 4 assists, FR), Bogdanovich (5 tackles, assist), Jamal Russell Black (3 tackles, assist, INT) and John Fraga (4 tackles).
Erik Hernandez
Jaguars roll on.
WINDSOR RUNNING GAME ROUTS ANALY IN FINAL QUARTER
By DEWEY FORGET
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
WINDSOR - Through five games, Windsor built a well-deserved reputation for a very efficient passing game. The word was out: Stop the passing duo of Kevin Cramer to Brandyn Reed to beat the Jaguars. Man, has that changed.
Over the last three games, the Jaguars have developed a potent running game, eschewing the pass, choosing instead to run almost exclusively.
The evolution may have been completed Friday night. Windsor rushed for 372 yards and scored 24 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat visiting Analy, 32-6, in a key Sonoma County League game.
"When you can chew up eight minutes on a drive and then score, especially against a good team that can score, you might as well do it," said Windsor coach Jason Fayter.
The biggest beneficiaries of the newfound running game were Erik Hernandez and Leroy Green. Hernandez ran a career-high 34 times for 250 yards against the Tigers. Green, who went out with an ankle injury early in the second quarter and didn't return, added 68 yards rushing.
Hernandez had 103 yards in the first half. In the fourth quarter as the Jaguars' offensive line began to take over the game, Hernandez busted touchdown runs of 33 and 12 yards. Hernandez ran his season rushing total to 843. Green now has 622 yards.
"As the game went on, we got rolling," Hernandez said. "I got more comfortable."
Green said "he heard something snap when he got his foot stuck in the mud and got hit." The injury came at the end of a 26-yard gain.
Windsor used a spread offense until the Casa Grande game. Fayter, in an attempt to control the game clock and keep the Casa Grande offense on the sideline, went to a Toss offense on Oct. 20th. Since that game, the Jaguars have passed sparingly, but with excellent results.
"That is what's so nice about the Toss offense, I can use both of those guys," Fayter said.
Fayter said he had the Toss in the playbook all year, but early on used it exclusively for a goal-line offense. He said that the "spread had not gone away."
The Tigers found out that if you put enough players in the box to stop the run, the talented Reed will find a way to get open.
Reed, who has an outside shot at 1,000 receiving yards, twice burned the Tigers for touchdown catches.
After a scoreless first quarter, Reed and Cramer hooked up on a perfectly executed play-action 15-yard touchdown. Hernandez ran in the 2-point conversion to give the Jaguars an 8-0 lead.
Cramer, who ran for 35 yards, threw only three times. His first pass attempt came in the second quarter.
After Analy came back to score on a Nick Maloney's 1-yard run early in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 8-6, Reed and Cramer collaborated again.
On the first play in the fourth quarter, Reed split two defenders on a corner route and hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass.
"They have to suck up to stop the run, then we can go play-action and and beat them up top," Cramer said.
With only one SCL game remaining, Windsor is preparing for a playoff run in the 3A division.
At 7-1 overall and 4-1 in league, the Jaguars appear to be peaking at the right time. They lost to Rancho Cotate in the first round last year.
Analy, which should make the 2A playoffs, dropped to 5-4 overall and 2-3 in the SCL.
The Jaguars' defense, led by an active linebacking group, held the Tigers to only 94 yards in the first half. Maloney was 6-of-8 passing for 60 yards and ran for 19 yards to account for most of the Tigers' yardage.
James Jewett, Jamal Russell Black, Matt Pepper and Tom Walton had excellent defensive games for Windsor.
Analy hurt itself with two fumbles that stopped promising drives.
By DEWEY FORGET
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
WINDSOR - Through five games, Windsor built a well-deserved reputation for a very efficient passing game. The word was out: Stop the passing duo of Kevin Cramer to Brandyn Reed to beat the Jaguars. Man, has that changed.
Over the last three games, the Jaguars have developed a potent running game, eschewing the pass, choosing instead to run almost exclusively.
The evolution may have been completed Friday night. Windsor rushed for 372 yards and scored 24 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat visiting Analy, 32-6, in a key Sonoma County League game.
"When you can chew up eight minutes on a drive and then score, especially against a good team that can score, you might as well do it," said Windsor coach Jason Fayter.
The biggest beneficiaries of the newfound running game were Erik Hernandez and Leroy Green. Hernandez ran a career-high 34 times for 250 yards against the Tigers. Green, who went out with an ankle injury early in the second quarter and didn't return, added 68 yards rushing.
Hernandez had 103 yards in the first half. In the fourth quarter as the Jaguars' offensive line began to take over the game, Hernandez busted touchdown runs of 33 and 12 yards. Hernandez ran his season rushing total to 843. Green now has 622 yards.
"As the game went on, we got rolling," Hernandez said. "I got more comfortable."
Green said "he heard something snap when he got his foot stuck in the mud and got hit." The injury came at the end of a 26-yard gain.
Windsor used a spread offense until the Casa Grande game. Fayter, in an attempt to control the game clock and keep the Casa Grande offense on the sideline, went to a Toss offense on Oct. 20th. Since that game, the Jaguars have passed sparingly, but with excellent results.
"That is what's so nice about the Toss offense, I can use both of those guys," Fayter said.
Fayter said he had the Toss in the playbook all year, but early on used it exclusively for a goal-line offense. He said that the "spread had not gone away."
The Tigers found out that if you put enough players in the box to stop the run, the talented Reed will find a way to get open.
Reed, who has an outside shot at 1,000 receiving yards, twice burned the Tigers for touchdown catches.
After a scoreless first quarter, Reed and Cramer hooked up on a perfectly executed play-action 15-yard touchdown. Hernandez ran in the 2-point conversion to give the Jaguars an 8-0 lead.
Cramer, who ran for 35 yards, threw only three times. His first pass attempt came in the second quarter.
After Analy came back to score on a Nick Maloney's 1-yard run early in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 8-6, Reed and Cramer collaborated again.
On the first play in the fourth quarter, Reed split two defenders on a corner route and hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass.
"They have to suck up to stop the run, then we can go play-action and and beat them up top," Cramer said.
With only one SCL game remaining, Windsor is preparing for a playoff run in the 3A division.
At 7-1 overall and 4-1 in league, the Jaguars appear to be peaking at the right time. They lost to Rancho Cotate in the first round last year.
Analy, which should make the 2A playoffs, dropped to 5-4 overall and 2-3 in the SCL.
The Jaguars' defense, led by an active linebacking group, held the Tigers to only 94 yards in the first half. Maloney was 6-of-8 passing for 60 yards and ran for 19 yards to account for most of the Tigers' yardage.
James Jewett, Jamal Russell Black, Matt Pepper and Tom Walton had excellent defensive games for Windsor.
Analy hurt itself with two fumbles that stopped promising drives.
Toting the Rock.
Jaguars stay with ground game in romp over Petaluma
October 29, 2006
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
The varsity football Jaguars got back in the win column at Durst Field on Friday, posting a 40-16 romp over host Petaluma.
The victory was just what the doctor ordered after a devastating overtime loss to Casa Grande a week earlier, and moved Windsor a step closer in its quest for a North Coast Section playoff berth.
The win improved the Jags' season record to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the SCL.
For the second straight week, Windsor went to a ground attack as a result of a recent injury to all-league receiver Brandyn Reed. The Jaguars did not throw a single pass on Friday, as Reed played mostly on defense in the game. As it turned out the ground attack was more than enough for the Jags in this one, as they churned up 301 rushing yards enroute to the lopsided victory.
“When you've got two backs gaining 140 yards each on the ground, there's no need to throw the football,” said Windsor coach Jason Fayter. “Petaluma hasn't given up more than 20 points in a game all season, so I was surprised we were able to put up 32 by halftime.”
Windsor drew blood midway through the first quarter when sophomore fullback Leroy Green capped a sustained drive with an 11-yard touchdown burst. Erik Hernandez made good on a two-conversion run for an 8-0 lead. The Jags found pay dirt again on their next possession when Hernandez dove over from one yard out, followed by another PAT run for a 16-0 bulge by the end of one.
The Windsor defense continued to harass and contain the Petaluma attack, giving the Jags good field position throughout the first half. The Jaguars used that field position to break the game wide open in the second quarter, as Hernandez capped another scoring march with a five-yard burst. Green ran in the conversion to make it a 24-0 ballgame.
Windsor capped the first-half fireworks when all-league linebacker Mike Bogdanovich picked up a fumble and raced 24 yards for the touchdown. Hernandez followed with yet another two-point conversion run for a decisive 32-0 lead at the break.
The Trojans got on the board midway through the third quarter on a 14-yard touchdown scamper from running back Joe Bertolucci, followed by a conversion run to avoid the shutout. Windsor answered with a nine-yard scoring bolt by Green to effectively end any Petaluma comeback hopes. The Trojans would add another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but eventually fell, 40-16.
Green finished off a tremendous rushing night with 162 yards on 22 carries and a pair of touchdowns, while Hernandez also turned in a spectacular night, with 19 carries for 137 yards and two scores.
Jaguar defenders included: Bogdanovich (9 tackles, 4 assists, FR, TD), Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson (4 tackles, 4 assists), Kyle Kellough (2 tackles, 4 assists, FR), Jamal Russell Black (3 tackles, 4 assists), Tom Walton (3 tackles, 2 assists), Green (4 tackles, assist), Reed (3 tackles), James Jewett (2 tackles, 5 assists), Matt Pepper (tackle, 4 assists), Danny Hardisty (tackle, assist), John Fraga (tackle, assist), Tysen Grey (tackle), Jason Freyer (tackle), Andrew Jones (tackle) and Max Devlin (2 assists).
The Windsor JV squad ran its record to 3-1 in league and 5-2 overall with a win over Petaluma on Friday.
The Jags will host Analy this Friday, Nov. 3 in a key league clash. Game times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Windsor bulldozes over Trojans
Published: Wednesday, Nov 1, 2006
By JOHN JACKSON
The only really bad numbers for Petaluma High School’s varsity football team Friday night were the ones that counted most — on the scoreboard and in the record book.
Petaluma wasn’t far behind Windsor in total yardage, 229 to 301 for the visitors to the Trojans’ Durst Field, and had almost as many first downs as the Jaguars, 17-13.
But it was ugly on the scoreboard where the Jaguars recorded a 40-16 victory. The result extended Petaluma’s Sonoma County League losing streak to four straight. Overall, the Trojans are 3-5, with just two tries left at a league win. The Trojans travel to Healdsburg Friday night and finish at El Molino on Nov. 10.
Windsor with its win improves its chances of a high seed in the NCS playoffs. The Jaguars are 6-1 for the season and 3-1 in league play, with their only defeat an overtime loss to Casa Grande.
Friday’s contest was over early with Windsor overpowering the Trojans in the first half on the way to a 32-0 lead. Petaluma had no answer for the Windsor’s tightly packed pitch offense. The Jaguars put their offensive linemen shoulder to shoulder, pitched the ball back to Erik Hernandez or LeRoy Green and surged ahead for five, eight, 11 yards a snap.
The Trojans provided Windsor unneeded help by fumbling their first offensive play of the night, dropping a certain first-down pass off a fake punt try and having the ball snatched out of the hands of a kickoff returner and run the other way for a Windsor touchdown.
By the time the Trojans settled down, the first half was over and Windsor had four touchdowns.
Petaluma played much better in the second half, finding a way to hold the Windsor infantry to one touchdown and scoring a touchdown of its own on a 15-yard run by Joe Bertolucci. The touchdown was set up by a fumble recovery by Matt Lovi at the Petaluma 37-yard line. Bertolucci also ran in a two-point conversion.
Early in the fourth quarter, Petaluma put together an impressive drive against the Windsor first-team defense, going 60 yards on the strong back of fullback Drew Gaidano. Quarterback Chadd Krist chipped in key pass completions to Dane Greco and Gaidano, and the fullback did the scoring from the three-yard line.
A pass from Krist to Bertolucci provided a final two points for the Trojans.
From that point on, the game was pretty much turned over to the future for both teams as benches cleared.
Windsor gained 301 total yards, all on the ground. Green with 162 yards and Hernandez with 137 accounted for all but two of the Jaguar gains.
Windsor did not throw a single pass.
Gaidano was a dominant player on both sides of scrimmage for the Trojans. He bulled his way for 132 tough yards against the massed Windsor defense and made five tackles from his linebacking position.
Greco, Sean McLaughlin and Zach Salaun each had six tackles for the Trojans.
Petaluma coach Steve Ellison tipped his hat to the Jaguars, but said he wasn’t disappointed with the Petaluma effort.
“They are a very good football team. They are very physical and they took it to us right from the get-go.” “I’m proud of the way our kids didn’t give up and came back in the second half.”
The varsity football Jaguars got back in the win column at Durst Field on Friday, posting a 40-16 romp over host Petaluma.
The victory was just what the doctor ordered after a devastating overtime loss to Casa Grande a week earlier, and moved Windsor a step closer in its quest for a North Coast Section playoff berth.
The win improved the Jags' season record to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the SCL.
For the second straight week, Windsor went to a ground attack as a result of a recent injury to all-league receiver Brandyn Reed. The Jaguars did not throw a single pass on Friday, as Reed played mostly on defense in the game. As it turned out the ground attack was more than enough for the Jags in this one, as they churned up 301 rushing yards enroute to the lopsided victory.
“When you've got two backs gaining 140 yards each on the ground, there's no need to throw the football,” said Windsor coach Jason Fayter. “Petaluma hasn't given up more than 20 points in a game all season, so I was surprised we were able to put up 32 by halftime.”
Windsor drew blood midway through the first quarter when sophomore fullback Leroy Green capped a sustained drive with an 11-yard touchdown burst. Erik Hernandez made good on a two-conversion run for an 8-0 lead. The Jags found pay dirt again on their next possession when Hernandez dove over from one yard out, followed by another PAT run for a 16-0 bulge by the end of one.
The Windsor defense continued to harass and contain the Petaluma attack, giving the Jags good field position throughout the first half. The Jaguars used that field position to break the game wide open in the second quarter, as Hernandez capped another scoring march with a five-yard burst. Green ran in the conversion to make it a 24-0 ballgame.
Windsor capped the first-half fireworks when all-league linebacker Mike Bogdanovich picked up a fumble and raced 24 yards for the touchdown. Hernandez followed with yet another two-point conversion run for a decisive 32-0 lead at the break.
The Trojans got on the board midway through the third quarter on a 14-yard touchdown scamper from running back Joe Bertolucci, followed by a conversion run to avoid the shutout. Windsor answered with a nine-yard scoring bolt by Green to effectively end any Petaluma comeback hopes. The Trojans would add another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but eventually fell, 40-16.
Green finished off a tremendous rushing night with 162 yards on 22 carries and a pair of touchdowns, while Hernandez also turned in a spectacular night, with 19 carries for 137 yards and two scores.
Jaguar defenders included: Bogdanovich (9 tackles, 4 assists, FR, TD), Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson (4 tackles, 4 assists), Kyle Kellough (2 tackles, 4 assists, FR), Jamal Russell Black (3 tackles, 4 assists), Tom Walton (3 tackles, 2 assists), Green (4 tackles, assist), Reed (3 tackles), James Jewett (2 tackles, 5 assists), Matt Pepper (tackle, 4 assists), Danny Hardisty (tackle, assist), John Fraga (tackle, assist), Tysen Grey (tackle), Jason Freyer (tackle), Andrew Jones (tackle) and Max Devlin (2 assists).
The Windsor JV squad ran its record to 3-1 in league and 5-2 overall with a win over Petaluma on Friday.
The Jags will host Analy this Friday, Nov. 3 in a key league clash. Game times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Windsor bulldozes over Trojans
Published: Wednesday, Nov 1, 2006
By JOHN JACKSON
The only really bad numbers for Petaluma High School’s varsity football team Friday night were the ones that counted most — on the scoreboard and in the record book.
Petaluma wasn’t far behind Windsor in total yardage, 229 to 301 for the visitors to the Trojans’ Durst Field, and had almost as many first downs as the Jaguars, 17-13.
But it was ugly on the scoreboard where the Jaguars recorded a 40-16 victory. The result extended Petaluma’s Sonoma County League losing streak to four straight. Overall, the Trojans are 3-5, with just two tries left at a league win. The Trojans travel to Healdsburg Friday night and finish at El Molino on Nov. 10.
Windsor with its win improves its chances of a high seed in the NCS playoffs. The Jaguars are 6-1 for the season and 3-1 in league play, with their only defeat an overtime loss to Casa Grande.
Friday’s contest was over early with Windsor overpowering the Trojans in the first half on the way to a 32-0 lead. Petaluma had no answer for the Windsor’s tightly packed pitch offense. The Jaguars put their offensive linemen shoulder to shoulder, pitched the ball back to Erik Hernandez or LeRoy Green and surged ahead for five, eight, 11 yards a snap.
The Trojans provided Windsor unneeded help by fumbling their first offensive play of the night, dropping a certain first-down pass off a fake punt try and having the ball snatched out of the hands of a kickoff returner and run the other way for a Windsor touchdown.
By the time the Trojans settled down, the first half was over and Windsor had four touchdowns.
Petaluma played much better in the second half, finding a way to hold the Windsor infantry to one touchdown and scoring a touchdown of its own on a 15-yard run by Joe Bertolucci. The touchdown was set up by a fumble recovery by Matt Lovi at the Petaluma 37-yard line. Bertolucci also ran in a two-point conversion.
Early in the fourth quarter, Petaluma put together an impressive drive against the Windsor first-team defense, going 60 yards on the strong back of fullback Drew Gaidano. Quarterback Chadd Krist chipped in key pass completions to Dane Greco and Gaidano, and the fullback did the scoring from the three-yard line.
A pass from Krist to Bertolucci provided a final two points for the Trojans.
From that point on, the game was pretty much turned over to the future for both teams as benches cleared.
Windsor gained 301 total yards, all on the ground. Green with 162 yards and Hernandez with 137 accounted for all but two of the Jaguar gains.
Windsor did not throw a single pass.
Gaidano was a dominant player on both sides of scrimmage for the Trojans. He bulled his way for 132 tough yards against the massed Windsor defense and made five tackles from his linebacking position.
Greco, Sean McLaughlin and Zach Salaun each had six tackles for the Trojans.
Petaluma coach Steve Ellison tipped his hat to the Jaguars, but said he wasn’t disappointed with the Petaluma effort.
“They are a very good football team. They are very physical and they took it to us right from the get-go.” “I’m proud of the way our kids didn’t give up and came back in the second half.”
Game Results
Friday 9/8/2006 7:30pm W 0-30 Maria Carrillo VS Windsor
Friday 9/15/2006 7:30pm W 28-0 Windsor VS Santa Rosa
Friday 9/22/2006 7:30pm W 0-62 Else Allen VS Windsor
Friday 10/6/2006 7:30pm W 7-27 Healdsburg VS Windsor
Friday 10/13/2006 7:30pm W 27-14 Windsor VS El Molino
Friday 10/20/2006 7:30pm L 21-14 Casa Grande VS Windsor
Friday 10/27/2006 7:30pm TBP Windsor VS Petaluma
Friday 11/3/2006 7:30pm TBP Analy VS Windsor
Friday 11/10/2006 7:30pm TBP Windsor VS Sonoma Valley
ALL TEAMS
10/20/2006
F Healdsburg 42 El Molino 14
F Casa Grande 21 Windsor 14
F Sonoma Valley 19 Petaluma 14
F Analy 42 Drake 0
10/13/2006
F Healdsburg 55 Fortuna 14
F Windsor 27 El Molino 14
F Analy 14 Petaluma 13
F Casa Grande 27 Sonoma Valley 7
10/6/2006
F Windsor 27 Healdsburg 7
F Sonoma Valley 44 El Molino 21
F Casa Grande 38 Analy 31
F Petaluma 41 Eureka 14
9/29/2006
F Analy 24 El Molino 13
F Sonoma Valley 34 Healdsburg 21
F Casa Grande 20 Petaluma 7
9/22/2006
F Casa Grande 17 Montgomery 0
F Rancho Cotate 21 Petaluma 10
F piner 24 El Molino 22
F Healdsburg 35 Oakland 0
F Maria Carrillo 27 Sonoma Valley 13
F Analy 41 Santa Rosa 28
F Windsor 62 Else Allen 0
9/16/2006
F Casa Grande 41 Maria Carrillo 14
9/15/2006
F Windsor 28 Santa Rosa 0
F El Molino 55 Else Allen 6
F Montgomery 31 Sonoma Valley 6
F Healdsburg 28 St. Pat/St. Vincent 20
F Archbiship Mitty 41 Analy 27
F Petaluma 20 Ukiah 16
9/9/2006
F Jesse Bethel 24 El Molino 2
9/8/2006
F Santa Rosa 38 Casa Grande 27
F San Marin 27 Sonoma Valley 14
F Petaluma 21 Redwood 7
F Healdsburg 39 Kelseyville 6
F Windsor 30 Maria Carrillo 0
F Analy 26 piner 0
Friday 9/15/2006 7:30pm W 28-0 Windsor VS Santa Rosa
Friday 9/22/2006 7:30pm W 0-62 Else Allen VS Windsor
Friday 10/6/2006 7:30pm W 7-27 Healdsburg VS Windsor
Friday 10/13/2006 7:30pm W 27-14 Windsor VS El Molino
Friday 10/20/2006 7:30pm L 21-14 Casa Grande VS Windsor
Friday 10/27/2006 7:30pm TBP Windsor VS Petaluma
Friday 11/3/2006 7:30pm TBP Analy VS Windsor
Friday 11/10/2006 7:30pm TBP Windsor VS Sonoma Valley
ALL TEAMS
10/20/2006
F Healdsburg 42 El Molino 14
F Casa Grande 21 Windsor 14
F Sonoma Valley 19 Petaluma 14
F Analy 42 Drake 0
10/13/2006
F Healdsburg 55 Fortuna 14
F Windsor 27 El Molino 14
F Analy 14 Petaluma 13
F Casa Grande 27 Sonoma Valley 7
10/6/2006
F Windsor 27 Healdsburg 7
F Sonoma Valley 44 El Molino 21
F Casa Grande 38 Analy 31
F Petaluma 41 Eureka 14
9/29/2006
F Analy 24 El Molino 13
F Sonoma Valley 34 Healdsburg 21
F Casa Grande 20 Petaluma 7
9/22/2006
F Casa Grande 17 Montgomery 0
F Rancho Cotate 21 Petaluma 10
F piner 24 El Molino 22
F Healdsburg 35 Oakland 0
F Maria Carrillo 27 Sonoma Valley 13
F Analy 41 Santa Rosa 28
F Windsor 62 Else Allen 0
9/16/2006
F Casa Grande 41 Maria Carrillo 14
9/15/2006
F Windsor 28 Santa Rosa 0
F El Molino 55 Else Allen 6
F Montgomery 31 Sonoma Valley 6
F Healdsburg 28 St. Pat/St. Vincent 20
F Archbiship Mitty 41 Analy 27
F Petaluma 20 Ukiah 16
9/9/2006
F Jesse Bethel 24 El Molino 2
9/8/2006
F Santa Rosa 38 Casa Grande 27
F San Marin 27 Sonoma Valley 14
F Petaluma 21 Redwood 7
F Healdsburg 39 Kelseyville 6
F Windsor 30 Maria Carrillo 0
F Analy 26 piner 0
Gauchos outlast Jags
Casa Grande scores on pass play in OT period, then intercepts Windsor pass to seal victory HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CASA GRANDE 21, WINDSOR 14, OT
By DEWEY FORGET
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
After four quarters of punishing football, like two heavyweight fighters in a championship bout, Casa Grande and Windsor found themselves in a 14-14 tie Friday night in a battle for first place in the Sonoma County League.
In overtime, Casa Grande's Bobby Ramirez hit fullback Jake Burnett on the Gauchos' first play for a 10-yard touchdown. Placekicker Garrett Labberton added the extra point to give Casa a 21-14 lead. Casa's Jared Smith then intercepted Kevin Cramer on the Jaguars first play in overtime to preserve the victory.
Casa (6-1, 4-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the SCL, while Windsor, the No. 1 ranked team in the Empire, dropped to 5-1 and 2-1. The Gauchos have won six consecutive after losing its opener.
"They tried a trick play, they had been lining up Brandyn Reed as a tight end the whole game," said Smith. "I think the pass was intended for Reed, but it was a little short. I just jumped up and got it."
Cramer, who was under heavy pressure on the critical overtime pass attempt, said he should have thrown the ball away, "at least then we would have had another two or three more shots at it."
Reed, one of the premier receivers in the SCL, played with a sore ankle. Windsor coach Jason Fayter said Reed and several of the running backs, including the Jaguars' leading rusher, Erik Hernandez, didn't practice all week.
With Hernandez' mobility limited, Fayter went to his goal-line offense, a variation of the "Toss" from the opening, and ran the ball almost exclusively. Fayter prefers a spread offense that is better for his potent passing attack.
On the Jaguars' first possession, they drove 79 yards on 15 plays and threw just one pass, using Hernandez and sophomore Leroy Green on a series of sweeps.
Green finished the drive with a 21-yard run, breaking several tackles at the line of scrimmage. Green ran in the two-point conversion to give Windsor an 8-0 lead.
Casa, which was held in check by the Jaguars' defense for all but the last minute of the first half, got even 36 seconds before halftime.
Matt Nadolski ran past cornerback Jamal Russel Black, and hauled in a 67-yard TD pass from Ramirez, who then ran in the two-point conversion.
Windsor took a 14-8 lead with a 92-yard drive early in the third quarter. The big play was a 45-yard run by Hernandez.
Casa answered with 2:21 left in the third quarter with an 8-yard run by Scott Poole.
"Other than the opening drive when they had us on our heels, we handled the Toss or Bunch offense pretty well," said Casa coach Rick O'Brien. "We've been very fortunate over the past five years, we've had some big wins. This was my first-ever overtime game."
Casa had an opportunity to win in regulation. With 4:11 remaining in the game, Windsor looked to be putting together a game-winning drive, moving from their 31-yard line to the Gauchos' 26. But after a holding penalty, Andrew Snyder picked off Cramer and returned the interception 37 yards to the Jaguars 24. After three plays failed to net a first down, Garrett Labberton missed a 36-yard field goal.
James Jewett, who had 11 tackles, and Kyle Kellough led the Jaguars' defense. Casa's Anthony Biasi, who ran for 71 yards, also played well on defense with three passes defended.
Hernandez ran for 138 yards on 24 attempts, and Green finished with 129 yards rushing on 23 carries. Biasi had 71 yards rushing for the Gauchos.
By DEWEY FORGET
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
After four quarters of punishing football, like two heavyweight fighters in a championship bout, Casa Grande and Windsor found themselves in a 14-14 tie Friday night in a battle for first place in the Sonoma County League.
In overtime, Casa Grande's Bobby Ramirez hit fullback Jake Burnett on the Gauchos' first play for a 10-yard touchdown. Placekicker Garrett Labberton added the extra point to give Casa a 21-14 lead. Casa's Jared Smith then intercepted Kevin Cramer on the Jaguars first play in overtime to preserve the victory.
Casa (6-1, 4-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the SCL, while Windsor, the No. 1 ranked team in the Empire, dropped to 5-1 and 2-1. The Gauchos have won six consecutive after losing its opener.
"They tried a trick play, they had been lining up Brandyn Reed as a tight end the whole game," said Smith. "I think the pass was intended for Reed, but it was a little short. I just jumped up and got it."
Cramer, who was under heavy pressure on the critical overtime pass attempt, said he should have thrown the ball away, "at least then we would have had another two or three more shots at it."
Reed, one of the premier receivers in the SCL, played with a sore ankle. Windsor coach Jason Fayter said Reed and several of the running backs, including the Jaguars' leading rusher, Erik Hernandez, didn't practice all week.
With Hernandez' mobility limited, Fayter went to his goal-line offense, a variation of the "Toss" from the opening, and ran the ball almost exclusively. Fayter prefers a spread offense that is better for his potent passing attack.
On the Jaguars' first possession, they drove 79 yards on 15 plays and threw just one pass, using Hernandez and sophomore Leroy Green on a series of sweeps.
Green finished the drive with a 21-yard run, breaking several tackles at the line of scrimmage. Green ran in the two-point conversion to give Windsor an 8-0 lead.
Casa, which was held in check by the Jaguars' defense for all but the last minute of the first half, got even 36 seconds before halftime.
Matt Nadolski ran past cornerback Jamal Russel Black, and hauled in a 67-yard TD pass from Ramirez, who then ran in the two-point conversion.
Windsor took a 14-8 lead with a 92-yard drive early in the third quarter. The big play was a 45-yard run by Hernandez.
Casa answered with 2:21 left in the third quarter with an 8-yard run by Scott Poole.
"Other than the opening drive when they had us on our heels, we handled the Toss or Bunch offense pretty well," said Casa coach Rick O'Brien. "We've been very fortunate over the past five years, we've had some big wins. This was my first-ever overtime game."
Casa had an opportunity to win in regulation. With 4:11 remaining in the game, Windsor looked to be putting together a game-winning drive, moving from their 31-yard line to the Gauchos' 26. But after a holding penalty, Andrew Snyder picked off Cramer and returned the interception 37 yards to the Jaguars 24. After three plays failed to net a first down, Garrett Labberton missed a 36-yard field goal.
James Jewett, who had 11 tackles, and Kyle Kellough led the Jaguars' defense. Casa's Anthony Biasi, who ran for 71 yards, also played well on defense with three passes defended.
Hernandez ran for 138 yards on 24 attempts, and Green finished with 129 yards rushing on 23 carries. Biasi had 71 yards rushing for the Gauchos.
Gauchos take excitement into overtime to defeat Windsor
Wednesday, Oct 25, 2006
By JOHN JACKSON
ARGUS-COURIER SPORTS WRITER
Hollywood writers could not have scripted a more exciting, dramatic action adventure tale than the one that unfolded before a very live and animated audience at Windsor High School last Friday night.
To spoil the ending for the few who don’t know, Casa Grande High School’s varsity football Gauchos defeated Windsor’s homestanding Jaguars, 21-14, in the battle for first place in the Sonoma County League.
Like all great adventure stories, the drama was much more than the Gaucho happy ending. The story was in how Casa arrived at the celebration.
For one thing, the climax didn’t come until the game, at least the regulation four-quarter game, was over.
At the end of those four periods, both teams had 14 points and, for the first time in the memory of anyone on the current coaching staff, a Casa game was decided in overtime. It was a short overtime, but it was an overtime.
After the regulation-time tie, both teams were given a four-down opportunity to score from the 10-yard line. It took Casa Grande just one play to succeed. It took Windsor just one play to fail.
Casa Grande’s first overtime play was a fake to ball-carrying mainstay Anthony Biasi, and a pass from quarterback Bobby Ramirez to fullback Jake Burnett swinging out of the backfield to the right. The sure-handed junior, primarily a blocker in the Casa cause, made the grab at about the three-yard line, shouldered past a would-be tackler at the two and carried two other Jaguar defenders into the end zone.
“We’ve run that play a lot,” Burnett said. “The line really blocked it well.”
To complicate the Windsor difficulties, Garrett Labberton booted a PAT after the touchdown, giving Casa Grande a seven-point lead.
Windsor then had four plays to win or continue the ferocious fight.
Hope ended on the first Jaguar effort of the extra period when Jared Smith stepped in front of a Kevin Cramer pass for a game-ending interception.
“They tried a trick play,” he noted. “They tried to sneak Brandon Reed out (on a pass play). I saw the quarterback roll out, and I just dropped back. Our line got good pressure on the quarterback, and I just jumped up and got it (the pass).”
Even before the final Casa Grande heroics, the game had enough twists, turns and surprises to fill a season of soap operas.
Even as the audience was settling into the stands, Windsor offered a surprise, abandoning its spread passing formation for a tightly packed double-wing look similar to the set Santa Rosa had used so effectively to upset the Gauchos in the opening game of the season.
The run formation was an instant hit with the Windsor fans, as the Jaguars, in the game’s first series, drove 71 yards, all on the ground, with Leroy Green and Erik Hernandez carrying the load. It was Green who did the scoring, bouncing off and over two frustrated Gaucho tacklers to count from the 21-yard line. Green also scored a two-point conversion, pushing his way into the end zone for an 8-0 Windsor lead.
After that, the game settled into an intense defensive battle, with Casa Grande yielding ground, but no more points to Windsor’s new formation, and Windsor occasionally giving up yardage, but no points to Casa Grande’s more diversified attack.
Early in the second quarter, Casa Grande lost starting center Brian Lee to a leg injury, but Pat Rupiper stepped in on offense, the defense adjusted and the battle waged on.
There was less than a minute to play in the first half when Casa Grande’s super swift sophomore Matt Nadolski zipped past a startled Windsor cornerback and was in full stride when he caught a perfect pitch from Ramirez. The result was a 67-yard Gaucho touchdown. Ramirez ran in a two-point conversion and both sides had eight points at the halftime break.
Tight formation or not, Windsor can still throw and Reed is still dangerous. Midway through the third quarter, the senior receiver, who is reportedly being sought by Pac-10 schools, simply outran the entire Casa Grande team and was in perfect position to snare a 25-yard touchdown pass from Cramer.
Matt Johnson and Ehab Zakot led a Gaucho surge that stopped Green on a conversion try, leaving Windsor in front, 14-8.
Later in the same quarter, Johnson picked off a Cramer pass to put Casa in possession at the Windsor 13-yard line, and two Scott Poole runs later, the Gauchos had tied the game. The touchdown came from four yards out.
Needing only what has been all season an automatic kick conversion from Labberton for a tie, it never happened. The snap sailed over the head of holder Ramirez and the game remained deadlocked at 14-14.
An interception by Andrew Snyder gave Casa Grande a chance to win via kick in regulation’s final minute, but Labberton’s 27-yard field goal try had neither distance nor accuracy, and the game ticked into overtime.
O’Brien said the Gauchos were able to defense Windsor’s surprise offense after the opening drive, by “staying with what we do.
“I’m very proud of the kids,” he said. “It was a great effort. They have an outstanding defense. Both defenses played very well. This was a good victory.”
Biasi was again the workhorse for the Casa Grande offense, gaining 71 yards on 18 carries, while Poole added 31 yards on 11 carries and Ramirez ran eight times for 25 yards. Ramirez completed seven of 10 passes for 131 yards and the touchdowns to Nadolski and Burnett.
Sophomore Matt O’Brien came off the bench to provide an offensive spark in the second quarter, completing two of three passes for 11 yards.
Windsor’s new-look offense allowed Green to gain 110 yards on 20 carries and Hernandez to rush for 138 yards on 24 carries, but the Gauchos frustrated Cramer with four pass interceptions, and aside from the first drive and the one perfect pass, managed to keep the high-scoring Jaguars out of the end zone.
Casa Grande defensive coach Trent Herzog noted especially the efforts of Johnson, who was moved to middle linebacker; James Rodriguez, who played on a badly injured foot; and Snyder, who “played all over the place.”
Johnson led in tackles with 12, while Snyder and Biasi had 11 apiece. Colin Ryan had his usual outstanding game with nine tackles.
In addition to Johnson, Snyder and Smith, Biasi had an interception.
The Gauchos have now won six straight games and are 6-1 for the season. They are the only undefeated SCL team at 4-0. The loss was Windsor’s first after five wins, and dropped the Jaguars to 2-1 in league play.
Casa Grande plays its final regular-season game at home Friday night, with Healds-burg’s Greyhounds, 5-2 on the season and 1-2 in league play, providing the opposition.
By JOHN JACKSON
ARGUS-COURIER SPORTS WRITER
Hollywood writers could not have scripted a more exciting, dramatic action adventure tale than the one that unfolded before a very live and animated audience at Windsor High School last Friday night.
To spoil the ending for the few who don’t know, Casa Grande High School’s varsity football Gauchos defeated Windsor’s homestanding Jaguars, 21-14, in the battle for first place in the Sonoma County League.
Like all great adventure stories, the drama was much more than the Gaucho happy ending. The story was in how Casa arrived at the celebration.
For one thing, the climax didn’t come until the game, at least the regulation four-quarter game, was over.
At the end of those four periods, both teams had 14 points and, for the first time in the memory of anyone on the current coaching staff, a Casa game was decided in overtime. It was a short overtime, but it was an overtime.
After the regulation-time tie, both teams were given a four-down opportunity to score from the 10-yard line. It took Casa Grande just one play to succeed. It took Windsor just one play to fail.
Casa Grande’s first overtime play was a fake to ball-carrying mainstay Anthony Biasi, and a pass from quarterback Bobby Ramirez to fullback Jake Burnett swinging out of the backfield to the right. The sure-handed junior, primarily a blocker in the Casa cause, made the grab at about the three-yard line, shouldered past a would-be tackler at the two and carried two other Jaguar defenders into the end zone.
“We’ve run that play a lot,” Burnett said. “The line really blocked it well.”
To complicate the Windsor difficulties, Garrett Labberton booted a PAT after the touchdown, giving Casa Grande a seven-point lead.
Windsor then had four plays to win or continue the ferocious fight.
Hope ended on the first Jaguar effort of the extra period when Jared Smith stepped in front of a Kevin Cramer pass for a game-ending interception.
“They tried a trick play,” he noted. “They tried to sneak Brandon Reed out (on a pass play). I saw the quarterback roll out, and I just dropped back. Our line got good pressure on the quarterback, and I just jumped up and got it (the pass).”
Even before the final Casa Grande heroics, the game had enough twists, turns and surprises to fill a season of soap operas.
Even as the audience was settling into the stands, Windsor offered a surprise, abandoning its spread passing formation for a tightly packed double-wing look similar to the set Santa Rosa had used so effectively to upset the Gauchos in the opening game of the season.
The run formation was an instant hit with the Windsor fans, as the Jaguars, in the game’s first series, drove 71 yards, all on the ground, with Leroy Green and Erik Hernandez carrying the load. It was Green who did the scoring, bouncing off and over two frustrated Gaucho tacklers to count from the 21-yard line. Green also scored a two-point conversion, pushing his way into the end zone for an 8-0 Windsor lead.
After that, the game settled into an intense defensive battle, with Casa Grande yielding ground, but no more points to Windsor’s new formation, and Windsor occasionally giving up yardage, but no points to Casa Grande’s more diversified attack.
Early in the second quarter, Casa Grande lost starting center Brian Lee to a leg injury, but Pat Rupiper stepped in on offense, the defense adjusted and the battle waged on.
There was less than a minute to play in the first half when Casa Grande’s super swift sophomore Matt Nadolski zipped past a startled Windsor cornerback and was in full stride when he caught a perfect pitch from Ramirez. The result was a 67-yard Gaucho touchdown. Ramirez ran in a two-point conversion and both sides had eight points at the halftime break.
Tight formation or not, Windsor can still throw and Reed is still dangerous. Midway through the third quarter, the senior receiver, who is reportedly being sought by Pac-10 schools, simply outran the entire Casa Grande team and was in perfect position to snare a 25-yard touchdown pass from Cramer.
Matt Johnson and Ehab Zakot led a Gaucho surge that stopped Green on a conversion try, leaving Windsor in front, 14-8.
Later in the same quarter, Johnson picked off a Cramer pass to put Casa in possession at the Windsor 13-yard line, and two Scott Poole runs later, the Gauchos had tied the game. The touchdown came from four yards out.
Needing only what has been all season an automatic kick conversion from Labberton for a tie, it never happened. The snap sailed over the head of holder Ramirez and the game remained deadlocked at 14-14.
An interception by Andrew Snyder gave Casa Grande a chance to win via kick in regulation’s final minute, but Labberton’s 27-yard field goal try had neither distance nor accuracy, and the game ticked into overtime.
O’Brien said the Gauchos were able to defense Windsor’s surprise offense after the opening drive, by “staying with what we do.
“I’m very proud of the kids,” he said. “It was a great effort. They have an outstanding defense. Both defenses played very well. This was a good victory.”
Biasi was again the workhorse for the Casa Grande offense, gaining 71 yards on 18 carries, while Poole added 31 yards on 11 carries and Ramirez ran eight times for 25 yards. Ramirez completed seven of 10 passes for 131 yards and the touchdowns to Nadolski and Burnett.
Sophomore Matt O’Brien came off the bench to provide an offensive spark in the second quarter, completing two of three passes for 11 yards.
Windsor’s new-look offense allowed Green to gain 110 yards on 20 carries and Hernandez to rush for 138 yards on 24 carries, but the Gauchos frustrated Cramer with four pass interceptions, and aside from the first drive and the one perfect pass, managed to keep the high-scoring Jaguars out of the end zone.
Casa Grande defensive coach Trent Herzog noted especially the efforts of Johnson, who was moved to middle linebacker; James Rodriguez, who played on a badly injured foot; and Snyder, who “played all over the place.”
Johnson led in tackles with 12, while Snyder and Biasi had 11 apiece. Colin Ryan had his usual outstanding game with nine tackles.
In addition to Johnson, Snyder and Smith, Biasi had an interception.
The Gauchos have now won six straight games and are 6-1 for the season. They are the only undefeated SCL team at 4-0. The loss was Windsor’s first after five wins, and dropped the Jaguars to 2-1 in league play.
Casa Grande plays its final regular-season game at home Friday night, with Healds-burg’s Greyhounds, 5-2 on the season and 1-2 in league play, providing the opposition.
El Molino gridders fall to tough Windsor, 26-14
by Greg Clementi - Sports Editor
The El Mo varsity football squad has had its share of tough luck this season, and that trend continued last Friday in a 26-14 loss to unbeaten Windsor.
The contest played on the Lions' home field in Forestville was another apparent mismatch on paper, but recent history has shown us anything can happen when El Mo takes their home field. The Lions came out throwing against Windsor's top-ranked run defense, as quarterback Tyler Kozlowski directed an impressive aerial attack.
“We've had a tendency to get amped up for the good teams and fall flat against some of the others that we should beat,” said Lions coach Mike Roan. “Windsor has a great defense, but we moved the ball pretty well on them. “We had some good chances to score but couldn't get in”
For El Molino, it was another good effort with no tangible reward. The loss dropped the Lions to 1-5 on the season and 0-3 in league play. For Windsor (5-0, 2-0), the victory sets up a showdown with Casa Grande in what shapes up as a battle for SCL supremacy.
It was apparent early in Friday's clash that mistakes and penalties would be a factor in the game. The Jaguars were flagged for eight penalties in the first half alone, throttling their potent offensive attack. The Lion defense came out with intensity, as a Nate Fye fumble recovery and Robbie Spomer interception stopped a couple of Windsor threats.
Windsor drew blood early in the second quarter when quarterback Kevin Cramer hooked up with favorite receiver Brandyn Reed on a 38-yard scoring strike for the game's first touchdown. Erik Hernandez followed with the PAT kick and the Jags led 7-0.
The Lions knocked at the door with two promising drives in the second quarter, each giving them a first and goal situation. But the Jaguars' vaunted run defense would throw up a brick wall both times, forcing a missed field and producing no points to send Windsor to the halftime locker room up 7-0.
The Jaguars gained separation midway through the third quarter when Hernandez scampered in from four yards out, giving his team a 14-0 lead. Cramer capped the third period with another 13-yard touchdown toss to Reed for a 20-0 bulge at the end of three. Down by three scores, the Lions were forced to go to the air.
“We would have liked to have more balance in our offense, but the situation dictated that we throw the ball more when we got behind,” noted Roan.
The Lions fought back early in the fourth quarter as Kozlowski engineered a march that culminated in a one-yard scoring plunge from Korey “Goose” Gosselin. Luke Manton converted the PAT boot to cut the deficit to 20-7.
Windsor ended El Mo's upset hopes with 1:15 left when Cramer dove over from three-yards out for a decisive, 26-7 advantage. Kozlowski capped the scoring with just seven seconds left on the clock with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Raggio on a fade and the Jags escaped with a 26-14 win.
Kozlowski continued his emergence, with 22 completions on 41 attempts for 225 yards and a touchdown. He added 46 yards on the ground. Other top offensive players for the Lions were receivers Randall Packard (8-89 yards), Matt Weger (4-35 yards) Raggio (TD), and Gosselin (11-35 yards, TD).
Leading defenders were Packard (8 tackles, 4 assists, FF), Gosselin (6 tackles, 4 assists), Spomer (INT) and Fye (FR).
The El Mo JV fell to Windsor 26-0.
Good effort
Jaguars make history in 27-7 romp over Healdsburg
October 6, 2006
It may have taken eight years and a few bumps in the road, but the Grape Bowl trophy is finally coming home.
The Windsor varsity football squad scored arguably its biggest win ever on Friday, soundly defeating visiting Healdsburg to win the eighth annual Grape Bowl, 27-7. The resounding victory ran the Jag's season record to 4-0 and 1-0 in the Sonoma County League.
“This game meant the world to our seniors,” said all-league senior receiver Brandyn Reed, who shot his own highlight film on Friday, excelling on both sides of the ball. “It was great to finally beat Healdsburg but it was also our first league win, an important step for the team.”
The win was also a triumph for the community, as an estimated spillover crowd of 4,000-plus packed “the Jungle” at Windsor Stadium for the occasion, which also served as the team's Homecoming Game.
The clash of North Bay neighbors may have showcased Windsor's big-play offense, but it also appealed to defensive aficionados as well. The Jags' hard-hitting defense, which came into Friday's game with three straight shutouts, allowed just a fluke Healdsburg touchdown on a deflected pass late in the fourth quarter. In four games, Windsor has now outscored its opponents, 147-7.
Senior quarterback Kevin Cramer turned in a superb effort in running the offense, racking up a career high game in passing yards. The steady senior was the picture of poise and efficiency, getting the ball to his playmakers early and often.
“We didn't feel like we had anything to prove against Healdsburg, we just came out relaxed and played our game,” noted Cramer, who has already thrown eight touchdown passes and rushed for three more this season. “We're not thinking about winning league or anything else, we're just taking it one game at a time.”
Windsor came out firing on its first possession on Friday, as senior running back Erik Hernandez caught a short pass, put a lick on a defender and raced 93 yards for the score. Reed took over the game late in the period when he caught a slant over the middle and sped 68 yards for the game's second touchdown.
The Jags continued the first-half explosion early in the second quarter when Reed took another pass from Cramer in the flat, made two spectacular cuts and bolted 80 yards to the house. Jamal Russell Black ran in the two-point conversion and the Jags led 20-0 at the break.
Both defenses dug in after intermission, as the teams traded punts throughout the third quarter. The Jaguars ended any Healdsburg comeback hopes with 3:51 left in the period when senior lineman Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson picked up a fumble and scampered 20 yards for the touchdown for a 27-0 Windsor bulge.
The Hounds avoided the shutout late in the final period when a broken play led to a 37-yard touchdown pass to receiver Tom Cochran off a deflection in the end zone. Windsor eventually ran out the clock to secure the 27-7 win.
Cramer had one of his best nights ever under center, completing seven of 11 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns. Reed ended a tremendous night with seven receptions for 168 yards and two scores. Other top efforts included: Hernandez (1-93 yards receiving, TD), Leroy Green (7-57 yards rushing), Omar Carreno (1-7 yards receiving) and Russell Black (1-8 yards receiving).
Defensive standouts were linemen, Lamberson (3 tackles, 3 assists, 2 sacks, FR, TD) Tom Walton (3 tackles, 2 sacks), Max Devlin (tackle, 2 assists, 2 sacks, FF) and Kyle Kellough (3 tackles), David Phillips (sack, assist), linebackers Mike Bogdanovich (9 tackles, 2 assists), Andrew Jones (2 assists), James Jewett (4 tackles, 4 assists, FF) and Green (5 tackles, assist) and defensive backs Reed (3 tackles, assist, FF, INT), Roy Edwards (2 tackles), Russell Black (6 tackles), and Danny Hardisty (2 tackles, FR).
The JV squad (3-1, 0-1) lost a heartbreaker to Healdsburg on Friday, 21-14.
Next up of the Jags is a road clash with El Molino (1-4, 0-2) this Friday in Forestville. Game times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Windsor's big plays in first half doom Hounds in annual clash of rivals
Greyhounds fall to Windsor, 27-7 in eighth Grape Bowl
Windsor's big plays in first half doom Hounds in annual clash of rivals
By GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor
Grape Bowl - Healdsburg's Ronnie Arowcavage braced for a hit on a kick return in Friday’s 27-7 loss to Windsor in the eighth annual Grape Bowl. PHOTO BY Greg Clementi
Football is a game of big plays - and the team that makes more of them almost always comes out on top.
That was the story on Friday, as Windsor flashed its big-play ability to break three long touchdowns in the first half enroute to a disappointing 27-7 victory. It was the Jaguar's first win over Healdsburg in the eight-year history of the series.
“The game came down to big plays and their athletes made them and ours didn't,” said Hounds head coach Gale Bach. “Windsor has a good team and you have to tip your hat to them.”
The eighth annual Grape Bowl was staged in front of the biggest crowd ever at Windsor Stadium, as a huge spillover throng of an estimated 4,000-plus witnessed the Jaguar's Homecoming victory.
Windsor's vaunted defense entered the game having outscored its opponents, 120-0, but questions remained in regard to strength of schedule. The Jaguars may have silenced some of their critics on Friday, playing outstanding team defense.
For the Greyhounds, who fell to 3-2 on the year and 0-2 in league, it was a game of missed opportunities on both sides of the ball. Although Healdsburg turned in a sub-par game offensively, there were still plenty of positives to build on this week.
Aside from the big plays, the Hounds' defense throttled the Jag's high-octane offensive attack for most of the night. Healdsburg got another tremendous effort from their defensive line and linebacking corps, led by linebacker Mitch Arreguin, who leads the league in tackles by a wide margin.
The game was a showcase of two of the better run defenses in the SCL. Windsor entered Friday's contest averaging more than 200 yards per game on the ground, but were held to just 73 yards rushing against Healdsburg. On the other side, the Jags held the Hounds to a paltry 48 yards on the ground.
“I thought our defense did a great job, and except for late in the game when our starters were out, they weren't able to run the ball on us,” noted Bach. “I can't say enough about Mitch Arreguin, he had another great game.”
The game turned on Windsor's second play from scrimmage, as running back Erik Hernandez took a short pass, broke a tackle and raced 93 yards for a touchdown. The Jag's all-league receiver Brandyn Reed took over the game late in the period when he caught a slant over the middle and sped 68 yards for the game's second touchdown.
Windsor continued the first-half explosion early in the second quarter when Reed took a pass from quarterback Kevin Cramer in the flat, avoided several tacklers and bolted 80 yards to the house. The Jaguars made good on the two-point conversion and led 20-0 at the break.
Both defenses dug in after intermission, as the teams traded punts throughout the third quarter. The Jaguars ended any Healdsburg hopes for a comeback with 3:51 left in the period when Windsor lineman Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson picked up a fumble and scampered 20 yards for the touchdown for a 27-0 Windsor bulge.
The Hounds avoided the shutout late in the final period when a broken play led to a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Corey Harms to receiver Tom Cochran off a deflection in the end zone. Windsor eventually ran out the clock to secure the 27-7 win.
Harms ended the night with 11 completions on 25 passing attempts for 123 yards and a touchdown. Although no stats were available, outstanding defensive games were turned in by Arreguin, Andrew Phillips and Noah Van der Zee.
Windsor's big plays in first half doom Hounds in annual clash of rivals
By GREG CLEMENTI, Sports Editor
Grape Bowl - Healdsburg's Ronnie Arowcavage braced for a hit on a kick return in Friday’s 27-7 loss to Windsor in the eighth annual Grape Bowl. PHOTO BY Greg Clementi
Football is a game of big plays - and the team that makes more of them almost always comes out on top.
That was the story on Friday, as Windsor flashed its big-play ability to break three long touchdowns in the first half enroute to a disappointing 27-7 victory. It was the Jaguar's first win over Healdsburg in the eight-year history of the series.
“The game came down to big plays and their athletes made them and ours didn't,” said Hounds head coach Gale Bach. “Windsor has a good team and you have to tip your hat to them.”
The eighth annual Grape Bowl was staged in front of the biggest crowd ever at Windsor Stadium, as a huge spillover throng of an estimated 4,000-plus witnessed the Jaguar's Homecoming victory.
Windsor's vaunted defense entered the game having outscored its opponents, 120-0, but questions remained in regard to strength of schedule. The Jaguars may have silenced some of their critics on Friday, playing outstanding team defense.
For the Greyhounds, who fell to 3-2 on the year and 0-2 in league, it was a game of missed opportunities on both sides of the ball. Although Healdsburg turned in a sub-par game offensively, there were still plenty of positives to build on this week.
Aside from the big plays, the Hounds' defense throttled the Jag's high-octane offensive attack for most of the night. Healdsburg got another tremendous effort from their defensive line and linebacking corps, led by linebacker Mitch Arreguin, who leads the league in tackles by a wide margin.
The game was a showcase of two of the better run defenses in the SCL. Windsor entered Friday's contest averaging more than 200 yards per game on the ground, but were held to just 73 yards rushing against Healdsburg. On the other side, the Jags held the Hounds to a paltry 48 yards on the ground.
“I thought our defense did a great job, and except for late in the game when our starters were out, they weren't able to run the ball on us,” noted Bach. “I can't say enough about Mitch Arreguin, he had another great game.”
The game turned on Windsor's second play from scrimmage, as running back Erik Hernandez took a short pass, broke a tackle and raced 93 yards for a touchdown. The Jag's all-league receiver Brandyn Reed took over the game late in the period when he caught a slant over the middle and sped 68 yards for the game's second touchdown.
Windsor continued the first-half explosion early in the second quarter when Reed took a pass from quarterback Kevin Cramer in the flat, avoided several tacklers and bolted 80 yards to the house. The Jaguars made good on the two-point conversion and led 20-0 at the break.
Both defenses dug in after intermission, as the teams traded punts throughout the third quarter. The Jaguars ended any Healdsburg hopes for a comeback with 3:51 left in the period when Windsor lineman Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson picked up a fumble and scampered 20 yards for the touchdown for a 27-0 Windsor bulge.
The Hounds avoided the shutout late in the final period when a broken play led to a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Corey Harms to receiver Tom Cochran off a deflection in the end zone. Windsor eventually ran out the clock to secure the 27-7 win.
Harms ended the night with 11 completions on 25 passing attempts for 123 yards and a touchdown. Although no stats were available, outstanding defensive games were turned in by Arreguin, Andrew Phillips and Noah Van der Zee.
Grape Bowl, Homecoming Game vs. HHS Friday night
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
The Windsor varsity football squad will put seven years of frustration on the line on Friday as they take on visiting Healdsburg in the eighth edition of the “Grape Bowl.”
The largest crowd ever is expected in the “Jungle” at Windsor Stadium as the Jaguars try to snap a seven-game losing streak to the Greyhounds, who lead the overall series, 7-0.
At stake is the coveted Grape Bowl trophy awarded to the winning team.
The Jags enter the game with a perfect 3-0 record, having outscored their opponents, 120-0 in three pre-league games.
Healdsburg (3-1, 0-1) is coming off a stinging loss to Sonoma last week in its league opener.
The annual clash for North Bay bragging rights will also serve as Windsor's Homecoming Game, with a presentation ceremony planned for halftime.
The JV and varsity games are set for 5 and 7:30 p.m.
The Greyhounds, 14-7 winners of last year's contest, will be charged with trying to stop Windsor's quadruple threat of quarterback Kevin Cramer, running backs Erik Hernandez and Leroy Green and receiver Brandyn Reed, who have accounted for 14 of the Jag's 17 touchdowns this season.
Windsor's vaunted defensive unit is led by linemen Tom Walton, Kyle Kellough, Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson, Mike Bruner, linebackers Mike Bogdanovich, Green, James Jewett and defensive backs Reed, Danny Hardisty, Hernandez and Jamal Russell Black.
The Greyhounds possess one of the best offensive lines in the league and are led by quarterback Corey Harms, running backs Mitch Arreguin, David Balestrieri, Andrew Phillips and wide-outs Jared Garcia, Ronnie Arowcavage and Justin Brandt.
Parking limited, so arrive early.
Due to the expected large crowd, additional parking will be available at both Keiser Park and the city lot across the street from the high school. All fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to avoid traffic congestion.
Tough D - The varsity Jags football team posted its third straight shutout last week in a 62-0 romp
It was Windsor's third straight shutout victory in the pre-season, with the Jags having outscored their opponents, 120-0 in running their record to a perfect 3-0 on the year.
The game got out of hand early, as the Jags exploded for 27 points in the first quarter and never looked back. The big home crowd witnessed a new Windsor scoring record with nine touchdowns, including seven on offense. The Jags also scored on an interception return and found pay dirt on a punt return.
“There's not a lot you can say about the game, we had our second team in the second half and they did a great job,” Windsor head coach Jason Fayter said. “Our first and second team on the offensive line had a great game.”
The third consecutive blowout for Windsor was the team's final pre-season tune-up before a scheduled league-opening showdown with visiting Healdsburg on Friday, Oct. 6. The annual “Grape Bowl” between the North Bay rivals will also serve as the Homecoming Game for Windsor.
“We're expecting the league to be very tough this year and we know the level of play will be a lot better than we've seen in the pre-season,” noted Fayter. “Fortunately we didn't sustain any injuries this week and now we'll start thinking about Healdsburg.”
Sophomore linebacker Leroy Green got the party started early on Friday, as he picked off a Lobo pass and returned it 14 yards for the touchdown. Erik Hernandez added the first of his eventual eight PAT boots for a 7-0 lead.
The combination of Windsor quarterback Kevin Cramer and receiver Brandyn Reed took over the game a short time later, as the duo joined forces on touchdown strikes of 44, 70 and 17-yards for an insurmountable, 27-0 bulge by the end of the first quarter.
Meanwhile, the Jags were throwing up a brick wall on defense, giving Windsor great field position throughout the first half. The Jags added scoring runs by Cramer (15 yards) and Green (9 yards) in the second quarter to grab a 41-0 lead at the break.
Windsor emptied its bench in the second half, but reserve quarterback Roy Edwards joined the party with a three-yard touchdown burst. Later in the third period, Jamal Russell Black returned a punt 50 yards to the house for a 55-0 lead at the end of three. The Jags added a 15-yard touchdown run from Andrew Jones in the fourth quarter to cap the 62-0 rout.
Offensive leaders in limited duty included: Cramer (4-5, 144 yards, 3 TDs passing, 5-66 yards, TD rushing), Green (10-87 yards, TD rushing), Hernandez (4-43 yards rushing), Edwards (4-55 yards, rushing, TD), Jones (2-30 yards rushing, TD) and Reed (4-144 yards, 3 TDs receiving).
Leading defenders were: Green (5 tackles, 3 assists, INT, TD), Tom Walton (7 tackles, 2 assists), Mike Bruner (5 tackles, assist), Mike Bogdanovich (3 tackles, 4 assists), Matt Pepper (assist, sack), Jones (tackle, 4 assists) and Kyle Kellough (tackle, 3 assists).
The Windsor JV squad posted a 7-0 win over Elsie Allen.
The JV and varsity squads have a bye this week and will entertain Healdsburg on Oct. 6.
Windsor Jaguars maul Santa Rosa Panthers, 28-0
The game was a reality check for the upstart Panthers, who were held to just 120 yards on the ground after rushing for 412 yards last week in a 38-27 shocker over Casa Grande that snapped a 20-game losing streak.
“Their offense (double wing) is pretty much the same as the one that Analy used to run, so we knew coming in what they were going to throw at us,” said Jags coach Jason Fayter. “Our D-line ate up double teams all night and defensively, our guys got it done.”
Windsor's front seven got an outstanding game from defensive linemen “Bubbles” Lamberson, John Fraga, David Phillips, Tom Walton, Matt Pepper, and linebackers Mike Bogdanovich, James Jewett and Leroy Green. The unit has evolved into a run-stopping machine that's one of the best in the North Bay.
The Jags used a 50-yard completion from quarterback Kevin Cramer to receiver Jamal Russell Black to set up the first score of the game, a five-yard touchdown burst by Cramer. Eric Hernandez followed with the first of his four PAT kicks for a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Cramer directed another scoring march in the second period, culminating in a one-yard keeper for a two-touchdown advantage. The Panther's had their best scoring chance of the night at the end of the half after a fourth-down, 29-yard completion, but their drive stalled inside the Windsor 10. The Jags took a 14-0 lead into the break.
Windsor went to a solid ground attack in the second half, riding the legs of Cramer and running backs Green and Hernandez to work on the clock. Green found pay dirt on runs of 23 and 28 yards in the third and fourth quarters to seal the eventual, 28-0 win.
“Santa Rosa was blitzing a lot and the stuff they were doing on defense dictated what we were going to try to run,” noted Fayter. “But we would definitely like to improve on our offensive execution.”
Cramer ended the night with six completions in 15 attempts for 86 yards, 38 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. Other offensive standouts included: Green (5-61 yards rushing, 2 TDs. 1-19 yards receiving), Hernandez (12-63 yards rushing) and Jamal Russell Black (2-56 yards receiving).
Defensive leaders were: Bogdanovich (3 tackles, 10 assists), Lamberson (4 tackles, 3 assists), Jewett (2 tackles, 9 assists, sack), Green (13 assists), Tom Walton (2 tackles, 8 assists), Brandyn Reed (3 tackles, 1 assist), Dillon Morrow (2 tackles, 2 assists), David Phillips (2 tackles, 3 assists) and Tysen Gray (tackle, assist).
Injury notes: Windsor linemen Tom Walton (cramps) and Kyle Kellough (bruised knee) saw limited action on Saturday and are probable for this week's game.
The Jags will entertain Elsie Allen this Friday, Sept. 22 in their next non-league clash. The Lobos (1-1) are coming off a 55-6 loss to El Molino. The JV kick off the action at 5, followed by the varsity at 7:30 p.m.
Finding Daylight
September 15, 2006
WINDSOR 28, SANTA ROSA 0
Windsor defense remains unscored-on in 2 games
By RICH RUPPRECHT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
There had to be a few curious folk at Ernie Nevers Field on Saturday night, wondering about the new-look Panther offense that led to a major upset on opening week.
The Windsor Jaguars weren't all that curious. They were busy throwing human walls up wherever the Santa Rosa double-wing sent its running backs.
Windsor (2-0) defeated Santa Rosa, 28-0, before a crowd of about 2,000 and staked its claim as one of the top teams in the Redwood Empire. The Jaguars defeated Maria Carrillo, 30-0, in their opener.
While the Jaguars weren't exactly spectacular, steady wins football games, too.
Quarterback Kevin Cramer, who runs a spread offense out of the shotgun, nearly ran as much as he passed. He scored the Jaguars' first two touchdowns on runs of 5 yards and 1 yard.
It was 14-0 at halftime.
Windsor sophomore Leroy Green scored on two TD runs in the second half, 23 and 28 yards.
Windsor's defense includes a talented group of linebackers led by Mike Bogdanovich. They just kept blasting away at the double wing.
"They're so strong, we couldn't move them," said Santa Rosa coach Russell Ponce. Last week, the Panthers ended a 20-game losing streak by scoring 38 points against Casa Grande and accumulating 412 yards on the ground.
On Saturday, Robbie Marsh led the Panthers with 53 yards rushing. In all, Santa Rosa rushed 37 times for 120 yards.
Santa Rosa (1-1) didn't record a first down in the second half until there were 27 seconds left. Quarterback Rylan Thew completed two first-down passes and got the ball to Windsor's 25, but time ran out on an incompletion.
The Panthers came closest to scoring at the end of the first half. On fourth-and-15 from Windsor's 35, Thew completed a 29-yard pass to Therman McGowan, but Windsor yielded just 2 yards in the next four plays with the half ending.
Windsor totaled 258 yards in offense, Green finishing with 60 yards on just five carries and Erik Hernandez 63 yards on 12 carries. Green also took a screen pass 19 yards.
Cramer was 6 of 15 passing for 86 yards, but Brandyn Reed, one of the top receivers in the Empire, caught just one pass for 3 yards.
The longest pass play of the night was Cramer to Jamal Russell-Black for 50 yards on third-and-21 early in the first quarter. Russell-Black then ran for 5 yards, Reed caught a short pass and Cramer ran for the first score of the game.
Windsor's Benny Anderson sacks Maria Carrillo quarterback Keaton Kovatch on Friday
Jaguar juggernaut
September 9, 2006
By DEWEY FORGET
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT.
WINDSOR - There is a noticeable buzz on the Windsor campus. Students, faculty, and fans alike are excited. In the Windsor Town Square, people are talking high school football. A far cry from three years ago, when the Jaguars were in the midst of a 26-game losing streak. Oh, how times have changed.
On Friday night, the Jaguars did nothing to discourage the enthusiasm of their fans or shake their lofty goals, opening the season with a 30-0 non-league win against visiting Maria Carrillo.
Coming off their first winning season and a trip to the playoffs, the Jaguars are expected to improve on their 7-4 record from 2005, compete for the Sonoma County League title and return to the postseason party.
"Our program is revving up," said Windsor coach Jason Fayter. "The kids are talking about it a lot, even the kids that don't know football."
Their is plenty to talk about today. The Jaguars dominated Carrillo, which went to the 3A championship game last year, running up 456 total yards on offense behind an offensive line that consistently opened gaping holes.
"Nothing works without the offensive line. They worked the game plan perfectly," Fayter said. "They always work together as a group."
On the third play of the game, Windsor quarterback Kevin Cramer, sitting comfortably in the pocket behind superb blocking, found Brandyn Reed, his favorite receiver, for a 49-yard completion. On the next play, Erik Hernandez bolted off left tackle 43 yards for the touchdown.
"It was a weak-side cutback," Hernandez said. "The line did a great job on the play."
Windsor scored again two minutes later, after the Pumas fumbled the ball on their first possession. This time Hernandez found the end zone on a 27-yard sweep. Hernandez had 81 yards rushing in the first quarter and finished with 132 total yards on 13 carries.
Cramer threw for two touchdowns and 193 yards, including a 50-yard strike to Reed in the fourth quarter and a 14-yard TD pass to Jamal Russell Black. Reed had 5 catches for 142 yards.
"We have to hold up our reputation as the best passing-duo around," Reed said. "On my TD catch, I went in and then outside, and the corner fell down and it left me open over the top."
Cramer said the game plan was to run early to set up the pass. "When they came up in the blocks to stop the run, it set up the pass for us," he said.
As good as the Jaguars' offense was, their defense was even better, holding the Pumas to 137 yards. The Pumas' longest play came late in the second quarter, a 26-yard completion from Keaton Kovatch to Austin Campbell.
Tough Yardage
Jaguars blank Carrillo in gridiron opener
Huge crowd turns out to witness a dominant performance led by Kevin Cramer, Erik Hernandez and Brandyn Reed
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
It was a scene reminiscent of “Friday Night Lights” and “Remember the Titans.” The electricity generated at the varsity home football opener between the Jaguars and visiting Maria Carrillo Pumas lit up the town of Windsor on Friday, as the Jaguars kicked off the 2006 campaign with a dominant, 30-0 victory.
The game was played in front of one of the largest local crowds ever and served as a coming out party for the fired-up Jags and their loyal fans, stamping Windsor as perhaps the team to beat this year in the Sonoma County League.
Windsor's high-octane, spread offense churned up 452 total yards on the night, led by senior all-league quarterback Kevin Cramer, running back Erik Hernandez and wide-out Brandyn Reed. The trio was almost unstoppable, accounting for most of Windsor's 24 points scored in the first half.
“We've got a lot of weapons on offense, but we couldn't have done a thing without the great job of our offensive line,” said Windsor head coach Jason Fayter, who notched his 16th career win on Friday. “Our line was the difference tonight.”
The defense, led by run stopping seniors Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson, Mike Bogdanovich, James Jewett, junior Kyle Kellough and sophomore Leroy Green, throttled the Puma running game all night. In addition, the Jags got a superb effort from junior cornerback Danny Hardisty, who did a little bit of everything in his varsity debut.
Windsor struck with precision and speed on Friday, as Cramer found Reed on the third play from scrimmage with a 49-yard completion. The quick strike was followed by a 43-yard touchdown scamper by Hernandez for a 6-0 Jaguar lead.
Moments later, Lamberson pounced on a Puma fumble, setting up a 27-yard scoring jaunt from Hernandez for a two-touchdown advantage. Fullback Leroy Green later scored on an eight-yard burst, followed by a 14-yard touchdown reception from Cramer to Jamal Russell Black for a commanding, 24-0 halftime lead.
The dominance continued in the second half as Maria Carrillo had no answer for the swarming Jaguar defense. Cramer and Reed capped the evening's fireworks with a 50-yard touchdown dagger, giving Windsor a convincing, 30-0 victory.
“We definitely wanted to send a message in our opening game,” said Reed, a third-year varsity star on both sides of the ball. “I knew that if I could make some catches, it would help open up our running game.”
Hernandez turned in a great outing ever for a Windsor player, churning out 132 yards rushing with a pair of touchdowns, 11 yards receiving.
Other offensive leaders included: Cramer (12-20, 218 yards, 2 TDs passing, 10-32 yards rushing), Green (9-37 yards rushing, TD, 1-11 yards receiving), Reed (7-151 yards, TD receiving, 1-11 yards rushing), Benny Anderson (5-14 yards rushing), and Russell Black (3-8 yards rushing, 2-45 yards, TD receiving).
Leading defenders included: Lamberson (8 tackles, assist, sack, FR), Hardisty (2 tackles, 3 assists, .5 sacks, INT, FR), Kellough (2 tackles, 2 assists, 1.5 sacks), Bogdanovich (2 tackles, 2 assists), Jewett (tackle, 3 assists), Tom Walton (tackle, 2 assists), Hernandez (2 tackles, assist), Green (tackle, 2 assists, sack), Brandyn Schmidt (tackle, assist), Mike Bruner (tackle), Russell Black (2 assists) and one assist each from John Fraga, Michael Aranza, Roy Edwards, Jason Freyer, Andrew Jones and Dillon Morrow.
The Jags travel to face Santa Rosa this Saturday, Sept. 16 (a conflict in the schedule originally showed the game on Friday, Sept. 15) in a 7:30 clash (JV at 5 p.m.). Last week, the upstart Panthers posted a 38-27 shocker over Casa Grande.
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
It was a scene reminiscent of “Friday Night Lights” and “Remember the Titans.” The electricity generated at the varsity home football opener between the Jaguars and visiting Maria Carrillo Pumas lit up the town of Windsor on Friday, as the Jaguars kicked off the 2006 campaign with a dominant, 30-0 victory.
The game was played in front of one of the largest local crowds ever and served as a coming out party for the fired-up Jags and their loyal fans, stamping Windsor as perhaps the team to beat this year in the Sonoma County League.
Windsor's high-octane, spread offense churned up 452 total yards on the night, led by senior all-league quarterback Kevin Cramer, running back Erik Hernandez and wide-out Brandyn Reed. The trio was almost unstoppable, accounting for most of Windsor's 24 points scored in the first half.
“We've got a lot of weapons on offense, but we couldn't have done a thing without the great job of our offensive line,” said Windsor head coach Jason Fayter, who notched his 16th career win on Friday. “Our line was the difference tonight.”
The defense, led by run stopping seniors Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson, Mike Bogdanovich, James Jewett, junior Kyle Kellough and sophomore Leroy Green, throttled the Puma running game all night. In addition, the Jags got a superb effort from junior cornerback Danny Hardisty, who did a little bit of everything in his varsity debut.
Windsor struck with precision and speed on Friday, as Cramer found Reed on the third play from scrimmage with a 49-yard completion. The quick strike was followed by a 43-yard touchdown scamper by Hernandez for a 6-0 Jaguar lead.
Moments later, Lamberson pounced on a Puma fumble, setting up a 27-yard scoring jaunt from Hernandez for a two-touchdown advantage. Fullback Leroy Green later scored on an eight-yard burst, followed by a 14-yard touchdown reception from Cramer to Jamal Russell Black for a commanding, 24-0 halftime lead.
The dominance continued in the second half as Maria Carrillo had no answer for the swarming Jaguar defense. Cramer and Reed capped the evening's fireworks with a 50-yard touchdown dagger, giving Windsor a convincing, 30-0 victory.
“We definitely wanted to send a message in our opening game,” said Reed, a third-year varsity star on both sides of the ball. “I knew that if I could make some catches, it would help open up our running game.”
Hernandez turned in a great outing ever for a Windsor player, churning out 132 yards rushing with a pair of touchdowns, 11 yards receiving.
Other offensive leaders included: Cramer (12-20, 218 yards, 2 TDs passing, 10-32 yards rushing), Green (9-37 yards rushing, TD, 1-11 yards receiving), Reed (7-151 yards, TD receiving, 1-11 yards rushing), Benny Anderson (5-14 yards rushing), and Russell Black (3-8 yards rushing, 2-45 yards, TD receiving).
Leading defenders included: Lamberson (8 tackles, assist, sack, FR), Hardisty (2 tackles, 3 assists, .5 sacks, INT, FR), Kellough (2 tackles, 2 assists, 1.5 sacks), Bogdanovich (2 tackles, 2 assists), Jewett (tackle, 3 assists), Tom Walton (tackle, 2 assists), Hernandez (2 tackles, assist), Green (tackle, 2 assists, sack), Brandyn Schmidt (tackle, assist), Mike Bruner (tackle), Russell Black (2 assists) and one assist each from John Fraga, Michael Aranza, Roy Edwards, Jason Freyer, Andrew Jones and Dillon Morrow.
The Jags travel to face Santa Rosa this Saturday, Sept. 16 (a conflict in the schedule originally showed the game on Friday, Sept. 15) in a 7:30 clash (JV at 5 p.m.). Last week, the upstart Panthers posted a 38-27 shocker over Casa Grande.
WINDSOR’S DOUBLE THREAT
SCL PREVIEW 2006
WINDSOR
2005 RECORD: 7-4
COACH: Jason Fayter (4th season, 15-16)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Maria Carrillo, Santa Rosa, Elsie Allen
OFFENSE: Senior quarterback Kevin Cramer (6-0, 185) accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of offense and 22 touchdowns last season, including running for 666 yards and 9 touchdowns. Senior Erik Hernandez (5-9, 180) returns at tailback after rushing for 713 yards and joining the backfield is sophomore transfer Leroy Green (6-0, 215). Wide receivers are led by All-Empire senior Brandyn Reed (6-3, 175), who had 50 catches for 781 yards and 7 touchdowns a year ago. Senior Jamal Russell-Black played running back and receiver last year and had 19 catches for 253 yards. Another receiver is senior Roy Edwards (5-10, 160). The line is anchored by senior left guard Tommy Walton (6-0, 250), senior center Matt Lamberson (6-1, 190) returns, the right guard is junior Max Devlin (6-5, 245), the left tackle is Tysen Gray (5-7, 195) and the right tackle is Omar Carreno (5-9, 225).
DEFENSE: Interior linemen are Walton, Devlin, Carreno and junior Kyle Kellough (6-0, 245). The ends are Lamberson, Gray, senior Mike Bruner (6-3, 175) and junior Andrew Jones (5-10, 185). Returning at outside linebacker is senior Mike Bogdanovich (6-0, 195), who led last year’s team in tackles, averaging 14 a game. Other linebackers are Green, senior James Jewett (5-10, 175), senior Jason Fryer (5-9, 185) and junior John Fraga (5-10, 200). Reed and Russell-Black are the corners along with junior Danny Hardisty (6-1, 160) and Cramer. Safeties are Hernandez, Edwards and junior Dillon Morrow (5-8, 145).
PROSPECTS: There may not be a better passing combination in the Empire than Cramer to Reed. Cramer is also a dangerous runner and Hernandez looks ready for a 1,000-yard rushing season. Walton leads an offensive line that is being counted on heavily. Bogdanovich heads a strong defensive unit that also features the speed of Reed and Russell-Black at cornerbacks.
OUTLOOK: Last year was Windsor’s first winning season and the Jaguars’ first appearance in the playoffs. This year’s team could be even better with key standouts returning. It took Fayter, one of the best young coaches in the Empire, just three years to produce a winning season. Before he came to Windsor the Jaguars had a 26-game losing streak. SCL coaches pick Windsor and Analy as the teams to beat.
ANALY
2005 RECORD: 7-4
COACH: Chip Castleberry (12th season, 42-75-3)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Piner, Archbishop Mitty, Santa Rosa
OFFENSE: Analy averaged 37.6 points in its final six games last year with senior Nick Maloney (6-1, 170) at quarterback and he threw for more than 2,000 yards in just six full games. Maloney throws to a strong set of receivers who include three returners, senior Kyle Mulkenbuhr (6-1, 180), senior Nick Johnson (6-2, 180) and senior Daniel Albert (5-9, 160). Other receivers are senior Michael Crivello (5-9, 180), senior A.J. Fox (5-8, 150) and junior Ross Bostock (6-1, 168). The backup quarterback is junior Ben West (5-10, 195), who was last year’s JV quarterback. Running backs in the Tigers’ one-back offense include senior Cameron Cook (5-8, 185) and senior Michael Paggi (5-11, 185). Tight ends are seniors Alex Houlemard (5-11, 200) and Brian Friedman (6-2, 182). The line is anchored by senior Mike Stone (6-4, 300) at left tackle. Joining him are senior left guard Rob Burns (6-3, 225), senior center Luke Wells (6-1, 195), junior right tackle Ricky Bostic (6-0, 220) and sophomore right guard Malcolm Townsend (6-0, 225). Also seeing time on the line will be senior C.J. Riebli (6-5, 260).
DEFENSE: Interior linemen include senior Josh Cota (5-11, 245), junior Louis Santiago (5-10, 250) and Stone. Ends are Bostic and Townsend. Linebackers include senior transfer Dominic Patrick (6-1, 225) in the middle, along with Houlemard, Wells and senior Jason Dawe (5-10, 165). The secondary returns with Mulkenbuhr and Crivello at the corners and Cook and Fox at safties. Paggi also plays in the secondary.
PROSPECTS: Maloney played very well late last season and his receiving corps should offer plenty of targets. Mulkenberg was among the team’s top receivers last year. Colleges are interested in Stone as an offensive lineman and the secondary has excellent speed.
OUTLOOK: Analy hopes to improve on last season’s 7-4 record and should be in contention for an SCL championship. The Tigers changed their offense from the past couple of seasons. A team that once ran first and passed minimally now generates most of its offense through the air. The coaching staff is hoping for improvement on defense and experience on the line and in the secondary should help in that regard. Analy made it to the 2A playoffs last season and has the potential of getting there again.
CASA GRANDE
2005 RECORD: 7-4
COACH: Rick O’Brien (10th season, 61-37-0)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Santa Rosa, Maria Carrillo, Montgomery, Sacred Heart Cathedral
OFFENSE: The Gauchos have three quarterback candidates — senior Bobby Rameriz (5-9, 160), junior Joey Homen (5-11, 160) and sophomore Matt O’Brien (5-11, 160). Fullbacks include senior James Rodrigues (5-10, 205) and junior Jake Burnett (5-11, 230), and halfbacks are senior Scott Poole (5-8, 160), senior Joe Bouchard (5-10, 175), junior Anthony Biasi (5-11, 190), Logan Sepich (6-0, 185) and junior Paul Trombetta (5-9, 180). Wide receivers are senior Paul Kent (6-2, 200), senior Colin Ryan (6-0, 185), senior Jared Smith (6-0, 160), junior Jonnie Arancio (6-0, 175), sophomore Matt Nadolski (6-0, 185), senior Justin Coon (6-0, 175) transfer Zack Moore (5-9, 165), senior Nolan Buttner (5-9, 150) and senior Dallas Osborn (5-8, 150). Senior tight end Matt Johnson (6-2, 215) returns and also seeing time at tight end will be junior Reese Heaslet (6-3, 205). The slot back is junior Wylee Buck (5-8, 155). The line includes returning starter senior left guard Riordan Gomez (6-3, 320), senior left tackle Scott Reil (6-4, 275), senior center Brian Lee (5-10, 185), junior right guard Kenny Samana (6-3, 255), junior right tackle Vince Weaver (6-4, 275) and backups senior Pat Rupiper (6-1, 210), junior Mike Colglazier (5-8, 225), junior Jack Rupiper (5-10, 185) and senior Tyler Cooper (6-2, 200). One of the best kickers in the Empire is senior Garrett Labberton (6-4, 205).
DEFENSE: Returning at tackle is senior Justin Phelan (6-2, 215) and joining him are senior Ehab Zakot (5-10, 185), senior Dan Hall (6-0, 205) and senior Jared Holubec (6-1, 205). The ends are Heaslet and Johnson along with senior Andrew Snyder (6-1, 195) and senior Alex Brown (6-0, 205). Inside linebacker candidates are Burnett, Rodrigues, Lee, senior Andy Drake (5-10, 185) and sophomore Blain Peterman (5-10, 185). Outside linebackers are Ryan, Bouchard, senior Gino Caprara (5-11, 185), junior Andy Lamb (5-11, 165) and senior Nick Forester (6-0, 175). The secondary includes Poole, Smith, O’Brien, Arancio, Buck, Trombetta, senior Trevor Wilson (6-0, 175) and junior John Gallo (5-10, 165). Monster backs include Biasi, Nadolski and Poole.
PROSPECTS: The Gauchos hope to replace the Empire’s all-time rushing leader, Joe Trombetta, by committee and could alternate at quarterback. Poole has excellent speed and Kent is a big receiver with experience. The Gauchos always seem to play well defensively and are looking for big things from returning linebackers Ryan and Bouchard.
OUTLOOK: The SCL should be close all season and Casa could very well be in contention. The Gauchos, who tied Healdsburg for the SCL title last season, lost a lot to graduation, but have established themselves as one of the most consistent and winningest teams in the Empire. A lot will depend on the progress of the quarterbacks and skill players.
EL MOLINO
2005 RECORD: 3-7
COACH: Mike Roan (2nd season, 3-7)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Jesse Bethel, Elsie Allen, Piner, Eureka
OFFENSE: Senior Tyler Kozlowski (5-9, 165) returns at quarterback for the Lions and junior Andrew Raggio (6-0, 180) will back him up. Running backs are led by senior and three-year starter Korey Gosselin (6-1, 255) and others include senior Evan Englar (6-3, 210) and senior Robby Spomer (5-9, 160). Wide receivers are Raggio, junior Troy Bowen (5-10, 150) and senior Matt Weger (6-4, 200). Senior Lucas Golden (5-9, 150) hopes to return soon from a wrist injury. Tight ends are senior Randall Packard (6-3, 185) and junior Graham Hitman (6-3, 205). The line includes junior center Max Apodaca (5-10, 235), guards senior Sam Wilmarth (6-2, 230) and junior Joe Durling (5-11, 225), tackles junior Bo Sandeen (6-5, 230) and senior Theo Colucci (5-11, 255) and senior Dan Carlson (6-4, 255) should see time.
DEFENSE: Colucci and Wilmarth are tackles along with senior Devin Heffelfinger (5-9, 245) and senior Ben Radtkey (5-6, 160) is at noseguard. Linebackers include Packard on the outside along with senior Nate Fyi (6-0, 210), Englar and junior Tony Spediacci (6-0, 175). Inside backers include Gosselin and senior Casey Hopkins (5-8, 210). Backups are junior Reece Parmeter (6-0, 190) and Durling. Corner candidates are Spomer, junior Tony Massey (5-8, 160), Bowen and senior Josh Curtiss (5-10, 160). Safeties include senior Brian Palazzo (5-10, 160), Golden, Raggio and Todd Parmeter (5-8, 180).
PROSPECTS: Kozlowski has a year’s experience and throws well, and Gosselin is a big power back as well as the top linebacker. The line has good size, but depth is a problem.
OUTLOOK: El Molino is not big in numbers so staying away from injuries is crucial. Lines are key to how El Molino performs and how much time Kozlowski has to throw. El Molino is the smallest school in the SCL and the Lions compete as a 2A school. Roan, a former Tennessee Titans tight end, is still looking for his first league win.
HEALDSBURG
2005 RECORD: 10-2
COACH: Gale Bach (4th season, 19-14)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Kelseyville, St. Patrick-St. Vincent, Oakland, Fortuna
OFFENSE: Junior Corey Harms (6-0, 205) takes over at quarterback and is backed up by senior Connor Collins (6-1, 185). Running backs are senior Mitch Arreguin (5-8, 165), sophomore fullback Andrew Phillips (6-0, 205), sophomore David Balestrieri (5-7, 155), junior Andrew Baroni (5-11, 190) and junior Jonathan Cattilini (5-7, 165). Wide receivers are senior Ronnie Arowcavage (6-0, 190), senior Justin Brandt (5-11, 175), junior Jared Garcia (6-1, 175) and senior Chris Saulter (5-8, 155). Tight ends are senior Uly Espinosa (5-11, 205) and Collins. Four of the five starting linemen return: senior left tackle Tobin Cameron (6-3, 250), senior left guard Noah van der Zee (6-0, 185), senior center Christopher Bach (5-11, 215) and senior right guard Daniel Erdman (6-2, 215). Senior Cody Manning (6-1, 225) is at right tackle and backups include senior Curtis Allegra (6-1, 220) and senior Tim Weidemier (6-2, 220).
DEFENSE: Allegra and van der Zee are the ends and interior players include Cameron, Bach, senior Nick Fore (6-2, 230) and Weidemier. Arreguin leads the linebacking corps in the middle that also includes Phillips, Baroni and Espinosa. Cornerbacks are Arowcavage, Garcia, Saulter and Brandt. Safeties are Balestrieri, Collins, Harms and senior Thomas Cochran (6-0, 170).
PROSPECTS: Four players on the offensive line have played together on varsity for three years and in youth football before that. Harms is a standout baseball player and has a strong arm and Arreguin averaged 14 tackles a game last year from his middle linebacker’s spot.
OUTLOOK: The SCL seems to be wide open and Healdsburg, which tied Casa Grande last season for the league championship, certainly seems in the mix. Harms is working behind one of the best lines in the Empire. Healdsburg is also a 2A school. The Hounds lost the 2A title game by a touchdown last year to Novato. They definitely should be in the 2A playoff hunt again this season.
PETALUMA
2005 RECORD: 7-4-1
COACH: Steve Ellison (28th season, 178-108-7)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Redwood, Ukiah, Rancho Cotate and Eureka
OFFENSE: Two quarterbacks are vying to run the Trojans’ triple-option offense, returning senior Matt McDonald (5-11, 165) and junior Chad Krist (5-10, 180), last year’s JV starter. Running backs are led by senior fullback Drew Gaidano (6-0, 225), who had a 75-yard touchdown run in last year’s playoff win vs. Montgomery. Halfbacks are senior Zach Salaun (6-2, 205), senior T.J. Olsen (5-9, 185), senior Joe Bertolucci (5-7, 155), junior Greg Johnson (5-10, 170), junior Vince Gaidano (5-10, 170) and junior Lucas Smith (5-7, 155). Wide receivers include senior Billy Rider (5-10, 173), senior Dane Greco (5-10, 165), senior Nick Williams (6-0, 155), junior Cameron Ross (6-1, 175) and junior Brett Pawlan (5-9, 155). Tight ends are senior Mason Jones (6-0, 180) and junior Garrett Hagerla (6-2, 225). On the line, returning senior center Ray Jones (6-0, 225) has been moved to right guard, senior returner Jake Banister (6-2, 185) is at left tackle, senior Kyle McFadden (5-10, 205) is at right tackle, junior Eric Swanson (5-10, 200) is at left guard and junior Dominic Pedras (6-0, 235) is at center. Other linemen include senior Ryan Jensen (6-5, 245) and Danny McCarthy (6-3, 275).
DEFENSE: Interior linemen include Jensen, McFadden, Pedras and Jones. Ends are senior Sean McLauglin (6-4, 275), Hagerla and Banister. Drew Gaidano leads the linebacking corps in the middle and will be joined by Olsen, Salaun, Vince Gaidano and Krist. Corners are Rider, Greco, Williams, Pawlan and senior Nick Tompkins (5-8, 160). Safeties are McDonald, Johnson and Ross.
PROSPECTS: Drew Gaidano is a fullback with speed who helped Petaluma into the playoffs last season. McDonald and Krist are both good athletes and whoever doesn’t start at quarterback will probably play running back. Gaidano also anchors the Trojans’ defense at middle linebacker. Jones is a quality lineman.
OUTLOOK: Some called last year’s coaching job one of Ellison’s best as the Trojans upset Montgomery in the playoffs and lost by five points to Maria Carrillo, which wound up in the NCS 3A championship game. Petaluma’s triple-option offense is always tough to stop and both McDonald and Krist can pass as well as run. One more SCL team that figures to be in the hunt for a league crown.
SONOMA
2005 RECORD: 2-8
COACH: Mick O’Meara (23rd season, 139-95-5)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: San Marin, Montgomery, Maria Carrillo and Sacred Heart Cathedral
OFFENSE: Senior Ryan Blum (6-3, 205), son of NFL referee Ron Blum, is the Dragons’ quarterback and ranks among the top throwers in the Empire. The top tailback figures to be junior Matt Darnell (5-11, 185), the leading rusher on last year’s JV. Junior Jayce Ray (5-11, 170) can also play tailback and the fullback is junior Corey Riley (5-11, 190). Wide receivers include senior Ian Albrecht (6-1, 175), senior Kaiden Kemp (6-1, 165) and senior Chancey Hines (5-9, 165). At tight end is senior Keenan Crumbliss (6-2, 190). The all-senior line includes right guard Kevin Burkett (6-5, 290), center Joe Saldana (5-7, 190), right tackle Allen Bryson (6-1, 300), left guard Justin Hitchens (6-0, 200) and left tackle Greg Lewis (5-9, 200).
DEFENSE: Interior linemen include Burkett, Saldana, Bryson and Lewis. Ends are junior Brian Molina (6-2, 220) and senior Wayne Wood (6-0, 190). Inside linebackers are junior Michael Mulas (6-0, 190) and junior Nick Pappas (5-11, 190). Outside linebackers are junior Nate Rowland (6-0, 170) and Crumbliss. Corners include senior Mitch Isetta (5-10, 165), Ray and Darnell. Albrecht is the free safety and strong safeties are junior Matt McGunagle (6-0, 170), junior Willie Stober (5-11, 165) and senior Dillon Losk (6-0, 170).
PROSPECTS: Blum is a strong-armed quarterback and his favorite receiver is Albrecht. Darnell could be one of the top backs around and Burkett is an excellent lineman.
OUTLOOK: The Dragons are looking to bounce back from last season and feel they have the offense to do it. Defense has always been a tradition at Sonoma, but last year the Dragons gave up 26 points or more in five games. Shoring up the defense will be key in Sonoma staying near the top of an offensive-minded SCL.
2005 RECORD: 7-4
COACH: Jason Fayter (4th season, 15-16)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Maria Carrillo, Santa Rosa, Elsie Allen
OFFENSE: Senior quarterback Kevin Cramer (6-0, 185) accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of offense and 22 touchdowns last season, including running for 666 yards and 9 touchdowns. Senior Erik Hernandez (5-9, 180) returns at tailback after rushing for 713 yards and joining the backfield is sophomore transfer Leroy Green (6-0, 215). Wide receivers are led by All-Empire senior Brandyn Reed (6-3, 175), who had 50 catches for 781 yards and 7 touchdowns a year ago. Senior Jamal Russell-Black played running back and receiver last year and had 19 catches for 253 yards. Another receiver is senior Roy Edwards (5-10, 160). The line is anchored by senior left guard Tommy Walton (6-0, 250), senior center Matt Lamberson (6-1, 190) returns, the right guard is junior Max Devlin (6-5, 245), the left tackle is Tysen Gray (5-7, 195) and the right tackle is Omar Carreno (5-9, 225).
DEFENSE: Interior linemen are Walton, Devlin, Carreno and junior Kyle Kellough (6-0, 245). The ends are Lamberson, Gray, senior Mike Bruner (6-3, 175) and junior Andrew Jones (5-10, 185). Returning at outside linebacker is senior Mike Bogdanovich (6-0, 195), who led last year’s team in tackles, averaging 14 a game. Other linebackers are Green, senior James Jewett (5-10, 175), senior Jason Fryer (5-9, 185) and junior John Fraga (5-10, 200). Reed and Russell-Black are the corners along with junior Danny Hardisty (6-1, 160) and Cramer. Safeties are Hernandez, Edwards and junior Dillon Morrow (5-8, 145).
PROSPECTS: There may not be a better passing combination in the Empire than Cramer to Reed. Cramer is also a dangerous runner and Hernandez looks ready for a 1,000-yard rushing season. Walton leads an offensive line that is being counted on heavily. Bogdanovich heads a strong defensive unit that also features the speed of Reed and Russell-Black at cornerbacks.
OUTLOOK: Last year was Windsor’s first winning season and the Jaguars’ first appearance in the playoffs. This year’s team could be even better with key standouts returning. It took Fayter, one of the best young coaches in the Empire, just three years to produce a winning season. Before he came to Windsor the Jaguars had a 26-game losing streak. SCL coaches pick Windsor and Analy as the teams to beat.
ANALY
2005 RECORD: 7-4
COACH: Chip Castleberry (12th season, 42-75-3)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Piner, Archbishop Mitty, Santa Rosa
OFFENSE: Analy averaged 37.6 points in its final six games last year with senior Nick Maloney (6-1, 170) at quarterback and he threw for more than 2,000 yards in just six full games. Maloney throws to a strong set of receivers who include three returners, senior Kyle Mulkenbuhr (6-1, 180), senior Nick Johnson (6-2, 180) and senior Daniel Albert (5-9, 160). Other receivers are senior Michael Crivello (5-9, 180), senior A.J. Fox (5-8, 150) and junior Ross Bostock (6-1, 168). The backup quarterback is junior Ben West (5-10, 195), who was last year’s JV quarterback. Running backs in the Tigers’ one-back offense include senior Cameron Cook (5-8, 185) and senior Michael Paggi (5-11, 185). Tight ends are seniors Alex Houlemard (5-11, 200) and Brian Friedman (6-2, 182). The line is anchored by senior Mike Stone (6-4, 300) at left tackle. Joining him are senior left guard Rob Burns (6-3, 225), senior center Luke Wells (6-1, 195), junior right tackle Ricky Bostic (6-0, 220) and sophomore right guard Malcolm Townsend (6-0, 225). Also seeing time on the line will be senior C.J. Riebli (6-5, 260).
DEFENSE: Interior linemen include senior Josh Cota (5-11, 245), junior Louis Santiago (5-10, 250) and Stone. Ends are Bostic and Townsend. Linebackers include senior transfer Dominic Patrick (6-1, 225) in the middle, along with Houlemard, Wells and senior Jason Dawe (5-10, 165). The secondary returns with Mulkenbuhr and Crivello at the corners and Cook and Fox at safties. Paggi also plays in the secondary.
PROSPECTS: Maloney played very well late last season and his receiving corps should offer plenty of targets. Mulkenberg was among the team’s top receivers last year. Colleges are interested in Stone as an offensive lineman and the secondary has excellent speed.
OUTLOOK: Analy hopes to improve on last season’s 7-4 record and should be in contention for an SCL championship. The Tigers changed their offense from the past couple of seasons. A team that once ran first and passed minimally now generates most of its offense through the air. The coaching staff is hoping for improvement on defense and experience on the line and in the secondary should help in that regard. Analy made it to the 2A playoffs last season and has the potential of getting there again.
CASA GRANDE
2005 RECORD: 7-4
COACH: Rick O’Brien (10th season, 61-37-0)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Santa Rosa, Maria Carrillo, Montgomery, Sacred Heart Cathedral
OFFENSE: The Gauchos have three quarterback candidates — senior Bobby Rameriz (5-9, 160), junior Joey Homen (5-11, 160) and sophomore Matt O’Brien (5-11, 160). Fullbacks include senior James Rodrigues (5-10, 205) and junior Jake Burnett (5-11, 230), and halfbacks are senior Scott Poole (5-8, 160), senior Joe Bouchard (5-10, 175), junior Anthony Biasi (5-11, 190), Logan Sepich (6-0, 185) and junior Paul Trombetta (5-9, 180). Wide receivers are senior Paul Kent (6-2, 200), senior Colin Ryan (6-0, 185), senior Jared Smith (6-0, 160), junior Jonnie Arancio (6-0, 175), sophomore Matt Nadolski (6-0, 185), senior Justin Coon (6-0, 175) transfer Zack Moore (5-9, 165), senior Nolan Buttner (5-9, 150) and senior Dallas Osborn (5-8, 150). Senior tight end Matt Johnson (6-2, 215) returns and also seeing time at tight end will be junior Reese Heaslet (6-3, 205). The slot back is junior Wylee Buck (5-8, 155). The line includes returning starter senior left guard Riordan Gomez (6-3, 320), senior left tackle Scott Reil (6-4, 275), senior center Brian Lee (5-10, 185), junior right guard Kenny Samana (6-3, 255), junior right tackle Vince Weaver (6-4, 275) and backups senior Pat Rupiper (6-1, 210), junior Mike Colglazier (5-8, 225), junior Jack Rupiper (5-10, 185) and senior Tyler Cooper (6-2, 200). One of the best kickers in the Empire is senior Garrett Labberton (6-4, 205).
DEFENSE: Returning at tackle is senior Justin Phelan (6-2, 215) and joining him are senior Ehab Zakot (5-10, 185), senior Dan Hall (6-0, 205) and senior Jared Holubec (6-1, 205). The ends are Heaslet and Johnson along with senior Andrew Snyder (6-1, 195) and senior Alex Brown (6-0, 205). Inside linebacker candidates are Burnett, Rodrigues, Lee, senior Andy Drake (5-10, 185) and sophomore Blain Peterman (5-10, 185). Outside linebackers are Ryan, Bouchard, senior Gino Caprara (5-11, 185), junior Andy Lamb (5-11, 165) and senior Nick Forester (6-0, 175). The secondary includes Poole, Smith, O’Brien, Arancio, Buck, Trombetta, senior Trevor Wilson (6-0, 175) and junior John Gallo (5-10, 165). Monster backs include Biasi, Nadolski and Poole.
PROSPECTS: The Gauchos hope to replace the Empire’s all-time rushing leader, Joe Trombetta, by committee and could alternate at quarterback. Poole has excellent speed and Kent is a big receiver with experience. The Gauchos always seem to play well defensively and are looking for big things from returning linebackers Ryan and Bouchard.
OUTLOOK: The SCL should be close all season and Casa could very well be in contention. The Gauchos, who tied Healdsburg for the SCL title last season, lost a lot to graduation, but have established themselves as one of the most consistent and winningest teams in the Empire. A lot will depend on the progress of the quarterbacks and skill players.
EL MOLINO
2005 RECORD: 3-7
COACH: Mike Roan (2nd season, 3-7)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Jesse Bethel, Elsie Allen, Piner, Eureka
OFFENSE: Senior Tyler Kozlowski (5-9, 165) returns at quarterback for the Lions and junior Andrew Raggio (6-0, 180) will back him up. Running backs are led by senior and three-year starter Korey Gosselin (6-1, 255) and others include senior Evan Englar (6-3, 210) and senior Robby Spomer (5-9, 160). Wide receivers are Raggio, junior Troy Bowen (5-10, 150) and senior Matt Weger (6-4, 200). Senior Lucas Golden (5-9, 150) hopes to return soon from a wrist injury. Tight ends are senior Randall Packard (6-3, 185) and junior Graham Hitman (6-3, 205). The line includes junior center Max Apodaca (5-10, 235), guards senior Sam Wilmarth (6-2, 230) and junior Joe Durling (5-11, 225), tackles junior Bo Sandeen (6-5, 230) and senior Theo Colucci (5-11, 255) and senior Dan Carlson (6-4, 255) should see time.
DEFENSE: Colucci and Wilmarth are tackles along with senior Devin Heffelfinger (5-9, 245) and senior Ben Radtkey (5-6, 160) is at noseguard. Linebackers include Packard on the outside along with senior Nate Fyi (6-0, 210), Englar and junior Tony Spediacci (6-0, 175). Inside backers include Gosselin and senior Casey Hopkins (5-8, 210). Backups are junior Reece Parmeter (6-0, 190) and Durling. Corner candidates are Spomer, junior Tony Massey (5-8, 160), Bowen and senior Josh Curtiss (5-10, 160). Safeties include senior Brian Palazzo (5-10, 160), Golden, Raggio and Todd Parmeter (5-8, 180).
PROSPECTS: Kozlowski has a year’s experience and throws well, and Gosselin is a big power back as well as the top linebacker. The line has good size, but depth is a problem.
OUTLOOK: El Molino is not big in numbers so staying away from injuries is crucial. Lines are key to how El Molino performs and how much time Kozlowski has to throw. El Molino is the smallest school in the SCL and the Lions compete as a 2A school. Roan, a former Tennessee Titans tight end, is still looking for his first league win.
HEALDSBURG
2005 RECORD: 10-2
COACH: Gale Bach (4th season, 19-14)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Kelseyville, St. Patrick-St. Vincent, Oakland, Fortuna
OFFENSE: Junior Corey Harms (6-0, 205) takes over at quarterback and is backed up by senior Connor Collins (6-1, 185). Running backs are senior Mitch Arreguin (5-8, 165), sophomore fullback Andrew Phillips (6-0, 205), sophomore David Balestrieri (5-7, 155), junior Andrew Baroni (5-11, 190) and junior Jonathan Cattilini (5-7, 165). Wide receivers are senior Ronnie Arowcavage (6-0, 190), senior Justin Brandt (5-11, 175), junior Jared Garcia (6-1, 175) and senior Chris Saulter (5-8, 155). Tight ends are senior Uly Espinosa (5-11, 205) and Collins. Four of the five starting linemen return: senior left tackle Tobin Cameron (6-3, 250), senior left guard Noah van der Zee (6-0, 185), senior center Christopher Bach (5-11, 215) and senior right guard Daniel Erdman (6-2, 215). Senior Cody Manning (6-1, 225) is at right tackle and backups include senior Curtis Allegra (6-1, 220) and senior Tim Weidemier (6-2, 220).
DEFENSE: Allegra and van der Zee are the ends and interior players include Cameron, Bach, senior Nick Fore (6-2, 230) and Weidemier. Arreguin leads the linebacking corps in the middle that also includes Phillips, Baroni and Espinosa. Cornerbacks are Arowcavage, Garcia, Saulter and Brandt. Safeties are Balestrieri, Collins, Harms and senior Thomas Cochran (6-0, 170).
PROSPECTS: Four players on the offensive line have played together on varsity for three years and in youth football before that. Harms is a standout baseball player and has a strong arm and Arreguin averaged 14 tackles a game last year from his middle linebacker’s spot.
OUTLOOK: The SCL seems to be wide open and Healdsburg, which tied Casa Grande last season for the league championship, certainly seems in the mix. Harms is working behind one of the best lines in the Empire. Healdsburg is also a 2A school. The Hounds lost the 2A title game by a touchdown last year to Novato. They definitely should be in the 2A playoff hunt again this season.
PETALUMA
2005 RECORD: 7-4-1
COACH: Steve Ellison (28th season, 178-108-7)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: Redwood, Ukiah, Rancho Cotate and Eureka
OFFENSE: Two quarterbacks are vying to run the Trojans’ triple-option offense, returning senior Matt McDonald (5-11, 165) and junior Chad Krist (5-10, 180), last year’s JV starter. Running backs are led by senior fullback Drew Gaidano (6-0, 225), who had a 75-yard touchdown run in last year’s playoff win vs. Montgomery. Halfbacks are senior Zach Salaun (6-2, 205), senior T.J. Olsen (5-9, 185), senior Joe Bertolucci (5-7, 155), junior Greg Johnson (5-10, 170), junior Vince Gaidano (5-10, 170) and junior Lucas Smith (5-7, 155). Wide receivers include senior Billy Rider (5-10, 173), senior Dane Greco (5-10, 165), senior Nick Williams (6-0, 155), junior Cameron Ross (6-1, 175) and junior Brett Pawlan (5-9, 155). Tight ends are senior Mason Jones (6-0, 180) and junior Garrett Hagerla (6-2, 225). On the line, returning senior center Ray Jones (6-0, 225) has been moved to right guard, senior returner Jake Banister (6-2, 185) is at left tackle, senior Kyle McFadden (5-10, 205) is at right tackle, junior Eric Swanson (5-10, 200) is at left guard and junior Dominic Pedras (6-0, 235) is at center. Other linemen include senior Ryan Jensen (6-5, 245) and Danny McCarthy (6-3, 275).
DEFENSE: Interior linemen include Jensen, McFadden, Pedras and Jones. Ends are senior Sean McLauglin (6-4, 275), Hagerla and Banister. Drew Gaidano leads the linebacking corps in the middle and will be joined by Olsen, Salaun, Vince Gaidano and Krist. Corners are Rider, Greco, Williams, Pawlan and senior Nick Tompkins (5-8, 160). Safeties are McDonald, Johnson and Ross.
PROSPECTS: Drew Gaidano is a fullback with speed who helped Petaluma into the playoffs last season. McDonald and Krist are both good athletes and whoever doesn’t start at quarterback will probably play running back. Gaidano also anchors the Trojans’ defense at middle linebacker. Jones is a quality lineman.
OUTLOOK: Some called last year’s coaching job one of Ellison’s best as the Trojans upset Montgomery in the playoffs and lost by five points to Maria Carrillo, which wound up in the NCS 3A championship game. Petaluma’s triple-option offense is always tough to stop and both McDonald and Krist can pass as well as run. One more SCL team that figures to be in the hunt for a league crown.
SONOMA
2005 RECORD: 2-8
COACH: Mick O’Meara (23rd season, 139-95-5)
NON-LEAGUE OPPONENTS: San Marin, Montgomery, Maria Carrillo and Sacred Heart Cathedral
OFFENSE: Senior Ryan Blum (6-3, 205), son of NFL referee Ron Blum, is the Dragons’ quarterback and ranks among the top throwers in the Empire. The top tailback figures to be junior Matt Darnell (5-11, 185), the leading rusher on last year’s JV. Junior Jayce Ray (5-11, 170) can also play tailback and the fullback is junior Corey Riley (5-11, 190). Wide receivers include senior Ian Albrecht (6-1, 175), senior Kaiden Kemp (6-1, 165) and senior Chancey Hines (5-9, 165). At tight end is senior Keenan Crumbliss (6-2, 190). The all-senior line includes right guard Kevin Burkett (6-5, 290), center Joe Saldana (5-7, 190), right tackle Allen Bryson (6-1, 300), left guard Justin Hitchens (6-0, 200) and left tackle Greg Lewis (5-9, 200).
DEFENSE: Interior linemen include Burkett, Saldana, Bryson and Lewis. Ends are junior Brian Molina (6-2, 220) and senior Wayne Wood (6-0, 190). Inside linebackers are junior Michael Mulas (6-0, 190) and junior Nick Pappas (5-11, 190). Outside linebackers are junior Nate Rowland (6-0, 170) and Crumbliss. Corners include senior Mitch Isetta (5-10, 165), Ray and Darnell. Albrecht is the free safety and strong safeties are junior Matt McGunagle (6-0, 170), junior Willie Stober (5-11, 165) and senior Dillon Losk (6-0, 170).
PROSPECTS: Blum is a strong-armed quarterback and his favorite receiver is Albrecht. Darnell could be one of the top backs around and Burkett is an excellent lineman.
OUTLOOK: The Dragons are looking to bounce back from last season and feel they have the offense to do it. Defense has always been a tradition at Sonoma, but last year the Dragons gave up 26 points or more in five games. Shoring up the defense will be key in Sonoma staying near the top of an offensive-minded SCL.
Strong Arm - Senior quarterback Kevin Cramer
by Greg Clementi, Sports Editor
Strong Arm - Senior quarterback Kevin Cramer will attempt to lead the varsity Jags to their first-ever league title as play gets under way this week.
With an early start to the school year, it's time to get excited about the prospects of fall sports in Windsor, in what could turn out to be the best season in school history.
By the time the leaves start to turn in late October, several Jaguar teams are expected to be in the heat of a title chase in sports that include varsity football, girls soccer and golf.
Jags gridders ready to claim elite status
The Windsor varsity football team is coming off of its best season ever in 2005, finishing with its first winning record at 7-4 overall. The Jags reached the North Coast Section playoffs for the first time, falling in a heartbreaker to Rancho Cotate.
Head coach Jason Fayter returns for his fourth season, having elevated the Windsor program from perennial doormat to serious contender in just three years. The team has every reason to be optimistic in 2006, returning 17 players to a varsity roster that should include 34 athletes.
“We've tried to improve every season and I expect this team to be as good or better than we were last year,” said Fayter. “Everyone knows we have good athletes, but I expect one of the team's strengths to be our camaraderie."
Gamer - Senior varsity soccer forward Kimmy Carroll will be among the team leaders this fall, as the Lady Jaguars try for a three-peat in the SCL title chase. Greg Clementi
The Jags will be led by a group of outstanding offensive skill position players that include senior all-leaguers: quarterback Kevin Cramer, running back Erik Hernandez, and receivers Brandyn Reed and Jamal Russell Black. The Jags will also ride the strong legs of junior transfer fullback Leroy Green, who will be among the best in the league at his position. Also adding to the firepower in Windsor's spread offense are senior receivers Roy Edwards and Matt Cudlip.
The offensive line looks solid with senior center Matt “Bubbles” Lamberson, senior guard Tommy Walton, senior tackle Tysen Gray and junior guard Max Devlin. Other lineman in the mix are senior tackles Omar Carreno and David Phillips.
The defensive line will include defensive ends Lamberson and Gray, Walton, Devlin and junior Kyle Kellough at tackles. The linebacking corps will be a run-stopping machine, led by senior outside linebacker and leading tackler Mike Bogdanovich. He will be joined by senior outside linebacker James Jewett, middle linebacker Green. Bolstering the lineup will be senior backers Jason Freyer and junior transfer John Fraga.
The defensive backfield will be ably manned by Reed, Hernandez, Russell Black, Edwards and junior Dillon Morrow. Cramer will handle the punting chores again this season, while Hernandez takes over as the team's kicker.
With the Sonoma County League expected to be solid from top to bottom this year, Windsor expects a dogfight with Analy, Healdsburg, Casa Grande and Petaluma for the top spot, with Sonoma and El Molino looking to be much improved.
“It's going to be a battle each week, so our focus will be on taking it one game at a time,” noted Fayter. “I think we match up well with everybody and have the ability, we just have to go out and execute.”
California high schools placing most players in NFL
According to an NFL analysis of this spring's draft, two California high schools — De La Salle and Long Beach Poly — led the way with each producing three draftees. Overall, the state had 36 former high school players taken. Texas was second with 30 and Florida third with 26.
The De La Salle draftees were running back Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville), linebacker Kevin Simon (Washington) and receiver Demetrius Williams (Baltimore). Poly had safety Darnell Bing (Oakland), tackle Winston Justice (Philadelphia) and tight end Marcedes Lewis (Jacksonville).
"(It's) a tremendous individual achievement," De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur says. "I spoke with Maurice (Jones-Drew), and he'll be the Jaguars' return man and third-down back, and Kevin (Simon) reports he had a good minicamp (with the Redskins)."
Eleven schools had two players drafted, and 227 schools had one.
Five of the six drafted players from De La Salle and Poly played in the Oct. 6, 2001, game between the teams, won by De La Salle 29-15, part of its record run of 151 consecutive victories.
"Maurice (Jones-Drew) still teases me about that game," says Lewis of his new Jacksonville teammate
Finally, NCS schedules title games
May 9, 2006
After five years, during which time over a dozen proposals were shot down, the North Coast Section Board of Managers recently agreed on 2A and 3A championship games between East Bay and Redwood Empire schools.
"It's a good thing, I'm excited about it," said Cardinal Newman football coach Paul Cronin. Newman won the 3A Redwood Empire championship last season by defeating North Bay League opponent Maria Carrillo in the championship. With the new format, Newman would have gone on to play Las Lomas for the 3A NCS overall championship.
"I think most of the coaches around here have been for it, but we've been out-voted by the East Bay," said Rancho Cotate coach Ed Conroy. "I think it's great for football around here. Heck, I'd watch that game even if my team wasn't in it."
The football playoffs have had a number of formats over the years. In the 1990s, East Bay and Redwood Empire teams were combined in one playoff in 3A. Montgomery is the only Redwood Empire school to win a combined East Bay-Redwood Empire 3A championship, knocking off San Ramon Valley at the Oakland Coliseum for the title in 1996.
"This is great, it should have happened a long time ago," said Montgomery coach Jason Franci.
Franci said that overall the East Bay teams are probably stronger, but not when it comes to one final game. "We can play with them in that game," Franci said.
The current format, basically isolating East Bay from Redwood Empire 2A and 3A teams began in 1998.
It is doubtful that the 2A and 3A playoffs will ever combine East Bay and Redwood Empire teams again, because it means less games and less money generated for the NCS.
Next season also ushers in a new state playoff system on an experimental basis. There will be three state championship games for three divisions based on enrollment.
A Northern California school will play a Southern California school in the three divisions. Only section champions qualify and computerized power rankings will also figure into the selection.
When the CIF was forming the state playoff system, it projected how the matchups would have been in past seasons. It had the undefeated 2003 Rancho Cotate and undefeated 2004 Montgomery teams playing for state titles in Division II.
"People talk about that, but I tell them that's a once-in-a-lifetime thing," Conroy said. "It's going to be very difficult to even make that game."
Because the state playoff is experimental, schools like Cardinal Newman can still petition to "play up" in 3A. Any high school involved in state playoffs are prohibited from moving around in divisions, making those schools stay in divisions based on enrollment.
If there had been a 2A East Bay/Redwood Empire championship last year it would have been between Novato and Ignacio Valley.
