NorCal Issue 121, Aug 25, 2016 by Sport Stars Magazine

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AUGUST 25, 2016 VOL. 7 ISSUE 121

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TOP ROW (L to R): Jullen Ison (Moreau Catholic-Hayward), Kairee Robinson (De La Salle-Concord), Jake Haener (Monte Vista-Danville), Tre White (De La Salle) and Nate Landman (Monte Vista). MIDDLE ROW: Tuli Letuligasenoa (De La Salle), Isaiah Hodgins (Berean Christian-Walnut Creek), Je’Quari Godfrey (Bishop O’DowdOakland), Erik Krommenhoek (Monte Vista) and Bryce Brand (Clayton Valley Charter-Concord). BOTTOM ROW: Jalen McKenzie (Clayton Valley Charter) and Akeal Lalaind (Clayton Valley Charter).

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Are You Ready? W e made it, fans. We’re on the other side. There were some dark days there, I know. Times where we were forcing ourselves to watch NBC’s ridiculous tape-delayed Olympic feed. But we survived. And Football — yes, with a capital ‘F’ — has arrived. Once again I find myself introducing our annual special edition NorCal Football Preview with an immense amount of pride. You’re holding (or scrolling through) 48 pages of awesomeness, and 32 of them are purely devoted to gridiron goodness. You’re also holding the hard work of a good amount of people who need to get some recognition — especially our photographers: Phillip Walton (who delivered that killer cover shot of Antioch’s Najee Harris), James K. Leash and Berry Evans III. Even this writer can admit that a magazine is really only as good as its images, and these three deliver the goods for us consistently. Our production designer, Mike DeCicco, also deserves a lot of credit. His name only appears in our staff box, but the look and feel of SportStars is all him. Now that we’ve got the kudos out of the way, let’s get back to football. To get things started, I’m offering a smattering of some observations and predictions. OBSERVATION: Working on the cover story for this issue involved the most time I’d ever spent around Najee Harris. It was a pleasure. Reporters are trained to be objective and keep the cheering out of the press box. And while the majority of us succeed in not rooting for specific teams, we occasionally to admit to rooting for specific individuals. I’m here to tell you that Najee is a kid I’ll be rooting for. When you read the story beginning on Page 12, I think you’ll see why. PREDICTION: Najee won’t end up at Alabama. He never hinted anything to me on or off the record, but something in my gut tells me he’s probably 50-50 on whether he truly wants to stay at the school he committed to almost two years ago. And if he does, more power to him. OBSERVATION: The North Coast Section’s competitive equity adjustments to teams which have won consecutive titles, have created some really interesting mixes. Campolindo in Division II will be fun to watch, and the Division IV field has the potential to produce a dynamite tournament come November. PREDICTION: The new NCS Open Division will be a good thing. It’s going to take some getting used to — and there will still be teams who feel burned — but it’s going to be refreshing to see one of the many perennially good NCS Div. I teams such as Monte Vista-Danville, Pittsburg or Foothill-Pleasanton finally get a shot at a CIF regional playoff appearance. Previously, those schools and others have always been blocked in Div. I by De La Salle — which inevitably would get placed in the CIF Open State Bowl, anyway. OBSERVATION: I’m already taking up too much of your time. You want to read this Preview. I’m getting out of the way now. Right after… PREDICTION: If you’re a football fan, you’re gonna dig the next 40-something pages. Enjoy. ✪

JOIN OUR TEAM PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 EDITORIAL Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson • Chace@SportStarsOnline.com Staff Writer Jim McCue • JimMcCue16@gmail.com Contributors Bill Kolb, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Dave Kiefer, Tim Rudd, Trevor Horn Copy Editor Bill Kruissink Photography Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler, Berry Evans, III Marketing/Events Ryan Arter CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@SportStarsOnline.com PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com ADVERTISING Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Camps & Clinics: Ryan Arter • Camps@SportStarsOnline.com Alameda County: Berry Evans • Berry@foto-pros.com Central Valley, World Events: Anthony Grigsby • Area Director anthony.grigsby@worldeventssports.com Darin Wissner • JustAGameEvents@gmail.com READER RESOURCES/ADMINISTRATION Subscription, Calendar, Credit Services Info@SportStarsOnline.com DISTRIBUTION/DELIVERY Phillip Walton • Mags@SportStarsOnline.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY John Bonilla CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsOnline.com COMMUNITY SPORTSTARS™ MAGAZINE A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222 • Concord, CA 94521 • info@SportStarsOnline.com www.SportStarsOnline.com

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DECADE DASH Racing To Be Team Of The ’10s

ne of my favorite state record files to update each summer is the one in which it’s determined which schools around the state have the best records in football during the current decade. When the decade is young, it’s not that difficult to piece together two or three unbeaten or one-loss seasons. When the decade reaches six years in length, like it has now, teams can fall off or rise up in the standings. California has a ridiculously successful school in this category, of course, with De La Salle-Concord. The Spartans lead the state at 84-3 since 2010 and two of those losses were not even to California teams — one in Florida to St. Thomas Aquinas-Ft. Lauderdale and one in Texas to Trinity-Euless. Here is a list of top NorCal schools ranked according to winning percentage in the Decade of Dominance category, at least so far this decade (2010 to 2015):

84-3 — De La Salle-Concord (96.5%) The Spartans also had the best record in the state for the 1980s (105-101) and 1990s (125-1) but did not for the 2000s, finishing behind both St. Bonaventure-Ventura and Oaks Christian-Westlake Village.

83-7 — Folsom (92.2%) Three of the Bulldogs’ losses in the decade have come to De La Salle. They also are No. 2 in the state in this category.

67-10 — McClymonds-Oakland (87.0%) This total does not include forfeits. Those forfeits were in the 2014 season. The new CIF Bowl Game system should help add statewide awareness of the Warriors.

73-11 — Marin Catholic-Kentfield (86.9%) NFL No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff was a major part of the Wildcats’ success for 2011 and 2012.

70-12 — Campolindo-Moraga (85.4%) The Cougars (pictured right) followed up their 16-0 CIF Division III state title season from 2014 by reaching the CIF Div. III-AA state final last year where they lost to La Mirada.

74-14 — Central Catholic-Modesto (84.1%) Last year’s historic 16-0 season that ended with the CIF Small Schools Open Division title really helped the Raiders pass a lot of schools heading into this season.

64-13 — Inderkum-Sacramento (83.1%)

Although the Tigers have had difficulty with teams from the Valley Oak League in the SacJoaquin Section playoffs, they haven’t had a problem getting 10-win seasons.

70-16 — Oakdale (81.4%) Speaking of the Valley Oak League, the Mustangs hitting over 80 percent for the decade even though they are in the VOL says a lot about the skill of head coach Trent Merzon and his staff.

63-15 — Elk Grove (80.8%) Last year’s 13-1 season pushed the Thundering Herd up the charts. They’re still trying to recover from a 4-6 showing from 2010.

59-14 — Carmel (80.8%) With the way they score, the Padres have been fun to watch while they’ve been winning in recent seasons.

61-17 — Sutter (78.2%) The best from the CIF Northern Section should be better in 2016 after going 9-5 in 2015.

63-18 — Clayton Valley Charter-Concord (77.7%)

68-13 — Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton (83.9%)

In the last three season, the Uglies have gone 13-2, 15-1 and 11-2. It’s the 6-6 and 6-5 seasons in 2010 and 2011 that is still dragging them down a bit. ✪

The Gators have definitely left no doubt in the last few years that they can beat anybody from any league in the Central Coast Section.

Mark Tennis is the co-founder of Cal-Hi Sports, and publisher of CalHiSports.com. Contact him at markjtennis@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter, @CalHiSports.

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PRESEASON TOP 20 STATE RANKINGS

De La Salle’s (from left) Kairee Robinson, Tuli Letuligasenoa and Tre White. (Listed with records from last season) 1. De La Salle-Concord 13-1 In our rankings system, the Spartans get a lot more credit for having won six of the last seven CIF Open Division state titles and having lost to only one California team in the last seven years. 2. Centennial-Corona 14-1 The Huskies have won the top division in the CIF Southern Section the last two seasons and will reload behind junior QB Tanner McKee. 3. St. John Bosco-Bellflower 13-1 One national poll put the Braves first, which is hilarious for a team that gave up 58 points in one half to Centennial the last time it played. 4. Mater Dei-Santa Ana 10-3 This would be the consensus preseason No. 1 team in the state among national pollsters, but we could care less. Mater Dei has lost six in a row to St. John Bosco and just doesn’t deserve to be ranked higher than the Braves — at least not yet. 5. Mission Viejo 16-0 This is the team that beat Bellarmine-San Jose in last year’s CIF Division I-AA state final and is starting the season with a stateleading 28-game winning streak. 6. Vista Murrieta-Murrieta 12-2 The Broncos showcase a lot of speed from their two-time CIF state title winning track and field teams. 7. Narbonne-Harbor City 14-2 This is the team that beat Clayton Valley Charter-Concord in last year’s CIF Div. I-A State Bowl. The entire front seven on defense returns. 8. Folsom 14-1 The Bulldogs simply deserve to be No. 1 in the Sac-Joaquin Section with 50 straight wins over section foes — until something is proved differently on the field. 9. Helix-La Mesa 11-2 New head coach Robbie Owens should keep the Highlanders among state’s elite programs. 10. Clayton Valley-Concord 13-2 This could be a great year for the Uglies with 14 returning starters. We’ll find out right away how great with early game vs. Helix.

11. Oaks Christian-Westlake Village 11-1 Junior QB Matt Corral is a USC commit and is one of the top juniors in the nation. 12. Chaminade-West Hills 7-4 The Eagles are playing Oaks Christian in the first game so we’ve ranked those two right next to each other. 13. St. Mary’s-Stockton 10-3 We went with the Rams higher than Del Oro in our preseason rankings due to comparative scores last year involving Folsom. 14. Del Oro-Loomis

10-6

Head coach Casey Taylor has seven players returning who will be three-year starters and the Golden Eagles get to play Folsom this year at home. 15. Lutheran-Orange

6-6

The Lancers have some top recruits in their secondary plus strong returnees in the skill positions. 16. Antioch

11-1

This is close to where the Panthers finished in the rankings last season. If Clayton Valley loses to Helix, then they’ll move up provided they win early and are unbeaten heading into matchup with De La Salle. 17. Elk Grove

13-1

Head coach Chris Nixon is getting to the point where his program is reloading every season. 18. Long Beach Poly-Long Beach 8-2 The Jackrabbits still have plenty of playmakers to put a scare into anybody and they’re playing Narbonne and Mission Viejo in early-season tests. 19. Serra-Gardena

9-3

The Cavaliers have already lost in their opener to an Arizona team and aren’t as talented as in recent seasons, but as a State Top 20 team they’re still formidable. 20. St. Francis-Mountain View 12-2 It’s not clear-cut who should start No. 1 in the CCS, but the Lancers have the most returning firepower.

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August 25, 2016

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Roseville Readies For Highly Respected Youth Football Tournament Fall and football seem to go hand-in-hand in most parts of the country. That goes for whether you are into fantasy football, anxiously awaiting the pro and college seasons to begin so you can cheer on your favorite teams from the comfort of your home, or you’re the parent of a youth player. Or all of the above. Fall equals football. Here in Placer Valley we are marking off the days until the 9th Annual California Bowl that will take place Nov. 25-27 over Thanksgiving weekend in Roseville. Dubbed the “Cali Bowl,” this is considered the number one youth football tournament on the West Coast with players aged 5-15 years-old playing their hearts out in hopes of being crowned Cali Bowl Champions. Placer Valley Tourism and A2K Sports and Entertainment are working hard to make this year’s Cali Bowl the biggest and best ever. Once again the games will have play-by-play announcers and will be streamed live — a feature the players, parents and spectators love because of the element of excitement it adds. Tournament Director Brent Gray explained, “We will have more awards, more competition and the biggest thing – more fun!” Many new features are in store, including interviews with the coaches and players and a social media challenge. “We are so excited about this year’s event; we are working on a special guest this year, who will be announced soon,” Gray said. For more information, and to get your team signed up, please go to the revamped website: www.calibowl.info. ✪ 10

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››››

M OVER

California Capital Challenge Nears

With the high school water polo season just getting started, the Woodcreek High Aquatics Club is getting ready to host its annual varsity water polo tournament that takes place over the course of two weekends in September. Placer Valley Tourism is thrilled to be teaming up with Woodcreek Aquatics to bring the California Capital Challenge to Placer Valley. First up are the varsity boy’s teams on September 16-17, where 24 teams will be competing at the Roseville Aquatics Complex (RAC) and the Antelope Aquatics Complex. Both venues are located adjacent to Woodcreek and Antelope High Schools, respectively. The varsity girls get their opportunity on the following weekend, Sept. 23-24 at the Roseville Aquatics Complex as well as Whitney and Rocklin High. Due to the girl’s tournament featuring 28 teams they have to utilizing three pools. Geographically we will see participating high school teams coming from the Bay Area and down past the Fresno area. “Both weekends we will see some of the best teams in Northern and Central California competing,” Woodcreek Aquatics president TJ Kay said. “It is a very competitive tournament and we break it down into two divisions to maximize the competition.” The format for the tournaments will have the Division I (larger schools) games at the RAC and the Division II games at the Antelope and Rocklin pools. If your team is interested in competing at California Capital Challenge, please go to www.woodcreekaquatics.com for more information. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

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OPEN/DIVISION I TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2015 record): De La Salle (13-1), Clayton Valley Charter (13-2), Antioch (11-1), Pittsburg (10-3), Foothill (12-1) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Najee Harris, RB, Antioch - Considered the nation’s top recruit in some rankings, Harris returns as one of the most dominant offensive performers in NCS history. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Tre White, DB, De La Salle - Now a senior leader on a unit with lots of new faces, White will be counted on to set the tone in the defensive backfield. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Monte Vista BREAKDOWN: Rumors of De La Salle‘s demise have been suggested before, and the doubters are likely lined up after an exodus of Division I talent this summer. But the system remains the same, and in years where individual talent isn‘t necessarily the focus, the Spartans tend to be even tougher to deal with as a collective unit. Across town, Clayton Valley Charter makes the jump to Division I and the Ugly Eagles bring with them the momentum of back-to-back appearances in a state bowl game as well as definite strength in the trenches. Close league contests loom in both the Bay Valley Athletic League, where Antioch and Pittsburg feature two of the area‘s top running backs in Najee Harris and Montaz Thompson, and the East Bay Athletic League, where Foothill welcomes back QB Ben Wooldridge after taking a 12-0 record into the NCS Division I title game. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION (OPEN): De La Salle over Clayton Valley Charter CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION (DIV. I): Pittsburg over Foothill

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here’s something about Najee Harris that immediately puts a person at ease. It’s one part his easy-going grin, one part the way he carries himself and one part the way he makes a pointed effort to make a connection with the people he’s with. It only takes a few minutes with Harris to realize that he’s not the center of his own universe. And that’s an awful hard thing to avoid when a 17 year-old is considered the best high school running back in the country. On this late morning in early August, in a very brief car ride from the Antioch High campus to the small upstairs apartment where he lives with his mom, Harris is the one asking questions of the reporter. He asks about my two children, and how my wife — who he sounded surprised to learn was an Antioch graduate — and I ended up meeting. He listened. He asked follow-up questions. It didn’t feel like small talk. It was this three-minute car ride that illustrated so much about Harris, and showed why his seemingly selfless teammate persona is far from an act. “It’s amazing with all the attention he gets how he stays focused (on us),” Antioch coach John Lucido said after the Panthers wrapped up practice just four days prior to their season-opener on Aug. 26 at home against LincolnStockton. “He’s not going to hold himself out of anything and say, ‘I’m going to save myself.’ He’s not like that. We have to hold HIM back. We have to stop him from working out. We have to hide the keys and hide the equipment. We actually had to pull his pads out of his locker. He wants to play for his team and for his coaches. You don’t always see that with players at his level.” Let’s talk about his level. Just for a moment. Harris is a fast, nimble and powerful running back chiseled into a punishing 6-foot-2, 228-pound frame. The popular scouting and recruiting site, Rivals.com, lists Harris as the No. 1 overall senior prospect in the country. He’s been committed to Alabama since his sophomore season and is coming off a junior year in which he rushed for 2,744 yards and scored 300 points on 39 touchdowns and 66 two-point conversions. Had he scored 302 points, the Panthers would’ve likely reached a North Coast Section championship game for the first time since 1977. Harris was stopped a mere inch shy of the goal line on a two-point attempt with a little more than one minute left in the NCS Div. I semifinal against visiting Foothill-Pleasanton. Antioch would lose 55-54 — its only defeat of 2015. “That’s last year’s stuff,” Harris said during a candid lunch conversation on campus during the first week of

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school. “I ain’t going to say I scored; I didn’t. It’s last year’s stuff. It’s a new year, and hopefully we get to play them again and beat them this time.” Harris would gladly take the same scenario over again: The team counting on him to get two yards to clinch a finals berth — or perhaps, even the program’s first section title of the modern era. However, he jokingly admits that having the game put on his shoulders was the very reason he didn’t like running back when he was first put in the position while living in Seattle. “I was honestly scared at first,” said Harris, who said he began football at age 6 when his parents decided he had too much time on his hands and it was leading to mischief. “At one point, I had the game put on me and I’d never played the position. I fell short. But I got used to it.” Harris was born in the Bay Area, but has called a number of cities home. He admits that his three-plus years in Antioch have probably been his longest stay in any one place. And he had to negotiate for his fourth year. “We were supposed to move again because we don’t like the area we’re living in right now,” Harris said. The apartment he and his mother call home is located in a neighborhood of Antioch notorious for street violence. In fact, Antioch Police officers were canvassing a nearby apartment complex looking for a suspect during our quick visit to his place. “I told my mom, ‘If you move, I’m going to have to figure out a way to stay with someone else,’” Harris said. “I just can’t leave my senior year.” There’s that selfless dedication and commitment shining through again. Harris is locked in on his final season with the Panthers, and he’s not shy about it. His two-plus year connection to Alabama remains, but it hasn’t stemmed the parade of schools and recruiters hoping to change his mind. But right now, he’s showing them the hand. “I just push it away,” he said, while not necessarily saying he didn’t plan to listen to other suitors when the time was right. “I tell them all to wait until I’m done with my season. I still have one more year in Antioch. I get asked where I’m taking my official visits, and I don’t even know myself. I’m just worried about my season more than I’m worried about these colleges.” That’s fine with the Panthers, who despite having plenty of speed and athleticism up and down the roster, will still need Najee to be Najee if they want to approach or surpass their historic season from a year ago. Antioch will have just as many new starters as it has returning ones, so there will be a learning curve in the early going. The Panthers will be starting a sophomore at quarterback in Willem Karnthong. He’s only 5-foot-9, but both Harris and Lucido spoke highly of his abilities. “Willem is one of those old-school football players,” Lucido said. “He’s a smart kid who has a cannon for an arm. He makes good decisions, but sometimes he wants to throw it down field or into tight windows and test guys. He’s got a little Brett Favre in him in that respect.” On the bright side, there’s no greater friend to a sophomore quarterback than the best running back in the country. Lucido and Harris also talked up junior running backs Dalaan Green and Omari Harris. However, Omari will be out for the first half of the season as he recovers from a broken ankle. Defensively, Antioch will be relying on some returning talent up front and in the secondary as it breaks in an entire new core of linebackers. Lucido has depth at linebacker, saying he had as many as six he felt comfortable rotating, but the group will need experience. Senior defensive backs Isaiah Dunn, Antoine Tanner and Isaac Freytes will be counted on as defensive leaders. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

“I think they are all getting a little antsy,” Lucido said of the roster. “We have a good group and they just want to go at it and repeat. There are some of these young guys who don’t know what it’s like to lose. So hopefully they don’t get too complacent. They need to stay hungry.” And Najee knows he can’t do it alone. Asked who were some new faces that were looking good in camp and looked like they may make impacts this season, he started to answer with specifics and then stopped. “I’m happy with just everybody, because everybody needs to play a part,” he said. “We need people to step up. I hope everybody plays a part because that’s what we need. People need to step up and we’ll get it done. Together.” ✪

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ancho Cordova is home to hundreds of events each year, including several major sports events. However, by drawing over 100,000 people over a single weekend, no event is bigger than the California Capital Airshow, which lands at Mather Field on October 1-2. Headlining the California Capital Airshow, presented by Sacramento County in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova, are the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, Blue Angels. The iconic blue and gold Boeing F/A-18 Hornets will be only one of the jets thundering across the sky at the airshow. Attendees will see an F-16 Viper Team and B-29 Superfortress, along with aerobatic planes and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team. A spectacular re-creation of the WWII attack, “Tora, Tora, Tora,” features expansive pyrotechnics. “We are ecstatic to host the Blue Angels,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “It’s been nearly a decade since the team has graced the skies of the state capital and we are beyond excited to showcase them as they celebrate their 70th anniversary.” The captivating aircraft are only part of the show. On the ramp, you can delight in dozens upon dozens of military and civilian aircraft, including rare warbirds and bombers. Many are available to tour, and pilots and flight crews will be on hand to answer questions. Sure to be in demand is a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning — a new generation stealth fighter jet. Kids are sure to find plenty to do with both a Kids Zone and Launch Pad areas. These educational exhibits are designed to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Performing since 1946, the Blue Angels team has thrilled and inspired more than 484 million spectators. “The fans have been clamoring for the team’s return for years and we can’t wait to share the news. We’re planning to host our biggest show yet and are looking forward to another epic event,” added Brewer. As part of its community relations, the non-profit organization awards scholarships to deserving students from the region with an interest in aviation, aerospace, aeronautics and STEM-related fields. Fans can follow the Airshow on Facebook, Twitter (@calcapairshow) and Instagram (capitalairshow). Family ticket packs and premium seating options are available. Purchase tickets early for a discount from the day of show price of $35. For tickets and a complete show lineup, visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com. ✪ — Copy and photos provided by City of Rancho Cordova

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Banks, El Cerrito Hoping To Catch Div. III By Surprise

e’s 6 feet, 7 inches tall and may still be growing. He’s listed at 330 pounds on his Rivals.com profile, but his coach says he may be closer to an even 300. He’s so gifted as an offensive tackle that a football scholarship to an unknown destination awaits, and he’s also a doubledigit scorer in basketball. But to hear his new coach at El Cerrito High tell it, Aaron Banks’ most impressive feat in the past 12 months came on a track during a summer training run. “As a test of endurance, we make all of our players run the mile, and they have to run it in a certain time. It’s skill positions and the big guys together, let us know what kind of shape they’re in,” coach George Austin said. “By the end of the mile, he was lapping some of the skill-position guys. Here he is, 6-7, 300, and he’s lapping skill guys.” To say Banks is laps ahead of his competition is probably understating it. As a junior, he opened gaping holes for running back D’angelo Skinner and others, and the runheavy Gauchos went 6-6 en route to the North Coast Section playoffs. He enters his senior campaign ranked by Rivals.com as the 14th-best offensive tackle in the county, and his coach says he’s leaning toward playing next season at Michigan or Notre Dame. “He’s been working with private trainers, and he’s in the best shape I’ve ever seen,” Austin said. “He’s really moving well. He’s ready for a big season.” Austin anticipates the same for the rest of his team in what the longtime El Cerrito coach and A.D. said will be a one-year cameo back on the sidelines. He takes over for Kenny Kahn, who guided the Gauchos to a 66-33-1 mark over eight seasons. Austin will be running the football show for the first time since his own five-year run from 2003-07. Aaron Banks Khan is preparing for his first year as an assistant principal at Monte Vista High School in Danville. The Gauchos’ operated primarily out of the Pistol formation last season, but Austin said projected starting quarterback Devoreah Allen will be under center more than last season in an offense that will use several formations. How they run the football from those positions — presumably behind Banks — figures to guide their campaign. Skinner, a 6-0, 205-pound senior (“One of the fastest guys I’ve coached,” Austin said), is a 1,000-yard threat, and he’ll be complemented by junior Lanique Wilkes (6-0, 170) and senior Tyriq Linear (5-11, 195), the latter of whom could make more of an impact at linebacker. Senior recruit Damon Cole gives El Cerrito a speedy receiver, and senior Jaylen Phelps (6-1, 190) is a big one. Defensively, Linear stands out, and sophomore defensive lineman Jazhun Brown has impressed in camp. “All the potential is there,” Austin said of his team. “We’re very optimistic.” ✪ — James G. Kane

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2015 record): Campolindo-Moraga (14-2), Concord (10-4), Granada-Livermore (6-7), Casa GrandePetaluma (5-7). EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Nick Nunez, QB, Concord - In a division with questions seemingly everywhere, Nunez returns to pilot the Minutemen’s high-powered attack. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Spencer Torkelson, LB, Casa Grande Already committed to Arizona State to play baseball, Torkelson will be one of the top two-way players in the NCS this season. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Northgate-Walnut Creek BREAKDOWN: With Clayton Valley Charter moving up to Div. I and Campolindo joining the fray, the road to a division title still runs through central Contra Costa County. The Cougars return only six starters, but QB Jacob Westphal is back after helping his squad to a second straight bowl game appearance. Concord also returns a stalwart in the backfield with QB Nick Nunez, but a defense led by linebackers Alex Cruz and Deandre Morgan could also be section title-worthy. Granada will play its customary slate of Div. I foes in the EBAL, but the Matadors should be playoff-ready with QB Jason Frost back in the fold. Further north, Casa Grande and Windsor are always a factor in Div. II, and the Gauchos return one of the section’s top athletes in RB/LB Spencer Torkelson. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Concord over Campolindo

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2015 record): Analy-Sebastopol (13-1), Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park (9-4), Miramonte-Orinda (11-2), Marin Catholic-Kentfield (12-2) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Jack Newman, QB, Analy - Led the state in touchdown passes with 53 and ranked fifth in passing yards with 4,051 in 2015. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Je’Quari Godfrey, DB, Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland — Cal-commit will anchor a defensive backfield that could be among the best in Northern California. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Bishop O’Dowd BREAKDOWN: Welcome to the division that has it all. Want prolific QB play? Look no further than Analy, who welcomes back the state’s leader in TD passes, Jack Newman. Or Miramonte, which can boast nearly equal numbers from its signalcaller, senior Tim Tague. If championship tradition makes a difference, perennial Div. IV powerhouse Marin Catholic makes the NCS-mandated leap in division and features Colorado-commit Sebastian Olver on the defensive line while Rancho Cotate is also never far from the discussion come December. Bishop O’Dowd returns several Division I-caliber athletes, led by twoway lineman and USC-commit Alijah Vera-Tucker. Alhambra could jump back into the discussion as the big dog of the newly constructed Foothill division of the Diablo Athletic League. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Analy over Miramonte

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August 25, 2016

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Gumbs And Teammates Set Sight On Stellar 2016

Dennis Lee photo

Addison Gumbs

rom his son’s earliest days, Desmond Gumbs pictured the day when Addison Gumbs would be a dominant player. Now that it’s here — the younger Gumbs enters his senior season at Stellar Prep Academy-Hayward as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country — his emotions are mixed. “It’s bittersweet, you know, very bittersweet,” the elder Gumbs said. “I started thinking about this being the final season from the minute our last game ended last year. ... As a father and coach, I couldn’t ask for anything better. But it’s hard to believe this is the final season I’ll be coaching him.” He anticipates it will be one that lives up to the academy’s name. The Thunder were 7-4 overall a year ago and ran roughshod through the Bay Football League, beating all four opponents by a combined score of 175-35. Now, Desmond Gumbs says, “we should have the best team we’ve ever had.” It starts with Addison Gumbs, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound package of size, muscle and speed whom his father/coach calls a “hybrid linebacker/defensive end.” Gumbs is a four-star recruit orally committed to Oklahoma on Aug. 17. He sacked opposing quarterbacks 23 times last season, and enters the campaign ranked as the fourth-best linebacker in the country by Rivals.com. His dad won’t say this is what he expected when he started coaching Addison as a 7-year-old in San Ramon, but then again, his son has been terrorizing offenses for years. “He’s tenacious and extremely aggressive,” Desmond Gumbs said. “He’s a fast football player. When you turn on his highlights, that’s what you see. He leads with the way he plays. He’s kind of a gym rat, only it’s football. He’s the epitome of a coach’s son.” The family connection won’t be the only reason Stellar Prep figures to be one of the better teams in Division V. Gumbs is flanked on the other end by speedy 6-4, 215-pound junior Bo Mailau, completing a 1-2 punch up front that figures to keep opposing quarterbacks scrambling. Senior Una Hoppoi will help the two at linebacker and also play defensive back, where he and sophomore Deshon Wilson should benefit from the heavy pressure expected to be produced up front. “For my money, he’s probably the top sophomore defensive back in the area,” Desmond Gumbs said of Wilson (6-0, 175). “He’s super fast, has long arms and good fluid hips. You’ll be hearing a lot about him.” On offense, Hoppoi figures to be Stellar Academy’s most versatile threat. He likely will play every skill position, Gumbs said. “The kid is just a great all-around athlete,” he said. Fitting, Desmond Gumbs said, given that he has not had a team with such all-around talent in a long time. “We should be as good as we’ve ever been,” he said. “We’re excited.” ✪ — James G. Kane

DIVISION IV

DIVISION V

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2015 record): Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (11-3), Salesian-Richmond (4-7), Moreau Catholic-Hayward (11-2), Justin-Siena-Napa (9-3) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Jullen Ison, RB, Moreau Catholic — One of the section‘s most dynamic offensive threats rushed for more than 3,000 yards in 2015. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Damian Wallace, DB, Cardinal Newman — Named a Cal-Hi Sports multi-purpose performer in 2015, Wallace also stars in basketball for the Cardinals. SURPRISE CONTENDER: St. Bernard Academy-Eureka BREAKDOWN: The addition of a competition criteria to the NCS divisional structure means Division IV will look much different than in recent seasons, starting with the loss of defending champion Marin Catholic-Kentfield to Div. III. That leaves 2015 runner-up Cardinal Newman as perhaps the main team to watch, with the return of senior Jordan Brookshire at QB offering a great starting point. Moreau Catholic will have designs on its own run at the crown behind the play of Ison. One perennial favorite has a change at the top as Justin-Siena installed Brandon LaRocco to replace longtime head coach Rich Cotruvo, now at Terra Linda-San Rafael. LaRocco will start with a strong hand thanks to the return of Oregon State-commit Aidan Willard at QB. This division will also feature the last two Div. V champs as well as a defending CIF Bowl champion as both St. Bernard Academy (2015) and Salesian (2014, ‘13) make the jump up in weight class. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Cardinal Newman over Moreau Catholic

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2015 record): Berean Christian (11-2), Ferndale (8-5), Stellar Prep (7-4) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Berean Christian — One of the most highly recruited players in the section will feature heavily for the Eagles. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Addison Gumbs, LB, Stellar Prep — Oklahoma commit has been on college coaches‘ radar for several years. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Middletown BREAKDOWN: With St. Bernard Academy and Salesian each graduating to Division IV, the race for small-school glory appears more wide open than ever. Berean Christian stands out on paper with WR Isaiah Hodgins and QB Chandler Davis both set to return for the 2015 runners-up. The Eagles are also likely to get a few transfers from last year’s 9-3 Valley Christian-Dublin team which announced in February that it won’t be fielding a varsity team this year. Never count out Ferndale, and Kim Jorgensen‘s group enters 2016 as the last school in the division to have won an NCS title (2012). Addison Gumbs will be the biggest name on an athletic Stellar Prep team looking for its third straight trip to the playoffs. And, as always, the northern reaches of the NCS will likely produce a handful of other challengers by season‘s end, with Middletown, Hoopa Valley, Cloverdale and St. Helena all boasting good recent track records when it comes to making postseason noise. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Berean Christian over Stellar Prep.

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August 25, 2016

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OAKLAND SECTION PREVIEW

STRIVING FOR 7 I f McClymonds High is going to continue its dominance of the Oakland Athletic League and Oakland Section, the Warriors will need to lean hard on the Alberty brothers. The older one, Jerrell Alberty, is a physical and speedy 6-foot, 210-pound senior running back, who rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior. He is the reigning OAL Player of the Year who helped Mack win its sixth consecutive league and section crown with a 24-0 win over Fremont in the Silver Bowl. He had 160 yards rushing and a touchdown. Jerrell is just one of five starters returning to a team that finished 12-1 and lost in the CIF Division III-A North Regional final to Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton. “He’s a big and versatile running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield, run over people or run past them,” McClymonds coach Michael Peters said. “He was part of our (400-yard) relay team that won the league title. He’s going to make a college coach happy.” While Jerrell represents the established and successful Warriors — he also starred on the 2014 championship team — his younger brother Charles represents the new Mack kids, one who will have to fill in a lot of large shoes. Charles isn’t lacking for confidence or talent. In fact, the 5-9, 170-pound sophomore can do just about everything on the field. He’ll be playing receiver, defensive back, returner, kicker and punter. “He’s a great athlete with a high motor,” Peters said. “Both are great kids from a great family, but Jerrell is a quiet kid. Charles is way more outgoing.”

Can Young Mack Extend Title Streak?

He reminds Peters of an outgoing player who he had on McClymonds’ first of six straight title teams in 2010. And Peters was well versed on that kid’s idiosyncrasies: Marcus Peters, the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Michael’s son. “Just like Marcus, you have to shut Charles down a little bit,” Michael Peters said. “He just goes, goes, goes. He’ll play and practice all night if you let him.” Unlike the last several years, Mack is not the overwhelming favorite in the OAL. Peters will have have at least 30 on the roster, which is a little low, but 58 on the JV team. “That’s a good sign,” he said. “We’re not planning on bringing any of those guys up.” With just six linemen total, however, that might not be possible. It also makes the job daunting for Jerrell Alberty, who has interest from New Mexico, Eastern Washington and Northern Colorado. He does have starting quarterback Emoreea Fountain (6-1, 205) returning as well as returning All-Metro honorable-mentions Paul Scott (6-1, 210), a linebacker, and defensive back Angelo Garrett (5-9, 160). Ramone Sanders, a sophomore last season, looks good on the line. Alex Hutchinson, a transfer from Salesian-Richmond, is another likely two-way starter at receiver and cornerback. But other than that, Peters and his experienced staff will have to do a lot of coaching. “We’re a little in trouble,” Peters admitted. “We’ll try to piece it together. But the kids have responded every year. No reason to think they won’t this year.” ✪ — By Stephen Scott

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HOW THEY’LL FINISH 1. McClymonds; 2. Oakland Tech; 3. Fremont; 4. Castlemont; 5. Skyline; 6. Oakland.

BEST OF OAKTOWN Top MVP Candidate: RB Jerrell Alberty (McClymonds, pictured below) Top Offensive Player: RB Jihad Stephens (Castlemont) Top LBs: Darren Mailangi (Castlemont) and Paul Scott (McClymonds) Fastest Player: WR-DB Maurice Lloyd (Oakland Tech) Top Sacker: Alvin Dam (Skyline)

August 25, 2016

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very once in a while there is an almost magical conjoining of ultra-talented football players who play the same position and are doing so at the same time. For Northern California this season, that position is tight end. Almost all college scouting analysts agree that it’s a group that is one of the best they’ve ever seen from one region. And it’s also easy to say that this year’s tight ends are the best at that position perhaps in NorCal history. Leading the group is a foursome that are all among the top 50 ranked players in the state — Josh Falo of Inderkum-Sacramento, Jimmy Jaggers of Roseville, Tucker Fisk of Davis and Eric Krommenhoek of Monte Vista-Danville. Jaggers has committed to UCLA, Fisk has committed to Stanford, Krommenhoek is headed to USC while Falo has yet to decide but has offers from Alabama, Michigan and Oregon. It was very difficult to find any group from any position in recent years from NorCal

that is comparable to this year’s tight ends. There was one, however, and that would be the quarterbacks from 2003. In that year, four players who were all under the tutelage of former Cal head coach Roger Theder were each heavily recruited — Kyle Wright of Monte Vista-Danville (Miami (FL)), Sam Keller of San Ramon Valley-Danville (Arizona State), T.C. Ostrander of Menlo-Atherton (Stanford) and Dennis Dixon of San Leandro (Oregon). Keller ended up splitting time between Arizona State and Nebraska, and both Wright and Ostrander played at their colleges, but Dixon ended up having the best career among them. He was the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year and went on to enjoy an NFL career, mostly with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterbacks like those four are well-known to almost enjoy a fraternal bond with each other. This then gets honed during all of the various spring and summer events, especially the Elite 11 quarterback camps. It’s not that obvious with the tight ends, but players like

ERIK KROMMENHOEK SCHOOL: Monte Vista-Danville. GRADE: Senior HEIGHT: 6-5. WEIGHT: 235 COLLEGE: USC OFFERS: His list included Arkansas, Colorado, Oregon State, Pittsburgh, UCLA, Vanderbilt as well as both Havard and Yale. 2015 STATS: Krommenhoek played behind starting TE Garrett Fitzgerald (6-6, 200) in 2015. Fitzgerald caught 27 passes for 395 yards while Krommenhoek had just five catches for 50 yards. But with Fitzgerald graduating, expect Krommenhoek’s numbers to sky rocket — especially considering that he’s played with Mustangs’ QB Jake Haener (a Washington-commit) since their youth football days with the San Ramon Thunderbirds. STRENGTHS (NorCalPreps.com): Ideal frame, long & strong arms, impressive explosiveness off the ball, blocking experience.

JOSH FALO

OTHERS TO NOTE Here are a few more names of tight ends you may want to keep an eye on this season. Player School Gr. Ht./Wt. Note SEBASTIAN OLVER Marin Catholic-Kentfield Sr. 6-4/248 Colorado-commit GRANT REINWALD Elk Grove Sr. 6-3/212 Offers include San Jose St. ISAIAH FOSKEY De La Salle-Concord Fr. 6-4/210 Already has Michigan offer

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August 25, 2016

SCHOOL: Inderkum-Sac. GRADE: Senior HEIGHT: 6-4. WEIGHT: 216 COLLEGE: Undecided OFFERS: 23 listed at Rivals.com, including Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Illinois, Miami (FL), Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and every Pac-12 school except Stanford and Washington State. 2015 STATS: Inderkum’s daunting running attack kept the Tigers from going to the air very much, but Falo still led the team in yards-per-game receiving with 27.5 a catch. He would end the year with 11 catches for 275 yards and three TDs. STRENGTHS (Scout.com): Body control, catching in traffic, downfield threat.

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Falo, Jaggers, Fisk and Krommenhoek are well aware of each other and of other top tight ends, such as Stanford-bound Colby Parkinson of Oaks Christian-Westlake Village. They tend to pick colleges, much like the quarterbacks, where the opportunities may be better. Fisk going to the same college as Parkinson, however, makes sense because of the way Stanford has used multiple tight ends in recent years. It’s also where his father, Jason, played before going on to the NFL. In talking to three of them at De Anza-El Sobrante last May, at Nike’s The Opening Regional, they are friendly and respectful of each other’s abilities and they’re glad they have other tight ends so close by who can push them. “You have to get better,” Fisk said. “You don’t have a choice. All of these guys are great.” Krommenhoek may have an edge over the other three this season only because he’ll be on a Monte Vista team that figures to be among the best in NorCal and will have a quarterback, Jake Haener, who’s going to Washington. With these four, however, don’t bet against any of them to be playing the tight end position for many years. ✪ — Mark Tennis

TUCKER FISK SCHOOL: Davis. GRADE: Senior HEIGHT: 6-4. WEIGHT: 235 COLLEGE: Stanford OFFERS: His list included Cal, Northwestern, Oregon State, UCLA, Washington and Washington State. He will be a legacy player at Stanford, following in the footsteps of his dad, Jason Fisk, who played for the Cardinal before embarking on a 11-year NFL career as a defensive lineman. 2015 STATS: The Blue Devils weren’t a heavy-passing offense, but Fisk still led them in the three major receiving categories: receptions (24), receiving yards (275) and TD catches (5). STRENGTHS (247Sports. com): Frame and power above all.

JIMMY JAGGERS SCHOOL: Roseville. GRADE: Senior HEIGHT: 6-4. WEIGHT: 232 COLLEGE: UCLA OFFERS: 22 listed on Rivals.com, including Alabama, Boston College, Florida, Louisville, Michigan, Northwestern, Tennessee, Texas A&M and USC. 2015 STATS: Used primarily as a blocker by the Tigers, Jaggers still managed to compile 12 catches for 123 yards and a TD. We’d be plenty surprised if those numbers didn’t rise in 2016. STRENGTHS (Scout.com): Hands and concentration, route-running skills and size.

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August 25, 2016

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August 25, 2016

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Redding Has More Than A Few Places To Bring Your Mountain Bike

ative Northern Californians know the area’s many benefits, which range from the region’s many landscapes to its natural beauties. And, of course, it’s climate. That climate’s best kept secret just might be the extended summer pleasantness of September and October. When you can blend the two — the beautiful Northern California outdoors and an early fall day that feels like a balmy midsummer evening — it doesn’t get much better of outdoor enthusiasts. The greater Redding area is ripe with locations for this very thing. Whether it be enjoying a late September weekend on either Lake Shasta or Whiskeytown Lake, fishing the Sacramento River or taking the mountain bike for a spin on a warm October evening. In fact, if you’re a mountain bike enthusiast, the Redding area absolutely has you covered. Put that two-wheeler on top of the car, secure it, and bring the bike up to our many trails and pathways. Crooked? Check. Winding? Check. Dangerous? A few…. Amazing views, rising mountains, trails that reach into the

clouds? Got ‘em all. The excellent mountain biking around Redding is a well-kept secret. Redding may be known for recreation on its river and lakes and the pristine beauty of Sundial Bridge, but it doesn’t skimp on rough riding either. On any given sunny day, or pleasant evening, single track riders can be found hurtling through the mountains around Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Chappie-Shasta, the Lower Sacramento Ditch Trail and many more. There’s so much land in the foothills around Redding, you’d have a hard time not finding prime mountain biking in any direction of city limits. Redding is also famous for its Lemurian Shasta Classic — one of the oldest and most famous mountain biking races in the West. Riders from all over come to Redding every April to attempt the Lemurian’s epic loop. For the everyday rider, bike shops and mountain biking clubs around town offer great resources for gear and insider tips. Well, are you ready to get some mud on those tires? Stop by the Redding Visitor Center and get your free trail map at the Turtle Bay Coffee Bar and Store, or check it out at http://www.visitredding.com/great-outdoors/trails ✪ — Copy provided by VisitRedding.com

Redding Youth Lacrosse Registration Now Open! September-December: Register individual team(s) with a $50 deposit. RSVP now to avoid a wait list. Visit team registration page for more information. November-January: Once game schedule is published in late November or early December teams must pay balance of their registration fees and may Pre-Order Jamboree Apparel through out online store.

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Sac River Trail Marathon, 15K, 5K October 22: 9 a.m.: Sac River Trail Marathon, 15K & 5K

Redding Soccer Park HUNTER TROY CLEGG MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT: Sept. 24-25, Competitive U10, U11, U12 and Recreation U10-U19 soccer tournament. Five teams max per division, guarantee of four games. $425 per team. www.ReddingSoccerPark.com

August 25, 2016

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7 6

QB — Jake Haener, Monte Vista-Danville, 6-1/188, Sr. Washington-commit begins his third year running Craig Bergman’s high-octane offense QB — Jack Newman, Analy-Sebastopol, 6-1/180, Sr. In his first year as a starter, he threw for 4,051 yds. and 53 TDs last season

RB — Najee Harris, Antioch, 6-3/226, Sr. Our NorCal Player of the Year in 2015, he rushed for 2,744 yds. and scored 300 points in TDs and 2-pt conversions

RB — Cyrus Habibi-Likio, St. Francis-Mountain View, 6-1/200, Sr. Committed to Washington State after rushing for 1,432 yds. and 17 TDs in 2015

RB — Elijah Dotson, Antelope, 5-10/185, Sr. Rushed for 1,513 yards and 16 TDs with eight 100-yard games as a junior

WR —Alex Cook, Sheldon-Elk Grove, 6-2/175, Sr. Speedy Washington-commit stretched defenses to the tune of 703 yards and seven TDs last year

WR — Isaiah Hodgins, Berean Christian-Walnut Creek, 6-4/194, Sr. 2015 totals of 94 catches and 1,483 yards were each Bay Area-bests; Washington State-bound

TE — Jimmy Jaggers, Roseville, 6-4/245, Sr. Solid blocker with sure hands will attract a large crowd of Div. I recruiters this season TE — Josh Falo, Inderkum, 6-5/220, Sr. Senior year expectations growing along with offer list after an impressive showing at Nike’s The Opening

TE — Erik Krommenhoek, Monte Vista-Danville, 6-6/243, Sr. USC-bound talent plays both ways for Mustangs, and should have expanded offensive role in 2016.

OL — Aaron Banks, El Cerrito, 6-7/344, Sr. Hulking tackle is a legit two-sport athlete (basketball) and has his choice of top NCAA programs

OL — Drew Dalman, Palma-Salinas, 6-3/266, Sr. A 3-star center, Dalman’s many offers include Michigan, Washington, Arizona and Oregon State

OL — Jalen McKenzie, Clayton Valley Charter-Concord, 6-5/307, Sr. Son of Oakland Raiders GM looking to make up for junior season that was lost to injury OL — Orlando Umana, Grant-Sacramento, 6-4/315, Sr. Led huge Pacers’ line that paved the way for ground attack that averaged 317 yards per game OL — Alijah Vera-Tucker, Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, 6-5/291, Sr. The 4-star tackle committed to USC in early August K — Devin Hardaway, Liberty Ranch-Galt, 6-2/165, Sr. Hawks’ trusted foot connected on 10 of 12 FGs and 28 of 32 PATs in 2015

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9 8

DL — Popo Aumavae, St. Mary’s-Stockton, 6-4/300, Sr. Versatile lineman can bury running backs and chase down quarterbacks

DL — Deonte Johnson, 6-5/245, Sr. Under Armour All-American and Miami (FL)-commit tallied 87 tackles and 14.5 sacks as a junior

16 15

DL — Tuli Letuligasenoa, De La Salle-Concord, 6-2/285, Jr. Rising 2018 lineman recently picked up offer from UCLA, had 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks in eight games last season

DL — DeAndre Morgan, Concord, 6-3/230, Sr. Offers slowly building for DE who had 71 tackles, 10 sacks, five forced fumbles in 2015

LB — Bryce Brand, Clayton Valley Charter-Concord, 6-1/234, Sr. Arizona-commit had 80 tackles, 11 sacks for Eagles in 2015; briefly left for IMG Academy (FL.) but reconsidered LB — Addison Gumbs, Stellar Prep-Hayward, 6-4/215, Sr. Committed to Oklahoma on Aug. 17 following extensive pursuit from nearly every power conference

LB — Ariel Ngata, Folsom, 6-3/220, Sr. Washington-commit anchors stingy Bulldogs defense chasing fourth straight SJS title

LB — Nate Landman, Monte Vista-Danville, 6-3/210, Sr. Colorado-bound middle linebacker is always near ball; had six sacks, four forced fumbles in nine games last year

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DB — Trajon Cotton, Inderkum-Natomas, 6-1/185, Sr. Playmaker is QB for Tigers on both sides of the ball, attracting many Div. I offers

DB — Je’Quari Godfrey, Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, 6-2/180, Sr. Gave commit to Cal following junior year that included four interceptions

DB — Tre White, De La Salle-Concord, 6-0/175, Sr. Begins third season on varsity as one of the top-regarded cover corners in NorCal

DB — Bennett Williams, St. Francis-Mountain View, 6-0/185, Sr. Banner junior season included 87 tackles, nine interceptions, three forced fumbles and a blocked punt AP — Tucker Fisk, Davis, 6-5/255, Sr. Elite TE/DE had five TDs, five sacks; hopes to follow father’s path to Palo Alto, NFL

AP — Mason Hurst, Del Oro-Loomis, 6-1/190, Sr. Sure-handed on both sides of the line with 865 receiving yds., six TDs to go with 91 tackles, nine INTs as a free safety.

AP — Jullen Ison, Moreau Catholic-Hayward, 5-8/185, Sr. Two-way dynamo rushed for 3,040 yds., 45 TDs in 2015, while also logging 70 tackles, two sacks and an INT

AP — Jamarri Jackson, Christian Brothers-Sacramento, 5-10/175, Sr. Dangerous runner, receiver, defender and returner used every possible method to compile 24 TDs as a junior.

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August 25, 2016

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DE LA SALLE-CONCORD

2015: 15-1, No. 1 in our final rankings COACH: Justin Alumbaugh, 4th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: Duh? The Spartans have been the best team in the state in each of the past two seasons. Since losing to St. Josh Bosco-Bellflower in the 2013 CIF Open Bowl, the Spartans have gone 27-0 against California opponents and are twotime defending Open Bowl champs. CATCH KAIREE: That’s what several opposing defenses will be trying when they face De La Salle in 2016. Junior running back Kairee Robinson, pictured right, appears set to takeover the feature back role following the graduations of Antoine Custer and Andrew Hernandez. Injury limited Robinson to just four games in 2015, but he still managed 283 yards and two TDs on just 32 carries. DON’T DISS THE “D”: Yes, plenty of De La Salle’s mega-talented 2015 defense graduated, but there are still solid building blocks left behind. Senior RB/DB Tre White begins his third varsity season, and junior lineman Tuli Letuligasenoa is a rising talent up front. Senior LB Logan Nonies also returns after racking up 60 tackles a year ago. NAME TO NOTE: Isaiah Foskey, TE, Fr. — The Spartans coaching staff isn’t going to put a freshman on the roster if he’s not going to have a chance to play. Growing pains are assured, but Foskey could be a key contributor by the postseason. LAST WORD: A dynamite senior class graduated last spring, but this program won’t budge from this spot until it loses to a NorCal opponent (something that hasn’t happened since 1991)

2 FOLSOM

2015: 14-1, No. 3 in our final rankings COACH: Kris Richardson, 12th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Bulldogs have won their last 50 Sac-Joaquin Section games and are 58-3 in the last four seasons. All of which earns them the right to the top non-DLS spot. NO MORE JAKES: After four years of guys named Jake putting up video-game numbers at QB for Folsom, the question is: Who takes over and how will they measure up to Jake Browning and Jake Jeffrey? Joe Curry and Evan Michalet, a transfer from Rocklin, are battling for the job and might even split time. NOT JUST AN OFFENSE: The Bulldogs’ high-flying offense has often overshadowed the defense. That’s not likely in 2016. Folsom’s D may be among its best. Senior LB Brad Jenner, DE Ariel Ngata, and DBs Drake Stallworth and Shawn Johnson may bring a new focus to Prairie City Stadium. NAME TO NOTE: Eric Davis, WR, Sr. — Top returning receiver from 2015 is a flat-out speedster who can strike as a kick returner as well. LAST WORD: The Sierra Foothill League will test Folsom and its SJS win streak as foes inch closer to the section’s standard-bearer.

DEL ORO-LOOMIS

2015: 10-6, No. 11 in our final rankings COACH: Casey Taylor, 15th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Golden Eagles bring an eight-game winning streak and a state title to the start of the 2016 season, and enough key returners to make another run at section and state titles. TAG TEAM RUSHING: Del Oro featured a pair of 900-yard rushers in 2015 as Dalton Gee and Camrion Davis combined for seven 100-yard games. With Gee banged up in the playoffs, Davis piled up 582 yards and nine TD. MR. DO-IT-ALL: WR/DB Mason Hurst is a legit two-star for Del Oro. He hauled in 57 catches for 865 yards and six TDs on offense and grabbed an SJS-best nine interceptions while making 91 tackles on defense. NAME TO NOTE: Stone Smartt, QB, Sr. — Finished on the upswing to bring confidence as a dual-threat option at QB into his final high school season. LAST WORD: With returning talent at the skill positions and the swagger of a defending state champ, Del Oro could be the section’s best team by the end of the season.

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August 25, 2016

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FRANCIS4 ST. MOUNTAIN VIEW

2015: 13-2, No. 8 in our final rankings COACH: Greg Calcagno, 4th season. WHY THEY’RE HERE: Other than BellarmineSan Jose, there was no better team in the South Bay a year ago. The Lancers missed out on a CIF Div. II-A State Bowl title by three points, and return to 2016 with confidence and a number of key skill players returning. SET CYRUS LOOSE: The emergence of Cyrus Habibi-Likio at tailback was a key factor last year. The Washington State-commit racked up 2,202 all-purpose yards 21 total TDs. BENNETT THE BALLHAWK: Bennett Willams returns to the defensive backfield after a dominant junior season that included 87 tackles and nine INTs. He’ll also work at WR. NAME TO NOTE: Jaden Harris, NG/OLB, Sr. — The Lancers had many impact juniors on defense, including Harris, who logged 96 tackles and was second on the team with six sacks. LAST WORD: Depth could be is an issue, but if St. Francis stays healthy it will be very dangerous.

2015: 13-2, No. 6 in our final rankings COACH: Tim Murphy, 5th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: After two straight CIF State Bowl appearances and two straight NCS Div. II titles, the Ugly Eagles roster is still loaded with talent and experience. NO WHERE TO GO: That’s what opposing offenses are likely to find. The team returns its top two tacklers in DL Hekuti Vaisima (128) and OLB Justin Roper (119), as well as six others who logged at least 60 tackles. LALAIND LAND: The Eagles turn feature tailback honors over to Akeal Lalaind this season, and he looks every bit deserving. In nine games last year, Lalaind needed just 58 carries to amass 635 yards and seven TDs. NAME TO NOTE: Bryce Brand, MLB, Sr. — The Arizona-commit logged 80 tackles and 11.5 sacks last year, and will lead the defense after nearly bolting to IMG Academy (Fla.). LAST WORD: Expecting any kind of a rebuilding or let-down season from this program would be a mistake.

2015: 13-1, No. 5 in our final rankings COACH: Chris Nixon, 9th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Thundering Herd are a perennial power, and a veteran defense keeps them among the region’s best. SORTING OUT THE BACKFIELD: With the graduation of nearly 90 percent of the team’s 4,171 rushing yards from 2015, the next great Elk Grove RB is still an unknown. Senior QB Jayden Machado is a known entity in the backfield after throwing for 1,743 yards, 22 TDs and an interception-free playoff run. OLD RECIPE: The Herd’s success has long been built on defense. Returning LBs Jake Bellecci and Dylan Eldred lead a group ready to grind out low-scoring victories. The pair combined for 179 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2015. NAME TO NOTE: Gavin Reinwald, TE/DB, Sr. — Led the Herd with 45 receptions and 853 yards to go along with 13 TD catches in 2015. LAST WORD: If Elk Grove can find a RB like they did last year with Ryan Robards, then a return to the section final is a good bet.

8 ANTIOCH

ings. COACH: John Lucido, 7th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: Mostly because of the guy wearing No. 2 and starting at RB. Najee Harris has transformed this program into a juggernaut. NAJEE’S WINGMEN: The Alabama-commit who scored 300 points in TDs and 2-point conversions a year ago will be the focus. But when he needs a breather, two junior RBs, Omari Harris and Dalaan Green, will be ready. Look for Green to flash first as Omari recovers from a preseason injury. GETTING STOPS: The biggest question mark will be who emerges as playmakers on defense after of the team’s leading tacklers graduated. NAME TO NOTE: Antoine Tanner, WR/DB, Sr. — He made big plays in the passing game in 2015, and should be two-way threat in 2016. LAST WORD: The country’s best running back alone makes Antioch a championship threat. So imagine if it has more?

2015: 7-4, unranked in our final rankings COACH: Craig Bergman, 20th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Mustangs will feature one of the Bay Area’s best QBs in threeyear starter Jake Haener, and a defense that should help keep the ball in his hands. AIR RAID: Bergman’s up-tempo spread offense is a headache for any defense, and when a three-year starter is running the show it only makes it tougher. Haener, a Washington-commit, is coming off a season in which he threw for 3,000 yards, 35 TDs and just six INTs. NEW TARGETS: The only thing keeping the Mustangs from sprinting out of the gates is they lost all of their receiving TDs to graduation. USC-bound TE Erik Krommenhoek does return. NAME TO NOTE: Nate Landman, LB, Sr. — The Colorado-bound Landman has a nose for the football and will be the defensive linchpin. LAST WORD: Haener and Bergman will have the offense at top efficiency. If the defense fulfills on its promise, look out.

2015: 11-1, No. 9 in our final rank-

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER-CONCORD

MONTE VISTADANVILLE

ELK GROVE

OAK RIDGEEL DORADO HILLS

2015: 10-3, No. 10 in our final rankings COACH: Eric Cavaliere, 10th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Trojans have been a consistent Div. I contender and return a solid defense that will keep them in the mix. ‘BACK’ FOR MORE: Oak Ridge returns four linebackers that were the team’s top tacklers in 2015. Seniors Truman Andrus (105 tackles), Kyle Brown (102), and Davis Lang (80) and junior Nate Otto (98) are back and ready to take down opposing players. TURN THE PAGE: For three seasons, QB Ian Book was running the Trojans’ offense. With him at Notre Dame, someone new will have to step up. Junior Parker Barry appears to be next up after just four pass attempts in 2015. NAME TO NOTE: Michael Pittman, RB, Sr. — As a junior, he was the second-leading rusher behind QB Book, but will be counted on more. LAST WORD: Defense will be the key to the Trojans’ success or failure as a new-look offense takes shape.

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ST. MARY’SSTOCKTON

2015: 10-3, No. 14 in our final rankings COACH: Tony Franks, 16th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Rams peaked in the playoffs last year and return a wealth of talent and leadership on both sides of the ball. PLAYOFF PREP: St. Mary’s will be tested early in nonleague games. The Rams travel to state powers Serra-San Mateo, Central CatholicModesto and St. John Bosco-Bellflower, and host Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa. IN GOOD HANDS: Senior QB Jake Dunniway has all of his top targets back after throwing for 2,584 yards and 26 TDs in 2015. Senior WRs Dewey Cotton (962 yards, 12 TD) and Keaton Hampton (901, 10 TD) may be the section’s top receiving duo. NAME TO NOTE: Dusty Frampton, RB, Jr. — With the passing game sure to be a focus for opposing defenses, Frampton could surpass his 2015 rushing totals of 710 yards and 17 TDs. LAST WORD: With star power on both sides of the ball, including highly-recruited DL Popo Aumavae, the Rams should be a force.

THE NEXT 10 11. Pittsburg 12. Serra-San Mateo 13. Inderkum-Sacramento 14. Valley Christian-San Jose 15. Central Catholic-Modesto 16. Vacaville 17. Foothill-Pleasanton 18. Bellarmine-San Jose 19. Rocklin 20. Concord

New Top 20 Every Wednesday At SportStarsOnline.Com ABOVE LEFT: Camrion Davis is part of Del Oro’s senior 1-2 punch at running back this season. CENTER: Clayton Valley Charter has a ton of returning talent inlcuding (L to R) Bryce Brand, Akeal Lalaind and Jalen McKenzie. RIGHT: Monte Vista’s senior core is led by (L to R) Nate Landman, Jake Haener and Erik Krommenhoek.

August 25, 2016

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St. Francis Is Back Among WCAL’s Heavy Hitters And It’s Not Going Anywhere In 2016

ack when the Ohlones roamed the oak woodlands of the Santa Clara Valley and long before the area gave way to suburban sprawl, a California bay laurel tree took root near a creek bed in present-day Mountain View. As the Valley evolved into an agricultural region, orchards were planted around the tree, but it stood firm. When the Brothers of Holy Cross acquired the land to establish an all-boys Catholic high school in 1955, the tree remained. And when the football field and track were laid out on the property a few years later, the field direction was shifted to save it. Artificial turf replaced natural grass more than a decade ago, but an underground irrigation system was created to accommodate the massive tree, which remains inside the track and behind the west end zone on Brother Fisher Field at St. Francis High. More than anything else, that tree represents tradition at St. Francis. It has stood as a sentinel to Lancer football, over a program that has won 16 Central Coast Section titles and 17 championships in the rugged West Catholic Athletic League. Tradition also is the theme of coach Greg Calcagno, who leads practice while wearing a shirt reading, “Effort, Teamwork, Sportsmanship,” inside the outline of a bay laurel. Last year, Calcagno coached St. Francis to a share of its first WCAL football title in 12 years — ending the program’s longest-ever league title drought — and into its first CIF state bowl game. No one understands the Lancers’ football tradition better than Calcagno, who quarterbacked the Lancers to an undefeated season and CCS Division I title in 1982, and is the son of a coaching legend. His father, Ron Calcagno, coached the Lancers to 11 CCS titles, and 12 WCAL championships in 24 seasons. Today, the Lancers play in Ron Calcagno Stadium. The St. Francis players know all about tradition. That’s part of what drives them as they head into a new season with great expectations. “One of our biggest goals was bringing that tradition back,” said senior running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio, a big reason for the Lancers’ rise to the CCS Open Div. and state Division II-A title games last year. The Lancers return six defensive starters and four on offense, plus junior quarterback Reed Vettel, who made his first varsity start in the state bowl game and passed for 209 yards in the 23-20 loss at Citrus Hill-Perris. Habibi-Likio and Bennett Williams were difference-makers during a 12-3 year. After missing his sophomore season with a shoulder injury, Habibi-Likio rushed for 1,438 yards, gained 2,202 all-purpose, and returned two kickoffs for scores among his 21 touchdowns as a junior. HabibiLikio (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) has committed to Washington State. Williams (6-0, 192) filled the stat sheet in a different way. As a cornerback, Williams intercepted nine passes, defensed 26 more, made 87 tackles, forced three fumbles and blocked a punt. He also caught 16 passes for 283 yards and scored three touchdowns. When he came to St. Francis, he thought he would be a running back, but said that after seeing Habibi-Likio on the first day of tryouts, he changed his mind. “Junior year, we rode on our athletic ability,” Williams said. “This summer, I’ve worked harder than I’ve ever worked, by far. I’d like to say, I’m the best student of the game on the field. Every time I go out there, I’m going to be the smartest one out there. I want to know everything that’s

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going on.” Habibi-Likio feels the same way. “When I was younger, I was the one who was never ‘it’ when we were playing tag,” Habibi-Likio said. “It’s always been that natural athletic ability. But I realized, if I have that advantage already over these people, what would happen if I work 10 times harder? If coach gives us 10 reps, I’m going to do 11, 12, 13 reps instead.” The closeness of their losses — 28-26 to Bellarmine-San Jose in WCAL play, 27-21 to Oak Grove-San Jose at CCS,

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GET MORE Get a closer look inside the CCS when you view this story at SportStarsOnline.com/FB16/CCS-St-Francis

and the state bowl — have haunted the Lancers somewhat. But they also understand how close they were to achieving all their goals. To clarify, the primary focus, Calcagno said, is always the WCAL. “Every week’s a fight,” he said. For several years, St. Francis has played mostly with a veer attack. Calcagno changed that, following the lead of David Shaw’s Stanford teams by featuring a Pro-set ‘I’ power running game. “We’re going to run,” Calcagno said. “We know what our bread-and-butter is.” The attack will continue to feature Habibi-Likio, a shifty back who also can run over defenders. In addition to his physical gifts, his field vision is unparalleled. “If someone’s coming up to me, I’m already thinking I’m past them,” Habibi-Likio said. “I’m focusing on someone else.” Calcagno said he’s trying to strike a balance between getting Habibi-Likio as many touches as possible, with trying to protect him enough to get through a long season. A second back will be vital to help carry the load. The nonleague season should help identify a capable candidate. For all the hype the Lancers face entering the season, there remains plenty of work before they can truly consider eclipsing the 2015 season. A recent practice was marred by the kind of plays you see in blooper videos: A pass that whirlybirds like a helicopter, a lineman launching forward for a block a full second early, a snap that sails past the quarterback. Calcagno, who prides his teams on playing fundamentally-

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Reed Vettel sound football, switches back and forth between quiet frustration and flat-out anger. “I’m not going to sleep very good if we cannot get a basic snap!” he yells. The struggles could be a good thing. The opener, a rematch of the CCS Open championship game with Oak Grove, is only days away. The Lancers know they have plenty of work before they even dare consider a state championship. But behind them, shading a corner of the end zone, is the stately bay laurel. “That tree’s seen a lot of football,” Calcagno says. It’s presence seems to provide a sense of reassurance. St. Francis will be just fine. ✪ — Story by David Kiefer | Photos by Norbert von der Groeben

SAN FRANCISCO SECTION PREVIEW

MISSION CONTROL Harris, Mission Look To Maintain Dominance

NIAMEY HARRIS

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August 25, 2016

ission senior Niamey Harris, sporting street clothes for his team’s scrimmage last week at Half Moon Bay, barked instruction to new Mission quarterback Feraji Abram, an imposing but raw 6-foot-4, 210-pound senior transfer from Jefferson-Daly City. This is the same Abram who might just take Harris’ signal-calling role for 2016, a fact that doesn’t necessarily sit well with Harris, California’s No. 77 senior recruit, according to 247Sports.com. Harris is the reigning Academic Athletic Association (AAA) Player of the Year, and a first-team All-Metro selection by the San Francisco Chronicle who was also the league’s basketball Player of the Year. “It’s a strained, competitive relationship between the two,” said new Mission head coach Greg Hill. “(Abram) hasn’t played a down of football in high school, but he’s got a great presence and a great arm. He’s definitely a work in progress.” So why would Hill, an East Coast native who coached the team’s defensive backs last year in his first season with the Bears, mess with such a good thing? Harris accounted for more than 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns last year for the Bears, who have

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back-to-back nine-win seasons and San Francisco Section championships. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Harris was an All-League receiver and the league’s Defensive Back of the Year as a sophomore. Even though he can throw the ball close to 70 yards, his future position in college is receiver or defensive back. Hill salivates at the possible Abram to Harris combination. “There’s nothing Niamey can’t do on the football field — he can play everywhere,” Hill said. “He’s a threat everywhere. That’s not the same for (Abram). He’s only a quarterback.” That said, Hill isn’t nearly convinced that Abram is the team’s quarterback. It may still be Harris. One thing is certain: Harris is the team leader. He showed that while helping the struggling Abram wholeheartedly during the scrimmage. In fact, after one play where Abram scrambled, was knocked around and eventually down, Harris was the first one out on the field. He even tied Abram’s shoelace that had come untied. Hill wished he had the moment on camera. It was a pictureperfect display of teamwork.

“That was an awesome moment,” Hill said. “Here Niamey is not only trying to help the kid who is after his position, but tying his shoe too. It just shows the type of person and teammate Niamey is and that he just wants to win.” According to Hill, Harris has college interest from Hawaii and Cal, but no offers. His first love appears to be basketball, but his lack of a college position on the hardwood has kept coaches away. There hasn’t been a California Top 100 football recruit from the AAA since former Lincoln running back David Henderson almost a decade ago. That’s why Hill is pushing Harris to football,. “He has extremely good hand-eye coordination,“ Hill said. “He’s got good game speed and instincts. He trusts his eyes, he makes great adjustments and has good hands. He’s just a very good raw athlete.” He showed that in last year’s 14-13 win over Balboa in last year’s Turkey Day Game, accounting for 288 yards and both touchdowns. He then had a hand in 305 yards and all three TDs in a 70-21 season-ending CIF regional playoff loss to Stone Ridge ChristianMerced in the school’s first post-Turkey Day Game. “All I know is that kid makes plays,” said Lincoln coach Phil Ferrigno. “I’d be happy if the ball was out of his hands.” Hill took over for 16-year coach Joe Albano, who turned around a once almost defunct program to go 46-25 in six seasons as head coach with three SFS titles. He and his young family moved to Bend, Ore., late in the spring and Hill was named coach in the latter part of June. Despite the change at the top, Mission is still the AAA favorite. Besides Harris and Abram, the Bears return all-purpose threat Tyrese Johnson, defensive backs Floyd Barrow and Lesley McFarland, and top linemen Jason Leui and U’Jah Pratt. Lincoln, returning Ronald Phelps, the league’s top two-way lineman the last two years (6-0, 275), and superb quarterback Roel Marania (18 TDs, 5 interceptions last year), figures to give Mission its biggest test, though rising Balboa and Galileo, the 2013 SFS champs, appear to be all in the race. “It’s really up for grabs this year,” Ferrigno said. ✪ — Stephen Scott

HOW THEY’LL FINISH 1. Lincoln; 2. Mission; 3. Balboa; 4. Galileo; 5. Burton. 6. Washington; 7. Lowell.

BEST OF THE CITY Top MVP Candidate: QB-WR-DB Niamey Harris, Mission Top Offensive Player: QB Roel Marania, Lincoln Top OL: Ronald Phelps, Lincoln Top DL: Nicholas Sagaiga, Balboa Top LBs: Uilisone Tagaloa, Burton; Ellis Moye, Lincoln Top TE: Miles Mainini, Galileo Biggest breakout potential: QB Feraji Abram, Mission

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August 25, 2016

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one

beautiful

classroom Hollister Hills SVRA Uses Its Natural Resources For A Fun-Filled, Learning Experience

The summer life for an active sixth grader can often be planned and booked out before Easter Break. There are seemingly more summer camps — both athletic and enrichment — offered than ever before. But what if we told you that you could attend any of those camps that you wanted while still taking part in an awesome outdoor learning camp — and it would count as one of your school days?! In late spring each year, Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) holds an annual Science Camp where fun is the goal and Mother Nature is the teacher. Each year, we invite students, their teachers and parent chaperones to take part in our curriculum-based outdoor education and interpretation event. With a fun and energetic staff leading the way, campers have the opportunity to discover new plants and animals that you never knew lived nearby. Like the abundance of wildflowers that sprinkle the normally monotone landscape with various shapes and colors. Or, the wonderful world of water bugs (or Benthic Macro invertebrates, as our scientists call them) that have reappeared in our creek following the rains of this past winter. We introduce campers to our natural outdoor playground through geocaching activities, as well as allowing them to assist staff in managing the park through projects like re-vegetation with native plant species, invasive species removal and habitat monitoring. This often leaves our campers with a sense of appreciation and ownership over the park and their natural habitat. The teachers who participate hold pre- and post-event testing to see how much the students learn from their day with us. Often, the results are extremely encouraging. If you would like having your class be part of the next Hollister Hills SVRA Science Camp, be sure to have your teacher contact Hollister Hills SVRA for all the info. For more information, call the office at (831)-637-8186 or check out our website at ohv.parks.ca.gov?page_id=1179. Hollister Hills SVRA is located at 7800 Cienega Road in Hollister. ✪ 34

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St. Mary’s-Stockon’s (from left) Keaton Hampton, Jake Dunniway, Popo Aumavae and Dewey Cotton.

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Bolstered By A Senior Class Full Of Talented Skill Players, St. Mary’s Has School Record-Sized Aspirations

arents and fans watching from the bleachers see only a group of sweaty high school kids preparing for another football season. Tony Franks, who has led the St. Mary’s-Stockton program to an average of 10 wins a season since 2004, sees a three-year investment. The Rams’ senior class has the potential to be the school’s most talented in years, though it has daunting challenges and plenty of games to play before making that determination. Don’t forget, the 2004 team featured prolific quarterback Willie Tuitama and five other players who signed with Division I college programs, while Franks’ 2008 squad went to a State Bowl during the era when fewer than a dozen schools throughout the state were selected. Tuitama’s team went 13-1 and won the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. I title 12 years ago, before the state bowl era arrived. That remains the school record for wins in one season, and it’s one the 2016 Rams believe they can attain and possibly surpass when December rolls around. Hulking linemen like Popo Aumavae and Cole Norgaard, fleet receivers like Dewey Cotton and Keaton Hampton, a savvy quarterback like Jake Dunniway, a high-IQ safety like David Ford leading the secondary … are just a few of the reasons for such optimism. “The last two years, we were just one play away. One play from a section title, then last year, one play from making it back,” said Aumavae, a 6-foot-4, 315-pounder being pursued by the nation’s top collegiate programs. “Some of us seniors

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have been up there for three years, so we have the experience. This is our shot at getting to a state bowl, winning a state championship.” The foundation for that title run will be an offense that features explosive players at every skill position, and an experienced offensive line anchored by Aumavae — the Tri-City Athletic League MVP as a junior. He has 17 reported offers and high atop his list is resurgent Michigan, USC and Oregon from the Pac-12, and Mississippi from the legendary Southeastern Conference. “I’ve been talking to Alabama lately and I’d love to have a top five that includes them,” said Aumavae, a two-way starter for the Rams who will eventually be committed to one side of the line. “I like playing defense, getting out there and charging at people, hitting people. There’s been talk of eventually moving to guard, because 6-foot-4 isn’t tall for a college tackle.” Teammates Norgaard (University of Nevada) and Cotton (Sacramento State) announced their oral commitments earlier this year, and a handful of other Rams could eventually land in Div. I and II programs, but Aumavae doesn’t expect to make an early announcement. “I want to take my five visits, really get a feel for where I want to go to school and play football, and make my decision on signing day,” said Aumavae, joined on the defensive line this fall by returning starters Norgaard, Keller Salmon and Jordan Stinhilver. “I want to focus on the football this fall. No one on this field wants to walk away with anything but a

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championship.” That brings us to Dunniway, who threw 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions as a junior, completing 65 percent of his passes for 2,584 yards. He was 10-2, losing shootouts to Los Gatos (33-30) in September and then eventual sectionchampion Folsom (56-49) in the semifinals. Dunniway’s football IQ outweighs his physical assets. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder hasn’t shown himself to be a threat running from the pocket, and lacks the height most coaches want in pocket passers. However, he’ll benefit from lining up behind three returning starters in Aumavae, Mike Prefling (62, 250) and Jarett Carl (6-1, 230). Add in Norgaard — who Nevada recruited as an offensive tackle — add kids like To’a Heck (6-3, 245) and junior Max Barth (6-6, 280), and the Rams have size. “Taking care of the ball is a priority in this offense,” said Dunniway, who threw 19 TDs compared to just one interception in his final nine games last fall. “I tell myself not to force the ball if it’s not there.” What’s Dunniway capable of? Ask Napa, which had left a path of destruction in its wake last year while compiling an 11-0 record — before hosting St. Mary’s in a Div. I quarterfinal. Dunniway completed 18 of his 26 throws for 350 yards and four TDs in the Rams’ 28-14 victory. The next week, he was 16 of 28 for 353 yards and two TDs in the loss to Folsom. His top two receivers are also three-year varsity players, though they come in very different packages. The 5-5,

DIVISION I TOP TEAMS: Folsom (14-1), Elk Grove (13-1), Oak Ridge (10-3), St. Mary’s-Stockton (10-3), Grant-Sacramento (10-2) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Orlando Umana, OL, Grant — The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Pacer will rule the trenches and pave the way for the next great Grant RB. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Popo Aumavae, DL, St. Mary’s — Intimidating interior presence can shut down the run and collapse the pocket to disrupt almost any offense. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Merced (8-4) BREAKDOWN: Until someone deals Folsom its first SJS loss, it remains the team to beat in their quest for a fifth consecutive SJS crown and third consecutive Div. I title. In addition to losing a handful of players to the college ranks, the Bulldogs also saw co-coach Troy Taylor depart to work on Saturdays as offensive coordinator for Eastern Washington. SFL foe Oak Ridge may find some relief in developing a defensive scheme against the potent Bulldogs without Taylor, but the Trojans’ offense will have to fill some holes to keep pace with Folsom. Elk Grove and Grant are always in the mix, and also on the enrollment cut line between Div. I and II. St. Mary’s took Folsom to the limit in a section semifinal last year, and the Rams bring back plenty of firepower to possibly finish the job in 2016. With senior leaders on offense and defense in QB Jacob Foss and DE John Becerra, Merced could pull off an bracket-busting playoff upset or two. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: St. Mary’s over Folsom

DIVISION II TOP TEAMS: Del Oro-Loomis (10-6), Inderkum-Sacramento (12-1), Antelope (12-1), Rocklin (10-4), Vacaville (5-5) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Elijah Dotson, RB, Antelope — The top returning large-school ballcarrier from 2015 racked up 1,513 yards and 16 TDs for the Titans as a junior. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Deonte “DJ” Johnson, DE, Burbank-Sacramento — The speed rusher recorded 14.5 sacks an recently committed to Miami (FL.). SURPRISE CONTENDER: Burbank (6-5) BREAKDOWN: Defending state champion and perennial SJS-power Del Oro may be stronger than last year, but Inderkum’s move up to Div. II could present a big challenge for the Golden Eagles. The Tigers lost their top rushers from 2015, but QB/DB Trajon Cotton is among the best all-around athletes in the entire section and TE Josh Falo is a Div. I scholarship target. Antelope and Rocklin have some top individual talent, but will need newcomers to step up in order to contend late in the playoffs. Vacaville and Burbank are looking to rebound from sub-par seasons, and both return talent hungry to regain the top form that the programs have seen in the recent past. The Titans have always excelled on defense and their pass rush may be the best around, but head coach John Heffernan’s offense will need to match the defensive intensity to compete with three 2015 section finalists in the mix. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Del Oro over Inderkum

155-pound Cotton and 6-foot, 170-pound Hampton combined for 90 catches for 1,863 yards and 22 TDs, and junior Marcus Aponte returns after catching 27 passes. That offense is expected to shoulder the burden, at least the first half of the season, while the Rams rebuild their back two layers on defense. Safety David Ford is one of the few in the back seven with ample game experience, which explains why he is the last line of defense. “Playing safety gives you the big picture, while the cornerback is focused on his receiver,” explained Ford, a 3.8 student with an interception and eight tackles behind the line in 2015. “I’m just 5-foot-8, which some people think is too small. That’s why I’ve got this chip on my shoulder.” That defense will be tested immediately: The season opens Aug. 27 with a trip to Serra-San Mateo, a West Catholic Athletic League heavy. Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa and four-time defending CIF Small School State Bowl-champ Central Catholic-Modesto follow. Then St. Mary’s visits St. John Bosco-Bellflower before opening defense of its Tri-City Athletic League crown. The running game will be in transition — bruising Brandon Zaunbrecher is gone after running for 1,200 yards and 19 TDs — while the Rams face their most difficult regular-season foes. Dusty Frampton could be one of the few juniors thrust into a key role, after the 5-foot-11, 215-pounder ran for 710 yards and 17 TDs last fall. He scored four touchdowns in the playoff opener against Stagg-Stockton, and four more in the loss to Folsom. Adding to the Rams’ challenge is that they will be pushed into the Div. I playoffs, to face the largest schools in the section, if they win the TCAL. St. Mary’s, a parochial co-ed school with just 900 students, could be facing schools nearly three times its size. “One reason we‘re playing this schedule is to get us ready for those playoff teams,” said Dunniway, who had five scoring throws of 70 yards or more last season. “As a quarterback, it’s going to feel great playing behind this offensive line. We’re all looking for the same thing here.” ✪ — Story by Richard Estrada | Photos By James K. Leash Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

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August 25, 2016

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A Volek Runs Through It

n the Volek household, family time is always football time. And, with the recent success of El Dorado High on the football field, that family is growing to include the entire community in the small foothill town of Placerville. “Football has always been a huge part of my family,” said Joe Volek, the Cougars’ head coach and second of three generations of a local football family that includes his son, Chris, who is among the area’s top wide receivers. “It has been neat to see things come full circle from where I once played for my Dad and now I am coaching my son. “And it is special to bring football back in the town where my son grew up, and to give back to the kids and the community.” For years — including many when Joe Volek was an assistant coach at nearby Union Mine and the athletic director at El Dorado — the Cougars could not put together a winning season. It was more than 25 years without a playoff appearance for El Dorado. “One day, with the school district superintendent on one side of me and the principal on the other, Chris said to me ,‘Why don’t you coach, Dad?’,” Volek recalled. “I had led the charge to build a stadium, and it was time to try to build the football program.” Volek took the Cougars to the playoffs in his second season, and the El Dorado football family grew along with expectations. In 2014, with a strong group of seniors and a team bonded by the tragedy of the King Fire, El Dorado finished the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. But the 8th-seeded Cougars lost a Sac-Joaquin Section Division III first-round matchup with No. 9 Benicia and the bid for a playoff victory was denied. Despite the loss, the football family grew closer to the community that season, creating a renewed Friday night atmosphere that harkens back to “small-town America,” according to coach Volek. In 2015, a young Cougars team qualified for the postseason for the third consecutive season, but inexperience was too much to overcome in another first-round loss. And now 2016 looks like it could be a year for the whole family to remember — from grandpa John Volek, who was a player, coach and administrator, to Joe and brother Billy Volek (each of whom excelled at QB with Billy playing more than a decade in the NFL), to a third generation that includes Chris Volek and his cousin Cole Brownholtz, a Jesuit-Carmichael graduate who recently signed with the University of Hawaii. In addition to Volek, who caught 84 passes for 1,302 yards and 18 TDs as a junior, the Cougars return senior QB Aaron Golmitz and junior RB Steven Fox. They return senior LBs Rhogin Youngblood and Cole Williams on defense. All of El Dorado’s top skill players and most of their offensive line return. “This year’s class of seniors is ready,” Chris Volek said. “We started thinking about this season in January and we have big expectations.” ✪ — Story by Jim McCue | Photos by James K. Leash

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August 25, 2016

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DIVISION III TOP TEAMS: Central Catholic-Modesto (16-0), Oakdale (9-4), Placer (14-1), Manteca (9-3), Christian Brothers-Sacrametno (9-3), Vista del Lago-Folsom (8-3) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Jared Rice, RB, Central Catholic — The senior will get his first shot as the Raiders‘ primary ball-carrier. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Jamarri Jackson, DB, Christian Brothers — The athletic senior can do it all, but the sought-after talent by colleges is his ability to cover and close on the ball. SURPRISE CONTENDER: El Dorado-Placerville (6-5) BREAKDOWN: Central Catholic was perfect in claiming its fourth consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section title. The Raiders graduated some key players, but still have lots of talent to defend their crowns. Oakdale challenged Central Catholic in Valley Oak League play and in an epic section final. Oakdale coach Trent Merzon always has his players prepared to contend for a championship. Placer put together an amazing 2015 season on the strength of a strong senior class, so a new crop of Hillmen will need to step in to remain a threat in Div. III. Manteca will be prepared for the postseason by way of playing in the Central Valley’s best league, the VOL. Christian Brothers and Vista del Lago will clash in the Capital Athletic League, and both have senior QBs leading the way. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Central Catholic over Manteca

DIVISION IV TOP TEAMS: Sierra-Manteca (10-5), Calaveras (8-4), Dixon (8-3), Liberty Ranch-Galt (8-5) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Mark Vicente, QB, Sierra — Clutch player came up big in the playoffs to lead the Timberwolves to a CIF State Bowl title. He passed for more than 2,500 yards and 10 TDs and added 10 rushing TDs. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Max Gorham, LB, Dixon — Consistent and fierce, he recorded double-digit tackles in every 2015 game he played en route to 129 total. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Lathrop (6-5) BREAKDOWN: The playoffs are almost something of a relief for Sierra after the team’s annual run through the Valley Oak League schedule. Calaveras is always a serious threat to win the section crown, and senior RBs Anthony Giangregorio and Noah Preuss combined for more than 1,800 yards and 19 rushing TDs. Dixon has solid returners on both sides of the ball with Gorham and senior RB D’lornn McMullen, who each eclipsed 1,100 yards on the ground and scored 11 times. Liberty Ranch made a surprising run to the Div. V final and should have the confidence to take another shot. Lathrop recorded its first winning record in the program’s seventh season to earn the division’s top seed before falling in the first round. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Calaveras over Sierra

Chris Volek will be a focal point of the El Dorado offense this season after a big junior year that included catching 84 passes (18 for TDs). He’s the son of current El Dorado coach Joe Volek and grandson of John Volek, who also played and coached at the school.

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August 25, 2016

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All Eyes Are On Stone Ridge Christian in Div. VII

epeating as a section champion is an amazing accomplishment and can quickly bring the talk and pressure of a three-peat to a program. That is exactly what faces Stone Ridge Christian-Merced — with the added challenge of an entirely new coaching staff — as the 2016 season kicks off. “I have the expectation to keep it going,” said Jonathan Collazo, a returning running back and one of the few seniors on the Knights’ roster. “This year, it’s all about our seniors passing down what last year’s seniors gave to us.” What the Knights’ 2015 seniors gave to Collazo, the program, and the community was a dream season in which Stone Ridge advanced to a CIF Northern California regional final and finished with a school-best 13-2 record. After the historic season, coach Arthur DeJager stepped down and his entire coaching staff, filled with numerous DeJager family members, said goodbye to the small private school in Merced. DeJager’s departure was a given as the coach had a short-term agreement to head up the program that ended after the 2015 football season, but the loss still elicited some surprise and disappointment among the program and school. “Everybody knew that he was going to leave, but it still kind of came as a shock, especially after the season we had,” Collazo said. In 2012, DeJager inherited a team that had gone winless the season before and built teams which increased their win totals during each of his four years. He would step away after winning a pair of Central California Athletic Alliance (CCAA) and Sac-Joaquin Section Division

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August 25, 2016

VII banners. While the coaching staff exited and several key players graduated, the Knights are still a favorite to claim a third consecutive section title. Collazo, who rushed for 1,826 yards and 23 TDs, is joined in the backfield by returning junior Shane Casillas, who led the team with 1,991 yards rushing and 28 scoring runs. On the defensive side of the ball, senior defensive backs Bryce Louters and Cole Houweling will again patrol the secondary after combining for 12 interceptions in 2015. The new head coach for Stone Ridge Christian is not entirely new to the program as Keith Borges, who coached the Knights from 2006 through 2008, returns to the sidelines. Summer and fall practices have been a re-introduction to the game for Borges, who was out of coaching during his seven years away from the program. It’s an introduction to a new system for the players, too. “It has been smoother than I anticipated it would be at this point,” Collazo said of preseason practices with the new coach. “We are getting to know each other and building a trust that comes in time.” Casillas may have an advantage in Borges’ system that others on the roster don’t have. Shane’s older brother, Frank, was a senior in Borges’ first year at the helm in 2006, so the coach is not as much of a mystery to the Casillas family as he might be to others. The junior running back also has more experience in the offensive sets Borges prefers. “The change in the offense has been frustrating for some guys because the new system is

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DIVISION V

DIVISION VI

TOP TEAMS: Capital Christian-Sacramento (11-1), Sonora (12-2), Bear River-Stockton (9-4)

TOP TEAMS: Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento (11-3), Hilmar (9-4), Gustine (10-2)

EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: D’Marcus Ross, RB, Capital Christian — After a phenomenal freshman season rushing for 825 yards and 13 TDs, Ross looks poised for a big leap.

EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Mateo Bromstead, RB, Bradshaw Christian — Part of a dynamic RB duo with fellow junior Garrett Robbins, Bromstead rushed for 1,223 yards and 14 TDs in 2015.

EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Kane Rogers, SS, Sonora — A quality RB, Rogers was superb on defense with 93 tackles and nine interceptions.

Kay McKee photos

SURPRISE CONTENDER: Ripon (6-5)

Jonathan Collazo

Shane Casillas

more complex than the double-wing we ran (under DeJager),” Casillas said. “It’s kind of what I ran in Pop Warner for years, so it’s nothing new to me.” Casillas knows the offense, but may not get to run in it at full speed for a few games as he is recovering from a broken ankle suffered early in the NorCal final against eventual state-champion East Nicolaus. By the time he returns, Casillas anticipates the team will be jelling and preparing for another long playoff run. “We have a lot of freshmen and have been developing a brotherly bond between the returners and the new kids,” Casillas said. “In time, I think that we can come together like we did the last couple of years and play well as a team.” ✪ — Jim McCue

BREAKDOWN: Despite a last-minute coaching change when Phil Grams left for a college assistant coaching position, Capital Christian has the talent to challenge for the section title. Senior and four-year starting QB Jacob Norville is like a coach on the field, and he can throw the ball with the section’s best. Norville also has the option to hand the ball off to Ross who is also a top LB on the other side of the ball (109 tackles and 4 INTs in 2015). Sonora is the defending Div. V champion and has a 1-2 RB punch with Rogers and senior RB Nate Gookin to complement a stingy defense. Bear River advanced to last year’s title game despite being the No. 5 seed in the playoffs, but the departure of co-coach Terry Logue and loads of graduated talent will make a Bruin return to the final a real challenge. Ripon last won an SJS title 20 years ago, but the Indians could shock the division if senior LB Bryce Kinsey can lead a defensive charge.

EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Jake Beukelman, LB, Ripon Christian — The 6-foot, 215-pounder had a team-high 131 tackles from his OLB position. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Ripon Christian (9-3) BREAKDOWN: Defending champion Bradshaw Christian lost some talent to graduation, but a strong running game will be key to a three-peat. Senior LB Wes Lopez is the top returning defender for the Pride after making 95 tackles and adding 4.5 sacks and one interception as a junior. Hilmar has six SJS titles, but the Yellowjackets have not claimed a section crown since 2011 in Division IV. Twoway star Cody Renfro will do his best to bring a championship to Hilmar after he rushed for 811 yards and 10 TDs and added 120 tackles and one INT on defense. Ripon Christian will need to rely on the defense led by Beukelman after the Knights lost the bulk of its offensive output to graduation. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Bradshaw Christian over Hilmar

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Capital Christian over Sonora

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August 25, 2016

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August 25, 2016

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