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6 first pitch:

NorCal football has storylines aplenty in 2015. New bowls and big showdowns await. Chace Bryson and Jim McCue take you inside the season.

The Fence: 40 Tryouts, sign-ups, fund-raisers and more!

44 Advertiser’s index Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

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August 20, 2015

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He Said/He Said

Panthers) are two of the more recent ach year in early August, myself and SportStars Sac-Joaquin SJS stars that have helped to elevate the content coordinator Jim McCue section to elite status. The SJS has nine sit down and begin to plan out our CIF State Bowl titles to the Bay Area’s football coverage — and not just for the eight, and that includes De La Salle’s six Preview, but for the season as a whole, state championships. too. CB: I think you’re right, actually. I Often times we throw out questions think there are plenty of programs in to one another for analysis, debate or both regions which are on par with just because. This year we thought we’d each other. Now, I’d just like to start give you a sampling. Here’s some recent seeing those schools begin playing one back and forth to four pressing quesanother in non-league action. tions surrounding the 2015 NorCal With the CIF state bowls expandfootball season. Hopefully it gets you as ing from 5 to 14 games, will the geared up for kickoff as it did for us. games/titles hold the same weight? If we could recommend just one CB: Ugh. No. While I see CIF’s reagame for a casual fan to see this soning behind it, I just don’t see some year, what would it be? of these championships in the medium CB: For me it would be Long Beach to small divisions getting anyone to Poly visiting De La Salle on Oct. 16. care at all outside of the school and its Even if Poly isn’t quite the major powimmediate community. erhouse it used to be, the history of this JM: Unfortunately, no. While I think matchup is just too ripe to pass up. The that it is great for fans, communities, Jackrabbits athleticism alone will make and alumni to have their team play for for interesting matchups. a “state championship,” the titles will be JM: Because a Folsom-Grant watered down. I love high school footshowdown in the Sac-Joaquin Section ball and welcome more high-caliber Division I championship is not a sure Grant’s DeShawn Collins. games played up and down the state thing, I have to recommend Grant to expose every region to the excitement High on Oct. 2 for a Delta League showof CIF State Bowl games, but I don’t want to be confused with a down between the Pacers and the Elk Grove Thundering Herd. Two muddled mess of too many state champs. powerhouses with a potential league title on the line? Add the Grant Who’s the best team nobody is talking about this preseason? Drum Line and spirited fans from both sides and it is a classic SJS CB: West Contra Costa County is often where you’ll find the rivalry matchup. Has the SJS caught up with the Bay Area in football quality and most overlooked teams in the East Bay. There’s definitely one there this year in Pinole Valley. The Spartans return 12 starters, including a success? JM: Take De La Salle out of the equation because they are from an- dynamic QB/RB talent in Troyante McConico. JM: In the Valley Oak League where Central Catholic and Oakdale other stratosphere, not the Bay Area, and the answer is a resounding yes. Where were two 2015 NFL first-rounders from? Arik Armstead are kings, Sierra-Manteca has been overlooked so far despite being (Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove/Niners) and Shaq Thompson (Grant/ 2014 defending league co-champs with Oakdale in 2014. ✪

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, Ben Enos, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd, Trevor Horn Copy Editor Bill Kruissink Photography Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler, Dean Coppola, Berry Evans, III Marketing/Events Ryan Arter Editorial Intern Mike Young 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 Angela Paradise • 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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Read Me. Recycle Me. 6

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Method To Rankings Madness P

reseason prep football coverage tends to be dominated by rankings of the top teams, but looking at players has always been important as well. Key factors one always looks at for teams includes returning starters, what happened during the previous season, a program’s traditional success (or lack of it), early schedule (playing another top team in first or second week) and new players that may be coming up from an unbeaten JV or a major transfer. For players, such as the preseason all-state teams (1st or 2nd) or preseason all-section or all-region teams (SportStars does these and so does Cal-Hi Sports), what happened during the previous season is considered, but it also tends to be too hard to ignore all of the various recruiting rankings that are so popular. The four primary recruiting rankings that we pay the most attention to at Cal-Hi Sports are those from Scout.com, Rivals.com, ESPN and 247 Sports. Northern California’s highest-ranked players for the upcoming season according to those websites are TE Devin Asiasi and DL Boss Tagaloa of De La Salle, DB Lamar Jackson of Franklin-Elk Grove, DB Shurod Thompson of Liberty-Brentwood, DB Jordan Parker of Pittsburg and WR Collin Johnson of Valley Christian-San Jose. Players who aren’t ranked as high by these groups tend also not to be picked as high in the preseason, but keep in mind that at the end of the season those that lead teams to titles, those that come through with record-breaking performances and those that are selected as various players of the year by a newspaper will often then rise above. Usually, the reason a player isn’t that high on a Scout or Rivals list is simply a lack of size, especially for quarterbacks. Two good examples for Northern California coming into this season are Caden Voges of Sacramento and Darius Peterson of Marin Catholic-Kentfield. Neither one is on either the first or second preseason all-state teams by Cal-Hi Sports, but both have the skills and teammates around them to turn in huge 2015 seasons and can put together the type of resume that makes them impossible not to pick as a top all-state player in January. To see the complete Cal-Hi Sports preseason all-state teams, go to CalHiSports.com today. Note: Some of the content on our site is for Gold Club members only. It’s also a great time to sign up because the price is going up by September 1.

BEST BELLS EVER?

Sacramento’s Caden Voges 8

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August 20, 2015

Another huge package we’re about to finish on CalHiSports.com is a ranking of the all-time greatest 50 football teams in state history. This was a project we’ve been thinking about for more than two years, but really got going on it after last year’s Folsom team went 16-0 and scored more than 900 points. The Bulldogs will be written up in that package, but of course will have to be behind a number of other teams from De La Salle. Perhaps the greatest non-De La Salle team in Bay Area history (if you are going by CCS and NCS and not Vallejo) is one that was dominating 50 years ago at Bellarmine-San Jose. This was in the days prior to section playoffs so the 1965 Bells only played nine games, but their defense that season gave up zero points. The only points they allowed came on an interception return by an opposing defense from St. Mary’s-Berkeley. More than 12,000 came out to see the ’65 Bells play San Leandro, which had an 18-game winning streak, and Bellarmine won 17-0. The ’65 Bells, coached by John Hanna, were led by prep All-Americans Phil Burton (a running back who also kicked) and John Albanese (a dominant lineman). Another top junior on the team was Dan Pastorini, who later played QB for the Houston Oilers in the NFL. Albanese unfortunately passed away about one year ago and won’t be part of what should be a lot of recollections this fall about a truly great team. To see where the ’65 Bells landed in our all-time greatest top 50 state ranking, go to CalHiSports.com today. ✪ Subscribe to s360 at SportStarsOnline.com

California football preseason top 20 1. De La Salle-Concord 14-0 No surprise that DLS is on top with five state titles in the last six

11. Santa MargaritaRancho Santa Margarita 6-5

years and multiple starters back on offense from the highest scor-

Stanford-bound QB K.J. Costello is the leader of a team that re-

ing team in school history.

turns 12 starters from last season. All three linebackers are back,

2. Centennial-Corona 12-3

plus there’s an impact transfer in WR Dylan Crawford.

WR Javon McKinley is one of the best in the nation and RB J.J.

12. Helix-La Mesa 10-3

Taylor could have an equally monstrous year. The Huskies also

CIF San Diego Section’s preseason No. 1 team has top talent re-

have a secondary with three Div. I college recruits.

turning on both sides of the ball, including versatile QB Michael

3. St. John BoscoBellflower 12-2

Austin and leading rusher Nathan Stinson.

While QB Josh Rosen from last year may be starting at UCLA, the Braves are loaded with top players, especially on defense. RB Sean McGrew on offense is a State Player of the Year candidate.

4. Bishop Amat-La Puente 9-4 This team was sensational down the stretch last season and lost by just one point to Centennial in the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division semifinals. The WR/DB combo of Tyler Vaughns and Trevon Sidney also may be unmatched anywhere in the state.

5. Folsom 16-0

13. Mission Viejo 12-2 QB Brock Johnson, the grandson of head coach Bob Johnson (well-known to De La Salle fans since the two schools played four times from 2004-2007), returns to lead team that won CIF-SS West Valley Division crown.

14. Liberty-Bakersfield 10-3 They have QB Jordan Love and LB Krys Barnes both back to lead once again on offense and defense. We should learn a lot from their season-opener against Mission Viejo.

15. Crespi-Encino 9-2 Both of the Celts’ top two players — FB Jalen Starks and DE

A ton of players have graduated from last year’s super squad,

Marcus Moore — have committed to UCLA. Head coach Troy

including Mr. Football Jake Browning (could be starting this sea-

Thomas also seems to know how to get this program closer and

son at Washington), but the program has replenished before and

closer to the very top level of the rugged Pac-5 Division of the

should do so again. Besides, with the scores that the Bulldogs

Southern Section.

won by last year, it doesn’t make sense to rank too many teams

16. Bellarmine-San Jose 10-3

higher until actual games are played.

6. Long Beach Poly 11-2

Thirteen starters are back from a Bells team that fell in last year’s CCS Open Division final. Plus, head coach Mike Janda has mem-

The Jackrabbits could still inch up higher than Folsom in the early

bers of a WCAL championship 9-1 JV coming up.

rankings if there’s a key transfer or two that show up in the early

17. Mission HillsSan Marcos 9-3

weeks of practice. They are playing at De La Salle in October.

7. Serra-Gardena 8-3

Solid contender for top status in San Diego Section has 12 return-

QB Kahlil Tate really got the offense going at the end of last

ing starters, led by DB Troy Warner and QB Dakota Miller. Both

season while DE Olowale Betiku (6-4, 240) could be the best

of those players are getting offers.

looking prospect since D.J. Williams was at De La Salle. Plus, the

18. JSerraSan Juan Capistrano 10-2

Cavaliers face No. 2 Centennial on Labor Day weekend.

8. Mater Dei-Santa Ana 9-3

Skill players must be replaced from last year’s team that got a win

Two reasons to like the Monarchs for the preseason: 1. They have

over Mater Dei and lost only to St. John Bosco & Long Beach

some strong returnees from last year’s team that got a win over

Poly. Still, a strong line returns led by Washington-bound Luke

Centennial; 2. They are opening against Bishop Amat.

Wattenberg.

9. Grant-Sacramento 14-1

19. Del Oro-Loomis 6-6

In watching the Pacers last year, the number of standout un-

Colorado-bound WR/DB Trey Udoffia headlines strong senior

derclassmen was obvious. If they were closer to Folsom in the NorCal Div. I bowl game, they might have been even higher in

class. Hard to forget that as sophomores this group got a win over De La Salle in a sophomore game.

these rankings.

20. Vista Murrieta-Murrieta 11-3

10. Narbonne-Harbor City 10-4

Twelve starters return for head coach Coley Candaele, who just

L.A. City Section powerhouse may have a squad similar in strength to the one in 2012 that was nationally ranked before losing to Centennial in the CIF SoCal Open Division bowl game.

two months ago was celebrating as the head coach of the CIF State Track & Field team champions. For the complete preseason state rankings expanded out to 50 teams, go to CalHiSports.com today. ✪

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irst there were hugs and smiles. Then there was an apology. For longtime De La Salle High defensive coordinator Terry Eidson, the end of the 2014 California Interscholastic Federation Open Division State Bowl game was an array of conflicting emotions. The Spartans had just defeated Centennial-Corona for the school’s sixth CIF State Bowl title, but they did so despite surrendering 42 points and 534 yards of total offense. It was the most points an Eidson-coached defense had ever surrendered in his three-plus decades of coaching the unit. “To be honest, I was embarrassed with the kind of defensive showing we put out there,” Eidson said following a practice in early August. “I felt the offense was doing everything it could. After the game, I went to (head coach) Justin (Alumbaugh) and I basically said ‘I’m sorry that we did that to you. That we gave up so many points and made it so hard on the team.’” It wasn’t a total and complete defensive failure. Some may note that the defense forced three turnovers in the second half, which turned the tide and helped lead to the 63-42 victory. But that was mere consolation in Eidson’s eyes.

Boss Tagaloa

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August 20, 2015

“It was great to win and I’m glad everybody celebrated,” he said. “It’s just the way I am. I can’t celebrate if we play like that. ... I was happy for the kids and seniors that won, but I have a lot of pride in what we do and I just felt that we didn’t show up that game.” Alumbaugh remembers the apology well. “You don’t hear Terry Eidson apologize too often,” the coach said with a laugh. “I understood why he was upset, and as the head coach I wasn’t happy with the way the defense performed either. We talked about it. Looking at last year as a disappointment in any way, shape or form is probably sort of the wrong way to look at it. But on the flip side, that’s what makes Terry such a good coach. He cares.”

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Fortunately for Eidson, much of the core to that defense was back training in mid-January and looking forward to 2015. There were several juniors on that roster, and they shared a good deal of Eidson’s frustration. “My biggest thing was that (Centennial) scored way too many points and got way too many yards,” said senior Damon Wiley, who returns at defensive end this season and was specific to note that his unit did 42 push-ups a day over the offseason. “All in all, though, it was a great learning experience and we can only grow from it as a team.” More good news for Eidson: Wiley, a spark-plug defensive end at 6-feet, 230 pounds, led De La Salle with 14.5 sacks last year. Returning to the defensive line alongside Wiley are a pair of four-star recruits, Boss Tagaloa (6-3, 305 pounds) and Devin Asiasi (6-5, 255), who are each fielding offers from Pac-12, Big Ten and SEC schools. Tagaloa is the first four-year varsity player in the history of the storied De La Salle program. His junior year was hampered some by a broken fibula he sustained in the summer following his sophomore season. Now 100 percent healthy, the two-way lineman is looking to cause havoc for opponents. “A lot of people are going to have trouble blocking him 1-on-1,” Eidson said. “He’s going to occupy two guys, and even then I like our chances. He’s been working hard in the weight room, he’s got great strength, great leverage, great work ethic and great attitude. He’s everything you want in a defensive player. I’m looking forward to watching him. We’re having trouble blocking him in practice, I’ll tell you that.” Asiasi is coming off of a season in which he not only started at tight end and defensive end, he also filled in as the backup quarterback. He scored the final touchdown against Centennial on a quarterback sweep after starter Chris Vanderklugt

Devin Asiasi was injured late in the fourth quarter. He most likely projects to play tight end at the college level, but there’s no doubt he’s one of the top pass rushers in the section when Eidson gets to use him. “Devin and I have been grinding together at defensive end since Day 1,” Wiley said. “He’s just a true athlete with a great head on his shoulders. ... Honestly, both (he and Tagaloa) make me better everyday because I see where I’m at, and I see where I want to be.” Behind the strength of the defensive line, De La Salle’s defensive redemption will get help from a strong group of

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players in the secondary that includes juniors Tre White and Elijah Short, along with seniors Antoine Custer and Andrew Hernandez. Custer and Hernandez are also the starting running backs who combined for 54 TDs a season ago. The Spartans coaching staff is often cautious about stretching two-way guys, so developing more depth in the secondary is a priority. The linebackers have experience as well, including seniors Joe Vranesh and Keanu Andrade. They will be relied upon to shore up a unit that struggled some last year after losing threeyear player Simba Short to injury in the season-opener. “Our linebackers have to be more disciplined this season,” Alumbaugh said. “To be honest, we were out of position a lot.” There won’t be a lot of time for trial and error. The Spartans, due in large part to the amount of experience returning on both sides of the ball, begin the year ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps.com. And the Spartans are playing a schedule befitting a nationally-ranked team. De La Salle opens the season on Aug. 29 in a nationallytelevised game against its first ever Texas opponent. The Spartans will travel to Dallas where they’ll face off against perennial state power Trinity-Euless. The rest of the schedule includes home games against Southern California powers Servite-Anaheim, Lutheran-Orange and Long Beach Poly. NorCal opponents include Serra-San Mateo, Granite Bay, Del Oro-Loomis and California-San Ramon. “It’s quite a challenge,” Eidson admitted. “But if you’re going to put all this time in, why not challenge yourself? If you’re a high school kid, how could you not want to play a schedule like this?” If history has shown anything about this program, it will embrace the challenge. And if Wiley, Tagaloa, Asiasi and the rest of the returning talent have their way, there will be no need for apologies. ✪

August 20, 2015

SportStars™

#BVALPreview

Jordan Parker

Division I

t some point during his dominant breakout season as a sophomore a season ago, someone inevitably complimented Antioch High running back Najee Harris on his ability to accomplish such feats in one of the East Bay’s strongest leagues. At that point, Harris — who was eventually named the Bay Valley Athletic League MVP after his 2,263-yard season and 180 points scored — gained an entirely new perspective on the BVAL. “I like competing,” he said. “I didn’t know this was one of the hardest leagues until late last year. I was just thinking, ‘This is fun!’” For the past several years, BVAL coaches and players have stewed in the belief they are constantly placed behind the East Bay Athletic League in terms of league strength. They’ve seen it in the press, and they’ve seen it manifest in postseason selections and seeding. That chip on the shoulder has helped define the gritty, blue-collar style of play in the BVAL. And it’s led to a very well-rounded, competitive league. Pittsburg coach Victor Galli and Freedom-Oakley coach Kevin Hartwig — the two longest tenured coaches in the league — have maintained for several seasons that their league is just as competitive as the EBAL from top to bottom. They may have been right then. They certainly are now. In 2014, five of the league’s six teams reached the playoffs. All six teams — Antioch, Deer Valley-Antioch, Freedom, Heritage-Brentwood, Liberty-Brentwood and Pittsburg — produced a combined record of 42-28 last season (including playoffs). Over the past two season’s the league’s overall record was 76-63. That’s a winning percentage of .546. The EBAL’s winning percentage over that span was .504 (82-79 for a seven-team league). “There are no gimmes anymore,” Hartwig said. “The quality of our teams is pretty superb. I’d match ours with any league possible. I don’t think there will be an undefeated league champ because we all have the potential to knock each other off.”

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August 20, 2015

Pittsburg was an undefeated league champ a year ago — but it had to survive a 17-14 win over fourth-place Antioch in the regular season finale to be so. The Pirates defeated a pair of EBAL teams in the postseason before finishing as North Coast Section Div. I runners-up to De La Salle-Concord. Due to that success, and a talented group of returning players on defense, Pittsburg will enter the season as a slight favorite to repeat as champions. Jordan Parker, a four-star defensive back who had five interceptions on his way to earning multiple postseason honors, will anchor a very athletic defense. But the Pirates offense is getting a major overhaul as it switches to a no-huddle spread. “I’ve seen enough people with less talent score lots of points (with this offense),” Galli said. “And I’d like to score lots of points.” Freedom will be right on the Pirates heels thanks to returning experience on both sides of the football. The Falcons shouldn’t have problems scoring points as they return a third-year quarterback in Joey Sweeney, along with electric junior running back Ronnie Rivers and a host of pass-catchers led by senior tight end Giovanni Fauolo. “I think we have an opportunity to be more balanced,” Hartwig said. “We can run the ball well and we have some weapons to throw the ball to. That will be a good thing for us.” Harris returns to Antioch and immediately makes the Panthers contenders again, though it’s not a one-man show. Look for an experienced defense led by linebacker Kobie Beltram to share some spotlight with Harris and the offense. Liberty has momentum after its most successful season in decades and a new coach at Deer Valley will spice things up as well. In the meantime, it’s worth noting that four of the six programs will face off against an EBAL opponent within the first two weeks of the season. “It’s going to be fun,” Hartwig said. ✪

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TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2014 record): De La Salle-Concord (14-0), Pittsburg (10-3), Foothill-Pleasanton (9-3), California-San Ramon (9-4), EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Antoine Custer, RB, De La Salle — Last time we saw him, he was rushing for 260+ yards and four TDs in the CIF Open Div. final. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Jordan Parker, DB, Pittsburg — One of the top defensive back recruits in the state, he intercepted five balls a year ago. He will also work as a slot receiver on offense. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Antioch BREAKDOWN: There have been years where the gap between De La Salle and the rest of the field has appeared to shrink just a tad; this isn’t one of them. The Spartans return enough star power to begin the year ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps. com, which leaves them the prohibitive favorite to claim yet another NCS Division I title. The race for a second NCS finalist is more wide open, with last year’s runner-up Pittsburg needing to replace a large portion of its offense. Co-EBAL champions Foothill and California both return key pieces in the trenches that play to their strengths – running the ball. Don’t sleep on the depth of the BVAL as the league boasts the area’s top recruit (Antioch RB Najee Harris) as well as the parity of a group from which four Div. I quarterfinalists (Antioch, Freedom, Liberty, Pittsburg) emerged in 2014. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: De La Salle over California

#NorthCoastSectionPreview

Division IV

be Watson Senior running back Ga his line. h snaps a quick shot wit

O T Y READ D N U O B RE ree decades

first NCS title in nearly th its on ts gh si ts se t on m Pied

s one leaves the Piedmont High football weight room, a glossy poster previewing the Highlanders’ 2014 North Coast Section semifinal game against Justin-Siena-Napa can be seen sitting flat against the wall. It serves as a daily reminder of the 14-3 Piedmont loss that has served as offseason motivation under first-year head coach James Holan. In fact, senior linebacker Mason Willrich has the same poster in his bedroom. Piedmont meets Justin-Siena for its season-opener on Aug. 28, providing an early shot at redemption. “It really stuck with us,” Willrich said. “It’s been all about that one game. It would be huge for us.” The game ended a 12-1 season, the most wins by a Highlanders team since the program’s lone NCS champion from 1976. Since then, Holan was promoted to head coach after Scott Coats moved to San Diego County to be closer to family. Holan began preparing himself behind-the-scenes last May for the job, but said because he already knew the team as an assistant, day-to-day operations will mostly stay the same. “It wasn’t a major culture shock from one (coach) to the other. It’s not a big change,” senior running back Gabe Watson said. The Highlanders will face some stiff competition early, with games against Moreau Catholic-Hayward, Salesian-Richmond and McClymonds-Oakland within the first five weeks. Regardless of the result against Justin-Siena to begin the season, Holan

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August 20, 2015

said his team is realistic in knowing a win or loss won’t define the season, but Watson said it could put the team on a “high that will last the rest of the season.” Watson will provide the Highlanders with a returning offensive punch this year after a standout junior season ended with him being named West Alameda County-Shoreline Offensive MVP and a third-team All-State running back. “I thought that I might play well, but I had no idea I’d play as well as I did,” Watson said. “I just have an amazing O-line. It’ll be even better this year.” For Watson and Willrich, the goal for 2015 is simple: An NCS Div. IV title. Both have instilled a blue-collar mentality among the team, knowing teams will give Piedmont their best jab after its record-breaking success. The Highlanders also return senior QB Miles Kim and standout lineman Connor Addiego. “I’m trying my best to play with a chip on my shoulder, despite the success we had last year,” Willrich said. Holan said Watson leads by example, and in 16 years of coaching and playing, said that he stands out as one of the hardest workers. Holan expects Watson to only improve upon his breakout a season a year ago. “If I’m ever in doubt, I’m handing the ball to Gabe Watson,” Holan said. “That guy is going to help me be a very good firstyear coach. ✪ — Jonathan Hawthorne

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TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2014 record): Justin-SienaNapa (11-3), St. Mary’s-Berkeley (11-2), Piedmont (12-1), San Marin-Novato (9-4) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Tamarick Pierce, RB, St. Mary’s — Had nearly 1,000 yards rushing and led the Panthers with 15 total TDs in 2014. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Henry Grieve, DL, JustinSiena — Was named first team All-MCAL on both sides of the ball for defending NCS Div. IV champs. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Del Norte-Crescent City BREAKDOWN: Playing in the MCAL certainly prepared Justin-Siena for a run to the Div. IV title last year, as head coach Rich Cotruvo’s crew allowed a whopping 27 points in four playoff games combined. That defensive strength starts on the line with a first team All-MCAL lineman in Grieve. QB Aidan Willard emerged as a playmaker both in the air and on the ground, and he returns to lead Cotruvo’s offense. St. Mary’s helped lead a small school resurgence in the TCAL-Rock, finishing second to Div. V power Salesian-Richmond, and Pierce returns to help anchor the offense again this year. San Marin-Novato will be a factor thanks to 6-foot-4 returning QB Collin Moore, and Piedmont returns its own bellcow in the backfield with RB Gabe Watson. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Justin-Siena over St. Mary’s

Division V TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2014 record): Salesian (12-1), St. Bernard Catholic-Eureka (11-2), St. Helena (12-2), Middletown (7-4) early OFFENSIVE MVP: Dalonnie Crater, RB, Salesian — The perfect blend of quickness and power, Crater should be set up for a prolific season for the defending champs. early DEFENSIVE MVP: Addison Gumbs, DB/LB, Stellar Prep-Hayward — At 6-3, 211 pounds, quarterbacks won’t be excited to see Gumbs coming off the edge. SURPRISE CONTENDER: John Swett BREAKDOWN: A blend of standout seniors and talented sophomores carried Salesian to both the TCALRock and NCS Division V titles last year. And although those seniors are gone, the underclassmen remain to make head coach Chad Nightingale’s crew the favorite once again. Crater and QB Jaylen Tregle lead the Pride, which has won eight or more games in each of the last 10 seasons, on offense. The division continues to get stronger, with St. Helena emerging in 2014 as the chief threat to Salesian’s reign. The Saints need to replace a dual-threat star at QB in Jack Preston. Defending TCAL-Stone champ John Swett returns most of a team that got upset in the first round by St. Patrick-St. Vincent-Vallejo while fellow TCAL contender Berean Christian-Walnut Creek features a highly recruited receiver in junior Isaiah Hodgins. From the north, don’t sleep on two traditional powers that always seem to factor at the end, Middletown and Ferndale. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Salesian over Middletown

#NorthCoastSectionPreview

in peterson THEY TRUST

Marin Catholic will lean on super-athletic quarterback as new defense adjusts

hen one talks about the North Coast Section Division III title hunt this upcoming season, Marin Catholic is a team in the thick of the conversation. Which is impressive considering the Wildcats are replacing nine defensive starters after a 10-win season in 2014. A big reason for such optimism — and a key factor in Marin Catholic’s NCS playoff run a year ago — was the development of dual-threat senior quarterback Darius-James Peterson. After playing a variety of positions as a sophomore with current Oregon quarterback Morgan Mahalak as the Wildcats signal-caller, Peterson moved to quarterback in 2014 and nearly helped Marin Catholic capture an NCS title. The Wildcats won their first three 2014 playoff games against Tamalpais-Mill Valley, Alhambra-Martinez and Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park, 50-6, 48-9 and 28-6, respectively, but they fell short to eventual CIF Division III state champion Campolindo-Moraga, losing 27-21 in the NCS Div. III title game. The 6-foot, 185-pound Peterson finished with 2,454 yards passing with 21 touchdowns, and 1,098 yards rushing and 18 TDs for a very formidable 3,552 yards and 39 TDs of total offense. Peterson was named Cal-Hi Sports First Team All-State Small School Multi-Purpose and the Marin Catholic Athletic League Back of the Year, so there is little doubt he is the top returner not only on the team but in the entire league. He will certainly also be one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in Northern California. Additionally, just like two years ago when he played both ways, Peterson will play “He’s legit fast-fast and has wide receiver speed – ran a 4.5 forty in camps this summer,” Wildcats coach Mazi Moayed said. “Plus, his arm has improved to a high level and he’s as tough as can be. He doesn’t have any D1 offers yet but someone is going to take a shot on him.” Peterson admitted that some schools have started knocking. “I’ve got some interest from places like Fresno State, Eastern Washington and New Mexico,” he said. “I’ve worked hard at some camps, and that’s paid off in even some more interest.” Marin Catholic not only has the top player returning in the Redwood Empire, but they have the top lineman in Clayton Demski. The 6-foot-3, 304-pound center/guard and AllState Junior Second Team selection last season will go both ways this year. “Demski is bigger but faster than ever. Plus he’s extremely athletic,” Moayed said. “Most people wouldn’t know, but he played running back and defensive end at 260 on the freshmen team.” The third All-MCAL selection from last year is Air Force-committed 6-foot, 218-pound linebacker Nick Gernhard. He’s the only true returning starter on defense, but Moayed is confident there are athletes wo can fill the many vacancies. Among them are junior defensive back Hunter Juarez and 6-4, 230-pound Australian transfer, Sebastian Oliver. ✪ — Harold Abend Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

Division II TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2014 record): Clayton Valley Charter-Concord (15-1), Concord (11-2), Windsor (8-4), Casa Grande-Petaluma (6-7) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Ray Jackson, RB, Clayton Valley Charter — Has the talent to make Ugly Eagles fans soon forget about Miles Harrison. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Mitchell Bruning, LB, Windsor — With Bruning leading the way, defense should be a team strength for Windsor. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Pinole Valley BREAKDOWN: Thanks to Clayton Valley Charter’s run to the CIF Division II title game and Concord’s strength all year, Division II featured some of the section’s best top-end talent in 2014. At the same time, it was also arguably the weakest overall division with seven of the 16 playoff entrants owning a record below .500. What will Clayton Valley do for an encore? Ray Jackson is the new playmaker after sitting out a year, so don’t expect a huge drop-off in offensive output. Concord’s biggest loss comes at head coach as Brian Hamilton left for a college job at Cal. He leaves a strong offensive line and improved defense, but replacing offensive losses could be a challenge for new coach Mark Bywater. Alwaystough Casa Grande-Petaluma could be poised to make another move, but the Gauchos won’t play a true home game until the final week of the season due to the installation of a new turf field. Surprise 2014 semifinalist Pinole Valley returns one of the division’s most exciting players and best names in QB Troyante McConico. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Clayton Valley Charter over Windsor

Division III

Bill Schneider/VarstiyPix.com

Darius-James Peterson

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TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2014 record): CampolindoMoraga (15-1), Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park (9-4), Marin Catholic-Kentfield (10-4), Analy-Sebastopol (11-2) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Chris Taylor-Yamanoha, WR, Rancho Cotate – Premier pass-catcher has already committed to Lousiville. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Camilo Eifler, LB, Bishop O’Dowd — The 6-2 mashing machine committed to Washington in July. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Bishop O’Dowd BREAKDOWN: When Campolindo finished a magical 2014 as CIF Div. III state champ, it only served to prove what many observers noted — NCS Division III has never been stronger. The Cougars lost plenty from that historic team, but never count out Kevin Macy’s group, which returns the bulk of its offensive line, including Yale-bound Sterling Strother. The rest of the main contenders live in the Redwood Empire, where Rancho Cotate, Marin Catholic, Analy and Cardinal NewmanSanta Rosa all return major talent. It won’t surprise anyone if the Div. III final is contested in the North Bay this year. That’s not to say the East Bay is devoid of next-level stars though, as Eifler leads an improved O’Dowd squad. A bit further north, El Cerrito is just one season removed from an NCS title run of its own and the Gauchos feature WR Darius Powe (Nevada commit) and one of the area’s top junior recruits in OL Aaron Banks. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Rancho Cotate over Marin Catholic

August 20, 2015

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#OaklandSectionPreview

Mack Keeps Moving Coach Michael Peters leads McClymonds forward after frustrating 2014

cClymonds football coach Michael Peters received a special letter in the mail Aug.12. It was from his son Marcus, a first-round 2015 NFL pick of the Kansas City Chiefs. “It was game tickets and a plane ticket to their first (preseason) game at Arizona,” Peters said. “Seems sort of surreal.” Consider it an appropriate payback for a trying 2014 season and long career. Peters has served 26 seasons at McClymonds and three years ago he took over the head-coaching job. He’s helped the Warriors to five straight Silver Bowl/Oakland Section titles, a mark no other OAL school has ever matched. But last year, McClymonds was forced to forfeit the first four games of the year due to using three-star quarterback Kevin Davidson, who transferred from San Ramon Valley-Danville. Mack cleared the transfer by OAL commissioner Russell White before the season, but four weeks into the year, a reinvestigation found residential issues. Davidson, who threw for 1,117 yards and 20 touchdowns in those four wins, didn’t play another snap. McClymonds went on to win eight more games by a count of 330-24, recording five shutouts in the process. Despite all that, the Warriors were bypassed for a CIF regional spot, likely because of the “spotty” 8-4 record. Adding to Peters’ long 2014, Marcus, an All-Pac-12 cornerback, was dismissed from the University of Washington team for a variety of reasons. Three months after being dismissed, Marcus told USA Today that Washington coach Chris Petersen was correct for kicking him off the team, and apologized. “He wouldn’t have been picked so high (18th overall) if he wasn’t a good kid,” Peters said. “He just made a few mistakes. ... But it’s all over now. He went to camp and is running with the ones and excited to play football.” And dad is excited to coach it. And yet, on Aug. 13 Peters learned Davidson had transferred back to San Ramon Valley. It was a big blow to a young team that lost 15 starters. “It’s going to be tough. We’ll definitely miss him. He stuck it out here through all that went on last year. He’s still part of the Mack family.” A pair of experienced linemen, Jordan Matthews (6-4, 310) and Tavion Foster (6-1, 228) will lead the Warriors in 2015. Juniors Jerrell Alberty, a running back and linebacker, and linebacker Paul Scott are other key 18

SportStars™

August 20, 2015

Phillip Walton photo

Coach Michael Peters has been a stabilizing presence at McClymonds for more than 25 seasons.

HOW THEY’LL FINISH 1. Fremont (8-4, 4-1); 2. McClymonds (8-4, 5-0); 3. Skyline (6-5, 3-2); 4. Oakland Tech (3-8, 2-3); 5. Castlemont (2-8, 0-5); 6. Oakland (3-6, 1-4)

best of oaktown TOP MVP CANDIDATE: Kevin Parker, WRRB-DB, Skyline WATCH OUT FOR: Jerrell Alberty, RB-LB, McClymonds TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Ronald Ragland, QB, Fremont BEST IN THE TRENCHES: Jassan Andrews, OL-DL, Skyline TOP LINEBACKER: James Grasty, Fremont BIGGEST BREAKOUT POTENTIAL: Tavion Foster, OL-LB, McClymonds

contributors. Receiver Angelo Garrett should be another big playmaker. As for the rest of the OAL, with eight experienced linemen, a core of talented younger skill players and six on-campus coaches, Skyline (6-5, 3-2) might hold that “favorite” role. All-OAL performers Jassan Andrews and Kristian Thomas lead the group of linemen who should help playmakers like Kevin Parker, Sid Smith, Parnell Walker and Seke Tuitila. “The best part is our numbers are way up,” third-year head coach Ed Smith said. “We’re up where they were during our heyday 10 years ago.” Fremont (8-4, 4-1) has rebuilt under LB James Grasty, DB Ka’vaun Murdock and a host of big, physical linemen like senior Fasi Vakalahi (6-4, 385). ✪ — SportStars staff Subscribe to s360 at SportStarsOnline.com

#CentralCoastSectionPreview

The Rising Floor

Top to bottom, teams in the West Catholic Athletic League are only getting better Serra’s Sitaleki Nunn

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August 20, 2015

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Bellarmine coach Mike Janda has the luxury of returning 13 starters atrick Walsh is a realist. from that 10-3 team a year ago. And filling in the gaps are underclassmen As the season-opener for his Serra-San Mateo team neared three from a 9-1 JV team in 2014. weeks away, he was more than ready to admit that his program’s “Bellarmine returns almost everybody,” Valley Christian-San Jose coach probationary status and Central Coast Section playoff ban would be a side Mike Machado said. “In our league, there’s nothing better than having that note that would follow the Padres throughout this season. experience of guys who have been up and are two-year starters. The thing And he was equally adamant that it wouldn’t matter. about them is that you know what they’re going to do. They’ll be in that “I would be remiss to say that it’s business as usual, because it’s not,” double-wing and they’re going to be sharp in execution because of that said Walsh, whose program was sanctioned by now-former CCS Commisexperience.” sioner, Nancy Blaser, after the coach chose to forfeit out of a postseason Machado has a good deal of experience himself, including a 6-foot-5, consolation game citing concern over his players’ health. (It would’ve been Texas-bound playmaker at wide receiver by the name of Collin Johnson. Serra’s 14th game of the season, and one that had no real postseason sigJohnson caught 10 TD passes last season and he’ll be one of a handful of nificance). “It’s not something that we’re not going to not talk about or try offensive weapons that should keep Warriors opponents honest. to avoid. It’s part of the story of this team. But we still are eager and intent Meanwhile, St. Francis-Mountain View also returns its quarterback, to prove that we can play Padre football and create wonderful memories leading rusher, leading tackler and top two-way player from a year ago. in the 2015 season.” And more than one coach expressed concern about an up-and-coming Serra could easily do that in the 10 games that they do have. First off, Serra’s Kelepi Lataimua Riordan-S.F. team. they have that season opener on Sept. 4 — a home game played under the Also, Serra is very much a threat, even if its season ends once the WCAL lights against a De La Salle team which could still be the nation’s No. 1 title is determined. team. But the Padres real season starts in October in the West Catholic Athletic League. The Padres will have a dynamic tailback in senior Kelepi Latiamua. Junior Sitaleki Nunn is Walsh’s Padre teams have never needed extra motivation to chase a WCAL title, but this back behind center after starting about half a season there as a sophomore in 2014. Nunn will year’s scenario would make achieving the goal that much sweeter. “Thankfully, we play in such a compelling and competitive league with history and tradi- have no shortage of big targets to throw to either, thanks to a receiving corp that features Brantion,” Walsh said. “Having the opportunity to hang a WCAL banner is of equal importance as don Monroe (6-foot-2), Rory Uniacke (6-3), Hunter Bishop (6-4) and Charlie Quinn (6-4). Defensively, Serra will feature one of the best defensive end combinations in the league with a CCS one. It’s a rare occurrence.” Another rare occurrence? Not seeing a WCAL team on top at the end of the CCS Open Divi- Billy Tuitavake and Kwami Jones. And despite Walsh’s optimism, he knows the WCAL all too well, and that it’s far from presion playoffs. That’s what happened a year ago when Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton of the Peninsula Athletic League defeated Bellarmine-San Jose of the WCAL 14-0 in the final. It was just dictable. “Over the last five years it’s been flip a coin with a lot of this stuff,” Walsh said. “If there is a the fourth time a non-WCAL has won the Open crown since the Division was created in 2004. Even without Serra in the mix, the WCAL has more than a handful of teams that appear floor, the floor is going to be way more toward the middle. The team that fumbles the least and misses the least amount of tackles is going to win by one point. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” ✪ capable of being the CCS’s top team — starting with last year’s runner-up, the Bells.

Story by Chace Bryson • Photos by Phillip Walton

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August 20, 2015

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#SanFranciscoSectionPreview

WIDE OPEN

Picking AAA favorite in 2015 is no easy task

ick a team, any team. OK, choose maybe one of just four San Francisco Section/Academic Athletic Association football squads. In the last seven years, there hasn’t been a repeat champion. Starting in 2008, Lincoln won the Turkey Day Game to claim the section title, followed by Galileo, Washington, Mission, Lincoln, Galileo and Mission. “That’s what I like about the league,” Galileo coach Mark Huynh said. “There’s never a clear favorite.” Especially the 2015 campaign, which according to Mission coach Joe Albano “is wide open.” Albano’s team looks to be the first team to repeat since Lincoln won four straight crowns starting in 2005. Mission (9-3, 6-0 last year) lost quarterback and AAA Player of the Year Jerrel Stancil to graduation and a pair of first-team All-league linemen, but return playmakers Frank Hall, Niamey Harris and Anthony Porter, along with top defensive lineman Jeff Branner. A lack of numbers, an obstacle of almost all the AAA teams, are probably the only factors keeping Mission from being a clear favorite. Albano said he’ll be happy to have his roster size reach the low 20s. “They still have to be the favorites until someone knocks them off,” Lincoln coach Phil Ferrigno said. “Plus, they got some real talented guys coming back.” Ferrigno has probably the most talented player coming back in running back Jacquez Williams-Chish, who last season rushed for 1,639 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 131 yards and three more scores, intercepted two passes and scored three other touchdowns on returns. The 5-foot-8, 150-pounder “can scoot,” Ferrigno said. “He’s looking good.” Looking particularly good for Lincoln (75, 5-1) is returning quarterback Roel Marania along with first-team All-AAA lineman Ronald Phelps (5-11, 286). Junior lineman Ellis Moye (6-0, 188) has stepped up into a big leadership role. Lincoln hopes to turn around a 36-12 loss to Mission in last year’s championship game. “We’re young and have some talent,” Ferrigno said. “A lot of good kids put in the work. We just want to get through the preseason and not get hurt.”

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

best of the city TOP MVP CANDIDATE: Jacquez WilliamsChish, RB-DB, Lincoln TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Frank Hall, QB-RB, Mission BEST IN THE TRENCHES: Ronald Phelps, OL, Lincoln TOP JUNIOR: Niamey Harris, QB-RB-DB, Mission TOP DL: Jeff Branner, DT, Mission TOP FB: Ethan Nelson, FB-DE, Galileo TOP WR: Giovanni Norori, WR, Balboa TOP DB: Harris, Mission BIGGEST BREAKOUT POTENTIAL: Anthony Porter, utility, Mission

Jamari Hilliard-Vasquez (8) and his Galileo teammates celebrate their 2013 Turkey Bowl Championship, the second of two titles for the Lions since 2008.

Galileo (4-8, 3-3), which won the junior varsity championship, is probably a year away, “but we have some talented younger kids,” Huynh said. The top returner for the Lions is 6-3, 220-pound fullback and defensive end Ethan Nelson. He’s the fifth Nelson to run through the Galileo program in the last six years, but third different family. “He’s strong, has good hands and can move around,” Huynh said. Middle linebacker and tight end Connor Chavela (6-1, 200) is another standout for Galileo, which will start 5-10, 170-pound junior Demje Ardis at quarterback. He led the Lions’ JV team last year. Balboa (3-7, 3-3), with new coach Poutoa Fuega, has three All-AAA members returning, including the league’s top receiver in Giovani Norori. Danny Chan (Lowell) is one of the league’s longest-standing coaches and returns All-Leaguers Kevin Nguyen and Valentino Kunaidy. Lowell (2-7, 2-4) hasn’t had a winning season since 2007 after winning titles in 2002 and 2004. Washington (1-9, 1-5), which returns AllAA running back Davonte McClendon, has a new coach in Isreal Jones. Burton (1-8, 1-5) returns three All-AAA players, including incoming juniors Vilisone Tagaloa, a linebacker, and wide receiver Raymond He. ✪ — SportStars Staff

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August 20, 2015

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QB — Ian Book, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills, 6-0/193, Sr. | @ian_book23 Three-year starter aims for a big year before moving on to Notre Dame in 2016 QB — Kevin Davidson, San Ramon Valley-Danville, 6-3/225, Sr. | @kevinqb10

UC Davis-commit could miss games for transferring back to former school; then look out

RB — Najee Harris, Antioch, 6-2/220, Jr. Rushed for 2,263 yards and 23 TDs as a soph., then committed to Alabama RB — Antoine Custer, De La Salle-Concord, 5-8/185, Sr. | @antoine_c28 Electric playmaker rushed for 1,942 yards and 24 TDs in 2014

RB — DeShawn Collins, Grant-Sacramento, 5-8/180, Sr. | @DCollins10 Took over as primary back in Week 3 and rushed for 2,321 yards and 27 TDs

WR — Collin Johnson, Valley Christian-San Jose, 6-5/205, Sr. | @c_johnsonVC5 Texas-bound big play threat caught 49 passes for 921 yards, 10 TDs as a junior WR — Chris Taylor-Yamanoha, Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park, 6-2/180, Sr. | @christayami

Louisville-commit caught 70 balls a year ago and 15 went for scores

WR — Trey Udoffia, Del Oro-Loomis, 6-0/180, Sr. | @Trey_Dizzle7 Speedster caught 10 TD passes to go along with 924 receiving yards as a junior TE — Devin Asiasi, De La Salle, 6-5/253, Sr. | @asibo_ Offer list reads like a who’s-who of college football; makes impact on both sides

OL — Jonah Williams, Folsom, 6-5/255, Sr. | @JonahGWilliams Alabama commit is a beast in the trenches and a threat on both sides of the ball OL — Jacob Capra, Placer-Auburn, 6-5/270, Sr. | @JacobCapra71 Oregon commit and “little” brother of current Utah lineman Johnny Capra OL — Aaron Banks, El Cerrito, 6-7/305, Jr. | @bigaaronbanks Half of the Pac-12 already has offers to the road-grading Gaucho

7 6

OL — Sterling Strother, Campolindo-Moraga, 6-4/254, Sr. | @sterstrother Strother will anchor an experienced Cougars OL before heading to Yale in 2016 OL — Jake Curhan, Redwood-Larkspur, 6-7/315, Sr. | @curhan71 With his dimensions, it’s fitting he plays for the Giants; committed to Cal

K — Kevin Loheit, El Camino-Sacramento, 5-9/160, Sr. | @kevin_loheit Eagles’ kicker made a section-best 10 field goals and added 31 PATs as a junior

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8 8

DL — Boss Tagaloa, De La Salle, 6-3/303, Sr. | @_BT75 Spartans’ first four-year varsity player has offers from SEC, Big Ten and Pac-12 DL — Soape Tupou, Grant-Sacramento, 6-4/300, Sr. Latest in a long line of dominating Pacers linemen will attract lots of recruiters to campus DL — Chase Hatada, Rocklin, 6-3/225, Sr. | @ChaseHatada Boise State-commit is dominant against the run and can get after the quarterback

11 13

DL — Damon Wiley, De La Salle, 6-0/230, Sr. | @wiley_56 Breakout season in 2014 included 52 tackles and team-leading 14.5 sacks DL — Bryce Brand, Clayton Valley Charter-Concord, 6-1/264, Jr. Michigan transfer already holds an offer from Louisville; makes Eagles D even stronger DL — Billy Tuitavake, Serra-San Mateo, 6-2/225, Sr. Three-year player for Padres is a force coming off the edge; 7.5 sacks in 2014

LB — Camilo Eifler, Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, 6-2/210, Sr. | @_miloeifler Perhaps best Bay Area linebacker in the 2016 class; committed to Washington in July LB — Charlie Ramirez, Pittsburg, 5-10/180, Sr. | @chuckles_23

Not gonna turn heads with his size, but makes plays (112 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 INT in 2014)

LB — Kekupaa Freehauf, Central Catholic-Modesto, 6-1/240, Sr. | @Kekupaa40 Led Raiders with 135 tackles, including 43 in the team’s playoff run to a third state title LB — Kevin Glajchen, St. Francis-Mountain View, 6-3/220, Sr. Returning two-way starter led Lancers with 104 tackles in 2014

10 11

DB — Jordan Parker, Pittsburg, 5-11/185, Sr. | @_2FOE Was East Bay Defensive Player of the Year in 2014; led Pirates with 5 INT DB — Lamar Jackson, Franklin-Elk Grove, 6-2/206, Sr. | @Iam_thaRealist Wildcats’ do-everything talent holds several major offers as a defensive back

DB — Jamarri Jackson, Christian Brothers-Sacramento, 5-10/175, Jr. | @JamarriJackson A shutdown corner with 7 INTs, 1,705 all-purpose yards and 22 TDs for 2014 Falcons

DB — Justin Burrage, Del Oro-Loomis, 5-11/170, Sr. | @justin_burrage Begins third-year in Golden Eagles secondary with 11 career INTs UTIL — Beau Bisharat, Jesuit-Carmichael, 6-2/215, Sr. | @BBisharat Stanford-bound talent had over 2,000 yards of total offense in 2014, while also making impact at LB/DE

Photos by Phillip Walton and James K. Leash. Eifler photo: The Opening/StudentSports.com

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August 20, 2015

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de la salle

2014 REVIEW: 14-0, No. 1 in our final rankings COACH: Justin Alumbaugh, 3rd season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Spartans are the defending CIF Open Division State Bowl Champions. They return impact starters at almost every position and begin the year as the MaxPreps.com No. 1 team in the nation. TWIN ENGINE: The dynamic backfield duo that helped produce one of De La Salle’s best rushing offenses in nearly a decade returns in 2015. SportStars’ 2015 Fall Male Athlete of the Year, Antoine Custer, right, returns after rushing for 1,942 yards and 24 TDs. Next to him will be Andrew Hernandez, who rushed for 1,804 yards and 30 TDs. THE GREEN MONSTER: The Spartans’ menacing defensive front is anchored by Boss Tagaloa, Damon Wiley and Devin Asiasi. Those three accounted for 30 tackles for loss in 2014, 26 of which were sacks. SECOND CHANCE: Anthony Sweeney was expected to be a dual-threat spark plug-style QB for the Spartans in 2014, but injuries limited him to just six games. He still led the team in passing TDs with five and completed 57 percent of his throws, but it wasn’t the season he wanted to have. This year, he should get a chance to change that. NAME TO NOTE: Chris VanderKlugt, WR, Sr. — VanderKlugt started the majority of the games at QB last season after fellow junior Sweeney went down to injury. With Sweeney healthy, VanderKlugt’s athleticism will be evident at receiver. LAST WORD: The schedule is perhaps the most ambitious one De La Salle has put together in some time. However, there’s little doubt the roster is loaded with enough talent and experience to meet it head-on. A mythical national championship is conceivable; a return to the CIF Open Div. State Bowl Game seems darn near inevitable.

Folsom

grant-sacramento

2014 REVIEW: 16-0, No. 2 in our final rankings CO-COACHES: Kris Richardson, 11th year; Troy Taylor, 3rd year WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Bulldogs have been in five consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section finals and won four. The 2014 CIF Div. I State Bowl rout of Oceanside ended any doubt that the Bulldogs are a NorCal power. LONE DAWG: Folsom returns just one starter from its 2014 state championship team, but that one player is among the best players in the section. Six-foot-5, 296-pound OL/DL Jonah Williams is an elite lineman who has already committed to college powerhouse Alabama. The Atlanta native is excited to return to his Southern roots after a final year in Northern California. THE TWO JAKES: After three years setting records and winning 44 of 46 games, QB Jake Browning has graduated. Enter Jake Jeffery, who has the unenviable task of following the greatest statistical passer California has ever seen. Jeffery is a capable replacement with a strong arm and legs that make him a running threat. While opposing defenders may be happy to see Browning gone, Jeffery will not make things easy. RUSH TO JUDGEMENT: With the eye-popping numbers that Folsom produced through the air the last three years, it is easy to overlook the running success from 2014. The team ran for 2,394 yards and 31 TDs with a 6.9 yards per carry average. Seniors Tre Green (524 yards, 7 TD) and Roger Neal (520, 5 TD) will be primary ball carriers as Folsom shifts to a more balanced offensive attack (relatively speaking). NAME TO NOTE: Troy Calderara, K, Jr. — One of the busiest players in the state as a sophomore, he converted 113 PATs and was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts. He led all section kickers with 122 points and a 7.6 points per game average. LAST WORD: The names and schemes will be different, but don’t count on the results being very different for Folsom in 2015.

2014 REVIEW: 14-1, No. 3 in our final rankings COACH: Mike Alberghini, 24th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Pacers have never missed the postseason under Alberghini, and they are loaded after a 14-1 season in which their only loss was to state bowl-champion Folsom. This could be one of the program’s most talented and experienced squads. PACING THE FIELD: Grant led all SJS teams in rushing attempts (609), rushing yards (5,018) and rushing TDs (74) in living up to their name and reputation during 2014. Grant had a potent 1-2 punch out of the backfield in RBs DeShawn Collins and Mike Green II. Collins led the team with 2,321 yards and 27 TDs. Green added 1,280 yards and 17 TDs. The pair could fare even better this year behind a stellar offensive line. FOLLOW THE LEADERS: A primary reason for the rushing success at Grant has always been linemen up front. This year is no exception as senior Soape Tupou (6-4, 325) and junior Orlando Umana (6-5, 310) will be the road graders. NAME TO NOTE: David Moala, LB, Sr. — The 6-foot-2, 205-pound OLB is the latest in a long line of impressive Grant defenders. As a junior, he recorded 136 tackles and added 13 sacks. LAST WORD: Grant dominated the competition in 2014 until they encountered Folsom. With key talent returning and fresh talent ready to step up, a 25th consecutive playoff appearance could lead to the program’s eighth section title.

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CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTERCONCORD

ELK GROVE

2014 REVIEW: 15-1, No. 6 in our final rankings COACH: Tim Murphy, 4th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Eagles come into 2015 after being one point short of winning the CIF Div. II State Bowl and remain loaded at several positions. RAY OF HOPE: Miles Harrison (2,775 total yds., 34 TD in 2014) graduated and Ray Jackson, who missed last season after transferring from College Park, has a real chance to fill the void. BRAND STRENGTH: The Eagles picked up a handful of incoming transfers for 2015, but none are likely to carry as much impact as Bryce Brand. The 6-foot-1, 265-pound Michigan native and defensive tackle already has an offer from Louisville. NAME TO NOTE: Jalen McKenzie, OL, Jr. — With older brother Khalil now at Tennessee, the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder already has an offer from Miami and is sure to add to the list after 2014. LAST WORD: The Eagles are still as well-rounded a team as they come.

2014 REVEW: 10-3, unranked in our final rankings COACH: Chris Nixon, 8th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: An established power, double-digit win seasons have become the norm under Nixon. ARMED AND READY: Junior QB Tyler Vander Waal gained valuable experience last year, throwing for 1,294 yards and 11 TDs. Expect a more balanced offense in 2015 as the QB gains more trust with the ball. FAMILY AFFAIR: Lau Ta’amu is the latest in the long line of Letuligasenoa-Ta’amu family members to star at Elk Grove. Brother Sai Ta’amu had a team-high 12 sacks from his DL position, where Lau will roam this season in addition to opening up holes and protecting the QB on the OL. NAME TO NOTE: Ryan Robards, WR/DB/K/P, Sr. — As a junior, Robards led the team with 406 receiving yards and 5 TD catches, picked off three passes, returned punts and kickoffs and served as the primary punter and kickoff man. LAST WORD: A more diverse offense translates into another successful season for the Thundering Herd.

PITTSBURG

VALLEY CHRISTIANSAN JOSE

2014 REVIEW: 10-3, No. 11 in our final rankings COACH: Victor Galli, 15th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: An experienced defense and a new-look offense with promising new skill players should keep Pittsburg among the section’s top contenders. CREATING SPACE: After 14 years of pro-style sets, Galli is converting his offensive scheme to no-huddle spread. Who runs it is being contested between senior Christian Young and junior Northgate-transfer Stephan Drugan. SECOND(ARY) TO NONE: Led by four-star recruit Jordan Parker, the Pirates defensive backfield has a chance to be just as good as it was a year ago. Parker led Pittsburg with five INTs in 2014. Seniorz Mykel Harris and C.J. McClure return as well. NAME TO NOTE: Montaz Thompson, RB, Jr. — Thompson is the brother of former Concord High star RB Olito Thomspon, who set three NorCal rushing records as a junior in 2011. Galli is excited to see Montaz work. LAST WORD: The Pirates remain the team to beat in the Bay Valley Athletic League. How the new offense takes shape will determine their place in the section.

2014 REVEW: 9-4, No. 14 in our final rankings COACH: Mike Machado, 19th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: Don’t be fooled by the lack or returning starters, there’s plenty of talent — especially at the skill positions. RUNNING BACK HIGH: Last year’s stars in the backfield Kirk Johnson (now at Texas) and Tre McCloud have both graduated. Filling their shoes will be Morian Walker and Akil Jones, both returning seniors who shined in other positions a year ago. BIG TARGET: At 6-foot-5, Texas-commit Collin Johnson will be a great security blanket for new QB Myles Kendrick. Johnson caught 49 balls for 921 yards and 10 TDs in 2014. NAME TO NOTE: R.J. Stone, DE, So. — Stone, the son of former NFL lineman Ron Stone, will be one of four sophomores making impacts for Valley Christian this season. He’s 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds and could be a strong edge rusher in passing downs. LAST WORD: With senior linchpins at key positions and a talented group of underclassmen, the Warriors will compete right out of the gate.

DEL OROLOOMIS

2014 REVIEW: 6-6 and unranked in our final rankings COACH: Casey Taylor, 11th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: The Golden Eagles have a championship resumé, including four section championships and two CIF State Bowl appearances under Taylor. ODD SUCCESS: Del Oro has found great success in recent odd-numbered years. The Golden Eagles won Sac-Joaquin Section titles and earned CIF State Bowl bids in 2011 and 2013. Meanwhile, the 2012 and 2014 teams won 13 games combined. NOT OUT OF THEIR LEAGUE: Taylor has always assembled a difficult nonleague schedule. The Golden Eagles face Utah power Pleasant Grove, Hawaii’s Punahou and Bay Area juggernauts Bellarmine. In Sierra Foothill League play Del Oro will also face Folsom and Granite Bay, among others. NAME TO NOTE: Stone Smartt, QB, Jr. — After missing 2014 due to injury, Smartt is the frontrunner to take over at QB. He guided the JV team to a perfect 10-0 mark in 2013. LAST WORD: The Eagles success will hinge on production from the QB and RB positions.

BELLARMINESAN JOSE

2014 REVIEW: 10-3 and No 8 in our final rankings COACH: Mike Janda, 32nd season WHY THEY’RE HERE: On paper, with 13 returning starters, the Bells appear built to be the team to beat in the stacked West Catholic Athletic League. RETURN OF THE MACK: Kyle McCauley is perhaps one of the most versatile returning talents league-wide. A 5-foot-10, 170-pound RB/ DB with good speed, McCauley was the WCAL Most Valuable Utility Player in 2014. RUSH STREET: There’s no secret to the Bells’ offensive scheme. The team utilizes a steady diet of run plays and misdirection out of the double-wing and simply dares opponents to stop it. And whenever Janda has experience up front, Bellarmine becomes especially difficult to stop. This year’s O-Line returns a pair of all-leaguers in Jacob Bergstrom and Wolfie Rehbock. NAME TO NOTE: Josh Bringuel, LB, Sr. — An All-Mercury News Honorable Mention as a junior, Bringuel will be a leader on the Bells defense in 2015. LAST WORD: Experience is aprecious commodity in the WCAL. Bellarmine has lots of it.

FOOTHILL-

The Next 10

PLEASANTON

11. Rocklin 12. Serra-San Mateo 13. St. Francis-Mountain View 14. Freedom-Oakley 15. Franklin-Elk Grove 16. Central Catholic-Modesto 17. St. Mary’s-Stockton 18. California-San Ramon 19. Campolindo-Moraga 20. Jesuit-Carmichael

2014 REVEW: 9-3, No. 18 in our final rankings COACH: Matt Sweeney, 28th season WHY THEY’RE HERE: While QB Kyle Kearns and WR/DB Isaiah Langley were special talents, the heart of the 2014 Falcons team was its junior class. FINDING FLOYD: That will be one of the No. 1 priorities of opposing defenses in 2015, knowing where Foothill is putting multipurpose back Isaiah Floyd. As a junior, Floyd proved he could hurt defenses in several ways. He rushed for nearly 800 yards and 8 TD and caught 36 passes for more than 400 yards and 4 TDs. NAME TO NOTE: Ruben Mercado, WR, Sr. — While Langley drew the attention of most secondaries, Mercado — a two-sport star who also excels at baseball — proved himself as one of the top receivers in the East Bay. He will be a key weapon for new QB Ben Wooldridge. LAST WORD: The Foothill 2016 class is a special one, and one can expect Sweeney to put it in a position to win.

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he reviews on Rocklin defensive lineman Chase Hatada read like something off of a blockbuster action movie poster. “He’s a man-child!” “He has great explosion off the line and is extremely athletic.” “Incredible amount of talent.” At 6-foot-3 and 255 chiseled pounds, Hatada has the look of the next Friday night lights action hero on par with many comic book heroes gracing the big screen these days. And, like the Avengers, he can transform from mild-mannered citizen to larger-than-life champion at the sound of a whistle. “On the field, he turns into the football Chase Hatada,” Rocklin head coach Greg Benzel said of his humble star. “He is able to flip the switch, and 48 minutes of him getting after it the way that he can is a pretty dangerous thing.” Hatada has been getting into opponents’ backfields and getting after quarterbacks and running backs for two years as a starter, and is hopeful that his third and final varsity season provides a thrilling finish to his high school career. “I have been waiting for this (senior season) for a long time, and am very excited and ready to go,” Hatada said. Hatada and his Thunder teammates got off to a fast, exciting start in 2014 with a 6-0 record and legitimate hopes of challenging Folsom in the newly-realigned Sierra Foothill League. Then, several injuries capped by a gruesome broken leg suffered by senior quarterback Max O’Rourke dampened the excitement and eventually brought the dream season to a difficult end. While Rocklin pulled out a victory in the Del Oro game in which junior William Floyd replaced the injured O’Rourke, the energy and belief that the team could continue its success dissipated. “What killed us last year is that when Max went down with that injury, a lot of guys thought that the season was done,” Hatada said. Floyd filled in admirably — passing for nearly 1,300 yards and 16 TDs in six-plus games of action — and every healthy body available stepped up to fill any gaps left by banged-up teammates. Rocklin suffered back-to-back losses to SFL foes Folsom and Granite Bay, finished in a three-way tie for second in the league, and earned a No. 6 seed in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoffs. In the postseason, a confident and healthier St. Mary’s-Stockton team dispatched the Thunder in a 56-14 quarterfinal rout that left a sour taste in the mouths of Rocklin’s returning players. Hatada and Evyn Holtz, another third-year varsity starter and Hatada’s best friend since they were 8 years old, quickly decided that the disappointing finish would be used to motivate and prepare this year’s team for a stronger finish. “All of that adversity will help us this year,” Holtz said. “We have all come together as one team, and that chemistry is one of the biggest things for a team to have when those grueling games come down to the fourth quarter.” Hatada believes that last season’s experience with hardship can be used to make the team stronger in 2015. “We are going into this year knowing that injuries can and will happen, but that we have to play the same way no matter what we face,” Hatada said. “The chemistry is better this year and we are better prepared because of that experience.” Experience will be a key for the Thunder and Benzel, who enters his 15th season Rocklin’s coach. Hatada and Holtz have been impact players since they were sophomores and Floyd gained valuable playing time to build confidence for his final campaign. Senior tight end Wesley Preece is the team’s top returning receiver (18 catches, 274 yards, 6 TD) and a valuable blocker on the line. Experience and health will be necessary to endure the gauntlet that is the SFL. Defending CIF State Bowl chamFollow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

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DIVISION II TOP TEAMS: Del Oro-Loomis (6-6), Downey-Modesto (10-2), Elk Grove (10-3), Rocklin (9-3), Vacaville (10-3) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Tyler Vander Waal, QB, Elk Grove — The sophomore accounted for more than 1,300 yards of offense and provides balance to run-heavy Thundering Herd attack. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVPS: Jordan Boyd and Tanner Nelson, LB, Will C. Wood-Vacaville — The duo combined for 306 tackles in 2014 and will lead an experienced defense that hopes to make the Wildcats the top team in Vacaville and a playoff upstart. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Will C. Wood (7-5) BREAKDOWN: Traditional powers Del Oro, Elk Grove and Vacaville can be counted on to compete in their respective leagues, and always make noise in the postseason. The Thundering Herd has a leg up on the others with a returning signal caller in Vander Waal. The Golden Eagles and Bulldogs will both have newcomers at the position, and will count on a new crop of players to step up their game. Rocklin started 2014 hot before senior QB Max O’Rourke went down with a horrific leg injury, but William Floyd stepped in to keep the Thunder on track and provide high hopes for 2015. With RB Evyn Holtz also in the backfield and Chase Hatada leading a stingy defense, Rocklin will challenge in the deep SFL and in Division II. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Rocklin over Elk Grove ✪

pion Folsom and local rival Del Oro are expected to be top teams in the section this year, and the league offers more heavyweights in Granite Bay and Oak Ridge. “We were used to being in a very strong league and then we added Oak Ridge and Folsom last year,” Benzel said of the SFL. “We face playoff-caliber teams each week, but that brings a sense of pride. It is exciting that we are in one of the best leagues in the state.” When opponents prepare to face Rocklin, coaches and coordinators will no doubt spend extra time preparing to stop — or at least slow — Hatada. Regarded as one of the top defensive linemen in the region, he committed to Boise State in the offseason and requires that teams commit attention to him when game planning. “He controls the edge and makes opponents have to plan for him and account for him on the field,” Benzel said. “We have maybe two or three guys who can give him some good reps in practice because he is that talented.” Hatada’s talent has continually grown since he started as a running back and linebacker in the Junior Thunder program. He played alongside Holtz in the Pee Wee backfield, but preferred to hit over being hit. He developed as a linebacker, but moved to the defensive line so that he could move up to the JV team as a freshman. Hatada quickly adapted to the trenches and took advantage of the new vantage point of a lineman. “On the defensive line, things slow down and you can see things developing in the backfield,” Hatada said. “You can often see tendencies with the offensive linemen and try to use speed to get to the action.” He has seen plenty of action and developed a reputation as a hard-nosed tackling machine who enjoys the physicality of his position. But the physicality and toughness he exhibits on the field is a far cry from the gentleman that he is off the field. “On the field he is crazy, but off the field he is probably one of the nicest people I have 30

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ever met,” Holtz said. “He is genuine in caring about his friends and teammates.” Benzel echoed the sentiment and called his senior defensive leader a “great character kid” who has the integrity and responsibility that coaches dream about. Hatada is one of many Rocklin varsity players who display a gentler side as coaches and mentors to youngsters in the Junior Thunder program. He regularly offers teaching and guidance to impressionable young athletes. “Those little guys see (Hatada) as Hercules or Adonis, and hold him in high regard,” Benzel said. “Our guys are all extremely helpful with the young players and are able to bring positive energy to the program and help the kids out.” Hatada grew up with his own athletic idols to inspire him to greatness on the playing field. Chase’s father, Ian Hatada, was a great influence on his life and passed along some athletic genes. Chase Baker, a 2007 Rocklin graduate who played collegiately at Boise State before professional stints in the NFL and Canadian Football League, also exposed Hatada to Rocklin football and Boise State. Ian Hatada was a Big Sky 110-meter hurdles champion for Boise State in 1996, but the family connection to the school was not the biggest factor in Hatada’s commitment. “I grew up a Boise State fan because my Dad went there, but his going there had nothing to do with my choice,” Hatada said. “I have been to Boise many times, and every time I go there, I love it more and more.” With his college choice out of the way, Hatada will play for his team and their goals and not worry about drawing rave reviews from recruiters and coaches looking for a college star to fill stadium seats. “My goal is to play hard every game, and do everything I can to make us better as a team,” Hatada said. Said Benzel, “He can just go out and enjoy being the great player, student, and person that he is.” ✪

Fastpitch S

NorCal’s California Breeze shows well at national-level tournament in Roseville

unshine, sweat and some serious softball were at play the week of July 27-Aug. 2 at Maidu and Mahany Parks in Roseville when the 12U ASA/USA Fastpitch National Championships took place. The Greater Sacramento Softball Association (GSSA) and Placer Valley Tourism were delighted to bring a tournament of this caliber to Placer Valley that allowed the opportunity for top-notch competition to this amazing group of youth softball players. There were 55 teams from all over the nation that came out to compete in this exciting national tournament. States represented included Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio, Illinois, South Dakota, Texas, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon and of course both Southern and Northern California. Every team had to qualify by participating in championship play held throughout the country earlier this year. As far as the local Northern California teams performed, it was the California Breeze that surprised everyone with mak-

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Tre Scott photo

ing it to the quarterfinals despite a lack of experience and being younger than many of the other teams competing. However, they proved to be quite fierce out on the field and did exceptionally well under the guidance of former Roseville High softball coach,

Jennifer Birch. The Breeze reached the quarterfinals with an impressive 3-2 extra-inning win over Southern California team Next Level Ladrido. It was the Breeze’s second extra-inning win of the tournament. “It was a great opportunity to play with some of the best teams from around the country,” Birch said. “The girls did great with a ninth-place finish and made many great memories.” When all was said and done, it was a team from the LoneStar State that was crowned the champions of ASA 12U “A” Fastpitch. The Texas Sudden Impact had a remarkable run throughout the tournament and ultimately sealed the title with a 4-2 win over the Frost Falcons 2020. ✪ — Copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

tch Frenzy Women’s Wrestling TOC Placer Valley Tourism and Sacramento Area Wrestling Association (SAWA) are thrilled to announce a partnership to host the first-ever Women’s West Coast Tournament of Champions (WWCTOC) on Dec. 18-20 at Hardwood Palace in Rocklin. PVT is excited to be a part of this monumental event that will make wrestling history. This all-female premier wrestling tournament is open to high school female wrestlers in 14 different weight divisions ranging from 101 to 235 pounds and college female wrestlers in weight divisions from 101 to 191 pounds. The High School Competition will take place December 18-19 whereas the college competition will be held on December 20. Entry fees to the freestyle tournament are $300 per team or $35 per wrestler. “Champions will receive a custom backpack and there will be medals for the top six placers in each division,” Don Martinez, President of SAWA said, “as well as three awards for most outstanding wrestler per division and team awards.” Not only is the WWCTOC a history-making event, but with the venue being Hardwood Palace this allows the athletes as well as the spectators to have the best possible experience at the tournament. Hardwood Palace is equipped with a state-of- the-art sound system, an incredible open floor plan, a great concession stand and an upper level mezzanine that is ideal for watching matches. Both SAWA and PVT are looking forward to this new venture and are confident it will become an annual event here in Placer Valley. Check out the website at wwctoc.com to get your team registered now. ✪

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Jesuit will follow lead of its focused star tailback

esuit senior Beau Bisharat knows what he wants on and off the field, and he has the vision to get it. On the field, Bisharat possesses tremendous vision to find the smallest opening — a brief window of opportunity — and hit the hole to explode for a big gain. Off the field, he has a vision of his desired future: A chance to play football while getting a high-quality education. He’s making that happen too. Bisharat, who rushed for a team-high 1,651 yards and accounted for 27 of the Marauders’ 53 touchdowns in 2014, recently committed to Stanford University and then committed his summer to prepare for his senior year at Jesuit and future years in Palo Alto. “I’ll give up one summer for a lifetime of a Stanford education,” Bisharat said of dedicating vacation time to work on his Stanford application, SAT and ACT testing. “The education is unbeatable, and the football program and school are high caliber.” Numerous Pac-12 programs courted Bisharat, including his father Charlie’s alma mater, the University of Oregon. When the Ducks offered Bisharat a scholarship, many observers assumed that Beau would follow his father to Eugene, where Charlie played running back. The younger Bisharat withheld a commitment decision, though, and eventually jumped on the opportunity presented by Stanford. “Stanford came into the picture later in the process toward the end of the school year and they wanted me as a running back,” Bisharat said. “Other schools saw me as a defensive guy, so the opportunity to play running back and be surrounded by great people on the team and at the school helped me make my decision.” With the recruitment process over for now, Bisharat can concentrate on using his talents in the classroom and on the field to make the most of his senior year in high school. While that may be fun for Beau, opponents likely envision far less fun when he carries the ball. “Beau is a very physical runner,” said Jesuit head coach Marlon Blanton. “He runs hard and is very hard to bring down.”

Beau Bisharat captures his Jesuit teammates. Bisharat takes to heart some words that his father instilled in him, from one running back to another: “Just because you have the ball does not mean that you can’t hit guys.” Beau knows that he can and must deliver some blows when he carries the ball against defenses that will be stacking the box to stop him. With a new quarterback under center and key offensive weapons from 2014 lost to graduation, the offense will run through Bisharat. And he is fine with that. “It kind of fires me up,” he said. “It is a challenge, but I have the mindset that they can’t stop me.” The focus on Bisharat will open up space for other players to step up and achieve the team’s vison of winning Delta League and Sac-Joaquin Section titles. “The whole team works as one with no one having titles making any one player more important than another,” Bisharat said. “We are trying to get back to playing hard-nosed football and not worrying about anything else, but to just do your job.” Beau would know. ✪ — Jim McCue

DIVISION I TOP TEAMS: Folsom (16-0), Granite Bay (9-4), Grant-Sacramento (141), Jesuit-Carmichael (9-3), Merced (9-3) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Jake Jeffrey, QB, Folsom — He’s in the unenviable position of following national record-setter Jake Browning, but Jeffrey knows the offense, has a strong arm, and a capable offensive line in front of him. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Sam Cusano, S/LB, Granite Bay — Will be called upon to lead special teams and a rebuilt defensive unit after returning a pair of punts for TDs and picking off 4 passes as a junior. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Napa (9-3) BREAKDOWN: Every time Folsom transitions to a new QB, the doubters predict a drop-off. The high-powered attack built by co-coaches Kris

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Richardson and Troy Taylor, and most recently taken to new heights by national record-setting QB Jake Browning, may have less firepower this season, but will remain ever dangerous. New faces will keep the Bulldogs contenders to defend their Sierra Foothill League, Sac-Joaquin Section, and CIF State Bowl titles. However, the field will not be far behind this season. Grant, which should return to Division I play in 2015, returns with loads of talent on both sides of the ball, including the 1-2 rushing punch of DeShawn Collins and Mike Green II. Led by RB Beau Bisharat, Jesuit will challenge Grant in the Delta League and be a divisional force. Merced has emerged as a power in the Central Valley, and Napa saw a return to power with a strong running game. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Grant over Jesuit ✪

#SacJoaquinSectionPreview

SPARTANSRising Feast or Famine

Longest current playoff streaks & droughts for programs in the Sac-Joaquin Section that participate in football. Additionally, there are five current SJS football programs that have never qualified for the playoffs. STREAKING Grant-Sacramento

24 years (SJS record)

Escalon

17 years

Granite Bay

16 years

Central Catholic-Modesto

14 years

Napa

13 years

St. Mary’s-Stockton

13 years

STARVING San Juan

26 years (last in 1988)

Kennedy-Sacramento

24 years

McClatchy-Sacramento

18 years

Johnson-Sacramento

13 years

Mesa Verde

13 years

STILL WAITIN’

Bear Creek-Stockton

23 years

West Campus-Sacramento

13 years

Lathrop

7 years

Kimball-Tracy

6 years

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August 20, 2015

A long tortured program, San Juan is gaining positive momentum

n high school football, as in life, there are the haves and the have-nots. For the better part of 20 years, San Juan High in Citrus Heights has dwelled among the lower levels of the have-nots. These Spartans — with a majority of the few players who play football living below the poverty level and struggling on and off the field — will never be mistaken for the Spartans of De La Salle-Concord with their national rankings and overflowing talent. In short, the San Juan football program struggles to make it through each season with a sparse roster that endures on grit and pride. But the times are changing at San Juan as a young and energetic coaching staff hopes to breathe life back into a program whose only brush with the football haves in the last 40 years was as the host site for the 1986 Sac-Joaquin Section Division II final. Head coach Jordan McGowan and his entirely new staff has its sights set high, including a long-awaited return to the postseason, but the coaches’ goal is to change the culture of the program on and off the field. “The biggest thing for creating a winning culture is creating winning young men,” McGowan said. “The attitude that we want to instill is not just about the score, but about doing the right thing, being active in the community, and keeping their grades up. “We want to foster success on the playing field, in the classroom, and in the community.” The Spartans have the ingredients to achieve success with a willing staff ready to share its knowledge to extract the potential out of its eager student-athletes. McGowan’s assistants are all young men

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with extensive and current life and football experience, including time in the professional ranks. McGowan was a standout defensive back from Santa Rosa who played at Humboldt State before earning some time with the San Jose Saber Cats of the Arena Football League. Ra’Shon Harris, a defensive assistant, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009 after starring at Pittsburg High and the University of Oregon. Offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Robert Potts is a former player who has trained and coached young athletes in recent years. “The majority of our staff has played football, and some of them have done so at the highest levels, so we are able to bring what we have done recently, and our successes and challenges, to teach these kids,” McGowan said. “As young coaches that are not far removed from playing football, I believe that we can relate better to today’s players.” They relate to the latest football trends, including fast-paced offenses that will present a different look for opposing teams in the Sierra Delta League. They believe that they have some key pieces to wreak havoc with a potent Air Raid offense. Quarterback Tony Murphy is a blossoming leader McGowan believes can guide the offense with a little bit of seasoning. The signal-caller is becoming more comfortable in his role and with his abilities. “He has the highest football IQ on the team,” McGowan said of Murphy. “He has a big arm and picks things up fast, but he is just now learning the mechanics.” Senior Romeo Johnson is a 6-foot-4 speedster who played left

James K. Leash photos

tackle as a junior because he was the strongest kid on the team, but will be allowed to use his prototypical wide receiver body to dominate in the air attack. “How much he has grown just from January until now is amazing,” Potts said. “With this season and with time, he can be great as long as he’s willing to work hard.” Hard work will be necessary for the Spartans to break out this season and build a new winning tradition at San Juan. And maybe even earn a spot in the postseason with the haves. ✪ — Jim McCue

Romeo Johnson

Tony Murphy

DIVISION III

DIVISION IV

TOP TEAMS: Central Catholic-Modesto (12-3), Inderkum-Sacramento (12-2), Manteca (9-3), Oakdale (13-2), Sacramento (10-3), Sierra-Manteca (10-2) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Mark Paule, RB, Sierra — The speedy back eclipsed 2,000 yards and scored 43 TDs as a junior while posting six 200-yard games. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Kekupaa Freehauf, LB, Central Catholic — High motor star will be key to Raiders’ quest for a fourth consecutive section title and first Division III SJS crown since 2001. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Placer-Auburn (8-3) BREAKDOWN: Central Catholic moves up to Div. III as the result of dominating in Div. IV and winning three consecutive CIF State Bowl championships. Head coach Roger Canepa reloaded on offense last year with junior Justin Rice taking over early at running back due to an injury and responding with more than 2,000 yards rushing. Freehauf will anchor a defense that has peaked in the postseason in each of the last three years, making the Raiders a significant favorite. Inderkum was runner-up for the third time in seven years, and has reached double-digit wins in eight consecutive seasons. The Tigers’ defense is sound with LB Derrick Henderson the latest recruiting magnet, but success is likely to hinge on the play of junior QB TraJon Cotton. Meanwhile, Sacramento QB Caden Voges has thrown for 8,645 yards and 104 TDs in two seasons, and is hungry to lead the Dragons to a first section title. Perennial playoff power Oakdale is always in the mix, along with the rest of a loaded Valley Oak League. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Central Catholic over Sacramento

TOP TEAMS: Escalon (8-4), Los Banos (9-3), Marysville (7-4),

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Sonora (11-2) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Hunter Calton, RB, Escalon — As the primary ball-carrier out of the backfield, he should improve upon his 952 rushing yards, 1,115 total yards and 10 TDs. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Bradley Canepa, LB, Sonora — The nephew of Central Catholic coach Roger Canepa, he is coming off a solid sophomore campaign which included 77 tackles. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Dixon (6-5) BREAKDOWN: Sonora lost a close SJS final to state champion Central Catholic, and the Wildcats will not have to worry about the Raiders denying them another section crown after Central Catholic moved up to Div. III. Head coach Bryan Craig returns versatile offensive weapons in QB Sam Page (1,058 passing yards, 524 rushing yards) and slot-back Wyatt Faughnan (13.4 yards per carry, 21.6 yards per catch) and parts of a solid defense that held opponents to less than 10 points per game in Sonora’s 11 wins. Mark Loureiro’s Escalon squad is always a threat to win the section championship, and the Cougars proved their postseason toughness last year after posting a relatively pedestrian 3-2 nonleague record and finishing second in the Trans Valley League. Marysville senior David Duncan is a versatile offensive weapon for (712 rushing yards, 7 TD; 250 receiving yards, 4 TD) and a strong defender (74 tackles, 1 INT) that will be key to any Golden Empire League or section title hopes for the Indians. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Sonora over Escalon ✪

August 20, 2015

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JACK trades #SacJoaquinSectionPreview

OF ALL

Capital Christian’s newest two-way star set to lead Cougars to another crown

ersatility is a staple of Capital Christian athletics, in part due to the small size of the private school and because the coaches encourage multi-sport athletes. Coach Phil Grams has been blessed with two- and three-sport stars in his five years at the school, including gridiron standouts Nifae Lealao and Justice Shelton-Mosley. The latest multi-sport football talent is Jack Haney, a tight end/linebacker, who has also participated in wrestling and track. But his ticket to the next level is as a long snapper. Haney is hopeful to land a scholarship to a Division I program, but realizes that the position is not a recruiting priority. The senior’s focus will be on getting stronger and better to increase his chance for scholarship offers as well as increase Capital Christian’s chances to repeat as Golden Empire League and Sac-Joaquin Section Division V champs. In 2014, Haney had 132 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception. He added 229 receiving yards and four TDs. Grams expects to utilize the 6-foot-2, 225-pound talent to the full extent. “Jack is so versatile that we will use him as our No. 1 tight end and at linebacker, but we can also use him as an emergency lineman and move him around,” Grams said. “We have more versatility as a team this year and more options to go to during crunch time.” The Cougars leaned heavily on Mosley in 2014, but have a wide range of weapons this year despite the graduation of 15 starters. Junior quarterback Jacob Norville will begin his third year as the starter, and Haney will be the undisputed defensive leader as their most experienced player. “I want to make sure that we always keep a full heart,” Haney said of being a team leader. “That means that we can do anything if we stay together and play as one team.” Haney will have to wait to see how far the Cougars go this season and what offers he will need to consider for his future. But Capital Christian will come first. Said Haney, “I am going to get bigger and stronger and live in the weight room, so that I can be as good as I can be to help my team.” ✪ — Jim McCue

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DIVISION V TOP TEAMS: Bear River-Grass Valley (11-2), LeGrand (7-4), Mariposa (8-5) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Kyle Uclaray, RB, Bear River — The senior HB is likely to be the Bruins’ primary ball-carrier after splitting touches with John Voter in 2014. Despite getting fewer carries, Uclaray rushed for 991 yards and 14 TDs for the Div. V champs. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Jake Williams, LB, Mariposa — Williams leads a strong group of returners on defense after recording a team-high 127 tackles in 12 games. He and senior Jacob Baca (105 tackles) will comprise a dominant duo at LB. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Colfax (8-5) BREAKDOWN: LeGrand appeared in five consecutive Div. V finals from 2009-2013 and won four in a row before being uncharacteristically ousted in its playoff opener last year. Junior RB Carlos Iniguez led the team with 1,039 yards rushing and six TD, but he is a rare returner at the offensive skill positions. Bear River won its second section title, and first in 20 years, and QB Jason Voter returns after scoring all four Bruin TDs in a 28-17 championship win over Colfax. The Falcons will need to fill the void left by the graduation of Tim Rawlins (1,861 yards rushing, 35 TD), but seniors Lukas Rineer (751 yards rushing in 2014) and Matthew Harshman (55 receptions, 744 yards) appear ready for the next step. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Bear River over LeGrand

DIVISION VI TOP TEAMS: Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento (9-3), Capital Christian-Sacramento (13-1), Modesto Christian (11-2) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Chris Brown, RB, Modesto Christian — As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,604 yards and 25 TDs while averaging more than 10 yards per carry. EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Phillip White, DE, Bradshaw Christian — An absolute monster that created havoc in the backfield, recording 109 tackles and 19 sacks. He also recovered a fumble and blocked a punt for the Pride. SURPRISE CONTENDER: Ripon Christian (9-3) BREAKDOWN: Capital Christian coach Phil Grams gets junior QB Jacob Norville back for his third year and Jack Haney as the defensive leader at MLB. Capital Christian defeated Modesto Christian in their annual Fish Bowl as well as the section championship game, providing Brown and the Crusaders with some serious thoughts about revenge. Bradshaw Christian has talent at the skill positions with QB Kyle Wilburn returning along with RBs Jared Kanipe and Alex Crouch. Brian Sytsma, who led Ripon Christian with 789 yards rushing as a junior, will be key to any upset hopes for Ripon Christian and its run-heavy offense. CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Capital Christian over Modesto Christian ✪

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edding has home run venues for your upcoming tournaments, close enough to arrive for a weekend getaway, and far enough to completely change the scenery and competition. Baseball and softball tournaments are played at Big League Dreams park, which features replica versions of famous Major League Baseball venues such as Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. Many of the soccer and lacrosse tournaments are played at the four-field, all-weather Redding Soccer Park complex. And when it comes to swimming, Redding Aquatic Center hosts all your 50-meter needs. Coming up, Big League Dreams will be hosting a series of youth baseball and fastpitch tournaments by National Softball Association, Hardball North and USSSA. Which replica field will you be on, Wrigley, Fenway, or maybe Yankee Stadium? You can also keep an eye out for sand volleyball, bocce ball and kickball tournaments at this complex. The Redding Soccer Park will be home to soccer’s S*M*A*S*H Cup, Oct. 24-25. This event has a mission to bring breast health awareness to all who attend, furthering the “Think Pink” movement in the community while bringing in about 60 competitive teams. The park is a safe, gated facility with indoor restrooms, concessions and a play structure for the little ones. You can also register on the website for the Hunter Troy Clegg Memorial Soccer Tournament in September. Keep a lookout for upcoming dates for lacrosse tournaments too, or find the latest lacrosse information visit

reddinglacrosse.com. Surrounded by mountains, miles of hiking and biking trails, a river running through town, nine State Park designations and five National Park designations nearby, the excellent tournament destination of Redding is the place to compete. Cradled by Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, Redding averages 300+ sunny days per year, the sunniest city in California. Have time between games for some other recreation? Time Magazine called Redding the Unofficial Capital of Kayaking for its “weird obsession” with all things paddling. With temperate weather, nearby lakes and that gorgeous river in the middle of town, it would be “weird” to not get out and enjoy it all. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is one of the few full lakes in California and a great place to kayak, sail or just float on your back. Redding is also home to the famous Sundial Bridge, world-class fishing and 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. Head out on a day-trip to see the bubbling

Big League Dreams 20155 Viking Way 530-223-1177 September 26-27: Youth Fastpitch: NSA Fastpitch October 17-18: Youth Baseball: ll World Baseball

mud pots and boiling lakes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, or get refreshed by the waterfall at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. This 129-foot gusher is considered one of the most beautiful in the state. Also, be sure to find out what fun events are happening — like the upcoming Give Me Wings Century bicycle ride (one of the most challenging in the state) and the Salmon Festival (Forbes ranks Redding as the only West Coast city among the Top 10 fishing destinations in North America). To keep up to speed on events, tournaments, things to do or to learn more about Redding, call 530-225-4105 or email Chad@VisitRedding.com. ✪ — Copy and photos provided by Visit Redding

Redding Soccer Park www.ReddingSoccerPark.com September 26-27: Youth Soccer: Hunter Troy Clegg Memorial Tournament

November 7-8: Youth Fastpitch: NSA Fastpitch

October 24-25: Boys and Girls Competitive Youth Soccer Tournament U12-U19 Charities supported Nor-Cal Think Pink and The Love and Light Foundation.

November 21-22: Youth Baseball: Hardball North

Lacrosse: www.ReddingLacrosse.com

March 2016: High School Baseball and Softball: Dates TBD

February: Lacrosse Opening weekend Redding Boys Jamboree U13-High School.

October 24-25: Youth Fastpitch: USSSA Fastpitch

redding.bigleaguedreams.com

Shasta Magic Basketball www.ShastaMagic.com Tournaments (4th-12th graders) March 19-20, 2016: Shasta Magic Elevation Tip-Off April 23-24, 2016: 12th Annual Battle for the North State

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Embrace The Process, Not Expectations Our football team hasn’t been that good recently, but this year we’re going to shock everybody. We’ve had a great offseason, our new coaches are awesome and we’ve all made it our goal to win league. No one thinks we can do it and people tell me not to get my hopes too high. They talk about what’s wrong with our team instead of what’s right. Why are people so negative? C.C., Santa Rosa

ood question — there’s a lot of negativity out there in the world, and it’s not limited to how good a high school football team is going to be. It’s human nature — there are only two ways to move up the ladder: the first and best is to improve yourself; the default, too often, is to try to drag others down. So by putting down your team and your school, some people are indirectly building up their own team and school. If you’re worse, then they’re better, or so they think. (You see that kind of talk on social media all the time.) On the other hand, though, it’s important not to lose touch with reality. If you think you’re going to win league and that’s your expectation, then there’s a chance you will be disappointed. For example, if you’re focused on winning league as your goal, and you work really hard — and so does everyone on your team — and things go wrong and you wind up finishing sixth, you might start thinking that working hard doesn’t pay off. After all, you worked really hard and the outcome wasn’t what you were hoping for, so why work hard in the future?

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Remember that most of the other teams in the league are working really hard too. Almost every coach will tell their team, “We’re going to be the best conditioned team in the league, and when they get tired, we’ll be fresh.” But what happens if you play a team that has worked just as hard, has just as good a coaching staff, but simply has bigger, better football players? The odds are you’re going to lose — but that doesn’t mean all the work you put in, and all the effort you made to make you and your teammates better, is wasted. What it means is that the outcome is less important than the process, and that believing that winning is the only way to validate what you’ve done is a mistake. Some of those people who doubt how good your team will be aren’t really being negative. They’re just trying to help you understand what really matters, and what really matters isn’t the final score or standings. What really matters is what you’ve learned about yourself and about teamwork and commitment. Of course, you can learn all those lessons and win a lot of games too — and maybe even a league title. That’s definitely the most fun, especially when you talk to the doubters at the end of the season. So keep working hard, and good things can happen. Just don’t let your expectations get in the way of getting the most out of the season, no matter how many games you win. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email him at clayk@fullcourt.com

BEST

SEASON

ever

powered by trucks: anthony trucks If you happen to be, or have been, an athlete in any sport then you know how important it is for you to have the best season of your life every season. For me, the sport of choice was football. I was blessed to be able to spend three years in the NFL before losing my career to a shoulder surgery. While I played, I definitely experienced years that were on the low side, and years that were

the best seasons I had to that point. After the second great season, I wanted to know what made the seasons so great so that I could try to duplicate it every year from there forward. Below are the most important parts that aided me in having the best season ever.

›› You have to prepare. Now when I say that, the first thought you have most likely is the physical preparation for the game, which is definitely huge, but not the only preparation. For me, the mental prep was just as important, if not more important. You see, with physical preparation you can put the body through a stress that it has experienced before. You know how to overcome a tough sprint or a heavy lift. It’s expected.

What’s not expected is the mental stressors you will inevitably run into. It’s not the person whose body doesn’t fail that will have the best season of their life, it’s the person whose mind won’t fail. This can be honed in by pushing through hard workouts while preparing for the season. Pushing through every hard situation you encounter strengthens your mind. The mind is like a muscle that way. ›› Never get comfortable. Approach every single practice and game as if it’s the first one and you are not a star. The only way to have the best season is to work harder than you ever have every time you get the chance. If for any reason you get too comfortable to work hard you will stop the progress to that higher place of success. ›› Take care of your body. Spend the extra time to stretch and strengthen your body before, and during, the season.

›› Listen to your coaches. They will put you in the right places to make the plays. Keep your mind open and your ego LOW so that you can actually improve, play and MAKE plays.

›› Know WHY you’re playing. For me I grew up in foster care and my foster mom had MS. I played the game to prove to the world, and my biological mom, that I was worth more than was believed. I also played because I wanted to be the legs for my mom who was in a wheel chair because she deserved that level of success from the son she raised from 6 years old. When you know WHY you’re playing, then every single play becomes something to never be wasted. That’s it. Now go and make this the best season you’ve ever played. ✪

Anthony Trucks is an IYCA-certified trainer who covers weight training for SportStars.

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