NorCal Issue 123, October 2016 by Sport Stars Magazine

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OCTOBER 2016 VOL. 7 ISSUE 123

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SportStars of the Week: Honoring the week’s top athletes

Cal-Hi Sports uncovers covers PLUS esclusive state football Top 20

Montaz Thompson and Pittsburg are ready for the spotlight

in the magazine

Ashley Hedt

Check out the Cal-Hi SportStars Network Hot 100 Sneak Peak

nerves of 20

steel

When the game is on the line and other teams might get the yips, Dublin volleyball gets that glint in the eye. The one that says the game is over, even if the opposition doesn’t know it yet. Page 26

The SJS hoops playoffs can be confusing. We’ll help make sense of it

SportStars EXCLUSIVE NorCal Volleyball Top 20 Rankings

28 32

Red Zone: Sheldon, Franklin football take different paths to 4-1

in the network

a look at the biggest stories from the Cal-Hi SportStars Network

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CalHiSports.com

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New NorCal Football Top 20 debuts every Monday in October!

State volleyball rankings drop every Wednesday — who will lead NorCal?

Lexi Liebowitz and San Ramon water polo are the playoff kingpins.

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ELK GROVE - FOOTBALL - SENIOR The senior quarterback came up big in the Thundering Herd’s biggest game of the season thus far. He tossed three touchdown passes — two to Gavin Reinwald and one to Jonas McMillan — to lead a 24-17 Delta League victory over Grant-Sacramento. The victory kept the Herd’s league title hopes alive after it suffered a last-second loss to Davis one week earlier. The three scoring strikes gave Machado 13 TD passes against just two interceptions this season as Elk Grove has started 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the Delta League. Since winning the quarterback job as a junior, Machado has been efficient and effective in helping the Thundering Herd to a 17-2 record. He connected on 23 TD passes with just 3 INTs in 14 games as Elk Grove advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title game in 2015. The Machado-Reinwald connection has accounted for six scores this season, including at least one touchdown pass in four out of five games, and 19 TD passes in 19 career games together.

Skyler Jones: The San Ramon Valley-Danville freshman posted 10 goals, five assists and five steals over four games to lead the Wolves to the Capital Challenge water polo tournament title at Woodcreek-Roseville on Sept. 23-24.

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Tyriq Mack: The Heritage-Brentwood senior WR/DB helped the Patriots stay undefeated in a 54-21 win at Liberty on Sept. 30. He caught four passes for 76 yards and a touchdown on offense, and logged a pair of interceptions on defense. He returned his second interception 76 yards for a score.

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Already One Month In…

nd just like that, September was gone. Our first full month of the 2016-17 year in high school athletics was a pretty eventful one. This is always a time of year where I like to use this space to take note of what we’ve learned about the NorCal sporting landscape over the first five weeks. So let’s get to it. Here are five takeaways from September. 1. The West Catholic Athletic League is still REALLY good at girls volleyball — One year after the WCAL brought home three state titles (Archbishop Mitty-San Jose, Valley Christian-San Jose, Notre Dame-Belmont), it was hard to imagine the league could be capable of similar success. Even with Notre Dame having switched leagues, it’s not hard to imagine anymore. On Sept. 21, when Cal-Hi Sports debuted its first State Top 20 — in coordination with our NorCal Top 20 debut — the WCAL had five teams land in the state rankings. Those five — Mitty, St. Ignatius-S.F., Valley Christian, Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F. and Presentation-San Jose — make up half of the current NorCal top 10. Our full NorCal Top 20 can be found on page 18. 2. De La Salle football is … beatable? — Technically, yes. The Spartans suffered a 23-21 loss on a last-minute field goal to East-Salt Lake City on Sept. 16. But the more eye-opening result was a week later when Antioch came up just shy in a 28-21 De La Salle win on national TV. Look, De La Salle graduated a lot of talent from its dominant CIF Open Division Bowl title team of a year ago. While the Spartans have talent in a lot of places, much of it is young. Young Spartan teams have shown vulnerability, but they’ve also shown a tendency to grow up quickly. So while we say the Spartans are beatable, we’re not convinced a NorCal team is going to take them down. But the new NCS Open Division playoffs may draw a few more eyes. 3. Sara Choy may not be beatable — Remember this name. The Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton junior recently won two matches at the Battle of the Bay team tournament hosted by Monte VistaDanville on Oct. 1. Those victories improved her high school career record to an astounding 69-0. She’s already won a pair of Central Coast Section singles titles, and a third one seems inevitable. She did injury default out of a USTA event on Oct. 2, though. That may be the only thing that can slow her down. 4. San Ramon Valley girls water polo remains a juggernaut — With Lexi Liebowitz and Sarah Klass leading the way, the four-time defending North Coast Section Div. I champs haven’t lost a match since Oct. 27, 2015. The Wolves finished September with a record of 14-0. SRV will host Sac-Joaquin Section power, Davis (12-2 through Sept.), in what should be a very intriguing matchup on Oct. 7. 5. Sac-Joaquin Section football is only growing more competitive — The rise of the SJS as a dominant football region continues. Folsom, Del Oro-Loomis, Elk Grove and Grant-Sacramento have been the headliners, but the list of strong programs continues to grow. Teams which have been bottom feeders or middleof-the-road in the past are surging. Folsom had its 50-game SJS winning streak snapped by Sacramento, and Elk Grove was recently upset by Davis. We’re excited to see what sort of surprise results pop up over the second half of the season. Sara Choy Now, who’s ready for October? ✪

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

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YOUR TICKET TO CALIFORNIA SPORTS ADMIT ONE; RAIN OR SHINE This Vol. #7, October 2016 Whole No. 123 is published by Caliente! Communications, LLC, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521. SportStars™© 2010-2014 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 16 issues, U.S. 3rd class $35 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 per copy for $6 total fo bulk. Back issues are $4 each. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Publisher is strictly prohibited. The staff and management, including Board of Directors, of SportStars™© does not advocate or encourage the use of any product or service advertised herein for illegal purposes. Editorial contributions, photos and letters to the editor are welcome and should be addressed to the Editor. All material should be typed, double-spaced on disk or email and will be handled with reasonable care. For materials return, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. SportStars™© and STARS!™© Clinics are registered trademarks of Caliente! Communications, LLC.

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TOP 5 MOVIE-TO-TV PITCHES

Everything big is small again. Saw a trailer for FOX’s new brainchild, Lethal Weapon -- another smallscreen reboot of a once-popular feature film. TV-land, apparently, has taken Shakespeare’s advice to heart, and has completely given up on trying to generate an original idea. Why bother when you can just recycle things that worked 20 years ago, right? Kids these days don’t know about Danny Glover’s world-weary Roger Murtagh. Let’s slap them with a Wayans brother. Apropos of nothing related to sports, here are our top five choices for films to convert to TV shows. 1. Jaws (Buddy Story) — Chief Brody and the shark have buried the hatchet, and are now running a private detective agency specializing in aquatic crimes. Brody grumbles about typing all the reports. The shark brandishes his lack of thumbs. They have a bigger boat. 2. The Princess Bride (Family Drama) — 20 years after the fire swamp, Wesley and Buttercup are mired in a lackluster mahwidge, trying to rediscover the spark that led the Dread Pirate Roberts to battle Spaniards, Brutes, a Sicilian when death is on the line and ROUSes for her honor. Adult themes. 3. Any Given Sunday (Reality) — Oh wait. FOX already has the NFL. Maybe they could get another Wayans? 4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Police procedural) — Man. The crime scene team is having a heck of a time figuring out the blood spatter evidence. Hilarity ensues. 5. The Shining (Situational comedy) — Welcome back to the Overlook, where a cast of long-term residents (both real and imagined) hunker down for another winter of madcap tomfoolery. Take a break from your day-to-day with the wacky gang. All work and no play, and all that. — Bill “I’m gettin’ too old for this“ Kolb

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YOU CALLED IT We like to put out a poll out on Twitter to get your take on a what’s happening in this world of ours. This month we were curious what sports fans will be tuning in to. Our die-hard Cubs fan editor is shaking his head in disappointment. Our Broncos-loving designer thinks you’re all just jealous.

What sport has your attention this month?

39% 32% 25% 4%

NCAA Football NFL Major League Baseball When do the Warriors start?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

TRENDING What’s hot in the world of stuff that’s hot Now, never been big Bon Iver fans over here. Never heard them (him? her?). But after that track listing, it seems neck punchings are in order. For their (his? her?) own good.

We’ll comment on the presidential election as soon as we uncurl from the fetal position and stop crying. Should be any second now.

Creepy clowns are terrorizing part of the country. Meanwhile, in other Donald Trump news … heh. See? We’re better now. No more tears.

MILES HARRISON It’s been close to two years since Harrison played his last football game for Clayton Valley Charter-Concord — a 323-yard, five-TD performance in a 34-33 CIF Div. II State Bowl loss to Redlands-East Valley. He finished that season as a Cal-Hi Sports first-team All-State selection after rushing for 2,709 yards and 34 TDs. The 2015 grad was an obvious choice for the SportStars All-NorCal team that year and ranked No. 17 in our 2015 Bay Area 75. However, poor choices with a few teammates led to legal trouble over his last few months of school and Harrison dropped off the map. He’s since resurfaced this fall as a freshman with the Diablo Valley College Vikings in Pleasant Hill. He rushed 13 times for 133 yards and scored his first TD of the season in a 42-21 win over San Joaquin Delta on Sept. 30. DVC moved to 4-1 with the win.

There was the first perfect score in Dancing With The Stars history. I just wish Ryan Lochte would stop saying it was him. There’s video, Ryan. We know what happened.

Cam Newton being sued for trashing a rented mansion with a party. If you can sue Cam for trashing things, I mean there was that whole Super Bowl disaster.

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The Big Cover Up Timing & Impact: How To Decide Who Goes Out Front In A Magazine

t can be quite a thrill to be featured on the cover of a magazine, whether it’s a regional/statewide high school sports publication like SportStars, or Time Magazine. Former Pitman-Turlock three-sport standout Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers was on the cover of Time in late September, perhaps the most well-known weekly news magazine in the world. Kaepernick, who has raised the issue of what is an acceptable or unacceptable form of protest during the playing of the national anthem, was preceded on Time’s cover by a group of late-night comedians and political humorists. One week after Kaepernick’s cover it was Russian leader Vladimir Putin. For this issue of SportStars, it’s Pittsburg High football running back Montaz Thompson, who has begun the 2016 season looking arguably as much of an All-State player as nearby Najee Harris of Antioch. As a former national (Student Sports) and state (Cal-Hi Sports) magazine editor, the reasons for why someone is put on a cover can be myriad. My rule was always to look for at least three hooks in the actual story that was to be used for the cover: significance, human interest and timing. One of the best covers ever done at Student Sports came when it was decided to put LeBron James from St. Vincent-St. Mary’s of Akron, Ohio, front and center a few weeks before his junior season. Common practice for basketball is to wait for a player’s senior season to be on the cover, but we could tell that LeBron was more than special and saw an opportunity to present a cover story about him before any other magazine. It worked. With the headline “King James – A New Version,” the LeBron cover story we did was out six weeks before Sports Illustrated’s “The Chosen One.” For this issue of SportStars, editor Chace Bryson explained why Montaz Thompson was selected: “He’s on the verge of breaking several Pittsburg rushing records as the Pirates prepare for a grueling Bay Valley Athletic League schedule.” Another memorable one we did at Student Sports was when we got Junior Seau to do a cover shoot with us at Laguna Beach. He was just finished at USC, getting ready for the NFL draft and we paired him with a current top high school linebacker, which was Willie McGinest of Long Beach Poly. Willie, who now works for NFL Network, had some photos taken of himself on Junior’s shoulders. Willie later wore the same number (55) at USC and with the New England Patriots. If you’re wondering, the last former California athlete to be on Time Magazine’s cover before Kaepernick was the late Robin Williams from August of 2014. That was when the legendary actor/ comedian died in Marin County. Williams played soccer and ran cross country when he attended Redwood-Larkspur. Another recent former NorCal athlete to have appeared on Time’s cover was Jeremy Lin of Palo Alto (the NBA basketball player) in 2011. It was not a normal Time cover, however, because Lin wasn’t on the cover of Time’s U.S. and European editions. He was on the cover of its Asian editions. So who was on the cover that week for the U.S. and European editions: North Korea dictator, Kim Jong-un. Bet some of you never thought you’d ever see the name Kim Jong-un in SportStars. ✪ 10

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TOP 20 STATE RANKINGS

De La Salle’s Kairee Robinson breaks free for a big gain. (After games of Saturday, Oct. 1)

Santa Margarita-Rancho SM 4-1

11. (11) —

1. (1) — Centennial-Corona 4-1 Head coach Matt Logan’s team still has just a one-point loss to national No. 2 IMG Academy of Florida in a game the Huskies probably should have won.

Malone Mataele has returned two punts and two kickoffs back

2. (2) — St. John Bosco-Bellflower 4-1 Braves hammered NorCal power St. Mary’s-Stockton 55-16 and are awaiting clash with Mater Dei on Oct. 21.

After winning such a huge game over longtime rival Bellarmine

3. (3) — Mater Dei-Santa Ana 5-0 It’s been five easy wins and lots of points so far for the Monarchs, but teeth of schedule coming up in Trinity League.

There’s a good chance the Mustangs will be 9-0 when they play

4. (4) — Mission Viejo 5-0 Former Mater Dei QB Michael McDonald has emerged as a standout for the Diablos, who have won 33 straight games.

Tristan Gebbia had 512 yards passing in win over Valencia and

5. (5) — Narbonne-Harbor City 5-0 Gauchos moved in front of De La Salle after Spartans lost to team from Utah and have wins over Serra-Gardena and Long Beach Poly. 6. (6) — De La Salle-Concord 4-1 Still the Kings of the North despite close call vs. ServiteAnaheim, loss to team from Utah and 28-21 win vs. Antioch. It’ll take a loss to a NorCal team for the Spartans to finally drop from NorCal No. 1 ranking.

for touchdowns already this season. Santa Margarita’s only loss so far has been to No. 4 Mission Viejo. St. Francis-Mountain View 5-0

12. (12) —

Prep-San Jose, the Lancers need to avoid a letdown. Monte Vista-Danville 5-0

13. (13) —

at No. 6 De La Salle on Nov. 4. Calabasas 6-0

14. (14) —

went over 100 passing TDs for his career. He’s also almost to 10,000 career yards. Pittsburg 5-0

15. (15) —

One of 12 teams from last week’s state Top 25 that had a bye, the Pirates sail into Bay Valley Athletic League play at Deer Valley of Antioch this week with an undefeated record. Serra-Gardena 3-3

16. (19) ▲

One of the losses by the Cavaliers was to No. 5 Narbonne, and the other two were to out-of-state opponents. They just beat Loyola-Los Angeles 41-30.

7. (7) — Del Oro-Loomis 6-0 Heading into matchup with Folsom, Golden Eagles were into second week as being No. 1 in CIF Sac-Joaquin Section.

17. (18) ▲

8. (8) — Cathedral Catholic-San Diego 5-0 Head coach Sean Doyle’s team likely will be 8-0 heading into the showdown on Oct. 28 at St. Augustine.

their Southwestern League opener against Vista Murrieta.

9. (9) — St. Augustine-San Diego 5-0 We keep checking to see if the San Diego media poll might go with Cathedral Catholic at the top over the Saints, but votes still favor St. Augustine. We like having them right next to each other and will keep it that way as well until the two teams meet at the end of the month.

losses are to No. 8 Cathedral Catholic and to a top team from

10. (10) — Rancho Cucamonga 5-0 This team’s biggest win is the one over Murrieta Valley, which turned around the next week and knocked off Oaks ChristianWestlake Village when it was sitting at No. 9 in the state.

Murrieta Valley-Murrieta 3-2

Nighthawks had an extra week to enjoy their 70-62 win over No. 19 Oaks Christian, as well as an extra week to prepare for Helix-La Mesa 3-2

18. (17) ▼

This is the team that beat Clayton Valley at the Honor Bowl. Its Utah. Oaks Christian-Westlake Village 4-2

19. (NR) ▲

Soph WR Mycah Pittman tied a state record two weeks ago with 380 yards receiving. He tied record held by Sacramento’s Damen Wheeler. 20. (20) —

Clayton Valley-Concord 4-1

Ugly Eagles won their three games after the loss to Helix by a combined score of 152-15.

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ecause who doesn’t just want to put on their favorite superhero costume and run around? That’s the thinking behind the CASA Superhero Run, a benefit event for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children programs located in Shasta and Tehama Counties. The Superhero run is returning to Redding for its fourth year and will once again offer the Little Heroes Dash (which includes a cape and a pancake breakfast), the Superhero 5K run/walk and Superhero 10K run. This year’s run will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5, and begin at the Redding Civic Auditorium. Registration is open now at Run4Casa.com. Registration fees are $10 for Little Heroes, $20 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K. For those who can’t run, but still want to support the cause, a virtual runner’s entry can be purchased for $25. CASA is a national program which provides quality court advocacy services to abused and neglected children under the jurisdiction of the Dependency Court. Since its inception in 1977, the program has helped more than two million children across the country. ✪ — Photos provided by Run4Casa.com

Popular Superhero Run Returns To Redding For Fourth Year

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Redding Youth Lacrosse Registration Now Open! September-December: Register individual team(s) with a $50 deposit. RSVP now to avoid a wait list. Visit team registration page for more information.

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

Big League Dreams

November-January: Once the game schedule is published in late

MONSTER MASH: October 22-23. A great All Star

November or early December teams must pay balance of their

Tourhnament brings fast-pitch softball to Redding.

registration fees and may pre-order Jamboree Apparel through our

U10, U12, U14, U16. Bring your team or come

online store.

watch the action. www.allstartournaments.com

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Winning Its Own State-ment My dad gets all bothered because there are so many different football champions, but I don’t mind. I don’t see why it’s a problem – there are a lot of schools in California, and one of my friends said that Wyoming has almost no one living in it, and yet Wyoming has a state champion. So why not a Division V football champ in California? – R. S., Granite Bay

he CIF loves to hear you talk this way. All these championships, of course, do honor the fact that California has more people than any other state. So from a fairness standpoint, it does make sense to have several state champions in California, though of course it’s a real problem as to how to determine which teams wind up in which divisions. The ideal would be enrollment, but only in administrative reality do schools of similar enrollment really compete on the same playing field. Modesto Christian and Stone Ridge Christian have roughly the same enrollment, yet even your dad would have to admit they aren’t as close to the same level. But before anyone starts getting warm and fuzzy about CIF’s motivations, it’s also important to remember the proliferation of sports networks means that lots of programming is required to fill 24 hours a day. A high school state championship football game, whether it’s watered-down or the top two teams in the state, is going to get viewers.Done correctly, it might eventually be pos-

sible to sell the semifinal games as well, which is just more money in the bank for CIF and its various sections. All in all, though, I’m in favor of at least five state championships in California. The North Coast Section has around 150 schools, and anyone who wins that section title has accomplished something. Then to go on and win a state title, even if it’s against 200 schools in Division III statewide, is still a huge achievement. Let me add a personal note: I’ve been an assistant coach on four teams that played in state championship games, and it really didn’t matter that there were other state championships going on. Sure, “Hoosiers” is a wonderful movie, but the reality is, as Napoleon once said, that God is on the side of the big battalions. A school with 4,000 students is very likely going to beat a school with 400 students. Purists can argue, however, that California doesn’t crown a true state champion because of all the divisions. That’s true, but California is not alone. Almost every state has multiple divisions, and some have more divisions than California (with fewer schools). I don’t know if your school has a chance to play in a state championship game, but if it does, it won’t matter to your dad or anyone else that there are a bunch of other championship games going on. What will matter is winning that game, putting that banner up in the gym. Ten years from now, no one will ask about the division. ✪ Clay Kallam was 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.

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Rancho Cordova Is A Prime Destination For Gymnastics Events This Fall And Winter

resh off of the United States’ dominant effort at the Summer Olympics in Rio, interest in youth girls gymnastics is undoubtedly spiking. With the rising interest, it seems worth pointing out that some of the best run youth gymnastics events happen right here in Northern California. Rancho Cordova Tourism is proud to help facilitate a number of classics, invitational and championship events put on by Gymnastics and Acro of Fair Oaks (GAFO) and Technique Gymnastics. The schedule for the 2016-17 competition year is out and there are a number of events being hosted by Technique Gymnastics at its 38,000-square-foot facility — an ideal venue for elite competitions for both boys and girls of all ages. The next event on the schedule will take place this month. The Disco-Tech Invitational is set for Oct. 22-23 for gymnasts in compulsory Levels 2-5. The event is full and registration is closed, but spectators are still encouraged to come and try to spot a future Olympian. There will be five sessions on Saturday and six sessions on Sunday. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. each day and admission is $10 for adults, $7 for ages 6-16 and seniors 62 or over, and kids 5 and under are free. If your club or gymnast will be competing, be sure to check the Rancho Cordova Tourism website to find discounted hotel deals for competitors and families. The Golden State Classic will be the next big competition to follow the DiscoTech Invitational. The Classic will host girls from Levels 2 through 10 as well as competitors in divisions of the Xcel program run by USA Gymastics. All events hosted at Technique Gymnastics are USA Gymnastics events. The Golden State Classic takes place Jan. 6-8 and will feature two Friday sessions, and six sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. Registration is still open for the event which will feature nationally recognized judges, a modified capitol cup format, age group awards at each level, medals for all events, team banners awarded for each session and much, much more. Spectators are welcome as well. Get all the necessary information by visiting http://www.goldenstateclassic.com/. See the entire event calendar and more by visiting http://www.visitranchocordova.com/gafo-technique-gymnastics/ Technique Gymnastics is located at 11345 Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova. ✪

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eyes on t 16

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the prize punishing strength, burning speed & relentless drive have montaz thompson in reach of school records as pittsburg chases another crown

he eyes have it. They belong to Pittsburg High running back Montaz Thompson, and on the football field they never stop moving. They dart one way, seeking out the hole that the play call is designed to create. They dart another, trying to find the small opening that may develop elsewhere. Sometimes, they stare straight ahead, directly at taller, heavier defensive linemen only inches away. The feet follow the eyes. Always pumping, like pistons on an engine, they propel Thompson left, stop on a dime, then propel Thompson into the air and slightly backwards again to his left. Then a jitter, a hesitation, then another back-and-to-the-left dart. All of this on a left foot Thompson sprained on his first carry on this Sept. 23 night against Vacaville High, the one so heavily bandaged it covers his shoe. But the eyes and the feet have done their job, and now the eyes see only one thing. Green grass ahead. Thompson is alone, ahead of Vacaville High defenders, en route 65 yards to the 5-yard line. “Normally, I’d have gone all the way,” he says after Pittsburg’s 42-31 win over the Bulldogs, “but my foot slowed me down.” In 2016, it’s about the only thing that has.

story by james g. kane photos by phillip walton

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Thompson, a 5-foot-8, and San Diego State are showing the 185-pound package of muscle most interest. and moves, has spent the first Nevertheless, he is anything but half of his senior campaign estabsmall. His thighs, thick like trees Pittsburg Single-Season Rushing lishing himself as one of the top after a summer of training that inrunners in the state, not to mencluded pulling car tires up a steep hill Regular season only, through Sept. 2016 tion in running-back loaded East behind Pittsburg High in 100-degree Player Yards Season Contra Costa County. heat, punish opposing defenders like Harris Ross 1,831 2013 He’s totaled 1,170 yards in battering rams. His compact frame Derrick Blanche 1,692 2004 Pittsburg’s first five games, the keeps his center of gravity low, enfourth-highest total in the state MONTAZ THOMPSON 1,412 2015 hancing his balance and making it through the first five weeks and Romont Taylor 1,333 2005 almost impossible for the first desecond in the North Coast SecVernon Williams 1,308 1999 fender to him to bring him down. tion behind Moreau Catholic“Very tough to tackle, and in space, Hayward’s Jullen Ison (1,318). Pittsburg Career Rushing just about impossible,” says former Thompson also was third in the Pirates and Clayton Valley coach state and the leader in Northern Regular season only, through Sept. 2016 California with 17 touchdowns Herc Pardi, who has seen the best of Player Yards Seasons (16 rushing). the East Bay for 40 years. “Great balHarris Ross 2,659 2012-13 In the season’s first half, he’s ance, great agility. And so, so strong. MONTAZ THOMPSON 2,582 2015-16 outrushed and outscored Antioch He’s like all those Pittsburg backs — Ken Simonton 2,470 1994-96 High running back Najee Harris you think he’s small, but it’s like try(1,074, 15 touchdowns), the naBrian Robinson 2,412 2001-03 ing to tackle a moving fire hydrant.” tion’s top recruit; and Freedom Derrick Blanche 2,306 2002-04 In fact, it may be Thompson’s High of Oakley’s Ronnie Rivers strength and will that has personified (631, 12 touchdowns), the son of Pittsburg’s undefeated start. Take the Pittsburg Single-Season Rush TDs former NFL running back Ron Pirates’ contest against Vacaville. On Rivers. Regular season only, through Sept. 2016 the first play, Thompson’s eyes spied Thompson also inserted himPlayer TDs Season a huge hole to the right on a delayed self into the discussion about the draw, and Thompson zipped 46 Derrick Blanche 21 2004 greatest Pittsburg running backs, yards, only to have his ankle roll over a group that includes former Percy McGee 17 1991 on the tackle. 49ers star John Henry Johnson MONTAZ THOMPSON 16 2016 and former NFL Europe MVP Screaming in pain after the play, Denny Pappas 15 1944 Ken Simonton. Thompson missed most of the next “It’s a blessing, because I’m a three series. The Pirates soon were Romont Taylor 15 2005 senior, and I want to be a leader,” agonizing, too, down 24-14 on the Thompson said. “Coach told me road against a good team. But a few Pittsburg Career Rushing TDs the best way to do that is to take breaks — a 17-yard-Vacaville punt those expectations and not back Regular season only, through Sept. 2016 from its 2 after the Pirates failed to down from them, but welcome Players TDs Seasons score following Thompson’s 65-yard them. I need to take on that reKen Simonton 30 1994-96 run was the biggest — put them on sponsibility (of being a leader) the Vacaville 5 late in the opening Brian Robinson 30 2001-03 because what I do, others on our half with a chance to go ahead. MONTAZ THOMPSON 30 2015-16 team will follow. It’s why we have Thompson got the ball again, only a really good team this year.” George Jordan 29 1993-95 this time with no holes to his left or It’s also why he will close out Derrick Blanche 29 2002-04 his right, and only two big linemen his career atop Pittsburg’s all-time in front. The man with a thousand rushing list, barring a season-ending injury. He needs just 78 yards in the Pirates’ next contest jukes goes old-fashioned, driving straight into the heart of the to attain the throne. Only 2013 grad Harris Ross (2,659 career defense, legs chugging, defense and mass of players moving yards) has rushed for more than Thompson’s 2,582. Playoff stats until, on sheer will ... touchdown. are not included in Pittsburg’s record totals. “That was a big one for us,” Galli said. “He went through “He has incredible God-given talent in what he sees and some real adversity out there, our whole team did, and to get how he runs,” Pittsburg offensive coordinator Mike Orlando out of the half with the lead was big. We need to be better, but says. “His vision is incredible. All he needs is a tiny piece of that says a lot about who we are and the heart we have. He space, and if it’s there, he’ll see that. Now you combine that represents that.” with balance that is phenomenal and game speed that’s off the Which is why the Pirates were happy to receive a two-week charts. He’s got a toolbox, and he has all the tools.” break after the Vacaville win. Thompson says his ankle will be They’ve been there pretty much since the first time Thompson put on pads — he once scored 11 touchdowns as an fine but concedes the week off couldn’t have come at a better 11-year-old in Pop Warner — and they compensate for a body time. The Pirates, the last North Coast Section team to beat size that’s one of the few things about him that’s not eye-pop- mighty De La Salle — in 1991 — are thinking grand thoughts a quarter-century later, and Thompson has other great running ping. “Put him in a 6-foot-2 body with 220 pounds and Pac-12 backs in the area to keep up with. “My biggest desire is to win,” Thompson says. “And really, I teams are knocking down his door,” Pirates head coach Vic Galli said. As it is, Thompson says Sacramento State, Montana think the best is still to come.” ✪

\within reach

Records are through Oct. 1 1. (1)

— De La Salle-Concord

4-1

2. (2)

— Del Oro-Loomis

6-0

3. (3)

— St. Francis-Mountian View

5-0

4. (4)

— Clayton Valley Charter-Concord

4-1

5. (5)

— St. Mary’s-Stockton

4-1

6. (6)

— Monte Vista-Danville

5-0

7. (7)

— Pittsburg

5-0

8. (8)

— Folsom

4-1

9. (9)

— Valley Christian-San Jose

5-0

10. (10) — Bellarmine-San Jose

3-2

11. (11) — Oak Ridge-El Dorado HIlls

4-1

12. (13) ▲

Elk Grove

4-1

13. (14) ▲ Antioch

3-2

14. (17) ▲ Freedom-Oakley

5-0

15. (16) ▲ Sacramento

4-1

16. (18) ▲

4-1

California-San Ramon

17. (12) ▼ Milpitas

5-1

18. (19) ▲ Sutter

5-0

19. (20) ▲ Jesuit-Carmichael

4-1

20. (NR) ▲ Miramonte-Orinda

5-0

DROPPED OUT: No. 15 Grant-Sacramento 5 TEAMS KNOCKING (alphabetically): American Canyon (5-0), Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (4-1), Heritage-Brentwood (6-0), Roseville (5-0) and San Benito-Hollister (6-0)

BIGGEST MOVER: No. 10 Bellarmine keeps its spot at No. 10 despite a 21-12 loss to No. 3 St. Francis. The Bells only losses are single-digit defeats to St. Francis and No. 2 Del Oro (16-14). Freedom was the biggest upward mover, climbing three spots to No. 14, right behind Antioch, who the Falcons will face Oct. 7 in a key Bay Valley Athletic League opener. Miramonte is the only new team at No. 20, and faces No. 4 Clayton Valley on Oct. 7. PRESEASON TOP 20 TEAMS REMAINING: 13

SportStars™

October 2016

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CAL-HI SPORTS BOYS TOP 20 SENIORS (CLASS OF 2017) As part of the growing partnership now known as the Cal-HiSportStars Network, we’re going to be showcasing more of the fine state-wide coverage that Cal-Hi Sports provides. Cal-Hi managing editor and boys basketball guru, Ronnie Flores, just recently finished up releasing the 2016-17 school year’s first top 100 player rankings for both seniors and juniors, as well as a top 65 list for sophomores. In order to view the full lists, you have to be a member of the Cal-Hi Sports Gold Club ($24.99/ year or $9.99/three months). However, thanks to the new Network, we’re giving SportStars readers a peek at the top 20 seniors, top 10 juniors and top 5 sophomores. We’ve included analysis on some of the players as well A quick note on the rankings process, via Flores: The first 2017 Cal-Hi Sports Hot 100 for the 2016-17 school year is based on evaluations from this past summer’s NCAA viewing periods and non-viewing showcases since June. These rankings are based on college potential, not high school performance, although the baseline of where we begin with each prospect begins with high school basketball. Enjoy, hoops fans!

1. BRANDON MCCOY

11. IRA LEE

Cathedral Catholic-San Diego, 6-11, Power Forward CAL-HI ANALYSIS: He’s the player we still rate as California’s top overall prospect. The Cathedral Catholic standout is the only returning player from the first 10 elite team all-state picks of last season after averaging 21.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game for a 21-7 team that advanced to the San Diego Section Open Division title game.

Crossroads-Santa Monica, 6-8, Power Forward

2. GARY TRENT JR.

14. DAMARI MILSTEAD

Prolific Prep-Napa, 6-5, Shooting Guard

Moreau Catholic-Hayward, 6-2, Point Guard SPORTSTARS ANALYSIS: The versatile guard averaged 19.1 points and 5.4 assists as a junior to help the Mariners go 25-5 and win the North Coast Section Div. III title. The soon-to-be four-year starter was named to Third Team All-State Elite by Cal-Hi Sports and was a First Team AllNorCal selection by SportStars.

3. JALEN HANDS Foothills Christian-El Cajon, 6-2, Point Guard, UCLA

4. PAUL SCRUGGS Prolific Prep-Napa, 6-3, Point Guard CAL-HI ANALYSIS: A point guard who transferred in from SouthportIndianapolis of Indiana. Similar to football in Texas, media and basketball fans in the Hoosier State don’t take too kindly to transferring, and Suggs’ move West created quite a stir back home. These recent moves are part of the growing trend of elite high school prospects no longer playing for state association member programs around the country.

5. CODY RILEY

12. REMY MARTIN Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth, 5-11, Point Guard, ARIZONA ST.

13. ELI SCOTT Chino Hills, 6-5, Small Forward, LOYOLA MARYMOUNT

15. DEVANTE DOUTRIVE Birmingham-Van Nuys, 6-5, Small Forward

16. JUSTICE SUEING Mater Dei-Santa Ana, 6-7, Small Forward

17. EVAN BATTERY Villa Park, 6-7, Power Foward

Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth, 6-8, Power Forward

18. JORDAN SCHAKEL

6. JEMARI BAKER

Bishop Montgomery-Torrance, 6-5, Small Forward, SAN DIEGO ST.

Roosevelt-Corona, 6-3, Shooting Guard, CAL CAL-HI ANALYSIS: The future Golden Bear nearly transferred to Mater Dei. Baker put in his enrollment paperwork, but later decided to stay put at Roosevelt, a move that obviously keeps the Mustangs as a great bet to participate in the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoffs once again this season.

7. ETHAN THOMPSON Bishop Montgomery-Torrance, 6-4, Shooting Guard, OREGON ST.

8. ABU KIGAB Prolific Prep-Napa, 6-7, Small Forward

9. JALEN HILL

19. GREG FLOYD JR. Middlebrooks Academy-L.A., 6-8, Small Forward

20. JADE’ SMITH St. Joseph Notre Dame-Ala., 5-11, Point Guard, PEPPERDINE SPORTSTARS ANALYSIS: Smith was a SportStars All-NorCal and Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underlcass selection after leading the Pilots to 30 wins and a CIF Div. V state title as a junior. Smith scored 21 in the state final and finished the 2015-16 season with averages of 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists and five steals.

Centennial-Corona, 6-9, Center, UCLA

10. SOULEY BOUM Oakland Tech, 6-3, Shooting Guard SPORTSTARS ANALYSIS: The two-time Oakland Athletic League MVP is coming off a junior season in which he averaged 21.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 25 games for the Bulldogs. He was a Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass selection and a SportStars All-NorCal honoree last season.

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October 2016

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Moreau Catholic’s Damari Milstead was first-team All-NorCal by SportStars last season. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

S HOOPS HOT 100 TOP 10 JUNIORS (CLASS OF 2018) MARVIN BAGLEY III

3. AMADOU DOW

Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth, 6-10, Power Forward ANALYSIS: Bagley hasn’t played varsity high school basketball in California yet, but is unanimously considered the top prospect in the national 2018 class. Bagley will also be immediately eligible in the fall for Sierra Canyon, after he was initially ruled by the CIF he had to sit out one calendar year.

2. JORDAN BROWN Woodcreek-Roseville, 6-10, Power Forward ANALYSIS: Brown has been named class player of the year by Cal-Hi Sports the past two years and just won another gold medal with USA Basketball in the FIBA 17U World Championships in Spain. He is considered a top-10 national prospect and some feel he is only a notch behind Bagley.

Bishop Montgomery’s David Singleton

Prolific Prep-Napa, 6-8, Power Forward

4. DAVID SINGLETON Bishop Montgomery-Torrance, 6-3, Shooting Guard ANALYSIS: He had a breakout sophomore campaign for a Knights team which closed the 2015-16 season as the No. 2 team in the state. Singleton was the South Bay Daily Breeze Player of the Year as a sophomore and is arguably the best scoring guard in the class.

5. TAESHON CHERRY St. Augustine-San Diego, 6-8, Small Forward

6. JULES BERNARD Windward-L.A., 6-5, Shooting Guard

7. BRANDON WILLIAMS Crespi-Encino, 6-1, Shooting Guard

8. MILES NORRIS Helix-La Mesa, 6-9, Power Forward

9. JAMES AKINJO Salesian-Richmond, 5-11, Point Guard

10. SPENCER FREEDMAN Mater Dei-Sanata Ana, 6-0, Point Guard

TOP 5 SOPHOMORES (CLASS OF 2019) 1. ONYEKA OKONGWU

3. CARL LEWIS

Chino Hills, 6-9, Power Forward ANALYSIS: Last year’s Cal-Hi Sports State Freshman of the Year from the defending mythical national champion, “The Big O” averaged 7.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.1 blocks for a 35-0 team that opened ranked No. 1 in the state. For those who saw the Huskies more than once, it was pretty obvious Okongwu helped make a good team great with his ability to clog the lane while staying out of foul trouble and his defensive timing. His summer performance for the Compton Magic 17U team was another key factor in him taking the top spot, as he often was the program’s most steady performer.

Lynwood, 6-9, Center

2. CASSIUS STANLEY Harvard-Westlake-North Hollywood, 6-4, Shooting Guard

4. RAYMOND HAWKINS Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, 6-9, Center ANALYSIS: He returns to a club that should be one of NorCal’s best. The 6-foot-9 Hawkins didn’t set the world on fire as a freshman, but he’s still oozing with potential. If the Dragons are going to fare well in some of their top showcase games this year, Hawkins will need to step up.

5. ETHAN ANDERSON Fairfax-L.A., 6-0, Point Guard

Chino Hills’ Onyeka Okongwu PHOTOS THIS PAGE: Louis Lopez/CSM/Zuma Wire

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October 2016

SportStars™

Ball of Confusion

Making Sense Of The Sac-Joaquin Playoff Selection Process

ong, long ago, a good high school season meant winning the league championship. There might’ve been some kind of postseason playoff, but basically it was about being the best in your area. Obviously, that has changed. Just like professional sports, it’s all about the postseason. How you do in the playoffs is generally the measure of a team. You can stumble along, finish a little above .500, and then get hot during section playoffs, qualify for NorCals, win a couple games and everybody goes home happy. But what complicates this equation is California’s 10 sections operate as independent fiefdoms, each with its own rules and regulations, and each with its arcane calculations to determine who goes in to postseason. For example, the Southern Section is a leader in “competitive equity,” which means that teams are assigned to divisions not by enrollment but rather by achievements. This resulted in last year’s Division II boys’ state championship game matching 4,500-student Long Beach Poly against Serra-San Mateo, which had fewer than 900 boys enrolled. There’s a lot to be said for the competitive equity model, and most sections are moving in that direction, however slowly — but it is hard to keep up. Since the Sac-Joaquin Section is becoming the regional power in girls basketball, it seemed like a good idea to find out just how the SJS works its postseason. That turned out to be quite a task. Sac-Joaquin director of communications Will DeBoard and I spent close to an hour talking about just how the playoffs

SportStars™

October 2016

work, and he helped me understand what the latest changes mean for Sac-Joaquin teams, and by extension, all of NorCal. First, SJS does not have an Open division, which means that teams competing for state championships and Divisions I through IV are all thrown into the same big pot. But how do they get there? Unlike North Coast Section, where any team with a .500 record overall, in the league, or in its own division, can apply for the postseason — and most will get in — Sac-Joaquin goes by league performance. There are 16 leagues in the top four divisions, and the top three finishers in each league automatically qualify for postseason. In addition, some leagues get four representatives. Further scrambling the calculation, a school that has more than 600 students but is, for a variety of reasons, assigned to a Division V, VI or VII league will be added to the Divisions I through IV playoff mix if it finishes in the top three in its league. Simple enough, I guess. But remember that the top four teams in each division qualify for NorCals, so getting to the divisional semifinals is a pretty big deal. Last year, the system unfortunately matched two of the top teams in Sac-Joaquin in the quarterfinals — Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills and McClatchy-Sacramento. The loser was done for the season, while the winner was guaranteed a spot in NorCals. So a couple of tweaks were made, but Sac-Joaquin still does something different once it determines which teams have qualified for the playoffs (and that will be at

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least 64, and maybe as many as 68 or 70 teams). First, if there are more than 64 teams, out-bracket games are added to each division, in order. So if 65 teams qualify for the playoffs, then there will be 17 teams in the Division I bracket, with one out-bracket game to start the tournament. If 66 teams qualify, then Division II will have an out-bracket game, and so on. But here’s the kicker: Teams are assigned to regular-season divisions and leagues on the basis of geography and enrollment. Sometimes that means a school with enough students to make it a Division I entry will wind up in a Division II league. Come postseason however, that gets thrown out the window and the teams are ranked by enrollment. The top 16 are Division I, regardless of what division there league has been all year. That means team 17 could have been in a Division I league, but will be Division II in postseason. It also means that a team that was Division III, say, could wind up in the Division II playoffs. Even more confusing, a school won’t know what division it will be assigned to until the seeding meeting on the Sunday before section playoffs begin. Now if you’ve wrapped your head around all that, not only will you score very well on the SATs, but you’re going to have to make a further adjustment. Two teams are guaranteed to be Division I this year and next, as long as they qualify for the playoffs. Those two teams are St. Mary’s-Stockton and Brookside Christian-Sacramento, both of which played in the NorCal Open Division last year. The section added a rule that any team that plays in the Open Division must be Division I the next year, and unless they miss the playoffs entirely, the year after as well. And it doesn’t stop there. Five teams are locked into Division II, regardless of enrollment (Del Oro, Modesto Christian, Sacramento, Vanden and Wood), four are Division III-bound (Christian Brothers, Hiram Johnson, Valley and Bradshaw Christian) and Central Catholic is set for Div. IV And we haven’t even gotten into the seeding of those four playoff brackets, which is done by a committee of seven (anonymous) people who not only do girls basketball, but also boys basketball, football, volleyball and so on. That discussion however is for another time. This has been brain-bending enough. ✪ Naje Murray and St. Mary’s-Stockton are one of a few teams who actually know their SJS playoff division already.

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October 2016

SportStars™

COME & RIDE! Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area 1300 White Rock Road Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/ prairiecity

State Vehicle Recreation Areas A Perfect Place To Discover, Use Newest Eco-Friendly Motorcycles

urn the key to start the motor. Do you hear it? Shockingly, you will hear only the sound of silence. Imagine seeing riders on motorcycles but hearing no engine. Electric vehicles create the sound of silence in your neighborhood, on the streets, and at off-highway vehicle (OHV) parks. Electric vehicles, such as Zero Motorcycles, are making this possible. Through technology, people can enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation in OHV parks while reducing the use of fossil fuels or greenhouse gas emissions to protect the environment. One goal of California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division is to reduce the use of carbon fuels for sustainability of parks so future generations can continue to enjoy recreating on spectacular public lands. With the goal of creating a sustainable future for OHV recreation in mind, the staff at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) purchased two Zero electric motorcycles in 2015 that rangers ride to patrol the park. The Zero motorcycles get plenty of notice from park visitors. With dual sport tires, Zero motorcycles can operate on dirt trails and paved streets. It’s easy to ride, with no clutch to reduce fatigue. And better yet, no gasoline

SportStars™

October 2016

or oil. With its sleek, sporty design, the bike features Bluetooth compatibility which allows the rider to control the torque and speed directly from their smartphone. To fuel the bike, all the rider has to do is simply plug into an electrical outlet. The company, Zero, strives “to produce high performance electric motorcycles that are lightweight, efficient, fast off the line and fun to ride.” The Zero motorcycles used by Prairie City SVRA Rangers have a different look than the typical motocross bike. However, another company is taking it up a notch. Alta Motors offers an electric motocross bike. This bike is meant to meet the needs of the motocross community and maybe one day you will see it on Prairie City’s motocross professional track. Both of these bikes show how future generations of OHV users can reduce their CO2 footprint and global warming. By using technology such as zero emission vehicles on the trails, California State Parks is helping to create a more sustainable and quiet world. Electric vehicles allow all of us to enjoy the outdoors, whether it is motorized or non-motorized recreation. So, turn the key on a zero emission dirt bike and electrify your fun! ✪ — Copy and photo provided by Prairie City SVRA staff, California State Parks

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crunch-time kids

Dublin In Midst Of Best Ever Start — Because No Team Has Been Better With The Match On The Line

here is something about five-game matches that kicks Dublin High’s girls volleyball team into overdrive. Again and again and again. The Gaels have made an emphatic entry into the highly competitive East Bay Athletic League, showing a knack for long-form wins. Each of their first five victories as new league members were fivegame thrillers, capped with an epic home-court win over San Ramon Valley-Danville. It’s their magic number — 5-for-5, in five-gamers. It’s a remarkable start to life in the EBAL. “What Dublin has done is very impressive; I’ve never heard of a team doing that before,” said San Ramon Valley coach Brian Fujinaga of the Gaels five-win start. He has seen his share of tight volleyball matches in nearly 20 years of coaching in the East Bay.

every time.” 5 e am G in w to g in o e 5 team. We are g am G a e ar e W : o tt o m “We have a y Bruce — Dublin senior Haile

story by mike wood photos by phillip walton

SportStars™

October 2016

Dublin’s players say they thrive when it’s crunch time. If their backs are against the proverbial wall, they won’t concede that notion. “We have a motto: We are a Game 5 team,” Gaels senior opposite hitter Hailey Bruce said emphatically. “We are going to win Game 5 every time.” The Gaels’ match with San Ramon Valley was volleyball at its tensest, walking-the-win-or-lose-highwire best, with a final game where the momentum repeatedly teetered from team to team. The end result was a marathon 16-25, 25-10, 26-24, 22-25, 18-16 Gaels win, their 16th straight to open the season.

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The Dublin volleyball team celebrates a point during its match at Monte Vista on Sept. 27.

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October 2016

SportStarsâ&#x201E;˘

During their 16-0 start to the season, the Gaels won seven matches that went to a decisive game— a third set in tournament play, and fifth set during league matches. Here’s a closer look at how those seven matches played out.

Records are through Oct. 1 1. (1)

— Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

19-3

2. (2)

— Notre Dame-Belmont

17-7

3. (3)

— St. Ignatius

17-4

4. (4)

— Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills

19-4

5. (7)

▲

Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F.

16-3

6. (6)

— Menlo-Atherton-Atherton

7. (5)

▼

Valley Chrstian-San Jose

13-7

8. (9)

▲

Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove

18-2

9. (11)

▲

Marin Catholic-Kentfield

15-4

10. (8)

▼

Presentation-San Jose

18-6

12-4

11. (10) ▼ Pitman-Turlock

15-1

12. (13) ▲

10-2

Christian Brothers-Sacramento

13. (20) ▲ Foothill-Pleasanton

16-4

14. (12) ▼

10-4

Monte Vista-Danville

15. (14) ▼ Campolindo-Moraga

13-6

16. (NR) ▲ Tracy

20-3

17. (15) ▼

Menlo School-Atherton

15-5

18. (19) ▲

Del Oro-Loomis

14-4

19. (17) ▼ Dublin

17-1

20. (18) ▼ Rocklin

14-5

DROPPED OUT: No. 16 Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton BIGGEST MOVER: Foothill-Pleasanton takes the honor this week, climbing seven spots to No. 13 after a few weeks at No. 20. The Falcons make the big leap after sweeping former No. 12 Monte Vista-Danville in three sets on Sept. 29. That was just two days after Monte Vista had handed then-No. 17 Dublin its first loss of the season. Tracy is the lone newcomer, debuting at No. 16. The Bulldogs haven’t lost to a NorCal team and the combined record of the three teams to beat them is 68-15. 5 TEAMS KNOCKING (alphabetically): Acalanes-Lafayette (11-5), Branson-Ross (11-5), St. Francis-Mountain View (159), Turlock (13-4) and Whitney-Rocklin (13-4)

SportStars™

October 2016

DATE OPPONENT SCORES

RESULTING RECORD

Sept. 3

Placer*

25-20, 22-25, 15-13

6-0

Sept. 3

Chico*

25-16, 20-25, 15-10

11-0

Sept. 6

Foothill-Pleasanton

23-25, 27-25, 15-25, 25-23, 15-8

12-0

Sept. 8

Livermore

25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 16-25, 15-11

13-0

Sept. 13 Granada-Livermore

25-18, 24-26, 25-13, 20-25, 15-11

14-0

Sept. 15 Amador Valley-Pleasanton

25-18, 24-26, 25-13, 20-25, 15-11

15-0

Sept. 22 San Ramon Valley-Danville

16-25, 25-10, 26-24, 22-25, 18-16

16-0

*—Chico Invitational Volleyball Tournament

“This definitely feels great,” said junior outside hitter Breyan Ashley, enjoying the aftermath of the Gaels’ win, which was one to relish. The Wolves have reached the NCS Division I championship match seven of the last nine seasons, winning three titles in that span. Upstart Dublin has yet to win a league title in girls volleyball, much less an NCS crown. Ashley often is the driving force. The Sept. 22 matchup with San Ramon Valley on Sept. 22 was a strong case in point. Though Dublin led game 5 early, it was San Ramon Valley that seized the advantage, fueled by 6-foot-1 middle blocker Maddie Sehrt. Her powerful hitting helped set the Wolves up with three match-point opportunities, as San Ramon Valley held leads of 14-12 and 16-15. Upon following behind 16-15, Ashley proceeded to rattle off three successive kills — each with added emphasis — to give the Gaels what at times appeared to be an improbable win. “Ashley was really fantastic against us,” Fujinaga said. “She was hitting with authority, passing really well. ... It was really impressive, even from the vantage point of the opposing coach.” However, nothing comes easily in the EBAL. In its following league match, Dublin (16-1 overall, 5-1 in league matches) finally met defeat for the first time this season, a 28-26, 25-19, 25-23 loss to two-time defending NCS champion Monte Vista-Danville on Sept. 27. Another day, another combative match in the EBAL. “It’s a compliment to the level of competition in this league, and it is a compliment to to the work our girls have put in,” Dublin coach Amy Lopez said of her team’s impressive start. Barely a month into the season, the impact of NCS-realignment newcomers, Dublin and Dougherty Valley (which is 13-5 overall and 4-2 in the EBAL), has been felt. A year ago, Dublin went 14-14 overall and 3-9 as a member of the Diablo Foothill Athletic League, a record that placed them sixth in the seven-team league. Though the Gaels were paired with the likes of area power CampolindoMoraga in their old league, their new one is chock full of competitive NCS Division I schools. “With Dublin, a lot of us didn’t know what to expect when it came into the EBAL,” Fujinaga said. “I don’t think anyone was ready for how good Dublin is.” Success starts with a good foundation, and nine of Dublin’s players were on the team last season. Several have played together on club teams and back through middle school. They are almost like family. Breyan “It’s our family bond that comes out when we’re in these close situations,” Ashley senior middle blocker and outside hitter Ashley Hedt said. Having the stamina to thrive in a fifth game is important to Lopez, who started at Dublin in 2004 as athletic trainer and was co-head coach with Andrea Ramirez for the previous four seasons. Ramirez decided to step away from the high school game after last season to focus on club coaching, so Lopez is now Dublin’s sole head coach. “Conditioning is such a huge aspect of my overall theme of the program.” Lopez said. “We are very lucky this year to have added a strength and conditioning coach to our staff at Dublin who has been a great addition. But even prior to this season, I placed a lot of time and effort into conditioning. Conditioning wins matches.” And it builds confidence. “As a team we set a goal that we’re never going to lose a game 5,” Hedt said. “So far it’s working. It’s something we work on it at practice, so when it happens, we are prepared.” The team’s solid start has sparked a spirited fan base at the school. Lopez points to the work of assistant coach Kelly Beck, who teaches leadership at the school, in building supportive crowds both at home and at road games. “It’s a special time to be at Dublin right now,” Lopez said. ✪ Subscribe to S360 at SportStarsOnline.com

MIDDLE

SCHOOL MAULERS

Placer Valley To Play Host To The West Region Of The FBU National Championships In December Placer Valley has been selected as a host region for the West bracket of the Football University (FBU) National Championship. Twenty-four all-star youth teams showcasing 6th, 7th and 8th grade football stars will take to the fields on Dec. 2-5 in hopes of moving onto the National Championships in Naples, Florida, starting Dec. 17. The Path to Naples is the theme of this year’s FBU National Championship, and stand-out youth football players from coast to coast will be vying to reach that path. The first three rounds take place across four regional locales — Midwest, West, South and East — with a total of 192 teams battling it out. “We are thrilled Placer Valley is West Region host,” said Douglas Berman, Chairman of All-American Games (AAG), the organization that owns and produces the FBU National Championships. “We know that our youth athletes and their families will have an amazing time there, and the facilities and venues available are world-class.” Teams from San Diego, the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Sacramento, Nevada, Oregon and Washington are slated for the West bracket. Games in Placer Valley will be played at both the Ostrom Football Stadium at Sierra College in Rocklin and Mahany Park AllWeather Field in Roseville. Serving as the perfect ending to the youth football season, this is one event you truly won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars and come watch the country’s football stars of the future take the fields in Placer Valley! ✪

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October 2016

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It’s A Bonanza Traditionally a hugely popular sport on the East Coast, lacrosse has been inching its way west over the past few decades and is now one of the fastest growing sports on the West Coast. Tenacity Project, a premier all-girls lacrosse club with four separate locations that specialize in competitive programs and camps, has been a driving force in helping this sport grow in the Sacramento region. Currently Tenacity Project is gearing up to host its 5th Annual Bonanza Tournament in Placer Valley on Nov. 5-6. Seventy teams are expected to compete, and the players will be coming from California, Oregon, Washington, Utah and possibly even a few more states. There will be six different divisions ranging from U9 through elite level high school players. “The top division is made up of elite college prospects and players who have already committed to playing at some level in college,” said Chelsea Randel, the East Bay Program & Event Coordinator for Tenacity Project. “We will have many college coaches in attendance this year looking at possible recruits.” Bonanza has earned a reputation as the most competitive fall tournament in the West for both high school and middle school clubs. All teams will have a four-game guarantee and the tournament will follow a championship format. “We are thrilled to be hosting Bonanza in Placer Valley, at Cherry Island Soccer Complex,” Tenacity Project office coordinator, Carlin Ober said. “It is a great exhibition of West Coast girls lacrosse. Placer Valley has been a great host for us and our partners Nike, STX, SlingIt Lacrosse, Muscle Milk and the One Love Foundation, all who are working to support our mission to empower girls through sports.” ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism

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October 2016

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Two SJS Delta League Teams Reach 4-1 Records Via Very Different Paths

Sheldon’s Chance LaChappelle

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October 2016

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uccess on the football field has been the norm for Joe Cattolico and Mike Johnson, two Elk Grove Unified School District football coaches who have built football programs from the ground up. The pair have accumulated many more wins than losses in their time leading local athletes, and both have understood that getting W’s is much more than X’s and O’s. The two coaches — with more than 20 years combined experience roaming the sidelines in the rapidly-growing suburb south of Sacramento — faced off in a Sept. 30 showdown that was as much of a mental challenge away from the Friday night lights as it was a grueling physical confrontation on the gridiron. This time, Johnson and his Franklin Wildcats prevailed 20-17 over Cattolico and the Sheldon Huskies that left both teams with identical 4-1 overall records and 1-1 marks in Delta League action. But the path to that same place in the standings was vastly different for the veteran coaches.

HUSKIES RISING After four games, including a league battle with Monterey Trail-Elk Grove (one of the many solid football programs in the EGUSD), Sheldon found itself undefeated in the Huskies’ first season under Cattolico. The coach who built Pleasant GroveElk Grove into a perennial contender that played in three Sac-Joaquin Section Division I finals (winning the 2010 title) took over a program that had only twice posted an overall winning record since 2006. While Cattolico was leading the Eagles to new football heights, the Huskies could only hope or wish for the success other teams on campus enjoyed. Sheldon rose as a boys basketball powerhouse that regularly won SJS titles and sent players to Division I schools, as well as a softball juggernaut with multiple section championships. So, when head football coach Herbie Berry retired after the 2015 season, Cattolico decided that the timing — and location — was right to return to the sidelines after stepping down at Pleasant Grove after the 2013 season. “When I heard that (Cattolico) was one of the candidates who was going to be interviewed for the football job, I was thrilled,” said Mary Jo Truesdale, who has coached the softball team at Sheldon since the school opened in 1997. “He is an excellent coach, but more importantly, he is a great guy.” With strong play and leadership from an experienced roster that includes senior quarterback Chance LaChapelle and Washington-commit Alex Cook, the Huskies quickly gained confidence and victories — including a 27-22 decision over local rival Monterey Trail in both teams’ Delta League opener on Sept. 23. But the setback against Franklin highlighted the fact that, despite being undefeated, Sheldon was not perfect. “We didn’t do a good job of dealing with the success and attention and trying to continue to get better, and we kind of rested on our laurels,” Cattolico said after his team’s first loss of the season. “Football is a tool for us to prepare these kids for life, so this is a great life lesson. “When you think that you are good enough, then you are in trouble.” Cattolico is hopeful his team will learn from the loss and return its focus to the goal their coach learned long ago from his father, Butch Cattolico — an assistant on the Huskies’ coaching staff and legendary football coach at Los Gatos High: Try to get better on a daily basis and try to keep building and improving week by week. But he knows that the road ahead will be challenging. “This is no excuse, but we are playing catch-up and playing (against) good football programs that have been at it for years and years,” Cattolico said. “We are trying to catch up to where those programs are and that’s the challenge for us.”

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“Football is a tool for us to prepare these kids for life, so this is a great life lesson. When you think that you are good enough, then you are in trouble.” — Sheldon coach Joe Cattolico

October 2016

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THE REBOUND

Johnson is in his 14th year as head coach at Franklin, so he and his coaching staff understand that what goes on between their players’ ears is just as important — if not more important — than what goes on between the sidelines. After a 3-0 start, the Wildcats opened league play on the road at Grant-Sacramento, and were dealt a humbling 56-0 beatdown. That kind of loss might be quickly put behind a more experienced team, but Franklin’s young roster was still shell-shocked starting practice the following week. “We were embarrassed, and it was almost more stroking the psyche all week long,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t X’s and O’s, but trying to get their heads right. We were 3-0 before playing Grant, but on Monday our kids looked like we were 0-4 and our season was done.” The coach knew facing a 4-0 Sheldon team under the direcKaderro tion of Cattolico would be a challenge that could make or break Tamondong his young team’s season. Fortunately for Johnson, the Wildcats scored first to build confidence. Senior kicker Nate Lindemann missed a pair of first-half field goals before delivering on two fourth-quarter kicks that provided the final margin of victory as well as a microcosm of the Wildcats’ psyche. “You just have to get over it and move on,” Johnson said of Lindemann’s kicks and the team’s bounce-back effort. “You can be a hero real quickly in this game. They overreacted (after the 56-0 loss), but they are better now.” Two veteran coaches with programs equal in record, but very different in the paths they face. How the rest of the schedule plays out for the Huskies and Wildcats will be determined in the next five weeks, but both programs can feel secure being led by coaches with knowledge far beyond X’s and O’s. ✪ — Jim McCue

“It wasn’t X’s and O’s, but trying to get their heads right. We were 3-0 before playing Grant, but on Monday our kids looked like we were 0-4 and our season was done.” — Franklin coach Mike Johnson 34

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October 2016

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farm to table The Best Produce to Eat in October

nutrition: jill daniels

We often get stuck in a rut, eating the same old foods day after day, week after week. Studies show that our grocery lists have the same foods on them time after time after time. This fall, you can change things up by eating foods that are in season. Eating produce when it’s in season is a great way to give your body a variety of nutrients throughout the year; it’s easier on the budget, and it tastes better too! Here’s a list of what’s available this month. Have fun exploring these seasonal foods, and enjoy the health benefits you’ll get from eating them. ✪

Maximize your performance by seeking out personalized advice from Nutrition Coach Jill Daniels, MS, RD, CSSD, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. www.JillDanielsRD.com

get ’em while they’re fresh

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›› Cranberries

›› Blackberries

›› Spinach

›› Oranges

›› Grapes

›› Beets

›› Pomegranates

›› Sweet

›› Brussels

›› Persimmons

Potatoes

Sprouts

›› Figs

›› Cauliflower

›› Pumpkins

›› Apples

›› Broccoli

›› Winter Squash

October 2016

why these are the best choices for fall NUTRITION — Fresh produce, when picked in season, is ripe and fully developed. It will be packed with nutrients, including antioxidants, all of which are beneficial for athletes. Add some vegetables such as squash, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower to homemade casseroles for warm, healthy, comfort-food dinners.

VARIETY — Eating produce in season allows for you to be creative and enjoy variety. Whether you are trying a different type of apple, tasting a persimmon for the first time, or following a new recipe for a homemade soup, your body will be enjoying different tastes and textures and additional nu-

ECONOMIC — Because there is an abundance of the produce in season, the prices will drop, making these more affordable. Check out your local farmer’s market or the grocery store ads to get your best prices.

DELICIOUS — Fruits and veggies that are in season simply taste better. They are fresher, sweeter and have optimal flavor. They are colorful too, which adds to the enjoyment of eating them. Try an apple cranberry crisp for dessert one night, or make a beautiful fruit salad with oranges, figs and blackberries.

trients to keep you healthy and strong.

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BAND CAMP

I recently created a full-fledged 90-day program for my clients that uses only elastic/ resistance bands. There are a few reasons why I went this route, and I want to lay them out here so you can determine whether bands may be a good option for you to incorporate into your training. With free weights, you need to have multiple pieces of equipment to get into the right position so you can target the muscle group you want. With bands you can be in any orientation and anchor the band to get resistance. You can also travel with them anywhere. So the sheer variety of exercise and locations make bands a great tool. This means you can target literally any muscle group in your body no matter where you’re working out. The great part is that bands force your body to use proprioception, which is good for the brain and body in regard to coordination and balance as your body naturally corrects itself to get into the correct position to go through the desired range of motion. This means more muscles work during an exercise session simply by forcing the body to move correctly. When you use bands you can also do explosive motions, which exert more energy and can burn more calories. The greatest part is that bands also have great resistance when combined, which is great because you can also build strength using bands. I would never say that you should fully replace your free weights or machines with only bands forever, but you can definitely fully transform your body using bands. ✪ Anthony Trucks is an IYCA-certified trainer who covers weight training for SportStars.

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October 2016

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STAY AHEAD

OF THE INJURIES health watch: dr. jason Jagodzinski

Tips For Football Players On Enjoying The Game And Avoiding The Injury List As a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, I get the opportunity to be influential in many young athletes’ lives. Unfortunately, those that I typically have access to are already injured. Hopefully in this forum, I have a platform to get my orthopaedic insights to you without seeing you for a broken bone or torn ACL. You may think football is the most important thing in your life. For many of you, right now, it is. You are willing to give hours of your day and sustain regular physical abuse to play a game. That takes commitment I applaud you for. Now let me tell you, that for many of you, your football days are nearing an end. In reality, the number of high school athletes playing football beyond graduation is quite low. So take full advantage of your time in this game. I implore you to stop and think about what else football is giving you — camaraderie, teamwork and leadership skills, physical fitness, commitment, concentration and desire. You learn how to deal with success and how to deal with failure. These are all life skills that will take you well beyond the spectacle of a Fridaynight game. When you begin to think about football like this, your recognition of how it fits into your life changes. Please appreciate that your time is worth far more than just the result when the clock strikes 0:00. Therefore, I want you all to participate to your fullest — hopefully on the field, and even more so if you are on the sideline due to injury. Consider what you, in whatever capacity you can offer, are able to provide to further the goals of your team, then do that to your maximal potential. Obviously, if you are injured it is harder to contribute, so do your best to stay healthy. Here’s some things I recommend to keep you playing and safe: ›› Eat healthy and get enough sleep — If you sleep well, you make better decisions, you have better balance, and you recover better from a hard workout or injury. ›› Keep your head up and on a swivel — Know where the injury could be coming from. ›› Be the best conditioned and have a strong core to prevent fatigue-related injury — Fatigue is the #1 predictor of injury. Therefore avoid it with conditioning. ›› Be mentally prepared so you are in the right position at the right time — Again, know where to be so you’re not in a bad place putting yourself at risk. Most of these are not things that occur on the field, but rather before you even start the game. Running extra in the off-season, spending time watching film and knowing your playbook prepares you to stay healthy during the season. Now you may ask yourself why you should listen to me, or at least I hope you’ve read this far to even have me tell you. I came from a large high school in Wisconsin where I was football captain my senior year and went on to play Div. III ball at the University of Chicago. That provided my history to know what you’re going through on the gridiron. After college, I then went to medical school, orthopaedic surgery residency and pediatric orthopaedic fellowship to understand your musculoskeletal health. I could continue to preach. However, I value your independent thought and understanding of your own life. So I leave you with this — enjoy the game that you are playing. It will take you farther than you can imagine if you let it. ✪ Dr. Jagodzinski is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon who sees patients at the Sports Medicine Center For Young Athletes in Walnut Creek.

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October 2016

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