SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 DIGITAL WEEKLY 48
FOLSOM - FOOTBALL - SENIOR In his first varsity start at quarterback, Curry showed no signs of fear or uncertainty with the program’s high-powered offense resting on his right arm. In fact, Curry turned in the second-best debut for any QB in Folsom history with 564 yards passing and six TDs. He connected on 35 of 42 passes and tossed all six of his scoring strikes in the first half as the Bulldogs opened up a 41-16 lead over Idaho state football power, Coeur d’Alene. Only Jake Browning’s 689-yard, 10-TD performance in 2012 was a better first game for a Bulldogs QB. And the 564 yards was the fourth-best effort in school history. Curry connected with nine different targets, but had his favorites in the opener. He hit sophomore Joe Ngata nine times for 139 yards, and senior Drake Stallworth had a career day with 10 receptions for 246 yards and four TDs, including a 77-yarder. Curry and the Bulldogs host Jesuit-Carmichael this week and play five of their first six games on the team’s familiar blue turf where the latest Folsom QB will look to pile up more statistics and wins.
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g n i l w Bo Roseville Readies For Highly Respected Youth Football Tournament Fall and football seem to go hand-in-hand in most parts of the country. That goes for whether you are into fantasy football, anxiously awaiting the pro and college seasons to begin so you can cheer on your favorite teams from the comfort of your home, or you’re the parent of a youth player. Or all of the above. Fall equals football. Here in Placer Valley we are marking off the days until the 9th Annual California Bowl that will take place Nov. 25-27 over Thanksgiving weekend in Roseville. Dubbed the “Cali Bowl,” this is considered the number one youth football tournament on the West Coast with players aged 5-15 years-old playing their hearts out in hopes of being crowned Cali Bowl Champions. Placer Valley Tourism and A2K Sports and Entertainment are working hard to make this year’s Cali Bowl the biggest and best ever. Once again the games will have play-by-play announcers and will be streamed live — a feature the players, parents and spectators love because of the element of excitement it adds. Tournament Director Brent Gray explained, “We will have more awards, more competition and the biggest thing – more fun!” Many new features are in store, including interviews with the coaches and players and a social media challenge. “We are so excited about this year’s event; we are working on a special guest this year, who will be announced soon,” Gray said. For more information, and to get your team signed up, please go to the revamped website: www.calibowl.info. ✪
‘EM
››››
M OVER
California Capital Challenge Nears
With the high school water polo season just getting started, the Woodcreek High Aquatics Club is getting ready to host its annual varsity water polo tournament that takes place over the course of two weekends in September. Placer Valley Tourism is thrilled to be teaming up with Woodcreek Aquatics to bring the California Capital Challenge to Placer Valley. First up are the varsity boy’s teams on September 16-17, where 24 teams will be competing at the Roseville Aquatics Complex (RAC) and the Antelope Aquatics Complex. Both venues are located adjacent to Woodcreek and Antelope High Schools, respectively. The varsity girls get their opportunity on the following weekend, Sept. 23-24 at the Roseville Aquatics Complex as well as Whitney and Rocklin High. Due to the girl’s tournament featuring 28 teams they have to utilizing three pools. Geographically we will see participating high school teams coming from the Bay Area and down past the Fresno area. “Both weekends we will see some of the best teams in Northern and Central California competing,” Woodcreek Aquatics president TJ Kay said. “It is a very competitive tournament and we break it down into two divisions to maximize the competition.” The format for the tournaments will have the Division I (larger schools) games at the RAC and the Division II games at the Antelope and Rocklin pools. If your team is interested in competing at California Capital Challenge, please go to www.woodcreekaquatics.com for more information. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism
RECORDS ARE THROUGH AUG. 27 1. (1)
— De La Salle-Concord
1-0
2. (2)
— Folsom
1-0
3. (3)
— Del Oro-Loomis
1-0
4. (4)
— St. Francis-Mountian View 1-0
5. (5)
— Clayton Valley Chrtr-Cncrd 1-0
6. (6)
— Elk Grove
1-0
7. (7)
— St. Mary’s-Stockton
1-0
8. (8)
— Antioch
1-0
9. (9)
— Monte Vista-Danville
1-0
10. (10) — Oak Ridge-El Dorado HIlls 1-0 11. (11) — Pittsburg
1-0
12. (14) ▲ Valley Christian-San Jose 1-0 13. (15) ▲ Central Catholic-Modesto 1-0 14. (16) ▲ Vacaville
1-0
15. (18) ▲ Bellarmine-San Jose
1-0
16. (NR) ▲ California-San Ramon
1-0
17. (NR) ▲ San Leandro
1-0
18. (12) ▼ Serra-San Mateo
1-0
19. (17) ▼ Foothill-Pleasanton
1-0
20. (NR) ▲ Sutter 1-0 DROPPED OUT: No. 13 Inderkum-Sacramento, No. 19 Rocklin and No. 20 Concord. 5 TEAMS KNOCKING (alphabetically): Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (1-0), FreedomOakley (1-0), Grant-Sacramento (1-0), JesuitCarmichael (1-0), Miramonte-Orinda (1-0),
ELK GROVE QUARTERBACK JAYDEN MACHADO LOOKS FOR A RECEIVER.
WEEK 1 NOTES
Elk Grove Finds Early Groove
RUN ‘N’ SHOOT
NEW NORCAL TOP 25 RANKINGS COMING TUESDAY
Week 1 Notebook
Elk Grove’s Dylan Eldred zeroes in on a ball carrier.
One game, especially a Week 1 matchup, cannot tell how things will be at the end of the season. The 10-game regular season journey for most players and teams will see peaks and valleys that will only begin to allow coaches, spectators, recruiters and others to understand how good an individual or program can be. But one game, even a Week 1 matchup, can affirm some beliefs about certain programs. Elk Grove, ranked No. 6 in SportStars’ preseason NorCal Top 20, proved its high ranking was deserved as the Thundering Herd defeated No. 13 Inderkum 37-6 on the road. Of course, Elk Grove cannot expect to dominate every high-level program it faces in 2016 — and there will be more to face — but the Herd can be expected to compete with anyone in the region after its impressive opener. “It was a good first game for us to schedule because it gave us something to really get focused on over the summer,” head coach Chris Nixon said of facing Inderkum. “We knew that we were not going to out-athlete them, so we stayed focused and relied on each other to earn a very good team win.” Nixon and defensive coordinator Jeff Carlson got outstanding effort from every player that suited up which resulted in some notable individual statistics. Senior wide receiver Gavin Reinwald was as good as advertised with three catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns, including a quick screen that he turned into a 56-yard TD with excellent balance and elusiveness that was punctuated by a flip into the end zone. The Thundering Herd linebackers were a complete package, collectively recording 25 tackles, four sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and a pair of caused fumbles. Senior Jake Bellecci quarterbacked the defense from his position in the middle while senior Dylan Eldred and junior Marshaun Hunter flew around the outside to shut down the Tigers’ potent rushing attack. One week was not enough to determine who will replace Ryan Robards, who set school records for rushing yards and scores last year, but a running back by committee may be enough to support quarterback Jayden Machado and a stifling defense this season. Despite the quality road win, Nixon will not let his team get overconfident. “We always preach playing one week at a time,” he said, “because you have to prepare and get better every week, regardless of the opponent.” — Jim McCue & Chace Bryson
›› OFF TO A RUNNING START: Sac-Joaquin Section running backs flew out of the 2016 season’s starting blocks with some huge rushing numbers, both expected and unexpected. Central Catholic’s Jared Rice (pictured at right) answered the call as the Raiders’ new primary ball-carrier with 272 yards and three TDs while Antelope senior and preseason All-NorCal selection Elijah Dotson quickly found his running rhythm with 179 yards and two TDs on just 15 carries. Del Oro’s Cam Davis picked up where he left off, starting his season with three rushing TDs after running for a pair of scores in the Golden Eagles’ state championship win in December. Capital Christian sophomore D’Marcus Ross displayed his great potential with 245 yards on 11 carries and three rushing scores. St. Mary’s-Stockton junior Dusty Frampton showed that the Rams possess more than just an aerial attack as he ran over and through a stunned Serra-San Mateo defense to the tune of 265 yards and six TDs in a 63-35 thrashing of the Central Coast Section power. The biggest surprise, though, may have been the first varsity carries of Del Campo junior Greg Cabral. The 5-foot-7 speedster raced for a section-best 358 yards on 35 carries as the Cougars grinded out a 26-21 victory over a tough Merced team. Cabral nearly broke the school’s single-game rushing mark despite getting his first rushing attempts after only getting touches as a receiver during his sophomore campaign. ›› PLUNDERING PIRATES: San Leandro arguably delivered Week 1’s biggest upset when it took down preseason No. 17 Foothill-Pleasanton 38-24 at Burrell Field. The Pirates had a huge night in the rushing game, led by senior captain Omari Land who finished with 122 yards and two TDs. Norman Haddix added 140 yards rushing and the San Leandro defense delivered a dominant second half to secure the win. “(This group is) very hungry,” San Leandro coach Brad Bowers said. “It’s been some time since we’ve had a tremendous amount of success. We haven’t really realized what we’re capable of during the preseason in recent years. We’ve been talking about that all summer and they’re taking that challenge for this tough preseason we’ve set up.” Despite rolling through their five West Alameda County ConferenceFoothill Division games each of the past three years, San Leandro hasn‘t won more than six games in a season since going 8-3 in 2009. In addition to Land, Bowers credited a number of other senior leaders who are leading the Pirates resurgence. Among them were linebacker/ defensive end Jahari Kay and quarterback Mutasem Qutob. Junior two-way lineman Matt Famor was also noted. San Leandro’s nonleague slate continues with a home game against Liberty-Brentwood on Sept. 2, and then road games against Antioch (Sept. 9) and Freedom-Oakley (Sept. 16). ✪
one
beautiful
classroom Hollister Hills SVRA Uses Its Natural Resources For A Fun-Filled, Learning Experience
The summer life for an active sixth grader can often be planned and booked out before Easter Break. There are seemingly more summer camps — both athletic and enrichment — offered than ever before. But what if we told you that you could attend any of those camps that you wanted while still taking part in an awesome outdoor learning camp — and it would count as one of your school days?! In late spring each year, Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) holds an annual Science Camp where fun is the goal and Mother Nature is the teacher. Each year, we invite students, their teachers and parent chaperones to take part in our curriculum-based outdoor education and interpretation event. With a fun and energetic staff leading the way, campers have the opportunity to discover new plants and animals that you never knew lived nearby. Like the abundance of wildflowers that sprinkle the normally monotone landscape with various shapes and colors. Or, the wonderful world of water bugs (or Benthic Macro invertebrates, as our scientists call them) that have reappeared in our creek following the rains of this past winter. We introduce campers to our natural outdoor playground through geocaching activities, as well as allowing them to assist staff in managing the park through projects like re-vegetation with native plant species, invasive species removal and habitat monitoring. This often leaves our campers with a sense of appreciation and ownership over the park and their natural habitat. The teachers who participate hold pre- and post-event testing to see how much the students learn from their day with us. Often, the results are extremely encouraging. If you would like having your class be part of the next Hollister Hills SVRA Science Camp, be sure to have your teacher contact Hollister Hills SVRA for all the info. For more information, call the office at (831)-637-8186 or check out our website at ohv.parks.ca.gov?page_id=1179. Hollister Hills SVRA is located at 7800 Cienega Road in Hollister. ✪
DECADE DASH Racing To Be Team Of The ’10s
O
ne of my favorite state record files to update each summer is the one in which it’s determined which schools around the state have the best records in football during the current decade. When the decade is young, it’s not that difficult to piece together two or three unbeaten or one-loss seasons. When the decade reaches six years in length, like it has now, teams can fall off or rise up in the standings. California has a ridiculously successful school in this category, of course, with De La Salle-Concord. The Spartans lead the state at 84-3 since 2010 and two of those losses were not even to California teams — one in Florida to St. Thomas Aquinas-Ft. Lauderdale and one in Texas to Trinity-Euless. Here is a list of top NorCal schools ranked according to winning percentage in the Decade of Dominance category, at least so far this decade (2010 to 2015):
84-3 — De La Salle-Concord (96.5%) The Spartans also had the best record in the state for the 1980s (105-101) and 1990s (125-1) but did not for the 2000s, finishing behind both St. Bonaventure-Ventura and Oaks Christian-Westlake Village.
83-7 — Folsom (92.2%) Three of the Bulldogs’ losses in the decade have come to De La Salle. They also are No. 2 in the state in this category.
67-10 — McClymonds-Oakland (87.0%) This total does not include forfeits. Those forfeits were in the 2014 season. The new CIF Bowl Game system should help add statewide awareness of the Warriors.
73-11 — Marin Catholic-Kentfield (86.9%) NFL No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff was a major part of the Wildcats’ success for 2011 and 2012.
70-12 — Campolindo-Moraga (85.4%) The Cougars (pictured right) followed up their 16-0 CIF Division III state title season from 2014 by reaching the CIF Div. III-AA state final last year where they lost to La Mirada.
74-14 — Central Catholic-Modesto (84.1%) Last year’s historic 16-0 season that ended with the CIF Small Schools Open Division title really helped the Raiders pass a lot of schools heading into this season.
64-13 — Inderkum-Sacramento (83.1%)
Although the Tigers have had difficulty with teams from the Valley Oak League in the SacJoaquin Section playoffs, they haven’t had a problem getting 10-win seasons.
70-16 — Oakdale (81.4%) Speaking of the Valley Oak League, the Mustangs hitting over 80 percent for the decade even though they are in the VOL says a lot about the skill of head coach Trent Merzon and his staff.
63-15 — Elk Grove (80.8%) Last year’s 13-1 season pushed the Thundering Herd up the charts. They’re still trying to recover from a 4-6 showing from 2010.
59-14 — Carmel (80.8%) With the way they score, the Padres have been fun to watch while they’ve been winning in recent seasons.
61-17 — Sutter (78.2%) The best from the CIF Northern Section should be better in 2016 after going 9-5 in 2015.
63-18 — Clayton Valley Charter-Concord (77.7%)
68-13 — Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton (83.9%)
In the last three season, the Uglies have gone 13-2, 15-1 and 11-2. It’s the 6-6 and 6-5 seasons in 2010 and 2011 that is still dragging them down a bit. ✪
The Gators have definitely left no doubt in the last few years that they can beat anybody from any league in the Central Coast Section.
Mark Tennis is the co-founder of Cal-Hi Sports, and publisher of CalHiSports.com. Contact him at markjtennis@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter, @CalHiSports.
Getting ›››››To
NEXT get mental: erika carlson
Making mistakes are a valuable mode of learning in sport. Athletes spend a lot of time fearing mistakes and coaches spend a lot of time reprimanding players for making them. Ironically, trying to avoid mistakes is a sure-fire way to perform conservatively (at best) and poorly (most often). Some of the greatest coaches I have worked with during my career talk about the value of mistakes and they encourage their players to take risks. The idea, of course, is that if a player feels comfortable taking risks, they will acquire new skills faster, but it may cost a “failure” or two in the beginning. A huge component of mental toughness is mistake recovery. That is, when a mistake happens, how quickly can an athlete learn to let go and move on from a mistake. For many athletes, this process is easier said then done. Here is your go-to list for efficiently managing mistakes during your next practice or competition. ›› Quick Correction — Most high school athletes are experienced enough to know immediately what went wrong. Make a quick “mental correction” (ex. “elbow straight, follow through”). If you don’t know what went wrong, check-in with your coach post game or the next appropriate time. Lack of clarity on corrections will chip away at your confidence. ›› Breathe — A slow deep breath (between points or during stoppage) may be one of the most undervalued mental skills in existence. When we grind away on, “Ugh…I can’t believe I just did that!,” muscle tension goes up, and fine motor skills (accuracy, technical skills) deteriorate … which then lead to more mistakes. A simple breath can bring awareness that you need to make a shift, and then allows your tension to come down a notch or two. ›› Refocus — Shifting away from what just happened on to what will happen next is the final, and most important step. Next point, next shot, next play. Prepare mentally and your body will follow. Refocusing should sound like simple, concise instructions, “Eyes up, stay low.” Mental toughness is all about doing simple things with tremendous discipline and consistency. Recovering quickly from mistakes is a skill, and like any other, it needs to be practiced with quality and consistency in order to hold up under the pressure of the game. ✪ Erika Carlson is a certified mental trainer & owner of Excellence in Sports Performance in Pleasanton.
Redding Has More Than A Few Places To Bring Your Mountain Bike
N
ative Northern Californians know the area’s many benefits, which range from the region’s many landscapes to its natural beauties. And, of course, it’s climate. That climate’s best kept secret just might be the extended summer pleasantness of September and October. When you can blend the two — the beautiful Northern California outdoors and an early fall day that feels like a balmy midsummer evening — it doesn’t get much better of outdoor enthusiasts. The greater Redding area is ripe with locations for this very thing. Whether it be enjoying a late September weekend on either Lake Shasta or Whiskeytown Lake, fishing the Sacramento River or taking the mountain bike for a spin on a warm October evening. In fact, if you’re a mountain bike enthusiast, the Redding area absolutely has you covered. Put that two-wheeler on top of the car, secure it, and bring the bike up to our many trails and pathways. Crooked? Check. Winding? Check. Dangerous? A few…. Amazing views, rising mountains, trails that reach into the
clouds? Got ‘em all. The excellent mountain biking around Redding is a well-kept secret. Redding may be known for recreation on its river and lakes and the pristine beauty of Sundial Bridge, but it doesn’t skimp on rough riding either. On any given sunny day, or pleasant evening, single track riders can be found hurtling through the mountains around Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Chappie-Shasta, the Lower Sacramento Ditch Trail and many more. There’s so much land in the foothills around Redding, you’d have a hard time not finding prime mountain biking in any direction of city limits. Redding is also famous for its Lemurian Shasta Classic — one of the oldest and most famous mountain biking races in the West. Riders from all over come to Redding every April to attempt the Lemurian’s epic loop. For the everyday rider, bike shops and mountain biking clubs around town offer great resources for gear and insider tips. Well, are you ready to get some mud on those tires? Stop by the Redding Visitor Center and get your free trail map at the Turtle Bay Coffee Bar and Store, or check it out at http://www.visitredding.com/great-outdoors/trails ✪ — Copy provided by VisitRedding.com
Redding Youth Lacrosse Registration Now Open! September-December: Register individual team(s) with a $50 deposit. RSVP now to avoid a wait list. Visit team registration page for more information. November-January: Once game schedule is published in late November or early December teams must pay balance of their registration fees and may Pre-Order Jamboree Apparel through out online store.
Sac River Trail Marathon, 15K, 5K October 22: 9 a.m.: Sac River Trail Marathon, 15K & 5K
Redding Soccer Park HUNTER TROY CLEGG MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT: Sept. 24-25, Competitive U10, U11, U12 and Recreation U10-U19 soccer tournament. Five teams max per division, guarantee of four games. $425 per team. www.ReddingSoccerPark.com
R
ancho Cordova is home to hundreds of events each year, including several major sports events. However, by drawing over 100,000 people over a single weekend, no event is bigger than the California Capital Airshow, which lands at Mather Field on October 1-2. Headlining the California Capital Airshow, presented by Sacramento County in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova, are the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, Blue Angels. The iconic blue and gold Boeing F/A-18 Hornets will be only one of the jets thundering across the sky at the airshow. Attendees will see an F-16 Viper Team and B-29 Superfortress, along with aerobatic planes and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team. A spectacular re-creation of the WWII attack, “Tora, Tora, Tora,” features expansive pyrotechnics. “We are ecstatic to host the Blue Angels,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “It’s been nearly a decade since the team has graced the skies of the state capital and we are beyond excited to showcase them as they celebrate their 70th anniversary.” The captivating aircraft are only part of the show. On the ramp, you can delight in dozens upon dozens of military and civilian aircraft, including rare warbirds and bombers. Many are available to tour, and pilots and flight crews will be on hand to answer questions. Sure to be in demand is a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning — a new generation stealth fighter jet. Kids are sure to find plenty to do with both a Kids Zone and Launch Pad areas. These educational exhibits are designed to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Performing since 1946, the Blue Angels team has thrilled and inspired more than 484 million spectators. “The fans have been clamoring for the team’s return for years and we can’t wait to share the news. We’re planning to host our biggest show yet and are looking forward to another epic event,” added Brewer. As part of its community relations, the non-profit organization awards scholarships to deserving students from the region with an interest in aviation, aerospace, aeronautics and STEM-related fields. Fans can follow the Airshow on Facebook, Twitter (@calcapairshow) and Instagram (capitalairshow). Family ticket packs and premium seating options are available. Purchase tickets early for a discount from the day of show price of $35. For tickets and a complete show lineup, visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com. ✪ — Copy and photos provided by City of Rancho Cordova
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The giant Inderkum Tiger looms over pregame warmups prior to Inderkum-Sacramento’s season-opener against Elk Grove. Photo by JAMES K. LEASH