Digital Weekly 53, Dec. 21, 2016

DECEMBER 21, 2016 DIGITAL WEEKLY 53

camrion davis Del Oro-Loomis - Football - Senior Davis clearly loves the big stage. As a junior in 2015, the running back rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns in a 16-13 win over Camarillo in the CIF Div. II-AA State Bowl Championship at Sacramento State. Back at Hornets Stadium a year later and playing in the Div. I-A State Bowl against San Clemente, Davis made his biggest impact on the defensive side of the ball. The senior intercepted USC-commit Jack Sears twice and also had a fumble recovery in the end zone late in the game. The recovery helped give Del Oro one last gasp on offense, but the Golden Eagles couldn’t convert in a hard-fought 22-17 loss. Davis finished his season with 1,049 yards rushing and 12 TDs. He also had 40 tackles (seven for loss), and three interceptions on defense.

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Led By Its Star Senior Running Back, Sierra Canyon Won Its Second State Bowl In A Thriller SACRAMENTO ith a state championship and an undefeated season on the line, it‘s nice that you can turn to a 2,000-yard rusher.

Bobby Cole answered that call with his fourth touchdown on the day, helping Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth wrap up its 42-40 CIF Division II-AA State Football Championship Bowl Game win over a wily Serra-San Mateo on Dec. 17 at Sacramento State.

That victory was prompted by a recurring theme of clutch responses by the Trailblazers. Sierra Canyon (16-0) cashed in biggest late in the game under tense circumstances, going 5-for-5 on third-down conversions in the fourth quarter and

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finishing 9 of 14 for the game.

The Trailblazers faced a 3rd-and-1 at the Padres’ 7-yard line, up 35-33 with 3:09 left and needing to put away the resilient Padres (10-5).

Once again, Cole made it happen by bolting into the end zone, capping the scoring for Sierra Canyon after providing the game’s first score on an electrifying 80-yard run on the game’s second play from scrimmage. The senior brought a stat line of 2,155 yards and 30 touchdowns into the game, finishing his high school career rushing for 220 yards on 30 carries.

“We did our best to take the state championship and take care of business — it was a business trip for us,” Cole said.

story by mike wood | photos by james k. leash

jj hernandez

kanan ray

niko harris His final score and the point-after kick gave Sierra Canyon a nine-point edge, which proved pivotal considering Serra then marched 70 yards on five plays in just 52 seconds to make the score 42-40. Trevor Howarth fell on the ensuing onside kick attempt and the Trailblazers ran out the clock to cap an undefeated championship season and capture a second state football title.

“This feels great,” said wide receiver JJ Hernandez, who scored on a momentum-changing 95-yard kickoff return late in the second quarter.

“Not going through a loss (this season) is absolutely amazing. Coming out with a state championship is even better.”

Cole scored earlier in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard run on 3rd-and-3, the fourth time on that 14-play drive in which Sierra Canyon converted on third down.

“They were real patient, patient, patient,” Serra

coach Patrick Walsh said. “And they’d bust one on that third down play throughout the game. I tip my hat to them — they won the game.”

Those vital conversions were the culmination of hard work throughout the year, said Trailblazers quarterback Niko Harris, who returned from a knee injury suffered in Week 3 to play for the state championship at Hornet Stadium.

“We like to capitalize on big time plays. You know, big time players make big time plays,” Harris said. “At Sierra Canyon, we have to work hard through the week and throughout the season just to get to a point like this. When big time conversions have to happen, we can do it, no problem.”

It seemed all those conversions were needed in order to turn back the Padres. Serra entered the game red-hot on a 10-game win streak after losing its first four games — albeit to powerhouses St.

Mary’s-Stockton, De La Salle, Pittsburg and Valley Christian-San Jose. Seeking their first state championship, the Padres were led by an outstanding performance from quarterback Leki Nunn, who was 18 of 34 for 331 yards passing and three touchdowns. Nunn ran for Serra’s three other scores.

“You saw the spirit of this team,” Walsh said.

“We showed the spirit of this team all year long.

Unfortunately, we got two fewer points.”

Hernandez’s kickoff return with 3:29 left in the first half came on the heels of Nunn’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Chris Park. It was the first of three occasions in which Serra surged with a score, then Sierra Canyon responded with a touchdown on the ensuing possession.

“To me I think the biggest play was the kickoff return,” Walsh said. “We finally crest. We get over the top. We score. And they answer back with a great kickoff return.” ✪

Sierra College’s Renown Duals Wrestling Tourney Gets New Name, Home Sierra College Wrestling and Placer Valley Tourism are partnering to bring the Capital City Classic Wrestling Tournament to Rocklin on Jan. 7. For the last three years, this high school varsity tournament was held in Sacramento and known as the Dragon Duals. It has not only changed its name but the location too. This year Hardwood Palace has the honors of hosting this successful and growing event.

This incredible venue will allow ample space for the 10 mats that will showcase up to 32 teams on a rotational format. Don Martinez, head coach at Sierra College, is looking forward to bringing this event to Placer Valley and is expecting top- notch competitors.

“Top wrestlers from Northern and Central California high schools will be competing,” Martinez said. “And as a dual tournament, every team is guaranteed five

matches.

“We are excited to have it at Hardwood Palace this year. It’s a great facility that has a nice hospitality room for the coaches and everyone will enjoy the snack bar that is open all day!”

Medals will be given to undefeated wrestlers and trophies will be awarded to first-, second- and thirdplace teams as well as a hard luck champion. According to Martinez, a hard luck champion is someone who loses their first match and subsequently gets put in a loser bracket before going on to win that bracket.

Weigh-ins will begin at 7 a.m. with wrestling matches starting at 9 a.m. It’s not too late to sign up your team! For more information or to download the event flyer, simply go to: placertourism.com/events/2017CapitalCityDuals. ✪

CalNASP puts a bull’s-eye on youth archery Placer Valley Tourism is thrilled to announce — in conjunction with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife — the first-ever land-based tournament for schools participating in the California State National Archery Schools Program (CalNASP) is coming to Placer Valley on Saturday, Feb. 4.

This exciting archery competition will be held at Sierra College’s gymnasium in Rocklin and is open to students in grades 4-12 who are enrolled in CalNASP. Lesa Johnston, CalNASP State Coordinator and Education Specialist for the Calif. Department of Fish and Wildlife, explained that archery is beneficial to students in a variety of ways and can help them achieve goals because of the skills it instills. “To be a

great archer requires mental concentration, focus and practice, but the playing field is level for all.”

There are nearly 100 schools throughout the state that are active in CalNASP and they are expecting up to 300 students to compete at the February tournament. Students will have the option to compete as an individual or on a team; both methods provide positives for these young athletes. Students competing as an individual can set specific goals and learn from those, whereas competing as a team allows students the opportunity to learn team building, camaraderie and cooperation skills.

If you are interested in more information about this event and this incredible program please check out the website: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Learning/CALNASP. ✪

Jake Westphal

BAKERSFIELD here was a moment in the second half of the CIF State Division IV-AA championship game when Campolindo-Moraga senior defensive end Joey Berzins stood over Bakersfield Christian record-setting quarterback Braden Wingle after a sack and offered a helping hand.

That was the apex of the night as the Cougars defense grounded the air-assault offense of the Central Section Div. III champs with a resounding 31-7 win.

It’s Campolindo’s second state bowl title in three years and put a big exclamation point on a season of ups and downs for the Cougars.

“What’s special (about this team) is we are undersized and we are all small,” Berzins said. “Last year (when Campo lost to La Mirada in the III-AA state bowl game) we had some bigger guys. But we are all small. Instead of using big names and using big plays, we

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just stayed fundamental and worked together everyday and played well together.

“The goal wasn’t to win state, it was to play another week together.”

Campolindo forced four BCHS turnovers while not coughing up the ball once a week after surviving a four-turnover performance while beating Palma-Salinas in the Northern Regional playoff.

On Saturday, in front of a standing-room-only crowd of over 5,000 — against a team coached by one of the most famous families in Bakersfield (Darren Carr is the head coach and the eldest brother of Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, and the offensive coordinator is former NFL No. 1 overall pick David Carr) — the Cougars defense was the star, but the offense was equally key in the title rout.

“That is a good football team,” Darren Carr said. “I told people all week their first snap looks like their last snap. They went out there

“The goal wasn’t to win state, it was to play another week together.”

— Campolindo defensive end Joey Berzins

Matthew Ringquist and took advantage of our fumbles and interceptions. They didn’t shoot themselves in the foot. They came out here and kicked our butt.”

It started with the defense when Adam Shafer stripped the ball away from Eagles running back Brock Holloway on the first offensive play for Bakersfield Christian. The ball bounded once off the cold field on a 38-degree night and found its way into the waiting arms of Berzins.

In the second half, it was John Torchio who picked off two Wingle passes, leading to two more scores for the Cougars after Campo recovered a pooch kick to open the third quarter and scored seven plays later on a one-yard Brandon Bocobo run on fourth down.

Wingle became the Central Section singleseason record holder for passing yards with 4,391, but was held to 155 in the championship tilt, his lowest total this season.

Brandon Bocobo “Our first goal was to put pressure on him because we knew he would put his head down if we did,” Berzins said. “The secondary did great. We got some blitzes in and he did get his head down.”

Road trips for state titles is nothing new for Campolindo. This was the fourth such title game for the Cougars since 2011, and it was the shortest round trip.

In 2011 and 2014, the Cougars played at The StubHub Center in Carson, where all state games were played. Last season, in the new CIF format which includes 13 state bowl championship games, the Cougars went 774 yards round trip for a 27-3 rain-soaked loss to La Mirada.

A one-day turnaround turned into a festive trip home this time. “It’s unbelievable, it’s awesome,” Torchio said.

Offensively, Jacob Westphal threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Torchio four times for 46 yards and a score.

Matthew Ringquist rushed for 97 yards and a fourth-quarter score.

All of that added up to a game plan that played out to perfection for Macy.

“We came into this game thinking we needed something different,” Macy said. “Something different in terms of three or four guys having standout games to separate themselves.

But in the essence, we didn’t get that. We got solid, solid competitive play everywhere. You can’t point out the one kid that took over. It was a complete team effort and sometimes in these big games, you need a team effort.” ✪ Trevor Horn is a high school sports reporter at The Bakersfield Californian.

norcal highlights from 2016 cif state bowls at sac state

TOP ROW (FROM LEFT): Serra-San Mateo receiver Charles Quinn hauls in a two-point conversion pass during a 42-40 loss to Sierra CanyonChatsworth; The Del Oro-Loomis cheerleaders and Eagle mascot line up for the national anthem prior to the Div. I-A Bowl; A Del Oro-Loomis trumpet player goes full Santa.

MIDDLE ROW (FROM LEFT): Del Oro running back Camrion Davis heads up field as San Clemente defensive back Jack Shippy closes in; Valley Christian-San Jose running back Isaiah Rodriguez looks for a lane during the Warriors’ 21-17 loss to Madison-San Diego; BOTTOM ROW (FROM LEFT): Players from Cathedral Catholic-San Diego and St. Mary’s-Stockton watch the coin toss at midfield; St. Mary’s lineman Jordan Stinhilver delivers a major blow to Cathedral Catholic QB Tate Haynes; De La Salle-Concord takes the field prior to their Open Division final against St. John Bosco-Bellflower; De La Salle running back Jonathan Hackett rounds the edge during the Spartans’ 56-33 loss to Bosco.

Photos by Phillip Walton and James K. Leash

ABCs of ATVs

ATV riding can be a fun, healthy, family activity. While many experienced parents start their children on very small dirt bikes (yes, they can be equipped with training wheels), others opt to start their kids on four wheels. ATVs come in all different sizes and offer families the ability to enjoy the great outdoors, together — in a very exciting way.

ATV riding is a healthy activity. Did you know that when using proper technique, you will work all your major core muscles, hips, thighs, arms, gripping muscles and even your heart? Riding an ATV is quite a workout! Unlike driving a car, you use major muscle groups to maneuver the machine and safely navigate the terrain. This is called “active riding” and is the reason why riding is such good exercise.

Even more importantly, active riding is crucial to the safety of the rider. Yes, ATV riding is very fun and many children enjoy it, but ATVs are not toys. They are heavy machines with often powerful motors. So how can you safely enjoy this sport with your child? It begins with proper training and ends with proper supervision.

In the state of California, there is no age minimum to be able to ride an ATV. Rather, the law states that anyone using an off-highway vehicle must be able to reach and operate all controls.

Putting a child on an ATV that is too big OR too small is a dangerous mistake (see the graphics for proper fit). Children MUST be able to comfortably reach the gas and breaks (both hand and foot) with no stretching or tip-toeing. Conversely, a child who is too big for a particular ATV will not have the proper range of motion for turning and maneuvering. Even though he or she can reach everything, they cannot do so properly and are in violation of the Reach and Operate law.

Some other things to consider: ATVs can be

modified in a number of ways for young children just starting out. A kill switch can be installed so a parent walking behind the child on a track can shut the machine down as needed. Also, an ATV can be modified to only reach a minimum speed. Of course, fitting your child properly with safety gear is also very important. All riders should always wear a helmet, eye protection, over-the-ankle footwear, and long pants/sleeves and gloves. There is also additional riding gear available such as knee and elbow protection, chest protectors, and neck and spine protection.

The most important way to ensure your child’s safety is to enroll him or her into an ATV Safety course. This is a class taught by ATV professionals who will teach your children all they need to know to begin enjoying this sport. Children are taught how to identify parts of the machine and how to safely operate it — from starting and stopping, to traversing hills and turns. They are also instructed in trail etiquette and environmental responsibility.

This course provides its students with an ATV safety certificate which is required by law. Adults must supervise their children when riding ATVs and be in possession of this certificate.

Children aged 14-18 may ride unsupervised, but must have their own safety certificate.

The California State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Division offers these classes for children 17 years of age and younger, free of charge (and often reduced rates for adults), at many of our State Vehicular Recreation Areas. Visit www.ohv.parks. ca.gov for details. You can also sign up the entire family for free through most ATV sales locations if you buy a new machine. Finally, you can call the ATV Safety Foundation at (800) 887-2887.

With proper training and supervision, OHV recreation can be an ideal way to spend quality family time and experience the great outdoors. ✪

OPEN TH

St. John Bosco Won Its Second CIF Open Bowl Title With A Thrilling Offensive Exhibition Against The State’s Most Renown Program SACRAMENTO t started like so many other big-stage De La Salle High football games.

The Spartans needed just three plays from scrimmage to break Kairee Robinson free for a 60-yard touchdown run and De La Salle had a lightning-fast 7-0 lead over St. John Bosco-Bellflower in the CIF Open Division State Bowl Championship at Sacramento State on Dec. 17.

“I know my team,” Braves senior running back Terrance Beasley said of his thoughts as he watched Robinson race to the end zone in the games’s opening moments. “I knew we were going to battle back and knew we were going to fight back. I wasn’t scared at all.”

He was right, of course. That game-opening touchdown would be the only time Bosco (13-2) would trail in the game. Showing off their size, speed and power, the Braves left no doubt as to who the state’s best team was in 2016.

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“I know my team. I knew we were going to battle back and knew we were going to fight back.

I wasn’t scared at all.”

— Terrance Beasley (pictured left) after De La Salle took a quick 7-0 lead Bosco showcased several different players en route to a 548-yard offensive night and a historic 56-33 win over the state’s most legendary program. The 56 points was a whopping 14 more than any team had scored on De La Salle since 1979 — the year former Spartans coach Bob Ladouceur took over the program and built it into a nationally-recognized dynasty.

“Especially after seeing the movie (“When The Game Stands Tall”), it’s kind of surreal,” said Bosco junior quarterback, Re-al Mitchell, who finished 18 of 20 for 191 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 50 yards. “I’m blessed with the situation, and this team. To come out do what we did, I’m happy.”

It was a perfect finish for the Braves, but it wasn’t a perfect season.

Bosco lost any legitimate shot at a mythical national championship in the third week of the season when it lost 35-20 to Bishop Gorman-Las Vegas in Long Beach. Gorman would go on to finish 15-0 and take the mythical national crown for itself. The Braves regrouped before stumbling again in late October in a 26-21 defeat to Mater Dei-Santa Ana. “In the Mater Dei loss, we thought we should’ve played better,” Braves coach Jason Negro said. “We had a nine point lead in the fourth quarter with about four minutes to go and we just let it slip away. We just had to rebound. Our kids knew that we played pretty well and we’d have a chance at them again. That’s the biggest thing.”

They got their chance again in the Southern Section Div. I final and conquered the Monarchs 42-28. And if they had a chance to avenge the Bishop Gorman loss, Beasley was confident they’d have turned the tables on the Gaels as well.

HROTTLE Story by Chace Bryson • Photos by James K. Leash

Re-al Mitchell “We came so far from Week 3 of this season,” Beasley said after the bowl win. “I’m sure (Gorman) has too. But I feel like we beat ourselves (against them). We stubbed our toes too many times that night. We beat ourselves.”

They didn’t do that against De La Salle. Instead, they forced the Spartans into the costly mistakes.

De La Salle (11-2) turned the ball the over four times, including three fumbles. The most costly fumble came with a little more than 11 minutes left in the game: The Spartans had picked up momentum with an onside kick recovery, a quick score on a 43-yard pass from Abel Ordaz to Isaiah Foskey, and then a Bosco botched snap on a punt attempt that left De La Salle in great field position to try to cut the lead to single digits. Robinson lost the ball on the first play after the failed punt and Travis Tuitasi recovered for the Braves — who promptly marched 72 yards for a 49-27 lead.

“That team is better than us,” Spartans coach Justin Alumbaugh said of

Bosco. “Our margin for error was really small and we didn’t do the little things that we really needed to. We put the ball on the ground six times; we lost three. … You have to tip your cap. Those guys are really good, and they’re well coached. That’s a tough combo. We didn’t play well enough tonight. I liked our resiliency and I liked our scrap, but we didn’t do a lot of things too well.”

Bosco moved to 2-0 against the fabled Spartans program, also besting it in the 2013 Open Div. Bowl Championship. The Braves are one of just five programs (the fourth from Kairee Robinson California) to have multiple wins against De La Salle sine 1979. They joined Salesian-Richmond, Mission Viejo, Clovis West-Fresno and Don Bosco Prep-Ramsey (N.J.).

“It’s great,” Beasley concluded. “It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this team and it’s an amazing feeling to be part of this program for four years, and stay in it and be patient — and now we’re state champions.” ✪

socal highlights from 2016 cif state bowls at sac state

TOP ROW (FROM LEFT): Players from Cathedral Catholic-San Diego rush the field in celebration following a thrilling 38-35 OT win over St. Mary’s-Stockton in the CIF Div. I-AA Bowl; USCbound QB Jack Sears of San Clemente rolls out and looks for an open man in his team’s I-A Bowl win over Del OroLoomis; Madison-San Diego’s Dante Grady is all smiles after the Warhawks defeated Valley Christian-San Jose for the II-A Bowl Championship crown; MIDDLE ROW (FROM LEFT): Junior running back Demetrius Flowers had three rushing TDs in St. John Bosco-Bellflower’s 56-33 win over De La Salle-Concord; San Clemente’s Brandon Reaves looks to outrun a Del Oro defender.

Reaves scored the game-winning touchdown on a punt return; BOTTOM ROW (FROM LEFT): Cathedral Catholic quarterback Tate Haynes tucks and runs; Madison receiver Brandon Lewis looks for space against the Valley Christian defense; Sierra Canyon senior tailback Bobby Cole breaks loose for an 80-yard scoring run on the team’s first possession of the game; Madison all-purpose star Erick Buchannon turns up field during the II-A Bowl.

Photos by Phillip Walton and James K. Leash

go the dist A Pair Of Scenic And Fun Running Events Highlight The Onset Of 2017 In The Redding And Shasta Lake Region

Affectionately referred to as “26.2 With A View,” the Redding Marathon returns for another year of distance running among some of Northern California’s most scenic landscapes and landmarks.

January 15 is the date circled by several distance running enthusiasts who will line up near the Shasta Dam for the start of the Redding Marathon, an event that features a breathtaking 26.2 mile jaunt across some of Northern California’s finest landscape.

Competitors can take a free bus to the start of the Redding Marathon. Enjoy the warmth of the Visitor‘s Center located near the start of the race and be ready for an 8 a.m. start.

Runners enjoy a scenic journey downstream along the Sacramento River on paved running trails. Watch for bald eagles, osprey and other wildlife. Athletes

competing in the Redding Marathon will cross over the Shasta Dam, through an old railroad tunnel and across the historic Diestelhorst Bridge, the Ribbon Suspension Bridge and to the finish line located on the famous Sundial Bridge.

The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay crosses the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding. Opened on July 4, 2004, the bridge links the north and south campuses of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and serves as access to Redding‘s Sacramento River Trail system.

Not quite prepared for marathon distance? That’s fine. Take part in the three-leg marathon relay, or participate in the Sundial 5K which begins at 9 a.m.

Also, for those serious runners, it’s worth noting that the Redding Marathon is an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Competitors can register online right now at reddingmarathon.org

CLIKAPUDI TRAIL RUNS Just two weeks before the Redding Marathon takes place, outdoor enthusiasts can spend New Year’s Day taking part in the Clikapudi Trail Runs which occurs along the shores of Shasta Lake.

The Trail Runs offer a variety of distances: a 5K, 10K and half-marathon. Races begin at 10 a.m. at the the Jones Valley Boat Ramp approximately 10 miles north of Bella Vista. The trail is a seven-mile loop on the south shore of the lake.

Runners begin on a one-mile stretch of road to the trail crossing where 5K runners turn right, and 10K and half-marathon runners go left. The road portions of the race feature gently rolling hills. The 5K portion of trail is relatively flat single track and the 10K por-

stance ›››› tion is mostly flat with three medium climbs along the way.

All races have a 1:30 p.m. cut-off time and half-marathon participants must finish the first lap by noon or they will only be given credit for a 10K. Walkers and hikers are each welcome in the 5K and 10K. Registration is open and greatly favors those who sign up early. Competitors who register before Dec. 1 will receive the greatest discount ($17 for 5K, $22 for 10K and $33 for half-marathon).

Registering between Dec. 1-30 will still save you some money ($24/$33/$44).

Prices will be $30/$40/$50 on Dec. 31 and race day.

Visit shastatrailruns.com/clikapudi/ to sign up now. ✪

Sacramento River Trail Turtle Bay East Trail Sacramento River-Rail Trail Fisherman’s Trail Hilltop to Sundial Bridge Trail Arboretum Loop Trail Buenaventura Trail

Hiking & Biking Trails

Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail Lower Sacramento Ditch Trail Chamise Peak Trail Flanagan Trail Hornbeck Trail Francis Berg Trail (FB) Whiskeytown Area Trails

Mule Ridge & Swasey Trails Cloverdale Loop Piety Hill Loop Clear Creek Greenway Trail Parkview Trail John Reginato River Access

Salt Creek Trail Middle Creek Trail Blue Gravel Mine Trail Westside Trails Lema Ranch Trails Churn Creek Trails Clover Creek Trail