NorCal Issue 152, Aug. 9, 2018 SPECIAL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

NORCAL EDITION AUG. 12 2018 VOL. 9 ISSUE 152

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elcome to the 2018 football season. And the earliness of it all feels a bit weird.

This year’s mid-August start is new for everyone, and it’s been adjustment for all. Not just overworked editors grumbling about how their summer has never been shorter.

In all honestly, it’s hard to complain too much. Because after all, we are talking football. And the thought of 8 p.m. sunset kickoffs, the wafting smell of tri-tip from behind the snack bar and the sounds of a raucous pep band? Well, let’s just say we’re fine with football whenever it wants to arrive.

For you, trusted reader, it arrives today.

I’m thrilled to introduce our ninth Football Preview special edition, and our widest circulated one to date. While this is our massive all-encompassing NorCal edition which is getting an onlineonly release, this is the first year our preview will benefit from our distribution deal with the San Francisco Chronicle. That’s right, on Sunday, Aug. 12, there will be two regional print editions inserted into East Bay and Sacramento region copies of the Sunday Chronicle. At 32 pages each, these will also the biggest issues we’ve circulated in the Chronicle so far.

Once we knew we’d be able to create two print editions of the preview, we came up with the idea of letting our fans and readers help choose who would be on the covers.

We offered up 12 different nominees — seven for the Bay Area cover and five for the Sac-Joaquin edition.

We were amazed at the response.

More than 15,000 votes were cast and we had definitive winners. Liberty-Brentwood linebacker Nicky Einess secured a little more than one-third of the Bay Area vote. Christian Brothers-Sacramento receiver and defensive back, Tyler Green, hauled in approximately two-thirds of the Sac-Joaquin vote.

Einess appears on the Bay Area cover (also the same as this NorCal edition’s cover) along with De La Salle-Concord’s Henry To’oto’o and Pittsburg’s Jacob Bandes. Green,who had 65 percent of all votes cast for Sac-Joaquin nominees, ended up in a solo cover shown on this page.

Because it was so popular, we’re thinking about giving the girls a shot. Our September issue will contain our 2018 girls volleyball preview, and we’ll be posting cover candidates for both regions by the middle of the month. If you have a nomination, email it in or suggest it on social media and tag us.

But today is about football.

So, I’m going to gladly get out of the way and encourage you to dig in. Football is back and we’re ready if you’re ready. ✪

JOIN OUR TEAM PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 EDITORIAL Editor@SportStarsMag.com Editor Chace Bryson • Chace@SportStarsMag.com Assistant Editor Mike Wood Staff Writer Jim McCue • JimMcCue16@gmail.com Contributors Clay Kallam, Tim Rudd, Mark Tennis, James G. Kane, Harold Abend, Jill Daniels, Anthony Trucks, Erika Westhoff, Ike Dodson, Steven Wilson Copy Editor Bill Kruissink Photography James K. Leash, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler, Berry Evans III, Samuel Stringer, Jim Johnson, Dennis Lee, Dave Lawicka Interns Joshua Howser, Krishna Gomatam Marketing/Events Ryan Arter CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Art@SportStarsMag.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@SportStarsMag.com PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsMag.com ADVERTISING Sales@SportStarsMag.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Camps & Clinics: Ryan Arter • Camps@SportStarsMag.com Alameda County: Berry Evans • Berry@foto-pros.com READER RESOURCES/ADMINISTRATION Subscription, Calendar, Credit Services Info@SportStarsMag.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY John Bonilla CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsMag.com COMMUNITY SPORTSTARS™ MAGAZINE A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC PO Box 741, Clayton, CA 94517 info@SportStarsMag.com www.SportStarsMag.com

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Bay Area football will be a story of defense, and it’s gonna be a page-turner that you won’t be able to put down

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Liberty broke through last year. Staying at the top is the goal now

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St. Franics is living large with a stacked senior class looking to repeat

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EXCLUSIVE: Our Preseason All-NorCal team features the beasts of offense and defense.

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Defensive backs are used to a spotlight, and it will shine bright on these stars in the Sac-Joaquin Section

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The Northern Section is always entertaining, but questions linger for 2018

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Realignment has really shook up the Sac-Joaquin Section this season

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Jesuit has a team ready to push for a title, and they’re playing the mental game

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EVEN MORE FOOTBALL: Check out our August issue feature on the meteoric recruiting rise of Freedom-Oakley’s Giles Jackson.

COURTS IN SESSION: Our preseason volleyball coverage begins with the release of our NorCal Top 20 in late August

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HIGH NCVA’s Nine High Performance Teams Show Well At National Event

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& MIGHTY Another sparkling summer for the NCVA and its clubs wrapped up as the organization’s NorCal High Performance program sent nine teams to compete in the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

With five boys teams and four girls teams, NCVA sent the largest delegation to the USAV event, which features round-robin and tournament play against both national and international competition.

The High Performance program is run by USAV and is used as an elite development program. Players try out to be part of their regional High Performance program and have the opportunity to attend the national training session and tournament in July — which USAV showcases to more than 50 coaches and evaluators. Among the highlights the NCVA lists in promotion of the High Performance program include: ›› Competing against some of the best athletes in the country and abroad within their age group. ›› Play alongside some of the best athletes in NorCal ›› Receive top-quality coaching ›› Increase individual visibility, particularly for club teams

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who may have low exposure.

The nine teams which competed in Tulsa combined to rack up 25 wins. The boys teams fared best, which included three teams earning Top-10 finishes in their divisions.

The highest finisher was the Boys Select Red team, which was fourth in the Boys Regional Division with a 4-4 record and featured Brian Pinkston, Travis Nguyen, Andrew Choi, Lance Pennington, Daniel Goncharov, Kyle Nguyen and Theo Snoey.

The Boys Youth Red team, coached by Sean Stratton of Diablo Valley Volleyball Club, earned the most wins. They went 5-3 in the Boys National Division to finish 9th. That team was comprised of Tyler Jack, Kevin Wyatt, Ryan Sun, Grant Holland, Joseph Bergles, Azriel Nicdao, Luke Vindasius, Riley Wagner and Nicholas Bennett.

The top performing NCVA girls squad was the Girls Select White group coached by Ashia Joseph of Core Volleyball Club. That group won three matches in the Girls National Select Division. It’s roster included Hannah McLauchlin, Kristine Bakhad, Jessica Buyanjargal, Harjeeya Bains, Katelyn Cochran, Druegan Davis, Fonda Chung and Autumn Samaniego. ✪

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De La Salle’s Henry To’oto’o 10

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Focus Of Top College Recruiters Squarely On Bay Area’s Standouts On Defense Story By Chace Bryson Photos By Berry Evans III

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t wasn’t very long ago that every football recruiting reporter in the country had to keep his or her eyes and ears focused on the Bay Area — specifically, Antioch, where the nation’s No. 1 recruit was playing.

Najee Harris rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a sophomore in 2014 and committed to Alabama before his junior year. It was a big deal. He was a big deal. For two-plus years, Harris stood as the crown jewel of the football talent the Bay Area could produce.

There were other offensive stalwarts being scooped up in his wake. In addition to Harris, the 2016-17 class was loaded with offensive recruits like Monte Vista-Danville quarterback Jake Haener (Washington) and his tight end Erik Krommenhoek (USC), Berean Christian-Walnut Creek receiver Isaiah Hodgins (Oregon State), Freedom-Oakley running back Ronnie Rivers (Fresno State), Palma-Salinas center Drew Dalman (Stanford) and El Cerrito tackle Aaron Banks (Notre Dame).

Two years later, another gifted Bay Area class has brought big-time Power 5 conference teams clamoring — for defense.

Defending national champion Alabama has offers to two Bay Area linebackers. Clemson, the 2017 national champs, is the most recent school to jump in on a defensive tackle. Georgia, the

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"It's special. I'm not saying defense is the best side of the ball, but it's the fun side.

It's a really cool year to have so many defensive recruits in the Bay Area."

— Pittsburg’s Jacob Bandes

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2018 runner-up to Alabama, is pushing to land one of the region’s top defensive ends. Notre Dame, Tennessee, Michigan, Nebraska, Florida, Illinois and just about every Pac-12 school are taking their shots, too.

“It’s special,” said Jacob Bandes, the Pittsburg High senior defensive tackle who was offered a scholarship by Clemson on July 30. “I’m not saying defense is the best side of the ball, but it’s the fun side. It’s a really cool year to have so many defensive recruits in the Bay Area.”

According to the CBS Sports recruiting site, 247Sports.com, the Bay Area has five defensive recruits ranked among the top 350 seniors in the nation. There are six among the top 70 in the state.

Henry To’oto’o leads the list. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound outside linebacker for De La Salle-Concord was the SportStars NorCal Defensive Player of the Year after a dominant 2017 season. A tackling machine with a knack for blitzing, he’s considered the No. 2 senior outside linebacker in the nation and 38th top prospect overall. He begins his third year as an impact player on the Spartans defense — this time as the team’s unquestioned leader, and one who will carry more than just his load on defense.

“He’s a great linebacker and has done awesome things,” De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh said. “He’s getting a lot of attention and deservedly so. I often get asked how he stacks up to some of our great linebackers of the past, and this year I’m looking forward to seeing him in double duty, like the other guys did.”

Those other guys? DJ Williams and Kevin Simon, arguably the two most recruited players to ever play for the storied program. Williams and Simon each played both ways and were dynamic on both sides of the ball. To’oto’o, who saw a decent amount of carries late in the 2017 season filling in for injured starter Kairee Robinson, will be among the primary ball carriers this year.

“Some guys, you ask them to take on that second role, and they are like ‘Yeah, OK Coach, I’ll do it to help out the team,’” Alumbaugh said.

“But he loves having the ball in his hands, and he’s a talented running back too.”

But first and foremost, he’s a defensive wrecking machine. And that’s what the colleges in his Top 8 (as of mid-June) — Alabama, Cal, Washington, Tennessee, Oregon, Notre Dame, Florida and USC — are seeking.

“Some kids are made to be a quarterback, or made to be a pitcher,” Alumbaugh said. “Henry was wired to be a linebacker. He attacks both in the running and passing game, and we don’t see a lot of that. … Tackling is such a lost art, and he’s a sure tackler. He’s the complete package.”

He’s had particular success as a blitzer.

“When they call my name to go, that’s probably the best moment,” To’oto’o said with a smile. “I just like being physical. If you don’t like hitting, and you play linebacker, that’s a problem.”

Bandes can certainly relate.

“When I was little, I was always mad. I just found defense to be a really fun way to let that anger out,” the Pittsburg star said.

Bandes is also beginning his third varsity season. He took his biggest recruiting leap during the summer prior to his junior season, and the attention never slowed down. The 6-2, 295-pound force — and sixth-ranked tackle in the nation — hasn’t slowed down either.

He attended Nike’s invitation-only The Opening combine in Dallas from June 30-July 3 and came home as the Defensive Line MVP of the event. He set his Top 8 not long after and included Cal, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Purdue, Illinois, Ole Miss and Florida. That was before Clemson threw its hat in the ring, obviously.

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Joshua Pakola, the St. FrancisMountain View senior, is considered the 13th-best senior weakside defensive end in the country and the 25th-best overall recruit in the state.

Georgia, Notre Dame and Stanford are among his top pursuers, though he plans to wait until Jan. 19 to announce his commitment on national TV at the Polynesian Bowl all-star game in Hawaii. Prior to that, he’ll be attempting to lead a talented Lancers team hoping to defend its CIF State Bowl title from a season ago.

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“We haven’t had a guy like this in several years,” Pittsburg defensive coordinator Charlie Ramirez said. “Someone at the defensive line spot who can really execute a bunch of technique. And he can overpower everybody. It just opens up your entire scheme as a defense.”

Game recognizes game, and To’oto’o has seen plenty of the Pittsburg star.

“I see Bandes,” the De La Salle linebacker said. “We played him last year. He’s a dog. Bandes is a dog. Joshua Pakola is another guy. I’ve seen him at camps and his work ethic is amazing.”

Pakola, a 6-3, 250-pound defensive end, will be the linchpin of a veteran St. Francis-Mountain View defense. He’s considered the 25th best senior recruit in the state and has Stanford, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon and USC among his top pursuers.

Roughly 12 miles up Highway 101 from the St. Francis campus sits Menlo-Atherton High, where the Bears are hoping to make a serious run at the Peninsula Athletic League-Bay championship behind a defense led by star linebacker Daniel Heimuli and defensive tackle Noa Ngalu. Ngalu is already committed to Washington while Heimuli is weighing offers from Alabama, LSU, Nebraska, Oregon, UCLA, Washington and Arkansas.

Rounding out the six elite recruits is Tristan Sinclair at San Ramon Valley-Danville. A 6-2, 210-pound linebacker/safety hybrid, Sinclair committed to Stanford on Aug. 1. Notre Dame and USC were among the 20-plus offers he considered. Stanford — where his dad, Andy, played in the mid-80s — was always the heavy favorite.

The region’s defensive prowess doesn’t just stop with these six guys. Drop by Liberty-Brentwood’s Ohmstede Field on a Friday night this fall and let Nicky Nicky Einess Einess and the Lions prove as much. His 5-9, 155-pound frame isn’t going to attract the Power 5 schools, but it didn’t keep him from ranking sixth in the North Coast Section last season with 130 tackles.

“Oh, of course (I get underestimated),” he said with a sly smirk. “It’s all part of it. It’s what makes it so great — prove them wrong.”

Along with his tackle numbers, Einess added five and a half sacks, an interception (which he returned for a touchdown), a forced fumble, a safety and two blocked punts. His team, also underestimated for much of 2017, ended up 11-2 and won the NCS Div. I championship — the program’s first section title.

However, Einess and Liberty weren’t able to win their league title a season ago. To do that this season, they’ll need to take out Bandes and his Pittsburg squad. That league’s winner will certainly earn a trip to the NCS Open Division, where To’oto’o and De La Salle will surely be waiting.

“I was raised on the motto that defense wins championships,” To’oto’o said. “That’s why I love defense. It’s an honor and blessing to be part of a group like this.” ✪ 14

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Mack Keeps Truckin’ McClymonds Looks To Remain King Of Oakland Football

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ou lose 18 of 30 players to graduation or transfer and there’s reason for concern.

But McClymonds football coach Michael Peters just rolls with the punches.

That’s how it works in West Oakland.

The Warriors have suffered their unfair share of pain and tragedy, including the death last month of one of the program’s mainstays, longtime equipment manager and 1989 graduate Dean Hodges. He passed away after a long illness.

“We’ll put a patch on the back of our helmet, dedicate the season to him and move on,” Peters said. “That’s what we do. Move on. Move forward.”

McClymonds has won eight straight Oakland Athletic League/Oakland Section championships. The last two seasons, the Warriors really stepped up their game with two straight state championships at the Division 5-A and 5-AA levels, respectively.

OAKLAND SECTION: Last season was particularly dominating after outscoring opponents 618-105, HOW THEY’LL FINISH including a cumulative 119-38 count in two CIF title games and the Silver Bowl.

“Last year was a doozy,” said Peters, who after 28 seasons doesn’t often look back, 1. McClymonds boast or get too impressed.

2. Oakland Tech After all, he spends most weekends at NFL games following his son, All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters, traded this offseason from Kansas City to the Los Angeles 3. Oakland Rams.

4. Castlemont “That will make the weekends a little easier,” he said.

At least on Sundays.

5. Skyline Fridays and Saturdays will be quite the bear during the nonleague season, as 6. Fremont Mack scheduled tougher opponents than it has before.

The Warriors host perennial medium-school power Marin Catholic-Kentfield BEST OF OAKLAND before taking on a gauntlet of Division I programs: defending North Coast Section Top MVP Candidate: QB-DE K’aun Div. 1 champion Liberty-Brentwood, Palo Alto, San Leandro and Modesto power Green, McClymonds Downey.

“We’re testing our guys early,” Peters said. “We should be ready for league that’s Top Offensive Player: Jarmar for sure. Or all beat up.”

Julien, McClymonds Mack lost most of its offense, except probably its No. 1 running threat, 5-foot-11, Top OL: Siale Liku, Oakland 226-pound load Jarmar Julien, who will get the preponderance of carries.

Top DL: Siale Liku, Oakland “He’s definitely a tough kid to bring down,” Peters said. “He doesn’t have any D1 offers yet, but I’m sure they’re coming.”

Top LB: Tredell Larkins, Oakland Starting quarterback K’aun Green has received multiple Div. I offers, but not on Tech offense. The 6-4, 230-pound senior is a big-time defensive end who last year broke Top DB: Jabari Murray, Oakland his right wrist on the fourth play of the season. Peters planned to use him at quarTech terback, but had to scrap that plan.

After losing all the team’s receivers to graduation, look for Mack to be more Top Breakout Candidate: Javanz dedicated to the run. Two-way lineman Mark Hoching (6-2, 290) will be relied on Dornners, McClymonds opening the holes for Julien and company. Hoching has an offer from the Air Force.

Linebacker Javanz Dornners (6-2, 220) has a lot of college interest, as does 6-1, 215-pound strong safety/linebacker Monte Smith.

“Our defense should carry us most of the way,” Peters said. “We’re going to have to figure out ways to score.”

The one team that figures to give McClymonds a challenge is Oakland Tech, which last season went 8-3 under Virdell Larkins. Mack beat the Bulldogs twice, 45-7 and 42-14 in the Silver Bowl.

Tech returns first-team All-OAL quarterback Cedric Goudy (5-9, 180) and first-team defensive back Jabari Murray.

Second-team All-OAL returnees from Tech including running back Jacob Harris (6-0, 195), offensive lineman Clinton Hill (6-3, 243), strong safety Michael Denard (6-0, 163) and running back/linebacker Tredell Larkins (6-3, 235).

Goudy’s top target should be Drake Darling-Jacob (5-10, 200). Defensive tackle Derek Jones (6-3, 297) is another force for the Bulldogs.

The biggest force in the league is Oakland senior two-way lineman Siale Liku (6-3, 315), rated the 117th top recruit in California, according to 247Sports.com.

Liku has 11 offers, with his likely final list coming down to Cal, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon State and UCLA. “He’s the top recruit out of Oakland,” Peters said. “I think it’s a great thing that he’s stayed loyal to his school.

When he signs, it will be a great day for all of Oakland. Kids will realize there’s a way to move up and get places.”

There are new coaches at Skyline, Fremont and Castlemont, which welcomes the return of James Barnes, who coached the Knights for six seasons starting in 2007. Barnes should see the return of second-team All-OAL receiver Stone Fatal and all-around talent Darius Drake. ✪ — Stephen Scott

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“We’ll put a patch on the back of our helmet, dedicate the season to (Dean Hodges) and move on.

That’s what we do. Move on.

Move forward.”

— McClymonds coach Michael Peters

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Liberty standouts, left to right: Sione Vaki, Jay Butterfield, Nicky Einess and Tyerell Sturges-Cofer

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Liberty-Brentwood Aims For More NCS Glory After 2017 Championship Breakthrough

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BEST OF THE NCS LARGE SCHOOLS

Phillip Walton Photo

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Tyerell Sturges-Cofer

hat a night!

Second one of December in 2017. They won’t forget it. Not Liberty High School, the 116-year-old school at the heart of Brentwood, the agricultural community of over 60,000 in East Contra Costa County that loves its football. Not the community. Not the players. Not the coaches.

Historic achievements are unforgettable, and the Lions’ 37-0 win over Freedom on Dec. 2, 2017, gave the school its first section championship. The locals say they’ve played some sort of football at the school since it was formed in 1902.

“We went out,” Lions coach Ryan Partridge says of the celebration. “I was standing on the table.”

That night!

A new collection of Lions have started anew, of course, working and sweating and focusing on the task in front of them — working through the grind of camp and not letting their minds drift.

As Partridge also says: “Last year is last year. This year is this year.”

In 2018, that means they are entertaining thoughts that rarely, if ever, have warranted consideration here.

California Interscholastic Federation bowl game anyone?

“That would be pretty cool,” Partridge says.

It’s not inconceivable. The Lions return one of the most coveted junior quarterbacks in the country, and he was only the second-best offensive player on the field in the NCS championship game win. On defense, they have a linebacker as devoted to film as any pro, and he anchors a unit that returns many of the starters who held their three playoff opponents to 27 total points.

This group has a good chance to be one of the four teams selected for the NCS Open Division this season, a step up from Division I. That would be significant, in that one playoff win could potentially earn the Lions a CIF regional bowl berth. From the NCS, the CIF’s Division I berth is awarded to either the Open Champion or the Open runner-up, should the champion be ­— Coach Ryan Partridge advanced directly to the CIF Open Championship.

Partridge says that unless the Lions grind each day, any switch to the Open Division won’t matter. And since these are teens, and nothing beats the first time, it will only be natural if those minds occasionally do wander.

“Let’s face it, what the 2017 team did is always there, it’s always going to be there,” Partridge says. “It should be. To a degree, we have to embrace that even as we move forward. That’s the Story By fruit of the labor.”

James G. Kane And this fruit wasn’t ordinary. It was straight off the tree. Perfectly ripe. And bountiful.

“A lot of ‘Congratulations!’ linebacker Nicky Einess says. “Everywhere I went.”

Photos By “It’s been pretty cool,” says two-way star Sione Vaki. “We all want to do it again. We’ve got Chace Bryson

“Let’s face it, what the 2017 team did is always there, it’s always going to be there. It should be. To a degree, we have to embrace that even as we move forward.

That’s the fruit of the labor.”

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Names to know and teams to watch from North Coast Section schools considered to be in the Division I-II enrollment group.

TOP OFFENSIVE THREAT: Giles Jackson, RB/WR, Freedom-Oakley, Sr. TOP DEFENSIVE TALENT: Henry To’oto’o, LB, De La SalleConcord, Sr. BEST ARM: Jay Butterfield, Liberty-Brentwood, Sr. BEST BACK: Austin Jones, Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, Sr. BEST DEEP THREAT: Gaudie Campbell, Antioch, Sr. TOP ROAD GRADER (OL): Clayton Ingram, De La SalleConcord, Sr. TOP RETURN THREAT: Shamar Garrett, De La SalleConcord, Jr. BIGGEST LEG (P or PK): Matthew Hoffman, Monte VistaDanville, Sr. TOP PASS RUSHER: Elias Rantissi, LB, Rancho CotateRohnert Park, Sr. TOP BALLHAWK: Parker Allen, Clayton Valley CharterConcord, Sr. TOP OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Trey Turner, QB, Pittsburg, Sr. TOP DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Charlie Craig, DE, Campolindo, Jr. BIGGEST TITLE FAVORITE: De La Salle TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: De La Salle BEST CHANCE TO SURPRISE: Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park

BEST OF THE NCS MEDIUM SCHOOLS Names to know and teams to watch from North Coast Section schools considered to be in the Division III and IV enrollment group.

TOP OFFENSIVE THREAT: Akil Edwards, QB, St. Patrick-St. Vincent-Vallejo, Sr. TOP DEFENSIVE TALENT: Makai Polk, ATH, El Cerrito, Sr. BEST ARM: Jackson Pavitt, Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa, Jr.; Cruz Montana, Eureka, Sr. BEST BACK: Demari Davis, Pinole Valley, Sr.; Fresh Ison, Moreau Catholic-Hayward, Jr. BEST DEEP THREAT: Luke Fairfield, St. Bernard’s-Eureka, Sr. TOP ROAD GRADER (OL): Franklin Banks, El Cerrito, Sr. TOP RETURN THREAT: Demari Davis, Pinole Valley; Garrett Freitas, Petaluma, Sr. BIGGEST LEG (P or PK): Miguel Escamilla, AnalySebastopol, Sr. TOP PASS RUSHER: Sam Carlson, ATH, Tamalpais-Mill Valley, Sr.; Nick Wall, LB, Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa, Sr. TOP BALLHAWK (DB): Maxwell Anderson, Moreau Catholic-Hayward, Sr. TOP OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Jackson Pavitt, QB, Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa TOP DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Makai Polk, ATH, El Cerrito BIGGEST TITLE FAVORITE: Fortuna TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: Cardinal Newman BEST CHANCE TO SURPRISE: El Cerrito

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Jay Butterfield the people to do it.”

Just how far can they go? Ask the aforementioned QB. “I don’t see why we can’t go all the way,” Jay Butterfield says.

Why not? Butterfield is far more seasoned than he was in camp a season ago, when he could not wrestle the starting job away from senior Ryan Dutt. He and Dutt shared duties in the first nine games.

“That was hard for me,” Butterfield says. “As a player, you always want to play and I’d never not played before. I’d never been on the bench. But you can’t quit, and you have to keep working as hard as you can, and keep being prepared. That whole experience … It really taught me a lot.”

In the 10th game, Partridge handed Butterfield the keys. The rest became history. He produced 203 passing yards and three touchdowns in his first start, a 37-35 win over rival Freedom.

One month after that, he beat the Falcons again. That capped a three-game playoff run in which Butterfield threw for 502 yards and seven touchdowns. He was intercepted only one time in the playoffs as the Lions outscored their opponents 106-27.

His quarterback rating for the three games: 189.9.

Now, he has vast interest throughout the Pac-12. He’s also attracted the attention of former 49ers and current Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Good things come to those who wait.

“We’re just going to keep getting better,” Butterfield says. “We went through so much last season, and it was really an amazing experience. Everybody wants to feel that again, so we’ve been motivated and working hard.”

Butterfield enters his first full season as the starter riding a wave that shows no sign of break-

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ing anytime soon. Rivals.com rates him as the state’s second-best quarterback, and its eight-best player overall. 247Sports.com, places him as the third-best junior quarterback in the nation.

He is 6 foot, 6 inches of what appears to be a naturally born quarterback. The quick release.

The powerful, tight spiral. The innate ability to drop a ball into exactly the spot it needs to be.

The 16-year-old inspires visions of his father, Mark, an Antioch High legend who threw 19 touchdown passes as a college senior at Stanford — including four in one game against UCLA — and played in the World Bowl for the Scottish Claymores of the World Football League.

“He’s a thrower of the football,” Partridge says. “He was born to do it.”

For the Lions, he won’t need to do it on every play.

Running back Tyerell Sturges-Cofer is the other heavy lifter. He ran for 255 yards on a whopping 8.8 per carry with three touchdowns in the title game and is back for his second varsity year. He ran 1,128 yards and averaged nearly six yards a carry in his first one.

“I think I came over here, and I was trying to prove a point and played with a little chip on my shoulder,” Sturges-Cofer says. “I set a high standard by doing that, and now I’ve got to live up to that standard.”

When Butterfield wants to go elsewhere, he also can look toward Vaki. The two-way starter caught 37 passes as a junior last season and averaged 21.9 yards per catch. He also rushed for 358 yards.

On defense, Vaki made 45 tackles and intercepted a pass that he returned 47 yards.

He is joined on the defense by Einess, the linebacker Partridge calls “another coach.”

“I think he might watch more film than me,” Partridge says. “As a result of that, teams a lot of times can’t block him. It’s so valuable having a guy like that. He’s another coach out there. I could put him at any position, and he’d be fine.”

With Butterfield, Vaki, Sturges-Cofer and Einess leading the way, Partridge says it’s easy for the rest of his team to fall in line. Such is the way that winning can lead to more winning, the way one milestone can lead to another.

“It’s a pretty fun time,” he says.

At this school, few times have ever been finer. ✪

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August 9, 2018

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21

Concord Revels In Strong High School Traditions

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Friday night lights — what every kid looks forward to when it comes to high school football. All the blood, sweat and tears each player puts in doesn’t go unnoticed as they work their way to victory. Concord is lucky to have five high schools with great football programs to stand behind and support.

The De La Salle Spartans are one of the top programs in the nation and have been nationally recognized for more than two decades. They have won countless championships and games, and had a national-record 151-game winning streak that ended in 2004. They begin the 2018 season with a 291-game winning streak against NorCal opponents. The Spartans continue to make Concord their proud home with their hard work and dedication.

The Clayton Valley Charter Ugly Eagles have re-established their dominance and received first place in their league last year. Their presence in the football world continues to raise Concord’s profile when it comes to high school football. Their field is unique in that their turf is black, helping them stand out from their competition.

The Minuteman of Concord High School have a mission to prepare student athletes to become leaders and champions in life. They continue to motivate and challenge their players both on and off the field. They host a 7-on-7 football camp and a poker tournament for fundraising, incorporating the community of Concord.

Ygnacio Valley High School is the home for the Warriors of Concord. They won a league co-championship back in 2009 and continue to rebuild their program each year. They had five all-league selections last year, including three first-team honorees.

The Mt. Diablo High School mission is to instill determination in all of their students to persevere in reaching their goals and their football program does just that. They continue to grow each year to ensure their team strives for excellence. They have a great opportunity to show the community how they will represent Concord in the future.

With these five schools giving their all on the field, the community of Concord is expanding its sports culture. There is nothing better than the view from the top and Visit Concord is proud to support those who help make our city a true winner. Concord has the perfect field space to plan your next tournament! Catch one of these local teams at a game this season and show your support. ✪ — All copy provided by VisitConcord.com

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August 9, 2018

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23

CITY

State Of Mind Galileo Back For More After 2017 State Title Shocker

T

he notion of an Academic Athletic Association football team winning a state championship seemed remote at best until Galileo, the alma mater of O.J. Simpson, pulled it off last December in stunning fashion.

The Lions, led by sophomore Yarvell Smith, the league’s Player of the Year, and Jimmy Edwards, the AAA’s Defensive Player of the Year, took two long bus rides to register CIF title wins, including a 3820 win at Vincent Memorial-Calexico to claim the SAN FRANCISCO state Division 6-A crown.

SECTION: Smith and Edwards are back, as is Ronald Fox, HOW THEY’LL FINISH who rushed for 146 yards and two TDs in the state title game, making Galileo the obvious favorite to 1. Lincoln repeat as AAA/San Francisco Section champions.

2. Galileo But a senior-laden Lincoln squad and an always 3. Mission talented Mission team, led by first-year coach Tobi4. Lowell as Whitley, should give the Lions a strong challenge.

5. Washington If nothing else, Galileo gave the other teams in the often-maligned league — 44-124 in nonleague 6. Balboa play over the last five years — some strong inspira7. Burton tion.

BEST OF THE CITY “Galileo shined a lot of light on the AAA,” Whitley said. “Our kids believe they can do what they Top MVP Candidate: RB-LB Yarvell achieved also. It’s definitely a reachable goal. “ Smith, Galileo.

For Galileo, which traveled 602 miles to beat Top Offensive Player: Ronald Fox, Vincent Memorial after a 50-mile jaunt to win the Galileo NorCal title 20-14 at Rio Vista, the road to repeat is Top TE: Eugene Larios-Felton, paved with resolve.

Lincoln “Being state champs hasn’t changed anything at Galileo except as a coaching staff, where we have Top OL: Joseph Felix, Washington a higher standard and a goal with state in mind,” Top DL: Matthew Tupai, Balboa coach Mark Huynh said.

Much revolves around the team’s big three, inTop LB: Jimmie Edwards, Galileo cluding big burly running back/linebacker Smith, Top DB: Jovan Baker, Lincoln who rushed for 1,522 yards and 21 touchdowns and Top Breakout Performer: added 78 tackles.

McKinley Oliver, Mission With two more strong seasons, the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder could be the first AAA player to land a Division I scholarship since McLeod BethelThompson, now a defensive back in the CFL, who graduated from Balboa in 2006.

“He’s gotten leaner and grown some man-muscles,” Huynh said. “He’s still the best all-around player in the league in my opinion.”

Edwards (5-8, 175) had 139 tackles at middle linebacker, including 19.5 for loss last season. He made 10 of his 14 sacks in the final two games, includ-

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Galileo’s Yarvell Smith ing six in the state finale.

Fox (5-9, 145) moves from running back, where he rushed for 654 yards and eight TDs, to quarterback, replacing threeyear starter Adrian Poot. Those are big shoes to fill, even though Poot stood only 5-3. Poot was gritty, smart and got the job done.

Fox presents a more dynamic dimension: “He’ll be tough to stop because of his legs,” Huynh said. “He can really run, but his quarterback skills are steadily improving.”

The Lions have more than the big three. All-City defensive back Michael Duran and receiver Reese Bickart return, as does utility player Thomas Santos and two-way lineman Joseph Ale. Newcomers Kobe Cabuntala, Robby Lee and Rafael Oropeza also impress Huynh.

“They’re the champs and they got their big guns returning,” Lincoln coach Phil Ferrigno said. “They have to be the favorites.”

Ferrigno, who has led Lincoln to six SFS titles since 2005, loves his current lot of players, including safety/running back Jovan Baker (5-9, 160), quarterback/tight end/linebacker Eugene Larios-Felton (6-1, 200), and running back/cornerback DeSean Crawford (5-7, 150).

Crawford rushed for 1,021 yards and eight touchdowns.

Other key seniors include Albert Moore (6-1, 250), Ruben Mejia-Perez (5-7, 200), Ajani Adewusi (6-1, 175) and Rocky Marania (5-9, 165).

“There’s a lot of reason for optimism,” Ferrigno said. “All these kids got the job done in the classroom and in the weight room in the offseason. They’ve built a nice culture. We’ll see how our depth goes.”

Whitley, who graduated from Mission in 1998, has taken over for Greg Hill, who led the Bears to 16 wins in two seasons, including a SFS title in 2016. Whitley served the last three seasons as junior varsity coach. Mission has won four straight round-robin league crowns.

The Bears are led by speedy back Jelani Al-Malik (5-8, 160), the AAA’s sprint champion, quarterback/linebacker McKinley Oliver (6-0, 190) and wide receiver Matthew Cohn.

“Our expectations are to play our best, be disciplined, play one game at a time and compete for a state championship,” Whitley said. ✪ — Stephen Scott Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, like us on Facebook!

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August 9, 2018

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25

1. DE LA SALLE-CONCORD (11-2)

(all records from 2017)

Perhaps Northern California’s best defense, the Spartans will be anchored by returning NorCal Defensive Player of the Year Henry To’oto’o (6-2, 230), a five-star linebacker with immense athleticism and talent. The elite unit also returns LB Jhasi Wilson (6-5, 240), DL Beaux Tagaloa (6-0, 275) and DB duo Taveis Marshall (6-2, 166) and Amir Wallace (6-0, 155). On offense, expect a lot of RB Shamar Garrett (5-8, 170), who will provide a 1-2 backfield punch with To’oto’o. TE/DE Isaiah Foskey (6-5, 240) is another nationally recruited, two-way talent. The Spartans are replacing a few graduates on the offensive line, and will be starting a sophomore QB (Dorian Hale) who did see some live action last season. DLS won’t be allowed to stumble out of the gate this season as its season opener against No. 2 Folsom will put the program’s 291-game winning streak against NorCal opponents in real jeopardy.

3. PITTSBURG (9-3) The team that rolled to a runner-up finish in Div. 1-A returns 14 starters (seven on both sides) and could thrive after a gauntlet preseason that includes No. 15 Clayton Valley Charter-Concord, No. 11 St. Mary’s-Stockton, SoCal-power Centennial-Corona, No. 7 Serra-San Mateo and Vacaville. QB Trey Turner (6-1, 180) is expected to return from a 2017 preseason ACL tear and allow versatile WR/DB Justin Boyd (5-10, 163) to catch passes after throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and 26 scores as Turner’s replacement. Defense drives this team, though, led by four-star DT Jacob Bandes (6-2, 275)

Premier Murphy

Henry To’oto’o

2. FOLSOM (16-0) The Bulldogs won their third CIF State Bowl Championship (Div. 1-AA) last year and return a wealth of starters on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs are only slight underdogs to De La Salle-Concord in the season opener, and will be heavy favorites moving forward. That’s what they do best, actually: Move. Forward. What’s easily the most talented and experienced offense in the state includes the 2017 SportStars Offensive Player of the Year, WR Joe Ngata (6-3, 210 — over 1,700 rec. yards and 26 TDs), QB Kaiden Bennett (6-0, 170 — 73 combined pass and rushing TDs) and WR/DB Daniyel Ngata (5-9, 190 — 11 rushing TDs). A win over De La Salle in its season-opener would all but pave way to a CIF Open Div. berth.

Photos by: Dennis Lee, James. K. Leash, Jean-Paul Toshiro and Chace Bryson

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Jay Butterfield

4. LIBERTY-BRENTWOOD (11-2) Preseason No. 4 for all of NorCal isn’t bad for a program that began 2017 having never won a section title. The Lions won’t be able to sneak up on anyone in 2018 — but with their talent and experience, they shouldn’t have to. Junior QB Jay Butterfield (a Top 100 national recruit for 2020 class) has a gluttony of weapons to utilize, and the defense will be physical.

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5. ST. FRANCIS-MOUNTAIN VIEW (11-4)

7. SERRA-SAN MATEO (13-2)

They aren’t the only defending CIF State Bowl champ in their league, but they are the one with the most returning talent. Senior RB Darrell Page (5-10, 185), a 2,300-yard rusher as a junior, leads the offense while four-star DE Joshua Pakola (6-4, 250) anchors the defense.

Graduation gutted Serra’s receiving corps, but third-year quarterback Luke Bottari (5-11, 177) will keep the defending WCAL and CIF 2-AA champs competitive. LB/RB Edmund Lahlouh (6-0, 205) and RB/DB David Coker (5-9, 170) will also factor.

Maurice Wilmer Evan Williams

Edmund Lahlouh

8. DEL ORO-LOOMIS (8-6) Expect things to go much smoother for the Golden Eagles during the second year of the Jeff Walters coaching tenure. Returnees like QB Carson Jarratt (6-3, 198) and RB/DB Dawson Hurst (6-0, 195) will help that cause.

9. CENTRAL CATHOLIC-MODESTO (10-2) The Raiders are still smarting from a postseason defeat to Del Oro, and have embraced a gauntlet schedule that includes Clovis West-Fresno, No. 1 De La Salle and No. 11 St. Mary’s-Stockton.

Watch for RB/DB Dawaiian McNeely (6-1, 206) to make an impact.

10. GRANITE BAY (12-3) With the top seven yard producers gone, expect big things from a new cast, led by junior quarterback Dillon Hamilton (5-11, 165). Returning All-League linebacker Jacob Ellis (6-1, 185) is a two-way talent to keep an eye on.

Isaiah Rutherford

6. JESUIT-CARMICHAEL (10-3) The Marauders squeezed a 10-game winning streak and Delta League title between a pair of losses to state champ Folsom. Returning stars like RB/CB Isaiah Rutherford (6-2, 170), OLB/TE Laiatu Latu (6-5, 242) and LB Cade Brownholtz (6-3, 228) will set tone.

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11. St. Mary’s-Stockton (11-3)

16. Placer-Auburn (13-2)

12. Inderkum-Sacramento (11-1)

17. Oakdale (12-2)

13. Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills (11-2)

18. Valley Christian-San Jose (9-3)

14. Antelope (10-2)

19. Manteca (12-3)

15. Clayton Valley Charter-Concord (8-3)

20. San Ramon Valley-Danville (9-2) ✪

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27

St. Francis-Mountain View’s Dynamite Senior Class, Including Darrell Page, right, Isn’t Inclined To Rest On State Title Spoils Of 2017

LIVIN’

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CCS PRESEASON HONOR ROLL TOP OFFENSIVE THREAT: Darrell Page, RB, St. Francis-Mountain View, Sr. TOP DEFENSIVE TALENT: Daniel Heimuli, ILB, Menlo-Atherton, Sr. BEST ARM: Luke Bottari, Serra-San Mateo, Sr. BEST RUNNING BACK: Page, St. Francis-Mountain View, Sr. BEST DEEP THREAT: Brandon Lowe, Piedmont Hills-San Jose, Sr. TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Justin Scrempos, Milpitas, Sr. TOP RETURN THREAT: Elis Hutchins, Monterey, Jr. BIGGEST LEG (P or PK): Dillon Grady, Menlo School-Atherton, Sr. TOP PASS RUSHER: Camron Grant, LB, Aragon-San Mateo, Sr. TOP BALLHAWK: Vaenuku Vahai, CB, Mills-Milbrae, Jr. TOP OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Raymond Price III, QB/ATH, Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton, So. TOP DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Ricky Moore, DE, Los Gatos, Jr. BIGGEST TITLE FAVORITE: St. FrancisMountain View TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: Serra-San Mateo BEST CHANCE TO SURPRISE: MittySan Jose

Story By Mike Wood Photos By Jean-Paul Toshiro Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, like us on Facebook!

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29

St. Francis seniors, left to right, Opeti Fangupo, Evan Williams, Maurice Wilmer and Joshua Pakola.

E

nergy. Enthusiasm. Drive. You can tell Darrell Page has plenty when he talks football. And certainly, you can see all of that when he plays the game.

The St. Francis-Mountain View running back put that on display a season ago. As a junior he broke the Lancers’ school single-season rushing record with 2,309 yards — also the best mark for the season among Central Coast Section backs — plus 23 touchdowns. Two came in the breakthrough 22-13 CIF 2-A state title win in December over Grace Brethren-Simi Valley.

So now it’s encore time. And for Page and his teammates, it’s full-steam ahead.

“I’m ready to go, ready to do better,” he said. “We are ready, my boys and I want to play. I tell myself I can be even better and I am not going to limit myself to what I did before.”

Having talented athletes like Page, who also plays linebacker, and two-way teammates such as linebacker/tight end Joshua Pakola and safety/wide receivers Evan Williams and Maurice Wilmer, the Lancers could be in line for more championship glory in 2018 — even as last year’s success continues to burn bright.

“We always will remember that for the rest of our lives, but I’ve been praying to have an even better season,” Page said, acknowledging competition in the ultra-competitive West Catholic Athletic League and the CCS will be tough. “There has never been a moment when we haven’t had to fight for that spot.”

Added Pakola: “We are going to take that with us the rest of our lives, using it as motivation. Our team has great chemistry. We are close on and off the field; that is the reason why we succeed. It’s a huge part of our success.”

Page is a workhorse. He carried the ball 31 times for 248 yards last season against Archbishop Mitty-San Jose, one of nine times he eclipsed 150 yards in a game, and one of three where he broke 200.

“Darrell is one of the most passionate guys about football I’ve ever met; he always is giving 110 percent,” Pakola said. “All the hard work he puts into the offense, every play. He is just a freak athlete, and I am happy to be able to play with him. All the young players look up to him; I look up to him for motivation when I

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“I’m ready to go, ready to do better. We are ready, my boys and I want to play.

I tell myself I can be even better and I am not going to limit myself to what I did before.”

— Darrell Page Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, like us on Facebook!

see how hard he works.”

Pakola, also a tight end, doesn’t lack for motivation very often. He also doesn’t lack attention from collegiate recruiters. He recently narrowed his college choices to Stanford, USC, Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia, UCLA and Washington. Page and Williams are also among teammates who are attracting offers, as St. Francis’ reputation grows.

“It’s all wonderful to get that attention; the people I am surrounded by and my family make me humble and I don’t forget where I came from,” Pakola said. “I use this pedestal, when coaches can come and watch practice and see, they can also see my teammates and they get (exposure). It helps that they can get attention, too, while I am getting all these blessings.”

Pakola began showing a knack for the game at age 7. Already, football came easy, learning from his father, Lee, who played for Fresno State. The younger Pakola loves the game and plays with a display of joy that’s evident to his teammates.

“He is all smiles. Every time you see him it’s all smiles,” Page said. “But when it’s time to go, he goes. He helps me to keep my focus and get ready. He keeps that tempo that we need as a team to win. He is definitely like a big ol’ teddy bear. He’s my brother ... all those guys are.”

Pakola is part of a defense that is a hallmark of St. Francis, a unit that coach Greg Calcagno said after the state win is “what we hang our hat on. ... That’s what we do best, what we specialize in.” That was evident when the defense repeatedly stifled Grace-Brethren when it mattered most — on one crucial second-half series after another. In 2017, the Lancers held seven opponents under 10 points and produced two shutouts.

“Matt Scharrenberg, our defensive coordinator, keeps us together,” Pakola said. “There is so much talent on defense, that you can trust that everyone else is doing his job. We do what we can to help the offense out. There are no limits on our defense.”

Pakola, who has been dealing with the recruiting world since he was a sophomore, has done his homework in preparing to make his big choice. But for now, it’s high school football time.

Then, come Jan. 19, he plans to make his college announcement live on CBS Sports Network at the Polynesian Bowl.

For Pakola, whose mother is Samoan (father, Lee, is Tongan), being chosen for the Polynesian Bowl and being able to announce his college choice in Hawaii is a distinct honor.

“The Polynesian Bowl is really important to me, growing up in Polynesian culture,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the love and support of my family, I love that this game gives me the opportunity to announce my decision and to represent my Polynesian heritage in Hawaii.”

Page also points to family for motivation. His mother, Iesha Golson, is his biggest inspiration.

My mom has always been strong, and been with me through thick and thin; she has been my backbone,” Page said. “When I score and I look up and I see her smiling, that makes me work even harder. I wouldn’t be the young man I am today without my mother.”

With college plans looming and the added attention that comes with being defending state champions, three-year varsity veteran Pakola is focused on what can be experienced in one final opportunity as a high school player.

“It’s all about the season,” he said. “I’m trying to cherish my last moments with my buddies.” ✪ Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, like us on Facebook!

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QB KAIDEN BENNETT (FOLSOM) SR. | 6-0, 175 Bulldogs signal caller accounted for 73 touchdowns as a junior (57 through the air) — and every one of his weapons returns, too.

QB LUKE BOTTARI (SERRA-SAN MATEO) SR. | 5-10, 160 Three-year starter for defending CIF Bowl champs completed 72 percent of his passes for 2,768 yards, 23 TDs RB DARRELL PAGE (ST. FRANCIS-MOUNTAIN VIEW) SR. | 5-10, 185 Averaged 7.5 yards per carry and 153.9 yards per game for CCS-best 2,309 yards as a junior RB AUSTIN JONES (BISHOP O’DOWD-OAKLAND) SR. | 5-11, 190 Stanford-commit posted more than 1,900 yards from scrimmage (1,560 rushing) with 27 total TDs in 2018

Elijhah Badger

RB SHAMAR GARRETT (DE LA SALLE-CONCORD) JR. | 5-7, 170 Graduation of Kairee Robinson sets stage for speedster to have big season as the lightning to Henry To’oto’o’s thunder WR JOE NGATA (FOLSOM) SR. | 6-4, 210 Fast, physical and nightmare to cover, the recent Clemson-commit caught 26 TD passes in 2017 WR GILES JACKSON (FREEDOM-OAKLEY) SR. | 5-8, 175 No Bay Area recruit improved his stock more during the 2018 summer than the Falcons’ threeyear hybrid

Kaiden Bennett

WR SIONE VAKI (LIBERTY-BRENTWOOD) SR. | 6-0, 190 Totaled nearly 1,300 yards from scrimmage and led the NCS Div. I champs with 19 TDs a season ago WR ALVIN BANKS (CORDOVA-RANCHO CORDOVA) SR. | 6-0, 175 Garnered recruiting interest after breakout junior season of 1,280 yards receiving, 8 INTs and 18 total TDs WR ELIJHAH BADGER (FOLSOM) JR. | 6-1, 181 Speedster shot up the recruiting charts after a 900-yard, 12-TD sophomore campaign TE ISAIAH FOSKEY (DE LA SALLE-CONCORD) SR. | 6-5, 240 Four-star talent is No. 6-ranked TE prospect in the country with offers from Alabama, Clemson and Michigan TE BRADLEY ARCHER (LIVERMORE) SR. | 6-4, 240 Committed to Cal in April following junior season of 37 catches for 343 yards, four TDs OL JOEY CAPRA (PLACER-AUBURN) SR. | 6-4, 275 Bound for Arizona State, he’ll be the third of three brothers to take his talents to the Pac-12 OL EVERETT JOHNSON (TURLOCK) SR. | 6-8, 290 The Cal commitment has elite size and power. He’s been a warrior in offseason camps and should develop into a real collegiate talent OL JUSTIN SCREMPOS (MILPITAS) SR. | 6-8, 310 Towering tackle chose to stay local by committing to San Jose State in mid-July OL CLAYTON INGRAM (DE LA SALLE-CONCORD) SR. | 6-6, 270 Returning tackle has four offers and will be big key for Spartans up front OL ZAC WELCH (OAK RIDGE-EL DORADO HILLS) SR. | 6-4, 293 With good feet, quick hands and persistent motor, the Nevada-bound Welch is the best lineman in the prestigious Sierra Foothill League K MATTHEW HOFFMAN (MONTE VISTA-DANVILLE) SR. | 6-3, 160 Averaged 50 yards on kickoffs (14 touchbacks), 33 yards on punts and converted 7 of 8 FGs (long of 42) last season ✪

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Giles Jackson

Sione Vaki

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DL JACOB BANDES (PITTSBURG) SR. | 6-2, 295 Top 100 national recruit at defensive tackle was DL MVP at Nike’s prestigious The Opening combine in July DL LAIATU LATU (JESUIT-CARMICHAEL) SR. | 6-5, 240 Sack specialist (12 in 2017) has Alabama, Georgia, half of Pac-12 in eight offers he’s considering DL JAMAR SEKONA (MARIN CATHOLIC-KENTFIELD) JR. | 6-4, 295 College interest soars after outstanding sophomore campaign for NCS Div. III champion Wildcats DL NOA NGALU (MENLO-ATHERTON-ATHERTON) SR. | 6-2, 280 Washington commit also is a powerhouse in track and field in the discus

D’Marcus Ross

DL XAVIER CARLTON (MODESTO CHRISTIAN) JR. | 6-6, 235 Four-star DE has recruiters lining up after solid sophomore campaign featuring 82 tackles and 6 sacks DE/LB JOSHUA PAKOLA (ST. FRANCIS-MOUNTAIN VIEW) SR. | 6-3, 250 Four-star talent has Georgia, Notre Dame and five Pac-12 schools among his Top 7

Henry To’oto’o

LB DANIEL HEIMULI (MENLO-ATHERTON-ATHERTON) SR. | 6-2, 225 ESPN’s 12th-ranked ILB prospect led Bears with 93 total tackles (82 solo) as a junior LB HENRY TO’OTO’O (DE LA SALLE-CONCORD) SR. | 6-2, 230 Five-star recruit and all-around dynamo is a MaxPreps first-team preseason All-American LB TRISTAN SINCLAIR (SAN RAMON VALLEY-DANVILLE) SR. | 6-2, 210 Performance at The Opening Finals by four-star athlete drew rave reviews LB NICKY EINESS (LIBERTY-BRENTWOOD) SR. | 5-9, 155 Was sixth in NCS with 130 total tackles to help propel Lions to historic section title win LB LEVELLE BAILEY (BURBANK-SACRAMENTO) SR. | 6-3, 190 Displays skills on defense with five picks last year, plus at QB and on basketball court DB ISAIAH RUTHERFORD (JESUIT-CARMICHAEL) SR. | 6-2, 170 Four-star national recruit prolific on defense along with more than 1,400 rushing yards DB TYLER GREEN (CHRISTIAN BROTHERS-SACRAMENTO) SR. | 6-0, 175 Two-way star is shutdown corner when not testing opposing defensive backs with his speed and excellent hands

Willie Harts III

DB DAWAIIAN MCNEELY (CENTRAL CATHOLIC-MODESTO) SR. | 6-1, 182 At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he has the size and defensive skills to take his talent to the next level DB EVAN WILLIAMS (ST. FRANCIS-MOUNTAIN VIEW) SR. | 5-11, 180 Ballhawk has offer to join brother Bennett at Illinois; also led Lancers in receiving with 10 TDs in 2017 AP DANIYEL NGATA (FOLSOM) JR. | 5-9, 180 College offers flying in for exceptionally versatile athlete who did it all for Div. 1-AA state champion Bulldogs AP WILLIE HARTS III (PITTSBURG) SR. | 6-0, 160 Harts was Mr. Everything (9 TD, 31 tackles, 2 INT, 2 forced fumbles) for 2017 Div. 1-A state bowl finalists

Evan Williams Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, like us on Facebook!

AP D’MARCUS ROSS (CAPITAL CHRISTIAN-SACRAMENTO) SR. | 5-11, 215 Versatile two-way star could reach career totals of 4,000 yards and 100 TDs while getting recruiting interest for his DB play ✪

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33

Rocklin’s Hardwood Palace To Host Premier Women’s Wrestling Event On Dec. 14-15, Hardwood Palace in Rocklin will be trans-

them right then and there,” WWCTOC Tournament Director

West Coast Tournament of Champions. Placer Valley Tourism,

and SAWA President Don Martinez III said. “Plus the high

Sacramento Area Wrestling Association and Cliff Keen Wres-

school wrestlers love watching the college wrestlers compete

tling are joining forces again for the only all-female wrestling

and seeing what that next step in their athletic journey can be

tournament in the nation that features both college and high

— it’s really a unique and inspiring experience for the girls.”

school wrestlers.

“In just four years, the WWCTOC has made a huge mark in

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August 9, 2018

with top female high school wrestlers, but they can recruit

formed into a wrestling mecca for the 4th Annual Women’s

Last year the WWCTOC showcased nearly 500 athletes from 10 states and Canada; 18 colleges and 64 high schools

the wrestling world because of the format, the level of com-

were represented. This year they are expecting even bigger

petition and the fact that we offer a college showcase where

numbers as female wrestling is gaining attention across the

coaches not only have opportunity to observe and interact

nation and programs are being implemented in high schools

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and colleges at a rapid rate. Currently the WWCTOC has

champions, singlets for the finalists, medals go to top placers

more than 70 high schools planning to compete and 23 col-

and trophies to the winning teams.

leges are on board, with new schools being added.

“I’m looking forward to attending the WWCTOC again this year; it was such a well- organized event that included an

Conor Graf who serves as Key Account Specialist and Special Operations for Cliff Keen Athletic, conveyed their support and enthusiasm for this premier event.

opportunity for my team to compete against several other

“Cliff Keen Athletic is proud to help grow women’s wres-

colleges as well as an amazing opportunity to recruit from

tling by way of the WWCTOC, an amazing tournament that

the high school athletes,” Asia DeWeese, head women’s

showcases some of the best female wrestling talent from

wrestling coach for Umpqua Community College, said. “It’s

around the country.” Graf said. “Each year has helped propel

very exciting that this year several of my wrestlers competed

female wrestling to the forefront in both high school and col-

in the high school division last year, and now will be returning

legiate sports.”

to compete as college student athletes because of the opportunity I had to recruit at this tournament.”

Cliff Keen will be providing customized merchandise for all

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If you would like more information on this exciting event or would like to register a team, please go to wwctoc.com. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism

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August 9, 2018

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35

Dawson Hurst

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August 9, 2018

D’Marcus Ross

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Tyler Green

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Isaiah Rutherford

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37

pick 6 Sac-Joaquin Section defenses will be anchored by some bright stars in the secondary in 2018. SportStars spotlights a half-dozen defensive backs with the physical and mental talent to shine on the field.

Alvin Banks, Cordova-Rancho Cordova, DB/WR, 5-11, 175

Dawaiian McNeely, Cent. Catholic-Modesto, DB/RB, 6-2, 206

Lancers’ two-way star led all returning SJS players with 8 INTs in 2017. Banks also had 5 passes defended and returned one interception for a score. On offense, he hauled in 61 passes for 1,270 yards and 14 TDs.

Saw few passes come his direction in 2017, but is seeing plenty of Big West and Pac-12 offers

Tyler Green, Christian Brothers-Sac., DB/WR, 6-0, 180 After picking off 12 passes as a sophomore, opponents stayed away from Green’s side of the field for much of 2017. He still had 2 INTs and 3 passes defended, and accounted for 20 total TDs for the Falcons.

Dawson Hurst, Del Oro-Loomis, DB/RB, 6-0, 195 Physical on both sides of the ball, he burst onto the scene with more than 50 tackles and three interceptions as a sophomore in 2016. Last year, the action on his side decreased, but Hurst punished opponents with 27 tackles and a pair of rushing TDs.

Dawson Hurst

coming his way in 2018. McNeely had 1 INT and 1 pass defended, and added 5 rushing TDs for the Raiders’ offense.

D’Marcus Ross, Cap. Christian-Sac., DB/OLB/RB, 5-11, 215 Three-year starter for the Cougars has been a force on both sides of the ball, averaging 3 INTs p and more than 1,000 yards rushing per season. Ross has returned 7 of his 9 career INTs for scores, and accounted for 75 total TDs.

Isaiah Rutherford, Jesuit-Carmichael, DB/RB, 6-2, 170 The most-sought after DB in the section, he has more than 20 offers from top-tier Division I programs. Rutherford had 2 INTs, 1,468 yards rushing, and 17 total TDs as a junior. ✪

D’Marcus Ross

Tyler Green

Isaiah Rutherford

Top-flight DBs Live With Thrills, Perils Of Big-Play Microscope

T

he spotlight on the defensive secondary shines bright. It can be used to illuminate greatness and showcase style and personality, and it can expose glaring mistakes and wilt confidence and poise. For every Deion Sanders high-stepping pick-six and postgame celebrity moment, there is a scapegoat who has to face the heat of bright TV camera lights and angry fans.

“It’s hard to see if a defensive lineman missed an assignment or a linebacker took a bad angle, but you always see the cornerback if a guy beats him deep,” said Capital Christian-Sacramento coach Casey Taylor, who has seen his share of big plays. “As the last line of defense, the secondary is a spotlight position, whether the criticism or blame is fair or not.”

The biggest factor determining flash or flameout at the defensive back position is what is above the neck and between the ears, rather than what is on the ears and around the neck.

Mental toughness and focus are key to becoming a great DB and remaining the brightest light shining in the secondary.

Defensive backs with skills, size and smarts are in high demand in both ollege and the NFL, and the Sac-Joaquin Section has its share of cover men who are attracting the attention of recruiters. Highlight reels abound on the internet, but the top defensive backs understand that it’s just as important to study film to learn from mistakes and improve their technique

and the team defense.

“We watch film every day at practice and I watch more film every night,” said D’Marcus Ross, a four-year two-way starter at Capital Christian. “I critique myself and look to see what I can improve, then I use myself as an example to go over the film so that we can all see how we can improve to make the team better.”

Ross is a solid 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds that has punished opponents as a running back and linebacker in his first years for the Cougars. Last year, he moved to an outside linebacker position with more responsibility for coverage, and has gained recruiting momentum as a defensive back and hybrid linebacker. His speed and versatility may remind some locals of Grant-Sacramento’s Shaq Thompson, a fierce runner who made his way to the NFL as a linebacker able to drop into coverage.

The Capital Christian defender has seen his tackles decrease from 109 as a middle linebacker his freshman season to 46 as a roaming OLB and DB last season. What has not wavered is his ability to find the ball on defense and make plays. Ross had four interceptions each of his first two years before nabbing just one last year after opposing offenses looked to the other side of the field when throwing the ball. Of those nine interceptions in three years, he has returned an astounding seven of them for touchdowns.

story by jim mccue photos by James k. leash 38

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August 9, 2018

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“You expect the offense to score, so it’s a huge boost to the whole team and the stadium when you can get points on defense,” he said. “It makes things easier for the team if you can put points on the board as a defense.”

Jesuit-Carmichael’s Isaiah Rutherford knows the value of scoring on either side of the ball as one of the area’s top two-way talents. He rushed for 1,468 yards and scored 17 total TDs for the Marauders as a junior, but his 6-foot-2 frame and coverage ability are what has landed him more than 20 offers from the likes of Alabama, USC, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Florida.

He also understands that mental strength is more important at the defensive back position than for any offensive duties.

“I think you have to be more mentally aware at DB than any other position,” Rutherford said. “If you take one play off, it’s an easy six for the opponent, so you have to be focused on every play.”

Rutherford’s father, Reynard, helps his son with film study, technique and overall mentorship and stresses the mental and physical aspects of the game. Reynard Rutherford, who rushed for more than 2,200 yards as a running back at Cal, landed on several NFL practice squads, and played a season for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe. He has provided recruiting and playing advice and will be right beside Isaiah in his final high school season up until the end of the recruiting process.

“He knows the ins and outs of the game and is always there for me with feedback,” Isaiah added.

Family is also a primary foundation for the rise of Del Oro-Loomis’ Dawson Hurst as a sought-after defensive back. The last of three brothers to play for the Golden Eagles, Dawson uses the knowledge shared by his older brothers, Logan and Mason, and lessons learned playing against them and other older athletes.

“I always played with my brothers and played up a level a lot as a kid,” Hurst said. “They picked on me, but that made me stronger and taught me how to fight back.”

As a sophomore, Dawson was moved up to varsity and also made the transition from safety to cornerback, facing the potent Sierra Foothill offenses of Folsom and Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills, among others. Having his brother, Mason, in the secondary and on the sidelines with him made the transition easier and helped him develop into one of the area’s best at his position.

Hurst had three interceptions as a sophomore, and established his physical style of play at the line where he likes to jam and press receivers to get them out of their rhythm and routes.

A fan of Tyrann Mathieu, now a Houston Texan, Hurst likes to mix it up like the Honey Badger, but the Del Oro DB knows that not every play will be a win by force.

“One play you get a pick, but the next it’s a touchdown for the other team,” Hurst said. “You have to have a short memory and go get the next one.”

Central Catholic-Modesto’s Dawaiian McNeely combines the physicality of Hurst with the length of Rutherford for the ideal mix of size and strength that Division I colleges are looking for. As a junior, McNeely had one interception and a single pass defense due in part to the run-heavy offenses of the Valley Oak League, and the trepidation of quarterbacks to test his measurable talent with throws in his direction.

Tyler Green, a senior at Christian Brothers-Sacramento, received the same treatment — or lack thereof — last season as opponents rarely threw his way. After hauling in an impressive 12 interceptions as a sophomore, Green became a known entity in the secondary and, coupled with the graduation of fellow DB Jamarri Jackson, saw a large dropoff in chances to put up big INT numbers. Green still had a pair of picks and three pass defenses, but had to play a different game than the year before.

“Even if they are not throwing my way, I know that I have to stay focused and do everything right,” Green said. “You have to be ready for anything because the one time that you think they are not coming at you is when they beat you with a long pass.”

Cordova-Rancho Cordova senior Alvin Banks can expect to see a similar change in game plans that Green experienced last season. In 2017, Banks intercepted eight passes, more than any other returning player in the SJS. So, when the Lancers line up on defense, Banks will likely see less action and far fewer opportunities to make momentum-changing plays on defense. As a junior, Banks had 61 catches on offense for more than 1,200 yards, so he will get his hands on plenty of footballs this season, but with a larger skew toward receptions.

Highlight-reel catches and big runs will still dominate the headlines and often place the defensive secondary on the wrong end of the spotlight, yet the top defensive backs in the section embrace the challenge of stealing the spotlight.

“There are a lot of plays in a game and you can’t win every one of them,” Green said, “but you just try to win as many as you can.” ✪ Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, like us on Facebook!

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39

Some things are automatic for Northern Section football.

Linemen will grow humongous, section officials will refuse to start football early and someone will be “the next Aaron Rodgers.”

The rest is a mystery.

Below is a look at the big questions for the biggest section in California — though its enrollment caps at Division II. Story by Ike Dodson Photos by Michael Turner

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Probably not, despite the departure of the top six yard and point producers on last year’s 12-2 NS champion and NorCal runner-up.

The Huskies always reload. Coach Ryan Reynolds refuses to call it rebuilding.

The last time Sutter was bludgeoned by graduation like this, in 2015, the team rallied to win three straight playoff games, go 9-5, and avenged a loss to Orland by beating the Trojans 38-7 in the Div. 3 finale.

“Our players grow up running our system,” Reynolds said. “Our youth teams run our offense and defense. There is not a lot of reteaching, just refinement.”

It’s worked.

Sutter has won 29 of its last 33 games, falling only to three state champions (one from Utah) and one state runner-up. The program has claimed the last four NS Div. 3 titles and leads the section with 12 banners.

The potent Sutter offense lost three-year varsity quarterback talent Tyler Reynolds (Dordt College), but the 2018 Huskies are highly unlikely to attempt replacing his production — 2,587 yards, 74 percent completion percentage, 24 touchdowns, three interceptions.

Expect Sutter to rally behind three returning starters on the offensive line and go to work replacing running backs Trevor Facey (UC Davis) and Bryce Kunkle (Bethel University), who combined for 3,288 yards and 37 touchdowns last year. The Huskies rolled up nearly 5,400 rushing yards in 2017.

The top candidate to possess the rock is senior Dil— Sutter coach Ryan Reynolds lon Brown (5-7, 146), who lined up for limited success at wingback and halfback in Reynolds’ multiple-set, hybrid Wing-T offense with run-pass options. “(Brown) is bigger and stronger after hitting the weight room,” Reynolds said. “He has great field vision and he’s pretty elusive in the open field.”

Expect to see Brown fill voids opened by left tackle Paul O’Brien, a 6-foot, 5-inch, 270-pound gridder that Reynolds calls a “nextlevel guy.” Reynolds said the offensive line, as a unit, excelled this summer.

Junior Cory McIntyre (5-7, 135), will keep the run-pass option alive at Sutter after success with the JV program last year. Coach Reynolds said McIntyre is an intelligent decision-maker who throws well on the run.

The Sutter defense revolves around big-time talent.

Leading tackler/linebacker Jeff Fitzgerald (6-0, 175) directs a unit that includes three-year varsity defensive tackle Travis Tedder (5-11, 220) second-year junior defensive end Max Gibson (6-1, 205), outside linebacker Ryan Olivera (5-11, 180), defensive back Zac Hancock (5-11, 145) and defensive back Kyle Macey (5-9, 160). Hancock and Gibson qualified for the state wrestling tournament in March.

A stout defense is vital as the offense develops skill players early in the season. Sutter has no cupcakes on the preseason docket, and opens with NCS Div. 3 runner-up Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (10-3) Aug. 24. The Huskies also play NS Div. 2 favorite Chico (8-4) Sept. 14, and face Butte View League upstart Gridley in the league opener Oct. 13.

“We want to weather the storm and get better week by week before we hit league,” coach Reynolds said. “We have a brutal preseason.”

“We want to weather the storm and get better week by week before we hit league.

We have a brutal preseason.”

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Sutter senior lineman, Robert Warner, far left August 9, 2018

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Don’t expect Shasta to channel its inner Sutter, despite dominating the Northern Section last year.

No team in Div. II has developed a comparably dynastic system, though Enterprise-Redding and Pleasant Valley-Chico have enjoyed section three-peats (Enterprise 2012-2014 and Pleasant Valley 1992-1994).

Shasta lost its quarterback, four top runners and returns only one catch from its receiving corps. Non-seniors accounted for only 304 of Shasta’s 6,717 offensive yards last year. Only two of Shasta’s top 11 tacklers from 2017 are back. Neither of them were one of Shasta’s four All-Section selections.

Shasta’s JV team went 3-2 in the Eastern League, but lost to the two teams most likely to replace Shasta in a NorCal bowl bid — Chico and Pleasant Valley.

Chico Enterprise-Record sports writer Sharon Martin expects a new king of the North.

“DII is up for grabs,” she said. “Shasta will have to rebuild, and that leaves the division wide open.”

Chico and PV have senior quarterbacks and some other pretty decent returners.

Martin said PV kicker/punter Caden Crumm, second-team AllSection in 2017, has NFL ambitions. He could make a difference in tight games. He booted 6 of 7 field goals last year, including a 44-yarder.

“DII is up for grabs. Shasta will have to rebuild and that leaves the division wide open.”

— Sharon Martin, reporter at the Chico Enterprise-Record

Chico quarterback Ty Thomas

All signs point to yes.

Former Southern California coach, Matt Kemmis, is on the cusp of something special after he and his wife, Kimberley, both took teaching jobs in the Gridley Unified School District last March.

Kemmis, the 2017 Northern Section Medium School Coach of the Year and Appeal-Democrat Coach of the Year, revitalized the program after 10 straight losing seasons and a brutalizing 25-78 stanza across that stretch.

He’s vowed to establish a consistency in a program that has seen a bevy of coaching changes.

“I feel like last season we were able to build a foundation and enjoy a little bit of success, and now we are ready to take another step,” Kemmis said. “This was a big adventure for my wife and me, and it’s the best decision we have ever made. Gridley is a really neat place to live. The quality of life here is excellent.”

The Bulldogs’ success will depend on the legs of feature back Jorge 42

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August 9, 2018

Moran (5-7, 180), who split carries and came just short of 1,000 yards last season. He could threaten the 2,000-yard mark this year if he stays healthy.

“He’s primed to have a really good season,” Kemmis said. “He is an incredibly hard worker, has a positive attitude, and he’s set high goals for himself.”

— Gridley coach Matt Kemmis Kemmis also touted left tackle George Baker (6-5, 265), receiver-turned-quarterback Davis Martisitch (5-7, 165), and tight end Wyatt Dreesman (6-1, 205).

“I feel like last season we were able to build a foundation and enjoy a little bit of success and now we’re ready to take another step.”

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You can’t throw a football through a tire in Chico without earning a comparison to town legend, Pleasant Valley alum and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“People are always trying to find the next Rodgers,” Martin said with a laugh. “I think Kyle Lindquist (Fresno State), who led PV to a state championship (in 2016), is probably the closest I have seen.”

Martin said she wouldn’t compare current PV star QB Tanner Hughes to Rodgers, though others have. “I think accuracy is his drawback,” she explained.

Hughes threw for 1,816 yards and 16 scores last year, but he was intercepted 12 times and completed only 49 percent of his throws. At 6-4, 215, he has the necessary size, but will need to develop as a passer.

Martin spoke highly of Chico QB Ty Thomas (6-4, 195), who managed a 60 percent completion rating, with 1,007 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions last year and ran for 420 yards and six scores.

Neither Hughes nor Thomas is likely to give out a “Discount Double-Check,” but both could snatch some Northern Section glory. ✪

Tanner Hughes

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Michael Stuck, Placer

Placer’s Move To Div. III-Size FVL Among Storylines In SJS Realignment Story and Photos By Ike Dodson 46

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Michael Stuck had to crane his neck and shout to be heard on the Placer-Auburn practice field Aug. 1.

The three-year quarterback kept such a furious pace during conditioning that his teammates were grouped either well behind him, or about to be lapped in front of him.

This didn’t keep the 6-foot, 180-pound senior from motivating both groups as the Hillmen wrapped up a high-intensity practice in scorching heat, underneath an ominous sky stained with the smoke of northern fires.

Exhausting dedication to the gridiron is nothing new for Placer, but the eager energy chasing the 2018 Hillmen goes beyond the lore of one of California’s finest medium-school programs.

After a 50-14 12-year tenure in the Pioneer Valley League that included six straight conference titles (2012-2017), the Hillmen are changing scenery. Placer is one of 47 Sac-Joaquin Section schools (about 25 percent) to swap conferences via realignment.

Placer ditches foothills rivals from the PVL (Divisions IV-V) to face larger schools in the newly-formed Foothill Valley League (Division III).

Hillmen players, coaches and fans will have an opportunity to show their school-wide dominance in a bevy of sports was not a product of an enrollment advantage. Placer battered the PVL on their way out, winning 17 of the 22 league championships last year.

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SJS REALIGNMENT AT A GLANCE An overview of who’s where now in Divisions I-V. *teams in a new league; **newly-formed leagues; previous league in parenthesis DIVISION I (three leagues) Delta League Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove (CVC)*; Davis; Elk Grove; Franklin-Elk Grove; Jesuit-Carmichael; Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove; Sheldon-Sacramento; St. Francis-Sacramento Sierra Foothill League Del Oro-Loomis; Folsom; Granite Bay; Grant-Sacramento (Delta)*; Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills; Rocklin; Whitney-Rocklin (CVC)* Tri-City Athletic League Lincoln-Stockton; Lodi; St. Mary’s-Stockton; Tokay-Lodi; Tracy; West-Tracy DIVISION II (four leagues) Capital Valley Conference Antelope; Bella Vista-Fair Oaks; Inderkum-Sacramento (TCC)*; Roseville; River Valley-Yuba City (TCC)*; Woodcreek-Roseville (SFL)*; Yuba City (TCC)* Metropolitan Conference Burbank-Sacramento; Kennedy-Sacramento; Laguna Creek-Elk Grove; McClatchy-Sacramento; Monterey Trail-Elk Grove (Delta)*; River City-West Sacramento (TCC)* Central California Athletic League** Downey-Modesto (MMC)*; Enochs-Modesto (MMC)*; Gregori-Modesto (MMC)*; Modesto (MMC)*; Pitman-Turlock (CCC)*; Turlock (CCC)* San Joaquin Athletic Association Bear Creek-Stockton; Chavez-Stockton; Edison-Stockton; Franklin-Stockton; McNair-Stockton; Stagg-Stockton DIVISION III (five leagues) Capital Athletic League Capital Christian-Sacramento (GEL)*; Christian Brothers-Sacramento; Del Campo-Fair Oaks (CVC)*; El Camino-Sacramento; Rio Americano-Sacramento; Sacramento (Metro)*; Vista del Lago-Folsom Central California Conference Atwater; Buhach Colony-Atwater; Central Valley-Ceres (WAC)*; El Capitan-Merced; Golden Valley-Merced; Merced; Patterson (WAC)* Foothill Valley League** Lincoln (PVL)*; Nevada Union-Grass Valley (SFL)*; Oakmont-Roseville (CVC)*; Placer-Auburn (PVL)*; Ponderosa-Shingle Springs (CVC)*; Rio Linda (TCC)* Monticello Empire League Armijo-Fairfield; Fairfield; Rodriguez-Fairfield; Vacaville; Vanden-Fairfield; Wood-Vacaville Valley Oak League Central Catholic-Modesto; East Union-Modesto; Kimball-Tracy; Manteca; Oakdale; Sierra; Weston Ranch-Stockton DIVISION IV (three leagues) Golden Empire League Casa Roble-Orangevale (CAL)*; Dixon; Mesa Verde-Citrus Heights; Mira Loma-Sacramento (CAL)*; Pioneer-Woodland (TCC)*; Woodland (TCC)* Greater Sacramento League** Cordova-Rancho Cordova (SVC)*; Florin-Sacramento (Metro)*; Johnson-Sacramento (Metro)*; Natomas-Sacramento (GEL)*; Valley-Sacramento (Metro)*; West Campus-Sacramento (GEL)* Western Athletic Conference Beyer-Modesto (MMC)*; Ceres; Grace Davis-Modesto (MMC)*; Johansen-Modesto (MMC)*; Lathrop (VOL)*; Los Banos; Mountain House (TVL)*; Pacheco-Los Banos DIVISION V (four leagues) Mother Lode League Amador-Sutter Creek; Argonaut-Jackson; Bret Harte-Altaville; Calaveras-San Andreas; Sonora; Summerville-Tuolumne Pioneer Valley League Bear River-Grass Valley; Center-Antelope; Colfax; Foothill-Sacramento; Lindhurst-Olivehurst (GEL)*; Marysville (GEL)* Sierra Valley Conference Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento (SDL)*; El Dorado-Placerville; Galt; Liberty Ranch-Galt; Rosemont-Sacramento; Union Mine-El Dorado Trans Valley League Escalon; Hilmar; Hughson; Livingston (WAC)*; Modesto Christian-Modesto; Ripon; Riverbank

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BEST OF THE SJS MEDIUM SCHOOLS Names to know and teams to watch from Sac-Joaquin schools considered to be in the Division III-IV enrollment group.

TOP OFFENSIVE THREAT: Dawaiian McNeely, RB, Central Catholic-Modesto, Sr. TOP DEFENSIVE TALENT: Tyler Green, DB, Christian Brothers-Sacramento, Sr. BEST ARM: Tommy Turner, Lincoln, Sr. BEST BACK: D’Marcus Ross, Capital ChristianSacramento, Sr. BEST DEEP THREAT: Alvin Banks, Cordova-Rancho Cordova, Sr. TOP ROAD GRADER (OL): Joey Capra, PlacerAuburn, Sr. TOP RETURN THREAT: Jacob De Jesus, Manteca, Jr. BIGGEST LEG (P or PK): Bryan Millan, Hilmar, Sr. TOP PASS RUSHER: Renicko McDonald, LB, Vanden-Fairfield, Jr. TOP BALLHAWK: Deyvon Drayton, Sacramento, Jr. TOP OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Zeke Safar, RB, Oakdale, So. TOP DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Trey Paster, DB, Buhach Colony-Atwater, Jr. BIGGEST TITLE FAVORITE: Placer-Auburn TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: Central Catholic-Modesto BEST CHANCE TO SURPRISE: Cordova-Rancho Cordova

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Christian Kinsey and Grant-Sacramento add more prestige to an already-stacked Sierra Foothill League Once the second-largest team in the PVL behind Lincoln, Placer now sports the fifth-lowest public school enrollment of all SJS teams in Division III. Placer is easily the smallest school in the FVL. “I love it,” Stuck said of the move. “The PVL was a good league for us, and we did our business there, but I kind of got sick of everyone complaining about school size in that league.

“Now that we are the small school, everybody can shut up and

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we can win.”

The wins are coming. Stuck is one of 17 returning starters on a Hillmen squad that went 13-2 last season, winning league, section and NorCal championships before falling 46-43 to Crenshaw-Los Angeles in the Division IV-A state championship bowl game.

Aside from Stuck, Placer returns its entire offensive line (including two Div. I-committed players), three top-tier running backs and three all-league defenders.

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“Our potential is through the roof,” Stuck said. “Last year we never hit our full potential, though we did come close. Most of my own improvement has been in the weight room, and I also went to a camp in Oregon.”

“I think we will make it far,” Oregon-commit Joey Capra added. “We have been talking about this year, when we were all going to be seniors, when we were still in peewee (youth football).”

Placer works out of a conference that includes Lincoln, OakmontRoseville, Ponderosa-Shingle Springs, Rio Linda and Nevada UnionGrass Valley, a program that bested Placer last year.

“I think it’s going to be a great challenge for us,” Placer coach Joey Montoya said. “There is something to the great unknown.”

SFL MONOPOLY Section officials have made the Sierra Foothill League top-to-bottom among the deepest and most prestigious large-school conferences in Northern California. Folsom, Del Oro-Loomis, Grant-Sacramento, Granite Bay, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills, Rocklin and Whitney-Rocklin have claimed 38 section championships between them and appeared in eight recent CIF State Bowl games, winning five of them.

“It’s a beast every week,” Del Oro coach Jeff Walters said. “We welcome the addition of Grant and Whitney, and it makes what we believe is arguably the strongest league in Northern California that much stronger.

“Every week is going to be a battle, and that definitely helps going into the postseason, having that week-in, week-out preparation locked in.”

PRIVATE VS. PUBLIC Among the loaded conferences in Division III, the SJS has generated a sort of trial run in the public-private debate. The Capital Athletic League has three athletically prolific schools (Capital Christian-Sacramento, Christian Brothers-Sacramento, Sacramento) with distinct open

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enrollment opportunities, competing against four public schools (Del Campo-Fair Oaks, El Camino-Sacramento, Rio Americano-Sacramento, Vista del Lago-Folsom).

Critics of the SJS and those who allege recruitment by private schools have long called for conferences, divisions and brackets that could contain private school powers. The new-look CAL offers a small glimpse of that.

SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT James Burns, a reporter and editor who has covered the southern region of the SJS for 20 years, said realignment will never satisfy everyone, but he likes the new map in the south.

“It’s never easy seeing rivalries changed or leagues completely eviscerated, but it’s the nature of the beast,” said Burns, co-founder of 2018 startup FrontRowPreps.com. “The realignment committee had to make a business decision: in order to keep leagues and teams competitive, in order to balance competition and school size, they had to shuffle teams and create new leagues.

“Given the circumstances and the challenge of it all, I believe they’ve done a great job.”

The southern region of the SJS has bulldozed the landscape of longstanding conferences, dropping the Central California Conference into Division III (with the addition of Central Valley-Ceres and Patterson).

Turlock, Pitman-Turlock, both former CCC teams, are in the newly formed Central California Athletic League (Division II), with Modesto schools Downey, Enochs, Gregori and Modesto.

“I’m excited to see what comes of the Central California Athletic League,” Burns said. “It promises to be a power conference right out the chute with Turlock and Pitman joining the best of the old Modesto Metro, and hopefully, a thorny schedule will make the south a player in the large-school playoffs.” ✪

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BEST OF THE SJS SMALL SCHOOLS Names to know and teams to watch from Sac-Joaquin schools considered to be in the Division V-VII enrollment group.

TOP OFFENSIVE THREAT: Isaac Sharp, RB, Hilmar, Sr. TOP DEFENSIVE TALENT: Ryan Leonard, LB/RB, Mariposa, Sr. BEST ARM: Jacob Bettencourt, Orestimba-Newman, Sr. BEST BACK: Michael Kamps, Ripon Christian-Ripon, Sr. BEST DEEP THREAT: Tyler Vargas, Orestimba, Sr..

TOP ROAD GRADER (OL): Michael Delgado, Amador-Sutter, Jr. TOP RETURN THREAT: Isaac Sharp, Hilmar; Kaden Christensen, Escalon, Jr. BIGGEST LEG (P or PK): Colton Weidner, Mariposa, Sr. TOP PASS RUSHER: Alex Guerrero, DE, Gustine, Sr. TOP BALLHAWK: Calder Kunde, CB, Bear River-Grass Valley, Sr. BIGGEST TITLE FAVORITE: Bear River-Grass Valley TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: Sonora BEST CHANCE TO SURPRISE: Mariposa

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Senior linebacker Cade Brownholtz

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The longtime head coach takes a hands-off approach when it comes to his offense, leaving that to his coordinator, but chirps out instructions to nearly every player on the field.

“It’s all mental,” Blanton added. “That’s 90 percent of (playing football). Getting your mind right, so your body will follow. We’re constantly working on the mental process; finishing drills, improving conditioning times, putting up more weight, and focusing on each rep at a time.”

Focusing on the little things can be difficult in the grueling afternoon mid-summer sun of Sacramento. When temperatures hit 101, 102 and above, players start to make mistakes, sometimes subconsciously.

“Practicing in the heat sucks,” Blanton admitted. “I don’t care what anybody says, I know you want to be mentally tough, but it sucks. These guys do a good job battling through that. I tip my hat to any young man who puts on the pads and practices in this summer heat.”

As he blows the whistle to signal the end of practice, Blanton’s troops grab water bottles and Gatorade to refuel before trekking over to the weight room for added work.

Blanton knows those extra reps in the weight room help separate the contenders and pretenders come September. “I say this year-in and yearout: talent doesn’t matter,” Blanton said. “It’s what your guys put into it.

Obviously talent helps, I am not going to put that to the side, but your guys need to perform, period, point blank.”

Jesuit has the talent, and the motivation to once again reach the playoffs in 2018. Although the Marauders had at least 23 players hampered by injuries last year, they still reached the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals before falling to the eventual undefeated champions from Folsom.

“We’ve got guys with experience and we’ve got quite a few coming back, but this is a new group, new year, with new challenges,” Blanton said.

Jesuit opens the season on the road, at those same defending section and state bowl champs, and Blanton has his group hungry for an upset.

“For them to end our seniors’ season like that, in that loss, we take that personally,” said Isaiah Rutherford, the Marauders’ senior two-way star at running back and cornerback. “So yeah, they know we’re going after them.”

Although Folsom has a litany of weapons, Rutherford has one of the toughest assignments in that week 1 matchup.

“I’m going to be guarding (Joseph) Ngata pretty much the whole game, like I usually do,” Rutherford said. “He’s been getting better, like I have, so it’s going to be a battle.”

Historically, Ngata has prevailed in those matchups. The recent Clemson commit averaged nearly 20 yards a catch in two meetings last year.

But Rutherford — a four-star recruit with several major colleges seeking his defensive cover skills — has set his expectations high this season.

“Our mission this year is to win a section title,” Rutherford said.

“That’s been one of our goals for the last couple of years now, and we’ve been so close, but oh so far.”

Whether they’re facing Folsom, or any other program, Blanton wants his guys to be ready right out of the starting gate.

“We’re always trying to find out how good we are,” Blanton said. “So competition is competition. We’ll line up and play anybody.”

That motto fits with the new Delta League shift. Monterey Trail-Elk Grove and Grant-Sacramento are out, the latter moving to the Sierra Foothill League and Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove joined the league.

The realignment could open up a pathway for Jesuit to push for a title and possibly secure a top seed. But as is the case with most teams, the Marauders’ season will likely be predicated on their quarterback play.

Returner Hank Harvego enters the new season with a handful of dangerous weapons and a heaping pile of expectations.

“We’re trying to get everyone on the same page, buy-in and believe and trust each other,” Harvego said. “There’s no doubt that we have Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, like us on Facebook!

talent on this team, it’s just a question of if we can work together and do what the coach says.”

Harvego worked hard this offseason to improve his chemistry with the wide receivers, especially fellow senior Laiatu Latu, another four-star talent who had 65 total tackles, 12 sacks and two interceptions last year, but caught only four passes. ”We get along pretty well and we both know where the soft spots are in coverages,” Harvego explained. ”He knows how to adjust to the ball in the air, and is here all the time working his butt off.”

Harvego notes that he worked with a number of quarterback coaches over the summer to improve his fundamentals, BEST OF THE SJS such as his mechanics and LARGE SCHOOLS footwork. He also spent a significant amount of time Names to know and teams to watch working with his receivers from schools considered to be in the and a few new targets, inDivision I-II enrollment group. cluding standouts Spencer TOP OFFENSIVE THREAT: Kaiden Vigil, Kendrick Bailey and Bennett, QB, Folsom, Sr. newcomer Nate Lewis.

TOP DEFENSIVE TALENT: Isaiah Ruth“We’ve got some new erford, CB, Jesuit-Carmichael, Sr. guys, and some returners BEST ARM: Matt Jenner, Oak Ridge-El and we’re all just trying to Dorado Hills, Sr. get on the same page,” HarBEST BACK: Daniyel Ngata, Folsom, Jr. vego said. “So I feel pretty BEST DEEP THREAT: Joseph Ngata, good about where we are Folsom, Sr. now. And I’m excited for TOP ROAD GRADER (OL): Zac what’s to come.”

Welch,Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills, Sr. Rutherford will be one of TOP RETURN THREAT: Jamar Marthose targets as he expects shall, St. Mary’s-Stockton, Jr. to be included in more air BIGGEST LEG (P or PK): Brandon packages this season. The Talton, Vacaville, Sr. Marauders will use him in TOP PASS RUSHER: Laiatu Latu, DE/ motion and split him out OLB, Jesuit-Carmichael, Sr. wide to create mismatches TOP BALLHAWK: Jehiel Budgett, for opposing defenses.

Monterey Trail-Elk Grove, Sr. “I worked on my craft TOP OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER: CJ a lot this summer and I Hutton, WR, Folsom, Jr. was able to attend ‘The TOP DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER: Marcus Jones Jr., LB, Monterey Trail-Elk Opening,’ perfecting my Grove, Jr. technique at corner and BIGGEST TITLE FAVORITE: Folsom learning a lot of different TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: Folsom stuff that I can use this BEST CHANCE TO SURPRISE: next season,” Rutherford Sheldon-Sacramento said. “It was a lot of mental stuff, just little things that I picked up on playing against four- and five-star guys.”

Rutherford recalls forcing at least four incompletions while allowing just one touchdown at the prestigious Nike event.

“I faced a lot of great competition while I was there, but I held my own,” he added. “So I’m trying to use that same intensity in every game this season. You have to bring it, every single play.”

Rutherford’s big-play ability looms large on every single down, just like he proved last year with more than a dozen runs of 40-plus yards. As he heads into his final season, he’s hoping to leave a mark.

“I’m going to finish it out with the guys that I started it with,” he said.

“That’s pretty important to me. I’m going to pass the torch to the younger guys and just install all the stuff Coach Blanton has taught me over the years ... Just preparing the younger guys to keep this tradition going.” ✪

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