SJ Issue 90, Sept. 2014. by Sport Stars Magazine

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Nate Jones found stability in his life when he moved in with his great aunt and uncle in Tracy, and it shows on the football field.

ZONE: The Honor Bowl cel24 RED ebrates its 5th anniversary— this isn’t just another football game. 4

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September 2014

The game can be won or lost by what’s going on between your ears. So, what can you do to get better?

BREAKDOWN: 10 STATE The Bay Area and Sac-Joaquin sections have had a rivalry that has just grown bigger and better over the last several seasons. And now that regional battle could go a long way in determining postseason bowl game matchups.

PITCH: Football is back 6 FIRST and that is awesome. But it’s far from the only thing to love about the fall. NorCal volleyball is about as good as it gets, and that’s only the beginning for local sports nuts.

8 LOCKER ROOM: Willie Williams: Not

bad for a beginner. The basketball star was playing in his first varsity football game and had a night to remember. How many yards did he have? For an unofficial count, he had all the yards. For the exact number, we’re making you flip a few pages.

ON THE COVER Rocklin’s Maddie Haynes. Photo by James K. Leash

camps & cLinics

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Find your sport. Turn to page 35.

FENCE: Tryouts, sign-ups, 36 THE fund-raisers and more!

37 ADVERTISER’S INDEX

It’s not ALL about football

ell, it happened. The calendar finally turned over to September, football is being played under brilliant sunsets and the fall season is officially upon us. Not that we’re complaining. We love finding fun summer stories to fill the gap between school years, but few things charge us up more than a new season of competition to start covering. We’ve already showed that passion with a jam-packed football preview that came out Aug. 21. If you haven’t seen one yet, you can still view it on SportStarsOnline.com. This issue, however, we begin to turn the focus a bit and showcase something other than football. Volleyball gets the spotlight. And if there is one sport in which NorCal has really held its own in recent years, it’s girls volleyball. Over the past four years, Northern California has won 13 of the 20 state championships contested, including three in 2013. It’s a better winning percentage than any other team sport at the state level over that span. There’s nothing to suggest that trend should be changing anytime, either. Between the teams of the Central Coast Section’s West Catholic Athletic League, the North Coast Section’s East Bay Athletic League and the Sac-Joaquin Section’s Sierra Foothill League, we’d be shocked if a few state banners weren’t heading north again this December. Those leagues don’t include other perennial state contenders like Campolindo-Moraga, Bishop O’DowdOakland or Branson-Ross. This fall won’t be just about football and volleyball, though. It’s also worth noting that five Northern California cross country teams will be attempting to defend state titles — Yreka (Division IV boys), St. Joseph Notre Dame-Alameda (Div. V

boys), Campolindo (Div. III girls), San Lorenzo Valley-Felton (Div. IV girls) and Branson (Div. V girls). The CIF doesn’t have state playoffs in water polo (though we wish they would at least organize regional championships), but we’re pretty sure that San Ramon Valley-Danville and Davis would be a favorites if they did. If you’re a fan of the sport, we highly recommend going to see the Wolves and their star player Kat Klass before the season is up. Klass will be attempting to help San Ramon Valley to a fourth straight NCS Div. I title. Davis senior Colby Stapleton would be another player worth seeing as the Blue Devils seek a SIXTH consecutive SJS Div. I crown. Other fall story lines we’ll be watching include: Palo Alto senior Michelle Xie’s quest for a state girls golf title. Xie was a postseason machine last fall, taking medalist honors at the Central Coast Section and CIF NorCal Championships before a Top-10 finish at the state tournament. Jesuit-Carmichael and Granite Bay’s race for Div. I supremacy in SJS boys soccer. Last year the teams met in the Div. I final and Granite Bay prevailed 2-1 in overtime, avenging a 5-0 loss to the Crusaders in the previous year’s championship match. Can Dougherty Valley-San Ramon sweep the NCS team titles in both girls golf and girls tennis, as it did in 2013? They were only the third school to accomplish the double, joining Branson, which won both Div. II titles in 2012, and Monte Vista-Danville, which swept the sports in 2004 when there was just a single classification. Seeing as how there were very few seniors on either of the Wildcats championship teams, there’s a good chance for a repeat. Now you know how we plan to spend our fall. Also, there’s football.

JOIN OUR TEAM PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 EDITORIAL Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace@SportStarsOnline.com Staff Writer Contributors Bill Kolb, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Ben Enos, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd, Trevor Horn Copy Editor Bill Kruissink Photography Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Berry Evans, III Marketing/Events Ryan Arter Editorial Intern CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager MikeD@SportStarsOnline.com PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT ADVERTISING Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Camps & Clinics: Alameda County: Central Valley, World Events:

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YOUR TICKET TO CALIFORNIA SPORTS ADMIT ONE; RAIN OR SHINE This Vol. #5, September 2014 Whole No. 90 is published by Caliente! Communications, LLC, 5356 Clayton Rd, Ste. 222, Concord, CA 94521. SportStars™© 2010-2014 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 16 issues, U.S. 3rd class $35 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 per copy for $6 total fo bulk. Back issues are $4 each. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Publisher is strictly prohibited. The staff and management, including Board of Directors, of SportStars™© does not advocate or encourage the use of any product or service advertised herein for illegal purposes. Editorial contributions, photos and letters to the editor are welcome and should be addressed to the Editor. All material should be typed, double-spaced on disk or email and will be handled with reasonable care. For materials return, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. SportStars™© and STARS!™© Clinics are registered trademarks of Caliente! Communications, LLC.

Read Me. Recycle Me. 6

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Rapid FiRe

MITCH DANIELS Concord Football

KYRON BASPED Sacramento Football

do the 49eRs make the plaYoFFs again Yes

Trending What’s hot this week in the world of stuff that’s hot

does deRek caRR keep the RaideRs QB joB Yes Yes suRpRise team oF 2014

texans

Raiders

who will Be the league mvp Snyder scoffed at their weakness and humanity.

jamaal charles chiefs RB

tyrann mathieu, cardinals dB

supeR Bowl winneR Bryson with his acapella version of Baby Got Back.

49ers beat patriots

The NFL is back! How many more Niners will be arrested?

seahawks

Comedian Joan Rivers fell into a coma but with the news, friend Jay Leno asked if they Daniel Gluskoter/Cal Sport Media/ZUMAPRESS.com

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338

count ’em

top 5 BuRning Questions as the nFl season kicks oFF

1. WHO? 2. WHAT?

3. WHERE?

receiver Willie Williams in

— a basketball stand out for the school who

receptions for 97 yards, yards, had kick return

Willie. We see you.

Arizona. But we still like Alaska in February. 4. WHEN? Irsay is on the phone… 5. WHY?

saY what? “They’re relentless on defense. I’m happy we played Jesuit-Carmichael WR Isaiah Bailey’s comments to the Sacramento Bee’s Joe Davidson after the Crusaders’ 63-0 season-opening loss to state powerhouse De La Salle-Concord on Aug. 29

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Turf Wars SJS vs. Bay Area football: Local battles to become bowl wars

Last year’s cover story in SportStars by Ben Enos focused on football bragging rights being decided in games between teams from the Bay Area and the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section. At the time Enos wrote the story, the Sac-Joaquin held a 114-90 edge in reported games from the 2009 to 2013 season. But with a half-page press release issued by the CIF state office on Aug. 25, a lot more may be on the line during these Bay vs. SJS matchups. On that day, the CIF announced there will no longer be a Northern California Open Division bowl game to determine which NorCal team will play the South in the Open Division state bowl game. The two state Open Bowl selections instead would simply skip any regional bowl and take one week off while the other divisional regional bowl games are being held. The CIF mentioned in its release that two separate committees “indicated a strong desire” to return the Open Division to its original format. In reality, the committees basically are saying that based on history, and on new playoff divisions within the CIF Southern Section, why bother with a regional Open Division game? If you look at recent history, there’s probably an 80 to 90 percent chance that the game is going to be De La Salle of Concord in the north vs. whichever team from the Southern Section wins the Pac-Five Division (last year that was St. John Bosco-Bellflower). Most immediate media attention in the north focused on it being good news for Folsom, which has had two outstanding undefeated seasons derailed by De La Salle in the NorCal Open Division final only to watch other teams from its backyard (Granite Bay in 2012 and Del Oro last year) get a shot at a Division I state title. With no more NorCal Open Division game, Folsom isn’t going to be pulled up to play De La Salle. The media attention instead, however, should have focused on the fact that one less team from Northern California is going to go to a bowl game at all. Using last year’s section final results and going by the resumés of the teams at the time, Del Oro, in fact, wouldn’t have been chosen to play CIF Central Coast Section Open Division winner Serra of San Mateo. It would have been Folsom vs. Serra and Del Oro would have been turning in uniforms. “Before, it was four teams from the NCS, CCS and Sac-Joaquin going for four spots and now it will be those teams going for three spots,” said Will DeBoard, the Sac-Joaquin Section media relations director. “And assuming De La Salle is in the Open Division, we’ll have to argue hard for our teams probably against the CCS.” You can bet the fact the CCS Open Division champion has lost to Granite Bay and Del 10

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September 2014

Photo by James K. Leash

Oro in the last two NorCal Div. I bowl games will be brought up by new Sac-Joaquin Section commissioner Mike Garrison during this year’s bowl selection meeting. Other results from some of these other NorCal Turf Wars games also may come into play during this meeting. It’s no longer just about bragging rights. It’s going to be about playing rights for one team from one of those sections.

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State football RankingS

Julius Fullah of No. 25 Elk Grove (Previous ranking in parentheses; Records through Aug. 30)

Westlake-Westlake Village

Helix-La Mesa De La Salle-Concord ture. be touched this year in Northern California.

Oceanside

Mater Dei-Santa Ana Clovis North-Fresno Servite-Anaheim ber due to knee rehab. St. Bonaventure-Ventura

Folsom

Serra-San Mateo

champ. Long Beach Poly

De La Salle. Upland

over Crenshaw. Serra-Gardnea

Mission Hills-San Marcos Alemany-Mission Hills

champ last year in Utah. JSerra-San Juan Capistrano

Chaminade-West Hills Grant-Sacramento over Oaks Christian, which beat Drillers last year.

to. Valley Christian-San Jose

Pittsburg Ramon in season opener.

the state did. Elk Grove

Centennial-Corona

Vista Murietta-Murietta

DROPPED OUT:

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September 2014

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Year-round athletes will benefit from a break in the schedule I’ve always really loved soccer, but it seems like the season never ends. There’s club all fall, high school in the winter, and club in the spring and some of the summer. And then there are clinics, and I get tired. My dad says I have to keep playing or other girls will pass me by, but I’m getting burned out on soccer. How can I get some time off? J.T., San Ramon A great question — but first, the crux of the matter: College scholarships. The American youth sports industry (and it is a business, no doubt) is geared to get athletes money to offset the cost of college. A full scholarship is conservatively worth $150,000, and maybe $250,000. Even a partial ride that contributes $5,000 a year is $20,000 total, and that’s not chump change. So given that reality, athletes need to be able to show off their skills in a specific sport at age 16 or 17, and in a sport like soccer, skills take time to learn. Game experience is also crucial, as making good decisions usually is a product of making lots of bad ones, and understanding the difference. So, at one level, to get that college money, it’s important to

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September 2014

play a lot and work hard on developing skills — but remember, it’s not like the people running those club teams and clinics don’t have a stake in teenagers playing a lot. The salaries for those who run the big soccer clubs can reach six figures, and the more months kids play, the more revenue the club generates. Now, most coaches (in high school or club) are not in it for the money, but most do like to win. And obviously, better players help them win more games. Players who develop more skills and have lots of experience are, on the surface, going to be better players, so most coaches always encourage kids to play their sport as much as possible. Still, as you point out, there’s more to the story than specialization. Over the years, I’ve come to believe that two of the most important things to team success are health and enthusiasm — and both can be negatively impacted by spending too much time on one sport. First, playing the same sport all the time can lead to repetitive stress injuries. In volleyball, for example, shoulders and backs can wear down due to many repetitions of the hitting motion; in basketball, knees and ankles are more vulnerable to injury; in soccer, the risk of concussion from the use of the

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head is also in the mix. Injuries, though, are part of any game, and to me, the greater negative comes from lack of enthusiasm. If all you do is play soccer (or basketball or volleyball) 10 months a year from age 12 on, there’s a good chance you’re going to get tired of it. If you play games pretty much year round, then all those competitions blend into each other, and a section playoff game in high school is not that much different than a tournament final — and it’s hard to get excited about either one. So, to answer your question, you are right, and you need some time off. Unfortunately, your dad (and your coaches) don’t see it that way, so you need to be strong and advocate for yourself. In the end, you’re the one playing, and you will not be the best you can be if you’re not as enthusiastic as you could be. Rest is vastly underrated in importance for young athletes, and taking time off is more vital to almost every teen’s career than another clinic or weekend tournament.

Rocklin girls volleyball shows no signs of slowing down after six 30-win seasons in the past seven years

nder coach Dave Muscarella, the Rocklin Thunder girls volleyball team has rolled to an elite status in the Sac-Joaquin Section. All Rocklin does is win it seems. Rocklin has won two Division II section titles, including last year’s championship, as the program has made 30-win seasons feel like status quo. Muscarella and the Thunder have compiled a 258-58 (.816 winning percentage) record over a seven-year span. With that success has come the recognition of the program consistently rolling out top talent, even as top players graduate. In recent years, the turnover has been more of a reloading process than rebuilding for the perennial playoff contenders. The 2014 reloading process has begun, and the Thunder is again expected to compete for Sierra Foothill League and Sac-Joaquin Section championships. Despite four graduated players moving on and taking the majority of Rocklin’s 2013 offense with them, Muscarella and his players believe the next wave of talent will pick up where past players left off. “We lost a lot of good offensive players, but we gained some good hitters from the JV team,” said senior libero Sierra Dierksen. “They might not be as experienced, but they have the potential to give us most, if not all, of what the graduating players contributed.” Gone are Megan Richwine, Bethany Mandon, Jolie Meade and Kate Mitchell along with their combined 983 kills. But Muscarella is confident in an influx of new hitters that will be led by a pair of junior captains in outside hitter Maddie Haynes and setter Megan McBroome. Both players begin their third year as varsity starters.

Story by Jim McCue | Photos by James K. Leash Sierra Dierksen 14

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Maddie Haynes Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

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From left, Maddie Haynes, Sierra Dierksen McBroome.

Haynes and McBroome played major roles in the Thunder’s Division II section title run in 2013, but the pair will shoulder even more of the load in 2014, at least until the new talent gains valuable experience during a challenging tournament schedule and a tough slate of SFL matches.

I can focus on school and

THE OLD GUARD Muscarella has been at the helm since 1999 and is an established and respected coach in the region. The 2013 section title was his second, and Rocklin has advanced to the section final in five of the last seven years. His knowledge and straight forward coaching style has propelled the Thunder to its current level, and has helped numerous players earn scholarships to continue playing in college. “(Muscarella) lets people know what he is thinking,” McBroome said with a chuckle, “but he is very good about letting players know what he wants from them.” McBroome and Haynes have heard Muscarella loud and clear, and have attracted plenty of recruiting attention thanks to their play at Rocklin and on club teams. 16

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September 2014

—Maddie Haynes Haynes, who had a team-high 314 kills to go along with 58 blocks and 42 digs last season, earned a spot on the USA 18U National Team that competed in the Continental Championships in Costa Rica this past July. She is considered among the top hitters in the section and, despite being a junior, has already committed to Cal. “Committing took all of the weight off of my shoulders,” Haynes said. “I can focus on school and being a kid without the pressure of recruiting.”

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Haynes’ clear strength is as an offensive threat, but she knows that her game needs to be well-rounded to continue to improve. She has worked to improve her defense and back row play so that she can remain on the floor to provide her talents and leadership. Both Haynes and McBroome were named team captains this season, and the consensus among teammates, including seniors like Dierksen, is that they have earned the labels despite being underclassmen. “I look to them as seniors because they have lots of experience,” Dierksen said. “They are great players and they can relate to their peers because we have a lot of juniors on the team.” McBroome quarterbacks the team’s 5-1 offense from her setter position, and will be key to the transition of talent this year. She recorded 964 assists (averaging 9.1 assists per set) and added 141 digs and 45 aces in 2013. Muscarella sees a high ceiling for his junior setter to continue to raise her game. “She is a smart setter and very cool-headed on the floor,” the coach said. “With maturity, she has gained confidence.” Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

NEW FACES McBroome’s confidence in a new group of hitters to work with will be vital to keeping opponents from keying on Haynes. “We definitely lost a lot of hitters, but we got some new talent,” McBroome said. “I feel that we can be just as good this year with new players stepping up.” Among the new players McBroome will distribute the ball to are top contributors from last year’s junior varsity team and a freshman that has Muscarella excited about the next few years at Rocklin. Sophomore Abby Nash will provide hitting support opposite Haynes while middle hitters Julianne Miller and Morgan Farrell will contribute offensive diversity in an effort to keep opposing defenses guessing. Muscarella has seen a fair share of freshmen players contribute through the years, but he is particularly excited by the play and potential of outside hitter Abby Marjama. “She is a pretty special freshman,” Muscarella said. “She is as good as any freshman that we have had coming through.”

McBroome

GAINING EXPERIENCE The best way Muscarella knows to get his young talent experience is to have them face top competition early and often. The Thunder opened the season against Div. IV power Placer and will face section heavyweights St. Francis, Christian Brothers and El Camino in nonleague action. Additionally, Rocklin will travel to tournaments in Stockton and the Bay Area to face Northern California’s best in preparation for the realigned SFL. With the addition of Oak Ridge, the already-difficult SFL got tougher. Home-and-home matches against defending league, section, and state champion Granite Bay, Oak Ridge, Del Oro, Nevada Union, Folsom, and Woodcreek will have the Thunder ready for a run at a repeat championship.

“It is probably the toughest league in the section, maybe even in all of Northern California,” Muscarella said. “It is a great league to be in because every night is a challenge.” So, the challenge of reloading the roster to remain an elite program is one welcomed by the Rocklin coach and his players. “I want to lead the team to sections and help the girls around me to become better players,” Haynes said. “I am into everyone being a part of the team and contributing.” If Rocklin gets contributions from its entire roster, then the Thunder just might roll to another championship.

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Sierra Dierksen

September 2014

SportStars™

Sac-Joaquin Volleyball

Top Players EMILY BAPTISTA HILMAR | OH | JR. As a sophomore, she led the SJS with 772 kills and

NASTASSJA BOWMAN CHRISTIAN BROTHERS-SACRAMENTO | OPP/S | SR.

assists and 50 blocks. She provides leadership and skill from everywhere on

Bowman

MADDIE HAYNES ROCKLIN | OH | JR.

DEVIN HERENDA EL CAMINO-SACRAMENTO | S | SR.

Haynes

Sac-Joaquin Volleyball

Top 10 Teams To Watch

Nocetti

2. Granite Bay (45-0) Key Returners Key Losses Pinkney, OH Rising Talent: Libby Deters, L, Sr. Season Outlook: There is no way the Grizzlies — or any team

1. Christian BrothersSacramento (34-10 in 2013) Key Returners

3. Rocklin (30-11)

OH, Jr. Key Losses Bulda, S Rising Talent: Elizabeth Robinson, MB/OPP, Jr. Season Outlook: The Falcons return plenty of weapons from a team that won the Div. III sec

Key Returners Key Losses Meade, MH Rising Talent: Julianne Miller, MH, Jr. Season Outlook:

sity starters under coach Dave Muscarella. Miller and sophomore

but will move to setter to set up a full comple

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September 2014

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BROOKE HERSHBERGER

MADDIE MERLINO

GRANITE BAY | MB/RS | SR.

RIO AMERICANO-SACRAMENTO | S | SR. In two years as a starter, she has recorded 2,370 as

ship run. She will be called upon to carry more of the offensive load with the

MADISON HUNZIKER

TAYLER MOORE

RIO AMERICANO-SACRAMENTO | OH/MH | SR. Led Raiders with

DEL ORO-LOOMIS | MB | SR.

to be fed opportunities by fellow senior

son hopes.

leadership.

KYRA ROGERS

MIKAELA NOCETTI

OAKMONT-ROSEVILLE | MB | SR.

EL CAMINO-SACRAMENTO | OH | SR.

starter has been instrumental in the which included a Div. III section title in titles already.

MEGAN McBROOME

LINDSEY VANDER WEIDE

ROCKLIN | S | JR.

PITMAN-TURLOCK | OH | SR. Led Pride to

bid to repeat as section champion.

McBroome

4. El Camino-Sacramento (28-11)

6. Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills (18-15)

Key Returners — Mikaela Nocetti, OH, Sr., Devin Herenda, S, Sr., Key Losses Rising Talent: Alivia Garner, L, Sr. Season Outlook: The perennial Div. II contender is loaded with

Key Returners — Marissa Quilici, MH, Sr., Olivia Reid, OH, Jr.. Key Losses DS. Rising Talent: Elizabeth Cameron, S/RS, Jr.

7. Rio Americano-Sacramento (23-14) Key Returners

Key Losses — Rising Talent: Josette Medeiros, Jr., MH/OH

at a third section title in four years.

5. St. Francis-Sacramento (34-9) Key Returners — Kylie Green, OH, Sr., Anna Donald, S, Sr.. Key Losses Rising Talent: Maddy Miller, L, Sr. Season Outlook: The Troubadours never rebuild, but coach Alynn

8. Pitman-Turlock (33-5) Key Returners Rising Talent: Stephanie Simmons, RS/MB, Sr.

Key Losses — Moriah Halteman, DS

9. St. Mary’s-Stockton (32-8) Key Returners Shelton, S. Rising Talent: Natalie Cortopassi, Jr., OPP

Key Losses

10. Vintage-Napa (28-5) Key Returners section title is in the cards.

Key Losses — Natalie Lundeen, S/ Rising Talent: Alana Brown, Jr., DS

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Tracy High running back Nate Jones found solid ground after a cross-country move to live with his great aunt and uncle

s Tracy High standout senior running back Nate Jones the fastest football player in Northern California? Based on 100-meter dash results from the California Interscholastic Federation State Track and Field Championships and the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section finals from last season, the answer is yes. Jones won the section sprint title as a junior last May, then clocked 10.75 in the prelims at the state meet. He didn’t make it to the final, but by just one one-hundredth of a second. And it’s worth noting that California’s state meet is the toughest in the nation because there are no divisions. Jones wasn’t necessarily the fastest underclass sprinter from Northern California, but neither Amador Valley-Pleasanton’s JaMaun Charles or Castro Valley’s Aaron Jones play football. Those more familiar with Nate Jones’ background, however, might suggest it’d be more appropriate that he compete in the hurdles instead of sprints. As a youngster growing up mostly in Oklahoma, Jones moved frequently since his father was incarcerated and his mother had a difficult time maintaining employment. There were still gatherings in which Jones and his extended family stayed in touch. At some of those events, his great uncle, Lynn Dell Hawkins, and his great aunt, Susan Hawkins, couldn’t help but notice how Nate moved and how fast he was. “He had all this ability, and in the eighth grade we found out he was failing all of his classes,” said Hawkins, also a vice principal at Tracy High. “My wife (also a teacher) and I talked about it and

Story by Mark Tennis | Photos by Stu Jossey 20

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“I had never had that kind of bonding before. It was surprising that they took me in, but it felt like a true family. The stability has been amazing.” we went to (Nate’s mom). The idea was to just make sure he could graduate from high school.” Jones’ days of moving from place to place were over. He began living with the Hawkins’ family prior to his freshman year at Tracy High. “I had never had that kind of bonding before,” Jones said. “It was surprising that they took me in, but it felt like a true family. The stability has been amazing.” However, sprinting on the track, shooting hoops in the gym or making moves on the turf have all taken a back seat to sitting at a desk. “We had a long way to go, but Susan worked hours on end with him,” Hawkins said. “It took awhile for him to even buy into the idea that, ‘Yes, you can do this.’ He had to realize that he could pass every class ... even failing one would mean that he couldn’t play.” Jones got the message. “At the beginning, (Lynn Dell) always talked about me getting that piece of paper, then going to college,” said Jones, referring to a high school diploma. “I know that sports is not forever. Since then, it has stuck in my head.” Other than a brief stretch of time during his sophomore year in which his grades slipped again, Jones has been passing his classes and has been able to take advantage of his 22

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athletic skills in football and track. Jones still says basketball is his favorite sport, but his lack of size (5-foot-9, 185 pounds) and his obvious speed makes him suited for the other two. “When his track times started dropping so fast during his sophomore year, I knew he might be special,” Hawkins said. “He’s not a track guy playing football but a football guy who does track.” At the end of his sophomore year, Jones gained a huge jolt of confidence when he won the San Joaquin Athletic Association varsity 100-meter dash crown. “Justin Davis of Lincoln-Stockton (now at USC) won that race the year before,” Jones said. “I began to work on my speed and learn how to translate it into football. Track also has helped me stay in condition for football.” Pushed in track and football workouts by best friends Eric Hawkins (graduated last June), Brandon Russell and Jason Nelson, Jones enjoyed a successful junior year for the Bulldogs. He helped Tracy to a 10-2 record, an SJAA title and a quarterfinal appearance in the SJS Division I playoffs. He rushed for 1,174 yards on just 113 carries (more than 10 yards per carry) and scored 19 touchdowns. “He got most of those yards really in about just six games,” said Tracy head coach Matt Shrout. “Nate wasn’t the starter Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

at fullback and was sharing with another guy. Once I realized there was some wasted talent there, I switched. It would have been dumb not to do it.” Jones then repeated as the SJAA 100-meter dash champ and added the section masters’ meet sprint title to his resumé. “Getting a taste of that competition at the state meet was really great,” Jones said. “The two sports really complement each other. I really like it when one sport just rolls right into each other.” As the 2014 season begins, Jones still doesn’t have the academic results he may need to get Division I college scholarship offers. At Tracy, however, the players don’t have to look far to find inspiration that someone can make it to the NFL without signing a letter of intent, going to a major college or even getting drafted. Indianapolis Colts long-snapper Matt Overton did just that and has made it a part of his life to stay connected to his high school and help Tracy players prepare for their future. “Matt came out to one of our games last year, pulled me aside and told me ‘You can do great things,’” Jones said. “I do have that attitude that not signing a letter of intent is not the end or anything close to that.” Shrout added that Jones also has become more of a team leader. “He’s a lot stronger than last year and he’s still faster than everyone else,” the fifth-year head coach said. “He’s worked hard all summer. This is the first summer, in fact, that he’s really lifted weights. He’s become a leader and is one of those who leads by example.” Before thinking too much about college and beyond, Jones still has to walk across the stage at Wayne Schneider Stadium next June and fulfill the promise he’s made to Lynn Dell and Susan, and to his mother. “We talk every day for him to stay focused on the opportunities he has in front of him and to stay humble all the time,” Hawkins said. “We still have work to do, but we’re proud of him.”

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September 2014

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of being much more than football

the honor bowl

veterans. A former coach at Granite Bay and Del Oro, Soto wanted to

coach Chris Nixon They were awestruck.”

speeches from Honor Bowl founder Mark “Coach” Soto and former Elk Grove football coach Mike Clemons, met wounded veterans and military personnel, witnessed a tribute to former Elk Grove player Joe Nurre — who was killed in action in 2005 —

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September 2014

motivate all involved while hundreds of volunteers help make the football, festivities and tributes come off as planned.

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run the showcase, and the third year that the event has taken place over two weeks in locations at both ends of the state.

James K. Leash

LEFT: ABOVE: Mark Soto delivers a motivational speech to the players of Elk Grove before the sponsorships this year which has helped us to impact so many athletes and veterans.” One of the NorCal Honor Bowl participants Head coach Doug Cosbie, a Northern Califor nia native and former NFL player, was happy to

since the last Honor Bowl ended last year,” he we love it.”

all of our players know someone in the military, event.” The possibility of Kamehameha or another

drive, that dream could become reality. the amount of money and support that can be

football, certainly.

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September 2014

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Jonathan Hawthorne

Momentum Shift Gritty Opening Win Sets Table for Antioch John Lucido familiarity. There was no lack of effort from his team, but mistakes

the team is different this year. They really care about each other.” And they have Harris. The sophomore carried the ball 33 times for 276 yards and

Najee Harris ment.”

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September 2014

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Records are through Aug. 30 Previous record in parenthesis

Phillip Walton

wins under its belt.

forward.”

PIRATES PLUNDER

DROPPED OUT: BIGGEST MOVER:

coach Victor Galli back,” defensive coordinator Charlie Ramirez substitute for that.”

GAME TO WATCH (WEEK 2):

BROWNING BLISTERS back Keith Walker In the meantime, the defense looks more interested in collec Jimmy

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR (alphabetically):

Clausen Maty

tude, combined with plenty of talent, could be a lethal combination Mauk

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September 2014

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get mental: erika carlson

Your mental game matters — so what should you do about it?

cepted.”

disappear.

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September 2014

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concussions: hunter greene, m.d.

Check Your Head Don’t wait for a suspected concussion to have your brain scanned

more serious complications. PRE-SEASON BASELINE TESTING sessment more accurate because we have a snapshot of baseline brain function. At Sum

AFTER A HEAD INJURY

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September 2014

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GeT HIP athlete sidelined for weeks. HIP FLEXOR TRAINING TIPS HIGH HURDLE WALK-OVER: HANGING BICYCLES: SEATED STRAIGHT LEG LIFTS:

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September 2014

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training time: tim rudd for iyca

Heart Science Heart Rate Variability measurements provide invaluable data for the training process

Who can train the hardest? Who can really dial in

and test their boundaries.

optimize that performance.

application in cardiac medicine. In the last two decades, this technol performance. Many elite athletes and teams from the NFL, NBA, MLB, success.

preparation when it matters most â&#x20AC;&#x201D; competition.

performance.

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September 2014

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health watch: caitlin r. Mouille, pt, dpt, mtc

SeTTInG uP for SuCCeSS With the increased popularity of volleyball over the past two

player lands on the foot of an opponent or a teammate. Players are at

tion of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Pain is usually located in this area, and can occur secondary to a repetitive

an increased amount of stress on the front of your knees.

use. In some cases, the muscle or tendon can tear. The rotator cuff

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September 2014

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EVEN MORE CAMPS + CLINICS AT SPORTSTARSONLINE.COM BASEBALL/SOFTBALL All American Sports Academy

for baseball and softball in Northern California.

pool, the movies, parks and the zoo. Field trips and camps vary by site. Offers and rates may vary at www.dianneadair. .

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professional instructors, current MLB scouts, motivational speakers and life skills coaches

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GYMNASTICS East Bay Sports Academy Summer Day Camps at East Bay Sports Academy

and resources needed to become a better player.

CHEER/DANCE California Spirit Elite Cheer Camp CSE Cheer Camp, based at our facility in Dublin, is

up. Recreational and competitive athletes will

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ENRICHMENT Dianne Adair Programs

Each week campers will be able to choose from CSI, science and so many more. We take weekly

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September 2014

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EVEN MORE CAMPS + CLINICS AT SPORTSTARSONLINE.COM www. California. West Coast Soccer camps create an environment that

eastbaysportsacademy.com info@

LACROSSE

EncoreLacrosse.com

ENCORE Lacrosse

MARTIAL ARTS

level. Jonathan Christmas is present at every camp where the focus

westcoastsoccerclub.com West Contra Costa Youth Soccer League

Hanabi Judo & Japanese Culture Camp introduction to the traditions of Japan. Every themed session will have

the total soccer player within the framework of a team. We also offer .

SWIMMING/DIVING OUTDOOR/ADVENTURE SPORTS

Santa Clara Aquamaids

Diablo Rock Gym

com Tri-Valley Triathlon Club and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills with little East Bay with practices in Fremont, Newark, Union City, Pleasanton,

SOCCER Impact Soccer Club www.ShermanSwim. com. Walnut Creek Aquabears

the four competitive strokes and their associated turns, skills and drills. West Coast Soccer

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September 2014

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EVEN MORE CAMPS + CLINICS AT SPORTSTARSONLINE.COM VOLLEYBALL

National Academy of Athletics

Bay Area Blast Summer Clinics info@naofa.us

City Beach Volleyball

serves players of all levels. We also have Saturday Sessions available. aaron@citybeach.com dan@citybeach.com Core Volleyball Club

U.S. Youth Volleyball League volleyball camps this summer in several Northern and Southern

info@teamcvc.com 7985, AG Evaluations ................................................................................................................36 Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada ............................................................................2 Borge U S A Indoor Soccer League ...................................................................................22 Catchflame.Com ..............................................................................................................36 Championship Athletic Fundraising ................................................................................23 Cheergyms.Com ..............................................................................................................16 Club Sport .........................................................................................................................5 Club Sport Renaissance 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Magazine.....................................................................................................32 Sportstars Magazine Wing Stop......................................................................................32 Stevens Creek Toyota .........................................................................................................7 Sutter Health East Bay .......................................................................................................3 Tpc / The Pitching Center .................................................................................................25 U C Davis Health System ..................................................................................................29 U C S F Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland......................................................................29 U S Cryotherapy...............................................................................................................31 United States Youth Volleyball League ............................................................................40 Wingstop ........................................................................................................................13

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September 2014

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California-San Ramon tight end Matt Snyder goes up against Pittsburg on Aug. 29. Photo by Phillip Walton

Want to submit your pic for Photo Finish? Send it to us at editor@SportStarsOnline.com. Photos must be 300 dpi and at least 10 inches wide in the jpeg format. Please identify every person in the photo and include your contact information. 38

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September 2014

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