BEST OF THE FALL BOYS COACH
Bob Ladouceur, De La Salle football — Honestly, we were leaning toward this pick before it became the sentimental choice once the legendary coach announced he was stepping down. How could we not have been considering him? Roster turnover resulted in the Spartans losing a Division-I quarterback, both starting wide receivers, and saw massive turnover on both lines. The team sputtered through much of the first half of the regular season only to turn into a runaway freight train by season’s end — which concluded with an unbeaten record and a fourth straight CIF Open Division bowl win.
GIRLS COACH
Danette Domecus, St. Patrick/St. Vincent-Vallejo volleyball — After being eliminated in the 2011 NCS semifinals, Domecus and her Bruins rebounded to post the program’s best season ever. St. Patrick’s went 35-6 and won the program’s first NCS championship with a 3-1 win over Cardinal NewmanSanta Rosa in the Division IV final. The Bruins would win their CIF N orthern Regional opener before falling to Harbor-Santa Cruz in the regional semifinals.
BOYS RISING STAR
Kirk Johnson, Valley Christian-San Jose football — The sophomore was tabbed early in the year as one of the primary tailbacks, thus taking a role in filling the shoes of graduated standout Byron Marshall. All Johnson did was rush for 1,469 yards (with a 9.48 yds/ carry average) and 21 touchdowns over 14 games. Valley Christian will be a team to watch in 2013 as the Warriors also return junior QB Jay MacIntyre.
GIRLS RISING STAR
Brighid Leach, Campolindo-Moraga, cross country — Few Bay Area cross country programs have turned out more state-title-contender talent than the Cougars. It’s starting to look like Leach is the next talent to keep your eye on. The sophomore took 13th overall in the CIF Div. III state championship race in Fresno. Only one other NorCal runner finished ahead of her in the race, Annie Marggraff of Acalanes-Lafayette who finished eighth, and Marggraff will graduate in the spring.
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February 1, 2013
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