ricky lloyd
runners-up
SportStars boys athlete of the fall concord • football
By CHACE bRYSoN | Editor
30
Ricky Lloyd tells a story that’s hard to believe. Though he swears it’s absolutely true. As the story goes, he was a freshman quarterback for the Concord High junior varsity football team. His team trailed with two minutes to go and he needed to lead it the length of the field for a victory. “I threw an interception at the end of the drive,” Lloyd said. “After the game, I was on the sideline crying I was so upset.” That’s when varsity coach Brian Hamilton came up to him. “He told me it was OK to make that mistake now, because when you’re a senior you’re going to face a similar scenario and you’re going to lead us to an NCS championship.” As it turned out, that’s exactly what happened. Lloyd led a two and a half minute NCS championship-winning drive, capped by his 26-yard touchdown pass to Sitani Malupo with 16 seconds left in the game. The 40-37 victory over Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park brought an end to a storybook season for Lloyd — one that saw him become the most prolific single-season passer in Northern California history with 4,451 yards. His dominance at the position, while leading Concord to its first section title, led to SportStars’ staff and contributors making him a unanimous choice as the SportStars Male Athlete of the Fall. His story of Hamilton’s prophecy would be good enough on its own, but there’s one final touch he adds — that, again, he swears is true. “My favorite memory from that championship game was when I was about to jog out on the field before that final drive,” said Lloyd, who will take his talents to Southern Mississippi in the fall. “I turned around and gave (Hamilton) a wink. I wanted him to know, ‘I got this.’” THE lloYD FilE ■ 2010 stats: 4,451 passing yards, 52 TD passes, 305 rushing yards, 9 TD runs ■ On being one of 7 finalists for the Mr. State Football Award: “It blew me away. I didn’t think I’d ever be nominated for something that huge.” ■ Post football career goal: “I’ve been thinking about doing something in psychology, or possibly graphic arts. Those are two pretty different career paths, so we’ll see what happens when I get to college.” ■ Biggest Influence: “So many to name. My dad and family first and foremost...My quarterback coach John Bell, who would text me the morning after games to check up on me. And (Concord head coach) Brian Hamilton. He’s unbelievable. I wouldn’t be here without him.” ■ Favorite thing about playing QB: “Just being in control. ... Being the second coach out there, and being able to make things happen.” ■ Favorite motto: “I will not be denied.”
SportStars™
January 13, 2011
Dylan Wynn (De La Salle) The Oregon State-bound lineman was a key fixture on both the offensive and defensive line for the state champions. On offense, he helped pave the way for running back Lucas Dunne’s record-setting 40 TD season and an overall rushing attack that chewed up more than 300 yards/game. On defense, he ranked third on the team in tackles (50) and first in sacks (12).
Bryan Snyder (Las Lomas) Snyder scored more goals than any other player in the East Bay this year as he led the Knights to their first NCS title. He finished the season with 121 goals and closes out his career as Las Lomas’ all-time goals leader with 412. He had six of Las Lomas’ 13 goals in the championship game against Alhambra. He also finished the year with 71 steals and 41 assists.
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