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8 locker

room: De La Salle hits the silver screen and we’ll take you behind the velvet yardstick for an inside look with coach Terry Eidson.

Fence: 45 The Tryouts, sign-ups, fund-raisers and more!

46 Advertiser’s index 4

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Bringing the bold

O

ur annual Football Preview turns 5 years-old this year, and we couldn’t be prouder.

This baby has come a long way since August 26, 2010, when we previewed just the East Bay only. And while this preview isn’t the largest we’ve ever done in terms of page count, it’s the closest one to literally being cover-to-cover football. Somehow something on Scrabble made its way in there (check page 8 and then thank Campolindo High), but nearly every other page is telling you something about the upcoming football season. And that’s how it should be.

We had some fun with a new look this season, taking on a video game theme to fall in line with the upcoming release of the newest Madden Football from EA Sports. The idea came from our designer Mike DeCicco, who produced two fantastic covers which we included on this page so that you could see the alternate version. The Bay Area cover featuring Pittsburg’s Shurod Thompson takes on an XBOX theme and the Sac-Joaquin edition has Folsom’s Jake Browning surrounded by PS4 blue.

Browning is a fitting choice for this theme since the senior quarterback’s passing stats are video-game worthy. We’ve covered Browning and his accomplishments a lot over the past two seasons, but our writer Jim McCue offered up something fresh this time with a story about Browning through the eyes of those who have to play against him. Spoiler alert: It’s not fun.

Now, I opened this by bragging about how nearly every page in this special was going to tell you something about the upcoming football season. So here I am about to do my part for this page. Here are three bold predictions for this football season. ›› 1. An East Bay school will join De La Salle at the CIF State Bowl game for the first time since Campolindo went in 2011: Campolindo is certainly a candidate to go again, as are Div. II teams like Clayton Valley Charter-Concord (narrowly missing in 2012) or rival Concord. Or maybe it’s McClymonds-Oakland who will finally break through after two NorCal bowl losses. ›› 2. Grant will upset Folsom in the SJS Div. I final: Who needs Paul George? The Pacers are back! And when they upset Browning and the high-flying Bulldogs in the section final, everyone in NorCal will lose their collective minds upon realizing that the Grant-De La Salle matchup will FINALLY happen. ›› 3. Liberty-Brentwood will finish second to Pittsburg in the Bay Valley Athletic League: The Lions haven’t finished as high as second since 2003, and that was a tie for second with Clayton Valley (which hasn’t competed in the BVAL since 2007). This year, with 18 returning starters, Liberty will lead a resurgence of the traditional schools that have been the backbone of the BVAL for decades. Antioch, which has won just two league games over the past four seasons, will make strides as well.

There you have it. Now go check out our 30-plus more pages of football mania. ✪

join our team PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 Editorial Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson • Chace@SportStarsOnline.com Staff Writer Jim McCue • JimMcCue16@gmail.com 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, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler, Dean Coppola, Berry Evans, III Marketing/Events Ryan Arter Editorial Intern Mike Young

Bay Area

Creative Department Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@SportStarsOnline.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com Advertising Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Leslie Ellis • Leslie@SportStarsOnline.com Camps & Clinics: Ryan Arter • Camps@SportStarsOnline.com Alameda County: Berry Evans • Berry@foto-pros.com Central Valley, World Events: Anthony Grigsby • Area Director anthony.grigsby@worldeventssports.com Darin Wissner • dwissner@wordeventssports.com

Sac-Joaquin Give us your own bold predictions before the season gets under way.

Tweet us at @sportstarsmag with your prediction and hashtag

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Top 5 musings inspired by norcal's national scrabble champion

Trending What’s hot this week in the world of stuff that’s hot Kanye West might be working on new music with Paul McCartney (ask your parents). Finally, we’ll get the edgy version of ‘Ebony & Ivory’ that we’ve needed (again — ask your parents).

Over 500 fanatics (13) recently spent five days sequestered (21) in the Buffalo, NY Convention Center ritualistically (20) rattling satchels (13) laden with wood and plastic tiles in a cultish (12) rite used to determine their new ubermensch (19).

When the smoke had cleared, Portland, Ore., resident and Moraga native Conrad Bassett-Bouchard was crowned the 25th National Scrabble Champion. To which we say, Bingo, sir! You’ve got chutzpah (27)! Here are our top five randomly (14) juxtaposed (27) Scrabblarian musings (10).

1. If you could use his name, Bassett-Bouchard would fetch a handsome score (24). And since it’s two words, we’re gonna go ahead and give ourselves a double-word score. (Yes. Thank you, pedants (10). We know it doesn’t work that way.)

2. Speaking of names: Samardzija (29). Hey. It is a sports magazine.

3. Conrad might be sorry to note that, among his Campolindo league opponents, Las Lomas’ Knights (15) would take the tile-title. And the Miramonte Matadors (11) would edge out his Cougars (10). Again.

4. Frantically trying to think of a way to work “Caziques” (28, once played for 392 with letter- and word-score bonuses) into this ridiculous list.

5. Man. This whole thing makes our eyes cross. We need some oxyphenbutazone (highest possible single-play score: 1,780) drops. Or something.

— Bill “antidisestablishmentarianism” Kolb

Robin Williams. We miss him.

Phil Simms and Tony Dungy reportedly won’t use the word ‘Redskins’ on TV this year. As a small gesture, the NFL announced it won’t use ‘Redskins’ in the win column more than four or five times.

The 49ers opened their palatial new stadium while the Raiders are stuck in what is probably the worst stadium in the league. It’s official, it the Raiders Third-World Nation.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is the No. 1 movie in America for the second week in a row, having made almost $120 million. See? This is why Michael Bay keeps getting permission to step all over your childhood.

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say what?

“For me, it was about character and how important winning goes beyond the scoreboard. Bob Ladouceur is a phenomenal coach in what he was teaching those boys and the life lessons. I would recommend it to any football coach, any athlete, any community leader.”

— Mark Soto, CEO and founder of The Honor Group, which runs the two-week Honor Bowl football showcase events in both Northern and Southern California. For schedules of this year’s event at Del Oro-Loomis (Aug. 29-30) and Oceanside (Sept. 5-6), visit TheHonorGroup.org.

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10 minutes

with ... terry eidson Days before “When The Game Stands Tall” hits theaters nationwide, we grilled De La Salle’s longtime assistant on all things Hollywood.

SPORTSTARS magazine: First impression of seeing yourself depicted on the big screen?

TERRY EIDSON: Weird. Surreal. I never thought that kind of stuff would happen as a religion teacher and coach. Most of those jobs don’t make it to the movies.

SSM: What was meeting Michael Chiklis like?

TE: My wife and Lad thought we were separated at birth. We started arguing about sports 10 minutes into meeting each other. ... We were on site at filming and (Chiklis) was eating a chicken wrap between scenes and he spilt it all over his shirt. My wife turned to me and said, ‘He’s just like you.”

SSM: Do you have a favorite scene?

TE: I really liked the scenes between Cam Colvin and Terrance Kelly. I also liked the sideline banter when my character shouts, ‘Somebody tackle that guy!’ That was pretty accurate.

SSM: Is there one thing that wasn’t in the movie, that you would’ve included?

TE: There was actually one scene that I was glad they took out. When Lad had his heart attack, they filmed a scene in which I took over the team and the first day of practice there are kids showing up late, fights breaking out, and parents in the stands saying the program is falling apart. ... I convinced them that my daughter would see this film some day and I’d prefer her dad not look like a flunkie. Plus, that’s not how any of it happened, either.

Terry Eidson, left, talks with Michael Chiklis on the set of ‘When the Game Stands Tall.’ Photo by Tracy Bennett

Terry's quick hits FAVORITE FOOTBALL MOVIE BEFORE THIS ONE: “The Blind Side”

FAVORITE MOVIE SNACK: Popcorn

COOLEST CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER SO FAR: Getting to know Jim Caviezel, and introducing my daughter to

Alexander Ludwig (left), which made me Dad of the Year.

GEt REEL: 'When the Game stands tall' If you haven’t been swept up in the green and silver promotional tidal wave of this movie, well we’re shocked you’re reading this quite frankly. If you follow high school sports pretty much anywhere in Northern California — or the entire state, quite frankly — then you’re aware of the movie which hits theaters Aug. 22 depicting the story of the De La Salle-Concord football program and legendary coach Bob Ladouceur. We had a chance to view an early screening of the film in June, but held off on reviewing it until now.

Watching with an unbiased eye is a bit difficult when you’ve met the men being depicted and are so familiar with the story. There were certainly Hollywood liberties which were taken, but our overall impression was that the filmmakers stayed true to the spirit of the De La Salle program and the heart of the two primary men — Ladouceur and assistant Terry Eidson — who built it to such extraordinary heights. Like all good sports movies, the movie is much less about the sport and much more about the people. Many will go into the movie expecting it to be about the famous 151-game winning streak, when in fact, it’s much more about how The Streak affected everyone

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throughout the program.

Jim Caviezel plays Ladouceur with the right amount of humility — often saying more, by saying less. He most reminded us of the real-life coach in scenes that highlighted his mannerisms and facial expressions. Michael Chiklis offers a spot-on effort in bringing the bombastic and immensely affable Eidson to life. The actors who portray the players are good as well, most notably the two who depict Cameron Colvin and the late Terrance Kelly. Their friendship — and brotherhood — sits at the heart of the film.

Our overall take: It’s not as good as seeing the real De La Salle program in action, but it’s a darn good representation of it.

rating (out of 4 stars)

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ZeroContact I like football because I like contact. With these new rules, I won’t get to hit people in practice any more. Why are they doing this? Football’s about hitting people.

R.A., Sacramento

A

ctually, R.A., you get to hit people in practice this year — the law just signed doesn’t take effect until Jan. 1.

That said, though, I think a lot of schools are going to make their coaches follow the new rules, which limit contact in practice to two 90-minute sessions a week. The reason? There might be some legal liability if a player gets seriously injured participating in a full-contact practice that happens after the weekly maximum has been met, and schools hate legal liability.

Still, you’re right. Football is about knocking people down, and what has some coaches concerned is that players won’t learn how to knock people down (and be knocked down) safely if they don’t practice it quite a bit. But coaches who have already limited full-contact practices to once a week

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have been successful, and their team’s injury rates appear to be no greater than for teams that do more full-contact practices.

And the tradeoff is not just fewer concussions, but fewer major injuries — the last thing a coach wants is for one of his players to wind up with a knee or shoulder injury that winds up affecting that player throughout his life. Very, very few high school football players will go on to play in college (the pros are just a fantasy) and dealing with a balky knee for 50 or 60 years is a very long-term consequence for a very short-term benefit.

Of course, concussions are the focus, and they should be, especially since some research has targeted many minor blows to the head as being just as dangerous as bell-ringing concussions that send a player to the sidelines. So that offensive lineman who sticks his head in the chest of that hulking defensive tackle 20 times during practice may be doing damage to his brain (a rather important part of the body) that will haunt him the rest of his life.

(That’s why, by the way, there’s a push to ban heading the

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ball in soccer for young players. Each collision of head and ball is potentially brain-damaging, especially if the muscles supporting the brain case are not fully developed.)

On the one hand, though, the coaches are right: Less time practicing full-contact situations make those situations more dangerous to players because they won’t have as much experience.

But on the other hand, overall there should be fewer longterm consequences for football players. If blows to the head are damaging to the brain, it stands to reason that fewer of them are better than more of them — and that’s exactly what this new law is about.

And it’s also true that the fewer times players are tackled at the knees, the fewer ACLs that will be torn, and the fewer limping 50-year-olds there will be out on the golf course.

And yes, R.A., you will still want to be active at age 50, even if right now that seems like you will already have one foot in the grave. ✪ Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email him at clayk@fullcourt.com

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Preseason Bowling H ‘(NorCal) teams may not have known this, but their chances of winning a CIF state bowl game were improved greatly by all of these changes hundreds of miles away’

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eading into the closing weeks of the last two California high school football seasons, there weren’t many certainties except it was pretty obvious that whichever teams were going to play in the CIF Division II State Bowl game, the Northern California team was going to get steamrolled by a very strong Southern California squad.

That’s exactly what happened, too. Two years ago, it was Oakdale being outclassed by Serra-Gardena 42-15 while last year Enterprise-Redding was in a similar contest, losing to Chaminade-West Hills 41-9.

The CIF itself has done nothing to try to change the landscape, but playoff realignment within the CIF Southern Section has dramatically altered it.

What many NorCal fans don’t realize, the Southern Section has a long history of moving teams into a stronger playoff division once they’ve proven dominant at the lower playoff division.

This is why many of the vaunted programs that seemed poised to romp over a NorCal team in the Div. II state bowl game in recent years — whether it’s Chaminade, Serra-Gardena, Edison-Huntington Beach, Hart-Newhall and a few more — won’t be in the Division II mix this season. All of those teams instead will be trying to win a CIF Southern Section title in Div. I. Chaminade and Serra, in fact, will be in the new Mission League with CIFSS regulars such as Alemany-Mission Hills, Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks, Loyola-Los Angeles and Bishop Amat-La Puente. They will need to beat teams like St. John Bosco-Bellflower, Mater Dei-Santa Ana and Centennial-Coro-

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na to even get eligible for a CIF state bowl game.

The CIF San Diego Section also has implemented a change this year in which teams will no longer be pre-determined for its own Open Division. What this means is that strong programs that were in the running for a CIF Div. II South bowl bid — such as St. Augustine or Cathedral Catholic-San Diego — will now have to win the section Open Division and then go into the Div. I state bowl field.

It’s not like the CIF Southern Section will be devoid of top teams going for the Div. II state bowl bid, but instead of the others mentioned above it may be teams like Redlands East Valley-Redlands or Rancho VerdeMoreno Valley.

Still, top NorCal teams that could be going to this year’s CIF Div. II bowl game — such as Clayton Valley Charter-Concord or even Oakdale again — won’t be penciled in as an automatic loser. Those teams may not have known this, but their chances of winning a CIF state bowl game were improved greatly by all of these changes hundreds of miles away.

Yes, there also are equally big changes for NorCal prep football this season — including Folsom joining the Sierra Foothill League and two-time defending CIF Division IV state champ Central Catholic-Modesto joining the Valley Oak League — but none of them will impact the possible lineup of teams for the CIF NorCal bowl games. ✪ Mark Tennis is the co-founder of Cal-Hi Sports, and publisher of CalHiSports.com. Cal-Hi Sports is the authority in state rankings for football, basketball, baseball and softball, as well as the recognized state record keeper for all high school sports. Contact him at markjtennis@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter, @CalHiSports.

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California football Rankings 1.

St. John Bosco-Bellflower 16-0 (in 2013) Last year’s conquerors of De La Salle have holes to fill on defense, but offensively should be just as dominant.

2.

De La Salle-Concord 14-1 Most coaches were saying before last year’s final game loss that this year’s team was going to be better, which could be true.

3.

Servite-Anaheim 6-6 East Bay fans will get chance to catch the Friars and Oregonbound QB Travis Waller when they play at De La Salle in Sept.

4.

Mater Dei-Santa Ana 11-3 Two of Monarchs’ three losses last year were to St. John Bosco and they should be just as strong. Defense especially loaded.

5.

Folsom 14-1 Just like De La Salle is clearly No. 1 for NorCal, QB Jake Browning and the rest of his record-setting offense clearly No. 2.

6.

Long Beach Poly 11-2 Coach Antonio Pierce (the ex-NY Giant) takes over, offense may never be the same. All-American DB Iman Marshall leads defense.

7.

Serra-Gardena 13-1 The Cavaliers miss Adoree’ Jackson (USC) and others, but still have a lot back plus transfer Stanley Norman from Culver City.

8.

Alemany-Mission Hills 10-3 Warriors, led by All-American Desean Holmes, will have to contend with Serra-Gardena, Chaminade-West Hills in same league.

9.

Centennial-Corona 12-3 It’s getting to be kind of automatic to put the Huskies (800 points last year, averaged 670 yards per game) in the preseason top 10.

10.

Chaminade-West Hills 14-2 Cal-Hi Coach of the Year, Ed Croson, doesn’t have QB Brad Kaaya anymore but the CIF Div. II state champs should contend.

11.

Pittsburg 12-2 We like the Pirates quite a bit with all of their returning players.

12.

Mission Hills-San Marcos 12-2 Returns All-America candidate DeChaun Holiday in secondary.

13.

Vista Murrieta-Murrieta 12-2 Broncos return 12 starters and could be team to contend with.

14.

Bakersfield 13-2 Drillers are consensus preseason No. 1 for CIF Central Section.

15.

Westlake-Westlake Village 8-3 Should be great with QB Malik Henry among many returnees.

16.

Hart-Newhall 12-3 Return record-setting QB/WR duo Brady White and Trent Irwin.

17.

Clovis North-Fresno 11-2 Loaded with top recruits, including RB Bolu Olurunfunmi (UCLA).

18.

St. Bonaventure-Ventura 8-4 Watch out for the Seraphs with USC-bound QB Ricky Town.

19.

Serra-San Mateo 11-3 Padres get credit for being defending CCS Open Div. champs.

20.

Mission Viejo 11-1 Coach Bob Johnson’s team led by grandson Brock at QB. 21.

Oceanside 10-3 QB Matthew Romero will be tested by tough early schedule.

Oakdale was clearly overmatched in its 2012 CIF Div. II State Bowl loss to Serra-Gardena. However, changes in the Southern Section will now force Serra and a number of other previously dominant Div. II programs up to the Div. I level.

22.

Helix-La Mesa Highlanders have similar talent to 2011 bowl champs.

9-3

23.

Upland 9-4 Washington State-commit QB Tyler Hilinski will lead Upland.

24.

Valley Christian-San Jose VC could have been even higher with talent that returns.

8-4

25.

Grant-Sacramento 9-3 Fifteen starters return for Pacers, but still need reliable QB.

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La Grange, Texas, is about as far removed from San Jose as can be — in distance, lifestyle, privilege and tolerance.

The town lies between Houston and Austin, on Highway 71. It’s rural and mostly flat and holds a steady population of about 4,500.

But the influences of La Grange can be felt in San Jose, particularly in the lives of brothers Kirk and Collin Johnson, outstanding football players at Valley Christian High. There are certain principles that have been ingrained into their understanding, just as they were in their father before them.

Be a man of integrity. Be a man of your word. Treat women with respect. Be humble, but confident. Never forget where you came from or how you got here.

The Johnson brothers owe a lot to the leadership and love abiding in a modest wood-frame house outside La Grange, the one with a tin roof and no indoor plumbing. This was the home of Jessie Mae Johnson, Kirk and Collin’s grandmother.

Life was not easy for Jessie Mae. Her education ended at sixth grade. She lived in an era and part of the country where African-Americans had much to fear. She was a single mother of 11 who raised her family on welfare.

But Jessie Mae did not feel sorry for herself. In fact, she refused to let her children use circumstances as an excuse for failure. Her eighth child, Johnnie Johnson, not only became the first in the family to go to college, but he became an All-America safety at University of Texas, a first-round draft pick, and played 10 seasons in the NFL. A younger son, Bobby, also was a defensive back at Texas and played four years in the NFL. La Grange had never produced a major-college athlete, and yet two brothers reached that level.

“She only had a sixth-grade education, but she had a Ph.D. in being able to encourage and empower her children,” Johnnie said. “She raised her kids by using the Bible as her primary tool. She had the ability to inspire.”

When Johnnie was a nervous high school freshman approaching his first varsity game, Jessie Mae asked him this question: “If you did not show anyone you were a freshman, how would they know? … God gave you the same gifts as any senior.”

Her wisdom was vital as Johnnie broke the cycle of poverty. It also became the cornerstone in the maturation of Kirk and Collin. Johnnie and his wife Julie continue to raise their children, including Valley Christian sophomore Camille, a track and basketball standout, with the lessons learned from Jessie Mae.

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Kirk, a senior, and Collin, a junior, have listened well. They treat others with respect and greet strangers with a firm handshake. This is a habit passed down like a valuable heirloom, with its origin from legendary Texas coach Darrell Royal, who once pulled a shy recruit aside and said: “Johnnie, you are a gifted and talented young man. You have every reason to be proud. From now on, when you greet someone, no matter who they are, look them right in the eyes, extend your hand, shake theirs firmly, and say, ‘Hi, I’m Johnnie Johnson, pleased to meet you.’”

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Kirk and Collin seek out their teachers and remain in the classroom at lunch to make sure they grasp every concept. At practice, they remain on hand to counsel and encourage teammates.

“I’ve never seen anyone work harder on and off the field,” said Warriors’ junior running back Morian Walker, himself a major-college prospect. “They’re always either going 110 percent or helping people. They’re role models — they’re role models to me, just in the way they carry themselves.”

Kirk and Collin each are on the cusp of a breakthrough season, a potentially lethal one for Valley Christian.

Kirk (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) has rushed for 2,697 yards with 32 touchdowns over the past two seasons, with a career average of 9.1 yards for each of his 297 carries. In 2013 alone, Kirk gained 1,228 yards despite being limited to only seven games because of knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries.

Valley Christian went 8-4 overall and 5-2 in the rugged West Catholic Athletic League, but Kirk was unavailable for each of those two WCAL losses and for the Central Coast Section Open Division semifinal, a 37-7 loss to Archbishop Mitty. In his mind, 2013 was a disappointing season.

Kirk has breakaway speed, but also the leg strength to break tackles. Now healthy, he figures to lead a formidable rushing attack and continue the great Warriors’ running back tradition.

The past decade has featured the late J.R. Adams, 2005 CCS Player of the Year Dominique Hunsucker, current NFL running back Cameron Marshall, and little brother Byron Marshall, now a junior and resident speedster at Oregon.

Valley Christian traditionally has been a run-oriented team, but Collin has the talent to give the Warriors reason to open up the passing game.

Collin is 6-foor-5 (195 pounds) and still growing. During eighth grade and into his freshman year, Collin grew an astounding 13 inches in 12 months. Tall and strong and with great hands, it’s not difficult to project him as a big-time player. He’s rated as a four-star recruit by rivals.com, No. 6 among wide receivers and No. 39 overall among college prospects from the class of 2016.

His size and skills draw comparisons to his favorite player, Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson.

“On Friday nights, I turn into Megatron,” Collin said.

As a sophomore, Collin had 10 catches for 99 yards and scored three touchdowns. He also proved himself a willing and effective blocker. But the best almost certainly is yet to come.

Texas should be proud. The brothers were raised on the Red River Rivalry, Texas’ annual game against Oklahoma — Johnnie’s fourth-and-one tackle of Sooners’ quarterback Thomas

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Lott for no gain at the 5-yard line preserved a Longhorns victory in 1977.

Perhaps, not surprisingly, the Johnson brothers committed to Texas in April. No doubt, as the sons of a Longhorn Hall of Famer, they will be scrutinized.

Still, “I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Kirk said.

Johnnie said he purposefully stayed out of the recruiting process, but it was inevitable that Texas would receive a good look, and the personality of new coach Charlie Strong clinched it.

The Johnsons felt they would play for a coach who cared about them as individuals as much as for their value as players.

The Johnsons got a head start in many respects. Johnnie, who coached the boys in San Jose’s Coyote Creek Pop Warner program, has insight into what makes great football players and tried to project that to his sons.

“When you look at the elite players at the collegiate level, they have to be fundamentally sound,” Johnnie said. “I stressed that you have to first learn the game mentally before you can play physically.”

The mental side, said Johnnie, encompasses patience, consistency, and perseverance. It also means developing a deep trust and confidence in oneself. At kickoff, in theory, it all comes together.

“You have to play every game as if you’re playing against the top defense in the country,” Johnnie said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re playing Oklahoma, or Mitty, or Riordan — Riordan has good players too. You always have to play as if you’re up against the very best.”

The Johnsons have been further helped along by former Valley Christian teacher Greg Marshall, a professional strength and conditioning coach, and Adam Tafralis, a former San Jose State quarterback who heads the Warriors’ strength program. Of course, veteran coach Mike Machado and his staff have been invaluable in the brothers’ development.

But you can’t quite take La Grange out of the Johnsons.

“My dad had nothing, but he worked hard and now he’s the father he never had, for us,” Collin said.

“We have the blessings of my dad’s hard work and I want to do everything to be my best, and show my dad that all his work paid off. After that, I want to raise my kids pretty much the same way my dad raised me. No father could really do better.”

Somewhere, Jessie Mae Johnson must be smiling. She passed away in 1997, but her life lessons continue to impact her family and, perhaps, the fortunes of Valley Christian’s football season. ✪

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Central Coast Section Previews

No Looking Back Serra-San Mateo Serra High coach Patrick Walsh understands the need to talk about 2013.

One year removed from winning both a West Catholic Athletic League and the school’s first ever Central Coast Section Open Division title, the glow still remains for one of the Bay Area’s most consistently high-achieving programs.

Those recollections represent the tenor outside the program though, because focus on the present isn’t hard to find, both on the San Mateo campus and in conversation with the Padres head coach. A summer of change has yielded plenty of new faces in new places and, at least so far, Walsh is still asking his own questions about what type of team the 2014 Padres will become.

“We had the most successful season in the history of Serra High. That’s what we remember and that’s a wrap on 2013,” Walsh said. “If anything, last year is more of a crutch than anything else for this team. It was a successful team that had great leadership and great talent and most of that was earned. We have yet to see that still (this year).”

While his team works on establishing a new identity, Walsh will turn to two building blocks any football coach covets — a standout running back and a Division I-caliber left tackle. In Kava Cassidy and Jack Dreyer, Serra has both a home run threat in the backfield and a mauler up front that will set the tone on the offensive side of the ball.

But, while Cassidy and the StanRunning back ford-bound Dreyer will provide the Kava Cassidy backbone, much will be expected of other seniors like two-way lineman Creighton Felise and linebacker James Outman as well as juniors like running back/defensive back Kilepi Lataimua and receiver/defensive back Brandon Monroe. If that leadership core can continue to evolve like the 2013 team did, success won’t be hard to find.

The most high-profile change takes place under center, where sophomore Leki Nunn is poised to replace a player in Matt Fa’aita whose evolution at the position provided a perfect microcosm of 2013’s success. As Fa’aita grew, so did the Padres offense. By the end of the season, Serra’s multi-faceted approach was among the most explosive in the state.

Before diving into the ultra-competitive WCAL, Serra must first negotiate a nonleague schedule that is typical of the preparation Walsh prefers.

Road games at De La Salle and Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks come right away in a stretch sure to identify both the strengths and weaknesses that need addressing.

“We want to challenge ourselves at the highest level and sometimes it lines up perfectly and sometimes it’s more challenging,” Walsh said. “I believe in the spirit of our kids and our coaches and Serra High School.

“It’s always been my belief that we rise and fall to our expectations. By playing De La Salle and Notre Dame and the WCAL, SportStars Football Preview 2014 it’s a great challenge. That’s where we learn the most about Always More at SportStarsOnline.com ourselves.” ✪

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Central Coast Section Divisional Previews

EDITOR’S NOTE: The CCS does not set their divisions in advance of the postseason, so these are attempts at educated guesses as to which teams could fall where.

open division

division i

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2013 record): Serra-San Mateo (11-3), Valley Christian-San Jose (8-4), Milpitas (11-2), Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (11-2).

EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Kirk Johnson, RB, Valley Christian EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Jason Scrempos, DL, Milpitas SURPRISE CONTENDER: Palma-Salinas BREAKDOWN: We do our best, but a lot of the CCS prognosticating is pure guess work.

But if we had to hang our hat on some expected certainties, we’d start with Serra and Valley Christian. The Padres are the defending champion who — after finally breaking through a year ago for their first CCS Open Div. title — know what it takes to win. The returning members of that team will undoubtedly be hungry to get the taste of the Div. I regional bowl loss out of their mouths as well. Valley Christian was the No. 8 seed in the eight-team field in 2013. That seed will be significantly higher this year as many feel the Warriors have the most talent in the league from top to bottom. If defending Div. I champion Milpitas finds its way to the party, it could make some noise as well. Mitty has reached the Open Div. field the past four seasons, and could do so again despite being hit hard by graduation.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Serra over Valley Christian

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Alvarez-Salinas (11-1), Piedmont Hills-San Jose (8-4), WilcoxSanta Clara (9-2), Homestead (8-2), San Benito-Hollister (7-6) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Edric Gamble, QB, Alvarez EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Rene Chavez, LB, Alvarez SURPRISE CONTENDER: Fremont-Sunnyvale BREAKDOWN: Alvarez was the top seed in this division a year ago, and they have every opportunity to be so again in 2014. The Eagles return nine offensive starters (15 overall), including the dynamic play-making QB, Edric Gamble. (We agree, great name.) The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Gamble is extremely quick and can burn opponents with both his arm and his feet. He’ll also have senior RB Ceasar Ramirez in the backfield as well. Piedmont Hills has its own multi-threat athlete in Aaron Tillak. He did most of his damage as a WR last year (644 yards, 8 TD), but could see more time at QB this year too. Tillak also is one of seven returning starters on defense for the Pirates. Wilcox doesn’t return a great deal of starting experience, but will benefit from a strong junior class.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Alvarez over Piedmont Hills

division Ii TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: St. Francis-Mountain View (9-4), Los Gatos (10-3), Pioneer-San Jose (7-4), MenloAtherton-Atherton (8-4), Palo Alto (6-6), .

EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Joey Wood, RB, Los Gatos EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Thomas Toki, DL, St. Francis SURPRISE CONTENDER: Oak Grove-San Jose BREAKDOWN: This feels like the division where anything is possible. No matter which teams end up filling this eight-team field, there isn’t likely to be a great deal of separation among them. It was the same way last year when five of the teams began the postseason with 7-3 records. If things break similar to last season, the two teams which played for the Div. II title a year ago could do so again. Defending-champion Los Gatos has a head start with Joey Wood (1,964 rushing yards, 28 TDs) returning at RB. Boosted by an incoming transfer — 6-0, 290-pound Washington State-bound Thomas Toki — St. Francis could have the defense to contend with Wood and the Wildcats’ offense. And after a 5-6 season a year ago, something tells us Oak Grove is ready to rise again thanks to good size and experience on both lines.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: St. Francis over Los Gatos

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division III

Thomas Toki, St. Francis

Studentsports.com photo

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TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Aptos (11-2), Burlingame (111), Terra Nova-Pacifica (10-1), Christopher-Gilroy (7-4), St. Ignatius-S.F. (4-9) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Anthony Gordon, QB, Terra Nova EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Jacob Moen, LB, Christopher SURPRISE CONTENDER: Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F. BREAKDOWN: When a defending champion can return 17 starters and its ENTIRE defense, that makes us take notice. The Mariners, a team which knows a thing or two about scoring points, may be pretty good at preventing them as they begin their CCS Div. III title defense. The linebacker duo of Dante Gomez and Austin Verdugo will provide the backbone of the defensive unit. Senior RB Brandon Pierce will be relied on early in the season as coach Randy Blankenship breaks in a new QB. Terra Nova was the No. 1 seed in the Open Div. a year ago, but could potentially drop back down this year. If so, we’d love to see QB Anthony Gordon (3,406 yards, 32 TDs in 2013) attack that Aptos defense. With 15 returning starters — including LB Jake Moen (363 combined tackles the last two seasons) – it’s hard to ignore Christopher-Gilroy too.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Aptos over Terra Nova

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division iv

we call it DE ANZA: Milpitas It’s hard not to like the defending Div. I champion, and that defense looks awful good.

EL CAMINO: Homestead-Cupertino Junior QB Jerome Holloway and senior Ryan Allemendi both return for Mustangs.

MISSION TRAIL: Carmel Three-year QB Connor Marden has one last shot to lead Padres to a CCS crown.

MONTEREY BAY GABILAN: Palma-Salinas Chieftains can’t falter as Monterey and league newcomer Alvarez will be hot on their heels.

MONTEREY BAY PACIFIC: Christopher-Gilroy Cougars are team in best position to take advantage of Alvarez’s move to the Gabilan Division.

Mason Randall, Sacred Heart Prep TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton (12-3), Carmel (11-1), Pacific Grove (11-2), Live Oak (9-2), Scotts Valley (8-3) EARLY OFFENSIVE MVP: Connor Marden, QB, Carmel EARLY DEFENSIVE MVP: Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, Sacred Heart Prep SURPRISE CONTENDER: Soquel BREAKDOWN: For the past three years, this has been the division for fans of offensive football. Connor Marden and the high-flying Carmel offense is perhaps its most shining example. Look no further than the Padres’ one loss a year ago, a 77-53 playoff shootout against Pacific Grove. Marden returns for his third and final season behind center and should have plenty of firepower to work with. Only this year, he’ll be boosted by a defense (gasp!) with seven returning starters. After reaching the CIF Div. III State Bowl a year ago — and with 13 returning starters — there could be an outside chance of CCS Div. IV-champ Sacred Heart Prep landing in Open or Div. III this season.

If not, the Gators will be among the obvious favorites. Live Oak has a good amount of experience returning, but will be replacing star RB Trevor Bearden. Finally, keep an eye on Soquel and its 14 returning starters.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Sacred Heart Prep over Carmel

MOUNT HAMILTON: Piedmont Hills-San Jose Margin between Pirates and Pioneer-San Jose is as razor thin as their 34-33 shootout a year ago (Pioneer won).

PENINSULA BAY: Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton CIF Div. III regional bowl champions should have the defense to stop Terra Nova.

PENINSULA LAKE: King’s Academy-Sunnyvale Knights bring 10 offensive starters back from a 5-5 squad a year ago.

PENINSULA OCEAN: Aragon-San Mateo Burlingame’s departure opens the door for a Dons’ team loaded with senior leadership.

SANTA CRUZ COAST: Aptos With entire defense returning, Mariners should be well on their way to another double-digit win season.

SANTA TERESA: Live Oak-Morgan Hill There’s no Trevor Bearden anymore, but the Acorns should still be top dog in this league.

WEST CATHOLIC: Valley Christian-San Jose If any team has the firepower to take down defending-champion Serra, it’s the Warriors.

WEST VALLEY: Branham-San Jose Last year Bruins had talent but little experience; this year it all comes together.

perfect season Our pick for the best CCS-related game for each week of the regular season.

Sept. 5

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose at Los Gatos, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 Serra-San Mateo at Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 Milpitas at Valley Christian-San Jose, 7:30 p.m. ››› Sept. 26 Hilmar at Pacific Grove, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3

Serra-San Mateo at Valley Christian-San Jose, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17

Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton at Terra Nova-Pacifica, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

Nov. 14

Willow Glen-San Jose at Pioneer-San Jose, 7 p.m.

Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F. at St. Ignatius-S.F., 1 p.m.

Los Gatos at Milpitas, 7 p.m.

Valley Christian-San Jose at Archbishop Mitty*, 7 p.m.

Palma-Salinas at Alvarez-Salinas**, 7 p.m.

*at Foothill College, Los Altos Hills **at Salinas Sports Complex

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Victor Rodriguez

Milpitas High Football

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offense QB Anthony Gordon (Terra Nova-Pacifica) 6-2, 185, Sr. Led the Tigers to 10-0 regular season by passing for 3,406 yards and 32 TDs.

QB Connor Marden (Carmel) 6-0, 170, Sr. Dual-threat talent passed for 2,706 yards, rushed for over 1,000 yards and combined for 40 TDs.

RB Kava Cassidy (Serra-San Mateo) 6-1, 195, Sr. Key player with 1,455 yards and 16 TDs for CCS Open Division champs.

RB Kirk Johnson (Valley Christian-SJ) 6-0, 185, Sr. Son of former NFL player Johnnie Johnson headed to Texas and one of state’s top RB prospects.

RB Joey Wood (Los Gatos) 5-9, 215, Sr. Powered on for 1,964 yards and 28 TDs to help Wildcats win CCS Div. III crown.

WR Eli Givens (Palo Alto) 6-1, 185, Jr. Speedster won CCS 100-meter dash crown in track as a sophomore.

WR Collin Johnson (Valley Christian-SJ) 6-3, 180, Jr. Younger brother of Kirk Johnson also headed to Texas and ranked as one of state’s top 2016 WR prospects.

OL Jack Dreyer (Serra-San Mateo) 6-7, 270, Sr. Best days for him are still to come; Stanford will be where that happens.

OL Adagio Lopeti (Woodside) 6-4, 315, Sr. This big guy also plays on Woodside’s basketball team.

OL Tae Kim (Leland-San Jose) 6-3, 235, Sr. All-league player also hits the court for Chargers in basketball.

OL Trevor Thomas (Valley Christian-SJ) 6-4, 300, Sr. Getting Div. I college interest after showing at spring camps and combines.

OL Tevita Musika (Milpitas) 6-1, 300, Sr. Hear the Musika playing and fear the Musika playing: He’s returning All-Mercury News first-tteamer.

UTL Dakari Monroe (Archbishop Mitty-SJ) 6-0, 180, Sr. Led the Monarchs in TDs for both rushing, receiving and is also highly regarded as a DB.

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Top left: Dakari Monroe, Archbishop Mitty.

Top right: Jason Scrempos, Milpitas Bottom left: Jack Dreyer, Serra Bottom right: Ben Burr-Kirven, Sacred Heart Prep

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DEFENSE DL Dan Dunham (Valley Christian-San Jose) 6-1, 270, Sr. Earned first team All-WCAL and second team All-Mercury News honors.

DL Jason Scrempos (Milpitas) 6-6, 260, Sr.

One of the best defensive linemen in NorCal with Pac-12 offers and double-digits in sacks.

DL Thomas Toki (St. Francis-Mountain View) 6-0, 290, Sr. Washington State-bound beast has transferred in from Juanita High of Kirkland, Wash.

LB Ben Burr-Kirven (Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton) 6-1, 205, Sr. No-brainer pick for this team after earning 2013 Mercury-News Player of Year.

LB Dante Gomez (Aptos) 6-1, 230, Sr.

All-Santa Cruz County choice had five interceptions in 2013.

LB Jacob Moen (Christopher-Gilroy) 6-3, 225, Sr.

He’s been mowing them down for two seasons: 161 tackle in 2012, 162 a year ago.

LB Jesse Osuna (Valley Christian-San Jose) 6-0, 205, Sr. The WCAL co-linebacker of the year also shines as a fullback on offense.

LB Ryan Quadros (Live Oak-Morgan Hill) 6-0, 225, Jr. He’ll be a four-year starter and has a shot to get Div. I offers next year.

DB Hakeem Mays (Willow Glen-San Jose) 5-11, 180, Sr. Had five interceptions to go with 2,100 yards rushing and 29 TDs.

DB Riley Quinn (St. Francis-Mountain View) 5-11, 175, Sr.

Despite being born without a left hand, he recorded 72 tackles and had four interceptions.

DB Dalton Weitzel (Aptos) 6-0, 170, Sr.

Helped Aptos win CCS Div. III title and ranked among state leaders with 10 picks.

K Matt Schonher (Los Altos) 6-3, 180, Sr.

Knocked through seven FGs with long of 45, did the punting and had three interceptions as a DB

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1 2

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De La Salle (14-1)

It’s been some time since the Spartans began a season on the heels of a loss.

In fact, last December’s 20-14 CIF Open Div. bowl defeat to St. John BoscoBellflower snapped an 81-game win streak against California schools. The NorCal unbeaten streak stands at 262 games, however, so it’s no surprise to see the Spartans at the top of this list yet again. De La Salle has all the elements that have tended to be present in their most dominant teams of recent years: Experience on both lines, strong running backs, experience at linebacker and a good amount of overall depth. A new QB, junior Anthony Sweeney, takes over and has drawn positive reviews from the coaching staff. His small stature and tough, savvy play will remind many of 2009 graduate Blake Wayne. Junior RB Antoine Custer returns after an 1,100-yard season as a sophomore. He’ll be flanked by Andrew Hernandez who gained nearly 600 yards last year with 9 TDs. Three-year LB Simba Short captains the defense and the pass rush could be fierce thanks to juniors Boss Tagaloa and Devin Asiasi.

Folsom (14-1)

3

Elk Grove (12-2)

5

The Bulldogs have compiled a 53-6 record over the last four years while winning three Sac-Joaquin Section titles and a state championship, but have ended each of the last two seasons with losses to De La Salle in the Open Division NorCal final.

Folsom returns a wealth of talent, including record-breaking QB Jake Browning and the section’s top receiver a year ago in Josiah Deguara. Add solid line play led by Div.-I recruits Cody Creason and Sam Whitney, a healthy Bailey Laolagi to provide a running game, and you have the makings of a third regional showdown with De La Salle.

The Thundering Herd will once again be rely on a very stingy defense. Senior DL Sai Ta’amu (63 tackles, 8.5 sacks) is a run-stopper who anchors the defensive line, and DB Shaunard Harts (6 INTs, 2 returned for TD) is one of the section’s best defenders against the pass. They will be supported by an athletic LB group including senior Spencer Sheff (100 tackles last year) and Manny Scott-Anderson (8 sacks).

August 21, 2014

Serra-San Mateo (11-3)

It’s possible Valley Christian has the firepower to knock the Padres from the WCAL throne in 2014, but Serra is highly unlikely to go quietly. After the school’s most successful season ever in 2013 — winning a WCAL crown and a first-ever CCS Open title — confidence is high and there is certainly no lack of talent. There will be inexperience at QB, but playmakers like RBs Kava Cassidy and Kelepi Lataimua, along with receiver Brandon Monroe, should make the learning curve friendlier than most. Having a Stanford-bound left tackle (Jack Dreyer) certainly won’t hurt either.

Grant-Sacramento (8-4)

The Pacers appear primed to return to prominence. Senior RB Deondre’ Whittington-Grays (1,214 yards, 15 TD) leads a potent running attack in which his 5-foot-9, 230-pound thunder is complemented by the lightning of speed backs Mike Green and TieNeal Martin. Martin led Grant with 6 INTs in 2013, and senior Chris Atteberry will be an impact LB.

No. 1: De La Salle should it have it’s usual mix of strength and speed with (from left to right), QB Anthony Sweeney, RB Antoine Custer, OL Drew Sullivan and LB Simba Short. No. 2: Folsom’s core for the upcoming season includes (from L to R) lineman Cody Creason, QB Jake Browning, LB Sam Whitney and WR Josiah Deguara.

No. 3: Serra will have some new faces this season, but RB Kava Cassidy returns after a 1,000-yard junior season. No. 4: Elk Grove will have a fortified defense once again thanks to standout safety Shaunard Harts Jr. No. 6: Valley Christian is overflowing with talent at the skill positions, including (from L to R) WR Collin Johnson, RB Kirk Johnson and RB Morian Walker.

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6 7 8 9 10

Valley Christian-San Jose (8-4)

Texas-bound senior RB Kirk Johnson (1,228 yards in 2013) leads a stable of at least four dynamic running backs.

All-League defensive lineman Dan Dunham and West Catholic Athletic League Co-Linebacker of the Year, Jesse Osuna, anchor an imposing defense.

Pittsburg (10-3)

Coach Victor Galli may not have had a team more well-rounded than this one in his 12 years at the helm.

Seven starters return on defense as well as a talented DB/WR transfer from Encinal-Alameda, Jordan Parker.

The O-line is the biggest question mark, but returning RB Jaylyn Morgan should still find plenty of space.

California-San Ramon (11-3)

The Grizzlies have carved out a program identity of physicality under coach Eric Billeci, and the personnel should match that philosophy again this season. At 6-4, 280 pounds, Tyler Whisenhunt leads the charge up front for Cal. He will help provide gaps for returning backs Simi Hingano, Zac Guardino and Jake Locklear.

Clayton Valley CharterConcord (11-2)

The team returns six starters on defense, many of whom were high-impact players. Five starters return on offense, including 2,000-yard back Miles Harrison.

All Harrison did a year ago was average practically 11 yards per carry and score 37 total TDs. The biggest question mark facing the Eagles is the QB position.

Oak Ridge-El Dorado HillS (12-2)

Junior QB Ian Book threw for 2,558 yards and 30 TDs while leading Oak Ridge to the Div. I section final. The Trojans hope to reload with able targets as well as runners capable of taking some pressure off. Senior Drew Lackowski spent some time at RB in 2013, but was most valuable as a DB with six interceptions.

11. Milpitas (11-2)

16. Granite Bay (8-4)

13. Enterprise-Redding (13-1)

18. Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton (13-2)

12. Del Oro-Loomis (13-3)

14. Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (11-2) 15. Campolindo-Moraga (11-1)

17. Foothill-Pleasanton (8-4) 19. Franklin-Elk Grove (8-4) 20. Jesuit-Carmichael (9-4)

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San Francisco Section Lincoln: Ready to strike The visual was striking, as are performer last year, and secondmost photos of losing teams in teamer Jeff Branner anchoring the championship games. This one line, and versatile junior Frank Hall, showed Lincoln’s football team Mission has pieces, just not much following a terrific back-and-forth depth. It won’t help the Bears too 90th Turkey Day Game 34-30 that they don’t have a home field. defeat to Galileo at Kezar Stadium Kezar Stadium, where they hosted last Thanksgiving. games, is unavailable this season.

Lincoln, a big, bruising bunch, “We had 22 guys last year, had left it all on the field, but but not much more than 13 or so lost despite having more yards played,” Mission coach Joe Albano Lincoln players rue their Turkey Bowl (373-293), first downs (22-10) and said. loss last season to Galileo. rushing yards (362-55).

Lincoln is led by returning firstErnie Abrea photo “I loved that team last year,” team All-AAA member Ifeanyi EboLincoln coach Phil Ferrigno said. chie, a 6-1, 180-pound defensive “But something was missing. There was just a small lack of back and receiver. leadership. We had everything you need on the field, but “He just makes plays,” Ferrigno said. “Our defense is you have to have all those small things off of it. Hopefully looking strong and needs to lead the way. He’s a big part of we’ll learn from it.” that.”

The visual for 2014 is also striking for the Mustangs. Big, Graduates Davion Telfor and Tyree Marzetta combined fast and strong. But very young. for 39 touchdowns for Lincoln a year ago. The Mustangs “We do pass the eye test,” Ferrigno said. “But we defihave a pair of unproven but impressive looking backs to nitely haven’t jelled yet.” perhaps take their place in senior Chris Peacock and sophoWith such stability at the top — Ferrigno and assistant more Akeal LaLaind . coach Kevin Doherty have led the Mustangs to five San LaLaind is one of five 10th graders who should make a Francisco Section titles and eight finals since 2005 — Linbig impact on the team. That includes Ronald Phelps (5-11, coln figures to get jelling well before the postseason.

340), a two-way tackle who contributed last season as a They are the slight favorites in a wide open Academic freshman. Another sophomore, Roel Marania (5-8, 140) Athletic Association season, along with a thin (20 players) may start at quarterback though seniors Brandynn Nesby but experienced and skilled Mission squad. All but four of and Ryan Tom are other possibilities. The top 10th-grader last year’s first-team All-AAA football squad were seniors, for Lincoln may be Timoteo Potasi, a 6-3, 280-pound guard leaving virtually every team filled with inexperienced players. and defensive end.

The exception is Mission, which returns senior quarter“A lot of people poo-poo the (AAA) but by late in the seaback-safety Jerrel Stancil (6-foot, 170 pounds), running son, when everyone is rolling, it’s really good stuff,” Ferrigno back-linebacker Anthony Porter, a junior, and senior running said. “We’re going to have to all buy-in for us to work. I’m back-linebacker Anthony Sauceda, among others confident we will.” ✪ With senior Elijah Oliver (5-11, 275), a first-team All-AAA

BEST OF the city

how they’ll finish

›› TOP MVP CANDIDATE: Jerrel Stancil, QB/SS,

1. Lincoln (7-5)

5. Galileo (12-1)

Mission

2. Mission (5-6)

6. Washington (3-8)

3. Balboa (4-6)

7. Burton (2-9)

4. Lowell (5-6)

8. Marshall (0-11)

›› TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Anthony Porter, RB/ LB, Mission

›› BEST IN THE TRENCHES: Jon Duterte, Washington

top five games

›› TOP TE: Robert Sankey, Balboa

Sept. 20 Mission at Mt. Eden, 1:45 p.m.

›› TOP JUNIOR OL: Francis Sosoatu, Burton ›› TOP DL: Eric Pocasangre, Balboa

›› TOP LB: Jamari Hilliard-Vasquez, Galileo ›› TOP DB: Ifeanyi Ebochie, Lincoln

›› BIGGEST BREAKOUT POTENTIAL: Chris Peacock, RB, Lincoln

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Oct. 4

Washington at Lincoln (Big Bell Game), 2 p.m.

Oct. 11

Mission at Lincoln, 2 p.m.

Oct. 11

Lowell at Balboa, 2 p.m.

Nov. 8

Galileo at Lincoln, 2 p.m.

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Oakland Section McClymonds: Knocking down the door In 2012, the McClymonds High School football team came knocking on the door of a possible CIF State Small-School Bowl bid.

The Warriors knock was far too faint and they got blasted, 42-12 by eventual state champion Central CatholicModesto.

“We simply weren’t ready for that game or that stage,” McClymonds coach Michael Peters.

Last season, McClymonds (10-3) pounded at the door, but six turnovers and a first-quarter, game-ending injury to star running back LaVance Warren led to LaVance a tough 17-14 defeat in the Regional final.

The opponent again was Central Catholic.

“That was definitely a game we felt we should have won,” Peters said. “We let it slip away. We could taste it. It left a bitter, bitter taste.”

With a talented, experienced and hungry senior class in place, the Warriors are primed to finally get to the promised land — a spot in the state bowl finals against a Southern California champion.

“We know exactly what we have to do,” Peters said. “If we get to that door, we have to knock it down this time.”

With Warren, a shifty, strong 5-foot-8, 180-pound tailback returning for a third season, a strong experienced offensive line and a defensive backfield that features at least three Division I standouts (three have been offered scholarships), McClymonds is the overwhelming favorite to win its fifth straight Oakland Section/Silver Bowl title.

Warren, who has yet to secure a college offer because — “If he was two inches taller, everyone in the country would be after him,” he said — despite rushing for 2,000 yards last season and 28 touchdowns. He also played some tough cornerback.

“He reminds me of Maurice Jones-Drew,” Peters said. “He’s very strong, especially for his size. He bench

presses 360. He’s a workaholic. He ran a 10.7-second 100-meters last spring. He’s a 3.3 student. The kid is a winner.”

It helps to have a couple of big-time lineman in Kelton Runnels (6-3, 270), who has offers from Yale, Harvard and Davis, and junior Jordan Matthews (6-4, 300). The Warriors return five starters along the offensive front and three on defense. If Warren needs a rest, watch out for sophomore Jerrell Alberty, a rugged and fleet tailback.

Replacing first-team All-OAL quarterback Emoni Fountain won’t be easy, but the Warriors secured a transfer in Warren 6-4, 220-pound junior specimen Kevin Davidson, who Peters said started on San Ramon Valley’s junior varsity team.

“We heard he did some great things out there,” Peters said. “He’s definitely a thrower.”

The best thing McClymonds does will be defend the pass, with San Jose State commit Bomani Bassett (5-11, 177) at one corner and Michael Walker (6-0, 170) at the other.

Walker has an offer from Sacramento State.

Add in Warren and Encinal transfer Brandon Ferrell (6-1, 182), who also has an offer from Sacramento State, and McClymonds is loaded in the secondary. Other returning first- or second-team All-OAL performers from last year are receiver Louis White, linemen Rah’Quille Menefee and Mei Fuiava and linebacker Janiero Rodriguez.

Peters is confident his senior-laden team will keep a onegame-at-a-time attitude. They’ll have to. The Warriors will need to be near perfect to be selected to the Regional Bowl finals (selected by the Section commissioners) for a third straight year.

“We can’t falter,” Peters said. “And these guys know it. This is a senior class we’ve been pointing to for at least two years.

It’s their time now. Hopefully they’ll make the most of it.” ✪

BEST OF OAK-TOWN

how they’ll finish

›› TOP MVP CANDIDATE: LaVance Warren, RB/DB, McClymonds

1. McClymonds (10-3 in 2013)

4. Oakland Tech (4-7)

›› WATCH OUT FOR: Tyshone Gaines, DB/WR, Fremont

2. Skyline (3-8)

5. Oakland (4-8)

›› TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Armand Shyne, RB, Skyline

3. Fremont (4-5)

6. Castlemont (0-8)

›› BEST IN THE TRENCHES: Kelton Runnels, OGDT, McClymonds

top five games

›› TOP LINEBACKER: Jacquese Steen, 6-1, 230, Skyline

Sept. 5

›› BIGGEST BREAKOUT POTENTIAL: Ronald Ragland, WR, Fremont (Jr.)

›› CAN’T MISS TALENT: Golden Venter, DB, Skyline ›› YET ANOTHER STAR DB: Mamaloa Mafi, Oakland

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Stellar Prep at Oakland, 7:15 p.m.

Sept 12 Salesian-Richmond at McClymonds, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 Skyline at St. Francis-Mountain View, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31

McClymonds at Skyline, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 8

Skyline at Fremont, 2 p.m.

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A year removed from a grind of a season, the Pittsburg Pirates have the talent, experience and confidence to be playing in December

N

ot unlike many coaches, Victor Galli paces the football sideline in almost constant agitation.

It’s not unusual for him to gain 20-30 yards between each snap of the football — often muttering to himself or his coaches in the booth as he goes. And that’s just when things are going particularly well for his Pittsburg High Pirates.

Pittsburg won 10 games and a Bay Valley Athletic League title in 2013, but it was anything but a smooth season for Galli and his team. A fighting incident surrounding a summer conditioning workout — leading to the expulsion of a top-end wide receiver talent — got things off on the wrong foot and the Pirates seemed to be playing catch up with themselves the rest of the way.

“It was pretty turbulent,” Galli admitted.

Starting quarterback Keith Walker suffered a serious shoulder injury in the first half of the team’s first game — a 37-21 loss to Analy-Sebastopol, a team which plays two playoff divisions lower than Pittsburg. Galli was forced to do some shuffling putting athletic tight end Armani Levias behind center and leaning almost exclusively on star running back Harris Ross.

To his credit, Ross was spectactular — but even he broke down. He fractured his leg and missed four games. He returned for an outstanding playoff performance in the North Coast Section Div. I quarterfinals, but re-injured

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Shurod Thompson (18) and the Pittsburg Pirates will be swarming to the football all season long. Among Thompson’s accomplices (from left to right) will be David Lui, Armani Levias, Deante Fortenberry, Jaylyn Morgan and Noah Palega.

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the leg during the team’s 31-17 season-ending semifinal loss to California-San Ramon.

A little more than 8 months later Galli sits comfortably in his coaching office. Now in his 13th year at the helm of the storied program, Galli looks as refreshed and more at ease than he’s ever been. A look out across the Pittsburg weight room facility gives a good indication as to why.

The 2014 season has a chance to be a reward for Galli, his coaches and his returning players.

A reward for coming out of 2013 as a stronger program.

“I was proud with the way we rebounded and stayed together,” Galli said. “We kept the course, and people can say what they want, but we just proved the heart and determination of our kids and what a great program that we have here.”

The word great could also describe the potential for this current group of Pirates, which could arguably be the most complete team Galli’s ever had. And it starts with defense.

“By far it’s the best defense I’ve been a part of,” said Noah Palega, a three-year starting linebacker and two-time All-BVAL selection. “Our secondary this year is the best it’s ever been.”

Palega isn’t just an over confident senior touting his boys. The Pirates secondary will indeed be among the team’s biggest strengths, led by nationally-ranked junior safety Shurod Thompson.

Thompson was a starter in the defensive backfield as a sophomore a year ago, and his talent was evident from the very beginning. He forced a fumble in his first game, blocked a field goal in his third game and returned a fumble recovery 70 yards for a touchdown in his fourth game.

He finished the season with 71 tackles and three interceptions.

Thompson, who has played football since he was 8 years-old and now measures 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, followed up his breakout season with a strong summer at scouting combines.

When Rivals.com released its first national prospect rankings for the Class of 2016, Thompson checked in at #64. His list of scholarship offers already includes half the Pac-12.

“He’s a big athletic, good looking kid. He passes the eye ball test,” Galli said. “School is important to him. He definitely wants to play at the next level. ... The scary part is, as good as he is now and the recognition he gets now, he’s only scratching the surface. He’s not even there yet.

When he gets there it’s going to be scarier than it already is.”

Thompson is joined in the secondary by returning senior cornerback Deante Fortenberry and incoming junior transfer Jordan Parker from Encinal-Alameda. Parker has both coaches and players excited about what he brings to the cornerback position.

“He has great man coverage (skills),” Fortenberry said of Parker. “He brings a lot of enthusiasm to the team. And you can just trust him.”

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“We kept the course, and people can say what they want, but we just proved the heart and determination of our kids and what a great program that we have here.”

— Pittsburg coach Victor Galli From left to right, Deante Fortenberry, Armani Levias, David Lui, Jaylyn Morgan, Noah Palega and Shurod Thompson should have a lot to smile about this season.

Galli says the other safety spot will feature C.J. McClure and Isaiah Turner.

“We feel we really have five guys back there who could eventually play Div. I college football,” the coach said. “As long as they do what they’re coached to do, and we as coaches put them in the right positions to make plays, we’ll be pretty formidable.”

Is it his best secondary at Pittsburg to date? Not yet, according to former Pirates standout and recent Oregon graduate Avery Patterson.

“Avery was working out here the other day and I told him how we’re excited about this secondary,” Galli said. “He stopped me and said, ‘Wait a minute, this isn’t your best secondary. The best one you had was 2008.’”

That secondary featured Patterson and current Washington State senior Tracy Clark at the cornerback positions and current Oregon senior Erick Dargan at strong safety. The free safety was Robert Jiles, who committed to Washington State but failed to qualify academically before bouncing around to a handful of smaller programs.

“Those guys were so cocky and good,” Galli said. “They were just nasty, nasty nasty. Like, hit you to put you in the morgue-type nasty. I would say their confidence set them apart. As for this year’s group, you can see that confidence building. They feel pretty good about themselves, and I would love to see them get to where those other guys were.”

Dargan has already done his part to help that progress, working with the players from this secondary over the summer.

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“He’s been a Pirate before so he knows what it feels like,” Thompson said. “He’s at the next level. Learning things from people who have been in your same shoes makes things a lot easier.”

The best thing going for the development of this secondary is that it won’t be carrying all the weight. Pittsburg has seven returning defensive starters in all, including Palega and BYU-bound defensive end David Lui. “Lui, he’s phenomenal,” Thompson said. “He’s just an athlete and he’s bigger than everybody. He’s gonna be a monster in the pass rush.”

The defense shouldn’t have to post shutouts, either. Ross is gone and now gray-shirting at Oregon State, but the offense is still in a good place. A primary reason for that is the healthy return of Walker at quarterback — and as a result, Levias’ return to tight end. Jaylyn Morgan, who rushed for close to 600 yards and eight touchdowns while playing in Ross’ absence a year ago, returns as the lead back.

“I’m expecting a lot of points being scored,” Morgan deadpanned.

Galli admits the offensive line — which graduated four starters — is the biggest work in progress, but hopes they can progress as quickly as the 2013 defense did when it returned only Palega.

“I like the potential,” he summed up. “I think we’re going to be competitive, but there are going to be a lot of competitive teams around here. I just hope that we can put it together and be in the mix.”

He’ll still be frenetically pacing the sidelines. But he might be smiling. ✪

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North Coast Section Preview

Point of Attack Big is boss in Div. II Want to contend for the North Coast Section Division II championship this season?

Better bring your lunch pail and a hard hat.

A division long known for explosive offense will perhaps be even more interesting in the trenches this season. Perennial powers Clayton Valley, Concord and Casa Grande all return a wealth of talent on the offensive line as they try to unseat a defending champion in Miramonte that relied on a big, strong line in its run to the title last season.

What exactly has spawned the boon of big men in Division II? In the eyes of Concord head coach Brian Hamilton, the need for a team to test itself early in the season has helped to develop systems that hone line play as well as light up scoreboards.

“I think there’s a lot of Division II programs that have wanted to challenge themselves and schedule up. When you schedule up, you’ve really got to focus on that part of the game when you go and play a Division I team,” Hamilton said. “When we’ve played San Ramon Valley or Heritage or Amador Valley, that was where we were going to be at a disadvantage height and weight-wise. Not just technique-wise but scheme-wise, you’ve really got to be on your game in order to stand a chance in those contests.”

Another difference between a Div. I team with an expansive roster and a Div. II team that relies more heavily on fewer players comes in the way linemen are used. Many go both ways, increasing the physical demands every game night. In Concord’s case, Hamilton has the luxury of turning to four returning starters — David Valenzuela, Vaseem Shah, Robert Liu and Alex Vargas — and they’ll likely all see time on both sides of the ball.

“You have to be willing to do things differently,” Hamilton said. “You can’t adopt other people’s paradigms and what other people have done to be successful and think that you’re going to be successful. You’ve got to find what works with your group of kids and your team in order to be successful playing guys up front both ways.”

While the physical nature of Divisions II and III continues to evolve and grow, the basic principles of football continue to govern the results no matter what style of offense a team prefers.

Win the battle in the trenches and winning the game will be a whole lot easier, no matter how big your school is.

“Sometimes, people say yeah, it’s a Division II or Division III team, but there aren’t a whole lot of people clamoring to play a Marin Catholic or Campolindo,” Hamilton said. “These are tough, well-coached teams and regardless of your enrollment, you’re going to get a good game out of these lower-division schools.” ✪

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Concord senior linemen, from left, Alex Vargas, David Valenzuela and Robert Liu.

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SportStars Football Preview 2014 Always More at SportStarsOnline.com

North Coast Section Divisional Previews division i

division iIi

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH (2013 record): De La Salle-Concord (14-1), California-San Ramon (11-3), Pittsburg (10-3), Foothill-Pleasanton (8-4), San Ramon Valley-Danville (7-5).

OFFENSIVE MVP: Antoine Custer, RB, De La Salle DEFENSIVE MVP: Shurod Thompson, DB, Pittsburg SURPRISE CONTENDER: Liberty-Brentwood BREAKDOWN: De La Salle enters its season on the heels of a loss for the first time since 2009. However, the Spartans’ 2014 CIF Open Division State Bowl loss to St. John Bosco-Bellflower is unlikely to be any sign of an weakening empire. De La Salle will remain a heavy favorite to win the Div. I crown, but there’s a lot to like among its list of pursuers. Pittsburg coach Victor Galli may have his most complete team in close to a decade, and California — last season’s runner-up — has proven itself to be a perennial contender. Foothill and San Ramon Valley both have next-level talent on their rosters and could certainly be in the mix as well. Keep an eye on the Lions of Liberty, which return experience at 18 of 22 positions.

Cal RB Zac Guardino

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: De La Salle over Pittsburg

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Campolindo-Moraga (11-1), Analy-Sebastopol (11-2), Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (8-4), Eureka (9-3) OFFENSIVE MVP: Ja’Narrick James, RB, Analy DEFENSIVE MVP: Nick Fadelli, LB, Campolindo SURPRISE CONTENDER: Acalanes-Lafayette BREAKDOWN: Buckle up, fans. This race should be a good one. Campolindo returns 14 starters — eight on defense — as it comes off an 11-1 season seeking its first NCS title since 2011. Fadelli and Adam Remotto should anchor a strong defensive front and Dukebound TE Tyler Petite will be a strong weapon for presumed QB Jack Stephens. Analy, which has suffered semifinal losses each of the past two seasons, is loaded with returning talent — especially at the skill positions. QB Will Smith (23 TD, 4 INT in 2013) returns along with his favorite WR, Kerr Johnson Jr. (47 catches, 1,202 yards, 11 TD), and dynamic multi-purpose back Ja’Narrick James (1,811 all-purpose yards, 29 TD). Several key Tigers return on defense as well. Cardinal Newman should be improved from a year ago and Acalanes is a dangerous dark horse as well.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Analy over Campolindo

division Ii TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Clayton Valley Charter-Concord (11-2), Casa Grande-Petaluma (13-1), Miramonte-Orinda (12-2), Concord (8-4).

OFFENSIVE MVP: Malik Blackburn, RB, Concord DEFENSIVE MVP: Kahlil McKenzie, DL, Clayton Valley Charter SURPRISE CONTENDER: Alameda BREAKDOWN: At press time for this edition, the eligibility of McKenzie — the 5-star Tennessee-bound De La Salle transfer — had not been fully determined. Clayton Valley Charter has plenty of talent to win this division without the dominant defensive tackle, but the Ugly Eagles sure look a whole lot nastier with him. Last year’s champion, Miramonte, has a lot of holes to fill at the skill positions but is certainly capable of being in the mix once again. Speaking of skill position players, Concord has them. The Minutemen will be high-octane and fun to watch, and their defense has a chance to be very good as well.

Perennial-contender Casa Grande can’t be counted out, and Granada-Livermore (typically Div. I) could play a factor as well.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Clayton Valley Charter over Concord

Clayton Valley Charter’s (from left) Jay Carter, Miles Harrison, Kahlil McKenzie and Richard Peralta.

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division iv

division v

BAY FOOTBALL: Stellar Prep-Hayward There’s next-level talent on the roster, but program has to prove it can put it all together BAY VALLEY: Pittsburg Pirates have weapons all over the field — on both sides of the ball.

DIABLO FOOTHILL: Campolindo-Moraga Eight starters return from a defense that held NCSchamp Miramonte to 10 points last year.

DIABLO VALLEY: Clayton Valley Charter-Concord Uglies face a tougher nonleague schedule this year, but DVAL title should come down to one game at Concord.

EAST BAY: California-San Ramon Grizzlies roster still has size, power and confidence; Foothill and San Ramon Valley will make race close.

HUMBOLDT-DEL norte BIG 5: Eureka Loggers have playmakers on both sides of the ball, including RB Marcus Finney and LB Tyson Miller.

HUMBOLDT-DEL norte LITTLE 4: Ferndale How good do you have to be to have an 8-win season (like that of 2013) considered a down year?

MARIN COUNTY: Marin Catholic-Kentfield Wildcats will sport a lot of new faces, but remain the top dog until someone knocks them off.

SONOMA COUNTY: Analy-Sebastapol Returning QB Will Smith probably pinches himself when considering the weapons he has at his disposal.

MISSION VALLEY: Moreau Catholic-Hayward The electric Jason Hinton and his fellow seniors should get boost from strong junior class.

TRI-COUNTY ROCK: St. Mary’s-Berkeley It’s awful hard for us not to like the defending Div. IV champs and their 18 returning starters.

NORTH BAY: Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa Cardinals are poised to reclaim title after a 2013 of ups and downs.

TRI-COUNTY STONE: Kennedy-Richmond Hercules’ move to the T-C Rock opens things up for the Eagles and bruising RB Ernie Timoteo.

NORTH CENTRAL I: Fort Bragg Timberwolves return the most experience and depth.

Can they make the most of it?

WAC-FOOTHILL: San Leandro Pirates will ride the blazing speed of UCLA-bound talent Stephen Johnson III.

NORTH CENTRAL II: Tomales Call us a sucker for experience, and the Braves return a good amount on both sides of the ball.

WAC-SHORELINE: Alameda Hornets return their QB and top three RBs from 6-5 campaign a year ago.

Salesian coach Chad Nightingale TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Middletown (10-2), Ferndale (8-4), Valley Christian-Dublin (9-4), Salesian-Richmond (8-5), St. Vincent-Petaluma (7-3), Tomales (6-4).

OFFENSIVE MVP: Jax Pederson, RB, Calif. School for the DeafFremont DEFENSIVE MVP: Darrell Adams, LB, Stellar Prep-Hayward SURPRISE CONTENDER: California School for the Deaf BREAKDOWN: Before last season, you had to go back to 2001 to find the last time Ferndale — the tiny Humboldt County dairy town powerhouse — didn’t win at least nine games. Therefore, it goes without saying we think the Wildcats might just be on a serious mission in 2014. They‘ll meet some formidable East Bay resistance come playoff time, however. Leading that contingent will be defending champion Salesian. The Pride graduated just 15 from their 37-man roster and will bring back plenty of skill players, including QB Dominic Parrella.

Several defensive starters are back as well. Valley Christian, which fell to Salesian 19-13 in the NCS final, will also be back in the mix this season. The Vikings lost bell-cow RB Vince Volpatti, but will still feature a strong core of players for new coach Justin Lowell — who comes over after a productive tenure rebuilding Northgate-Walnut Creek.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Salesian over Ferndale

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San Leandro’s Stephen Johnson III

StudentSports.com

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: St. Mary’s-Berkeley (10-4), Fortuna (10-3), Encinal-Alameda (8-3), Moreau Catholic-Hayward (5-6) OFFENSIVE MVP: Jason Hinton, RB, Moreau Catholic DEFENSIVE MVP: Jacob Sloma, DL, Healdsburg SURPRISE CONTENDER: Healdsburg BREAKDOWN: If defense indeed wins championships, then St. Mary’s should make room for a banner right next to the one it hung a year ago. Eight of the Panthers’ nine leading tacklers from last year return to the fold this year, including safety Ron Smith (135 tackles), Aaron Mercadel (108 tackles), Peter Sekona (103 tackles, 12.5 sacks) and Ben Schrider (99 tackles, 14 sacks). Moreau Catholic will always have a chance to make a deep run thanks to the electric Hinton. The multi-threat RB rushed for over 2,000 yards, added nearly another 300 receiving yards and scored 31 total TDs last year. If the Mariners want to get their star into games that matter, it’ll depend on how quickly some of the team’s new names can fare on defense. Fortuna, last year’s runner-up, took a heavy hit in graduation and will be relying on new faces on both sides of the ball. Almost 200 miles south on 101, Healdsburg could be poised to build on its 6-5 effort a year ago.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: St. Mary’s-Berkeley over Moreau Catholic

we call it

perfect season Our pick for the best NCS-related game for each week of the regular season.

Aug. 29 Pittsburg at California, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5

Serra-San Mateo at De La Salle, 7:30 p.m. ›››

Sept. 12 Granite Bay at Freedom, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 Inderkum-Sacramento at Salesian, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 Analy at McClymonds, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3

El Cerrito at St. Mary’s-Berkeley, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 10

Cardinal Newman at Rancho Cotate, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17

California at Foothill, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24

Clayton Valley Charter at Concord, 7 p.m.

Oct. 31

Campolindo at Miramonte, 7 p.m.

Nov. 7

Freedom at Liberty, 7 p.m.

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offense QB — Kyle Kearns (Foothill-Pleasanton), 6-2, 190, Sr.

OL — Drew Sullivan (De La Salle-Concord), 6-3, 270, Sr.

SMU-bound signal caller hopes to lead Falcons to EBAL title in third year as starter.

The Cal-bound Spartans co-captain will lead the always-punishing De La Salle run game.

RB — Miles Harrison (Clayton Valley Charter-Concord), 5-10, 205, Sr.

OL— Kieffer Longson (Dougherty Valley-San Ramon), 6-7, 295, Sr. Wildcats’ hulking tackle holds several big-time offers, including Ohio State and a slew of Pac-12 programs.

Strong and shifty back is coming off a 2,000-yard season with 34 rushing TDs.

OL — Dominic Fredrickson (Freedom-Oakley), 6-2, 315, Sr.

RB — Antoine Custer (De La Salle-Concord), 5-8, 175, Jr. Takes on lead role in the Spartan backfield after rushing for 14 TDs, averaging over 10 yards/carry.

Falcons’ road-grading guard is fielding plenty of offers from Pac-12 schools.

WR — Mason Knight (Concord), 5-10, 171, Sr.

OL — Dru Samia (San Ramon Valley-Danville), 6-5, 280, Sr.

One of the East Bay’s most productive pass-catchers a year ago with 85 catches,1,300 yards and 18 TDs.

WR —Kerr Johnson Jr. (Analy-Sebastopol), 5-11, 175, Sr. Averaged an astounding 25.6 yards per catch en route to 1,202 yards receiving an 11 TDs in 2013.

TE — Tyler Petite (Campolindo-Moraga), 6-4, 217, Sr. Committed to Duke this summer after catching 9 TDs for the 11-1 Cougars a year ago.

Seemingly the most-recruited tackle in the East Bay, Samia recently picked up offer from Oklahoma.

OL — Brady Aiello (Acalanes-Lafayette), 6-7, 260, Sr. Dons’ big and nimble tackle gave an oral commitment to Oregon in late June.

UTIL — Stephen Johnson III (San Leandro), 5-11, 188, Sr. Pirates’ multi-threat QB is may be the East Bay’s fastest player, clocking a 4.37 40-yard dash at the U.S. Army National Combine.

MASON KNIGHT

SIMBA SHORT

Concord | WR/DB | Senior

De La Salle | LB | Senior

FAVORITE NFL TEAM: 49ers FAVORITE NFL PLAYER: Donte Whitner LEGENDARY COACH HE’D WANT TO PLAY FOR: Vince Lombardi TABLE FOR FOUR: Derek Jeter, Patrick Willis and Whitner TOUGHEST OPPONENT: Clayton Valley Charter FAVORITE VENUE TO PLAY AT: Northgate 24 HOURS W/O FOOD OR YOUR PHONE: Phone FIRST THING YOU’D BUY IN A $1,000 SPORTING GOODS SHOPPING SPREE: Shoes PREGAME RITUAL: Listen to music FAVORITE QUOTE: “I’ll be quiet and let my play do the talking.”

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COLLEGE DESTINATION: Northwestern

FAVORITE NFL TEAM: Eagles

FAVORITE NFL PLAYER: Cam Newton

TABLE FOR FOUR: Chris Brown, Leonardo DiCaprio and Megan Fox TOUGHEST OPPONENT: St. John Bosco-Bellflower (2013 CIF Bowl opponent)

FAVORITE VENUE TO PLAY AT: Owen Owens Field (De La Salle)

FAVORITE FOOTBALL MOVIE: When The Game Stands Tall (duh.)

HASHTAG FOR YOUR 2014 SEASON: #StandTall PREGAME RITUAL: Always takes a knee in the back of the end zone before the team takes the field.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Never hope for more than you work for.”

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defense DL — Kahlil McKenzie (Clayton Valley Charter), 6-4, 309, Sr.

The Tennessee-bound transfer was among best performers for the De La Salle defense in 2013.

DL — Boss Tagaloa (De La Salle), 6-3, 250, Jr.

Arizona State, Cal, Missouri and Ole Miss among the early pursuers for Spartans’ talented two-way lineman.

DL — Devin Asiasi (De La Salle), 6-5, 230, Jr.

Has a chance to deliver two-way impact at TE/DE similar to what Austin Hooper provided from 2010-2012.

LB — Najee Harris (Antioch), 6-3, 200, So.

Panthers should be improved, and Harris (w/ multiple Pac-12 offers already) will be a catalyst on both sides of the ball.

DB — Isaiah Langley (Foothill), 5-11, 175, Sr.

The third-year lock-down corner is committed to USC and will again be a presence at WR and in the return game.

DB — Shurod Thompson (Pittsburg), 6-1, 190, Jr.

Physical safety recently landed on Rivals.com’s Top 100 national recruits for the 2016 class.

LB — David Lui (Pittsburg), 6-2, 255, Sr.

DB — Je’Vari Anderson (De La Salle), 6-0, 190, Sr.

LB — Simba Short (De La Salle), 6-2, 210, Sr.

DB — Ron Smith (St. Mary’s-Berkeley), 6-1, 170, Sr.

BYU-bound talent will be a pass-rushing nightmare for Pirates opponents.

Spartan coaches really excited about his development at corner; has offers from Cal, Oregon State.

A three-year starter and Northwestern-commit, Short will captain a menacing defense in 2014.

LB — Darrell Adams (Stellar Prep-Hayward), 6-2, 220, Sr.

Missed his junior season due to the transfer rule, but will be a force at both linebacker and receiver for Thunder.

Free safety holding several offers after posting 135 tackles, six caused fumbles (three recoveries) and two INTs.

K — Matt Abramo (Casa Grande-Petaluma),6-2, 170, Sr.

Washington State-commit connected on 10 FGs in 2013 with his longest coming from 44 yards.

KYLE KEARNS

ISAIAH LANGLEY

Foothill | QB | Senior

Foothill | DB/WR | Senior

FAVORITE NFL PLAYER: 4-way tie of Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers.

FAVORITE NFL PLAYER: Richard Sherman

FAVORITE NFL TEAM: Raiders

FAVORITE NFL TEAM: Patriots

LEGENDARY COACH HE’D WANT TO PLAY FOR: Tony Dungy

LEGENDARY COACH HE’D WANT TO PLAY FOR: John Wooden

TABLE FOR FOUR: Keith Heyward (USC DB coach), Matt Sweeney (Foothill coach) and his dad.

TABLE FOR FOUR: His mom, dad and Matt Sweeney (Foothill coach).

TOUGHEST OPPONENT: De La Salle

TOUGHEST OPPONENT: California-San Ramon

FAVORITE VENUE TO PLAY AT: Mustangs Stadium (Monte Vista)

FAVORITE VENUE TO PLAY AT: Roger Dabney Field (Foothill)

24 HOURS W/O FOOD OR YOUR PHONE: Phone

FAVORITE FOOTBALL MOVIE: Radio

FIRST THING YOU’D BUY IN A $1,000 SPORTING GOODS SHOPPING SPREE: Cleats, visor and helmet

24 HOURS W/O FOOD OR YOUR PHONE: Phone

PREGAME RITUAL: He has to take at least a 30 minute power nap after school

HASHTAG FOR THE 2014 SEASON: #HangABanner

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Hard work pays off.”

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Matter when it matters.”

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Sac-Joaquin Section Preview

Pressure Ratcheting Up Central Catholic High School Few high school football teams have earned the right to be placed in the company of nationally-recognized De La Salle-Concord. Yet the Raiders of Modesto’s Central Catholic have joined the elite company of the Spartans as the only NorCal football programs with back-to-back CIF State Bowl game victories and three or more trips to the state bowl series in Carson.

Central Catholic won its second state crown in as many years with a sound 3623 defeat of Bakersfield Christian in the Division IV bowl game last December. Of course, with that victory also comes with expectations and a target for every team on the 2014 schedule.

“We’ve got a bulls-eye bigger than me,” said Roger Canepa, the Raiders’ head coach whose build is more offensive lineman than tailback.

For some programs the pressure of chasing a third straight title would be a burden. For the Raiders, it is a challenge everyone in the program has embraced.

“We’ve got only 30-35 kids on the varsity roster and every one of them is on the team to try to win every game,” Canepa said. “The buy-in factor is complete and everyone knows what they signed up for.”

Another challenge facing the Raiders after consecutive state bowl titles is recovery from playing 32 games in two years.

“We all came out excited and ready to go,” senior tight end/safety Jared Rice said of returning to practice. “I think that it’s a lot of fun to be able to play as long as the pros get to play.”

Rice was called up to the varsity for the playoffs as a sophomore in 2012 and watched seniors Johnny Mundt, Rey Vega, and Ray Lomas IV help Central Catholic win its first state bowl championship. Rice is now being heavily recruited as a tight end by numerous Div. I colleges, thanks in part to the exposure provided by that playoff success.

Junior quarterback Hunter Petlansky was thrust into the spotlight last year when a Week 7 injury to senior QB Donovin Townsend forced the St. Mary’sStockton transfer into action. Petlansky seized the opportunity, passing for 534 yards and rushing for another 252 yards while steadily guiding the team to the state bowl victory.

Then, when leading rusher Matt Ringer was injured and ruled out of the state bowl game, another underclassman flourished. Freshman Montell Bland filled in for Ringer and ran for 103 yards and two TDs in the Raiders’ finale. He is expected to be the primary ball-carrier in 2014.

A host of other returners and a complement of young players are ready to step in and step up. Canepa has again set up a formidable nonleague schedule, and the league slate has also been made more difficult with a move to the Valley Oak League. Central Catholic opens play in the newly-aligned league against Div. II NorCal regional finalist Manteca and will also face perennial powers Oakdale and Sierra-Manteca.

“I think that we are better prepared for this realignment than some schools may have been because of the schedule we typically play against bigger schools,” Canepa said.

While a third consecutive state title is the ultimate goal, Rice and his teammates and his teammates have the bigger picture in mind.

“Everyone wants to win the state title,” Rice said, “but I think that we want to create our own legacy.”

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Central Catholic QB Hunter Petlansky

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SportStars Football Preview 2014 Always More at SportStarsOnline.com

Sac-Joaquin Section Divisional Previews TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Folsom (14-1), Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills (12-2), Stagg-Stockton (10-2), Grant-Sacramento (8-4), Granite Bay (8-4)

division i

OFFENSIVE MVP: Jake Browning, QB, Folsom DEFENSIVE MVP: Cameron Smith, LB, Granite Bay SURPRISE CONTENDER: Jesuit-Carmichael (8-4) BREAKDOWN: Folsom has not lost to a section foe since Jake Browning stepped under center at the start of the 2012 season, and the Bulldogs are loaded with returning talent, including solid lines on both sides of the ball. If senior RB Bailey Laolagi returns to form after a late

season injury last year, the Folsom buzz-saw may get another shot in the Open Division regional final. Both of Oak Ridge’s 2013 losses were to Folsom, but junior QB Ian Book and company face the challenge of Folsom once again along with the gauntlet of the new and tougher Sierra Foothill League. Grant and Stagg return top talent that could challenge in a playoff bracket sure to be crowded with perennial powers and former state champions like Granite Bay. Jesuit lost talent and leadership to graduation, but expanded roles for Isaiah Bailey and Beau Bisharat could return the Marauders to elite status.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Folsom over Grant

division Ii TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Del Oro-Loomis (13-3), Elk Grove (12-2), Rio Linda (11-2), Burbank-Sacramento (9-3), Vacaville (8-4) OFFENSIVE MVP: Marcel Brooks-Brown, RB, Rio Linda

division iIi Sacramento’s Lonny Powell

Kyron Basped

DEFENSIVE MVP: Saia Ta’amu, DL, Elk Grove SURPRISE CONTENDER: Rocklint BREAKDOWN: State runner-up Del Oro lost more than a game at the end of the 2013 season as nearly all of its starters graduated.

Juniors Trey Udoffia and Justin Burrage will be leaned on heavily for their experience and talent in what head coach Casey Taylor hopes is more of a reloading than rebuilding season. Elk Grove lost some offensive firepower, but the always-strong Thundering Herd defense Rio Linda’s returns top talents ShauMarcel nard Harts and Sai Ta’amu.

Brooks-Brown Marcel Brooks-Brown eclipsed 2,000 yards while splitting carries — making a 3,000-yard season closer to reality than one might think. Burbank and Vacaville will rely on the sound tactics of head coaches John Heffernan and Mike Papadopoulos to complement a steady flow of talent. Rocklin could emerge from the SFL battle-tested and ready for a long playoff run if junior speedster Evyn Holtz can provide an encore to his sophomore breakout in which he rushed for 1,130 yards.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Elk Grove over Rocklin

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TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Manteca (13-2), Sacramento (11-3), American Canyon (10-2), Inderkum-Sacramento (10-3), Oakdale (7-5) OFFENSIVE MVP: Matt Jimison, QB, Vista del Lago-Folsom DEFENSIVE MVP: Lonny Powell, DE, Sacramento SURPRISE CONTENDER: Vista del Lago BREAKDOWN: Manteca looks to build on a section title and narrow loss in the Div. II regional final on the strength of seniors Hector Soto and Carl Chandler in the backfield. Sacramento and junior QB Caden Voges may not surprise anyone with their talent, but most teams will not be able to slow the Dragons’ offense or penetrate an improved defense led by star LB Lonny Powell. Inderkum has been the model of consistency with seven consecutive double-digit win seasons, but the Tigers have yet to earn a section title shot. Oakdale was relatively down in 2013, but head coach Trent Merzon and his powerful running attack will be motivated to return to the top. Vista del Lago was beset by injuries in 2013, leaving QB Matt Jimison alone in the backfield for much of the Eagles’ trying playoff run. A healthy running game would take some pressure off of Jimison and possibly provide a platform for a Cinderella run through the playoffs.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Sacramento over Oakdale

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division iv Capital Christian’s Edward Ware

Justice SheltonMosley

we call it CAPITAL: Vista del Lago-Folsom

SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN: Woodland Christian

title in Eagles’ new league.

SAN JOAQUIN: Stagg-Stockton

QB Matt Jimison can close out high school career with CAPITAL VALLEY: Antelope

Versatile Mister Harriel has tools to return Titans to top of the heap.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE: Brookside Christian-Stockton

Knights’ league unbeaten streak should extend to a third straight year.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE: Merced

Bears returning plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

DELTA VALLEY: Grant-Sacramento

TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: Central Catholic-Modesto (15-1), Hilmar (13-1), Ripon (11-2), Capital Christian-Sacramento (9-2), Escalon (7-5) OFFENSIVE MVP: Justice Shelton-Mosley, RB/WR, Capital Christian DEFENSIVE MVP: Jared Rice, DB, Central Catholic SURPRISE CONTENDER: Placer-Auburn BREAKDOWN: The two-time defending California State Bowl champion Raiders are the team to beat, especially with returning talent in the backfield and veteran leadership from TE/S Jared Rice, who can share his experience of making both trips to Carson. Capital Christian has plenty of firepower on both sides of the ball with versatile two-way stars in Justice Shelton-Mosley and Edward Ware. Both Hilmar and Ripon have solid QBs back and Escalon’s balance and tradition can never be counted out if it qualifies for the postseason. Head coach Joey Montoya has made Placer a perennial threat, and the power of the Capra brothers and big-play ability of Frankie O’Neal make the Hillmen dangerous.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Central Catholic over Capital Christian

division v TOP TEAMS TO WATCH: LeGrand (12-0), Mariposa (8-3), Golden Sierra (7-6) OFFENSIVE MVP: Frank Contreras, QB, LeGrand DEFENSIVE MVP: Christian Williams, DB, LeGrand SURPRISE CONTENDER: Waterford BREAKDOWN: LeGrand is head and shoulder pads above the rest of the Division V field, appearing in the last five championship games while claiming the last four titles. This season should be no different for the Bulldogs. Coach Rick Martinez’s team shouldn’t have trouble scoring points with QB Frank Contreras returning to run the offense and Christian Williams’ ability to score in every way possible. LeGrand outscored opponents 512-91 last year with four shutouts. It will take lots of work for someone to dethrone the Bulldogs. Mariposa has the best shot with the senior backfield of QB Aaron Lerma and RB Kama’re Bailey back from last year’s squad. Waterford has numbers back from a young team that battled in the challenging Southern League and earned the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. New Golden Sierra head coach Jeremy Nordby takes over a young team after much of the Grizzlies’ senior-laden 2013 team graduated.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: LeGrand over Mariposa

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Pacers should make a full return to past glory, even in loaded DVC.

Cardinals riding 10-game league winning streak.

Delta Kings rule with playmakers and power.

SIERRA DELTA: Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento

Battle-tested Pride use tough early schedule to win league battles.

SIERRA FOOTHILL: Folsom

Loaded Bulldogs bring dominance to new league for same results.

SIERRA VALLEY: Rosemont-Sacramento

Move out of Metro will benefit Wolverines’ outstanding senior class.

SOLANO COUNTY: Vanden-Fairfield

Vikings poised to overtake American Canyon on western

GOLDEN EMPIRE: Capital Christian-Sacramento

Cougars have weapons to outscore and shut down opponents.

edge of section.

SOUTHERN: LeGrand

Bulldogs keep rolling in preparation for defense of section

METROPOLITAN: Sacramento

Loaded at skill positions, Dragons could run the table.

championship.

TRANS VALLEY: Hilmar

MODESTO METRO: Downey-Modesto

Talented QB Jonathan O’Brien keeps Yellowjackets on

class.

TRI-CITY: St. Mary’s-Stockton

Senior QB P.J. Wilson leads Knights’ impressive senior

top.

MONTICELLO EMPIRE: Vacaville

Rams have the tools to beat cross-town rival Lincoln and

to 2008.

TRI-COUNTY: Rio Linda

Bulldogs have won last 27 league contests, dating back

reclaim title.

MOTHER LODE: Calaveras

Marcel Brooks-Brown carries Knights to title in realigned

race.

VALLEY OAK: Central Catholic-Modesto

Reloaded Redskins have edge in competitive league

TCC.

PIONEER VALLEY: Placer-Auburn

Two-time defending state champs unlikely to be tested.

consecutive crown.

With Central Catholic out, Tigers will tame league foes.

Consistent Hillmen have size and speed to win third

WESTERN ATHLETIC: Patterson

perfect season Our pick for the SJS-related game for each week of the regular season.

Aug. 29

Grant at Burbank, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 5

Roseville at Rio Linda, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13

Jesuit vs. Christian Brothers*, 7 p.m. ›››

Sept. 19

De La Salle-Concord at Del Oro, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26

Granite Bay at Folsom, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 3

Oak Ridge at Rocklin, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10

Center at Placer, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17

Dixon at Capital Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24

Vacaville vs. Napa**, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31

Franklin-Elk Grove at Elk Grove, 7:15 p.m.

Nov. 7

Lincoln-Stockton at St. Mary’s, 7:15 p.m.

*at Hughes Stadium, Sac City College **at Memorial Stadium, Napa

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offense QB — Jake Browning (Folsom), 6-2, 200, Sr.

OL — Cody Creason (Folsom), 6-4, 285, Sr.

Expect plenty more yards and TDs for the MaxPreps Preseason All-American.

Third-year starter leads strong group responsible for opening running lanes and keeping star QB on his feet.

RB — Marcel Brooks-Brown (Rio Linda), 5-11, 215, Sr.

OL— Darrin Paulo (Grant), 6-5, 300, Sr.

Eclipsed 2,000 yards as a junior and scored 26 TDs despite sharing the backfield.

Quick athlete is attracting lots of recruiting attention for his run-blocking skills and strength.

RB — Deondre’ Whittington-Grays (Grant), 5-9, 230, Sr. Bruising back can run past — or over — defenders when he is not dominating opponents at LB.

OL — Johnny Capra (Placer), 6-6, 285, Sr.

WR — Josiah Deguara (Folsom), 6-2, 205, Sr.

Cal-commit will be called upon to power Hillmen’s run-heavy offense.

Led the section with 104 catches as a junior and scored 15 times in the Bulldogs’ high-powered offense.

WR —Lester Williams (Stagg-Stockton), 5-6, 150, Sr. Speedy playmaker averaged 21.3 yards per catch and converted 13 of his 43 receptions into touchdowns.

OL — Tristen Taylor (Stagg-Stockton), 6-6, 285, Sr. Intimidating presence that has footwork to match his size and strength.

OL — Colton Mallette (Lincoln-Stockton), 6-2, 290, Sr. Imposing tackle is more than a handful for defenders.

TE — Jared Rice (Modesto Christian), 6-5, 215, Sr.

UTIL — Justice Shelton-Mosley (Capital Christian), 6-0, 180, Sr.

Big target, solid blocker in Raiders’ power offense and doubles as a defensive threat at safety.

Versatile athlete scored in every way imaginable as a junior, racking up 2,906 all-purpose yards.

Johnny Capra

Josiah Deguara

Placer-Auburn | OL | 6-6, 285 COLLEGE DESTINATION: Cal FOOTBALL IDOL: Joe Staley BEST HIGH SCHOOL FB VENUE: Placer’s LeFebvre Stadium TOUGHEST MATCHUP: Working against myself and trying to master the little things in football.

LEGENDARY COACH YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY FOR: Jim or John Harbaugh WILL YOU SEE “WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL” IN THE THEATRE: Absolutely

Folsom | WR | 6-2, 205

TITLE THE MOVIE OF THE 2014 PLACER TEAM: “With Tradition Comes Responsibility”

PREGAME RITUAL: Always replaces his screw-in cleats before each game

GREATEST INFLUENCE: Jon Osterhout, recently-named American River College head football coach, and founder and president of Linemen Win Games, LLC. “He has really helped me out a lot through this entire process.”

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FAVORITE NFL TEAM: Raiders

BEST HIGH SCHOOL FB VENUE: Granite Bay, Folsom TOUGHEST MATCHUP: De La Salle LEGENDARY COACH YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY FOR: Les Miles TITLE THE MOVIE OF THE 2014 FOLSOM TEAM: “Brotherhood”

PREGAME RITUAL: A group of us pray before every game TABLE FOR FOUR: Parents, Dean and Amy Deguara, and Uncle Adam GREATEST INFLUENCE: Father, Dean, who has been a role model in how he carries himself and treats others.

FAVORITE FOOD: Buffalo wings

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defense LB — Cameron Smith (Granite Bay), 6-3, 225, Sr.

DL — Fila Hingano (Rio Linda), 6-0, 310, Sr.

LB — Lonny Powell (Sacramento), 6-1, 230, Sr.

DB — Shaunard Harts (Elk Grove), 5-11, 180, Sr.

LB — Frank Ginda (Pacheco-Los Banos), 6-2, 227, Sr.

DB — Kyron Basped (Sacramento), 6-1, 185, Sr.

DL — Sam Whitney (Folsom), 6-2, 225, Sr.

DB — Justin Burrage (Del Oro-Loomis), 5-11, 170, Sr.

DL — Sai Ta’amu (Elk Grove), 5-9, 230, Sr.

DB — Edward Ware (Capital Christian), 6-1, 180, Sr.

Veteran recorded 126 tackles last year and will once again anchor a tough Grizzlies defense.

Big run-stopper had 77 tackles, including 11 for loss, and added four sacks in 2013.

Speedy outside rusher recorded section-best 23 sacks as a junior and added 118 tackles while also rushing for 951 yards on offense.

Excellent in coverage, he had six interceptions, returning two for TDs, for a defense that gave up an average of less than 10 points per game.

Impressed at Nike Combine after a solid junior season in which he made 81 tackles, with three sacks and three interceptions.

The safety anchored the Dragons’ defense with 56 tackles and five interceptions, two of which he returned for TDs.

Air Force-commit can feast on offenses attempting to keep up with Bulldogs’ offense.

Led Div. I state runner-up Golden Eagles’ with seven INTs, including three during the postseason.

Compact and powerful interior lineman recorded 19.5 tackles for loss, including 8.5 sacks, and blocked a pair of kicks on special teams.

DL — Gerald Pliman (Burbank-Sacramento), 6-3, 205, Sr.

Had six of Cougars’ 23 INTs in 2013 , attracting recruiters for ability to cover as well as skills at WR.

K — Ruben Garza (Grant-Sacramento), 5-7, 175, Sr.

Outside rusher powered Titans’ fierce defense by making 98 tackles, including 12 sacks as a junior.

Shaunard Harts Elk Grove | DB | 5-11, 180 COLLEGE OFFER: Idaho FAVORITE NFL TEAM: 49ers BEST HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL VENUE: Lincoln-Stockton, Sacramento State (section championships) TOUGHEST MATCHUP: Franklin-Elk Grove’s Jabarri Johnson GREATEST INFLUENCE: Father, Shaunard Harts Sr., who has been on the Thundering Herd coaching staff in past years and coached his son throughout his playing days. Harts played safety on the Pittsburg High team that defeated De La Salle in the 1991 North Coast Section Championship game before playing at Boise State. Harts played four seasons (2001-2004) in the NFL for Kansas City.

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Recruited more as a baseball player, Garza converted 9 of 10 field goal attempts and has leg strength to nullify return game with touchbacks.

‹‹‹ Gerald Pliman

Burbank-Sacramento | DE | 6-3, 205 DREAM SCHOOL: Oregon FAVORITE NFL TEAM: Raiders FOOTBALL IDOL: Bo Jackson TOUGHEST MATCHUP: Grant LEGENDARY COACH YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY FOR: “I wouldn’t want to play for anybody besides Heff (Burbank coach John Heffernan).”

TITLE THE MOVIE FOR 2014 BURBANK FB TEAM: The Show TABLE FOR FOUR: Teammates Harrison Anderson, Michael Roots, and Eric Brown.

GREATEST INFLUENCE: Father, Robert.

Justin Burrage ››› Del Oro-Loomis | DB | 5-11, 170 FAVORITE NFL TEAM: Patriots FOOTBALL IDOL: Tom Brady BEST HIGH SCHOOL VENUE: Del Oro High TOUGHEST MATCHUP: De La Salle, Bakersfield LEGENDARY COACH YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY FOR: Bill Belichick TABLE FOR FOUR: My family GREATEST INFLUENCE: Older brother, Kevin, who was a wrestler at Del Oro CAREER GOALS: Sports/physical training

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health watch: dr. nirav k. pandya

Tibia fractures: Career ending or bump in the road?

With the fall sports season just around the corner, physicians will see a natural increase in the number of patients entering their offices. Many athletes and their parents are prepared for the normal sprains and strains of the upcoming sports season, but are naturally nervous about more serious injuries.

With the recent injury to the lower leg of the Indiana Pacers’ Paul George during national team training — which brought back memories of Kevin Ware’s NCAA tournament injury from last year — broken shin bones and their impact on an athlete’s immediate and long-term participation have garnered interest.

From an anatomic standpoint, the shin is made up of the tibia (the larger bone) and the fibula (the smaller bone). The tibia is particularly susceptible to being fractured during sports due to the fact there is very minimal tissue covering it. In addition, it bears the brunt of both direct and indirect force during athletic activity. These injuries are not only very common in sports such as soccer and football in which direct contact is made with the bone, but also during sports such as basketball in which an awkward landing can lead to a break.

If you or someone you know has broken their tibia, the prognosis for such an injury varies largely based on several factors. First, a fracture in which the bone breaks through the skin (i.e. compound/open injury) is treated much differently than one in which the skin is unscathed (closed injury). Open fractures are emergencies and must be cleaned out quickly in the operating room in order to decrease the chance of infection. These types of injuries generally have a higher complication rate, take a longer time to heal, and have a much more guarded prognosis.

Second, tibia fractures can either be due to repetitive stress (i.e. endurance athletes) or acute trauma (i.e. a blow during a soccer game). Acute injuries are more likely to require surgery than those due to repetitive stress. Finally, the fracture pattern (i.e. how many pieces the bone has been broken into, how far apart the pieces are, proximity of the fracture to the joint) determines treatment. For minor fractures, this could be as simple as several weeks in a cast.

For more serious injuries, this could mean treatment with a form of surgery in which a solid (for athletes who are done growing) or flexible (for athletes who are still growing) metal rod is inserted into the bone to align it and allow healing.

The good news is that most tibia fractures are straightforward injuries that occur away from the joint. Thus, the major factor determining a return to sports is not if, but when, healing is complete.

Once the bone heals, most athletes will be able to return at or near the same level once they regain their strength and functional abilities. A carefully designed physical therapy plan is essential. As a result, although initially disheartening, a tibia fracture does not necessarily mean the end of career, but rather a bump in the road. ✪ Dr. Nirav K. Pandya is a orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric sports injuries at the Children’s Hospital in Oakland. He sees patients and operates in Oakland and our facility at Walnut Creek.

At right, a radiograph of a metal rod placed in the tibia of a soccer player who suffered a fracture while playing.

The fracture has nearly healed.

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