Digital Weekly Issue 51

NOVEMBER 10, 2016 DIGITAL WEEKLY 51

JacketBack Embroidery Official Patch Supplier of SportStars Magazine

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CARONDELET-CONCORD - GOLF - SOPHOMORE One year after Top 10 finishes at both the CIF NorCal and State Tournaments — as a freshman — Noh shot to the top of the leaderboard. At The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch in Salinas on Nov. 7, her 1-over par 71 put her in a threegolfer playoff where she needed just one hole to earn top NorCal Championship medalist honors. Noh’s card included birdies on Hole No. 1 and No. 18, and an eagle on the 411-yard, par-5 Hole No. 9. Her effort also helped the Cougars finish third as a team, qualifying them for the State Championship Tournament at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga on Nov. 15. The top two teams at NorCals were St. Francis-Mountain View, which was led by Maya Pugatch (2-over 72), and Dougherty Valley-San Ramon, led by Jacqueline Ha (2-over 72).

Young Mackenzie Caverhill Is Making A Name For Herself Dirt Bike Racing Finding things to do in a small mountain town can be tough for kids, but that was not the case for a young girl named Mackenzie Caverhill. She discovered one of the best things to do in her rural area was the sport of dirt bike riding.

Ever since she was 2 years old, Mackenzie — who is now 9 — has been riding at her local off-highway vehicle (OHV) park, Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), which is located in the Tejon Pass, north of Los Angeles.

She started out riding a small 50cc motorcycle with training wheels and now has graduated to a Yamaha 85cc dirt bike.

Mackenzie’s passion has taken her far during the seven years that she’s been riding. At the age of 5, Mackenzie started competing in motocross and won a handful of achievements.

During 2016 alone, she won two qualifying races and made her way to the AMSOIL’s 35th Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships.

So how did her love for dirt bikes begin?

She first practiced on the Pee-Wee Track at Hungry Valley.

After building her skills on the beginner’s course, she then graduated to the Quail Canyon Motocross Track, riding with her friends to practice and improve their dirt bike skills. Now that she is an experienced rider, she rides on the adult track at Hungry Valley, where she is able to practice on terrain similar to many of the competition tracks used for races.

Caverhill’s favorite areas of Hungry Valley SVRA are the sand washes.

“You can hammer down on the throttle and go for it,” she told SVRA staff recently in an interview following a recent race in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. She continued to describe her love for getting airborne. “The jumps are scary, but the flying feeling is really fun!”

Mackenzie’s passion has taken her far in the seven years that she has been riding. Her future goal is to one day compete in the Supercross and meet some of her role models, such as Motocross Champion Cooper Webb.

When asked where she saw herself in 10 years, Caverhill was matter of fact.

“Probably in college, but I really hope to have a championship of my own by then!” ✪ — Story and photo provided by Aubrey Mollenauer, Hungry Valley SVRA staff, California State Parks

COME AND PLAY Visitors to California’s nine State Vehicular Recreation Areas will find a variety of trails and courses for many types of off-highway vehicles. The SVRAs give riders a chance to explore new areas and enjoy the thrill of the ride. Hungry Valley SVRA is a 20,000 acre OHV park with over 130 miles of trails with diverse terrain, a motocross track, several training/practice tracks and a 4x4 course to test the limits and skills of vehicles and drivers. Up-to-date park information can be found on Facebook and the Hungry Valley website at http://ohv.parks.ca.gov. Hungry Valley SVRA is located at 5301 Ralphs Ranch Road (also known as Peace Valley Road), Gorman, CA 93243. Park fees are $5 for day use and $10 for overnight camping. Call (661) 248-7007 for more information.

Nick Spagnola

antelope is ready to roll as it enters the postseason with a spotless 10-0 record and history to chase

t

he Antelope Titans have reached the postseason in every one of the program’s seven varsity seasons. In each of the past two seasons, head coach Matt Ray’s teams have entered the playoffs with a perfect 10-0 record and the Capital Valley Conference championship.

So, one might think that Ray and the Titans are looking to take the next step and claim their first-ever Sac-Joaquin Section championship. But Antelope is seeking to win a series of “one game seasons” now that each time out on the field could be the Titans’ last until next year.

“We are focused in the moment,” Ray said. “We have a tough Central Valley team in the first round and we can only focus on that game. You don’t look ahead in the playoffs because you might miss something about the team you are facing.”

Opponents that face Antelope certainly won’t miss the first key to challenging the Titans: contain Elijah Dotson. The senior running back has rushed for a section-best 1,779 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground while topping the 100-yard mark in each of his team’s 10 games this season. As a junior, Dotson was Antelope’s workhorse back, rushing the ball 152 times for 1,513 yards and 16 scores to lead the Titans to the SJS Div. II semifinals.

DIVISION II THE FAVORITE: Del Oro (8-2). The No. 2 seed gets the favorite tag because it has traditionally excelled in the postseason and took that to the next level last year by claiming a CIF State Bowl Championship win with the team’s eighth consecutive victory after a 2-6 start. Key players in the 2015 state title run, including QB Stone Smartt, RBs Dalton Gee and Camrion Davis, and WR/DB Mason Hurst bring back the experience of that run.

Devin Dye

Brandon Sanders

Despite all of the attention that comes from being the top returning running back in the section, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound speedster has not missed a beat in his final high school campaign. And, if teams try to slow his ground game, he can beat them as a receiver out of the backfield. In a 35-34 victory over CVC-rival Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove, Dotson failed to rush for a touchdown, but scored three times on screen passes and swing passes to defeat the Wolfpack.

In every other game, Dotson scored a rushing touchdown and has totaled 27 TDs, including a kickoff return for a score.

“What makes him special on the football field is his explosiveness,” Ray said. “He has worked extremely hard in the weight room and he is more physical than opponents think until they actually experience it and feel it.”

Off the field with his teammates, classmates and others, Dotson does not feel the need to display the toughness, physicality and bravado crucial to survival on the gridiron.

“His success comes from his demeanor,” Ray said of his star running back. “He is very humble and quick to credit others. That attracts positivity from his teammates.”

Dotson understands he cannot succeed without his linemen, quarterback and receivers. He will point to his teammates and support system for averaging more than 11 yards per carry and nearly 180 yards per game. And he understands that plenty of other guys on the field are contributing to the Titans’ success.

Senior quarterback Nick Spagnola assumed the starting role after Montel Aaron graduated and has stepped up with 1,588 yards passing and 12 TD tosses. Seniors Devin Dye and Garrett Chapman have contributed nearly 1,000 yards and 15 TDs to a ground attack that has totaled more than 3,000 yards rushing and 41 total TDs on the ground. Linebacker Viliami Botts leads the team with 86 tackles, including six for loss, and added an interception. Five players, including Dotson, have two interceptions each as Antelope has outscored opponents 373-207 thus far.

“A lot of other guys are making plays around (Dotson), so that teams cannot just lock in on him,” Ray said. “You can’t be one-dimensional and expect to succeed every week.”

So, the multi-dimensional Titans and versatile Dotson will set their sights on their next goal.

Until next week. ✪ — Jim McCue

CONTENDERS: Sacramento (9-1) could easily be the favorite in our eyes, and the Dragons deserved the No. 1 seed thanks to a huge win over Folsom and a solid roster top to bottom. Elijah Dotson and Antelope (10-0) have run the table so far, and could ride the senior RB’s legs to the program’s firstever SJS championship. Grant (7-3) and Central Catholic (7-3) are regulars in the playoffs and have risen to the occasion numerous times in the past.

DARK HORSE: Inderkum (8-2). The Tigers need to win twice in the postseason to reach 10 wins for the 11th consecutive season, but senior QB/DB Trajon Cotton and the Tigers are more interested in winning the first SJS title for the program and head coach Terry Stark.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Lawrence Hardy, WR/DB, Grant. The senior may be the fastest player in the section, and his explosiveness is off the charts. The speedster raced to 14 TDs via rushing, receiving, interception return, punt return, kickoff return and fumble return.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Del Oro 28, Antelope 27.

BATTLE GROUND

an inside look at four more fields in the sac-joaquin section DIVISION I

THE FAVORITE: Folsom (9-1). Until the Bulldogs are defeated in the SJS playoffs, the rest of the field have to be considered potential champions only. Head coach Kris Richardson’s four-time defending SJS champs showed signs of vulnerability within the section, including a defeat at the hands of Div. II top seed Sacramento and a narrow regular season finale win over Sierra Foothill League-rival Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills. Senior QB Joe Curry is the latest to lead the program’s proficient offense, but the defense will likely determine whether Folsom can make it five in a row.

CONTENDERS: St. Mary’s-Stockton (9-1) and Oak Ridge (8-2). Behind the play of QB Jake Dunniway and RB Dusty Frampton, the Rams earned the top seed by conquering a solid nonleague schedule that included SerraSan Mateo, Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa and Central Catholic-Modesto. Their lone loss was to state power St. John Bosco-Bellflower. Oak Ridge gave Folsom all it could handle in a 17-16 loss. But don’t sleep on Elk Grove (9-1), which has the talent and experience to win it all.

DARK HORSE: Sheldon-Sacramento (7-3). First-year coach Joe Cattolico was a postseason regular with Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove, and the Huskies have shown flashes of brilliance this season. Washington-commit Alex Cook is a two-way star at WR and DB, and senior Graylon Lindsey is a powerful workhorse in the backfield who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 16 TDs. PLAYER TO WATCH: Dusty Frampton, RB, St. Mary’s. The junior led the section with 26 rushing TDs, and his 1,253 yards and 10.8 yards per carry average complemented the Rams’ potent passing attack. Opposing defenses may prefer to challenge St. Mary’s to beat them through the air than take on the 5-foot-11, 215-pound back’s power and speed.

Folsom’s Joe Curry

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: St. Mary’s 35, Folsom 31.

DIVISION III THE FAVORITE: Oakdale (8-2). The Mustangs are a perennial power, and head coach Trent Merzon’s team is on a roll that included a victory over four-time state champion Central Catholic-Modesto in the regular season finale. As top seed, the road to the championship goes through The Corral.

CONTENDERS: American Canyon (9-1) and Merced (7-3) are postseason mainstays, but Christian Brothers-Sacramento (8-2) is the hottest team. The Falcons ride an 8-game winning streak into the playoffs that included a league title-clinching victory over Vista del Lago-Folsom in which they scored the final 61 points of a 74-32 victory. QB Tyler Vander Waal and two-way star Jamarri Jackson can take over games.

DARK HORSE: Vista del Lago (7-3). Despite the tough loss in the regular season finale that cost the Eagles a league championship, they have one of the most explosive offenses in the section. If the Vista defense can at least slow down opponents, there is a chance for a run to the title.

Oakdale’s Cameron Cherry

PLAYER TO WATCH: Brent Schaeffer, QB, Vista del Lago. The senior led the SJS with 3,054 yards and 41 TD passes to power the Eagles’ high-scoring offense. His favorite target was WR Brenden Hall, who caught 80 passes for 1,231 yards and 18 scores.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Oakdale 28, Christian Brothers 17.

DIVISION IV THE FAVORITE: Manteca (9-1). The Buffaloes shared the Valley Oak League title with Central Catholic and Oakdale, and are seeking a fifth SJS championship and their first since claiming the 2013 Div. III title. Senior RB Kameron Beamon leads a balanced offense with 963 yards rushing and 12 TDs. CONTENDERS: Sierra-Manteca (6-4) and Placer-Auburn (5-5). Despite mediocre records, both teams can challenge for the crown thanks to solid schedules and sound coaching. The Timberwolves won the SJS and state titles in 2015 despite struggling in the deep Valley Oak League against top-notch competition.

DARK HORSE: El Dorado-Placerville (7-2). The Cougars have had recent success in the regular season, including at least a share of the Sierra Valley Conference title the past two years. However, head coach Joe Volek is seeking his first playoff victory as head coach of the small foothills school.

El Dorado’s Chris Volek

PLAYER TO WATCH: Chris Volek, WR, El Dorado. The senior has amassed more than 2,000 receiving yards in two years on the varsity team, including 66 catches for 896 yards this year through 10 games. A sure-handed receiver with speed to leave defenders in his wake, he hauled in 8 TD catches despite increased attention from opposing defenses.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Manteca 35, El Dorado 24.

DIVISION V THE FAVORITE: Sonora (10-0). The Wildcats hope to return to the SJS final for a second straight year and embark on a state title run that eluded them in 2015. Junior Kane Rogers and senior Josh Harris led a powerful ground attack with 13 rushing TDs each. Sonora won every game by double digits, including a 2713 win over Div. III top seed Oakdale in the season opener.

CONTENDERS: Hilmar (9-1) and Capital Christian-Sacramento (8-2). Hilmar has reached the SJS final in two of the past three years, but not won a section title since 2011. Capital Christian rolled through the Golden Empire League and appears to be hitting its stride with a full roster that includes several top players who missed the Cougars’ first five games due to transfer rules.

DARK HORSE: Colfax (7-3). The seventh-seeded Falcons have won four SJS championships, including three under longtime head coach Tony Martello. That said, they have not claimed a section crown since a three-peat from 2001-2003.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Bradley Canepa, MLB/FB, Sonora. A powerful package at 5-foot-9 and 225 pounds, Canepa pounded his way to seven rushing TDs and 111 bone-jarring tackles, including eight tackles for loss. The senior is seeking his second consecutive SJS title, but father Roger Canepa will retain bragging rights with his four consecutive SJS and CIF State Bowl championship rings as the coach at Central Catholic.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Sonora 35, Hilmar 21.

Capital Christian’s Jacob Norville

Festival of Trees and “A Cascade Christmas” Headline The Many Redding Area Holiday Events Fifteen designer-decorated Christmas trees are the centerpiece to the Festival Of Trees event, a lavish event which returns on Nov. 12 for its fourth year.

Redding’s jewel of a park, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland for a night of drinking, dancing and donating. The Festival of Trees is the principal fundraiser for Mercy Hospice and the services it renders in Tehama, Shasta and southern Siskiyou counties. Those services include hospice nurses and volunteers who provide comfort to more than 1,000 patients a year with life-limiting illnesses or injuries.

Admission to the formal event is $75 and each of the 15 designer trees are sponsored by local businesses. Through the tickets and sponsorships, Mercy has set a fundraising goal of $100,000.

The event itself features lots of fun and festivities, and will have filling hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Wes Matthews of Redding’s Market Street Steakhouse.

Among the other unique touches from this event are a hot cocoa lounge, a s’mores bar and an event-only signature cocktail. Previous festivals have featured a horse-drawn carriage, carols performed by a bell choir

and plenty more.

There are also plans to include a DJ and dancing.

This event, which takes place from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., sells advance tickets only and includes a reservation deadline of Nov.7. For more information visit www. supportmercynorth.org or call Michelle Martin Streeby at (530) 247-3420 or contact her by email at michelle. martinstrreeby@dignityhealth.org.

CASCADE CHRISTMAS RETURNS A favorite Shasta County holiday tradition will be returning to the historic Cascade Theatre as Jefferson Public Radio and the Cascade present a two week run of “A Cascade Christmas”.

Seven performances of “A Cascade Christmas” are scheduled, beginning Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, November 26 at 7 p.m., with additional evening performances Thursday, December 1st; Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, Dec. 3rd, also at 7 p.m. Matinees are scheduled on Saturday, November 26 and Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4, at 2 p.m.

Celebrate the season with this all-new showcase, presented by the Cascade Theatre. Experience the joy

Redding Youth Lacrosse Registration Now Open! September-December: Register individual team(s) with a $50 deposit. RSVP now to avoid a wait list. Visit team registration page for more information.

November-January: Once the game schedule is published in late November or early December teams must pay balance of their registration fees and may pre-order Jamboree Apparel through our online store.

and magic of the giving season as toys from Santa’s workshop and holiday marionettes spring to life while the elves get everything ready for Santa’s big day.

“A Cascade Christmas” features more than 30 of Redding’s finest dancers, singers and actors who, year after year, give the community an inspirational gift that lasts long after the holidays end. This year’s production will feature live musicians on stage, including saxophonist Dave Short; new hand-painted backdrops from local artist David Fraser, and some eye-popping video effects with the help of the Cascade Theatre’s new HD video projector. The program also features the talents of Rhapsody Violetti, who has danced professionally with Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin and Jay Z, and has been featured on the Grammy Awards, the MTV Music Awards and Dancing With The Stars.

Redding native Cal Hunter will bring the role of Santa to life once again. Don’t miss this touching, high-spirited holiday spectacle for the whole family!

Tickets can be purchased online at www.cascadetheatre.org or by phone at 530-243-8877. ✪ Copy, photos provided by SupportMercyNorth.org, VisitRedding.com and CascadeTheatre.org.

Pittsburg’s Montaz Thompson breaks free in a 41-38 los to Freedom on Oct. 28

d e t a p i c i t n A h s t c h u g i M l h g i H h c t n a e p m e O R S C N l a r u g s u f f a o n y I a l P n o i s i v Di

V

ictor Galli’s enthusiasm practically radiated through the phone as he spoke from his office on the morning of Nov. 10.

“We’re recharged,” the Pittsburg High football coach said of his team’s preparation to face Freedom-Oakley in what will be the second ever North Coast Section Open Division playoff game on Saturday, Nov. 19. The first takes place the night before between De La Salle-Concord and Clayton Valley CharterConcord. “It’s like we just drank a case of Red Bull.”

There’s a lot of factors that go into the excitement shared by Galli, his coaches and his players. First and foremost, the Pirates are getting a chance to avenge their only loss of

the season when they visit Freedom. It was a gut-punch 41-38 defeat in what many would consider the best regular season game in the East Bay all season.

Adding to the drama of the rematch will be the fact that the winner will be all but assured a berth into a California Interscholastic Federation Regional Bowl regardless of the result of the NCS final on Dec. 2. NCS officials have stated that if its Open Division winner is selected to play in the CIF Open Div. State Bowl, the runner-up will be the section’s CIF Div. I representative.

All of which sets the stage for a dynamite rematch.

“If people missed missed out on seeing it last time, they shouldn’t this time,” Galli quipped.

Freedom, which finished the regular season No. 3 in the SportStars NorCal Top 20 rankings, trailed by 10 points multiple times in the second half of the teams’ meeting on Oct. 28.

The Falcons fought back behind big plays from star running back Ronnie Rivers, and then delivered the game-winning play on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Jonathan Pierce to Giles Jackson with 1:35 left in the game.

In essence, it fell right in line with the history of the matchup between the two programs.

Especially during the era of the two coaches, Galli and Kevin Hartwig, both of whom were hired prior to the 2002 season. Since 2006, the Pirates and Falcons have met 14 times (including two playoff games). And while Pittsburg holds an 11-3 record in those games, six contests were decided by six points or less (four of which were Pirates victories).

“Vic does a great job there,” Hartwig said.

“One thing I’ve always admired is how much he’s kept that program and the pride of Pittsburg one and the same. When you play a Pittsburg team, the Pittsburg program doesn’t hate you. Pittsburg hates you. You feel the whole city’s animosity, and I love that.”

Hartwig’s program is in the midst of a historic season, closing out its first undefeated regular

season since the school opened in 1996. The Falcons have done it a lot of different ways too.

“We’ve had great chemistry,” the coach said.

“There’s been so many ups and downs. Guys have come out of nowhere to start for us (following injuries), and there’s never been a ‘We need to get the ball to this guy.’ We have three, four or five different players who can step in and make a difference in any game.

“That’s been our key. It’s been ‘Who’s going to step up next?’”

Rivers has been the team’s most consistent star, and has earned most of the headlines for it. In the first meeting with Pittsburg, Rivers rushed for 157 yards and two TDs while also completing a 9-yard touchdown pass early in the game and a 97-yard momentum-changing kick return for a score in the third quarter.

“Rivers reminds me of Adrian Peterson,” Galli said. “His lateral quickness is so good. And he’s not little Ronnie Rivers anymore. He’s gotten bigger. His speed once he got outside and turned on the jets was impressive. He might be the best back I’ve seen (Freedom) have.”

Pittsburg has its own home-run hitter at running back. Montaz Thompson was not at 100 percent against the Falcons, having just returned from a high ankle sprain which sidelined him for most of three weeks. He still rushed for more than 100 yards and three touchdowns in the game. He was closer to full health a week later when he blitzed rival Antioch for 231 yards and five scores.

If history has anything to say, Pittsburg under Galli has been awful good in rematch games.

Since 2006, Galli’s teams have gone 5-2 in playoff games against teams they lost to in the regular season. The most recent one came last year against Monte Vista-Danville. The Pirates did the same thing against Deer Valley-Antioch in ’06 and ’09 when the Wolverines had entered undefeated, just like Freedom will this year.

“The stars have aligned, I guess,” Galli said.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better draw.

They’ll be ready. It’s going to be fun.” ✪

OPEN DIVISION FAVORITE: De La Salle-Concord (9-1). Despite a couple of close calls against San Ramon Valley-Danville and Antioch this season, the Spartans have rounded into form over the last few weeks. That was punctuated in the regular season finale with a definitive 45-17 win over a Monte Vista-Danville that had entered the game unbeaten.

CONTENDERS: Freedom-Oakley (100), Pittsburg (9-1) and Clayton Valley Charter-Concord (9-1). It’s the four best teams in the section, so everyone is a contender in this field. Each of these teams has a legitimate path to the title, though any of them would be considered slight underdogs against De La Salle. But the margin is narrow.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Three running backs headline the top three seeds, Kairee Robinson of De La Salle, Ronnie Rivers of Freedom and Montaz Thompson of Pittsburg. All three have the potential to break a momentum-swinging play every time they touch the football.

Clayton Valley features an elite defense, led by DE Heikoti Vaisima.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: De La Salle 31, Pittsburg 21

GOING DEEP

breaking down five more north coast section divisions

DIVISION I THE FAVORITE: Monte Vista-Danville (9-1). The Mustangs enter as the No. 1 seed and the definite favorite with a loss to De La Salle in the final week of the regular season representing the lone blemish in an outstanding season. Washington-bound quarterback Jake Haener and running back Shane Perry lead one of the East Bay’s most balanced offenses, and Nate Landman is not only one of the region’s top linebackers but also contributes on offense.

CONTENDERS: Antioch (6-4). If the regular season was about keeping the wear and tear off the nation’s No. 1 recruit, the playoffs will be about seeing just how far star running back Najee Harris can carry the Panthers.

DARK HORSE: California-San Ramon (8-2). While winning from the No. 3 seed wouldn’t necessarily constitute a surprise, the Grizzlies’ brand of ground and pound offense might serve as the perfect way to keep stars like Harris and Haener at bay.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Najee Harris, RB, Antioch. The top recruit in the country according to some outlets, Harris has the type of game-changing ability that no other playoff team, regardless of division, can rely on.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Monte Vista 30, California 24

Monte Vista’s Jake Haener

DIVISION II THE FAVORITE: Campolindo-Moraga (7-3). The Cougars enter the postseason on the heels of a loss to Open Division qualifier Clayton Valley, but neither that result, nor losses to Valley ChristianSan Jose and Oakdale, have dented Campo’s standing as the top Div. II threat in the East Bay. Quarterback Jacob Westphal is one of the region’s most consistent quarterbacks and the Cougars are plenty familiar with winning in November after back-to-back trips to a CIF bowl game.

CONTENDERS: Windsor (7-3) and Concord (6-4). The Jaguars feature three running backs — Jackson Baughman, Kobe Roman and David Escarcega — with over 500 rushing yards while the Minutemen will call on both quarterback Nick Nunez and running back Mike Davis Jr. to lead the way.

DARK HORSE: Ukiah (7-3). A loss to Windsor in the final week of the regular season knocked the Wildcats to the No. 5 seed, but wins over fellow Div. II playoff teams Casa Grande-Petaluma and Santa Rosa mean a run isn’t out of the question.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Alex Cruz, LB/TE, Concord.

One of the section’s top linebackers with 99 tackles, Cruz also contributes on offense as the Minutemen’s second-leading receiver.

Windsor’s Jackson Baughman

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Campolindo 31, Concord 22

DIVISION III

DIVISION IV

DIVISION V

Bishop O’Dowd’s Austin Jones

Cardinal-Newman’s Jordon Brookshire

Berean Christian’s Isaiah Hodgins

THE FAVORITE: Analy-Sebastopol (9-1). The Tigers entered the season as a good bet to finish as one of the area’s top offensive teams but, while the points have certainly been there, the defense has been just as good. Analy has allowed a total of 14 points in its last six games. Of course, even if the Tigers were to give up a few points, quarterback Jack Newman has passed for over 3,200 yards with 41 touchdowns and only two interceptions.

CONTENDERS: Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland (9-1) and Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park (7-3). The Dragons’ lone loss came in late September against a Freedom-Oakley team that finished 10-0, and the Cougars won six in a row before falling in an overtime classic against Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa to finish the regular season.

THE FAVORITE: Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (9-1).

A team that owns titles at the Div. II, Div. III and 3A levels since the Redwood Empire and East Bay merged in 2008, Cardinal Newman now looks for a Div. IV crown this time behind quarterback Jordon Brookshire who is one of the region’s top dual-threat playmakers.

Wins over Fortuna, Analy, Casa Grande and Rancho Cotate highlight the Cardinals’ ledger.

CONTENDERS: St. Bernard’s-Eureka (9-1) and Moreau Catholic-Hayward (7-3). The Crusaders have won every game against a California opponent after winning the Div. V title last year. The Mariners bring one of the section’s top runners into the playoffs in Jullen Ison.

THE FAVORITE: Berean Christian-Walnut Creek (7-3).

The Eagles played their final five games against bigger schools and went 4-1 with wins over Mt. DiabloConcord, Alhambra-Martinez, College Park-Pleasant Hill and Ygnacio Valley-Concord. But, while Berean appears well-suited to contend for the Div. II title, the Eagles will instead turn to potent weapons in wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins and quarterback Chandler Davis as they try to reverse a 2015 title game loss.

CONTENDERS: Fort Bragg (9-1) and Middletown (7-3). After battling each other for the North Central I title with Fort Bragg coming out on top, the Timberwolves and Mustangs could renew their rivalry in the semifinals.

DARK HORSE: Miramonte-Orinda (8-2). A 42-34 win over Div. II power Concord showed that quarterback Tim Tague and the No. 5 seed Matadors can trade points with anyone.

DARK HORSE: Kennedy-Richmond (9-1). The No. 4 seed Eagles enjoyed one of their best seasons in years and could be primed to make a run as the TCALStone champs search for their first NCS title since a 1988 squad led by future Super Bowl champion D’Marco Farr.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jack Newman, QB, Analy. One of the state’s top signal-callers has been a numberposting machine throughout his entire career in Sebastopol.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jordon Brookshire, QB, Cardinal Newman. When he’s not moving the ball downfield with his arm, Brookshire ranks as one of the most elusive runners in the section.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Addison Gumbs, LB/DE, Stellar Prep-Hayward. Hodgins will certainly stand out on offense but the Oklahoma-bound Gumbs might be one of the nation’s most explosive defenders.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Analy 49, Bishop O’Dowd 31

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Cardinal Newman 34, St. Bernard’s 31

CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: Berean Christian 31, Fort Bragg 30.

DARK HORSE: California School for the DeafFremont (9-1). The Eagles are more than a feel-good ESPN tale. Quarterback Jax Pedersen threw for 2,006 yards, rushed for over 300 more and contributed at safety.

Rancho Cordova Once Again to Be California Youth Rugby Hub On the heels of the Rio Summer Games featuring rugby as an Olympic medal sport for the first time since 1924, interest in the sport has never been higher, and the Sacramento Valley Rugby Foundation and Rugby NorCal will kick off the high school rugby season by hosting the 33rd Annual Sacramento Kick-Off Tournament at Cordova High on Jan. 21-22.

The KOT, as it’s referred to in rugby circles, is one of the largest youth and high school rugby tournaments in the Western Hemisphere. The event acts not only as a top tournament, but it’s also considered a pre-season development tournament for both players and officials.

While first-year players are able to learn in the forgiving structure of the 30-minute matches, more experienced teams can work on sharpening skills. Aspiring referees can take part in a free Friday night training session with some of the top match officials from the western United States.

The KOT is open to several levels of play. There will be boys and girls competitions in the following divisions: U-10, U-12, U-14 (two levels), U-17 (two levels) and U-19 (six levels). The tournament is open to both club teams and single high school teams. Many clubs and schools have been known to travel in from states such as Oregon and Washington, among others.

For the high school teams, varsity and JV competition will be available on both days of the event. And tournament directors make every effort to minimize teams from playing in-season rivals. Playing schedules are often not set until one week prior to the tournament.

For more information or to sign up your team go to www.kickofftournament.com. ✪

Breakfast of

CHAMPIONS

No excuses, athletes shouldn’t be skipping their morning meal nutrition: jill daniels We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But often I hear my clients tell me reasons they don’t eat it. Here are

2. “I’m trying to lose weight.”

Eating within an hour of waking gets your metabolism revved

some of their dilemmas, along with some solutions.

up early in the morning, which will help you burn more calories

1. “I’m not hungry!”

during those first few hours. Also, studies show that people who

This is one time of the day to eat even if you’re not hungry. Your body and brain need some calories and nutrients to help you focus

skip breakfast end up eating more calories throughout the day, which can lead to weight gain. Eating breakfast is a smart part of

better while in school. It’s also helpful for refilling depleted carbohydrate

any weight-loss plan.

stores which will help energize your next workout. Keep it simple, and eat at

3. “I’m bored with my breakfast foods.”

least 100 calories (glass of milk or some fruit or a ½ bagel) and plan to follow up with a mid-morning snack.

Mix and match these three food groups so you end up with some variety in the morning. Keep in mind that breakfast can be any food you like, even leftovers from the night before.

Team up a...

CARBOHYDRATE for body and brain energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals (English muffin, corn or flour tortilla, granola, toast, cereal, waffles, granola bar, oatmeal, grits, brown rice) ...with a PROTIEN for muscle repair & maintenance, healthy immune system and increased satisfaction (almond butter, Canadian bacon, string cheese, hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese, walnuts, tofu, cottage cheese, black beans, chicken sausage, yogurt, skim or 1% milk) ... and a FRUIT for fiber, antioxidants and natural sweetness (strawberries, cherries, applesauce, pineapple, mango, figs, currants, kiwi, blueberries, pear, peach, apricot, watermelon).

4. “I don’t have time to eat breakfast.”

Grab some of the faster options listed above, such as a Greek yogurt with granola and berries. Or apple slices and peanut butter wrapped up in a tortilla.

You can also keep granola bars, energy bars or bags of trail mix handy for days you have to grab and go. ✪ Jill Daniels, MS, RD, CSSD is a Registered Dietitian in the Bay Area of Northern California who specializes in sports nutrition and weight management. She works with people of all ages. Visit her at JillDanielsRD.com

Wrestling, Basketball Set To Take Center Stage As Seasons Change On Dec. 17-18 the Women’s West Coast Tournament of Champions returns to Hardwood Palace in Rocklin for the second consecutive year and there are several new features this year to this all-female premier wrestling event. Placer Valley Tourism will once again be teaming up with Sacramento Area Wrestling Association (SAWA) along with the prestigious Cliff Keen Wrestling, who signed on as the WWCTOC title sponsor.

The high school competition for both varsity and junior varsity wrestlers will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17, and currently more than 40 teams have already registered to participate. There will be 14 different weight divisions ranging from 101 to 235 pounds.

That same day, a high school showcase will take place and provide these female athletes with an incredible opportunity to be seen by college recruits. Several

college scouts have already committed to attending including: Simon Fraser University, Eastern Oregon University, Menlo College, University of the Cumberlands, Grays Harbor College, Warner Pacific College and Southwestern Oregon Community College.

Sunday the tournament features an open college division that promises outstanding competition from remarkable female athletes. Colleges that currently signed on to attend are: Simon Fraser University, Eastern Oregon University, Menlo, Grays Harbor, Warner Pacific and Southwestern Oregon Community College.

Mike Jones, who serves as the head coach for women’s wrestling at the Canadian college Simon Fraser University, is thrilled to be bringing some of his top wrestlers to this first-time collegiate competition. “Simon Fraser is currently ranked the number one

WHITNEY CLASSIC TURNS NINE

dual meet team in the country and the overall second team in the nation,” Simon Fraser women’s wrestling coach Mike Jones said. “Along with Woodcreek Alum Lauren Mason, we have two other Californians, Dominique Parrish from Scotts Valley and Mallory Velte from Christian Brothers in Sacramento who will attend the competition.

“We will also have the number-three-ranked Iber Fran Giorgio of Pennsylvania in the 136 weight class, Payten Smith who is the number two-ranked athlete in the 190 weight class and Abby Lloyd, the number two-ranked athlete in the 116 weight division.”

Champions in both the high school and college competitions will receive a Cliff Keen backpack, singlets for finalist, medals for top placer and most outstanding wrestler and team awards. Go to www.wwctoc.ocm for more information or to get your team signed up today! ✪

In hosting the Whitney Winter Classic, Whitney High of Rocklin knows how to start the basketball season with a bang. Now in its ninth year, this varsity boy’s tournament will take place starting on Thursday, Dec. 1 and ending on Saturday, Dec. 3.

“All of us in the Whitney Basketball Program are very excited to once again host our Winter Classic, and we feel that we have assembled one of the best tournament fields in Northern California,” Whitney coach Nick French said.

“Chico High School from the Northern Section is coming off a section championship season,” French said. “El Diamante High School from Visalia is representing the Central Section and they are coming off a very successful 20152016 season as well.

“Then we have first time participant Amador Valley High School from the North Coast Section and we are also very happy to have back perennial state power Crenshaw High School, which will be returning for the second time.”

Having a SoCal team like Crenshaw in the mix makes for some great basketball. The Cougars have numerous state basketball titles and most recently a L.A. City Section Championship in 2016.

Local teams competing are Davis, Franklin-Elk Grove and Laguna Creek-Elk Grove.

French promises it will be great basketball and fondly recalls the final game in last year’s tournament, “Whitney beat Crenshaw in a back-and-forth game that saw Whitney junior Josh Ohara hit a game-winning 3-pointer with only seven seconds remaining.”

All games are at Whitney High School, located at 701 Wildcat Blvd., in Rocklin. So mark those calendars and come watch some heartpounding basketball! ✪ — Copy, photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism