Talk about a lack of class.
Wilson Prep of Oakland never informed its opponents that it was shutting down its football season.
Among those schools slated to play them included Greenfield, Gonzales and Carmel.
Greenfield got wind of it by accident as another school called to tell them, asking if it would be willing to play them instead. But Gonzales and Carmel didn't, meaning each has a nine-game schedule instead of 10.
Wilson Prep has yet to return calls to Carmel.
Will it hurt either team?
Probably not, unless you're into stats. This game was scheduled to build some confidence.
A note of interest. Carmel will now have a bye between North Salinas and King City.
8/29/2008
8/27/2008
Carmel football
A source has told The Herald that Andrew Keyser has quit the team. If it's true, or the junior is not coaxed into coming back, the Padres could be in trouble.
Last year as a sophomore, Keyser rushed for over 1,000 yards, adding another 300 in receiving yards, scoring 15 touchdowns — including one on a kickoff.
A two-time MTAL 100 and 200 meter champion in track, Keyser gave Carmel another dimension to fuel its potent passing game. Without him, opponents don't have to respect the run.
Whatever the reasons are, this needs to be resolved, if for no other reason than for the kid. Keyser isn't going to get this year back.
Without him, the Padres don't win the league title.
Last year as a sophomore, Keyser rushed for over 1,000 yards, adding another 300 in receiving yards, scoring 15 touchdowns — including one on a kickoff.
A two-time MTAL 100 and 200 meter champion in track, Keyser gave Carmel another dimension to fuel its potent passing game. Without him, opponents don't have to respect the run.
Whatever the reasons are, this needs to be resolved, if for no other reason than for the kid. Keyser isn't going to get this year back.
Without him, the Padres don't win the league title.
8/26/2008
North County football
New coach Mike Phillips has his work cut out for him, trying to reshape a program gutted by graduation.
Yet, it's clear the players have bought into his plan.
The results may not be immediate, although the Condors will be no worse than a .500 club.
The mood is one of anticipation. Plus no team may have a better home field advantage than North County, who plays in a bowl shaped stadium that's field sits below sea and is often soggy
Yet, it's clear the players have bought into his plan.
The results may not be immediate, although the Condors will be no worse than a .500 club.
The mood is one of anticipation. Plus no team may have a better home field advantage than North County, who plays in a bowl shaped stadium that's field sits below sea and is often soggy
8/25/2008
Palma football
For just the second time in 25 years, the Chieftains didn't win the league title last year.
In addition, this years senior class at Palma has never won a league title outright at any level.
Is there a changing of the guard?
Doubtful, although it would be hard to pick against defending champion Gilroy with quarterback Jamie Jensen and his 4,300 plus passing yards back.
Just what Palma needed, a little incentive.
Like any other team, the Chieftains have holes to fill and question marks. Yet, the makeup of this team is one that expects to be playing in December when most have turned in uniforms.
In addition, this years senior class at Palma has never won a league title outright at any level.
Is there a changing of the guard?
Doubtful, although it would be hard to pick against defending champion Gilroy with quarterback Jamie Jensen and his 4,300 plus passing yards back.
Just what Palma needed, a little incentive.
Like any other team, the Chieftains have holes to fill and question marks. Yet, the makeup of this team is one that expects to be playing in December when most have turned in uniforms.
8/22/2008
Salinas football
This years senior class at Salinas has never had a winning season at any level.
Just 15 have stuck with football all four years.
Yet, I like their attitude. The determination to change a script was evident during a recent practice.
An off-season of commitment is paying dividends. Their work ethics have gotten contagious. They are setting an example for the future of the program.
Of course, that future is now for them. Seven playoff teams are on the Cowboys schedule. A .500 record will put them in the playoffs.
Just 15 have stuck with football all four years.
Yet, I like their attitude. The determination to change a script was evident during a recent practice.
An off-season of commitment is paying dividends. Their work ethics have gotten contagious. They are setting an example for the future of the program.
Of course, that future is now for them. Seven playoff teams are on the Cowboys schedule. A .500 record will put them in the playoffs.
8/21/2008
alisal football
Alisal's numbers (32 players) don't match up against the rest of the Tri-County Athletic League.
Than again, it never has.
Yet, over the last five years, the Trojans have reached the postseason three times and come within a half-point of making the playoffs.
Alisal's schedule this fall includes seven teams that reached the postseason last year. Four of those are non-league games. That's a sign of respect.
This years group of seniors have had success at each level dating back to their youth football days.
Than again, it never has.
Yet, over the last five years, the Trojans have reached the postseason three times and come within a half-point of making the playoffs.
Alisal's schedule this fall includes seven teams that reached the postseason last year. Four of those are non-league games. That's a sign of respect.
This years group of seniors have had success at each level dating back to their youth football days.
Monica Abbott
Sure we're a little biased in Monterey County.
But I can't help wondering why North Salinas graduate Monica Abbott did not start on the mound for the USA softball team in the gold medal game against Japan.
Would she have been the difference in a shocking 3-1 loss to Japan, arguably the biggest upset in this years Olympic games?
It certainly begs the question.
In two previous outings against Japan, Abbott had tossed 13 innings without allowing an earned run, giving up one hit while striking out 17.
All she had done in the Olympics was throw a perfect game and was nearly unhittable in her outings for Team USA.
Oh, Abbott got in the game -- in the sixth inning when Team USA was trailing 2-1.
And she did commit an error that enabled Japan to produce an insurance run. This is a team loss.
And Silver will look good on her mantel. But with no softball in the Olympics for at least eight years, it's a long time to ponder this decision.
But I can't help wondering why North Salinas graduate Monica Abbott did not start on the mound for the USA softball team in the gold medal game against Japan.
Would she have been the difference in a shocking 3-1 loss to Japan, arguably the biggest upset in this years Olympic games?
It certainly begs the question.
In two previous outings against Japan, Abbott had tossed 13 innings without allowing an earned run, giving up one hit while striking out 17.
All she had done in the Olympics was throw a perfect game and was nearly unhittable in her outings for Team USA.
Oh, Abbott got in the game -- in the sixth inning when Team USA was trailing 2-1.
And she did commit an error that enabled Japan to produce an insurance run. This is a team loss.
And Silver will look good on her mantel. But with no softball in the Olympics for at least eight years, it's a long time to ponder this decision.
Alvarez football
The course of history is about to change at Alvarez.
No, this is not a playoff team.
But that 25-game winless streak the football program has endured will end this year.
The Eagles -- 54 of them -- made a decision to change the direction of the program two weeks after the season ended. That attitude has gotten contagious.
Head coach Bobby Rawles has these kids believing. And why shouldn't they? Why can't this be the year the program turns the corner?
No, this is not a playoff team.
But that 25-game winless streak the football program has endured will end this year.
The Eagles -- 54 of them -- made a decision to change the direction of the program two weeks after the season ended. That attitude has gotten contagious.
Head coach Bobby Rawles has these kids believing. And why shouldn't they? Why can't this be the year the program turns the corner?
king city football
Carmel may be the preseason favorite and Pacific Grove is the defending champion.
But lurking roughly 68 miles to the south, practicing in conditions that are often 20 degrees hotter than the peninsula is King City.
Yes, the team that won just two games last year will be this year's North Salinas.
Humbled by last years fall out are 20 seniors determined to make amends.
A commitment in the off-season was evident during a recent practice, where attitude and attention to detail were prevalent among the 54 players.
One player told me he didn't even know who the first game was against, that his only focus was on the next play in practice
I like that. I also liked King City's size and speed and stability with its coaching staff.
But lurking roughly 68 miles to the south, practicing in conditions that are often 20 degrees hotter than the peninsula is King City.
Yes, the team that won just two games last year will be this year's North Salinas.
Humbled by last years fall out are 20 seniors determined to make amends.
A commitment in the off-season was evident during a recent practice, where attitude and attention to detail were prevalent among the 54 players.
One player told me he didn't even know who the first game was against, that his only focus was on the next play in practice
I like that. I also liked King City's size and speed and stability with its coaching staff.
8/19/2008
Coming Thursday
In an effort to wet your football appetite, over the course of the next 15 days will be 15 stories on 15 county football programs.
Each school will get their one day to shine as we attempt to provide a more in depth look at each program and what direction they're headed.
Also Prep Nation (the video) will return with a new look as we break down the weeks top game as well as touch on every battle that weekend leading to the playoffs.
Each school will get their one day to shine as we attempt to provide a more in depth look at each program and what direction they're headed.
Also Prep Nation (the video) will return with a new look as we break down the weeks top game as well as touch on every battle that weekend leading to the playoffs.
football frenzy
While some schools have been popping pads for 20 days, Stevenson's first practice is today - nine days before Salinas' first game.
Stevenson is traditionally the last school in the tri-league area to start practice, choosing two weeks of double days over one practice a day.
Yet, every other school in the Mission Trail Athletic League has had at least eight days of practice already under their belt, some of which were double-day sessions.
So how far behind does this put Stevenson?
Depends on your prospective.
Monterey started practice on July 31. Its first game is on Sept. 12. To me, 44 days of practice before a game is insane.
With football literally a year-around event, who needs more than 10 days to prepare for a game?
Oh, by the way, Stevenson's first game is also on Sept. 12.
Stevenson is traditionally the last school in the tri-league area to start practice, choosing two weeks of double days over one practice a day.
Yet, every other school in the Mission Trail Athletic League has had at least eight days of practice already under their belt, some of which were double-day sessions.
So how far behind does this put Stevenson?
Depends on your prospective.
Monterey started practice on July 31. Its first game is on Sept. 12. To me, 44 days of practice before a game is insane.
With football literally a year-around event, who needs more than 10 days to prepare for a game?
Oh, by the way, Stevenson's first game is also on Sept. 12.
8/08/2008
Training camp report
Last year was not a fluke. North Salinas is the real deal.
Essentially, the Vikings were one play last season from playing for a Central Coast Section title.
When you have 16 starters back this year, you're in good shape.
What the Vikings have to do is find ways to win games in the second half when falling behind. Last year they were just 1-3.
An offense with more variations this year will help.
If you're looking for a sleeper in the TCAL — and that's probably an unfair statement based on what North Salinas accomplished last year — this is your team.
Then again, it has been 23 years since the Vikings won a league title.
Essentially, the Vikings were one play last season from playing for a Central Coast Section title.
When you have 16 starters back this year, you're in good shape.
What the Vikings have to do is find ways to win games in the second half when falling behind. Last year they were just 1-3.
An offense with more variations this year will help.
If you're looking for a sleeper in the TCAL — and that's probably an unfair statement based on what North Salinas accomplished last year — this is your team.
Then again, it has been 23 years since the Vikings won a league title.
8/07/2008
football camps
Watching interim head coach Todd Buller get down and do push-ups with his players during a recent practice was a clear sign that the enthusiasm and energy that former head coach Buck Roggeman left behind when he resigned still remains.
You don't replace Roggeman. One opposing coach gave him the ultimate compliment, calling him the key to the Breakers run of supremacy over the last seven years.
We'll find out when things get tight. Yet, the elements for another title run are still in place, including Roggeman's coaching staff — which is critical to any teams success.
You don't replace Roggeman. One opposing coach gave him the ultimate compliment, calling him the key to the Breakers run of supremacy over the last seven years.
We'll find out when things get tight. Yet, the elements for another title run are still in place, including Roggeman's coaching staff — which is critical to any teams success.
8/06/2008
training camp stops
I know it's early. But Seaside looked awful efficient on the football field during practice the other day.
It certainly helps having 17 starters back in the mix and Monterey Bay League Defensive Player of the Year Greg Holland.
The chemistry, though, on the field is what impressed me. And the pace of practice, which was fast.
My only concern is practicing an entire month before facing an opponent can wear on you.
And Seaside's preseason schedule is brutal
It certainly helps having 17 starters back in the mix and Monterey Bay League Defensive Player of the Year Greg Holland.
The chemistry, though, on the field is what impressed me. And the pace of practice, which was fast.
My only concern is practicing an entire month before facing an opponent can wear on you.
And Seaside's preseason schedule is brutal
8/01/2008
without a home field
Pacific Grove won't have a field to call home this season while renovations are underway to install a new synthetic football field, all-weather track and bleachers to the schools stadium.
A big deal for the defending five-time Mission Trail Athletic League champions?
Well Palma has never played a home game on campus. Lets see, what has it been now — 24 straight postseason appearances?
Pacific Grove will be just fine, particularly having the use of Monterey Peninsula College's sparkling new facility for home games — where it posted a playoff win last year.
A big deal for the defending five-time Mission Trail Athletic League champions?
Well Palma has never played a home game on campus. Lets see, what has it been now — 24 straight postseason appearances?
Pacific Grove will be just fine, particularly having the use of Monterey Peninsula College's sparkling new facility for home games — where it posted a playoff win last year.
Better judgement
When you've got a baseball scholarship to Arizona State, you have got to use better judgement.
Going around shooting out windows and a male pedestrian with a pellet gun, as alleged, may sound like a silly prank. But being arrested for vandalism, assault and driving under the influence is serious.
Could this jeopardize Pacific Grove graduate Abe Ruiz's scholarship? Probably not. I mean, do you strip an athlete of his future because of ONE stupid, teenage mistake?
But now the 18-year-old Ruiz has a big strike against him, along with Ian Hesse, who will play football this season at Monterey Peninsula College, after piling up over 1,800 rushing yards last year at Pacific Grove.
Hesse was The Herald's Offensive Football Player of the Year while Ruiz was our Baseball Player of the Year. In my encounters with each of them, they're polite and respectful young men. It almost seems out of character.
Alcohol has a way of changing people's perspective - at any age.
Lets be honest. There are far worse offenses. But it was a stupid act. Prosecutors have filed court charges. There will be a price to pay.
Hopefully a lesson was learned.
Going around shooting out windows and a male pedestrian with a pellet gun, as alleged, may sound like a silly prank. But being arrested for vandalism, assault and driving under the influence is serious.
Could this jeopardize Pacific Grove graduate Abe Ruiz's scholarship? Probably not. I mean, do you strip an athlete of his future because of ONE stupid, teenage mistake?
But now the 18-year-old Ruiz has a big strike against him, along with Ian Hesse, who will play football this season at Monterey Peninsula College, after piling up over 1,800 rushing yards last year at Pacific Grove.
Hesse was The Herald's Offensive Football Player of the Year while Ruiz was our Baseball Player of the Year. In my encounters with each of them, they're polite and respectful young men. It almost seems out of character.
Alcohol has a way of changing people's perspective - at any age.
Lets be honest. There are far worse offenses. But it was a stupid act. Prosecutors have filed court charges. There will be a price to pay.
Hopefully a lesson was learned.
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