Carnazzo's decision.

Palma coach Jeff Carnazzo may question his decision today to run the ball on its final drive, rather than pounce on Gilroy with an aerial attack that produced two quick fourth quarter touchdowns to get them back in the game.
But why?
It was working.
The Chieftains went from the 38-yard line to the 9-yard line, chewing up nearly four minutes of the clock.
Giving Gilroy quarterback Jamie Jensen more than a minute wouldn't have been wise. If Palma had tried to score quickly, as it did on its previous two possessions, a winded defense wouldn't have had much left in the tank.
Remember, it spent most of the second half on the field.
And some credit has to go to Gilroy's defense, who rose to the occasion, pushing Palma back on its last four plays.

Palma-Gilroy

Wouldn't it be great if Palma and Gilroy meet again in the playoffs?
Because this game left you wanting more.
I would have liked to have seen Palma score in the final minute. That still would have been enough time for Gilroy quarterback Jamie Jensen to put his squad in a position to win the game.
Maybe we will get another chance to play it out in the postseason.
This game will benefit both teams for the playoffs. Palma will build on the fact that he rallied from an 18-point fourth quarter deficit and had a shot to win the game in the final minute.
Gilroy forgot what it was like to play a meaningful fourth quarter. It hasn't happened since Week 2. This will keep them humble, yet on a crash course for a Central Coast Section title.

Keep your pants on

Mike Singletary dropped his pants to get players attention in his first game as the 49ers head coach.
Why would you want that to leak out to the media? Glancing at a man's ass likely didn't provide the spark he was looking for.
You're a coach, not some high school kid pulling a prank in the locker room.
I will say this. I like Singletary benching J.T. O'Sullivan and sending Vernon Davis to the showers during the game. Davis is another Mike Nolan bust and O'Sullivan is only in the league because of Mike Martz.
Martz wanted Nolan's job. Didn't happen. Look for the 49ers to unveil a seventh offensive coordinator in seven years next fall.
For as disturbed as the Raiders are, the 49ers aren't are behind. Putting those two teams together still wouldn't create a winner.

monterey volleyball

Is there a better story this year in volleyball than Monterey?
A program that dropped eight of their last 10 non-league matches --- swept in all eight losses -- capturing a Monterey Bay League title Thursday.
No doubt, the confidence was clearly shaken while being roughed up in the preseason. Yet, the Toreadores never stopped believing in themselves.
No stars on this team. No attitudes. Just teammates striving for one common goal and that was to get better. The rest took care of itself.

football predictions

No rhyme or reason.
But 10-0 is perfection. And it improved my record to 52-11.
Gilroy at Palma: I believe weather will be a factor. I'm concerned about Palma's secondary. And Gilroy's defense has allowed just 65 points all year. Gilroy.
Salinas at San Benito: A win will leave no doubt about Salinas' playoff hopes. Playing on a grass field should benefit the Cowboys and tailback Alvin Jelks, who has rushed for over 100 yards six times this year: Salinas.
Carmel at Greenfield: Turning quarterback Ken Johnston loose provides a little more balance to a Carmel offense that is already averaging 53.8 points a game in the MTAL. Greenfield has to control the clock and force at least two turnovers: Carmel.
Watsonville at Monterey: The Toreadores got a wake-up call last week in nearly squandering a lead to Monte Vista. It won't happen this week. Monterey.
Pacific Grove at Gonzales: There's no reason to believe that Pacific Grove's run of 33 straight MTAL wins is in jeopardy this week, although Gonzales is an improved team. Pacific Grove.
Stevenson at King City: I'm sticking to my prediction that King City will win seven games this year. King City.
North County at Pajaro Valley: Having snapped a four-game losing streak last week, look for the Condors to halt a four-game road losing streak that dates back to last year: North County.
Seaside at Monte Vista: Traditionally this has been a difficult stop for Seaside. A grass field in foul weather could turn this into a defensive tussle: Seaside.
North Salinas at Alvarez: The hangover effect from having faced Palma will not be a factor. The Vikings have bigger plans down the road. North Salinas.
Soledad at McKinleyville: How did Soledad find this game? McKinleyville.

Hoops start Saturday

Hard to believe that basketball season runs its first drills Saturday.
While predictions may be a bit premature, I'm still going to make them.
No question, Pacific Grove defends its title in the MTAL, Palma in the TCAL. And Monterey shocks the world in the MBL. In fact, Monterey will be this years version of North Salinas in terms of improvement.

As for the girls, North Salinas has four starters back. Untouchable in the TCAL. After two straight years of failing to knock off Stevenson in the MTAL, Santa Catalina puts the past in the rear view mirror. Seaside will be difficult to beat in the MBL. This years North County in terms of a surprise team will be Monterey.

Football thoughts

How will North Salinas — who held a 14-7 lead in the third quarter — respond after falling to Palma for the 21st straight time?
Losing tailback Chris Nguyen for any period of time is a concern for Seaside.
North County, which snapped a four-game losing streak last week, will look to stop a four-game road losing streak that dates back to last year this Saturday against Pajaro Valley.
Salinas shouldn't rest on five wins getting them into the playoffs. A sixth win would cement it.
If I'm Greenfield, I'm praying for rain. A slick ball will slow down the Padres air-attack. And Greenfield is a team that can pound the ball and chew up the clock.
Gilroy's spread offense originated from Texas Tech. Just because quarterback Jamie Jensen's numbers aren't quite as astonishing as last year doesn't mean he is having an off year. The Mustangs are averaging 48 points a game and Jensen is sitting a lot in the fourth quarter.

volleyball playoff push

For as big of a win as it was for King City last week in knocking off unbeaten Santa Catalina, a meeting with Carmel next Tuesday will be even bigger.
While Carmel is a lock to reach the playoffs, even as a third seed out of the Mission Trail Athletic League, King City is not.
The Mustangs — owners of 25 straight postseason appearances — will have to finish in the top two in the MTAL to ensure a playoff berth, if you believe the point gods that have kindly shared their insight.
Barring any stunning upsets Thursday, the two teams will meet in King City for sole possession of second place. It might be noted that the Mustangs are unbeaten in league play at home.
Carmel did win the first meeting.

Rivera promoted

The San Diego Chargers naming of Ron Rivera as their defensive coordinator Tuesday afternoon to replace the fired Ted Cottrell could put the one-time Seaside High standout a step closer to becoming an NFL head coach.
Rivera, who interviewed for seven head coaching vacancies in 2006 while a defensive coordinator for the Super Bowl bound Chicago Bears, was a finalist for the Chargers job before becoming their linebackers coach.
Promoting Rivera in the middle of the season might seem like a desperate move for the Chargers, who sit at 3-5 at the halfway point of the NFL season.
Yet, in looking back at Rivera's past, his defenses with the Bears were the top ranked in the NFC in 2005 and 2006.
A Super Bowl pick by several publications before the year started, if San Diego doesn't turn it around, Rivera could be a perfect choose to replace head coach Norv Turner.

volleyball showdowns

I believe King City is a lock for its 26th straight playoff berth, even if it ends up in third place in the Mission Trail Athletic League.
King City currently sits in a tie for second with Carmel, whom it has another match with in eight days.
Monterey dropped eight of its last 10 preseason matches. Yet, a Monterey Bay League title is within grasp if it can avenge its only league loss Tuesday to Pajaro.
A cast of unknowns have worked as one at Monterey to turn their season around. Now if their coach would just stop hyperventilating, it would make their job easier.

Greenfield football

Greenfield is expected to argue that the cancelation of its game with Stallworth — whose season was suspended for ineligible players five days ago — on Nov. 7 become a forfeit win.
Don't look for the Central Coast Section to rule in favor of them. And perhaps that is the right decision. The game was never held. I don't believe it would have ever been contested.
I do understand Greenfield's concern. If the season ended today, it would miss the playoffs based on points. A win for Stallworth would catapult them past three teams and into the playoffs.
But the playoffs are three weeks off. Greenfield can control its destiny on the field. Beat Carmel on Friday and it's playoff bound. It's that simple.
And the field is where the playoffs should be decided in the first place.

49er debacle

Wow.
When new 49ers head coach Mike Singletary said he wasn't going to change much, he wasn't kidding.
And now the 49ers have a five-game losing streak and sit at the bottom of the NFC West. Didn't someone predict that in a column eight weeks ago? Yeah I did.
The thing is, this was a game the 49ers were capable of winning. Instead, it was their worst effort of the year.
I will say this. Singletary did do two things former coach Mike Nolan wouldn't have.
He told overpaid and overrated tight end Vernon Davis to leave the field in the fourth quarter after the 2005 first round bust sat on the bench and pouted while the offense was on the field.
And he benched quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan just before halftime. After eight games, we now know why O'Sullivan has been cut by seven other teams.
He leads the NFL in fumbles, fires at least an interception a game and does little inside the 20-yard line.
This team has no identity.

palma football

You will here more about this as the week progresses.
Most don't think Palma matches up with Gilroy. And as we've seen all year, few teams do match up against the unbeaten Mustangs.
In fact, had you asked me last Friday, I likely would have said Gilroy by at least 10 points.
But......
Weather could play a role this Friday.
It's suppose to rain. The game is on a grass field at the Salinas Sports Complex.
Anyone remember last year when Gilroy went to Pacific Grove to play on a rain soaked field?
Pacific Grove actually held a halftime lead as Gilroy couldn't get its pass-happy attack going.
On a damp grass field, it will bother Gilroy's offense, which is based on timing. Of course, Palma will suffer the same fate.
But the Chieftains can run the ball out of the "I' formation or 'Fly'. I'm not sold on Gilroy's running game.

Friday night recap

The first thought that came to mind after Palma's come-from-behind win over North Salinas Friday was --- will it have anything left for Gilroy the following week?
This was a physical and emotional battle. The hitting was fierce. Both teams will feel it Saturday.
The second thought was how is Palma going to stop Gilroy's potent passing attack when North Salinas, who isn't regarded as a passing threat, completed 8-of-14 passes for over 100 yards?
Granted, Palma keyed on the run, which helped open the Vikings passing attack. And when it mattered, the Chieftains defensive backs came up big, particularly Bruce Taylor -- no relation to former 49ers cornerback Bruce Taylor.
But for next Friday's battle with unbeaten Gilroy to be a game, Palma is going to have to disrupt the timing of that dynamic offense or it's going to be a long night.

North Salinas alums

Check out Sunday's battle in London between New Orleans and San Diego, which just happen to be my Super Bowl picks.
More importantly, a pair of former North Salinas High standouts will be on opposite sides with Chargers special teams demon Kassim Osgood and Saints rookie starting guard Carl Nicks.
Nicks, a fifth round pick this year out of Nebraska, has started the last three games for New Orleans. Osgood has earned Pro Bowl honors the last two years as a special teams standout.
Speaking of Super Bowl, the team that won this game last fall ended up winning the Super Bowl.

Stallworth fallout

I've got to throw this out there.
Did Stallworth Academy in Stockton really get the death penalty for all sports for not one, but two years for just having ineligible athletes?
Come on.
This is a charter school that was fielding football for the first time.
No, there's a lot more to this than the Sac-Joaquin Section is telling us.
Lawsuits may soon follow.
Why are all sports being penalized? All I've heard is that 20 football players from the varsity and junior varsity have been ruled ineligible.
Of course, 20 is a large number.
Yet, even when Salinas had several sanction violations four years ago, costing all their sports programs a one-year banishment from the playoffs, they were still allowed to compete.

football picks

No rhyme or reason.
But hey, posting an 8-1 record last week has me at 42-11.
Greenfield at Gonzales: This is a game Greenfield better not overlook. Quarterback Manuel Madrid makes Gonzales a different team. With him behind center, the Spartans are 2-0. Greenfield.
Soledad at King City: I projected King City to win seven games this year. It can still happen. But it'll have to run the table. King City.
Alisal at Gilroy: Alisal is winless on the road this year. The Trojans ability to move the ball on the ground could slow down Gilroy's potent offense. Just not enough. Gilroy.
Alvarez at Salinas: The Cowboys can't afford a letdown after an emotional win over Alisal last week. One more win could secure them a playoff spot. Alvarez has never won a TCAL game. Salinas.
Monte Vista at Monterey: Joel Kemper and Markeen Williams could have career games. Monterey's defense doesn't get the credit it deserves. Monterey.
Seaside at Pajaro Valley: The Spartans had a letdown last week after an emotional battle with Palma a week earlier. Don't look for it to occur this week. Seaside.
Stevenson at Pacific Grove: Each game could be Stevenson's last. Make the most of it. Pacific Grove.
Watsonville at North County: Despite a four-game losing streak, there were signs of improvement last week for the Condors in their battle with Seaside. North County.
Palma vs. North Salinas: If the Vikings don't shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, this will be the best game of the season to date. I like North Salinas' speed. I love Palma's discipline. Can North Salinas move the ball threw the air? Palma.

Santa Catalina volleyball

What I like about Santa Catalina is who do you stop?
Sure, 6-foot-3 Michelle Briggs is an enforcer in the middle. And Carmel did a nice job in neutralizing her Thursday.
But then came outside hitters Taylor Fox and Shelby Carroll. Oh, and sophomore Sage Wright doesn't play like a deer-in-the-headlights freshman anymore.
Of course, the team revolves around four-year starter Clare Bolton. It's not a coincidence that when the Cougars changed to a 5-1 offense with Bolton as the primary setter, they haven't lost since.

Stallworth debacle

Upon further review, Greenfield may have to argue its case to receive a forfeit win over Stallworth of Stockton, who had its football season suspended late Wednesday.
While Monterey will officially be notified Monday that it will receive a forfeit win after Stallworth used ineligible players in a 29-12 win over the Toreadores, Greenfield wasn't slated to play them until Nov. 4.
Central Coast Section assistant commissioner Duane Morgan says it'll likely be looked upon as a no contest, since the game was never held.
However, because the Bruins are in a playoff chase, they can argue that this game could have had implications on their playoff fate.
I think they've got a good case, although I question whether they would have played the game anyway.

Breaking down NS-Palma

North Salinas has more team speed. Palma is more disciplined.
Which would you rather have?
Well the Vikings are 6-0 for the first time in 25 years. So discipline (penalties) hasn't crippled them. And while the Chieftains may lack a true speedster, tailback Justin Olivarria is averaging 9.4 yards a carry.
The key i,s can North Salinas move the ball threw the air? Because it will have to if it wants to end a 20-year losing streak to their Salinas rivals. Palma will — or should — stack the box with eight or nine players.
The best matchup is Palma quarterback David Fales going up against a North Salinas secondary that has three players that have started since their sophomore years.

Stallworth football grounded

Stallworth Academy — you've heard of them — is in the news again for the wrong reasons.
The SAC-Joaquin Section has suspended all sports at the Stockton school for the rest of this year and next year after eligibility issues were discovered.
Big surprise there.
What does this mean? Well, likely forfeit wins for Greenfield and Monterey, but not Carmel, who canceled its game with the school five weeks ago.
Greenfield was slated to play Stallworth in Week 9. My hunch is the Bruins likely weren't going to play the game. But a decision to hold off on canceling it will likely give them a forfeit win.
The same holds true for Monterey, who was beaten 29-12 by Stallworth three weeks ago.
Stallworth came under scrutiny after calling itself Hancock Christian over the summer, then seeing eight players from SJS power Franklin High transfer after that program suffered severe CIF violations.

Local World Series connection

If you're not rooting for the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series, you're either a Phillies fan or inhuman.
Just in case, here's one more reason if you reside in Monterey County.
Not only is manager Joe Maddon a former player for the Salinas Angels in 1978-79, but scouting director R.J. Harrison is a former Salinas Peppers manager, when they were an affiliation of the Seattle Mariners.
And Rays broadcaster Rich Herrera attended North Salinas High, where his football coach was current Alverez athletic director Chuck Noroian.
General manager Andrew Friedman attended Stevenson for half a year, even playing football for the Pirates.

Volleyball breakdown

So what will be the difference for Carmel this time around when it faces unbeaten Santa Catalina on Thursday.
I mean it got hammered on its own court in the teams first meeting on Oct. 1.
To be honest, nothing has changed personal wise.
Yet, when you're humbled, you can go in two directions. Forward or backwards. The Padres haven't lost a match since. True, Santa Catalina hasn't lost a game, let alone a match in league play.
But these teams are evenly matched. I like Carmel's quickness. But the Cougars experience comes up big in crunch time.

49ers firing

Not that I agree with a move that has desperation written all over it, but it made sense to fire Mike Nolan on Monday.
The 49ers have Seattle coming to The Stick on Sunday -- a bad Seattle team I might add.
Interim coach Mike Singletary has a shot at getting a win in his debut and the 49ers can feel good about themselves going into a bye week.
But keep in mind that it was Nolan who hired Singletary. And this defense has not performed like expected. That's on Singletary.
It's not that the players weren't playing hard for Nolan. They just aren't very disciplined. And that starts with the entire coaching staff.
I will say this. Look for Singletary to make his mark immediately by explaining to offensive coordinator Mike Martz to get the freaking ball to tailback Frank Gore.
It's been a joke how Gore, the best offensive threat -- make that the only offensive threat the 49ers have -- has been used in the last two games.
Nolan won 18 games over three and a half seasons. By comparison, New England won 18 games last season.

Salinas football

Maybe it's time to give Salinas coach Steve Goodbody is due.
Has anyone done a better job this year than the third year coach?
Keep in mind, this is a group of seniors that have never had a winning season at any level.
Yet, here they are, one win away from clinching no worse than a .500 overall record and a likely spot in the postseason.
The Cowboys three losses this year are to teams with a combined 17-1 record. Two of their wins include perennial MBL power Seaside and CCS Medium School finalist Live Oak.
Goodbody felt he needed three years to established his own program. Salinas now has an identity.

track star turned bobsleder

Anyone remember Nick Cunningham?
The Monterey High sprinter who listened to his name being announced during graduation on a cell phone in Norwalk while preparing to compete in the state track and field championships in the 200 meters five years ago.
Today Cunningham is a part of the U.S. National championship four-man bobsled team that won the team trials in Lake Placid, New York.
Four months after competing in his last collegiate track meet for Boise State at the NCAA Regionals, Cunningham is vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic bobsled team for the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Cunningham isn't the first former sprinter to attempt bobsledding. Former NFL stars and college sprinters Hershel Walker and Willie Gault both attempted to make an Olympic team.

Saturday debacle

Someone barked at me for calling Saturday's Stevenson-Carmel game nothing more than a glorified scrimmage in Thursday's PrepNation video.
Well, what would you call a team that gets torched for 62 points and losses by 55?
I applaud the Pirates -- all 17 of them -- for refusing to give up on a season.
Yet, what's transpiring here besides humiliation, is opponents padding their stats and a few more injuries.
The risks are outweighing the rewards.

Salinas football

It was an atmosphere not seen in a long time at Salinas.
Players parading around the field, seeking out members of the student body to celebrate a win.
Forgive them for relishing the moment.
No, it wasn't a playoff game. But it's as close as the Cowboys have been in six years.
And one more win will likely put Salinas back in the postseason.
Salinas made plays when it needed to, converting eight times on third down, two times on fourth down. It ran the ball well with Alvin Jelks. And when Alisal put eight in the box, Salinas didn't hesitate to put the ball in the air.
More steps still need to be taken before talking playoffs. But this was a big leap forward.

Alisal football

You have to feel a little for Alisal.
Three times this year it has had a chance to either win the game or tie it on its final offensive play.
Instead, it has three losses to show for it. None bigger than Friday's 27-20 loss to TCAL rival Salinas.
For Alisal to have any hope of returning to the postseason, it'll have to win two of its final three games — two of those games include unbeaten Gilroy and perennial power Palma.
Ouch.
If Alisal had just won one of those games, it likely would have been playoff bound.

speedy recovery

If you're a fan or supporter of high school track in Monterey County, then you know the name John Ables.
You may not agree with all of his methods, but it's hard to argue with his success -44 league titles - and love for the kids he coaches.
Let's hope for a speedy recovery for the Carmel boys and girls cross country and track and field coach
What ever has him laid up saw him miss just his second meet in 20 plus years.

Volleyball feast

Salinas gave North Salinas athletic director Jean Ashen a surprise 50th birthday party before Thursday's volleyball match.
Then the Cowboys went out and beat North Salinas in three games, sweeping the season series for the ninth straight year.
For the first time since moving into the Tri-County Athletic League, Salinas is 7-0 in league play. It has the best player in the county in Sarah Reams and an attack that just keeps coming at you.
While the team is confident, it's far from arrogant. Attitude goes along ways in taking the next step.

Football picks

No rhyme or reason.
But going 10-1 last week (thanks Monterey) makes me 34-10.
Alisal at Salinas: Nothing wrong with a little playoff atmosphere in October, although most TCAL games have a playoff feel. A mistake in the fourth quarter decides this evenly matched battle. Alisal.
San Benito at North Salinas: Not since the days of former Philadelphia Eagles running back Anthony Toney have the Vikings started 5-0. Head coach Steve Zenk spent a few seasons as an assistant at San Benito. North Salinas.
King City at Greenfield: Three teams could make the postseason out of the Mission Trail Athletic League. Third place is decided tonight: Greenfield.
Gonzales at Soledad: Two teams separated by six miles creates a rivalry. Soledad has made big strides this year. The Spartans need three points to surpass last years entire team total. Gonzales.
North County at Seaside: If the Spartans play like they have in their last two games, they won't lose another game this year. Seaside.
Pajaro Valley at Monterey: Stallworth might have been the most physical team Monterey has played this year. It should help them in four weeks when they face Seaside: Monterey.
Pacific Grove at Gilroy: The Breakers are treating this game like a mid-term. Can it stop Gilroy's vaunted spread offense? Because in four weeks, it'll face a similar attack in Carmel. Gilroy.
Carmel at Stevenson: The Pirates found enough players to step on the field. But for how long? Carmel has scored 99 points in its last two games. Carmel
Palma at Alvarez: All Palma wants out of this game is to come away healthy as its next two opponents will be unbeaten North Salinas and Gilroy. Palma.

scuffling in the water

What goes on under water isn't always visible in water polo.
Simply put, officials can't see the groin kicks or the grabbing of certain body parts in the heat of the battle.
Yes, it does happen -- even in girls water polo.
Who doesn't look for an edge?
Lets face it, water polo is a physical sport and is demanding on the body. But the illegal tactics some schools use strip the sport of its values.
This one is on the athletes. Clean it up.

Should they play???

With six junior varsity players called up and four players cleared to play, should Stevenson play this week with 18 players or should the season have been called?
No one likes to win a game on a forfeit. But this weeks game with Carmel could be nothing more than a glorified scrimmage, at the risk of more players getting hurt.
Players need a blow in football. Accept that can't happen when the roster has the same numbers as a basketball team. When fatigue sets in, that's when injuries occur.

playoff implications

Too early to talk playoffs?
Perhaps.
But the implications are heating up now.
Alisal and Salinas, who meet Friday at The Pit, are both 3-3. I believe the winner of this game makes the playoffs and the loser will need help.
Four teams from the Tri-County Athletic League will make the playoffs. Bank on North Salinas, Gilroy and Palma. That leaves one likely opening.
Keep in mind that Salinas has lost three games to teams with a combined 14-1 record. It has already fallen to Palma and Gilroy.
One other game of interest is Greenfield hosting King City. It's conceivable that a third team from the Mission Trail Athletic League will make the playoffs.
Both teams have a league loss. Two might be to many. Playing a nine-game schedule -- assuming Greenfield cancels its game with Stallworth -- could benefit the Bruins.

Best sports cities

Monterey showed up on The Sporting News' 400 best sports cities list, finishing 310.
How?
What does it have to even be on this list?
Probably more than you think. Sure, there's no professional franchise or minor league team, and no major college sports program.
But the peninsula does have the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - a PGA tour event that Tiger Woods refuses to play in - the World Super Bikes at Laguna Seca and the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend. Oh, and CSU-Monterey Bay has played UCLA and Fresno State in hoops.
Yeah, I agree. So what.
But when you break down 400 cities, the pickings get slim after 100. Monterey actually finished ahead of California rivals Napa, San Bernardino, Modesto, Adelanto, Lancaster and Rancho Cucamonga.
And Stanford's men's basketball team is slated to open its practice in Monterey this week. Go figure.

stevenson decision

Stevenson is going to make every attempt to play Saturday's football game against Carmel to avoid a second straight forfeit.
The hope is that 20 players will be in uniform. A more realistic number is 17.
But is this game being played for the right reasons?
Could it be because the junior varsity is undefeated and wants a shot at two-time JV champion Carmel?
Or is this game being played for the eight seniors that are still healthy enough to put on the pads for their final home game.
Let's hope these six players that came up were players making contributions on the JV's, not backups, who have no business playing at this level.
Otherwise this has disaster spelled all over it.I applaud the players that remain for wanting to see it through.
But this will be nothing more than a glorified scrimmage for Carmel. I guess that's better than not playing at all.

North Salinas cross country

A six-hour flight home, followed by a two-plus hour drive will get North Salinas back just in time to compete Tuesday in a cross country meet at Natividad Park in Salinas.
Jet lag?
How about fatigue?
For 17 members of the Vikings cross country team, they spent four days in New York, taking part in the Manhattan Invitational, touring a few college campuses, seeing two plays on Broadway and touring sites -- on foot.
There's no time for resting in the Big Apple.
Yet, I'm betting they don't jog in Tuesday's meet.

more cross country buzz

Let's not make this a forum for bashing Palma. I agree with one of the comments that this is an isolated incident.
I mean, you wouldn't see this in football or basketball. Then again, you can't hide along a trail where just a handful of people come out to watch anyway.
Yeah, Palma pulled the plug on the City Meet in track last spring, but I understood that move. It was four days before the TCAL trials.
Track muscles are a little different. As a former 300 hurdler, I know hamstrings tend to tighten when meets are too close late in the season.
The City Meet for track should be moved up.
But the City Meet for cross country is three weeks before the league finals. Palma had a meet it deemed important four days after the City Meet in Fresno.
That's fine. Then don't show up for the City Meet and giggle around the course.
Notre Dame had a part in this as well. But that's a product of following Palma's lead. That will change once their coaches gather a little more experience. Trust me, they'll learn from this.

Seaside football

Seaside came of age Friday.
Yeah, they didn't win. That will happen when you fail to score twice inside an opponents 10-yard line. An opponent named Palma. But the game plan was a good one against a Palma program that found itself --- in a battle.
The Spartans will not face a better program the rest of the year than in their last three games — including the playoffs, where Seaside plays in the Small Division.
What this team could look like in five weeks is scary good.

cross country buzz

Wow.
Cross country created comments on the blog.
Who would have thought?
But the question begs? Was is cross country, the subject or Palma that created such a stir?
Palma is an easy target to attack. Success creates animosity.
Yet, I'd like to believe in this case, it was the subject because any school — or coach — that pulls a stunt like that should be chastised.
You can't be afraid of a little heat. Nor should a team need to save themselves for a meet four days later, thus alienating your fellow city schools by jogging the race.
The comments, though, were rather amusing. But lets not have a Salinas City Meet Joggers Invitational. And I doubt there are any runners at Palma from Ethiopia. Good stuff.

Stevenson football debacle

You feel for the players that remain — all eight of them.
But it had to be done.
Stevenson forfeited today's football game with Greenfield.
And while six players from the junior varsity practiced with the varsity on Thursday, one day is not enough time to get prepared to play a varsity football game, nor is 14 players.
Stevenson has not canceled its season. The hope is that the six players that are hurt will get cleared, perhaps as early as next week, giving them 20 to play Carmel on Oct. 18.
I find it hard to believe, though, that most of the 22 sophomores on the junior varsity refused to come up and play. I understand parents concerns. But a decision to band together has hurt two programs.

Prep picks

No rhyme or reason.
And sometimes not very good.
But I'm still 24-9.
Seaside at Palma: Bag pipes vs. the Haka. David Fales hasn't thrown an interception in his last 155 attempts. Justin Olivarria is averaging 12 plus yards each time he touches the ball for Palma. The offensive line is the best in the area. Seaside is still learning the spread offense. This will be an entertaining game — next year. Palma.
North Salinas at Alisal: Alisal is undefeated at home. North Salinas is unbeaten period. The Vikings will wear down the Trojans. North Salinas.
Salinas at Gilroy: If Alvin Jelks gets 30 carries, that means Gilroy's high-potent offense is off the field. Salinas can't afford to get into a shootout with the Mustangs. Gilroy.
Alvarez at San Benito: For as improved as the Eagles are, they just do not match up with teams in the Tri-County Athletic League. San Benito.
Stallworth at Monterey: A first year program in name only, Stallworth has scored 62 and 48 points in its two wins. Monterey is coming off a 52-point eruption. Stallworth doesn't follow the code of conduct, throwing deep with a 40-13 lead late in the fourth quarter last week. Monterey.
Watsonville at King City: The Mustangs have given up 98 points in their last two games. This is still a team capable of winning seven games. But it has to start tonight. King City.
Pacific Grove at Soledad: Two teams that picked up their first wins last week. The Breakers are a team that no one will want to face in five weeks.
Carmel at Gonzales. Carmel may not have another meaningful game until the final weeks of the season. Carmel

Volleyball showdown

Seldom do you see Notre Dame get rattled. But there was clearly frustration with its inability to stop Salinas' Sarah Reams, who dropped 23 kills on a vaunted defense in a 3-1 win.
The two teams will meet again. Notre Dame will realize that today. But grabbing that first match can set the tone, particularly for a program that may have still been searching for an identity.
What's clear is Salinas found it. The target is on their backs and it should be. Its last two wins have come against San Benito (the defending champions) and Notre Dame (the pre-season favorites).

Local flavor in MLB playoffs

So you don't have a team to root for in the MLB playoffs. Try Tampa Bay. Not because they're a great story, going from worse to first.
Rather their manager Joe Madden, played for the old Salinas Angels in 1978-79, when the Angels had a Class A franchise in Salinas.
I wonder when the last time Madden stopped in Salinas?

Stevenson football update

Although a decision might not come down until Friday, the plan is to play on this week at Stevenson.
But is it wise?
While four players from the junior varsity have come up, five players on the varsity have not yet been cleared to practice.
Over the last two weeks, Stevenson has finished the game with 13 players. They are dangerously thin.
While most of the 22 sophomores on the junior varsity are reluctant to come up, the bottom line is if some of them don't, they won't have a game either.

Salinas City Meet changes.

There is a chance that next years Salinas City Meet for track and cross country could be changed to a Salinas Public School City Meet.
The reason?
Palma doesn't seem to care, or just doesn't show up.
Last spring it elected not to compete in the Salinas City Meet for track, siting it was too close to the league finals.
And on Tuesday, it decided to jog the Salinas City Meet cross country championships because it wanted to save itself for a meet on Saturday.
Why even step on the course if you're not going to try? All you have done is piss off your fellow coaches. And your kids looked foolish.

Stevenson football

If Stevenson cancels its varsity season as expected today, there's a good chance that its junior varsity season will be over as well.
Several coaches in the MTAL have said they will not play a junior varsity game with Stevenson if there is no varsity game.
Most opposing coaches feel that Stevenson could bring up seven or eight of its sophomores to help fill out the roster. The Pirates have 41 players on the junior varsity.
Stevenson held a team meeting Tuesday. Just 12 players are healthy enough to play. Last week the Pirates were down to three linemen.

monterey football

All the negative publicity Stallworth Academy of Stockton has brought to itself with its deception of who it really is has only fueled Monterey's fire to play them.
No doubt, Monterey thought it was facing a cream puff when it agreed back in March to host the first year program. Instead, it picked up a team with 19 studs.
Of course, that's all Stallworth has. The Toreadores could've backed out and no one would have argued. Remember this team said it was Samuel Hancock.
Three teams have already canceled football games with Hancock --- I mean Stallworth because it misrepresented itself.
First year programs don't pick up eight transfers, or have Division I prospects.
Chalk it up to Monterey coach Pete Noble's stubbornness. He has challenged his kids. He doesn't do anything without a purpose.
Stallworth, a member of the SAC-Joaquin Section, better hope it's in a league next year. Otherwise this might be the last game it plays.

Stevenson football

If no one from the junior varsity is willing to come up, it's time to pull the plug on the Stevenson varsity football season.
Four more players reportedly suffered concussion like symptoms in last weeks loss to Soledad, dropping the Pirates to 0-4.
Stevenson finished the game with 12 players. While I applaud the players for wanting to continue their season, fatigue is becoming a factor.
Why a kid on the JV team would not want to earn his varsity block as a sophomore is beyond me.
At Carmel, nine sophomores help make up the roster. At Stevenson, just one sophomore is up while 22 remain at the JV level.
Stevenson will make a decision later this week on whether to forfeit Friday's game at Greenfield.
The last known forfeit was in the mid-90's when North County forfeited a game after a hazing incident involving the football team.

streak intact

You're not going to beat a champion spotting them 20 points.
Of course, seeing Greenfield score 20 points in a span of 3:59 in the fourth quarter to tie the game had Pacific Grove on its heels.
Than again, there is a reason the Breakers have won 30 straight MTAL games. They do not panic.
Instead, Pacific Grove drove down field, using a clutch 10-yard catch from Jamie Wilson and then a 28-yard field goal from Wilson with nine seconds left.
The pressure was clearly on Pacific Grove, who was winless in non-league play. None of that matters because the reigning five-time MTAL champions are unbeaten in league today. Oh, and the streak is now 31.

Stevenson football

The status of Stevenson's season is in jeopardy after just 12 players were deemed healthy enough to practice Friday.
In fact, the Pirates will make a decision Saturday morning on whether they'll play Soledad or forfeit the game. A decision on the season — which has six games left — could be forthcoming in the coming weeks.
What is not a consideration is bringing up a handful of kids from the junior varsity, which has 41 players — 22 of which are sophomores — and is undefeated.
Apparently parents have balked at moving their kids up. Understood. But I know there are more than 13 seniors and five juniors on campus — players that started the year on the football team.
As seniors, what do you have to lose, other than your season? Running back Dan Griffin believes there's at least seven seniors that could help this team that aren't playing. Hit the hallways and save your season.

Season in jeopardy

There is word leaking out that the rest of Stevenson's varsity football season could be in jeopardy if it can't get kids from the junior varsity to come up and play for the final five games.
The Pirates, who started the year with just 18 players, are winless and in need of more bodies. If this is true, and it has not been confirmed, Stevenson would be the first known team in the MTAL to shut down a season.
Three years ago, Gonzales was faced with a similar situation, but squeezed out its final two games with 16 players

Prep picks

No rhyme or reason.
But I am 18-5 after two weeks.

Pacific Grove at Greenfield: The Breakers are winless. The Bruins are unbeaten. Pacific Grove has run off 30 straight MTAL wins. Greenfield has never beaten the Breakers. A changing of the guard? Greenfield.
Salinas at Palma: Until someone proves me wrong, Palma is in everyone's heads in Monterey County. Salinas is the only team in the last 24 years to beat them, ironically at the Salinas Sports Complex in 2002. Palma.
Alisal at San Benito: I know the Trojans are winless on the road. But both losses have come on the final play. I like head coach Sunil Smith to get his first win over the Balers. Alisal.
De Anza (Richmond) at Monterey: De Anza has been outscored 116-26 this year. Enough said. Monterey.
North County at McNair (Stockton): McNair did drop 60 on an opponent last week. And North County has steadily gone from 34 points in its opener to six last week. North County.
Gonzales at Pajaro Valley: The Spartans gave us so much hope by scoring 35 points in their opener, more than half of last years entire total, then proceeded to get shutout in their last two games. Pajaro Valley.
Saturday's games
King City at Carmel: Both teams gave up 50 points in their last games. The difference is Carmel has had two weeks to think about it. Carmel.
Gilroy at Alvarez: The argument that Alvarez doesn't belong in the TCAL will come up again. Gilroy.
Seaside at Menlo-Atherton: The offense the Spartans are running is going to click in league play. But not this week. Menlo-Atherton.
Soledad at Stevenson: The Aztecs are improved. Stevenson is winless. The last time two winless teams met in the MTAL, they played to a tie: Stevenson.

Check out Prep Nation the video and listen to our Sports Editor talk about San Benito's defense.

49er quandary

While Mike Martz's offense has clearly given the 49ers a much-needed shot in the arm, quarterbacks usually take a beating in his system, meaning they're not long for success.
Check out Kurt Warner. What did he have, two good years with the Rams before concussions took over? It's taken three years for him to clear his head. How about current Rams QB Mark Bulger?
The system may fit J.T. O'Sullivan's personality. But for how long? The guy is sitting their sniffing ammonia before the Seattle game. O'Sullivan is fearless and stubborn.
That's why he's still in the NFL after six other teams cut him. But if he keeps taking shots like he has, he will not finish the season.
Martz will likely wear out his welcome and the 49ers will be on their seventh offensive coordinator in seven years next fall.

Distance trip of a lifetime

Road trips for high school teams usually amount to no more than a 90-minute bus ride.
How about a six-hour plane ride — a red eye at that?
North Salinas is taking its cross country team to New York to compete in the second oldest high school invitational in the nation on the oldest cross country course.
Wow.
Several of the 17 athletes that are set to board a plane in one week have never flown.
What makes this trip special is what the team will do while in New York. Four college campus visits, a stop along its subway ride to Yankee Stadium, Ground Zero and Ellis Island.
The educational experience alone will make it a lifetime experience. It'll create hope and vision. The race will be an adrenaline rush. So to will be seeing the worlds most diverse city.

Brown reincarnated

Three years after playing his last football game at Hartnell College, Chris Brown has resurfaced at Azusa Pacific, where he became the first player in 15 games to rush for over 100 yards.
Brown was The Herald's Offensive Player of the Year as a senior at Carmel in 2002. His focus had turned to track after he won the Junior College state decathlon title.
Azusa Pacific is no strangers to finding gems. Anyone remember Christian Okoye. Much like Brown, he was a track stud that returned to football, ending up in the NFL with the Chiefs.

Parents

Parents, control yourselves.
I know it's a lot to ask. But I have had three coaches in the last three days tell me they're done after this year.
Burnout was not the issue. Parents were.
These are three veteran coaches that are winning and respected.
Parents, it's not about you.
If your kid is celebrating with the rest of his team, sporting a smile, he's probably having fun.
Isn't that what it's about?