Monterey football
A frantic charge, a drama filled nailbitter or a magical comeback can't all end in gut wrenching walks back to the locker room
Says who?
Was there a broken mirror, voodoo, bad karma, or all the above? Because luck clearly was never on the Toreadores side in a tumultuous 4-6 season.
Monterey endured five setbacks this year where an argument can be made that it could have, perhaps should have won those games.
Its season finale was no different, as a late charge from a 28 point deficit saw them come up short in a five point loss to Alisal.
If you're counting, the Toreadores lost five games in the final minute by a total of 19 points -- or 3.8 points a game.
Grant, Monterey did it five unique ways, rallying from double digit deficits twice, letting a 21 point lead slip away in one game, and falling in the final seconds on two other occasions.
You can only preached discipline so much. At some point, it has to be exercised on the field. Those that are coming back next year will grow from this.
Now the question arises. Will the Toreadores bring back head coach Henry Lusk, who was put on administrative leave for the final two games for an undisclosed reason?
Lusk, a Monterey graduate, brought respect back to the program in his first season last year, taking Monterey to a title and a 10 win season.
For the sake of the program and its stability, a resolution sooner rather than later on the matter needs a conclusion. The season being over doesn't make the matter disappear.
High School cross country
Pacific Coast Athletic League
Gabilan Division Finals
At Toro Park (3.01 miles)
1. King City 30; 2. Pacific Grove 47; 3. Salinas 75; 4. Alisal 102; 5. San Benito 113; 6. Greenfield 123; 7. Carmel 196.
Individual results
1. Mario Avila (King City) 16:34; 2. Ricardo Diaz (King City) 16:44; 3. Will Stefanou (Pacific Grove) 16:46; 4. Esteban Deniz (King City) 16:51; 5. Jose Velazquez (Alisal) 16:58; 6. Sam Coutts (Pacific Grove) 17:07; 7. Fermin Moreno (Salinas) 17:09; 8. Braulio Maravilla (Salinas) 17:10; 9. Luke Stefanou (Pacific Grove) 17:10; 10. Daniel Pantoja (Greenfield) 17:27.
Mission Division
1. Palma 34; 2. Marina 85; 3. Monte Vista 96; 4. Alvarez 107; 5. North County 110; 6. North Salinas 167; 7. Soledad 170; 8. Gilroy 183; 9. Watsonville 188; 10. Seaside 251.
1. Moises Benito (Palma) 16:41; 2. Nicholas Guzman (Gilroy) 16:58; 3. Benjy Altamirano (Palma) 17:29; 4. Andrew Bachman (Monte Vista) 17:33; 5. Edwing Cruz (Palma) 17:36; 6. Carlos Espinoza (Soledad) 17:44; 7. Matthew Edwards (Marina) 17:47; 8. Steven Garcia (Alvarez) 17:58; 9. Diego Villegas (North County) 18:00; 10. Adrian Saldana (North Salinas) 18:00.
Cypress Division
1. St. Francis 28; 2. Stevenson 45; 3. York 75; 4. Pacific Collegiate 85; 5. Gonzales 129; 6. Monterey 136.
1. Michael Julian (York) 16:31; 2. Paul Kane (St. Francis) 17:26; 3. Patrick McCarthy (St. Francis) 17:35; 4. Julian Vargas (St. Francis) 17:55; 5. Max Green (Stevenson) 18:21; 6. John Puka (Stevenson) 18:21; 7. Marshall Boen (Stevenson) 18:29; 8. Daniel Xu (York) 18:34; 9. Christian Magana (St. Francis) 18:47; 10. Diego Ramirez (St. Francis) 18:47.
Santa Lucia Division
1. Christopher 43; 2. Oakwood 66; 3. Kirby 75; 4. Trinity 77; 5. Pajaro Valley 86.
1. Ellis Richardson (Oakwood) 17:58; 2. Ignacio Aguado (Pajaro Valley) 18:40; 3. Alex Avila (Anzar) 19:06; 4. Max Clark (Anzar) 19:50; 5. Brandon Maguire (Trinity) 20:15; 6. Israel Carrisales (Ceiba) 20:21; 7. Caleb Bouwens (Trinity) 20:24; 8. Michael Ruiz (Christopher) 20:40; 9. Javier Margarito (Christopher) 20:46; 10. Elijah Stone (Kirby) 20:55.
Girls
Cypress Division
1. Stevenson 38; 2. Monterey 43; 3. Gonzales 59; 4. St. Francis 71.
Individual results
1. Elizabeth Armstrong (Pacific Collegiate) 21:08; 2. Juliet Oliver (York) 22:19; 3. Gabby Torres (Stevenson) 22:35; 4. Sarah Stoker (York) 23:08; 5. Ashley Ochoa (Gonzales) 23:10; 6. Camryn Ryan (St. Francis) 23:45; 7. Annette Bonilla-Hernandez (Monterey) 24:20; 8. Rachel Zhao (Stevenson) 24:34; 9. Sara Millette (Monterey) 25:15; 10. Molly McCormick (Stevenson) 25:14.
Gabilan Division
1. North Salinas 56; 2. San Benito 62; 3. Gilroy 75; 4. Alisal 85; 5. Salinas 98; 6. Carmel 147; 7. North County 162.
Individual results
1. Lauren Okamoto (San Benito) 20:18; 2. Cherling Padilla (North Salinas) 20:26; 3. Anahi Rosas (Alisal) 20:57; 4. Andrea Cornelio (Alisal) 21:16; 5. Stephanie Lopez (North Salinas) 21:29; 6. Sofia Camacho (North Salinas) 21:31; 7. Cynthia Tena (San Benito) 21:39; 8. Karina Rodriguez (Gilroy) 21:47; 9. Julia Cisneros (Salinas) 21:55; 10. Vianey Garcia (Gilroy) 22:07
Mission Division
1. Seaside 61; 2. Alvarez 65; 3. Greenfield 69; 4. King City 112; 5. Soledad 112; 6. Notre Dame 142; 7. Pacific Grove 158; 8. Watsonville 159
Individual results
1. Layla Ruiz (Watsonville) 19:30; 2. Roselyn Olivo (Alvarez) 21:01; 3. Valerie Cervantez (Alvarez) 21:05; 4. Caroline Coen (Pacific Grove) 21:16; 5. Gladis Garcia (Greenfield) 21:46; 6. Caelan Gilliam (Monte Vista) 21:52; 7. Maria Garcia (Greenfield) 22:33; 8. Patricia Santos (Seaside) 22:40; 9. Andrea Herrera (Seaside) 23:18; 10. Monica Flores (Seaside) 23:24.
Santa Lucia Division
1. Santa Catalina 27; 2. Christopher 29
Individual results
1. Sarah Arcelo (Christopher) 21:27; 2. Rachel Suess (Trinity) 21:31; 3. Nellie Rubio-Pintor (Ceiba) 21:48; 4. Kate Marcotullio (Oakwood) 21:53; 5. Ana Leissner (Santa Catalina) 23:27; 6. Litzy Mozqueda (Pajaro Valley) 24:25; 7. Lux Goetz (Trinity) 24:43; 8. Fatima Licona (Santa Catalina) 25:18; 9. Carlie Silva (Christopher) 26:06; 10. Sutton Pinkus (Santa Catalina) 26:24.
By John Devine
SALINAS: The nervous tension Cherling Padilla was feeling was met with relief with a dosing of water down her neck.
It was a pattern that her North Salinas teammates proceeded to do as well before Saturday's Gabilan Division cross country finals.
"It was hot," Padilla said. "We felt the pressure of the expectations. We decided to ignore all of it and let things happen."
Temperature in the mid 80's slowed marks. Time, though, was the objective. Placement was and the Vikings put three in the top six in capturing their second straight league title at Toro Park.
"I tried to remain positive," Padilla, who finished second in 20:26. "I was hyper before the meet. Just being around my teammates gave me inspiration."
Last yer North Salinas won the Pacific Division title. A bump to the Gabilan Division didn't derail expectations, although injuries slowed progress at the start.
"Today was more about winning the team title," teammate Sofia Camacho said. "We talked about strategy and staying together for a long as we could."
Camacho, who didn't compete in her first race until three weeks ago because of a leg injury, finished behind teammate Stephanie Lopez in sixth overall.
"I'm not pleased with my finish or time," Camacho said. "The team was what was important. It will will sink in tonight. I'll be happy later."
The trio ran within a minute of each other, then relied to their team depth to outscore runner-up San Benito 56-62.
Jumping to the Mission Division this fall didn't keep Seaside from repeating as league champions in the girls division, using depth to edge Alvarez 61-65.
The Spartans didn't have a runner in the top five, but placed three in the top 10, leading by returning all-leaguer Patricia Santos.
"I believed in our team," said Santos, who finished eighth. "We're very strong together. We find our position and try and stay as a pack. We push each other and motivate each other.
Alvarez's Roselyn Olivo finished in second behind Watsonville's Layla Ruiz, who won her third straight league title, clocking the fastest time on the 3.01 mile course in 19:30.
"We don't have that one individual that stands out like that," said Santos. "But as teammates, we push other.
Stevenson won the Cypress Division title. But because Monterey won all three Center Meet races, it will capture the overall league title. Santa Catalina won the Santa Lucia Division.
Boys
Feeling the pace was a little slow over the first mile, sophomore Michael Julian picked up the pace on the hottest part of the course.
The York School distance ace opened some distance among his challengers, then held on to win the overall race among the four divisions in 16:31.
"I got stuck on the pack in the first mile," Julian said. "It was pretty slow. I felt I could accelerate, so I pushed the hills on the second mile."
Julian, took King City's Mario Avila and Ricardo Diaz, and Pacific Grove's Will Stefanou with him, before pulling away on the third camel back hill.
"I gave it everything I had left on the final mile coming down the hills," said Julian, who should be among the favorites at the CCS Division V finals. "I didn't have much left."
Julian, the Cypress Division champion, held on for a nine second win over Avila, who finished as the Gabilan Division champion, leading King City to it second straight team title.
"I felt stronger than usual," Avila said. "I'm from Yuma. So this isn't hot. I was actually in front of Michael after the second hill. But he was stronger than I was on the last hill."
Avila's only objective was defending the team title. As he pushed the pace with Julian, teammates Esteban Deniz and Diaz followed in pursuit.
"We ran a smart race instead of worrying about time," Avila said. "We stuck together for as long as we could on the hills."
Deniz, who was the teams No. 1 runner last year, has slowly come back from an ankle injury, placing fourth overall in 16:51.
"I feel I'm coming," Deniz said. "I don't have the mileage from missing so much time. It's been hard. I feel a little better with each race. We still have two more weeks."
Defending Central Coast Section Division IV champions, the Mustangs are looking to improve upon last year's fourth place finish at the state finals.
"We're just going to enjoy the moment and run with everything we have," Avila said. "Personally, I'm appreciative of the memories I've created with my teammates."
An old nemesis will await the Mustangs in the section finals in Pacific Grove, who fell by 17 to their south county rivals.
"King City ran a fantastic race," said Stefanou, who finished in third in the Gabilan in 16:46. "I respect them so much."
Stefanou went out with Juilan and a trio of King City runners, shadowing them for half the race.
"I felt good after the first mile," Stefanou said. "Going up the hills. I felt them pulling away. It was a little rough watching it. I won't lie, it hurt."
While the Breakers lost all four league meetings to King City, they did beat them at an individual at Crystal Springs, where the section finals will be held.
Palma continued its dominance in the Mission Division, running off with a 34-85 win over runner-up Marina.
Moises Benito won Mission Division honors in 16:41. The sophomore ran with Juliana and a group of Gabilan Division runners for most of the race.
"I just wanted to push myself and run with that pack," Benito said. "We've begun to taper. I felt more energy. Less miles and more speed.
The Chieftains had three runners in the top 10 with Benjy Altamirano placing third and Edwing Cruz taking fifth
More than flame flickering this year for the Otters
By John Devine
SEASIDE: Taped onto each players locker was a print out of the projections from a coaches poll on where each team will finish in conference play.
At the bottom of the California Collegiate Athletic Association women's basketball standings stood CSU-Monterey Bay.
"I understand," CSUMB coach CJ Pace said. "We didn't show much last year. But it fuels me and the players that are back. It gets the flame going a little more. The kids have taken offense to that.''
Of course, the projected finish isn't a surprise, given the fact that the Otters won one game last winter in a painful first season for Pace.
"When you win one game, it's not fun," Pace said. "I have a rule where we don't talk about last year. We're not living in the past. We're going forward. We need a fresh mindset going in."
Rapid turnarounds don't happen overnight. It's a process. Growing pains will continue this year for the Otters, who added just five new players, while retaining eight from last season.
"I didn't want to settle for pieces," Pace said. "I wanted the right pieces. I'm a firm believer the right pieces will come for the right reasons. I'm already seeing that in our next recruiting class."
Plus, Pace saw enough in last year's group to see the upside in a unit determined to be a part of the solution in a program that hasn't had a winning season in six years.
"Trying to keep the kids motivated was tough," Pace said. "We were fighting against the old culture. At the end of the day, we're trying to preach toughness, not laying down to the name of the jersey."
A former University of South Carolina basketball guard, Pace called last year the most challenging of her career as a player or coach.
Hired just a few months before the season, there wasn't a lot of time to evaluate what was returning. Arriving in June meant a dried up recruiting trail with a limited budget.
"Not having the same resources is an excuse," Pace said. "There are plenty of basketball players. It's a matter of us going out and finding them. Finding what fits for what we want to accomplish.''
There's no moment, not even the win, to use as a building block into this year. In part, because Pace spent the off season implementing a new offensive system, referring to it as a fresh start.
"That win was a magical night for us," Pace said. "But we're not building off of it. This is a different crew with a different look. We're trying to create a new way of doing things here."
Yet, there were teaching moments last year. Pushing through their struggles became as much mental as physical for the Otters.
"We struggled with it," sophomore guard Serena Toney said. "Trying to finish out each came became a mental black. We showed in practice we can do this. We had to learn from our mistakes."
Because the Otters are in transition with the roster and system, Pace likened it to having all freshman in terms of learning a new offense and developing a new attitude.
"I knew what I stepped into when I took the job," Pace said. "Of course, I expected more than a win. It's a process, piece-by-piece. We don't have all the pieces. In time, we will."
To fill out the roster last year, Pace brought in Toney, who came to CSUMB to play soccer, to serve as a practice player.
"She stopped by the gym and asked if she could practice with us," Pace said. "Watching her after one week, I'm thinking she's not bad. She draws charges and is physical. She's an attitude."
Halfway through the season, Toney was seeing time on the court, providing the Otters with a fearless defender, making an imprint with her tenacious attitude.
"Soccer wasn't the right fit for me here," Toney said. "I met a girl on the basketball team that is now my best friend. When I started practicing with them, I realized how much I missed the sport."
Toney's first start was memorable, scoring 16 points. The 5-foot-5 guard ended up starting the teams final 15 games, finishing second in 3-point goals with 18.
"She came back in great shape and is shooting the ball a lot better," Pace said. "Serena's a lock down defender."
So is Camille Parker, who started all 26 games last year for CSUMB, leading the team in rebounds at 7.8, while producing five double-doubles.
The 5-foot-8 Parker was forced to play in the paint last year because of the Otters lack of size and depth at the post. The expectation is she will move out to the wing.
"She has a great basketball mind and is a high IQ kid," Pace said. "She has the ability to put the ball on the floor and create shots. She has great vision on the floor."
Pace loves the leadership being displayed by senior forward Yolanda Ealy, who dropped in 9.9 points a game last year. She led team in scoring in 15 games.
"She has a little chippiness to her," Pace said. "She wants a different feel. She's spreading that around the floor. Her attitude is contagious. She brings a lot of energy."
As does sophomore point guard Chyna Dews, who found herself running the offense last year as a 5-foot-3 freshman before seeing her season cut short because of an injury.
"What's different this year is our athleticism and size," Pace said. "Last year our tallest player was a walk-on soccer player. We lacked height and toughness. It's a different vibe this year."
Pace did land some size this winter, starting with Sidni Wise-Wright, a 6-foot redshirt freshman who transferred from Sonoma State.
In addition, Sylvia Vartazarian is a junior college transfer that stands 6-feet, and creates mismatches on smaller forwards with her ability to get to the basket.
"We're a different looking team this year," Toney said. "No one really knows who we are. We've seen the coaches poll. We're going to show people we don't deserve to be in that position."
One of Pace's prize recruits includes point guard Katie Fitzgerald, who played four years of varsity basketball at CIF power Mater Dei in southern California.
"Coming from a highly touted program, Katie was given all the tools for the next level," Pace said. "She brings a high IQ and scoring ability. She's a solid piece to the foundation we're building."
As sombering as a 1-25 season can be, Pace saw improvement, a desire to fight and restore pride in the program from the eight players that have returned.
"My kids showed signs of resilience," Pace said. "We were in games. We often came up a possession or two short. We could have handled things differently. It's part of the growth."
What Pace has this year is a group of players with an edge. While the discomfort of last season isn't allowed to be talked about, it hasn't been forgotten.
"We'll take some hits early," Pace said. "But we'll shake it off and it will make us hungrier. We have a sense of greediness. Last year left a sour taste. We're going to surprise a lot of people."
By John Devine
SEASIDE: In watching film of his teams last contest, Seaside football coach Al Avila winced as the penalties mounted.
It's become a common theme of late. Over the last four games, the Spartans are averaging 150 yards in penalties -- piling up over 200 in a loss two weeks ago at Alisal.
"It's not the officials," Avila said. "When I look at the film, there should have been more penalties us. Stupid aggressive mistakes. It comes down to coaching. We're not doing something right."
Discipline issues aside, Seaside is playing for a share of the Mission Division title Saturday when it visits Monte Vista at Watsonville High.
The Mustangs gathered no worse than a share of the title last week, improving to 5-0 in league while Seaside sits a game back after falling from the unbeaten ranks two weeks ago at Alisal.
"Sometimes you have to be humbled before you can go forward," Avila said. "We've been pounding our chest. We go tagged and rightfully so in our loss."
While eight wins would seem like a lock for the postseason, a loss to Monte Vista could drop Seaside into third place. Just the first two teams from the Mission Division are playoff locks.
While the injuries have mounted for the Spartans (8-1), it been the mistakes and turnovers that have grounded the offense over the last four games.
"We haven't played well since Week 2 against Bishop O'Dowd," Avila said. "We haven't been able to get back to that level. I don't have an explanation. It's been unbelievable."
Penalties have whipped out seven touchdowns this fall for Seaside. Last week it had a 165 yards in a 21-12 win over Soledad.
"It's been drive killers," Avila said. "I've been saying for the last two weeks, if we don't clean this up, it's going to catch up to us. I saw this coming. We're keeping teams in games."
Avila refuses to use injuries as an excuse, although he could starting his fourth different quarterback in arguably the teams biggest game of the season.
"Even with all these injuries, I felt we should have been dominating these teams," Avila said. "This is a big game. I hope our kids understand. Monte Vista is no joke."
Monte Vista's only setback on the year was a non-league loss to reigning CCS Division V champion King's Academy in Week 2.
Asserting themselves on the ground behind running back Quinn Alexander and quarterback Nathan Renggli, the Mustangs are averaging 39.2 points a game in the Mission Division.
"Because they run the Wing-T so well, they lure in and run play action," Avila said. "They are a very team that's big and gets after you. It's going to be a dog fight."
The heart of the Spartans has been their defense, which has posting three shutouts, allowing just nine points a game.
Kefu Leander and Tevita Kamitoni are creating havoc on the interior line while Dylan Olivares and Rusty Finona are sideline-to-sideline linebackers.
"Rusty makes all the call and adjustments for us," Avila sasid. "He's been unbelievable. We've asked him playing running when our first three guys went down. I don't where we'd be without him."
The hope is Finona's attention can be on defense as Treyvon Campbell plays through an ankle sprain, scoring two touchdowns last week for Seaside.
With injuries creating a carousal of quarterbacks behind center in the last four weeks, Avila has been forced to scale back the offense.
"We've had to change things up a bit," Avila said. "We've to scale back some of the offense with the reads and simplify things. Injuries have depleted our depth at running back."
A limited offensive game plan means controlling the clock and grinding behind that offensive line, anchored by the 308-pound Leander and Kamitoni, who is nursing a tender hamstring.
"We expect them to load the box on defense," Avila said. "We have to spread them out and prove we can throw the ball. We have to have some balance and not let them tee off on us."
Moving the ball has not been the Spartans problem -- until it closes in on the red zone. Mysteriously he penalties began to mount.
"Oh, we get up and down the field between the 20's," Avila said. "It seems once we get into scoring position, we shoot ourselves in the foot. We don't close out drives."
Andrew Engles.
The Shoe game was special. We had a great offense. We the chemistry. We all grew up together.ense.
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Phil Shin.
Dr. Dentist in Phoenix suberpb.
North Lake Tahoe.
Played professional in Berlin after a career in UC Davis, writer and editor for a copy of website. Wrote a book. UC San Diego , played fall baseball, transferd to Davis for spring football.
I thoght that was my last game. I was going to play baseball.
Trevor Howell
Strength and condition for the Baltimore Orioles for seven years in Norfolk, Virginia.
Cal Poly, SLO and Sonoma State. Played four years pro in the German League.
"Coming off a playoff year, broke my wrist in the game. Played the rest of the season with one hand on defense."
It was the motivator the rest of the season. We had really good pracices.
We had gusy that were focued and intense practice. WE'd mix players around. I rembmer I'd try and defens and go after . First offense be running plays. I'd go over on second defense and rattle everyone I could.
"There was a moment should I not play. But I was o into. Nothing was going to keep me off thefield. The doctors that put a screw my wrist bones. I could still tackle. It was seciurign the ball. I was used as b blocker.
IT alwasy wi the shoe. but the champinshp game against Pionneer. We shut them out. I remember the feeling of clam an confidenc. We had practice so hard and studied so much film. We were so prepared to play this team. The feeling was we were in control.''
Buck Roggeman
Trevor Howell
Strength and condition for the Baltimore Orioles for seven years in Norfolk, Virginia.
Cal Poly, SLO and Sonoma State. Played four years pro in the German League.
"Coming off a playoff year, broke my wrist in the game. Played the rest of the season with one hand on defense."
It was the motivator the rest of the season. We had really good pracices.
We had gusy that were focued and intense practice. WE'd mix players around. I rembmer I'd try and defens and go after . First offense be running plays. I'd go over on second defense and rattle everyone I could.
"There was a moment should I not play. But I was o into. Nothing was going to keep me off thefield. The doctors that put a screw my wrist bones. I could still tackle. It was seciurign the ball. I was used as b blocker.
IT alwasy wi the shoe. but the champinshp game against Pionneer. We shut them out. I remember the feeling of clam an confidenc. We had practice so hard and studied so much film. We were so prepared to play this team. The feeling was we were in control.''
Buck Roggeman
Emmanuel said.The field goal against Carmel. 48-yard field. I was exscalted to get an opporutnity. My previous attemped had gotten block. Coach said we have to give Brooke to get one up there. Phil was my holder. I went was overwhelemd. I knew I soon as I hit it that was ging. IT probably would ahve been good from 55 yards. It was a heavy soupy foggyt night
PACIFIC GROVE FOOTBALL
By John Devine
Memories came shooting out as if someone had opened up a time capsule.
You could feel the emotion from their words when recalling a moment, as if time froze and it was the fall of 2001 all over again for five members and the head coach of the Pacific Grove football team.
Humbled by their achievements, flattered by the recognition, reliving that fall was met with laughter, pauses and adrenaline rushes, each with their own version, albeit with similar accounts.
Humbled by their achievements, flattered by the recognition, reliving that fall was met with laughter, pauses and adrenaline rushes, each with their own version, albeit with similar accounts.
Voted by the readers of The Herald, the 2001 Central Coast Section Division IV champion Breakers were selected as the football team of the last two decades.
From Phil Shin's punt return in 'The Shoe' game, to Jon Grant's touchdown pass to Brook Emanuel in the final two minutes to beat King City, the memories are countless.
There was the fog bowl in the playoffs. The CCS title in the rain, 911 disrupting their lives. Cherished moments in practice, in the locker room -- life lessons that went beyond football.
"It's the foundation and impact that coach Buck Roggeman had on our lives, not just on the field, but off the field," Shin said "He taught us life lessons. I can't thank him enough."
Yet, for the numerous highlights that propelled the Breakers to an historic season, it was the wakeup call in the season opener -- a 35-3 pasting by Salinas -- that altered attitudes.
"We came into the season a little arrogant," said Shin, a dentist in suburb Phoenix. "We were coming off a postseason appearance. Most of us were back. Salinas came out and hit us in the face."
The following day, Shin recalled Roggeman gathering the team and telling them if they wanted to do something special, they had to remain humble and hungry. That became their identity.
"I remember," Andrew Engles said. "That first game against Salinas was a humbling experience. We got beat emotionally. After that we didn't look back."
Two things stuck out in Grant's mind after that loss. One was he became a defensive starter the rest of the season, and the other was a conversation he and Engles had with Roggeman.
"We're watching Harbor play the next day," Grant said. "Coach Roggeman came over and said I think we can run on these guys. Andrew and I said I think we can pass on these guys."
Three days after 911, the Breakers were on the field, tied at seven at the half on a foggy night against Harbor. Grant approached Roggeman again about airing it out in the second half.
"I told Jon we will," Roggeman said. "That opened my mind about listening to kids at halftime. They are the ones out there playing and seeing things."
An expanded playbook in the second half saw Grant throw for 160 yards and a touchdown pass, as the start of a record breaking 12-game winning streak was underway.
Three days after 911, the Breakers were on the field, tied at seven at the half on a foggy night against Harbor. Grant approached Roggeman again about airing it out in the second half.
"I told Jon we will," Roggeman said. "That opened my mind about listening to kids at halftime. They are the ones out there playing and seeing things."
An expanded playbook in the second half saw Grant throw for 160 yards and a touchdown pass, as the start of a record breaking 12-game winning streak was underway.
"The cool thing is I had been throwing to Andrew and Phil since kindergarten," said Grant, who lives in North Lake Tahoe, working as a website writer and editor.
As each year flies by, the title becomes a little more special for the Breakers. While the program has made four more appearances in the CCS finals, it hasn't produced the same results.
"I wouldn't say at the moment it hit us," Engles said. "Seeing other teams just miss, you realize there aren't a lot of people that get to say they won a section championship.''
Engles, who works in produce in Salinas, walked on and made the St. Mary's football team as a wide receiver before the program was shut down.
Shin, a three-sport standout at Pacific Grove, spent two years honing his skills at MPC before earning a scholarship to the University of Missouri S&T, where he became an academic All-American.
Grant went to UC San Diego to play baseball, before transferring and becoming UC Davis' starting quarterback for three years, later playing professionally in Berlin.
Emanuel kicked at San Diego State and is now a business entrepreneur in Honolulu, where he grew up before moving to Pacific Grove in the eighth grade.
"What I miss the most is our practices," Shin said. "Not only did we have fun, but we competed hard against each other. It was a friendly competition every day."
Trevor Howell, who anchored a tenacious defense with virtually one hand after breaking his wrist in the opener, often jumped in with the second unit in practice and looked to create havoc."
"I wanted to create the most pressure filled situation for our offense and Jon," Howell said. "Because that is what we were going to see. If I couldn't play offense, I wanted them as prepared as possible."
Howell, who played college baseball at Sonoma State, and professionally in Germany, is a strength and conditioning coach for the Baltimore Orioles Triple A team in Norfolk.
"We just didn't have good coaching," Howell said. "We had good player leadership. We had guys that were focused and intense in practice. We held each other accountable."
That's part of what made that season magical. At the same time, expectations grew with each passing game. This was an athletic senior class that the community had talked about since their youth.Emanuel kicked at San Diego State and is now a business entrepreneur in Honolulu, where he grew up before moving to Pacific Grove in the eighth grade.
"What I miss the most is our practices," Shin said. "Not only did we have fun, but we competed hard against each other. It was a friendly competition every day."
Trevor Howell, who anchored a tenacious defense with virtually one hand after breaking his wrist in the opener, often jumped in with the second unit in practice and looked to create havoc."
"I wanted to create the most pressure filled situation for our offense and Jon," Howell said. "Because that is what we were going to see. If I couldn't play offense, I wanted them as prepared as possible."
Howell, who played college baseball at Sonoma State, and professionally in Germany, is a strength and conditioning coach for the Baltimore Orioles Triple A team in Norfolk.
"We just didn't have good coaching," Howell said. "We had good player leadership. We had guys that were focused and intense in practice. We held each other accountable."
"The biggest thing for me is that it was the guys you grew up with," Grant said. "We just played ball. Just to put Pacific Grove on the map was so special."
A lunch pale attitude became a theme. There were bumps in the path, such as losing Howell on the offensive side in the season opener with the broken wrist.
Howell had led the team in rushing and touchdowns the year before. But with his hand wrapped in a cast, he spent most of the year playing linebacker with one hand.
"Nothing was going to keep me off the field," said Howell, who had a screw inserted and played three weeks later. "I could still tackle. I just couldn't secure the ball as a runner. I could only block."
One of the bigger hurdles Pacific Grove got over came in its Mission Trail Athletic League opener when it rallied on the road to beat King City.
Grant, who went on to throw for over 1,800 yards that fall, hit Emanuel on a 24-yard touchdown pass with under two minutes remaining in a 27-22 win.
"I still remember the play - trips over right, 38-fade," Emanuel said. "The safety came over the top. But Jon still threw it to me. I was able to reach up and haul it in."
Emanuel, whose leg helped the Breakers to a bigger win later in the season, caught just a handful of passes on the year. That catch left a lasting impression.
"I still remember the play - trips over right, 38-fade," Emanuel said. "The safety came over the top. But Jon still threw it to me. I was able to reach up and haul it in."
Emanuel, whose leg helped the Breakers to a bigger win later in the season, caught just a handful of passes on the year. That catch left a lasting impression.
"We couldn't stop them in the first half," Roggeman said. "My halftime talk was simple. All we have to do is stop them once. Brook was a great athlete. He was the intended receiver."
No opponent got within 10 points of Pacific Grove until 'The Shoe' game, where defense dictated the tempo, and a gigantic turn of events on a punt return.
Trailing 7-0 in the second quarter, Shin witnessed on the previous punt that Carmel touched the ball, but then just walked away before the whistle. When he picked it up, the official blew the ball dead.
"I told the referee it's not a dead ball," said Shin, who caught 65 passes that year for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns. "It's still live. No one is around the ball. I explained the rule."
So on the ensuing punt, Carmel did the same exact thing. When Shin saw no one around the ball after it was touched with no whistle, he picked it up and took off 52 yards for a touchdown.
"I remember the league commissioner (Elgie Bellizio) told me after the game that he was impressed I knew the rule," Shin said. "I still get hassled from friends of mind from Carmel that I cheated."
"I remember being so jacked for 'The Shoe'," Grant said. "I was a football player in that game before a quarterback. I think defense helped me play quarterback. I just didn't stew on the sidelines."
As memorable as the kick was, Emanuel recalled how a previous field goal attempt in the second half was blocked by Carmel. And the fog was thickening above the stadium in the fourth quarter.
"Phil was my holder," Emanuel said. "It was a heavy soupy fog. I knew as soon as I hit it that it was good. It would have been good from 55 yards. We stressed offense, defense and special teams in practice. Coach Roggeman used to say you have to win two of the three phases. The moment was not overwhelming."
Emotionally spent after 'The Shoe' game win, the Breakers were in a fog, literally and figuratively the following week as a thick grey mass hovered above the field.
When Emanuel sprained his ankle in practice and couldn't play, the Breakers were forced to turn to Jorge Garcia, who kicked a 35-yard field in the first quarter, but missed an extra point.
"He came off the field hanging his head," Roggeman said. "I said 'Jorge don't you dare hang your head. You are the reason we're up by two'."
"We focused so much on special teams in practice," added Roggeman, a former Stanford linebacker. "I've seen more games lost on special teams than won."
For the second straight week, Pacific Grove's offense failed to produce a point. Instead, it was Shin slipping through the defense for a 51-yard punt return in a 9-7 win over Burlingame.
"In those two games, we figured out ways to win other than putting up huge offensive numbers,'' said Engles, who caught 38 passes for 680 yards. "It was about special teams and defense."
That potent offense returned in the CCS semifinals when Grant tossed two touchdowns and rushed for one, while Thomas Garity piled up a season high 148 rushing yards.
"Capuchino was barking before the game," Shin said. "I remember our coaches saying let them bark. We blew them out."
Shin and Engles both caught touchdown passes, while Engles returned an interception 65 yards for a pick six just before the half in the rout.
"We all had talent and skills as individuals," said Emanuel, an all-leaguer in track and soccer. "Coach Roggeman preached team goals. We took that to heart. It resonated with us. Together, we battled through injuries to find success."
Reaching the section finals for the first time didn't heighten expectations or add pressure. The theme of being humble and hungry remained part of the script.
"We all had talent and skills as individuals," said Emanuel, an all-leaguer in track and soccer. "Coach Roggeman preached team goals. We took that to heart. It resonated with us. Together, we battled through injuries to find success."
Reaching the section finals for the first time didn't heighten expectations or add pressure. The theme of being humble and hungry remained part of the script.
"I remember the feeling of clam and confidence," Howell said. "We had practiced so hard and studied so much film. We were so prepared to play this them. The feeling was we were in control.''
"I remember we were real sharp," Engles said. "We were prepared. It was like we just showed up and played another game. After Salinas, we stayed level headed the entire season."
The Breakers defense, anchored by Howell and Nick Posey, produced their only shutout on the biggest stage, as Engles, Grant and Erick Consiglio all had interceptions, while Nick Canning recovered a fumble.
"We don't win a CCS title without coach Roggeman," Grant said. "He brought a different mindset to the program. I can still remember being on the San Jose City field, holding that trophy. Most teams don't get to end the year with a win."
By John DevineATHERTON: It's become a road barrier in Carmel's chase for supremacy in the postseason.
For the eighth time in the last 10 years, the Padres fell to an opponent from the West Bay Division in the Central Coast Section volleyball playoffs.
This time it came in the Division IV semifinals Thursday, succumbing 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 to top seed Sacred Heart Prep of Atherton.
"That division is the second best in the section," Carmel coach Israel Ricardez said. "The level of competition these teams see each week is prepares you for these moments."
The Gators (23-10) will play for their 14th section title on Saturday against division rival Harker of Sunnyvale. Their last section title came in 2012.
Fourteen of the last 16 CCS Division IV champions have come from teams that currently play in the West Bay Division.
"We had a game plan coming in," Ricardez said. "I do not feel we did the best job of executing that plan. Opportunities were there. We just couldn't get on a run."
Such as the opening set when Carmel had the Gators on their heels, holding a 23-20 lead, but never scored again.
"When you have an opportunity to steal momentum and create some doubt in their minds, but don't finish, it's very tough after that," Ricardez said. "They it their cruise button and went after it."
Unable to close out the set changed the complexion of the match. The Gators never trailed in the next two sets, although, they never completed dominated them either.
"We kept putting ourselves in a big hole and digging out of it," Ricardez said. "It took some time to adjust to the defense they were playing."
Ricardez was referring to Sacred Heart Prep putting an emphasis on stopping Karoline Ruiz, who came into the game leading the Padres in kills.
"Clearly that had watch film of us because the put a triple block on her," Ricardez said. "We had to adjust."
Setter Emma Crabbe begin feeding the ball to Isabelle Daste and Megan Langley, who combined for 12 kills.
"Sacred Heart served real well," Ricardez said. "Our passing was a little off."
Carmel didn't have an answer for 6-foot-1 Elena Radeff, who came into the match with 435 kills for the Gators.
"The hitter and setter were on," said Ricardez, who actually coached Radeff on a club team in the bay area last year. "They have a great connection."
Crabbe finished with 27 assists and 11 digs for the Padres -- the last team still playing in the county -- while Alicia Krueger compiled 13 digs.
Carmel, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to knock off Mercy-Burlingame in five sets to advance to their third semifinals, finished the year 19-14.
Ricardez will be losing five starters off this years team.
"That's five key pieces that have been stables in the program for three to four years," Ricardez said.
Hartnell women defend NorCal cross country title
By John Devine
SALINAS: Exhaustion turned to satisfaction.
Pushing their limits meant raising the bar beyond expectations. Pursuing a state title can't happen standing pat.
"Usually I settle for being the third runner," Hartnell College's Valeria Lonzo-Gomez said. "This time my mindset was I can't let my teammates get away from."
The reigning Northern California cross country champion Panthers defended their title Friday with four runners finishing in the top to outscore runner-up Sierra 29-109
"You never want to settle for second," distance ace Daniela Salazar said. "There's a tradition here a Hartnell of wanting more. We're closer in time. We're more prepared.
Salazar was referring to last year's magical season in which the Panthers finished second at the state finals. Currently the team is ranked No. 2 in the state behind Glendale.
"The previous team set the pace," Hartnell freshman Shantal Martinez said. "They dreamt it. We are going to live it."
The trio, along with Nerina Campos, went 2-5 for Hartnell, running within visual view of each other over the 3.01 mile Toro Park course.
"We wanted to get closer together," said Salazar, who was second overall in 18:25. "We were chasing personal records. I felt confident. This is our backyard."
The fab four were within 44 seconds of each other, with Martinez finishing in 18:42, Lonzo-Gomez clocking 18:48 and Campos crossing the line in 19:09 -- all personal records.
"We've got to get the bottom half up a little closer if we're going to make a run," Hartnell coach Chris Zepeda. "We can't run scared."
Since finishing in second back in September at the Fresno Invitational, the Panthers have not lost a meet, stunning a talented southern California field at the Brubaker Invitational on Oct. 11.
"Normally I try and safe my energy," Lonzo-Gomez said. "Today I let it go. We have been hitting the marks we want in practice. I wanted to replicate what I do in my workouts."
Salazar set the tone, going out hard, taking her three teammates with her. A mile into the race and the foursome were within strides of each other.
"Today was about shortening the distance between each other," said Martinez, who prepped at Notre Dame. "I tried to keep Daniela in my sites."
Hartnell was also missing their No. 4 runner, who Zepeda held out as a precaution, to make sure he has his top five prepared for the state finals on Nov. 23 at Woodward Park in Fresno.
"My intentions are to win state," said Martinez, the lone freshman among the Panthers top five. It has been a topic with these ladies. This isn't a vision. It's an expectation."
The Panthers men's team will join the women at the state championships after placing fourth overall with 109 points. Perennial power American River won the team title with 41 points.
"We really wanted to get into the top three and get that trophy," Hartnell freshman Isaac Gensel said. "We pushed it."
Teammate Jesus Avalos, who won the Coast Conference title last week, finished sixth overall on the four mile loop, covering it in 20:32.42.
"I felt a lot better than I did a few weeks ago," said Avalos, who has been nursing tendon injury. "I'm not where I want to need to be. I was looking more for place than time today."
Avalos, a former King City standout, ran 31 seconds faster than his pace at last Friday's conference finals.
"No, I'm not where I want to be," Avalos said. "I still feel I have a lot more to give. Not being able to train properly set me back. It's a positive that I have extra two weeks to prepare for state."
Gensel, who is still adjusting from running three miles course in high school to four miles, battled through a bacteria in infection in his throat.
"I felt like I ran the first two miles slow," Gensel said. "I told myself to get through the hills. It was actually kind of pieceful back there. I just tried to keep my eye on Jesus."
A state meet qualifier last year at Monterey High, Gensel picked up the pace over the final mile to crack the top 10, finishing in 20:56.00.
"The thing about this course is you loop back the first mile for the final mile," Gensel said. "It's up hill for a portion. You really feel it more. But the last 600 is downhill."
Teammate Rigo Garcia ran five seconds faster than the previous for a personal best, finishing 21st for Hartnell.
For the first time in 15 years, MPC fielded both a men's and women's team at the Northern California finals. The women finished 11th overall behind Fabiola Abonce.
Breakers complete undefeated league season
By John Devine
MONTEREY: Perfection was met with a challenge.
Four minutes into the third quarter Friday and Santa Lucia Division champion Pacific Grove found itself starring at a deficit to Marina.
Perfection in league play was going to be earned.
"We told them be disciplined, make some tackles and good things will happen," Pacific Grove coach Chris Morgan said. "Stop depending on someone else to make a play."
The Breakers responded by scoring 14 points in a span of four minutes, turning a three-point deficit into a 10-point cushion, holding on for a 42-31 win over Marina at MPC.
"We took some punches, but answered when we needed to," Morgan said. "We told them eventually the broken plays can't keep hurting us. Crazy game, crazy plays."
Pacific Grove, who closed the season with six straight wins, will be seeded Sunday into the Central Coast Section Division V playoffs -- likely going on the road for its opener.
"We're excited to be back in the playoffs," said Morgan, as Pacific Grove returns to the playoffs after a three year absence. "This is good for our program."
Marina pulled out all of its bag of tricks in the first half, using a gadget play to produce a touchdown and recovered an onside kick just before halftime.
"We went above and beyond," Marina coach Jason Dennis said "This was best I've seen our offense work all year."
The Mariners caught Pacific Grove napping in the third quarter with another trick play that resulted in a touchdown and a unexpected 25-21 lead.
"Credit our guys for finding a way to work through some craziness and make plays when we needed to," Morgan said.
Marina reached into its bag one to many times as a second onside kick failed, giving the Breakers a short field. Parker McAnally capitalized with a 6-yard touchdown run.
What followed was Pacific Grove recovering an on-side kick, created a short drive that ended with Anthony DaSilva's second touchdown of the game.
Yet, when quarterback Michael Barrera tossed his second touchdown of the game, Marina wa within four points.
"Mikey was the best athlete on the field," Dennis said. "He made plays with his legs and arms. He kept them off balance."
Barrera tossed a touchdown pass to Eljiah Norlund and rushed for a touchdown for Marina, who scored more points in its last three games than its first seven games this year.
"We knew we had to contain the quarterback," Morgan said. "He broke a lot of tackles. He's a good athlete."
Inserting his hands team in anticipation of another squib kick paid dividends when DaSilva picked up the ball, eluded two defenders and darted 80 yards for a Breaker touchdowns.
"That was a huge momentum swing," Morgan said. "That put us back up by two scores. That was a back breaker. This game had it all."
Marina turned two gadget plays into a pair of touchdowns, as Darren Gabot connected with Norlund for a touchdown. Manny Ramirez also rushed for a touchdown.
"At times we weren't very disciplined on defense," Morgan said. "We told the kids these play can not work all night. We knew Marina would attempt a lot of trick plays. It didn't surprise us."
Blake Moore rushed for a pair of touchdowns for Pacific Grove (7-3), giving him 15 in six league games. Parker McAnally added a touchdown run.
Pacific Grove-Santa Cruz football
Central Coast Section Division V Playoffs
Friday's game
No. 7 Pacific Grove (7-3) at No. 2 Santa Cruz (7-3), 7 p.m.
You can make the argument that the first meeting between these two teams during Week 4 turned the Cardinals season around after a 30-15 loss in Pacific Grove.
Santa Cruz responded by running off six straight wins to capture the Cypress Division title and get the No. 2 seed in Division V.
Neither team was particularly sharp in their league finales as Pacific Grove rallied to beat Marina in a shootout, while Santa Cruz stumbled in falling to Watsonville.
Two of the Cardinals three losses this fall are to teams that won two games. So which team will show up for the playoffs?
The Breakers are riding the wave of a six game winning streak, going undefeated in the Santa Lucia Division for their first title in four years.
Blake Moore produced 14 touchdowns in divisional play for Pacific Grove, including a pick six. He and teammate Anthony DaSilva have both rushed for over 800 yards this fall.
Ben Minik at least makes you respect the Breakers passing game, having thrown for five touchdowns in his last four games. Ironically, he rushed for four touchdowns in the win over Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz's offense starts with quarterback Dillion Danner, who has compiled over 20 touchdowns either on the ground or through the air.
Tailback Qwentin Brown had his biggest games on the biggest stage, rushing for over 200 yards in a win over Soquel and 185 yards against Gonzales.
Santa Cruz has relied on quick starts, outscoring opponents 75-21 in the first quarter. Maintaining the momentum has been an issue at times, allowing 60 points in the second quarter.
During its six game winning streak, the Breakers are averaging 40.1 points a game, and are 7-0 when scoring 30 or more points -- winless when held under 20 points.
The magic number for Pacific Grove against Santa Cruz seems to be 30, as it defeated them last year 30-12.
The Breakers have won four of the last five battles between the two schools. However, the one loss came in the CCS Small Division finals in 2007, with Santa Cruz prevailing 20-12.
Santa Teresa-Alisal football
Central Coast Section Division V Playoffs
Friday's game
No. 6 Santa Teresa (4-6) at No. 3 Alisal (6-4). 7 p.m.
One of time teams from the Mount Hamilton League to make the postseason, the Saints are limping into the postseason, having dropped three of their last four games.
Alisal has gone in the opposite direction, returning to the postseason, going 5-1 in the second half of the season to capture a share of its first league title in 16 years.
Among Santa Teresa's losses this fall was a season opening 30-7 setback to San Benito. It feel in its season final 55-28 to Live Oak.
Quarterback Gabriel Perez is a dual threat for the Saints, having thrown three touchdown passes in the teams last game, with his favorite targets being Darin Martin and Jared Vasquez.
That has to be a concern for Alisal, who gave up four touchdown passes in a win over Monterey two weeks ago.
The Trojans offense is no secret. It is an old-school, punishing throwback attack that features five different players taking turns running behind that offensive line.
Add quarterback Benny Chuca to the mix in grinding the ball, along with fullbacks Andrei Rayas and Ezequiel Rodriguez.
Ground control, time consuming drives not only wear down defenses, but limit the possessions over the course of a game for the opposition.
This is just the second time in the programs 50 plus years of football that it has hosted a postseason game, the last occurring in 2012. Two years ago Alisal won its first ever playoff game.
Seaside-Terra Nova football
Central Coast Section Division III playoffs
Friday's game
No. 7 Seaside (9-1) at No. 2 Terra Nova (6-4) 7 p.m.
The Tigers play in one of the stronger divisions in the CCS in the Peninsula Bay Division, finishing in a tie for second with Sacred Heart Prep.
Five of the six teams in the division earned enough points to reach the postseason. Two of teams in the division have played for state titles in the last five years.
The Spartans went from 1-9 to 9-1 this season, capturing a share of the Mission Division title with an overtime win over Monte Vista.
While injuries have crippled them at the skilled positions, Seaside still has one of the best offensive lines in the section, meaning holes are being created to run through.
A common opponent is Alisal, who Terra Nova defeated 41-6, while Seaside fell 14-7. Keep in mind the games were eight weeks apart.
The Tigers are 4-0 over the last three years in facing teams from the area, knocking Palma out of the playoffs in 2017.
Terra Nova's offense has revolved around tailback Jalen Camp, who is averaging nearly 150 rushing yards a game, averaging 8.3 yards each time he touches the ball.
Don't sleep on quarterback Raphael Bendo, who has tossed a dozen touchdown passes, and provides the Tigers with another run threat, rushing for 50 or more yards four times.
The Spartans defense has been filthy throughout the year with Kefu Leander, Tevita Kamitoni, Rusty Finona and Dylan Olivares anchored the unit.
Seaside has posted four shutouts this year while holding four other teams to 14 points or less. No one has scored more than 20 in regulation.
Terra Nova has shown the ability to pile up points, having scored 40 or more three times. But it also given up 39 or more points three times.
Saratoga-Carmel football
Central Coast Section Division IV Playoffs
Friday's game
No. 6 Saratoga (8-2) vs. No. 3 Carmel (5-5) at MPC, 7 p.m.
Six years ago we witnessed the highest scoring game involving a county team in the playoffs when Carmel and Pacific Grove combined for 130 points.
It's possible that record could be in jeopardy when the Padres host Saratoga at the same venue of that historic night.
The Falcons have scored a season high 58 points in one game, while Carmel dropped 61 in a setback earlier this year to Templeton.
Saratoga is averaging 43 points a game behind quarterback Payton Stokes, who has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns for the second consecutive season.
Last year Stokes threw for nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns in a 54-49 loss to Gonzales in the postseason.
While playing the Gabilan Division slowed down the Padres arsenal, they still averaged nearly 38 points a game this year, beating San Benito 41-14 without their starting quarterback.
Kai Lee is back, having thrown for over 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns in just eight game this fall for the Padres, with one interception in 200 plus attempts.
Benicio Cristofalo is having a breakout season with over 1,100 receiving yards for Carmel while J.T. Byrne and Nico Staehle both have over 30 receptions.
Ideally, Carmel not interested in a shootout. Not when it has Dakota Mornhinweg and his 19 rushing touchdowns in the backfield.
Establishing the ground game only enhances the Padres passing attack, while using up the clock and keeping Stokes off the field.
By John Devine
Precise and perfection was Emma Crabbe's vision. Powerful and punishing is what came from Alonah Gordon.
Two completely different volleyball players on the court. Yet, the pairs mindset was similar in their quest to make teammates around them better.
Crabbe took control of the Carmel attack as a setter, while Gordon became a demon at the net with her tenacious defense for Salinas.
The pair catapulted two teams in a retooling phase back to the postseason. Both were chosen as The Herald's co Most Valuable Player volleyball players.
"Emma came into her own this year in accepting the pressure," Carmel coach Israel Ricardez said. "She said put it on me. She makes good decisions. I knew I could count on her to fight."
While Crabbe is closing a chapter in her prep career, Gordon's is just beginning as the 6-foot-2 sophomore is still grasping the game as a 15-year-old.
"She was being mentored by some great leaders last year," Salinas coach Chloe Goldman said. "She was a positive voice. She follows directions, doesn't have an attitude. It's never about her."
Perhaps. But Gordon became the focal point in the Cowboys attack last fall, leading a team littered with youth and inexperience with 228 kills.
"I was more keen on learning things in my first year of starting," Gordon said. "Then I realized my priority became leading the team.What could I do to help my teammates?."
Defense is where Gordon's reputation was established, as she forced teams to alter game plans with her size, athleticism and instincts on the floor.
"Honestly our objective was to win the game when Alonah was out on rotation," Ricardez said. "Not so much for her offense, but her defense. That's what hurt us."
Gordon's defensive numbers were insane, as she compiled 120 blocks, becoming a disruptive force at the net for Salinas, who won 21 matches.
"If you're not getting a quick set, she was clamping down on you," Ricardez said. "We tried to avoid Alonah at all costs. At lot of times we couldn't."
Understanding her role, Gordon excelled on the defensive side for Salinas. As her confidence grew, so did her offensive presence, sending balls whistling across the floor.
"Honestly a block is more significant to me than a kill," Gordon said. "It helps my team out. It gives us more momentum. You're energized by a block."
A kill can fuel a flame as well, as Gordon lit the torch at the net, as some shots had opponents putting their hands up for cover.
"I knew Chloe had a plan," Gordon said. "All we had to do was put the plan in motion. It took some time. There were bumps in the road. But we figured it out as a team."
Crabbe put together her best season in numerous categories for the Padres, in what might have been her most challenging season.
Injuries throughout the season often left her with a new face at the net. Developing chemistry was being build during matches.
"Sometimes you have to find your own way when you're in a rut," Crabbe said. "When you're running out of options, you have to be spontaneous and do what you can."
The 5-foot-6 senior closed out her career with nearly 800 assists this season, giving her over 1,700 for her career at Carmel.
"Now that it's over, I wish I had worked harder," Crabbe said. "I lost some confidence during my junior year playing on a club team. I learned to create a better version of myself. I stopped trying to seek approval from others."
By her own admission, Crabbe has no plan when she's on the court. Her sets depend largely on the pass. If an opponent is cheating, she'd adjust a set and go in another direction.
"I don't know what goes on in my head when I'm on the court," Crabbe said. "A set is often based off the pass. It dictates what you can do with the offense."
Ironically, when Crabbe arrived as a freshman, she tried out as a defensive specialist, with the objective of playing varsity volleyball.
"I wanted to be on the same team with Madi Lombardi," Crabbe said. "She was someone that I looked up to. I wanted one season with her."
Lombardi is now a defensive specialist for CSU-Monterey Bay.
"I put a lot of pressure in tryouts," Ricardez said. "After the first day, I brought five back, with only two spots. Emma beat them out. It's been her MO since she arrived."
Spending a season as a back row specialist only enhanced Crabbe's vision once she became the teams setter as a sophomore.
Her competitive natural and fire helped her gain the trust in her teammates. She's learned how each player hits, what type of set make them more lethal.
"You have to learn what a hitter likes," Crabbe said. "That's how you know where to place the ball for them. It takes time to develop. A lot of thought goes into it."
Crabbe's strength went beyond setting. She also had 228 digs and 88 service aces. She learned to dump a set across the net, finishing with 101 kills.
"Sometimes you have to use her puerperal vision to see what a defense is doing," Crabbe said. "If the middle was open, I'd dump it over the net instead of setting it."
Ricardez never questioned Crabbe's talent or heart. The physical talent was always there. It was the mental makeup that he pushed for her to improve upon over four years.
"It was never about skill and IQ with Emma," Ricardez said. "It was always about mentality and maturity. She developed those two things and became the player I thought she would be."
"Our Harbor tournament. It was so early. Still trying to find our way as a team. It was a step piont stone. Learne dto play for each, bild off each othe renergy. and play as a unit.''
The best thing about here is it's never about here. She always put everyone above her.
Two completely different volleyball players on the court. Yet, the pairs mindset was similar in their quest to make teammates around them better.
Crabbe took control of the Carmel attack as a setter, while Gordon became a demon at the net with her tenacious defense for Salinas.
The pair catapulted two teams in a retooling phase back to the postseason. Both were chosen as The Herald's co Most Valuable Player volleyball players.
"Emma came into her own this year in accepting the pressure," Carmel coach Israel Ricardez said. "She said put it on me. She makes good decisions. I knew I could count on her to fight."
While Crabbe is closing a chapter in her prep career, Gordon's is just beginning as the 6-foot-2 sophomore is still grasping the game as a 15-year-old.
"She was being mentored by some great leaders last year," Salinas coach Chloe Goldman said. "She was a positive voice. She follows directions, doesn't have an attitude. It's never about her."
Perhaps. But Gordon became the focal point in the Cowboys attack last fall, leading a team littered with youth and inexperience with 228 kills.
"I was more keen on learning things in my first year of starting," Gordon said. "Then I realized my priority became leading the team.What could I do to help my teammates?."
Defense is where Gordon's reputation was established, as she forced teams to alter game plans with her size, athleticism and instincts on the floor.
"Honestly our objective was to win the game when Alonah was out on rotation," Ricardez said. "Not so much for her offense, but her defense. That's what hurt us."
Gordon's defensive numbers were insane, as she compiled 120 blocks, becoming a disruptive force at the net for Salinas, who won 21 matches.
"If you're not getting a quick set, she was clamping down on you," Ricardez said. "We tried to avoid Alonah at all costs. At lot of times we couldn't."
Understanding her role, Gordon excelled on the defensive side for Salinas. As her confidence grew, so did her offensive presence, sending balls whistling across the floor.
"Honestly a block is more significant to me than a kill," Gordon said. "It helps my team out. It gives us more momentum. You're energized by a block."
A kill can fuel a flame as well, as Gordon lit the torch at the net, as some shots had opponents putting their hands up for cover.
"I knew Chloe had a plan," Gordon said. "All we had to do was put the plan in motion. It took some time. There were bumps in the road. But we figured it out as a team."
Crabbe put together her best season in numerous categories for the Padres, in what might have been her most challenging season.
Injuries throughout the season often left her with a new face at the net. Developing chemistry was being build during matches.
"Sometimes you have to find your own way when you're in a rut," Crabbe said. "When you're running out of options, you have to be spontaneous and do what you can."
The 5-foot-6 senior closed out her career with nearly 800 assists this season, giving her over 1,700 for her career at Carmel.
"Now that it's over, I wish I had worked harder," Crabbe said. "I lost some confidence during my junior year playing on a club team. I learned to create a better version of myself. I stopped trying to seek approval from others."
By her own admission, Crabbe has no plan when she's on the court. Her sets depend largely on the pass. If an opponent is cheating, she'd adjust a set and go in another direction.
"I don't know what goes on in my head when I'm on the court," Crabbe said. "A set is often based off the pass. It dictates what you can do with the offense."
Ironically, when Crabbe arrived as a freshman, she tried out as a defensive specialist, with the objective of playing varsity volleyball.
"I wanted to be on the same team with Madi Lombardi," Crabbe said. "She was someone that I looked up to. I wanted one season with her."
Lombardi is now a defensive specialist for CSU-Monterey Bay.
"I put a lot of pressure in tryouts," Ricardez said. "After the first day, I brought five back, with only two spots. Emma beat them out. It's been her MO since she arrived."
Spending a season as a back row specialist only enhanced Crabbe's vision once she became the teams setter as a sophomore.
Her competitive natural and fire helped her gain the trust in her teammates. She's learned how each player hits, what type of set make them more lethal.
"You have to learn what a hitter likes," Crabbe said. "That's how you know where to place the ball for them. It takes time to develop. A lot of thought goes into it."
Crabbe's strength went beyond setting. She also had 228 digs and 88 service aces. She learned to dump a set across the net, finishing with 101 kills.
"Sometimes you have to use her puerperal vision to see what a defense is doing," Crabbe said. "If the middle was open, I'd dump it over the net instead of setting it."
Ricardez never questioned Crabbe's talent or heart. The physical talent was always there. It was the mental makeup that he pushed for her to improve upon over four years.
"It was never about skill and IQ with Emma," Ricardez said. "It was always about mentality and maturity. She developed those two things and became the player I thought she would be."
"Our Harbor tournament. It was so early. Still trying to find our way as a team. It was a step piont stone. Learne dto play for each, bild off each othe renergy. and play as a unit.''
The best thing about here is it's never about here. She always put everyone above her.
Izzy Ricardez, Carmel.
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Chloe Goldman.
"She nots just tall,. She quick and athletic and jumps well. She ahs very good body control. when she blocks, she blocks you straight now.''
"Her hitting is really good. We mainly set our middles. At times there as a disconnect. She hits over the blocks. She she connects with the ball. there's no chance. She pretty developed for a 6-3.''
Alonah Gordon
"A kill feels better because it's more a team effort. Our need a good pass and good set. A block is you have to figure out how to do it on your own.
"One of the best matches was a tournament match against Chico. We just kind of clicked. We came back and won the seonc and third et. It wa a turning point in our season."
Volleyball
Alanah Gordon, Salinas: The 6-foot-3 middle blocker was a disruptive force at the net for the Cowboys, finishing amount the Central Coast Section leaders in blocks with 118.
Just a sophomore, Gordon became one of the focal points of Salinas' attack, leading the team in kills with 225, providing a menacing presence in the front row.
Brooke Cannon, Salinas: A defensive specialist, Cannon solidified the Cowboys defense in the back row, compiling 481 digs in 28 matches.
The sophomore was a defensive demon, often igniting the offense with a diving dig, getting the ball into the hands of the setter.
Kylie Moore, Salinas: Injuries derailed the end of Moore's season. Before being sideline, she seldom came off the floor, compiling nearly 300 digs and a 138 kills.
The outside hitter shared the wealth at the net, while providing Salinas with another defensive weapon rotation in the back row. The junior also produced 25 service aces.
Emma Crabbe, Carmel: A four year starter and repeater on the all-county team, Crabbe had over 700 assists for the second straight year.
Orchestrating the offense with precise timing on her sets, Crabbe was also one of Carmel's top defenders, finishing with 228 digs, 101 kills and a county high 88 service aces.
Karoline Ruiz, Carmel: The senior hitter ignited the offense at the net, compiling nearly 300 kills for the Padres, who reached the semifinals of the CCS DIV playoffs.
Ruiz also led the team in blocks and provided defense in the back row on rotation for Carmel, as well as providing an another offensive weapon beyond the 10 foot line.
Aaliyah Foster, Alvarez: A menacing presence at the net for the Eagles, Foster tallied nearly 300 kills in taking the program back to the postseason.
The senior outside hitter was the complete package in the front row, finishing among the area leaders in blocks, while lead Alvarez in service aces.
Samantha Montelongo, Alisal: A three year starter, the senior hitter was force on both ends of the net for the Mission Division champion Trojans.
Montelongo compiled a team high 321 kills and 119 blocks, disrupting opponents shots at the net, while sending ball whistling across the floor for kills.
Just a sophomore, Gordon became one of the focal points of Salinas' attack, leading the team in kills with 225, providing a menacing presence in the front row.
Brooke Cannon, Salinas: A defensive specialist, Cannon solidified the Cowboys defense in the back row, compiling 481 digs in 28 matches.
The sophomore was a defensive demon, often igniting the offense with a diving dig, getting the ball into the hands of the setter.
Kylie Moore, Salinas: Injuries derailed the end of Moore's season. Before being sideline, she seldom came off the floor, compiling nearly 300 digs and a 138 kills.
The outside hitter shared the wealth at the net, while providing Salinas with another defensive weapon rotation in the back row. The junior also produced 25 service aces.
Emma Crabbe, Carmel: A four year starter and repeater on the all-county team, Crabbe had over 700 assists for the second straight year.
Orchestrating the offense with precise timing on her sets, Crabbe was also one of Carmel's top defenders, finishing with 228 digs, 101 kills and a county high 88 service aces.
Karoline Ruiz, Carmel: The senior hitter ignited the offense at the net, compiling nearly 300 kills for the Padres, who reached the semifinals of the CCS DIV playoffs.
Ruiz also led the team in blocks and provided defense in the back row on rotation for Carmel, as well as providing an another offensive weapon beyond the 10 foot line.
Aaliyah Foster, Alvarez: A menacing presence at the net for the Eagles, Foster tallied nearly 300 kills in taking the program back to the postseason.
The senior outside hitter was the complete package in the front row, finishing among the area leaders in blocks, while lead Alvarez in service aces.
Samantha Montelongo, Alisal: A three year starter, the senior hitter was force on both ends of the net for the Mission Division champion Trojans.
Montelongo compiled a team high 321 kills and 119 blocks, disrupting opponents shots at the net, while sending ball whistling across the floor for kills.
A member of The Herald's All-County softball team, the senior was effective in the back row, solidifying the defense on rotation for the Spirits, compiling over 200 kills
Aria Adams, Monterey: Arguably the most complete player on the Toreadores roster, Adams had over 200 kills and digs this past fall.
Despite missing seven matches, Adams still finished with 218 kills and 291 digs. She compiled a team high 48 service aces for Monterey, who reached DIII quarterfinals.
Despite missing seven matches, Adams still finished with 218 kills and 291 digs. She compiled a team high 48 service aces for Monterey, who reached DIII quarterfinals.
Giselle Cortina, Soledad: The heart of the Cypress Division champion Aztecs attack, Cortina compiled nearly 500 assists this past season, and also led the team in service aces.
The junior averaged over 35 assists a match, compiling a career high 53 in one match, igniting an program to a school record 22 win season. Cortina was among the team leaders in blocks.
The junior averaged over 35 assists a match, compiling a career high 53 in one match, igniting an program to a school record 22 win season. Cortina was among the team leaders in blocks.
Most Valuable Player: Alonah Gordon, Salinas, Emma Crabbe, Carmel.
Coach of the Year: Soledad coach:
Honorable mention: Sofia Berg, Salinas, Brooke Hibino, Salinas, Megan Langley, Carmel, Alicia Krueger, Carmel, Karmyn Anderson, Savanha Padilla, Alvarez; Corrine Sargenti, Notre Dame; Aaliyah Huihui-Martinez, Notre Dame; Miriam Ochoa, Alisal; Yesenia Tijerina, Alisal; Elle Mitchell, Monterey; Timbre Dawson, Monterey; Anna Yeh, Santa Catalina; Jalen Mendez, King City; Paulina Sanchez, Seaside; Olivia Fale, Soledad; Jazmin Aguilar, Soledad; Aeja Brooks, North Salinas; Summer Sebok, Pacific Grove; Leah Tullius, Pacific Grove; Madisyn Schweitzer, Gonzales; Eva Prewitt, Trinity; Kyla Cotton, Stevenson.
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