Just wrapped up my story on an awesome season-opener at Foothill College in San Jose. Las Lomas stuffed a Mitty 2-point try with just over a minute remaining to preserve a tough win. Here are a few things that didn’t make it into tomorrow’s story:

1. Lucas Gorton can play quarterback. He’s only a junior but he’s got great escapability, a good arm and seems not to be fazed by the competition he faces. Mitty had a stout defense and Gorton played exceptionally well in his first full season as varsity starter.

2. Morgan Breslin is a beast. Flat out. He made play after play from his spot on the defensive line and had some Mitty fans comparing him to former Oakland Raiders great Ted Hendricks. He recovered a fumble, tipped a pass that ended up an interception, had a sack, numerous hurries. It was a sight to see. Don’t forget his linemates though. They played well too. Breslin, Adam Rulifson, Jon Greer, Reed Snook and Darrin Thompson were in the backfield all night long.

3. One critique of Lomas: the Knights need to tackle better. They missed a ton of tackles tonight.

4. Player to watch: Mitty RB Rocky Mezsaros. That kid is quick.

Alright, I’m gonna start the long ride home. Check out the main web site for an updated scores list.

Two questions to go and we’ll both be looking ahead to December.

Chace’s question: The CIF continues to flesh out the state championship bowl system, and now we’ve got five titles up for grabs: An overall championship pitting the No. 1 team in the North vs. No.1 team in the South, and then four enrollment-based championship games. We love this concept, and we’ve spent the past month discussing scenarios and possible matchups that could play out at the Home Depot Center in Carson. So our first question is, which are the programs most likely to find their names in state bowl conversations throughout the season?

Ben’s answer: Now that’s a big question. This could take some explaning.

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Well, maybe not TV. But high school football is almost as good as TV, right?

Ben’s question: Before each season starts you can normally look at the schedule and pinpoint the must-see games of the year. They’re pretty easy to find and they don’t usually change as the season goes on. So Mr. Bryson, I ask you: what is the must-see, iron-clad lock of a game to see this season?

Chace’s answer: Actually, the must-see game of 2008 WILL be must-see TV. And I’m sure nobody will be shocked that it includes De La Salle. Read the rest of this entry »

Well, we were welcomed back with open arms this season and the Geeks have returned for another year of football-related shenanigans. Check out the preseason previews below.
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We hope everyone enjoyed their 3-day weekend. But more importantly, we hope everyone is excited to know that we’re just four more days away from the prep football season kickoff (actually, there is a game on Thursday, but it’s just not the same as the first true Friday Night). Of course, this means just four more questions to go.

Chace’s question: The leagues of the East Bay aren’t the only thing realigning in 2008, the North Coast Section’s playoff system is getting a face lift, too.  In order to be more in line with the CIF’s bowl system going to five divisions, the NCS is shedding the East Bay/Redwood Empire classifications and going to a playoff system similar to that of basketball: Five divisions that include teams throughout the section. So, who are the Redwood Empire teams that pose a threat to the East Bay when it comes to winning a section crown?

Ben’s answer: This one is easy because there are two teams that could step into the East Bay and be considered favorites right away.

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Five questions to go. Aren’t you going to miss all this?

Ben’s question: CalHiSports.com came out with its preseason state rankings earlier this week and De La Salle was atop them once again. With San Ramon Valley and San Leandro also on the list, the race for the state bowl series seems to be taking shape slowly but surely in the East Bay. What’s your take on the inital rankings?

Chace’s question: I think it’s a pretty solid 50, and of course, there’s no debate on the selection for No. 1. Read the rest of this entry »

Now that the offense has been established, how about the other side of the ball?

Chace’s question: There’s no shortage of defensive talent throughout Contra Costa County and lower regions of the Tri-Valley Area. So who makes the cut? I have a feeling a few guys from Pittsburg might be considered.

Ben’s answer: Nothin I can do here, Pitt’s got the horses. Now, about those other positions.

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Let’s throw out some preseason awards, shall we?

Ben’s question: We’ve listed breakout players, breakout coaches and everything in between. Now, we step back for a minute and give our preseason All-Times offense and defense (for our purposes, we’ll confine our search to the Times coverage area - essentially Contra Costa County with the EBAL tossed in). Today, Chace takes care of the offense.

Chace’s answer: Well, the quarterback for this team was pretty much a slam dunk.  I don’t think anybody is going to be arguing with the selection of San Ramon Valley’s, Joe Southwick. I think passing for over 3,000 yards and tossing 35 TD passes in 2007 makes him qualified for this honor. Read the rest of this entry »

The first set of CalHiSports.com state football rankings are out today and, to pretty much no one’s surprise, De La Salle is ranked No. 1. The Spartans are followed by Long Beach Poly, Lutheran-Orange, Mater Dei-Santa Ana and Bellarmine-San Jose. Other local schools in the top 50 are San Ramon Valley (No. 21) and San Leandro (No. 48)

I took a look at the entire top 50 and what stood out to me is that all the big names are here for the party this year. Last year, I know a lot of fans wondered who Centennial-Corona was when the Huskies made the CIF Division I state bowl game and they wondered where those traditional big names (Poly, Mater Dei, etc.) were. Well, they’re here this year. And, in case you thought Centennial was just a flash in the pan last season, the Huskies open the season ranked No. 6.

Alright, so here’s Question No. 2 for the day.

Chace’s question: Salesian has been among the most successful small school programs in the Bay Area over the past several years. A lot of that had to with a certain talented running back who will be lining up opposite Michigan State this Saturday as a member of the California Golden Bears. Last year, in its first season without Jahvid Best, the Pride still featured plenty of talent as players like Jon Wheat and Justin Brown led the team to a 10-2 season.  But coach Chad Nightingale had six all-league players graduate, and that leads us to ask the question if the cupboard at Salesian might finally be bare?

Ben’s answer: The cupboard might have some foreign objects, like names you haven’t seen before. But rest assured, the cupboard is not bare.

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