- East Bay Prep Corner
NCS Division IV playoff breakdown
By Jimmy Durkin
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 1:10 pm in Uncategorized.
As I did for Division III and will soon post for Division V, here’s my look at the Division IV playoffs. I’ll hold off on giving projected seeding until next week, but here’s a look as who I think will get in.
In this division, it’s guaranteed that eligible teams will be left out as there are already nine teams eligible for the eight playoff spots. Alphabetically, those eligible teams are: Berean Christian, Cloverdale, Ferndale, Fort Bragg, Harker, Middletown, St. Mary’s, St. Patrick/St. Vincent and Salesian.
I have the following six teams considered locks:
CLOVERDALE 6-1, 2-0 NCL-I South, 5-1 Div. IV — League title will likely come down to season finale with Div. V St. Vincent, but should earn a berth regardless
FERNDALE 8-0, 2-0 HDNL Little 5, 4-0 Div. IV — The likely HDNL-Little 5 champions will contend for that top seed and may get it with an unbeaten mark, although I think an 8-2 St. Mary’s squad would be more deserving with its strength of schedule
FORT BRAGG 6-1, 1-1 NCL-I North, 2-1 Div. IV — Lost its NCL-I North showdown to Middletown, which will likely cost it an auto berth and home game, but not a spot in the playoffs
MIDDLETOWN 6-1, 1-0 NCL-I North, 3-1 Div. IV — Friday’s 49-41 win over Fort Bragg makes them a likely league champion
ST. MARY’S 5-2, 3-1 BSAL, 2-0 Div. IV — Wins over traditional Div. IV powerhouses Salesian and St. Pat’s are huge and I think make them the favorite in this division
SALESIAN 6-1, 3-0 BFL, 4-1 Div. IV — They’ll take the automatic berth for the BFL
Now I have two teams I consider probables at the moment. Things could change, but as it is, I would place these two teams with my six locks and call that your eight-team field.
ST. PATRICK/ST. VINCENT 5-2, 3-1 BSAL, 2-2 Div. IV — It would be hard to imagine a postseason without these guys, but if they dropped their final three to Encinal, Moreau and Piedmont — or even if they dropped two of those three — they’d go into Selection Sunday feeling a little uneasy.
BEREAN CHRISTIAN 6-2, 3-1 BFL, 2-2 Div. IV — The importance of the blowout win over Valley Christian cannot be understated. It was probably a knockout blow for the Vikings and the game that propels the Eagles. Also, Berean should pick up a win over a Division I team on Nov. 7 when they play Mission San Jose. Even those MSJ is one of the Bay Area’s worst program’s, Berean can say they beat a D-1 team. Also, the BFL finale with Harker could loom large.
Now I present my three bubble teams:
HARKER 5-2, 1-2 BFL, 0-2 Div. IV — Have clinched eligibility, but have no guarantees of getting in. If it wins its next two against 0-7 Potter Valley and 2-5 St. Elizabeth, it would set up a showdown with Berean Christian that could likely be for that final playoff berth. If Harker were to beat Berean, I’d swap their spots.
JUSTIN-SIENA 3-5, 3-2 MCAL, 0-1 Div. IV; Fair chance they could win their final two games and finish 5-5 overall and 5-2 in a pretty good league, with the only losses being to Div. III powers Marin Catholic and Novato. If that’s the case, I think they’ll earn strong consideration. They need to win one of the final two to be eligible (above .500 in league), but I think they need both to have a chance to get in.
MCKINLEYVILLE 4-3, 2-0 HDNL Little 5, 1-1 Div. IV — They get credit for a Division IV win because McClymonds is within the Division IV enrollment size. If they can beat Hoopa Valley and Ferndale in their final two games, throw them in there with the automatic berth as a league champ. But I wouldn’t expect them to beat Ferndale.
And here are the longshots, which realistically are probably no shots but I’ll include them because they have a chance to be eligible:
CLEAR LAKE 3-4, 0-2 NCL-I South, 2-3 Div. IV
ST. HELENA 3-4, 0-1 NCL-I South, 1-4 Div. IV
VALLEY CHRISTIAN 4-3, 2-1 BFL, 1-3 Div. IV
[Both comments and pings are currently closed.]
October 27th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Well done as always Jimmy.
Question: If SM was fortunate/good enough to get to the title game and it was against Ferndale, would that game be all the way up there. That is a 4 hour drive! Yikes!
I agree with you about St. Pat’s. I can almost guarantee that they will win out. I think they are a little stronger than Salesian actually. In our game against them, I was worried until Marcus “Big Baby” Edwards made “the play.”
Am I hearing correct that even if SM gets a 1 seed, we will still have to go on the road after our first game?
Thanks for all the info.
Go Panthers!
October 27th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Excuse me – St. Pat’s will win out after they play Encinal. I don’t see them winning that game. Just to clarify before Guru-Black, OFM Coach, or jet4ever52 jump on me. LOL!
Go Panthers!
October 27th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
The title game will be a nuetral site, so you wouldn’t have to go all the way up to Ferndale. Locations haven’t been finalized, but Santa Rosa High has been used before and that’s a possibility.
Since St. Mary’s is unlikely to be a league champion, they would have to go on the road in the first round if they were matched up against a league champ, since NCS hosting priorities are giving to league champs. But if St. Mary’s were to face a team that made it with an at-large berth, the Panthers would host a Saturday day game.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Good stuff. Thanks Jimmy. So it comes down to a pretty simple rule: Whoever we play, home field is determined by whether or not they are league champs. Boy, you are really going out on a limb suggesting that we won’t be league champs. LOL.
Go Panthers!
October 27th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Exactly, a league champ will always host unless they face another league champ that is seeded higher.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Got it. You gonna chime in on the top ten RB’s in the East Bay?
Go Panthers!
October 27th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Yeah, I might after I get done with some of my stats work.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Cool. Cunningham has 1,070 yds to date? That is his latest season total?
October 27th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
We have him listed at 1,054 in our latest ACCAl stats.
http://www.ibabuzz.com/prepcorner/2009/10/27/accal-football-stats-1027/
October 27th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Wow. That means my boy DBR is ahead of him at 1,070. Amazing.
Go Panthers!
October 27th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I’m not so sold on St.Mary’s. They got lucky with both the Salesian win and the SPSV win. It will be nice when all stats are received and posted from the BFL. The WR from Salesian, Andrew Ambion and the RB, Aaron Prier, and QB, Ikaika Woolsey have some pretty impressive yardage. These players, as well as several other starters have sat in the 4th quarter of a few games because of huge leads…So playoffs should be interesting.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Fox – I know brother. You don’t believe in St. Mary’s either. I hope that everyone we play continues to doubt.
Luck? What was lucky about the St. Pat’s game? Was it DBR’s 188 yds. and 2 TD’s? Are you referring to the final play? What is lucky about Marcus Edwards, a D lineman, reading a screen pass perfectly, intercepting it, running for a TD, stiff arming the QB to avoid being brought down before lateraling the ball to Cameron Davis for the TD? I dont’ see the luck in that. That, my foxy friend, is called a football play. Were you there? I was, it was, by all acounts an amazingly intelligent and athletic play.
Salesian game. Again, you must have been there to be able to determine that was luck. What is lucky about an 80 yd KR for a TD by DBR to open the 2nd half. Since you were there, you know that DBR was not available in the 1st half, so SM beat them without their top scorer and rusher for half the game. Can you refresh my memory as to what was lucky about that game?
Salesian and St. Pat’s are really good teams. In order for us to beat either team again we will have to be at our best. But don’t devalue those wins. Encinal thought we were lucky to hang with them too. It’s amazing to me how everyone we play thinks we are all luck and no skill. Glad to see that people who make their living judging football teams don’t agree with all of you who think SM is all smoke and mirrors.
Hopefully all of our remaining opponents will think as foolishly as you do.
Go Panthers!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Mr.Panther Man, you know quite a bit about DBR and I “hope” the rest of the team.
Yes, I still say luck in the St.Pat’s game. That was last minute chance. And the Salesian game, DBR may have been out the 1st half, but Salesian’s Marcial Malic, one of the fastest safeties in the league, was out the whole game with an injury. You must be doing well making a living judging highschool games yourself, because you have quite a few posts.
While St.Mary’s is no doubt a very good team, I don’t think they are THE TEAM. The BFL stats are not included, so it kinda gives St.Mary’s a slight edge. Aaron Prier has to be in the Top 5 RBs, Andrew Ambion makes the receiving list, Ikaika Woolsey makes the passing list, and the DBs, Rashawn Tillman and Devon Montgomery definitely make the INT list. Berean, Harker, and St.Liz have some guys who’d make the list as well.
Coach Nightingale is a class act. When his team has huge leads, he pulls his starters as early as the 3rdQtr! I can imagine how many yards these guys would have if they played the whole game.
GO SALESIAN AND THE REST OF THE TEAMS IN THE BFL WHOSE STATS HAVE NOT BEEN POSTED!!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Fox tell your AD to take your team (Salesian) out of the BCL league and put you guys where you belong in the BSAL.I forgot the AD is the Football coach so I can understand why he would like to stay in the powerful BCL and not face a football powerhouse like Kennedy-Richmond,Albany,or Piedmont. Why is that for all other sports Salesian competes in the BSAL,correct if I’am wrong.
There has been talk the past 2-3 years that Kennedy would disband their Varsity program and combine it with Richmond HS, both programs in the past have had the problems low turnout, poor grades, bad coaching. Would the CIF, NCS and both leagues go with this? Has this ever happened before in the CIF? Can anyone give me a insight on this please?
October 27th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Foxy – I guess you didn’t read all my “many” posts too carefully. If you had you would notice all the love I give other players on our team and OTHER teams. Prier and Shorter are kids I actually coached in pop warner so I’m well aware of how good they are. Nightengalle is a very good coach. I have not put up one post negative towards anyone. Anyone but guys who call hard working, successful kids.
Yes, DBR is my guy. He is having one of the best senior campaigns in the bay area. I won’t apologize for giving him props. And apparently the bay area media doesn’t either – cuz they been giving him love all year, because he’s earned it
Not sure why you have a bug up your a#* about SM or me. You don’t need to detract from other to get what your folks are due.
Let’s keep it real. Salesian isn’t getting as much love, cuz they are in a weak league. They belong with us. Everyone thinks so. They are a very, very good team. Maybe we can sit togethert at our next game (which I wouldn’t doubt could happen in NCS).
Until then, tell my West County Spartans Coach Pat says hello.
Go Panther! And Foxes!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
FOX,
The reason BFL stats have not been posted is because we are still missing several box scores from BFL games. Due to the nature of the BFL being a small school league, there are a lot of out-of-town games played which we are unable to cover. In those situations, we have to rely on coaches to provide us with the statistics. As noted last week, we are missing boxes from the following BFL games: California School for the Deaf at Texas School for the Deaf (Sept. 19); California School for the Deaf at Big Valley Christian-Modesto (Sept. 25); St. Elizabeth at St. Bernard (Oct. 10); Salesian at Harker (Oct. 16). That’s over half the league for which we don’t have complete stats. Our writer who does the BFL stats has been tallying what stats we do have so anybody who should be included in the East Bay leaders can appear there, but until we get a handle on those missing box scores, we can’t print the BFL stats.
Coaches or statisticians for those teams are encouraged to e-mail us full stats (we need more than “This guy had 5 catches and a touchdown”) from those games to prepscores@bayareanewsgroup.com.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Dang Panther Man, I haven’t said anything negative about anyone. My first post simply said I’m not sold, and two wins were lucky. Just my .02 cents. Please re-read your first response, and you’ll locate that bug!
It’s great that you’re giving Demetrius Brown-Ryan some exposure. The guy is good, and I wouldn’t try to take anything away from him. Hopefully our chat-battle opens a few more eyes. AT THE SAME TIME, maybe they’ll post some BFL stats, so that comparisons are more accurate!!
Oh yes, let’s sit together at the next game. I’m sure you’ll be very surprised.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Thanks Mr Durkin, I’ll see what I can do to assist.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Thanks FOX
October 27th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Fox – I admit I am out of control on this thing. It’s my first time blogging and my OCD is in full effect! Lol.
It’s fun to kick around this stuff with so many people.
I would like to see your league stats up as well. I’m sure Jimmy will get them up. He is good – even though he always posts BSAL last. Lol. Sorry Jimmy, had to give you an innocent shot.
But, seruously, can you imagine the respect the BSAL would have if the Pride was where they belong?? The BSAL would get even more props.
Fun stuff. Best line of the our exhange is “chat-battle.”. That literally made me laugh out loud.
Peace Fox.
Go Panthers!
Ps – I will be in the stands with the red 22 jersey – but you probably already knew that.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Coach Nightingale is a very good coach,he was my sons football and track coach along with my nephew who played with J. Best . It is just tough to watch a good coached football team face inferior teams in the BFL, earlier stated BCL sorry, furthermore some student-athletes might get overlooked by college scouts because of it. I know Javid Best is the execption to the rule. A. Prier is a very good RB and he deserves to get his due along with the rest of the other hard working Salesian Pride student-athletes.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Panther Fan
Nice i saw you Panther Fan on friday u sat not far from me lol
Reppin #22 the bright red jersey koo koo
October 28th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Jet4ever52 – Ryte on brother! Thanks for the shot out. Yes, that was me – watching my boy taking hard shots all night. I was tired just watching it. That Jet D was BIG, strong and fast – and waiting for 22 all night. My buddy was on the field and he said, before every snap the Jet defenders were yelling “22, 22!”
Really glad to know Kimani is ok. Like I wrote before, D said that boy was bringing the heat all night. That is my one issue with DBR. He is a small back who runs like he weighs 200 pounds. I always ask him to run away from contact, but he just has that instinct in him to go towards it. What are you gonna do?
Go Panthers!
October 28th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I’m baaaccck! LOL Thanks Panther and All Day! I’m actually just learning all this BFL, BSAL, Div IV, and who’s in what. Our most competitive games were against SPSV, Middletown, and St.Marys. So, I guess I KINDA agree with you guys.LOL
October 28th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Fox – It’s all love. Playoff are going to be exciting. As I said before, I think beating Salesian or SPSV again will be very tough for us. Obviuosly, I think it is possible, but not easy. Either of those teams has the talent and coaching to beat us. I will be rooting for both those other teams in the playoffs. I don’t know anything about the “northern teams”, but I always root for the “Bay teams.” I may be wrong, but I can’t imagine those teams up north have the speed our teams have. Plus, as I wrote, I know many kids for Salesian and always hope for their success. Salesian is a great school with an awesome school spirit. Actually, way more school spirit than SM. I have always admired that.
Go Panthers!
October 28th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
What age group did you coach at West County? Who coached with you?
October 28th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Coached Jr. Pee Wee’s (8-10)for almost 5 yrs (2 years after my own boy played). For our “famous year” Head coach was Tito Sadler (great guy), Torey Lovett (Naj’s dad), Hakeen Henderson, aka Raider Man (Donovan’s dad), and some other wonderful committed guys. It was a great bunch.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Panther Fan
haha no problem man . I Sat like right next to you and the St.Marys crowd lol I was the big Hawaiian guy Cheering everytime we made a play haha. Yea the D sicking to their assignments.
Same here I played with Kimani and glad he is alright can’t wait to see him back in action.
Yea DBR was runnin straight down the middle crazy little guy. Reminds me of my teammate Jeff Owens not that he was small but he ran straight up the middle and found the Endzone.
Didnt you say he was your son right? Are any colleges looking at him?
October 28th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Jet4ever52? When you gonna get off your lazy butt and get back in the game?
Jet Pride!
October 28th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Good news FOX. We received the Salesian vs. Harker box that we were missing (Prier went 19 carries for 234 yards in that game), so at the very least, we should be up to date with all of the Salesian stats to get those guys included in the East Bay leaders.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I will I will. My dad said he wants me to have a job rather than playing ball so I got a job and school, for me Im almost done I need about 20-25 more credits to transfer out to a 4-year college which Im planning to do and I am going to apply to either San Jose State, Fresno State, Davis, Sac State, and maybe Nevada. But yea im working out still miss the game
October 28th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
But yea once I transfer to a 4 year Im going to go play ball for whoever I get accepted too
October 28th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Jet52 – Good stuff. Yes. If you were cheering for every Encinal play – then you were cheering a lot. Sorry I didn’t notice you – I’m a mess at the games. Lol
So far he isn’t getting much love from colleges. If Mudoc’s boy Ferrigno had given him some carries ast year – he would have more attention. Was an allleague CB last year, but after he took a pick back 65 for a TD – they didn’t throw at him much. Actually, he had a pick against the Jets last year.
He is a good player, hopefully someone will notice. Thanks for asking.
Go Panthers!
October 28th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Panther Fan
np man
All league, thats good . Best of Luck the rest of the season. And before the game during the week i was thinking DBR was a giant back lol all good but yea he is quick and a playmaker.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Thanks Jimmy! I think Prier had 4 TDs in that game and only played 2.5 quarters. Harker’s field is awesome. The refs had mics! Free admission, and 1.00 snack bar.
@Panther. I’m sure we’ve crossed paths several times over the years. Good luck to DBR. He’s very talented, and I hope he gets calls, letters,etc. When he does, he’ll say I want to thank my dad, my mom, coaches, and FOX…..LOL
October 28th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Jet52 – Keep your dreams alive. Many of us (like me) took a different path tp being successful. Don’t trip about being out of the game. Keep yourself in good shape. If Pops says you got to work, then you got to work. But don’t give up if you still want to play.
I love to hear about young people working hard. Truthfully, that is the ONLY way to make it in whatever you do. No one can stop you but you. Do your thing big man. Good luck and stay strong.
Go Panther and You!
October 28th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Fox – ryte on brother! Good stuff. Thanks for the kind words
I will be sure to tell my boy to thank Fox!! Lol
Holla at me next time you see me.
Go Panthers!
October 28th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Panther Fan
Thanks for those words. I will keep pushing. Where I am now in a junior College is something my family hasnt done im the first in my family to go to college and I will be getting my AA degree soon and then on to a 4 year. I am accomplishing alot right now .
October 28th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Jet52 – That is really AWESOME. I mean it. I wish I had gone to JC. I went to a 4 year college for baseball and was not mature enough to handle it. I dropped out. If I had gone to JC I would have done better. Its a great way to go. My daughter is doing the same thing and will go on to a 4 year next year. I believe by your tone you will succeed. Like I said work hard and the world is your and everything in it. I ended up being very successful in life – so there is more than one way to get where you need to go
Keep us posted on your progress.
Go Panthers!
October 28th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Panther Fan
Oh wow thats tight What College? Thats good yea my dad is always on me about getting a “real job” and he doesnt think I need college to get a good job. He thinks like that because hes had the same job for like 30 somethin years and he enjoys what he does although theres alot stress for his job but yea. I played Volleyball too and still do that with my brothers Club team
October 28th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
THE bfl was strong when Sacred Heart Prep and the King’s Academy were in the league(during the Javid Best years). They are gone to the CCS now.
Salesian is in the BFL for one reason only- that is a coaching decision from Salesian.
If they win the league they qualify for a playoff berth.
Years ago Salesian used that approach playing CSD, Pacifica, etc. to build their program and have wins before hitting the old CAL.
Intersting, they have always been a very good team and really didn’t need to do that.
In ’70 beat by St. Mary’s for league title, in ’71 came in at 9-0 and lost title game at Nichol Park.
They were rolling over patsies and SM was playing WCAL teams, Vallejo, Pacific and Pinole-all powerhouses at that time.
They need to be in the BSAL and stop pussy-footing around. They can make the playoffs from that league and it would serve the kids more to play some tough comp.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Ferndale is the number one seed. They are bowling over teams and would do some serious damage to St. Mary’s. If you look at their history, they are always in contention as one or two.
Justin-Sienna plays in one of the weakest leagues in NorCal. Take out MC and Novato and the rest of the league is a pushover. Justin lost to both of these temas by a combined score of 83-00!
MC had a running clock in the second half. Justin is way down from previous years and their previous rep should not count in selecting them.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Yo Mama – I have no facts to dispute what you write. Can you tell me more about Ferndale specifically, that makes you think they will be successful against SM? What are the match up issues?
Thanks Yo Mama
Go Panthers
October 28th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
The facts are me, Panther fan since I attended SM and know the inner workings of their football program generally.
Ferndale will come more prepared and coached. The Ferndale players get up in the AM almost every day and work out at their farms and ranches before school. They are SUPER strong and very fast. They are in excellent condition. They have nothing to loose since they are a small school- appx. 250. They travel well, several hundred miles sometimes. They have mental toughness. They put players at Humbolt State all the time. They have won more than several NCS titles and have been in the title game many times. They are usually the number 1 or 2 seed. They have history.
St. Mary’s hasn’t been much since Shag left, even his last few years they were average at best. Previous coaches have cited lack of commitment, I am sure this years team has it, the record is very good. One or two years does not build a dynasty. Ferndale is a dynasty. Ferndale has the potential to BEAT Encinal.
Ferndale can stop running teams effectively, Javid Best only beat them 12-7 several years back, and that was the strongest Salesian team in many years.
They have the potential to hold Brown to under 50 yds.
They will definately out-coach SM, no knock on your coaches, they coach and adapt that well. I have seen them play, VERY discliplined also.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Got it. You seem to know a lot about both programs. Like I said, I have never seen Ferndal, so I would be spewing BS if I said I knew what they had. I don’t think you give this year’s SM team enough credibility though. I think they have shown a lot of character as a team this year – game after game (even in their losses).However,they have never experienced a prolonged, playoff run. They do not have post season experience on this team. They have had 3 coaches in 4 years, that may hurt us as well too. Perhaps you will prove correct. The cool thing is that we will get to see it all play out in reality and not in all of our posts.
Did you or your child have a bad experience at SM? You seem a little down on them as a program. You don’t think Minor is an improvement on what they have had?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Go Panthers
October 28th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I had no bad exp. was all league, college, HOF , etc. won 2 CAL titles. The previous coaches had no support from the administration, even Shag left because of this. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, so don’t inquire too much from the past individuals.
The previous coaches were as good if not better than Minor. Minor is a good coach, but lacks some experience, that’s OK because the kids are rallying around him. He is also alumni and has a lot of class and is putting in a lot of time, I’m sure you know his profession. The ex-Cal coach got a raw deal, even if he was just shopping around and took the job. St. Mary’s had a label as a basketball school and the previous AD’s didn’t give a hoot about football. A lot of the teachers didn’t support the program either. When the job opened last year, other local coaches did not apply. There’s a reason that a lot of alumni are not sending their kids there. And no, none of my kids attended there, they all attended much stronger programs who have won numerous NCS and league titles. That is not a knock on the school academically. They really went down since going co-ed because the city of Albany has a noise and size requirement in the area. They have a Berkeley listing but fall into the city of Albany for zoning purposes. The city says no more than appx. 600 attending the school. That reduces the amount of boys attending due to co-ed. They have appx. 300 male students to choose from. Previously, over ten years ago they had over 450, years back over 500. This is also why their men’s track team has suffered, in the past many league and NCS championships.
October 28th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Yo Mama – Wow. Interesting stuff. I agree with a lot of what you, if not all of it. You are very informed and intimate in your knowledge of SM.
Let me suggest this to you. This team has a special core. They are having a dream season, one they will always remember now matter what happens henceforth. You should come talk to them and help them to know what they should expect and how they should prepare. Trust me Yo Mama – this group is worth it. They have overcome a lot.
Either way, I value your comments and you certainly seem highly credible. I hope this group can help Minor to start to build something
Last thing though. Ferrigno was not a strong coach. He knew the game, for sure, but he was not the right temperment for HS ball. He is more suited to the college level. To me, HS sports is really just a vehicle to teach young people about the life game. He didn’t know how or want to do that. It was a tough year. He probably didn’t have a lot of support, but he didn’t distinguish himself much at all
Stick with your alma mater with this group brother Panther. I think you would like it’s core
Go Panthers!
October 28th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
As NCS D-IV playoffs approach each year, I get excited because there are always some great games to watch. I do not know much about St. Mary’s, so I enjoyed reading your comments and will have to do my homework. As a sportswriter whose beat includes Ferndale football, here are a few facts to consider. Ferndale High has a student body of 163 kids, so they petition to play up in D-IV. Ferndale has had only only two head coaches in the 44-year history of its football program. Coach Carlson coached 25 years and the current head coach, Kim Jorgensen, is in his 19th season. Jorgensen was the 2007 CalHi Sports small schools Coach of the Year. Since he took over in 1991, in his 18 years at the helm, his Wildcats have won 7 NCS titles and lost in the title game 4 other times. As I write this (10/28/01) they have won 65 of their last 71 football games.
October 29th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Mr. Tarpey – I enjoyed your post. What an impressive and intimidating history Ferndale has. Wow. And I am not being sarcastic. You have not heard about SM, becuase as “Yo Mama” wrote, we are more known for basketball. This year’s team is doing something the school has not seen for some time.
11 trips to the title game in 18 years. Man, that is amazing.
Nice to hear from our northern D4 cohorts. Good luck with your season and maybe we will meet up later this year. I hope so, because it sounds like if we play each other it would probably mean both teams made it to the title game.
Go Panthers! And D4!
October 29th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Panther Fan when did the West County Spartans beat the Richmond Steelers and on what level was it? I think St. Marys has a excellent chance in the playoffs to go all the way depending on their seeding. Watch out for Ferndale, tough football program! Would like to se them play some non-league games with some Bay Area teams in the future.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:54 am
All Day – West County played Richmond in a one time “bowl game.” If my old man memory is correct, it was ’03. It was called the Holiday Bowl. We played the Steelers at De Anza HS. It was a great Jr. Pee Wee game. We were the only team to beat the Steelers that day, who as you know, have a great tradition.
Our team was loaded with 14 guys who played varsity level throughout the bay (from Justin Sienna – Eddie Aguayo to Deer Valley – Mark Burks). Najee Lovett was a star RB. PV stand-out WR/RB Donovan Henderson was, of all things an offensive and defensive lineman. Keenan Coogler (B-High) was a LB/RB. As I said, Keenan Coogler was unbelievable that game. He was a monster on defense (as he stil is now!) and on offense. DBR was actaully the QB on that team. All he did all day was hand off to Keenan. It was a defensive, smash-mouth battle (as much as it can be on Jr. Pee Wee level). It was a cool thing they did between the 2 programs.
Unfortunately the Midget game broke out into a stands clearing brawl, and it was the last year we had it. Too bad, as always, crazy adults messing it up for the kids.
Anyway, thanks for asking and thanks for the good wishes to SM in the playoffs. I am reading about Ferndale and it seems like another daunting task for us. That doesn’t even take into account ST. Pat’s and Salesian who will be tough for us to beat a second time.
I hope SM continues to build on this year’s success. Minor is a good coach and a good man. Yo Mama is right, it’s tough to attract football talent at our school. This year’s Sr. class kinda just showed up at the school 4 years ago. They went undefeated in their sophmore years’ on jv. Hopefully they can do something special in the playoffs.
Go Panthers!
October 29th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Hi Panther, I can’t believe you remember that Spartans vs Steelers bowl game.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I can’t believe I remember my own name half the time. How do you remember it?
October 29th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I had forgotten all about the bowl game until you mentioned it.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Fox – Ok…now you got me curious. Were you at the Spartans/Steelers bowl game? Did you have a player in that game?
Go Panthers!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Yes, I was at the bowl games. I was really trying to wait until I saw you in person at one of the games and say “surprise”. Don’t you want to wait until playoffs?
October 29th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Fox – That is fine. Just tell me this…are you a Salesian parent or SM parent?
Go Panthers!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Panther Fan you right heck of a game. It was actually a youth football tournment held Thanksgiving weekend,which involved the Richmond Steelers,West County Spartans,Fairfield Indians,and the Vallejo Generals. I was part of the group that put the tournment together to this day there has not been another one in the Bay Area. West County won the Junior Peewee level,Richmond Steelers won the Midget level led by legendary coach Fred Harris, they also won the Mighty Mite and Junior Midget levels also, and the Vallejo Generals won the Pee Wee level. Some of the best youth fooball was played that weekend.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Sorry, I can’t reveal that.LOL
October 29th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
All Day – That’s right! That is exactly what it was. See, I told you I’m old and forget stuff. It’s too bad that couldn’t have become an annual thing. Thank you very much for putting it together. To this day, I’ve heard D and Naj and other players from our WC team talk about that game.
I remember our game with the Steelers being crazy physical. I couldn’t believe the hitting that was going on. Those little cats were bringin’ hat! D lost a tooth that game. He came over to the sidelines between a play on the winning drive and gave Coach Tito his tooth and ran back into the huddle. Comedy.
Thanks for the memory!
Go Panthers!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Ok Fox.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Panther fan, I though i saw where you said you went to Washington in SF. If so,What year did you graduate?
October 29th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
OFM Coach – Yes I did go to Washington in SF. I was class of ’87. However, I transfered to a school in LA in my senior year. I was a bit of a knucklehead and if I had stayed at Wash, I might be writing these posts from San Quentin. Lol.
Go Panthers!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Might try on doing another tournment Thanksgiving weekend in 2010 but it is pretty tough getting all of the youth football associations together and agree to play except for the Richmond Steelers.That organization loves to have their young men play the game of football. Deer Valley youth football said they will participate along with the Oakland Dynamites but we are still in the planning stages.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
All Day – If there is anything I can do to assist you, I would be honored. I guess I have done a poor job of keeping my identity from being known on this thing, so if you need to reach me, I’m sure you can get a hold of me. Lol
Keep doing that good work. Our children are our future. Unfortunately, in this society we do not honor that philosophy. A great historian once said the test of a great civilization is measured in how it treats the young and elderly. Taking care of our children assures the quality of our future and taking care of the elderly is a gesture of appreciation to those who have paved the way for all of us. If that historian was correct, as a society we are not doing so well.
But it is the reason I get on here and defend the coaches who commit so much of their time to be a part of all of our young men’s lives. Working with kids turned my life around. It’s all about “each one – teach one.” As they say – “the revolution will not be televised.” It happens behind the scenes. You alter one person’s life and you’ve done an amazing thing.
Thank you for your efforts All Day. Sorry for getting preachy, but I get pumped up when talking about our young, future leaders.
Go Panthers!
October 29th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Preach on Panther! Great Post!!!!
Go Ps! HA! That’s my new signature, Panther. You still don’t know if I mean Panthers or Pride!!LOL
October 29th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Panther Fan who was the young man that worked out with Najee Lovett at Contra Costa College and Kennedy HS this summer? Was it DBR?
October 29th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
All Day – You know I’m not sure. They did a lot of different stuff this summer and I don’t know about that specifically. I will ask D tonight.
Was there a reason you ask?
October 29th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Fox – Thanks for the compliment. You gonna keep me guessing.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
The man was their trainer Is a good friend of mine so I was at a lot of the sessions and I never got the other young mans name. Naji’s father and i go back a long way. The guy that conducted the sessions very good, he played ball at Utah St., then Seattle Seahawks, S.F Niners, and he went to the World Football League for about 4 years. Excellent WR,RB,and DB coach.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
All Day – I’m not sure. It might have been Henry Organ. He and Naj and Najee’s dad spent a lot of time together this off season.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Panther Fan are u still coaching with West County?
October 29th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
All Day – No, unfortunately I am not. I got a bit frustrated with a lot of the drama. They have had a lot of leadership changes. I had a hard time dealing with the mentality that was, in my opinion, taking the focus off the kids.
I’m just a working stiff now and a dad. I got 3 kids, so they keep me busy. I still work with young people, but not through sports. I have a lot of kids that are “under my wing,” who I try to help navigate throught the currents of chaos we all call life.
I will tell you this, though. My time at West County was tremendously rewarding. To this day, I may be walking through Hilltop mall or somewhere in our community and I will hear a voice yell, “Coach!” I turn around and often do not recognize the face, because it is some grown-ass looking young man who I last saw when they were 9 or 10. A closer look reveals who they are and we spend a minute talking. Usually they are doing well. It makes my heart proud to see so many of them doing well. Hopefully, there experience playing football helped them in some way. It is those moments I cherish and appreciate. I am sure it is the same for other coaches.
Go Panthers!
October 29th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Looking forward to meeting you at one of St.Mary’s games in the near future.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
The pleasure will be mine. Thanks All Day.
Go Panthers!
October 31st, 2009 at 11:28 am
To All,
Justin Siena is having a down year compared to last year – when they won the championship over several higher seeded teams – but remember their strength of schedule is very high. Almost all of their games are against Division III schools. If they played the schools that the Division IV schools played, their record would be much more impressive. Therefore Justin always gets a lower seed than deserved because people get impressed with W-L records of teams that play many very poor Division IV teams.
I guarantee you that no Division IV school wants Justin as their first play-off game. Ask Ferndale and St. Vincent.
November 1st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Justin is way down this year. Ferndale would run up 40 points against them. They have been shut out 83-00 against MC and Novato. SPSV even though a down year would beat them also. The other Div 4 teams play Div 3 and even Div 2 teams also.