WCAL 2014 - Returning Impact Players for 2015

[Rmbr26]

WEST CATHOLIC ATHLETIC LEAGUE 2014 FOOTBALL PRE-SEASON PREVIEW

Looking ahead to the start of the 2014 season the WCAL race this season figures to be highly competitive as always and also difficult to predict accurately. Like the 2013 season 5 teams will likely be among the top 10 teams in the CCS both at the start and end of the season. Here is how the 2013 season ended for Varsity, JV & Frosh in order of overall finish:

VARSITY: Serra, Mitty, Valley Christian, Bellarmine, St. Francis, St. Ignatius, Riordan, SHC

JUNIOR VARSITY: Bellarmine, Valley Christian, Mitty, SHC, St. Ignatius, Riordan, St. Francis, Serra

FROSH: Valley Christian, St. Francis, Serra, Bellarmine, St. Ignatius, Mitty, Riordan, SHC

2013 Ending Season Records, 2013 Final Power Ranking, 2014 Pre-season Power Ranking:

Serra: record 11-3, 2013 power ranking 51.7, 2014 starting power ranking 47.4
Mitty: record 11-2, 2013 power ranking 48.6, 2014 starting power ranking 48.1
VC: record 8-4, 2013 power ranking 39.2, 2014 starting power ranking 39.8
Bells: record 8-4, 2013 power ranking 38, 2014 starting power ranking 33.4
SF: record 9-4, 2013 power ranking 34.4, 2014 starting power ranking 36.1
SI: record 4-9, 2013 power ranking 24.1, 2014 starting power ranking 33.9
Riordan: record 3-7, 2013 power ranking 8.8, 2014 starting power ranking 2.4
SHC: record 2-8, 2013 power ranking 11.7, 2014 starting power ranking 16.9

High's & Low's 2013 Season by Team:

Serra: Mostly high's in record setting season with close loss to DLS 21-14, exciting upset loss to SF 41-34 and a tough loss in regional match-up vs Del Oro 28-20. Serra's RB converted to QB Matt Fa'aita threw for the 4th most yards in Serra history in his first year as QB [with 2 of the 3 QB's ahead of him having made it to the NFL].

Mitty: Mitty had an excellent season with just 2 losses, both to a Serra team that arguably is the best team in Serra's history,
losing 31-7 in regular season and 21-7 in the CCS Open Championship. Mitty however was impressive throughout most of the 2013 season with the exception of the lopsided 31-7 loss at Serra. The CCS Open championship was a different story in which Mitty led going into the 4th quarter by 7-0 after a long TD run by RB Dakari Monroe. Unluckily for Mitty in its biggest game of the year the Monarch's were without an experienced QB - with capable starter Trent Scharrenberg out injured, back-up QB also injured limited to run plays and a JV QB brought in only for a few pass plays. Mitty played outstanding in this game and likely with Scharrenberg may have taken the Padres down.

Valley Christian: The Warriors had a somewhat up & down season with some injuries, most noticeable to stand-out RB Kirk Johnson who was sorely missed in several games. VC also had 2 other capable RB's in Tre McCloud & Mark Quimby who also both return this season. VC had an early loss to Vacaville [20-17] a lopsided losses to Serra [28-7] and a close loss to Mitty [14-13] before being overwhelmed by MItty in the CCS Open semi-final by 37-7. VC's high point came in their upset win over previously unbeaten Terra Nova by 26-7 in the first round of CCS playoffs.

Bellarmine: A tough year for the WCAL champs the previous 2 seasons in tying for 4th place in the WCAL. Losing a lot of talent to graduation from the previous season the Bells relied on the QB K.J. Carta-Samuels who simply did not have the skill players of the previous season resulting in a sporadic passing game and not enough big plays when needed. The Bells played tough as always losing 2 tough games to Serra as well as to VC [31-13] and worst loss of the season to Mitty by 34-7.

St. Francis: The Lancers proved tough as always in 2013 and if not for 3 close losses in WCAL play would have battled for the league title. The Lancers once again shocked top ranked Serra in one of the season's best games on the Lancers Senior night by outscoring the Padres 41-34 [against a Serra defense that was holding opponents to under 14 points on average]. The Lancers 3 league losses were Mitty 13-12, VC 21-14, Bells 21-14. SF entered Div II playoffs as the favored team and cruised through the first 2 rounds before a surprising upset to Los Gatos by 31-14 in the championship game.

St. Ignatius: The Wildcats were a very good but very inconsistent team for 2013 in playing well but not for 4 quarters in many games. Their record of 4-9 is deceiving and could have been 7-6 if not for mistakes and sheer bad luck. SI's 2 worst losses came at the hands of non-league foe Terra Nova 50-33 and then Mitty in league play 34-16. Despite their record SI qualified for the Div. III playoffs and played perhaps their best game of the year in disposing of previously unbeaten Burlingame by 41-21 on Burlingame's home field before a stunned crowd of Panther fans. SI in a mild upset lost a close battle to a very under-rated Aptos team by 41-35 in the Div. III Championship game.

Riordan: The Crusader's fans endured another draining season as the new coaching staff tried to instill a new system. As often the case new coach + new system = same old results [unfortunately]. Riordan with a weak pre-season, but still lost badly to St. Mary's/Berekely by 49-7 in what had to be a sobering moment for the entire Crusader nation. Riordan in league play had 6 losses by an average of 36 points or 5 TD's to the top tier teams of the WCAL. Easily the high point was the upset of the SHC Irish by 24-21 on Riordan's home field - the Crusader's first WCAL win in 3 seasons.

Sacred Heart Cathedral: The Irish struggled through a tough season with an under-manned and out-sized team. As with the previous 2012 season the Irish best football appeared to be early in the season before the tough opponents of the WCAL took its toll, losing 6 league games to top tier teams by an average of 32 points per game. After 2 easy pre-season wins SHC played its best game of the year in a narrow loss to a very good Milpitas team - the same Milpitas team which won the CCS Div. I championship beating San Benito by 37-7 [yes the last place WCAL team played the Div. I champs down to the wire in the 3rd game of the 2013 season].

Looking Forward:
In terms of overall strength and returning talent the teams returning the most veteran players to varsity this season are Mitty, St. Francis, VC, SI & Serra in that order. The teams likely to get the most help from their JV teams from last year would be
Bells, VC, Mitty, SHC & Riordan. Serra's JV team surprisingly went 0-10 and was the only winless JV in the WCAL.
While Frosh teams do not generally contribute to varsity teams the following year there are always exceptions - with VC's Frosh team going undefeated and Serra's Frosh having 1 loss only to De La Salle these 2 teams may likely contribute a player or 2 at the higher level.

The initial assessment of teams based upon last seasons results, returning players this season and success of last year's JV teams is that that Mitty is the favored team this year in WCAL. Again Serra and VC figure to be in the running with St. Francis, then SI and Bells following the pack in that order. Riordan and SHC are again looking at challenging season's and once again IMO Riordan looks to be overall the stronger/deeper team at the lower end of the spectrum. The X-factor once again will be the QB's of the league as the RB's are already set with VC & Serra having the best RB's by committee.

Next Up:
I'll have my own further predictions & team by team assessments in coming weeks breaking down each team with its own strengths & weaknesses & upcoming pre-season foes to start the season. That's it for now.





















































































This post was edited on 12/6 5:30 PM by Rmbr26

This post was edited on 12/26 7:17 PM by Rmbr26

 

[PAL95]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Nice rmbr26! Im pumped up already! Can't wait...

 

[colhenrylives]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Even without Dickerson (a 6-5, 275-pound stud at DE/TE), Serra was terrific in 2013. But best ever? Not sure. One of best ever? Yes. The 1968 team (9-1, one loss by one point to Vallejo, ranked No.1 in NorCal, three future pros, etc.) might have been better. It's not clear. Padres will be in the mix again in 2014. Most folks feel that VC will be favored to win title. We shall see.

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by colhenrylives:
Even without Dickerson (a 6-5, 275-pound stud at DE/TE), Serra was terrific in 2013. But best ever? Not sure. One of best ever? Yes. The 1968 team (9-1, one loss by one point to Vallejo, ranked No.1 in NorCal, three future pros, etc.) might have been better. It's not clear. Padres will be in the mix again in 2014. Most folks feel that VC will be favored to win title. We shall see.

Yes thought that might come up Colhenry. You are correct that the '68 team is ranked near the top of Serra's best teams, however from a different era altogether. The '68 team had Swann, Scott & Freitas and I've had this discussion many times with a number of long time Serra fans. The rosters matched up against each other currently would not be similar at all. The 2013 Serra team would be far bigger and in most cases [except Scott & Swann] be faster overall. Everyone will have their own opinion on this subject but I believe the 2013 Serra team would have simply overwhelmed the '68 team. Since you mention Dickerson, a player of that type/size did not even exist during that time period. I actually know someone who started on offense for that '68 team and based upon his size & weight at that time he would not even have played for the 2013 Serra team. Would be fun though to see a fantasy game of the 2 teams playing. BTW - that '68 team led Vallejo by 20-0 at the half before losing that game 21-20 so where would that put the '68 Vallejo team?
This post was edited on 6/28 7:48 AM by Rmbr26

 

[colhenrylives]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Vallejo was very good in 1968. But St. Francis routed the Apaches that year. The WCAL was very strong in 1968. As for a comparison between those two Serra teams, the eras are very different. However, as far as depth of talent is concerned, the 2013 team was simply loaded overall. Missing seven starters, Serra nearly beat DLS. The 1968 team was gifted at the skill spots, not so much on the lines. Bob Devaney, the legendary Nebraska coach, attended the Serra vs. San Mateo game in 1968. The latter was terrific that year too. The 57-33 Serra victory was the Bearcats' sole defeat that year and SM actually outgained the Padres in that one. Reportedly, Devaney later told the Serra head coach, Jesse Freitas, that there was more big-time college talent on the Burlingame High field that night than he had seen at any prep football game that year. High praise.

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by colhenrylives:
Vallejo was very good in 1968. But St. Francis routed the Apaches that year. The WCAL was very strong in 1968. As for a comparison between those two Serra teams, the eras are very different. However, as far as depth of talent is concerned, the 2013 team was simply loaded overall. Missing seven starters, Serra nearly beat DLS. The 1968 team was gifted at the skill spots, not so much on the lines. Bob Devaney, the legendary Nebraska coach, attended the Serra vs. San Mateo game in 1968. The latter was terrific that year too. The 57-33 Serra victory was the Bearcats' sole defeat that year and SM actually outgained the Padres in that one. Reportedly, Devaney later told the Serra head coach, Jesse Freitas, that there was more big-time college talent on the Burlingame High field that night than he had seen at any prep football game that year. High praise.

Yes going back aways looking at the comparisons and you're right there were some very good teams even back then in the WCAL.
As for the Serra vs San Mateo game in '68 SM had its own stars aka Alonzo Emery [big RB] and Calvin Swann [WR]- Lynn Swann's much bigger brother who was about as fast as Lynn. I don't know much details about the game, but I do remember Calvin Swann caught 2 long TD's. Fun stuff, but ancient history now...

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Nearly forgot to include the Freeman Ratings assorted projections for pre-season which are listed below. Before anyone gets too excited though remember the ratings/rankings usually change just before the start of the season when all remaining data on teams is entered.

Projected WCAL Finish and overall record for 2014

1] Mitty - 9/1 2013 record = 11-2
2] Serra - 8/2 2013 = 11-3
3] VC - 7/3 2013 = 8-4
4] SF - 7/3 2013 = 9-4
5] SI - 6/4 2013 = 4-9
6] Bells - 5/5 2013 = 8-4
7] SHC - 4/6 2013 = 2-8
8] Riordan - 0/10 2013 = 3-7

So the early projection has Mitty & Serra switching places at the top with VC & SF again trailing in 3rd & 4th position while SI and the Bells also switch places and SHC & Riordan remain at the lower end. I believe Riordan will once again finish 7th in WCAL by defeating SHC. Riordan has a very strong pre-season schedule of which they will be the heavy under dog in all 3 games. SHC took an easier road and has 3 very winnable games - so SHC is projected to win those 3 games and vs Riordan as well = 4/6 record.
If Riordan wins vs SHC then the Crusaders projection record changes to 1/9, but if the Crusaders can upset any of the 3 pre-season opponents or a WCAL foe then Riordan would finish 2/8 which as I said earlier in a related post should be considered a successful season based upon schedule strength.


Top Projected CCS Teams + SHC, Riordan

1] Mitty 48.2 rating
2] Serra 47.4
3] Terra Nova 42.7
4] VC 39.8 [* Valley Christian defeated Terra Nova in CCS Open playoffs by 26-7 last season]
5] Sacred Heart Prep 39.7
6] St. Francis 36.1
7] St. Ignatius 33.9
8] Bells 33.4
9] Los Gatos 31.3
10] Milpitas 30
18] SHC 16.9
32] Riordan 2.4

Too early to tell if any of the publics will be a powerhouse this season. SHP also outside the WCAL is projected high based upon last season - can they duplicate last season's success & effort again? Los Gatos finished strong with the upset of SF in Div. II championship by 31-14, SF's worst loss of the year & remember SF took down Serra, so LG could be a team to contend with in Open this season. Milpitas due to a late season loss avoided the Open Division & cruised through Division I to the championship.
Milpitas loses some talent to graduation and should not be quite as strong this season. So outside of Terra Nova & Los Gatos there does not appear to be any other publics projected as CCS powers for 2014 [No Oak Grove, no Palo Alto, no Menlo].
Palma is surprisingly low in the projections as well even though their JV went 10-0 last season [?].
This post was edited on 6/28 8:36 PM by Rmbr26

 

[FUBO]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Freeman must not be taking into account the Crusaders "needle flutter" resulting from the De La Salle comparable workout regimen. How did Pat Walsh do in his second year after taking over a struggling Serra program?

 

[CrusadersDoItBetter]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview


I think they won the WCAL if I remember correctly FUBO

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Good memory Crusaders & almost got it right - Serra was Co-Champs in 2002 sharing the title with Valley Christian based on an exciting 7-6 win over VC on their home field. The game was 6-0 after VC drives stalled and they kicked 2 Field Goals. Serra's Chris Denny-Brown ran back the 2nd half kick-off to make it 7-6 Serra. VC drove down the field in the closing minutes and from the 11 yard line with one of the leagues best and most accurate kickers decided to go for the TD instead of a PAT range field goal. VC's pass was then intercepted in the end zone by Serra's Angelo Valentino-Fobbs & Serra ran out the clock to share in the league title.

Here is Coach Walsh's win/loss record since arriving at Serra in 2001:

Year - League Finish - Overall record

2001 - 1/4 - 6/4
2002 - 5/1 - 6/5 Co-Champs with VC
2003 - 3/3 - 8/4
2004 - 4/2 - 8/3
2005 - 2/4 - 3/7
2006 - 5/1 - 9/3 Co-Champs with SI
2007 - 4/2 - 7/4
2008 - 6/1 - 8/4 Co-Champs with Bells
2009 - 3/4 - 6/6
2010 - 4/2/1 - 6/4/1
2011 - 5/2 - 11/2
2012 - 5/2 - 10/3
2013 - 6/1 - 11/3 Co-Champs with Mitty




This post was edited on 6/29 9:08 PM by Rmbr26

 

[FUBO]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Edited for the mental midget. The one below.
SECOND YEAR IN WALSH WON THE WCAL.
If this Riordan crew can't win a couple games, actually score points before the last minute of 4th qt blowouts and avoid running 2nd half clocks with the talent they have this year in the second year of the coaching change, then these "needle mover" fans need to banish themselves for the 2015 football season.
The majority of the juniors have 6 years of organized football experience. They have not had a losing season as freshman or sophomores in high school even after losing a handful of players to injuries for league competition. I hear they are all back and ready to play.

This post was edited on 6/30 2:24 PM by FUBO

This post was edited on 6/30 5:21 PM by FUBO

 

[PurpleHaze13]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Fubo, nobody cares what these kids did in 5th or 6th grade. Stop with all your hype. You sound pathetic.

 

[FUBO]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Walsh and Regalia had huge success in their 2nd years.

Purple Haze. How would you characterize three fictitious head varsity football coaches with the following varsity credentials?

coach #1: As head coach goes one league win over three years. Two years after leaving the new coach takes the team to the second round of section playoffs.

coach#2: Last two years as head coach goes 0 wins in league. Two years after leaving the new head coach takes the team to the section championship.

coach#3: Last three years as head coach goes 4 wins in league with 3 of those wins against the perennial league bottom feeder. Then goes 1 win in league the following year at a new program.

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview


There are many aspects as to what makes a winning program and team that are debatable. One aspect that is abundantly clear is that teams with losing records over successive years have a difficult time attracting the most talented athletes. The teams/schools with winning programs over numerous years have kids [and their parents] fighting to get in. This is why it is so laughable when someone brings up DLS recruiting their players, as if they have to recruit for the most successful program in the country [BTW - the reviews on the DLS movie are very good so far]. Valley Christian has this same problem affecting their basketball program, as they've been so dismal for so long. I would say that it is indicative of the program overall and not the young players if the losing trend continues over 4,5,6 years in succession when all of the players on the team have changed every 2 years. Losing like winning can become habit-forming unfortunately.

 

[cityfan]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

FUBO, alright, we get it already. Why you so mad, bro? It's summer, and you're all in Riordan's jock about their workout schedules for chrissake?!?! You post on any and all threads about Riordan and totally bash the school and coaching staff. There's 7 other schools in the WCAL and everyone knows Riordan's record the last 7 years.
Feel free to start your rants all over again after the season starts, but until then, why don't you kick a puppy or pluck feathers off a bird if that'll make you feel better.

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview


UPDATED WCAL TEAM POWER-RANKINGS AFTER ADJUSTMENTS:

Serra 50.0 finished 2013 season 51.7 - change of -1.7 downward for 2014
Mitty 49.5 finished 2013 = 48.6 - change of +.9 upward for 2014
VC 41.1 finished 2013 = 39.2 - change of +1.9 upward for 2014
SF 37.4 2013 = 34.4 - change of +3.0 upwards for 2014
SI 35.2 2013 = 24.1 - change of +11.1 upward for 2014
Bells: 34.7 2013 = 38 - change of -3.3 downward for 2014
SHC 18.2 2013 = 11.7 - change of +1.1 upward for 2014
Riordan 2.4 2013 = 8.8 - change of -6.4 downward for 2014

Observations: of the adjusted pre-season ratings 7 of the WCAL teams adjusted upwards from the initial power rating while Riordan remained the same. As I noted in my initial assessment I do not see the type of separation between SHC & Riordan that the power ratings indicate. SHC will have Logan White however Riordan should have the edge in overall talent. The changes also reflect Serra & MItty switching projected finishes with the slight edge now going to Serra.

 

[HSS75]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

"SI 35.2 2013 = 24.1 - change of +11.1 upward for 2014"

Huge upward potential for SI. I think looking back at the WCAL standings when the incoming seniors were freshman, VC were champs, Serra, SF, Mitty, Bells, SI, SHC, and Riordan in that order. Still shaping up to be in that order for this year. Serra, SF, and Mitty fighting for second. I just don't believe Bells is going to be that strong. Some people stated that the eventual champs will have at least one loss in league play but I believe VC is going to be undefeated this year. To beat them, opposing teams need to score early and in bunches. BTW, Serra and VC play against each other in league opener. Right off the gate!

 

[WCAL75]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by HSS75:
"SI 35.2 2013 = 24.1 - change of +11.1 upward for 2014"

Huge upward potential for SI. I think looking back at the WCAL standings when the incoming seniors were freshman, VC were champs, Serra, SF, Mitty, Bells, SI, SHC, and Riordan in that order. Still shaping up to be in that order for this year. Serra, SF, and Mitty fighting for second. I just don't believe Bells is going to be that strong. Some people stated that the eventual champs will have at least one loss in league play but I believe VC is going to be undefeated this year. To beat them, opposing teams need to score early and in bunches. BTW, Serra and VC play against each other in league opener. Right off the gate!

Ha! My friend. Remember the last really good VC team in 2010? Some team beat them in league, but I cant remember who.

 

[WCAL75]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

It is possible to get through WCAL league play undefeated but realistically its hard to do and sometimes it takes a little luck for it to happen. Just looking back from 2008 on it looks like this:

-The strongest Bells team IMO was the 2008 team and Serra spoiled their undefeated in league party.
-The 2009 Bells team that went to state was tied by Mitty(with Mitty winning the tie breaker)
-The 2010 VC team was beaten by St Francis in league play.
-The 2011 Bells team that went to state did do it.
-The 2012 Bells team did it also but did need a little luck and was beaten by SI in the playoffs(that year the WCAL seemed a little down to me)
-The 2013 Serra team was beaten by St Francis.

So even if you are the best team in the league you can still be beaten unless you have a large disparity in talent and overall team play over the rest of the teams like the 2011 Bells team.

From what some people are posting it would appear that VC may have the most talent and be the best all around team. However I'm not completely convinced about the overall team aspect yet. I think that Serra and St Francis and possibly Mitty are very close to VC. In other words I dont see the type of disparity needed on paper between VC and the other three teams that the 2011 Bells team had. I could be wrong but I am not ready to hand an undefeated WCAL title to VC quite yet. I still think it is a 4 horse race.

 

[Irish_Cheers]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by WCAL75:
It is possible to get through WCAL league play undefeated but realistically its hard to do and sometimes it takes a little luck for it to happen. Just looking back from 2008 on it looks like this:

-The strongest Bells team IMO was the 2008 team and Serra spoiled their undefeated in league party.
-The 2009 Bells team that went to state was tied by Mitty(with Mitty winning the tie breaker)
-The 2010 VC team was beaten by St Francis in league play.
-The 2011 Bells team that went to state did do it.

So even if you are the best team in the league you can still be beaten unless you have a large disparity in talent and overall team play over the rest of the teams like the 2011 Bells team.

This game in 2011 was close...

http://www.maxpreps.com/games/football-fall-11/bellarmine-vs-sacred-heart-cathedral/10-1-2011-oprGhtDVrEGLL_LrExEPAg.htm

 

[WCAL75]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by Irish_Cheers:

Originally posted by WCAL75:
It is possible to get through WCAL league play undefeated but realistically its hard to do and sometimes it takes a little luck for it to happen. Just looking back from 2008 on it looks like this:

-The strongest Bells team IMO was the 2008 team and Serra spoiled their undefeated in league party.
-The 2009 Bells team that went to state was tied by Mitty(with Mitty winning the tie breaker)
-The 2010 VC team was beaten by St Francis in league play.
-The 2011 Bells team that went to state did do it.

So even if you are the best team in the league you can still be beaten unless you have a large disparity in talent and overall team play over the rest of the teams like the 2011 Bells team.

This game in 2011 was close...

http://www.maxpreps.com/games/football-fall-11/bellarmine-vs-sacred-heart-cathedral/10-1-2011-oprGhtDVrEGLL_LrExEPAg.htm

I remember that game. It was close. That was their first league game and we were all a little shocked after their performance against DLS. SHC had good season that year and made it to the D-3 Championship game at AT&T Park against SI only losing 21-14. Serra also had a 7 point loss to the Bells that year.

Those types of games are another example of why you have to be on your game every week in the WCAL or someone might just beat you.

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Sacred Heart Cathedral 2014 Pre-Season Team Preview

SHC Fighting Irish 2013 Record = Overall 2-8 and WCAL League 0-7
Junior Varsity 2013 Record = Overall 7-3 and WCAL League 4-3
Freshman 2013 Record = Overall 1-7 and WCAL League 0-7

Best 2013 Game: narrow 28-21 loss against Milpitas, the eventual Div I Champ of the CCS.

Worst Loss: 50-3 pasting on Serra's home turf.

Most Important Game: Agonizing 24-21 loss to rival Riordan to think about during off-season.

The 2014 season will again present many challenges for the SHC team and its coaching staff and change should be the name of the game this season if the Irish wish to elevate their league and overall status. Although the coaching staff as with Riordan underwent some changes primarily at the helm the team and its game results were eerily familiar to that of the 2012 team season.
Many of the challenges will likely mirror those of the past 2 seasons with a relatively small roster both in number of players and in physical size comparatively to the rest of the WCAL upper tier teams. The past 2 seasons showed some promise starting off with a few good performances before the grind of WCAL League games began to take its toll on a team without adequate reserves and quality back-up players. SHC has an extremely weak pre-season schedule facing off against Galileo, Novato & Saratoga, which will not help in preparation for league play [but may limit injuries and inspire some confidence should the Irish notch some impressive wins]. The Irish then get a nasty wake up call on October 3rd when they travel to Mitty at night for the league opener - Mitty being favored along with Serra to be at the top of the WCAL and perhaps one of the best in CCS this season.


SHC should be a slightly improved team this season with both its player personnel and its coaching staff in its 2nd season having settled into the new atmosphere and of the school & team. The team loses notable players Andrew Jacobson - lineman along with Steven Hisatake - LB both all league selections. Also gone are: Aiden Downes - lineman, NIck Mikovich - RB/LB who added to the team. SHC has 23 potential returning players from the 2013 roster along with help from a better JV team in 2013 as opposed to the 2012 JV team. Impact players returning for 2014 are: Logan White - 3rd year returning senior QB 6,1" - 190, Jamar Williams Sheppard - RB/DB 6'0" - 175 - WCAL Soph POY, Jordon Difiesta - WR/DB - 5'10" - 160, Ben Malakoff - lineman, 5'11" - 200, Nick Sison-Gaut - RB/LB - 5'10" - 190, Max Tenoff - K/P - 5'9" - 150.




The Irish will rely heavily on the arm of QB Logan White in his 3rd year and will need to pass a lot and do it successfully to be competitive. The Irish face off with 3 pre-season opponents they should be favored against and it is important they have strong showings against the 3 teams weaker than any WCAL league opponents sans Riordan. The ratings and expectations for SHC are in line with that of 2013 and anything surpassing the projection of 4 wins & 6 losses would be a pleasant surprise while anything less would be a step backwards. Key game of season is likely Riordan after last seasons loss to Crusaders who had been winless in league for nearly 3 seasons. SHC is rated considerably higher this pre-season than the Crusaders, however I still see Riordan as having a slight edge at this time over the Irish. In order to meet expectations SHC will need to win all pre-season games AND win against Riordan, which in itself is a challenge aside from the 6 upper tier WCAL opponents they will face [hoping for an unlikely upset against any of them].


Conclusion: The Irish will need to concentrate on each pre-season game and plan carefully in regards to a consistent game plan which is not predictable. With 24 returning players and some help from last years JV squad the Irish should have a competitive nucleous along with veteran QB White. A high percentage short passing game will be essential to making the run game effective as once again there is not a great deal of size on the line to protect White. How much talent is added from the JV/Frosh squads and how creative coach Peralta can be mixing up the play calling are the keys to the Irish season for 2014.

Next Up: Riordan "Crusaders"
This post was edited on 7/12 7:12 PM by Rmbr26

 

[colhenrylives]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - SHC Irish

Didn't SHC play Milpitas, not Galileo, in 2013? The difference between those two programs is night and day.

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - SHC Irish

You're correct Colhenry - just realized a small portion at top of my post got deleted in transferring it - will go ahead and make the correction.
Thanks -

 

[TedSmithers]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - SHC Irish

Every year I truly enjoy reading these WCAL previews. Thanks a million for taking the time to do this, Rmbr!

 

[jordan24]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - SHC Irish

Great job Rmbr26! Look forward to all of the upcoming previews!

 

[FUBO]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - SHC Irish

Especially this next one. Remember 24, don't shoot the messenger.

 

[HSS75]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

"The team loses notable players Andrew Jacobson - lineman along with Steven Hisatake - LB both all league selections. Also gone are: Aiden Downes - lineman, NIck Mikovich - RB/LB who added to the team."

They also lost their leader, Brett Rasso due to graduation. I believe he was injured late in the season but he definitely was a huge contributor in SHC's Offense last year.

Anything less than stellar performance against Galileo, Novato and Saratoga will not be pretty going into league play. Galileo had an amazing season last year but they lose a loaded senior class and JV went winless so it will be tough to repeat their performance. Saratoga is going to be weak in all positions and it's tough to replace QB stud Walters who carried a not so good team last year. It would've been nice if SHC kept Milpitas on their preseason schedule this year.

 

[colhenrylives]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - SHC Irish

These pre-season predictions are very good. Each analysis is well-done. One caveat: Team speed is a key ingredient in any team's success. We see little mention of this important commodity (not to mention the impact of special teams). But that criticism should not detract from excellent work.

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - SHC Irish

Originally posted by colhenrylives:
These pre-season predictions are very good. Each analysis is well-done. One caveat: Team speed is a key ingredient in any team's success. We see little mention of this important commodity (not to mention the impact of special teams). But that criticism should not detract from excellent work.

I could not agree with you more Colhenry, however not much to mention in terms of speed for SHC from the info I have on hand presently, however you will see mention of this coming up in the analysis of this year's Riordan team in the next day or so. Again you make good points and special teams as well is critical [and the same teams seem to excel at special teams year in & year out such as St. Francis].

 

[Irish_Cheers]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by HSS75:
"The team loses notable players Andrew Jacobson - lineman along with Steven Hisatake - LB both all league selections. Also gone are: Aiden Downes - lineman, NIck Mikovich - RB/LB who added to the team."

They also lost their leader, Brett Rasso due to graduation. I believe he was injured late in the season but he definitely was a huge contributor in SHC's Offense last year.

Anything less than stellar performance against Galileo, Novato and Saratoga will not be pretty going into league play. Galileo had an amazing season last year but they lose a loaded senior class and JV went winless so it will be tough to repeat their performance. Saratoga is going to be weak in all positions and it's tough to replace QB stud Walters who carried a not so good team last year. It would've been nice if SHC kept Milpitas on their preseason schedule this year.

Rasso was injured early in the Serra game. What a waste, especially in a blowout loss. He was out for baseball as well. He had to have elbow surgery to repair tendons. He'll be playing baseball for St. Mary's College.

I would like to have seen a rematch vs. Milpitas too but my guess is Ken Peralta wants to play as many games in the City as possible since the home games will be played at Terra Nova with the exception being a game vs. St. Francis at Westmoor. I have to wonder what the attendance will be like playing games in Fog Land.

Irish add Ronan Murphy to greatly strengthen the running game. That will take pressure off Jamar Sheppard. I'm also told there are some good frosh players coming in, so I'll keep an eye on them.


How anybody could think Riordan can win is beyond me. Their whole athletic program is on the downward spiral.

All the SHC frosh did was clobber everybody except Bellarmine and Mitty, both by less than a TD and put Riordan and SI in their place.

This post was edited on 12/30 12:27 PM by Irish_Cheers

 

[FUBO]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

SHC has the weakest three games before league in the WCAL since the 2012 and 2013 Crusader schedule. Peralta's evaluation of this years team must not be very high.

 

[Irish_Cheers]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by FUBO:
SHC has the weakest three games before league in the WCAL since the 2012 and 2013 Crusader schedule. Peralta's evaluation of this years team must not be very high.

I was surprised at the AAA game myself. But as a side-note, if SHC wins, they'll lead the all-time series vs. Galileo. They're 22-22-3.






Also, I'm sure Ken Peralta's evaluation of the team has nothing to do with a "weak" pre-season. As the Riordan apologists have said the past two seasons: "You play the team in front of you".

John Lee lost half his team and yet scheduled stronger teams for pre-season. I'm sure he doesn't "over-value" his team. It's unbelievable that some people think SHC could lose to them.
This post was edited on 12/31 10:26 PM by Irish_Cheers

 

[TedSmithers]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by Irish_Cheers:

if SHC wins, they'll lead the all-time series vs. Galileo. They're 22-22-3.

Unfortunately, Maxpreps isn't helpful with showing this game history: SHC's Game History

I'm assuming the 22 Galileo wins came during the "golden age" of the AAA, right?

 

[Irish_Cheers]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Yes. 22-22-3 is the all-time record. The teams haven't met since 1968. First game was in 1921.

1921 W 21-0
1922 L 47-6
1923 W 31-0
1925 W 19-0
1926 L 14-7
1927 L 20-
1928 L 25-0
1929 W 6-0
1930 L 25-7
1931 L 13-0
1932 L 14-6
1933 L 13-6
1934 L 20-0
1935 Tie 0-0
1936 L 12-7
1937 L 41-0
1938 L 21-7
1939 Tie 0-0
1940 W 7-6
1941 L 25-6
1942 W 38-7
1943 W 13-0
1944 L 19-7
1945 L 27-13
1946 W 12-6
1947 W 13-6
1948 W 39-6
1949 W 34-8
1950 L 12-0
1951 W 13-6
1952 L 19-6
1953 L 13-6
1954 W 20-0
1955 W 14-7
1956 L 18-0
1957 W 39-0
1958 L 19-12
1959 W 31-12
1960 L 19-6
1961 Tie 6-6
1962 W 31-12
1963 W 35-14
1964 L 35-21
1965 W 14-13
1966 W 46-33
1967 W 27-0
1968 W 35-7

 

[jordan24]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by Irish_Cheers:

Irish add Ronan Murphy to the running game and that will take pressure off Jamar Sheppard. I'm also told there are some good frosh players coming in, so I'll keep an eye on them.

Yes. Ronan Murphy thrived in Coach Peralta's running game scheme. The Irish should have a solid, move the chains, backfield this season.

 

[TedSmithers]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by Irish_Cheers:
Yes. 22-22-3 is the all-time record. The teams haven't met since 1968. First game was in 1921.

Greatly appreciated!...it calmed my nerves...

On a side note, The Juice went to Galileo from '61 to '64 (deducted from his SFCC years from '65-'66). Looks like SHC did pretty well against that team...



1960 L 19-6 (assuming he was not on Varsity and playing frosh/JV)
1961 Tie 6-6 (could have been his 1st Varsity year)
1962 W 31-12
1963 W 35-14 (fall football season in '63 - The Juice would have graduated in spring '64)


Who knew this Heisman winner & NFL leader would go onto being a murderer & thug...




This post was edited on 7/15 11:24 AM by TedSmithers

 

[Irish_Cheers]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview

Originally posted by TedSmithers:

Originally posted by Irish_Cheers:
Yes. 22-22-3 is the all-time record. The teams haven't met since 1968. First game was in 1921.

Greatly appreciated!...it calmed my nerves...

On a side note, The Juice went to Galileo from '61 to '64 (deducted from his SFCC years from '65-'66). Looks like SHC did pretty well against that team...

1960 L 19-6 (assuming he was not on Varsity and playing frosh/JV)

1961 Tie 6-6 (could have been his 1st Varsity year)

1962 W 31-12

1963 W 35-14 (fall football season in '63 - The Juice would have graduated in spring '64)

Who knew this Heisman winner & NFL leader would go onto being a murderer & thug...
This post was edited on 7/15 11:24 AM by TedSmithers

It probably was '61-'63 since the public high schools were only three-year schools then. In the leather helmet days, the games were 60 minutes instead of 48.

Here's one more reason I don't post anymore:

UPDATE to CrusadersDon'tDoBetter, Colo Henry, timeh1, J's Quare (+whatever else you call yourself), LH, usc-2009, coach-2417, hs whizzer and Private Morgan:

Dec. 11, 2021: SHC is CCS D-III, Norcal 4A, and California State 4A Champions. Smoke that, children. I'll be glad when you all "vanish".

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - Riordan "Crusaders"


Riordan Crusaders 2014 Pre-season Team Preview

Riordan Crusaders 2013 Record = 3-7 Overall and WCAL League 1-6
Junior Varsity 2013 Record = Overall 6-4 and WCAL League 3-4
Freshman 2013 Record = Overall 1-8 and WCAL League 1-6

Best Game: Emotional 24-21 win on home turf over rival SHC for first league win in nearly 3 seasons to end the drought.

Worst Loss: Blow-out loss of 49-7 by a surprisingly good St. Mary's of Berkeley team in which Riordan entered the game favored to win.

Pivotal Game? Crusader's close out the 2013 season with a surprisingly competitive game against Bellarmine, an upper tier WCAL team losing by 35-22 in the Crusader's best effort of the season.

For the first time in 4 seasons the Riordan football team will have a new leader at QB and like cross town rival SHC faces the same challenges as the last 3 seasons. The 2013 season ended better than it began with Riordan's surprising win over SHC and a competitively played game against the always tough Bells. Coach John Lee in his 2nd season should have a better grasp of what he has to work with having over 1/2 of last year's roster returning. The Crusaders essentially start a new team this season without past 3 year QB Zach Masoli. That being said for Riordan the #1 area of concentration must be on Defense. Without a high scoring offense Riordan must allocate a number of its most talented key players to the defensive side of the ball OR use 2 way players effectively as Bellarmine has done so well in past years with limited skill players and lineman. Riordan averaged 13 points on offense and gave up an average of 44 points on defense while overall the Crusaders scored 17 points per game while allowing 39 points per game - an average loss margin of 22 points over 10 games. It is crucial in 2014 for Riordan coaching to find a way defensively to close this gap in order to keep the score close competitively & have any chance of winning [scoring an upset in the 10 games they will likely be underdogs this season]. So the #1 area of concentration = D and offensively Riordan needs to stick to basics on option type runs to spread the field and limited high percentage pass plays.

The pre-season for 2014 will speak volumes of how the "new look Crusaders" will face WCAL competition this season. Riordan has abandoned the pre-season "cupcake" schedule of recent seasons to play a number of very respectable teams with successful programs. It starts with a scrimmage against Burlingame August 29th. They will then face Milpitas, last season's Div. 1 CCS Champ, Sacred Heart Prep who went to the Div. IV state bowl game in 2013 and then faces Menlo Atherton who always fields a big & physical team.

The 2014 Riordan roster has a potential 25 returning varsity players which is promising. Oddly enough the power ratings have Riordan starting much lower in 2014 than starting or ending 2013 [which I can only base upon Zach Masoli as the difference maker - though based upon stats only of games the starting and ending figures seem to have some adjustment based upon specific players from what I've observed over a number of years [similar to SHP - Sacred Heart Prep, whom returns their all-everything player from last year Ben Burr-Kirven, a 6'1" - 220 LB. RB & LB who obviously is factored into SHP's high pre-season rating of 39.9 and ranked as the #4 team in CCS over Valley Christian, St. Francis, St. Ignatius & Bellarmine]. Riordan will play SHP in their 3rd pre-season game before opening league play against St. Francis at St. Francis Oct. 3rd. Riordan's low rating of 2.4 coming into 2014 is reflective of losing Masoli [IMO], their past 3 seasons records and no returning impact players at the skill positions.
Hopefully this low rating is a blessing in disguise facing such a tough schedule - projected to lose all 10 games this season any wins in any way, shape or form will be a success [watch out again SHC]. The 25 returning players from last year's varsity along with help from a decent 6-4 JV squad should give Coach Lee an adequate number of bodies to work with.

So who does Riordan have for 2014? Besides the obvious loss of QB Masoli, Riordan loses Rob Valencia - DE/TE, Riko Tamosese - line, Christian Hall - WR/FS, Joshua Christian RB/DB, Kicker Angel Hernandez, Matt Solomo - line, Eduardo Vega - line. Players being counted on to contribute in 2014 will be: Jack Luavasa - QB 6'2"- 200, Angelo Novello- RB/LB - 5'10" - 185,
with 8 players over 200 and 5 of those over 220 from last years roster [+ JV Beef]. Riordan will have some new faces handling the load at skill positions and some much needed speed that has been lacking the past few seasons. According to sources a number of the upcoming players to varsity have posted some impressive track times incl. the JV RB Sanders who clocked a 10.97 - 100M last season. Other new names mentioned in the discussion of added speed were Verba-Hamilton, Boone, Thomas, Norman, Novello & Wilson. Being unfamiliar as any of you with these players the first 1-2 pre-season games should identify those capable of contributing at the varsity level against tough competition.

With Riordan's very tough schedule the goal will be to keep games close with the best players on defense & a simple time consuming offense, not getting too fancy and limiting penalties as much as possible [a good punter, kicker and FG kicker would help tremendously]. A win over any of the 3 pre-season foes of Milpitas, SHP or MA would be considered an upset with the most likely opportunity possibly being MA [simply because Milpitas & SHP will likely be too talented & too deep]. In WCAL league SHC will likely again present Riordan its best opportunity for a league win [though revenge will likely play a large role in this years game after last year's upset on Riordan's home field]. The focus for the 2014 Crusader is not overall wins so much as more competitive games vs. the teams on their very difficult schedule.

Next Up: Bellarmine Bells

 

[cityfan]

Re: WCAL 2014 Pre-Season Preview - Riordan "Crusaders"

Nice summary, Rmbr26. You're correct in that we'll know pretty quickly if the jv players moving up to varsity can make a difference.