Final St. Francis 13 vs Del Oro 14 - D2 Norcal Regional Championship

[smashmouthrick]

Ave line size
DO: 225
SF: 236

Passing:
SF 1520, DO 1664

Rushing:
SF 1882, DO 2148
SF RB’s that carry the load:
#23 5’10” 170lbs
#11 5’10” 235

DO RB’s that carry the load:
#21 5’10” 176lbs
#18 6’0” 190lbs

SF’s #11 has got to be a load at 5’10” 235lbs and a challenge to stop.

DO with 400yards more offensive production but both teams are balanced in their attack.

Defense:
Never seen SF play so no comments from observation. Hope @Rmbr26 or a WCAL/SF fan can comment on overall SF D. This year’s DO D is one of the better D’s in recent years with new DC Josh Parry. DO’s run D is pretty stout in the box as usual but where I see improvement with this years D is on the edges. DO has some speed also at DB. With some exceptions DO stuffed CC’s run game between the tackles but showed some rust on the edges defending CC’s RB #1.

SOS:
SF 29.8, DO 28

DO had not played for 3weeks before playing a very good CC team and it showed. Showed more in passing game where there were a number of dropped balls and OL blocking was not as crisp. D did looked pretty solid which is amazing after all that time off and playing a very good team. Have to bet that DO D will be up for SF but will have a challenge defending #32.

Only common opponent is Oak Grove. SF beat OG 35-7 and DO beat OG 58-20.

DO special teams looked good against CC with the exception of a punt return that Rocket returned for a TD but was called back for holding.

Tough to win at Golden Eagle stadium this time of year, DO players don’t want this season to end. Expect a packed crowd on home side. Does SF travel well?

Looking forward to this one. Have a feeling this will be another smashmouth game. Dang I love this time of year!

If any SF fans have questions about anything I.e parking, restaurants, directions, hotels, watering holes, etc don’t hesitate to ask.

 

[Rmbr26]

DO vs SF an excellent match-up on paper & stats paint a pretty clear picture of the 2 teams. While I have seen most of SF's games I've only seen video clips of DO. DO appears to be the better team on offense while SF is the stingier of the 2 on D. On the season DO avg 37 points per game offense while SF avg 28 and on defense DO allowed avg of 16 while SF allowed 10 per game, so an overall differential of +3 points in favor of DO.

SF is a grind it out team who uses 3 RB's with 2 being power backs and the 3rd faster/shifty and used mainly on runs to the outside. The 5'10"-235 FB Fangupo is a load as you'd guess and very difficult to stop for no gain. SF brings in a 2nd power back Robinson 6'0-230 when inside the opponents red zone. As Robinson's size suggests he is no easy task to bring down as well. SF's secondary is good with 2 excellent corners and SS. The 2 corners Williams & Wilmer also play
WR with Evan Williams the go-to WR and the WCAL POY. SF's lines are big on both sides and the D will put pressure on DO's QB.

SHould be a great game to be at between 2 very good & solid teams.

 

[SearsPoints]

No doubt this will be a defensive battle. But playing at DO in that wild atmosphere is not easy and DO will find a way. Special teams will make the difference in this one. My prediction, DO D will score and Guzman and will return either a punt or kickoff to the house.

DO wins 20-10

 

[smashmouthrick]

... SF's lines are big on both sides and the D will put pressure on DO's QB.

SHould be a great game to be at between 2 very good & solid teams.

Thanks Rmbr26 for the 411 on SF.

I think, as you call out, that putting pressure on DO’s QB is a key to this game. DO has to be successful both passing and running to get the job done. DO has a good run game but needs the pass to set up the run to open up the box a little. If DO is not passing successfully consistently then will be tough sledding for DO run game to get to second level. As seen in the CC/DO game, while CC did not put consistent pressure on QB, DO’s pass game was off and reflected in the score. If SF does pressure QB this will spell trouble for DO. If DO OL gives enough time to pass and assuming DO’s WR’s borrow some “stick’um” from Lester Hayes then can spell trouble the other way.

Agree that this game should be a doozy.

 

[Defense_Rules]

I think this game will come down to the QB play for SF. SF’s QB has filled in admirably for their injured starter, but played his worst game of the year in the CCS championship game with a muffed hand off that VC recovered, a fumble also recovered by VC, and a dying duck pass to Williams that VC intercepted. Those were the difference in the game. If he plays like that again, DO wins, if he plays like his normally steady self SF takes this game. If DO doesn’t double cover Williams they will pay. VC tried double covering him, and he still managed a way to catch some big passes.

 

[WCAL75]

Wilmer, who is a big threat receiver himself but has been over shadowed by Williams this year is the best of SF’s secondary. Unfortunately he was injured Friday night in the 4th quarter against VC and was taken off the field.

 

[jordan24]

Wilmer, who is a big threat receiver himself but has been over shadowed by Williams this year is the best of SF’s secondary. Unfortunately he was injured Friday night in the 4th quarter against VC and was taken off the field.

Hope Wilmer's injury is not serious and can play next week.

 

[Cal 14]

Ave line size
DO: 225
SF: 236

Passing:
SF 1520, DO 1664

Rushing:
SF 1882, DO 2148
SF RB’s that carry the load:
#23 5’10” 170lbs
#11 5’10” 235

SF’s #11 has got to be a load at 5’10” 235lbs and a challenge to stop.

Only common opponent is Oak Grove. SF beat OG 35-7 and DO beat OG 58-20.

St. Francis' offensive numbers need to take two things into account:

1. They had to replace their QB midseason. Seemed they brought him along slowly.
2. They tend to call off the dogs a lot earlier than most teams. In many of their blowouts, whatever points they had at halftime is pretty much what they had at the end of the game (incidentally, their Calpreps rating also suffers for this).

They were up 28-0 on Oak Grove after the first quarter. Ended up with 35 for the game. Could have been a LOT worse, if they wanted.

They were up 31-0 at the half against Riordan (ended with 38) and 34-0 against Aragon (finished with 34). You get the picture.

If DO plays anything like how they did against Central Catholic, St. Francis is going to take this game by two scores. The Eagles got really fortunate in their title game (CC QB ejection, bizarre time management by CC towards the end, and the fumble returned for a score). Don't expect that against the Lancers. SF is like a giant wrestler that doesn't so much beat you with great moves... they just sit on you until you can't breathe.

 

[smashmouthrick]

...If DO plays anything like how they did against Central Catholic, St. Francis is going to take this game by two scores...

Agree with this part. The effects of DO's 3week layoff was realized in CC game. If their ferrous oxide hangover lingers into SF game then not good for DO. DO will need to play their best game, i.e. how they played against Oak Ridge, to beat SF.

Another key part to DO's success this year is special teams and specifically speaking KO/Punt returns, KO(touch backs) & field goal. If SF is finishing long and sustained drives and not punting to give DO opportunity to return punts then SF will be taking away a scoring weapon from DO. DO will need to force SF to punt about a 1/2 dozen times to have the chance for returning a punt or two for scores or at the least to gain very favorable field position.

Expect a close game and I expect DO to have shed a lot of that rust as CC got their attention. I like DO's chances in a close one with their kicker's ability to knock 50+yard field goals.

 

[RidgeRider]

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/12/05/cif-football-st-francis-knows-what-to-expect-at-del-oro/

 

[smashmouthrick]

Thanks for sharing RR, interesting article. Did not know about the Parry relationship between the two teams.

Here’s Sac Bee’s article on regional games that includes SF/DO game:
https://www.sacbee.com/sports/high-school/joe-davidson/article222682480.html

Expect a low scoring game with the good D’s both sides will field. I also expect this will be one of DO’s best performances of the year. They want to play the following week(obviously as does SF) and they will be in much better football shape following the CC game.

 

[larry legend33]

I think this has the making of the best RGB game. Two fantastic class act programs. I'm definitely going to try and make over to DO for this one. Going to be chilly. Expect kickoff temps in the 40's but dry and low wind. Bring your jackets! Its football weather.
I got SF in a close one. 21-17.

 

[MJ2014]

Besides DLS vs MD, should be one of the best of the Regional games.

 

[ESPN Ken]

I think this has the making of the best RGB game. Two fantastic class act programs. I'm definitely going to try and make over to DO for this one. Going to be chilly. Expect kickoff temps in the 40's but dry and low wind. Bring your jackets! Its football weather.
I got SF in a close one. 21-17.

My wife has learned...when we get cold games like this she brings her 40 below sleeping bag and wraps up inside. Keeps her feet and legs plenty warm.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

No doubt this will be a defensive battle. But playing at DO in that wild atmosphere is not easy and DO will find a way. Special teams will make the difference in this one. My prediction, DO D will score and Guzman and will return either a punt or kickoff to the house.

DO wins 20-10

Guzman's father went to my high school (Palma). Known his father as a kid as he was ne of my younger brothers and still is good friends. His uncle and I were classmates in high school and went to SCU and were roommates as well. Would like to attend but will hopefully watch on stream due to heading on vacation early the next day. Cal14 is right - St Francis defense just kind of sits on you and they have a power offense that can put you to sleep and then they hit the big pass play. Their WR is player of the year and the real deal. They are extremely sound on defense. Should be a good game.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

St Francis 21 DO 14 my pick

 

[smashmouthrick]

I think this has the making of the best RGB game...

Agree, best RBG.

Hope SF fans travel well would like to see visitors side packed. Expect DO side to be SRO.

GO DO!!

 

[Rmbr26]

St Francis 21 DO 14 my pick

NorCalSF - I like your CCS/WCAL confidence in this one. DO typically has a smash mouth football team and ran through Serra not too many years ago. I do like the Lancer's chance in this one as this SF team is a tough match-up for most teams. SF lost to DLS 33-15 and seems to be playing much better now. The Del Oro crowd will be behind their team so Lancers cannot afford to get down early. Into the Lion's den as they say...

 

[smashmouthrick]

End of 1st no score all D

 

[Rmbr26]

"smashmouthrick[/B], post: 220192, member: 594"]End of 1st no score all D

Yes neither team can get any consistency on offense.

 

[smashmouthrick]

SF capitalizes on. DO fumble with FG. 3-0 SF

 

[smashmouthrick]

SF #32 saves sure TD with good pass D. DO has SF pinned on SF 3.

 

[smashmouthrick]

SF FG from red zone. 6-0 SF. Good game so far.

 

[smashmouthrick]

Half time SF 6-0

 

[Rmbr26]

Sudden big play by Del Oro to get the Golden Eagles right back into this game & within a score of going ahead.

 

[smashmouthrick]

SF with bal on SO 35 4th down 28 seconds left

 

[smashmouthrick]

Int DO !

 

[smashmouthrick]

DO wins 14-13 great smashmouth game!

 

[mrbig864]

This DO team seems to find a way. I think both CC and Indy are better squads, but DO finds a way.

 

[smashmouthrick]

They never quit

 

[ThunderRam]

Another come from behind win and more DO magic!

SF is a really good team. Exceptional defense.

I was a bit surprised SF's QB threw that last pass up for grabs. Thought he'd play it more conservative and play for the FG.

 

[ThunderRam]

Congrats @smashmouthrick !! Another SBG for you!

Did you tackle @championcif75 on that last TD pass?

I got home in time to see the end of the RL-WV and DO-SF games. Watching Folsom-Central now.

 

[feyder]

This DO team seems to find a way. I think both CC and Indy are better squads, but DO finds a way.

We moved to Loomis 17+ years ago from Portland and am continually amazed at what DO has done with what they have to draw from. Absolutely no disrespect to the players, just a much smaller pool to draw from than GB, Rocklin, etc. Big prop's to the coaches (Taylor and Walter's) for bringing out the very best in the boys from Loomis, CA!

 

[remc]

This DO team seems to find a way. I think both CC and Indy are better squads, but DO finds a way.

Sounds like SF might have been better also.

 

[DelOroFB_Dad]

Wow, 'watched this live stream due to work. Big props to DO #13 QB Carson Jarrett - he had a GREAT game, along with Matt Smart. Defense played championship football again. To say SF's #11 RB is a load is a big understatement, wow. SF's very talented, home field advantage was big in this one. I'm very happy for the D.O. seniors who walked off that field winners in their last home game. On to STATE v. Socal's Grace Brethren; D.O.'s 5th appearance in a State Championship game this decade.

 

[ThunderRam]

This DO team seems to find a way. I think both CC and Indy are better squads, but DO finds a way.

That's the X factor I keep talking about. I also thought CC was the better team. But perhaps we keep underrating their heart and the ability to come through when it matters most? Cause DO has always had that in spades. This season is just furthering the narrative.

They even had a lot of off time during this postseason to become a bit rusty. They've struggled offensively throughout much of the past 2 games but were able to make it happen they needed to. That's a mark of a winner.

Major props to their defense for keeping things close so that the comebacks were possible.

 

[ThunderRam]

Big props to DO #13 QB Carson Jarrett - he had a GREAT game, along with Matt Smart.

The game winning TD pass was a perfect throw. Clutch.

I was worried because they scored too soon, though.

 

[mrbig864]

Sounds like SF might have been better also.

Nah... although their RB was a load. SF was physical...but very limited and one dimensional.

CC gave last weeks game away to DO (DO had no right to win that game.). The week before, Indy had every opportunity to beat CC. Id say both CC and Indy would’ve beat these two teams a majority of the time IMHO. But....DO won when it counted...so credit to them.

 

[smashmouthrick]

Congrats @smashmouthrick !! Another SBG for you!

Did you tackle @championcif75 on that last TD pass?

I got home in time to see the end of the RL-WV and DO-SF games. Watching Folsom-Central now.

Thanks TR!

Well I tackled both Champ and WWHS

 

[larry legend33]

Just got home. Might be the best game I've seen in years. The physicality of St Francis was impressive. I thought they would wear down DO. That turnover and missed FG did them in, but it was the will of DO! DO found passing game and Guzman is a stud. Not sure if they played 5 times St Francis wouldn't win all but 1 but it was only tonight that mattered. Great HS game!