MBAL Gabilan Week 1 Analysis and Upcoming Week 2 games

[NorCalSportsFan]

MBL Gabilan 2017 Preview

My early ranking and chances to win MBL Gab –

1 - Salinas Cowboys (slight favorites)

2 – 4 San Benito (Hollister) / Palma / Aptos in early order

5-6 Seaside Spartans / Alvarez Eagles (could move up)

6-7 North Salinas and Monte Vista Christian (could knock off one of the above tier but most likely at bottom)

Salinas going into season is the favorite, but the MBAL Gab is looking like a potential 4 team race. It will be difficult for any team to run the table and San Benito and Aptos will have physical defenses (Mariners will have big lines on both sides) and Palma while young have some speed and impact players on offense and defense should have strength against the pass. The season could very well have co-champs or tri-champs. I have Palma at slightly lower than San Benito and even with at start Aptos due to the fact that they are very young at key skill positions and line is a big question mark. San Benito is young as well in key skill positions but have a strong junior class. Salinas has question mark on line but they have a huge pool to choose from and if they play great defense, they could be a top CCS team. I have my doubts that they will run the table in the MBAL Gab due to past of being inconsistent in some games. Salinas has a high upside and reason they are picked #1 and also lots of seniors. Offense could be special but defense has to step up to compete far into playoffs.No elite teams other than Salinas could be very good, but will have to see how they look in early season.

Here is some information on the teams.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Salinas Cowboys 2017

New Head Coach: Steve Zenk, best season as HC at North Salinas was 2008 league champs under Zenk (9-2 / 5-1) Lost to VC in playoffs.

RETURNERS (per calpreps.com)
Returning Offensive Starters: 5 / Returning Defensive Starters: 5
2016 JV Record: 10-0 / 2015 JV Record: 10-0 2014 Frosh Record (9-2 – losses to San Benito and Terra Nova) / 2015 Frosh Record (5-5)

Offense / Defense:

Offense: will continue to run Spread Offense (Pistol Spread) under new head coach. A little offset back but mostly behind QB. Defense: 4-2-5 (4-4-3 against run such as a Palma). Making use of live video (on field iPads) into game review for coaching for first time this year. Offense will be explosive and very tough to stop with balance. Defense should be better than last season. Need to reload most of line at both sides and line a question mark.

Key Players:

QB

Returning QB starter Brett Reade, Sr, 6-2, 170, is mobile and throws nice pass. 1,518 yards 10 TDs and 12 Ints, 270 yards rushing and 8 TDs. QB competition with Carl Richardson, 6-3, 180, Soph, QB, an elite prospect in his 2020 class in CA (Brother a backup QB at Stanford and he is already camping at major college programs). Can air it out 60+ yards accurately and makes all the throws, both live arm and with touch and accurate and throws to spots. Good footwork and he is also athletic and mobile. Reade seems to be the starter as returner and dual threat but can see Richardson coming in when needed. Richardson could be most talented QB passer in CCS at this stage and may not start and only a soph. Reade is a good high school QB and mobile and may start season early but can see Richardson playing a lot or supplanting Reade at some point. Reade can also play other positions. Tough decision for HC but believe the senior will start the season.

RBs/WRs:

Richard Cerda, Sr, RB, 5-11, 180, was injured last year for a few games but had 800 yards and 4 TDs, receptions 80 yards, 1TD, if healthy will be 1,000+ rusher, quick and reads blocks well; Jeffrey Weimar, Sr., WR, 6-3 185, 4.55 40, 382 yards and 2 TDs; and Sunnie Arreola, Sr, WR, 367 yards and 3 TDs will be preferred targets as will TE. They have a very good set of skill players.

Defense

Drew Schuler, Sr, MLB, RB, 6-1, 220, very good player since a starter as a soph and a D1/FBS prospect, all MBAL Gab; Noah Habes, Sr, DT/DE, 6-2, 245, 4.85 40 is an impact player on the d-line and all MBAL Gab. Did well in camps this summer.

Analysis:

While many believe Salinas is the favorite to win the MBAL Gab, the difference could be slight based on a few factors. At lower levels the Cowboys have had issues with San Benito (who brings up players early), and other teams like Aptos and even Palma brings some players up early and improve dramatically by varsity. Salinas high octane Pistol is tough matchup for many teams, but some of the teams in the MBAL Gab slow the game down with ball control and also play very good defense. Salinas defense looks like it will be tough up the middle. Last years close game with Milpitas wasn’t a fluke, but they played inconsistent and they will have to play balanced on offense and not just spread it out and throw. Palma at Salinas is going to be a huge game as the Cowboys think this is the year they will win a game against the Chieftains. Cowboys should be a good D1 Open playoff team, but a level below the top three WCAL teams (SF, Serra and VC). Will give Milpitas another tough game in my opinion.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

San Benito (Hollister) Haybalers 2017

Second hear HC Bryan Smith

RETURNERS
Returning Offensive Starters: Reload
Returning Defensive Starters: Reload

Last season finished 10-2 overall and 5-1 in the MBL Gabilan Division.
2016 JV Record: 5-4/ 2015 JV Record: 2-7-1 2014 Frosh Record (7-2-1) / 2015 Frosh Record (10-0)

Key Players Offense/Defense

Offense

· Slade Wilson, Jr, QB, brought up as a Soph last season and was backup. Mobile and decent passer.

· Johnny Gonzales, Sr., RB, 6-1, 175, 190 yards rushing and 1TD last season. Only RB wioth experience. Physical runner.

· Daniel Pasillas, Sr, G/DL, all MBAL Gab. Good size, strong, good leverage.

· Adam Mendoza, Sr, 5-10,160, WR/DB/RB/TE, kick returner, was member of Baler state qualifier 4x400 track squad. May be best player on team.

Defense

· Robert Mendoza, Jr, 6-2, 165, free safety, like his brother was a member of Baler state qualifier 4x400 track squad

· Ethan King, Sr, ILB

· Anthony Delgado, OLB, 6-2, 180

Analysis:

Reload year for the Balers, but juniors are very talented and will fill lots of key positions with a few very good seniors. They need to replace one of the better RBs in the section last year and a very good QB and most of their line. Balers may have some growing pains early on, but should be good as season progresses. They have some speed on this team. They tend to give Salinas problems and will battle in league. Don’t believe they will be as strong as last season but

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Palma Chieftains

HC: Jeff Carnazo

RETURNERS (Calpreps.com)
Returning Offensive Starters: 2
Returning Defensive Starters: 2
2016 JV Record: 5-4/ 2015 JV Record: 2-7-1 2014 Frosh Record (4-5) lost to Bells by 6, SF by 6 ; Salinas by 14 Hollister by 1 (also beat Hollister by 9) / 2015 Frosh Record (3-6-1); 2016 9-1 (loss Alvarez by 14, defeated St Francis, Sutter, Sacred Heart Prep, Aptos)

Chieftains need to replace 33 seniors including Emilio Martinez’s (Univ San Diego) 39 TDs and over 2,500 rushing yards, and nationally recruited center Drew Dalman (Stanford). Depth may be an issue with 42 players on varsity including 5 Sophs.

Key Players:

QB – Position will be shared between Grant Sergent, Jr, 6-1, 180 and Peter Powers, Sr (6-3, 190). Sergent is more of a drop back passer, although also mobile but looks to throw first and throws accurate and nice pass and knows Palma offense. He has high upside. Powers transferred from Mitty to Palma during his junior year (played some DB on Mitty varsity football in 2016 and was starter at Mitty on JV in 2015). His brother Jack (currently DE at Univ. VA and played OL at AZ State) played at Palma in 2015. Sister a D1 volley ball player from Mitty. Powers is athletic and mobile and tough to tackle and accurate at the short and intermediate passes. Palma will throw the ball more this season / more balance.

RB/WRs –

Soph class is very strong at skill positions and lots of speed. Two of the top skill players may be Sophs. Anthony Villegas, Soph, 5-9, 170, is fast and strong and could be similar RB to last season Emilio Martinez by his senior year. He was a force as a frosh although missed early season and late season games. He could have played varsity last year. Still a 1,000+ type RB type as a soph and came up for playoffs as a frosh (although didn’t play due to injury). Jon Jon Bering, Soph, 5-8, 160, WR/ Slot/RB/DB/Safety/QB, Fast but needs to grow (and will get bigger). Came up and had lots of playing time on varsity as a frosh in playoffs and regional playoff at safety. Both will be special players. Mateo Martinez, Jr, RB/DB (6-0, 170), Emilio Martinez’ brother will also be in at RB and start at DB. He will be very good as well on both sides of the ball. WRs will be more possession types with returners Dominic Scatini, Sr., WR/Slot (5-10, 170), top returning receiver and Zack Taylor, Sr., WR/DE, 6-1, 205, physically strong, nice routes and good hands and Andrew Rivera, Jr, WR, 5-9, 160, quick and runs great routes and good hands. TE Sam Robinson, Sr, 6-2, 205, has good speed and runs nice routes with good hands. Online will include: Nick Georgalos 5'9" 210 Senior C/G – very strong physically. Among Palma all-time top ten in several weightlifting categories. OT/DE Santo Defranco, Sr,(6-5, 255) will be a factor on both sides of the ball.

Defense

Chieftain defense should be strongest at LBs and DBs and line should be okay. Early on it should be their strength but not as strong as last season against the rush. In addition to some of the above players (Jon Jon Bering, Mateo Martinez), line will need to fill in some losses (lost all county Drew Dalman at Stanford). Key players include:

· Liam Short, Sr, DB/RB/WR, 5-9, 170, athletic returning starter at DB, punt return.

· P.J. Schlegel, Sr., 6-2, 210, MLB/OL, very good LB. Reads plays well and attacks. All league caliber player.

· Alex Fiero, Sr, 5-11, 180, MLB, quick reads and good tackler. Played a lot last season.

Analysis

Offense: Palma offense will go as QB position and young talent goes. They have a combination of athletic kids and a couple big play players with some speed. They may take time to get going with tough early season games, but if they stay positive should be competitive in league. It looks like they will be more balances on offense with passing threat and also impact rushers. In some ways they could be better than last season as far as unpredictable (Last year it was hand off to 2,500 yard 39 TD rusher and then pass). This year Palma will spread the ball around on the ground and throw more. Defense should be above average. They will be good at LBs and DBs with line lacking a big impact player but should be okay. O-line will be mostly undersized but quick. Special teams should be good as usual. Overall: Tough matchups against Menlo Atherton and St Francis early season will be a gut check for the young players, but should help with league if they keep positive and don’t lose confidence (Chieftains play Salinas mid season and San Benito late season , Aptos early). With 42 players, depth could become an issue mostly on line which doesn’t have lots of size and will be somewhat inexperienced. If young talent matures quickly, they could be a factor and competitive with Salinas and San Benito but they look like they will be a level below last season and may have some growing pains. They have enough talent to surprise in league and in the playoffs in the small school open division. Looking early on like a year where Palma doesn’t win the Gab or are co-champs, but can surprise if young talent comes up to speed and make an impact early on. Should be a factor in CCS D3 Open playoffs.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Aptos Mariners

Aptos head coach Randy Blankenship is in his eighth season with the program.

Offense: Wing T

Last season the Mariners finished with a 9-3 overall record and went 5-0 in SCCAL play season. Move to the MBAL Gab for the 2017 season after winning 32 straight league games and six league straight titles.

2016 JV Record: losses to Salinas, Palma, Mitty, and Aragon; 2015 JV Record: losses to Bells, Mitty, Salinas and Palma ; 2014 Frosh Record: 3 losses – defeated by Salinas, Santa Theresa and Lincoln San Jose 2015 Frosh Record (7-2-1) defeated Bells, lost to Mitty

Players Lost from last season: QB Gavin Glaum who had 1,066 passing yards, 8 TDs and 6 INTs last season.

Offense:

QB competition between Hunter Matys, Jr., QB/FS, 6-0, 170 and Angel Aparecio, QB, 6-2, 180. Both saw some playing time on the varsity team last season. Matys rolls, runs and throws from left side really well for Rt handed passer. He’s athletic, duel threat and also good defender at free safety from JV film. High upside. Jacob Holmes, Jr, QB also in running.

RBs

Marco Reyes, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 170, 60 carries for 395 yards and 6 TDs; Will Murphy, Sr.; Bubba Gallardo, Jr., DB/RB, DB, all SCCAL; and Matt Medina, Sr., RB/ OLB, 5-8, 160

Aptos line has some size and is physical with Joseph Gutierrez-Lee, Sr, 6-2, 283, OT, All SCCAL; Alex Austen, Sr., OL/DL, 6-5, 311, Justin Torres, Sr., 5-10, 216, Center; and Hayden Mennie, OL, 6-1, 220

Defense

Hayden Mennie, Jr, DL/ T/TE, 6-1, 220 ; Darian Gutierrez-Lee, Sr., DL, 6-2, 283, and Cody Whitney, DL/TE, Sr, 6-5, 210; DL/TE and linebacker Marcos Reyes are key players with Bubba Gallardo leading the defensive secondary.

Analysis

The Mariners look like they will be very good on both sides of their line. Team speed at skill positions will not be as good as last season and new QB will need to emerge. Last year QB is hard to replace but they will have a mobile and able passer this year. On offense, they will be more of a grind out ball control with line and RBs due to less team speed, but will have threat of pass. Behind huge line, and Wing T deception, they will be churn lots of time off of the clock. Defense will be very good as usual. They may lack team speed to stop some teams, but should be in all their games. Probably not as good as last season, but team worked hard in off season and could challenge in league. Pick 2-4 in MBAL Gab and could surprise.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Alvarez Eagles

RETURNERS (Calpreps.com)

Returning Offensive Starters: 7

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

2016 JV Record: 4-6/ 2015 JV Record 7-3 (losses to San Benito, Palma and Salinas); Frosh 2014 8-1-1; Frosh 2015 6-4

Eagles return their leading skill players, including receivers Lane Pierce and Isaiah Coria as well as leading rusher Michael Ramirez (726 yards rushing, 7 TDs) and quarterback Matt Martinez, Sr, QB. 5-10, 182, (CCS top seed 182 lbs and state #6 ranked in wrestling)


Analysis:

The Eagles should be an above average team this year, but line may be weakness and would put them at a tad below the second tier teams although they could upset any of the teams ahead of them.


Seaside Spartans

Move up to Monterey Gabilan division from the MBAL Pacific division after winning the league.

HC: Al Avila (27th season)

Last season 10-2 (6-0) in MBAL Pacific division

Key Players:

Demarcus Hawkins , Sr, RB/DE/OLB, 6-1, 215, is a D1 prospect and fast and a load on both sides of the ball. Had 18 ½ sacks last season. Daniel Sayre, Sr, DB/WR; TJ Tuivailala, Sr, OL/DL 6-1, 330; Gabe Tulau, Jr, 6-0, 190, DL

Analysis:

They have some tough physical matchups on the line and especially on defense. On offense they will grind it out, but looks like they have a QB that can be a threat to pass. Lots of two way players so depth may be an isse. They can surprise and win some games against the second tier. Coach Avila always has a well coached team. Their strength will be on defense.


North Salinas Vikings

HC: Coach: Darren Spence (third season)

2016 record: 4-6, 2-4 MBL-G (fifth)


RETURNERS

Returning Offensive Starters: 4

Returning Defensive Starters: 3

2016 JV Record: 5-5; 2015 JV Record: 3-7

TOP PLAYERS (some stats from Calpreps.com, Mbaypreps.com)

· Anthony Aguilar , Sr, QB, 5-8, 170

· Javier Vargas 5'8" 190 Senior MLB 4.8

· Richard Reyes 6'1" 185 Senior WR/DB 4.6, caught 45 passes last year.

· Eli Raymundo 5'11" 265 Senior OL 5.4

· Cristo Ayo, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 228, returning starter

· Tim Hunter, WR, Sr, 5-9, 155, big-play threat

· Steve Mathisen, Jr, OL, 6-2, 250 returning starter on the offensive line

Analysis:

The Vikings will have a tough year in the MBAL Gab. They would be competitive in the lower league, but will be stuck in the bottom with MVC. They could surprise and win a couple games and play heard. They also have a pretty good newcomer at QB and some skill players. Defense will have a tough time but could knock off some of the above teams. They were copmpetitive at lower levels from some of the above teams.

Monte Vista Christian Mustangs

HC: Bruce Dini (first season)

2016 record: 8-3, 4-2 in MBL-Gabilan (third)

From Calpreps:2016 JV Record: 4-6; 2015 JV Record: 3-7; 2014 Frosh Record: 3-6-1; 2015 Frosh Record: 4-6; 2016 Frosh Record at least 8 losses.

Lost key offensive impact player: Darnell Deas jr., Soph, 5-7, 170, all MBAL Gab as Frosh, 1,014yards rushing and 10 TDs transferred to Navarre HS in FL.

Key Players:

· Cody Paresa, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-10, 185, 250+ yards rushing and 91 receiving 10 TDs

· Garret Laine, Sr., SS/RB, 6-0, 180

· Daniel Brierley, Jr., WR/DB, 5-9, 160

· Cory Margo, 6-2, 210, Sr, OL/LB

Analysis:

Mustangs look to be on way out of the MBAL Gab and back to MBAL Pacific, unless the Santa Cruz Athletic league starts up again next season. In any event, the Mustangs look like they will battle for the lowest two spots. Loss of major impact player that transferred out (Deas) will make winning any games very difficult but possible they win 1-2 in league. Passing attack can be successful against teams that are deficient in pass defense which is common at this level. Not lots of depth.

 

[RLS13]

Nice write up NorCal. The more I read about these teams the more convinced that it will be a 4 team race at the top. It will be great a season. I am really curious though how next season shapes up as far as league alignment when the MTAL (and SCCAL?) merge into the MBL.

But for now, the southern CCS looks like this year will be exciting in both the MBL Gabilan and the MTAL Mission Trail leagues. Both look to be wide open.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Nice write up NorCal. The more I read about these teams the more convinced that it will be a 4 team race at the top. It will be great a season. I am really curious though how next season shapes up as far as league alignment when the MTAL (and SCCAL?) merge into the MBL.

But for now, the southern CCS it looks like this year will be exciting in both the MBL Gabilan and the MTAL Mission Trail leagues. Both look to be wide open.

The reallignment will be interesting. It looks like the SCCAL teams want to try to go back to SCCAL, but not Aptos so wouldn't make sense. Will be interesting to see Carmel in second tier league and maybe Soledad and King City. SV or Soquel in the Pacific. Overall, irt will be more competitive with exception the Gab seems like it will be more of a 3-4 team race. This year I think the Gab has much parity....more so in most years.

 

[FBAddict]

Good Job! MB-GAL was sort of in the dark and your review brings some light!

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Week 0 MBAL Gab Summary

Results were as expected. Won 5 out of 6. The Hollister and Sacred Heart Prep game was interesting. Alvarez looked better than expected as did MVC. Aptos offense may be better than expected. None of the games were against powers, relative strength of the league in CCS still seems unclear. Interesting that #6 in Gab North Salinas was relatively close to #4 MHAL Piedmont Hills. Will know more next week about strength of Gab with Palma v St Francis, Hollister v Los Gatos and Salinas versus Oak Grove.

Week 0 results:

· Seaside 31 Soledad 12

· Hollister 28 Sacred Heart Prep 21

· Piedmont Hills 40 North Salinas 26

· Alvarez 40 North Monterey County 0

· Monte Vista Christian 37 King City 20

· Aptos 58 Templeton 12

· Palma did not play

· Salinas did not play

 

[Sanbenito dad]

Week 0 MBAL Gab Summary

Results were as expected. Won 5 out of 6. The Hollister and Sacred Heart Prep game was interesting. Alvarez looked better than expected as did MVC. Aptos offense may be better than expected. None of the games were against powers, relative strength of the league in CCS still seems unclear. Interesting that #6 in Gab North Salinas was relatively close to #4 MHAL Piedmont Hills. Will know more next week about strength of Gab with Palma v St Francis, Hollister v Los Gatos and Salinas versus Oak Grove.

Week 0 results:

· Seaside 31 Soledad 12

· Hollister 28 Sacred Heart Prep 21

· Piedmont Hills 40 North Salinas 26

· Alvarez 40 North Monterey County 0

· Monte Vista Christian 37 King City 20

· Aptos 58 Templeton 12

· Palma did not play

· Salinas did not play

Sacred heart was a lot better this year then last year, but as expected a rough game emotions were high and mistakes were made but both teams dug in and fought it out a good game.

 

[FBAddict]

Thanks for the coverage, @NorCalSportsFan. Hope this will be a regular thread this season!!!!

 

[Prepwisdom]

RLS13- If I had to guess what the 3 leagues (sccal, mbl, mtal) are going to look like next year- I can see a 4 tier equity league emerging. A rough breakdown of the tiers could be- Top tier- Aptos,Alvarez, Hollister, Palma, Salinas, Seaside, N. Salinas. 2nd tier- Alisal, Christopher, Carmel, MVC, Soledad, Scotts Valley,Gilroy. 3rd tier-SLV,Santa Cruz,Soquel, Monterey, N. County, King City, Watsonville, P.G. 4th tier- Harbor, St. Francis,Pajaro Valley, Gonzales, Greenfield, Marina, R.L.S. The tiers would obviously be evaluated at the end of this year to assess the "health" of each program moving forward. The biggest problem that I see is in the top tier where I feel there is a distinct gap between the top four ( Palma , Salinas, Hollister, Aptos) and whoever fills out the other 3 spots. Any number of the 2nd tier teams could end up in the top tier replacing Seaside, N. Salinas or Alvarez but realistically would have little chance of winning a league title or cracking the top four.

 

[SpeedCity51]

In reality, that "problem" exists in most super leagues. In the SCVAL when was the last time a school other then Los Gatos, Milpitas, Palo Alto, or Wilcox won the title? In 15 years since VC left the BVAL Oak Grove has won 9 outright titles and shared 3 others. Only other schools to win outright titles were A league mainstays Piedmont Hills (once) and Pioneer (twice). The PAL is the only league that seems to have some parity, but I think that is because there aren't any big schools in terms of enrollment. And even then there are several schools that never make it past the Ocean division.

In reality, all public schools just aren't created equal. In any equity league there will be a handful of schools that will consistently dominate because of their demographics.

RLS13- If I had to guess what the 3 leagues (sccal, mbl, mtal) are going to look like next year- I can see a 4 tier equity league emerging. A rough breakdown of the tiers could be- Top tier- Aptos,Alvarez, Hollister, Palma, Salinas, Seaside, N. Salinas. 2nd tier- Alisal, Christopher, Carmel, MVC, Soledad, Scotts Valley,Gilroy. 3rd tier-SLV,Santa Cruz,Soquel, Monterey, N. County, King City, Watsonville, P.G. 4th tier- Harbor, St. Francis,Pajaro Valley, Gonzales, Greenfield, Marina, R.L.S. The tiers would obviously be evaluated at the end of this year to assess the "health" of each program moving forward. The biggest problem that I see is in the top tier where I feel there is a distinct gap between the top four ( Palma , Salinas, Hollister, Aptos) and whoever fills out the other 3 spots. Any number of the 2nd tier teams could end up in the top tier replacing Seaside, N. Salinas or Alvarez but realistically would have little chance of winning a league title or cracking the top four.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

I could see Alvarez competing if they can have continuity of coaching. Second year coach Brad Mendez seems to have the program on the right track as far as interest and enrollment. The first year was tough but they actually played well in some games they lost. They get good numbers playing football and in the youth league tend to have some of the more talented players and compete (former Palma RB Emilio Martinez who basically proke all RB records at Palma was on the Alvarez youth league). Their QB this year (a state wrestling favorite) attended Palma in junior high and it seems more kids in Salinas are staying in their public school district than in the past. As for Alvarez, they have in the past had some very strong teams but it has been a while. If they can keep up the numbers and the continuity of coaching, I can see them being very good for a public school and competitive in their league. However, outside of the 4 mentioned above and Alvarez, it will be tough for any others to be consistently competitive. Seaside has a great coach (Avila) and also has some very talented kids but is tied by low numbers and lack of depth. They might compete a couple times in a decade but they get 30-40 kids while a Salinas and Hollister get 65-75+.

 

[SpeedCity51]

Yea there are a few schools that are capable of having multi season runs in the Gab (Alvarez and Seaside come to mind) in addition to some schools that have had multi season runs of competitiveness in the Gab (Monterey and MVC). However those schools don't seem capable of "weathering the storm", so to speak, of a coaching change or a few classes lacking in talent and/or depth like Palma, Salinas, and Hollister. Monterey is a great example of this; under HC tom newton they finished in the top 2-3 a few years in a row, beating Salinas and even Hollister along the way. Newton steps down and two years later they have a losing record in the B league. I could see something similar happening to Aptos whenever Blakenship retires.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

As far as players that had great games -



Damarcus had 16 1/2 sacks last season.

 

[SpeedCity51]

I played with his brother at MPC, definitely rooting for this kid to get to the next level.

As far as players that had great games -

View embedded media

Damarcus had 16 1/2 sacks last season.

 

[Rmbr26]

NorCal - tough reload for Palma this season. How do you see their 1rst game vs a very solid St. Francis Lancer team?
Palma has given the Lancer's trouble in past season's, but this one looks like a real "uphill battle" for Palma.

For MBL Gabilan fans St. Francis is picked as the team to beat in WCAL this season and had a workmanlike 35-0 win last week over Oak Grove, who seemed to play well based upin their roster but were simply overwhelmed by St. Francis.
SF is all about defense 1rst and then their run game 2nd. So #1 can Palma score against SF and #2 can Palma stop the machine that is SF's run game?

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

NorCal - tough reload for Palma this season. How do you see their 1rst game vs a very solid St. Francis Lancer team?
Palma has given the Lancer's trouble in past season's, but this one looks like a real "uphill battle" for Palma.

For MBL Gabilan fans St. Francis is picked as the team to beat in WCAL this season and had a workmanlike 35-0 win last week over Oak Grove, who seemed to play well based upin their roster but were simply overwhelmed by St. Francis.
SF is all about defense 1rst and then their run game 2nd. So #1 can Palma score against SF and #2 can Palma stop the machine that is SF's run game?

I don't want to comment to much because it is a pickem game. Needless to say, Palma is replacing many more players than SF.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Week 1 – Sept 1

Salinas and Palma opening their seasons with two challenging teams. MBAL Gab should go 5-1 or 4-2. Salinas and Oak Grove should be a good game but Palma has a really tough task with its youth for its first game against the Lancers (and being Sports Focus game of the week). My pics -

• Alisal at Alvarez – Alvarez will be favored by a lot.
• Aragon at Aptos (CA) – a bigger test for Aptos than last week, but the Aptos physicality and huge line this year could pose a problem or Aragon. Aptos has good DBs as well. Still think this should be closer than last week for the Mariners but probably a 7+14 pt advantage at home.
• North Monterey County (Castroville, CA) at Monte Vista Christian – looks like a really down year for the Condors but could be relatively close. MVC by 7+
• Seaside (CA) at Monterey (CA) – Seaside should win by a large margin this year.
• North Salinas (Salinas, CA) at Mountain View (CA) – this looks like it could be a good close game. Edge North Salinas.
• Oak Grove (San Jose, CA) at Salinas (CA) – Calpreps has Oak Grove favored, but if Salinas offense is as good as advertised, they should win. I think both Salinas and Oak Grove are underrated by Calpreps. Oak Grove defense is decent and they should have some success scoring as well. Probably a 30-20 type game and will take Salinas even though it is their first game. They are senior dominated.
• Palma at St. Francis – My Chieftains have a lot to prove before they can be considered even in the running for league this year. Even though the return few starters, they have quite a few players with lots of playing time. Skill players is where they are green and young. SF defense is probably going to be a tough adjustment for the Chieftain offense and the Chieftain defense will be taxed by SF physical line and balance on offense. Chieftains could fair better than Oak Grove did last week, but Palma has way to many inexperienced players going against probably the top team in the section for their first game. It will be tough for the Chieftains to keep this closer than 14 pts and could snowball out of their favor
• San Benito has a bye – next at Los Gatos who has a tough game.

 

[Sanbenito dad]

Week 1 – Sept 1

Salinas and Palma opening their seasons with two challenging teams. MBAL Gab should go 5-1 or 4-2. Salinas and Oak Grove should be a good game but Palma has a really tough task with its youth for its first game against the Lancers (and being Sports Focus game of the week). My pics -

• Alisal at Alvarez – Alvarez will be favored by a lot.
• Aragon at Aptos (CA) – a bigger test for Aptos than last week, but the Aptos physicality and huge line this year could pose a problem or Aragon. Aptos has good DBs as well. Still think this should be closer than last week for the Mariners but probably a 7+14 pt advantage at home.
• North Monterey County (Castroville, CA) at Monte Vista Christian – looks like a really down year for the Condors but could be relatively close. MVC by 7+
• Seaside (CA) at Monterey (CA) – Seaside should win by a large margin this year.
• North Salinas (Salinas, CA) at Mountain View (CA) – this looks like it could be a good close game. Edge North Salinas.
• Oak Grove (San Jose, CA) at Salinas (CA) – Calpreps has Oak Grove favored, but if Salinas offense is as good as advertised, they should win. I think both Salinas and Oak Grove are underrated by Calpreps. Oak Grove defense is decent and they should have some success scoring as well. Probably a 30-20 type game and will take Salinas even though it is their first game. They are senior dominated.
• Palma at St. Francis – My Chieftains have a lot to prove before they can be considered even in the running for league this year. Even though the return few starters, they have quite a few players with lots of playing time. Skill players is where they are green and young. SF defense is probably going to be a tough adjustment for the Chieftain offense and the Chieftain defense will be taxed by SF physical line and balance on offense. Chieftains could fair better than Oak Grove did last week, but Palma has way to many inexperienced players going against probably the top team in the section for their first game. It will be tough for the Chieftains to keep this closer than 14 pts and could snowball out of their favor
• San Benito has a bye – next at Los Gatos who has a tough game.

I had heard a rumor that Richie Cerda is out for the year is there any truth to that, i really hope not I hate to see things like that happen to seniors!!

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

I had heard a rumor that Richie Cerda is out for the year is there any truth to that, i really hope not I hate to see things like that happen to seniors!!

I will find out. That would be terrible. He's a good kid.My brother coached him in the youth leagues as well as many on the Cowboy team.

No news yet.

 

[RLS13]

Week 1 – Sept 1

Salinas and Palma opening their seasons with two challenging teams. MBAL Gab should go 5-1 or 4-2. Salinas and Oak Grove should be a good game but Palma has a really tough task with its youth for its first game against the Lancers (and being Sports Focus game of the week). My pics -

• Alisal at Alvarez – Alvarez will be favored by a lot.
• Aragon at Aptos (CA) – a bigger test for Aptos than last week, but the Aptos physicality and huge line this year could pose a problem or Aragon. Aptos has good DBs as well. Still think this should be closer than last week for the Mariners but probably a 7+14 pt advantage at home.
• North Monterey County (Castroville, CA) at Monte Vista Christian – looks like a really down year for the Condors but could be relatively close. MVC by 7+
• Seaside (CA) at Monterey (CA) – Seaside should win by a large margin this year.
• North Salinas (Salinas, CA) at Mountain View (CA) – this looks like it could be a good close game. Edge North Salinas.
• Oak Grove (San Jose, CA) at Salinas (CA) – Calpreps has Oak Grove favored, but if Salinas offense is as good as advertised, they should win. I think both Salinas and Oak Grove are underrated by Calpreps. Oak Grove defense is decent and they should have some success scoring as well. Probably a 30-20 type game and will take Salinas even though it is their first game. They are senior dominated.
• Palma at St. Francis – My Chieftains have a lot to prove before they can be considered even in the running for league this year. Even though the return few starters, they have quite a few players with lots of playing time. Skill players is where they are green and young. SF defense is probably going to be a tough adjustment for the Chieftain offense and the Chieftain defense will be taxed by SF physical line and balance on offense. Chieftains could fair better than Oak Grove did last week, but Palma has way to many inexperienced players going against probably the top team in the section for their first game. It will be tough for the Chieftains to keep this closer than 14 pts and could snowball out of their favor
• San Benito has a bye – next at Los Gatos who has a tough game.

Agree with most of your picks. The only one would be North Salinas at Mountain View. I think Mountain View will handle them easily. I do not think NS has the offense this year to be very competitive.

If Cerda is out I think the advantage goes back to Oak Grove, although the Cowboys are deep this year. 70+ on their roster.

Palma will keep it close, but I think St. Francis will wear them down by the end.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Salinas v Oak Grove audio stream by none other than Kevin Richardson - San Jose State Football play-by-play announcer....His son is on the Cowboys

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Ritchie Cerda is playing for Salinas.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Week 1 – Sept 1

Salinas and Palma opening their seasons with two challenging teams. MBAL Gab should go 5-1 or 4-2. Salinas and Oak Grove should be a good game but Palma has a really tough task with its youth for its first game against the Lancers (and being Sports Focus game of the week). My pics -

• Alisal at Alvarez – Alvarez will be favored by a lot.
• Aragon at Aptos (CA) – a bigger test for Aptos than last week, but the Aptos physicality and huge line this year could pose a problem or Aragon. Aptos has good DBs as well. Still think this should be closer than last week for the Mariners but probably a 7+14 pt advantage at home.
• North Monterey County (Castroville, CA) at Monte Vista Christian – looks like a really down year for the Condors but could be relatively close. MVC by 7+
• Seaside (CA) at Monterey (CA) – Seaside should win by a large margin this year.
• North Salinas (Salinas, CA) at Mountain View (CA) – this looks like it could be a good close game. Edge North Salinas.
• Oak Grove (San Jose, CA) at Salinas (CA) – Calpreps has Oak Grove favored, but if Salinas offense is as good as advertised, they should win. I think both Salinas and Oak Grove are underrated by Calpreps. Oak Grove defense is decent and they should have some success scoring as well. Probably a 30-20 type game and will take Salinas even though it is their first game. They are senior dominated.
• Palma at St. Francis – My Chieftains have a lot to prove before they can be considered even in the running for league this year. Even though the return few starters, they have quite a few players with lots of playing time. Skill players is where they are green and young. SF defense is probably going to be a tough adjustment for the Chieftain offense and the Chieftain defense will be taxed by SF physical line and balance on offense. Chieftains could fair better than Oak Grove did last week, but Palma has way to many inexperienced players going against probably the top team in the section for their first game. It will be tough for the Chieftains to keep this closer than 14 pts and could snowball out of their favor
• San Benito has a bye – next at Los Gatos who has a tough game.

MBL Gabilan Results Week 1

• Aragon 28, Aptos 27 - Game ended up a bigger test as I thought, but Aragon won by 1. One game I didn’t call.
• ·St. Francis (Mountain View) 40, Palma 6 – As I thought, this game was going to be a tough matchup for the young Chieftains. The Lancers lines dominated on both sides of the ball and had their subs in early Q3.
• Salinas 42, Oak Grove 6 – Salinas offense was stellar with one TD called back, and even had lots of penalties. Defense looks very good. Salinas looks like they could be a top 3-8 team in CCS, but will have to keep up consistency in play.
• Alvarez 32, Alisal 13 – this game turned out as expected.
• Monte Vista Chr. 42, N. Mont. County 7 – this game was a route. Expected MVC to win, but not by a blow out.
• Seaside 43, Monterey 15 – This turned out as expected.
• North Salinas 17 Mountain View – 14 – This turned out as expected. A battle and North Salinas edged out MV.
• Hollister had a bye.

Analysis:

Record: Overall the MBAL Gab performed as expected at 5-2. It is looking like Salinas could be one of the better teams in CCS. Palma didn’t match up with Lancers and probably going to be in a battle for them in the second tier. At this stage, 2-5 in the Gab is wide open. While Oak Grove is not as strong as suspected, Salinas looks like a huge favorite in the Gab.


Week 2 upcoming games -

• ·Alvarez at home v Burlingame – will be a battle but probably should edge out a win.
• Aptos at Placer – Aptos should get back on the winning track.
• Monte Vista Christian at Scotts Valley – Should be a very good game. MVC may edge out Scotts Valley.
• North Salinas has a bye
• Palma home against Menlo Atherton – another tough matchup for the Chieftains. Should be closer than the game against the Lancers which was uncontested and a mismatch, but Menlo Atherton lines may be to much. MA probably at least a 2 TD favorite.
• Salinas at Terra Nova – Salinas defense looks like it is very good and their offense is one of the better ones in CCS. Salinas should win by a large margin.
• San Benito at Los Gatos – Los Gatos should win this years game at home. Hollister offense may not have much success. Some but Los Gatos just should be a little better on both sides of the ball and more balanced on offense.
• Seaside Home against King City – Seaside and their two way star Demarcus Hawkins and their big line should be too much for King City.

Predicted Results for Week 2: Gab should go 4-3 or 3-4 this week.

 

[ncscalfootball]

Aptos @ Placer shud b on the Week 2 Pick Em Both Teams Run a Succssful Wing T Offense Blankenship returns to the Placer County