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Riordan Road Trip to Rabobank Stadium!

jordan24

jordan24

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Looking forward to the Black Friday night game against Palma at the famed Rabobank Stadium! Would appreciate any info on how long it would take (assuming traffic) to get there. Also any info about the temp @ game time ,venue, parking and concessions?
Too bad this is a semi-final matchup instead for the title.
 
jordan24 said:
Looking forward to the Black Friday night game against Palma at the famed Rabobank Stadium! Would appreciate any info on how long it would take (assuming traffic) to get there. Also any info about the temp @ game time ,venue, parking and concessions?
Too bad this is a semi-final matchup instead for the title.
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Try Google maps for the directions at https://www.google.com/maps, and http://www.Sigalert.com/ for the traffic (very good site). Also http://www.weather.gov/ for the National Weather Service. Watch http://cifccs.org for the game times.

Looks like there's plenty of parking out there.

RGael/J2: Re
RiordanGael said:
I am sorry but if the Palma coach called, I would be embarrassed from him..."you guys don't play fair, so I am telling". Some might label that another name for "a kitty cat" AKA: SHC-Peralta (LOL)
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I'd expect a remark like that from Fool-bo.
 
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I recommend leaving early and being past San Jose by 3pm on south 101. The traffic is horrendous and like a parking lot and will take two hours more if you don't. Usually takes hour to a hour and a half once you are past San Jose at that time. If you go from San Francisco take 280 south and 85 to 101. Less traffic but still you want to be at least on 85 by 3pm. If you leave San Francisco by 2pm the drive should be good and you will get their about 5:00...If you are not though San Jose by 3pm it is a mess fighting at least another two hours to two and a half hous of traffic. The traffic bottles up in several places. If you leave SF by 5 pm you probably will get their around 8pm or later.
 
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Watching some of the Riordan game from last night. Riordan looks really good. From the eye test I thought they would be rolling Burlingame but its not playing out like that.
 
NorCalSportsFan said:
I recommend leaving early and being past San Jose by 3pm on south 101. The traffic is horrendous and like a parking lot and will take two hours more if you don't. Usually takes hour to a hour and a half once you are past San Jose at that time. If you go from San Francisco take 280 south and 85 to 101. Less traffic but still you want to be at least on 85 by 3pm. If you leave San Francisco by 2pm the drive should be good and you will get their about 5:00...If you are not though San Jose by 3pm it is a mess fighting at least another two hours to two and a half hous of traffic. The traffic bottles up in several places. If you leave SF by 5 pm you probably will get their around 8pm or later.
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Thanks NorCal ! Hoping traffic is a bit lighter since its Black Friday. I could see potential backup around the Gilroy Outlets area after SJ.
 
Jordan or RGael, any tailgates being organized? Hey, might as well enjoy the ride and the Holiday, who knows when we'll be back?! Norcal, are bbqs allwed in the parking lot?
 
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Unfotunately, no BBQ or tailgating is allowed in parking lots. I do believe there are picnic areas on the other side of the park near the municipal swimming pool by the Salinas Sports complex or south of Rabobank stadium in Sherwood park. It is regulated near in the parking areas. The tri tip BBQ sandwiches at Palma games is very good. The Salinas Sports Tavern in old town is a good place for a pint and pub food. It is ten minutes away south. There are restaurants nearby was well. Black Bear Diner is on Laurel Dr on way to stadium off 101 exit. I would tend to stay near the stadium and or old town main street or north main. West Ridge shopping center is okay. Would stay away from east Ridge and stay away east side of main. Salinas has pockets of area where gangs are but best to stay near event and or populated business areas. I think the park is fine Sherwood but many aren't towards evening.The gang element isn't at these games but Salinas has some of the very dangerous gang area in the state. The nuestra familia is from the area and big norteno area and surenos that are at war.
 
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Way to keep it real Norcal, appreciate it. It'll feel like were home...except for the 2 hr ride lol. Appreciate the info!
 
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The traffic shouldn't be as bad as a normal Friday night commute since it's Thanksgiving weekend. Most people will be on the road Wednesday and Sunday!
 
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As Norcal mentioned no BBQ in parking lot. If you want some BBQ though Salinas City BBQ has some great food. Best BBQ spot in monterey county (not very much competition though lol). The Tri Tip at the game is always good too. El Charrito is a good mexican food I would recommend as well. Salinas isnt exactly a fancy city has a lot of chain restaurants. As norcal mentioned there is a lot of gang activity just dont go walk around the east side and you will be fine. It wont be any where near the game.
 
Both teams seem to be banged up - as all the teams are this time of year. Palma comes in as the favorite as it will be hosting a Crusader squad making the 3+ hour trek (w/o traffic) from the City to Salinas. The knock on the Crusaders has been they are not playing as well as at the beginning of the season as they are only 2-3 since mid-October before last week's win @ Burlingame. While this is true, the caliber of opponents during that stretch included Bellarmine, Valley Christian and St. Francis. ALL games that weren't decided until the last drive or late in the game. Riordan just came off the 66-45 win over Serra before the stretch. I would want to see how the remaining D3 Open teams would have fared going through that gauntlet. Palma is physical and with a diverse offense that appears to finally have its star rb Martinez back to complement talented qb Richardson. Crusaders LB/FB Jamarian Caston seems to be fully healed based on his play last week against Burlingame as he saw limited action through that 2-3 stretch. Let's hope that Crusader bus heads down early so the kids can get acclimated and properly warmed up. Should be a great game!
 
jordan24 said:
Both teams seem to be banged up - as all the teams are this time of year. Palma comes in as the favorite as it will be hosting a Crusader squad making the 3+ hour trek (w/o traffic) from the City to Salinas. The knock on the Crusaders has been they are not playing as well as at the beginning of the season as they are only 2-3 since mid-October before last week's win @ Burlingame. While this is true, the caliber of opponents during that stretch included Bellarmine, Valley Christian and St. Francis. ALL games that weren't decided until the last drive or late in the game. Riordan just came off the 66-45 win over Serra before the stretch. I would want to see how the remaining D3 Open teams would have fared going through that gauntlet. Palma is physical and with a diverse offense that appears to finally have its star rb Martinez back to complement talented qb Richardson. Crusaders LB/FB Jamarian Caston seems to be fully healed based on his play last week against Burlingame as he saw limited action through that 2-3 stretch. Let's hope that Crusader bus heads down early so the kids can get acclimated and properly warmed up. Should be a great game!
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31/2 hour drive? Are you taking a horse and buggy?
 
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I guess I forgot the traffic should be light due to it being Black Friday. Many will be taking off early for the TG holiday or off for an extended holiday weekend.
 
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One small note re Riordan's late-season struggles: Early on, opponents were not focusing so much on special teams, so Riordan's terrific kick return kids ran rampant for several weeks. Now, coaches are careful to avoid those guys at all costs in an attempt to force the Crusaders to get their points in more traditional fashion. Burlingame, for example, used that strategy, controlled the ball for nearly 30 of 48 minutes and matched Riordan in TD's 4-4. Two-point Riordan conversions wound up doing in the Panthers, 30-28.
 
And one more thing. In Riordan's favor on Friday night in Salinas, it is doubtful that Palma has faced a team with as many playmakers as Riordan. There are at least seven or eight of them. Defending them can be a nightmare if they are in sync.
 
Palma played St Francis and game could have been closer. SF stopped Palma twice in red zone less than 5 yard line.One TD was called back. Pallma also had 3 turnovers and was in the game until the end.

Palma also has some talent. Two linemen will be playing college ball...Guard Dalman a junior has Fresno State offer and interest from Stanford, Washington, UNLV, Columbia and others. His father played center o. 49ers and coached oline at Stanford and Atlanta Falcons and the 49ers. He brought the zone blocking scheme to Stanford under Habaugh. He coaches the Palma line which uses the same run blocking schemd. Ralston committed to NCAA D3 school Clarmont Mudd Scripps. Junior RB Martinez has interest from UNLV and others and camped at several schools. Sr TE McMillin has interest from schools to play football. QB Richardson is 72 yards from single season passing record and has career passing and TD record at Palma (ahead of two pro QBs....one on Iowa Stampede and the other the backup QB for the Chicago Bears). Palma has lots of good receivers ...some which may play on Their FG kicker hasn't missed a FG and is 49 for 49 on extra points. 3 of the juniors on Palma are among the fastest track sprinters in CCS in their class last year. Palma offense when healthy is a tough match up. Martinez averages over 10 yards a carry. Palma has lots of weapons as well. Defense has some good players as well. Some mentioned but also some very good LBs and d-line. Riordan offense will be tough matchup but so will Palma and the team that steps up and plays sell should win it.
 
I think if Martinez is healthy Riordan will have as tough a time with him as St Francis rushing attack. The team that limits turnovers and mistakes and plays better on defense should win. Yes..Riordan schedule was tough but calpreps also takes in consideration margin of victory etc and many times Palma limited scoring in games...Game should be closer than calpreps. prep2prep.com projects Palma will win. I just think Palma shouldn't be under estimated. Palma's skill players will be among the best Riordan has seen as well. I like being underdog in this game.
 
Higher scoring game favors Riordan & likewise a lower scoring game favors Palma IMO. Riordan will likely need to score over 35 to win this one.
 
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Palma is the #1 seed and is favored...and rightly so based on their performance to date. Palma has an experienced coaching staff, while this is Crusader HC Kevin Fordon and staff's first season. Fordon does have a good pedigree as he prepped at DLS and Ladouceur and Eidson were his mentors. 2 members of the Crusader staff were on the 2007 CCS D3 title team and includes OC Darius Bell (qb/wr @ CCSF/UCLA) and O-Line Coach Ryan Jones (OL San Jose St.) Riordan play has been underwhelming the past few weeks, but has the ability to beat any team should they finally put everything together. Both teams are loaded with talent as this is the best semifinal matchup in CCS IMO. Crusaders speed is football fast, with great closing speed vision and quickness. Riordan's O/D Line, known as the Trench Mob, are 225+(starters are 2 300lbs, 2 299lbs and 265lbs)) having very good leverage, speed and agility as they also play rugby in the offseason. VC - Oak Grove would be the second best matchup this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving and look forward to Black Friday Night!
 
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I recall that Riordan team very well. Bell was a dynamic player on both sides of the ball. Jones was a great player as well. Happy Thanksgiving as well. I am planning to be at the game. IF you get there early message me in the system. I will drop by on the visiting side. There will probably be a few people on this board at the game.
 
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jordan24 said:
Palma is the #1 seed and is favored...and rightly so based on their performance to date. Palma has an experienced coaching staff, while this is Crusader HC Kevin Fordon and staff's first season. Fordon does have a good pedigree as he prepped at DLS and Ladouceur and Eidson were his mentors. 2 members of the Crusader staff were on the 2007 CCS D3 title team and includes OC Darius Bell (qb/wr @ CCSF/UCLA) and O-Line Coach Ryan Jones (OL San Jose St.) Riordan play has been underwhelming the past few weeks, but has the ability to beat any team should they finally put everything together. Both teams are loaded with talent as this is the best semifinal matchup in CCS IMO. Crusaders speed is football fast, with great closing speed vision and quickness. Riordan's O/D Line, known as the Trench Mob, are 225+(starters are 2 300lbs, 2 299lbs and 265lbs)) having very good leverage, speed and agility as they also play rugby in the offseason. VC - Oak Grove would be the second best matchup this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving and look forward to Black Friday Night!
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I believe the Defensive Coordinator Danny Curtin was also part of that 2007 CCS Champion team.
 
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All of the assist.coaches are from the Langridge Era and Coaching Tree. The two years of Langridge 2006-2007 set up and established the success of CCS and with the DLS influence is the work effort of today's success at Riordan.

I am not going to dismiss the challenge of last week at BHS, but I also want to acknowledge a change in attitude from last week. With great practices and everyone dialed in & healthy. I truly expect Riordan to be very hungry. Support of the team has been amazing with luxury buses and hotel pit stop to relax eat and focus before landing its assault on Palma.

Away games have been the main stay at Riordan this year, so that travel to Salinas is a great team building exercise. Riordan may not have ex-49er coaches, but it has coaches who talk the same language of the players and can speed to what is feels like to be a success as a Crusader.

Talk the Talk & Walk the Walk

We Are One...We R Riordan
 
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colhenrylives said:
One small note re Riordan's late-season struggles: Early on, opponents were not focusing so much on special teams, so Riordan's terrific kick return kids ran rampant for several weeks. Now, coaches are careful to avoid those guys at all costs in an attempt to force the Crusaders to get their points in more traditional fashion. Burlingame, for example, used that strategy, controlled the ball for nearly 30 of 48 minutes and matched Riordan in TD's 4-4. Two-point Riordan conversions wound up doing in the Panthers, 30-28.
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I didn't see other teams truly game plan for Riordan:

SI: got wasted in the 2nd half
VC: did not win, but AR lost in give aways
SHC: just got smoked...enough said
SF: was just a better team. AR put up some good numbers

So where is the game planning? I would give AR a C+ in the BHS game, but in the team's defense, they had to get back on the coaches page regarding execution. Still think team was happy their season was successful and not understanding the commitment to success with s CCS title.

Believe me when I say, all is right on Phelan Ave. and the "March to Success" is clear and it goes through Palma.

My only wish, this would have been for section title...oh Well.

We R Riordan
 
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colhenrylives said:
And one more thing. In Riordan's favor on Friday night in Salinas, it is doubtful that Palma has faced a team with as many playmakers as Riordan. There are at least seven or eight of them. Defending them can be a nightmare if they are in sync.
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Riordan is definitely the favored team, but Palma has been here before and experience can help them win if it is a close game. That's what Palma has to hope for.
 
Interestingly a few of the Palma and Riordan players know each other. From what I understand Verba- Hamilton's cousin is Justin Lobida-Lagrimus who played on Palma last season and several attended football camps together and competed in track. I hear Palma had great practices tais week as well.

I heard that Palma's coach had a conference call with Riordan HC about a a disruptive Riordan fan that went out on the field during thee Burlingame game. I guess CCS got involved and if any fan goes out on field or is disruptive to refs that they would be escorted out of the stadium. In any event, Rabobank seats are elevated above the field. It takes alot to get down to the field.
 
NorCalSportsFan said:
Interestingly a few of the Palma and Riordan players know each other. From what I understand Verba- Hamilton's cousin is Justin Lobida-Lagrimus who played on Palma last season and several attended football camps together and competed in track. I hear Palma had great practices tais week as well.

I heard that Palma's coach had a conference call with Riordan HC about a a disruptive Riordan fan that went out on the field during thee Burlingame game. I guess CCS got involved and if any fan goes out on field or is disruptive to refs that they would be escorted out of the stadium. In any event, Rabobank seats are elevated above the field. It takes alot to get down to the field.
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NCSF,
So which side is Justin sitting on? C'mon Man, you cant give us insights without details. TMZ would hold you to find out the scoop (lol)

I am not sure about this claim of disruptive fan? Did anyone else actually see this event or is this one of those "Urban Legends" that Riordan brings cause they are the big, bad & ugly guys from the city.

I am sorry but if the Palma coach called, I would be embarrassed from him..."you guys don't play fair, so I am telling". Some might label that another name for "a kitty cat" AKA: SHC-Peralta (LOL)

We Are One...We R Riordan
 
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Should be a very good game. Hard to say which team would be favored. As Norcal mentioned Palma has a very good core of skilled position players as well. TE Mcmillin is a mathup nightmare. WR Isaiah Blanco is a great redzone targe. Runs very nice routes. WR Orlando Yepez is their possession guy. RB Emilio Martinez is arguably the top RB in the section when healthy.

After watching a couple Riordan games they definitely have the talent to take over games. They go for the big plays and thats how they beat you. They let Burlingame stay in the game due to them though. In the 2nd half they had a couple quick drives that allowed BG to have a chance. Some of the play calls made me scratch my head. If Riordan comes out clicking though it could be a long night for Palma. Same could be said for Riordan if Palma comes out clicking.

I see this being a tight game that will come down to the end. Both are talented teams. Could come down to game plan. Im sure Riordan has great coaching but I give the edge to Palma. They have a lot of experience on that coaching staff that have been together for a very long time. I say Palma 34-28
 
I think it will be a good game. Palma is healthier than they have been in a while (Martinez, and Torculas are healthy).There will be a few new wrinkles but it will come down to which team executes better. I know the Palma players have a great amount of respect for the Riordan team and players and are looking forward to playing in this game. I will be surprised f this game is a blow out one way or another. Dress warm as the weather is expected to be very cold.

Started the morning out with "When the Game Stands Tall" and will head to Taquitos Salinas befroe the game...
 
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jordan24 said:
Happy Thanksgiving and look forward to Black Friday Night!
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Traffic on 101 South looks a little slow near Palo Alto, and again from Morgan Hill to Gilroy. There's another slow spot near San Juan Bautista on 156 and some other spots in and around Salinas.
 
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Irish_Cheers said:
Traffic on 101 South looks a little slow near Palo Alto, and again from Morgan Hill to Gilroy. There's another slow spot near San Juan Bautista on 156 and some other spots in and around Salinas.
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ktvu-sal-onair.jpg
 
Thats awesome lol. I need updtes, as the wife has sprung an unexpected "black Friday" nite date. Somehow I think this will be way more costly than the 2+ hr drive I had planned lol
 
First of all, props to Palma...they were able to take the big plays away. I wouldn't say if was the team, but the Zebras that were not wearing red.

Great defensive battle (all hail D. Curtis)

The new coach and his young inexperienced coaches came through and handed a CCS birth to some new Riordan Hero's

As it was said in the stands, with out this opportunity that started last year in the vision of Riordan Leadership. All this wouldn't have happened.

The Crusaders that were claimed to have so much talent. Endured 3 years of ineptness and finally were given Hope, Pride and Perseverness in coaching and mentorship.

And look what happens...they're going to the SHIP...

We Are One...We R Riordan & We never give up....
 
J2 love the comentary you bring after games. And that damn "we R" is growing on me...lol. Jordan or Norcalfan any game details? Interested to hear Palma perspective.
 
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