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WCAL Football 2017: Sports Stars Magazine write up of Serra's State Bowl Win

Fan interest has to do with the teams and their records along with the coaches and how those schools support those teams and athletics. Some of the old rivalries still hold true and get big turn-outs for their games. Serra basketball games are routinely sold out with "SRO" yet Serra declines a bigger venue in order to keep the games at the school.
One such hot ticket is the Serra-S.I. "Jungle Game" at Serra's gym each year. I gave up trying to get tickets years ago as I'd heard each student was eligible for 1-ticket to that game -so there was 1,000 ticket gone right there. My brother in-law asked me to go last year but said we'd have to get there an "hour or 2 early" to try to get a ticket.

Looking forward to a big crowd at the Serra-VC game today.
 
It starts at the top- support from admin, teachers, coaches, staff, students, players, family, alumni and fans.
Streaming of games will become more prevalent and of higher quality. This is both a good and bad thing for onsite attendance
 
[B]jordan24[/B] said:
It starts at the top- support from admin, teachers, coaches, staff, students, players, family, alumni and fans.
Streaming of games will become more prevalent and of higher quality. This is both a good and bad thing for onsite attendance
Click to expand...

I don't think the streaming of games will hurt too much as I don't know many students who watch games in this manner - mostly us older guys, or like me watching 2 or 3 games at once.

Its the whole atmosphere that draws them [or not]. Ever been to a DLS game? Now that's exciting. The excellent band, the cheerleaders, throngs of people and a winning program. That is what draws people as everyone wants to be a part of the excitement. I was at a St. Francis vs Oak Grove opening game a few years ago and it was highly anticipated because of their predicted rankings and having met in playoffs the season before. An opening season game at SF before a packed house, band, cheerleaders and they had a military plane do a flyover with skydivers who parachuted down onto the football field. That was as good as it gets for a HS football game.
[ie: the opposite of a couple of teams with losing records, no band, no cheerleaders and not much interest from students].
 
Those EBAL schools along w DLS have great Fri Night Lights football atmospheres. Lots of Crusader alum living out in E Bay sending their boys to Winton Dr. incl my best friend. I say E Bay and Fri night as weather, demographics, night games and good football make great community gatherings.
 
No streaming of game. Its 7-7 near end of 1rst. VC's offense better of 2 so far& Serra''s O having tough time.
VC's run game is very, very good & RB's quick as are VC's kick returners. No lack of speed on VC.
 
13-7 Serra with 5 min before 1/2.
Serra offense loosening up a bit with shortpasses - VC very tough against the run
 
13-7 Serra at 1/2 with VC getting 2nd 1/2 KO.
Serra adjusting to VC's run, but VC RB's capable of breaking a long one at any time.
Serra has recovered a fumble caused by a big hit & intercepted VC twice. Serra's longest gain on a run has been around 6-7 yards & most 1-3 yards, with yardage coming on short passes. Bottari for Serra has launched a number of long passes but yet to connect.
Both teams look good on D & both offenses struggling a bit going into 1/2.
 
VC 3 & out to start 2nd 1/2 & Serra marches 53 yards after punt to score. Serra 20-7
 
Bottari for Serra connects ona 57 yard pass play with a spectacular catch by WR.
Serra 27-7
 
Serra's Isaiah Kendricks just breaks off a 65 yard td run to make it 35-7 Serra with 2 minutes left in 3rd.
This one is almost over..
 
I though it would be closer. Serra seems to be peaking and will be the favorite in CCS D2. VC seems to have good and bad days, but if you stop their RB Bostic they don't have much else on offense this year.
 
Sorry Cal14 as was at game just entering on my ph figuring WCAL fans would see the new posts coming up.

The game got away from VC quickly today. Not sure who else saw the game, but here are a few things I came away with.
Serra's defensive secondary played very well today with 2 INT's and numerous broken up passes. In fairness to the VC QB Juan Turner he can throw an accurate pass and the first TD scored by VC was a beautiful pass from Turner to Charlie Bostic. On the 2 INT's the QB Turner was hit on one and pressured on the other [Serra kept good pressure on Turner all day]. Once Serra made some adjustments in the 2nd quarter and 1/2 Valley had a very tough time running against the Padres. Bottari played well and had some misses, but can be quite accurate as well [a bit streaky it seems]. Yes the best WR for Serra Shane Villeroman did play and caught a number of short passes. Other passes distributed between Nunn and Park & not sure who made a great catch for the 57 yard TD, but it was highlight material. Serra's Isaiah Kendrick had another big game, scoring on a screen play, later on a 25-30 burst up the middle on 4th & short and then a long 65 yard TD around the left side of the sideline. Kendricks speed is deceptive as he looks like he is just gliding along the line and then is out in front of everyone, Kendricks also played well in the secondary. Serra's lines played well on both sides.

Watching the beginning of the game when VC scored if someone told me the final score would be 35-7 I would have guessed VC as the winner. VC looked very good starting the game and I could see them blowing out a lot of teams.
I'm not sure what changed in that late 2nd quarter, but after 1/2 time it was a different ball game and got away quickly from VC who late in the game simply looked out of gas. At start of the 2nd 1/2 Serra defense stiffened and held VC to multiple 3 and outs punting from deep in their territory giving Serra possession around mid-field each time and Serra then scored on several possessions in a row along with a blocked punt, getting a safety and possession of the ball yet again. I give Serra a lot of credit for a great game played and apparently VC just didn't match up well or had not drawn up properly how to defend against Serra. 2 games left in league and Serra will next have to look at playing St. Francis at SF in 2 weeks [and we know who VC will be rooting for].
 
Serra went all out in this one. Their best kids played both ways. They barely came out at all. Most of the subs didn't see the field until late. Serra's game plan and in-game adjustments were terrific. VC didn't have a lot of answers.
 
St. Francis 7 Riordan 0 end of 1st qtr. 43 yd toss from Vetttel to Williams
 
SF 21 R 0 Halftime. Blown coverage on 2nd TD. SF fumbles ball in end zone and ball bounces to SF lineman for 3rd TD. SF D shutting down Riordan offense. Crusaders have had bad field position all night.
 
Serra's Isiah Kendrick (13) heads for the goal line for a touchdown in the 1st quarter as the Valley Christian H.S. varsity football team takes on Serra H.S. at Serra in San Mateo, California, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. (Patrick Tehan/Bay Area News Group)
bng-l-serra-1029-5.jpg

Here's the article and run-down on the game.
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/28/high-school-football-serra-breaks-open-tight-game-routs-valley-christian/
 
The stats indicate that Serra held VC to 121 net yards for the game. Good heavens. Give the game ball to the defensive coordinator, not to mention the players who carried out his plan.
 
colhenrylives said:
Final: 35-0.
Click to expand...
Crusaders kept it close in the first half, despite having no success moving the ball into scoring position. Credit the stout Lancer D. A couple of red zone stands against the Lancers was good to see. 0-0 standoff in the 3rd quarter, but the time the defense spent on the field took its toll in the the 4th quarter for the final score. Hope jr. LB/RB #5 Joshua Miles' injury is not serious and wish him a speedy recovery.
 
Last edited:
colhenrylives said:
Serra went all out in this one. Their best kids played both ways. They barely came out at all. Most of the subs didn't see the field until late. Serra's game plan and in-game adjustments were terrific. VC didn't have a lot of answers.
Click to expand...

I posted last year that Antonio Mafi was the least known, least publicized, best lineman in the CCS and maybe all of No Cal. Cal Berkeley got a real steal in getting Mafi who may be in the NFL some day. He dominated both sides of the ball yesterday. At 6 ft 3 360 he is quick and basically pancakes those in his way.

The other, not mentioned much player is Isaiah Kendrick. This is a mystery why no major schools are looking at giving him a scholarship. Runs sub 4.5, catches everything thrown his way and plays safety on D. Go figure. Maybe as the year goes on he will get what he deserves.
 
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Spartanwhoknows said:
I posted last year that Antonio Mafi was the least known, least publicized, best lineman in the CCS and maybe all of No Cal. Cal Berkeley got a real steal in getting Mafi who may be in the NFL some day. He dominated both sides of the ball yesterday. At 6 ft 3 360 he is quick and basically pancakes those in his way.

The other, not mentioned much player is Isaiah Kendrick. This is a mystery why no major schools are looking at giving him a scholarship. Runs sub 4.5, catches everything thrown his way and plays safety on D. Go figure. Maybe as the year goes on he will get what he deserves.
Click to expand...
Both those players are very underrated
 
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Spartanwhoknows said:
I posted last year that Antonio Mafi was the least known, least publicized, best lineman in the CCS and maybe all of No Cal. Cal Berkeley got a real steal in getting Mafi who may be in the NFL some day. He dominated both sides of the ball yesterday. At 6 ft 3 360 he is quick and basically pancakes those in his way.

The other, not mentioned much player is Isaiah Kendrick. This is a mystery why no major schools are looking at giving him a scholarship. Runs sub 4.5, catches everything thrown his way and plays safety on D. Go figure. Maybe as the year goes on he will get what he deserves.
Click to expand...

Kendrick probably a DB in college. But we'll see.
 
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[B]colhenrylives[/B] said:
Kendrick probably a DB in college. But we'll see.
Click to expand...

Would agree with colhenry as Kendrick does not appear to be the right size for RB at the next level [unless he suddenly gains 20 lbs.] He played very well on defense in the Serra secondary and deflected a number of passes, so DB or SS may be his natural position going forward.

Serra's defense in the 2nd 1/2 played lights -out against the Warrior's as VC simply could not get anything going. Once a run team like VC falls behind by more than one score they're forced to pass to some degree and that's something VC is just not comfortable doing under pressure. On defense that was the best game I've seen Serra play yesterday.
 
I see Serra rocketed up in the rankings with the big win over Valley Christian. I'll update on all WCAL teams tomorrow Monday and see where they are headed closing out league in 2 weeks.

Anyone have any predicts as to the Serra-SF game - "The Curse" not withstanding..
 
Rmbr26 said:

Would agree with colhenry as Kendrick does not appear to be the right size for RB at the next level [unless he suddenly gains 20 lbs.] He played very well on defense in the Serra secondary and deflected a number of passes, so DB or SS may be his natural position going forward.

Serra's defense in the 2nd 1/2 played lights -out against the Warrior's as VC simply could not get anything going. Once a run team like VC falls behind by more than one score they're forced to pass to some degree and that's something VC is just not comfortable doing under pressure. On defense that was the best game I've seen Serra play yesterday.
Click to expand...

It is much easier to gain 20 lbs. in College than to learn how to run a 4.4 to 4.5 40. Kendrick has the frame to gain the weight and with a red shirt he could be 195 to 200 easily. O or D he is a find for a team Pac team or a team like Boise State or Fresno State. Montana an Idaho State have offered but he can do better.
 
Could not agree more Spartanwhoknows as Kendrick seems to have the speed and is shifty though his frame looks to be a bit lightweight [so my observation was based upon durability]. I think most know we do not see too many 175 LB running backs at college level with durability becoming the factor in terms of carries. I would agree that at a minimum of 190 Serra's Kendricks is good at either RB or SS next level.
 
The Serra 35-7 win is the best margin spread win Serra has had over VC since the beginning of their series together in 2002. And it is the biggest loss VC has experienced since 2013 when Mitty took VC to the woodshed for a 7-37 loss.
 
WCAL Weekly Rankings

Here are the weekly rankings for the state of CA and the change in ranking over last week:

#24 Serra +19
#68 VC -15
#73 SF -10
#168 MItty -19
#174 Bells +19
#241 SHC -21
#321 S.I. +56
#358 ARHS +19

Of note Serra is now rated higher than Serra or VC for last season 2016 in both ranking and power rating.
In 2016 VC finished 26 in CA rankings and Serra 32.
 
WCAL League Standings with 2 weeks to go:

1. Serra 5-0 [6-2 overall]
2. VC 4-1 [6-2]
2. SF 4-1 [6-2]
4. Mitty 2-3 [5-3]
5. Bells 2-3 [4-4]
6. SHC 1-4 [4-4]
6. ARHS 1-4 [2-6]
6. S.I. 1-4 [2-6]

CCS Rankings - Top 20

1. Serra 6-2
2. Milpitas 8-0
3. VC 6-2
4. SF 6-2
5. HMB 8-0
6. Aragon 7-1
7. Salinas 7-2
8. Mitty 5-3
9. Bells 4-4
10. Aptos 6-2
11. Wilcox 5-3
12. M-A 5-3
13. Menlo 6-2
14. SHC 4-4
15. Gilroy 8-0
16. Hillsdale 7-1
17. Palma 4-4
18. Terra Nova 4-4
19. Burlingame 5-3
20. St. Ignatius 2-6
23. Riordan

Top 10 Most Difficult Schedules:
1. Serra 36.2
2. Bells 30.9
3. VC 30.7
4. Riordan 29.1
5. Mitty 28.7
6. S.I. 28.4
7. SF 28.2
8. SHC 24.2
9 M-A 22.3
10. Palma 17.3

Top 10 Weakest Schedules:
1. Gilroy , minus -12.7
2. Hillsdale , minus -0.5
3. HMB 2.2
4. Milpitas 2.8
5. Menlo 4.4
6. Burlingame 6.2
7. Terra Nova 9.2
8. Aptos 12.2
9. Salinas 13.2
10. Aragon 14.6


 
Upcoming Games This Week:

Fri 11/03 Bellarmine at St. Francis 7:00pm
Fri 11/03 Mitty at Valley Christian 7:00pm

Sat 11/04 Sacred Heart Cathedral vs Riordan at City College of San Francisco 2:30pm
Sat 11/04 Serra at St. Ignatius 2:30pm

The Over/Under Line:
* Lancers by 21 over Bells
* VC by 26 over Monarchs
* Irish over Riordan by 14
* Serra over S.I. by 36

Picks I like this week:
Bells and Monarchs both have to play SF & VC on their home turf which is not good. VC will rebound from bitter loss to Serra and SF must win for Serra-SF game to have any meaning with SF's only chance at a shared league crown by taking down the Padres. Irish & Riordan both have their way with S.I. this season, but SHC favored due to their pass game vs Crusader's secondary. If Riordan secondary can avoid being torched by SHC's Will Irons then maybe Crusader's have a chance at upset [look for Heard to have a big day]. S.I. had the biggest upset to date by beating Mitty in the final minutes after being down several scores. Then again Serra is not Mitty and even Serra's back-ups are quite capable. Favored teams look strong this week & I'll go with 3 of 4 of those.

Lancers -21
VC -26
SHC -14
S.I. +36
 
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WCAL Football Standings: JV & Frosh

Junior Varsity:
Serra 4-1 [overall 4-3]
SF 4-1 [6-2]
S.I. 3-2 [4-4]
Bells 3-2 [4-3]
Mitty 3-2 [4-3]
VC 3-2 4-3]
ARHS 0-5 [2-6]
SHC 0-5 [2-6]

Frosh:
VC 5-0 [overall 7-0]
SF 4-1 [5-2]
Mitty 3-2 [4-2]
ARHS 2-2-1 [2-4-1]
S.I. 2-3 [4-3]
Bells 2-2-1 [4-2-1]
Serra 1-4 [1-5]
SHC 0-5 [0-5]

Combined JV & Frosh Records to Date:
VC 11-3
SF 11-4
Bells 8-5-1
Mitty 8-5
S.I. 8-7
Serra 5-8
ARHS 4-10-1
SHC 2-11
 
Rmbr26 said:
WCAL Football Standings: JV & Frosh

Junior Varsity:
Serra 4-1 [overall 4-3]
SF 4-1 [6-2]
S.I. 3-2 [4-4]
Bells 3-2 [4-3]
Mitty 3-2 [4-3]
VC 3-2 4-3]
ARHS 0-5 [2-6]
SHC 0-5 [2-6]

Frosh:
VC 5-0 [overall 7-0]
SF 4-1 [5-2]
Mitty 3-2 [4-2]
ARHS 2-2-1 [2-4-1]
S.I. 2-3 [4-3]
Bells 2-2-1 [4-2-1]
Serra 1-4 [1-5]
SHC 0-5 [0-5]

Combined JV & Frosh Records to Date:
VC 11-3
SF 11-4
Bells 8-5-1
Mitty 8-5
S.I. 8-7
Serra 5-8
ARHS 4-10-1
SHC 2-11
Click to expand...
Irish lower levels haven't had it easy this season. JV's had enough injuries to not continue the season and the Frosh missed their two practice games due to the heat for one game and theft of the opposing team's equipment for the second. Remaining JV 's were brought up to the Varsity, so at least they'll have 43 players on their roster.
 
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