WCAL Football 2018 - San Jose Merc All Bay Area Team

[iamgearyblvd]

Fitz will be sure to mention his Irish and Padre ties within 5 minutes of any broadcast. Also, not afraid to name drop at any time. his lapdog mentions are tiring.
Fitz interviewed Riordan grad, Eric Wright, when he signed with the Niners a few years ago and Fitz baited him about the Padres football dominance and Wright came back and said "Our team never lost to the Padres." Crickets from Fitz...Classic.

I remember Fitz when he first started out with Sportsphone 68. Was not a humble guy then and still is not a humble guy now. Worked out for him though with the positions he's landed. You'd think after being around a classy guy like Jim Barnett for all these years that Fitz would take a few cues.

 

[jordan24]

jordan - unless I'm confusing Eric Wright with another RB from Riordan I was at the Serra-Riordan game with the speedy Riordan RB Eric Wright & it was at Serra. As I remember Serra won the game and bottled Wright up. The final score was not pretty either...

It was a while ago, but Wright may have noted his soph season when Riordan went undefeated and took the WCAL title...
The fact Fitz gets snarky with a guest, but lapdogs the Warriors does not sit well with a lot of listeners, especially how the Papa->Fitz transition went down years ago.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

It was a while ago, but Wright may have noted his soph season when Riordan went undefeated and took the WCAL title...
The fact Fitz gets snarky with a guest, but lapdogs the Warriors does not sit well with a lot of listeners, especially how the Papa->Fitz transition went down years ago.

Grew up with Papa doing Warriors PBP radio. Parents couldn't afford Sportschannel(Cable) so listening to Papa on the radio was the way to catch Warriors games and RIP Hank Greenwald for Giants games. Funny we were able to catch Sacramento Kings games on channel 36 though it was very hazy, but still could make out the general ball movement of the game lol.

In any case, my perfect world would've been Papa on Warriors radio PBP and then Tim Roy moving over to do TV PBP with Barnett.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Colhenry - while I respect your educated opinions I am not sure why you are thinking M-A could challenge the Lancer's in a game. In short their schedules are nothing alike and M-A has not really beaten any quality opponent. Here is the best case scenario based solely upon the SF-SHC game - SF 14-0 or similar over SHC as I think SHC & M-A match up very well. It was a close contest between M-A & Mitty and likely the same between M-A and the Irish. What I see from M-A's schedule is they had pummeled numerous teams of no ranking/ratings while losing to the only team of note in Palma - very similar to Serra's record - big scores but no real big wins. So this is why an encounter between M-A and SF the results = similar to Serra vs SF in a large score disparity.

I do think MA could match up with St Francis. They played a half with Valor Christian on the road which has an offense and faded in 2nd half in Colorado (which soe of could be due to elevation being outside of Denver). Valor would be a favorite over SF. I think defensively MA would give SF offense problems. MA matchup on the lines and LB and has more later in season they added from Palma and Mitty and Bells games in DBs. Their defense is real deal. On offense I think they would have problems with SF defense but MA does have a couple big time playmakers (namely the receiver) and when their first team QB is playing which didn't in some of those games. I think they are much better on offense than earlier in season and physically they match up/ I would favor SF but if MA shows up it could be a very close game. SF offense would probably have very tough time against that defense. Again speculation and only if MA shows up which at times in the season they didn't. I was really surprised when Palma beat them but Palma does have some weapons on offense and MA offense made mistake after mistake and poor execution. I think at this time in the season they are better.

 

[colhenrylives]

No one is saying M-A would definitely beat SF...only that the Bears have the personnel to compete well vs. the WCAL champs, not unlike Valley Christian. The M-A roster is deep and impressive. Make no mistake. But they do have a habit of shooting themselves in the foot.

 

[Rmbr26]

So far I'm not on board with the thought that M-A would hang in a competitive game with SF as there is simply nothing in their past games to indicate anything like that. Most fans including yours truly thought Serra with a deep and physical team along with the WCAL's highest scoring offense and all time passing leader for Serra would surely give both VC or SF a run for the money. After the bad VC loss by the Padres the thought was possibly it was just a game gone wrong or did the Serra team have serious flaws? The stats I reviewed prior to SF game indicated the SF-Serra match-up could likely end in a scenario as with VC & unfortunately it did. Now back to M-A whose biggest win is over SHP & then Mitty. M-A lost in a shut-out to a very good team Valor Christian which doesn't tell us too much, however the loss to Palma is telling simply because Palma barely got by SHC, beating the Irish by 3 points and winning over M-A by 6 points.
Throw M-A into the WCAL and M-A is somewhere in the mix between Mitty, S.I. & SHC. Now a Serra-M-A game would be interesting and I would def go with Serra. As for M-A on same level or close to it with VC & SF I am a "non-believer" until proven otherwise. M-A is lucky as their first round match up in the Open I play-offs is against a very weak Milpitas team which means M-A will make it easily to the semi-finals.

 

[Defense_Rules]

So far I'm not on board with the thought that M-A would hang in a competitive game with SF as there is simply nothing in their past games to indicate anything like that. Most fans including yours truly thought Serra with a deep and physical team along with the WCAL's highest scoring offense and all time passing leader for Serra would surely give both VC or SF a run for the money. After the bad VC loss by the Padres the thought was possibly it was just a game gone wrong or did the Serra team have serious flaws? The stats I reviewed prior to SF game indicated the SF-Serra match-up could likely end in a scenario as with VC & unfortunately it did. Now back to M-A whose biggest win is over SHP & then Mitty. M-A lost in a shut-out to a very good team Valor Christian which doesn't tell us too much, however the loss to Palma is telling simply because Palma barely got by SHC, beating the Irish by 3 points and winning over M-A by 6 points.
Throw M-A into the WCAL and M-A is somewhere in the mix between Mitty, S.I. & SHC. Now a Serra-M-A game would be interesting and I would def go with Serra. As for M-A on same level or close to it with VC & SF I am a "non-believer" until proven otherwise. M-A is lucky as their first round match up in the Open I play-offs is against a very weak Milpitas team which means M-A will make it easily to the semi-finals.

Apparently the writers at the Mercury News think MA is better than VC, at least in their latest rankings.

 

[colhenrylives]

VC vs. M-A would be a real slugfest. Two physical units pounding away at one another. Rating one over the other at this point is very tough. I see them as roughly equal but, as always, that's speculation since they won't play each other in 2018.

 

[Rmbr26]

Apparently the writers at the Mercury News think MA is better than VC, at least in their latest rankings.

The BANG writers at Merc News always seem to throw at least one curve ball in their weekly rankings. Somehow though IF M-A were facing VC in playoffs I believe most of those same writers would have their betting money on VC straight-up.

Just checked NFHS & only showing the SF-Aragon game on this Friday nite - one of the games of least interest in the 1rst round

 

[Defense_Rules]

VC vs. M-A would be a real slugfest. Two physical units pounding away at one another. Rating one over the other at this point is very tough. I see them as roughly equal but, as always, that's speculation since they won't play each other in 2018.

In the end it doesn’t matter, but if it were me I would look at common opponents. Both beat Mitty and Bellarmine. Bellarmine is a wash as both teams shutout the Bells by similar scores, but MA beat Mitty by one TD (28-21) were as VC shut out Mitty 27-0. Both have two losses. VC’s two losses have been to two higher ranked teams by a total of 8 points. Both have a loss to a undefeated team. VC lost in a very close contest. MA lost in a blowout. VC other loss was the CCS’ #1 team (#19) in a squeaker. MA’S other loss was to a team is ranked #11 in the CCS (#115 state). But that is just me. I’m an admitted homer.

 

[Rmbr26]

WCAL Football 2018 - NorCal Top 25 heading into Week 1 of Playoffs

I had not posted this list in awhile and a good time to see the updated list from Freeman's. For those unfamiliar this is a computer generated list, so no one's opinion is involved such as with the Mercury News weekly top teams based upon a handful of writers. This list is based upon each teams record and the quality of those opponents, points scored & allowed and opposing teams overall records and the teams the opponents have played and their overall records.

NorCal Top 25 as of November 9th:
1. DLS 10-0
2. Folsom 9-1
3. Liberty 10-0
4. Central 10-0
5. Pitt 7-3
6. St. Francis 9-1
7. Buchanan 9-2
8. Del Oro 9-1
9. Monterey Trail 10-0
10. CVC 9-1
11. Card Newman 9-1
12. Inderkum 10-0
13. Wilcox 10-0
14. Valley Christian 8-2
15. Central Catholic 9-1
16. Oak Ridge 7-3
17. Rancho Cotate 10-1
18. Tulare Union 10-0
19. Serra-San Mateo 6-4
20. St. Mary's - Stockton 6-4
21. Eureka 10-0
22. Capital Christian 10-0
23. Turlock 8-3
24. Monte Vista 7-3
25. Antioch 7-3

Other local teams currently:
29. Menlo-Atherton
30. Palo Alto
32. Palma

 

[colhenrylives]

Good stuff. And it does buttress your view that M-A's schedule does not merit a particularly high ranking among its peers. Although it is interesting that Palma beat M-A and is ranked three slots lower than the Bears. Seems odd, but, hey, what do I know? I'm just tapping away on a keyboard while wearing a T-shirt, frayed Fruit-of-the-Looms and Costco flip-flops. Someone, please, call my therapist.

 

[FBAddict]

Although it is interesting that Palma beat M-A and is ranked three slots lower than the Bears. Seems odd, but, hey, what do I know?

calpreps will allow a team to be ranked directly by their scope of field play which can sometimes be below a team they beat. However, CP also has a rule that if a team is undefeated, they must be ranked higher than every team they defeated. This rule goes away after they lose a game.

 

[FormerD1Backer]

Good stuff. And it does buttress your view that M-A's schedule does not merit a particularly high ranking among its peers. Although it is interesting that Palma beat M-A and is ranked three slots lower than the Bears. Seems odd, but, hey, what do I know? I'm just tapping away on a keyboard while wearing a T-shirt, frayed Fruit-of-the-Looms and Costco flip-flops. Someone, please, call my therapist.

Bad visual!

 

[colhenrylives]

Bad visual!

It's worse than you can possibly imagine.

 

[user11235]

Open DII: #6 AMHS @ #3 Oak Grove is now rescheduled for Saturday at 1:00pm @ Everett Alvarez HS
Open DII: #5 Serra @ #4 Leland is now rescheduled for Saturday at 7:00pm @ Everett Alvarez HS
Open DIII: #6 SHC @ #3 Live Oak is now rescheduled for Saturday at 4:00pm @ Alisal HS
Open DII: #8 Aragon @ #1 St. Francis is now rescheduled for Saturday at 4:00pm @ Everett Alvarez HS
Open DII: #7 Christopher @ #2 Valley Christian is now rescheduled for Saturday night at 7:00pm @ Pacific Grove HS
Open DIII: #7 SI @ #2 SHP Saturday 1:00pm @ Alisal HS

 

[FormerD1Backer]

It's worse than you can possibly imagine.

Happy to take your word for it! Haahaaa....

 

[Rmbr26]

WCAL Football 2018 - St. Francis vs Pitt

So far every rankings poll I'd viewed throughout the season had Pitt comfortably above St. Francis in NorCal rankings.
Having watched Pitt vs DLs last evening I feel it is safe to say those positions should reverse in every rankings poll out there.

Pitt 45-35 over Serra
SF 42-7 over Serra

DLS 38-0 over Pitt
DLS 33-15 over SF

SF 9-1
Pitt 7-4

Watching the game last night was watching a Pitt team that reverted as in past to sloppy play, penalties and giving up the big plays early to DLS. I never doubted since the pre-season that Pitt had the talent, but could they put it together and play as a team executing & avoiding penalties & the clear answer was a resounding "No". After the fist quarter Pitt's defense showed up and started playing better, however the offense just could not sync against the staunch Spartan & and could not move the ball throughout the game [similar to Serra vs SF].

 

[Rmbr26]

WCAL Football 2018 - SHC vs Live Oak & S.I. vs SHP

The SHC-Live Oak game is rated a toss-up being played on Live Oaks home turf. SHC is 5-5 while Live Oak is 8-2. Live Oak can score in bunches & their defense can give up points in bunches. SHC Irish strong point is their defense and a low scoring game favors SHC, while a shoot-out favors Live Oak. The Irish should be motivated after last years' upset loss of 28-21 to Live Oak in the first round. At that time there was chatter prior to the game that SHC would move on & could possibly challenge HMB in the title game for Div III. That all came to an abrupt end unfortunately. SHC played well in the first 1/2, but had a weak 2nd 1/2. The Irish led at 1/2 by 14-7 and at the end of 3 by 21-14. IN the 4th Live Oak scored 14-0 to pull out the win. Irish will need to play well for 4 quarters to beat this Live Oak team.

SHP is the clear favorite at 9-1 over the 3-7 S.I. Wildcats with the Gator's only loss by 30-0 to a very good M-A team.
DOes anyone other than myself think S.I. has a "slugger's chance"? To start the season S.I. took Paly down to the wire & recently took down Mitty by 2 scores. Other than wins over BGame & Terra Nova SHP's wins have come over rather weak competition whereas S.I. has had a grueling schedule from the very first game with the exception of one opponent. I think if S.I. can run against SHP they have a shot, but will have to control ball possession. Likewise SHP is a run team & doesn;t throw much. The Gators employ 4 RB's and they have 2 break-away threats in Tavita Moimoi & John Willard who together have an 8 & 9 YPC average each. Better stack the line Wildcats!

 

[CAPTAIN MORGAN]

I think you mean Wildcats

 

[Streak One]

WCAL Football 2018 - St. Francis vs Pitt

So far every rankings poll I'd viewed throughout the season had Pitt comfortably above St. Francis in NorCal rankings.
Having watched Pitt vs DLs last evening I feel it is safe to say those positions should reverse in every rankings poll out there.

Pitt 45-35 over Serra
SF 42-7 over Serra

DLS 38-0 over Pitt
DLS 33-15 over SF

SF 9-1
Pitt 7-4

Watching the game last night was watching a Pitt team that reverted as in past to sloppy play, penalties and giving up the big plays early to DLS. I never doubted since the pre-season that Pitt had the talent, but could they put it together and play as a team executing & avoiding penalties & the clear answer was a resounding "No". After the fist quarter Pitt's defense showed up and started playing better, however the offense just could not sync against the staunch Spartan & and could not move the ball throughout the game [similar to Serra vs SF].

We've had St. Francis 4 ever since its win over Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks I believe. Started the year as top team in CCS and then dropped them below Serra with the Page news for a week.

 

[jordan24]

We've had St. Francis 4 ever since its win over Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks I believe. Started the year as top team in CCS and then dropped them below Serra with the Page news for a week.

I’ll take the Wildcats in an upset over SHP and the Irish over LIve Oak. ‘Cats much better SOS and soph LB is a beast. Irish need to just D up and execute on offense. If it’s close, go to your bread and butter of Speedy and Watkins to keep LO off the field.

 

[Rmbr26]

Rec’d email from Serra saying the gave vs Leland would be Monday at 4:00 PM & someone else posted will be 6:00 PM.
Can anyone confirm?

 

[Rmbr26]

Checked CCS site & confirmed Serra-Leland game is at 4:00 PM Monday.

 

[colhenrylives]

El Rambo: A quick question for you. As a young blogging man who has more WCAL facts and figures, not to mention insight, than just about anyone else on the planet, what does your papal crystal ball tell you about likely league contenders in 2019? Do you see a clear-cut favorite or an obvious powerhouse that will make real noise at the NorCal level?

 

[jordan24]

Just using the "eye test", more of the same for the 2019 campaign.
Disclaimer: Assuming no changes in coaching/significant transfers coming in our out.

1a. St. Francis
1b. Valley Christian
1c. Serra
4. Mitty
5. SHC
6. SI
7. Bellarmine
8. Riordan

Btw - AQI for the South Bay is forecasted for 107 (unhealthy-stay indoors)

 

[Defense_Rules]

Just using the "eye test", more of the same for the 2019 campaign.
Disclaimer: Assuming no changes in coaching/significant transfers coming in our out.

1a. St. Francis
1b. Valley Christian
1c. Serra
4. Mitty
5. SHC
6. SI
7. Bellarmine
8. Riordan

Btw - AQI for the South Bay is forecasted for 107 (unhealthy-stay indoors)

The air quality is not expected to get better all week.

 

[Joke Monkey]

Just using the "eye test", more of the same for the 2019 campaign.
Disclaimer: Assuming no changes in coaching/significant transfers coming in our out.

1a. St. Francis
1b. Valley Christian
1c. Serra
4. Mitty
5. SHC
6. SI
7. Bellarmine
8. Riordan

Btw - AQI for the South Bay is forecasted for 107 (unhealthy-stay indoors)

1. Valley
2. Mitty
5. St. Francis
6.Serra
7. Riordan
8. SI

Just using the "eye test", more of the same for the 2019 campaign.
Disclaimer: Assuming no changes in coaching/significant transfers coming in our out.

1a. St. Francis
1b. Valley Christian
1c. Serra
4. Mitty
5. SHC
6. SI
7. Bellarmine
8. Riordan

Btw - AQI for the South Bay is forecasted for 107 (unhealthy-stay indoors)

Combined WCAL records of 2020 and 2021 Frosh teams

1. Valley- 12-1-1
2. Mitty- 11-3
3.Bells- 8-5-1
4. SF- 8-6
5. Serra- 6-7-1
6. Riordan- 4-9-1
7.SI- 3-11
8. SH- 2-12

 

[user11235]

New updates as of 5:10pm
Open DII - Serra @ Leland is now Friday Nov 16 @ 7:00pm
Open DII - Aragon @ St. Francis is now Friday Nov 16 @ 7:00pm
Open DII - Mitty @ Oak Grove is now Friday Nov 16 @ 7:00pm
Open DIII - St. Ignatius @ Sacred Heart Prep is now Saturday Nov 17 @ 1:00pm
Open DIII - Sacred Heart Cathedral @ Live Oak is now Friday Nov 16 @ 7:00pm
Open DII - Christopher @ Valley Christian is now Friday Nov 16 @ 7:00pm

 

[shcguy92]

As of ten minutes ago, SHC LIVE OAK postponed to Friday Night

 

[Rmbr26]

Question: does the 7-day delay help or to the detriment of any teams? An extra 7 days to practice or an extra 7-days to rest up and bring back questionable players..

 

[shcguy92]

Well with air quality at unhealthy it is unlikely teams are practicing out doors so most likely it is weight training and walkthroughs inside gymnasiums or maybe they are using the time to keep dissecting and breaking down game film. But if they are outside, not too strenuous of q practice I would think.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Both Sacred Heart Cathedral and SI have shots at winning. With exception of Pioneer v Palma (Palma could have won it 100-0), the games should be competitive.Aptos v Terra Nova looks like it should be a good one and may be high scoring.

 

[Rmbr26]

Both Sacred Heart Cathedral and SI have shots at winning. With exception of Pioneer v Palma (Palma could have won it 100-0), the games should be competitive.Aptos v Terra Nova looks like it should be a good one and may be high scoring.

I expect SHC to come out motivated & will be disappointed if they gag again like last year against same team in which they were favored. S.I. is the underdog, but I feel has the ability to upset against SHP. This is a HUGE opportunity for the S.I. Wildcats to show their CCS toughest schedule is why their record isn't better. IF S.I. can upset the SHP 9-1 Gator's it will make St. Ignatius season a success IMO. Go Wildcats!! [Question: is there 1 single S.I. football fan/supporter on NCP's board??

 

[iamgearyblvd]

I expect SHC to come out motivated & will be disappointed if they gag again like last year against same team in which they were favored. S.I. is the underdog, but I feel has the ability to upset against SHP. This is a HUGE opportunity for the S.I. Wildcats to show their CCS toughest schedule is why their record isn't better. IF S.I. can upset the SHP 9-1 Gator's it will make St. Ignatius season a success IMO. Go Wildcats!! [Question: is there 1 single S.I. football fan/supporter on NCP's board??

SI = a lacrosse school

 

[Rmbr26]

SI = a lacrosse school

Yes gearyblvd I've heard for years that St. Ignatius is the DLS of lacrosse & it seems to take precedence over football.

I have one simple question for red-blooded football fans out there: Who out there has ever watched an entire lacrosse game from start to finish?

I've attempted a few times, but simply didn't last more than about 15 minutes...

 

[Irish_Cheers]

I never bothered watching lacrosse. I used to watch soccer just to relax but now that SHC is a soccer power, I care more about them winning.

 

[Defense_Rules]

Yes gearyblvd I've heard for years that St. Ignatius is the DLS of lacrosse & it seems to take precedence over football.

I have one simple question for red-blooded football fans out there: Who out there has ever watched an entire lacrosse game from start to finish?

I've attempted a few times, but simply didn't last more than about 15 minutes...

A spectator sport it is not. It ranks right up there with soccer for me.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Lacrosse is actually a fun sport to watch. My son played on a top Nevada high school program. Played Bishop Gorman in state championship one year. They beat some pretty good CA teams. Great sport to get a college scholarship. Can be physical at times, quick athletes and lots of skill.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

I never bothered watching lacrosse. I used to watch soccer just to relax but now that SHC is a soccer power, I care more about them winning.

Thats just IRRESPONSIBLE. Soccer power is Bellarmine. Yes. we've done well in the last 5 years in comparison to the prior 30+, but that was a serious lapse in judgement to use the word "power"