WCAL Football 2018 - San Jose Merc All Bay Area Team

[iamgearyblvd]

Yes serious trouble in Crusaderville as the situation appears worse than ever. Riordan used to be as least competitive with SHC & S.I. to degree, but clearly that is no longer the case. Could it get any worse other than deleting football as a sport at ARHS?

Rmbr, the only sports the purple and gold are good at are basketball and wrestling. Their soccer and tennis teams are actually even worse than football. Posting donuts pretty much every game and losing by wide margins. Baseball is a joke. Football you already know the direction they are going. Riordan used to be really good at track and field too.

 

[jordan24]

It would not be outrageous to suggest that Riordan take a hiatus from the WCAL in football for a period of time. Not sure how many years it would take to bring the program back to some semblance of competitive equity with at least the lower WCAL tier. SHC tried that approach for a significant period. RIordan's administration might want to consider it as well. But one thing seems pretty clear today: The current Riordan football plan is not working.

I would pump the brakes a bit...No debate the current Football program has struggled - Varsity performance since 2015 specifically. Lower levels have been competitive as JVs (we do have a team and it put up 45 against the Bells!) and Frosh have had some success the past few years. Frosh participation has been strong every year since 2013. Riordan's best frosh player is on JVs and has done very well. The big disappointment is not seeing improvement at a macro level (Frosh->JV->Varsity) and a micro level (as the season progresses by each team.) The new AD, President and Principal have some close inspection and decision-making to do once the season is complete.

 

[Defense_Rules]

Rmbr, the only sports the purple and gold are good at are basketball and wrestling. Their soccer and tennis teams are actually even worse than football. Posting donuts pretty much every game and losing by wide margins. Baseball is a joke. Football you already know the direction they are going. Riordan used to be really good at track and field too.

Their baseball was not a joke last year. They beat Serra and took VC into extra innings last year. Not a lot of teams can say that. They may not have won a lot of games, but they were competitive.

 

[jordan24]

I find it interesting to see most of the piling on from certain posters...Hey, whatever makes you feel good about yourself. What's not to like about being good in a few sports - actually winning titles? Say all you want on a "watered down" CCS hoops title, but wasn't it a City school that was the #1 seed and squandered it against the #4? 2 years in a row, a number 1 seed with a subpar WCAL record and nothing to show for it.
The City schools have it tougher for football. Yes, I've been one to congratulate SHC on their recent success, but until you can contend for a WCAL title, I would would not be throwing shade at the other City schools.
Your best players graduate this year. You had no JVs. For all intents and purposes, your frosh qb will be sticking to basketball after this year. Try and keep your star players for 4 years in both sports, Wasn't it a a former SHC parent that stated that Riordan is the best destination and another one that is happy to see a smile on his son's face again?

 

[Joke Monkey]

I find it interesting to see most of the piling on from certain posters...Hey, whatever makes you feel good about yourself. What's not to like about being good in a few sports - actually winning titles? Say all you want on a "watered down" CCS hoops title, but wasn't it a City school that was the #1 seed and squandered it against the #4? 2 years in a row, a number 1 seed with a subpar WCAL record and nothing to show for it.
The City schools have it tougher for football. Yes, I've been one to congratulate SHC on their recent success, but until you can contend for a WCAL title, I would would not be throwing shade at the other City schools.
Your best players graduate this year. You had no JVs. For all intents and purposes, your frosh qb will be sticking to basketball after this year. Try and keep your star players for 4 years in both sports, Wasn't it a a former SHC parent that stated that Riordan is the best destination and another one that is happy to see a smile on his son's face again?

As far as class of 2021 talent Riordan is superior to Serra, SHC, SI and
on par or close to the others. Not sure how it will translate to varsity level but I would not be surprised to see them as the top of the SF school the next few years.

 

[jordan24]

As far as class of 2021 talent Riordan is superior to Serra, SHC, SI and
on par or close to the others. Not sure how it will translate to varsity level but I would not be surprised to see them as the top of the SF school the next few years.

And there’s the rub...

 

[TheGoldenShower]

And there’s the rub...

I’m thinking if Riordan is able to get ahold of SLV’s technology(Helmet Mic’s, Go Pros on players, bugging visitor locker rooms, blimps) the sky is the limit.

 

[Scott2138]

As far as class of 2021 talent Riordan is superior to Serra, SHC, SI and
on par or close to the others. Not sure how it will translate to varsity level but I would not be surprised to see them as the top of the SF school the next few years.

This was said every year by Riordan folks...but it may apply to basketball not football. SH baseball is solid btw.

 

[Scott2138]

I find it interesting to see most of the piling on from certain posters...Hey, whatever makes you feel good about yourself. What's not to like about being good in a few sports - actually winning titles? Say all you want on a "watered down" CCS hoops title, but wasn't it a City school that was the #1 seed and squandered it against the #4? 2 years in a row, a number 1 seed with a subpar WCAL record and nothing to show for it.
The City schools have it tougher for football. Yes, I've been one to congratulate SHC on their recent success, but until you can contend for a WCAL title, I would would not be throwing shade at the other City schools.
Your best players graduate this year. You had no JVs. For all intents and purposes, your frosh qb will be sticking to basketball after this year. Try and keep your star players for 4 years in both sports, Wasn't it a a former SHC parent that stated that Riordan is the best destination and another one that is happy to see a smile on his son's face again?

Oh, you are talking about SI. Yeah, for SHC, I know hold the enthusiasm, but that was said by the kids' dad. This is biased obviously and Riordan was able to land him or Jelani Clark did... But the SHC frosh football team looks pretty good and if Barry can make this model work, he may really have something. Maybe play 11 games if you can on the frosh side to get them maximum exposure and fun.

 

[Rikfran]

Oh, you are talking about SI. Yeah, for SHC, I know hold the enthusiasm, but that was said by the kids' dad. This is biased obviously and Riordan was able to land him or Jelani Clark did... But the SHC frosh football team looks pretty good and if Barry can make this model work, he may really have something. Maybe play 11 games if you can on the frosh side to get them maximum exposure and fun.

I heard that EJ’s departure had to do with his parents splitting up and his mother moving to San Diego. And Jordan, speedy didn’t even play in the game due to concussion. And I think there are 6 sophomores starting on the varsity so future is not as bleak as you would hope.

 

[jordan24]

This was said every year by Riordan folks...but it may apply to basketball not football. SH baseball is solid btw.

Kind of like the Irish football dynasty after the 2015 season for SHC or the hoops dynasty with Dunbar, Carter, Hollins, Hillman and Robinson. Oh wait!
Nice video though!

 

[jordan24]

I heard that EJ’s departure had to do with his parents splitting up and his mother moving to San Diego. And Jordan, speedy didn’t even play in the game due to concussion. And I think there are 6 sophomores starting on the varsity so future is not as bleak as you would hope.

Irish definitely have very good coaching to improve its players...I just don’t see game breakers like Speedy or Watkins in the wings. Irish Frosh QB is a game breaker, but he’s going to shine on the hardwood than gridiron.
Serra Frosh are scary good.

 

[Scott2138]

Kind of like the Irish football dynasty after the 2015 season for SHC or the hoops dynasty with Dunbar, Carter, Hollins, Hillman and Robinson. Oh wait!
Nice video though!

I think you heard me and others say, "Win some games or bring home something before making a video like that because losing makes it a moot point, or an obvious point that you aren't working hard enough"...In fact, Dunbar"s dad even mentioned that kids have a mind of their own sometimes when questioned about it.

Look again at the SH Frosh, although no way like Serra's talent, they have at least 4-5 players doing very well, including someone to replace Heard, but time will will tell if he is as good. I would say they have some decent backs and receivers but what is missing maybe for this class is some big lineman for now.

 

[Scott2138]

Irish definitely have very good coaching to improve its players...I just don’t see game breakers like Speedy or Watkins in the wings. Irish Frosh QB is a game breaker, but he’s going to shine on the hardwood than gridiron.
Serra Frosh are scary good.

Look again at the SH Frosh, although no way like Serra's talent, they have at least 4-5 players doing very well, including someone to replace Heard, but time will will tell if he is as good. I would say they have some decent backs and receivers but what is missing maybe for this class is some big O lineman for now in the over 220 range. Lucky the SHC lineman now are all young and sophs and juniors so that situation is not as dire. Anyway you slice it, this SHC varsity team is very young.

 

[FormerD1Backer]

I’m thinking if Riordan is able to get ahold of SLV’s technology(Helmet Mic’s, Go Pros on players, bugging visitor locker rooms, blimps) the sky is the limit.

:- O

 

[colhenrylives]

Look again at the SH Frosh, although no way like Serra's talent, they have at least 4-5 players doing very well, including someone to replace Heard, but time will will tell if he is as good. I would say they have some decent backs and receivers but what is missing maybe for this class is some big O lineman for now in the over 220 range. Lucky the SHC lineman now are all young and sophs and juniors so that situation is not as dire. Anyway you slice it, this SHC varsity team is very young.

...and 2019 may provide a golden opportunity to do some real damage vs. the southern WCAL units...

 

[iamgearyblvd]

I heard that EJ’s departure had to do with his parents splitting up and his mother moving to San Diego. And Jordan, speedy didn’t even play in the game due to concussion. And I think there are 6 sophomores starting on the varsity so future is not as bleak as you would hope.

EJ Neal attends a school called Balboa in Escondido (San Diego County). Its a private school likely a Division V. The tuition is ONLY $10K. A bargain compared to the $20K+ that bay area private schools charge for.

 

[colhenrylives]

EJ Neal attends a school called Balboa in Escondido (San Diego County). Its a private school likely a Division V. The tuition is ONLY $10K. A bargain compared to the $20K+ that bay area private schools charge for.

You are too kind. Woodside Priory, Castilleja, Menlo School, Sacred Heart Prep and Crystal Springs Uplands all have tuitions/fees that now hover near $50,000 per year.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Kind of like the Irish football dynasty after the 2015 season for SHC or the hoops dynasty with Dunbar, Carter, Hollins, Hillman and Robinson. Oh wait!
Nice video though!

I would never use the word dynasty and SH football in the same sentence. That is just non-sense. You want to talk dynasty you need to look at the girls side in hoops. Since 1998 to present day, always in upper echelon in league, many ccs titles, multiple norcal titles and 5 state championships. Boys side "dynasty" ended with Herman Pratt's senior class. It spiraled down beginning with the group of kids you listed above and is still spiraling downward this year.

The hope is MacKay whose bread and butter is doing more with less which is what he did at his previous school. There will likely be no 1st team or 2nd team league guys this year on this team but hopefully a true collective effort from this year's squad can translate to a best case CCS final appearance. Worst case they dont even make CCS.

 

[CityVibesII]

Chronicle has Lincoln ranked in the 25 slot. May be a gift but they're still on the list.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/...ball-top-25-Big-Little-Game-will-13327141.php

the top tier SF-AAA schools in football (Lincoln, Galileo, Mission) had at least a .750 winning percentage in pre-season. Best in years. I think 25th slot is worthy this year.

And Lincoln head coach Phil Ferrigno is a Riordan grad. If he wasnt so vested in the SFUSD, Riordan would be a nice fit.

Look I know Riordan works hard with what they have (some great kids) The league is not forgiving. Maybe if they ever get around to upgrading their football field (alumni not big donors). Maybe a five-year sabbatical (ie independent) may be answer. Look SHC is down to two teams. S.I. doesnt seem to be attracting the big boys from Marin, of late. Head injuries have scared parents away. Bellarnine decline for even just this year is amazing. Football ineptitude is exposed when depth is a problem.

 

[FormerD1Backer]

You are too kind. Woodside Priory, Castilleja, Menlo School, Sacred Heart Prep and Crystal Springs Uplands all have tuitions/fees that now hover near $50,000 per year.

That's nuts! I just find it hard to believe that spending $200k to get your kid through high school is worth the investment. Of course, to many of the families that do, $200k is no big thang... but I'm sure there are many families taking a 2nd mortgage to make it happen, which makes little sense to me.

I've met lots of private school kids who washed out in college, or before. I understand wanting the best for your child, but yeah...

 

[CityVibesII]

The common argument is "investment in my child's future". Plenty of public school kids doing just as well in college. I suspect kids out of private/catholic schools do learn time management skills which in the long run equates to solid standardized test scores. Unfortunately, a lot of it is keeping up with the Jones, which is a shame.

I know plenty of good kids coming out of the City's public school system and succeeding in college.

If you have the money to spend, go for it. Having to mortgage your house and/or borrow from family members, well that is a tough personal decision.

 

[Irish_Cheers]

I would be against this. Where would SH's one most likely league win come from?

Hint: Litterbox.

 

[Scott2138]

EJ Neal attends a school called Balboa in Escondido (San Diego County). Its a private school likely a Division V. The tuition is ONLY $10K. A bargain compared to the $20K+ that bay area private schools charge for.

Yeah, maybe, but it aint SHC either.

The common argument is "investment in my child's future". Plenty of public school kids doing just as well in college. I suspect kids out of private/catholic schools do learn time management skills which in the long run equates to solid standardized test scores. Unfortunately, a lot of it is keeping up with the Jones, which is a shame.

I know plenty of good kids coming out of the City's public school system and succeeding in college.

If you have the money to spend, go for it. Having to mortgage your house and/or borrow from family members, well that is a tough personal decision.

I don't disagree, I would extend this thinking that if your child likes sports or is good at a particular sport then generally a WCAL school is good for them and the cost for the healthy competition is worth it. The WCAL is one of the most competitive leagues and takes sports and generally academics seriously.

 

[Scott2138]

That's nuts! I just find it hard to believe that spending $200k to get your kid through high school is worth the investment. Of course, to many of the families that do, $200k is no big thang... but I'm sure there are many families taking a 2nd mortgage to make it happen, which makes little sense to me.

I've met lots of private school kids who washed out in college, or before. I understand wanting the best for your child, but yeah...

Colleges are liberal bastions. I don't mind the liberal points but please teach all aspects and common sense into these students. Also, regarding taking a loan for private high school is not one I would recommend because quite honestly as a parent you should consider a different route then because the cost is prohibitive. Your child going to a lower ranked or regular public school may actually make your kid shine more with less competition than a private. I'm sure if you spend some money on a personal tutor on some subjects your child can do just as well, if they have the will to learn.

 

[Scott2138]

the top tier SF-AAA schools in football (Lincoln, Galileo, Mission) had at least a .750 winning percentage in pre-season. Best in years. I think 25th slot is worthy this year.

And Lincoln head coach Phil Ferrigno is a Riordan grad. If he wasnt so vested in the SFUSD, Riordan would be a nice fit.

Look I know Riordan works hard with what they have (some great kids) The league is not forgiving. Maybe if they ever get around to upgrading their football field (alumni not big donors). Maybe a five-year sabbatical (ie independent) may be answer. Look SHC is down to two teams. S.I. doesnt seem to be attracting the big boys from Marin, of late. Head injuries have scared parents away. Bellarnine decline for even just this year is amazing. Football ineptitude is exposed when depth is a problem.

SHC getting Lang field down the block in 2020 for some exclusive use will be a huge boost to some of the sports programs.

 

[FormerD1Backer]

Colleges are liberal bastions. I don't mind the liberal points but please teach all aspects and common sense into these students.

All aspects and common sense? That will cost you way more than you get for your $60k per year donation at all of today's top colleges!

 

[Scott2138]

All aspects and common sense? That will cost you way more than you get for your $60k per year donation at all of today's top colleges!

Thats my point, colleges don't teach crap in some cases and can be arguably a waste because it may be better for your child to learn a trade period. Many colleges don't teach common sense or any type of thinking. Kids don't even know the difference between socialism, communism or capitalism.

 

[FormerD1Backer]

Thats my point, colleges don't teach crap in some cases and can be arguably a waste because it may be better for your child to learn a trade period. Many colleges don't teach common sense or any type of thinking. Kids don't even know the difference between socialism, communism or capitalism.

I know... I was being sarcastic.

 

[Rmbr26]

WCAL Football 2018 - Upcoming Games Broadcast

Serra vs SHC will be live-streamed on BAOSN.TV [Free]

Mitt vs SF will be live-streamed on NFHSNetwork.com [Sunbscription or single game fee required]

Friday Nite Lites 10/26 at 7:00 PM
Serra vs SHC at Kezar
Mitty at St. Francis
Bellarmine at Valley Christian

Saturday Night 10/27 at 7:00 PM
10/27 St. Ignatius vs Riordan at Kezar Stadium

 

[jordan24]

WCAL Football 2018 - Upcoming Games Broadcast

Serra vs SHC will be live-streamed on BAOSN.TV [Free]

Mitt vs SF will be live-streamed on NFHSNetwork.com [Sunbscription or single game fee required]

Friday Nite Lites 10/26 at 7:00 PM
Serra vs SHC at Kezar
Mitty at St. Francis
Bellarmine at Valley Christian

Saturday Night 10/27 at 7:00 PM
10/27 St. Ignatius vs Riordan at Kezar Stadium

WCAL Football 2018 - Upcoming Games Broadcast

Serra vs SHC will be live-streamed on BAOSN.TV [Free]

Mitt vs SF will be live-streamed on NFHSNetwork.com [Sunbscription or single game fee required]

Friday Nite Lites 10/26 at 7:00 PM
Serra vs SHC at Kezar
Mitty at St. Francis
Bellarmine at Valley Christian

Saturday Night 10/27 at 7:00 PM
10/27 St. Ignatius vs Riordan (Gil Haskell Trophy) at Kezar Stadium live-streamed on BAOSN.TV (Free!)

 

[Calispectator]

Can Irish give Serra a competitive game? Any thoughts?

 

[colhenrylives]

Can Irish give Serra a competitive game? Any thoughts?

Can SHC duplicate the VC approach vs. Serra? If they can, they have a shot. In other words: Get physical, run the ball, force some turnovers, hope for Serra mistakes and self-inflicted wounds, control the Padres' kick return guys, get after the Serra QB and disrupt any timing plays. A major problem will be Serra's team speed and big-play athletes; on paper, this is not a great matchup for SHC. But an upset (or a very close ballgame) is not entirely out of the question. Serra will be looking ahead to the St. Francis game Nov. 3 in San Mateo. It's natural. The SHC contest is a definite trap game for Serra.

 

[Irish_Cheers]

Can Irish give Serra a competitive game? Any thoughts?

They can if they play defense the way they did against St. Francis. If they have their offense going, they can be competitive.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

A moral victory if SH losses by 14 or less. Felt like last week vs SI, they were just screwing around for opening quarter and unleashed hell. If we can play with Keith Ismael and Kevin Greene on our lines, I’d say we have a real good chance.

 

[Rmbr26]

WCAL Football 2018: Serra vs SHC = Mismatch OR "Trap Game"

This is an intriguing game that is hard to call for numerous reasons. Had Serra beaten VC or even played VC competitively then these questions would not be asked by some more knowledgeable fans [people on NCP's].
The fact is Serra was not competitive in that game in which the Padres were heavily favored and were "taken to the woodshed" so to speak by the VC Warrior's to the tune of 37-6 - a thorough thrashing by all accounts and in all phases of the game. That was the worst beating that Serra had absorbed in football going back 2 seasons ago and 35 games when De La Salle defeated Serra by 47-13 at DLS. To further confuse issues the SHC Irish lost a surprisingly close game to SF by 14-0 in a defensive battle and then reeled off 3 wins against Bells, S.I. & Riordan so confidance is riding high on the Irish side. Let's also not forget that SF did defeat VC by 7-3 in a game which was decided by 1 or 2 possible plays - one being the INT VC threw in their own territory resulting in SF's only TD.

In some respects this game appears a mismatch and in other respects it looks like it could just possibly be a game.
Both teams are 5-3 with Serra having the much tougher schedule & therefore is rated/ranked higher. Serra for the season averages 2 more TD's per game and SHC allows 1 less TD per game [it is a bit deceiving as Serra gave up 86 points to its 2 most highly rated opponents, but still..]. Incidentally the one team that crushed SHC was VC by 45-7,
so VC won over Serra by 31 and over SHC by 38, a difference of 1 TD. VC was the one team neither Serra or SHC could contain on offense via the Warrior's run game and the same team neither SHC or Serra could move the ball against.
The computers agree having projected Serra as a 2 score favorite in this game, but then again the computers said Serra would handle Valley Christian.

So this IS the game of the week in the WCAL and has heavy WCAL title implications should Serra be upset. The SHC Irish defense has stepped it up a bit & the test will be if they can pressure Serra's Luke Bottari and cover Serra's WR's.
On the other side of the coin can SHC score against the Padres? SHC has a run game and a new QB who can both scramble & throw. The soph QB Dowling for the Irish IS the X-Factor in this game IMO. With a few games now under his belt can Dowling have a break-out game passing and scrambling to compliment the Irish ground game? Certainly Serra will attempt to key on SHC's Anthony Heard and contain that aspect as the WCAL's leading rusher. Dowling is currently completing 7-8 passes per game and IMO he will need to complete 10-12 minimum to have a shot at Serra. This translates to 20-25 pass attempts for the game instead of 14-16. The Irish will be on home turf at Kezar and will need a good start & to contain Serra early on offense. Field position will be key and long KO returns by Serra or SHC punting from their own red zone will likely spell doom for SHC. SHC will need the "Luck of the Irish" for this upset to take place.

 

[colhenrylives]

If Serra somehow manages to treat this game as a kind of afterthought or gimme, it's going to be dicey for them.

 

[Rmbr26]

Anything short of a convincing win for Serra will not be a good sign for next week's upcoming game vs St. Francis.
While not the game Serra vans hoped for due to the bad loss to VC this game would lose all suspense with a Serra loss to SHC and even a close game will tamper down excitement over the Padres-Lancers match-up.

 

[user11235]

Bellarmine - Valley Christian will likely be streamed on the VCS livestream although it will likely not be an exciting affair

Update: Bellarmine @ VC (senior night):

 

[Rmbr26]

WCAL Football 2018 - Projections for Upcoming Games Tonite & Saturday

Serra 31-17 over SHC
SF 31-3 over Mitty
VC 44-0 over Bells
S.I. 42-17 over Riordan

Over/Under Bets:

Serra vs SHC
* Toughest game to judge with Serra's 37-6 loss to VC & SHC's 14-0 loss to SF. While I like the underdog I'll go with the Padres and minus -14.
SF vs Mitty
* SF is all about D and the grind it out offense. I think the score will be close to the projection & I'll go with Mitty +28.
VC vs Bells
* VC with its size and physical lines against the undersized Bells could get ugly. If Serra was unable to stop VC's run attack the Bells likely will have a "siege mentality" going into this game. Score could easily be worse, but guessing VC will empty the benches early and without passing possibly the score gets held down. Will take the Bells +44.
S.I. vs Riordan
* The Crusader's are in free-fall at this time and purely in a defensive position. Unfortunately I have seen no game plan changes that lead me to believe the score will be anywhere close with S.I.'s recent win over Mitty. I see Riordan getting 2 scores, but no FG and will go with St. Ignatius and minus -25.