WCAL Football 2019-20 - NCP's All NorCal Team + SF Chron All Metro & Merc Teams

[ARHS Stats]

Jason Hardee as the best basketball player out of Serra (It was mentioned in the article).

But Tim Kennedy (1994, WCAL Round Robin Co-Champions & 1995, 5th Place WCAL)was the WCAL Player of the Year in basketball 2 years in a row for Serra.

Other Serra Basketball Players that should be considered for second best Serra basketball players ahead of Jason Hardee (2000, 4th Place WCAL) are: Tom McMahon (2005, WCAL Co-Champions), Decensae White (2006, 2nd Place WCAL), John DeFoe (1991, WCAL Round Robin Champions), and John Casselli (1975, 2nd Place WCAL). And there are probably other Serra basketball players who were not WCAL Players of the year. Other Serra basketball players that should be mentioned are: Brian Duffy (1976, Tied for 6th Place {Last} WCAL), Andrew Kochevar (2003, WCAL Co-Champions), and Jake Killingsworth (2016, 2nd Place WCAL)

NOTES: Serra is not a League Champion in 1991 and 1994, Serra lost in the WCAL Playoffs those seasons in Basketball.
The Year listed is the year the player is the WCAL Player of the year, followed by how the team place in League.

 

[Rmbr26]

Whoa! Hold off on the crucifiction of the article & author from several years ago “gentlemen”.
This was posted merely as a reminder of “some” of the great players who played Football for Junipero Serra in recent years. The author is by no means a historical expert & that is quite obvious to the other “experts” out there. Enjoy the article for what it is & all are welcome to put their own lists together & post them.

 

[colhenrylives]

Whoa! Hold off on the crucifiction of the article & author from several years ago “gentlemen”.
This was posted merely as a reminder of “some” of the great players who played Football for Junipero Serra in recent years. The author is by no means a historical expert & that is quite obvious to the other “experts” out there. Enjoy the article for what it is & all are welcome to put their own lists together & post them.

Sorry. Too many margaritas while viewing the Pitt-NE debacle on the tube. Apologies all around. Where's my lime?

 

[serdaprs]

Strange story. In other words, Serra football history goes back a grand total of 20 years. Really? Weak. Waste of space. Artificial. Pointless. Even Matt Dickerson is missing. A good example of someone who just didn't want to do his homework. Lazy.

Maybe because Dickerson missed his entire senior season.

 

[serdaprs]

Jason Hardee as the best basketball player out of Serra (It was mentioned in the article).

But Tim Kennedy (1994, WCAL Round Robin Co-Champions & 1995, 5th Place WCAL)was the WCAL Player of the Year in basketball 2 years in a row for Serra.

Other Serra Basketball Players that should be considered for second best Serra basketball players ahead of Jason Hardee (2000, 4th Place WCAL) are: Tom McMahon (2005, WCAL Co-Champions), Decensae White (2006, 2nd Place WCAL), John DeFoe (1991, WCAL Round Robin Champions), and John Casselli (1975, 2nd Place WCAL). And there are probably other Serra basketball players who were not WCAL Players of the year. Other Serra basketball players that should be mentioned are: Brian Duffy (1976, Tied for 6th Place {Last} WCAL), Andrew Kochevar (2003, WCAL Co-Champions), and Jake Killingsworth (2016, 2nd Place WCAL)

NOTES: Serra is not a League Champion in 1991 and 1994, Serra lost in the WCAL Playoffs those seasons in Basketball.
The Year listed is the year the player is the WCAL Player of the year, followed by how the team place in League.

Henry Curuso was was edged out by some kid named Aaron Gordon two years in a row. Curuso has some basketball records at serra

 

[Rmbr26]

Re: Serra - best player in last 20-yrs or ever.

For my money having seen all the players in the article I posted (& certainly the order is disputable) there is one player I believe stands above the rest.
That player is Sitaleki “Leki” Nunn a 3-year varsity starter who played QB, RB, WR, DB & KR and was superb at all positions - a true game changer.
Leki starter his first game as a soph vs DLS as a 15-yr old & threw 2 TD passes, the only QB to do so vs DLS that season. During a brief stint because of his running ability Nunn was switched to RB & ran for over 200 yards & 3 TD’s vs S.I. Nunn was soon moved back to QB to keep him involved on every play (the same situation occurred with Lynn Swann his senior year). Lynn Swann, Cody Jackson & Leki Nunn were all 3 year starters and excelled from the start so not many players can be directly compared to them. Everyone will have their own take on these 3 and the order I would place them in is: #1 - Leki Nunn, #2 - Lynn Swann, #3 - Cody Jackson. Jackson was a true QB while Swann & Nunn were multi-faceted players playing both ways & special teams. At the QB position Nunn was the better passer than Swann who was more of a option QB - Swann played 2-yrs as WR & senior yr as QB. As we know Luke Bottari is now the All-Time Padre passing leader & was also a 3-year varsity player. Bottari was a true drop-back QB with limited running ability & played only the one position -well enough to guide Serra to a state title for which he’ll always be remembered.

 

[Rmbr26]

Freeman's NorCal Top 25 as of Monday 9/9/19

1. Folsom 2-0
2. DLS 1-1
3. Liberty 3-0
4. Valley Christian 2-0
5. Inderkum 3-0
6. Buchanan 2-1
7. Monterey Trail 3-0
8. Serra 2-0
9. Card Newman 3-0
10. CVC 1-1
11. Monte Vista 2-0
12. Mack 2-0
13. Oak Rdige 2-0
14. Marin Catholic 2-1
15. St. Mary's 1-1
16. Campo 3-0
17. Pitt 2-1
18. Del Oro 2-1
19. Clovis W. 2-1
20. CAL 3-0
21. Turlock 2-1
22. Buhach Colony 3-0
23. Granite Bay 2-1
24. Wilcox 1-1
25. St. Francis
* M-A came in at #26

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Re: Serra - best player in last 20-yrs or ever.

For my money having seen all the players in the article I posted (& certainly the order is disputable) there is one player I believe stands above the rest.
That player is Sitaleki “Leki” Nunn a 3-year varsity starter who played QB, RB, WR, DB & KR and was superb at all positions - a true game changer.
Leki starter his first game as a soph vs DLS as a 15-yr old & threw 2 TD passes, the only QB to do so vs DLS that season. During a brief stint because of his running ability Nunn was switched to RB & ran for over 200 yards & 3 TD’s vs S.I. Nunn was soon moved back to QB to keep him involved on every play (the same situation occurred with Lynn Swann his senior year). Lynn Swann, Cody Jackson & Leki Nunn were all 3 year starters and excelled from the start so not many players can be directly compared to them. Everyone will have their own take on these 3 and the order I would place them in is: #1 - Leki Nunn, #2 - Lynn Swann, #3 - Cody Jackson. Jackson was a true QB while Swann & Nunn were multi-faceted players playing both ways & special teams. At the QB position Nunn was the better passer than Swann who was more of a option QB - Swann played 2-yrs as WR & senior yr as QB. As we know Luke Bottari is now the All-Time Padre passing leader & was also a 3-year varsity player. Bottari was a true drop-back QB with limited running ability & played only the one position -well enough to guide Serra to a state title for which he’ll always be remembered.

Serra's best ever hands down was Jim Fregosi. Played and excelled at all 3 major sports and throw in the fact when there was a track meet same day as baseball game he would go do the long jump between at bats and hold the WCAL record for the long jump until Lynn Swann broke it.

Times have changed. The kids just want to specialize in the one sport they/their parents think they will make it in, instead of actually just enjoy being a kid and playing sports year round.

 

[colhenrylives]

Serra's best ever hands down was Jim Fregosi. Played and excelled at all 3 major sports and throw in the fact when there was a track meet same day as baseball game he would go do the long jump between at bats and hold the WCAL record for the long jump until Lynn Swann broke it.

Times have changed. The kids just want to specialize in the one sport they/their parents think they will make it in, instead of actually just enjoy being a kid and playing sports year round.

Thirty years ago, the old Peninsula Times Tribune did a comprehensive poll of its readership. The topic was the best all-time prep athletes from the Peninsula. The winner was Lynn Swann. Jim Fregosi was in the top five as well. But Swann got the nod due to his exploits in football, basketball and track and field. His football accomplishments are well-known. His exploits on the track were described above. Regarding hoops, he was a big-time Division I prospect who received a number of scholarship offers in that sport. Fregosi, who competed ten years before Swann at Serra, was offered football scholarships by several schools but baseball was his forte, so much so that he signed with the Red Sox before ever attending college. For Fregosi, football, basketball and track and field were pleasant diversions. He was a natural. He didn't practice much in any sport other than baseball That was his focus. It was a different era in the 1950s. Professional baseball, by far, was the No.1 option for great prep athletes. Money, exposure, etc. were prime. Not so much in the other sports. Fregosi, wisely, understood his baseball earning potential.

 

[Rmbr26]

Just heard on radio that Lynn Swann resigned as USC's Athletic Director today. Timing seems off in lieu of USC's big win over Stanford this weekend.

https://thespun.com/college-football/lynn-swann-usc-ad-resigned

 

[FootballJunkie101]

USC is a tough gig. Not made for everyone.

 

[jordan24]

Re: Serra - best player in last 20-yrs or ever.

For my money having seen all the players in the article I posted (& certainly the order is disputable) there is one player I believe stands above the rest.
That player is Sitaleki “Leki” Nunn a 3-year varsity starter who played QB, RB, WR, DB & KR and was superb at all positions - a true game changer.
Leki starter his first game as a soph vs DLS as a 15-yr old & threw 2 TD passes, the only QB to do so vs DLS that season. During a brief stint because of his running ability Nunn was switched to RB & ran for over 200 yards & 3 TD’s vs S.I. Nunn was soon moved back to QB to keep him involved on every play (the same situation occurred with Lynn Swann his senior year). Lynn Swann, Cody Jackson & Leki Nunn were all 3 year starters and excelled from the start so not many players can be directly compared to them. Everyone will have their own take on these 3 and the order I would place them in is: #1 - Leki Nunn, #2 - Lynn Swann, #3 - Cody Jackson. Jackson was a true QB while Swann & Nunn were multi-faceted players playing both ways & special teams. At the QB position Nunn was the better passer than Swann who was more of a option QB - Swann played 2-yrs as WR & senior yr as QB. As we know Luke Bottari is now the All-Time Padre passing leader & was also a 3-year varsity player. Bottari was a true drop-back QB with limited running ability & played only the one position -well enough to guide Serra to a state title for which he’ll always be remembered.

No mention of Tom Brady? Wasn't he good as a high school player? Didn't he earn a scholly to Michigan?

 

[dcpanda]

Looking at recent years, I think Leki Nunn and Nio Mafi have the best resumes. Mafi won the WCAL POY as a primarily offensive lineman. An incredible feat. He also started for UCLA as a true freshman.

Obviously, Brady is the best if you look at entire career, since he might have the best resume of any football player in history (looking at all career accomplishments).

 

[pc2986]

Serra's best ever hands down was Jim Fregosi. Played and excelled at all 3 major sports and throw in the fact when there was a track meet same day as baseball game he would go do the long jump between at bats and hold the WCAL record for the long jump until Lynn Swann broke it.

Times have changed. The kids just want to specialize in the one sport they/their parents think they will make it in, instead of actually just enjoy being a kid and playing sports year round.

Having graduated from Serra....Jim Fregosi was a LEGEND. He was my history teacher and loved telling stories. You can't make this up...he was an amazing man...don't even need to talk football or baseball

 

[colhenrylives]

Where and when did Jim Fregosi teach history?

 

[Rmbr26]

"dcpanda,[/B] post: 241369, member: 1290"]Looking at recent years, I think Leki Nunn and Nio Mafi have the best resumes. Mafi won the WCAL POY as a primarily offensive lineman. An incredible feat. He also started for UCLA as a true freshman.
Obviously, Brady is the best if you look at entire career, since he might have the best resume of any football player in history (looking at all career accomplishments).

dcpanda - talkin' apples to oranges here regarding Antonio Mafi and Tom Brady. Mafi was hurt in his senior season and lost for the majority of the playoffs leading to the state title. Therefore he missed the most important games of his time at Serra and was not a factor in Serra winning a state title - the point being "there was that much talent on that Serra team". Similar to including Matt Dickerson on any list. A very good player, but not dominant his junior year and then due to injury did not play his entire senior year. I cannot remember any one game where Dickerson was a factor in a Serra win.

As to Tom Brady we're not looking at entire careers as that is an entirely different subject. Tom was a slightly above average HS QB and the Serra team he was on was, well not very good looking at the record and his own comments about getting blown out by St. Francis. Tom rode the bench at Michigan for 3 years and then finally started in a controversy over a highly recruited talented freshman QB. In pro's Tom again rode the bench until a career ending injury to Drew Bledsoe. In brief Tom Brady is not only the BEST but the luckiest player in terms of circumstances I have ever read about [also don't forget about Bill Belichik which I credit for a large part of Tom's success in continually reloading the team with exceptional talent at the skill positions].

Anyway that is my take & everyone will have their own interpretations of the players, but here we're looking at only the time they played in HS at Serra. A lot of great players to consider for sure. Happened to think of some "other guy" you rarely hear being brought up named John Caselli [older brother Tom played with Freitas, Scott & Swann]. John was All-County in several sports, still holds some Serra records and went on to star at Cal-Berkeley - an unbelievable talent during a time when Serra's team was not as well recognized or as full of talent as present day.

 

[1315]

Just heard on radio that Lynn Swann resigned as USC's Athletic Director today. Timing seems off in lieu of USC's big win over Stanford this weekend.

https://thespun.com/college-football/lynn-swann-usc-ad-resigned

Has a LOT to do with how SC courted the college recruiting scandalous parents for $$ AFTER the kids paid to get in “the side door.” New docs just came in the pipeline and USC will be confirmed as shameless as ever.

 

[ILOVETROJANFOOTBALL]

Has a LOT to do with how SC courted the college recruiting scandalous parents for $$ AFTER the kids paid to get in “the side door.” New docs just came in the pipeline and USC will be confirmed as shameless as ever.

LOL....this has been in the pipeline for months. Its a great development for USC. They will likely hire an AD with experience. Great potential there if managers manage.

 

[FootballJunkie101]

I'd have to go with Lynn Swann and Leki Nunn as Serra's two best prep football players. Both players impacted their team in ways like no other Padre. When it comes to the NFL there's nothing to talk about.

 

[berdooman]

John Caselli was a great high school athlete and had 16-17 TD catches as a senior. He played basketball at Cal, starting for 3 years.

 

[Rmbr26]

Serra Football Records Trivia:

Some of the more notable Serra football records between 1949-2019. Leki Nunn is listed more than any other player having been noted for top numbers in both passing & rushing. What's amazing about Leki Nunn is he missed a number of games injured and also played a number of games as RB/WR before being switched back to QB.

Most Points - Top 5 players (Career) 324 Isiah Kendrick 2015-16-17
316 Erich Wilson 2009-10-11
271 Lynn Swann 1967-68-69
246 Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
236 Eric Redwood 2010-11-12

Most Points in a Season - 218 Erich Wilson 2011
204 Isiah Kendrick 2017
162 DeLeon Eskeridge 2006
* further down list is Leki Nunn 126 in 2016 and Lynn Swann 109 in 1969.

Most PAT's Career- 146 Damon Lewis 2016-2018 and currently on varsity for his 4th season.

Passing - Most Yards (Career) 5,791 Luke Bottari 2016-17-18
4,266, Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
3,802, Jesse Freitas 1967-68
3,514, Tom Brady 1993-94
3,373, Jim Freitas 1973-74

Passing - Most Completions [Career] Most Completions (Career) 434, Luke Bottari 2016-17-18
279, Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
264, Jesse Freitas 1967-68
242, Jim Freitas 1973-74
219 Tom Brady 1993-94

Most Passing Touchdowns (Career) 57 Luke Bottari 2016-17-18
45 Jesse Freitas 1967-68
45 Jim Freitas 1973-74
43 Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
33 Tom Brady 1993-94

Most Pass Receptions (Career) 107 Shane Villaroman 2016-17
91 Lynn Swann 1967-68-69 * played 2 seasons as WR and senior year as QB.
90 Patrick Nunn, 2016-17
87 John Caselli 1973-74

Most TD Catches (Season) 16 John Caselli 1974
13 Shane Villaroman 2016
10 Lynn Swann 1967
10 Lynn Swann 1968

Most Yards Rushing (Career) 3,768 Eric Redwood 2010-11-12
3,361 Erich Wilson 2009-10-11
2,878 Isiah Kendrick 2015-16-17
2,841 David Taufoou 1996-97-98
2,713 Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
2,454 DeLeon Eskridge 2006-07
2,315 Cody Jackson 2006-07-08

Most Yards Rushing (Season) Erich Wilson 2011
2,102 David Taufoou 1998
1,833 Eric Redwood 2012
1,622 DeLeon Eskridge 2006
1,620 Isiah Kendrick 2017

Most TD's Rushing (Career) 46 Erich Wilson 2009-10-11
43 Isiah Kendrick 2015-16-17
39 Eric Redwood 2010-11-12
36 Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
32 DeLeon Eskridge 2006-07
31 Cody Jackson 2006-07-08

Longest TD Run - 98 Jim Jackson vs. Marin Catholic 1954 95
95 Cody Jackson vs. De La Salle 2007
94 Cody Jackson vs. De La Salle 2007 - Cody Jackson's 2 TD's of 95 & 94 yards were in 2nd 1/2 of same game.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Serra Football Records Trivia:

Some of the more notable Serra football records between 1949-2019. Leki Nunn is listed more than any other player having been noted for top numbers in both passing & rushing. What's amazing about Leki Nunn is he missed a number of games injured and also played a number of games as RB/WR before being switched back to QB.

Most Points - Top 5 players (Career) 324 Isiah Kendrick 2015-16-17
316 Erich Wilson 2009-10-11
271 Lynn Swann 1967-68-69
246 Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
236 Eric Redwood 2010-11-12

Most Points in a Season - 218 Erich Wilson 2011
204 Isiah Kendrick 2017
162 DeLeon Eskeridge 2006
* further down list is Leki Nunn 126 in 2016 and Lynn Swann 109 in 1969.

Most PAT's Career- 146 Damon Lewis 2016-2018 and currently on varsity for his 4th season.

Passing - Most Yards (Career) 5,791 Luke Bottari 2016-17-18
4,266, Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
3,802, Jesse Freitas 1967-68
3,514, Tom Brady 1993-94
3,373, Jim Freitas 1973-74

Passing - Most Completions [Career] Most Completions (Career) 434, Luke Bottari 2016-17-18
279, Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
264, Jesse Freitas 1967-68
242, Jim Freitas 1973-74
219 Tom Brady 1993-94

Most Passing Touchdowns (Career) 57 Luke Bottari 2016-17-18
45 Jesse Freitas 1967-68
45 Jim Freitas 1973-74
43 Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
33 Tom Brady 1993-94

Most Pass Receptions (Career) 107 Shane Villaroman 2016-17
91 Lynn Swann 1967-68-69 * played 2 seasons as WR and senior year as QB.
90 Patrick Nunn, 2016-17
87 John Caselli 1973-74

Most TD Catches (Season) 16 John Caselli 1974
13 Shane Villaroman 2016
10 Lynn Swann 1967
10 Lynn Swann 1968

Most Yards Rushing (Career) 3,768 Eric Redwood 2010-11-12
3,361 Erich Wilson 2009-10-11
2,878 Isiah Kendrick 2015-16-17
2,841 David Taufoou 1996-97-98
2,713 Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
2,454 DeLeon Eskridge 2006-07
2,315 Cody Jackson 2006-07-08

Most Yards Rushing (Season) Erich Wilson 2011
2,102 David Taufoou 1998
1,833 Eric Redwood 2012
1,622 DeLeon Eskridge 2006
1,620 Isiah Kendrick 2017

Most TD's Rushing (Career) 46 Erich Wilson 2009-10-11
43 Isiah Kendrick 2015-16-17
39 Eric Redwood 2010-11-12
36 Leki Nunn 2014-15-16
32 DeLeon Eskridge 2006-07
31 Cody Jackson 2006-07-08

Longest TD Run - 98 Jim Jackson vs. Marin Catholic 1954 95
95 Cody Jackson vs. De La Salle 2007
94 Cody Jackson vs. De La Salle 2007 - Cody Jackson's 2 TD's of 95 & 94 yards were in 2nd 1/2 of same game.

Compilation of stats different in the eras. The old guard your varsity squad was comprised of seniors and juniors. Modern era you have talented sophomores finding their way onto varsity therefore having an extra year to compile varsity stats making it mathematically easier to break varsity records.

 

[WCAL75]

Does anyone remember Randy Gomez from Serra. He was a really good QB that had the misfortune of playing when Jim Freitas played so he moved to LB. Still he went on to be the QB for Montana and set some college records for passing yardage. He was a better baseball player though and ended up playing for the San Francisco Giants as a catcher for a short time.

 

[Rmbr26]

Compilation of stats different in the eras. The old guard your varsity squad was comprised of seniors and juniors. Modern era you have talented sophomores finding their way onto varsity therefore having an extra year to compile varsity stats making it mathematically easier to break varsity records.

Geary - some valid points regarding the "extra" year sophs have to compile stats. Here's a few thoughts in regards to soph players on varsity.

I think outstanding soph's were always invited to play varsity, such as Lynn Swann in '67 - if they're that talented they'll play varsity. Soph players to compile stats cannot be just good, but outstanding enough to start as a soph on a WCAL team [unless fill-in on a modern day bare-bones roster]. In the better programs/teams those rosters are dominated by juniors & seniors and even a very talented 15-16 yr old soph is going to have an uphill battle going against 17-18 yr olds [agreed?]. The flip side of the mathematics is that there are so few sophs capable of starting and playing 3 full seasons on a WCAL team it is somewhat of an anomally for any soph to compile significant stats during their soph season.

Here are a few examples: Serra's Nio Mafi the 2017 WCAL POY - played in just 5 games as a soph and his senior year injured and missed the 4 post season playoff games incl. the state title game Serra won.

Serra's Isiah Kendricks played in 4 games as a soph with 11 carries for 58 yards & zero TD's on the season, yet is 3rd all time as a RB for Serra. That is due to Kendricks jr. year of 1200 yards/13 TD's and senior year of 1624 yards/30 TD's.

Rarely do sophs compile much in the way of stats with 2 of the exceptions being Lynn Swann & Leki Nunn and even those stats are skewed as both players played more than one position. Swann played 2 yrs at WR and one at QB while Leki Nunn played QB then RB/WR and then QB again along with being injured and missing a number of games. During Nunn's junior & senior seasons the Padres had 12 regular season game blow-outs, many involving running clocks and Nunn was usually pulled a the 1/2 in those games. Those same games had some of his lowest passing stats and if left in for more minutes could have been higher on many of the Serra records listings.

 

[colhenrylives]

Compilation of stats different in the eras. The old guard your varsity squad was comprised of seniors and juniors. Modern era you have talented sophomores finding their way onto varsity therefore having an extra year to compile varsity stats making it mathematically easier to break varsity records.

Plus, the standard schedule was nine or ten games, max. No playoffs. No extra games.

 

[Rmbr26]

[QUOTE="colhenrylives, post: 241440, member: 968"]Plus, the standard schedule was nine or ten games, max. No playoffs. No extra games.[/QUOTE]

Yes a good point colhenry which I also considered, however in the case of Leki Nunn the amount of time he played in only the first 1/2 of 8-10 games and sat out several games injured more than offset the additional playoff games. His stat production for games/time played was far & above that of any other player it seems. Fregosi, Swann & Nunn all from different eras with different types of players and no one can argue that all 3 of these players were among the best to ever play for Serra.

 

[colhenrylives]

Let's cut to the chase. If a player sees time in the NFL, that fact, by itself, indicates outstanding athletic capability. So, as of today, the best football players in Serra history (so far after 75 years) are: Jesse Freitas, Lynn Swann, Jimmy Walsh, Matt Dickerson and David Bahktiari. Include Tom Scott in that group since he's in the CFL Hall of Fame. Since Freitas, Swann and Scott all played together for two seasons at Serra, one would have to postulate that their 1967 and 1968 teams are clearly among the best in the school's history, again, by definition. Incidentally, it's worth noting that the Padres have not had an unbeaten campaign since 1954. Which has to say something about the old CAL and the current WCAL.

 

[berdooman]

Randy Gomez had 29 TD passes at Utah during the 1977-78 seasons. He led the WAC in TD passes as a senior and led team to 8 wins. Also starred at CSM. Started at Serra at QB one year, on the freshman team. Mainly played DB and a little RB after that. Hard hitter. His little brother Kendall played QB for Carlmont. Randy, of course, also starred in baseball and made the big leagues.

 

[colhenrylives]

Randy Gomez had 29 TD passes at Utah during the 1977-78 seasons. He led the WAC in TD passes as a senior and led team to 8 wins. Also starred at CSM. Started at Serra at QB one year, on the freshman team. Mainly played DB and a little RB after that. Hard hitter. His little brother Kendall played QB for Carlmont. Randy, of course, also starred in baseball and made the big leagues.

Young man, to your extensive Serra knowledge, did Jim Fregosi ever teach history? That has been alleged previously. If true, it would be something of a shock since Jimmy was not known for a whole lot of academic focus in his early years.

 

[berdooman]

Examining his baseball career, he seems to have gone right from Serra to a lengthy pro playing and managing career, so I don't know what that guy was talking about. I do know from an ancient copy of the Serra Friar that Fregosi's nickname while at Serra was "The Head" ... probably a reference to the size of his coconut.

 

[colhenrylives]

Examining his baseball career, he seems to have gone right from Serra to a lengthy pro playing and managing career, so I don't know what that guy was talking about. I do know from an ancient copy of the Serra Friar that Fregosi's nickname while at Serra was "The Head" ... probably a reference to the size of his coconut.

...one hopes...

 

[jordan24]

And now back to our regular scheduled program, please!

 

[Rmbr26]

Yes many exceptional athletes have come through the halls of Serra. This thread was regarding their achievements in HS and not beyond as the majority do not make it to the pro's, nor is that an indication of success at the HS level [please see one David Bakhtiari of Serra who was by no means exceptional in HS yet went on & currently plays for the Green Bay Packers. The same can be said for one Tom Brady who was not exceptional at the HS level, yet went on to bigger & greater things obviously, incl Giselle.
Finally being a somewhat "old geezer Padre" at this stage I have seen all the players mentioned play & have known a number of them personally incl. Mr. Swann. It is my opinion that the best 2 teams I've witnessed play for Serra were: #2: the 1968 team that went 9-1 with the only loss to Vallejo losing 21-20 after leading at the 1/2 by 20-0. That Padre team cruised through the rest of their games and outscored opposition by 365-139 and featured the trifecta of 3 future pro's in Freitas, Scott & Swann [and yes in that order as was the rendition]. My #1 team and I don't have to think about it much is the 2017 Padre team that perhaps played the "perfect game" in defeating highly favored & "loaded" SoCal power Cajon by 38-14 in a state bowl game. That 2017 Padre team featured a huge roster that year and was absolutely loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. After 2 early season losses the 2017 team went on a 10-game winning streak tear and obliterated most teams & outscored opposition by 632-289 winning an O/T game over SF for the CCS open championship defeating the Lancers for a 2nd time that season. From there the Padres had a blow-out win over undefeated Tulare Union with their nationally recruited RB Cashmier Allen and then shocked everyone with the 24 point win over Cajon. I cannot think of another NorCal team that had such a convincing win over a SoCal power any time recent as that win.That 2017 team/players set the most Padre football records in the history of the school. Different eras and different teams. The 2017 roster vs the 1968 roster is disparagingly superior in terms of depth and players and the size differentials are considerable. Finally the 1968 Serra team was the best of the first 30-years due to 3 players and the 2017 team was the best overall team of the last 20-years - 2 different eras that are difficult to be compared directly.

Next Up: This Weeks Games [yes jordan I did hear you & Crusader predicts upcoming..]

 

[Rmbr26]

WCAL Football 2019-2020 - This Weeks' Upcoming Games

Friday Night Lights 9/13
Sacred Heart Cathedral at Aptos 7:30pm
Valley Christian vs Clovis West at Buchanan, Clovis 7:00pm
Mitty vs Oakland at Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, 7:00pm
Riordan at Justin-Siena Napa 7:00pm
Vintage -Napa vs Bellarmine at San Jose City College 7:00pm
Oak Grove at St. Francis Mountain View 7:00pm
Serra at St. Mary's Stockton 7:00pm
Saturday 9/14
Gonzaga Prep at St. Ignatius 3:00pm

VC 2-0 vs Clovis West 2-1
Serra 2-0 vs St. Mary's 1-1
Riordan 2-0 vs Justin-Siena 2-1
Mitty 1-1 vs Oakland 2-0
S.I. 1-1 vs Gonzaga Prep 1-0 [Spokane, WA]
SHC 0-2 vs Aptos 0-2
SF 0-2 vs 1-1 Oak Grove
Bells 0-2 vs Vintage 3-0

* VC has a solid win over Wilcox & shut out Pleasant Valley 35-0 last week. Clovis West has a 26-22 win over Central Catholic and a 25-7 win over Edison of Fresno while losing last week to Liberty=Bakersfield 17-7. The Liberty team is 3-0 and is an indication that Clovis West is a worthy opponent that could be competitive with Valley Christian if VC doesn't bring their A-game. Still on paper the VC Warrior's look to be 3-0 after this contest.
Prediction VC 24-7

Serra game against St. Mary's Stockton should answer more questions regarding how solid the Padres are against a quality team. Like Pitt the St. Mary's team had won over Serra in its recent previous games vs the Padres. St. Mary's lost a close game to Pitt 43-35 to open this season, but rebounded with a solid 42-7 pounding of Central Catholic last week. So questions about both teams and a chance for redemption for the Padres against a team that has owned them in the last 2 games played. Here are the scores: [2017] St. Mary's 42-17 over Serra, [2016] St. Mary's 63-35 over Serra. Serra also has to be careful as this has all the looks of a "trap game" in which Serra is the favored team going in.
Prediction: Serra 31-21

Riordan is one of 3 WCAL teams at 2-0 while the likes of SF & Bells & SHC are 0-2. The question is can the Crusaders make their fans giddy by taking home a 3rd victory over a team that is currently 3-0? Justin-Siena has a shut-out in its 3 wins and has not been tested in any of the 3 games scoring 40, 27 and 35 points while allowing only 16 points total. Riordan has given up 24 & 27 points in its 2 wins or 3+ TD's per contest. Justin-Siena will score vs the Crusaders' and the Riordan ground game must produce to get the win. Falling behind in this game is not an option for the Crusaders if they want the win. Crusaders a slight favorite, but should be close either way.
Prediction: Riordan 27-21

Mitty is in dire need of a strong showing after the beat down last week against Marin Catholic by 35-9 in which some fans thought would be a competitive game - it was not. The Monarchs showed little defense and not much on offense and were simply over-matched. Oakland High is 2-0 with 2 blow-outs over weak teams which does not give a clear indication of how good Oakland High is. Mitty looks to have the edge, but then again after last week I would not bet the family station wagon on this game. Is Marin Catholic THAT good or was Mitty hyped beyond being "they are who we thought they were" and simply a similar team to last season 2018[?]. I'll show some faith in Mitty on this one.
Prediction: Mitty 21-13

St. Ignatius has the easy win over Paly and had their chances for the win over SHP, however now stand at 1-1 instead of 2-0 facing a 1-0 Gonzaga Prep team there is little info about [other than its lone blow-out win over an Idaho team].
In the game last season GP won 42-37 over S.I. If S.I. had prevailed over SHP then I'd lean towards the Wildcats, however with only the win over a struggling Paly team the edge has to go with Gonzaga prep based upon both teams rosters vs last season. Its a travel game for Gonzaga Prep so possibly the lag time will be in the Wildcats favor.
Prediction: Gonzaga Prep 35-27

SHC at 0-2 already has its back against the wall suffering a blow-out loss to Acalanes and then after leading 14-0 vs Palma before being outscored 35-7 to lose 35-21. This was not the Irish team I'd expected and especially from a combined JV-varsity roster to boost numbers & depth. Unfortunately the Irish now face an Aptos team that is also 0-2 suffering 2 close losses and also desperate for its first win. SHC must travel and play this game under "Friday Night Lights" before what is sure to be a fired up home crowd for Aptos Mariners. Aptos went 11-3 last season and was expected to battle Salinas & Palma for the Gabilan League title this season. The 2 close losses may be deceiving and Aptos may in fact be a team ready to rebound. The Irish had better be up for this game or it could be a replay of the Acalanes debacle.
Prediction: Aptos 28-14

St. Francis after 2 expected losses to powerhouse teams gets to face a 1-1 Oak Grove team that won over Oakland Tech and suffered a blow-out loss to Los Gatos. While SF is not up to speed with last season the Lancers get to flex their muscles this Friday nite and return to their winning ways.
Prediction: SF 35-7

Bells play at home so at least not a long bus ride home. Vintage is 3-0 and a pretty decent team having dispatched an Acalanes team 28-20 that had the blow-out win over SHC in week 1. So it does not get any better for the Bells this week as all signs point towards a convincing Vintage win at SJCC. At this point it becomes can the Bells be competitive and at what level? Bells first 2 games blow-out losses point towards a season already looking forward to "next year".
Prediction: Vintage 35-7

* After 2 weeks Rmbr26 is 12/16 on predicted winners.

 

[Defense_Rules]

The Season pt. 3

 

[berdooman]

In 68 Serra led Vallejo 20-0 after 3 quarters -- deceptive since Apaches scored on first play of fourth. Tom Scott missed game due to injury. Vallejo's long winning streak snapped that season by St. Francis which was overwhelmed in de facto wcal title game by Serra at San Mateo high, with Scott hauling in passes for about 260 yards.

 

[pc2986]

Where and when did Jim Fregosi teach history?[/

Brain Freeze...I meant to say Mr. Freitas the Legend. BTW - I've always confused those 2 for some reason and I'm a grad...

 

[iamgearyblvd]

If theres one thing I would change for modern day high school athletics is for kids to play and be great at 2+ sports and not just specialize in 1. I dont think it hurts talented kids if they play other sports, in fact, I think it adds to their legend. Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Tony Gonzalez to name a few. I think its awesome to see an athlete just dominate across all the teams. Kyler Murray is recent and thats great.

 

[jordan24]

If theres one thing I would change for modern day high school athletics is for kids to play and be great at 2+ sports and not just specialize in 1. I dont think it hurts talented kids if they play other sports, in fact, I think it adds to their legend. Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Tony Gonzalez to name a few. I think its awesome to see an athlete just dominate across all the teams. Kyler Murray is recent and thats great.

You definitely do not see too many 2 sport athletes in the major sports (football, basketball and baseball). But, in the case of football players, there are a lot of kids that wrestle, play rugby and participate in the track field events.

 

[jordan24]

- Jordan24 it remains disappointing to see City teams get beaten 50+ by the South Bay teams with running clock by half time. You reported that the Riordan JV team has about 25 kids at the scrimmage. I pray the kids can stay healthy this year, otherwise the new head coach might want to adopt Coach Mac genius plan.

Just perusing MaxPreps and/or the schools' athletics sites and the average size of JV rosters appear to be 28 players and frosh rosters averaging 40 players.- the teams include Serra, Riordan(JV only available), Mitty, SI and SF.