NFHS has been hugely disappointing, I’m getting the error delayed. The heading oddly states Serra San Diego vs. St. Francis Mountain View. Also the JV game showed the same delayed message as well.
WCAL Football 2019-20 - NCP's All NorCal Team + SF Chron All Metro & Merc Teams
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NFHS has been hugely disappointing, I’m getting the error delayed. The heading oddly states Serra San Diego vs. St. Francis Mountain View. Also the JV game showed the same delayed message as well.
From the season and a half of games Ive seen of Dowling, he does some things really well and there are things he does that require better coaching/better critical thinking. From the onset, I think a good assessment is he was our next Will Irons except with decent wheels. Irons was a pure passer and could make a ton of throws. Dowling's legs are a plus but the majority of his yards gained on the ground are not by design. In fact a many of his "carries" are just broken plays caused by a pocket that usually collapsed too fast and he wasnt able to make his 2nd or 3rd read. By now teams have figured his go to target is Ivy, so he surely garners a double team since the running game is non-existent this year.
The team's growth and progress next year will undoubtedly be if Jerry Mixon as a sophomore can be a productive RB on the varsity level. Reagans had similar success as a frosh but that was not playing varsity competition. Bruce Upresa as a junior is going to need to be that LB in the mold of Mateo.
Theres a lot of growing pains this year. Hopefully its not going to be too demoralizing to carry into next season.
Santa Ball - as to NFHSnetwork:
This is actually pretty common & yet no less disappointing I'm afraid to say. It's usually either the students not knowing how to operate the equipment, the equipment or a combination of both. It wouldn't even be so bad if you knew it simply wasn't going to be streamed, however sometimes the games sometimes suddenly come on. In other words Santa Ball you are being held hostage if you really want to see this game. I've learned and will watch some other games being streamed & check back in occasionally.... will let you know
This is actually pretty common & yet no less disappointing I'm afraid to say. It's usually either the students not knowing how to operate the equipment, the equipment or a combination of both. It wouldn't even be so bad if you knew it simply wasn't going to be streamed, however sometimes the games sometimes suddenly come on. In other words Santa Ball you are being held hostage if you really want to see this game. I've learned and will watch some other games being streamed & check back in occasionally.... will let you know
so true, I should have known when the jv game stated delayed... the curse is real for Padres!
Yes "The Curse" is for real as Serra is up 14-0 on Saint Francis & yet we have no direct knowledge of what is going on. If Lancers were up 14-0 I can guarantee you there would be NO issue of the transmission...
Honestly I was quite impressed with SI's play calling against SF....used their weapons in the perfect spots.
Hard to believe NFHS charges for its services ... entire games not presented, or games picked up in the second half, bad camera work, etc. It's a potentially good service, but much improvement needed.
The WCAL is hard to get through week to week and style makes fights. St. Francis had some momentum in the second half but couldn't overcome the first half 2 touchdown deficit with the style they play.
As for Serra, it's hard to justify being skeptical of an undefeated team but here I am. Sloppy penalties, allowing off tackle runs for 10yds plus, disorganized personnel not getting on the field, lack of pass rush, and average defense might spell disaster vs. VC. Stop reading press clippings Padres and clean it up.
As for Serra, it's hard to justify being skeptical of an undefeated team but here I am. Sloppy penalties, allowing off tackle runs for 10yds plus, disorganized personnel not getting on the field, lack of pass rush, and average defense might spell disaster vs. VC. Stop reading press clippings Padres and clean it up.
The Padres will be severely challenged in their final two games. VC is somewhat similar to SF but better, quite a bit better. If SF can run on Serra, what will happen vs. VC, or, for that matter, SI on the final afternoon of the WCAL season? Serra is riding high right now, maybe too high.
When Serra took the second half kickoff and went right down the field to make it 28-7 it was essentially over.
It's always a treat to peruse the annual St. Francis football program/media guide. The 2019 edition is filled with informative morsels. For example: The SF varsity has players coming from 24 different cities, from Daly City and Millbrae to Hayward and Newark, not to mention Foster City, Fremont, Milpitas, San Martin, Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Oh, yes, there are even several from Mountain View, SF's hometown. One family has four players, all linemen, who attended middle school in Pacifica. Clearly, the amazing lure of the Lancers extends far and wide throughout the Bay Area.
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Yes as colhenry states St. Francis attracts from a wide spectrum. Someone I know who is an alum of SF had his son apply to attend. Later when I asked he said his son didn't get in & told me that 1700 students applied for the freshmen class [whoa!]. Know a couple in Burlingame who are scoping out privates for their daughter. The 3 they're checking are Mercy [parents weren't impressed], Notre Dame [they liked] and St. Francis [they really liked]. So distance & the commute doesn't appear to be a factor in the decision these days].
The SF campus is spectacular, rather like a small college. It's impressive. The athletic facilities (other than the main gym) are impressive.
All the sweet fond memories of youth in the 90s, St. Francis had the attraction of being a coed school. Despite the female deficit for Serra life was good on the peninsula...
One caveat: The Serra football memories in the 1990s were not a bushel of roses by any stretch of the imagination. Hence the arrival of Patrick Walsh in 2001. To state that he changed that situation almost overnight is an understatement.
Regarding Serra's win last nite and watching VC vs Riordan. I would have to lean towards post from Santa Ball as his assessment seems spot on. Serra is a bit on the "sloppy" side of play at times and penalties that will kill them against a better opponent. While Serra appears disorganized at times VC appears much more disciplined and "workmanlike" in their approach. To me the Serra-SF game was closer than the score appears and with a few breaks in the 2nd 1/2 the Lancers' were almost back in the game. I was a bit befuddled so to speak by some of the Padres play calling late in the game once it got below the 10-minute mark. If SF scored a quick TD then they'd be back in it with a chance to tie. Here are the 2 important Serra possessions in that timeline on offense and how ineffective the Padres were. See what you think about the play calling.
9-minutes left in game & Serra takes over on their own 30. QB almost fumbles snap and pitch to RB for 1-yard gain [not a fan of pitching balls in backfield late in game deep in your own territory]. Also a hold penalty on play & Serra backed up to their own 15. On 1rst & 24 Serra QB runs for 2 yards. On 2nd & 22 attempted long pass is incomplete & almost intercepted. On 3rd & 22 Serra QB sacked. Serra facing 4th & 27 punts from Padres own 12 yard line with just under 8-min. remaining. A disastrous series for Serra giving ball back to SF at almost mid-field.
Serra gets ball back after an interception with 6-minutes remaining at mid-field & here is where the play calling gets interesting. You would think this is where it would get conservative, nothing fancy and "milk the clock" by rushing to eat up time. On 1rst down Serra passes for 15 yards to SF 35. On 1rst down an attempted long pass is incomplete. On 2nd down a short pass for no gain. On 3rd down another long pass into end zone to Serra WR with double coverage and almost intercepted. 4th and 11 & another incomplete pass and SF would take over with a final chance in the game.
Fortunately the Padres were able to stop SF, but had given the Lancers every opportunity to get back into the game it seems. On the 2nd series above Serra attempted 5 passes in a row starting at 6 minutes left. The passes used almost no time off the clock as opposed to a run. Had Serra stuck with the run the Padres would have eaten up an additional nearly 3 minutes. IMO and I'm second guessing after the fact, but a few series like what I've just described will not win a close game against a well disciplined team. VC & S.I. still to come...
9-minutes left in game & Serra takes over on their own 30. QB almost fumbles snap and pitch to RB for 1-yard gain [not a fan of pitching balls in backfield late in game deep in your own territory]. Also a hold penalty on play & Serra backed up to their own 15. On 1rst & 24 Serra QB runs for 2 yards. On 2nd & 22 attempted long pass is incomplete & almost intercepted. On 3rd & 22 Serra QB sacked. Serra facing 4th & 27 punts from Padres own 12 yard line with just under 8-min. remaining. A disastrous series for Serra giving ball back to SF at almost mid-field.
Serra gets ball back after an interception with 6-minutes remaining at mid-field & here is where the play calling gets interesting. You would think this is where it would get conservative, nothing fancy and "milk the clock" by rushing to eat up time. On 1rst down Serra passes for 15 yards to SF 35. On 1rst down an attempted long pass is incomplete. On 2nd down a short pass for no gain. On 3rd down another long pass into end zone to Serra WR with double coverage and almost intercepted. 4th and 11 & another incomplete pass and SF would take over with a final chance in the game.
Fortunately the Padres were able to stop SF, but had given the Lancers every opportunity to get back into the game it seems. On the 2nd series above Serra attempted 5 passes in a row starting at 6 minutes left. The passes used almost no time off the clock as opposed to a run. Had Serra stuck with the run the Padres would have eaten up an additional nearly 3 minutes. IMO and I'm second guessing after the fact, but a few series like what I've just described will not win a close game against a well disciplined team. VC & S.I. still to come...
Totally agree, I was thinking they would go raider to grind some yd on the ground as opposed to spread toss, or longer developing patterns in the air. When they were backed up I was thinking screen vs. 2 high safety but they felt they could spin it apparently. It was a bit odd, but maybe they had some kids banged up personel wise.
Also one td scored late by the Lancers was so clearly a block in the back you could here the home crowd gasped but no call. Serra needs to be playing with more discipline and urgency to close out games, especially this late in the season. I hope they get back to playing 4qtr football soon.
Anyone see #6 Wisconsin upset today by Illinois 24-23 in regards to late game play calling?
So Wisconsin is up 23-21 with 1:20 remaining in game and Wisconsin has the ball. Common sense says you sit on the ball correct? Nope Wisconsin drives in order to get an "insurance score" and throws a 15 yard pass that gets picked off. Illinois gains a few yards and kicks a 39-yard FG with 1-sec left to win 24-23.
And that is why you don't pass late in a game when you have a slim lead...
So Wisconsin is up 23-21 with 1:20 remaining in game and Wisconsin has the ball. Common sense says you sit on the ball correct? Nope Wisconsin drives in order to get an "insurance score" and throws a 15 yard pass that gets picked off. Illinois gains a few yards and kicks a 39-yard FG with 1-sec left to win 24-23.
And that is why you don't pass late in a game when you have a slim lead...
Colhenry, the four SF lineman from IBL in Pacifica is actually five. Their younger brother is on the Lancer freshman team. Imagine that weekly grocery bill !
And I'm guessing none of the 5 lineman brothers are vegetarians or vegans...that just wouldn't make any sense now would it?? "Hey Tom - don't take so much & pass the tofu please!"
We're in the league's home stretch. One game separates the top four teams with three games left to play prior to CCS playoffs. The foursome is: VC, Serra, SI and Mitty. Here are the remaining schedules for the quartet:
VC (4-0) _ Bellarmine, Serra, Mitty.
Serra (4-0) _ SHC, VC, SI.
SI (3-1) _ Riordan, Mitty, Serra.
Mitty (3-1) _ SF, SI, VC.
Which school has the toughest remaining slate? You be the judge.
VC (4-0) _ Bellarmine, Serra, Mitty.
Serra (4-0) _ SHC, VC, SI.
SI (3-1) _ Riordan, Mitty, Serra.
Mitty (3-1) _ SF, SI, VC.
Which school has the toughest remaining slate? You be the judge.
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As far as the top 4 teams remaining schedule and who faces the toughest last 3 games:
1. Mitty as the Monarchs could go 0-3 the next 3 games.
2. Serra with VC and S.I. as I think S.I. is the most improved team in the league since the first game loss to SHP.
3. S.I. should be another good test for Serra and I give S.I. the edge up on Mitty currently though its close.
4. VC has only Serra standing in its way of a WCAL title.
1. Mitty as the Monarchs could go 0-3 the next 3 games.
2. Serra with VC and S.I. as I think S.I. is the most improved team in the league since the first game loss to SHP.
3. S.I. should be another good test for Serra and I give S.I. the edge up on Mitty currently though its close.
4. VC has only Serra standing in its way of a WCAL title.
Let's take a look at the 6th place finisher race and remaining schedule (CCS qualifier). Who you got? Bellarmine currently in pole position...
- Bellarmine (2-5 / 1-3) - VC, @SF, @SHC *defeated Riordan 28-27 DOT
- Riordan (2-5 / 0-4) - @SI, SF, SHC
- SHC (0-7 / 0-4) - @Serra, BCP, @AR
Riordan is my horse...they break late from the back of the pack and this team has heart.
If Bellarmine making the playoffs means Amarillas and Janda coach next year then my vote is Riordan
WCAL Football 2019-20 This Week's Upcoming Games:
Friday 10/25:
St. Francis at Mitty 7:00PM best match-up & should be entertaining as a "pick 'em" game
Valley Christian vs Bellarmine at San Jose City College 7:00PM Warrior's prep for Serra following week
Sat. 10/26
Sacred Heart Cathedral at Serra 2:00PM See above as to VC
Riordan at St. Ignatius 2:30PM Crusaders' face best S.I. team in recent years' and maybe hottest in WCAL currently
Will offense OR defense win the Serra - VC Game next week?
Lots of questions as to the game from my perspective as VC will be the best team Serra has faced possibly on both sides of the ball. At this point with the close call by Serra vs Mitty the question is just how good is this Serra team? Will this be a replay of last seasons' dominating VC win by 37-6? Lets see what has changed between the 2 teams and what is the same/similar to last season. Last season VC and SF had the #1 & #2 defenses in the WCAL with Serra #3. VC has most of those players back this season and currently has the #1 defense in the WCAL for league games as well as the season so far. Last season the Padres high-octane offense was exposed by VC's defense when Serra could not run on the Warrior's and the Padres were literally run over by the VC "machine". In that game Serra rushed 24 times for 35 yards for a 1.5 YPC - and it gets worse as one rush was for 37 yards which means the other 23 rushes netted minus -2 yards. On VC's side of the ball the Warriors rushed 47 times for 335 yards with a whopping 7.1 YPC. In 2018 Serra survived on the pass and had no consistent rushing game. VC had 3 RB's in the top 10 RB's in the league while Serra had one RB at #8 with less than 1/2 the yards of each of VC's top 2 RB's. Now lets take a look at 2019 for comparison. VC has 3 good RB's who have eerily similar stats per game to last season - with the top 3 RB's used [VC uses up to 5 RB's] together averaging over 200 yards per game. Serra's run game is somewhat improved with the Padres top rusher being their athletic QB Daylin McLemore. As to Serra's RB's the 2 main RB's Poni & Sanchez are used sparingly like last season with approx. 15 carries per game between them for approx. 80 yards per game [with McLemore and any other RB's used making up the difference]. It seems the game will come down to the 2 QB's and Serra's D. Serra's QB McLemore is more athletic than Bottari last season and that should help with the pressure VC is sure to put on him. How Serra's O-line holds up under that pressure is another question. Serra has the better passing game as long as McLemore has the time. VC's QB Cory Taylor is vastly improved this season, more effective and has a good group of WR's incl.talented Frosh Jurrion Dickey. While VC doesn't pass as often as the Padres VC QB Taylor is effective completing 63% when they do throw and I would rate VC's WR group as talented as Serra's.
Will this be a close defensive game or will one team pull away with big plays? The one big difference between the 2 teams for this season is Serra's QB Daylin McLemore who I think is the "X-Factor for this game. Serra must be able to run against the VC defense and McLemore's scrambling ability will be crucial.
Friday 10/25:
St. Francis at Mitty 7:00PM best match-up & should be entertaining as a "pick 'em" game
Valley Christian vs Bellarmine at San Jose City College 7:00PM Warrior's prep for Serra following week
Sat. 10/26
Sacred Heart Cathedral at Serra 2:00PM See above as to VC
Riordan at St. Ignatius 2:30PM Crusaders' face best S.I. team in recent years' and maybe hottest in WCAL currently
Will offense OR defense win the Serra - VC Game next week?
Lots of questions as to the game from my perspective as VC will be the best team Serra has faced possibly on both sides of the ball. At this point with the close call by Serra vs Mitty the question is just how good is this Serra team? Will this be a replay of last seasons' dominating VC win by 37-6? Lets see what has changed between the 2 teams and what is the same/similar to last season. Last season VC and SF had the #1 & #2 defenses in the WCAL with Serra #3. VC has most of those players back this season and currently has the #1 defense in the WCAL for league games as well as the season so far. Last season the Padres high-octane offense was exposed by VC's defense when Serra could not run on the Warrior's and the Padres were literally run over by the VC "machine". In that game Serra rushed 24 times for 35 yards for a 1.5 YPC - and it gets worse as one rush was for 37 yards which means the other 23 rushes netted minus -2 yards. On VC's side of the ball the Warriors rushed 47 times for 335 yards with a whopping 7.1 YPC. In 2018 Serra survived on the pass and had no consistent rushing game. VC had 3 RB's in the top 10 RB's in the league while Serra had one RB at #8 with less than 1/2 the yards of each of VC's top 2 RB's. Now lets take a look at 2019 for comparison. VC has 3 good RB's who have eerily similar stats per game to last season - with the top 3 RB's used [VC uses up to 5 RB's] together averaging over 200 yards per game. Serra's run game is somewhat improved with the Padres top rusher being their athletic QB Daylin McLemore. As to Serra's RB's the 2 main RB's Poni & Sanchez are used sparingly like last season with approx. 15 carries per game between them for approx. 80 yards per game [with McLemore and any other RB's used making up the difference]. It seems the game will come down to the 2 QB's and Serra's D. Serra's QB McLemore is more athletic than Bottari last season and that should help with the pressure VC is sure to put on him. How Serra's O-line holds up under that pressure is another question. Serra has the better passing game as long as McLemore has the time. VC's QB Cory Taylor is vastly improved this season, more effective and has a good group of WR's incl.talented Frosh Jurrion Dickey. While VC doesn't pass as often as the Padres VC QB Taylor is effective completing 63% when they do throw and I would rate VC's WR group as talented as Serra's.
Will this be a close defensive game or will one team pull away with big plays? The one big difference between the 2 teams for this season is Serra's QB Daylin McLemore who I think is the "X-Factor for this game. Serra must be able to run against the VC defense and McLemore's scrambling ability will be crucial.
There are two other factors that bear mentioning re Serra vs. VC: One, the VC defensive backs are outstanding, the best group Serra will face in the WCAL, limiting the Padres significantly if the VC pass rush is similar to 2018. Two, the special teams matchup seems to be about even. If you were betting on this game (assuming there are no key injuries this week), VC would be favored by at least 3 _ and probably more like 6.
...meanwhile, waiting in the wings with a lot at stake as well, a very dangerous SI looms for the Padres on the final afternoon of the WCAL season in Burlap by the Bay...
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For me the real X-factor for the VC-Serra game is VC’s kicker who was injured in the SI game and is out with a broken foot. He was the WCAL kicker of the year last year and VC had trouble with extra points vs Riordan. His absence worries me.
