With a full slate of games to open the first week of the high school football season in the North Coast Section, we have split our top games feature into intra-sectional and inter-sectional previews. This segment focuses on the top games to start the year between NCS-only schools.
California at Pittsburg, Friday, 7 pm: These two premier public school programs have made this an annual affair, and have evenly split the last six meetings. That fact should give a positive vibe to the Grizzly faithful, since Pittsburg won last year’s season opener, 19-7.
None of the past six match-ups have been decided by more than two touchdowns, but the style of the games have varied from year-to-year. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams entering 2015, a defensive struggle similar to last year would be a surprise. In fact, with the explosiveness displayed by Pittsburg’s offense at last week’s scrimmage, and the returning power in Cal’s running game, a game more resembling their 35-33 affair to open the 2013 season might be in order.
“We’ve played each other four times in the past three years, and each game has been close and decided in the second half,” said California coach Eric Billeci. “This Friday won’t be any different. The only variable this time around is their new offense.”
Key match-ups in this game include Justin Locklear and the always-tough California offensive line against a revamped Pirate defensive line, while Pittsburg’s revamped spread offense goes against a young Grizzly secondary.
“This is always a great matchup between two of the better public schools in the section,” said Pittsburg coach Vic Galli. “We are two physical teams, and the games have always been tight. It’s also important for playoff seeding.”
With the added importance of head-to-head matchups in the post-season seeding meetings in recent years, especially in games between the Bay Valley and East Bay Athletic League, Galli’s statement holds weight as both teams not only look to start the season on the right foot, but also position themselves for success down the road.
Casa Grande vs Analy at Santa Rosa, Friday, 7:30 pm: From 2004 through 2011, Casa Grande dominated this match-up, winning eight straight games against the Tigers, with only one game decided by less than seven points. Analy turned the tables last year, however, running away with a 47-14 season-opening victory.
After a late-season surge in 2014, Casa Grande looks to be a program on the rise entering the year, especially with the return of quarterback JJ Anderson and junior running back Spencer Torkelson, our Prep2Prep Sophomore of the Year for baseball last spring. Andrew Floerke is another two-way returner for the Gauchos, who will need better offensive production than they received last year against Analy.
The Tigers’ defense pressured the Gauchos into completing just 31 percent of their passes, with two interceptions in last year’s opener, while Analy’s offense was in high gear. This year’s starting quarterback for the Tigers, junior Jack Newman, even got into the act last year, throwing for 97 yards and a touchdown in relief of Will Smith. It remains to be seen, however, how Analy will compensate for the loss of Smith, Ja’Narrick James, and Kerr Johnson.
A key match-up to watch in this game will also be Analy senior linebacker Isaac Kangas against the Gaucho backfield combination of Torkelson and Floerke. Another area to keep an eye on is how Newman develops an in-game relationship with top returning receiver Schuyler Van Weele.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to play Analy to start the season,” said Casa Grande coach Trent Herzog. “They run the no-huddle spread as well as anybody in the Bay Area, and they are very aggressive with good team speed on defense. This game will really let us know where we are at early in the season.”
San Ramon Valley at Las Lomas, Friday, 7 pm: With an experienced front seven defensively, led by linebacker Nick Kane, San Ramon Valley hopes to put pressure on the Knights’ offense to open the 2015 season. Las Lomas, however, counters with a talented and experienced group in the passing game, led by receiver Max Kulsuptrakul.
When the two teams opened last season against each other, it marked the first meeting since a Knights’ playoff win in 2005. The Wolves were dominant last year, however, opening their campaign with a 44-17 victory. Gone from San Ramon’s roster are all the offensive stars from that season-opening win, while the Knights have some key players back who will no doubt be looking to avenge the one-sided defeat.
“We’re looking forward to going to Las Lomas for a good season-opening test,” said San Ramon Valley coach Aaron Becker. “They have some good playmakers and will be a tough first game.”
Along with Kulsuptrakul, two-way standout Jack Kane and junior quarterback Joe Wood lead the attack. Wood is the younger brother of last year’s dual-threat, Ben Wood. But while the Wolves may have been hit with graduation offensively, that doesn’t mean they don’t have plenty of firepower to put up points, as running back Colin Clancy should be primed for a big season, and the program simply seems to turn out top-notch quarterbacks on an annual basis.
“(San Ramon) has an outstanding football program that presents a great challenge for our team,” said Las Lomas coach Mike Downing. “There’s no magic formula for us in this game. We need to go out and execute at a high level. Move the ball and finish on offense, get some stops on defense, and keep the momentum on special teams. It’s easier said than done, but it’s a pretty simple formula.”
Heritage at Amador Valley, Friday, 7 pm: Both teams lost in the first round of the Division I playoffs last season, and open this year seeking a step forward in 2015, in the first-ever meeting between these programs.
Amador Valley returns a three-year starter at quarterback in Ronnie Jones, and have an explosive tailback in Ledre McCullough. Looking to slow down McCullough and the Dons’ running game will be Heritage defensive lineman David Letuligasenoa and linebacker Josiah Cerda.
“They’ve got a good short passing game, and a running back who can make you pay if he finds a crease,” said Heritage coach Don Sanders. “They are well-coached defensively, and play a lot of games up front that present a challenge.”
On the other side of the ball, Amador Valley fullback and linebacker Patrick Loughnane will be tasked with stopping the Patriots’ option and I-back run game, with fullback Ryan Sanchez and a host of wingbacks and tailbacks carrying the ball for Heritage. Junior Nick Zell makes his first varsity start at quarterback for the Patriots.
This is another of the EBAL versus BVAL games that could make an impact at the end of the season when the NCS determines playoff seedings.
Acalanes at Antioch, Friday, 7 pm: In a rematch of one of the top opening games from last year, Acalanes travels to East Contra Costa County to help the Panthers christen a new Eells Field.
The 2014 opener featured not just a thrilling 30-28 game between these programs, but also served as a breakout game at running back for the top-ranked back in the Class of 2017, Antioch’s Najee Harris. Harris had 279 yards and all four of the Panthers’ touchdowns on the ground, offsetting a tremendous performance from recently graduated Acalanes quarterback Casey Harrington.
The Panthers defense also came up big, especially with an increased pass rush, getting to Harrington six times in the game. Returning linebacker Fine Hafoka had two of those sacks last year.
Both teams are expected to be in the top half of their respective leagues this season, and both won big in the first round of the playoffs last year.
Best of the Rest ... WACC-Foothill favorite San Leandro travels to Pleasanton to face Foothill, one of the top teams in the EBAL. The Falcons downed the Pirates 30-12 last year in another game that can have early implications on playoff seeding.
Best of the Rest 2 ... Piedmont travels to Justin-Siena for a rematch of last year’s Division IV semifinal, won by the Braves, who went on to defeat Saint Mary’s in the section title game.
Best of the Rest 3 ... Windsor, with six returning all-league players from its eight-win team last year, travels to Petaluma to face what most people consider to be the second-best team in the Sonoma County League.
