November 1, 2006

Sports

Willow Glen, Leigh celebrate Homecoming

Students and alumni enjoyed the “carnival style” fair that were part of Willow Glen High homecoming festivities September 28. Willow Glen photos by Justin Petersen	Willow Glen quarterback Juan Baron scrambles for extra yards versus Sobrato.

	Leigh’s football players hit the field running prior to their 43-13 win over Branham. Leigh photos by Jacob Depp

Rams charge CCS, state race

Willow Glen cross country set for run at postseason

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

The times say Willow Glen High is a hotbed for cross country talent.

Senior Mohammed Abdullah, who shattered a Montgomery Park record in dual meet action early this season when he burned up the course in 0:14:53, and the Willow Glen boys’ cross county team hope to qualify for a third consecutive berth at state finals this season.

The undefeated Willow Glen boys pose between races this year. Pictured from left to right are: Mohamed Abdalla, Nati Wolde, Samson Galato, Abdul Kamara, Marcos Corona, Cristian Vargas, Eyoel Galato, Coach Victor Santamaria.

The girls, meanwhile, paced by captain Nancy Velasquez, hope to cap a perfect undefeated run of their own in Santa Teresa Division action. Coach Victor Santa Maria said that they are also candidates to appear in the state race.

The future is pending upon results at the CCS championships at Del Toro Park in Salinas on Nov. 11.

If league is any indicator, it should be a breeze.

Both teams are undefeated in league this year. A win at the Blossom Valley finals Oct. 30 (press time) would mark the fifth year in a row that the boys have done so, another testament to Coach Victor Santa Maria’s program.

“It has been very exciting in league,” said Santa Maria. “With the exception of our J.V. girls, all of our teams are undefeated in league. The goal is to see improvement each year.”

This year Abdullah has been Santa Maria’s star pupil; however, teammate and senior co-captain Marcus Corona may be equally as talented. Corona was injured a year ago when the Rams finished fifth in the state at the Division III level, but recovered fully this year.

Corona and Abdullah are both ranked among the top five runners in CCS, according to Santa Maria.

The Rams are currently ranked number one among Division III competitors.

On the girls’ side, Santa Maria said that state is the goal, but the Rams are feeling heat from strong competition even within league. While the rams edged out Leland in a dual meet, early this year, the Chargers will challenge the Rams at league finals.

“We are looking extremely good at workouts,” said Santa Maria on the eve of the league final race Oct.30. “The key is just to continue racing like they have been all season long, to stay focused and prepare for CCS.”

Santa Maria cited juniors Haylie Tharp and Jackie Anderson, freshman Christina Riviera and senior Sandra Sosa as standouts this season, in addition to Velasquez.

“All around it’s just really exciting to see improvement at each level,” finished Santa Maria.

Santa Maria explained that the objective is to show students that there is a wonderful combination of academics and athletics. “We try to promote both equally,” he said. “We are getting not only everybody competing and running, but doing well in the classroom also.”

Scouts are taking note at the next level as well. Santa Maria has planted several runners in the college ranks recently. Last year, the Rams graduated Maria Sosa, who now runs at Cal Poly Pomona. Another Willow glen standout Christina Diaz is regarded widely as a top performer at West Valley currently.

“Many of our athletes are moving on to college both in running and academics,” said Santa Maria.

Bruins battle loss of quarterback, growing pains

Branham working hard amongst A-league monsters

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Branham has cooled under first year coach Kyle Padia, but chalk it up to youth and cursed luck.

After surging to a 3-0 start, the Bruins (4-4, 1-4) have dropped four of their last five games, including a 48-12 heartbreaker to Pioneer on homecoming, in which senior quarterback Jason Catalano was lost for the season after injuring his shoulder.

Catalano, in fact was leading the A-league Mount Hamilton division in passing at the time.

“It’s been hot and cold,” said Padia. “We started off really well in preseason, but we knew from the beginning that it would get a whole lot harder heading into league.”

Padia inherited a team that narrowly missed the playoffs last year, and after installing a new system to support the talents of Catalano, a 6-feet, 4-inch, drop back prototype, the team has been forced to adjust once again.

With Catalano’s injury, Padia turned to sophomore Kyle Cool, who started out on junior varsity this season after the grading period rendered Padia’s original back-up ineligible.

Cool was called upon during the Pioneer week, Oct.16, to join varsity. Then Catalano suffered the injury and Cool was catapulted into action immediately.

“We’re going to compete no matter what,” said Padia. “We changed the offense around to cater more to Cool.”

Padia said Cool is a different player than Catalano. At 5 feet, 10 inches, Cool is quick on the run, more so than his predecessor. However, that takes away from the spread passing attack that the Bruins were able to implement early this year.

“It’s a tough job for Kyle to come in and take the reigns in the A-league,” said Padia. “But Kyle is learning quickly in trial by fire. I figure this kid will be my starter for the next three years anyhow.”

While the quarterback position has been a central focus of coaches, Padia has been able to count on the leadership by example of wide receiver Mandel Wright and running back Craig Hertler.

Wright is currently second in the league in receiving yardage, having covered 697 yards in 37 catches. Wright has also been a major force on defense, accounting for 59 tackles.

Hertler has been outstanding carrying the ball, according to Padia. The 5-foot-9-inch 175-pound senior has cruised to 719 yards and six touchdowns on 103 carries, good for an average of nearly seven yards every time he touches the ball.

Catalano, meanwhile, threw for 1,285 yards on 95 of 179 passing before going down with the injury. “Jason plays basketball and the good thing is that he won’t be permanently injured,” said Padia. “It is not a torn rotator cuff; it’s the AC joint. It should repair itself within the next month.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Padia said that the Bruins are starting four sophomores. “We’re really young,” he said. “You get sophomores and they are about 15-years-old, competing with seniors who are more developed. You kind of get knocked around a little bit.”

Yet, Padia assured that getting knocked around this year will translate into a fearsome front in upcoming seasons.

With two games remaining, versus Independence and Lincoln, Branham has a chance to finish with a winning record.

“Whatever happens, we have installed a new mindset in the Branham football program this season,” said Padia. “We feel that the program has turned for the better. Football players aren’t just jocks. They are kids who have do homework and have extra responsibility. They have to work hard.”

Xtreme girls’ U11 soccer team seeks players

The Xtreme represents the SSJYSL in the Delgado Comp League U11 Girls C3 bracket and has a good core group of players, but needs of several new players. The team fosters a positive environment with the focus on player development, sportsmanship and winning in the right way. Immediate openings are available for the winter 2006 indoor team and fall 2007 team.

Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Robert Beaulieu via e-mail at rob.beaulieu@honeywell.com or at (408) 972-5918. Interested players may also contact Nigel Cooper at nigel.cooper@bankofamerica.com or (408) 202-2058.