December 1, 2006

Sports

Willow Glen wins first playoff game since 1972

Ram football tradition resumes

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Senior Marcos Garces converted a two-point conversion in overtime Nov. 19 at Menlo School and propelled Willow Glen to its first playoff victory, a 39-38 nail-biter, since the Central Coast Section aligned in 1972.

Willow Glen senior Marcos Garces rushed for 1798 yards this season. Here, he looks for a crack versus Menlo. Photos courtesy of Mark Smith

The 2006 West Valley Division champion Rams (10-2, 7-0) also captured the first playoff win earned by a third tier, C-league team, since the Blossom Valley Athletic League divided its schools into three levels in 1993.

The following week, on Nov. 25, however, Willow Glen was eliminated, 50-13, from the CCS Small School Division playoffs by Pacific Grove, who many expect to take the title.

Coach Andy Penwarden called the year’s effort impressive, overall.

“This is one of those teams that only come along once,” said Penwarden. “Our seniors were such a tight-knit group. Any time you have a combination of that tight-knit group and also that work hard in the off-season, you are going to be successful.”

At Menlo, the Rams broke for halftime, trailing 24-17; however, according to Penwarden, in his fourth year leading Willow Glen, the senior class refused to lose.

The teams combined for seven lead changes, scores on six consecutive possessions, and four fourth down conversions in the second half alone.

“As a defensive coordinator, that game is still giving me headaches,” said Penwarden.

The run-strong Rams entered the contest hoping to slug it out with the section’s premiere passing attack—Menlo receivers and quarterbacks had combined for 2,432 yards through the air this year.

“We had about five different plans, and none of them worked” said Penwarden. “Our linebacker, Mike Roseland, came over in the middle of the game and said, ‘they are not even calling plays.”

Roseland learned that Menlo quarterback Andrew Dixon was running the offense, based on how he interpreted the Rams’ alignment on defense at the line of scrimmage. “He was waiting to see what coverage we were going to be in,” said Penwarden. “They were running routes out of whatever coverage we lined up in.”

Without success stifling the Menlo offense, Willow Glen opted to match the effort by controlling the ball. The Rams relied on Garces, who has hovered amongst CCS rushing leaders all season long.

Garces pounded the Menlo defense, gaining 177 yards in 28 carries, in addition to the game winning two-point conversion

Quarterback Juan Baron also was a star. Baron, whose passing skills were used strategically to compliment the running game throughout the regular season, let loose versus Menlo completing seven of 16 passes for 136 yards and two scores, when the Rams needed it most.

Senior linebacker/guard Mike Rosalind paves a path for Garces versus Menlo.

Baron also ran in two scores, including the overtime touchdown, which set up Garces’ two-point play.

Menlo forced overtime with a field goal.

With Willow Glen leading 31-28 and under a minute remaining, Menlo capitalized on a botched Ram kick-off following a 63-yard touchdown catch made by Eliseo Anaya to put the Rams ahead.

Menlo marched into Ram territory and kicked a field goal that ultimately tied the game with 30 seconds left in regulation.

Captain Roseland subsequently called the coin toss, giving Menlo possession to open the overtime period, as planned. After a quick score and extra-point conversion by Menlo, Baron led the Rams downfield, plunging in himself from 1 yard out.

Willow Glen opted to go for two points, as the Rams had determined on the bus ride, according to Penwarden, and Garces came through around left end on a sweep.

“We called a timeout and everybody knew we were going to Garces,” said Penwarden. “We hadn’t stopped them the whole half. We had talked about it earlier in the week.”

Penwarden called Ram seniors amazing. “Everybody expected it,” he said. “We placed a goal upon these guys, and everybody asked them to be great, above and beyond the history of Willow Glen. That’s a whole lot to live up to at that age. That’s something special.”

Additional Ram standouts included special team member Francisco Vargas as well as Charlie Findeisen, Uriel Basilo, Cory Kingston and Jose Gutierrez.

South San Jose Hotshots seek experienced girls’ soccer players

The South San Jose Hotshots, a girls U11 competitive soccer team, is looking for experienced players for its 2007 indoor and outdoor seasons. The Hotshots play in the Delgado competitive league and finished as one of the top U10 girls’ teams in the 2006 fall season. The team has a positive coaching environment, with a focus on teamwork and player development. Interested players should contact head coach Mike Bunge at awalt80@yahoo.com.

NorCal Heat tryouts

NorCal Heat 12A and 14A tryouts will be held Sunday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 9 for spring/summer tournament team. Pitchers and catchers at 10 a.m., position players at 10:30 a.m. Tryouts are at Santa Clara High School, 3000 Benton Street, Santa Clara, 95051. Please call Chuck Caldera at (408) 568-6582, Joe Chaulklin at (408) 644-1930, David Quevedo at (408) 655-2641, or e-mail heatfastpitch@yahoo.com for more information.

NorCal Heat 16A tryout will be held Sunday, Dec. 10 for summer tournament team. Pitchers and catchers at 10 a.m., position players at 10:30 a.m. Tryouts are at Santa Clara High School, 3000 Benton Street, Santa Clara, 95051. Please call Chuck Caldera at (408) 568-6582 or e-mail heatfastpitch@yahoo.com

NorCal Heat 18 Gold tryouts will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 9 for summer tournament team. Pitchers and catchers at 9:30 a.m., position players at 11:30 a.m. Tryouts will be held at Leland High School, 6677 Camden Ave. San Jose. Please call Joe Gron at (408) 640-8020, Joe Chaulklin at (408) 644-1930, or e-mail heatfastpitch@yahoo.com

Almaden Venom Boys U10 soccer team finish 2006 league play undefeated;
tryouts for 2007 roster scheduled for Dec. 9 and 16

The Almaden Venom completed a storybook season by finishing undefeated in CYSA Delgado league play in the BU10 "A" division, allowing the least amount of goals of any team in their league. During the 2006 calendar year, the Venom compiled an impressive 25-4-7 record against Class 3 & Class 1 teams across Northern California.

Next season, the Venom will move to the U11 age group (players born between 8/1/96- 7/31/97) in either the Delgado Class 3 or Abronzino Class 1 league, placement pending. Since the team will be expanding the roster to play 11 versus 11, open tryouts will be held on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. -noon at Almaden Elementary School, located at 1295 Dentwood Drive in San Jose. For more information about tryouts or the team in general, please contact coaches Tim Mackin mackinfam@sbcglobal.net or Dave Ballard dballard@ipass.com or visit the AVYSL web site at http://www.almadensoccer.org/select/66792.html where information will soon be posted.

Willow Glen cross country team finishes well at state

The Willow Glen High School boys cross country team finished state championships in ninth place overall, finishing in the top 10 for the third consecutive year.

Mohamed Abdalla was among the top of the top finishers taking first place in the Division 3 race ahead of 200 runners. Winning the title puts the junior in Willow Glen High’s sports history as the first individual state champion for the school. Senior Marcos Corona placed fourth.