October 4, 2007

SPORTS

Raiders stun chargers in season opener

Score 15 points in four minutes

By Gary Van Den Heuval
Sports writer

The Leland Chargers opened regular season play with a 21-17 loss to the Silver Creek Raiders. The loss came following a furious Raider rally that scored 15 points in the last four minutes, stunning the home team last Friday at Leland's Pat Tillman Stadium.

Leland's Michael Stantini runs the ball during their game with Silver Creek at Leland High School in San Jose on Sept. 28. Photos by Dan Miranda

"It was a heartfelt game," said a weary Leland head coach Mike Carrozzo afterwards. "We were pretty good at making the perfect mistake at the wrong time."

Leland played practically mistake-free football in the first half. On the game's opening drive the Chargers moved the ball efficiently down the field. On third down and 11 from their own 34-yard line, running back Kevin Krail took a short pass from Ricky Battipede all the way to the Silver Creek 37. Five yards were tacked onto the big gain due to a Raiders facemask flag.

Three plays later the Chargers converted a fourth and 9 with a 10-yard reception by Nate Jones. Two plays later Battipede and Jones connected again on a 22-yard touchdown pass. The Will Boring extra point gave Leland an early 7-0 lead.

The Chargers got a shortened field to work with on their next possession. After a Raiders’ punt, Leland began on the Silver Creek 39-yard line. It took just three plays for Leland to score their second touchdown, this one a 10-yard sweep by Krail. The short drive was highlighted by a first down connection between the rolling out Battipede and Jones, who gained 22 yards on the catch-and-run to the Raider 17.

Coach Carrozzo had high praise for his mobile, elusive quarterback. "Ricky Battipede is a very good leader," he said. "He's a phenomenal young man, an absolute joy to coach. I would take a Ricky Battipede as my quarterback any time."

Both team’s offensive lines ground to a halt in the second quarter, but as Silver Creek coach Eric Luescher observed after the game, "It's nice getting the ball first in the second half. It's really nice when you start off on the first play with a touchdown."

Silver Creek's Danny Oak scooped the ball off the ground at the 15-yard line and was able to weave through defenders and behind blockers for an 85-yard touchdown return, finally rousing the visiting Silver Creek fans, which hadn't had much to cheer yet. The missed extra point left the score at 14-6.

Leland responded with a lengthy drive punctuated by a 26-yard run by Battipede on a quarterback keeper to the Raider 27. Boring kicked a 32-yard field goal to put Leland ahead by the seemingly comfortable score of 17-6.

Silver Creek continued to struggle offensively, and the end looked near in the fourth quarter when a fumbled punt snap and tackle of Raider punter Rafael Cisneros by Leland's R.J. Singer gave the Chargers possession at the Silver Creek 9.

But the Raider defense woke up at the right time, on a sack by Victor Trao and an interception by Darren Sumida. Sumida returned the ball to the Raider 32 with just over 7:30 left.

For the first time in the game the Raiders offense showed signs of life. Quarterback Joseph Chua mixed some sharp passing with his own foot speed, and on the 10th play of the drive he scored a touchdown on a play-action quarterback draw from the 8-yard line. He took it in on the next play for the 2-point conversion. With 3:34 left, the Raiders were creeping closer, down 17-14.

Leland's quarterback Ricki Battipede looks to throw the ball during their game with Silver Creek. Photo by Ben Dekoven

Needing the ball back one more time, Silver Creek's defense stuffed the Leland run and forced an incomplete pass, taking over after the Charger punt at their own 34-yard line.

Two plays later Silver Creek had the lead. Chua found daylight and exploded through the middle of the field for a 28-yard gainer into Leland territory. On the next play, Chua connected with the wide-open Sumida for a 38-yard score, and the Raiders led 21-17. Leland fans, who just moments before had been chanting "Bor-ring" at their rivals, were stunned into silence as the Silver Creek supporters expressed their joy.

But the fireworks weren't over yet. After a squib kick and return to midfield, three straight runs by Krail (who finished with over 100 rushing yards) moved the ball to the 22-yard line. Following a Jones catch, the Chargers moved the ball inside the 10-yard line, and an apparent Battipede touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty.

With less than 30 seconds left, Leland went to Krail three straight times, but on fourth down and goal with 12 seconds left, the Raiders stuffed Krail at the 3-yard line, cementing a dramatic comeback win.

"Our defense played extraordinarily well for three-and-a-half quarters," said coach Carrozzo. "I don't think complacency ever came into play. We're learning. We're getting better every day."

Leland's won-loss record fell to 2-2 overall, 0-1 in league. Silver Creek's win was its first of the season (1-3, 1-0 in league).

Mustangs collect first win over Piedmont Hills

By Dan Miranda
Sports Coordinator

Pioneer defensive players David Figueroa, left, and Logan Howard converge on a Piedmont Hills runningback during their game on Sept. 29 at Pioneer High School. Photos by Ric Medlinger www.medlinger.net

Defense proved the key to victory as the Pioneer Mustangs earned their first win of the year in open league play against Piedmont Hills Pirates 27-12 at home on Sept. 29.

“Our defense was dominant; it kept them from scoring until the fourth quarter,” said Mustang head coach Mark Krail.

Coming off a pre-season that saw the Mustangs fall to 0-3, the team was determined to turn things around as league play started. “The pre-season was designed to be tough and expose weakness and to get us ready for league play,” Krail said.

The defense had 54 tackles and three-and-a-half sacks. The Mustang’s Logan Howard caught an interception that he returned 40 yards. Pioneer recovered four Pirate turnovers as the defense wanted to provide a message to the rest of the league that the Mustangs will be a team to reckon with this year.

Pioneer Running back Shane Murray runs the ball while being tackled by a Piedmont Hills defensive player during the game. Murray ran for a game high 176 yards as the Mustangs won the game 27-12.

As good as the defense was, the offense was just as good as it piled up 295 yards in 51 attempts on the ground. Mustang running back Shane Murry carried the ball for 176 yards with his longest run being a 62-yard jaunt in the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter as Murry scored on a 4-yard run follow by a Victor Aguirre field goal. Pioneer opened the second half with Mike Cobb scoring another 4-yard run and another Aguirre field goal to up 14-0.

The Mustangs scored again as quarterback Joe Alise ran the ball from 4 yards out as Pioneer ended the third quarter up 21-0.

Piedmont Hills finally broke its scoring drought with a touchdown through the air in the fourth quarter as Pirate quarterback Micah Banderas threw a 24-yard pass to Devon Mynhier, which made the score 21-6 as the extra point try failed.

The Mustangs answered the Pirates’ touchdown with a 62-yard run from Murry and a missed extra point to bring the score to 27-6. The Pirates scored again late with a minute left in the game. The final score was 27-12.

The Mustangs earned their first win to open league play and improved to 1-0 in league and 1-3 overall. The Mustangs face their toughest opponent yet as they travel to take on the Leigh High Longhorns Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.

Leland swamps Willow Glen in water polo play

Rams’ comeback attempts prove fruitless

By Gary Van Den Heuval
Sports Writer

Superior ball control, team defense and speed lifted the Leland High School boys varsity water polo team to a decisive 12-5 win over the Willow Glen Rams Sept. 26 at Willow Glen High School.

Willow Glen goalie Kyle Tom. Photo by Gary Van Den Heuval

The Chargers’ record went to 10-4 on the season and 2-0 in league play in a game that they took control of early and never relinquished. The Rams dropped to 6-5 losses, 0-1 in league play.

"We've seen them play and thought we should be able to win," said Leland head coach Mike Monsees.

His confidence was justified in the play of senior Matt Eisenberg, who not only put on a dominant offensive display but played tenacious, smothering defense, coming up with several takeaways allowing Leland to maintain control of the ball for long stretches.

Eisenberg's goal with just over three minutes left in the first quarter started the scoring, but Willow Glen responded less than 30 seconds later with a score by Sam Brandt. Leland's Sean Kagan recorded two consecutive scores, the second being a vicious hook shot at the end of the shot clock to put the Chargers up 3-1. After another goal each by Brandt and Eisenberg, the first quarter was over with Leland leading 4-2.

"We controlled the ball well," said Monsees, and the second quarter was characterized by long stretches of Leland moving the ball down the length of the pool, then setting up scoring opportunities with patient perimeter passing between Eisenberg and fellow seniors Kagan and Marcus Gartner, notably.

Junior Masahiro Obuchi put Leland ahead 5-2 early in the second quarter with a nice outside shot and after some stalwart defense and a Willow Glen penalty, Eisenberg scored his third goal on a 2-meter penalty shot past Rams goalie Kyle Tom. Gartner slammed the ball in from the right side of the net for a 7-2 lead, and the Chargers were threatening to run away with it but Willow Glen managed a goal from Charlie Kane.

The Rams' attempts at a comeback were continually stymied, though, and Eisenberg scored again right before halftime when he batted a loose ball away from the goalie and deposited it into the net. At halftime Leland led 8-3.

There was little the Rams could do in the second half to overcome Leland. Gartner and Eisenberg added another goal each in the third quarter, offsetting a Willow Glen score by Chris McCarthy at the end of the period.

Eisenberg's fifth and final goal of the game were impressive. After stealing the ball, Eisenberg swam the length of the pool with no one in front of him and slammed the ball in up close. Brandt scored the Ram's final goal on a bouncing penalty shot, but it was much too little, far too late. Gartner's third goal iced the game with forty seconds left and a final tally of 12-5.

Monsees said he was satisfied with his team's performance and stated emphatically that his goal is for Leland to make the CCS top 10. He doesn't see any reason why that shouldn't be a possibility. "We've got good speed and we've got experience," he said.

High School Sports Schedule Oct. 5 – 11

Leland

Saturday – Football vs. Santa Teresa, 11 a.m. Frosh/Soph; 1:30 p.m. varsity

Tuesday - Girls’ volleyball vs. Westmont, 5 p.m. JV; 6 p.m. varsity
Tuesday – Girls’ field hockey vs. St. Ignatius, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Girls’ tennis vs. Silver Creek, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday – Girls’ water polo vs. Pioneer @ Live Oak, 4 p.m. JV; 5 p.m. varsity

Thursday – Cross Country vs. Piedmont Hills and Willow Glen @ Montgomery Hill, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday – Girls’ tennis vs. Leigh, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday – Girls’ volleyball vs. Live Oak 5 p.m. JV; 6 p.m. varsity

Pioneer

Friday- Frosh/Soph football @ Leigh, 4:30 p.m.
Friday – Varsity football @ Leigh, 7 p.m.

Tuesday – Girls’ tennis vs. San Jose, 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday – Girls volleyball vs. James lick, 5 p.m. JV; 6 p.m. varsity

Wednesday – Girls’ water polo vs. Leland @ Live Oak, 4 p.m. JV; 5 p.m. varsity
Wednesday – Cross country vs. San Jose, Lincoln and Prospect @ Montgomery Hill, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday - Girls’ tennis vs. James Lick, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday – Girls’ volleyball vs. Yerba Buena, 5 p.m. JV; 6 p.m. varsity

For more information about Leland and Pioneer sporting events, go to:

Pioneer Athletics: www.phsathletics.com
Leland Athletics: www.lelandathletics.com
Blossom Valley Athletic League: www.bval.org

Sports Briefs

Point Break Volleyball Club Clinics and Tryouts
We will be holding volleyball skills clinics on October 21 and 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Santa Clara High School. The cost is $20 per session. Players are encouraged to come out and meet the Point Break coaches, players, and families, and get a taste of the club’s “Live Aloha” style. Players of all ages who wish to brush up on their skills before the tryout season begins are welcome to participate, whether they plan to tryout for a Point Break team or not. Tryouts for Power and Area teams will be held on November 3 at Lynbrook High School for $25. Power team tryouts for all ages will be from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Area team tryouts for all ages will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Be sure to come at least 45 minutes early to check in. If you cannot make it on that date, there will be make-up tryouts on November 11 from 4-6 p.m. at Santa Clara High School for all ages, for both Power and Area teams. The cost is $25. For more information, please visit our website, www.pointbreakvbc.com.


Youth Lacrosse coaching opportunity at Bret Harte Middle School
Bret Harte Middle school has an opening to hire a coach for the spring ‘08 Lacrosse season. Youth coaching experience preferred. Traditional sports such as soccer and football make a great foundation. Lacrosse experience not a prerequisite as Lacrosse training will be provided. Responsibility, positive attitude, and patience are required. Season / practice starts Jan. ’08, games begin March 1, ending by Memorial Day. This is a great opportunity to help our youth Lacrosse program grow in Almaden Valley while learning the fastest growing new sport on the west coast. The kids are great, the parents are top notch, and the school supports the program. This is an excellent part time opportunity for a sport-minded college student. Please apply before Oct. 31, to allow time for training, background check, etc. Interested parties should contact Club President Wayne Schatz at 623-4691 or wayne_schatz@sbcglobal.net See also; www.brethartelax.com.

San Jose Aces 18U Travel Baseball Team Seeks Players
The San Jose Aces 18U competitive travel team seeks 16-17-18 YO players (no older than 18 years on April 30, 2008 ) for the fall/winter season.  All positions are welcome but especially seeking experienced high school-level pitchers.  Current team consists of players from Branham, Leigh, Bellarmine, Santa Teresa and other local schools.   

This team will compete at local and some regional 18U wood bat tournaments.  Players should have prior travel/tournament and/or high school baseball experience. 

Contact Coach Warren Nagatani at warren@sanjoseaces.com or 449-7229 for tryout, practice and fee information.  You may also visit www.sanjoseaces.com for more information.

Almaden National Junior Basketball Signups
Online registration for Almaden NJB 2007 season is now open.  The league is open to boys and girls in grades 1-8.  Practice starts Oct. 20 and games begin on Dec. 2.  To register online go to almadennjb.homestead.com.  Walk-in registration is Sept. 20, at Amato's pizza on Meridian from 6-8 p.m.  If you have any questions, please call Ken Keiser at (408) 592-4190.

The Walk to Cure Diabetes at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale
Scheduled for Oct. 7, this event will help raise millions of dollars for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. As one of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s largest fundraising efforts, this event empowers family, community and corporate teams to take action and help find a cure. JDRF’s mission is to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Since its inception, JDRF has put more than $900 million towards diabetes research. In a typical year, more than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and education about research.  Significant dollars come back to fund research grants in the Bay Area at Stanford and UCSF. Registration is 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m. Register at: www.walk.JDRF.org For more information, contact JDRF Greater Bay Area Chapter 415-977-0360 greaterbay@jdrf.org www.jdrf.org/greaterbay.

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