SPORTS

Mustangs claim Mt. Hamilton Division co-championship

Pioneer finishes off regular season with 50-6 win at Leigh

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

The Pioneer football team walked off the field as Mt. Hamilton Division co-champions following a 50-6 road win at Leigh on Nov. 10 to end the regular season.

Pioneer’s Dan Landucci keeps going for some extra yards in a 50-6 season finale win over Leigh on Nov. 10. The Mustangs earned a Mt. Hamilton Division co-championship with the win and will move on to face Wilcox in the opening round of the CCS Open Division Playoffs on Nov. 19. Photo by Ron Reed

The Mustangs, who compiled a 9-1 overall record and a 6-1 league record, finished the 2005 regular season as co-champions with Oak Grove. With title—or a share of it—in hand, the Mustangs will move on to the CCS Open Division playoffs as a fifth seed, and will face No. 4 Wilcox on the road on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.

“It was great,” Pioneer Head Coach Mark Krail said of the regular season. “We played 10 great games, in my opinion.

“This team is so full of character that it’s just unbelievable,” he added. “I told them that this was the easiest coaching year I’ve ever had, not even from wins and losses, but from guys showing up, guys going to class, guys doing a good job in the classroom. I’m just so proud of the character of this team and I think that it showed itself when this team got on the field and faced some adversity. This is a championship team, no doubt about it.”

The Mustangs made quick work of the Longhorns to close out the 2005 regular season, posting a 36-6 lead at halftime before finishing off the game by holding the Longhorns scoreless the rest of the way for a 50-6 win.

The Pioneer offense ran smoothly throughout the game, racking up 459 total yards, including 346 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns, as the Mustangs scored 40 points or more for the fifth time this season.

For the season, the Mustangs averaged exactly 40 points per game throughout their 10 games, while the defense averaged slightly less than 12 points per game allowed.

Individually, Mustang running back Shaun Souza led the rushing attack with 137 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. The night also proved to be a milestone for Souza, who exceeded the 1,000-yard rushing mark with his performance against Leigh. Souza came into the game with 903 yards rushing.

“We did talk this week about trying to get him 1,000 yards; that was important to him and that was important to our offensive line too,” Krail said of Souza.

Also helping out on the ground game were Jon Silva and Dan Landucci, who combined for 111 yards rushing on 14 carries. Each scored rushing touchdowns in the win as well.

As for the Longhorns, their lone touchdown occurred on the first play of the game, when Thomas Cosgrove returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown with 11:45 left, giving Leigh a temporary 6-0 lead.

From that point on, the Mustangs managed to score twice in the first quarter, getting rushing touchdowns from Silva and Souza for a 14-6 lead.

The Mustangs extended their lead with three more touchdowns in the second quarter, getting a 46-yard interception return from Nick D’Antonio before Souza scored his second touchdown with a 1-ayrd run with 3:04 left. Pioneer then finished off the first half with another score, as quarterback Chris Foley connected with J.J. Goulden for a 57-yard touchdown pass with eight seconds left, giving the Mustangs a commanding 36-6 lead.

The Mustangs managed two more scores in the second half—one each in the third and fourth quarters—getting an 11-yard touchdown run from Jerry Barnes with 5:01 left in the third for a 43-6 lead, before Landucci ran in another score on a 4-yard rumble with 9:11 left in the fourth quarter.

Although Krail admitted that the competition in the Open Division playoffs will be tough, he’s happy to be coaching for at least another week.

“We’re looking for another week or two, whatever happens,” Krail said. “In the Open Division it’ll be tough, but we’re going to show up and see what we can do.”

The Mustangs will travel to face No. 4 Wilcox on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. For more information on the CCS Open Division schedule, go to www.cifccs.org.

Chargers close out season with 46-6 loss to Piedmont Hills

First-year Head Coach Jason Tenner ends season with 3-7 overall record

By Ken Lotich
Staff Writer

The Leland football team ended its season with a 46-6 loss to Piedmont Hills on Nov. 10.

With the loss, the Chargers ended their season and will not enter the Central Coast Section Playoffs. Leland finished 3-7 overall and 2-5 in league play, with wins coming against Homestead, and Mt. Hamilton Division opponents Leigh and Silver Creek.

Leland’s Adam Ondi squeezes through the Piedmont Hills defensive line for a run during a 46-6 season-ending loss on Nov. 10. The Leland running game totaled 206 yards in the loss. Photo by Kevin Jones at www.johub.com

The Chargers did not score on the Pirates until 1:58 in the fourth quarter, when running back A.J. Deimling punched in a score from three yards out with a run. Leland failed to convert on the extra point attempt.

Leland had five turnovers in the game—three interceptions and two fumbles. The fumbles came when the Chargers were inside the red zone, with the ball on the 1- and 3-yard line.

Leland quarterback Garret Avilla ended the game with no completions and three interceptions. Avilla ran the ball for 14 yards on six attempts.

The only completed pass came in the beginning of the third quarter, with tight end Anthony Sunseri throwing an option pass to wide receiver Billy Oesterreich.

Running back Lance Gemette led the Charger offense with 75 yards on 15 carries. Running back Adam Ondi added 37 yards on seven carries. Deimling chipped in with 28 yards on the ground, and Kevin Battipede added 26 yards.

Collectively, the Chargers ran for 206 yards on the ground.

Defensively for the Chargers, Gemette had an interception, and linemen Joe Peera and Melis Barota each had a sack.

After the game, an emotional Leland squad joined together one final time, as teammates embraced and first-year Head Coach Jason Tenner hugged his players.

“We play hard; sometimes we make mental mistakes, sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce our way,” Tenner said after the game. “But they’re good kids, they play hard and I’m proud of every single one of them.

“Consistently week in and week out, we go against bigger, faster and stronger teams,” he added. “Not once have my guys rolled over and quit.”

With the frosh-soph football team going 8-2, Tenner is optimistic about what lies ahead for the future of the program. Tenner said the team would hit the weight room in a few weeks to begin off-season training.

With new faces arriving on the squad, Tenner said the outgoing seniors have set a high precedent for the new blood.

“I want the seniors to keep their heads high because I think they’ve established the type of work ethic that’s going to help bring this program back to being a little more consistent on a year-in and year-out basis,” he said.

With one year as head coach under his belt, Tenner said the many hours he and his coaches have put in have been rewarding.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s worth every second of it,” Tenner said. “Getting the opportunity to spend my days with these type of young men, it’s priceless, and for that, I’m grateful. I’m honored that I get to be their head coach.”

Sports Briefs

Venom Boys U9 Class 3 soccer team looks to add players
The Almaden Venom Boys U9 Comp soccer team is looking to add a couple of quality players for the winter indoor soccer season at Off The Wall Soccer Arena. If interested, please contact Dave Ballard: dballard@ipass.com or 408-268-1305. Age requirement: Born between 8/1/96 and 7/31/97.

Motion Volleyball Club hosts tryouts
Motion Volleyball Club tryouts will be held Sunday, Nov. 20, from 1-3 pm at Leland High Schools. Tryouts are for the following age groups: 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under.

There is also a mandatory parent meeting from 1:15-1:45 p.m.

For questions and more information, e-mail chris_ hansen@sjusd.org.

Lacrosse coaches needed for local club
South Valley Lacrosse Club is looking for two coaches for the fifth through eighth grade teams. Minimal lacrosse experience is acceptable as our club has a training program.  South Valley Lacrosse Club is in its second year and has a lot of positive parent support.  Fun activities are planned for the season, including turf time during the San Jose Stealth home game. Have fun with a wonderful sport, work with a great group of kids, and even get paid for it!

Please contact Joy Bender at joy.bender@prodigy.net or 408-679-1297.

San Jose Strikkers softball tryouts
The San Jose Strikkers, a 18U Youth Girls Fast-Pitch Softball team, will hold summer tryouts Dates on 12/11/05, 1/8/06 and 1/15/06 at Oak Grove High School. Tryouts for pitchers and catchers begin at 9 a.m. Tryouts for all position players begin at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, call Frank King (408) 406-8191 or Richard Fangonilo (408) 274-9301, or email fgking25@aol.com or rfangonilo@sjm.com.

Almaden Little League signups
Almaden Little League is holding late signups for league play starting in 2006. Signups are Thursday, December 6 at Amatos Restaurant (Meridian & Redmond) from 6-8 p.m. Don't miss out! Get your child signed up for a fun season of baseball from t-ball to senior league levels.

Pioneer boys’ soccer team robbed of equipment

Coach estimates losses at more than $2,500

By Ken Lotich
Staff Writer

The Pioneer boys’ junior varsity and varsity soccer teams are seeking help from the community after more than $2,500 in equipment was stolen from storage bins at the school.

Due to renovations, soccer gear had been relocated from the locker room to storage bins behind the school.

Pioneer varsity Head Coach Pedro Fuentez was alerted about the missing gear almost a month ago, when girls’ soccer coach Randy Worthington told him that the lock on the soccer storage bin had been tampered with.

“I had to tell the boys that someone had stolen some of our stuff,” Fuentez said. “The guys have been real mature about the situation; all of us are ready to move forth.”

In total, the following was taken:

Home and away jerseys for the following varsity uniforms: No. 3, 7, 8, 11, 13, 19, 22 and 23. Uniforms were placed in bags and included a soccer ball and warm-ups. The uniforms were no older than a few years, Fuentez said, and are valued at around $60 for the jerseys and $40 for the shorts.

The J.V. team is missing uniforms for No. 1, parts of No. 6, parts of No. 7, 17, 18 and 22.

Several equipment bags were taken, including one containing a dozen game soccer balls.

As of now, the team has raised more than $1,100. Its goal is to get to $4,000. Fuentez said his boys have been selling Quizno’s sandwich cards to raise funds. Parents and some members of the community have promised to contribute as well, he said.

Fuentez said he has to order the new jerseys for the varsity squad this week, and he’ll have to find some way to pay off the several thousand dollars in debt.

Campus police have opened a case for the theft. If anyone has information about the incident, please call the school.

If you’d like to help the Pioneer boys’ soccer teams in any way, call Coach Fuentez at (408) 535-6310. You can also e-mail him at pedro_fuentez@sjusd.org. The school’s address is 1290 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, Calif. 95118. If you are sending anything in the mail, mark attention to Fuentez or boys’ soccer on the envelope.

CCS playoffs roundup

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

Leland girls’ volleyball drops first round loss to Gunn in CCS Division II Playoffs
The Leland girls’ volleyball team’s season came to an abrupt end when the Chargers lost 3-2 at home to ninth-seeded Gunn in the opening round of the CCS Division II playoffs on Nov. 9.

After Gunn took game one by a score of 25-19, the Chargers bounced back, taking games two and three by scores of 25-17 and 28-26 to go up 2-1. But Gunn rallied late and often, taking game four by a close score of 25-23 before winning the game five tiebreaker 15-11 to take a 3-2 win.

Christy Stibbe (2) shown here in a game earlier this season and her Leland teammates saw the season end on Nov. 9 with an 11-9 loss to Burlingame in the opening round of the CCS playoffs. Photo by Diego Abeloos

For Leland, Chaulet Scala led the team in kills with 19, while junior Grace chipped in with 13 kills and 23 digs.

Despite the loss, Leland Co-Head Coach Trisha Moore said she was proud of her team’s accomplishments this season, which saw the Chargers go 23-12 overall and garner a third place finish in the Mt. Hamilton Division.

“The improvement has been huge,” Moore said of her squad, which came into the Division II Playoffs ranked eighth. “Watching the way they played tonight makes me very proud, win or lose. Going five (games with Gunn) is great. We played against them in a tournament and we knew it was going to be a tough match. They’re a good team and we gave everything we could. We just came up a little short.”

The loss also saw Leland’s four seniors end their high school careers in their home gym. Among the four seniors for Leland, Caryn Mohr and Stephanie Kato played pivotal roles in the CCS playoff game, as Mohr contributed 17 kills, while Kato led the team with 31 digs.

For Moore, knowing that this was the last game for her team’s four seniors was a tough moment.

“I remember what it was like to be a player, and to have that last game end is really tough,” Moore said of Mohr, Kato, Caroline Underwood and Margo Consul. “Not being able to coach these girls anymore is going to be hard. This group of 12 we had just meshed so well together. Having them gone, it’s never going to be the same.”

Pioneer girls’ water polo drops 15-2 loss to Sacred Heart in first round of CCS
The Pioneer girls’ water polo team saw the season end in disappointing fashion with a 15-2 loss to Sacred Heart Prep in the first round of the CCS playoffs on Nov. 8.

The Mustangs were shut out in the first half of play, allowing Sacred Heart to build up a 6-0 lead at the half. The Mustangs then broke through with two goals in the third quarter from Cara Simpson and Katie Lopiccolo, but No. 1-ranked Sacred Heart kept on going, scoring five times in the third and four more times in the fourth quarter to take the 15-2 win.

Pioneer Head Coach Gordy Smith, whose team moved up to the Mt. Hamilton Division in 2005, was pleased with the season overall, noting the team’s second place finish following the BVAL tournament. The team finished the season with an overall record of 15-12, gaining a No. 16 ranking in the CCS playoffs.

“It was a big step for us to make CCS,” Smith said. “… I thought we had a chance (to make CCS). Everyone in our league played really close this year; everyone was playing on the same level.”

The team’s accomplishments also have Smith hopeful for the future, despite the fact that he will lose seven seniors from this year’s squad.

“This sets us up pretty well for next year,” Smith said of his team’s prospects in following seasons. “We’ll lose a lot of girls, but we also have a lot of good, young girls coming in.”

Leland boys’ water polo ends season with 11-4 loss to Menlo-Atherton in CCS Division I opening round
The Leland boys’ water polo team saw an end to the 2005 season with a 10-4 loss to Salinas in the opening round of the CCS Division I playoffs on Nov. 12.

Leland came into the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, while Menlo-Atherton ranked fourth.

Leland kept things close in the first half, as Menlo-Atherton built up a small 5-2 lead before outscoring the Chargers 5-0 in the third quarter. The teams then finished the game matching goal-for-goal to set the final score at 11-4.

For Leland, seniors Shane Keno and Jon Foote led their team in scoring with two goals each in the final game of their high school careers.

Despite the early exit, Leland Head Coach Mike Monsees said he was pleased with his team’s play throughout the season, which saw the Chargers earn a BVAL championship by finishing in first place in the Mt. Hamilton Division.

Monsees gave credit to Keno, Foote and other members of the team for making the offense run, and said he was especially proud of Brian Luu and sophomore goalie Eric Hsu for their stellar defense throughout the season. Hsu recorded 196 saves in his first year at the varsity level.

“We had a good game plan going in, but they did a great job against us,” Monsees said of Menlo-Atherton. “I’m disappointed, most certainly, but we had a great season and played well.”

Other scores
Leland girls’ water polo 11-9 loss to Burlingame in CCS opening round Nov. 9

Leland field hockey 1-0 loss to St. Ignatius in CCS quarterfinals Nov. 12

Leland tennis 7-0 loss to Saratoga in team play of CCS quarterfinals Nov. 11

Branham’s Amber Kaufman signs with University of Hawaii

Branham volleyball and track and field athlete Amber Kaufman signs her letter of intent to play for the University of Hawaii next fall. Kaufman will compete in both sports at the collegiate level. Photo by Diego Abeloos

Branham volleyball and track and field star Amber Kaufman had a day to remember on Nov. 9, as the senior signed a letter of intent to play both sports for the University of Hawaii next fall.

The ceremony, which was held in a Hawaiian-themed conference room at Branham and attended by Kaufman’s parents, coaches and several teachers, kicked off at 8 a.m. when Kaufman, followed by her parents, signed the final documentation signaling her intent to play for the Warriors.

Branham Athletic Director Donna McCullough showered Kaufman, McCullough’s teacher’s aide for the past two years, with gifts to mark the occasion, including a “how to hula” DVD and a University of Georgia T-shirt (McCullough’s alma mater).

“This is not only a great day for Amber, but also a great day for Branham athletics,” McCullough said.

2005 CCS Cross Country Championships results

Held Nov. 12 at Crystal Springs

Leland boys – Division II
44. Takahiro Shiraiwa 17:18
56. Frank Gao 17:32
57. Jim Gao 17:34
60. Braden Kolte 17:39
86. Kevin Min 18:17
90. Joel Ayala 18:25
95. Anthony Gerbino 18:44

Leland girls – Division II
2. Stephanie Barnett 18:13
70. Alexandra Logue 21:40
71. Tanya Sukhija 21:45
72. Ashley Nguyen 21:45
73. Monica Song 21:46
81. Katie Buckley 22:12
86. Lauren Chin 22:45

Pioneer boys – Division III
32. Ken Earl 17:10

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