News

Battle at the Capital 2011 Preparations Underway!

We are extremely excited to announce that preparations for Battle at the Capital (BATC) 2011 have commenced! After a successful BATC 2010 campaign, the promoters have already begun working and planning on next year. There is no doubt that BATC 2011 will be BIGGER AND BETTER! The organizers have once again combined next year’s event with our nation’s Armed Forces and have also partnered with a rapidly growing, Sacramento based sport’s development corporation by the name of Character Combine. This alignment insures that this event will remain firmly grounded in the community with the help and services of our nation’s Armed Forces as well as the developed and sustained niche of more than 1500 coaches and nearly 2000 captains/players of influence from this region! Spear heading this directive for BATC 2011 and beyond will be Mark ‘Coach’ Soto, who was instrumental in forming our partnership with the Armed Forces and ancillary services that brought so much national and community pride to BATC 2010!

Battle at the Capital organizers will once again hold next year’s event at Del Oro High School Football Stadium, Loomis Ca. They have already engaged the participation of local community leaders, regional organizations and an even more diverse entertainment program around next year’s Battle at the Capital! The goal of BATC 2011, being the ten year anniversary of 9/11, is to make BATC 2011 a three day celebration honoring those lives lost and saved. Starting on Thursday, September 1st, 2011 will be an evening Kick-off Benefit Concert. Many celebrity bands have been approached and the organizers hope to make an announcement very soon. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Disabled Veterans via a selected wounded warriors non-profit Organization. The organizers are also considering a charity golf tournament that same day.

Friday and Saturday, September 2nd and 3rd will once again be a show case of our regional High School Varsity Football talent. Teams are currently being approached statewide insuring an even more dramatic and powerful fan experience!

If you, your organization, or team wish to be a part of this history making event please contact Mark ‘Coach’ Soto at: 916-652-8811.

Battle at the Capital grows nicely in second year

By Bill Paterson, Manny Crisostomo Photo

Christian Brothers running back Ade' Jackson follows his blocks against St. Mary's of Berkeley during Saturday's first game at Del Oro.

Mark Rowell soaked in the atmosphere of the second annual Battle at the Capital high school football showcase Saturday at Del Oro High School.

There were food booths, hospitality tents, a rock climbing tower, cheerleader performances, a military flyover and autograph signings by Mountain Lions players, including quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

But most important for the 55-year-old Carmichael resident, there were four intriguing games.

"I don't have kids going to the schools here, but I come out for good football," Rowell said. "What more can you ask for? This is a great facility. The kids get to play on a great field and against some different competition from out of the area. Today's my day for football."

There were plenty who shared Rowell's sentiments. The crowds were large both Friday and Saturday nights for the six-game event, which appears to have found a home after a shaky start last season at a different site.

"I think it's a great experience for our kids," said Whitney coach Mike Gimenez, whose Wildcats defeated Concord 42-40. "You are playing other great programs, and I think it motivates our kids. It's great to be involved with something that is growing and getting better."

Christian Brothers standout Ade' Jackson, who helped the Falcons beat St. Mary's of Berkeley 36-28 in the 11 a.m. opener, liked the experience.

"To be invited to play in such a prestigious event, that's the best thing I could imagine as a player," Jackson said.

Crowds were more modest for Saturday's early action – Central Catholic of Modesto and Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa played the second game – but fans packed the home side of the picturesque tree-lined Loomis stadium for the 5 p.m. Whitney-Concord game and both sides for the 8 p.m. Del Oro-Bullard of Fresno finale.

Event promoters gave a lot of credit to Del Oro's Taylor and his school's athletic department and boosters – there were nearly 100 volunteers involved – for providing a strong support staff.

The event also got a big boost from workaholic Del Oro assistant Mark Soto. With two sons and a son-in-law serving in the military, Soto affiliated the event with the U.S. Armed Forces and their support organizations.

"It's created a more fair-like atmosphere, and I think the crowds are better because of it," Taylor said.

Taylor and Soto see the event's continued growth.

"We've got to get it where we have 12 state-ranked teams playing," Taylor said. "It also would help if you got the Grants, the Granite Bays, the top teams in our area playing."

Crazy day at CA football event includes quarterback with 423 passing yards

Double-overtime win by Cardinal Newman, Del Oro win vs. Bullard also highlight a long day, night of action

Mark Tennis Senior Editor

09/05/10 - A strong 41-19 bounce back win by host school Del Oro (Loomis, Calif.) over defending CIF Central Section Division I champion Bullard (Fresno, Calif.) capped an often wild and wooly day at the second annual Battle at the Capital.

Saturday’s schedule of the two-day event in Loomis began with a 36-28 win by Christian Brothers (Sacramento, Calif.) over St. Mary’s (Berkeley, Calif.). But the feature attractions were the three final games: Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, Calif.) vs. Central Catholic (Modesto, Calif.); Concord (Concord, Calif.) vs. Whitney (Rocklin, Calif.) and Del Oro vs. Bullard.

Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, Calif.) 24,  Central Catholic (Modesto, Calif.) 21 (2 OTs)

This one was painful to watch for the first three quarters as both offenses could not get into a good rhythm. That all changed in the fourth quarter.

Clinging to 6-0 lead, the Cardinals took advantage of a pass interference penalty and drove the field for their first touchdown. They scored with 5:20 left on a 6-yard pass from junior quarterback Matt Sullivan to junior receiver Steven Tomasini. The PAT kick by senior Adrian Rubio gave them a 7-6 lead.

Central Catholic senior quarterback Dominick Ciccarelli then seemed to flick the “On” switch as well. He completed four straight passes during the ensuing series that set up nine yard touchdown run by junior Sterling Shaw. Ciccarelli then completed a two-point conversion pass to senior Jack Killian as the Raiders went up by 14-7. There was still 2:45 left to play, however, and the Central Catholic defense could not get the stop.   With 1:45 left on a fourth down play, Sullivan threw a pass toward the middle. Central Catholic’s Billy Flamion, one of the top senior two-sport athletes in Northern California, went for a diving interception. Flamion thought he had made the catch. The referee, though, ruled the ball had hit the ground.

Instead of celebrating a fourth down incompletion and almost certain victory, Flamion spiked the ball in frustration about the call. The 15-yard penalty gave the Cardinals a first down and new life. Later in the series, another penalty gave them a first down on fourth down and with 39 seconds left they tied the score on a two-yard run by senior Matt Bowman.

After it was agreed that overtime would be played with the 10-yard line tiebreaker rules, Cardinal Newman went first and scored on a 5-yard pass from Sullivan to senior receiver Tim Moreno.

After the PAT, it was Central Catholic’s turn and the Raiders matched that scoring exactly. Their touchdown came on a 5-yard run by Craig Jones with the PAT from Zach Juarez.

In the second overtime, the Cardinals’ defense forced a fourth down. Juarez then tried a 29-yard field goal and missed.

Cardinal Newman head coach Paul Cronin wasted no time in getting his own kicker onto the field. Rubio floated his 27-yard kick through the uprights, giving the Cardinals the win.

Afterward, Cronin said that his school wants to keep playing Central Catholic for many more years to come even though the two annual CIF bowl game contenders are now in different divisions – Cardinal Newman in D2 North and Central Catholic in D4 North.  Judging by all the thrillers we’ve seen in the six years of the series so far, let’s hope Cronin get his wish.

Whitney (Rocklin, Calif.) 42, Concord (Concord, Calif.) 40

A quarterback Battle at the Capital between Whitney’s standout junior, Jake Rodrigues, and Concord’s Ricky Lloyd, committed to Southern Miss, lived up to advance billing.

Whitney rallied from a 22-6 deficit in the first half , taking the lead on a 19-yard pass from Rodrigues to junior Corey Paylin early in the fourth quarter. The Minutemen came back on a 5-yard scoring run by Lloyd, but still trailed 35-34 after a missed two-point conversion.

Rodrigues then added a 1-yard plunge with 3:41 left as the Wildcats extended their lead to 42-34.

Concord wasn’t done, though, as Lloyd guided his offense downfield. With 1:43 remaining, he connected with senior Brandon Pham on a 5-yard touchdown pass. Still needing two points to tie, the ensuing conversion attempt was stopped when Lloyd’s pass was intercepted by Whitney senior linebacker Connor Riordan. The Wildcats then recovered an onside kick attempt and ran out the clock for the win.

Lloyd ended up with a whopping 423 passing yards in the game, according to the Sacramento Bee’s Bill Paterson. He completed 33 of 54 passes with two touchdowns and also rushed for 52 yards on five carries with two more scores.

Rodrigues hit on 9 of 18 passes for 225 yards with two touchdowns. He added 68 yards on 18 carries on the ground and scored twice. With its offense, look for Concord to be a favorite in the Diablo Valley Athletic League. And if the defense improves, the Minutemen could even be a force in the North Coast Section Division II playoffs. One of the teams they could face: Cardinal Newman.

Whitney featured another big-time Division I recruit for the Class of 2012 in addition to Rodrigues. Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (6-foot-5, 255) made plays at tight end and defensive end.

Del Oro (Loomis, Calif.) 41, Bullard (Fresno, Calif.) 19

Kenny Andri was the difference for the Golden Eagles, who opened their season as the No. 16 team in the preseason state rating but already were 0-1 due to a 38-14 loss last week to nationally ranked Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.).

Andri took the second half kickoff for a 94-yard touchdown to give Del Oro some breathing room after the Golden Eagles were leading by just 20-16 at halftime. The senior running back, who is replacing record-breaking standout Bryce Pratt, also was effective on hand offs. He rushed for 160 yards on 27 carries. Bullard, which went 13-0 in winning its section title a year ago, was held to just three points in the second half. The Knights scored first half touchdowns on a pass reception by senior standout Jajuan Hammond and on a 3-yard run by senior Chris Tate.

“We felt that after last week and playing at home that this was a must win,” said Del Oro head coach Casey Taylor. “We could have been 0-2 heading into this week. Being 1-1 is a whole different thing.”

Returning quarterback Max Magleby threw one touchdown pass and directed an offense that had no turnovers for Del Oro. The Golden Eagles also received two touchdown runs by junior Nick O’Sullivan in the second half.

Taylor’s team will continue its challenging preseason slate next week with a trip to play Clovis West of Fresno. Bullard is going on the road again as well and is playing at state ranked Valley Christian of San Jose.

Colfax Defeats Durham In Battle At The Capital

LOOMIS —

The Battle at the Capital lived up to its name in Loomis Friday night, as the Colfax Falcons took on the Durham Trojans.

Colfax took the early lead in the first quarter with a 64-yard touchdown pass from Austin Young to Josh Moreno.

Durham tied the game up in the second quarter on quarterback Nelson Fishback's 14-yard touchdown run.

In the second half, the Falcon's Jake Karbowski intercepted Fishback's pass on the first drive, but the Trojans' defense was able to stop Colfax on downs in the red zone.

At the end of the third quarter, Nelson Fishback scored on a 9-yard quarterback-keeper, giving Durham a 13-7 lead.

Colfax's offense came right back at the start of the fourth quarter, marching down the field and scoring on a Chase Mosier reception in the back of the end zone. The extra point gave Colfax the 14-13 lead.

The turning point in the game came on the next series. The Falcon's defense recovered a Nelson Fishback fumble, and the offense quickly capitalized. Austin Young threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Mosier, giving the Falcons a 21-13 lead.

The Colfax defense took over for the rest of the game, giving the Falcons a 21-13 win over Durham.

NCP Field Pass

Douglas Benton NorCal, Preps.com Analyst

With just a handful of games played on the last weekend of August, it still allowed high school football fans to get an early look at some of the top teams for 2010. This week, we talk with Del Oro head coach Casey Taylor about his team's season opening loss to Bishop Gorman, a look at the top recruits on hand for the Battle at the Capital, and pick'em predictions for Week 1.

Del Oro falls to national power

The Golden Eagles were down 17-13 halfway through the third quarter and had a fourth and inches in the red zone. However, a failed fourth down and 21 points later, Del Oro left the desert with a 38-13 loss to No. 48 Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas.

"I thought we did a good job of competing the first three quarters. We had an opportunity to go up on them with 5 minutes (left) in the third quarter and didn't execute on a 4th and inches inside the 15 yard line. Then the wheels fell off and they took advantage," Taylor said in an email.

Part of that was due to the play of junior running back Shaquille Powell, who finished the game with more than 250 total yards and four touchdowns.

"He is a great back. He has it all; speed, power and balance" Taylor said of the junior. "He always made the pile go forward and it was hard to get a solid shot on him. Once he gets past the first level he has the speed to take it the distance. Best player on the field."

One highlight for the Golden Eagles was the play of new running back Kenny Andri, who carried the ball 33 times for 131 yards and two first half touchdowns. Max Magleby struggled some in going 6-for-13 for 51 yards, but the high winds on Saturday night played a major factor in the passing game, Taylor said.

So, what should NorCal fans expect when Bishop Gorman comes to Concord on September 25 to play De La Salle?

"They are huge up front on both sides of the ball. Offensively Powell is the main guy, but (quarterback Jarrett Solomon) is athletic and he can throw the football down field. They like to bring Evan Zeger in to throw him the ball and he is a great player," Taylor said. "Defensively they tackle well and make you earn every yard. They fly to football and are physical. They are vulnerable to the deep ball, but with the wind we couldn't take advantage. They like to pressure the quarterback and get 8-9 (players) in the box to stop the run. Their kicker (Colin Ditsworth) is the best I have seen."

Division I talent on display in Battle at the Capital

Durham QB Nelson Fishback is coming off a strong summer. While only one team in the NCP Top 20 is playing in the six game event at Del Oro high school this weekend, it doesn't mean talent won't be on display. In the opening game on Friday, Durham quarterback Nelson Fishback will take on Colfax after finishing a strong summer and will look to build on it with a big senior season.

Come Saturday, fans will see Christian Brothers defensive back Ade' Jackson (No. 32 in the NCP Top 40), Concord signal caller Ricky Lloyd (No. 27), Concord defensive end Kevin Chase (No. 33) and Del Oro offensive lineman Ryan Cope, who is one of the top lineman in the region.

Other players to watch for are 2012 talent out of Whitney in quarterback Jake Rodrigues and TE/DL Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, who already holds offers from the Pac-10. Also, it is a chance to see Central Catholic's Billy Flamion, who is an Oregon baseball recruit and one of the top prep players in the country.

Pick'em Picks

10 - Bellarmine Prep: The Bells usually start the year strong and 2010 won't be any different. Bells win 35-17

9 - De La Salle: With a number of key players back, the Spartans could be ready to make an opening game statement. De La Salle wins 35-21

8 - Pleasant Grove: With an impressive 20-12 win over Monterey Trail already on its resume, Pleasant Grove is ready to bounce back from a 2009 loss to Lincoln (Stockton). Pleasant Grove wins 21-10

7 - Pittsburg: This NCS opener features two programs used to long runs late into the year, but faces some questions for 2010. Still, I have to go with the experienced quarterback in Julius Mozee in a 28-21 win for the Pirates.

6 - Cardinal Newman: The Cardinals will look to bounce back from a down season last year and could lean on an experienced defense. Look for Cardinal Newman to win a low scoring 17-14 game against Central Catholic.

5 - Granite Bay: In the Game of the Week, the Grizzlies use their offensive balance and depth to hold off St. Mary's (Stockton) for an impressive 35-28 road win.

4 - Whitney: With two proven quarterbacks on the field, expect a high scoring contest at Del Oro. Look for Whitney to pull out a 42-35 thriller.

3 - Paradise: The uncertain status of running back Jordan Dobrich could have an impact on this one, but I'll still take the Bobcats to hold off Deer Valley 21-17.

2 - St. Francis (Mountain View): A game with a number of uncertainties could go either way. However, I really like the Lancers' defense, which should rule in an early season match-up. Lancers beat Oak Grove 10-7.

1 - Del Oro: Can the Golden Eagles actually start the year 0-2? With their schedule, it is a possibility, but look for them to rally at home and pull out an impressive 28-21 win over Bullard of Fresno.

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Blankenship Finally Returns To The Foothills

Veteran coach brings Aptos to 'Battle at the Capital' Mike Ray, Gold Country News Services

With 202 career coaching victories, Randy Blankenship is the new head coach at Aptos High in Santa Cruz County. His Mariners will play Del Campo Fri. Sept. 3 at Del Oro in the second "Battle at the Capital".

The resume speaks for itself.

But it’s his burning desire to direct 16 and 17-year-old young men in a game that he loves that has kept Randy Blankenship chomping at the bit as another high school football season approaches.

“This is probably the final voyage,” said Blankenship this week as he prepared to begin his first week of practices at his latest stop, Aptos High in Santa Cruz County.

“I’d like to coach five or six more seasons,” said the new Mariners coach. “What a great place for my wife and I to retire.”

Blankenship will return to the foothills area for the first time since he left Nevada Union in 1991 when he brings Aptos to Loomis on Friday, Sept. 3. The Mariners will play the 8 p.m. Friday night feature game against Del Campo in the “Battle At The Capital” set for Del Oro High.

“We’re young,” said the new Aptos headman. “We only have eight seniors but I like this group. They worked very hard in the off-season.”

Blankenship has won at every stop he’s been at including seven years at Nevada Union, eight at Clovis West, two at Fallbrook, one in Texas, one at Capistrano Valley and six at Madera.

Blankenship, with 202 career wins, is among the active coaching leaders for victories in the state. In 25-plus years, his teams have won 13 league championships, 5 section championships, and reached the section finals 9 times.

In 1998 while at Clovis West, he was selected as the California Coach-of-the-Year. In addition, he has been selected as the NFL High School Coach-of-the-Year (2000), the Northern California Coach-of-the-Year (1993), the Southern California Coach-of-the-Year (2000), the Valley Coach-of-the-Year (1992, 1993), the North-South All-Star Game Coach (1998, 2006), and many more. He was also selected as the 1994 Teacher-of-the-Year in the Clovis West Unified School District for his work as a Physical Education teacher.

In a long to return to the foothills, he applied twice (1983 and 2007) for the open head coaching position at Placer and was a finalist both times.

“The first time I ended up at Nevada Union and that worked out great and the second time, well Joey (Montoya) is doing a great job there.”

This May, Aptos’ spring football game drew several hundred people with the Aptos Blue team, showing an explosive offense and the ability to break-off big plays at any time, defeating the White team.

After the game, head coach, head ref, and spring league commissioner Blankenship commended both teams on their heart and effort, told the team that he was proud of all of them, and reminded them that there were no losers because we are one big family. The Blue team enjoyed eating their steaks while the White team and their coaches had to settle for hot dogs.

Blankenship, 56, who will be a full-time physical education teacher at Aptos, noted that he still has plenty of desire in his new position.

“The last time I looked it was still a one hundred yard field, there are goal posts at each end and you still have 11 players on a side. We’re really excited about the upcoming season.”