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Falcons, Spartans big winners
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The Falcons look legit. So do the Spartans. But the Cougars are going through heartbreak city right now.
Here's a recap of games covered on Friday.
Central Valley 35, Yreka 18
The Falcons opened the Northern Athletic League schedule in typical wing-T fashion. They controlled the ball for much of the game's first half, eating up 14 of the 24 first-half minutes.
Central Valley compiled 139 yards on the ground before halftime, adding scores from CJ Valdivia and Colton Silveria. By comparison Yreka was held to 117 yards before the half - 61 coming off Manny Barragan's touchdown run. Otherwise, CV's run defense was nails in the first half.
Falcons running back Matt Hubbard got a shot at a do-over in Friday's game. On first and 10 from CV's 23, late in the third, Hubbard took a toss left and turned it 15 yards down field on what was his fourth carry of the night and longest gain at the time.
But, the play was called back for holding. Two plays later, Falcons QB Brandon Piercy got picked off by Eddie Ambris, who returned the ball 15 yards before getting stripped. CV recovered on the play and on the very first snap of its next possession the Falcons went back to Hubbard.
He peeled left behind a nice block, turned up field and bolted 90 yards untouched to put the Falcons up 29-12. Hubbard finished 110 yards rushing on five carries.
Central Valley visits Corning next week, looking to improve to 7-0.
Red Bluff 35, Chico 7
After two close losses on the road, the Spartans got back EAL in the race.
The Red Bluff defense held up well in allowing 241 yards of total offense. Chico dropped two potential touchdown catches, but would have still been playing catch up.
For the first time, the vaunted Red Bluff offense started to click. Even though Chico geared itself to stop junior running back Zach Schwabauer, the offensive line still paved the way for 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Spartans quarterback Collin Ramirez had his best game of the season, throwing for 204 yards and a score and rushing for two touchdowns. The Ramirez-to-Cole McKenzie combination may be the most dangerous in the section right now. Teams need a good group of athletes in the secondary to corral this passing game.
The one potential blemish to a great evening for Red Bluff was a knee injury to starting offensive left tackle Wade Kittle. The senior 6-foot-3, 240-pounder was one of key cogs in an improving Spartans offensive line.
Pleasant Valley 35, Enterprise 7
Hornets football coach Darren Trueblood said after the game, "this one game doesn't define us."
Not this one, not with the Hornets having to travel across town to play rival Shasta on Friday in the annual River Bowl.
The rivalry between these crosstown rivals has become so celebrated, so anticipated, so talked about that it seems as if the outcome of the matchup is directly correlated with how each team's season is considered.
The Hornets don't have time to worry about all that went wrong in the pummeling by Pleasant Valley.
There were plenty of significant reasons how the Vikings ended up rolling Enterprise.
The Hornets had four turnovers, leading to 21 points. That led to PV's average starting possession originating at the Hornets' 47-yard line. Enterprise's average starting field position was its own 24.
With a short field, the Hornets defense couldn't hold firm. After the first quarter, PV was 7-of-10 on third-down conversions. Even worse, two of the times Enterprise held, the Vikings went for it on fourth down - and got it.
Some of that efficiency stemmed from the play of Pleasant Valley quarterback Patrick Randolph. The senior ran for 61 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 70 yards and two TDs.
Here's the thing. None of this matters if Enterprise can somehow regroup and deal Shasta its first loss of the season. But it won't be easy.
Posted by HornetFan on October 13, 2008 at 9:05 a.m.
So where was the preview BEFORE today? I went to read the review and now the preview is there as well. Listening to that preview, John Ryan hit it right on the head, you can't give PV big plays or turn the ball over like EHS did on Friday night and expect to win. EHS does not have the explosive offense that Shasta does to be able to recover from those mistakes.
That being said, if they can come out Friday night and play their normal ball control offense and stout defense they are capable of, the River Bowl is going to be a great game to watch. This should be interesting....
Posted by HornetFan on October 13, 2008 at 9:28 a.m.
So, what are your rankings everyone? Here is my latest GUESS...lol
Division 1
1) Shasta - "clearly better then EVERYONE else."
2) Paradise - although there are some doubts now.
3) EHS - one awful game will not define them
4) Red Bluff - yes, I said Red Bluff
5) PV - this may sound wierd, but I was not that impressed by them Friday night.
6) Foothill - I am glad EHS already beat these guys! They showed Friday how good they can be.
Division 2
1) Sutter - 75-0?
2) West Valley - As good as any team in our area.
3) Central Valley - We will know more after they play an actually decent team.
4) Lassen - Another close win in Susanville. I have seen that movie before...lol.
5) Anderson - Don't sleep on the Cubs. They can play.
6) It really does not matter...
Posted by askkevin65 on October 13, 2008 at 10:29 a.m.
HornetFan, I don't want to sound rude, but explain how Enterprise is ranked two places ahead of a team it lost to by a score of 35-7.
Posted by HornetFan on October 13, 2008 at 10:41 a.m.
Kevin, one game does not make a season. I said it was just my opinion, that's all. EHS gave away that game in a big huge box. I was MUCH more impressed with West Valley then PV. Thats ok though Kevin, I know how much you like to hate on the Hornets. PV will lose to Red Bluff and Foothill.
Posted by beeye424 on October 13, 2008 at 11:17 a.m.
HornetFan, your rankings are final season rankings, what do you rank them right now after the games they played and the head to head matchups, i think EHS can finish ahead of PV in the end, but not until EHS beats Shasta and another team that PV has/will lose to
Posted by alvinkarpis2 on October 13, 2008 at 11:27 a.m.
CV is gonna stomp West Valley
Wanna put some jack on that HornetFan?
Posted by ontime211 on October 13, 2008 at 11:28 a.m.
It's great to see Razor back back!!!!!
Posted by dbutkus on October 13, 2008 at 11:34 a.m.
W.V. beats C.V. by 4 touchdowns!!! Go to the bank and cash that check alvin and the falcons.
Posted by askkevin65 on October 13, 2008 at 11:34 a.m.
HornetFan, what have I ever said to suggest that I "hate on the Hornets." I'm just thinking that if losses don't matter in the rankings, does that mean Foothill should be ahead of Enterprise? Should SHasta be ranked below teams that is has beaten? Do they give the Northern Section championship trophy to the losing team this year? Just not sure how you rationalize a 35-7 loss as not being that important when it happened four days ago.
Posted by HornetFan on October 13, 2008 at 11:48 a.m.
Kevin, Foothill and PV should not be above EHS because EHS has a better record, both overall and in league. Last time I checked Shasta is undefeated, so I am not sure what the heck you are talking about.
Beeye, those are my current rankings, although the last few weeks have shown that in this league you never know what you are going to get. I think Shasta will lose at least once in league, but who knows? I think they have to play down at Paradise on Halloween night...that will be something else!
Posted by HornetFan on October 13, 2008 at 11:52 a.m.
Razor, it is good to have you back. You held true to your word and I give you much respect for that. EHS will win at least 2 of their last 4 games and once again will be in the playoffs. After that, who knows?
Alvin, you need to put that crack pipe down dude. West Valley is going to be all over your Falcons. As I said earlier, I think that team is as good as any in our area. They played Shasta VERY tough and will be more then your Falcons can handle.
Posted by grizz32_9 on October 13, 2008 at 12:16 p.m.
I would love for Lassen to be in Division 2 but they are in Division 1.
top 5
1. Shasta 2. Paradise 3. PV 4. Enterprise 5. Foothill
Posted by redrum0376 on October 13, 2008 at 1 p.m.
Not that impressed with PV...I can tell I was when they beat Lassen by the same amount they beat EHS. WV and PV were both far more physical then EHS and that was the difference, both those physical teams dominated EHS. And while you say EHS turned it over in there own wind Ill say PV took it away from EHS in there own end. But EHS is still right in the middle of the EAL race for sure.
Posted by Bighurt on October 13, 2008 at 1:16 p.m.
GO SHASTA!!! Ewwwey, it's gonna a be good game on Friday. Records don't seem to matter whenever it comes to this week. For years EHS has had Shasta's number, but recently not so much. If Shasta wins I say throw that trophy to the bottom of Shasta Lake, where it will stay forever in Shasta's name. Oh, and if they win I better not see Hornetfan rank EHS in the top 4. That would be ridiculous. And by the same token if EHS wins HF better not put them number one. After all, one game doesn't define a season.
Posted by agent96002 on October 13, 2008 at 1:26 p.m.
in response to dbutkus
Perfect!! Keep thinking that way. That is exactly where CV wants WV's thinking to be. We want them very overconfident and cocky coming in. Not predicting a CV win, but as long as WV and people like you keep spewing a bunch of smack talk, it only fuels the fire, and adds to the Falcon's collection of bulletin board material.
CV is in a great position being a huge underdog. If they lose, well okay they were supposed to. If they win, well of course that is cool too.
WV is going to be under pressure to back up all this hype.
We will see. We will see.
Posted by HornetFan on October 13, 2008 at 2:40 p.m.
Redrum, you might want to just stick to talking D2 ball. You almost got beat by an Anderson team at Susanville...that same Anderson team that EHS was beating 31-0 until the backups gave up a long td run at the very end of the game. Was PV physical? Sure they were....and yeah, you can say they took the ball away if you want, that is fine. I think honestly they just had to win, and wanted the game alot more then the EHS players did for some reason. You back a team like that in a corner, and one of two things is going to happen, either they are going to come out swinging or they are going to quit. That team is way too well coached to quit. We will see what happens, but I think they will struggle with Red Bluff and Foothill. We will see how much you are talking after CV puts a whuppin on you in a few weeks.
Posted by redrum0376 on October 13, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
If I were you Hornetfan Id be a little worried, Its one thing if EHS lost two close games but EHS got man handled in both there losses. (once by a D2 team). You always use a BUT Hornet Fan....Like saying PV played well BUT EHS turned the ball over and handed PV the game. Correct me if Im wrong BUT didn't EHS score 2 Defensive TD's to beat FHS? I give the EHS kids credit for TAKE'n the ball away and making a play for the score. I don't say "well FHS lost BUT they turned it over." If EHS beats Shasta there right back in it, if not they are at best a third place team in that league.
Posted by shibbydad on October 13, 2008 at 6:26 p.m.
This weekend will show a lot towards the playoffs. I think PV showed how they should have been playing during the previous 2 weeks. I think PV can handle Red Bluff but going to Foothill on Halloween will be a challenge. Here are my rankings.
1. Shasta 2. Paradise 3. PV 4. Enterprise 5. Red Bluff. 6 Foothill
Posted by beeye424 on October 13, 2008 at 7:52 p.m.
does someone want to try and tell me what the difference between the D1 playoffs and the EAL championship race is? are there any different teams that ever go to the playoffs?
Posted by HornetFan on October 13, 2008 at 8:35 p.m.
Beeeye, the only difference is there is always a team playing in the NAL (either Lassen or West Valley) that because of their school enrollment size is sent to D1 in the playoffs.
Redrum, EHS had 1 defensive td, not 2. I agree with you though, PV played great defense and did an awesome job. I would take 3rd place in the EAL this year, and that would earn a MUCH higher seed then your Grizzlies will ever sniff this year.
Posted by redrum0376 on October 13, 2008 at 9:12 p.m.
This year...... sure. Lassen will be really good for the next 3 years or so. Lets not forget about LP they could techniquely make the D1 playoffs.
Posted by ShastaBOSS44 on October 13, 2008 at 9:23 p.m.
Shasta is going to make a statement friday
Posted by paradiseCMF on October 13, 2008 at 9:35 p.m.
yes, and so will paradise.
the shasta vs paradise game halloween night will decide the E.A.L champion.
Posted by dbutkus on October 14, 2008 at 9:12 a.m.
Paradise=Weak Schedule-Not close to Shasta. Remember, Jeffrey is a Duck now.
Posted by shibbydad on October 14, 2008 at 11:14 a.m.
dbutkus I would rather see Foothill win than Paradise any day of the week, but all the EAL teams play each other so they have the same league schedule. The only weakness they get is they always play PV early in the year and seem to catch PV off guard almost every season. Shasta will not walk over them. Paradise is going to be tough in the playoffs.
Posted by WVEagles on October 14, 2008 at 12:19 p.m.
For those of you doing rankings how would your rankings look if you included West Valley, Sutter, Central Valley, Lassen and Anderson??
Posted by endaroundon2 on October 14, 2008 at 12:40 p.m.
in response to WVEagles
NAL (To date) = Sutter, WV, CV, Lassen and Anderson. Duh.
Posted by WVEagles on October 14, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
in response to endaroundon2
First of all Sutter is not in the NAL. I was looking for rankings that include all those schools and the schools in the EAL.
Posted by endaroundon2 on October 14, 2008 at 2 p.m.
Maxpreps, Calpreps, Norcal Preps. That might help.
Posted by dbutkus on October 14, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.
shibby,
Paradise's schedule to date has been soft. I understand that they play in the EAL. Their victories come over teams that are 1-8 in the EAL. Paradise is never a patsy by any means, but they are slow and not real physical. The thing they do have is the belief that they are going to win every game that they suit up for. Sometimes, that is more important than anything else.
Posted by HornetFan on October 14, 2008 at 2:55 p.m.
in response to WVEagles
I think what you want is the overall rankings, regardless of team size? Here is my top ten:
1) Shasta
2) West Valley
3) Paradise
4) EHS
5) Pleasant Valley
6) Red Bluff
7) Foothill
8) Chico
9) Central Valley
10) Lassen
Posted by WVEagles on October 14, 2008 at 3:27 p.m.
in response to HornetFan
Yes that is what I was looking for, but you left off Sutter.
Posted by agent96002 on October 14, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.
in response to HornetFan
Oh Goody. Thanks HornetFan. CV #9!!!!! Yippeeee!!! Just to see us in the Top 10 of the elite D1 Schools, is an honor I will cherish. :)
Posted by HornetFan on October 14, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
in response to WVEagles
Oh man, you are right, my bad...here is the updated list:
1) Shasta
2) West Valley
3) Paradise
4) Sutter
5) EHS
6) Pleasant Valley
7) Red Bluff
8) Foothill
9) Chico
10) Central Valley
10) Lassen
Razor, not that I really care what you say, but this is not based on 1 game, this is based on the current record and what I watched this season. To be honest, I think if EHS played PV ten times, they would split the games 5-5. I can move them up one and EHS down one if it will make my little friend Razor happy...
Posted by shibbydad on October 14, 2008 at 5:47 p.m.
LOL. I sure wish PV would have played Sutter in preseason. They normally scrimmage but did not even do that this year.
Here we go.
1 Shasta
2 Paradise
3 Sutter
4 Pleasant Valley
5 West Valley
6 Enterprise
7 Red Bluff
8 Foothill
9 Eureka
10 Chico
Probably missed somebody there.
Posted by HornetFan on October 14, 2008 at 8:48 p.m.
Shibby, pretty good picks, but having seen both West Valley and Pleasant Valley I have to say that West Valley was more impressive. Anyways, we will see how this all plays out in this wacky league.
Razor, to answer your question, if EHS was in the NAL, I would say they were a second place team too to West Valley.
Posted by nevertoomuchfootball on October 15, 2008 at 6:13 a.m.
in response to dbutkus
dbutkus-
Shasta's wins in EAL are victories over teams that are 2-7 in the EAL. Not too much of a difference there.
Posted by yaahdaah39 on October 15, 2008 at 6:17 a.m.
in response to agent96002
Agent, not all us West Valley people are over confident for CV. As a matter of fact as I read down thru this blog I see only two statements made about WV over CV and one with CV over WV. Hardly alot of smack talk. Those of us familiar with Matt Hunsakers teams know they are going to be well coached, well prepared and ready for the Valley Bowl. To be honest most of us WV people are concerned with the Anderson Cubs. They are also very well coached and have played a tough schedule. They have lost two one point games to Lassen and Red Bluff. They also played EHS and a very good school from Oregon. With a break or two they could very easily be 4-2 right now. CV plays the Cubs before they get to us. Better not look past them. I know we aren't.
Posted by pigs_kin on October 15, 2008 at 8:24 a.m.
And regardless of how confidant the fans and bloggers are, the kids and coaches are on the field. WV coaches are experienced enough to not take any team for granted and know how to prepare the team each week.
Posted by dbutkus on October 15, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.
West Valley 35 Central Valley 14
Sorry Falcons, the junior league circut ends soon!
Posted by agent96002 on October 16, 2008 at 9:11 a.m.
in response to dbutkus
And you know this by reading the newspaper? Is just a guess? Have you seen WV or CV play?
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