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JJ Says: There is the game, then there is the experience

Published: Friday, July 30, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, July 30, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.

There are two distinct aspects to the Santa Rosa Kiwanis Club’s All-Star football game.

There is the game itself, an entertaining display of the talents of the Redwood Empire’s top football players. Then there is the experience the players have of practicing with, playing with and getting to know players who, during the regular season, are rivals.

To be honest, the game seldom lives up to its advance billing.

It is certainly hotly contested. The scoreboard definitely matters to the players. Among the qualities that make them all-stars is their competitiveness. They want to win and the want to beat the other league. And, the talent is there. Almost every player has legitimate hopes of continuing his football career in college.

The problem is that coaches have just two weeks to forge teams from players who have not worn pads in seven months. Mistakes are inevitable. It is a testimony to the all-stars’ talent and high-school coaching that they are able to play as well as the do.

The difference in this year’s game, won by the NBL, 36-7, was mistakes and turnovers. The teams played pretty evenly (slight edge to the NBL) on the scrimmage line, but the SCL failed to pick up a kickoff, stood around while a punt was grabbed and returned for a touchdown, and threw a flat pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

There was also SCL confusion on key NBL passes and other breakdowns in communications.

From the game standpoint, the event was definitely a disappointment for the SCL players.

From the other standpoint — as a total two-week experience, it was a blast.

“It was great,” said Casa Grande’s Kahil Keys. “The scoreboard doesn’t reflect the fun we all had.”

“It was a ton of fun,” agreed Petaluma safety Joe Soares. “It was fun getting to know the other guys. It is something I will always remember.”

Comments from other SCL players were similar. Each talked about what a great experience it was to get to know players from other teams that they viewed primarily as a rival uniform until they had a chance to work, sweat and play alongside of them.

For the fans, the game is about getting a chance to see and root for their favorite player one last time and see some excellent athletic skills.

For the players, when it was all over, it wasn’t so much about the game as it was about the experience.

In past summers, I’ve tried to mention each of our area’s all-stars and noticed how each contributed. This year, there were just too many players from south county to pay attention to each one. There were 20 SCL All-Stars from either Petaluma or Casa Grande. Toss in Josh Wheless, Kris Farinha and Nick Eastham from St. Vincent, and more than half the SCL team was from south county.

I’m just going to mention a few of those players that I happened to notice. Others made equal contributions, it is just that I didn’t see everything that happened. Note also that several players from the northern side of the county also made key plays and had some standout moments.

You couldn’t miss Petaluma running back Sean Sullivan. On a team with an array of standout ball carriers, Sullivan was a standout, zipping in and around NBL defenders. He was a powder keg ready to explode into a big play at any moment. Losing him to an injury in the first half hurt the SCL big time.

Not that the SCL lacked for top-notch runners besides Sullivan. Casa Grande’s Kahlil Keys scored his team’s only touchdown and led the SCL with 52 yards rushing. He showed the speed and toughness that marked his entire career as a Gaucho.

Petaluma’s Ricky Sims got his first taste of playing halfback as opposed to the fullback position he played for the Trojans, and displayed the skills that could serve him well in that position at Humboldt State. He was also one of the outstanding SCL defensive players.

Petaluma’s Mike Russell did most of the quarterbacking and showed the same toughness that made him a Trojan mainstay. St. Vincent’s Josh Wheless was called in for some passing situations and displayed the strong arm that Mustang fans have appreciated for the last two seasons.

On the offensive front, I noted especially the play of Petaluma’s Shawn Swanson and center Reggie Baker, along with Casa Grande’s Brandon Patocchi and Jake Schloetter. I’m sure there were others, but then offensive linemen never get the recognition they deserve.

Defensively, Petaluma safety Joe Soares, somewhat unsung by all but his coaches and teammates during the Trojans’ championship season, was a major standout for the SCL defending against the NBL’s wide-open passing attack.

But there were others. Petaluma linebacker Blake Olson had some big hits. Petaluma corner back Dalton Johnson was isolated on the NBL’s top receivers and more than held his own.

Petaluma’s Dalton Berncich and Sims were often in the middle of the defensive action. Casa Grande’s Bryain Araiza was a mainstay on the SCL defensive line.

Then, of course, there was Casa Grande’s Alan Vargas who zipped from out of nowhere to make a pass interception that he returned for an apparent touchdown, only to have the score nullified by a personal foul. His return did lead to the only SCL touchdown.

(Contact John Jackson at acsports@arguscourier.com)

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