ARE YOU READY FOR SOME...BYE WEEK?
Posted 11-01-01
The SSL title for Tehachapi has all come down to this Friday.
Well, a share of the title anyway.
I’m sure many people hoped and / or expected the Warriors to do well this season, and so far the players haven’t disappointed. The players are flying to the football, and they look like they’re having a lot of fun.
Two weeks ago, the Warriors found some redemption to the hiccup that occurred last season against Taft by shutting down the Wildcats potent offense lead by Chet Goff, Brandon Carlton, and Teddy Patterson. Coach Tim Mash has transformed the ‘Cats in to a force in just two short years, but unfortunately for Taft, the Mountain Defense proved to be ready for the potential upset this year, limiting Taft to 125 total yards in the shutout win.
Blanking the Wildcats on the scoreboard was a plus, but probably the greatest defensive milestone that was reached on October 26th was their pass defense. Up to the Taft game, things weren’t looking to good when the opposition decided to test the air attack.
In week one of the SSL season, Zak Bolton had found a “kink” in the armor of the Warrior defense late in the fourth quarter with quick slant passes through the middle, leaving many fans wondering where the sudden burst of Liberty offensive efficiency came from. Luckily, time, and a blocked PAT, was enough to down the Patriots for Tehachapi’s first league win.
In week two, Arvin expounded on the weakness by passing for over 160 yards and connecting on 13 passes, but, like Liberty, the Bear effort was minimized with patience and a solid offensive game plan.
Week three brought an away game against Shafter, and it seemed that the floodgates had finally come open in the Warrior secondary. The pass defense was torched by All-SSL candidate Ricky Ishida, connecting on 17 passes for 235 yards and 3 TD’s. In Tehachapi’s defense however, Ishida is probably the best quarterback in the league this year, and after the middle of the first quarter, Shafter all but abandoned the running game. The inflated passing statistics were primarily an attempt by the Generals to mount a comeback with shotguns, bootlegs, and empty backfields.
Overall, after three league games, things weren’t looking too good on defense when the pass was implemented by division foes. Based on the stats generated by Tehachapi’s opponents, there was some speculation in how the Warriors would fair in the remainder of the season, particularly against a very innovative Taft team that was coming to the Mountain.
That being said, after the final gun sounded on the October 26th against the Wildcats, concern is no longer needed. Not only did the Warriors shut down last years All-SSL running back Goff to 32 yards on 17 carries, the Carlton passing game was virtually non-existent with only 6 passes for 84 yards.
As great as the Wildcat win was, things aren’t going to get easy in the rest of the season, especially against this week’s SSL opponent Wasco.
Wasco is a team that may be 1-7 this year, but rest assured their record is in no way an indication of their ability. The Tiger’s David Juarez is a quarterback that is not afraid to drop back in the pocket. With 924 yards passing, 7 passing TD’s, and 55 completions, the Warrior secondary will have their hands full this week. Just to keep the Warriors honest, Wasco also have a very solid running game, led by All-SSL candidate Daryl Moore, who has racked up 818 yards on 151 carries. On paper, it is a match-up that Tehachapi should win, but in this year's SSL, there is no easy week. The Tigers would love nothing more than to thwart Tehachapi’s chance at a second consecutive league title, and a win against the Warriors would give Wasco some much needed momentum in their final week’s annual rival game with Shafter.
The Warrior coaching staff and players will undoubtedly be ready for the challenge that awaits them on Friday, and will have their “A” game ready in waiting. Wasco should present the same, which will hopefully give Tehachapi a substantial test of what could be looming down the road in future weeks
Good luck Warriors, best of luck in your second consecutive league bid!
WEEKLY WARRIOR NOTES
--The Central Sequoia League, arguably the most competitive in the Sequoia-Sierra Division this year, seems to have narrowed down a playoff title contender this week. Look out for Yosemite, Warrior fans. The Badgers overcame only a 125 yard outing to shock Kingsburg, 22-20 on Friday, winning on a thrilling five yard touchdown pass from Justin Peek to Zack Dorn with 43 seconds on the clock. The league win brought Yosemite to a perfect 3-0 CSL record and 7-1 overall, and the Badgers seem to be on the fast track to claim the league crown and a high-ranking large school playoff berth.
--I had a chance to see Rodney Michael (class of ’98) play on Saturday at Bulldog stadium, and he is as dominating in college as he was on the Mountain. Michael’s pass blocking ability guided Heisman Trophy candidate David Carr to 5 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown in the 52-24 drubbing of the Rice Owls. Other Warriors playing collegiate ball include Illinois defensive back Michael Hall (class of ’98), and Redlands linebacker Pat Kelloway (class of '97).
Former Warrior Rodney
Michael
Now Starting for the Fresno State Bulldogs
