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REPRESENTING WARRIORS: McCANN & HUTCHINSON PLAY ALL-STAR ROLES IN BLITZ BOWL
All-Star Caliber: Tanner
Hutchinson and Tyler McCann in the 2004 Blitz Bowl - for more pics of
Tanner and Tyler, you can access those game shots by
clicking here
TEHACHAPI NEWS - It's hard to say goodbye
to high school football, but for Tanner Hutchinson and Tyler McCann,
their brilliant run as seniors on a CIF champion Warrior Football team
was good enough to land them among some of the county's elite on April
15, receiving an invite by East All-Star Coach Steve Napier (South
High's Head Coach) to the 3rd Annual Blitz Bowl at Centennial Garden in
Bakersfield. The East-All Stars would battle
from start to finish with their West All-Star counterparts, but in the
end, the running and throwing of senior North High QB Cody Stone would
prove to be the difference in the win column, with the talented Wing-T
gunslinger pulling out a 26-23 win to help West claim the top spot on
the overall series, 2-1. The Blitz Bowl itself is a one
of a kind event...with the distinction of being the only all-star game
in the entire nation played "Arena-Style". The event was one that was
first orchestrated by former Bakersfield Blitz General Manager Brad
Hoffman, who looked to try and get community involvement with the Blitz
"Arena 2" football team three years ago with a High School All-Star game
before the Blitz' home opener. Needless to say, Hoffman's
vision has become an instant tradition. The 2004 version of the Blitz
Bowl marked the first time that two Tehachapi players were invited to
compete in the same game. In 2002, Jacob Perry was Tehachapi's inaugural
representative and Bob DiRado was the Warriors ambassador in 2003.
Much like Perry and DiRado in
years before, Hutchinson and McCann played well against some
premiere Kern County competition, but a closer eye would see the two
Warriors actually taking on more instrumental roles for their All-Star
squads the third time around. Starting off the game, McCann
joined teammate Phillip McDermott (Garces High) for the midfield
coin-flip as the representing team-captain for East, marking the first
time that a Tehachapi player received such an honor. Throughout the game, McCann
backed up the notoriety with five tackles, a fumble recovery, and
constant pressure on the defensive line against West All-Star QB's Cody
Stone (North) and Adam Piron (Bakersfield Christian). McCann also
doubled-up on the starting offensive line, paving solid blocking
protection for former-Foothill QB Dan Ingle. As for Hutchinson, the eyes and
ears of the East All-Star elite seemed to constantly beckon for the
words and assignments of the talented Tehachapi back, with Tanner
providing encouragement and signal calls along the defensive front and
in the offensive backfield. Hutchinson would finish the game with three
tackles and seven pressures, also contributing in the open field with a
couple key blocks in some Ingle-to-Eric Alfred (South High) and Walter
Lopez (Arvin) touchdown throws throughout the game. In the end, the East All-Stars
would come up short on the scoreboard, but the intensity of McCann and
Hutchinson would serve as a subtle reminder to all of Kern County the
caliber of young men that have and will continue to represent Tehachapi
football. For Blitz Bowl pics, click here
Pre-Game Story... TANNER HUTCHINSON AND TYLER McCANN PLAY IN THIRD ANNUAL BLITZ BOWL Posted 03-13-04, by Mike Duffy TEHACHAPI NEWS - The Bakersfield Blitz recently announced the rosters for the third annual Blitz Bowl and a pair of Warrior standouts, Tanner Hutchinson and Tyler McCann, have been selected to play for the East All Stars. "This is pretty exciting for me," Tyler McCann said. "It is a chance to play with the best of the best." McCann expects to see action as an offensive guard and tight-end in the first half. In the second half of the game, McCann will play defensive tackle. The game will be held April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bakersfield Centennial Garden. The Blitz Bowl is an annual Kern County high school all-star game played arena football style as the two opposing teams are divided into an ongoing East versus West rivalry. South High School head coach Steve Napier will head the reigning champion East squad in 2004. The team will possess an arsenal of star players including Dan Ingle (QB/DB) from Foothill High School, Le'Andre Matthews (RB/DB) from East High School and South High's Eric Alfred (RB/DB). Heading up the West squad this year is North High School's head coach Mike Snow and his armory of Kern County's star players, including Cody Stone (QB/DB) from North High School and Sean Kusiak (OL/DL) from Frazier Park. The east team has already had two practice sessions. "They are more for fun," McCann said comparing practices to the Warriors bid for the 2003 CIF Central Section title. These sessions will give the players a chance to get accustomed to their new teammates as well as a new style of football arena. Those players selected to play in the competition had to first be delegated by their high school's head coach. Only seniors may take part in the event. Currently, the game results are evenly split, with the West taking the inaugural game in 2002. The West were led to victory by then head coach of Liberty High School and current head coach for the Bakersfield Blitz, Rick Van Horne. The East took over in 2003, when Bakersfield High School's head coach Jason Oliver made a statement to the west side high schools that they can play arena ball too. "We're really looking forward to this, it's a big event," said Blitz head coach Rick Van Horne. "This is the only all-star high school arena football game in the nation and we started it here. It's always a great time and a lot of fun." Bakersfield Blitz season ticket holders will have admission to the contest included in their package at no extra charge. Individual tickets for the Blitz Bowl will go on sale at a later date. Game day seating will be general admission and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and high school students with valid school ID. For more info, contact the Blitz at 716-BLITZ (2548). Kickoff for the Blitz season is just 22 days away, as they start on the road against Tennessee Valley on April 3. The home schedule opens with the San Diego Riptide on April 17. Season tickets for the Blitz upcoming season start at just $63 and are on sale now by contacting the Blitz office at 716-BLITZ (2548) or by stopping by the Bakersfield Sports Entertainment office located in Centennial Garden. The Blitz and Condors have also teamed up for special discounts for those purchasing ticket packages for both teams. All Condors season ticket holders renewing for 2004-05 can receive 25 percent off a Blitz package containing the same number of seats.
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