SEASON ROAD ENDS IN DINUBA   Warriors fight back from 19-0 deficit but Emperors win 1st Round

HARD TO LET GO - Warriors #6 Lance Lange and #2 Paul Abarquez (distant center) look on as the Warrior trench-men take down Dinuba's #7 Nathaniel Lester in the CIF Division III First Round Playoffs.

Posted 11-20-05

Try as they might, the Warriors could not overcome the quick three-touchdown lead by Dinuba to pull out a victory on the road in the CIF Division III first round playoffs.

Even though Tehachapi was riding a three-game losing streak heading in, optimism was still high that a Golden Valley rematch could become a reality for the following week.

The Central Valley football gods have spoken...and it is not to be.  The season is over.

Things were looking on the up-and-up for the SSL overall, with Taft, Arvin, Shafter advancing with wins and Golden Valley advancing automatically with a bye.  Tehachapi would have been the fifth team to have a second round playoff game, but alas a team from the ESL advances in Dinuba.

Tehachapi shared their first round loss with league counterpart Wasco, losers to Kerman in Division IV.

The game overall did show a lot of heart by the Warriors to come back, with Dinuba having their way early with the Mountain Defense on their first three drives, driving the length of the field to score from their own 28, 25, and 31 yard lines to light up a 19-0 lead with 5:29 left in the second quarter.

Tehachapi did receive their first spark when Zac Schlais and a host of other Warriors blocked a punt to give Tehachapi their best field position of the night at the Emperor 18-yard line. 

Facing a fourth and nine, Sophomore Ehren Ochsenrider hit Mike Papc for a nine yard catch to bring the Warriors withen six yards of the endzone, and the momentum carried through to the next play with Ochsenrider connecting with Schlais for a six yard catch and score.

In the second half, Robert Wright stole the show, racking up big yardage to help bring his game total to 136 yards overall on 12 carries, including a 64 yard TD run, Tehachapi's last score of the year.

Overall, the game signified the season in full for the Warriors.  There were high expectations coming in but overall the momentum just couldn't get the team over the hump.  Chances were given, but the opportunities just didn't fall in favor of the Mountain Men.

There are not many positives to take away from a season like this...logging in only their third losing season in 43 years, and first since 1995.

As bad as it is though, in recent memory...no loss was more brutal than the 2-0 defeat to Wasco back in the '95 season, probably the ugliest game in SSL history.  No matter what anyone conveys to me about their feelings on this season, in my mind...no loss was as bad as that one.  Ironically, that game was also the final blow to a four game skid 10 seasons ago.

Some great players are going to be graduating from the Warrior class of 2005, and despite the record, players from this season will be missed as the years move forward.

Warrior football is a fraternity of winning, and in seasons like this it's a true reflection of how fortunate we are to have the tradition that we have.

Know this Warriors, despite what the numbers show in 2005 your efforts will not be forgotten...particularly the big games like the one-point victory thriller over All-Area Player of the Year Ben Estill and the Taft Wildcats.

The tradition will fight on.  Undoubtedly a new winning streak will rise from the ashes and be born again....along with championships and big game victories.

For everyone associated with Mountain Football, thank you for your support this season...and see you in the stands next year!

CIF DIVISION III PLAYOFF BRACKET

Hit and Fly!

MOUNTAIN FOOTBALL VIDEO Game-By-Game Video Highlights

	It was a roller-coaster ride of a season, with injuries...player suspensions...and a losing mark that tallied seven overall losses. Despite the disappointing season, efforts were still given by the Warriors that suited up week-to-week.  There are many players to choose from for the website player of the year award(s), but in the end only a few can be chosen... #6 Lance Lange - It seems that a Lange is always a major staple in the highlight reel...and Lance was no exception this season.  Lance pretty much did it all for the Warriors...leading the team in TD's with 10...second on the team in tackles...and recording an alarming six fumble recoveries over the course of the season.  The bad news is that Lance will now join his brother Josh as Warrior alumni...but take heart Warrior fans, freshman Derek Lange is still set and poised to carry on the Lange spirit with Mountain Football...who was a major cog in the Braves arsenal this past year. #21 Robert Wright-  Robert was a true talent for the Warriors, leading the team in rushing with 725 yards, and also leading the team in all-purpose yards with 857.  Robert was also consistent on special teams, producing one of the most solid punting threats that the Warriors have had at that position in quite some time.  Robert's play ability will be missed, but so will his resolve and heart....a true Warrior that will be remembered for every season that he helped the Indians, Braves, and Warriors with his feet and speed. #45 Mike Barboa - Probably the only disappointing part of Barboa's game this season was not being able to see him in action on offense...after such solid performances at the junior varsity level with helping the Braves to the SSL title two seasons ago.  But no matter, what Mike could not produce on offense he more than made up for at linebacker, leading the team with 65 total tackles.  Barboa truly kept the tradition of a tough linebacking crops in tact for Warrior football this past season. #75 Levi Kerstiens - No one was tougher than Levi, especially in the trenches.  With many of his mates in the scrum leaving due to injury or otherwise, Levi held steadfast to be the most consistent down lineman for the Warriors this season, battling lower extremity injuries and pain to suit up week-after-week.  More than any player on the team this year, Levi should be a strong shoe-in consideration for 1st Team All-SSL, and represents what Warrior football is in every way. #6 Lance Lange, #21 Robert Wright, #45 Mike Barboa, #75 Levi Kerstiens THSWARRIORS.com PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
	Even though it was a down-year for Warrior football...one of the teams still one a SSL championship!  For highlights of the freshman season, be sure to click here.   Hats off to the Indians on an outstanding 8-1 (5-0 SSL) season!!
	Be sure to check out the Warriors stat sheet at the end of every weekend, which will have the latest and greatest on the defensive and offensive statistics for mountain football.
	Warrior Football was well represented this past Saturday in the big USC vs. Fresno State showdown, with #79 Chris Denman assuming his position at tackle for the Bulldogs.  The Trojans won a barn-burner, but Denman and the rest of the local-grown 'dogs should find solice that they almost beat the top team in the nation!  Way to go Chris!       WARRIOR PRIDE - #79 Chris Denman (center in both pictures) holds off blocks in Fresno State's 50-42 loss to USC.  The Trojans entered the game as the #1 team in the nation according to the BCS poll.
	Another congratulations goes out to the Lady Warriors Volleyball team for making it to the CIF Division III Section Championship game!  Even though the ladies lost, it was a great to see a tradition starting in Tehachapi for volleyball.  Great season girls, good luck in state! Almost a Title - The Lady Warriors Volleyabll team took the first game against Mt. Whitney 25-18 in the finals, but the Pioneers reeled off three straight set wins to take the Division III title.  VOLLEYBALL CIF DIVISION III PLAYOFF BRACKET
	Be sure to tune in each week to get the latest new, highlights, and commentary!  Thanks to all of you for logging in and supporting Tehachapi High School Warrior athletics!

Questions?  Concerns?  Corrections?  Send Tom Shea an email, he'd like to hear from you.