Monterey Bay Prep Report Article

It will be difficult for the Monterey Bay League to top last year's outstanding season that resulted in five section playoff berths and two Central Coast Section Football Championships, including its first CCS Division 1 title in 12 years. But many key players return to a league that has arguably become the top football league in the CCS. Over the past four years, the MBL has won five CCS titles, more than any league in the section. Over the same time period, the vaunted West Catholic League has won two section titles, the DeAnza Athletic League three section titles, and the Mount Hamilton Athletic League (3 leagues overall) four section titles. The MBL is certainly in a position to add to their postseason success of the past several years.

Ground Game Firepower
A total of 3607 yards rushing and 57 rushing touchdowns return in the form of Live Oak's All-MBL running back Donnie Murphy (954 rushing yards, 15 TD's), Palma's Nick Noroian (817 yards, 9 TD's), Hollister's League MVP Nick Buzzetta (636 yards, 14 TD's), Hollister's Steve Salcedo (617 yards, 10 TD's) and Salinas High's versatile MBL Special Teams MVP and All-MBL defensive back Christian Taylor (583 yards, 9 TD's). How run-oriented is the MBL? : five of the top six rushing teams in the area were MBL members last season. Only rushing leader Robert Luis Stevenson (3240 rushing yards) of the Mission Trail Athletic League and their Stanford-bound star Chris Bonifas surpassed Hollister and Palma (3091 rushing yards each), Gilroy (3005 yards), Live Oak (2389 yards), and Alvarez (2370 yards).

Top Notch Quarterbacks Return to Add Balance
How often does a league return two All-League quarterbacks, each of whom led their team to a CCS section title, and a third quarterback with CCS playoff experience? Not very often, but that is the case this year in the MBL. Not known as a passing league, the MBL returns 3000 yards of passing experience with Palma's All-MBL quarterback Luis Amaral (1067 passing yards , 12 TD passes), Hollister's League MVP Buzzetta (959 yards, 8 TD's), and Gilroy's Jesus Gaona (959 yards, 10 TD's). In a league dominated by the running game, the versatility of this trio may make the difference in the MBL title hunt. The trio's ability to throw the ball when necessary proved invaluable in the playoffs last year.

Can you say Defense?
The MBL is known for its punishing defense, and leading the way again this year will be Hollister's All-CCS and League Defensive Co-MVP Alan Renz. Hollister only allowed an impressive 989 yards rushing last year, including a paltry 35 yards rushing to Nebraska bound and Cal-Hi state athlete of the year Antwon Guidry in the CCS D2 title game. The three stingiest defenses in the area were Hollister (107 points allowed), Palma (122 pts), and Alvarez (133 pts), all MBL playoff teams. Look for more of the same this year, with Salinas High joining the pack. The Cowboys return a highly talented defensive group, anchored by All-MBL lineman Peter Medina, All-MBL defensive back Christian Taylor, and Conner Bonnetti at linebacker.

Early Favorites
It is no surprise that Palma and Hollister will again vie for the top spot in the MBL. Salinas High is in a great position to make a playoff run with a strong core of returning players. Gilroy, Alvarez and Live Oak look to challenge as well in a very physical league. Monterey and North Monterey County look to regain their playoff stature of two years ago. North Salinas looks to break into the playoff pack for the first time since 1996. Alisal looks to snap its three year losing streak of 32 games, the longest current streak in the state.

Palma
Last Season:	11-1-1 (7-1-1)
MBL Champs	CCS D1 Champs
Key Returnees
Luis Amaral	Quarterback
Nick Noroian	Running Back
Elliot Vallejo	Offensive Line

The CCS D1 champ Palma Chieftains enter the season with an ongoing state record of 17 straight league titles, but the Chieftains have had a bit of fortune on their side the last two seasons in keeping that streak alive. Last season, Hollister went undefeated on the field but was forced to forfeit 3 league games due to a player eligibility issue. Two years ago, the Chieftains shared the MBL title with Hollister and North County only after the Condors upset Hollister for an unusual tri-title. Playing Palma has the intensity of a playoff game for just about every team in the league, and everyone will be aiming to knock the Chieftains off of their unprecedented 17 year perch.

There will be little rebuilding of offense, where the Chieftains again appear ready to gear up their high octane offense. Last season Palma led all area teams with 4113 total offensive yards, and many key returnees look to improve on last seasons numbers. All-League quarterback Luis Amaral (6-4, 200) will again lead the Chieftain attack. Bruising Nick Noroian (5-6, 226) will also be back to punish opponents. Highly recruited Elliot Vallejo (6-8, 300) will anchor the Palma line at tackle, along with fellow returnee Erik Prader (5-10, 265). Added to the mix will be sophomore speed burner Luke Lippincott (6-0, 185), who clocked Palma's fasted 40 time.

Palma will have to replace most of its starters on defense, including seven players who were named to All-CCS, All-League and/or All-County postseason teams. But this seems to be the case every year, and the Chieftains always reload with talented juniors who were waiting their turn the year before. Returning corner second team All-MBL corner Luis Amaral will anchor the secondary, and linebacker Diego Placido will try and duplicate his heroics in the CCS D1 title game as a full time starter this season.

Hollister
Last Season:	10-3 (7-2)
CCS D2 Champs
Key Returnees
Nick Buzzetta	Quarterback
Alan Renz	Linebacker
Trent Young	Fullback
Steven Salcedo	Running Back

What a roller coaster for the Haybalers in 2000. First they roll off three straight victories to start off the season. Next they are forced to forfeit all three of their victories due to the use of an academically ineligible part time player. Then they roll off 7 straight victories, including an intense 16-10 victory of Palma. Then they find out they must play in the CCS Division 2 playoffs instead of the more prestigious Division 1 playoffs : the early season forfeits cost them too many playoff power points. Then Hollister rolls to the CCS D2 title.

With the administrative snafu's behind them, Hollister looks to challenge not only Palma's league title, but also Palma's CCS D1 title. Hollister is loaded with returning talent and leadership on both sides of the ball. League MVP Nick Buzzetta (5-11, 190) takes his final turn at the helm of the Haybaler offense, while All-CCS linebacker and League Co-Defensive MVP Alan Renz (6-2, 200) looks to shut down opponent's running game. Running backs Steven Salcedo (142 yards, 1 TD) and Trent Young (117 yards, 1 TD) racked up impressive yards in the preseason opener against Wilcox. Tight end Nason Vasquez (5-11, 190) and second team All-MBL lineman David Fara (6-1,225) will lead the push on the offensive line for the Haybalers. Look for linebacker Adrian Correa to have a standout year as well.

Gilroy
Last Season:	7-4 (6-3)
First Round CCS D2 Playoffs
Key Returnees
Jesus Gaona	Quarterback
Chris Thomas	Receiver
Will Lawrence	Tight End
Steven Dorn	Offensive Line

With a taste of postseason action last year, Gilroy looks to be the wildcard team in the MBL title hunt. Returning just about every skill player except MBL Offensive MVP Danny Gallo, the Mustangs will pack quite an offensive punch. Second team All-MBL quarterback Jesus Gaona (6-0, 170) returns at quarterback with 974 yards and 10 touchdowns under his belt. Gaona's favorite receiving targets return as well: All-MBL receiver Chris Thomas (5-11, 165) and All-MBL Tight End Will Lawrence (6-2, 200) combined for 43 receptions, 730 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. All-MBL offensive lineman Steven Dorn (5-10, 240) looks to provide pass protection. J.J. Mangono (6-0, 185) attempts to replace MVP Danny Gallo at running back, and if Gilroy's preseason opener is any indication, he is up to the task. Mangono rushed for 135 yards and 2 TD's on just 6 carries in a 49-14 romp of Mission San Jose.

Live Oak
Last Season:	5-5-1 (5-3-1)
First Round CCS D1 Playoffs
Key Returnees
Donnie Murphy	Running Back
Derrek Durkson	Defensive Line
Chris Lillenland	Linebacker

Mitty's 26-0 preseason dismantling of Live Oak leaves a few question marks about this perennial power's ability to challenge in the MBL this year. The inexperienced Acorns may be lacking speed at the skill positions, with the notable exception of All-MBL running back Donnie Murphy (5-9, 170). Murphy ran for 954 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior, both of which led the Acorns. Lightly used running backs Eric Silveria (3 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD) and Tom Bray (11 carries, 40 yards) look to make larger contributions this year to the Acorn offense. Tight end David Poder (6-5, 215) will look to contribute to the Acorn offense as well. Junior quarterback Michael Young (6-0, 200) started his first varsity game against Mitty.

Live Oak's strength appears to be on the defensive side of the ball, where they return defensive lineman Derrek Durksen (6-5, 260), linebacker Chris Lillenland (6-1, 200), safety Taylor Catrett and safety Albert Ramirez.

Alvarez
Last Season:	7-5 (5-4)
Second Round CCS D3 Playoffs
Key Returnees
Antuone Gamble	Running Back
Galen Perry	Running Back
Anthony Berlanga	Offensive Line

From the looks of their preseason victory over Aptos, Alvarez appears ready to challenge for its second consecutive CCS playoff berth. Galen Perry (5-8, 170) rushed for 119 yards and 1 touchdown, and Antuone Gamble (6-1, 195) rushed for 106 yards and 1 touchdown. Leading the way are all 5 of Alvarez's starting offensive linemen from last season, including All-County offensive lineman Anthony Berlanga. Quarterback Manuel Miranda (5-11, 175) made his first varsity start against Aptos, throwing for 96 yards.

Tough defense has been the Alvarez trademark, and key returnees should keep that Alvarez reputation in tact. Second team All-MBL linebacker Galen Perry and second team All-MBL cornerback Ricky Gavin hope to replace MBL Defensive co-MVP David Gibson, who was lost to graduation. Anchoring the defensive line will be Charles Sagil (6-1, 285).

Salinas
Last Season:	5-5 (5-4)
Key Returnees
Christian Taylor	Running/defensive back
Connor Bonnetti	Linebacker
Peter Medina	Defensive Line

After years of underachievement and losing seasons, the Salinas Cowboys look poised to take on all comers this year. The Cowboys manhandled MTAL favorite Pacific Grove with a smothering defense and explosive offense in the preseason opener at "The Pit". To say the Cowboys are loaded would be a serious understatement.

Key returnees are abundant on both sides of the ball, especially on defense where 10 starters return. Anchoring that defense is All-MBL/All County lineman Peter Medina (6-2, 260), All-MBL/All County defensive back Christian Taylor, second team All-MBL linebackers Connor Bonnetti (6-2, 225) and Brian Sanchez (5-10, 190), and second team All-MBL lineman Kevin Smith (6-4, 260).

On offense, the Cowboys return quarterback Thomas Incaviglia (6-1, 175) and the three leading Cowboy ball carriers from last season: dangerous Christian Taylor, who led the team with 583 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns; RaChard Williams (5-10, 185), who ran for 183 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Andy Palacio, who ran for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns. Throw in last season's leading Cowboy receiver Chris Choate (11 catches, 151 yards, 2 TD's) and you have a few reasons for optimism.

North Salinas
Last Season:	4-6 (4-5)
Key Returnees
Matt McKinstry	Quarterback
Alfonso Jimenez	Defensive Line
Steven Guerrero	Defensive Line

The Vikings strength appears to be on the defensive side of the ball, and that was demonstrated in North Salinas' 20-13 preseason loss to perennial power San Lorenzo Valley. Despite the Viking offense coughing the ball up seven times and gaining only 75 yards, the North Salinas defense kept them in the game, limiting S.L.V. to 73 rushing yards and forcing 4 turnovers.

The Vikings may have the most talented defensive line in the league. Alfonso Jimenez (6-3, 285), Steven Guerrero (5-10, 245) and Carl Nick (6-4, 300) will give up few rushing yards through the middle. On offense Matt McKinstry (6-3, 180) returns at quarterback along with running back Ismael Solis (188 yards, 1 TD) and receiver Michael Millarez (5 receptions, 142 yards, 1 TD). McKinstry threw for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, but he also led all area quarterback with 14 interceptions.

Monterey
Last Season:	3-7 (3-6)
Key Returnees
Curtis Freeman	Running back
Waskin Carter	Lineman
Dan Mercurio	Receiver

If Monterey wants to return to its playoff form of two years ago, they must take care of the ball. Last season the Toreadors turned the ball over an area worst 32 times on offense, with 18 fumbles and 14 interceptions. Turnovers haunted Monterey in their opening loss 15-8 loss to Seaside, with the Toreadors coughing up the ball 4 times on 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions.

On a team with few returnees, Monterey does return leading receiver Dan Mercurio, who caught 16 balls for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns last season for the Toreadors. Quarterback Dave Phillips (6-3, 220) looks to bounce back from a season ending injury suffered in last year's first game. Running back Curtis Freeman (6-0, 220) started the season off right with 74 yards rushing and one touchdown in Monterey's opening loss to Seaside.

Massive Waskin Carter (608, 370) and Ben Newman (6-4,295) look to anchor a very inexperienced Monterey defense.

North Monterey County
Last Season:	2-8 (2-7)
Key Returnees
Adam Beltran	Linebacker
Reggie Ducet	Running Back
Tim Hennesey	Running Back

North Monterey County opened the season with an impressive 18-0 preseason victory over Soquel. Leading the Condor defense will be middle linebacker Adam Beltran (6-2, 240) and lineman Tanner Bell (6-7, 295).

The Condors are deep at running back with returnees Reggie Ducet (5-11, 170) and Tim Hennesey, who combined for all three scores against Soquel. Untested senior Rob Stefanie (5-10, 175) started his first varsity game against Soquel and threw for 108 yards on seven throws.

Alisal
Last Season:	0-10 (0-9)
Key Returnees
Miguel Salas	Running Back
Usiel Arguelles	Running Back

Alisal will look to put their state leading 32 game losing streak to rest this season with a new coach and a new attitude. The Trojan's first priority must be improving against the run. Alisal gave up a whopping 3068 yards on the ground last season, which averaged out to 300 yards allowed per game. The Trojan's seem to be trying to address this problem, attending team defense camps this past summer in preparation for the 2001 campaign.

On offense, Alisal looks to improve on the 27 total points it scored last season. Good news returns in the form of senior running backs Miguel Salas (6-1, 185) and Usiel Arguelles, who bring 80 carries worth of experience to the Trojan offense. Both have already figured prominently in the preseason, combining for 127 yards and a touchdown in an opening night 15-14 loss to Soledad.