MISSOULA, Mont. - I just finished the three-hour drive from Spokane, Wash. to Missoula and the views were absolutely incredible. And that was just from the car.
But then I arrived in Missoula and it was like stepping into college football heaven. As soon as I exited the freeway, I saw Montana fans packing the streets on their way to the game. It reminded me of clips I have seen from an SEC or Big 12 college town hours before kickoff.
From college students to grandparents with their grandchildren, everyone is decked out in Grizzlie colors.
When UCD media relations director Mike Robles walked down one of the campus street on his way to the stadium wearing a UCD shirt, he had a friendly exchange with one older lady who politely told him that he was wearing the wrong shirt and offered to give him a red one for the rest of his walk.
When I finally navigated through the thousands of tailgaters to get to Washington-Grizzly Stadium, I was treated to another incredible view. Montana’s stadium is a 25,000-plus seat masterpiece, surrounded by large hills and will soon to be packed to the gills.
As I write this, four sky divers just landed one by one at the 50-yard line followed by 24 Harley Davidson’s driving in and parking on the field one driven by the Grizzlies' mascot and another by Benny the Bull from Chicago.
There was a flyover during the national anthem (which I couldn’t see from the press box) and it was capped off with a cannon blast.
The Grizzlies even had U.S. Olympian backstroker Aaron Peirsol, who won two gold medals and set two world records at Beijing on the field before the game.
It all adds up to another chapter on the Aggies' introduction to major college football.
In on the field news, running back Joe Trombetta. who broke out for 156 yards and two TDs last week and punter Brett Dickinson are both dressed but will be game-time decisions.
- Chris Saur
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Rams throttle Warriors
WINTERS - In a matchup of area teams on Friday, Dixon High scored three touchdowns in each half to blow out Winters, 41-0.
Rams quarterback Jeffrey Anderson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, a dazzling 23-yard jaunt in the first quarter. Anderson was 5-for-9 for 94 yards with no interceptions.
Dixon ran the ball extremely well after a tough opening week against Escalon. Mike Mercado did the most damage with 120 yards on 12 carries, including a 31-yard run with 41 seconds left in the first half.
The Warriors looked like they might score just before halftime as they used a nine-yard halfback option pass from running back Max Mariani to Ray McInire to get to the one-yard line. But Dixon stuffed Mariani on the next play to end the half. The Rams sacked Winters quarterback Kyle Tobler four times and recovered two fumbles.
For more on the game, check out Sunday's Enterprise.
Also, Woodland fell to 1-1 with a 22-12 loss to Whitney and former coach Mike Gimenez.
Pioneer fell to Rio Americano 26-13. The Patriots were shut out in the first half but used a interception return for a TD by Jacob Snethen and a 4-yard scoring run from Luis Garcia to cut into the lead.
Rams quarterback Jeffrey Anderson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, a dazzling 23-yard jaunt in the first quarter. Anderson was 5-for-9 for 94 yards with no interceptions.
Dixon ran the ball extremely well after a tough opening week against Escalon. Mike Mercado did the most damage with 120 yards on 12 carries, including a 31-yard run with 41 seconds left in the first half.
The Warriors looked like they might score just before halftime as they used a nine-yard halfback option pass from running back Max Mariani to Ray McInire to get to the one-yard line. But Dixon stuffed Mariani on the next play to end the half. The Rams sacked Winters quarterback Kyle Tobler four times and recovered two fumbles.
For more on the game, check out Sunday's Enterprise.
Also, Woodland fell to 1-1 with a 22-12 loss to Whitney and former coach Mike Gimenez.
Pioneer fell to Rio Americano 26-13. The Patriots were shut out in the first half but used a interception return for a TD by Jacob Snethen and a 4-yard scoring run from Luis Garcia to cut into the lead.
Friday, September 19, 2008
DHS football falls again
FAIR OAKS - The Davis High football team suffered its second straight blowout loss, this one coming by a 38-0 scoreline at the hands of Del Campo.
The Blue Devils didn't have much of an answer for the Cougar rushing attack, which finished with 305 yards on 58 carries. Mike Dimino led the way for Del Campo with 118 yards on 22 attempts.
DHS, meanwhile, struggled to get much going offensively and finished with just 93 total yards. They also turned the ball over four times - two fumbles and two interceptions.
Alex Bell was the leading rusher for the Blue Devils with 47 yards on 15 rushes. Quarterback Dane Denkers completed 4-of-11 passes for 35 yards and two interceptions.
Del Campo scored two touchdowns in each of the first two quarters and led 28-0 at halftime. The Blue Devils fell to 0-2 on the season while the Cougars are now 2-0.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Area stat leaders
The Davis Enterprise started its area stat leaders for football in Thursday's paper. Make sure to check it out.
Every week we'll chart how Davis, Woodland, Pioneer, Dixon and Winters high school players stack up against one another.
After the season, we'll pick a Player of the Year from among those schools. My early favorite would be Woodland quarterback Joe Felix, but there's plenty of football left to be played.
Every week we'll chart how Davis, Woodland, Pioneer, Dixon and Winters high school players stack up against one another.
After the season, we'll pick a Player of the Year from among those schools. My early favorite would be Woodland quarterback Joe Felix, but there's plenty of football left to be played.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Beer and golf at Land Park
I stopped by the National Golf League's "Suds on the Green" event on Saturday at William Land Park, not too far from where I live.
The NGL is based in Davis and is similar to the Ryder Cup. The founder is Davis' Bob Aube and the commissioner is Doug Powell, another Davis resident.
Here are a few photos I snapped between 1 and 2 p.m.
The first photo is of Davis Zone golfer Nate Allen, who was watching his drive on the ninth hole.
Not sure who the second gentleman is but he looked to be having a good time.
The Sacramento Eagles won the tournament with 29 points, followed by the Zone (27), Silicon Valley Drivers (27), Sonoma Martin Breakers (26) and East Bay Power (20). Look for a follow-up about the event in Monday's paper.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday Night Lights
DIXON - I was at Dixon High on Friday night to check out the new football field. I have to say - very impressive facility. Enterprise photo editor Wayne Tilcock mentioned that it puts Davis High's Halden Field to shame, and he's right.
As for the Rams, they lost the opener to Escalon, 32-14. The score is a little deceiving as the Cougars took advantage of short fields three times in the second quarter, scoring three of their touchdowns.
When Escalon had to drive the length of the field, Dixon made the Cougars earn their yards. Escalon settled for two field goals, and the Rams forced two turnovers as well.
Dixon quarterback Jeffrey Anderson is a player of watch out for later in the year. He is poised in the pocket and he has a nice touch on most of his throws. He connected on touchdown strikes of 61 and 59 to Rhiley Norton and Laroy Jones. The Rams dropped two potential touchdowns as well. Dixon did not run the ball very effectively, although Escalon deserves credit for some of that.
Former Davis High and UC Davis star David Butterworth is off to a good start with Pioneer. The Division III Patriots knocked off Division school Will C. Wood 26-21. Woodland shut down Bert Salinas' old school. Lincoln, 17-0. Winters is 1-1 after a 14-7 loss to Willows. Kyle Tobler scored on a one-yard run for the Warriors.
In case you missed it, Davis High School starts the slate on Saturday at Folsom.
As for the Rams, they lost the opener to Escalon, 32-14. The score is a little deceiving as the Cougars took advantage of short fields three times in the second quarter, scoring three of their touchdowns.
When Escalon had to drive the length of the field, Dixon made the Cougars earn their yards. Escalon settled for two field goals, and the Rams forced two turnovers as well.
Dixon quarterback Jeffrey Anderson is a player of watch out for later in the year. He is poised in the pocket and he has a nice touch on most of his throws. He connected on touchdown strikes of 61 and 59 to Rhiley Norton and Laroy Jones. The Rams dropped two potential touchdowns as well. Dixon did not run the ball very effectively, although Escalon deserves credit for some of that.
Former Davis High and UC Davis star David Butterworth is off to a good start with Pioneer. The Division III Patriots knocked off Division school Will C. Wood 26-21. Woodland shut down Bert Salinas' old school. Lincoln, 17-0. Winters is 1-1 after a 14-7 loss to Willows. Kyle Tobler scored on a one-yard run for the Warriors.
In case you missed it, Davis High School starts the slate on Saturday at Folsom.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
More WAC connections
Cal Poly and Fresno State have agreed to play two football games in Bulldog Stadium, the Mustangs announced on Wednesday.
The rivalry, discontinued after the 1985 season, will resume on Sept. 4,
2010. The Mustangs and Bulldogs also will play on Sept. 7, 2013.
"We've been talking to these guys for a long time and I am glad it¹s finally
nailed down,² Cal Poly coach Rich Ellerson said in a press release. "It's great for our players and our fans."
UC Davis has played San Jose State the last two seasons and has fellow Western Athletic Conference foes Boise State and Fresno State on the docket for 2009.
You might remember that Fresno State coach Pat Hill causing a bit of a stir in August when he said he thought UCD and Poly might end up in the WAC eventually.
Speaking of the Mustangs, their game at McNeese State on Saturday in Cowboy Stadium has been cancelled due to the potential effects of Hurricane Ike on the city of Lake Charles, La.
Now with only 10 games on its football schedule - Football Championship
Subdivision schools were allowed to schedule 12 games this season - Cal
Poly is pursuing efforts to schedule another opponent for Sept. 27 or Oct.
11, according to a release.
The rivalry, discontinued after the 1985 season, will resume on Sept. 4,
2010. The Mustangs and Bulldogs also will play on Sept. 7, 2013.
"We've been talking to these guys for a long time and I am glad it¹s finally
nailed down,² Cal Poly coach Rich Ellerson said in a press release. "It's great for our players and our fans."
UC Davis has played San Jose State the last two seasons and has fellow Western Athletic Conference foes Boise State and Fresno State on the docket for 2009.
You might remember that Fresno State coach Pat Hill causing a bit of a stir in August when he said he thought UCD and Poly might end up in the WAC eventually.
Speaking of the Mustangs, their game at McNeese State on Saturday in Cowboy Stadium has been cancelled due to the potential effects of Hurricane Ike on the city of Lake Charles, La.
Now with only 10 games on its football schedule - Football Championship
Subdivision schools were allowed to schedule 12 games this season - Cal
Poly is pursuing efforts to schedule another opponent for Sept. 27 or Oct.
11, according to a release.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Armstrong in Davis?
You may have heard some of the reports that Lance Armstrong may be attempting a comeback in cycling.
Well, the Austin Business Journal is reporting that may include five major tours, including the 2009 Amgen Tour of California.
The Amgen Tour starts and ends its first stage in Sacramento, on Feb. 14, and then starts its second stage the next day in Davis, ending in Santa Rosa.
The Armstrong story was reported without attribution by cycling journal VeloNews on its Web site Monday.
However, the report may be more rumor than truth, according to his former sporting director.
Well, the Austin Business Journal is reporting that may include five major tours, including the 2009 Amgen Tour of California.
The Amgen Tour starts and ends its first stage in Sacramento, on Feb. 14, and then starts its second stage the next day in Davis, ending in Santa Rosa.
The Armstrong story was reported without attribution by cycling journal VeloNews on its Web site Monday.
However, the report may be more rumor than truth, according to his former sporting director.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Denham's health
Some tidbits that didn’t make it into the UC Davis/Central Arkansas preview for Friday’s paper:
The Greg Denham era will officially begin this Saturday when the heralded sophomore quarterback starts for the Aggies (0-1) against the Bears (1-0).
But while Denham’s ability to throw deep and accurate passes should give the Aggie offense a boost, don’t forget that the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder missed three weeks of preseason camp. And this was not just any preseason camp - it was his first as a starting quarterback.
Denham said after practice that he thinks he will be fine, but admitted that the time off did affect his timing and footwork and that it takes a little time to get trust back in his knee after the strained MCL.
Head coach Bob Biggs said “Quite honestly, he is a little bit rusty.”
One thing to note, however, is that Denham should not be as affected by playing on the road and sleeping away from home as some of his teamates. That’s because Denham will be living in a hotel room for the next few weeks even when he is in Davis as his apartment isn’t ready yet.
Speaking of the Aggies being on the road, Arkansas has been seeing very heavy rain steadily since Tuesday morning as part of Hurricane Gustav's many negative effects on the South. UCA’s practice schedule has not, however, been drastically affected since the Bears have a $2.5 million indoor practice facility.
Head coach Clint Conque did say though, that his team can’t kick in the facility and with a brand new kicker and punter this season, that might hurt their preparation.
- Chris Saur
The Greg Denham era will officially begin this Saturday when the heralded sophomore quarterback starts for the Aggies (0-1) against the Bears (1-0).
But while Denham’s ability to throw deep and accurate passes should give the Aggie offense a boost, don’t forget that the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder missed three weeks of preseason camp. And this was not just any preseason camp - it was his first as a starting quarterback.
Denham said after practice that he thinks he will be fine, but admitted that the time off did affect his timing and footwork and that it takes a little time to get trust back in his knee after the strained MCL.
Head coach Bob Biggs said “Quite honestly, he is a little bit rusty.”
One thing to note, however, is that Denham should not be as affected by playing on the road and sleeping away from home as some of his teamates. That’s because Denham will be living in a hotel room for the next few weeks even when he is in Davis as his apartment isn’t ready yet.
Speaking of the Aggies being on the road, Arkansas has been seeing very heavy rain steadily since Tuesday morning as part of Hurricane Gustav's many negative effects on the South. UCA’s practice schedule has not, however, been drastically affected since the Bears have a $2.5 million indoor practice facility.
Head coach Clint Conque did say though, that his team can’t kick in the facility and with a brand new kicker and punter this season, that might hurt their preparation.
- Chris Saur
Big crowd in Conway?
Central Arkansas seems to be embracing its football team quite well this season. The opener against Henderson State drew 12,158 fans.
It will be interesting to see what the Bears-Aggies game draws with University of Arkansas home and playing Louisiana-Monroe at the same time.
Coach Clint Conque talked about his team on the school Web site.
It will be interesting to see what the Bears-Aggies game draws with University of Arkansas home and playing Louisiana-Monroe at the same time.
Coach Clint Conque talked about his team on the school Web site.
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