Friday's game a high alert matchup as Wolves seek sole possession of title

Celebration worthy events often require regathering one’s focus in short order.

For the American Canyon High football team, that moment has arrived. If you are a Wolves’ fan, there are many reasons to feel good as the team enters its regular season road finale against the Benicia Panthers at Drolette Stadium on Friday.

For the sixth time in as many seasons, there will be a Solano County Athletic Conference banner hanging in the gym. The only question is, will it be sole possession or shared? Make no mistake, Wolves players and coaches want the former. Greed is often viewed as a dirty word in the English language but for American Canyon this time, greed is good. American Canyon ensured itself no worse than a tie for the SCAC title with Friday’s 27-20 over the Vanden Vikings. I have covered several Wolves football games the past three years but I’d have have to look long and hard to find a more jubilant bunch after a win.

The excitement was justified.

The Wolves are 5-3 overall, winners of five straight, and 3-0 in SCAC. Benicia and Vanden, whose overall marks are 6-2 and 4-4 respectively, are 2-1 in SCAC. With a win over American Canyon, Benicia can create a three-way tie for the league title. Vanden hosts winless Fairfield on Friday. The Wolves will learn of their CIF Sac Joaquin Section playoff fate on either Saturday or Sunday after the game at Benicia. American Canyon will most likely be in the D-III bracket.

This is a week the Wolves coaching staff and players would be best served taking a page out of the Gregg Popovich book. Popovich has coached the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA titles in his 19 seasons at the helm. Popovich, who is one of the best coaches in NBA history, frequently uses the term “appropriate fear” when his team is seemingly in a position of advantage. Don’t get the wrong idea, appropriate fear does not mean you are scared of your opponent. It simply means you are smart and respect your opponent along with realizing nothing will come easy.

If there ever was an example of how one cannot use the common opponent theory, it was last season. American Canyon boat-raced Benicia 63-21 as the game reached running clock status. The Wolves improved to 6-0 entering the following week against Vanden. The Vikings then knocked American Canyon off the ranks of the unbeaten with a 24-21 win. Vanden players celebrated as if they won the Super Bowl. Given the excitement of the moment, it’s hard to blame them. One week later, however, while American Canyon was taking care of business beating Bethel 55-21, Benicia -- yes, that same Panther team the Wolves railroaded -- beat Vanden 36-28 to forge a three-way tie atop the SCAC. Yes, that same Vanden team that beat the Wolves one week earlier.

As for the 2017 edition, Vanden blasted Benicia 52-7. Yes, that same Viking team the Wolves just beat. Based on the common opponent/A leads to B theory, the Wolves should beat Benicia 52 points. Do I believe that will happen? No. I just never resist throwing shade at Jabronis that actually apply that theory.

This game also holds historical significance because both teams are leaving the SJS for the North Coast Section but will also be in different leagues. To no surprise, American Canyon, Vanden and Benicia has been a compelling three-way rivalry in football along with several other sports.

I hope the teams continue to play each other as nonleague foes but that’s another discussion for another day.

Whetting your palate for Big Game

The words are “Big Game.”

Use those words in Napa, CA, and the only question is the Blue & Gold of Napa or the Burgundy & Gold of Vintage?

The 46th edition of the football version will take place Friday at Memorial Stadium. The event is social as much as it is athletic in that the stadium packs in fans by the thousands for this contest. People who normally do not attend football games, make a special effort to attend this one.

The series has produced some great memories, including but not limited to 1977, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2002. Those games were all decided by a touchdown or less.

In recent seasons, however, the matchup has not been compelling on the field. Could 2017 be the year the trend changes? Napa has won 14 of the last 15 contests by an average score of 33.4-11.4 since 2002. The last time Vintage beat Napa was in 2005, 28-7. The current Crusher seniors would have been in kindergarten. Between 2002-2016, Napa went 131-44-1 with a CIF Sac Joaquin Section Div. I title in 2007 and went to the playoffs in every season. In that same span, Vintage went 65-88-1 with Dylan Leach being the fifth head coach in that time frame.

In 2017, however, the two programs have gone opposite directions. To that end, this contest is the first time in goodness knows how long where you can say Vintage has a legitimate chance to win and not be looked at as if you were drunk.

Napa’s program went sideways with a hazing scandal dragging the program through muddy waters. Without rehashing particulars too deeply, the scandal led to a power struggle between now former head coach Troy Mott and the administration. Mott and the entire varsity coaching staff resigned. The school had difficulty finding a replacement and was on the verge of cancelling the season before Jesus Martinez, who was the Indians JV coach and 2004 NHS graduate, was named Mott’s replacement. The program averted not having a season but the proceedings on the field have been difficult despite the best efforts of Martinez and staff. Napa is 3-5 overall and 1-2 in Monticello Empire League.

Vintage, however, has enjoyed a rebirth under Leach in his second season. The 1992 Vintage High graduate was a long-time Crusher assistant from 2000-2009 before spending 2010-2015 on Mott’s staff at Napa. Leach returned to his roots in April 2016. Vintage is 6-2 overall and 2-1 in MEL.

Regardless of Friday’s outcome, Napa will miss the postseason for the first time since 2001 while Vintage will qualify for the SJS Div. II playoffs and learn of its opponent and venue either Saturday or Sunday. With a victory, Vintage will seal its first seven win season since 2000.

With Vintage’s rebirth and Napa’s demise, Friday’s game becomes compelling. I say that more to celebrate Vintage’s rebirth rather than Napa’s demise. For many of the past 15 matchups, the narrative was “it’s not a matter of if Napa wins but by how much?” Though I changed careers and sports journalism is no longer my career, writing is still my passion via this blog and helping my former employer (Napa Valley Register) on Friday nights during football season. I have had many conversations with people on both sides. Right now, the narrative is, “This is Vintage’s chance to shift the balance of power.”

Another narrative throughout the season is that despite the record disparity, Napa played a more stringent nonleague schedule. I am generally pretty cynical about that topic because rankings have a subjective undertone. Plus, you can’t truly judge teams until they build up a body of work. Napa’s nonleague foes have an overall record of 18-27 with an average ranking score of 20.78 by calpreps.com. Vintage’s nonleague opposition has an overall mark of 16-27 with an average ranking of 16.26 by calpreps.com. While I’m not suggesting to treat that website as Gospel, it is a point of reference. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The other point of reference would be common opponents. Like most team’s in the immediate and extended Bay Area, both team’s had their season interrupted by the California wildfires that produced unsafe air quality. Vintage’s much anticipated matchup against Vacaville along with Napa’s game against Rodriguez were each cancelled.

The two common opponents are Wood (Vacaville), which is playing Vacaville Friday for a winner take all matchup for the MEL title, and Armijo (Fairfield). Napa lost to Wood 10-7 in overtime and beat Armijo 49-14. Vintage lost to Wood 24-21 and beat Armijo 44-15. Again, I’m just pointing it out as a reference not as a predictor.

The other subplot to this story is that it will be the last football game in which the two schools will meet as SJS opponents before moving into the North Coast Section next season to be in the same league with fellow Napa Valley schools Justin-Siena and American Canyon.

High school football players are also a prideful bunch. If you are a Vintage player you are saying, “We can be the group that stopped Napa’s dominance in the Big Game.” If you are a Napa player, you are saying, “We can’t be the first group to lose to Vintage.”

Time Out with Lindsay Martin -- 2018 St. Helena High senior

Vince D’Adamo: What have you enjoyed most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Lindsay Martin: Competing in athletics over the years has helped me in developing myself as an athlete and as an individual. It has taught me how to show leadership, how to have a passion, and how to work hard. Another aspect of the game that I have loved throughout the years is all the connections I have made. Whether it is playing on the school team and getting to meet girls in the grades above or below me, or playing club and being able to expand and meet new people outside of SHHS. During games and practices I enjoy the adrenaline and the teamwork, as well as being able to test my abilities and strive to improve my skills.

D’Adamo: What are your plans after high school?

Martin: After high school I plan on attending a four year university, preferably in California, and will be majoring in graphic design and minoring in photography. I am intrigued about going in this direction because I have always enjoyed drawing and have recently picked up photography, so I would like to be able to improve my skills on subjects I love and go into a field of work where I can use those skills.

D’Adamo: What has been your favorite class here at St. Helena High?

Martin: My favorite class that I have taken at St. Helena High would be Anatomy and Physiology. In this class we learned about the human body and it’s functions as well as doing a year long dissection of cats where we learned about their components. Not only is the class very interesting but it is taught by one of my favorite teachers Mr. O’Connor who manages to always keep the class interesting.

D’Adamo: Within your family who have been the most influential people?

Martin: Within my family the most influential person would be my older brother Dylan. Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to keep up with him, and looked up to him. He always motivates me to try new things and be more courageous. Without him there convincing me to expand my horizons there's a possibility that I would not be playing volleyball today. Over the years Dylan has taught me to be tough and independent. I remember my freshman year of high school it came around the time of homecoming and there was discussion of the annual powderpuff game and Dylan asked me if I was going to play and I told him I wasn’t but he convinced me to change my mind and sign up. Now here I am as a senior ready to play my fourth and final powder puff game. Watching my brother strive in three sports motivated me to keep working hard in Volleyball. Throughout the years I don’t think Dylan even realized how much I look up to him but he has definitely had an influence on shaping me into who I am today.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports, that you would most like to meet. What would intrigue you about meeting him or her?

Martin: There are so many historical figures that I would love the chance to get to meet but Kerri Walsh-Jennings would be at the top of my list, with a very impressive background in indoor and outdoor volleyball she is a legend. I would love to pick her brain about volleyball and probably could all day long. Hearing about her career from her perspective would be amazing. A 3 time gold medalist and a one-time bronze medalist, who’s has endured five shoulder surgeries and has managed to start a family through all of this must have some amazing stories to tell on how she managed her career, and kept her motivation, drive and passion for the game. She is a crazy tough and an incredible athlete who is an amazing role model to many athletes.

Examining the Eddie Effect for the Wolves

The season started by going sideways but four weeks later, help arrived on the scene.

Despite an 0-3 start and a season interrupted by wildfires in the Northern part of San Francisco Bay that produced unsafe air quality, the American Canyon High football team finds itself in a familiar position -- playing for a Solano County Athletic Conference title. The Wolves, who have won the SCAC every season since 2012 in either sole possession or shared fashion control their own fate.

Their two biggest threats, Vanden and Benicia, are squarely in front of the Wolves, who are 4-3 overall and 2-0 in SCAC. Vanden is 3-4 overall and 2-0 in SCAC. Benicia is 5-2 overall and 1-1 in SCAC but Vanden railroaded the Panthers 52-7 on Friday. Benicia hosts Vallejo and American Canyon the next week.

The Wolves started the season with a 36-34 overtime loss to Woodland. Then came a 28-14 loss to Vintage. Then came a 53-0 loss to an Inderkum team that is 9-0 and has outscored its opposition 489-70.

American Canyon got help one week later and has been a different team offensively since that point, going 4-0 and outscoring the opposition 158-75 comparing to 0-3 and getting outscored 117-52 in the previous three games. That help came via running back Eddie Byrdsong, who transferred to American Canyon from Vintage during the 2016-2017. By way of CIF rules, however, Byrdsong had to sit on the sidelines for the first 30 days of the school year, which amounted to three games.

The Wolves flexbone option offense features concepts rooted in the Houston split back veer. Like most option based offenses, there is the dive track, the pitch track or the keep track. The quarterback reads the defense on the fly and decisions are often based on the front side defensive end. If the end crashes toward the dive track, the quarterback’s correct read is to keep the ball and possibly pitch it. If the front side end, stays on the edge, in football speak known as “staying at home,” the quarterback gives the ball to the dive back.

In a perfect world, the dive back has a mix of Brahma Bull and breakaway speed. Andrew Rapacon fit that mold perfectly for a Wolves team that went 11-2 last season. Rapacon rushed for 1,387 yards on 137 carries and 21 touchdowns last season. The 5-foot-8, 180 pounder was a sledgehammer but also rarely got caught from behind.

Byrdsong is 5-10, 190, and has a more slender build than Rapacon but has not shown his breakaway speed. Byrdsong, however, has been the 18-wheeler rolling downhill for the Wolves offense that lacked such an element earlier this season. Byrdsong gets the grinding yardage inside while running back brethren Kama Aalona and Brenden Johnson along with quarterback LaVar Seay bring the big play element on the perimeter.

Though he filled in as the dive back in Byrdsong’s absence, Johnson was not the ideal dive back but the Wolves needed someone to play that position. Since Byrdsong’s insertion into the lineup, Johnson has finished runs with authority. In American Canyon’s 34-22 win over Mission (San Francisco), Johnson took a pitch from Seay, ran down the sideline for what appeared to be open field. Johnson dipped his shoulder toward a Mission defender and blasted him into next week on his way to a 64-yard touchdown.

In four games, Byrdsong has carried 53 times for 360 yards and two touchdowns. However, it is not necessarily what he has done, it is the opportunities he has generated for teammates. The effect is similar in basketball, you get a prolific scorer, teammates get open shots. In baseball, a prolific hitter gets his teammates better pitches to hit.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

BEFORE BYRDSONG

LaVar Seay

17 carries, 146 yards, two touchdowns

14 of 36 passing, one touchdown, no interceptions, 322 yards

Brenden Johnson

34 carries, 163 yards, one touchdown

Kama Aalona

15 carries, 69 yards

WITH BYRDSONG

LaVar Seay

15 carries, 196 yards, three touchdowns

20 of 29 passing, five touchdowns, one interception, 459 yards

Brenden Johnson

22 carries, 257 yards, three touchdowns

Kama Aalona

29 carries, 275 yards, five touchdowns

Time Out with Ryan Rockwood -- 2018 St. Helena High senior

Vince D’Adamo: What have you enjoyed most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Ryan Rockwood: I have enjoyed the spirit and growing closer together with my teammates throughout the years. Playing a sport gives me something to look forward to after the school day.

D’Adamo: What are your plans after high school?

Rockwood: My plans are to go to a four-year university and broaden my interests.

D’Adamo: What might you choose as a major? What intrigues you about going that direction?

Rockwood: I want to major in environmental sciences as I love nature and succeed in the science department.

D’Adamo: What has been your favorite class here at St. Helena High?

Rockwood:  My favorite class is AP psychology as it is actually interesting and teaches me about why people do certain things.

D’Adamo: Within your family who have been the most influential people?

Rockwood: Within my family, the most influential person has been my brother Payton because he set the bar high for me by going to UCLA and pushes me to be the best I can be.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports, that you would most like to meet. What would intrigue you about meeting him or her?

Rockwood: I would want to meet Jackie Robinson and ask him how he thrived even with all of the adversity and hate. I am intrigued by how he managed to tune out the negativity and be one of the best baseball players there is.

Getting the AC-Vanden football matchup back is a good thing

Sometimes a change in plan is a good thing even if it involves a more difficult path.

At a recent Solano County Athletic Conference league meeting, officials and administrators agreed to have American Canyon and Vanden High Schools play each other on Friday, Oct. 27, rather than their regularly scheduled games against Fairfield and Vallejo respectively.

The American Canyon Wolves and Vanden Vikings were slated to play each other in a highly anticipated SCAC showdown on Oct. 13. Mother Nature, however, had other plans with wildfires raging throughout the North Bay destroying numerous structures and producing unsafe air quality. As a result several games throughout the the region were cancelled. Various other games around Northern California, however, were cancelled on Oct. 20.

Vallejo Times Herald sports editor Matt O’Donnell wrote a column suggesting that the league forgo the regularly scheduled matchups involving American Canyon and Fairfield along with Vanden and Vallejo. O’Donnell’s column ran prior to the meeting. I can’t quantify if the league’s decision was based on what he wrote but I’ve got to think O’Donnell making his opinion known in the public domain opened some people’s eyes.

One solution would have been to make up the cancelled games, which would have lengthened the regular season and subsequently postseason. The problem is that the fires only affected certain areas because the ones unaffected still played their games. Since football only plays a game once per week, recovery time is a greater emphasis than other sports because of the physical nature. I would have been in favor of making up the cancelled games and shortening the playoff field. At most every level of sport, playoff formats are more watered down than a flat Budweiser.

From a personal and professional standpoint, I’m glad the league made this decision. For openers, there would have been nothing compelling about an American Canyon-Fairfield or Vanden-Vallejo matchup. While I mean no disrespect to Fairfield or Vallejo, those teams are a combined 3-10 overall and have mostly been God awful the past decade while American Canyon and Vanden are a composite 8-6 and have been perennial contenders.

Translation, American Canyon and Vanden likely would have railroaded Fairfield and Vallejo respectively. Sure, I could drum up a scenario like what happened in 2012 but I could also tell you that I’m a psychologist in Romania. To refresh your memory, Vallejo finished 3-7 overall and 3-2 in SCAC but in consecutive weeks beat American Canyon (33-28) and Benicia (28-19). That season, Benicia went 8-4 overall and 3-2 in SCAC and along the way defeated Patteson in the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Div. III playoffs 27-24. American Canyon went 11-2 overall and won sole possession of the SCAC, reaching the semifinals of the SJS Div. III playoffs before losing Oakdale, which reached the State title game.

The narrative before the 2017 campaign was that the SCAC title was going to be a battle between American Canyon, Vanden and Benicia. The reason would have been considered well-founded because one of those team’s has won the SCAC title since 2012, either sole possession or shared. The last time someone else won the SCAC title was 2011 with the Bethel Jaguars taking the crown.

After last night’s proceedings, both American Canyon and Vanden are 2-0 and tied for first atop the SCAC. American Canyon defeated Bethel 41-12 while Vanden boatraced Benicia 52-7.

American Canyon finishes the regular season at Benicia (1-1 in SCAC) on Nov. 4. The biggest reason I like the decision for the change is that with all three teams playing each other, it takes “what if” or “yeah but” out of the equation.

Vanden and American Canyon enter this contest 3-4 and 4-3 overall respectively.

Vanden’s nonleague foes have a combined record of 31-7 with a calpreps.com ranking average of 34.1. American Canyon’s nonleague opposition has a combined record of 28-10 with a calpreps.com ranking average of 20.24. The two teams have one common opponent: Vintage. Vanden handed Vintage its only loss of 2017, 14-0. Vintage defeated American Canyon 28-14. By that logic, Vanden should win this game 42-14. It always works out that way, right? Except the game has to play on the field. Sorry, I never resist the chance to throw shade at those who say, “Team A beat Team B by 17 while Team B only beat Team C by 14. Therefore Team A should beat Team C by 31.”

American Canyon is seeking its sixth SCAC title (solo or shared) in as many seasons before heading to the CIF North Coast Section. The interesting subplot to this game was that last season’s matchup at Vanden featured a Wolves team that was 6-0 and was outscoring teams 328-118, an average of 54.7-19.7. Vanden knocked the Wolves off the ranks of the unbeaten 24-21.

Given the fact that the Wolves were already humbled by starting 0-3, this game had their attention the moment they walked off Corbus Field on Friday. By no means am I suggesting the Wolves were overconfident last season but let’s also be honest, when a team goes 6-0 and wins decisively, it’s human nature to believe your own hype regardless of how much the coaches say all the right things.

Also, while the Wolves have won four straight after an 0-3, they have made enough mistakes that will prove costly against a better team. American Canyon, from coaches to players, know there are no more mulligans.

We should be thrilled we are getting the Vanden-American Canyon showdown after all.

It seems like forever since I wrote about sports

The date was October, 6, 2017. Why is that significant? I went to work like many Americans that day, more regionally like those who live in the Northern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in Napa, CA. Forty-hours later, however, lives would take a few off-ramps.

I went to work as a route sales representative for Alhambra Water in Contra Costa County with the route day going everywhere between Brentwood and Concord. After work, I proceeded to Napoli’s Pizza in Vallejo, CA for a pregame/post work meal. From there, it was off to Corbus Field in Vallejo as a freelance writer to cover the high school football game between the American Canyon Wolves and Vallejo Redhawks for the Napa Valley Register as I keep my passion afloat after leaving the newspaper industry with 18 years of experience as a sports reporter. I have enjoyed the career change but I love writing too much to let it go. On that night, the Wolves looked very solid in their Solano County Athletic Conference opener in beating Vallejo 41-12.

The two Napa Valley matchups I was eagerly anticipating the following week, with no slight at the others, were American Canyon hosting Vanden and Vintage visiting Vacaville. Could American Canyon avenge last season’s 24-21 loss and take a step toward winning sole possession of the SCAC? Could the upstart Vintage Crushers beat traditional Monticello Empire League power Vacaville?

Unfortunately, these questions were never answered. As of this writing, October 6, 2017, was only 11 days ago -- but it feels like 11 years ago.

There were 17 wildfires spread over four counties, burning thousands of structures and changing numerous lives. As of this writing, the death toll had reached 40 and the fire was collectively about 70-80 percent contained.

The Napa Valley Unified School District and most others had hoped to reopen schools Wednesday, more than a week after fires swept through the area and closed all the county's districts.

"We committed to making attendance decisions based on air quality, and the forecast for the week continues to include periods in the red (unhealthy) and purple (very unhealthy) zones," the NVUSD said on its Facebook page around midday. "There is just too much variability in air quality to be confident for an entire school day.

"We are committed to getting students back in school as quickly as possible, but only when the air quality situation is more reliably orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) or better."

The district said it would communicate separately with staff and faculty about when they would be expected to return to work.

As it pertains to athletics, the entire week of sporting events were cancelled and it’s not a slamdunk anything changes this week despite hope. NVUSD athletic director Jill Stewart said in an e-mail that practices were scheduled to resume Tuesday with both the district and county having a detailed plan pertaining to air quality due to the

fires.  Stewart added that as the air quality improves student-athletes will begin

practice and competition outdoors.

As of this writing, rain is in the forecast for Thursday night into Friday morning. If such is the case, that would speed up the containment of the fires and thus improve air quality. The only question is, would teams be given enough practice time to prepare for games? The real answer is no.

As a sports fan/blogger/freelance writer, I have conflicting emotions. I understand the safety aspect. Don’t get anything twisted, I believe safety should come first. As a sports parent myself, I understand that aspect even more. Selfishly, however, I want to see the student-athletes have sports as a healthy outlet.

Come to think of it, wasn’t I at Corbus Field 11 days ago? Or does it seem like 11 years ago?

What Napa strong means to me as a native

Life can be full of curveballs. The curveball that Northern California had thrown at it last Monday, Oct. 8, in the wee hours of the morning was nastier than anything Sandy Koufax or Bert Blyleven ever dealt.

Being a native of Napa, CA, I mainly focus on Napa County along with neighboring ones such as Sonoma County to the West and Solano County to the East and Lake County to the North. The 17 wildfires spread over four counties, burning thousands of structures and changing numerous lives. As of this writing, the death toll had reached 40 and the fire was collectively about 40-50 percent contained.

On the surface, last Sunday was like most any other, watch NFL games, relax and enjoy dinner with my wife and three kids. In between, I spent time blogging about two key upcoming high school matchups that involved Vintage at Vacaville and Vanden at American Canyon.

Posting the aforementioned blog item became a moot point when Napa Valley Unified School District athletic director Jill Stewart alerted that all school events throughout the week would be cancelled. Also as of this writing NVUSD closed all schools with sessions tentatively scheduled to resume on Wednesday.

As it pertains to my family, fortunately since we live on the valley floor here in Napa, CA, we are safe but breathing in the smoke has been unpleasant to say the least. Five of my immediate and/or extended families with D’Adamo and/or Santi lineage, however, evacuated their homes. As of this writing, they are safe and so too are their homes. I have friends and/or acquaintances, however, that were not so fortunate.

Even those not affected by the fire were forced to make due without electricity, phone service and internet access. As one who grew up without the internet, that was not a big deal but the lack of power and phone service made acquiring information and communicating a slow process. Many people not affected in Napa regained all three elements by Tuesday afternoon, as in Oct. 9. Given that I grew up without cell phones and internet, not having those elements were not a huge deal but having friends and family from afar text and instant message via Facebook not knowing our well-being was difficult. Lacking the aforementioned elements also made acquiring information and communicating a slow process.

While at present, the fire is far from over, things seem far less frightening now. Having lived in Napa for 39 of the 45 years I have been alive, we have seen earthquakes, floods and fires. This event, however, has been the most difficult to endure bar none. The earthquakes and floods were singular events. They come and go but within a few days, you are on to rebuilding your life. With this fire, wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour on Monday morning set the blaze out of control. The containment was also a process: a) evacuate lives, b) bring in resources from surrounding states to fight the fires and c) the actual process of containing the fire.

Granted, this disaster has been trying on the communities but it is also a reminder why I am proud to be a native Napan. Sure, the community has changed, for the better in some ways but in others not so much, but unless you are small town Mid-America how many hometowns stay the same? That story, however, falls into the “another discussion for another day” category.

The common denominator about Napa through all the aforementioned natural disasters, the community bands together. Local media (Napa Valley Register and KVON 1440 AM) gave round the clock updates. KVON opened its phone lines to eyewitness reports. Whether it was donating items to evacuation centers, providing a safe haven for those that had to leave their homes, or simply being neighborly has been absolutely refreshing. Granted, there are isolated incidents of selfishness but the outpouring of helping hands outshine that act.

As I drive around town and see signs reading things like “Napa Strong,” “We Will Rebuild,” “Thank a First Responder,” etc. gives the community like feeling that we are in this battle together. I get that Napa Valley is known as the Wine Country and people from all over the world come to see it. Tourists feed this valley but in times of crisis, this community’s ability to band together takes a back seat to very few. Translation, you don’t see nonsense such as looting and if it happens, it’s not tolerated. I hope we never lose that element where we circle the wagons in times of crisis.

I also hope life doesn’t deliver anymore curveballs like this one.

SIDEBAR STORY

While the fire avoided my parents’ home, they were evacuated for a week before returning on Saturday night. With roads being closed, I could not see if their home in rural Napa was spared since it was within a couple miles of the city limits. Based on information I heard from my oldest sister along with one of their neighbors, I was confident. However, when road closures were lifted, I had the chance to drive to the house and see it still upright. Regardless of how confident you are in second hand information, nothing beats visual evidence.

Sometimes passions take a back seat

Sometimes life delivers a dose of humble pie.

My Sunday, as in Oct. 8, went like most, watch Sunday NFL games, relax and enjoy dinner with my wife and three kids. In between, I spent time blogging about two key upcoming high school matchups that involved Vintage at Vacaville and Vanden at American Canyon. My narratives for both games were: a) Can the resurgent and upstart Vintage Crushers take down traditional Monticello Empire League powerhouse Vacaville? b) Could the American Canyon  Wolves deliver an I Owe You to Vanden, which defeated American Canyon 24-21 to knock them off the ranks of the unbeaten? Right now, thinking about those games seems like a lifetime ago.

I was ready to post that blog item before leaving Monday morning for work. Late on Sunday night, however, Mother Nature had other ideas as wildfires began tearing through Northern California including but not limited to Napa and Sonoma Counties. By Monday afternoon, 14 major fires burned throughout the state, according to Cal Fire. As of Wednesday, more than 20 fires are burning in Northern California over 170,000 acres. I’m not going to update anything beyond that information since the unpredictable wind patterns make the situation extremely fluid. Posting the aforementioned blog item became a moot point when Napa Valley Unified School District athletic director Jill Stewart alerted that all school events throughout the week would be cancelled.

As it pertains to my family, fortunately since we live on the valley floor here in Napa, CA, we are safe but breathing in the smoke has been unpleasant to say the least. Five of my immediate and/or extended families with D’Adamo and/or Santi lineage, however, evacuated their homes. As of this writing, they are safe and so too are their homes. I have friends and/or acquaintances, however, that were not so fortunate.

Even those not affected by the fire were forced to make due without electricity, phone service and internet access. As one who grew up without the internet, that was not a big deal but the lack of power and phone service made acquiring information and communicating a slow process. Many people not affected in Napa regained all three elements by Tuesday afternoon, as in Oct. 9. The good news on that front was being able to regain communication. I had people, family and friends, texting and/or instant messaging via social media curious as to our well-being. When I was slow to respond, they naturally became concerned.

I will resume blogging about my passion, sports, before too long but until there is at least reasonable resolution, that passion will remain on the pause button. Stay safe and use good judgment, people.

Time Out with Dawson Trent -- 2018 Napa High senior

Vince D’Adamo: What have you enjoyed most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Dawson Trent: My favorite thing would have to be winning and that athletics has opened up many opportunities for me.

D’Adamo: What are your plans after high school?

Trent: My plans are to play college football.

D’Adamo: What might you choose as a major? What intrigues you about going that direction?

Trent: I would like to get into law enforcement and become a game warden because I want to protect animals from people who hunt illegally.

D’Adamo: What has been your favorite class here at Napa High? What have you enjoyed most about it?

Trent: My favorite class at Napa High would have to be my TA period for Mr. (Ian) MacMillan last year. He was my football coach and he was always there for me no matter what.

D’Adamo: Within your family who have been the most influential people?

Trent: My dad because he has always guided me in the right direction through everything.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports, that you would most like to meet. What would intrigue you about meeting him or her?

Trent: Ryan Shazier, who is the middle linebacker for the Steelers. The way he plays the game is amazing and I would love to get some tips from him.

Time Out with Ethan Castillo -- 2018 Calistoga High senior

Vince D’Adamo: What have you enjoyed most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Ethan Castillo: What I have enjoyed most about competing in athletics throughout my life is that it made me more determined and competitive in everything I do.

D’Adamo: What are your plans after high school?

Castillo: My plans after high school are to go to a college of my choice then move out to a bigger city either Los Angeles or New York.

D’Adamo: What might you choose as a major? What intrigues you about going that direction?

Castillo: I am leaning towards business. What intrigues me about going that direction is that I want to be my own boss and working on my dream not building someone else's dream.

D’Adamo: What has been your favorite class here at Calistoga High?

Castillo: My favorite class at Calistoga High has to be Mr. Guttman's English class because he challenges me to work harder and he lets us expand on what we would like to learn throughout the year.

D’Adamo: Within your family who have been the most influential people?

Castillo: The most influential people within my family have to be my parents and my older sister because my parents always have my back and even though they take care of me and my sisters and also are paying bills they always manage to get their work done and still have time to relax and spend time with us. My sister is influential to me because she worked hard in high school and is now studying her major in college and even though she had struggles to make it there she didn't give up.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports, that you would most like to meet. What would intrigue you about meeting him or her?

Castillo: A historical figure that I would like to meet is Michael Jordan not just because of his success but because of his backstory he was just an average kid who didn't make his high school basketball team his sophomore year but that didn't stop him from going after his dreams next thing you know he's one of the greatest players of all time and has a shoe brand that to this day people of all ages are still wearing.