By definition, primer is a substance used as a preparatory coat on previously unpainted
wood, metal, or canvas, especially to prevent the absorption of subsequent layers of paint
or the development of rust.
wood, metal, or canvas, especially to prevent the absorption of subsequent layers of paint
or the development of rust.
If you have not processed the idea of high school football games in California starting in
mid-August, you are not alone:
mid-August, you are not alone:
The weekend of Aug. 17, high school football games begin in earnest for all six Napa
Valley high school teams.
Valley high school teams.
There are three more weeks of Kool Aid season. Every team is better than it was a year
ago. Every team has more unity than last year. Every team is working harder than it did
last year. Every team is also 0-0. I say, “If you can’t be optimistic now, when can you be?”
ago. Every team has more unity than last year. Every team is working harder than it did
last year. Every team is also 0-0. I say, “If you can’t be optimistic now, when can you be?”
I have always subscribed to the theory that every season has its own identity. It’s almost
like having a DNA all to its own. On Friday, Aug. 17, there are four games: Deer Valley
(Antioch) at American Canyon, Justin-Siena at Piedmont, Vintage at Wood (Vacaville)
and Napa at Pitman (Turlock). On Aug. 18, St. Helena opens its season with a home game
against Arcata. On Aug. 24, Calistoga opens its season by hosting South Fork (Miranda).
like having a DNA all to its own. On Friday, Aug. 17, there are four games: Deer Valley
(Antioch) at American Canyon, Justin-Siena at Piedmont, Vintage at Wood (Vacaville)
and Napa at Pitman (Turlock). On Aug. 18, St. Helena opens its season with a home game
against Arcata. On Aug. 24, Calistoga opens its season by hosting South Fork (Miranda).
Like any team and season, there are compelling storylines. The 2018 campaign figures to
be no exception. The biggest offseason storyline is American Canyon, Napa and Vintage
vacating the CIF Sac Joaquin Section for the North Coast Section. Napa, Vintage,
American Canyon and Justin will join the Vine Valley Athletic League with Casa Grande
(Petaluma), Sonoma and Petaluma.
be no exception. The biggest offseason storyline is American Canyon, Napa and Vintage
vacating the CIF Sac Joaquin Section for the North Coast Section. Napa, Vintage,
American Canyon and Justin will join the Vine Valley Athletic League with Casa Grande
(Petaluma), Sonoma and Petaluma.
Here’s a look in alphabetical order:
AMERICAN CANYON
For the fourth time in eight seasons, the Wolves are hitting the reset button. Larry Singer
resigned on May 24 and as of this writing is in the process of moving to South Carolina
with his family. John Montante was hired in late June.
resigned on May 24 and as of this writing is in the process of moving to South Carolina
with his family. John Montante was hired in late June.
The Wolves went 55-28 under their three previous head coaches (Ian MacMillan, Ernie
Lawson and Singer) with six SCAC (Solano County Athletic Conference) titles, sole
possession or shared. Does a new league mean, different song, same verse?
Lawson and Singer) with six SCAC (Solano County Athletic Conference) titles, sole
possession or shared. Does a new league mean, different song, same verse?
CALISTOGA
The Wildcats will also have a new face on the sideline as Jim Klaczak replaces Mike
Ervin. By all appearances, Calistoga is in the North Central League III, which plays
eight-man football, for the foreseeable future.
Ervin. By all appearances, Calistoga is in the North Central League III, which plays
eight-man football, for the foreseeable future.
The Wildcats went 17-7 in Ervin’s previous three seasons. Can Calistoga continue its
success at the eight-man level since getting to an 11-man league with enough competitive
equity does not appear likely?
JUSTIN-SIENA
With Brandon LaRocco entering his third season as head coach, 2018 figures to be a
telling season. The Braves’ first two seasons under his helmsmanship have delivered a
record of 6-13. Justin reached the CIF North Coast Section Div. IV playoffs last season
before losing to Moreau Catholic (Hayward).
telling season. The Braves’ first two seasons under his helmsmanship have delivered a
record of 6-13. Justin reached the CIF North Coast Section Div. IV playoffs last season
before losing to Moreau Catholic (Hayward).
The Braves are vacating the Marin County Athletic League after 17 years to join the VVAL.
In Rich Cotruvo’s time as head coach from 1997-2016, Justin prided itself on the small but
mighty mentality. That mindset will be put to the test against the likes of Napa, Vintage,
American Canyon, Casa Grande, Petaluma and Sonoma.
In Rich Cotruvo’s time as head coach from 1997-2016, Justin prided itself on the small but
mighty mentality. That mindset will be put to the test against the likes of Napa, Vintage,
American Canyon, Casa Grande, Petaluma and Sonoma.
NAPA
The school formerly known as Indians is going into what amounts to a full blown reset.
Napa is going through its third coaching change in as many seasons and for the first time in
goodness knows how long there is no Napa High lineage to the current coach.
Napa is going through its third coaching change in as many seasons and for the first time in
goodness knows how long there is no Napa High lineage to the current coach.
Tom Pettithome was hired as athletic director in June and replaced Jesus Martinez 10 days
later as head coach. Was last season’s 3-6 a trend or aberration? What will the program reset
resemble?
later as head coach. Was last season’s 3-6 a trend or aberration? What will the program reset
resemble?
ST. HELENA
The Brandon Farrell era has been largely a success since coming to California from
Illinois in 2008. During which time the Saints have gone 76-37. Last season and the
conclusion of the 2016 campaign, however, the Saints hit a valley. Since Oct. 21, 2016,
St. Helena is 3-8.
Illinois in 2008. During which time the Saints have gone 76-37. Last season and the
conclusion of the 2016 campaign, however, the Saints hit a valley. Since Oct. 21, 2016,
St. Helena is 3-8.
The problem the Saints face is that the North Central League I has been less top heavy
the last four seasons. In past years, St. Helena had the talent to overcome the improvement.
With pieces from a 10-0 JV coming to varsity, can the Saints begin to reverse their
negative momentum?
the last four seasons. In past years, St. Helena had the talent to overcome the improvement.
With pieces from a 10-0 JV coming to varsity, can the Saints begin to reverse their
negative momentum?
VINTAGE
There is a lot of buzz on Jefferson and Trower Avenue. With head coach Dylan Leach
entering his third season, the Crushers appear poised to continue that trend of upward
mobility. Vintage’s main rivals, Napa and American Canyon, face uncertainty with new
coaches.
entering his third season, the Crushers appear poised to continue that trend of upward
mobility. Vintage’s main rivals, Napa and American Canyon, face uncertainty with new
coaches.
In the meantime, the Vintage looks like a picture of stability. The Crushers have gone 12-8 in
Leach’s two seasons. How does Vintage handle the role of “hunted” versus “hunter?” The
program seems to have another H word -- hunger.
Leach’s two seasons. How does Vintage handle the role of “hunted” versus “hunter?” The
program seems to have another H word -- hunger.
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