Time Out with Richie Hardwick: 2017 Vintage High senior

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

Richie Hardwick: What I have enjoyed most about competing in athletics so far in my life is the competition I come across whether it be week by week or year by year.

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

Hardwick: My plans after high school is to continue on to a competitive academic school that will help prepare me for a life long career and hopefully compete at a college level athletic program.

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

Hardwick: I have looked into many different majors but what interests me the most is business and marketing or digital media. What intrigues me the most in the business field is having the ability to understand the ins and outs of a company in a more detailed manner. What intrigues me the most about digital media is the creative aspect and having the will to do what I chose to do with certain projects.

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

Hardwick: My favorite classes that I have taken at Vintage High School have been business marketing and management as well as graphics and design. These have been my favorite because they have given me a look into what I would be doing if I were to choose either as a major in college.

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

Hardwick: Within my family my dad has been the most influential person to me because he is hardworking and no matter what, he does what needs to be done to support our family.

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/her?

Hardwick: A historical figure that I would most like to meet would be Charles Woodson because he is my idol and I would love to talk to him about his high school football career, how he came to be the player he is, about how was the transformation from playing college ball to playing in the NFL, and lastly I would like to ask him if any of his emotions changed for playing the game.

Kaep has first amendment rights but chose the wrong path

On the field, San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s elevator has gone from good to bad without even stopping at mediocre.

His fall from grace is not limited to there either. Unless you have been living in an igloo, Kaepernick made headlines for his refusal to stand during the National Anthem before the 49ers exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick later explained his reason.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Suffice it to say everything from traditional to social media has weighed in on the matter with views all over the map. Here’s where I stand:

For openers, though I do not like certain things about the United States of America, I will always stand with my hand over my heart during the National Anthem. Most will say you should honor the flag for the veterans that fought wars for the right of the first amendment, which is freedom of speech. While I have nothing but respect and admiration for soldiers and veterans, I think that argument is disingenuous. People use veterans and military to make their argument when convenient, then society tosses them aside as soon as they come back on American soil. How well is PTSD getting treated? How well are our veterans getting treated? Answer to both, not very well. Remember that next time you get on your honor the flag for veterans soapbox.

My reason for honoring the flag is because as a first generation American, my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles took a big risk to leave their home country of Italy to come to the USA which translated to make a better life for themselves, my brother, my sisters and cousins. They took that risk with no guarantee it would work but I remain eternally grateful they took that risk. If I didn’t honor the flag, I would feel like I was disrespecting them.

      

Freedom of speech is also a slippery slope. By definition, you have the right to say or do anything you want but you are not protected from the potential ramifications. As a white male, I can walk into any black neighborhood screaming racial slurs (including a word that rhymes with trigger). There is nothing in the US Constitution that says I can’t. However, just because I can do something, doesn’t mean I should. If I did that, it would not end well. Like, I would get my head put on a platter.

Kaepernick, or anyone, may not be required to stand during the National Anthem but that does not mean he should take that course of action. I am all for Kaepernick exercising his right to be an activist but he took the worst possible route of transportation to make his point. Seriously, what has he done to make a difference for the oppressed black people/people of color he makes reference toward? If he really wanted to make a difference, go on CNN, ESPN or any random TV or radio station and ask them to give you say 10 minutes to discuss the matter. They would have done it in a hot second. Another way he can make a difference is lecturing on college campuses or going to these oppressed neighborhoods.

Sitting during the National Anthem, retweeting, instagramming, and liking on Facebook accomplish absolutely nothing. Then there is the issue of should athletes and/or other forms of celebrities express views on politics, religion, and social issues? I don’t think they have an obligation to do so but if they feel passionate, they have every right to do so but understand that doing so will come with blowback and attaboys. You’d better be willing to deal with both, not just the latter.

Politics, religion and social issues are lightning rod subjects. Taking a “read the room” approach before going deep in these issues is the way to go. I have encountered many people that consider themselves passionate but at some point I shut them down by saying, “you may find someone that is willing to listen or engage with you but you are just as likely to find someone that does not want to listen to your soapbox. If that happens, you’d better take a hint.”

As for how this ties into Kaepernick’s future. The 49ers tried to trade him but found no takers and his contract is such that it will be costly to cut him. However, Kaepernick is no longer better than his problems. Teams can deal with a player being a distraction if he is making an impact but Kaepernick is no longer that player.

Crushers and Wolves a rivalry that could have staying power

Regardless of outcome, one way or the other, history will be made at Memorial Stadium in Napa on Friday night.

The historical mark is that Vintage and American Canyon High will play each other for the first time in football. Though the matchup was determined long before, it became maxpreps.com/internet official in March. For deeper historical significance:

http://vincedadamo.blogspot.com/2016/03/vintage-american-canyon-football.html

In a sense, you can say the matchup is long overdue given that American Canyon opened in 2010 while Vintage opened in 1972. When it comes to intra-Napa Valley rivalries, it begins and ends with the annual Napa-Vintage matchup. Though the game itself will always draw huge admission numbers, the rivalry has lost its luster mainly due to Napa’s dominance. The Indians have beaten Vintage 12 of the last 13 years, mostly in dominant fashion.

While I would never suggest that American Canyon will replace Napa as the Crushers’ rival, this is what is planned to be an annual matchup that presents an opportunity for another one to develop. Unlike previous Napa Valley rivalries, not named Napa-Vintage, this one is likely to have staying power.

You had a small school version of Napa-Vintage with the Vine Bowl when St. Helena and Justin-Siena met as well as St. Helena-Calistoga. Those matchups, however, are ancient history today. St. Helena and Calistoga have both existed for over 100 years but only played 46 times with St. Helena leading the all-time series 32-10-4. Do the math, that is less than half of the years. They have only played twice since 1989, St. Helena won both matchups going away 37-0 and 45-6 respectively. The biggest thing that contributed to the St. Helena-Calistoga series fading was that in 1985, the Saints joined the CIF Sac Joaquin Section and were in the same league as Justin. In turn, St. Helena’s rivalry emphasis turned away from the Wildcats and toward the Braves.

The Justin-St. Helena series later became known as the Vine Bowl. Though St. Helena won six of the first nine matchups from 1971-1979 and had a three-game winning streak from 1996-1998, the series edge is in Justin’s favor, 19-12 to be exact. In 2000, both St. Helena and Justin joined the North Coast Section but different leagues. The Braves went to the Marin County Athletic League. St. Helena rejoined the North Central League I. After 2001, the Vine Bowl series ended as both programs went in opposite directions. The two teams were in the same playoff bracket in 2011-2013 but never crossed paths.

As for today, St. Helena’s rivalry emphasis has shifted to Middletown and Fort Bragg. Calistoga has changed leagues too many times for me to count in which case, they do not have a clearly defined rival.

The closest thing American Canyon has to a rival in the Solano County Athletic Conference is Benicia, partially because the two communities are demographically similar but also are one high school towns. However, outside of those towns, does the rivalry raise your antenna?

With Vintage and American Canyon being in different leagues, there is still a separation factor but teams do not have to be in the same league to have a rivalry. It is also not out of the realm of possibility that American Canyon could be joining Vintage and Napa in the Monticello Empire League. Yours truly is already lobbying for such:

http://vincedadamo.blogspot.com/2016/04/american-canyon-high-would-be-good-fit.html

Both teams enter Friday’s game on a high note, having won their season opener. Vintage was a 36-2 winner over Bethel in Dylan Leach’s debut as Crushers head coach while American Canyon was a 41-8 winner over Woodland. However, given the quality of opponents, it’s hard to evaluate how good Vintage and American Canyon are at this point. I don’t mean that disparagingly but I doubt we’ll see Bethel and Woodland playing football on Thanksgiving weekend. However, you cannot control the opponent in front of you but to these teams’ credit, they took care of business and are 1-0.

This game is also an opportunity for both teams because the light will be on them. Think about about it, which other game in the Napa Valley is going to move the needle like this one? Napa, which whitewashed Casa Grande (Petaluma), plays a highly touted Rocklin team that narrowly lost to Grant (Sacramento) 21-20. The Indians are Ticket No. 1 in the Napa Valley but that game would move the needle at Memorial Stadium but not as much at Rocklin. Sure you’ll have interest but how many casual fans are going to fight the hot mess traffic on Interstate 80?

Justin-Siena hosts a highly-touted club at home, Sacred Heart (San Francisco). The Braves lost Brandon LaRocco’s debut as head coach, 48-14 to Piedmont. Sacred Heart defeated Terra Nova (Pacifica) 27-14. However, since Justin is a private school with students and alums outside of Napa, unless you are a Braves alum living in Napa, that game won’t move the needle.

St. Helena plays a Saturday afternoon game at Sir Francis Drake (San Anselmo). Since the Saints are a NCS Div. V, that game has ramifications because Drake is Div. IV. With a win, the Saints can boost their playoff seedings. Calistoga hosts Laytonville but not unless you are a Wildcats alum, does 8-man football raise your antenna? I am the last person that would disparage an Upvalley matchup since I spent over a decade covering St. Helena and Calistoga. I love both schools and both towns from here to the end of the Earth but St. Helena/Drake and Calistoga/Laytonville is kind of “meehhhh.”

American Canyon/Vintage, however, that game should pique your interest. Granted, until further notice, both teams are from good to very good but not elite. This game, however, intrigues me because it is a chance to see something new. In our world, people don’t like things that are new. This one though, bears watching.   

Burgundy & Gold of Vintage vs. the Black & Gold of American Canyon. Where else would you rather be?

Time Out with Paul Ripple: 1989 Justin-Siena High graduate

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

Paul Ripple: I could be magnanimous and say that watching John Prudenti run the hurdles, mostly from behind, was certainly something special that I will never forget, but that might go right to his head.  It also does not further my personal interests so I will say the pure enjoyment of competition.  I remember playing pickup soccer games every morning before school at Vichy Elementary School; just a mass of 6-7-8 year-olds, no leagues, playing for the fun of it. Competition in every sport provides exhilarating moments, as well as moments of pure athletic beauty.  I enjoyed experiencing those moments all through my school years, into college, and up until my hamstrings gave out playing flag football in my mid-thirties. I miss that.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Ripple: After graduating from St. Mary's College, where I played two years of lacrosse, I moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of a career in the movie and television industry. I think I missed performing in front of people from athletics, so I did some acting in college. A desire to eat, however, led to a career in transportation on movies and television shows.  Six years ago, I married my best friend and we have two beautiful children, ages four and two. We now spend most of our days chasing them around. They are very fast.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Justin-Siena High?

Ripple: The easy answer would be either Bob Morrish's English class or Mr. Amormino's Physics class. Morrish was such a unique character, and who could argue with launching model rockets, or water balloons from homemade catapults, and calling it learning.  However, I am going to say the class that I did the worst in my four years at Justin: Mr. Foletta's AP US History class. Up until his class, I always breezed through history classes by memorizing names and dates. He had a passion for history, and he challenged us to write by giving only short answer and essay tests. Once, the whole class complained, so he gave us a multiple-choice test. He devised the most devilish multiple-choice test I have ever taken, with multiple combinations of correct choices for each answer. We all failed it, and nobody complained again about short answer and essay tests. His passion must have rubbed off because I always maintained a deep interest in history, and a few years ago I felt compelled to pursue, and completed, a Masters Degree in Military History.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Justin-Siena High?

Ripple: There were so many. It is hard to choose just one. My favorite team moment was our JV basketball team winning the SCAL championship. A lot of things have to go right to win a championship at any level and Gordon Speck was a terrific coach who brought out the best in our class. My favorite personal moment was on the track, setting the school record in the triple jump. I had decided to play baseball my senior year and not compete in track.  As it turns out, hitting a curveball, or even a slow changeup, is not very easy.  Ground balls are also tricky things. Before long, my ineptness at the plate and in the field convinced Coach Steve Meyer that my talents were best used as a pinch runner. Mr. D (Frank Defilippis) and Coach Meyer, two fantastic coaches and human beings, allowed me to moonlight at a few track meets. I ended up setting the record at the subsection meet, a few weeks after tearing the meniscus in my right knee while long jumping. The doctor had told me not to do any sports, but he also told me I probably could not do any more damage to it. I figured this was going to be the end of my athletic career anyway, so I kept competing. I am very proud that the record still stands…unless someone broke it recently that I am not aware of…in which case, I'd like to change my entire answer.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Ripple: I have grown in so many ways; it is as if my high school days were someone else's life. Looking back, I was not a particularly mature high school student, and one of the ways that manifested itself was that I tended to be an emotional athlete. Emotion can certainly be a powerful tool to an athlete, but it can also work against you. Too often, I let my emotions get the better of me, and my performance suffered because of it.

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

Ripple: I was fortunate to have two older brothers who were very good athletes; they weren't as good as I was of course, but they did achieve a moderate level of success.  I vaguely remember something about a number one state ranking in football and some other random moments. They certainly have been positive influences in my life. My father, however, provided me with the best example of what a father, husband, and man should be.  He was a model of patience, integrity, and charity.  Although I try, I will probably never quite attain his degree of innate goodness.  He was simply the best man I have ever known.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Ripple: I would actually like to meet a guy like Allen Rossi.  To have had the success he has had, he clearly does something differently than most other coaches, and my impression is that he has done it while retaining the respect and admiration of his players.  I know he is no longer coaching, but maybe he will again one day.  I'd like to observe how he operates and see what it is he does that leads to that kind of success.  With two young children of my own, I imagine there may be some coaching in my future, and I would like to glean as much knowledge as I can before that day arrives.

Time Out with Steven Cooper: 1989 Justin-Siena High graduate

Vince D’adamo: What did you enjoy most about competing in athletics throughout your life?

Steve Cooper: The butterflies in the stomach and natural adrenaline that pumped through your body on game days. The smell of the grass and the glow of the lights will always stick in my mind. And, the strong friendships I developed from Fly League baseball to junior college football over that span will be treasured for a lifetime.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Cooper: After graduating from San Francisco State, I juggled grad school and internships including the most memorable with the Oakland Football Marketing Association working along Raiders legends Jim Otto, Ray Chester and others. Since 2001, I've worked at the communications agency Edelman (first 6 years in NYC until relocating to SF where I work now) in the health care practice managing PR and media relations for pharma, biotech and medical device industries.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Justin-Siena High?

Cooper: I look back fondly on a number of classes, but have to say Alex Urban's English class was the one that stood out the most. The passion he displayed acting out roles from passages in "The Great Gatsby" or Steeeiiiinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" made that class especially fun and interactive.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Justin-Siena High?

Cooper: Well, we didn't win many football games my varsity years having struggled with injuries and an 11th hour head coach change. The Vine Bowl win in St. Helena in the '87 is high on the list as it closed out a season of disappointment on a high note. However, I'd say from a single personal play highlight, the sack in my Sophomore year at John Swett HS in the closing seconds to seal the win stands alone.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Cooper: I didn't really know what I wanted to do after high school other than play football, which I did and won a lot of games at Solano C.C. My formal athletic career ended after those two seasons, but I took a great deal of learnings from these experiences with me including team comradery, determination to reach a shared goal and how to manage various forms of adversity.

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

Cooper: My father never really played catch or shot hoops with me due to health issues, but he rarely missed one of my games and volunteered as much as he could including judge roles at my varsity track meets. He was generally always there and looking for ways to be involved in my upbringing.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Cooper: From a pop culture perspective, I'd say John Lennon as I'm not sure any entertainer has made such an impact as great in music, arts and politics and I would have loved a conversation with him especially about today's world. From sports, I'd say the living legend Willie Mays. From stick ball in the streets of Harlem to chasing down 400 ft balls with circus catches in the Polo Grounds to mammoth home runs at Candlestick Park not to mention overcoming racism in the early years, there are so many classic, compelling stories he can tell.

Subplots pertaining to Napa Valley high school football

Having had a chance to cover every team from North to South in the Napa Valley in my 18 years as a sports reporter, I had a chance to travel as far North as Humboldt County, as far West as the Mendocino Coast, as far East as Grass Valley and as far South as Oakdale.

Six Napa Valley high schools combine for five different leagues with only Napa and Vintage being in the same one, Monticello Empire League. American Canyon (Solano County Athletic Conference), Justin-Siena (Marin County Athletic League), St. Helena (North Central League I) and Calistoga (NCL III/8-man) comprise the other five leagues.

In my previous blog entry, I scoured the Napa Valley landscape:

http://vincedadamo.blogspot.com/2016/08/2016-napa-valley-high-school-football.html

With this one, I’ll point out some dates to remember along with compelling info surrounding Napa Valley opponents:

Aberration or trend?

Wood (Vacaville) and Bethel (Vallejo) went opposite directions in 2015. Wood went 10-2 while Bethel went 0-10. That output is significant because from 2001-2014, Wood went 52-91-1 with just three seasons over .500. Bethel went 94-61-1 with just three seasons below .500. The question becomes, was last season an aberration or a sign of things to come?

For that matter, the same question could be posed for Vacaville, which went 5-5 last season. Since 2002, Napa and Vacaville have gone to virtually a dead heat in the win-loss column. In that span, Napa has gone 115-38-1 overall, 55-10 in MEL with one CIF Sac Joaquin Section Div. I title (coming in 2007). Vacaville has gone 116-37-1 overall, 56-9 against MEL clubs with a SJS Div. I title in 2006. The head-to-head matchups in that span are 7-6 in Napa’s favor.

Can the Falcons soar again with Randy Hood?

Hood’s last stint as Falcons head coach was 1998-2001. In his last season, the Falcons started 0-2 in 2001 only to win their next 10 games before losing in the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Div. I title game to Elk Grove (34-12). After struggling from 2002-2014, the Falcons showed promise last year in going 5-5. Hood will bring a sense of direction but there are no Desmond Bishops or Quinton Ganthers on the roster.

St. Vincent returns to NCL I

From 2005-2010, the NCL I was split into North and South, creating two five team divisions. Upper Lake and St. Vincent, however, went back to NCL II and later Bay Football League before again rejoining the NCL II. St. Vincent is back in the NCL I but in only football. From 2001-2015, the Mustangs went 36-35 against NCL I foes.

Could this season be like 2014 for St. Helena?

The Saints went 9-1 the last two regular seasons, each time the lone regular season loss came against Fort Bragg. In 2014, however, St. Helena was in Div. V but since they scored six wins against Div. IV teams, the Saints earned the No. 3 seed in the NCS Div. V playoffs. St. Helena reached the Section title game only to lose to Salesian (Richmond) 14-7.

In 2015, St. Helena was Div. IV but with five wins coming against Div. V foes, its strength of schedule weakened. As a result, St. Helena was the No. 9 seed in the NCS Div. IV playoffs and lost the rematch to Fort Bragg in the postseason. While it would be dangerous to assume a repeat, I feel confident enough to say that the Saints will have a strong regular season. As for the postseason, much depends on which teams they draw. The Saints have three Div. IV foes (Sir Francis Drake, Lower Lake and Winters). Those are the games St. Helena has to make it rain.

New local rivalry

American Canyon opened its doors in 2010. Before that year, a strong majority of AC kids went to Vintage. On Sept. 2, the two teams meet at Memorial Stadium in Napa for the start of a home-and-home series. When it comes to Napa Valley rivalries, the Big Game between Napa-Vintage is the bellcow. Though Napa’s dominance has taken away some of the luster, Vintage last beat Napa in 2005, this rivalry will always draw the most interest.

However, American Canyon-Vintage is a rivalry that is likely to have staying power because who knows, AC could be in the MEL someday. The other two local rivalries not named Napa-Vintage, however, did not have staying power. Justin and St. Helena had the Vine Bowl but that series was discontinued after 2001. St. Helena and Calistoga have existed for over 100 years but have only played 46 times in that span, just twice since 1989.

The return of Cotruvo and Vargas

This would definitely fall into the “save the date” category, as in October 14. Though Justin has been in the MCAL since 2000, it’s hard to say which is the Braves most truly-defined rival. However, those Justin-Terra Linda games just became compelling. The Trojans visit Justin for homecoming. The game will mark the return of long-time Braves head coach Rich Cotruvo and defensive coordinator/assistant head coach Steve Vargas.

Cotruvo and Justin “parted ways” in April. He subsequently became the head coach at Terra Linda. Long-time Braves assistant Brandon LaRocco replaced Cotruvo. Though neither Cotruvo or the Justin administration said anything publicly inflammatory, the nature of the departure no doubt left a few scars. The return will be emotional but like any other game, once the ball is kicked off, it’s about which team executes its game plan better.

Eight-man football makes sense long-term for Calistoga and Upper Lake

Calistoga and Upper Lake each have the enrollment, 240 and 264 according to the NCS website, to have the roster-size to play 11-man football. The program is finding a viable league. Both would get overwhelmed in the NCL I. Upper Lake tried that league once, from 2005-2010, going 14-47 in that span.

The BFL is a potential option but both teams have been there, done that. Regardless of league, both face a lot of travel. It’s just a matter of do you want to travel to Emeryville or Laytonville? At least in the 8-man league, they have a chance for constant success.

2016 Napa Valley high school football primer

Before applying paint, we often give the unpainted surface primer so as to prevent a blotchy looking surface.

When it comes to sports seasons at any level, the offseason is the primer, the regular season and postseason is the paint. High school football teams in Napa Valley, CA, applied their primer from January to August be it weight-room time, conditioning, 7-on-7, etc. The time for painting will be late August to December, if their team is fortunate enough to still be playing after Thanksgiving.

CIF Section title and/or State playoffs go into December. While it sounds optimistic that any of the six high school football teams in Napa Valley, from American Canyon to the South to Calistoga to the North, will reach that point, I say, “If you can’t be optimistic now, when can you be?”

Having spent 38 of 44 years of my life in the Napa Valley, I can tell you from North to South, it is a football community. Napa High had its times of greatness under Les Franco, Bob Herlocker and Troy Mott. Vintage had its greatness under Burl Autry and Mike Koontz. Justin-Siena had its greatness under Dave Shipp and Rich Cotruvo. St. Helena has enjoyed greatness under George Davis, Charley Toogood and now Brandon Farrell. Calistoga enjoyed its greatness under Jim Hunt and Dan Conner. Each school has also enjoyed its time of goodness to very goodness under other head coaches.

Even the new kid on the block, American Canyon, has established a level of success. In five varsity seasons, the Wolves have gone 37-20 and have either won sole possession or a share of the Solano County Athletic Conference title four times. Granted, the SCAC is not the high school version of the SEC but four league title banners in five seasons speaks volumes. The Wolves also have three playoff wins in that stretch.

While I am intrigued by all six high schools on various levels, the ones that bear watching are Vintage and Justin-Siena since both teams experienced a coaching change. At Vintage, long-time Crusher assistant Dylan Leach replaces Kyle Hofmann. Leach, who is a Vintage alum, returns to the Crushers after a five-year stint at crosstown rival Napa. At Justin, long-time Braves assistant Brandon LaRocco replaces Rich Cotruvo. What bears watching with any coaching change is what identity will the program develop? Also, what type of culture will be formed? Culture is about what happens Monday-Thursday, not necessarily Friday nights.

Four of the six Napa Valley teams open their season on Aug. 26: Woodland at American Canyon;

Napa at Casa Grande (Petaluma); Vintage at Bethel (Vallejo); Justin-Siena at Piedmont (Oakland). On Sept. 2, Calistoga opens its season at home against Laytonville. On Sept. 3, St. Helena visits Sir Francis Drake (San Anselmo).

Like any team and season, there are compelling storylines. The 2016 campaign figures to be no exception. Here’s a look in alphabetical order:

American Canyon: The Wolves have a returning starter at quarterback in Darren Antes (70-521-4 as a rusher; 45-120-8-1-825 as a passer), running back Andrew Rapacon (46-448-6) and wide receivers Gamon Howard (38-376-4) and Vaughn Johnson (6-89). The biggest loss for the Wolves is Nate Gutierrez, who started at tackle on offense and middle linebacker on defense. The SCAC figures to be a three-horse race between American Canyon, Vanden and Benicia.

While American Canyon’s nonleague schedule is not without its challenges, it is not as daunting as last season. The Wolves face Inderkum on the road for their toughest task. The Tigers went 12-1 with their lone loss being in the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Div. III title game to Oakdale. The Wolves also face Woodland and Armijo, which went a combined 5-15. The wild cards in the nonleague slate are Wood and Vintage, which went a combined 15-7 a year ago.

Calistoga: This might be the most unique situation to evaluate as it pertains to Napa Valley high school football teams because information is hard to attain on the North Central League III, which plays eight-man football. There are no nonleague games for Calistoga, just eight league games. The Wildcats have the numbers for an 11-man varsity team on a regular basis but they are likely in eight-man football for the foreseeable future because there is yet to be discovered a viable 11-man league where they can be competitive. The NCL III is likely a three-horse race between Calistoga, Upper Lake and Anderson Valley.

The Wildcats went 6-2 last season. With returning players such as quarterback turned running back Alvaro Torres (53-615-13) and fellow running back Alan Venegas (81-590-11), the Wildcats have an identity to repeat their success.

Justin-Siena: The Braves return senior quarterback Aidan Willard (40-91-631 as a passer; 114-744 as a runner), who is headed to Oregon State. Ron Carretti (running back/defensive back) and Ret Torlekson (tight end/linebacker) are also expected to play bigger roles for LaRocco. Even with Cotruvo’s departure, the Braves have more than enough talent to be an upper-tier MCAL team that enters the CIF North Coast Section Div. IV playoffs with a top five seed.

Justin plays Piedmont (9-3 in 2015), Sacred Heart Catholic-San Francisco (1-9) and Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland (7-6) for their nonleague schedule. Marin Catholic-Kentfield is the favorite to win the MCAL followed by Justin with Redwood-Larkspur, San Marin-Novato and Novato also being solid clubs.

Napa: In the top-heavy MEL, the Indians are a well-oiled machine by definition from the top on down thanks to a strong leader in head coach Troy Mott and a staff of assistants most anyone would envy. Leo Rodriguez (offensive tackle/defensive end), Austin Spinelli (quarterback/defensive back), and Kale Olmstead (running back/linebacker) are the Indians key players.

It will be another year of Napa and Vacaville fighting it out for the MEL title, possibly Wood. The Indians daunting nonleague games are Rocklin (10-4 in 2015) and Pleasant Valley-Chico, which was 12-1 and the NorCal runnerup in the State playoffs. Napa’s nonleague slate also includes Casa Grande-Petaluma (5-7), Pittman-Turlock (6-5) and Nevada Union-Grass Valley (1-9).

St. Helena: The Saints are also a well-oiled machine with head coach Brandon Farrell entering his ninth season. Like Mott, Farrell is also complemented by a strong group of assistant coaches. St. Helena also returns a starter at quarterback, Dylan Martin (63-133-12-9-1,050), wide receiver/defensive back Alfio Basile (82-602-5 as a rusher; 9-244-4 as a receiver; 620 yards on punt and kickoff returns combined) and linebacker/running back Austin Cia (61 tackles/4.5 sacks).

With the Saints being back in Div. V in the NCS, 2016 could shape up like 2014, when they reached the title game. With three Div. IV foes, the Saints strength of schedule will be rated higher, which could lead to a higher postseason seed. Though one can never sell Middletown short, the NCL I title is likely a two-horse race between Fort Bragg and St. Helena.

Vintage: Leach has received a hero’s welcome in his return to Vintage. Triston Schaumkel (128-783-3; 53 tackles), Fabian Barboza (67-416) and Richie Hardrick (16-309 as a receiver; 59 tackles on defense) are among the returning statistical leaders from last season. For much of the last 15 seasons, the Crushers have been an MEL-tweener in that they haven’t been good enough to be on the level of Napa and Vacaville but they have been bad enough to be on the plain of Armijo and Rodriguez.

The Crushers most stringent nonleague tests will be Woodcreek and Davis. Vintage also has three SCAC foes (Bethel, Vanden and American Canyon). Bethel was winless in 2015 while the American Canyon contest will be a highly anticipated one.

Time Out with T.J. Ross: 2006 Vintage High graduate

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

TJ Ross: At first the answer to this question is simple. The competition. I love to compete at the highest level against the best. The drive to be the best, and succeed is what keeps you moving forward. However, as time has passed the competitor in me has never left, but I realize now the thing I enjoyed most about athletics were the relationships that were created. These friendships far outweigh any win.

There is a bond that is created between people who come together for a common goal. Working alongside someone in the gym, the field, the classroom you get to truly know someone at a level not many people get to. You see a side of someone that truly reflects them as a whole, and set the foundation for these people in there life after athletics. I’ve created lifelong friendships with coaches, mentors, and teammates. These individuals have played, and will continue to play a role in my life. It’s a very humbling feeling knowing that you have these people in your corner.

D’Adamo: What have you been doing since graduating from high school?

Ross: After graduating Vintage I knew I wanted to play and compete at the next level. With no colleges interested at the time I went to continue my football career at Solano Junior College. It was there I was able to compete, earn a starting position on the D-Line and eventually earn all-conference honors and the team’s Defensive MVP during my two year stint as a Falcon. From Solano I was able to earn a scholarship to play football for the University of Sioux Falls where I finished my collegiate career as a nose guard assisting the Cougars in winning back to back National Championships (08’-09’), while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, with a minor in Criminal Justice in 2010.

After graduation I worked my way to become a General Manger of a local restaurant in Sioux Falls for a few years, then moved back home to California to the Sacramento area in 2012. I found a career in residential real-estate lending as a Mortgage Consultant after joining my current company Paramount Equity. It’s at Paramount where I met my wife and we were married in 2015. We just celebrated our one year wedding anniversary on the August 15 th and are expecting the arrival of our first child, a little girl in December. My football career has come full circle. This season I’ll be assisting as the D-line/Assistant Defensive coordinator for the Lincoln Jr Zebras Youth football program at the Midget level.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite class at Vintage High?

Ross: I really enjoyed history class. Learning about past civilizations, cultures, and American history. It’s always been very interesting to me to see how things “used to be”, and where we come from our pasts etc. While I was in Italy last year being able to see the monuments, statues, cathedrals I once studied was surreal. My wife and I talk about it all the time how much fun it would be to vacation on the east coast to see all the historical locations from our founding

fathers.

D’Adamo: What was your favorite athletic moment at Vintage High?

Ross: There were a few that come to mind, Kurt Buechler’s last second 3-pointer to beat Napa High in big game basketball at their house, the season that the Vintage JV baseball team won the MEL championship, led by Cam Neal, but the one that sticks out the most was the 2005 Big Game Football that Vintage won.

That year we started the year 0-3, Napa was the powerhouse it had always been, they came into that came with a perfect season. That game was for the MEL Championship pennant and Napa would hold it out right if they won, and if we won we would split the honors with them. It would also secure both teams a place in the playoffs. Big Game has such an energy about it in Napa’s community anyway, but this just sweetened the pot. Walking away with a W in that game, and how we did it was something special. It was a good way to send us seniors out, and defined that team in my opinion. No matter how big the moment, the game, or the adversity that needed to be overcome that team had the mentality of, “bring it”. It was an honor to play along all those athletes (both teams) and be a part of another MEL Championship Team for Les Franco and be a part of his historical career as a coach in the valley.

D’Adamo: How much do you feel you have grown personally since graduating from high school and how much of that do you trace to athletics?

Ross: It’s amazing at 18 how you think you have it all figured out. It’s after graduation when you leave the bubble is when you truly get introduced to the world. Being an athlete I contribute a significant amount of my personal growth to athletics.

Athletics teaches you discipline, work ethic, how to overcome adversity, to be a team player, most importantly how to lose and how to stand up and fight to be back on top. The list goes on, but I think you get what I’m trending towards. Being able to compete in athletics just builds that foundation of skills that I use every day.

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

Ross: My parents hand downs. I would never be where I’m at in my life professionally, and personally without them. They laid the foundation for me to grow and instilled in me the ability to embrace all that life has to give.

D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet.

Ross: Meeting Vince Lombardi would be pretty great. Being a packers fan for one, but also to experience how he conducted himself, how he demanded excellence, how he brought the most out of a person.