Monday, September 21, 2009

Novato Stingers vs Napa Raiders - Sept. 19



Ronnie Lott poses with the Novato Stingers at half-time


Mark Alvarez (21) kicks for a 2-point PAT.  Alvarez accounted for 11-points on the day!

The photos from this Novato Stingers game are now available on the 2009 Novato Stingers Shutterfly site.


Game Summary


The Novato Stingers swarmed the new field at Napa's Silverado Middle School and kept their unblemished record alive with another great performance. The defense was outstanding again holding Napa scoreless and four different Stingers came up with big interceptions on the day. The first was a huge take-away by Danny Dreher  (5) who then ran the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter. Not to be oudone, Dreher's defensive teammates Jordan Polera (6), Henry Dalton (7) and Paul Kunst (24) all had interceptions of their own during the game.


As good as the defense continues to be, the offense was equally up to the task on this sunny day in the wine-country. The scoring starting on the first drive with a Tommy Sanz (13) to Robbie Cassée (16) touchdown pass up the middle. Both that touchdown and the ensuing interception and return by Dreher were followed by 2-point PATs by Mark Alvarez (21) puting Novato up 16-0 early in the first quarter.


The Stingers scored almost at will in the first half. Touchdown runs by Alec Ball (12) and Ben Putman (10) were followed up with 1-point PATs on a run by Alvarez and another catch by Cassée to make it 30-0 in the second quarter. Alvarez capped the official scoring with a long touchdown run down the left sideline to close the first half with the Stingers up 36-0. 


Half-time included a once-in-a-lifetime opportuniy, with former San Francisco Forty-Niner and Oakland Raider great Ronnie Lott paying a visit to watch Novato in action. The players all lined up to shake Ronnie's hand and then had the chance to say hello and get a signature. While the boys may not have fully appreciated the greatness they were meeting, their parents certainly did, so it was a very special day.


With Novato scoring over 30 points, the "mercy rule" was invoked in the second half so the Stingers were limited to running the ball between the tackles, no passing and no further official point scoring. That didn't keep the Stinger offense from crossing into the end-zone a few more times though. The first was a unique opportunity for offensive lineman Brandon Caamal (43) on a fumble recovery and run to the end-zone for a should-have-been touchdown. And the final was a long run by Chris Fulsom (25) to daylight in the fourth quarter.


And through it all the Stinger defense was stingy once again and didn't give up a point all day.  That means the swarming "D" has only given 11 first downs, TOTAL, in three games!


Defensive standouts of note included Eugene Peugh-Wade, Sean McDevitt, Willie Cesterollo, Johnny Viezcas, Ryan Johnson, Hunter Wegner and Daylan Birlin.


Offensive standouts included Michael Sumpter-Blakely, Andrew Larkin, Joseph Navarro, Leonardo Madrigal, Moses Johnson and Anthony Balestreiri.


Final Score: Novato Stingers 36*, Napa Raiders 0
Stingers Record: 3-0


* The mercy rule was invoked at the end of the second quarter


Here are some additional highlight photos from the game:



Robbie Cassée (16) catches it for 6-points to start the scoring on the day.



Danny Dreher (5) scores after picking the ball off in the first quarter.



Alec Ball (12) on his way to a touchdown



Ben Putman (10) scores another touchdown in the second quarter.



Paul Kunst (24) comes down with an interception in the fourth quarter.



Brandon Caamal (43) crosses the end-zone to "score" in the third quarter


Cheers! - Jason

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