'09 Football Playoffs - Novato Stingers vs. Esparto Spartans

Danny Dreher and Ben Putman showing their Novato pride for the playoffs!

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


Mountain Valley Youth Football League - 2009 PeeWee Division II Playoffs 


Game Summary


The first round of the 2009 PeeWee Division II Playoffs for the Mountain Valley League (MVL) of American Youth Football (AYF) took place on Sunday, November 8th in Northern California. The Novato Stingers entered the playoffs seeded first with an official record of 6-1 (7-1 overall). The eighth-seeded Esparto Spartans travelled to the Novato High School field for an 11 AM game on a beautiful sunny day for football.


Novato lost the coin toss and Esparto elected to receive the ball to start the game. Things started off well for the Stingers as Ben Putman (10) returned to action after a 4-game stint on the injured reserve, and promptly stripped the Spartan kick-returner of the ball and Henry Dalton (7) pounced on the fumble to give Novato the ball in Spartan territory. The Stinger Offense quickly established itself as Alec Ball (12) ran the ball for a 28-yard touchdown which Marc Alvarez (21) followed with a 2-point PAT field goal giving Novato a 8-0 lead.


The Novato defense quickly showed its stuff too, holding Esparto to a rapid 4-down and out on their first drive. It was an often repeated theme throughout the rest of the afternoon.


The Stingers second drive went 3-plays, capped by a 15-yard Tommy Sanz (13) pass to a wide-open Robbie Cassée (16) for a touchdown. The PAT attempt was thwarted by Esparto, making it 14-0 for Novato.


After holding Esparto to another 4-and-out, Novato drove the field for another score, this one a 12-yard pass from Sanz to a wide-open Dalton for another six points and a 20-0 lead.


On the Spartans third drive, Novato held tight again for a 4-and-out and then the offense took two plays for another score - this time a 42-yard run by Putman puting the Stingers up 26-0. A significant lead already, early in the second-quarter, and they were only getting warmed up!


The Spartans drove for a first down in their next drive, but the defense held tight once again taking the ball over on downs. Novato's fifth drive again resulted in a score, this time a 10-yard run by Ball and another 2-point kick by Alvarez for a 34-0 lead going into half-time.


Novato received the ball first in the second-half and promptly drove the field again. This time, Angelo Lagomarsino (9) pushed the ball in for a 2-yard score. The Stingers were hit with a big 15-yard penalty on the PAT attempt, pushing them to the 20 yard line. Undaunted, Sanz quickly hit Cassée on a quick out and he barreled his way in for another point and a 41-0 lead.


Things went from bad to worse for the Spartans, as Danny Dreher (5) intercepted the ball on the third play of Esparto's next drive. Novato quickly capitalized again, this time on a 50-yard, sideline-to-sideline scramble by Alvarez, and a 47-0 score.


The Stingers took the ball away again on the next drive when Cassée stripped the ball and Hunter Wegner (18) quickly recovered the fumble. Alvarez scored again, this time on a 35-yard run, and Lagomarsino followed it with a rushing PAT.


The defense made it three-take-aways-in-a-row, when Paul Kunst (24) intercepted a pass on the Spartans next drive. Novato quickly scored again on a 55-yard touchdown run by Ball.


Novato held Esparto to a 4-and-out again and Chris Folsom (25) capped a drive with a 3-yard touchdown run wrapping up the scoring on the day.


"The kids really played well on both sides of the ball today," said Coach John Jones. "The defense locked them down while the offense had a perfect day (10 touchdowns in 10 drives!) We'll work hard again this week to make sure we're ready for round two."


Final Score: Novato Stingers 67, Esparto Spartans 0


Next Up: Southern Marin Broncos


Here's are some photographic highlights from the game:

Ben Putman (10) is back with a vengence, stripping the ball on the opening kick-off

Alec Ball (12) follows Angelo Lagomarsino's (9) block on one of his 3 TD runs

Robbie Cassée (16) running to the end-zone after a catch

Henry Dalton (7) awaits the ball on the way to his touchdown

Marc Alvarez (21) jukes on a 50-yard sideline-to-sideline touchdown run

Cassée strips the ball and Hunter Wegner (18) gets ready to pounce on the ball.

The defense harassing the Spartans again.

Cheers! - Jason

Novato Stingers vs Florin Phantoms - Oct. 24

The Stingers swarm the Florin Phantoms in Stockton

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


Game Summary
The Novato Stingers travelled to Stockton for a hot saturday afternoon game against the Florin Phantoms at Weston Ranch High School. Novato won the coin toss and quickly got things rolling on the offensive side with a two-play drive as Alec Ball (12) ran for a 22-yard touchdown only 42 seconds into the game. The PAT attempt was no good so the Stingers were up 6-0.


The Novato defense stopped the first Florin drive flat for a quick 4-and-out to get the ball back. It was a theme that would be repeated throughout the day as the swarming Stinger defense locked-down another opponent.


Novato scored again with another quick two-play drive, capped by a 13-yard Angelo Lagomarsino (9) run and a Danny Dreher (5) recovery in the end-zone for a touchdown. Mark Alvarez (21) kicked a two-point PAT to bring the score to 14-0.


Lagomarsino's ensuing onside kickoff was recovered by Ball and the Stingers were quickly at it again. Chris Folsom (25) back from a three-week layoff for an injury ran the ball 35-yards for a touchdown with 5:39 remaining in the second-quarter. With the addition of another Alvarez two-point PAT, the Stingers were up 22-0.


Novato added another quick score on Florin's next drive when Daylan Birlin (59) intercepted a pass and returned it 10-yards for a touchdown. Folsom ran for the PAT and Novato lead 29-0.


The Stingers would score once more in the first-half, when quarterback Tommy Sanz (13) hit a wide open Robbie Cassée (16) in the end-zone for a 9-yard touchdown with 2:30 remaining in the half. With the score 35-0 the "mercy rule" was invoked meaning the clock would run unstopped for the remainder of the game and that Novato could no longer pass and only run the ball between the tackles.


Novato would have scored once more in the fourth quarter on a 60-yard run by Ball with 6:30 remaining.


The Novato defense returned with a vengeance and held the Phantoms to no-first downs and no points in the game, giving the Stingers seven shutouts on the year.


Final Score: Novato Stingers 35*, Florin Phantoms 0
*mercy rule invoked with 2:30 remaining in the second-quarter


2009 Regular Season Scoring: Novato Stingers 209, Opponents 19


2009 Stingers Regular Season Record: 7-1


Here are some additional photo highlights from the game.

Alec Ball (12) busts loose for the game's first score!

Angelo Lagomarsino (9) pulls a pile of Florin tacklers toward the end-zone... 

...and Danny Dreher (5) smothers the loose ball in the end-zone for a TD

Daylan Birlin (59) ruturns a 2nd Quarter interception for a touchdown

Chris Folsom (25) returns to action with a bang with this 35-yard TD run

Robbie Cassée (16) is all alone in the end-zone for a 2nd Quarter TD catch

A Florin runner learns what it's like to run into a swarm of Stingers 

...more swarming Stingers piling on a Florin runner

Coach Rich Putman gets soaked in the post-game celebration

Cheers! - Jason

Novato Stingers vs Johnson Warriors - Oct. 18

Paul Kunst (24) gets behind the Johnson defense for a catch, long-run and TD!

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

Game Summary

In their away white jerseys and home black pants, the Stingers hosted the Johnson Warriors on a sunny, cool and windy day at the Novato High School field. Novato won the coin toss and got the ball first and things looked good to start as Alec Ball (12) had a stong return and the Stingers started with excellent field position. But the Warriors held the Stingers to a three-and-out and the game quickly devolved into a defensive struggle. The Stingers threatened to score with the ball inside the Warriors five-yard line, but were unable to do so. At the end of the first quarter the game was still scoreless.


With 6:00 minutes remaining in the second quarter, the vaunted Stingers defense finally yielded their first points of the year, after 25 straight shutout quarters. After a long touchdown run Johnson scored the PAT and Novato was down for the first time all year, 0-7.


The Stingers quickly drove the ball back down the field on a combination of strong running and pass plays culminating with a critical fourth down attempt on the two-yard line. The Johnson line stopped Novato's attempt and took over on their own 1-yard line. Unfortunately, the Johnson running back burst through the middle on the very next play and ran the entire 99-yards for a seconds score.  The teams went to half-time with Johnson up 13-0.


Novato came on strong in the second-half, with Johnny Viezcas (82) recovering Angelo Lagomarsino's (9) opening kick-off giving the ball to the Stingers. Novato wasn't able to capitalize and gave the ball back to Johnson. The Novato defense then had a stop when a swarm of defenders combined to strip a Johnson runner of the ball and it ended up in the hands of Hunter Wegner (18). That's when the Novato offense really came alive, with Ball throwing a half-back pass to a streaking Paul Kunst (24) who got behind the Johnson defender,  caught a deflected ball and ran for a long touchdown. Mark Alvarez (21) kicked a two-point PAT and Novato was only down 13-8 with 3:10 left in the third quarter.


Novato made a big play on the ensuing kick-off, with Alvarez pouncing on another Lagomarsino onside kick. Alvarez followed it up with a streaking 21-yard run and Novato was seemingly back in control. Only, this time it wasn't meant to be. Novato fumbled on the Johnson 25 and gave back the ball.


In the fourth quarter, Johnson intercepted a long pass and then returned it for their third touchdown of the day with 7:18 left in the game. They missed the PAT, but Novato was down 19-8 and time was running out.


While Novato couldn't pull together another score in the final minutes, defensive lineman Ryan Johnson (54) gave them one last chance with a late fumble recovery in Warrior territory.


"This is a tough loss for us," said Coach John Jones, "but the kids played hard and didn't give up. We really beat ourselves in this one. I guess it will be a good lesson as we look at closing out the regular season next week and prepare for the playoffs."


Final Score: Johnson Warriors 19, Novato Stingers 8


2009 Stingers Record: 6-1


Defensive Points Allowed: 19! (over 7 games)


While the outcome wasn't what we were used to, the game was still exciting. Here are some pictures highlighting the great play during the day.

Quarterback Tommy Sanz (13) rolls out right and throws... 

...to a diving Robbie Cassée (16) for a catch during the Stingers second drive

The Stingers give up their first points of the year after 25 shutout quarters

Daniel Hopkins (33) fires up the Stingers at half-time

Johnny Viezcas (82) comes up with his second onside kick in two weeks!

A Novato "swarm" strips the ball and Hunter Wegner (18) ends up with it

Mark Alvarez (21) comes up with an onside kick in the third-quarter

Daronn McCall (14) fights for yards in the fourth-quarter

Ryan Johnson (54) fights for a fumble late in the game

Cheers! - Jason

Novato Stingers vs Rancho Cotate - Round 2 - Oct. 11

Mark Alvarez (21) on his way to six with a little help from Robbie Cassée (16)

Danny Dreher (5) upends a flying Cougar in the second-half

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


Game Summary


The Stingers hosted the Rancho Cotate Cougars at the Novato High School field for a rare home-and-home opportunity.  While the teams have played twice in 15 days, this time the chilly, overcast playing conditions in Novato were in stark contrast to the 100°scorcher in Rohnert Park on September 27th.


The Stingers won the coin toss and elected to take the ball first.  The Novato offense wasted no time at all as quarterback Tommy Sanz (13) quickly teamed up with Mark Alvarez (21) for a 42-yard catch and run for at touchdown.  Angelo Lagomarsino (9) followed it up with a run for the extra point and the Stingers were up 7-0 after two plays.


Things only got better for Novato as Johnny Viezcas (82) recovered an onside kick-off and the Stinger offense was at it again.   After a quick drive down the field, Alvarez ran the ball in from the 3-yard line for his, and the team's, second touchdown of the day.  


With Novato up 13-0 the second quarter proved to be a tight defensive struggle, with the teams exchanging the ball on downs a few times before the Stingers broke through again after a long drive.  Lagomarsino walked into the end-zone for a score at 2:30 left in the half and Sanz hooked up with tight-end Robbie Cassée (16) for a catch and run for the PAT.  The teams left the field at half-time with Novato up 20-0.


Novato came out strong again in the second-half, with the defense giving up only two more first down, for a total of three on the day.  After holding the Cougars on their opening drive, Novato quickly scored again, this time on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Sanz to a streaking Cassée who was wide-open down the middle of the field.  Alec Ball (12) ran the ball in for the PAT and a 27-0 lead.


The Stingers closed out the scoring with 1:30 left in the third-quarter on a 15-yard touchdown run by Ball.  With the score at 33-0 the "mercy" rule was invoked for the fourth straight game and the game wound down quickly under a running clock.


"I'm really proud of the guys today," said head coach John Jones. "We were down a couple of key players today and the team really stepped it up to cover for them.  Some of our regulars elevated their game and a few others filled in with some great play.  Like I told the kids all week, we have good players and even though we have a few guys out, we can continue to win if we work together." 


Final Score: Novato Stingers 33*, Rancho Cotate Cougars 0
* Mercy rule invoked with just over a minute left in the third-quarter


2009 Stingers Record: 6-0


Defensive Points Allowed So Far: 0 !!!!!

Johnny Viezcas (82) comes up with the ball on our 1st kick-off

Mark Alvarez (21) sheds another tackle on the way to his second TD

Robbie Cassée (16) hauls in a Tommy Sanz pass on the way to six

Angelo Lagomarsino (9) pushes his way in for six

Alec Ball (12) has the goal-line in sight!

Daronn McCall (14) runs for a bunch in the third-quarter

Hunter Wegner (18) gets mauled from behind by a Cougar

Cheers! - Jason

Novato Stingers vs Esparto Spartans - Oct. 4

Chris Folsom (25) strips the ball on the Spartans opening drive!

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


Game Summary

The Stingers played their second home game of the season, this time against the Esparto Spartans on a warm, breezy day at Novato High School. In a rare change-of-pace, the team wore their white "away" jerseys with the "home" black pants to better offset the dark blue Spartans uniforms. What did not change was the way the Stingers defense swarmed the opposition. While allowing only three first-downs on the day, Novato held Esparto scoreless, making it five straight shut-outs for the Stingers.

And while the defense held firm, the offense was off and running early. After winning the coin toss, Novato elected to receive the ball and quickly drove the field. Ben Putman (10) ran for a quick 2-yard touchdown and followed it up with a rushing PAT giving the Stingers a 7-0 lead.

Not to be outdone, the defense quickly took the ball back when Chris Folsom (25) stripped the ball and Robbie Cassée (16) pounced on the fumble.

It got ugly from there, as speedy Alec Ball (12) racked-up rushing touchdowns of 13, 60 and 30-yards to give the Stingers a 28-0 lead by early in the second quarter. With 1:30 left in the first-half, Mark Alvarez (21) scored on a 60-yard catch and run for a touchdown bringing the score to 34-0 and invoking the "mercy rule" for the third-straight game. That meant no more "official" scoring for either team, and the Stingers could only run the ball between the tackles while the clock would run without stopping for the rest of the game.

While quick, the second-half was more of the same, with the Stingers defense holding firm, and the offense moving the ball on the ground. On their second drive of the half, Putman ran the ball 15-yards into the end-zone with 1:10 left in the third quarter officially not-scoring what would have been another 6 points. He actually had to do it twice because the first time it he was called back for running outside the tackle, negating the play.

In all, another commanding performance by the entire Stingers team who were playing a little short-handed with two starters out for the game.

"The kids played great again today," said head coach John Jones after the game. "Next week, we'll line 'em up and play hard again. These guys just don't let up, which is good because we're sure to face some stiff competition as we work through the second-half of the season."

Final Score: Novato Stingers 34*, Esparto Spartans 0

2009 Stingers Record: 5-0

Defensive Points Allowed: 0 !!!!!

* The mercy rule was invoked before the end of the first-half

Ben Putman (10) on the first of his two end-zone runs of the day.

Alec Ball (12) rushing for one of his three touchdowns on the day.

Mark Alvarez (21) caps a 60-yard catch and run for the score. 

Robbie Cassee (16) and Hunter Wegner (18) harass the Spartan QB

Paul Kunst (24) tackles a Spartan for a loss.

Cheers! - Jason

Novato Stingers vs Rancho Cotate - Sept. 27

Novato players wear their game stickers with pride.

The Novato Stingers defense again held the opponents scoreless!

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


Game Summary


The Stingers descended upon the grass turf at Mountain Shadows Middle School for 2:00 PM game against the Rancho Cotate Cougars.  With the game time the temperature approaching 100 degrees it promised to be a scorcher.


The Broncos won the coin toss and elected to take the ball first.  This meant the Novato defense had the opportunity to quickly establish itself again with couple of solid defensive stops and an Alec Ball (12) interception of a short pass in Rancho Cotate territory.  The Stinger offense took advantage of the field position with a short drive and a Ben Putman (10) touchdown run for 10 yards followed by a 2-point PAT kick by Mark Alvarez (21) (Note: at this level the kicking PATs are worth 2-points and the running PATs are worth 1 point).  Stingers up 8-0 early.


After another stingy defensive stand, Novato got the ball back deep in Cougar territory.  Ball quickly took the ball 27 yards for a touchdown.  The PAT kick was low, making it 14-0.  


Heading to the second-quarter, the defense held again, capped by Robbie Cassée's (16) blocked punt giving the Stingers the ball back in Cougar territory.  Ball quickly ran the ball to the 2, setting up quarterback Tommy Sanz's (13) first touchdown of the year. Alvarez followed it up with another 2-point PAT kick giving Novato a 22-0 lead at half-time.


The second-half proved no different for Novato with a strong opening drive capped by Alvarez's 40-yard touchdown run to make the score 28-0. 


Following a Cougar fumble with 2:45 left in the third-quarter, the Stingers drove the field again culminating in Ball's 7-yard touchdown run to bring the score to 34-0, invoking the "mercy rule" again.


With the scoring capped, the Stingers would have scored again on their last play, a 60-yard run by Putman, but the buzzer sounded for a hard-fought 34-0 Novato win.


While the entire defense made the difference all day, Gene Peugh-Wade (8), Hunter Wegner (18) and Chris Fulsom (25) stood out for exceptional plays.


Final Score: Novato Stingers 34, Rancho Cotate Cougars 0


2009 Stingers Record: 4-0


Defensive Points Allowed So Far: 0 !!!!!

Gene Peugh-Wade (8) makes a spectacular tackle in the 2nd Quarter

Hunter Wegner (18) sacks the Cougar quarterback.

Ben Putman (10) dives in for the first TD of the game

Tommy Sanz (13) lines up over center before diving in for a TD

Mark Alvarez (21) runs for a TD - he also accounted for 4 points kicking PATs.

Alec Ball (12) runs for his first of two TDs on the day.

Cheers! - Jason