Falcons working to keep football league title Falcons working to keep football league title (September 03, 2004)

Coach Sweeney directs team to focus 'one game at a time'
by Heidi Massie

After a thrilling and challenging 2003 football season that included taking the East Bay Athletic League title with a 9-2 overall, 6-0 EBAL record, the Foothill Falcons are looking to repeat last year's success, and then some. They cleaned house in the league but lost in the first round of North Coast Section playoffs against Pittsburg. Their only other loss was to football powerhouse De La Salle High School in a non-league game.

"We'll try to do the same as last year and go further in NCS," said head varsity coach Matt Sweeney. "But it's a long road to get there." Sweeney should know, after coaching Foothill for 19 years. "We take one game at a time," he said.

The team began practicing with full gear last week in the first official week of the high school football season. Coach Sweeney kicked up the intensity of the practices, running plays up and down the field, including special teams plays, with the speed of a real game.

"We're working hard to fix our mistakes now and get better to face the big teams on our schedule," explained Sweeney. The Falcon game schedule includes some heavy-hitting teams in non-league games with Berkeley, Bishop O'Dowd and Skyline. "We played Skyline last year and won, but it was a tough win," added Sweeney.

Foothill has 25 returning seniors who are experienced playing big teams, especially after the game with De La Salle. Leading the Falcons as quarterback is senior Brandon Crawford, with a powerful pass. Backing up Crawford is junior Tony Smith.

The leaders on offense include running backs Willie Keck and Tim Arioto, fullback Dan Georgatos, and wide receiver Matt Closson. The offensive is anchored by Paul Rivera at center and Luke Slupesky at tackle. Key players on defense are linebackers Georgatos, Arioto and Kendal Shomura.

To add to the Falcons' experienced varsity team, Sweeney brought in new coaches. Up from JV is Ken Newberry to coach defense, along with John Manion, and Nick Amato is coaching the offensive line.

Though Foothill is the team to beat this season in the EBAL, the league is very competitive. Of course, the Falcons' seniors look forward to going head-to-head with Amador in November, but Sweeney will direct the team to focus on a game at a time.

"Our goal this year is to go out and play with energy each week, and see what happens," said Sweeney.
JV preview

Foothill's JV team plans to take the league title away from reigning champion Amador Valley this season.

"That's our main goal of the season," said JV head coach Greg Haubner, now in his third year coaching at Foothill. "We will compete for and win the league championship."

To reach its goal, the team will look to its leaders including Ryan Lynn and Josh Mendonca, who are competing for the job of starting quarterback. Neither played the position as a freshman. Mitch Dal Porto will contribute on both the offensive and defensive line. Big plays are expected from Kyle Howell at running back and Tony Barnett at receiver.
Opening games
The Falcons open their season at home against Stagg on Friday, Sept. 10, with JV beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 7 p.m. The freshman team will play at Stagg on Thursday, Sept. 9, starting time to be determined. For more information about Foothill's teams, schedules and game results, visit www.foothillsports.com.

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