Amador volleyball wins rivalry match Amador volleyball wins rivalry match (October 22, 2004)

Amador football's Rick Sira named Coach of the Week by High School Sports Focus
by Heidi Massie

The rivalry between Amador Valley High School and Foothill was on fire Tuesday evening as the girls volleyball teams faced off at the Dons' gym. Though Foothill came out strong in the first game, Amador won the match in three games 26-24, 25-18, 25-18. The Lady Dons' record improved to 13-7 overall, 5-1 EBAL while Foothill went 6-13, 2-4.

Leading the attack for Amador was freshman Katie Gellerman with 13 kills, and two aces. Melissa Larson, who recently gave verbal commitment to Utah State for a volleyball scholarship, contributed 12 kills, three aces and eight blocks. Foothill's force came from leader Cassidy Caprista with nine kills, three blocks, Christy Payne with 14 assists, five digs, two kills, and Rachelle Stewart with six points and five digs.

Football

Foothill's varsity football team faced a larger Bishop O'Dowd team, but was not intimidated as the Falcons defeated their non-league opponent 25-6. Though Bishop scored first, Foothill's defense quickly adapted and kept them scoreless the rest of the game. The momentum changed when Willie Keck recovered a Bishop fumble, and after trading punts, Brandon Crawford threw a long pass to Cameron Stewart 45 yards for a touchdown.

Following a half-time locker room talk by Coach Matt Sweeney, the team took control of the game. Bishop received the kickoff, but defensive pressure led by Keck and Kyle Johnson forced a Bishop punt. Strong rushes by Daniel Georgatos led to a Foothill 15-yard field goal by Cameron Stewart to lead 9-6. Strong special teams play led to a tackle by Tom McCarrick for a safety. After a series of rushes by Georgatos, Keck and Crawford, Crawford passed to Neima Khaila who leaped into the end zone to score. Bishop's next pass play was intercepted by Khaila, followed by a Georgatos 10-yard run for the final touchdown.

The offensive and defensive lines were key to Amador's 28-14 victory over previously unbeaten San Ramon Valley. Though the Wolves came in with the No. 1 offense and defense, the Dons proved they were the stronger team. Their first possession was a 10-play drive culminating in a 13-yard touchdown run by Cory Guillory. The Wolves' possession was stopped when Vince Bartholdi made a quarterback sack for a loss. Guillory and Stephen Gatehouse combined for a first down at the 23-yard line, and after two more plays netted two yards, Zollman found Guillory for a 17-yard completion to the Wolves' four-yard line. Gatehouse then swept around right end for a four-yard touchdown giving the Dons a 14-0 lead.

The offensive line, led by Peter Lenz keyed a 14-play, 7:51 drive that led to a 27-yard Zollman to Nate Young touchdown pass for a 21-7 Amador lead. In the fourth, the Wolves scored following a 12-play drive cutting the Dons' lead to 28-14 with 5:57 remaining. But their shot at a win ended with an interception by Collin Hoyer with 2:42 left to play as the Dons ran out the clock.

Capping the evening was the announcement that head coach Rick Sira was named East Bay Coach of the Week by High School Sports Focus television show, for which Amador's football program received $1,000 from the Oakland Raiders.

Boys Water Polo

Foothill's boys varsity water polo team fell victim to San Ramon Valley's playing experience in a 17-2 loss Tuesday night. Goalie Kevin Ludt stopped 11 shots on goals by the Wolves. Scoring for the Falcons were Dom Covello and Phil Cheney. Mike Pestana and Ryan Peterson tallied assists. Foothill's league record stands at 3-6 heading into the final three games of the season.

Schedule

Friday Football

Foothill vs. San Ramon Valley; JV 4:30, Varsity 7 p.m. Amador vs. San Leandro; JV 4:30, Varsity 7 p.m.

Girls Water Polo Foothill at Logan Varsity girls tournament; all day

Saturday

Girls Water Polo

Foothill at Logan Varsity girls tournament; all day

Cross Country

Foothill at Mt. SAC Invitational, Walnut Creek; all day

Girls Volleyball

Amador at Northgate Tournament, Walnut Creek; all day

Foothill at Fort Bragg Varsity Tournament; all weekend

Monday

Girls Golf

Amador and Foothill at EBAL Championships; Paradise Valley; all day

Tuesday

Water Polo

Amador at California; 3:30 p.m.

Foothill vs. Granada; 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis

Amador vs. Livermore; 3:30 p.m.

Foothill at Monte Vista; 3:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball

Amador vs. Monte Vista; Frosh 4 p.m., JV 5 p.m., Varsity 6 p.m.

Foothill vs. Livermore; Frosh 4 p.m., JV 5 p.m., Varsity 6 p.m.

Thursday

Frosh Football

Amador vs. Livermore; 5:30 p.m.

Foothill at Monte Vista; 5:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis

Amador vs. California; 3:30 p.m.

Foothill vs. Granada; 3:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball

Amador vs. San Ramon Valley; Frosh 4 p.m., JV 5 p.m., Varsity 6 p.m.

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