Coaches all say the way a team practices will reflect in its performance in a game.
San Marcos football coach Jason Fowle highlighted that point in his presentation at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.
If there was any concern how his team would respond after losing the “Big Game” against rival Santa Barbara High the previous week, Fowle didn’t have to worry. The Royals has a good week of practice before last Friday night’s Cabrillo game.
They were focused and ready, and romped to a 46-6 victory to make them 1-1 in the Channel League going into this Friday night’s home game against Goleta Valley rival Dos Pueblos.
“I’m really proud of our team and proud of the way we handled ourselves and prepared in what we thought was a tough week after a loss to Santa Barbara,” said Fowle. “I think our guys really responded well. Our O-line played one of the best games of the year.”
Santa Barbara football coach J.T. Stone is looking for a great week of practice before Friday night’s Channel League first-place showdown at Lompoc. Both teams are 2-0 and ranked in the CIF polls — Lompoc at No. 9 in Division 5 and Santa Barbara at No. 5 in Division 8.
“We know who they are, they are the team to beat,” said Stone of the defending champion Braves.
Here’s a recap of the coaches’ comments on the athletes they brought to the luncheon:
Santa Barbara High football
J.T. Stone on senior defensive end Joshua Rosales: “Joshua has been great for me for four years. It was a pleasure to finally see him come out of his shell and see him have the game that he did (four sacks in a 34-0 win over Santa Ynez). The biggest thing for me is I want him to continue playing that well.”
San Marcos football
Jason Fowle on senior linebacker, defensive end Derek Jackson: “It’s really nice to know a young man like Derek, who is very unassuming, doesn’t make a lot of excuses, does what you ask as a coach. He started at defensive end and was pressed into action at inside linebacker and has done a really terrific job for us. He has become a really important part of our defense moving forward.’’
On senior quarterback Ben Partee: “We always say our best players have to be our hardest workers, and Ben certainly sets that example for the rest of the team. We’re lucky to have him and his abilities in our program. We’re looking for big things from Ben not just through football but when he moves on. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
Dos Pueblos football
Athletic Director Dan Feldhaus on senior two-way lineman Isaac Nungaray: “Isaac is quiet and polite, and he’s got a little bit of a mean streak in him. That’s exactly how coach (Doug) Caines likes our linemen. He’s battled through some injuries and has had to play both ways. He’s really come into his own as the year has gone on. He’s made some impressive plays on the O-line and D-line.”
On senior Trey Jones: “He has played everything from quarterback to linebacker. Now he’s playing D-line and tight end. His willingness to do so has helped us with depth at those positions. He is getting better and better each game.”
Bishop Diego football
Athletic Director Mike Cano on sophomore captain, running back, linebacker Marcus Chan: “He’s steady every game, works hard in the weight room. We look forward to good things for the rest of the year.”
On senior kicker/punter Adam Luckhurst: “Adam had a good game on Saturday, he averaged 40 yards on punts and twice pinned Camarillo within their 5-yard line. He’s been steady all year for us. He’s done well stepping in for his brother, Jack, who is at Arizona State.”
San Marcos girls tennis
Coach Jonny Sapp on Samantha Forester and Bella Muñoz: “These girls have been on varsity since sophomore year and they are co-captains of the team. They are undefeated this year and they’re definitely showing a lot of good work ethic and having good team bonding after tough losses against Santa Barbara and Dos Pueblos the first week (of league play).”
San Marcos girls volleyball
Co-coach Tina Brown on junior outside hitter Taylor Wilson: “She had a breakout game against DP (17 kills, 14 digs in a four-set win). She had a fantastic game. She goes beyond the call of duty. She’s just not a great athlete but a great young women.”
On junior OH Brooke Moore: “She had a breakout Tournament of Champions (where Royals finished second). She sustained that position as a second outside hitter. She’s done great things for us and we’re excited to see what she keeps doing this year.”
On junior Sierra Chesluk: “She served 25-plus balls (in win at Dos Pueblos). She served well and she had to dig, and she was a huge difference in our success. Sierra did a fantastic job under a lot of pressure.”
SBCC women’s water polo
Assistant coach Makenzy Fowler on Waverly Golden: “She’s from Park City, Utah, and is a center defender for us. She’s added a lot of depth to our team and she is constantly improving and has brought a really good attitude to our team.”
Dos Pueblos water polo
Coach Bryan Snyder on junior Rex Goodner: “Rex is a phenomenal defender. A lot of times he’s matched up with one of the other team’s better players on that side because that’s how it matches up defensively, and I can always count on Rex to make the right decisions. He’s also becoming a good leader for us.”
On senior Ethan Parrish: “He’s scoring 10-11 goals a game. If I look at the stat sheet after the game and if I see less than 10 goals, I’m like, ‘Oh, he had a bad game,’ Snyder said, facetiously. “It’s not the case at all. It’s not easy to score that many goals in a game. He’s our captain and a great overall team leader for us.”
— Noozhawk Sports Editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
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