Snapshot: Collin Rugg

Collin Rugg: What's the side of him off

the football field look like?

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Collin Rugg, quarterback, La Jolla High football team

Year in school: Senior

Age: 17

Interview by text

Favorite ice cream: Vanilla
All-time fave foods: Pizza and steak. My dad's BBQ.
Favorite movie: "School of Rock"
Greatest invention(s) in history: Football and car
In your free time, what do you like to do? I like to work out and throw the football.
Favorite QB's: Tim Tebow and Drew Brees
Favorite pro and college football teams: USC and Chargers

Collin, what are your thoughts about where you would like to play next year?
I have only talked to Azusa Pacific University, USD, and Northern Arizona a little.

How have those chats and visits gone? Tell me about going to APU's Homecoming.
They were really good! It was really fun and I like their program a lot.

What is a college major you are interested in?
I'm not sure. Probably business.

Earliest memory: Uhm, I was watching a football game and my dad walked in front of the TV and I told him to move. I was about 2."

Favorite quote(s) or saying(s): "Don't trade what you want the most for what you want at the moment."

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB: Tackles

Defensive Statistics
La Jolla 51, Mission Bay 14
Oct. 24

Anthony Stanley   6 solos, 1 assist - 7 tackles
Max Scott   3 solos, 3 assists - 6 tackles
Andrew Mitchell   4 solos, 1 assist - 5 tackles
Grant Miller   2 solos, 1 assist - 3 tackles
Vail Miesfeld   2 solos - 2 tackles
Da'Jour Tims   2 solos - 2 tackles
Jesus Manzano   1 solo, 1 assist - 2 tackles
R.C. Ault   1 solo - 1 tackle
Connor Walton   1 solo - 1 tackle
Daniel McColl   1 assist - 1 tackle
Jonathan Levenson   1 solo - 1 tackle


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB: "They executed the game plan"

La Jolla's offense started off quickly against Mission Bay, Oct. 24, quarterback Collin Rugg connecting with Da'Jour Tims, then the Vikings following with another TD early in the second quarter to lead 14-0.

"I told the boys that we need to start fast," said Coach Jason Carter.

The Buccaneers' offense was stymied early by the Viking defensive unit. "I also told our defense that we have to get off the field on third down, create turnovers," continued Carter.

La Jolla went up 21-7, then 28-7 at halftime. One might think that Mission Bay, which had not lost to LJHS in 15 years, would come out fired up from a halftime pep talk by Coach Willie Matson. But the comeback didn't occur.

La Jolla built its lead, 35-7, 42-7, a safety to go up 44-7. The Vikings' success had taken the fight out of their opponents.

"We needed to be physical with their best player (Derrick Clark) on both sides of the ball and in special teams," said Carter. Clark, a versatile two-way player, had 907 yards rushing coming into the game against La Jolla. He wasn't allowed to get started, and his teammates didn't contribute much more.

In sum, "Our boys did a fantastic job executing our game plan!"


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

Snapshot: Addison Seale

Addison Seale (R) shows her usual shy self

when the camera is pointed at her--not.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Addison "Addie" Seale, LJHS Varsity cheerleader

Interview via Facebook



Year in school: Senior

Age: 17

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite ice cream: Rocky Road

Favorite movie: "Legally Blonde"

Role model: Missy Franklin (who as a 17-year-old high school student won four gold medals in swimming in the 2012 Olympics)

Plans for next year: College, I hope!

Favorite subject in school: English

Where would you like to go to college next year? What would be your dream job in 5-10 years?

Ideally, New York University (NYU), so I can start my own Wedding/Event Planning business.

What is a cause that you would like your generation to make an impact on?

I would like my generation to make an impact on Feminism.

I can see from your Facebook wall that feminism is important to you. What do you see happening in that direction? What would you like to see happen?

Haha well as of now it is definitely becoming a more brought up subject although I don't believe much is being done about it. I would like for it to improve, for women and girls to feel like it's okay to get certain jobs because they will get paid the same, we work just as hard as men, we deserve the same treatment.

On being on the LJHS Varsity Cheer squad:
Since it is my first year doing cheer, it is a great experience being a part of a team that works together through ups and downs!

Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB: Breaking a 15-year streak

Coach Jason Carter talks with officials before

game against Mission Bay. (Photo by Ed Piper)

La Jolla defeated Mission Bay Oct. 24 for the first time in 15 years. That streak reportedly consisted of 10 games, but it had to be more. LJHS has played Mission Bay every year in the Western League since I began taking photos of them in Fall 2004.

There was one game in there when Mission Bay superstar Dillon Baxter scored seven touchdowns himself in the air and on the ground. What was tough to watch, though he was a brilliant athletic talent, was it happening on La Jolla's home turf.

So, to end the skein on Mission Bay's Homecoming was really something.

Said Viking coach Jason Carter by email: "That win was paramount for our team. It took 15 years for La Jolla to beat MB but the streak is finally over."


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB: Receiving, passing records

Brandon Bonham (7) catches

before turning on the gas for

additional yardage in the first

half. (Photo by Ed Piper)

Wide receiver Brandon Bonham set a new LJHS season receiving record at 985 yards with his 92 yards against Mission Bay Oct. 24.

Quarterback Collin Rugg, who throws to Bonham, also broke his own La Jolla season passing record, which he set last year as a junior, reaching the 2,500-yard plateau with two regular-season games left, and hopefully multiple post-season games to go. The 6'3" senior logged 353 yards on 23 of 41 in the Vikings' 51-14 win over the Bucs.

Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

QB Collin Rugg (5) lets receiver

Carlton O'Neal (3) complete his route

before throwing to him in first half

against Mission Bay.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

LJ FB: Defensive report

Anthony Stanley (43) engages in mortal combat

against a Mission Bay lineman in the first half.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Anthony Stanley, playing in front of his admiring older brother James, who was a running back for the Vikings, racked up seven solo tackles in La Jolla's 51-14 win over Mission Bay Oct. 24 in preliminary statistics.

Andrew Mitchell, a sophomore, recorded a safety as the Vikings' defensive unit corralled a Mission Bay runner in the end zone in the second half of the game, played on UC's field due to construction of the Buccaneers' new playing surface. The safety inched the score from 42-7 to 44-7.

Mike Deiro (14) takes a breather from

defensive duties in the first half.

(Photo by Ed Piper)



It was good to see Isaac Gutierrez back in the LJHS defensive statistics with a solo tackle himself, after a respite away.

There were many more Vike defenders who got in on the action, but their names will have to wait until official statistics are compiled from film in the near future.

Lineman Michael Penny (77) rehydrates

during dehydration of the Bucs.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

Sophomore Andrew Mitchell (47) shows his

considerable frame that he puts into use

in the Vikings' attack. (Photo by Ed Piper)

Time out = time for gratitude

Reid Martin (21) scores the first of two touchdowns

against Mission Bay Oct. 24 in the second quarter.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Reid Martin and I have something in common.

Round about June, Reid got injured and had to sit out football.

About the same time, but a little bit earlier--the end of May--I had to stop lugging my heavy Nikon D4 camera and lenses around because of increasing pain in my lower back.

Four and a half months later, Reid was able to jump back in the game.

At the same time, I picked up my D4 and long lens for the first time in four and a half months and took photos of Reid and his teammates playing against Point Loma.

Reid scored one touchdown.

I was able to create my first high-quality sports images in a while.

Before that, Reid agonizingly missed La Jolla's first six games of the 2014 season. Thank God, there was a bye in week 7, so he got one more week of recuperation before returning to the active roster in week 8.

I asked Coach Jason Carter about Reid's availability back about week 4, after Reid told me he might return in week 4 or 5 ("if the doctor okays it"). Coach Carter, reflecting wise thought, replied: "No way. He's not playing until he's 100 percent."

I talked to Reid frequently on the sidelines during those six games of inactivity. He was taking it well, considering. He was smiling and chatting. I even recorded an interview with him before the Bishop's game on my tiny one-hand Kodak video camera. He was great. We did the two-minute interview in one take. (I didn't use it on Facebook because La Jolla lost by a large margin and it might have been taken wrong by some.)

But as a young guy full of energy and a senior looking at his last football season in high school, Martin said he was dying to get back on the gridiron. In week 2 or 3, he had told me he was running on the sidelines straight ahead. The coaches subsequently shut that down, because it wasn't wise to get ahead of things.

So, good for Reid, he played in the game against Point Loma and scored a TD, though he told me on the sidelines, "I got to get my running down." He indicated he felt a little discombobulated, not himself, after so much time away.

And he scored not one, but two, TD's the next week against Mission Bay.

It didn't dawn on me until after the game how our paths during these four and a half months had tracked so closely: he, sidelined from June to mid-October; me, unable to take photos with my bigger sports camera from the beginning of June to mid-October.

I felt a further kinship. I was happy to be back doing what I love to do, creating art with my camera. I began physical therapy for my lower left back spasms in June, not really expecting PT to help. I was discouraged. I had grieved the loss of my cameraship over the past year--I sold my very long 300mm lens for football (and other field sports) in June 2013 on eBay after realizing I had to do something to ease what was now the constant pain in my back.

I had been receiving chiropractic care for most of the three years I had pain. But each time I went out to an LJHS sports event and took photos, in effect I was cancelling out the benefits of the treatment.

During my hiatus, I wrote up game stories on my blog. I wrote a few articles for the La Jolla Light and La Jolla Village News. I took photos with a little point-and-shoot camera. I thought my action-sports days were over.

So I had a lot of time to think and pray, as I'm sure Reid did during his time out.

And when I came back, I felt gratitude for the chance to take action photos again. An "attitude of gratitude", as they call it in 12-step recovery. I'm thankful to God for the chance. I'm thankful Reid gets to go back doing what he truly loves, too.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB 51 Mission Bay 14

Vikings' R.C. Ault (2) and Da'Jour Tims (right) put the

vise on Bucs' Michael Sanders in first half.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

 

Collin Rugg went over the pile at the Mission Bay goal line for a two-point conversion to put the Vikings up 14-0 with 10:24 left in the second quarter.

La Jolla offensive coordinator Tyler Roach had just gotten done saying before the game, "We don't have any plays that call for Collin to run. We just use his arm."

So when asked about this play, clearly designed for the senior quarterback to carry the ball after a flag annulled a previous attempt at a PAT, Roach protested good-naturedly, "I didn't call that play." He was grinning.

And so were the rest of the Vikings after the early 14-0 lead ballooned to 28-7 at halftime of Mission Bay's Homecoming, held at University City due to construction on the Buccaneers' new field. The final came mercifully at 51-14.

The question on whether La Jolla has plays designed for Rugg to run came up because of a reporter's earlier question: Does Collin have more freedom to run the ball in the offense? Roach's answer to that question, texted to him prior to the game but answered on the pregame sideline, was "yes", of course. Anyone watching the red-and-black this year has seen the Rugg-man take off on sprints that were not seen in last year's edition. And these runs are going for good effect.

Reid Martin, who does have running plays designed for him, rushed for two touchdowns, after one TD last week in his first game back after missing the first six games of the season with an injury. The Viking defensive unit recorded its first safety in a while.

Receiver Trenton Fudge (19) celebrates TD

with Tims in second quarter. Vikings went

up 21-7 on Fudge's catch.

(Photo by Ed Piper)



In what was projected to be a close match-up, Mission Bay (1-2 Western League, 3-5 overall) crumbled more and more as La Jolla's confidence increased as the game progressed.

The Bucs were in the ballgame when they scored with 8:34 left in the second quarter, trailing 14-7. But the Vikes (1-1, 4-4) added two more touchdowns in the period. They went up 35-7 midway through the third quarter, and the rout was on.

Receiver Carlton O'Neal, now the LJHS career record holder for catches, had a spectacular play in which he dragged multiple defenders at least 10 yards following his reception from Rugg. That put the ball inside the Mission Bay 15 and was quickly followed by a score.

Martin, after a week to further build his strength and comfort level at being back in action, looked like he was stronger and felt increased confidence beyond last week.

The La Jolla offense used a varied ground attack, with Martin, Joe Vang, and Jonathan
Levenson taking handoffs at running back.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ b water polo 10, Mt. Carmel 5

Senior Jake LeBeau (7) sprints toward the ball on

the opening drop in La Jolla's match against

Mt. Carmel at Coggan Pool. (Photo by Ed Piper)

Coach Tom Atwell said his team's contest against Mt. Carmel Oct. 21 would be competitive. "They're tough," Atwell said of the Sundevils' water polo contingent before the game.

But it was coach's motivational talk, as La Jolla scorched the visitors for five goals in the first half and a 5-0 halftime lead, as the Vikings went on to an easy 10-5 win.

The Vikings got smoked by a large margin Oct. 17 at Coronado, so they had added motivation.

Goalie Matt Allen blocked anything coming his way in the first half. The second half was garbage time with La Jolla in command with the big lead.

Viking defenders Tito Hernandez (9) and Henry Smith

(8) swarm Kosta Karlov (10) on Sundevils' opening

possession. Mt. Carmel was unable to score in the

first half. (Photo by Ed Piper)

The Sundevils' goalie, Blake Adams, though trying his hardest, was the object of multiple La Jolla missiles fired at and past him in the thunderous first two periods. Mt. Carmel's defense didn't help him out a lot, allowing shots from different range and angles.

Mt. Carmel didn't net a goal until after halftime, with the match virtually already decided.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB: Roach on Rugg

Rugg throws quickly to Carlton O'Neal (not in view)
in the first moments of the game at Point Loma.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

La Jolla offensive coordinator Tyler Roach sees his quarterback, Collin Rugg, playing in an NCAA I-A program next year.

Roach, who along with head coach Jason Carter has probably invested the most time in developing Rugg since Carter took over the program in March 2013, said, "He has definitely given himself a chance to play at a high level next year."

Rugg surpassed the 2,100-yard mark in passing yardage with 27 touchdowns through seven games this season in the Vikings' game at Point Loma Oct. 17. Last year, he totaled 2,324 yards with 24 touchdowns in 12 games.

"He has raised his game" from his outstanding junior season in 2013, observed Roach.

The offensive coordinator, who calls the plays for the offense, revealed that Rugg visited Roach's alma mater, Azusa Pacific University, for its Homecoming game this past Saturday, Oct. 18. The quarterbacks coach at San Diego State "has come over and talking about Collin." USD has inquired.

"Obviously, he was high on our list of prospects" for college recruiters who have been making contact with the La Jolla program, says Roach.

The 6'3" senior is strong on the academic side as well, which expands his opportunities to play in college.

Asked for his view of Collin's strengths, his offensive coordinator said, "First of all, he has an arm. Obviously, we've been riding that arm all year. He can make all the throws (underneath the defense, stretching the field). I think the biggest thing Coach Carter and I have seen the past two years is his passion for the game." Rugg arrives early, stays late, and works diligently at improving his skills, from all reports.

Roach said Rugg "could play himself into a smaller Division I school. But I think realistically that he's in a Division I-A school."


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB: Bishop's Coach Joel Allen on Collin Rugg

Collin Rugg cuts loose during the Vikings'

opening drive on one of the 41 passes he

heaved against Point Loma Oct. 17. Rugg

completed 25 of them for 413 yards,

putting him over 2,000 yards after seven

games. (Photo by Ed Piper)

Bishop's football coach Joel Allen, who set numerous CIF San Diego Section records himself as a quarterback at Christian High, offers a positive endorsement of quarterback Collin Rugg of La Jolla, whom his team faced earlier in the season.

"Obviously, he's a big kid. He has great pocket presence. He throws a good ball," said Allen, when asked Rugg's prospects for college next year. "I think the sky's the limit. What is he? 6'2"? 6'3?" (6'3" actually). He just needs someone to give him a chance."

"He sits real confident in the pocket," observed Allen.

"I think we defended well against their receivers. I don't know how much we did against him."

The Knights (7-0) played the Vikings in week 2, defeating La Jolla 42-7.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FH 9-5 overall, 1-0 in the Western League

Midfielder Kelly Collins (R) deftly vies

for ball in 5-0 win over Patrick Henry

Oct. 14. Collins scored one goal and

assisted on three others.

(Photo by Ed Piper)



La Jolla's field hockey team is an excellent 9-5 overall at this point in the season, 1-0 in the Western League.

Senior Kelly Collins leads the Vikings in both goals and assists, with 10 and 7, respectively. That gives her 27 points, with two points awarded for each goal.

Senior captain Jenna Harmeyer is second in  both categories, with 7 and 2, respectively. Harmeyer has 16 points.

Lauren Robbins and Annemarie Allen each have 10 points. They both have five goals apiece.

Second-year goalie Katja Sarain has eight shutouts to go with her 63 saves so far this season through 14 games.

Said Coach Paula Conway: "Our midfield, backfield, and goalkeeper have been playing very consistent and strong. We have only allowed two goals in the past seven games."

Conway brings an intensity and high expectations for the girls, which are rewarded in kind by performance. Conway has been drilling into her team recently the point that they are "an excellent team", and that they need to continue to perform at a high level to garner recognition that they deserve.

Previously, La Jolla did not receive any mention in the weekly poll of teams in CIF in UT San Diego. Then the Vikings were included among "others" below the Top Ten gaining recognition. At each rung along the way, Conway has used these points to stoke pregame motivation.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB 31 Pt. Loma 35

Vikings' Joe Vang moves toward a giant hole opened

by his offensive line in first half against Point Loma

Oct. 17. (Photo by Ed Piper)

Reid Martin said it was great being back to running the ball after missing La Jolla's first six games of the season. "But I got to start running," he said during the game at Pt. Loma Oct. 17, referring to months of rust and inactivity since being injured during the summer.

Martin was able to run for his first touchdown of the season on a one-yard plunge in the third quarter, bringing La Jolla back to being down 35-24.

The Vikings fell into a 35-10 hole in the first half against the Pointers, and couldn't quite make it all the way back, as they scored 21 unanswered points, then sputtered on their last drive to drop a 35-31 decision.

It was the annual battle for "The Shoe", football cleats spray-painted and made up into a trophy years ago to represent the contest between surfer schools. The home public address announcer encouraged everyone in the huge Point Loma Homecoming crowd to touch the shoe as it was passed through the stands prior to the game. The latest result was the Pointers' 11th straight success in retaining "el zapato".

Wide receiver Brandon Bonham (7) snags

one of his 12 receptions on the night during

the first half against the Pointers.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Quarterback Collin Rugg and receiver Brandon Bonham, especially, presented a valid threat to Point Loma's defense early on. From the opening kick, which La Jolla received, the pell-mell, highly-skilled passing attack put severe pressure on the hosts. The Vikings' first drive ended in a Trenton Fudge field goal, but not without effective elements during the drive.

Unfortunately, Jaylen Griffen slashed the Viking defense for 243 yards rushing in the first half, including a 78-yard run followed by an 80-yard one. The junior needed only six carries to literally run away from the Vikes on offense.

LJHS Coach Jason Carter had his charges drinking the Kool-Aid again at halftime, as they brought new urgency back out onto their side of the field in the third quarter and pommeled the Pointers for three touchdowns. La Jolla successfully executed an onside kick to open the second half. For a while, the Point Loma thousands had their breath taken away enough for them to hold back from singing "I believe that we will win."

La Jolla falls to 0-1 in the Western League, 3-4 overall.

The Viking cheerleaders kept a stiff upper lip as, from the beginning of the game, the large Point Loma student body made lots of noise during La Jolla's cheers to drown them out. The visiting fans have to sit on the same side of the field as the home crowd. There are no stands on the visitors side, as there were years ago.

Finally, early in the third quarter, when the Point Loma students again intentionally raised a ruckus when the La Jolla cheerleaders started a cheer, the home P.A. announcer said: "We don't boo the opponent's cheerleaders." This was the first announcement of its type during the game, after a full half of basically unsportsman-like behavior.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB defensive stats

Vikings' Max Scott, who has 25 tackles so far this
season, gets attention from trainer Ben Lowe during
win over Coronado. (Photo by Ed Piper)

In La Jolla football defensive stats, linebacker Connor Walton has compiled 41 tackles in the first half of the 2014 campaign, fellow linebacker Anthony Stanley 36, and left tackle Grant Miller 30.

Safety Da'Jour Tims is one back of that with 29 tackles. Defensive end Max Scott has 25, noseguard Mike Deiro 23.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ g VB 3 Scripps Ranch 1

Madeleine Gates blasts a rocket at Scripps Ranch

in La Jolla home match Oct. 10.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

 

 

Junior Madeleine Gates started at middle hitter/blocker with senior Emma Willis sick on the sidelines. The Vikings wouldn't have won the tight first game 25-22 if it weren't for Gates' frequent hits that found their mark.

 

In the match, the 6-2 two-sport star registered a total of 15 kills as La Jolla's setters went frequently to her.

 

It was Scripps Ranch's first loss in Western League play, dropping to 5-1 in league, 13-2 overall. La Jolla is now 4-2 in league, 12-7 overall.

 

 

Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB's Vang, O'Neal, Fudge, Bonham, Rugg crank in Division III stats

Receiver Carlton O'Neal takes a breather in the

first half during La Jolla's dominating

performance over Coronado, 38-7,

on Oct. 3. (Photo by Ed Piper)

La Jolla's Joe Vang leads all Division III football players in carries with 89 and ranks fourth with 529 yards on maxpreps.com.

Receivers Brandon Bonham and Carlton O'Neal rank one-two in yards in La Jolla's CIF division with 635 and 483, respectively. O'Neal, already the La Jolla career record-holder, leads all Division III players in catches with 37, with Bonham right behind him with 32. Trenton Fudge stands sixth in the division in receiving yards with 325.

Collin Rugg

Quarterback Collin Rugg, likewise the La Jolla career record holder with half his senior season remaining, tops the division in passing yardage with 1,731. He also leads in completions, attempts, touchdowns, and interceptions.

Rugg ranks second in CIF San Diego Section in yards.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FB vs. Coronado: Stats

Corner Vail Miesfeld (20) puts the hurt on

Islander receiver Matt Gillingham.

(Photo by Ryan McCasland)

 

 

PASSING

Collin Rugg  17 for 26, 206 yards, 3 TD's, 0 interceptions

 

RUSHING

Joe Vang  23 carries, 131 yards

Jonathan Levenson  13 carries, 93 yards

 

RECEIVING

Trenton Fudge  6 catches, 123 yards

Jonathan Levenson  3 catches, 30 yards

Carter Simington  2 catches, 24 yards

 

DEFENSIVE STATS (incomplete)

Vail Miesfeld  5 tackles, 2 interceptions

Joe Durant  4 tackles, 3 sacks

Jonathan Levenson  4 tackles, 1 interception

Anthony Stanley  3 tackles, 1 interception

R.C. Ault  3 tackles

Andrew Mitchell  3 tackles

Ben Steigerwalt  3 tackles

Connor Walton  3 tackles

 

 

Copyright 2014 Ed Piper



 

 

LJ FB 38, Coronado 7

Touchdown reception by Brandon Bonham ruled

out of bounds in the first half. (Photo by Ed Piper)

The clock was ticking with less than two minutes left in the first half. La Jolla's tenuous 10-7 advantage was in doubt. Coronado was advancing the ball and threatening to take the lead.

Then, Viking cornerback Vail Miesfeld intercepted a pass by Islander quarterback Jaeger Bull and took it to the La Jolla 35-yard line. A short time later, Viking receiver Trenton Fudge made a spectacular diving catch in the end zone on a pass from Collin Rugg as La Jolla covered the 65 yards to score and go up 17-7 with 19.6 seconds on the clock.

Taking the ten-point lead into the half, La Jolla never looked back, adding two scores in the third quarter and another in the fourth to win going away 38-7 in the Vikings' final pre-league football game Oct. 3 at Coronado.

Miesfeld played the game of his life, making himself prominent in the La Jolla defense with other key plays.

Defensive stop by Vail Miesfeld (20) on Coronado

wide receiver Matt  Gillingham. (Photo by Ed Piper)

 



Fudge, continuing to contribute as a receiver, added an enormous 70-yard catch-and-run play from Rugg that led to another Viking touchdown to begin the second half and widen the visitors' lead to 24-7.

Finally, linebacker Anthony Stanley distinguished himself with numerous forceful stops on defense. He declared, "We're seeing who the real islanders are." It was a good-natured reference to the Coronado mascot and his own family's Polynesian descent--for which he sports a long ponytail down his back.

La Jolla (3-3) enjoys a bye week Oct. 10 before tackling its first Western League opponent, Point Loma, on the Pointers' gridiron Oct. 17. Mission Bay (away), Madison and Kearny (both at home) then follow in rapid succession.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper

LJ FH 3, Bonita Vista 0

Midfielder Jenna Harmeyer was awarded an endline shot a short distance to the left of the Bonita Vista goal. She pushed the ball to Kelly Collins, who rifled it into the net for a 2-0 La Jolla lead late in the first half.

Collins had all three goals, as the Vikings shut out the Barons 3-0 in Bonita Sept. 30.

Senior forward Gabby Person, who looks younger, impressed with her leadership in pregame warm-ups coaching her teammates and then, just before opening tap, calling all defenders together and discussing defensive points--all without Coach Paula Conway hovering over her.

Harmeyer, who tends to use fewer words, likewise showed a seriousness in the pregame captains meeting with referees and in her focused demeanor during the game.

Conway told her team before the game, "You are a great team. You've just had some breaks go the other way." She then pulled out a copy of the day's sports page from the UT and read the latest field hockey rankings. Mentioned in the "other teams receiving votes" was Bonita Vista, with La Jolla nowhere to be seen.

"You are a great team." Coach Paula Conway to her squad

Said Conway: "They are here in South County and received votes. I want you to show them that you are a better team."

With that motivation, La Jolla went out and, after an initial stretch of testing each other by the two teams, the Vikings began to force the ball more into their attacking half of the field more of the time.

Senior midfielder Izzie Melvin has a removable Velcro cast on her wrist after a hairline fracture suffered with 15 minutes to play in a game against Canyon Crest. She expects to be back soon.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper