Santa Rosa: Giant slayers, almost
by PrepSports
Posted by Staff Writer Eric Branch:
In regards to wins and losses, Bill Parcells was fond of saying “You are what you are,” which is another way of saying the record doesn’t lie.
Well, Santa Rosa’s 1-7 record isn’t pretty. But it might be a little misleading.
For the second time in three weeks, the Panthers put a scare into a traditional North Bay League power, the latest close-but-not-quite being an 18-7 loss to Montgomery on Friday in which the Panthers led 7-6 with less than three minutes remaining.
Lining up in plenty of two tight end sets, Santa Rosa used a power running attack led by senior C.J. Jervin (26 carries, 111 yards) to outgain the NBL’s first-place team 200-142. The Panthers also controlled the clock, running 54 plays to Montgomery’s 31.
Under first-year coach Tony Keefer, the Panthers appear to be improving as the season progresses – they looked dreadful in collecting zero yards in a 27-0 season-opening loss to Petaluma – and they have several key players who will return next year in sophomore quarterback Kalen Rosselli, junior tight end/linebacker Ethan Rosselli, junior running back Travis Baker and junior wide receiver Nick Keeton.
Of course, the future appears brighter this week. But the Panthers seemed to be in a bit of disarray last week on the heels of a 17-11 loss to previously winless Piner.
“We’re playing to the level of what we think the competition is,” Keefer said. “We don’t understand we have to play with the same mindset and same sense of urgency no matter what the competition is.”
Proud of the Panther’s, as you say they gave Cardinal Newman and especially Montogomery a “Run for their Money”. The 18-7 score does not reflect how the Panther’s dominated the game in every aspect, except the final outcome. Looking forward to continued improvement under Coach Keefer.
Great Job Guys!!!
by Robert
I heard on Coach Keefer is not coming back next seaon???? Eric can you clarify?
by Question
All for want of a pass near the end. So much for the vaunted Vikings.
by pass this
I guess you & I watched a diffrent game because the Vikings Defense was outstanding and the Offense came to life just in time. I don’t know how anyone could say that SR “Dominated” the game…. chalk it up to a let down week after a huge rivalry game vs Newman….. SR is horrible on offense and solid on defense but nowhere near Montgomery 0-19 says it all… BAM!!!!
by Jay
Eric,
As a parent who has a son and the Santa Rosa football team I want to thank you for the positive article you wrote on the Panthers. I understand that Blogs are set up for people to voice their opinions, and I have no problem with that. However, the comment by JAY was uncalled for. The players on any high school football team work hard for several months, and comments like “SR is horrible on offense,” is in poor taste and disrespectful. It goes against the positive influence, and sportsmanship that the local coaches try to instill in their players. I think that this JAY person, needs to look at your article as a positive one, and not use it as an opportunity to slam these hard working young men. Again, Eric thank you for you continued “Positive” articles on high school sports.
Eric Fan
by Eric Fan
My comment…. Where did “JAY” get the sentence “after a huge rivalry game vs Newman….. SR is” RIVALRY??? What Rivalry? Monty and SR have been rivals since 1959!!! (3) generations of my family went to SR and Monty and that is the one true rivals in this county! Newman — well everyone wants to beat Newman but no rivals except maybe Carrillo. Two College Prep HS that makes more sense.
As for the comment that Eric Fan wrote HOOORAAAHHHH I was not at the game I was at the Carrillo/Ukiah game but got the scoop straight from the sidelines and JAY definitley watched a different game from what I heard!
Eric, you always do a great job! Thanks!
by --Football Parent
Thanks Football Parent for your great comments. Truly this JAY has no clue about the Monty/SR rivalry. I’m a Santa Rosa High graduate and my daughter attended Montgomery and my son now attends Santa Rosa. The Montgomery/Santa Rosa game has been a tradition since 1959. Win or lose the students take pride in their respective schools, and have a great “Spirit Week”, preceding the BIG GAME.
I think Jay must have been watching a different game as well, or perhaps he doesn’t believe in statistics! Thanks Football Parent!!! Thanks again, Eric
by Eric Fan