Varsity Football @ Pleasant Grove, 8/27/10

Excitement and nerves filled the stadium on a chill August night. The Monterey Trail Mustangs had been training all summer for this; a countdown had been written on the weight room white board, mentally preparing the Mustangs to work harder, gets stronger to beat their rival, the Pleasant Grove Eagles. As I arrived at the game, second quarter, the score was 12-7, with Monterey Trail ahead. The 3^rd quarter started off strong for the Mustangs, as cheers from both side could be heard for miles around. Slowly the Mustangs’ defense began to wear away, and by the end of the 3^rd quarter the score was 14-12 with PG in the lead. The final score was 20-12 – sadly, PG had beaten the Mustangs. But no boo’s came from the MT side – we stood and cheered for our brave, hard-working football team, for we know that we will soon be successful, and this one game will not be the pattern for the entire season t. The next game is this Friday at home in the Mark Macres stadium. Prices are free with a MTHS ASB card, $5.00 without ID, and $4.00 with a high school ID. We hope to see you there. Go Mustangs!

Upcoming Game: Monterey Trail vs. Los Banos

Monterey Trail will take on the Los Banos Tigers in a Division 1 Semi-Finals matchup.  The game will start at 7pm, December 4th, at Monterey Trail’s Mark Macres stadium.  Ticket prices for this game will be $9 for adults and $5 for students with ID’s.  ASB cards will not be accepted at playoff games.

With a win, Monterey Trail will travel to Stockton to play on the Amos Alonzo Stagg Memorial Stadium at the University of Phoenix for the Division 1 title.  Mustang fans: come out and support Monterey Trail in our last home game of the season.  Monterey Trail’s biggest fan, Mr. Umufuke, wont miss the hard-hitting action.  Will you?

Upcoming Game Against Burbank

Come to Macres stadium this Friday to see your Mustangs battle Burbank.  You are sure to see great hard hitting football like this photo shows.Game time is 7PM.  The rest of the games are road games, so this is your last chance to see a home football game this year.  Ticket prices are $9 for adults and $5 for students with ID’s. ASB cards will not be accepted. Come out and support our Mustangs !

 

 

 

Varsity Football vs. Jesuit

November 7th, 2009

The Mustangs triumphantly won over the Marauders, as they displayed their outstanding Mustang pride. During the first quarter, Evan Favors returned a kickoff on a 90-yard touchdown run. The Mustangs went for the two-point conversion as Jay Flurry successfully ran it in. Drake Tofi endowed the Mustangs with a second touchdown with an 18 yard run, and Michael Worthen brought the Mustang another two-point conversion with a pass from Mannie Acierto. Tofi ran an additional touchdown in the first quarter from the 16-yard line, while Flurry completed the kick for the extra-point.

The Mustangs took a firm lead in the first quarter, 23-6. During the second quarter, Derek Bellamy achieved the Mustangs’  first touchdown pass of the game, with the 15-yard pass from Mike Calvan. Jay Flurry successfully completed the extra-point kick. The second quarter ended with a closing in the Mustangs’ lead, 30-20.

During the third quarter, Monterey Trail brought the ball to the goal-line before running any touchdowns. Mike Calvan carried in a one-yard touchdown, and Sedale Hunter carried in a three-yard touchdown. Jay Flurry completed both of the extra-point attempts with the flawless kicks. The third-quarter extended the gap, with Monterey 43-Jesuit 27.

Sedale Hunter attained a touchdown for the Mustangs, on a 32-yard run. Juan Albarran then followed Sedale with a 25-yard touchdown run.  Jay Flurry achieved the Mustangs two more good kicks, sustaining his 100% record on his extra-point attempts. The fourth quarter ended with a win for the Mustangs, as the final score stood at 57-41.

Varsity Football at Folsom: Against the Undefeated (Again)

October 23rd, 2009

While Monterey held possession, after receiving the opening kick, #30 Sedale Hunter and #37 Drake Tofi provided first downs that edged closer to a touchdown. Folsom then gained possession of the ball, and managed to advance it for touchdown and cleared the kick. The Mustangs wound up punting the ball to Folsom as they obtained a fourth down. Shortly after, #21 Ethan Clark intercepted the ball and carried it out to the 42 yard line. Drake Tofi ran up the middle on the fourth, for a first down, before the end of the first.

With the start of the second, Drake Tofi ran for another first, followed by Sedale Hunter, who also gained a first down. Sedale carried the Mustangs to first and goal, as he completed the connection from Mike Calvan.  After a run for 2^nd and 2, a flag gave the Mustangs half the distance, 2^nd and 1. Drake Tofi ran the touchdown, and the extra-point kick was good, tying the score at 7-7. #31 tackled with an assist from #53, followed by pressure applied from #10 Flurry to rush Folsom into a miss. #27 intercepted the touchdown pass, and Sedale ran the ball straight up.

Folsom gained possession of the ball, though the Mustang defense slowed Folsom’s advances. Folsom scored a touchdown, and cleared the kick for 14-7. #37 Drake Tofi yet again scored a 1^st down after being on a 4^th. Then, Sedale Hunter gave the final attempt for the first half, settling the score at 14-7.

During the third quarter, the Mustangs and Bulldogs both provided great plays and efforts as the ball continuously flipped possession, and no team is able toscore. Shortly into the start of the fourth quarter, the Mustangs ran in a touchdown, with a cleared kick for a tie, the score set at 14-14. Sedale Hunter, Mike Calvan, and Drake Tofi then all worked to bring Monterey three first downs while they held possession of the ball.

The Mustangs pushed for another first, as Drake Tofi carried Monterey to the 10 yard line. The Mustangs attempted a very last minute kick with mere seconds on the clock. The kick is no good, which brings the game into overtime. The Mustangs win the toss, and let Folsom have possession first. The Bulldogs take lead as they grounded the touchdown and completed the kick, for a score of 21-14. As the Mustangs got their attempt, Drake Tofi brought in the touchdown.

The Mustangs decided to go for the two-point conversion – a gamble between a win with a completion, or a loss for a failed attempt. Folsom called a last minute timeout, as they realized the Mustangs’ plan. After the time out, the Mustangs pushed through Folsom’s lines and breached the goal line. With this remarkable turnout, the score officially declares Monterey the victorious team –  the proximity of the scores is remarkable, at 22-21 in favor of the Mustangs.

JV Football vs. Folsom

The Mustangs started the game with a quick and flawless touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion during the first quarter. Folsom then tested the Mustangs defense, as they ran the ball to the end zone multiple times, giving the Mustangs a challenging gap to meet in the score

The Mustangs managed to slightly close the wide gap with a touchdown by #7, followed by a two-point conversion, setting the score to 16-20 With two minutes left on the clock, Folsom pushed the ball towards the Mustangs end zone, for a touchdown and two-point conversion. Thus, the score for the first half ended at 26-20.

With the start of the second half, Folsom kicked off to the Mustangs, and #24 landed it at Mustang 21-yard line. The Mustangs kicked the ball off as they came to a fourth down. While Folsom had possession, Monterey stripped the ball, but Folsom recovers it.

Folsom didn’t let the play hold them back, as they continued to push forward for a touchdown and a cleared kick. The Mustangs again punted off to Folsom – once more, Folsom slowly pushed in for a touchdown.  The extra-point kick is set, and the score stood at 16-42 as the third ended. Throughout the game, #37, Taylor, gave his best effort, becoming Monterey’s key player. With the fourth quarter upping the stakes for Monterey Trail, he increasingly displayed his skill at the game.

Four-minutes into the fourth quarter, Folsom ran in a touchdown and make the kick. While Monterey held possession, the ball fumbled for a recovery by the Bulldogs. Folsom took the fumble in for a touchdown and cleared the kick, ending the game at 16-56 with anticipation for Varsity to redeem the Mustangs’ name.

Varsity Football vs. Sheldon: One for the Records

October 16th, 2009

Introduction

Without a doubt, the Monterey Trail versus Sheldon game was one of the most anticipated games of the season. Though it might not have had as much flair as the Elk Grove game, the tension in the air was nevertheless as strong as ever. Sheldon, their record at 5-0, was even more pristine than that of Monterey Trail, who lost their first game of the season. A win against Sheldon would mean that Monterey Trail was just as strong as any team out there, and the records of the two teams would be tied at 5-1.

At a Glance

#24 Evan Favors opened the game with a 17 yard return to the Mustangs own 37 yard line. #21 Mike Calvan then threw a 9 yard pass to #30 Sedale Hunter, just short of the first down – Sedale then ran to the 20 yard line to earn the first down. At this time, Mike Calvan passed a 19 yard touchdown reception, giving the Mustangs the first score of 7-0 against the Sheldon Huskies.

#46 Kalamani Fili recovered a fumble and returned the recovery for a touchdown, bring the score to 13-0 in favor of the Mustangs.  #10 Jay Flury obtained a second conversion, in less than 30 seconds, for an improved score of 14-0. #27 Ethan Clark then received an interception, but a flag on the play recalled the catch. Ethan then teamed up with #80 David Martinez for a team tackle, while Hunter led a team tackle in the following play. #10 Jay Flury ran an 84 yard punt return for 20-0, and then cleared the kick.

A New Power Team?

Within the first seven and a half minutes, the offense, defense, and special teams all scored, proving that Monterey Trail is not just a one-team show. Obviously, Monterey Trail proves that they have the ability to be well rounded, and extremely versatile in their attempts to win the game.

Ethan Clark received another interception, and #24 Evan Favors caught a 34 yard touchdown pass for 27-0, clearing the extra-point kick moments later. After a round of tackling and recovering by the Mustangs, Drake Tofi  ran to first and goal, the toss off provided from Mike Calvan.

At the start of the second quarter, the Mustangs recover the fumble made by Sheldon, going on to score another touchdown and extra-point conversion, 42-0. Michael Worthen pushes Sheldon back, and then provides a near interception. Hunter and Tofi are able to make many small yardage gains before the second quarter ends, with the score at 42-0 in favor of Monterey Trail.

Serving Defeat

The second half opened with Sheldon at the return – Sedale and Rozale provide the tackle. After a number of first downs, the Mustangs drove the Huskies into their own end zone for the safety, resting the score at 44-0 for the end of the third quarter. During the fourth quarter,  #19 Juan Albarran works hard on offense and defense. As Juan provides a few good tackles along with Ethan, the score remains the same throughout the remainder of the game, giving Monterey the win at 44-0, and giving Sheldon their first defeat of the season.

Introduction by Jessica Stolzman

JV Football vs. Sheldon

October 16th, 2009

What was supposed to be the largest game of the year turned out to be a startling upset to fans of Monterey Trail High School. Getting an early head start, the Mustangs gave a good rush to earn a single touchdown, with a couple of first downs that allow them to work their way up the field. Though Sheldon managed to score against the Mustangs, Monterey still gave a good game of defense.  #27 Brandon Wood provided the Mustangs a greater defense as he interrupted two attempted touchdown runs during the third quarter.

During the fourth quarter, the Mustangs fell further behind, due to a fumble and interception. Bad ball handling on their part caused Sheldon to be able to take it up a notch, earning further touchdowns and strengthening the gap between the scores of the two teams. The Mustangs gave a good game – even though they didn’t take victory, with the final score at 6-46 in favor of Sheldon.

Freshmen Football vs. Sheldon

October 15th, 2009

The Mustangs receive the opening kick and provide a series of drives to aid the attempts of taking the lead. Monterey’s defense keeps the Huskies from scoring during the first quarter, leaving the score of the first at 0-0. #43 Sterling runs a 15 yard touchdown, giving the Mustangs the lead. After a successful two-point conversion, Monterey holds the score at 8-0 for the second quarter. The second quarter also brought the Mustangs a recovery on a fumble and interception on a turnover. The Mustangs lock the Huskies out during the first half. The start of the second half starts with Sheldon receiving the kick, the Mustangs stop the Huskies with a short run. The Huskies rush a run with difficulty as they gain a touchdown. The Mustangs present a great display of plays as they push the ball towards the Huskies’ end zone. The clock runs as the score remains 8-8 for the third quarter. With the tensions rising in the fourth quarter, Sterling pushes Sheldon back 5 yards. With both sides pushing towards a touchdown, defenses block out any score attempt. The game ends in a tie at 8-8.

Excitement Builds for Sheldon Game

Anticipation is filling the walkways here at Monterey Trail High School. The campus is abuzz with the mounting tension the Monterey Trail versus Sheldon football game is sure to bring. The Monterey Trail Varsity football team has been bringing the heat in recent games; their four and one record is the best MTHS has seen in a while. Without a doubt, this upcoming game is the most anticipated of the season, although it does not have the same publicity that the Elk Grove game had.

Our opponent Sheldon has proven themselves as a worthy adversary, having not lost a single game thus far. With all this excitement in the air, students can’t help but chatter about the game. Voices from the Trail caught up with a few students and asked them about their thoughts on the big game.

Voices from the Trail first caught up with Valore Zambrano; the bubbly junior who smiled brightly as she admitted “I don’t think it’s going to be as exciting as the Elk Grove game, but I’m [very] excited.”  Later Voices from the Trail caught up with seniors Poonam Naidu and Nick Fetherston and sophomores DeEricka Ford and Rachel Gardner. Nick Featherston gave some words of advice to the team – he believed that they should “work on [their] running game”; while Poonam Naidu excitedly exclaimed “Monterey Trail is going to kill Sheldon”. A supportive Rachel and DeEricka both share the sentiment that MTHS is going to “smack Sheldon”.

With this overwhelming support, the stands are sure to be filled with people rallying behind the Monterey Trail High School Mustangs, cheering them to a sweet victory.

Interviews by Zarnab Saeed and Valore Zambrano

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