Football Hungry For NCS Success
Last year’s Yellowjacket football team suffered a season-ending 48-19 loss at the hands of the Monte Vista Mustangs. But that didn't keep the BHS varsity football team from savoring a successful season that included several key wins — starting with their first playoff victory in recent memory, where they trounced San Leandro 38-7. They also defeated Pittsburgh, the eventual NCS championship runner-up earlier in the season.
However, there are some key losses that the team needs to overcome in order to have a successful season.
The biggest loss of all is star running back Rickey Galvin, who last year led the ACCAL in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and points scored. “There will never be another Rickey Galvin,” says senior strong safety and tight end Rashad Albert. “But there are other players on our team ready to make their own name.” One of those players is Michael Ned, who last season was third in the ACCAL in rushing touchdowns and fourth in rushing yards, despite having only 69 carries. Redolpho James and Lavel Samuels are also two promising juniors expected to help replace Galvin.
Another big loss for the team will be head coach Alonzo Carter, who left to become the head coach at Contra Costa College. Coach Carter took over in 2007 and immediately took a team with a winning percentage of .400 the previous year, to not losing an undefeated league record his first season and a playoff berth. The Jacket’s continued to improve the next two years of Carter’s tenure, losing only one league game in his entire stay at Berkeley High. The players also appreciated Carter’s strong coaching, “He was a great coach and he was very enthusiastic in everything he did,” explains senior fullback Keir Abrams. “I think what will be missed most is his tough love and commitment to academics.” However, what senior defensive back Malachi Knox will miss most about Coach Carter is “his yelling.”
While Coach Carter was great, this year’s team stresses that new coach Fred Sims is no slouch. “Coach Sims is awesome. He brought a whole new offensive playbook to the table, so look forward to seeing us pass the ball a whole lot more, ” remarks Abrams. “He works hard and believes in us,” says senior linebacker Jacai Deneveu. Senior lineman Phillip Forestant also gushed about him, simply stating, “We all love our new coach Fred Sims.”
After a successful season last year, the team is hungry for even more now. “My expectation is simple. An NCS title,” says senior quarterback Logan Murdock. Forestant hopes to “win league, go undefeated, and to win the NCS division I championship.” “We expect to go 10-0 and have an undefeated season, and then make it to the NCS championship,” states Abrams. He continues, “we have been working really hard in the offseason, and with our new coaching staff and the talent we have on the team, this is very feasible.”
While there is no Rickey Galvin on this team, there are still some players that you need to watch for. Defensive end Jalen Rosales is a three star recruit according to espn.com, which is good for #136 at his position in the state of California. Although the Jackets’ leading tackler from last year, Keenan Coogler, is out of the picture, new defensive captain Jacai Deneveu, who was second on the team in tackles last year, is ready to fill his shoes.
One of the key leaders on offense is Abrams. His goals are lofty, but certainly attainable for a player of his talent, “I want to make sure all my running backs rush for over 100 yards a day. And I want to get 500 yards both receiving and rushing, and get 50 pancakes.” Lineman Phillip Forestant also has high goals, though they are within reach for him as well. “I want to be first team all league and earn a lot scholarship offers.” Quarterback Logan Murdock is also very important individual on the team, though he has no personal goals. “I’m all about the team. My success is based upon their success.”
One of the biggest strengths of this team is the speed. Both Murdock and Deneveu cited this in explaining why the team was going to be successful this season. Another strength is the quality of the players coming back from last season, “We have a lot of good returners that are dedicated to the program and want to be successful under any circumstances.” But perhaps the biggest strength of this team is how well they all mesh together. “We are all brothers and I love my family,” states Knox. “Our morale and strong brotherhood should be a big strength,” explains Forestant.
This team is led by its strong senior core of Murdock, Abrams, Deneveu, Rosales, Knox, Albert, and Forestant. However, there is one non-senior that Albert singles out, junior Sir Stewart as having the potential to break out this season. “He’s a great athlete. He’s always at practice working hard, and never takes plays or days off. He’s also a great athlete that can be placed anywhere on the field and will give it his all.”
The Jackets open their season tonight with a tough game at Oakland High. They want all your support this season, so come out and watch them play!
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