September 17, 2011
In a matchup of Top 20 teams in San Jose, host and No. 9 Valley Christian was looking to duplicate last year's 34-0 defeat of No. 16 Cardinal Newman. However, the Warriors lost running back Byron Marshall midway in the second quarter and the Newman offense found its rhythm to avenge last year's loss with a 35-28 victory. Steven Tomasin accounted for three touchdown runs in the win.
Offense: The Cardinal's run game helped to set up the pass. The offense really reminded one of the current Nebraska Cornhusker offense as quarterback Matt Sullivan often took off up the middle for sizable runs, handed off to Tomasin, or threw in the open middle space vacated by the linebackers who cheated on the run support defense. Sullivan accounted for the other two scores as he threw for a 62 yard score and had a one yard dive for a touchdown. After the game, Tomasin stated that the team gave good effort and executed well. Sullivan noted that the offense was balanced as the offensive line opened big running lanes but also was solid in pass protection.
When Marshall came up hobbled in the middle of the second quarter, the prospect of winning looked bleek for the Warriors. But they have a deep running game. Jarrod Lawson accounted for the first score of the game by going 43 yards to give VC its only lead of the game at 7-0. The deceptively fast Lawson tied the game at 14-14 with a 63 yard run. Ryan Severson also ran for a 42 yard score to tie the game at 21 midway in the third quarter. Sophomore quarterback Jay MacIntyre is still raw but has the tools to be an effective passer. But opposing defenses will probably put eight men in the box to force the young signal-caller to beat them with his arm. Despite being down by 14 points with about six minutes left, Valley Christian was run heavy in a scoring drive that cut the deficit to 35-28 but also left less than two minutes left in the game.
Defense: Newman allowed a few break away runs but for the most part tackled well and limited the damage to those long touchdown runs. The Cardinals looked to be the more physical team and was flying to the ball in this game. After the game, some of the Cardinal players were bloodied up and muddied up despite the fact that the Valley Christian field is artificial turf.
Valley Christian made some big plays to keep them in it that included two interceptions by Dillion Saldivar. But Newman's balance on offense kept the Warrior defense guessing.
What's Next: Cardinal Newman ends their regular season non-league play at Palma next week. Ironically, Palma's postseason ended last year against Valley Christian. A win against Palma would allow the Cardinals to avenge both of their non-league losses from a year ago. Palma is run oriented but also has a big wide receiver threat in Noah Allen. In addition, the defensive line is anchored by Jack Powers.
Cardinal Newman is the dominant team in Division III and there is no reason to think that they will not continue so for the rest of the season. Last year's team missed out on a state title invitation despite a formidable strength of schedule. This balanced offense looks to be a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
Valley Christian ends its non-league schedule with a home matchup against a talented Vacaville team that upset Granite Bay and played well against Marin Catholic. Marshall's injury is reported to be a shoulder and he may not be available in the next game.
Regardless of Marshall's status, the Warriors' running game will be keyed on by opposing defenses. The passing game will need to be the difference in the more contested games. The defense looked to be physically dominated in this loss and will face similar physical opponents in the WCAL.
WCAL outlook: Sacred Heart Cathedral and Serra are both undefeated at 3-0. Serra had to squeeze a win over DIII Encinal in overtime and St. Francis bounced back as they got their first win against Willow Glen. Before league play even starts, the early favorites would have to be Bellarmine and Serra.
Division III outlook: Marin Catholic had a very good win against Vacaville who will play Valley Christian next week. And of course, Cardinal Newman probably has the season's signature win for the DIII teams up to now.
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