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Berkeley's New Role: Front-Runner
By Matt Smith – Oakland Trib
9/04/2008

It took Berkeley High football coach Alonzo Carter just one year to become the hunted instead of the hunter.

Brought in to pump life into the program, Carter led Berkeley to an Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League title in his first year by going 6-0-1 in league play and leading the team to the playoffs.

Now his kids have a new lesson to learn, and that is playing an entire season as the favorite.

"We're not going to sneak up on anyone anymore, so now we have to develop that killer instinct," Carter said. "Now the kids understand and have bought into what we're doing. Last year was big because it taught them how to win and now we want to be mentioned in the same breath as the other top D-1 teams."

One shouldn't forget the recent dominance of Pinole Valley, though. The Spartans have ruled this league for the last four years, going 26-1-1 over that time, and are still very much in the hunt.

"We have to go out and play our best football," Pinole Valley coach Steve Alameda said. "If you're the favorite or the underdog, you just have to go out there and play well."

The Spartans hadn't lost a league game since 2004 before Encinal beat them last year, so don't expect them to go away quietly as they assume an underdog role. They will fight Berkeley tooth and nail for the league crown.

Alameda

COACH: Steve Rochlin, second season

2007 RECORD: 7-4, 4-3

TOP RETURNEES: RB James Powell, Sr.; S/WR Jordan Skipper, Sr.; LB/FB Romel Osecana, Sr.; S/WR Antonio Garcia, Sr.; G/DT John Yu, Sr.; CB/WR Tyler Nash, Sr.; K Edgar Castaneda, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS: TE/LB Drew Keres, Sr.; QB Tim Han, Jr.; OT/DT Ben Peik, Jr.; LB/FB Jeremy Yu, Jr.; TE Mark Wada, Sr.; RB Michael Cunningham, So.; G/LB Jimmy Connor, Jr.

KEY LOSSES: QB/RB/LB Wes Moyer, WR/LB Niko Aumua, G/DL Rob Malone, G/LB Casey O'Reilly, RB/LB Cameron Brown.

OUTLOOK: Alameda doesn't return a lot of starters, but where it does return some is at linebacker and in the secondary. That should make the Hornets' defense solid, but they will be young on both sides of the line. They have plenty of experience at wide receiver, but the quarterback and running backs will all be first time starters. This team could potentially start a lot of juniors and some sophomores, which means to watch out in a year. But don't sleep on them this year, because the talent is there.

Berkeley

COACH: Alonzo Carter, second season

2007 RECORD: 6-4-1, 6-0-1

TOP RETURNEES: RB Eyonte Teague, Sr.; QB Ian Anderson, Sr.; OL Demetrius Moore, Sr.; TE/DE Clarence White, Sr.; DT Armani Holloway, Jr.; DE Aaron Norton-Buford, Jr.; WR Morris Noorise Sr.; WR Myron Mooring Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS: RB Ricky Galvin, Jr.; RB Reginald Bordenave, Jr.; LB Keenan Coogler, Jr.; OL Robert Roseman, Jr.; C Kyle Hamilton-Lecky, Jr; DL Caleb Peyton, Sr.; DL Owen Kreds, Sr.

KEY LOSSES: RB Jamar Smith, QB Michael Williams, OL Faraji Wright, LB Justin Long, DB Elliot Dorsey.

OUTLOOK: Expect more of the same from the Yellowjackets as they will run the football behind a big offensive line anchored by Roseman (6-3, 280) and Hamilton-Lecky (6-1, 245). Teague will lead the way on the ground, but Berkeley has a trio of talented backs as juniors Galvin and Bordenave will see plenty of touches. A smashmouth offense and a fast and active defense will give the teams in the league a tough time and make Berkeley the favorite.

De Anza

COACH: Michael Williams, third season

2007 RECORD: 3-7, 2-5

TOP RETURNEES: FB/LB Justin Rivera, Sr.; QB Greg Vidal, Sr.; RB/DB Paul Arceaunex, Sr.; RB/S Andre Placide, Sr.; OL/D: Terry Smith, Sr.; OL/DL Kevin Williams, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS: WR/S DeMario Williams, Jr.; WR/CB Xavier Robinson, Sr.; RB/LB Preston Ramsey, Sr.; WR/DB Kevin Chapman, Jr.

KEY LOSSES: WR/DB Trevor Rogers, LB/TE Gary Hughes, WR Robert Vickery.

OUTLOOK: Coach Williams continues to get the Dons program going in the right direction and he feels they are continuing to improve. The work ethic is getting better, the hunger is increasing, and they are being led by a third-year starter at quarterback in Greg Vidal. With more structure and more discipline, the De Anza program could be on its way to an about-face.

El Cerrito

COACH: Kenneth Kahn, first season

2007 RECORD: 5-5, 3-4

TOP RETURNEES: WR/DB Keyonta Mitchell, Sr.; WR/DB Kenneth Green, Sr.; QB Andre Williams, Sr.; OL Ray Hollins, Sr.; WR/DB Keenan Williams, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS: WR/DB Isaac Goins, Jr.; TE/LB Jonathan Hearst, Sr.; RB/DB Armani Broussard, Sr.; TE/DE Jerry Smith, Jr.

KEY LOSSES: RB Jequerie Proctor, FB/LB Donnie Hogan, WR John Webster, WR/P Wesley Tramble, QB Maurice Bregan, OL Nick Lawson, OL Jacob Jackson, OL Aljour Miles.

OUTLOOK: There might be a new and young coaching staff in El Cerrito, led by the 26-year-old Kahn, but he and most of the coaches played for the Gauchos. Kahn was very clear that he wants to maintain El Cerrito's tradition and consistency as he brings a young and talented group to the field this year. The Gauchos have a lot of inexperienced players, but there are a lot of athletes to spread the field with, or bring it in tight and play smashmouth football.

Hercules

COACH: Gerald Montgomery, second season

2007 RECORD: 2-8, 1-6

TOP RETURNEES: FB/LB Augustine Vogele, Sr.; LB/RB Julius Shipman, Sr.; WR Yusef Akbar, Sr.; CB LaMonte Burton, Sr.; QB Michael Montgomery, Sr.; OL Anthony Ortiz, Sr.; OL Rahkim Edwards, Sr.; CB Jeremy James, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS: LB Jalen Rosales, So,; OL Gill Somanpal, So.; TE Kevin Parish, Sr.; CB Michael Sherman, Jr.

KEY LOSSES: WR Royce Spencer, FB/LB James Langford, S/RB Corey Lewis, OL Gabriel Hampton, LB/FB John Wallace, DE/RB Blair Brown.

OUTLOOK: The Titans are a very athletic and young team. But with Michael Montgomery coming back at quarterback, they have a senior leader calling the signals. They are also vastly improved on defense, so if they put up 20 points in a game, they have a very good chance at winning. This contrasts with last year's team, which moved the ball well but had trouble stopping people.

Pinole Valley

COACH: Steve Alameda, seventh season

2007 RECORD: 10-2-1, 5-1-1

TOP RETURNEES: QB Derek Crenshaw, Sr.; WR Delton Edwards Jr., Sr.; RB Tyrell Smallwood, Sr.; DB Kaio Sena, Sr.; K/P Tyler Schaner, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS: WR/S Donovan Henderson, Jr.

KEY LOSSES: RB Deante Purvis, DE Elijah Winston.

OUTLOOK: The Spartans have been dominant in the ACCAL the last four years, going 26-1-1 over that span. Their first league loss in three seasons was a 28-15 loss to Encinal, but Pinole Valley should be right in the running once again. The Spartans return a dynamic receiver in senior Edwards Jr., as well as a guy who can get him the ball in quarterback Crenshaw. Alameda feels that the offense's success will depend on the progress of the line. The progress of the defensive line will be equally important.

Richmond

COACH: John Antonio, second season

2007 RECORD: 1-9, 0-7

TOP RETURNEES: WR/DB Donte Brown, Sr.; TE/DB Shannen Edwards, Jr.; OL/DL Daniel Bragga, Sr.; RB Brian Coulter, Sr.; OL/LB Hector Lopez, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS: RB/DB Rob Mulder, So.; WR/DB D'Wayne Adams, Sr.; QB Desandre Mapp, Jr.; OL/DL Jimmy Brown, Jr.

KEY LOSSES: RB/LB Willie Evans, LB/WR Hamood Nasser, OL/DL Miguel Ayala.

OUTLOOK: The Oilers are still in rebuilding mode, but the stability Antonio and the rest of the coaching staff brings should help the process along. Mulder, a sophomore, is bringing a lot of leadership to the locker room and is a great building block for the program.

Rochlin Named "Coach of the Week"
9/17/07

Congratulations to head Varsity football coach Steve Rochlin for being named the Oakland Raiders' “Coach of the Week”.

Rochlin was named Coach of the Week on the strength of the Hornets charging out to a 2-0 record after upsetting Bishop O’Dowd 23-19 in Week 1, followed by a convincing 40-13 victory over San Lorenzo High in Week 2.

Coach Rochlin was quick to share the credit, telling his coaches, “Although I was singled out, this is an award for the whole team and all of you who have helped me this year”.

Congratulations Steve and to all the Hornet Football coaching staff!

The Oakland Raiders’ High School “Coach of the Week” award is presented to promote high school football and to honor coaches who have created successful programs for teams and players, both on and off of the playing field. Each recipient will be awarded a cash donation to the school's football program from The Oakland Raiders and the NFL Youth Football Fund; will be recognized on High School Sports Focus on KICU Action 36 - Cable 6 (Sunday @ 4pm) and again at a pre-game ceremony at the Oakland Coliseum before the Raiders-Chargers game on December 30, 2007.

Coach's Message

April 10, 2007

Dear Hornet Parents:

As a student-athlete at Cal I learned many valuable lessons. Among those were time-management, goal-setting and teamwork. The skills that were taught to me back then still serve me well today. It is my goal to pass those on to my players. I will be giving the kids very specific targets and goals that I need them to accomplish over the spring and summer. The harder they work in the off-season, the more success we will have in the fall. A few of the things that they need to focus on are:

1. Work hard in school and focus on getting good grades;
2. Establish a workout plan that incorporates weightlifting and cardio (running);
3. Learn and study our playbook. Get to know the fundamentals of the game of football;
4. Get to know your teammates. Spend time working out and bonding with them;
5. Participate in as many of the summer leagues, practices and camps as possible;
6. COME TO FALL PRACTICE IN THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE.

Champions are made in the off-season. Even though we will have plenty of off-season training and a week of conditioning prior to the season, I need the kids to get in shape and stay there. Since you know this, I would ask you to encourage them to get out and train. The effort they put in during the summer will directly impact their playing time in the fall.

It is my goal to build and develop a program that we can all be proud of. I believe we can accomplish this with the support of all of the Hornet families. Some of the things that we need are parents to video tape game of upcoming opponents, supervise study hall, work in the snack bar, and stuff envelopes. A full list of support/volunteer opportunities will be made available.

I am extremely excited to take over as Head Coach and am confident that if we come together and leverage our resources we can produce a team that is worthy of our great community. It will be an exciting year for us. I invite you to become a part of our team and look forward to seeing you on Thursday, April 26th.

Go Hornets,

Steve Rochlin
Head Coach

Game Photographers Needed

We’d like one or more photographers to take photos at Varsity, JV and Frosh games.  Our regular photographer for the past few years will be unavailable for most of the season, so we’re in need of some volunteers.  (My camera takes horrible night pictures.)

If you’d like to volunteer your photography skills, here are a few prerequisites:

1. You’ll need to attend most Var and/or JV and/or Frosh games – both Home and Away. If you can only do Var or only Frosh or JV, that’s fine.
2. You need to have a digital camera
   It certainly doesn’t need to be professional quality, but it should have decent zoom and flash capabilities.
3. You need to be able to upload and transmit digital images via email.

If you’re interested, find out more by e-mailing Jim at: webmaster@hornetboosters.org 

"Might See" TV
AHS Media Class & Comcast Re-Broadcast Hornet Home Games

Alameda High's TV-Media class tapes all the Hornet's Home games for re-broadcast. The games are (tentatively) aired the following Tuesday evening at 7pm on Comcast cable channel #28.

Schedule:

AHS would like to thank Comcast,
for all their media assistance and support throughout the year. 

(Games not currently available on AP&T Cable.)

ALSO:

• Cal-Hi Sports (high school sports highlights) appears on KRON (local Comcast channel 4) from 4:30-5:00pm on Sundays, with replays on Monday at 7pm.

Snack Bar Volunteers Needed
Looking for Parent Volunteers to Have a Little Fun on Game Nights !!!

If you can spare an hour or two, please call or click on the link below which will send an email directly to Jenna (our Snack Bar Coordinator). Jenna will coordinate this Fall's snack bar schedule.  Please let her know the following information:

• Your name & home phone number.
• Date of the game(s) you'd like to work.
• Frosh, JV or Varsity game: (Typically varsity parents work the JV game; and JV parents work the varsity game).  JV games start at 4:30 and Varsity games begin at 7:00.
• Frosh parents can volunteer for whatever games they wish.  (We hope to open the snack bar for Frosh games as well.)

Once you've signed up, we'll call you back prior to the game to remind & confirm.

Thanks for your support!

Player Eligibility for 2007 Season

All the physical preparation and hard work in the world won't mean squat if you're not academically eligible to play.

Here are the credit requirements you will need in order to be eligible to play football in our Fall 2007 season:

If you are unsure of your current academic credit situation and/or need help projecting or planning your eligibility for next year, stop by the AHS Counseling Office and speak to an advisor.

Options such as tutoring, Night School and Summer School (see below) are available.

Academic Assistance

If your academic situation is in need of some help, you have a number of resources available to you to help get you back on track.  Many teachers offer after-school study programs or will meet with you individually.  Tutoring, Summer School and Night School options are also available to help you through difficult courses or to help you make up needed credits. 

But remember, YOU need to take the initiative to get your grades and academic credits in shape.  If you're in trouble, work to fix the problem NOW, because by the time the start of football season rolls around, it will be too late. 

When the team's out there playing next season, 
make sure you're not watching all the action from the stands.

Important Note:  If you're thinking about using the school's one-time "waiver" (probation) policy as your ace in the hole, be aware of the facts:

Probation Policy:  If a student is ineligible academically to participate, he/she may use summer school grades in the fall semester and/or request to be on probation.  

• Probation is granted for one quarter. 
• A student can only be on probation once in four years.