2008 Woodie Awards
FOOTBALL: Wait 'Til Next Year
Nick Santoni
Issue date: 12/14/05 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
The 2005 football season ended the same as the previous six had. Western Conference big fish College of the Canyons wrapped up their seventh consecutive title, while Valley swam among the bottom-feeders of the conference pool.
Canyons increased boasting rights with a 48-26 victory over Bakersfield on Nov. 26, picking up their 35th consecutive win in the process.
As for the Monarchs, their 2-8 overall record was better than only three of the 16 Western Conference teams. Their 2-5 division record managed to be their only saving grace as rival Pierce College had even more trouble, finishing the year winless.
One must remember the youth of this year's squad: 65 of the team's 79 players were freshman. The season proved to be a learning experience that Head Coach Jimmy Sims Jr. hopes to build on. "The players that will be returning will have that first year under their belts," said the first-year Valley coach. "Experience is a major asset to have on the field. We're confident that things will progress in the right direction."
Sims received criticisms for the team's performance. But the team finished the year on a positive note-winning two of their final three games. Their first two wins came against Santa Barbara and Pierce before they got trounced in the final game of the season against eventual champ, Canyons, 51-0.
The Monarchs averaged only 17.2 points per game, while surrendering an average of 33.4 points. The team struggled to find its offensive identity all season long, failing to integrate the rush with a pass-oriented attack.
Consequently, Valley threw 22 interceptions on the year and gained a meager 454 yards on the ground for the season. In contrast, Valley allowed opponents to run all over them, giving up a staggering 1,632 yards rushing.
Amid a year of frustration and disappointment, three Valley players were recognized for their outstanding play. Sophomore defensive back Geoff Tisdale was a unanimous choice for the first All-Defensive team for the second straight year, and freshman John Fonua and Carlos Chang were named to the second teams.
Now that this young team is battle-tested, the team should fare well in the future. On the bright side, leading wide receivers Antoine Palmer and Lance Harper will be returning to next year's Monarch crew. The pair put up impressive numbers despite the difficult season. Palmer finished the year with six touchdowns on 42 catches for 629 yards. Harper added 49 receptions for 648 yards and one touchdown.
Running back Abel Herrera will also be back next year, and anticipates good things come next August. "It's time to lift and run hard," said Herrera, who finished the year with 395 yards on 114 carries for five touchdowns. "Next year should be different. Wait and see!"
Canyons increased boasting rights with a 48-26 victory over Bakersfield on Nov. 26, picking up their 35th consecutive win in the process.
As for the Monarchs, their 2-8 overall record was better than only three of the 16 Western Conference teams. Their 2-5 division record managed to be their only saving grace as rival Pierce College had even more trouble, finishing the year winless.
One must remember the youth of this year's squad: 65 of the team's 79 players were freshman. The season proved to be a learning experience that Head Coach Jimmy Sims Jr. hopes to build on. "The players that will be returning will have that first year under their belts," said the first-year Valley coach. "Experience is a major asset to have on the field. We're confident that things will progress in the right direction."
Sims received criticisms for the team's performance. But the team finished the year on a positive note-winning two of their final three games. Their first two wins came against Santa Barbara and Pierce before they got trounced in the final game of the season against eventual champ, Canyons, 51-0.
The Monarchs averaged only 17.2 points per game, while surrendering an average of 33.4 points. The team struggled to find its offensive identity all season long, failing to integrate the rush with a pass-oriented attack.
Consequently, Valley threw 22 interceptions on the year and gained a meager 454 yards on the ground for the season. In contrast, Valley allowed opponents to run all over them, giving up a staggering 1,632 yards rushing.
Amid a year of frustration and disappointment, three Valley players were recognized for their outstanding play. Sophomore defensive back Geoff Tisdale was a unanimous choice for the first All-Defensive team for the second straight year, and freshman John Fonua and Carlos Chang were named to the second teams.
Now that this young team is battle-tested, the team should fare well in the future. On the bright side, leading wide receivers Antoine Palmer and Lance Harper will be returning to next year's Monarch crew. The pair put up impressive numbers despite the difficult season. Palmer finished the year with six touchdowns on 42 catches for 629 yards. Harper added 49 receptions for 648 yards and one touchdown.
Running back Abel Herrera will also be back next year, and anticipates good things come next August. "It's time to lift and run hard," said Herrera, who finished the year with 395 yards on 114 carries for five touchdowns. "Next year should be different. Wait and see!"
