PLACER HILLMEN FOOTBALL

“PLAYOFFS?” A look at the looming Sac-Joaquin Section football postseason

Hillmen Return Home to Face Lincoln One Win Away From 4th Straight PVL Title

October 30, 2015 Renee Christensen

There is no place like home. Following their long four game road trip, the Hillmen finally return home for the first time since September 18th to face Lincoln tonight, needing just one win to secure their fourth straight PVL title. The Hillmen (8-0, 3-0) are coming off arguably their most impressive victory of the season against Bear River, and will looking to continue to build momentum as they head towards the playoffs. Lincoln (5-3, 2-1) is coming off a 69-62 defeat to Foothill. The Zebras offense has been carrying them all year, as they are averaging 53 points a game in PVL play. They are led by quarterback Elijah Garcia (20 touchdowns, 2066 yards), running backs Elijah Cunningham (922 yards, 19 touchdowns), Ryan Graham (801 yards, 10 touchdowns), and wide receiver Caleb Kettlehut (1017 yards receiving, 15 touchdowns). However, they will be facing their toughest challenge of the season in the Hillmen defense. In three league games so far this season, the defensive starters have allowed just 33 points. Anchored by a strong defensive line of Michael Downen (8.5 sacks, 69 tackles, 11 tackles for loss), Logan Crawford (5.5 sacks, 59 tackles, six tackles for loss) Simeon Engle ( four sacks, 45 tackles, three tackles for loss), and Jacob Capra and Diego Lopez who have split time at the other tackle spot, the starting defense has given up the the fewest points during league. The Linebacking corp of Dallan Trentman, Taylor Levesque, and Derek Haney has also been solid for Placer. Senior Brian Stangland who has been out since the second game of the season, is eyeing a return in week one of the playoffs, which will provide a huge boost defensively. Ryan Huston and Anthony Pierce have been stellar all season long in the secondary, and Joe Robinson and Chris Mcdonell have been playing well of late as well. Offensively, the Hillmen have been racking up 37 points per game in the PVL, thanks to a well balanced attack. The offensive line has been dominant up front this season has opened up holes for the running game, which has been particularly strong of late. Led by Jared Halbert (717 yards, 10 touchdowns), Waylen Cozad (623 yards and seven touchdowns), and Owen Scott (491 yards, seven touchdowns). The Hillmen will be without Cozad for a few weeks as he recovers from a knee injury, but he should return for the first game of the playoffs. In his place, Mikey Ferreria and Mcdonell will look to fill the void. Derek Haney, Robinson, and Xavier Lovelace, have made key plays in the passing game in recent weeks for the Hillmen. Quarterback Marcus Ante (14 touchdowns, 1085 yards) has been solid all season long, and will look to exploit a Lincoln defense which has allowed 125 points in the last three games. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm with the JV starting at 5:15. Tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates!

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KINGS OF THE FOURTH: Placer Football topples Bear River in the final quarter

Hillmen come through in the Clutch, defeat Bear River in PVL SHOWDOWN

October 25, 2015 Renee Christensen

Owen Scott and Derek Haney scored fourth quarter touchdowns, and Mikey Ferreria caused a fumble on a kickoff return, as the Hillmen (8-0) came through with big plays in the clutch to defeat Bear River 26-14 in a PVL showdown. Trailing 14-13 midway through the fourth quarter, fullback Jared Halbert (156 yards rushing) and Owen Scott (74 yards rushing, two touchdowns), went to work on the ground, shredding the Bruin defense with several huge runs, to set up Scott’s one yard touchdown run with three and a half minutes left to put Placer ahead for good 19-14. Following the go ahead score, Ferreria stripped the ball from Dave Mastrella and Ryan Huston recovered it, and Derek Haney delivered an 11 yard touchdown run to put the game away. The defense also came up huge Friday night for the Hillmen, including key sacks on the final drive by Logan Crawford and Micheal Downen. Ryan Huston, Joe Robinson, and Anthony Pierce had strong games in the secondary as well. With the victory, the Hillmen are now just one win away from capturing their fourth PVL title. To read more about Friday’s thrilling victory, check out Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal! Also Friday, Mario Perez scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter and Jonny Callahan intercepted a pass to secure a 25-22 victory to improve to 6-2 overall, and 3-0 in the PVL. On Thursday night, the freshman defeated Bear River 41-6 to move to 8-0 on the year. Michael Stuck threw a touchdown pass to Christian Evensen, and the Hillmen scored five touchdowns on the ground (Jorge Maldonado 2, Makell Jones (2), and Marshall Chapman). The Hillmen will return home for the first time in six weeks to take on Lincoln Friday night at 7:30pm. The JV game will start at 5:15pm. The Freshman game will be held Thursday at 5:15pm.

WHO WILL FALL?: Placer, Bear River prepare for epic PVL showdown

Hillmen and Bruins battle for inside track to PVL Title

October 23, 2015 Renee Christensen

The game that both schools have been anticipating all season is finally here. In a battle of unbeatens, the Hillmen (7-0) and Bear River Bruins (7-0) will take the field tonight with the inside track to the PVL title on the line. Both teams boast strong lines on both sides of the ball, so one of the biggest keys to the game will be the battle in the trenches. The Hillmen offensive line of Jacob Capra, Diego Lopez, Logan Moore, Tyler Mader, and Alex Houston, Jack Petty, and Seth Horton have been phenomenal all season. This group will face perhaps one of their stiffest challenges of the season, but are more than ready for the challenge. Defensively, Bear River has been strong all season, allowing just under 11 points per game in PVL play. Gunnar Simpson leads the unit with eight sacks, 47 tackles, and six tackles for a loss. Connor Hollister, and Dave Mastrella are also having strong seasons for the Bruins. The Bear River defense will faced with the task of trying to slow down a potent Hillmen offense which as averaged 42.5 points per game in the PVL. Owen Scott (1067 total yards, 12 touchdowns) Waylen Cozad (591 yards rushing, six touchdowns), and Jared Halbert (561 yards, 10 touchdowns), have led a potent rushing attack. Derek Haney (210 yards, three touchdowns), and Joe Robinson (150 yards, two touchdowns), have had solid games receiving in recent weeks as well. Defensively, the Hillmen have only allowed one offensive touchdown to Bear River in three years, and will be looking to continue that trend. The defensive front of Michael Downen (59 tackles, eight sacks, 10 TFL), Logan Crawford (52 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six TFL), Simeon Engle (38 tackles, three sacks, two TFL), and Diego Lopez and Capra who have rotated in with each other have been lights out so far this season. Dallan Trentman (44 tackles, two TFL), Taylor Levesque (38 tackles, 2 TFL), and Derek Haney (28 tackles, 2 TFL) have been solid at the linebacker position. Ryan Huston, who leads the team with five interceptions, Cozad, Anthony Pierce, and Robinson have led the way in the secondary. This group will look to shut down WR Ben O’lena (397 yards, four touchdowns), Mostrella (151 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns), and running back Austin Baze (eight touchdowns). It promises to be an exciting night of action! if you can’t make it, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates! The JV game will begin at 5:15pm. Check out Mike Ray’s article on tonight’s showdown in the Auburn Journal!

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Placer Hillmen roll to 7-0 after 52-26 win over Foothill

Hillmen defeat Foothill; Showdown with Bear River Next

October 18, 2015 Renee Christensen

Jared Halbert rushed for 173 yards and three touchdowns, Owen Scott added had 112 yards rushing and one touchdown, and Mikey Ferreria added 63 yards and a touchdown of his own as the Hillmen rushed for 479 yards, defeating Foothill 52-26 ahead of next week’s showdown with Bear River. Ferreria, stepping in Waylen Cozad, started the scoring with a short touchdown run to put the Hillmen out in front 7-0. After a defensive stop, quarterback Marcus Ante hit tight end Derek Haney for a 46 yard touchdown to put the Hillmen out in front 14-0. Halbert then plunged into the end zone from one yard out for his first touchdown of the night to give Placer a 21-12 lead. Scott scampered 26 yards into the end zone a little over a minute later, and Halbert added two more short touchdown runs to give the Hillmen (7-0) a comfortable 42-12 lead before the starters came out. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage all night long, opening up huge holes for the running backs. Defensively, Ryan Huston intercepted his fifth pass of the season and had a pass defended. Michael Downen and Logan Crawford each had a half a sack, and Simeon Engle played well, recording five tackles. Downen now has a team high 8 sacks on the year and Crawford is second with 4.5. Taylor Levesque and Andrew Smith led the linebackers with six tackles each, and Dallan Trentman added a tackle for a loss. To read more about Friday’s victory check out Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal! Also on Friday, The JV (5-2, 2-0), coasted to a 41-14 victory over Foothill, and the Freshman (7-0), beat Mesa Verde 69-0 on Thursday. The Hillmen will travel to Lake of the Pines Friday night for the much anticipated PVL showdown with fellow unbeaten Bear River. Kickoff will be at 7:30 pm. The JV game starts at 5:15pm, and the Freshman will take on Bear River Thursday night.

HILLMEN HIT THE ROAD TO TAKE ON FOOTHILL

October 16, 2015 Renee Christensen

Following their league opening 33-7 victory last week against Center, the Hillmen will hit the road again to take on Foothill tonight. The Hillmen (6-0, 1-0) turned in perhaps their best all around performance of the season against Center. Offensively, the Hillmen gained 423 yards (354 on the ground), and Owen Scott added an 85 yard kickoff return on special teams. In the last three games, the Hillmen ground game has been shredding opponents to the tune of 990 yards and four touchdowns, including Waylen Cozad’s 195 yard effort last week. The offensive line once again dominated up front paving the way for big games for the Hillmen running backs. The first string defense stymied Center, holding them to just north of 100 yards offensively. Foothill (1-5) is coming off a game which saw them hang tough with Bear River despite losing 20-7. if you can’t make it, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates! The JV game will begin at 5:15pm.

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Winnin’ with Waylen: Placer rolls over Center with 367 rushing yards

Cozad and Strong Defensive Effort Lead Hillmen Past Center

October 11, 2015 Renee Christensen

Waylen Cozad had quite the first half Friday night, rushing for 198 yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, and the defense turned in a strong performance to lead the Hillmen (5-0, 1-0) past Center (4-2, 0-1), 33-7 in their Pioneer Valley League opener. Marcus Ante hit Cozad for a 10 yard touchdown pass on the second drive of the game to put the Hillmen on the board. Following Jared Halbert’s one-yard touchdown run, Cozad broke loose for a 93 yard touchdown run, and later scored from 13 yards out. Owen Scott returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to close out the scoring. The Hillmen first string defense, which played only one half, stifled the Cougars, limiting them to just over 100 yards of total offense. The Hillmen were dominant once again up front, with Logan Crawford, Michael Downen, Jacob Capra, Diego Lopez, and Simeon Engle, all turning in solid performances. Ryan Huston added an interception, his fourth of the season, and Dallan Trentman, Taylor Levesque, and Derek Haney all turned in solid performances as well. To read more about Friday’s victory check out Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal! Also on Friday, the JV defeated Center 41-6 behind four touchdowns from Jonny Callahan, three through the air and one on the ground, to improve to (4-2, 1-0) on the season. Callahan threw two touchdowns to Travis Warren and one to Dylan Bridges. Fullback Mario Perez also had two rushing touchdowns for the Hillmen. On Thursday night, the freshman (6-0, 1-0) beat Marysville 41-6 to remain undefeated. Michael Stuck threw three touchdown passes, two to Jorge Maldonado, and one to Christian Evensen. The Varsity and JV will travel to Foothill to take on the Mustangs Friday night. Kickoff for the Varsity is at 7:30pm, and the JV game starts at 5:15pm. The freshman will face off against Mesa Verde at San Juan high school Thursday night.

PVL coaches give Placer the edge in football chase

Hillmen begin defense of PVL title against Center tonight

October 9, 2015 Renee Christensen

Following the bye week, the Hillmen (5-0), are rested and ready to begin the defense of their PVL title om the road against Center (4-1) tonight at 7:30pm. The game will mark the first time the teams have faced each other since Center defeated the Hillmen 24-20 in the playoffs in 2013, as Center had to forfeit the game last year due to suspensions. The Hillmen are coming off a 42-39 victory over Vista Del Lago, a game which saw quarterback Marcus Ante (219 yards passing) hook up with Owen Scott ( 5 rec. 185 yards) for three touchdowns through the air. Jared Halbert (144 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns), and Waylen Cozad (75 yards, one touchdown), led the way on the ground. if you can’t make it, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates! The JV game will begin at 5:15pm. To read about what the other PVL coaches have to say about who the other PVL coaches think has the edge in the chase for the PVL crown check out this week’s article in the Auburn Journal!

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Hillmen look for payback tonight against Vista Del Lago

September 25, 2015 Renee Christensen

Last season, the Hillmen lost a heart breaker to Vista Del Lago at home. Tonight, the Hillmen will look for payback as they travel to Folsom High School to take on the Eagles. The Hillmen defense in particular will be playing with a chip on their shoulders, aiming to prove that last year’s performance was a fluke. The defensive line of Michael Downen, Jacob Cabra, Simeon Engle, Logan Crawford and Diego Lopez have been dominate up front all year long and will look to continue that trend tonight. The linebacking corps and secondary have also been playing well of late. On the offensive side of the ball, the Hillmen have gotten the running game going in the last few weeks, as Owen Scott, Waylen Cozad, Jared Halbert, and Morgan Robinson have turned in strong performances. Quarterback Marcus Ante, one of the top signal callers in the area so far this season, has been exceptional through four games as well, and is primed for another big outing. Offensively, Vista Del Lago has three pretty solid running backs in Colby Carrera, Dylan Hackett, and Ney Vencer. Blake Martin and Blake Tuter are having pretty good seasons at the wide receiver position. It promises to be an exciting night of action. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm with the JV starting at 5:15. If you can’t make it, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates!

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Placer moves to 4-0 with blowout of Rio Americano

Hillmen Cruise to 50-7 Homecoming Victory over Rio Americano

September 20, 2015 Renee Christensen

Owen Scott scored two touchdowns, including a 64 yard scoring strike from Marcus Ante, and Waylen Cozad (116 yards rushing), and Jared Halbert (32 yards rushing), each added first half touchdowns, helping the Hillmen out to a big early lead as they cruised to a 50-7 homecoming victory over Rio Americano. Morgan Robinson also tallied 125 yards rushing and three touchdowns on the night. The offensive line of Jacob Capra, Diego Lopez, Jack Petty, Alex Houston, Logan Moore. and Tyler Mader were outstanding once again opening up huge holes for the running backs who gained 362 yards on the ground. Defensively, the Hillmen recorded six sacks, including three by Michael Downen and 1.5 sacks by Simeon Engle. Linebacker Dallan Trentman, starting his first game at middle linebacker also had a solid game defensively with 11 tackles. To read more about Friday’s victory check out Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal! Also Friday, Mario Perez scored two touchdowns as the JV blanked Rio Americano 14-0 for their third straight shutout to improve to 3-1. The Freshman rolled to a 56-13 victory Thursday night to move to remain undefeated at 4-0. Louis Fudge scored two touchdowns, one receiving and one on the defensive side of the ball with a pick six, and Michael Stuck threw three touchdown passes to lead the Freshman. The Hillmen varsity (4-0) will travel to Folsom High School Friday night to take on Vista Del Lago (2-2). The varsity game is set to scheduled to get under way at 7:30 pm, and the JV game will start at 5:15 pm.