Marcus Ante’s first pass as a varsity starting quarterback was a memorable one. An 80 yard scoring strike to Owen Scott, to open the flood gates as Ante and the Hillmen put on an air show, routing NU 43-7 in the season opener. Ante threw for four touchdowns, one more to Scott (76 yards), one to Derek Haney (74 yards), and Ryan Huston ( six yards). He also had 285 yards threw the air. Morgan Robinson (six yards) and Corey Yunk (55 yards) also had touchdown runs for the Hillmen on the ground. The defense also turned in a dominate performance, limiting NU to under 100 yards of total yards before the starters left the game. For more on last nights game check out Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal!
The Hillmen wrapped up a three day camp last week which saw them go toe to toe against perennial playoff teams Inderkum and Oakdale, and a Sacramento High squad that has enjoyed some playoff success in recent seasons. On offense, behind a strong offensive line, several players turned in impressive performances, including quarterback Marcus Ante, running back Waylen Cozad, and fullback Morgan Robinson. On defense, linebacker Brian Stangland had an impressive camp, as did cornerback Anthony Pierce, and the defensive line of Logan Crawford, the reigning PVL defensive MVP, and defensive tackles Simeon Engle and Jacob Capra. With just over two months before the start of the season, Placer looks to be gearing up for yet another big season. After a 10 day break, the Hillmen will begin summer workouts at 4pm on June 22nd. Read all about the camp and check out some great pics in Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal!
The Hillmen strapped on the pads for the first time Tuesday night as they began the quest for their fourth straight PVL title with the start of a three day summer camp. The camp features the defending Section III champion Oakdale Mustangs, the runner up Inderkum Tigers, and another playoff participant from last year, the Sacramento Dragons. The camp also runs today from 5-8pm, and tomorrow from 10am-12:30pm. Check out Ike Dobson’s article in today’s Auburn Journal for a rundown of the camp and photos of the action!
High School football teaches boys many valuable life lessons, which help shape not only who they are today, but what they will eventually become. Below is exactly what it means to be a Hillmen in the words of former player Chris James, class of 2012.
I got this tattoo back in May and still do not regret it to this day. To some people it may just be a number but to me its meaning is much deeper than that. Football was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was not going down a great path before highschool and really had no purpose. No where I fit in. I had friends but not all of them were good people. Football gave me a reason to do well in school and in life in general. It gave me a reason to be the best I could. It also gave me a place to feel safe. No matter what was going on when I strapped up I felt at home. My teammates and coaches were like a second family to me. They pushed me beyond my limits and made me realize how strong I could be. Not just physically but mentally. I appreciate every single person I played with, coached me, and supported me or my team. They helped me through a lot and I am eternally grateful. I would do anything for any of my brothers and would have any of their backs. I am happy that I got to experience this thing that a lot of people don’t even get the opportunity to do. I would not give up a single day of it for anything. Football was the best thing that ever happened to me as it kept me from possibly going down a dark path. It helped me realize how hard I can push myself, how important teamwork is, and gave me a place to channel my anger. All of this is represented on my right bicep and I wear it proudly. I am currently working at playing again be it at Sierra or somewhere else and if you do not believe in me then let me know. It will make it a lot sweeter when I do it. And if you do believe in me you can let me know too. If you are not there through my failures do not expect to be there in my success.
Fresh off a convincing 55-0 victory last Friday night against Pioneer, the Hillmen (1-1) will look to continue to build momentum tonight at home against Sheldon (1-1). Following their strong performance last week, Placer’s defense faces another stiff challenge, as the Huskies have a lot of speed on the offensive side of the ball. Offensively, the backfield figures to get a boost with the return of running back Austin Hess, who missed last week’s game due to injury. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm. If you can’t make it to the game, tune in to 950AM KAHI to hear all the action! You can also follow us for live in-game scoring updates on Twitter! Click on the link below to read tonight’s game preview in the Auburn Journal.
Led by a strong ground attack and a stingy defensive effort, the Hillmen routed Pioneer 55-0 for their first win of the season. Running back Owen Scott scored on runs of 20 and 13 yards, and Logan Markstein scampered 46 yards to pay dirt and Placer jumped out to a commanding 20-0 first quarter lead and never looked back. It was more of the same in the second quarter as fullback Jared Halbert scored a pair of touchdowns, and quarterback Clark Pietromonaco connected with tight end Tyler Gums for an 18 yard scoring strike to give the Hillmen a commanding 41-0 lead. The offensive line turned in a solid performance, opening up holes for the running backs all night long. The defense was equally as strong, holding Pioneer to just 45 yards in the first half. Linebacker Ryan Gray had a big fumble recovery in the first half, and Ryan Huston and Corey Yunk each had an interception. Friday night was the first shutout by Placer since head coach Joey Montoya took over in 2007. The JV lost a tough one 58-36, and the Freshman picked up their first win of the season with a 50-6 victory on Thursday night. Click the link below to read more about it!
Following their season opening loss to Nevada Union, the Hillmen will look to bounce back against Pioneer tonight when they travel to Woodland to take on the Patriots. Placer’s offense will look to build off of its three touchdown performance in the second half last week. All eyes will be on the offensive line tonight as the boys up front will look to set the tone for the offensive attack. Defensively, Michael Dowmen, and Ryan Gray and company will be in charge of shutting down the Patriots Wing-T attack which amassed 254 yards offensively in a 14-7 loss against Cordova last week. Head Coach Joey Montoya, who coached the Patriots from 2004-06 will be making his first trip back to the place where he began his head coaching career since he returned to his alma mater in 2007. If you can’t make it to the game, tune in to 950AM KAHI to hear the action and follow us for live updates on Twitter!
Placer’s Michael Downen was named the Auburn Journal Male Athlete of the Week for his performance August 29th against Nevada Union. The defensive standout had 18 tackles, 10 solo, one for a loss, and a sack. Read more about it in today’s Journal!
Following nine months of hard work and preparation, the Hillmen will put all their offseason work to the test when they begin the 2014 against old time rival Nevada Union, in the season opener Friday at Lefebvre Stadium. The matchup will be the first between the schools since 1995. Kickoff is set for 7:30. Click on the link below to read the game preview in Friday’s Auburn Journal. (Photo courtesy of Auburn Journal)
Come on out and bring your friends and family to the stadium for the Hillmen Kickoff Dinner with a night of food, fun, and football Friday August 22nd at 6pm in the stadium! There will be a BBQ dinner, silent auction, a pie eating contest for the players, and a Tug of War with coaches and players! Silent auction items available to bid on include the “Super Fan Pak” with preferred parking, admission to home games, and preferred seating. Dave Rosenthal will emcee the entire event.
