Cal-Hi Sports Insider Blog

Quick-hitting, behind-the-scenes news and notes from the CalHiSports.com staff, including previews of upcoming content and events.

Sac-Joaquin Top 5: Special Teams

We are happy to say that for the seventh straight year the CalHiSports.com web site and Cal-Hi Sports is part of the weekly Final Quarter high school football show on Friday nights on the FOX 40 station in Sacramento.

On last week’s 10th show for the 2019 season, we revealed our list of the top five special teams players in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section for this season. Here is what that countdown revealed:

Top 5 Special Teams Players
In The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section

1. Youlas Dickson (Buhach Colony, Atwater)
Believe it or not, but Youlas has returned seven punts or kickoffs for touchdowns so far this season (after 8 games). That’s tops in the state and looks like a section record.

2. Adrian Melesio (Patterson)
As a sophomore last year, Adrian made a 54-yard field goal. He’s got 10 this year (not including last week) with a long of 49.

3. Cole Becker (Rocklin)
He’s one of the keys to the Thunder’s success this season. Entered last week with 12 of 13 field goals with a long of 45. He didn’t add any more because we were there for game vs. Del Oro but looked good on kickoffs and PATs.

4. Abraham Banks (Rio Linda)
The Knights’ QB with more than 1,000 yards rushing and more than 500 yards passing also has three kickoff returns for touchdowns.

5. Brandon Bautista-Rundgren (Franklin, Elk Grove)
The leading punter in the section with a 45.5 yard reported average also is the Wildcats’ starting quarterback.

This 30-minute show is twice as long as any other Friday night high school football show in the Sacramento market and is returning to the Friday at 11 p.m. time slot.

Watch this week’s show Friday at 11 p.m. for all the local highlights, plus the next Top 5 from CalHiSports.com, which will be a look at the top five quarterbacks in the section for the 2010s. The show will include highlights from all of the biggest games in the region, including the Fan Favorite Game of the Week. Thanks to host Jim Crandell and the FOX 40 team for once again letting Cal-Hi Sports be part of this year’s show.


Most Popular Sports Video Games of All-Time


Sports video games are a huge market largely monopolized by EA Games, but there was a time when there was plenty of competition between studios. When it comes to the best sports game, a few games are disputed. NBA Jam, NFL, and FIFA are all best sellers, but which of these games is considered the most popular with the biggest player base? This post will take a look at those titles that are not only fun but have a ton of fans that play day-in and day-out.

Rocket League

With over 58 million players, Rocket League is one of the most successful and widely played sports games in the world. Game studio Psyonix brought out this breakout hit in 2015 and has consistently seen multiple updates, including real-money tournaments and skins. This unlikely combination of cars and soccer is also popular in e-sports competitions and you might even be able to bet on it in certain online casinos.

FIFA 18, 17 and 16

With new updates to the roster coming as often as the changes do in the sport itself, you’ll always have the players you want on your team. FIFA 16, despite being four years behind, is still ranking with 28.3 million players. FIFA 18 ranks the highest at 32.5 million and continues to climb. With how popular soccer/football is all over the world, this probably doesn’t come as a surprise. The FIFA community is just as active and diverse as the real-life players of the sport, and the new installments will likely follow the high upward climb of players.

Madden NFL 19, 18, and 17

Madden 18 was the first to be developed with a story mode called “Longshot Mode,” which was similar to FIFA 17 “The Journey.” That helped get new players into playing football in single-player mode, but it also doubled its player count in their competitive multiplayer mode. Similar to FIFA, rosters are upgraded anytime it changes in the sport. Madden 19 was also the first NFL game to be released on the PC since Madden NFL 08, meaning more platforms to play on.

NHL 19, 18

The most popular sport in Canada, and one of the most-watched in the USA, the number of dedicated players is astounding considering hockey doesn’t have a well-watched international league (the Olympics being an exception). Still, NHL 18 and 19 have millions of players. Since EA Sports has owned the other two titles in this list, you can probably guess that NHL also has an ever-changing roster that’s continuously updated.

WWE 2K19

When THQ handed their games over to 2K studios after declaring bankruptcy, it was a bumpy ride at first. It seems like they’re hitting their stride, as 2k19 has gotten fantastic reviews and has reinvigorated their loyal fan base. Not only do WWE video games usually feature a super fun to play career mode where you can create your own character, but you can also use said character to fight against your friends. WWE games are a notoriously fun couch co-op experience, so grab a few friends and throw them off the Hell in the Cell.

NBA Jam

There was a time not too long ago where EA didn’t develop all sports-related titles. Initially developed by Midway, NBA Jam is a two-on-two basketball arcade game that features licensed teams. The fun in this game comes in the exaggerated movements of the players – jumping multiple times their height, slam dunks breaking the backboard, and players running at the speed of sound.

Mario Kart Racing

Let’s finish this list off with a class. Mario Kart is a staple at any gaming party, as the tight controls, memorable characters, and easy to understand design make it fun for children and adults. Now, Mario Kart has multiplayer tournaments that you can drop in and out of by connecting to the internet. You can also customize your character, your kart, your speed, among other things. If you’re bored with racing, you can always play their battle mode.


Sac-Joaquin Top 5: Defensive Backs

We are happy to say that for the seventh straight year the CalHiSports.com web site and Cal-Hi Sports is part of the weekly Final Quarter high school football show on Friday nights on the FOX 40 station in Sacramento.

On last week’s ninth show for the 2019 season, we revealed our list of the top five defensive backs in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section for this season. Here is what that countdown revealed:

1. Trey Paster (Buhach Colony, Atwater)
A 6-foot-3, 195-pounder who can play cover corner, Paster is one of the best DBs in the state and is committed to Cal.

2. Michael Briscoe (Vacaville)
He had eight career interceptions heading into last week’s game and has been one of the top players for one of the top five teams in the section.

3. Cameron Broussard (Folsom)
A transfer to the Bulldogs from Cosumnes Oaks, Broussard has committed to Sac State.

4. Tyler Peterson (Granite Bay)
Another of those who also shines as a receiver, Peterson came into last week with three interceptions this season after getting four last year.

5. Harim Reynolds (Highlands)
One of the state leaders this year with six interceptions entering last week’s games, Reynolds also had 14 TD catches in his first seven games.

This 30-minute show is twice as long as any other Friday night high school football show in the Sacramento market and is returning to the Friday at 11 p.m. time slot.

Watch this week’s show Friday at 11 p.m. for all the local highlights, plus the next Top 5 from CalHiSports.com, which will be a look at the top five special teams players in the section. The show will include highlights from all of the biggest games in the region, including the Fan Favorite Game of the Week. Thanks to host Jim Crandell and the FOX 40 team for once again letting Cal-Hi Sports be part of this year’s show.


World Series Alums: Lowest Total Ever For California

We knew it might not be a good year for ex-California high school players in the World Series when both the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees (who both have a lot of Californians on their rosters) could get to the Fall Classic. Instead, we have the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros and the combined total of just five from the state happens to be the lowest in the 25 years or so that we have been compiling these alumni lists.

The previous low total was six from the 2016 World Series. There were seven last year and seven in 2017 and even with those totals that was more than any other state or nation. The most was 15 for the 2002 World Series between the Anaheim Angels and San Francisco Giants and even earlier this decade the state was in double figures several times.

The obvious development of MLB all-star players from outside of the U.S. is probably the biggest reason for the declining totals. In this year’s World Series, there are six from Venezuela, four from the Dominican Republic, three from Cuba and two from Mexico. It also is a great year for Florida this year as the Sunshine State boasts of having nine former high schoolers in the World Series.

HOUSTON ASTROS
Gerrit Cole (Lutheran, Orange)
— He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft coming out of UCLA. The 2008 all-state pitcher at OLu was a first round selection by the Yankees after that season but did not sign. The brother in law of recent two-time World Series alum Brandon Crawford of the San Francisco Giants (Pleasanton Foothill) will be a free agent after this season and will be highly valued.
Chris Devenski (Gahr, Cerritos) — A member of the Astros’ World Series championship roster from 2017, Devenski was the last player added to the roster this season. The pitcher had a 1.93 career ERA in high school over three seasons and then went to Cal-State Fullerton.
Jake Marisnick (Poly, Riverside) — Prior to the 2017 World Series, Marisnick suffered a thumb injury and was not on the Astros’ roster. If he had played, he would have joined Riverside Poly teammate Austin Barnes, who did play in that year’s World Series for the Dodgers. Marisnick has been a solid outfielder for the Astros the last few seasons.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Joe Ross (Bishop O’Dowd, Oakland)
— He was an all-state choice for the Dragons in 2011 and had several great seasons for them not long after his older brother Tyson was starring at the school. Ross was a starting pitcher for the Nationals in 2019, but isn’t one of the front-line starters and is expected to pitch in relief roles in the World Series.
Stephen Strasburg (West Hills, Santee) — At West Hills, Strasburg was not that much of a highly recruited prospect. To his credit, he was academically outstanding (the school’s 2006 Scholar Athlete of the Year) and did enough to attract interest from San Diego State. It was there that he emerged as a pitching phenom and prior to the 2009 MLB Draft he was compared to some of the most prized prospects in the draft ever. Strasburg is currently one of the leading pitchers in the National League.

Note: Two members of the Astros and Nationals coaching staffs from California are Chip Hale (Campolindo, Moraga) for the Nationals and Gary Pettis (Castlemont, Oakland) for the Astros. Hale is a former manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pettis is the father of San Francisco 49ers receiver Dante Pettis, who played at JSerra (San Juan Capistrano).


State Stat Stars of Week

As we collected info for the six SoCal/NorCal Players of the Week in football, here’s a few others from last week’s games (Oct. 17-19) that put up totals that caught our attention. Note: No Prep Notes With a Twist column this week with All-State, All-Decade Teams and honors coming out in baseball. Send any player of week nominations or possible state record totals after each week to markjtennis@gmail.com. Thanks to Central Section historian Bob Barnett for contributions.

Khalil Ali (South Hills, West Covina)
Outstanding junior QB was sizzling hot when the Huskies notched a win over West Covina. Ali finished with 402 yards passing and five TDs. That fifth score came on a 80-yarder to Jordan Sanchez, which also was Jordan’s third TD catch of the night.

Ceasar Ayala (Eisenhower, Rialto)
It was a slow start for Ayala and the Eagles (who were 13-1 last season) but they’re now winning in the San Andreas League. In a 62-7 victory last week vs. Rim of the World (Lake Arrowhead), Ceasar ruled by going 12 of 18 passing for 439 yards and seven touchdowns.

Matt Meredith is only a junior and with his lanky frame will draw comparisons to former Miramonte great Ken Dorsey. Photo: miramonteboostersclub.com.


George Baker (River Valley, Yuba City)
Handing another loss to Bella Vista of Fair Oaks (which has ongoing streak among longest in state history), Baker led the way for River Valley in a 49-7 win over the Broncos. Baker came up with three interceptions on defense with one returned for a touchdown. On offense, he also rushed for 176 yards and three scores.

Zevi Eckhaus (Culver City)
The numbers kept piling up for Zevi during the Centaurs’ 42-9 win against El Segundo. The junior QB connected on 20 of 23 passes for 469 yards and five TDs. He now has 3,190 yards and 42 TDs this season in just eight games.

Sam Gaete (Palm Desert)
He’s been moving up the state rushing leader lists since the team returned from a 47-14 loss to famed program Permian High of Odessa, Texas (Friday Night Lights school). For the third straight game, Gaete went past 200 yards rushing last week when Palm Desert topped La Quinta 17-14. He ended with a season-high 287 yards on 26 carries and scored once.

Kingston Hala (Paramount)
QB for team that has lost only to Bishop Amat and that was by one point put up great numbers to lead Pirates past Warren of Downey 45-20. Hala connected on 22 of 32 passes for 343 yards and three TDs. He also rushed for 55 yards on 10 carries.

Wick Hauser (El Capitan, Lakeside)
Playing the role of one-man wrecking crew, Hauser did it all for the Vaqueros as they nipped Granite Hills of El Cajon 25-23. On offense, Wick did the trick with 12 rushes for 98 yards and one TD plus 157 yards passing (9 of 11, 1 TD). On defense, he piled up 14 tackles.

Justin Holaday (Lemoore)
In leading Lemoore past Golden West of Visalia 36-29, Holaday passed for a career high of 362 yards on 20-30-0 and had four touchdowns. Receivers Will Schalde had six receptions for 161 yards & three touchdowns & ChrisTaylor had a game-high nine receptions for 97 yards, one touchdown. Running back Lonnie Wessel led Golden West by setting a school record with 308 yards on 27 carries & TD runs of 56 and 51 yards. Wessel also has now set a school record at Golden West with 26 TDs this season.

Lian Jacildo (Duarte)
It wasn’t enough to lead his team to a win, but Lian leaned into his carries all night long in a 43-36 loss to Workman (City of Industry). The senior back ended with 30 carries for 362 yards and three TDs.

Mike Maeva (Mar Vista, Imperial Beach)
In a 36-22 win against Sweetwater of National City, Maeva was marvelous with 24 completions in 29 passing attempts for 380 yards and five TDs.

Matt Meredith (Miramonte, Orinda)
Previous NorCal Offensive Player of the Week had another huge outing throwing the ball in Mats’ 48-6 victory over Millennium of Tracy. Meredith went 18 of 25 for 401 yards and two TDs. For the season, he now has 2,434 yards passing and 28 TDs.

Daniel Trujillo (Lindsay)
Senior RB set a school record by rushing for 336 yards on 19 carries and tied a career high by scoring four touchdowns in a 64-6 over Farmersville. Kicker Emiliano Corona also made 8-of-9 extra points.

Vann Wilkins (Lower Lake)
There wasn’t anything low about the passing that Wilkins did during Lower Lake’s 66-43 triumph last Friday against Kelseyville. The senior QB completed 18 of 27 passes for 415 yards and six TDs.


Sac-Joaquin Top 5: Defensive Line

We are happy to say that for the seventh straight year the CalHiSports.com web site and Cal-Hi Sports is part of the weekly Final Quarter high school football show on Friday nights on the FOX 40 station in Sacramento.

On last week’s eighth show for the 2019 season, we revealed our list of the top five defensive linemen in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section for this season. Here is what that countdown revealed:

1. DeShawn Lynch (Folsom) 6-4, 280
He’s an all-area basketball player as well and is one of the top defensive line recruits in California with many D1 offers. Just before this list was revealed on the air, Lynch was shown returning a fumble for a touchdown during win vs. Whitney of Rocklin.

2. Omar Norman-Lott (Grant, Sacramento) 6-3, 295
It’s been tough for Grant this season getting wins, but Omar and teammate offensive lineman Isaiah Tupou have been great. Omar has committed to Arizona State.

3. Ilaisa Gonebure (Capital Christian) 6-4, 320
He’s just a junior, and already getting some offers. He also had eight tackles for loss in first few games.

4. Grady Manley (Lincoln) 6-4, 265
He led the Zebras and was among the section leaders in tackles last year playing linebacker but this season he has switched to D-Line. Seems to be paying off.

5. Micah Yokum (Placer, Auburn) 6-3, 230
He’s gotten bigger, stronger and faster since last season and recently had 10 tackles and two sacks against Nevada Union.

This 30-minute show is twice as long as any other Friday night high school football show in the Sacramento market and is returning to the Friday at 11 p.m. time slot.

Watch this week’s show Friday at 11 p.m. for all the local highlights, plus the next Top 5 from CalHiSports.com, which will be a look at the top five defensive backs in the section. The show will include highlights from all of the biggest games in the region, including the Fan Favorite Game of the Week. Thanks to host Jim Crandell and the FOX 40 team for once again letting Cal-Hi Sports be part of this year’s show.


Sac-Joaquin Top 5: Linebackers

We are happy to say that for the seventh straight year the CalHiSports.com web site and Cal-Hi Sports is part of the weekly Final Quarter high school football show on Friday nights on the FOX 40 station in Sacramento.

On last week’s seventh show for the 2019 season, we revealed our list of the top five linebackers in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section for this season. Here is what that countdown revealed:

1. Marcus Jones (Monterey Trail, Elk Grove)
He was the top defender on last year’s team that went 13-1 and reached the Division I section finals. Marcus also is in the midst of another great season.

2. Jabarii Pharms (Stagg, Stockton)
He is currently the leading tackler in the section and last year was one of the leading tacklers in the state.

3. Dylan Richard (Folsom)
He recently came up with 13 tackles vs. De La Salle and he had 11 tackles with two sacks against Oak Ridge.

4. Ryan Enney (Oak Ridge, El Dorado Hills)
Another junior to watch for the Trojans, Ryan has had 10 tackles or more in games against teams like Folsom, Rocklin and Vacaville.

5. Zach Brooks (Davis)
A junior at 6-foot and 235 pounds, Zach already has been player of the week for the Blue Devils several times.

This 30-minute show is twice as long as any other Friday night high school football show in the Sacramento market and is returning to the Friday at 11 p.m. time slot.

Watch this week’s show Friday at 11 p.m. for all the local highlights, plus the next Top 5 from CalHiSports.com, which will be a look at the top five defensive linemen in the section. The show will include highlights from all of the biggest games in the region, including the Fan Favorite Game of the Week. Thanks to host Jim Crandell and the FOX 40 team for once again letting Cal-Hi Sports be part of this year’s show.


State Stat Stars of Week

As we collected info for the six SoCal/NorCal Players of the Week in football, here’s a few others from last week’s games (Oct. 4-5) that put up totals that caught our attention. Note: No Prep Notes With a Twist column this week with All-State, All-Decade Teams and honors coming out in softball. Send any player of week nominations or possible state record totals after each week to markjtennis@gmail.com.

Trey Baker (Kennedy, Richmond)
In his first game playing for the small school state-ranked Eagles after transferring from El Cerrito, Baker ran back two punts for scores and he reached the end zone on a 31-yard interception return in a 48-0 win over Hercules. In the same game, Baker also rushed for 143 yards on six carries.

Mac Dalena had career bests in several categorie when San Joaquin Memorial topped Bullard. Photo: Hudl.com.


Tyler Buchner (Bishop’s, La Jolla)
With a winning score of 73-32 by Tyler’s team over Orange Glen of Escondido, we honestly thought Buchner might have done something even more insane than he did. The frequent stat star went 19 of 31 passing for 414 yards and five TDs and he had 11 carries for 102 yards rushing and four more scores.

A.J. Cleveland (Highland, Bakersfield)
Junior QB set a new school record by passing for six touchdowns & 356 yards on 17 of 22 for the game in a 52-28 win over North Bakersfield. Wide receiver Shabazz Muhammad also had 188 yards & a school record of four touchdown catches.

Mac Dalena (San Joaquin Memorial, Fresno)
San Joaquin Memorial team-mates Mac Dalena & Jalen McMillan, Finn Collins team-up to edge Bullard 33-31 in a County/Metro League Game. Fresno State commit had three career highs with 11 receptions, 189 yards & three touchdowns & a game ending interception in 33-31 win vs. Bullard of Fresno. Teammate Jalen McMillan had 8 receptions in that game and now has 210 for his career, second most in Central Section history, also had 128 yards receiving & set a new section career record of 4,299 yards (all section records from historian Bob Barnett). McMillan also tied another section record by getting one touchdown catch, now has 47 touchdowns in his career. Quarterback Finn Collins deserves mention as well as he passed for 360 yards on 23-35-0 & 4 touchdowns.

Oryan Hamlin (Chadwick, Palos Verdes)
In a game from two weeks ago, Hamlin ran wild in an 8-man game with 27 carries for 540 yards rushing and seven TDs to lead the Dolphins past Rolling Hills Prep of San Pedro 89-54. It might be an 8-man state record but we’ll have to some checking on that and will list Hamlin again when that is done.

Nick Hernandez (Monrovia)
It was a season high for passing yards for Hernandez in Monrovia’s 35-0 blanking of San Marino. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 395 yards and three TDs for the Wildcats, who improved to 6-1. He also now has nearly 1,900 yards for the season.

Jariah McBath (Marysville)
Sacramento Bee Prep of the Week made the Lindhurst of Olivehurst defense all wet in a 61-38 win by the Indians last week. McBath soaked in the praise after getting 338 yards rushing and three TDs.

Isaiah Newell (Las Lomas, Walnut Creek)
In just the first half of his team’s 49-7 win against Miramonte of Orinda, Newell (an Oregon State commit) racked up five touchdowns and had 297 yards rushing on just 16 carries.

Cael Patterson (Orange Glen, Escondido)
In the same game in which QB Tyler Buchner of Bishop’s accounted for 516 yards and nine TDs that the Patriots lost 73-32, Patterson still had a pretty great night, too. He rushed for 347 yards on 39 carries, scored three times and went past 1,300 yards for the season.

Trabron Russell (Manteca)
Scoring seven touchdowns in one thing, but doing it against Oakdale and on the road at Oakdale’s Corral is something else. That’s what Russell did in leading the Buffaloes past the Mustangs 55-37 last week. The senior running back also rushed for 240 yards. Oakdale still has to play Central Catholic of Modesto so we still have to see if the win gives Manteca a share of the Valley Oak League title or whether it meant second place.

Nathan Temple (Santana, Santee)
In a 56-21 win against Mt. Miguel of Spring Valley, Temple accounted for seven touchdowns. He hit on 14 of 22 passing for 310 yards and three TDs while as a runner he scored four times and had 10 carries for 55 yards. In a game last season, Nathan accounted for eight TDs.

Kenny Teter (Heritage, Menifee)
It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Heritage wound up giving state-ranked Rancho Verde a tough go of it in the Ivy League. The Patriots have a couple of losses, but won last week 41-18 over Elsinore of Lake Elsinore. Teter was one of the top players in the league as a junior and rushed for 274 yards and three TDs on 25 carries vs. Elsinore. He also now has nearly 900 yards for the season.

Carson Yates (Leland, San Jose)
Versatile athlete led the Chargers past Lincoln of San Jose 42-35. As a passer, Yates completed 15 of 20 throws for 225 yards and three TDs. As a rusher, he kept the ball for 115 yards and had another score.


Sac-Joaquin Top 5: Offensive Line

We are happy to say that for the seventh straight year the CalHiSports.com web site and Cal-Hi Sports is part of the weekly Final Quarter high school football show on Friday nights on the FOX 40 station in Sacramento.

On last week’s sixth show for the 2019 season, we revealed our list of the top five offensive linemen in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section for this season. Here is what that countdown revealed:

1. Everett Johnson (Turlock) 6-7, 295
Preseason all-state with comparisons to Roseville’s Kolton Miller (now with Oakland Raiders). Everett has committed to Cal.

2. Gerad Lichtenhan (Davis) 6-9, 345
One of the tallest committed linemen in the nation. Gerad has committed to Colorado. Along with Johnson, looked good at NorCal Nike showcase held last spring in El Cerrito.

3. Isaiah Tupou (Grant, Sacramento) 6-3, 315
He can play guard at that size. Offers from UCLA, BYU, Utah and more.

4. Kyle Christensen (Placer, Auburn) 6-4, 250
There’s been at least one lineman like this from Placer for the last three or four years. Kyle has major college offers from Oregon State and Nevada.

5. Nicholas Scalise (Oak Ridge, El Dorado Hills) 6-6, 290
All-League standout last season for the Trojans has some mid-major college offers.

This 30-minute show is twice as long as any other Friday night high school football show in the Sacramento market and is returning to the Friday at 11 p.m. time slot.

Watch this week’s show Friday at 11 p.m. for all the local highlights, plus the next Top 5 from CalHiSports.com, which will be a look at the top five linebackers in the section. The show will include highlights from all of the biggest games in the region, including the Fan Favorite Game of the Week. Thanks to host Jim Crandell and the FOX 40 team for once again letting Cal-Hi Sports be part of this year’s show.


Girls VB: Coaches with 500 wins

It was time to celebrate at Sacred Heart Cathedral of San Francisco last weekend when girls volleyball head coach Margi Beima won her 500th game. Photo: @SHCathletics / Twitter.com.

It’s only taken since the 2003 season for Sacred Heart Cathedral of San Francisco’s Margi Beima to win her 500th match. The school contacted us earlier last week to ask if we knew how many other coaches in California girls volleyball history have done the same. We have a possible answer and have begun to compile an all-time list. It’s not complete, however, and may not ever be unless some of the coaches (or their schools) we think have that many wins or more send us their win-loss totals so we can check them out.
Read more…


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