St. John Bosco 22 - Eagles 0
BELLFLOWER, CA., October 24, 2003 – Untimely penalties, costly turnovers and lack of offensive productivity all contributed to Santa Margarita’s first loss of the 2003 season – a 22-0 setback at the hands of the St. John Bosco Braves before a crowd of 4,000 at Fr. Frank Ribotta Field. The loss dropped the Eagles to 6-1 on the season and coupled with Mater Dei’s and Servite’s losses there is now a six-way tie in the Serra League with all teams claiming a 1-1 league record.
The Braves stormed out of the gate almost immediately as they marched 52 yards on six plays before their drive stalled at the Eagle 19 and they settled for a 37-yard field goal by Louis Pindola to grab a 3-0 lead only 2:39 into the game. The Eagle defense stiffened for the balance of the quarter yielding only one first down and forcing two punts; however, the Eagles didn’t fare any better as they managed only 34 yards and two first downs through the first quarter and a half. Early in the second quarter the Braves went on a seven-play 56-yard drive capped by a six-yard touchdown run by Greg Chavez to make it 10-0 with 7:08 left in the half. From there the Eagles put together their best drive of the night. After Chris Ramsey’s 95-yard kickoff return touchdown was called back due to a penalty the Eagles took over at their own 16 and used nine consecutive running plays to string together a two critical first downs and cross into Brave territory. Unfortunately the drive stalled and the coaches played the percentages and chose to punt on a fourth and one from the Brave 48 with 1:14 left in the half.
On the opening drive of the second half Eagle quarterback Ryan Nienhuis, filling in for Michael Angelo, had a pass intercepted by linebacker Michael Acosta who ran untouched 40 yards for the score to make it 16-0 just 56 seconds into the second half. On their next possession two penalties sabotaged what started out as a promising drive. After trading two punts apiece the Braves closed out the scoring by going on a eight-play 50-yard drive which culminated in a six-yard scoring pass from Patrick Cowan to tight end Anthony Rodriguez to make it 22-0 with 5:30 left in the contest. Talented sophomore Jon Daniels took over at quarterback from that point on, but the visitors could only manage 18 yards of offense on their final three possessions against an inspired Brave defense. The Eagles ended up with season-lows of 124 yards and five first downs, and were led by senior running back Chris Ramsey who finished with a team-high 44 yards rushing.
Although the offense had an off night the defensive unit looked good especially considering that the battle of field position was clearly won by the Braves. Using effective punting the hosts played mistake-free football, but nonetheless managed only 253 total yards and 10 first downs against the Eagles’ Swarm. One key stat was the fact that the visitors couldn’t force a turnover that may have changed the complexion of what was essentially a tight game. Senior linebacker Jack Meehan once again spearheaded the Eagle defensive effort picking up 16 tackles to move within 24 tackles of Mike Farris’ school record. Matt Rupp collected another sack giving him nine on the season and 30 in his career while Mark Restelli and Jeff Azula chipped in nine tackles apiece.
| St. John Bosco | 3 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 22 |
| Santa Margarita | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SJB – Spindola 37 FG
SJB – Chavez 6 run (kick good)
SJB – Acosta interception return
SJB – Rodriguez 6 pass from Cowan
By Adrian Peters
Sports Information Director
Braves Bounce Back, Top Eagles
BELLFLOWER – There are probably a few people who are going to want to put an asterisk beside St. John Bosco High's Serra League football victory against Santa Margarita on Friday night.
That's because the Eagles, who came into the game unbeaten and ranked No. 4 in the CIF Southern Section Division I poll, were without standout quarterback Michael Angelo, who sat out the game after breaking unspecified team rules in the week leading up to the Braves' 22-0 win at St. John Bosco.
"If Michael Angelo is in the game, it might have been different," Braves coach Kiki Mendoza said. "But we're happy to win it any way we can."
After last week's "hiccup," a loss to league rival Mater Dei, St. John Bosco (6-1, 1-1), ranked one spot behind the Eagles (6-1, 1-1) in the CIF poll, was facing its biggest game of the year. And the Braves caught one of their biggest breaks.
Without Angelo, who leads his team in rushing and passing, Santa Margarita had lots of difficulty moving the ball behind wide receiver-turned-quarterback Ryan Nienhuis. The Braves held the Eagles to just 121 yards in total offense and allowed them to cross midfield only once.
With the game as big as it was, Mendoza praised first-year Santa Margarita coach Mike Jacot for standing up for his principles by benching Angelo.
"I have lots of respect for Coach Jacot's decision," Mendoza said. "Our primary purpose (as coaches) is to teach responsibility -- and make them better young men. It was a tough decision, especially coming into this game 6-0. He has standards. I really respect his decision, but I feel bad for him."
St. John Bosco was hardly a juggernaut on offense. The Braves finished with 253 yards in total offense, but won the battle of field position and ultimately the game because of it.
Louis Spindola kicked a 37-yard field goal to give the Braves the only points they needed early in the first quarter. Greg Chavez scored on a 6-yard run in the second quarter for a 10-0 halftime lead.
Three plays into the third quarter, Michael Acosta Jr. iced the game, returning an interception 40 yards to make it 16-0, and Anthony Rodriguez caught a 5-yard TD pass from Patrick Cowan in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring.
"Our goal coming into the game was to even it out," Mendoza said, referring to the Serra League race. "I feel good about our team, but it's a tough league -- anybody can beat anybody."
By Dave Werstine
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Long Beach Press-Telegram - B4
