The San Jose SaberCats Win Arena Bowl XXVIII With 28 Unanswered 3rd Quarter Points

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By Josh Hunsucker | @jphunsucker

Leading up to Arena Bowl XXVIII, the San Jose SaberCats knew full well that Jacksonville Sharks wide receiver Joe Hills would be tough to stop. In fact, Clevan Thomas admitted that shutting down Hills would be the most important part of the SaberCats defensive game plan going into Saturday’s ‘Ship in Stockton, CA. For the first 30 minutes of the game it didn't work. With time winding down in the second quarter the SaberCats dropped an interception in the end zone and Hills made them pay, scoring for the fourth time in the first half. The SaberCats went into halftime trailing 33-27.

At the start of the third quarter the San Jose had yet to make one defensive stop of Hills and the Sharks, who finished the game with nine grabs for 133 yards. The SaberCats struck first in the third quarter when Erik Meyer hit DJ Stevens on a 26-yard strike. What everyone in the Stockton Arena after that touchdown didn’t know was that they were about to witness a scoring outburst, even by AFL standards.

On Jacksonville's next drive, a combination of penalties and a new SaberCats defensive look on the Sharks receiving corps forced a fourth and long. Tommy Grady's pass was deflected by San Jose and into the hands of David Hyland who raced into the end zone for a pick-six.

On the ensuing drive the SaberCats forced a Jacksonville fumble, which Clevan Thomas opportunistically jumped on. A few plays later, a Myers toss to Dariu Reynolds whipped the Stockton Arena crowd into a frenzy. Suddenly up 48-33, the crowd was delirious and deafening. An improbable 21-0 run had the screws holding down the arena ceiling rattling loose.

On the very next play the roof would come off and the game would, for all intents and purpose, be over. For those who don't know, in the AFL, kickoffs that rebound off of the nets and goal post supports are live balls. It is part of the game to routinely field kickoffs off the netting like an outfielder catching a ball off the outfield wall.

On Nich Pertuit's kickoff something crazy happened. The kick sailed perfectly onto the crossbar and bounced back about 15 yards right into the hands of the SaberCats David Hyland who had a clear path to waltz into the end zone. Prior to Arena Bowl XXVIII Pertuit admitted that he had only kicked the ball off of the crossbar three times in his life and the SaberCats had never recovered one of those kicks. Unreal play. Game over.

The SaberCats closed out the third quarter on a 28-0 run and traded blows with Jacksonville in the fourth quarter to seal the 68-47 victory and their fourth championship in franchise history.The ensuing champagne bath in the ‘Cats locker room was as raucous as one can imagine. Yet another championship has arrived on the shores of the San Francisco Bay. 

via YouTube Capture

via YouTube Capture

Uploaded by Section925 on 2015-08-31.

Section925 captures the SaberCats locker room champagne celebration in the wake of their 68-47 victory of the Jacksonville Sharks.

Clevan Thomas’ Long Strange Trip to Arena Football and Back Again

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 Photo courtesy of Jordan stepp

 Photo courtesy of Jordan stepp

By Josh Hunsucker | @jphunsucker

Life never takes you down the straight path. That couldn’t be truer for San Jose SaberCats defensive back Clevan Thomas. As he prepares for Arena Bowl XXVIII, one of Arena Football’s greatest players reflected on the winding path that brought him to the precipice of his fourth title in his ten-year career.

Some men would have given up the dream of football when faced with the same adversity that has looked Thomas straight in the eyes. And most men would not have grasped opportunity so tightly as Thomas did in moments where it reared its fleeting head. However, at each bend in the road, Thomas took solace in “God’s divine plan,” and marched on.

Clevan Thomas grew up in Miami, Florida in the late 80s and early 90s, a hot bed for some of the nation’s greatest college football players and teams. Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, and Emmitt Smith (to name a very few) played right is his back yard. Thomas was passionate about the game, but going into his junior year at Miami Senior High School he had not received a single offer from any of the big three Florida schools: Florida State, Miami, and Florida. That all changed when he ripped off a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown early in his junior year in front of some Division I scouts that had attended the game to recruit another player. By his senior year he had committed to the University of Miami and finished his senior season as a SuperPrep All-American. Then in December of 1995, of Miami got hit with a one-year postseason ban and probation for three years. Thomas wrestled with the decisions of de-committing. He wanted to stay in the “State of Miami,” but ultimately couldn’t let the chance of competing for a national title get away. Thomas decided to de-commit from hometown Miami and headed north to Tallahassee and Florida State.

After two years climbing up the depth chart, Thomas found himself on the verge of cracking the starting defensive backfield in 1999. Looking back on his years at Florida State, Thomas lauded the “leadership” and “greatness” of Bobby Bowden, who he credits with the instilling a focused determination on the 1999 team, which faced numerous off-field distractions on its way to an undefeated regular season. Thomas too stayed focused during that season, finishing second on the team in interceptions and earning a starting spot at cornerback during the Sugar Bowl where he helped Florida State win the National Championship.

    Photo Courtesy of Fanbase.com

    Photo Courtesy of Fanbase.com

The following year, Thomas started for the Seminoles at cornerback, including a second start in a National Championship game, one Florida State would go onto lose. As Thomas saw his collegiate career come to an end, he had his sites set on the NFL until a failed drug test at the NFL combine forced him out of football for the next year. Struggling to keep his football dream alive, his agent floated his name to long-time and current SaberCats coach Darren Arbet. Knowing that this was his likely his last chance to get back into football, Thomas never looked back. In his rookie year he was named Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-Arena and took home his first of three Arena League championships.

By 2008, Thomas had made a name for himself in Arena football as one of the games premiere shutdown defensive backs, racked up numerous awards and accolades, and three titles, then as Thomas recalls, life gave him a “reality check.” Days before the Arena Bowl in 2008, then Arena Football League commissioner David Baker resigned setting a series of events in motion that ultimately led to the cancelation of the 2009 season.

Thomas found himself out of work and with the added responsibility of being a “full-time husband with three kids.” Thomas moved back to Florida and began applying for jobs. After initially coaching high school football, Thomas found employment as a correctional officer, working the graveyard shift. With the dream of football slowly fading into the past, Thomas braved the daily danger of interacting with inmates. During the nearly three years he served as a correction officer, Thomas made a concerted effort to learn about and humanize the inmates who he found to be “normal people that made a mistake in their lives, which they usually felt bad about.”

After four years out of football, the Arena Football League informed Thomas that he had been selected for induction into the Arena Football Hall of Fame and had also been named the 24th greatest player in the history of the league by the Arena Football Silver Anniversary Committee. After receiving the news, Thomas took a long look in the mirror and debated whether he would best serve his family by giving football another shot.

 photo courtesy of CSN Bay Area

 photo courtesy of CSN Bay Area

Ultimately, Thomas returned to the SaberCats, foregoing his place in the Hall of Fame until he wrote the next chapter of his Arena Football career. Interestingly, Thomas “doesn’t really think about” being selected to the Hall of Fame. Quick to point out teammates and coaches, whom he attributes his success, Thomas says he was more focused on the getting back to the game and helping the SaberCats succeed when he decided to return to football.

After ending his retirement in 2013, as a 34-year old father of three, Thomas re-embraced the roll of locker room leader with a new and more mature perspective. The immediate results spoke for themselves: a career high 15 interceptions (6 for TDs) and being named AFL Defensive Player of the Year. It was almost like Thomas never left, and to think, but for a few simple twists of fate, he may never have even made it that point. On the eve of Arena Bowl XXVIII, a mature and seasoned Clevan Thomas is prepared to take the next step of his journey and seize this next opportunity. Maybe for once the path on Saturday with lead straight to victory.

 

The Stockton Arena will host Arena Bowl XXVIII, which will air Saturday, August 29th at 4:00 p.m. PST on ESPN, check it out.

Section925 Podcast Episode 65 - The Filmmakers of "Don't Quit: The Joe Roth Story"

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Documentary filmmakers Phil Schaff and Bob Rider, the force behind “Don’t Quit: The Joe Roth Story” sit down with @Tripperino to talk about the powerful, yet little-known story of the life and untimely death of former CAL football quarterback Joe Roth. Both heartbreaking and inspirational, Schaff and Rider discuss Joe’s story, how he impacted the lives of those who appeared in the film, including Dick Vermeil, Tony Dungy, Mike White, Chuck Muncie, Wesley Walker and everyone else with whom he came into contact. The film is available now on iTunes and at JoeRothFilm.com.

Section925 Podcast Episode 64 - Matt Cermak on the PGA Championship

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Former PAC-12 golfer and Fresno native, Kevin Chappell, will try to contend at Whistling Straits in this weekend's PGA Championship.

Former Missouri State University Golfer Matt Cermak stops by the Section925 Podcenter on the eve of the PGA Championship. The last of the four majors, the PGA will take place on a challenging course off Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. Jordan Spieth is looking to capture the "U.S. Slam" while Rory McIlory is returning from a serious ankle injury.

"Wide Open West Coast Football" - A PAC-12 Football Primer

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The scene at last season's Rose Bowl. Who will rep the Pac in Pasadena in 2016? (photo by Kevork Djansezian)

By Charlie Wheary (925 Native, Oregon Alum)

epic

[ep-ik]

noun

1.

a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation.

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That ladies and gentlemen perfectly summarizes what we are about to see this year in the Pacific 12 Conference. It'll be a sports representation of the movie, Mad Max: Fury Road.  An endless barrage of action, violence, and yelling, with Oregon possibly sporting chrome mouthguards.

I should start by saying that if you are looking for a preview that just lists your rank of order, players to watch, coaches on the hot seat, etc., just pick up a Sports Illustrated or the Chronicle. You'll get your vanilla ice cream, but not much else. I'm just here to deliver that apple pie. In my preview we'll look at the teams you didn't see winning it all, mascots that define and undermine, and most importantly I'm going to outline some Vegas odds in detail.

First off, I need to repeat, this season in the Pacific 12 Conference will be beyond epic.

I don't think you people are taking me seriously though? 

Fine. Let's roll...

 

How will they finish:

AP / SI / ESPN Consensus:  Oregon, USC, Stanford, UCLA, Arizona St., Arizona, Utah, Cal, Washington, Washington St., Colorado, Oregon St.

Some takeaways: 

1. The Pac-12 South is going to be an absolute bloodbath. 5 of the top 7 teams are down south, and Colorado is by no means a gimmie on any given Saturday. One of the conundrums of the Pac-12 is it essentially cannibalizes itself week after week, and this year may be no exception.

2. I like Utah, a lot. I like Johnny Utah in Point Break. I like Park City. I like the Red Iguana on North Temple in Salt Lake (Seriously check it out). I like the Salt Flats. And what I really like are the Utes. I'm not saying they'll win it all, but they could come pretty darn close. An early date with Michigan, then it's off to Eugene and L.A. But they make it through that grind, and you could very well see Cinderella slippers on Kyle Whittingham's feet.

3. Oregon State will be torpedoing teams all year. The Beavers LOVE to be picked to finish last, they almost cherish that title. You know what they do when that happens? They go out and beat the crap out of USC. It's happened so many times I've lost count. So keep a very close eye on the underdogs in Corvallis.

4. Oregon has a brutal, brutal schedule, and could be floored in week 2 when they visit East Lansing. Michigan State is a very good team, and that coupled with the sheer brutality of conference play has a lot of people concerned the Ducks may be overrated.

5. Washington and Cal will surprise a lot of people. Overall, their schedule is by no means easy, but Cal has a manageable non-conference slate and also gets USC and Arizona State at home. Jared Goff has his eye on the first round of the NFL draft, and there's no better platform then conference play this year for him to show off his wares. 

Jared Goff of California (photo by Ezra Shaw)

Players to watch:

Again, I'm not here to tell you about how awesome Cody Kessler is, although that is my Heisman frontrunner right now. Instead, I'm here to give you a couple names to watch that may be flying slightly under the radar.

D.J. Foster, WR, Arizona State:  The Sun Devils lost their most prolific receiver in years with Jaelen Strong taking off to the League.  So they just moved their best all-purpose player to the wing, and he is going to do some real damage. Foster is my pick for offensive player of the year, and it's going to happen. 

Nick Wilson, RB, Arizona: Wilson's only a sophomore coming off a frosh season where he tallied 1375 yards with 16 touches. Nick caught fire late in the season too, which only makes you wonder how quick he will be out of the gate. The little guy from Tucson is ready, trust me.

Byron Marshall, WR Oregon:  A lot of people may be talking about Marshall, but it's all warranted. Rushing for 1000 yards as a sophomore before moving to wide receiver where he also went over 1000 yards, he's got his mind on the draft. You'll get comfortable with him on Sundays, but this is his year for the Ducks.

Jared Goff, QB California: Under no circumstance is this guy flying under the radar, especially not after his trip inside the Section925 Podcenter, but with all the Cody Kessler pre-season pub, he's not getting his due in my humble opinion. Most impressive stat: 35 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions last year. This guy is allergic to bad reads and sloppy passes. I saw him in person last year just torch USC for 279 yards and 3 touches, without a pick. He's my Cinderella Heisman pick.

D.J. Foster of Arizona State (photo by Steve Dykes)

 

Mascots on the Hot Seat:

Oskie, California: I grew up idolizing that silly bear, but Cal is quickly emerging back on the national scene, and word coming out of Berkeley is that the students don't worship him like they used to. With the birth of the Capital One Mascot Challenge, the Bears may be switching gears in Strawberry Canyon.

UCLA:  Do the Bruins even have a mascot?! I love Westwood, I love Wooden, I love the Rose Bowl. As far as a mascot is concerned though, they got none.  I guess when you rip off the school colors, fight song, and mascot from your neighbor up north, this should be expected. Sorry UCLA fans.

 

Mascots NOT on the Hot Seat:

Puddles, Oregon: Best mascot in the United States of America. Period.

 

Best Fight Song:

Tie: Big "C", Cal. Fight for California, Cal.

Two ridiculously amazing fight songs right there!!! I'm an Oregon alumnus and if I'm watching a Cal/Oregon game at Autzen I actually work my way towards the Cal Band to soak it in. How you work a 'GRRR Rah' into a song is beyond me, but it works every time. Big 'C' and Fight for California still give me chills.  Bar none, best band in the conference. And they're classy, sorry Stanford.

 

Best Band:

California Marching Band. (Reference comments above.)

 

Worst Band:

Stanford. But you already knew that.

 

Game of the Year:

USC at Oregon, November 21:  It'll be chilly in Eugene, and I can only imagine they'll make this a night game. So just pop a bird in the oven, work out the kinks ahead of Turkey Day, and enjoy what is going to be a testament to the Pac-12.

 

The Action:

Now I live by 3 simple rules when it comes to sports gambling:

1.  Never ever bet what you don't have.  So if you're living with Mom and Dad still, stop reading. Kick the parents a few bones you would otherwise be laying on the line.

2. Never bet what you don't have.

3. Never go on tilt.  If you lose big early on Saturday, the Gods have sent you a message. Take a walk and we can get after it next week.

Cody Kessler and Adoree' Jackson of USC (photo by Harry How)

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I'll check in on Section925 from time to time to let you know when to bet the farm, the cows, and maybe your significant other. But for now, I'm going to establish betting trends to get some green in your pocket early and often.

First, when it comes to the Pacific 12 Conference, I love the over. The over is the combined points scored by both teams, usually set in .5 increments. So if both teams combine to score more points then the predetermined amount, you win. Also, most Vegas nubes just bet the line, so the over doesn't see the swings you'll see when, say Ohio State fans steamroll the Bellagio and all bet the Bucks to win outright. I can see I'm already confusing you, so I'll slow down.

I'll say it again, bet the over in Pac-12 conference games in the early portion of the season, and do it often.  But please write this next part down, DO NOT BET NON-CONFERENCE PATSY GAMES EVER!!!  When Oregon plays Eastern Washington in week 1, I'll be watching of course, but my cash will be safely stowed in the overhead compartment as far away from Vegas as possible.  Oregon could cover what looks like a 30+ point spread in the first quarter, or let up the breaks and win by 20. Just don't do it. However, when USC plays Arizona State on September 26th, I'm betting my car (and yours if you'd let me) on the Trojans and Sun Devils popping off at least 40 apiece. So unless the over is 80+, bet that game. It's in the desert, the SC defensive line is a huge question mark, and ASU has their entire offense back after a terrific year.  The best part is, no bookmaker in Vegas wants to set a 80+ line, only to see the two teams rattle off 40 points total. So our friends in Sin City typically set over/under lines very conservatively allowing you, the now seasoned gambler, to hit often, especially in an offensively offensive conference like the Pac-12. You're welcome.

Now it's extremely hard to forecast picks in the first week of August, but I just gave you a prime example of when to run and when to gun. Here's a couple more to keep in your back pocket to stay flush in the upcoming fall months:

1. Bet the over when USC is playing on the road: The biggest question mark of the year is how well the USC defensive line will stand up. I'm afraid opposing quarterbacks may have time to read Tolstoy in the pocket versus the Men of Troy this season  Also, while Cody Kessler likes to throw it often and sucessfully, he tends to get a litte nervous on the road for some reason. I think he's the Taylor Swift of the Pac-12, he's always performing, but sometimes you just shake your head and say, "What the f**k was that?" In other words, the Trojans will be in a lot of dogfights this year. Expect some typical 63-56 scores that define the Pac-12 out of these guys.

2. Keep an eye on the Bears:  I'm projecting a Las Vegas Bowl bid this year, but if Goff can put up numbers like last year, and if that defense holds, skies the limit. The Golden Bears ran the seventh most plays in the FBS last year, which means loads of offense. I already know I'm betting the over in weeks 3 and 4 when they head to Austin and Seattle. The book will put the over on the low side because of the lack of offense on the home teams, so Cal could take the over by themselves. You heard it here first.

...And remember, don't bet what you don't have!

That's all I got for now, but whatever happens, we are in for a phenomenal year of college football out west.

WITNESS!!!

"The Sunday Section" - Selected Stories From Around The Bay

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Section925's SportsCentury Top 100 Bay Area Athletes of All-Time (#99 Eric Carrie)

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The famed McKeon Pavilion in Moraga California. Site of many Section925 SportsCentury defining moments. 

Welcome to Section925’s SportsCentury Top 100 Bay Area Athletes of All-Time. In this exclusive series, we will be counting down the best amateur athletes in Bay Area history from 100 to 1. We will be exploring the careers and achievements of high school and college athletes from around the area to come up with Section925’s Top 100 list. To nominate your favorite athlete, make sure to leave us a comment or send us an e-mail and have your opinion heard!

# 99: Eric Carrie

By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com

Coming in at #99 on Section925’s SportsCentury Top 100 Athletes of All-Time is Eric Carrie. Carrie did not attend Orinda Intermediate School, but was attracted to the rolling hills and bright lights of Miramonte High School by the time he reached his later teen years. By the time he graduated, he was known as one of the all-time greats in the area.

Carrie figured he could throw his career into high gear by signing on to play for legendary coach Floyd Burnsed and boy was he ever correct. Traditionally a pass first offense, Carrie quickly provided a new dynamic to the Matadors from the running back position, turning in dominant performances virtually every Friday night in Contra Costa County.

At 5’11”, 190, Carrie was built like a bull and played with reckless abandon on both sides of the ball. Regardless of what type of game plans opposing defenses came up with, Carrie consistently thrashed them. His motor never stopped and he had an uncanny energy for the game that rubbed off on his teammates. To put it bluntly, Eric Carrie was already playing in “Beast Mode,” years before Marshawn Lynch coined the term on the other side of the tunnel at Oakland Technical High.

Carrie’s dominant performance during his senior year in 2001 was good enough to earn him the Diablo Foothill Athletic League player of the year award, not to mention a spot on the Contra Costa Times prestigious “Cream of the Crop” list.   

Although Carrie did not play in the NFL, his college career at New Mexico State was an impressive one. Playing the safety position for the Aggies, Carrie routinely squared of with some of the best offenses in the nation including the Hawaii Warriors and California Golden Bears in the early 2000’s. In sum, Eric Carrie loved football, and we loved watching him play it. 

# 100: Nick Enzweiler 

Enzo soaking in an A's game in Oakland

By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com

Nick Enzweiler from Campolindo High School in Moraga kicks off our SportsCentury list at number one hundred. Standing 6’6’’ and 200lbs, Enzweiler was a force to be reckoned with in the late 90’s in the East Bay high school basketball scene. His game was extremely dynamic, as he was able to score from just about anywhere on the floor. “Enzo” as he was known in the Lamorinda area, was equally capable with his back to the basket banging with bigs as he was casting corner 3’s from beyond the arc.

As a senior at Campolindo, Enzo adopted a shoot-first, pass-second philosophy. Very similar, in fact, to that of Allen Iverson at Georgetown. It paid off, at least in some regard, as Enzweiler was named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Metro Player of the Year in the year 2000.

Enzweiler makes this list not just because of his jaw dropping high school statistics, but also because of his polarizing, often entertaining personality on and off the court. Enzo seemed to fully embrace the role of the villain, especially inside hostile road gymnasiums on the Tri-County Athletic League circuit. Similar to Reggie Miller at Madison Square Garden, Enzo was not afraid to engage in vicious trash talk with opposing players and fans. In the end, it made for great theater for everyone involved.  

Enzweiler also dabbled as a wide receiver on the Cougars football team (similar to LeBron James), but ultimately accepted a scholarship to play basketball for the University of Texas-El Paso. Ultimately, Enzo would return to California to play out his career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The highlight of which was a Mustangs triumph over the CAL Bears at Haas Pavilion in front of friends, family and East Bay adversaries.

Today, Enzweiler resides in the East Bay and is cutting out a career in wealth management. He still owns various records at Campolindo High School.

# 98: (Coming soon...)

Section925 Podcast Episode 63 - CAL Football's Jared Goff & Griffin Piatt

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Piatt, Goff, and Tripper look back at their days playing youth football in the Bay Area and look ahead to the pending PAC-12 season in Berkeley.

CAL's Jared Goff and Griffin Piatt sit down with Tripper inside the Section925 Mobile Podcenter to talk football. Both born and raised in the Bay Area, Goff and Piatt discuss their days growing up playing youth football, their high school careers at Marin Catholic and Campolindo, life at UC Berkeley, and the upcoming PAC-12 season.

"The Sunday Section" - Selected Stories From Around The Bay

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The Bay Bridge Series – Oakland Looks to Stop a Surging San Francisco

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Billy Burns has been a bright spot for the A's this season. Filling in for the injured Coco Crisp, Burns is hitting a team best .310 on the year. (photo by Jason O. Watson)

By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com

As Josh Donaldson trotted demonstratively around the Coliseum bases on Thursday afternoon, you could almost feel the last bit of air seeping out of the 2015 Oakland Athletics’ worn tires. His moonshot in the fifth inning easily cleared the extended wall in right-center, and Donaldson seemed to enjoy every second of his journey around the bases. Head bobbing, arms up to the sky, visible grin, etc. He wasn’t shy about it.

This week was Donaldson’s first trip to Oakland after being traded to Canada by Billy Beane, following what most believe was a contentious relationship between the star third baseman and the decorated GM. By the time Donaldson arrived at his post-homer dugout and went into his series of secret handshakes and forearm “bashes” with Jose Reyes, Billy Beane most assuredly shut off the TV from his in-game workout room and turned up the speed on his exercise bike.   

A’s fans know the deal all too well. Real estate magnet and team owner Lew Wolff has billions of dollars in his bank account (literally), but is not a fan of spending it on baseball players. His GM Billy Beane does his best with a limited cash flow and is not afraid to pull the trigger on any decision, no matter how unpopular. Every year, by the time July rolls around and the trade deadline looms, Billy takes stock and decides if the A’s are buyers or sellers. Last year the A’s were buyers, and unfortunately, they flamed out in the playoffs. This year, they are sellers and as always, it’s tough to watch.

Scott Kazmir was scheduled to be on the mound on Thursday against Donaldson and the Blue Jays, but Beane had other ideas, sending Kazmir to the contending Houston Astros for two minor league prospects. With Kazmir’s departure, that leaves only Sean Doolittle on the roster from last year’s list of A’s All-Stars. Norris, Moss, Samardzija, Cespedes, Donaldson, they’re all gone too.   

After Beane put down his white flag, he emerged for a brief press conference on Thursday and reminded A’s fans what we already knew but still didn’t like. Billy did his annual A’s accounting calculation and decided that at 44-53 the A’s were behind the 8-ball and needed to sell. The market is only hot for so long he explained. Now was the time.  

Fortunately, among the many things A’s fans are good at; looking at the glass half full is one of them. The Athletics are still in Oakland, the weather is still Sonny, the tickets are still cheap, the parking lot still has plenty of tailgating real estate, and the Dubs won the whole goddamn thing.

Oakland also has a pretty good squad still in tact with more than a few players worth rooting for. They do find themselves 11 back of the first place Angels, but stranger things have happened. If nothing else, it is time for the A’s to play spoiler across the bay.

Hector Sanchez stops to admire his grand slam on Tuesday night in San Diego. The pose caused benches to clear at Petco Park. (photo by Denis Poroy)

The San Francisco Giants, with three World Series titles in the last five years, have lots to feel good about coming into the 2015 version of the Battle of the Bay. SF is winners of eight of their last nine games including two of three in San Diego this week.

The Giants will feature a healthy and rested Hunter Pence in right field, along with a middle infield who played together in the All-Star Game. Seeing the Giants double-play combo in the Midsummer Classic was more than just Bruce Bochy looking out for the Orange and Black, it appears. Brandon Crawford already has 14 homers to compliment his steady defense, while fresh-faced Joe Panik’s .316 average is good for 10th place in all of the Majors. All of this is a nice compliment to Buster Posey’s typical stellar offensive output and Matt Duffy’s out-of-nowhere performance at third base to make the masses rid themselves of Panda Hats.

Even with Timmy Lincecum on the DL, the pitching matchups in this series surely favor the Giants, especially when you consider that Sonny Gray will be watching from the dugout all three games. Meanwhile, the A’s lineup will be tasked with World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner on Saturday.

Pitching matchups aside, it is probably best to just “throw out the record books” when these crosstown clubs come together for a three game set. But do me a favor, pick a side, and don’t get caught dead wearing one of these hats. My bold prediction: A’s win 2 out of 3…

"The Sunday Section" - Selected Stories From Around The Bay

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"Just Win Baby" - The Raiders Head to Camp With Optimism in Air

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Derek Carr reminds some East bay fans of another #4, Brett Favre. (photo by Brian Bahr)

By Merlin Edwards III I @Trey_Me

Finally, for maybe the first time since the Rich Gannon era, the Oakland Raiders are heading into preseason camp with the legitimate ability to compete in the AFC West. In recent memory, there haven't been many years where fans in Oakland believed great things were to come. Now with an experienced coach at the helm and a talented QB behind center, the idea of holding playoff hopes is looking more and more reasonable for the Silver and Black and their fans.

The offseason was a success, as the coaching staff was revamped, as well as the offensive and defensive lines. There are new players everywhere you look, and for most teams, that is a terrible thing. For the Oakland Raiders, however, having a team with just a few returning players, is a blessing. As a Raiders fan myself, it has been hard trudging for the better part of a decade. The Raiders have been the butt of many jokes, and there has been little fans can say to rebut the negativity. When Reggie Mackenzie took over as general manager, after the great Al Davis passed, things have started to ascend from rock bottom. Thank god.

In Mackenzie's first season, he did not have a great draft, picking Tony Bergstrom and Miles Burris as his first two picks. Neither of which are still on the team. Mackenzie, however, did not have much to work with, since he did not have a pick until the 3rd round. In his next two seasons, he has been nothing short of fantastic. Since the 2013 draft, he has hand picked DJ Hayden, Menelik Watson, Sio Moore, Latavius Murray, Mychal Rivera, Justin "Jelly" Ellis, Gabe Jakson, TJ Carrie, Kahlil Mack, and Derek Carr. All of which have turned out to be starters. It may say something about the poor talent the Raiders have had in recent past, but to draft twelve starters in basically 2 years, is an amazing accomplishment.

The two of that group with the most potential to initiate change, are Kahlil Mack and Derek Carr. Ideally, Reggie could not have asked for anything better than drafting two potential game changers, who happen to play two of the most important positions, on each sides of the football. Going forward, there are lofty expectations for Derek and Kahlil.

The great part about them having high expectations, however, is that they are both supremely humble people, while also embracing, and even enjoying the pressure that comes along with being truly great. When watching and listening to press conferences and interviews with the two young studs, they exude an aura about them, and clearly have the "it" factor. Confidence seems to ooze from their mouths and body language. I expect his to translate to even more success on the field in 2015.

Of course, a lot of that confidence comes from preparation, and a willingness to be great. Kahlil Mack has added 15 pounds of muscle, which bodes well for his ability to not only hurry the quarterback this upcoming season, but bring him down as well. Mack's 40 quarterback hurries last season were second to only the Broncos' Von Miller (47).

Quarterback Derek Carr, despite being sidelined by a finger injury early in the offseason, is back and ready to build a rapport with his many new targets. Carr must truly outshine everyone, in order for the Raiders to start winning. As good as Mack can be, all football fans know that in order to play at an elite level, teams need a franchise quarterback behind center. I believe Carr can be that franchise guy.

The NFL has seen many a promising quarterback come and go, in short periods of time, because of a lack of a nurturing environment. Oakland's new coaching staff must make it a number one priority to make sure that Derek is getting everything he needs, in order to help him turn into the special player he can be. Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper have been brought in, as well as OTA stand out rookie, Clive Walford. Add those new weapons to second year player Mychael Rivera, an expectedly resurgent Rod Streater, and "match up nightmare" Marcell Reese, and it certainly seems as if optimism is warranted.

As a season ticket holder, all I want is for a team that is competitive. If I can go to a game at the Coliseum and be entertained by good football, I am okay with that, win or lose. The Raiders are my team, more than any other in my fandom, and for the first time since I was about 10 years old, we have a group of players with a potential and a drive to be great, and finally, turn this thing around.

One Nation. Raider Nation. Just Win Baby. 

Section925 Podcast Episode 62 - Nate Weidner

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21-YEAR-OLd Jordan Spieth  WILL TACKLE "THE OLD COURSE" IN SAINT ANDREWS THIS WEEKEND IN HIS QUEST TO CAPTURE THE GRAND SLAM. (PHOTO BY MATTHEW LEWIS)

Former Cal State Hayward golfer and current Niners season ticket holder Nate Weidner (@nate_weidner) returns to the podcast to talk with Connor. Nate offers his take on baseball at midseason, summer hoops, and the 49ers' outlook. Nate also dives into his thoughts on the world of golf and gives insight on the 144th Open Championship in Scotland.

"The Sunday Section" - Selected Stories From Around The Bay

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“Snake made Johnny Manziel look like a Buddhist monk. Snake was more fun to watch than Chinese acrobats. Snake could ride shotgun in any car I was driving because, well, Snake, might be carrying a shotgun. Snake was a thrill ride, a roller coaster all by himself, and those Raiders of the ’70s happily, gratefully, took a seat behind him.”
“Duffy, who never hit above .266 in college, with no power, goes into the break batting .293, with eight homers. Playing a position he took up late in spring training, he is fielding well above average.”

Thoughts on the Women’s World Cup - Shades of Brandi Chastain

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Tobin Heath celebrates her second half goal in the U.S.A's World Cup Final victory. (photo by Kevin C. Cox)

By Kate McGuire
 

Back in 1999, not many American viewers were watching the Women’s World Cup. Sure, everyone claims to have seen the infamous penalty kick by Brandi Chastain (and her subsequent shirtless celebration), but how many people watched the semifinal match in ’99? Not many.

I remember I had to invite a guy friend, who liked sports but not particularly soccer, over to my house to watch it with me. And just the fact that Mia Hamm was playing wasn’t enough. I had to add in the incentive of food and drink to actually get him over.

Flash-forward to 2015 and the huge crowds ESPN was showing in Chicago and Kansas City and countless other soccer crazed cities across America. Apparently more than 26 million watched over the course of the tournament. With every win along the way leading to Sunday’s exciting 5-2 U.S. win over Japan, I kept reminding my friends: don’t forget to watch Women’s World Cup!

Just weeks before, my little group of “sportees” had zeroed in on the Golden State Warriors games that kept us all on the edges of our seats. After that experience, I kept trying to pump them up for the World Cup and by the end of the game yesterday, those that had never watched women’s soccer before were glued to the game.

The last time the U.S. women won the World Cup, a joyous Brandi Chastain ripped off her jersey—to the shock (gasp) of viewers—to celebrate in her black sports bra! There she was, kneeling and then parading her bare, sweat-soaked midriff around the field! Oh, the horror! It was talked about in the media for weeks, can you imagine?

This time, at the end of the game, everyone kept their shirts on, but there was still some notable PDA for soccer fans to appreciate. Abby Wambach, the teams veteran star, celebrated her long awaited victory by kissing her wife on live TV. Wambach married her partner in Hawaii in 2013, but of course, now women like her can tie the knot in any state they please. The USA wins, love wins, soccer wins. See you in France in 2019...

Abby Wambach kisses her wife following the the World Cup Final vs. Japan (photo by Kevin C. Cox)

"The Sunday Section" - Selected Stories From Around The Bay

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Oakland Splits with Seattle, Heads to New York to Face Yankees

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Stephen Vogt will head into Gotham City as a newly minted All-Star. (photo by Thearon W. Henderson)

By Merlin Edwards III | @Trey_Me

For the 2015 Oakland Athletics, there has not been a whole helluva lot to cheer about. The team has been wildly inconsistent, and every time positive things arise, a bad game or even a prolonged slump snuffs out any light of greatness to come. When the A’s suffered a tough one-run loss on Sunday afternoon to Seattle, they split the series with the Mariners and ended up finishing their home stand at 5-5. Even with the team playing better recently (15-12 in June), it is still very much in question if they can make an honest run at the first place Houston Astros.

It may seem like a pessimistic stance, but A's fans might have to be real with themselves and admit that this team just does not seem to have the firepower to secure a playoff spot this season. Fortunately, when A's fans step back and admit that this team is not as good as it has been in the past couple of seasons, plenty of silver linings can be found. The team has a respectable run differential, the starting pitching is thriving, and they FINALLY beat Felix Hernandez over the weekend!

To recap the four game weekend series versus Seattle, the Athletics won the first game convincingly, 4-0. Game 2 on Friday night went Seattle’s way, as the Mariners pounded out four home runs. Game 3 pitted the A’s against the vaunted “King” Felix Hernandez, who hadn’t lost to the A’s in Oakland in seven years. The A's jumped on Hernandez early and didn’t look back. Fortunately, Kendall Graveman had his "A" game working, as the young right hander went toe-to-toe with the King to pull out a much needed win.

With momentum on their side, Oakland trotted out Chris Bassitt for Sunday’s finale. Bassitt pitched well early until his location started to falter, giving up a 2-run single with 2 outs in the top of the 6th inning to former Athletic, Seth Smith. That gave Seattle the 2-1 lead and there would be no more scoring in the game. There were bright spots of the series, however, including the bullpen pitching much better. They gave up 5 runs in the series but all 5 came during game 2's home run barrage by Seattle. Otherwise, the bullpen was almost dominant. The main positive take away, though, was most definitely getting the Felix Hernandez monkey off our back.

Ever since Hernandez started pitching well for the Mariners, it seems like there was a curse put on the A's lineup. It is not all that rare for a team to get lucky and miss out on a very dominant pitcher during any particular series. For the A's, however, that is not something fans have been able to count on when facing the Mariners. It almost seems as if the Mariners intentionally set up the rotation from the beginning of the season, to be absolutely certain that every series the A's and M's play, Felix will be on the mound.

Unfortunately for the A's, in recent years, a Felix start meant an automatic L in the loss column for Oakland. Beating him on America's birthday is a step in the right direction that can hopefully build more confidence among A’s hitters moving forward. The key now is to focus on the next test and take some bravado and confidence with you to the Big Apple to face the Yankees.

For the last road trip before the All-Star break, the A’s will make stops at Yankee Stadium and in Cleveland. Sonny Gray is on the bump on Tuesday night (back from a serious stomach illness), while the resurgent Scott Kazmir follows on Wednesday. At 38-46, the A’s first goal should be to climb back to .500. Thankfully, Sonny has the ball tonight, so we are in good hands. As much as I’d like to point to the fact that the A’s are just 6 ½ games out of an AL Wild Card, I’ll try to keep my expectations in check, at least for now. 

Dynamic Duo Headlines CAL’s Receiving Corps

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(photo by Norman Mo)

By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com

In just three years behind center for the Golden Bears, CAL quarterback Jared Goff already owns 16 different passing records in the Berkeley history books. And by about midway through the fall of 2015, he figures to tack on a handful more as he continues to bolster his NFL résumé. Surely, much of this passing success can and should be attributed to the wide-open Bear Raid offense that Sonny Dykes brought over with him from Louisiana Tech. It is an offense in which seemingly everything is designed around the concept of allowing the quarterback to get off as many pass attempts as possible.

But, of course, there always needs to be a capable body at the other end of every fastball Goff pumps across the middle, or fade he lobs into the back corner of the end zone. For the last few years Kenny Lawler and Bryce Treggs have been tasked with the duty of making Goff look good, and they have responded by making him look spectacular.

Both Lawler (a junior) and Treggs (a senior) grew up in the football skill position hotbed that is southern California. Lawler prepped east of L.A. in Pomona, while Treggs learned his craft in the city of Inglewood. Lawler has plenty of height for a receiver and lines up far outside on the line of scrimmage. Treggs, meanwhile, is under six feet and lines up inside in the slot. But most importantly, both have breakaway speed and sticky hands. Two traits that Jared Goff can’t get enough of.

As much as Bear Backers would like to believe Jared Goff has a shot at the Heisman, perhaps a more realistic goal would to simply be crowned the best quarterback of the PAC-12. But even with Marcus Mariota gone to the Tennessee Titans and NFL scouts singing his praises, Goff is still pitted behind USC’s Cody Kessler for conference QB supremacy. The duo of Lawler and Treggs know the feeling all too well.

Despite combining for 15 touchdowns, over 1,200 yards, and over 100 catches last season, Lawler and Treggs still have a lot to prove before they can bypass their PAC-12 peers. The three schools in the conference who are getting the most wide out hype are as follows: JuJu Smith & Adoree’ Jackson of USC, Jordan Payton & Thomas Duarte of UCLA, and Cayleb Jones & Thomas Duarte of Arizona.

But based on last year’s performance, CAL’s yin and yang duo of Lawler and Treggs certainly deserves to be in the conversation of the conference’s best heading into 2015. One handed catches in the corner of the end zone have become the norm for Lawler, who has steadily gotten bigger and stronger over the course of his career in Berkeley and has learned to overpower smaller defenders. His nine touchdowns last year led all CAL receivers and he is already 9th on CAL’s all-time touchdown list after just two seasons.

Treggs figures to be CAL’s emotional leader this year, when you combine his noticeable charisma and three full years of playing experience under his belt. Add on the fact that Bryce’s dad Brian was CAL’s leading receiver for three seasons from 1989-91 and is now enshrined in the Bear’s Hall of Fame. Pretty soon you begin to realize #1 has all the makings of yet another break out season in his last year in a Bears uniform.

CAL’s dynamic duo will have more than enough support around them, so if their stats somehow slip, it could be that Goff is just spreading the wealth.  Stephen Anderson is another tall wide out that is a popular target for Goff, and this year he will be playing more tight end. Even after missing the first two games due to injury, Anderson tallied five touchdown catches despite not being the featured receiver.

Another talented receiver that will provide support is herald freshman Carlos Strickland out of Texas. Perhaps CAL’s most prized recruit of the incoming freshman, Strickland’s highlight tape speaks for itself, as he is one of the most electrifying playmakers in the nation. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see an immediate impact made by Strickland vs. Grambling on September 5th.

With only one ball to go around and so many weapons to choose from, some might begin to worry that Lawler and Treggs might not get all the touches they need. But if anyone should be worried it should be radio play-by-play legend Joe Starkey. “TOUCHDOWN BEARS” might begin to sound like a broken record if he isn’t careful. 

(Photo by HArry How)

CAL Football Sets Sights on Bowl Game in 2015

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(photo by Christian Petersen)

By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com

The California Golden Bears haven’t tasted the postseason since 2011, back when the shifty, albeit inconsistent Zach Maynard was at the helm in Berkeley. That year CAL made the Holiday Bowl, only to fall to the Longhorns of Texas 21-10.  The Bears have all but fallen apart since then, but fortunately rock bottom was struck a couple years back and the rebuilding process appears be firmly on the up and up. Thankfully, Sonny Dykes and co. were able to shake off a 1-11 freshman campaign and turn in a respectable 5-7 mark this past season with some impressive wins. 

Now Dykes is entering his third year as the Bears’ head man, and for the third straight season, he will have the talented Jared Goff calling the signals for him. The calm, cool and collected Goff, who played his prep pigskin at Marin Catholic High, has already proven he is a record setting passer. The 2015 season figures to be an NFL audition of sorts for Goff, as he is already trending on many a draft big boards and is expected to be a first round pick following his Junior year in Berkeley.

Goff and Dykes seem to be a match made in heaven when you consider how fond Dykes is of throwing the ball in his patented “Bear Raid” offense. For some perspective, Oregon’s Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota only attempted 445 passes in comparison to Goff’s 509 pass attempts last season. Goff also beat Mariota last year in the pass completed category (316) and ranked second in the PAC-12 last year in touchdowns with 35. As of now, Goff already holds 16 school records at California, and technically, he has two years left to go in Strawberry Canyon.    

Of course, Goff will need someone to throw all those passes to in 2015, and thankfully he will be flush with weapons all around him. Kenny Lawler and Bryce Treggs figure to be Goff’s most popular receiving targets, not to mention Stephen Anderson who is listed as a tight end, but plays like a receiver. The main man out of the backfield will be Daniel Lasco who should have a big year if he can continue to build on 2014’s impressive output.

The real question for the Bears remains on the defensive side of the ball, as always seems to be the case. Veteran defensive coordinator Art Kaufman will be back for his second year in Berkeley, and it will be up to him and his staff to devise a plan to put a respectable defense out on the field to support CAL’s high-powered offensive outfit. It will certainly be a challenge to change the Bears’ offense-first minded culture and it will be doubly hard when you factor in the talent level of PAC-12 offenses, but something must be done. As the old saying goes, CAL will only go as far as their defense will take them. If they can hold offenses like Oregon and USC in check, the Bears could really get rolling.  

This coming year, CAL will again square off with Texas, but this time in a rare road game at a traditional Big-12 power. The September 19th showdown in Austin will be the first game for CAL away from home in the 2015 season and it marks the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a tough road schedule that includes trips to Washington, Utah, UCLA, Oregon, and Stanford.

Prognosticators who are long on the Bears believe there is hope they could accomplish an 8-4 season and head to a quasi-prestigious bowl. So long as the defense finds a way to step up, the idea that CAL can win eight games sounds totally possible.   

Things kick off for the Bears over Labor Day Weekend when they host Grambling State, followed by another home game versus San Diego State.  Then comes Texas, which CAL could absolutely beat, when you consider the Longhorns are far removed from their glory years involving Ricky Williams and Vince Young. If the Bears can go into Austin and steal the bacon from Texas, all eyes will be on Berkeley and the Bear Raid.

Giants' Series at Miami Proves Bitter... With Just a Smidgen of Sweet.

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Dee Goran slides in safely on an inside-the-park home run vs. the Giants. (photo by Mike Ehrmann)

By Andrey Burin

Equipped with a depleted pitching staff and down an All-Star outfielder (Hunter Pence) among others, the San Francisco Giants came into this series at Miami optimistic about their chances of defeating a mediocre Marlins team. Additionally, Matt Cain's first start after a year of battling back from a smörgasbord of elbow and forearm injuries was a cause for celebration (and a coup for the pitching staff). Though the final scores of both the series and Cain's outing were less than perfect, having Matty back with Pence and Jake Peavy soon to follow should leave fans feeling bullish about the rest of the season. Here are three quick and dirty takes on the three losses we suffered to the Marlins.

Game 1

June 30

SF Giants 3 – Miami Marlins 5

Just like the Giants, the Marlins were also singing the injury blues coming in without their daunting slugger Giancarlo Stanton (if you haven't seen him hit, he smashed two of the five longest homers in June) and their fans were anxiously searching their batting order up and down to see who might give them some run support in his absence. It would turn out to be Justin Bour, who started off the series with a homer in Game 1. 

Miami's much needed jolt in this one came from speed burner Dee Gordon, who plated three runs with an inside-the-park home run and gave the Marlins a lead they would not again relinquish thanks to a solid bullpen performance paired with a good outing from MIA closer A.J. Ramos. Buster had a solid performance at the plate (HR + legged out a hustling double) but it wasn't enough to beat the Marlins.

Game 2

July 1

SF Giants 5 – Miami Marlins 6

The beginning of the 9th inning saw the Giants prepped and ready to take advantage of a botched defensive effort by the Marlins only to have Santiago Casilla blow a rare save and give up a walk-off homer to, guess who, Justin Bour on a sinker that caught just a little too much of the plate.

Bruce Bochy would say after game that Casilla's arm was tired and he would get a few days off—considering the amount of injuries the staff has already suffered a healthy and on-point Casilla is a must-have for us. This game saw Gregor Blanco continue his hot hitting as of late, going 3-4 at the plate. San Francisco also received a very solid performance from the Giants bullpen, as they pumped out two solid innings.

Game 3

July 2

SF Giants 4 – Miami Marlins 5

The overarching storyline of this game concerned two talented pitchers making their respective comebacks from injury, and after Buster Posey and Brandon Belt each plated a run in the top of the 1st and Matt Cain pitched a scoreless half-inning (his first appearance in 12 months!) it looked like this game could make up for the two preceding losses.

Unfortunately for the Giants, Jose Fernandez' tough night did not last, and this game turned out to be a mini highlight reel for him. The Cuban phenom pitched six solid innings and sparked an offensive run by knocking one out in his first game back from Tommy John Surgery. Fernandez did not hand out a single walk in his six innings, threw with consistently high velocity, and ended the game on a very solid note with six straight outs.

As for Matty, simply pitching a game in an SF uniform is an excellent sign for the team and the pitching staff, and save for some issues with control and a home run given up to Justin Bour (a habit this series for our pitchers), he looked pretty solid for being a year removed from his last outing. Gregor continued on a tear at the plate and hit a powerful home run in the fifth against Fernandez.

Tonight sees the Giants pitted against a solid Nationals squad and led by Jake Peavy (currently sporting an ugly 9+ ERA) finally coming off the DL. To capture some Ws as pitchers make their way back into the rotation and become comfortable the offense will have no choice but to be productive. Look for Gregor Blanco to continue his hot-hitting and lead the G-men to a victory tonight in the nation's capital and get things back on track for SF.