The Central Coast Barnstormers went undefeated this season in
the Northern California Amateur Football Federation (NCAFF).
They’ve posted a 22-0 record the past two years, and they’re
defending their title for the NorCal Championship this weekend
against the Sacramento Wolverines.
Gilroy – The Central Coast Barnstormers went undefeated this season in the Northern California Amateur Football Federation (NCAFF). They’ve posted a 22-0 record the past two years, and they’re defending their title for the NorCal Championship this weekend against the Sacramento Wolverines.
However, not everything is that easy. The semi-pro football team hasn’t played since the NCAFF championship game, which took place on June 16.
Additionally, if they defeat Sacramento on Saturday, they’ll play in the state title game against the champion of Southern California, but not until the first week of December.
“Obviously we’re going to be a little rusty,” said Jose Rodriguez, the center and owner of the Barnstormers. “We’re going to start it slow and just go from there.”
The Barnstormers were in this position last year, when they advanced to the state title game in December. But due to a long layoff between games, they lost to the Inglewood Blackhawks.
“I think what we learned was that you need a couple of games and practices leading up to the state game,” said Barnstormers Head Coach Dave Clapham. “We didn’t play anyone last year.”
The Barnstormers have been getting some added practice in recently and could be seen on the fields at Gilroy High School on Wednesday night, where the NorCal Championship game will be played.
Sacramento, however, just finished their league season, the Golden Coast Football League, on Aug. 4, showcasing a 48-14 thumping over the Clovis Wolves.
Clapham has seen game film of Sacramento and commented on the team’s defense, saying that the Barnstormers will “have their hands full … But that’s why we play the game, and we’re looking forward to it.”
“It looks like their strength is in their defensive line and their linebackers,” Clapham said. “The overall team is very solid, but their defensive ends are big and strong and rush upfield, making it difficult for the QB to throw the ball or roll out.”
The team will be without quarterback Bryan Smith, a third-team Far West selection who was down for five games this season, Rodriguez said. But he will be on the sidelines helping the offense. Luckily, the Barnstormers will be led by quarterback Rhett Van de Mark. At 6-feet 200-pounds, Van de Mark was an All-Star this season, and Rodriguez said “he’s a big kid with a big arm.”
Additionally, Van de Mark has speed, and can hopefully out-run Sacramento’s strong defensive ends.
“Rhett can throw the ball and is extremely mobile,” Clapham said. “He brings that threat. He’s not afraid to take off with it.”
On offense, the Barnstormers are hoping to spread the field with double tight end formations, using the many “weapons” the team has, and forcing Sacramento to do things they don’t necessarily want to do, Clapham said.
“They play sideline to sideline for four quarters and they never give up on the play,” Clapham said of his Barnstormers, “and that’s what you want to see as a coach.”
The coach added the difference between the two squads could be special teams. Tyrone Ward was selected first team defensive back in the Far West Region this year, compiling 16 tackles and 10 interceptions, three of which were taken for touchdowns. He was the NCAFF Player of the Year and the Far West’s Defensive Player of the Year, and Clapham will be using him on special teams as well.
“He gets one step and he’s gone,” Clapham said. “If our teams wind up being even, I’ve got to think our special teams will be better.”
Added Rodriguez, “He’s the real deal.”
If Ward breaks one early in the game, that may shake off any rust that has accumulated on the Barnstormers, but a silver lining to the extended layoff between games is the squad received added rest to remedy any injuries, as well as a chance to study the Wolverines.
“We’ve been together so long that it comes back to us,” Rodriguez said. “But for some of the younger guys, it’s tough.”
Said Clapham about the layoff, “It doesn’t take long to rub off when you’re playing football.”
