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Indians lose more key players to injury in loss to Fairfield
Saturday, October 31, 2009
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Tre’Mayne Bondurant was a one-man wrecking crew and the Napa High football team got too banged up to stop him Friday night.

Fairfield’s fleet and elusive junior quarterback amassed 410 all-purpose yards and also helped the Falcons’ defense shut down the Indians from the second quarter on in a 46-14 Monticello Empire League rout at Memorial Stadium.
Bondurant was 10-of-17 passing for 250 yards, tossing TD passes of 55, 20 and 18 yards. He carried the ball 11 times for another 160 yards, running for scores from 3, 9 and 78 yards out.

“We knew what was in front of us as far as he was concerned; he’s a good football player,” Napa head coach Troy Mott said. “We almost had a few interceptions, and in this kind of game you’ve got to make those plays.”
The Indians (4-4, 2-1 MEL) punted on the game’s opening series, and Bondurant found Erik Marthel for a 55-yard scoring toss two plays later.

But Zach Scheinholz returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards to the Fairfield 45-yard line to give Napa a chance to tie things up. That the Indians did, thanks to quarterback Cody Thompson’s completions of 7 yards to David Wieldraayer and 19 to C.J. Cunningham. Cody Jensen capped the eight-play march with a 1-yard burst over left tackle Cody Gochenouer, and Jonathan Douma’s PAT tied it 7-7 with 4:25 left in the opening quarter.
A sack by Steven Dinov and two penalties helped force a Fairfield punt on its next series. But Napa also punted, and the Falcons took the lead for good seven plays later on Bondurant’s 3-yard run.

The Indians lost defensive captain Juan Martinez on their ensuing series. The junior, playing tight end, caught a short pass and turned it into a 22-yard gain by bouncing up off a fallen defender to keep his balance.

But another defender stripped him of the ball and Ta’lon McKinley recovered for Fairfield at his own 36. Martinez’s left shoulder was injured on the play, and he sat out the rest of the night with his arm in a sling.

“We’ve been dealing with (injuries) all year long and we’ll continue to deal with them, unfortunately,” Mott said. “At first we thought it was a stinger. We still hope it’s a stinger and that it will repair in time.”

With Martinez out at middle linebacker, Bondurant and company began to pull away with another seven-play scoring drive, this one sparked by Alex Hubbard’s 20-yard catch to the Indians’ 9. Bondurant ran it in on the next play and Chris McCallister’s PAT made it 21-7 with 6:03 left in the half.

Jensen kept Napa in the game two plays later, turning a catch over the middle into a spectacular 73-yard touchdown with a nice cut at midfield before getting tackled just across the goal line.

But Bondurant silenced the enlivened Napa crowd with his own big play, a 78-yard scoring run after hurdling a defender at the line.

The Falcons scored quickly again after recovering the ensuing kickoff at the Napa 22, on Craig Bailey’s 21-yard TD catch. Douma missed a 41-yard field goal as time expired.

Jensen, after rushing for 57 yards in 13 carries in the first half, was sidelined after his first run of the second half, a 2-yard loss. Mott said the junior speedster had cramping in his legs.

Thompson finished 9-of-12 passing for 158 yards but threw two interceptions.

“We had a couple of turnovers and penalties that hurt our drives and killed our momentum early on and put us in the hole,” Mott said. “You can’t do that against great football teams. You’ve got to play more disciplined and we just weren’t there tonight.”

The Indians visit first-place Vacaville next Friday night.

“We’ll see what kind of character some of our players have,” Mott said. “I know there’s a lot of fight in our coaches and we’re gonna work and prepare our tails off and do whatever we can to get our kids ready to play. I’ll expect the same effort from our kids.”

Napa JV 47, Fairfield 20

Matt Osivwemu scored on interception returns of 25 and 80 yards and Randy Keen had touchdown runs of 15 and 20 yards as the Indians geared up for next week’s first-place showdown at Vacaville with an MEL rout Friday night.

Alex Ceja added a 15-yard TD jaunt, Dillon Padilla had an 85-yard touchdown run and Matt Finch had a 15-yard scoring scamper for Napa (6-2 overall, 3-0 MEL).

Donato D’Adamo recovered a fumble and coach Nick Tedesco said Earl Waterdown and David Taufa also played well on defense.

The Indians, who won their fourth straight, move on to face a Bulldogs squad that also improved to 3-0 with a 26-14 win over Vintage (2-1 MEL).
19 comment(s)

napathinker wrote on Oct 31, 2009 2:27 PM:

" Injuries sure have plagued Napa this year along with a defense not able to cope with other teams' offensive speed. Giving up big plays on defense has been an issue all season long, giving up at least one, if not 2 or more plays of 50 yds or more in every game. Napa's playoff hopes now are slim at best unless MEL is awarded 3 SJS playoff spots again this year. Napa now needs to beat Vacaville and Vintage then the Bulldogs need to lose their league finale along with Fairfield losing their next 2. Unfortunately, the Napa/Vacaville game to be telecast live on Comcast Bay Area Sports has lost some of it's luster, but we are always proud of our team's never ending effort, especially when injuries pile up. After watching the last 3 games and reviewing the season ending playoff loss of last year, I have to agree now with a blogger(dogge something) that at the beginning of the year suggested that Cody Thompson should be starting at QB. While Charles Boyett was obviously the best player on the team, having Thompson feeding him and the other Cody the ball would have been a great 1-2 punch that Napa has had in the past, but lacks this year. Wonder what the thinking was to have Boyett start the season as the QB. He did a nice job, but maybe spreading responsibility around would have provided more balance. Seems teams were keying on Boyett. Shame he got hurt, he is a great player. Hope to see some improvement on Defense next week against Vacaville with maybe a suprise in store. Good Luck Indians rest of the way. You make us proud, you have worked hard. "

Napafan wrote on Oct 31, 2009 3:59 PM:

" Here is what the thinking was to have Boyett start: give the ball to your best player every offensive play. "

napafbvintage wrote on Oct 31, 2009 4:05 PM:

" I have said from the start to give one super star player all the attention and pressure to perform most of the responsibilities is an accident waiting to happen. I am sure the other teams were well aware of Boyett and went for him until they could stop him for good. Boyett should be disappointed. Napa has a team full of talented boys ready and willing to take a hit for the team to score. Boyett was cheated as far as I am concern by the all “hats” he was asked to wear. He should have played one position and let the rest of the team share the responsibilities.

As for the two Codys, Juan & the other teammates, I can only pray the coaches wise up and let them excel in their offensive or defensive positions. I know they can beat Vacaville if they make it possible for the two Codys to perform their positions. Boyett, I can see you are on the sideline 100% supporting the team, yet you have to be disappointed not to be playing. Boys, stay grounded and challenged! "

tlc94115 wrote on Oct 31, 2009 4:15 PM:

" The MEL does have 3 spots in the playoffs this year. The Sacramento Bee has been listing this years playoff projections starting at week 6. Here's the link with the lastest projections for week 7:
http://www.sacbee.com/1215/story/2283524.html "

IndianAlum wrote on Nov 1, 2009 8:12 AM:

" napafbvintage,

Are you a coach? Have you put in the nearly 1000+/- that these coaches have? I didn't think so. Until you take the time to step on the field and work with the kids up close and actually see who works hard in practice and who doesn't, don't question what the Napa coaches do. These coaches take too much pride in putting a quality product on the field year after year to have someone like you say they "cheated" a player, or somehow haven't used players to the best of their abilities. Do you, who merely watch the games from the stands one night a week, really know how to make the team perform more successfully? I highly doubt it.

Napa football has made the playoffs for seven straight years, and this year will be no different. Napa coaches have guided their teams to 10 playoff victories during that time. Do you know the last time Vintage won a playoff game? Try 1986.

You shouldn't try to tear down something which will last long after your child is gone. You should support and thank the men who give countless hours of their own personal time trying to help shape these boys into men by teaching them about football and life.

Please realize that these coaches will still be part of the program for years after you have moved on. The players who "get it" will return later in life and continue to support Napa football and the coaches. Napa players, keep fighting the good fight. Winning the MEL is still in sight. Beat Vacaville. "

NapaFF wrote on Nov 1, 2009 3:39 PM:

" Indianalum ... in defense of napafbvintage, I think all they were saying was their opinion and, as they say, opinions are like bellybuttons ... we all have one.

That being said, I think Cody Thompson would have played sooner this season, but he was hurt for a few weeks early on.

Getting the ball to your "skill players" is what you want to do, i.e., Jensen, Boyett, Martinez, etc., and that is what the coaches are doing. While the team does lack some speed (it’s the one thing you CAN’T teach) ON THE FIELD, there is addt’l speed … Jensen-type speed (maybe faster!)… but it's ON THE BENCH ... why, I don't know.

My big question is about all the substitutions that went on with the defense. Different personnel in on every play. I always thought that defense required some continuity, where players got to know where their teammates would be and what each of their assignments was. It’s tough to get that continuity with so many substitutions. I just have to assume that, for the coaches, there is a method to their madness!

The one thing the coaches MUST handle this week is toget all this CRAMPING under control. It’s getting ridiculous. Some of these players need to do more hydrating DURING THE WEEK. "

Nhssupporter wrote on Nov 1, 2009 7:59 PM:

" The coaches try their hardest to encourage the players to stay hydrated, which us why they carry a large water bottle around campus with them throughout the day. But it's not all about hydration which is making these kids cramp up. It's also their nutrition. I know for a fact that coach Mott and Gassner are constantly on them about fueling their bodies with good food. Where are the parents?
As for Thompson playing earlier in the season had he not been injured? Maybe. All I know is Boyett would have tucked the ball and ran it for a positive gain and not throw it up on the hopes that our guys make the catch. Those were young mistakes made by a young quarterback. With Vacaville on the horizon, Thompson needs to grow up fast and not make bad decisions like that. Go Napa! We're still behind you all the way. "

surfdogge69 wrote on Nov 1, 2009 10:21 PM:

" Nhssupporter--C Thompson can run. Did you see him on JV last year with C Jensen in backfield. He made several very long runs for TD's. He has the capability. However, he is more inclined to the pass, which would have made him and Charles the perfect compliments to each other. He also ran for a TD against Laguna in last year's playoff loss after he was put in due to injuries. Power running is not his forte as was Mr Boyetts, both of them in their time. Offense has not been the issue. Granted, 2 interceptions is not good. DEFENSE and not giving up the BIG PLAYS that Napa's defense has given up all year is the issue. Now with Middle Linebacker out and C Jensen questionable with shoulder, we shall see. It's hard to play catchup all the time on offense when defense continually gives it up all year as they have. The Napa offense, run orienated, needs time to eat up yardage. If they don't have that time because the defense plays more, then gives up big plays for TD's, well then Houston we have a problem. Coach Mott has done well for years. We have a down year for many reasons. We should not have lost to either Vista or Casa Grande, they are both middle pack in their respective leagues and equal in opponets strength as Napa. Defense needs to shore up or our "gift" spot #3 seed in MEL will be for not..Right now, we would play Sheldon in Sac in first round..then probably Vacavile again if we are fortunate to get past Sheldon. Let's hope the DEFENSE can shore up against VACA to help our offense so we don't play from so far behind again. "

ace wrote on Nov 2, 2009 10:21 AM:

" I would just like to say to all the Jr. Varsity players that you guys are doing a great job!! I would also like to say that Randy Keen did a great job comming in for Zach Sims when he went down. I think the whole team compensated very well. This team has alot of heart and dosent get enough credit in my opinion. "

winghunter wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:47 AM:

" I agree that I would have used Boyett in a different position, maybe O-Line or nose guard, he could have opened holes for the other running backs. I was also thinking that a better coaching staff would have brought up 10 or 12 of the JV players and used them so they can gain more experience for next years team. Coach Tedesco seems to be doing an outstanding job, maybe Mr. Mott could pick his brain for new offensive and defensive play calling. Just a thought!!! Good luck Napa on the remainder of the season, keep up the hard work. "

NapaFF wrote on Nov 3, 2009 1:14 PM:

" The only reason to bring up "10-12 JV players" would be if they got substantial playing time, which they probably would not.

They're better off with JV ... getting more experience by playing a lot.

There are only 12 seniors on Varsity this year, so next year should be a very good year for varsity. "

Napafan wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:36 AM:

" winghunter: Boyett at O-line? Nose guard? The only spot for him in the kind of offense that Napa runs is the quarterback. They run the option. In order to run the option you need a great running quarterback. John Boyett, Robledo,Lemasters:all great running quarterbacks. The quarterback was the perfect position for Boyett. Jensen is a great running back. That one two punch is better than Boyett at running back and Thompson would have ever been. Especially in an option offense. "

get_real wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:19 AM:

" I normally just stalk the boards but after reading week in and week out the constant second guessing what Troy Mott and NHS Football is doing, give me a break. Go comment on Vintage football.

I would say 90% of you have no idea what the coaches put into this program, the PERSONAL time they put in. This has been a year with a lot of injuries. Since most of you just go to the game and comment what you would´ve done better, I´m sure you didn´t notice the 8-12 kids in plain clothes. After the first game, they didn´t really even have a fullback, but I´m sure since everyone here are experts on how to coach, you already know they were probably losing sleep racking their brain how to fill holes left by injuries.

There are a lot of could´ve should´ve would´ves being tossed around. The coaches, in my mind, have done everything they could to continue the winning ways and shoot for a MEL title. If you haven´t noticed we´ve been spoiled over the past 7 years with great talent and very few MAJOR injuries. I think the total this year is up to 6, including Hess, Boyett, and a few lineman. Oh and for the record Cody Thompson, was hurt all preseason and came back the game Boyett went down. I can´t believe anyone would stand up and say don´t give the ball to your best player every chance you could.

I would get all the facts before posting complete garbage assumptions. Stop second guessing what the coaches are doing. I would love to see anyone try and come close to what they have done in their time as coaches "

napathinker wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:45 PM:

" get_real. Right on the mark. However, when injuries happen, you have to improvise, adapt, use what you have. Remember how Napa beat Elk Grove and a Hall of Fame Coach in the playoffs 2 years ago. The team play and the coaching kept it close, but it took a SANDLOT DRAW UP PASS play that John Boyett talked coach Mott into using to win. A Senior in High School out coached all the coaches, including his own. Granted, John Boyett was an exception and something special as his awarded Cal Prep Player of the year indicates. Napa doesn't have the type of players at this time to execute as teams before. Thompson and Jensen are not the same type of power runners that the Boyetts or Hess are. The pass needs to set up the run, loosen up defenses. It's so obvious that opponents' defenses are keying on the run, knowing Napa's capabilites. The MEL and the Indians have a gift in 3 playoff spots. Napa does not control it's own destiny at this time. They can beat Vacaville, but again it's not the offense that is the issue. It's the DEFENSE that keeps giving up the big plays. Napa can score, but they also have trouble stopping the good teams. The only team that is compareable to Napa that they defeated is Merced. They have won the rest against weaker teams(see teams combined records) and lost to other teams that are equal too or superior in record and league strengths than Napa. Indians will get into playoffs but will fizzel if Defense is not shored up..Coach Mott has done a great job no doubt, but look at teams that year in and out with changes and injuries keep being top of their leagues...NU Grant DLS Mitty etc "

MrMan wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:05 PM:

" Winghunter is just yanking everyones chain.
The coaches are just playing the cards they have been dealt. All the talk of Cody T at QB and Boyett at RB is silly as besides the first half of the Rocklin game, they have never both been healthy at the same time.
One thing that might help is a little noise up in the stands. Sure its easier to be more loud with the team playing better but it is pathetically quite on the Napa side this year. "

NFFan wrote on Nov 5, 2009 7:45 AM:

" Napathinker said:
"Coach Mott has done a great job no doubt, but look at teams that year in and out with changes and injuries keep being top of their leagues...NU Grant DLS Mitty etc "
You should do a litttle more research. In 2007 NU was 4-6 and did not make playoffs. Yet you said NU year in and year out is at the top of their league. "

napathinker wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:28 AM:

" NFFan--since 1995, NU and Grant have been the benchmark of the SJS. Look at how many Section Titles both have won in that time. NU had a down year, as all teams will do. The point is the consitency that these programs show and the ability to adapt concepts and styles to the athetes availible. Napa beat Merced this year, a team that is down a bit but has been a power in their area for years. Napa Beat Grant in playoffs year after Pacers beat Napa in Semi Final at Section. We beat Elk Grove and St Mary's to win section. We have never beat NU. Beat Folsom then lost to weaker Laguna that got Stomped on in section semi final. Point. Consistency. How?? Adaptabity when talent dictates. Napa has a mid high enrollment in the middle of Division 1, but a small geographic area to draw from being a pretty small and secluded town. Alot of other teams around Sac area have more players to choose from due to larger georgraphic area. I think Vintage and Napa High have represented out small community with style, grace, and pride over the years. Both teams have been in Section Championship game at least 4 times each since current playoff system in SJS established. No doubt all the coaching staffs have done terrific jobs, including the current staff. TODAY'S FACT, DEFENSE NEEDS SHORING UP. Look at the games. Our offense is good, we don't have the power runners now we are used to. So, to compensate, adjustments need to be made to advance. TEAMWORK..We don't have that "ONE" that we are spoiled with and used to. DEFENSE, needs to stop giving up the big scoring plays, PERIOD. That means change and adaptability, starts with Coaching.... "

kracker wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:21 AM:

" To all you arm chair quarterbacks who didnt start on the JV team, I have this to say. Get out and coach, you alll seem to have it figured out better than the actual guys putting in 80+ hours a week. I said in August that if Napa went 6-4 it would be the best season of coaching this fine Napa staff has had. Four 2 way starters have been lost since then including their best all around player (Boyett). To be at 500 on the season(and in the playoff hunt) is a true testament to the coaching staff. Most teams in this area would have packed it in after losing a player of Boyett's caliber. Not this staff or team, they are still in the fight! These kids are learning a great lifes lesson hear from these fine men who choose to coach and teach our kids. We are very fortunate to have high character individuals like Mott and staff coaching our local kids. Quit trying to bring down something you had no part in building. "

napafan4ever wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:49 AM:

" Maybe I was watching a different game last week, but as I recall the OFFENSE had 4 turnovers of which Fairfield scored on each one - coaches cannot teach the players to hold onto the ball!

Secondly, why don't all of you who are second quessing the coaches, go play for another school, in fact any other school, and you will find out that Napa High has the best coaches of the section! Sometimes you have to think beyond the football field - the bigger picture in life - those coaches teach the players about so much more than football - that is why we don't have the discipline problems that other schools have!

On the season this year, just face it, with the injuries, our talent is down! Nobodys fault.

On the noise in the stands, it is pathetic! This is the worst group in years! Why don't you parents step up and cheer for the team that needs help?

Coaches and players, keep your heads up and keep working hard - everyone thinks this is a terrible season, but you are going to the playoffs - congrats! "

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