MaxPreps Quick Hits - September 14
By Jason Hickman
MaxPreps.com
Coleman, Van Slyke Taking Different Path
Both Vince Coleman and Andy Van Slyke enjoyed 13-year careers in Major League Baseball, combined to play in five All-Star Games, and were teammates with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1985 and 1986.
Nearly a decade after their respective careers came to an end, their sons are carrying on the family tradition - but not on the baseball diamond.
Vince Coleman and Jared Van Slyke haven taken their natural talent, added a lot of hard work, and become stars on the gridiron.
Coleman, a 5-11, 195-pound senior wide receiver at Chaparral High in Scottsdale, Ariz., has hauled in nine receptions for 228 yards and a state-leading six touchdowns in just three games.
More importantly, his Firebirds are 3-0 and looking like a legitimate 4A state title contender after beating Coconino, Moon Valley, and Boulder Creek by a combined score of 148-0. Another Coleman, younger brother Lance, is an offensive and defensive lineman for Chaparral, and has a sack this season.
In St. Louis, Van Slyke is emerging as a legitimate Division I-A prospect at quarterback and defensive back for John Burroughs High.
Through two games, both wins, Van Slyke has completed 18 of 24 pass attempts for 343 yards and three touchdowns. He has also rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown, and picked off a pass on defense.
Don't be surprised to see a pair of familiar baseball names pop-up on a college football program's signee list next February.
Stratford Streaking Toward Wisconsin Showdown
Wisconsin's Stratford High has a chance to tie the state record for consecutive wins in two weeks when it meets LaCrescent, Minn.
But first, the Tigers - winners of 45-straight games - will have to get past a revenge-minded Athens squad Friday.
The Bluejays have looked impressive in racking up a 3-0 record in 2006, including a 33-8 pasting of Marshall of Milwaukee last week. Athens still has a 54-0 loss to Stratford last year on its mind, and will get the Tigers at home this year.
Stratford's run is one for the record books, already the third-best streak in state history behind Manitowoc's 48-straight from 1984-1987, and 46 by a combined Wausau High from 1941-1946.
Another Streak Ends
While Stratford's streak in Wisconsin is nearing state-record status, another came to an end in California.
Modesto's Central Catholic quietly built a 61-game winning streak in the state's Sac-Joaquin Section, capturing five-straight Sectional titles in the process. The Raiders' last loss came in 2001 to Manteca.
That is, prior to their season-opening setback to Santa Rosa's Cardinal Newman.
The Cardinals, bitter over a 55-35 thrashing at the hands of Central Catholic a year ago, defended their home turf with a 22-14 win, ending the streak.
The Raiders were among the most dominant teams in the country a year ago - taking into account their Division IV status - outscoring opponents by an average of 64-11. Central Catholic topped the 80-point mark three times in 2005 (including an 84-point outburst in its championship game), and scored 60 or more in each of its last eight games.
Are You Ready For Some Rankings?
Who's No. 1? Find out next Tuesday, Sept. 19 as MaxPreps debuts its 2006 national rankings.
Several games and events being played over the weekend could have a major impact on the teams at the top, including the nine-game Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge taking place Friday and Saturday in the Buckeye State, and the Southlake Carroll, Texas/Evangel Christian, La., matchup set for tonight.
A year ago, Southlake Carroll finished the 2005 season on top (click here for 2005's final rankings), with St. Xavier, Ohio, Hoover, Ala., McKeesport, Pa., and Warren Central, Ind., rounding out the top five.
Photo: Will Darren Evans and the Warren Central Warriors top the first MaxPreps National Rankings of 2006? Find out Tuesday. (By William Vragovic)