Video: Highlights from De La Salle's 14-0 win over FolsomSee all the hard-hitting action from both teams in Friday's national showdown.
Both teams are coming off landmark, shutout victories, including De La Salle's 14-0 home triumph over Folsom in a battle of nationally-ranked teams.
The Spartans (1-0), who moved up to No. 15 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25
national rankings, handed then-No. 19 Folsom its first shutout loss in 14
years.
They got superlative defensive efforts from 4-star recruits
Henry To'oto'o (10 tackles, two fumble recoveries), a linebacker, defensive end/tight end
Isaiah Foskey (seven tackles, two sacks), cornerback
Amir Wallace (four pass deflections) and
Shamar Garrett (two interceptions).
Central Catholic went on the road to defeat Central Section power Clovis West, 21-0. The Raiders got 145 yards rushing on 22 carries by
Dawaiian McNeely (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and two TD runs by
Kyle Jacklich (6-0, 175).
McNeely is also a standout defensive back who has seven college offers, including Arizona State and Oregon State.
De La Salle has partnered with CBS Sports Digital to stream
nine of its 10 regular season game this season, including Friday's home
game with Central Catholic.
Through
the partnership, fans throughout the country can watch the nation's No.
15 team along with more than 40 other De La Salle sporting events over
the next 10 months via the
SportsLive subscription OTT service online and via mobile and Roku apps.
Dawaiian McNeely, Central Catholic
File photo by David Kinsella
De La Salle is the only team in the state to appear in state title games since they began in the modern era in 2006. The Spartans have won seven of 12 times.
Central Catholic owns the second most state titles, winning four, all in succession starting in 2012.
De La Salle has always played at the largest division, while Central Catholic has won at the smallest division. The Raiders, however, have played and defeated many larger school powers, including St. Mary's of Stockton (11-3) last season. Coached by Roger Canepa, Central Catholic won't be intimidated by the Spartans.
"We're challenging our team right now," Canepa told FrontRowPreps.com. "Now we got to go back on the road. Shutting out a spread offense, a team that has been top in the state, we're not worried about that. … We just want to take care of football and give them a game."
De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh is sure they will. The Spartans have moved on from their big, emotional win over Folsom. Central Catholic presents a real threat.
"When we watch them on film, it's very much like watching ourselves," De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh said. "They like to run the ball and even have a fullback. They play hard, tackle well and are extremely physical. It's a big challenge."
With Friday's victory, De La Salle extended its unbeaten streak against Northern California opponents to 291 games. The Spartans have never played Central Catholic.
De La Salle senior linebacker Jhasi Wilson, who has an offer from Arizona State, was one of several Spartans to have stellar games during a 14-0 win over Folsom on Friday.
Photo by Dennis Lee
