By Damien Barling
MaxPreps.com
There's something to be said for being a part of the most exciting game in college football history.
Sports fans may never forget watching Boise State pull a sea of trick plays and a two-point conversion out of its hat to beat powerhouse Oklahoma in overtime, 43-42, in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
That game and a 13-0 season helped Boise State pull in 29 top college prospects this past week on National Signing Day. Six of those 29 recruits are from the Sacramento area.
Offensive lineman Zach Waller (Franklin-Elk Grove), defensive back Brandyn Thompson (Franklin-Elk Grove), offensive/defensive lineman Chase Baker (Rocklin), linebacker Ben Chandler (Del Oro) will be spending the next four years playing on the blue turf in Boise. The Broncos recruited two more stars from nearby Stockton schools; running back Doug Martin (St. Mary's-Stockton) and defensive lineman J.P. Nisby (St. Mary's-Stockton).
Chandler grayshirted during the fall of 2006 after a knee injury during his senior year at Del Oro, meaning he was actually a member of Boise State's signing class a year ago. The 6-3, 220-pound linebacker joined the team when classes started in January.
Sacramento residents may not be aware, but the Boise State Broncos are already loaded with talent form the Sacramento area. Fullback Michael Lose (Burbank), wide receiver Aiona Key (Mesa Verde), and defensive end Mike Williams (Natomas) are already apart of the fan favorite Broncos squad.
Six Pacers Sign
The Grant Pacers finished their season holding the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship and sporting a 13-0 record, but their greatest accomplishment may have come last Wednesday on National Signing Day when six Pacers signed letters of intent to play with major college programs.
Christian Tupou made the biggest splash, electing to play for Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans. Linebacker Terrance Pritchett is also headed to the Pac-10, casting his lot with Oregon.
Quarterback/defensive back Tim Lang, defensive back Jevon Stallworth and offensive lineman Devan Cunningham are headed for Fresno State. Defensive back Ricky Thompson is one of the first recruits for first-year coach Marshall Sperbeck at Division I-AA Sacramento State.
Boys Basketball
The El Camino Eagles wrapped up an undefeated league season finishing 10-0 and capturing the Capital Athletic League title last week by defeating Del Campo, 69-33.
El Camino, who has an overall record of 22-2, won their 19th game in a row, the second longest winning streak in the area (Jesuit has won 22 in a row).
"I thought we'd have a good team but nothing like this", senior Melvin Flemings told the Sacramento Bee. "This is a once in a lifetime season. We're just looking to go deep into the playoffs."
Flemings, who leads the Eagles in scoring averaging 14 points per game, will be a major key for the Eagles' up-tempo offense as they enter the playoffs.
Another key piece in the run and gun style offense is 6-4 senior guard/forward Keith Arrington. Arrington, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, is leading the team in rebounds, assists, and steals, but will likely be remembered best for his last-second jump shot against Rio Americano Feb. 1, giving the Eagles a stunning, 83-82 victory.
El Camino's 22-2 mark is a dramatic turnaround from its 11-16 record of a year ago.
"I keep waiting for my guys to slow down and they simply won't," head coach Justin Clymo said. "They find away to get it done every night. It's nice to have a group of kids that have chemistry, are genuinely excited for one another when they play well and who don't cry about minutes and scoring."
With the new section tournaments in place, the Eagles will play in the Capital Athletic League tournament Feb. 13-15 to determine their seeding in the playoffs.
More Basketball
Jesuit continues to destroy teams on its way to the playoffs. Pleasant Grove was the latest victim, falling 85-39 to give the Marauders their 24th overall win and 22nd in a row.
Jesuit will take on Florin and Folsom this week to close out the regular season.
Rocklin has fallen out of the MaxPreps.com California state rankings. The Thunder, once ranked as high as No. 7 in the state, lost two league games over the last month, eliminating themselves from the elite teams in California.
Girls Basketball
With the Capital Athletic League title already in hand, the El Camino girls will finish up their schedule this week with games at Mira Loma and at home against Del Campo.
Sacramento High closed out its Metro League schedule by defeating Grant for the second time this season, 62-56. The Dragons finished their season 10-0 and 20-3 overall. It should be noted that all three losses came at a tournament in which future Tennessee Lady Vol Vicki Baugh sprained her ankle and was unable to play.
