The Pirates had the heavily favored Lions on their heels and an apparent score. But that dream drive evaporated like a morning mist, no thanks to an “ineligible receiver downfield” infraction against Santa Ynez. Touchdown erased, momentum gone. “I was really pleased with the start,” said head coach Ken Gruendyke. “It’s just unfortunate that score didn’t count. Our kids really came out after them.”
Those opening moments put Oaks Christian on upset alert. The nation’s No. 5 team, according to USA Today, the unbeaten Lions proceeded to overwhelm Santa Ynez, 70-14. While the 11-0 victors advanced to the quarterfinals against 7-3 Harvard-Westlake this weekend, the Pirates wrapped up their season in Thousand Oaks with a 6-5 record. Although Shean was expectedly disappointed in the final result, that didn’t dampen the senior’s mood afterward.
“We got excited by that first drive, and we had fun in the second half,” added Shean, who ran for a 5-yard touchdown after intermission and tossed a touchdown with five minutes left in the game to A.J. Woronovich, who made a leaping grab in the end zone’s corner. “Tyler was a warrior,” said Gruendyke. “He got punished quite a bit and did what he could against a real formidable defense we haven’t seen the likes of before.”
The Lions were impressed with their beleaguered opponents’ effort, particularly out of the gate. “They started well and got some life in them,” said coach Bill Redell, whose 1-2 punch of QB Nick Montana and running back Malcolm Jones sent the Pirates reeling throughout the first half. Montana, son of Hall-of-Famer Joe, threw for 168 yards and three scores before Trevor Gretzky took over; Jones, heading to UCLA’s backfield next year, rolled up 280 on only nine carries en route to four touchdowns.
The Lions’ senior signal-caller liked what he saw from Santa Ynez. “They played us tough; they did a good job,” Montana said. “Nick was outstanding, and as for Malcolm, there isn’t a better back in the country,” Redell stated. Said Gruendyke: “They flexed their muscles and showed what they’re made of.”
Out with injuries were several key Pirates, including David Quiroz, Javy Trujillo and Travis Porter. Senior Scott Arellano, coincidentally encountering the team from which he transferred over the summer, sustained a blow to the knee and a torn calf muscle that ultimately sidelined him. At any rate, Santa Ynez coaches and players were pleased with their overall effort, basking in the glow of Thorson Stadium’s playoff atmosphere.
“It’s surreal,” said junior Wyatt Garley. “One hell of an experience.” “It was good,” added junior Jake Jacobsen. “Those guys sure know how to play.” Defensive coordinator Chris Johnson and his fellow coaches asked the players at halftime to demonstrate pride, and they were up to the task.
“They had fun and played hard,” said Johnson. Gruendyke reflected on Friday as a whole, calling it an enjoyable, worthwhile day. “It was a good day with nice buses, a great meal and team-bonding with us walking around there beforehand,” he said. “For seniors, it was something they hadn’t ever experienced.”
The Pirates’ regular campaign was highlighted by consecutive shutouts against Morro Bay and Cabrillo, while the sore spot was a maddening, mistake-prone loss at Nordhoff. (“That’s one we wished to have another chance at,” said Gruendyke.) Although the coach said his team was outmatched by Pioneer Valley, St. Joseph and Oaks Christian, the players never stopped competing.
“To finish where we did, I’m very pleased,” Gruendyke said. “We reached our goal to get in the top four (of the Los Padres League) and into the postseason.” He also credited his assistant coaches for being “committed and dedicated” during the long season.
As for 2010, Gruendyke expects to have safety in numbers — a considerable number of experienced players: “Our underclassmen hope to return to the playoffs next season.” So does Gruendyke. “We’re looking forward to it. We just need time off to re-evaluate and find more things to build upon.” jluksic@syvjournal.com