The Central Coast Barnstormers are getting used to these bye
weeks that last nearly four months.
The Central Coast Barnstormers are getting used to these bye weeks that last nearly four months.
It unfortunately comes with the territory – playing in Northern California – but the Barnstormers are geared and ready to play their first, real-live football game since Aug. 15 this weekend.
And it’s the state title game, no less.
The ‘Stormers will travel south Saturday to battle the Foothill Firehawks in Glendora, just outside Los Angeles, for the state championship game at 6 p.m.
Foothill (13-0) defeated the San Diego Thunder 17-14 in overtime on Nov. 24, and will look to make it 14 in a row against the rather well-rested Central Coast squad.
In the world of semi-pro football, Northern California and Southern California are on two different pages. The ‘Stormers defeated the Sacramento Wolverines 23-3 on Aug. 15 for the NorCal title, and have been waiting patiently for teams in the southern section of the state to do the same.
But SoCal hadn’t even begun their season when Central Coast wrapped up the north, and have had nearly four months off since their NorCal Championship.
While the two sides of the state are looking to change things next year, with both NorCal and SoCal possibly starting their leagues at the same time, that won’t mean a thing come Saturday night at Citrus College in Glendora.
“The good thing is that everyone is out there for a love of the game,” defensive back Lance Goularte said. “But we’ve been pretty anxious to get to that point … I think we’ve got everything together.”
The ‘Stormers, who own the top-ranked defense in all of Northern California, caused five turnovers in the NorCal title game against Sacramento and held the Wolverines to just 215 total yards. However, the squad was scheduled to play at least two practice games against the Northern Valley Lions and the North Bay Rattlers during their layoff, but both those games ended up falling through.
Instead, the Barnstormers have been practicing three times a week – full gear – since August.
Needless to say, they’re ready to hit someone different.
“It’s terrible for us,” said Joffre Longoria, who co-owns the team with Jose Rodriguez. “To be honest, it’s a disadvantage for us and an advantage for the SoCal teams.”
Central Coast was in the same situation last year, though. After they were crowned NorCal champs, they had months off in between the state title game, and they ended up losing to the Inglewood Blackhawks 48-28 in Gilroy.
“I think we stepped it up a notch only because we were in the same situation last year,” Goularte said. “We need to take this serious. [Foothill] is coming off a red-hot season and everything is clicking for them.”
The Firehawks, Goularte added, run a Hawaii-style offense, constantly using the shotgun and as many as five wide receivers.
The ‘Stormers will defend with a Cover 2 formation, but will be without the services of star cornerback Tyrone Ward, who pulled his hamstring this week and will sit out the contest.
The loss of Ward, however, who had 10 interceptions, three of which were taken back for touchdowns, will leave a gaping hole in Central Coast’s secondary.
“He’s our lockdown corner,” Longoria said.
Ward was a first team defensive back selection in the Far West Region this year, Player of the Year in the Northern California Amateur Football Federation, the Far West’s Defensive Player of the Year, and was also a punt returner and kick returner for Central Coast.
The everything-man was also involved in a tryout with the San Jose Sabrecats.
“So we are missing a big playmaker,” Goularte said.
Added Longoria, “It will hurt us but we have guys that will step up.”
Central Coast will have an expanded roster for the title game, and have picked up players from Gavilan, Hartnell and the San Jose Predators, among other teams.
“We have quality players,” Longoria said. “Even though we have the disadvantage, we’re not scared.”
