Hey Jude - ssamano's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Impressive opener for the Jam

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:44:52 PST

LOS ANGELES -- Overwhelming. That's what the Jam was in the second half of its 116-90 win over the D-Fenders at Staples Center.

This was a close contest for the entire first half when the Jam had no defense and was getting torched on the perimeter by D-Fenders guards Brandon Heath and Joe Crawford, who finished with 25 and 24 points, respectively. But Bakersfield came out storming in the second half.

Actually, it started with a dunk from DeMarcus Nelson during the final minute of the second quarter and then Nick Lewis hit a buzzer-beater 3-pointer to send the Jam into halftime with momentum. And it just snowballed in the third quarter. Altogether an impressive 27-2 run with some stifling defense and overwhelming offense. The Jam was relentless.

Richard Hendrix was a stud; so was Nelson. And while he only had six points on 3-of-9 shooting, Mateen Cleaves was the delivery man, dishing 12 assists.

All in all, an impressive way to open the season.

Story Behind the Story: Julian Dean-Johnson

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:59:35 PST

This story is not meant to glorify thug life or teenage pregnancy.

One of my concerns heading into this story was that's how some readers might take it. This story's purpose is to inform the public on the intriguing background of the life of Kern County's most prolific running back.

There's much more to Julian Dean-Johnson than touchdowns and off-the-charts rushing totals. That's what I aimed for. I wanted to write about what he's had deal with while putting up those gaudy numbers.

Because Julian is one of our area's best athletes, he's somebody to write about. And I could've written a fluff piece and completely avoided the substantial history of his troubled past. But that would only be half the story. Writing stories like these is what puts the news value into the sports section. We can't just act as if Julian is like every other standout football player in Kern. He's not. He's in a unique situation. And that's the story I wanted to tell.

I knew this wasn't going to be easy. Knowing the basic information I knew about Julian -- that he's a teenage dad and that he comes from a poor family and that he was suspended for two games this season for "disciplinary reasons" -- it's not like I could just pull the kid aside after practice and jump into questions about that stuff. I had to make sure he was willing to talk about these things. I explained to Julian how this was his opportunity to explain his actions and let people know what he's about. He understood that and was willing to open up.

I must have spent about three or four hours total over the course of a couple days talking to Julian about his life. He was a nice kid, very respectful and very much open to share his story. Underneath his rough exterior is a playful inside. You should see the happiness on his daughter's face when he gets home and the way Julian lights up too. Like the story said, he seems focused on doing what's best for her from here on out.

Hopefully he does.

-- You can read the story about Julian Dean-Johnson by clicking here.

Bakersfield vs. Fresno-Bullard running thread

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:20:08 PST

UPDATED, 1:22 a.m.: Just got back from Fresno (the things we do for you guys), and it was ugly: Bullard 35, Bakersfield 14.

Here it is in a nutshell: The Drillers killed themselves with penalties and turnovers, and their defense was worn down. It looked good in the beginning when Bakersfield forced Bullard to go three-and-out on the opening series and then gain nine yards each on its first two runs of the ensuing drive. But this game took a turn for the worst the moment Johnson fumbled on that third play, and it seemed like the coaching staff may have hit the panic button a little too soon. That triple back I-formation was money, and I don't know why Bakersfield got away from it so soon.

All in all, a disappointing end to a season from a very talented football team. But things look good for the Drillers with the return next season of many sophomores and juniors.

UPDATED, 8:52 p.m.: I was just in the middle of writing how this got really ugly, because the Drillers went down 28-0 after two turnovers. BUT they just recovered a fumble for a TD. 28-7 Bullard in the third.

UPDATED, 8:28: Drillers just put themselves in a huge hole, fumbling a punt attempt that was returned by Bullard for a TD. 21-0 in the third.

UPDATED, 8:10 p.m.: Bakersfield is down 14-0 at halftime. Here's the deal: The Drillers got away from what was working in the beginning of the game, which was an I-formation that featured three backs in the backfield. It was different, and it was working, but the Drillers haven't gone back to it since their second drive. Maybe they will in the second half, but they can't get down more, otherwise they'll have to revert to the pass. That wouldn't be ideal, especially without Alfonso Jackson who, an assistant told me, is off the team because of disciplanary reasons.

Defensively, the Drillers will have to re-group. Bullard got into a zone as the second half came to an end. This game could actually be worse if the Knights hadn't come down with a case of the dropsies.

(I apologize for spelling/grammatical errors. No time to spell check).

UPDATED, 7:44 p.m.: Bullard kicker Blake Dunn has connected on field goals of 45 and 55 yards, but he missed a 35-yarder earlier. It's 6-0 Bullard in the second. BHS is getting the ball back with 4:03 remaining. The Drillers could use something on this drive.

UPDATED, 7:26 p.m.: So far, the Drillers are hurting themselves after the first quarter. A fumble and four penalties. They are having success moving tne ball, though, relatively. They'll need to shore up the mistakes. 0-0 after first.

UPDATED, 7:15 p.m.: Jerrick Johonson fumbled on the third play of Bakersfield's opening drive in Bullard territory but gained nine yards on his first two runs. No damage done, though as Bullard went three-and-out. Still no score in the first.

UPDATED, 6:52 p.m.: I was just down on the field about 10 minutes ago, and the Drillers seem confident heading into this one like you'd expect from defending Division I champs. I got that feeling from them at least.

As for this being a home game for Bullard? Well, where the heck is everyone? Looking across at their side, the stands can't be even half full. Do they know kickoff is at 7 p.m.?

Decently nice field here at McLane Stadium. A little baige in the center around the 50-yard line, but overall the field conditions shouldn't be a factor. Nice night for a playoff.

Drillers just entered the field to a nice pop from the Bakersfield crowd. Kickoff is only minutes away.

ORIGINAL POST: What's up, everybody. It's about 2:15 p.m. as I write this. I'm stoked. So is Schoolhouse Zach. And we are about to hit the road and venture up the 99 to Fresno for our games tonight (he'll be at Liberty-Clovis West). I know a lot of you won't be able to make the journey north, so here's your heads up that I will also be updating this post throughout the Bakersfield-Bullard game (just like Zach does every Friday night). So check back often for updates on the Drillers. I'm out for now.

Jam final roster begins taking shape

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:05:43 PST

After four consecutive days of double practices, Jam coach Scott Roth has already begun making the tough decisions and cut five players — Michael Hart, Joseph Britto, JeJuan Plair, Justin Bellegrade, and Demario Butler — to this point. He's got until next Wednesday to trim his roster down to 12.

As for how this will likely shake out? Well, the Jam just received rookies Richard Hendrix and DeMarcus Nelson from the Warriors, so you know they're not going anywhere. And, obviously, neither are Mateen Cleaves, Nick Lewis, Trey Johnson, Jeff Trepagnier, or Derrick Wright, the Jam's allocated players Roth specifically requested from the D-League. And I'm 99.9 percent sure this year's first-round pick, Derrick Byars, isn't going anywhere either, which would leave four spots for six players — Terrance Thomas, Terrence Gamble, Jovan Harris, David Berghoefer, Ashanti Cook, and Cal State Bakersfield alum DeMarcus Hall.

I was in the war room when Roth drafted all those guys, and based on what I saw and heard that day I'd have to think Thomas, Gamble and Harris (who Roth was particularly fond of) will make the team. As for the other three, your guess is as good as mine, but Roth will know a lot more after Thursday's preseason game against Anaheim.

“We have a few guys I’m anxious to see what they do in a real game setting, see how they respond," Roth said.

One other thing:

— Apparently Roth is running his training camp like the drill instructor from "Full Metal Jacket." Ok, I'm probably exaggerating. But it sounds like training camp has been anything but a walk in the park.

“It’s been very intense," Trepagnier said. "This past week has been pretty tough. We ain’t been slacking. He’s pushing us real hard. ... He’s a no-nonsense coach. It’s his way or the highway. If you’re mentally strong you’ll be able to succeed under him.”

Initially, the Jam looks good

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:33:03 PST

First, if you've been reading the sports section lately, then you might have figured out that I'm the Jam beat writer. If not, well, now you know. This is that announcement.

Now that that's out of the way, on to my first blog post about this year's version of the Jam.

They look good — real good, actually, considering the two assigned players they just received from the Warriors in Richard Hendrix and DeMarcus Nelson. The Jam was already considered one of the D-League's best teams — I know, hard to believe after last season's disaster — heading into training camp without these two guys, but throw in Hendrix and Nelson and now you've got a formidable squad.

Hendrix gives them size and physicality down low; Nelson, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season, strengthens their, well, defense of course, not to mention the guy could only benefit from starting at the point for the Warriors early this season.

Jam coach Scott Roth, who was already very pleased with what he had to work with, has to be giddy right about now. The hard part will be making cuts to form a final roster before the Nov. 28 season-opener at the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Good luck with that, coach.

Story Behind the Story: Quincy Amarikwa (and his awesome bicycle kick)

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:27:00 PST

So get this.

It seems Liberty High alumnus Quincy Amarikwa's soccer career at UC Davis — and his subsequent success — came about somewhat by accident.

Aggies coach Dwayne Shaffer told it to me like this: He stumbled upon Amarikwa at a club tournament in 2005 in San Diego. The tournament had run very late on a Friday night, until about 10 p.m. Shaffer was watching a game, but he kept hearing the roar of the crowd coming from another field and every time he looked over there he saw Amarikwa in celebration with his teammates. It caught his attention. He walked over to watch Amarikwa play and was totally impressed. Three days later, he said he had Amarikwa visiting campus in Davis and committed to play for the Aggies.

Isn't that something? Now look where Amarikwa and UC Davis are both at as a result. Amarikwa among the best players in the nation and UC Davis among the best teams in the nation in only its second season as a Division I program.

Now, as incredible as that is, I've got something better for you. Just peep the YouTube clip of Amarikwa in action against UC Santa Barbara. You don't see many of these, folks.

Oh, and be sure to watch the UC Davis sideline's reaction to the goal — just great. And I don't think Amarikwa cares that they mispronounced his last name.

-- To read the story about Quincy Amarikwa click here.

Stars aligning for an SWYL title?

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:18:42 PDT

People, listen up.

The Southwest Yosemite League championship is the North High football team's to lose.

Did you catch that? Not Centennial. Not Stockdale. Not West.

North. All by itself atop the SWYL and on the verge of winning its first league title since 1986, when the Stars won the old South Yosemite League.

North's 34-19 defeat of South on Friday was, as coach Mark Camps told me, as complete a victory as his team has notched this season. "Very complete game," he said. "Great effort by our kids. We’re one step closer to where we want to be.”

One step closer to a league title that would be a longtime coming.

The Stars' performance couldn't have come at a better time, as they will gear up this week for, essentially, a league championship game with Stockdale. Oh by the way, the Mustangs were upset by Ridgeview 30-15 last night, putting the Stars in control of their own fate.

Ridgeview ran all over Stockdale for 330 yards in the win. Have we mentioned that's what North does best?

Whether its Julian Dean-Johnson, Seth Vlach, Ruben Suarez, Joe Clevenger, or Juan Rodriguez, North's ground attack is tough to stop. The Stars racked up 353 yards on the ground against South, and much of the same could happen next week against Stockdale.

If it does, well, you can figure what the end result would be.

Story Behind the Story: Honor's Role

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:56:29 PDT

The kicker was an anonymous e-mail.

For a couple of years now I had toyed with the idea of doing a story about the honor system in golf and tennis. When I covered my first high school tennis match in 2005 for the North County Times in Escondido, it took me by surprise that there were no officials present. I had no idea that was the norm. I had never been to a tennis match before. As time passed, I thought it might be an intriguing topic to explore -- see how well it works, the problems that arise, etc., etc.

I came here to The Californian last month and presented the story to my editor, who liked my idea. I wasn't sure that I'd actually get around to doing it, though -- until my in-box one day a few weeks back contained an e-mail from Love Golf with a subject line that read "(Team) Girls Cheating" (we'll keep the accused school anonymous, too).

The author was upset about what he/she felt was going on with this particular school, writing in the e-mail: "A person that cheats in golf isn't a real golfer." Whether or not someone cheats in these sports isn't the kind of thing I can verify.

But when I received that e-mail I knew for sure I had to write this story.

I gathered a ton of information from lots of people involved in both sports. The general consensus from those people was this: Cheating happens, but not all the time. Basically there's lots of good, mixed with some bad.

Stockdale tennis coach Dave Hillestad told me about a time this season at a tournament in Fresno where it got kind of ugly between two Fresno schools over a disputed call. Apparently, girls were making snooty comments at one another, and coaches and the tournament director had to get involved.

One of the issues that came up that I alluded to but didn't elaborate on was whether or not most golfers even know USGA rules. Players and coaches said this was a concern particularly for younger, inexperienced players. Who knows that moving, say, a gum wrapper to improve your putting line is OK, but that moving a leaf is illegal because the rule specifies nature vs. unnatural? Or how many strokes you're supposed to add on for water hazard or out of bounds? I don't. And, apparently, neither does every high school player. Some girls said they carry rule books with them, but even that sometimes doesn't help.

Frontier golf coach Tony Bernardin said part of the problem is the girls' fear of confrontation. To help his team, he and his assistant, Tom Aguilar, role play in front of their girls so they can learn how to deal with confrontation.

Central Section commissioner Jim Crichlow told me in our interview that nothing ever makes its way to his desk, in terms of complaints or protests. Certainly that's a good sign.

All in all, the system is far from perfect. It has its wrinkles. By and large, though, it works. I'm surprised the situation doesn't get out of hand, which says something about the student-athletes and their character.

Clearly, most care about their reputations -- not just as athletes, but people.

-- You can read the story about the honor system in golf and tennis by clicking here.

Story Behind the Story: Jimmy Watkins

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:40:46 PDT

I'm 26 years old and consider myself in decent shape. Maybe not the best, but decent. I try to make it to the gym three, four days a week, lift a little weights, run a few miles. You know, the basics.

But, man, I need to be in Jimmy Watkins shape. He's 26, about 6-1 (maybe 6-2), in top physical condition, has forearms the size of my calves, and is built like a fullback. Which makes sense when you think about it because that was Watkins' position at Stockdale High. In fact, in my interview with him, he told me he had planned to play football after high school at Bakersfield College but said he re-injured his shoulder the summer before in an all-star game, forcing him to think twice about it.

So he became a Kern County firefighter, started out as seasonal for a few years, then became full time in 2004. He knew he needed to stay in tip-top shape and so, in effect, began his cycling career. Now here he is just a few years later a national sprint champion.

What I wanted to do in this piece was tell the story of a guy who started cycling as a hobby, as a way just to stay in shape for his grueling job. But he found a strength in cycling, which made him take it seriously, and began competing, and eventually became one of the best. I also wanted to convey that Watkins has other top priorities and that cycling, even though he takes his training seriously now, is still just a side gig.

He's married and said he just bought his home on the northwest side of town, where I interviewed him. He's got two small dogs, one of them a dachshund I believe, and the other I'm not sure (both kept barking at us through the sliding window while we talked). And he mentioned that he and his wife are thinking about starting a family soon.

If he's cycling four years from now, he'll try for the Olympics. But he won't spend these next four years training specifically for London 2012. It sounds like Watkins will compete as long as he can, but it doesn't seem like the success will alter his life plans.

Hey, you can't fault a guy for having his priorities in line.

- You can read the story about Jimmy Watkins by clicking here.

BHS: Bigger. Faster. Stronger.

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:10:24 PDT

You've heard it before.

Bigger. Faster. Stronger.

That's exactly what the Bakersfield High football team was in its 41-7 rout of Garces last night.

We thought we'd get a showdown for Southeast Yosemite League supremacy between the Drillers and Rams but, honestly, I didn't expect it — believe I even said as much on this week's podcast, maybe vaguely and nicely.

Look, Garces is a good football team; BHS, though, is on a different level. No disrespect to the Rams — like I said, a good football team — but the size difference between the two teams, at times, felt like JV against varsity. When you face that type of disadvantage and can't make up for it in speed and strength — as BHS is clearly the more athletic team — then you need to play just about perfectly to compete.

Some other thoughts...

— Wow. I was overwhelmingly impressed with BHS sophomore quarterback Brian Burrell. The kid was Drew Brees out there, completing 85 percent (17-of-20) of his passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns. In his first career start, too. And we're talking down-the-field passes, not a lot of dinking and dunking. Don't know how long senior Alex Mitchell will miss, but I'm sure coach Paul Golla won't stress over it.

— You know how they call Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall 'Baby T.O.'? How about calling BHS senior running back Jerek Johnson 'Baby B.J'? As in Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants running back. You see the resemblance, too, don't you? Or am I just crazy. And it seems like it always takes more than one guy to bring him down. Johnson, though, is a better threat as a receiver.

— Garces I think has some of the best fans in the area. There the Rams are, on their way to getting blown out in the fourth quarter, and there the Garces fans are still ringing those cowbells and blowing those horns like they're still in it. And I've got to say, the parents lining up to welcome in their sons after halftime is pretty damn cool.

An important win for BHS

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:07:23 PDT

Finally, after some tough wins and losses, the Bakersfield High football team came away with a convincing win, 34-0 over Centennial, reminding us all who the defending Central Section Division I champions are.

It was much-needed — not just the win, but the way BHS won. The players said as much after the game. The big thing was that BHS did this without the two Jacksons, Alfonso and Tevin. That's huge.

The Drillers defense was on point and clearly the star of the night, harassing Centennial QB Cody Kessler the entire game. He was sacked seven times (BHS had eight altogether), and I can guarantee you the young sophomore felt the pressure. Meanwhile, the BHS offense was solid, and Jerrick Johnson stepped up and had a monster game with 192 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

Consider this an important victory more than anything for BHS. After winning and losing close games up until this point, a sound, convincing win like this one was just what the Drillers needed to regain that championship swagger. Sure, it was against a Centennial squad that is clearly having a down year, but you have to consider what would be said had the Golden Hawks taken BHS down to the wire.

It could've gone that way had Centennial capitalized early.

Cases in point:

— In the first quarter, from its own 5-yard line, Myren Moore runs for 43 yards, a big play to seize momentum. What happens next? Kessler gets sacked, killing the drive.

— Later in the first, Jon Lee intercepts, giving Centennial the ball at BHS's 19-yard line. What happens? The Golden Hawks fumble the ball away.

—And again in the first, wide receiver Matt Castellano was streaking down the middle wide open, had no defender within a 10-yard radius of him, but Kessler just overthrew him.

Those were the early opportunities coach Bryan Nixon was talking about. A few things early on happen differently, and maybe the complexion of the game changes.

But still, BHS deserves credit for this rout. They needed to win a game like this. Now the Drillers will have to carry the momentum into next week's SEYL showdown with Garces.

We're in business

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:33:54 PDT

All right! I've been here for three weeks, and the 'Hey Jude!' blog is finally up and running.

Now I know some of you might be thinking, "C'mon. Hey Jude? Really?" Well, it was either something like that or the obligatory 'Simon Sez,' and Lord knows I've heard enough of that one throughout my lifetime. Why not play off the middle name instead? So 'Hey Jude!' it is. Besides, who doesn't like The Beatles, especially in this photo?

Anyway, it's good to be in the Bakersfield blogosphere. I first want to give everyone a little background on myself, so you can get to know me a bit.

I grew up in Gonzales, Calif., right in the heart of the Salinas Valley (You know, the Salad Bowl?). If you've ever driven down the 101 and seen that giant water tower off the freeway, that's my hometown. I went to Palma High in Salinas, where I played football and wrestled. After high school it was off to San Diego State, where I graduated in 2005 with my bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in political science.

Professionally speaking, right out of college I worked at the North County Times in Escondido for two years, covering high school sports, serving as the San Diego State backup beat writer, and the paper's soccer columnist. From there it was up to the Bay Area where I was a sports writer at the Times-Herald in Vallejo, which, considering how down-in-the-dumps that city is, is the hometown to quite a few famous folks — Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia, NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin, Bill Buckner (yes, that Bill Buckner), and rapper E-40 to name a few. Anyway, I spent a year there covering the prep scene before coming to Bakersfield last month, and I'm happy to be in town. So far, so good.

With my blog, you can expect some insight and commentary on the sports scene around Kern County. A little bit of everything from me — some preps, some colleges, some community sports, some Jam. One of the entries that's likely to be continuous is the "Story Behind the Story," which I'll use to explain a feature or enterprise piece, maybe give some thoughts on my experience while working on something, and also give you what maybe didn't make the print/online editions of a story because of space. It'll also be a chance to add more game details. Consider the "Story Behind the Story" posts to be something akin to a behind-the-scenes featurette of a DVD.

All right! Well, 'Hey Jude' is up and running. Now you know, so check back often for a little bit of everything.