Also read Coach Jarudd Prosser’s story on the Friday, September 7 game.
By Patric Hedlund
It’s almost like being in Kansas, Toto. The Friday night ritual of hometown high school sports with all its pomp and pageantry, moments of breathless transcendence, cliff-hangers and drama is there for the price of a $6 ticket (less if you’re a student). It is family entertainment at its best, and a boisterous community celebration complete with chili-dogs and tri-tip at the snack bar.
Top, Varsity running back Tony Lenz carries the ball for one of the three touchdowns that brought the Frazier Mountain High School Falcons their second pre-season victory-this one against the Mendota Aztecs Friday, Sept. 7. Above left, Coach Jarudd Prosser, a young man who has deep roots in these mountains and an enduring passion for football and coaching. Middle right, the Falcon cheerleaders, JV and Varsity, are talented and spirited. Bottom Right, face painting is everywhere among the fans. Emily Brennan was taking photos on the sidelines for the FMHS yearbook.
Top left: Despite the loss of the FMHS music program this year because of budget problems, the prizewinning Falcon Drum Line was at the game, rolling out a staccato beat that set pulses churning. The group played an impressive syncopated powerhouse number they call "Four" as they took the field early in the game, giving eager fans an exciting glimpse of what this group can do. Above: The team and the coaching staff gather together at the end of the game, for Coach Prosser’s closing comments. The score was 0-0 for three quarters, with breakthroughs coming at the top of the final quarter.
Prosser congratulated the team for working hard. Mendota got their first touchdown with 1:06 left to play, bringing the score to 14-7. With only 15 seconds left on the clock, Falcon quarterback John Burns took in a final touchdown to close the game as a 20-7 Falcon victory.
Above, the kids field the stands, enjoying the excitement of the games and the freedom of the evening. Right, Wide receivers Alex Steenacker and "The Real Deal" Benny Carrillo with Offensive Coordinator Sam Teare who worked hard throughout both games-as did the other volunteer coaching coordinators. "I’m so proud of you," Teare told Carrillo. "I got two sacks," Carrillo explained to a bystander.
Above (l-r), Defensive tackle Matt Morgan and middle linebacker sophomore Jeff Wagner congratulate each other for a successful tackle in the Mendota game. "Our first game was a lot easier," Wagner said, "this team’s a lot bigger and more of a challenge." Coach Sam Teare was urging the players throughout the game to "get aggressive."
The coaching staff deserves acknowledgement:
Varsity Head Coach
Jarudd Prosser
Defensive Coordinator
Mike Martin
Assistant Coaches
Line Coach
Tim Garcia
Linebacker Coach
Red Ortega
Defensive Back Coach
Kris Shanklin
Offensive Back Coach
Ryan Allison
JV Head Coach
Tim Garcia
Offensive Coordinator
Sam Teare
Defensive Coordinator
Wayne Henderson
Line Coach
Christian Rader
Officials (shown above) seemed to be at the very center of the Junior Varsity game against Mendota September 7. A brilliant Falcon touchdown play in the first quarter never hit the board because of a foul in the backfield. The official said in an interview later, "I don’t have a clue why he did it, but the Falcon player hit the guy in the back, right in front of my face; I didn’t have a choice, I had to throw the flag."
Also read Coach Jarudd Prosser’s story on the Friday, September 7 game.
This is part of the September 14, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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