Safe to say not many people saw this coming. Even though California was at home and was a top 15 ranked team, they were facing a Monte Vista squad that had dropped 70 on Hayward the week before. But the Grizzlies showed resolve and wrecked a team that many presumed would be De La Salle’s primary challenger.
California’s no-star system produced touchdowns from six different players, including Kyle Alvarez, who managed 113 yards on seven carries. California piled up 413 yards.
"Yeah, I must admit it shocked me too," said Billeci, who starred at tight end at De La Salle and St. Mary’s College. "Guys just made plays. Guys just stepped up."
Billeci, 31, replaced current Bishop Gorman-Las Vegas coach Tony Sanchez and has implemented a no-nonsense, everybody’s accountable system. Some of it he picked up at De La Salle, some from assistant stints at Freedom-Oakley and James Logan-Union City.
California is "a very good team," Monte Vista coach Craig Bergman told reporters. "They are big, they are physical and they play hard. It took a toll on us."
Here are the highlights, courtesy of Eener Sports.
Monte Vista VS California - 10/1/10 (via EENERSports)