I’ve decided to go ahead and post some of the Daily Journal’s annual prep football preview — the format of which changed significantly from last year. Instead of knocking out an entire pull-out section (or two with the way it was split up), this year, Nathan Mollat (Sports Editor) decided to break it down into 10 days of football preview and came up with the name “Two-A-Days” — breaking down two teams a day (logo of which is up top).
Graphically the task was much different — along with the typical front page (which after publishing, I wasn’t thrilled about), we have a couple of other elements: • A time-line that will run across the top of the Sports section everyday of the preview • What I call a “banner” that packages the thing together and • A simple info box to accompany the players to watch and schedule.
My goal was to tie everything in with the logo. It’s a different task than what I’m accustomed to so we’ll see how the reception is like from parents and fans here on the Peninsula — breaking new ground with this logo thing is kind of nerve-wracking for me.
This will be my fifth year covering (in one way or another) the Peninsula football scene. I’ve fallen in love with the area — I make no predictions, but keep an eye on Burlingame in the Bay, Jefferson in the Ocean and Carlmont in the Lake. Those are my pre-pre-season picks. For now, check out some of the preview below. It’s going to be a great season.
Are you ready for some football?
By Nathan Mollat
A generation ago, the double-day practices — two practices a day — was common throughout the land when it came time for high school football teams to prepare for the season.
While some squads still use the exhausting days as a way to quickly whip a team into shape and to use every available minute to prepare for the season, many teams — because of rule changes or class schedules — have done away with the grueling practice ritual.
Never fear, however, as the Daily Journal presents its 10th annual football preview. We’re doing things a little differently this year. Instead of a multi-page pullout section, we’ll be running two previews a day for the next two weeks — the Daily Journal’s own two-a-days.
Read the rest of Nathan’s column here.
Panthers are primed to roar
By Emanuel Lee
For the last couple of years, the Burlingame High football team — try as the Panthers might — didn’t have a legitimate passing game to complement their usual potent running attack.
This season should be different, and that’s what has ninth-year coach John Philipopoulos fully expecting his team to contend for a Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division championship.
“If we fire on all cylinders, we’re going to be a handful,” said Philipopoulos, whose team is back in the league’s top division after spending the last two years in the Ocean.
Read the rest of Emanuel’s preview here.
Line depth crucial for Dons
By Nathan Mollat
There was no question who the key to the Aragon football team was in 2009: All-Everything quarterback Sam Tuivailala, who has since moved on to a professional baseball career in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
For the uneducated, it should be a blessing for opposing teams to not have to deal with Tuivailala on a weekly basis, right? Not necessarily. While the Dons may no longer have the attributes of a superb athlete to run the show, the team might actually be vastly improved this season, thanks in large part to increased depth at many of skill positions, as well as more varsity experience.
Read the rest of Nathan’s preview here.
Oh My July! 