Our Last Home Game

This past Saturday was very emotional for both the Cal Poly Football seniors and myself.  It was our last home football game together in Alex G. Spanos Stadium.  We realized that our countless game day rituals on the Cal Poly campus during the past four years were coming to an end.  Personally, the feeling was overwhelming the entire day.  I thought about it all week: my last home game with my team.  Each senior felt that this day came much faster than we expected.  The early morning practices, the late night games, and every adventure that we’ve experienced together has been amazing.  I’m so blessed that these incredible men and athletes will be my lifelong friends.

My amazing seniors

Poly’s tough opponent last weekend was Eastern Washington University.  The Eagles entered the game leading the Big Sky Conference standings, and were also ranked #3 in the FCS national standings.  In a hard fought game, the Mustangs lost 35-22.

The Mustangs generated 437 yards in total offense for the game.  Entering the fourth quarter, Poly trailed the Eagles by several scores.  Fullback Brandon Howe started the Mustangs comeback when he ran 2-yards for a touchdown.  At 6:45 in the quarter, slotback Cole Stanford caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cris Brown.  Poly then scored its last points for the game when Brown rushed 5-yards for a touchdown.  Running back Kristaan Ivory had another solid day by rushing for 88 yards on 14 carries, while catching six passes for 53 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, Bijon Samoodi, Johnny Millard, and Cameron Ontko each had nine tackles for the game.  They were followed by Alex Hubbard (6), Nick Dzubnar (5), Sullivan Grosz (4), and Nick Leyden (4).

Sullivan Grosz, Cameron Ontko, Nick Leyden, and Andrew Alcaraz each contributed key quarterback sacks for the Mustangs.  In addition, Grosz led Poly with 2.5 tackles for loss, while pressuring the Eagles’ quarterback all day.  He was joined by Johnny Millard, Cameron Ontko, Nick Dzubnar, Chris Lawrence, Nick Leyden, and Andrew Alcaraz who each contributed tackles for loss.

Cal Poly plays its last game of the 2013 season this Saturday.  The team travels to Greeley, Colorado to play Northern Colorado at 11:05 pacific.

Here is a list of the Mustang seniors and their positions:

Bijon Samoodi – Cornerback

Cole Stanford – Slotback

Kenny Johnston – Quarterback

Gabe Umoh – Fullback

Johnny Millard – Linebacker

Xavier Ramos – Linebacker

Matt Reza – Defensive Back

Alex Hubbard – Defensive Back

Vante Smith-Johnson – Defensive Back

Kyle Maddux – Defensive Lineman

Matt Rulon – Fullback

Lefi Letuligasenoa – Offensive Lineman

Grant Goebel – Defensive Lineman

Mike Freeman – Offensive Lineman

Michael Santini – Linebacker

Giovanni Sani – Offensive Lineman

Andrew Alcaraz – Defensive Lineman

Nathanael Petrey – Wide Receiver

Bobby Zalud – Placekicker

Sullivan Grosz – Defensive Lineman

Nick Leyden – Defensive Lineman

Barrett Wangara – Defensive Lineman

The walk down Mustang Way

The Mustang fans go all out for the tailgate parties!

Coach Walsh and captain Johnny Millard

Coach Walsh and captain Cole Stanford

Captain and defensive lineman, Sullivan Grosz

Freshman wide receiver, Cam Akins

Senior captain and linebacker, Johnny Millard

Linebackers Johnny Millard and Nick Dzubnar

Senior quarterback, Kenny Johnston

Junior tight end, Brendan Quinn

Junior tight end, Brendan Quinn

Junior linebacker, Cam Ontko

Junior linebacker, Cam Ontko

Senior defensive back, Bijon Samoodi

Senior quarterback, Kenny Johnston

Sophomore quarterback, Dano Graves

Sophomore quarterback, Chris Brown

Senior quarterback, Kenny Johnston

Senior fullback, Gabe Umoh

Freshman slotback, Kori Garcia

Junior fullback, Brent Michaels

Senior fullback, Gabe Umoh

Junior fullback, Brandon Howe

Senior captain and slotback, Cole Stanford

Senior fullback, Gabe Umoh

Senior fullback, Matt Rulon

Senior defensive back, Bijon Samoodi

Junior linebacker, Nick Moyer

Senior captain and linebacker, Johnny Millard

Freshman wide receiver, Carson McMurtrey

Senior captain and defensive lineman, Sullivan Grosz

Junior linebacker, Nick Dzubnar

Junior linebacker, Cam Ontko

Captains Sulivan Grosz and Cole Stanford

Coach AT with sophomore defensive back, Karlton Dennis

Sophomore linebacker, Tu’uta Inoke

Senior defensive back, Bijon Samoodi and his family

Senior captain Cole Stanford hugs Coach Walsh

Senior captain and slotback Cole Stanford gives his mom flowers

Senior quarterback Kenny Johnston and his parents

Coach Pat Johnston, his wife Meg, his daughter Scarlett, and his brother Phil accompany his youngest brother Kenny during the senior ceremony

Senior fullback Gabe Umoh with his family

Senior captain and linebacker, Johnny Millard with his family

Senior linebacker, Xavier Ramos hugs Coach Walsh

Senior linebacker Xavier Ramos with his family

Senior defensive back Matt Reza with his parents

Senior defensive back Alex Hubbard with his family

Coach Walsh talks to Vante Smith-Johnson’s mother

Senior defensive back, Vante Smith-Johnson and his mother

Senior defensive lineman Kyle Maddux and his family

Senior fullback Matt Rulon and his family

Senior offensive lineman, Lefi Letuligasenoa and his family

Senior defensive lineman Grant Goebel and his family

Senior offensive lineman Mike Freeman and his family

Senior linebacker Michael Santini and his family

Senior offensive lineman, Giovanni Sani and his family

Senior offensive lineman, Andrew Alcaraz and his family

Senior wide receiver Nathanael Petrey and his family

Senior wide receiver Nathanael Petrey and his mother

Senior placekicker Bobby Zalud and his family

Senior captain and defensive lineman, Sullivan Grosz and his mother

Senior captain and defensive lineman, Sullivan Grosz and his parents

Senior captain and defensive lineman Sullivan Grosz with his family

Senior defensive lineman Nick Leyden and his family

Senior defensive lineman Barrett Wangara and his family

Senior defensive lineman Barrett Wangara and his family

Senior captain and linebacker Johnny Millard with a small part of his family

The skydiver is always an exciting part of the Cal Poly football games!

The Cal Poly captains

Captains Lefi Letuligasenoa and Cole Stanford

Junior defensive lineman, Jake Irwin

Junior wide receiver Chris Nicholls

Senior captain and slotback Cole Stanford

Freshman wide receiver Cam Akins

Sophomore quarterback Dano Graves

Senior fullback Gabe Umoh

Junior slotback Kristaan Ivory

Placekicker Bobby Zalud and holder Alex Hubbard

Junior linebacker Nick Moyer

Junior slotback Kristaan Ivory

Sophomore punter Paul Hundley

Cal Poly’s incredible linebacking corp of Cam Ontko, Nick Dzubnar, and Johnny Millard

Senior fullback Gabe Umoh

Freshman slotback Kori Garcia

Sophomore punter Paul Hundley

Sophomore punter Paul Hundley

Senior defensive lineman Grant Goebel

Senior defensive lineman Nick Leyden

Senior captain and slotback Cole Stanford

Senior captain and slotback Cole Stanford

Junior wide receiver Chris Nicholls

Senior defensive back Vante Smith-Johnson

Senior defensive back Bijon Samoodi

Senior captain and slotback Cole Stanford

Sophomore wide receiver Roland Jackson

Sophomore quarterback Chris Brown

Junior fullback Brandon Howe

Sophomore quarterback Chris Brown

Captain Cole Stanford catching a 22-yard pass for a touchdown!

Right after Cole Stanford’s touchdown!

Sophomore quarterback Chris Brown

Sophomore quarterback Chris Brown

Getting Ready for the Eagles

This Saturday the Mustang Football team will face a tough opponent in their last home game of the season.  Cal Poly will take on the Eastern Washington Eagles, who are currently in first place in the Big Sky Conference.

This game is also Senior Day, so all of the senior football players will be honored along with their families.  This will be their last game in Spanos Stadium, so it will be especially meaningful as they reflect upon their time as members of the Cal Poly Football program. 

In addition, members of the undefeated 1953 Cal Poly Football team will be honored at halftime. 

Tailgate parties will line Mustang Way well before the game.  As you saw in my last post, the food and festivities are incredible.  I recommend that you come and join in the fun and support our exciting football team. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:40 pm at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.  For Mustang fans unable to attend, the game will be broadcast live on ROOT SPORTS.  Check your cable provider for channel listings.  ESPN Radio (1280 AM) will also broadcast the game live.  Tom Barket will provide play-by-play, with Craig Johnston providing his analysis.  Craig Johnston is the father of Cal Poly Football coach Pat Johnston and quarterback Kenny Johnston.

Captain and slotback Cole Stanford

Senior wide receiver Nathanael Petrey

Coach T talks to the offensive linemen

Quarterback Tanner Trosin

Junior wide receiver Chris Nicholls

Sophomore quarterback Dano Graves

Former Cal Poly quarterback Doug Shumway and senior quarterback Kenny Johnston

Sophomore wide receiver Jordan Hines

Sophomore wide receiver Roland Jackson

Junior wide receiver Chris Nicholls

Junior linebacker Nick Dzubnar

Senior captain and linebacker Johnny Millard

Senior fullback Gabe Umoh

Sophomore quarterback Chris Brown

Seniors Johnny Millard and Gabe Umoh

Coach Walsh addresses the students at the pep rally

Some of the players at the rally in the UU!

Captain Lefi Letuligasenoa talks to the students

Captains Johnny Millard and Sullivan Grosz

Sophomore quarterback Tanner Trosin

Senior captain and slotback Cole Stanford

Seniors Kenny Johnston and Michael Santini

Seniors Johnny Millard and Gabe Umoh

Coach Pat Johnston addresses the team

Coach Walsh addresses the team

A Little Hero and a Huge Win

This past weekend was very special for the Cal Poly Football program.  Not only did they dominate the Sacramento State Hornets 42-7, but they also received inspiration from a little hero.

Bodie Bennett, a 3 ½ year old little boy, helped motivate the team to victory.  Bodie has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which in essence means that he has half a working heart.  During his short life, he has had five open-heart surgeries.  Coach Walsh and his wife, Jody, met his family at the Mid-State Fair and wanted to do something special for him.  Consequently, Coach Walsh decided to have Bodie serve as the honorary team captain for last weekend’s game.

When Bodie first arrived on the Cal Poly campus, he was very shy and not feeling well.  Senior captain Cole Stanford took the initiative and introduced himself to Bodie and his mom.  Cole spoke with Bodie, which made him smile and enjoy the rest of the evening.  Cole then introduced Bodie to the rest of the team.

Cole told the Line of Scrimmage, “I’m so glad I was able to share that experience with Bodie.  That little guy is the toughest, most inspiring person I have ever met.  I just hope the experience was as memorable for him as it was for me.  That is by far the most memorable moment I’ve had here at Cal Poly.  Seeing that smile on his face was priceless, and it won’t even compare to a memory of a win or a championship ring.  The way Bodie made me feel Saturday night touched emotions that I didn’t even know I had.  I love that kid and everything he lives and stands for.  He’s my hero!”

Coach Pat Johnston also was touched by Bodie. “As a parent, it makes you appreciate the health of your own children.  Bodie’s smile and positive energy are inspirational and let us know that no matter what challenges we face, we can still have a positive outlook on life.”

Before the team walked down to the stadium, senior captain Johnny Millard gave Bodie his football wristbands.  Then it was time for the team to walk down to the stadium.  While holding Cole’s hand, Bodie led the team in their march.  He smiled the entire time.  Mustang fans lined the street and cheered when they saw the football team.  However, once they saw Bodie, their cheers became louder and they started chanting his name.  Cole lifted Bodie up on his shoulders and said, “Look Bodie!  They’re all cheering for you!  You’re a star!”

After entering the stadium, Bodie joined the team captains for the coin toss.  Afterwards, the referees let him keep the coin.

It was now time to rumble!  The Mustangs trampled Sacramento State from the opening kickoff.  Coach Walsh and his outstanding coaching staff had the team mentally and physically prepared to compete.  Starting quarterback Chris Brown threw four touchdown passes in the game.  Early in the first quarter, Brown threw a 16-yard pass to Cole Stanford for a touchdown.  At 7:51 of the first quarter, Brown connected with tight end Austin Albison for a touchdown to make the score 14-0.

In the second quarter, the Hornets scored their only touchdown of the game.  But 2:41 later, Stanford caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brown to put the Mustangs ahead 21-7.  Stanford is the first Mustang to catch more than one touchdown pass in a game since Dominque Johnson caught five against South Dakota in 2009.

In the third quarter, fullback Gabe Umoh raced 69 yards for a touchdown and finished the day with 129 yards on 17 carries.

In the fourth quarter, Poly continued to pound the Hornet defense.  At 11:01, Brown threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jordan Hines.  But the Mustangs weren’t done yet.  With 4:43 left to play, fullback Matt Rulon ran 2-yards for a touchdown.

The Mustangs produced 490 yards in total offense for the game.  Slotback Kristaan Ivory had another standout performance, while rushing 11 times for 118 yards.  The touchdowns scored by Albison and Hines were the first of their college careers.

Cal Poly’s defense had another stellar performance.  Defensive tackle Sullivan Grosz and linebacker Johnny Millard both had eight tackles for the game, while linebacker Nick Dzubnar, linebacker Cam Ontko, and defensive back Vante Smith-Johnson each had seven tackles.  In addition, Ontko and Smith-Johnson had their first career interceptions.

This weekend’s game is Senior Night, and Poly’s last home game of the season!  The Mustangs will face Eastern Washington at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.   Kickoff is at 12:40pm pacific.  Be sure to come out and support your Mustangs!

Mustangs getting mentally prepared for the game

Johnny Millard and Cole Stanford meet Bodie!

Johnny Millard gives Bodie his wristbands

Cole helps Bodie put on his wristbands

The team waits to walk down to the stadium

Cole and Bodie became fast friends!

Cole introduces Bodie to other members of the team

Then it was time to lead the team!

The team walks into the locker room

Coach Walsh plays catch with a young boy on the field before the game

Coach Walsh loves spending time with young fans

Senior defensive back, Vante Smith-Johnson

Senior quarterback, Kenny Johnston

Senior captain and linebacker, Johnny Millard

Freshman wide receiver, Jordan Satterwhite

Senior quarterback, Kenny Johnston

Junior linebacker, Nick Dzubnar

The tailgates at before the football games are so much fun!

New York steaks, scallops, tri-tip and lobster are served at the tailgate!

Some of our awesome freshmen!

Some more Cal Poly Football studs

Senior defensive backs Alex Hubbard and Bijon Samoodi

Senior captain and defensive lineman, Sullivan Grosz

Coach Fendall gives Bodie a high-five!

Sacramento State tight end, DJ Maciel, took the time to go over and talk to Bodie during the coin toss

The team runs out of the tunnel!

Coach Walsh talks to Bodie before the game begins

Right after linebacker Cam Ontko caught his first career interception

The offense during a time out

Team captain and slotback, Cole Stanford

Defensive lineman, Nick Leyden holds back Sac State’s offensive lineman

Immediately after sophomore wide receiver, Jordan Hines caught his first career touchdown

Senior defensive back, Vante Smith-Johnson

Freshman quarterback, Tanner Trosin

Sophomore kicker, Stephen Pyle

Senior quarterback, Kenny Johnston

Right after Cal Poly trampled Sac State

Time for Revenge

 

Now that the clocks have been turned back for winter, the sun shines over morning football practices once again.  It’s nice to feel the sun at 6:00 am, rather than heading to the field while it’s still dark outside.  

The players have been practicing hard this week, and they’re ready to face the Sacramento State Hornets Saturday evening.  Last season the Mustangs lost to the Hornets on the road.  Consequently, Poly has been looking forward to this game all year.

Junior linebacker, Nick Dzubnar told The Line of Scrimmage what the Mustangs need to do to be victorious.  “We simply need to execute and play the way we have been playing for the past few weeks.  If we play the fast and physical way we are capable of, we will be fine.  Their quarterback is athletic and makes a lot of plays on the move. Our defensive line will need to get pressure, and the defensive ends will have to do a good job at keeping him in the pocket.  If they can do that, and we can rally to the ball as a defense the way we have been, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

The Cal Poly Football team will receive added motivation from a special guest.  Bodie Bennett, a 3 1/2 year old, will serve as honorary team captain for this game.  Bodie has hypoplastic heart syndrome.  In his short life, Bodie has had five heart surgeries: two open-heart surgeries within two months following his birth; a third surgery at seven-months; and two more in August to insert pacemakers.  Coach Walsh and his wife, Jody, met Bodie and his family at the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles.  The Walsh’s have become close friends with Bodie and his family and wanted to do something special for them. This little hero will be joining captains Johnny Millard, Cole Stanford, Sullivan Grosz, and Lefi Letuligasenoa for the coin toss before the game.  He will also join the team as they march down to the field at 4:05 pm.  

Captain Sullivan Grosz told The Line of Scrimmage how much he’s looking forward to meeting Bodie at the game Saturday.  “I am very excited to meet Bodie. The thing that baffles me the most is that he is still very young and when you are a small child, especially one who has gone through so many surgeries, all he knows is how to survive.  Most of his life has been filled with hospital beds and doctors.  He is an inspiration and he doesn’t even know it!  I believe we will show him how proud we are tomorrow by walking out on that field and dedicating our game to him!”

Poly football fans will be tailgating before the game along Mustang Way, so be sure to join in the fun and festivities!  Kickoff is set for 6:05 pm.  For Mustang fans unable to attend the game, it will be broadcast on ESPN Radio (1280 am) with Tom Barket providing play-by-play.  Former NFL and Mustang football player, Kyle Shotwell, will serve as an analyst.  Video streams will also be available at GoPoly.com.

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow as the Mustangs trample the Hornets!!

Freshman offensive lineman, Derek Sabo

Quarterback Kenny Johnston and fullback Brandon Howe

Freshman wide receiver Jordan Satterwhite

Junior linebacker Nick Dzubnar

Junior linebacker Cam Ontko

Senior linebacker Johnny Millard

Quarterbacks Chris Brown and Dano Graves

Freshman wide receiver Carson McMurtrey

Sophomore quarterback Dano Graves

Quarterback Dano Graves and slotback Cole Stanford

Slotbacks Kristaan Ivory and Kenny Mitchell

Sophomore quarterback Dano Graves

Sophomore quarterback Dano Graves

Sophomore quarterback Dano Graves

Sophomore quarterback Chris Brown

Freshman quarterback Tanner Trosin

Freshman quarterback Tanner Trosin

Junior linebacker Nick Moyer

Senior quarterback Kenny Johnston

Senior quarterback Kenny Johnston

Junior linebacker Nick Dzubnar

Senior quarterback Kenny Johnston

Coach Walsh throws to defensive linemen at Friday’s practice in the stadium

Offensive linemen Derek Sabo and Marvin Abou

Slotback Kori Garcia

Senior kicker Bobby Zalud

Captain Cole Stanford and wide receiver Willie Tucker

Battle for the Golden Horseshoe

Tomorrow evening the Cal Poly Football team will face their rivals, UC Davis in the Battle for the Golden Horseshoe.  This will be the 39th renewal of the rivalry, and the game will be played in Aggie Stadium.

Last year, the Mustangs beat the Aggies at home in Alex G. Spanos Stadium.  It was an exciting game as the entire student section rushed the field afterwards.  The Mustangs will fight to keep the golden trophy at Cal Poly for another year.

Captain Cole Stanford talked about what the team needs to do to win the game. “We need to execute our game plan that we have been working on in practice all week.  This game is huge for our team.  We are going to keep the Horseshoe in San Luis Obispo!”

Kick-off is scheduled for 4:05 pm. For Mustang fans unable to make it up to Davis this weekend, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio (1280 am) with Tom Barket providing play-by-play.

Quarterback Dano Graves hands off the ball to quarterback Chris Brown

Junior linebacker, Cameron Ontko

Junior linebacker, Nick Moyer

Senior captain and slotback, Cole Stanford

Freshman quarterback, Tanner Trosin

Junior fullback, Brandon Howe

Sophomore quarterback, Chris Brown

Freshman quarterback, Tanner Trosin

Junior wide receiver, Chris Nicholls

Northern Arizona

Last Saturday was a beautiful day for a football game.  It seemed as though all of Cal Poly was at one of the tailgates before kickoff.  The new tailgating atmosphere at Cal Poly has really amped up the spirit around the football program.

At 6:05 PM, the sun set, the fog began to roll in, and it was time for kick-off.  During the first quarter, NAU took the lead by kicking a field goal.  Cal Poly responded in the second quarter when Chris Nicholls ran 33 yards for a touchdown.  With 47 seconds left in the half, NAU’s quarterback threw a three yard pass for a touchdown, making the score 7-10.  In the last seconds of the half, Bobby Zalud brought back the momentum for the Mustangs by kicking a 39 yard field goal to tie the game.

After a scoreless third quarter, Zalud kicked a 22 yard field goal in the fourth quarter to put the Mustangs ahead 13-10.  Unfortunately, with 14:44 left in the game, NAU made the final touchdown of the game on a 96 yard kickoff return.

Cal Poly has been training harder than ever and is looking forward to playing UC Davis this coming weekend to keep the Golden Horseshoe in our possession!

The team waits to walk down to Alex G. Spanos Stadium

Coach Walsh fist bumps captain Sullivan Grosz

Coach Walsh and captain Cole Stanford

Cal Poly tailgates are way too much fun!

Be sure to check out the tailgates at the next home game!

This Mustang football fan loves supporting senior defensive back Alex Hubbard!

Kappa Kappa Gammas made posters for the football team! Here are a two of them for Austin Albison and Brandon Howe

Sophomore quarterback Dano Graves

Sophomore quarterback, Dano Graves

Coach Brown and senior defensive back, Alex Hubbard

Junior linebacker, Nick Moyer

Pre-game stretching

Junior defensive back, Jordan Williams

Junior slotback, Kristaan Ivory

Senior fullback, Gabe Umoh

Linebackers Cam Ontko and Johnny Millard

Senior quarterback, Kenny Johnston

Sophomore quarterback, Dano Graves

Senior captain and slotback, Cole Stanford

The defensive backs work on warm-up drills before the game

Senior captain and linebacker, Johnny Millard

The defensive backs gather around Coach Fendall

Senior DB Alex Hubbard and Coach Brown

Coach Johnston works with the team

The team takes a moment to pray together before the game

Senior captains Lefi Letuligasenoa and Cole Stanford

Johnny Millard shakes the ref’s hand

Senior captains Sullivan Grosz and Johnny Millard

Senior captains Lefi Letuligasenoa and Cole Stanford

Led by Nick Dzubnar, the team runs out of the tunnel together

Junior linebacker, Nick Dzubnar

Junior defensive back, Chris Lawrence

Junior wide receiver, Chris Nicholls

Senior fullback, Gabe Umoh

Senior linebacker Michael Santini after he made an awesome play on kick-off

The Mustang Defense

Girls supporting Mustang football players

Holder Alex Hubbard and placekicker, Bobby Zalud

Senior defensive back, Vante Smith-Johnson

Practice Makes Perfect

It’s midterm season at Cal Poly!  While last week was quite a busy one for this blogger, she will never fail to give Mustang Football fans what they want! Here are pictures from last week’s practices!

The defensive line meets with Coach Ena after practice

Senior captains Johnny Millard and Sullivan Grosz talk with Johnny’s little brother & father, 1989 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Keith Millard

Junior fullback, Brent Michaels

Junior wide receiver, Chris Nicholls

The players stretch before practice in the stadium

Senior captain and slotback, Cole Stanford

Senior fullback, Gabe Umoh

Coach Walsh and Coach Fendall

Coach Brown directs the defense

Coach Ena with the defensive line

Senior placekicker, Bobby Zalud

Coach Walsh throws passes to the defensive line

Freshman offensive lineman, Billy Shipman

Junior offensive lineman Sam Kenney looks to make the catch…

…and the pass is complete!!

Senior offensive lineman, Mike Freeman

The team takes a water break

Sophomore quarterback, Dano Graves

Senior fullback, Matt Rulon

Freshman quarterback, Tanner Trosin

Sophomore placekicker, Stephen Pyle

Senior placekicker, Bobby Zalud