The San Francisco 49ers Foundation's Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week Award presented by the California National Guard for week three goes to Victor Avelar of Mt. Pleasant High School in San Jose, Ca. Coach Avelar and his staff are fresh among the Cardinals red and black, stepping into their third year together at Mt. Pleasant High School. Coach Avelar brought over his former players and knowledgeable confidants from Silver Creek High to lead his team to victory in the start of their 2014 season.
The rivalry Bell Game between Mt. Pleasant and Evergreen Valley High sparked excitement and anticipation among the teams as they prepared for their Friday Night Lights Central Coast match-up. The Evergreen Valley Cougars were eager for their first victory of the season stepping onto the field, but the Cardinals came prepared and stayed consistent for a 27-6 triumph.
Although the Cougars initially put 3 on the board with a field goal early in the game, Cardinals junior running back Daniel Bocanegra answered back with an 80-yard kick-off return TD, igniting the red and black rally. Quarterback George Landeros kept the momentum high when he showed off his speed with a 30-yard dash, which sent his team into the red zone with a 1st down. Quick to find a wide receiver, Landeros fired a shot to Senior Jeffrey Lopez for the diving catch, which brought the game up to a 20-6 Cardinal lead in the 3rd quarter. The red and black rally did not stop as Senior Running Back Micah Lane powered through the Cougar defense for a TD to end the game 27-6.
Although the Cardinal offense shined during their rival game, Coach Avelar is incredibly pleased of his young defense who kept their offense on the field and the Cougars away from the scoreboard. "Our defense knew that there was no time to relax," explained Avelar, "This game our offense put the points up, and our defense won us the game."
In addition to the team's hard work and victory of the Bell Game, Coach Avelar is especially proud of his team off the field and in the classroom.
"We tell our boys that grades come first, then the grass," expressed Avelar, "We are very proud that all of our boys are not only showing us how strong they are on the field, but 100% eligibility this season- and that makes me proud."
For being named Coach of the Week, Mt. Pleasant High School will receive $1,000 grant from the 49ers Foundation. Coach Avelar will also be featured on Cal-Hi sports and receive two tickets to a 49ers home game where he will be recognized on the field. In the weeks leading up to the on-field recognition, Avelar will also be invited to visit the 49ers training facility in Santa Clara to watch a private practice and receive a certificate from 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. Congratulations Coach Victor Avelar and the entire Cardinals team!
