The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award for week nine goes to Ben White from Capuchino High School in San Bruno, CA.
It was a high scoring, back and forth battle Friday night when the Capuchino Mustangs traveled to Jefferson to take on the Grizzlies in a match-up for first place in the division and a playoff berth. The Peninsula Athletic League Lake Division champion secures an automatic spot in the Central Coast Section playoffs, and Capuchino was able to all but guarantee that berth belongs to them. The Mustangs pulled off a 49-44 win, holding off Jefferson when it counted most. Capuchino has to win one of their next two games to confirm that playoff spot is theirs.
It was not the ideal start that Head Coach Ben White would have liked to see from his Mustangs Friday night. The Mustangs were down early 21-7 in a first quarter that saw one interception and two fumbles for Capuchino. They were able to keep their composure and come back to tie it up 21-21 going into the half in large part to senior running back Damien Jacobs.
Jacobs, a former tight end for the Mustangs just last year, is now a major component for Capuchino in the backfield. He has come out particularly strong over the last three weeks. In the last three outings he logged a game with over 150 yards, a 270 yard game and recorded 450 yards in this week's win over Jefferson. He also had four touchdowns in this crucial win.
"Our running game has absolutely improved over the season," insisted Capuchino Head Coach Ben White. "Damien has exploded. His yardage over the last three games has been incredible, and I've had to take him out early in the last two games. He is a major part of this offense."
Coming out of the half OLB Sam O'Grady had a big fumble recovery for a touchdown that put Capuchino in front 28-21.
"The fumble O'Grady picked up definitely changed the momentum of the game. It put us up in a back and forth game… we were never behind after that," said Coach White.
The Mustangs had six rushing touchdowns and one defensive touchdown.
"It was a track meet. They didn't stop us, and we didn't stop them. We only stopped them one more time," said Coach White.
Jefferson had a chance to win the game with the ball in their possession at the end of the game down 49-44. However Jefferson's offense was unable to pull it off after a handful of incompletions.
"It was a good win for us. Jefferson only had one loss coming into the game, and we were able to outlast them for a big division win," said Coach White.
This is White's second year as Head Coach of the Capuchino Mustangs. Capuchino was 1-9 the season prior to his hiring, and had been bumped down a division in the Peninsula Athletic League. Since White has taken over the program, the Mustangs have been playoff contenders each year. Last year, the team went 6-4, only to lose in their championship game. This year, Capuchino is 3-0 in league play and Coach White has his team positioned for another playoff run.
"We made it into a year-round program here. The guys have worked really, really hard and have taken great pride in the product they put on the field. It truly is a testament to all the hard work the kids have been doing," said the head coach.
"This is great for Coach White and the football program, said Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Capuchino High School, Joseph Hudelson. "His play calling, clock management, and inspiration of the boys truly secured this big win for our program."
As part of The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award, Coach Ben White, will receive a $1,000 grant for Capuchino High School from the 49ers Foundation. As our Coach of the Week, he will also receive two tickets to a 49ers home game where he will be recognized on the field. In the weeks leading up to the game, Coach White will be invited to the visit the SAP Performance Facility to watch a closed practice where 49ers Head Coach Jim Tomsula will officially present him with his award. Coach White will also be featured on Cal-Hi Sports. Congratulations Coach White and the entire Capuchino football team!
