The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award for week two goes to Eric Luescher from Silver Creek High School in San Jose, CA.*
The long-time Head Coach has his team off to an encouraging start in 2015, with a big 23-3 win over Saratoga on their home turf. The Raiders went on the road and played hard for the win, leaving it all on the field. It was a game where they physically imposed their will on their opponent from whistle to whistle, and that was evident from the sight of team getting off the bus when they got home Friday night.
"You knew it was a tough game by. The boys were creaking and moaning getting off that bus" explained Lueshcer, "They fought hard all game."
The Silver Creek Raiders knew what they were in for going into the game.
"We knew they had a very good team," insisted the Head Coach. "They have a very accurate left handed quarterback and we knew going into the game we had to get pressure on him."
The defensive line set the tone early and led the tough, physical nature that the Raiders would demonstrate all game long.
"The defensive line played outstanding," said the proud coach, "The game plan had some different pressure fronts, but most of the game we just rushed four with zone behind it."
Luescher was very happy with the performance of his defense on a whole, as he should be, with a stout performance starting with that fierce front four to the aggressive "ball hawks" on the back end. The Raiders defense racked up five sack and three interceptions in their smash mouth performance on the road.
The same intensity we saw on the defensive side of the ball, the offense played with as well. Running back Dontye James led the offense rushing for 232 yards and a touchdown.
"He is definitely a guy you have high," said Luescher. "Their game plan is to stop him. And that's not only a testament to him, but how good the OL blocked."
A successful run game is every quarterback's best friend, but the success they saw behind James' ground and pound run game certainly assisted their newly converted quarterback, senior Miguel Lopez. It was no secret when they looked around the locker room during the offseason that Silver Creek was going to need a starting QB come 2015. Miguel Lopez, senior, knew this, recognized it, and made the commitment to make that move. The natural receiver worked tirelessly at making the transition during the summer. With only being under center since mid-July, the senior, and team captain elected by his teammates, has led his team to two wins to start the season.
"He knew we needed a QB and really stepped up for this team. He is such a self-less young man. He is all about this team. We needed a quarterback, so he did what he needed to do for the team," stated his head coach. "He was elected captain by the players, and I'm sure that was a major reason. He is highly respected by his teammates."
The win Friday night over Saratoga really brought home the mantra the Head Coach has worked all offseason to instill in his team which is: "Play with great aggression, but under emotional control," which is exactly what his Raiders demonstrated in a statement win Friday night.
Eric Luescher is a long-time Silver Creek Raider. This is his second season of his second stint as head coach for the Raiders. Prior to taking a few years off, Luescher spent 15 years as Head Coach at Silver Creek. He is no stranger to these halls, and the entire Silver Creek community is certainly excited to have the long-time Raider back at the reigns, rejuvenating their varsity program.
As part of The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award, Eric Luescher will receive a $1,000 grant for Silver Creek 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 Luescher will be invited to the visit the SAP Performance Facility to watch a closed practice where Coach Tomsula will officially present him with his award. Coach Luescher will also be featured on Cal-Hi Sports.
Congratulations Coach Luescher and the entire Raiders team!
