The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award for week five goes to Mark Krail from Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, CA.
Head Coach Mark Krail's Los Gatos Wildcats came out on top Friday night 42-32, handing the Wilcox Chargers their first loss of the season. There was no shortage of excitement for the big crowd at Los Gatos's home turf. Both teams were represented well and the rivalry game certainly did not disappoint. The contest between Los Gatos and Wilcox is a one of rich tradition, and this match-up was everything you could want in a high school football game.
It was an exciting game from start to finish with lots of scoring. When one team scored, the other had an answer shortly after. The game saw seven lead changes throughout the night, and there was no time for either squad to take their foot off the breaks.
"It was one of those games that neither team felt comfortable. You could take it down and score, and you just knew that that wasn't going to be enough. It was a real tribute to both teams despite the score," said Los Gatos head coach Mark Krail.
Offensively, both teams were hot. Wilcox's running game still proved to be nearly unstoppable. With a dominating run game of that nature, Wilcox's offense poses a difficult match-up for any opponent. The Chargers line up in formations and run plays offensively that no one else in the league does, specifically running the split back veer. It is something coach Krail focused on during the week of practice leading up to the big game, but admits it is hard to replicate.
"Their offense is so unique. The precision, the quickness, the timing… it is tough to prepare for," said coach Krail. "It is a real challenge."
Los Gatos certainly did their share on offense as well.
"We put up a good amount of points. We just kept pushing, pushing, pushing, knowing it might not be enough," coach Krail said.
Los Gatos maintained a balanced offensive attack throughout the game. The Wildcat's first touchdown of the night came on what head coach Krail calls a 'gadget play.' On their second offensive series of the game, Los Gatos lined up in a punt formation, faced with a 4th and 2, when back-up quarterback, and 'personal protector' Kyle Reid took the snap and hit senior SE/DB Grant Rosenbaum for a 42-yard touchdown pass. The Wildcats finished with 165 total rushing yards and 233 total receiving yards. Senior quarterback, Hunter Biggie, hit 3 different receivers on his 3 passing touchdowns, and junior running back, Jordan Howell, punched two scores in on the ground.
The ultimate difference maker in the game came down to the turnover margin and extra points. Los Gatos was able to force 3 turnovers on the night, 2 of which led to scores for the Wildcats. One score came off an interception, while the other on a forced fumble with about 5 minutes remaining in the game. Los Gatos was down by 3 when they recovered the fumble on Wilcox quarterback, Manu Turituri. The offense came in and marched it down the field for the final touchdown of the game.
"Our offense put together a nice drive. We were able to run the ball, eat away the clock, and score at the end and ice the game, "said coach Krail.
Extra points proved to be a difference maker in the outcome of the game as well.
"Sometimes that is a play we all take for granted, said coach Krail. "It always comes back and has an effect. It seemed like they were chasing those points all game."
Wilcox went for 2 twice and was unable to convert. On the other hand, Los Gatos capitalized on their PATs and was able to convert on their 2-point attempt.
Mark Krail's Wildcats, now 2-2, will travel to Saratoga this Friday for another De Anza league game.
As part of The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award, the third year head coach, Mark Krail, will receive a $1,000 grant for Los Gatos 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 Krail 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 Krail will also be featured on Cal-Hi Sports.
Congratulations Coach Krail and the entire Los Gatos team!
