Coach Mike Janda of Bellarmine College Preparatory leads a renowned football program with a history of titles and victories. There is no doubt that local high school football teams prepare differently for their matchup against Janda's Bells—a team comprised of athletes mimicking the size of college and professional football players.
"Our goal is to win league, while bonding together and making friends for life," expressed Coach Janda.
The Bells, advancing to 3-0 in week four of the season, seem to have a promising opportunity to do so, claiming a 41-21 victory on Piedmont Hills territory. The team's leading rusher, Gavin Lynam scored a 13 yard touchdown in the first quarter to put the Bells on top. With nearly 300 yards on the season, Lynam continues to be a dynamic presence on the field. Elite Eleven all-star quarterback, K.J. Carta-Samuels added to the scoreboard with a five yard touchdown run and passed for 283 yards, amassing 429 this season with 7 touchdowns. After a 49 yard touchdown pass to sophomore Kyle MacAuley, Carta-Samuels and the Bellarmine Bells led Piedmont 21-7 at the half.
"Our offense was on, our kicker made the PATs, and our defense played a great game against a solid team," stated Janda, "We went out there and gave it all as a team."
Carta-Samuels, running back Brandon Puccini, and fullback Amani Bryan gave Bellarmine a comfortable lead over the Piedmont Pirates, all with scores in the second half. The Bell's 3-5 pressure defense allowed the team to hold the Pirates, culminating the victory at 41-21.
"Every win is great and puts us that much closer towards reaching our goals as a team," said Janda, "Although, when it comes down to it, we play together and we play hard between every whistle. We do not allow our guys to draw attention as a sole member of the team, and thrive on fair play."
After an astounding 30 years as head coach, Mike Janda continues to lead the Bellarmine program towards a promising future. Implementing valiant team efforts, player safety practices, and academic encouragement, the team's 50-man roster consists of positive character, morale, and a strong family-bond. The team pours their hearts into all they do and they play for each other—a true symbol of the legacy Mike Janda is sure to leave with the Bellarmine football program.
In addition to being named Coach of the Week, the Bellarmine football program will receive $1,000 from the 49ers Foundation. Coach Janda will also be featured in a KRON 4 interview with Gary Radnich, receive two tickets to a 49ers home game where he will be recognized on the field before the game, as well as an article on 49ers.com. In the weeks leading up to the on-field recognition, Janda will 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.
