The San Francisco 49ers Foundation's Charlie Wedemeyer Memorial Coach of the Week award for week nine goes to Ron Demonner from Fremont High School in Sunnyvale.
What looks like a basketball score at first glance is actually the record-breaking score from Friday night's show of the week, starring the Fremont Firebirds and the Harker Eagles. The previous Central Coast Section record belonged to Leland who scored 82 points against Piedmont Hills in 2008, but once Fremont came close, there was no holding back. A competitive first half put Harker ahead 50-49 over Fremont. Harker's quarterback Spenser Quash had 8 touchdown passes, setting the tone for what was expected to be a back and forth battle.
"Their staff did a great job putting structural stress on us," stated Coach Demonner, "Going into the second half we knew we had to switch up our defense. We were not playing to break a record, we were playing to compete and win."
Switching to an even front with quarters coverage, defense played a vital role in Fremont's performance in the second half. Defensive lineman Sione Kanongata led the line with 4 tackles and 2 sacks. Guards, John Armstrong and Saul Sher, lessened the gaps and helped linebacker Christain Vasquez. Fremont's aggressive coverage only allowed one touchdown from Harker through the remainder of the game.
Running backs Keenan Smith and Joseph De Los Santos ran the ball in a state of victory, Keenan having over 400 yards and an astonishing 7 touchdowns. Joseph worked on both sides of the ball, gaining 139 yards and 4 touchdowns, while also accumulating 6 tackles as linebacker.
"Keenan and Joseph are men among boys—dominating forces," said Demonner of his near 6 foot, 200 pound running backs, "They are natural, verbal leaders, and their actions meet their words. They will keep us going."
While Fremont continued full speed through the second half, Harker seemed to hit a wall. The Firebirds scored 41 points over the third and fourth quarters, with each run gaining over 60 yards. The record-breaking score ended with a Fremont Firebird win of 90-56.
High expectations are set for a team where the majority of the roster is near 6 feet tall and over 200 pounds, and can amass 90 points in a single game. However, Coach Demonner strives to keep his team humble, academically and fundamentally in-tune, and focused on one game at a time. Fremont faces the league leaders, 4-0 Gunn High School in two weeks.
"The record will take care of itself," said Demonner, "We won't let ego surpass effort and will continue to take one game at a time."
In addition to being named Coach of the Week, the Fremont High football program will receive $1,000 from the 49ers Foundation. Coach Demonner will also 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, Demonner 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.
