The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Coach of the Week award presented for Week 1 goes to Patrick Walsh from Serra High School.
Last Friday the Serra Padres defeated the Monte Vista Mustangs 28-21.
In a game against a Mustang team that averaged close to 41pts a game last year, the Padres knew that they would have to control the pace of the game with a tough run game and a stout defensive effort.
"Don't give the ball back to Monte Vista", explained Coach Walsh when asked about his plan going into the game. "We have a young defense this year so we wanted to keep the ball away from Monte Vista's offense."
In the first half Serra's defense helped themselves by intercepting a pass and returning the ball down to Monte Vista's 20 yard line. This set their offense up for the game's first score, a 1 yard run by Senior Fullback Alex Bravo, and a 7-0 lead.
After allowing Monte Vista to run 46 offensive plays in the first half and only giving up 14 points, the Padres were pleased to go into halftime tied, but knew they would have to be better in the second half.
The offensive line, led by senior center Cameron Ciano, helped clear the way for Junior Tailback Eric Wilson who finished the night with 31 carries for 153 yards and 1 TD. Senior Quarterback Andy McAlindon not only helped move the chains with his 10 carries for 39 yards, but went 3-4 in some critical passing situations to help keep Serra's clock draining drives alive.
In a back and forth game of field position, Padre's Kicker, Parker Toms pinned down the Monte Vista offense by placing every kickoff deep into the end zone for a touchback and eliminating the possibility for a game changing return.
After Serra pulled back even with Monte Vista at 21-21 late in the third quarter, Parker Toms was again called on to make a big play on special teams. On the ensuing kickoff, Toms recovered his own onside kick and gave the Padres a chance at the go-ahead score. Nine plays and 20 yards later, the Padres were in the lead for good.
"The defense stepped up big in the second half," explained Walsh, "they held Monte Vista to just 15 plays" while "the offense picked up yards and came through on some fourth down gambles."
"Your plan looks good on paper," said Walsh, "but the kids have to execute it…and they did."
For Serra's great win and an outstanding team effort, the San Francisco 49ers have selected Coach Patrick Walsh as the Charlie Wedemeyer High School of the Week.
In addition to being named Coach of the Week, Coach Walsh and the Serra High School football program will receive $1,000 from the 49ers Foundation.
