BONITA: 14 – SAN DIMAS: 14
Friday, September 25, 1987
The 1987 smudge pot bowl game ended in a 14-14 tie for the first time in the history of the rivalry. While the score represented how closely the two teams were matched, Bonita Coach Thom Young was not happy with the outcome. He appeared most upset with the quality of the refereeing on a pivotal play late in the game. Junior running back Richard Pratt took a fourth and inches call at the San Dimas 36 for an apparent first down. However, the officials ruled Pratt came up short and gave the ball to the Saints. Young was furious that a measurement was not taken.
Pratt was his usual dominant self for Bonita, with two scores and 125 yards rushing, plus 11 receiving. The Bearcats gained 211 total yards. Early in the game, Bonita defender Aron Weaver recovered two San Dimas fumbles on consecutive punts. In the first, Saint Felix Badibanga fumbled at the San Dimas 34 but Bonita was not able to capitalize. Bonita had better luck a minute later when Saint Norm Geurts lost control of the ball at his 5 yard line. Two plays later Pratt scored on a left side run and Balch’s extra-point gave Bonita a 7-0 lead.
San Dimas responded with an 8-play drive, led by quarterback Phil Sanchez and three key long passes. Juan Gonzalez ran around the right side for a 5-yard touchdown and kicker Steve Ritchey tied the game 7 – 7. Late in the first half Pratt fumbled a Diego Galvez pitch and Saint Steve Millice recovered.
Sanchez for San Dimas had a strong game completing 7 or 12 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. “He played well considering he spent most of the time on his back,” San Dimas Coach Dick Shelbourne said. “We have to do better up front.”
Bonita had a chance to win the game late with 4 seconds left on their own 21 yard line. San Dimas was playing prevent defense and Bonita decided to hand the ball off to the dynamic Pratt instead of throwing a bomb. Coach Young was hoping Pratt could break a long run. Pratt broke through on a 29 yard run but was stopped before he could score. “They were in a prevent defense,” Young said, “and we knew if Richard could get the ball in the open that he could score. He almost did.”
Varsity Bearcats
Back: Sean Gilette, Damon Haynes, Eric Dominguez, Darren Do herty, Richard Pratt, Brent lanniciello, Elex Sy, Robert Ureno,
Row 5: Andre Reddik, Frank Wilson, Sam Zaki, Tom Wayer, Alan Uyidi, Chris Williams, Mike Divens, Ed Marquez,
Row 4: Scott Simmerok, Xavier De La Piedra, Tim Bohler, Todd Young, Aron Weaver, Kevin Hershberger, Brian Phillips, Rick Lambert,
Row 3: Chris Johnson, Jeff Andrew, Mike Riggs (Coach), Gary Hart (Coach), Thom Young (Coach), Tom Martinez (Coach), Charlie Piehr, David Bonanno,
Row 2: Benji Aguilera, Robin Evans, Dom Vinci, Derek Balk, Diego Galvez, Tony Del Toro, Kevin Sayles,
Front: Joe Kary, Benji Jones, Mike Misquez, Danny Murry, David Alvarez, Arnie Diaz, Bruce Chan, Kevin Willmore.
Varsity Football Rips Through . . . Hunting for that CIF Banner
With determination, Varsity Football went all the way to the CIF playoffs for the first time since 1981. With a young offense and an experienced defense, the team played intense football this year. Some outstanding players were Richard Pratt, who led the offense with seven touchdowns and Ed Marquez with five. Leading with 148 tackles was Charlie Piehr, who led the front defensive line and Todd Young controlling the back. The Bearcat defense let their opponents know all year that they were there to win. “Without a doubt, this was the most coachable team of players I have been involved with. Even though we were a small team compared to the teams we played, I would not have changed the size and desire of our kids with any of them,” stated Coach Young.
Echoes, 1987
With determination, Varsity Football went all the way to the CIF playoffs for the first time since 1981. With a young offense and an experienced defense, the team played in- tense football this year. Some outstanding players were Richard Pratt, who led the offense with seven touchdowns and Ed Marquez with five. Leading with 148 tack- les was Charlie Piehr, who led the front defensive line and Todd Young controlling the back The Bearcat defense let their opponets know all year that they were there to win. “Without a doubt, this was the most coachable team of players I have been involved with, though we were a small team compared to the teams we played, I would not have changed the size and desire of our kids with any of them.” stated Coach Young.
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Varsity Saints
Front: John Reclusado. Steve Ritchey, Jeff Hritz, Dale Geurts. John Basel, Norman Geurts. Gus Gonzalez, Shannon Troncoso, Ricardo Miagany
Row 2: Shawn Rodriguez, Erick Ware, James Nehring, James Lim, Louie Vidaure, Joseph Sayegh. Marc Marusich. Mikel Husband. Tom Redshaw, George Chavez.
Row 3: Felix Badibanga, Geoff Carr, Adam Lyons, Coach Jeff Gorski, Coach Tim Alley, Head Coach Dick Shelbourne, Coach Dean Bennett, Ron Paoletto. Mike Coulter, David Perez.
Row 4: Mike Goff, Brian Petree, Jason Coleman, Joel Amidon, Jai Husband, Matt Pouliot. Jeff Landreth, Juan Gonzalez, Alex Acosta, Tommy Lowery, Scott Pick.
Row 5: Robert Henderson, Jimmy Miozza, Steve Millice, Eric Johnson, OLandry Zimmerman, Marcus Troyano, Phil Sanchez, Scott Bowman, Don Ross, Dennis Skinner, Jim Newman. Back: Bill Hensche, Bob Boyde, Todd James, Chris Young, Ernie Stumpf, Ellis Gordon, Sean Spadaro, Roger Pattico, Luka Vasilj, Niels Henze
Before the new season had even begun, summer conditioning, two-a-day practices, and passing league games were held to help build spirit, pride, and commitment as well as skills.
In the fall, Wednesday afternoon study hall before night practice at the district field and Friday reports helped maintain the players’ grades. The combination of emphasis on responsibility in class as well as on the field provided mental conditioning for the team. Players spent time before each game concentrating on the game, the plays, and the job to be done.
Finally, this practice, study, and concentration resulted in a successful season. Junior Erick Ware remembered his kickoff return for 50 yards against Gladstone: “I tried to get the team fired up because it was an important game.” The game was also a highlight for junior Felix Badibanga who carried the ball for the “go-ahead” touchdown. “When you physically defeat someone it makes you feel good,” said junior John Baseel. “It also makes you feel good,” senior Ron Paoletto said, “beating Azusa in a close game and being able to walk in a right mind after.
The personal goal of head coach Dick Shelbourne was to win the league and go to the play-offs. With only one loss in league, to Baldwin Park, the team came up just short and finished second.
In the first round of CIF, they traveled to Victor Valley, where they played hard, giving a tough battle, but losing in the end.
San Dimas traveled to Victor Valley and lost in the first round of the CIF playoffs 6 to 14.
