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Category: Sports

  • Jr. Mavericks football, cheer program make comeback for 2023-24 season

    Mesa Verde Jr. Maverick’s. // Image credit: mesaverdejrmavericks.com

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    After a six-year hiatus, the Mesa Verde Jr. Mavericks youth football and cheer program is returning for the 2023-24 season.

    In an interview with The Sentinel, Reggie Green, president of the Jr. Mavericks program, said he has a strong desire to bring the local community closer together through safe, organized sports programs for kids and believes the program will benefit both Citrus Heights and Mesa Verde.

    Green attended high school in the Sacramento area, played college basketball in Texas, then returned and began coaching youth sports. Green said he has coached kids’ soccer and basketball and has been the president of the Citrus Heights Dream Chasers competitive youth basketball program for the last three years. After conferring with Mesa Verde High School Head Varsity Football Coach Leonard Casillas, Green said he wanted to bring back the Jr. Mavericks football program with a more “family-oriented atmosphere.”

    “I don’t have a million dollars, but I have a million minutes and I want to use them wisely,” Green said, adding that he wants to show the community that you don’t have to be rich to help other people.

    Free Jr. Mavericks football clinics are currently being offered at Tempo Park on Fair Oaks Boulevard in Citrus Heights every Saturday, according to the Jr. Maverick’s website. Free cheer clinics are also available, but dates vary and are posted on the website in advance. Green said both football and cheer are open to youths ranging from 5 years through age 14, or eighth grade.

    Green said football clinics will be free up until the registration deadline and official beginning of the season on July 1, 2023. While participating after that date comes with a cost, Green said the program offers a payment plan for parents, along with individual fundraising plans for participants who can earn their registration by completing individual fundraisers.

    Green said he’s also reaching out to local businesses in the community for sponsorships and donations.

    Participants interested can register at Mesaverdejrmavericks.com until July 1, 2023. The first game of the season is scheduled for Aug. 19, 2023.

  • Two MVHS seniors awarded college sports scholarships

    Two MVHS seniors awarded college sports scholarships

    Senior football player Joseph Miller and senior girls softball player Carolina Lewis, center, stand with Head Varsity Football Coach Leonard Casillas, left, and Varsity Softball Coach Christa Green, right. // Photo provided by Christa Green

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Mesa Verde High School on Friday celebrated two senior athletes as they signed letters of intent and accepted college level athletic positions in football and softball.

    During lunch hour on May 19, Mesa Verde’s varsity girls’ softball coach and head varsity football coach, along with family members, friends, other community members and students, all gathered in support of varsity football player Joseph Miller, and varsity girls’ softball player Carolina Lewis as they signed their letters of intent. The two senior athletes were honored with flowers and music to celebrate their “signing day” and had the opportunity to take photos against a backdrop poster of the school’s Mavericks logo.

    Coach Leonard Casillas said Miller played positions of linebacker and long snapper and will be attending Southwest Minnesota State University where he’ll earn an academic scholarship and financial aid. Southwest Minnesota State is an NCAA Division II school located in Marshall, Minnesota, and competes in the 13-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

    Miller will join at least two other student athletes from California who signed to play with the Mustangs in early February, according to an SMSU athletics news update online.

    Coach Christa Green said Lewis accepted a position on the girls’ softball team at Folsom Lake Junior College and will begin training this summer. This year, the Folsom Lake Falcons girls’ softball team advanced to the CCCAA Softball State Championship round for the first time. Green said Lewis has been playing softball since she was 10 and played for the high school’s softball team for three years.

    “It’s a great thing for students coming out of Mesa,” Green said, referencing the students’ acceptance into college-level athletics. Green also added that the signing day turned out to be a “fantastic event.”

    “I love to see our school support our student athletes by doing events like this,” Casillas said, adding that it shows student athletes that they don’t have to attend a big school to get into a college football or other athletic program.

  • AB 734: Proposed youth tackle football ban won’t move forward this year

    AB 734: Proposed youth tackle football ban won’t move forward this year

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A Citrus Heights City Council agenda item to consider opposing a bill that would ban tackle football for youths under age 12 was removed from the agenda following word that the bill will not move forward this year.

    In March, Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Bret Daniels initially requested support for a future agenda item that would explore opposing Assembly Bill 734, which was then placed on the agenda for April 13. However, the topic was removed from the agenda on the night of the council meeting — with Daniels later telling The Sentinel the item was removed after word was received that the bill would not be moving forward “at least this year.”

    AB 734, authored by California State Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), would prohibit youth sports organizations from allowing players younger than 12 to engage in tackle football. The proposed ban, and similar assembly bills, have received support and opposition both locally and nationally.

    McCarty’s office said in a Feb. 17 news release that legislation is needed to “protect kids and nurture their brain development, and not put them in a situation that’s proven to cause irreparable harm,” advocating instead that flag football be used. The release lists several NFL players who have spoken out against the effects of youth tackle football, including Steve Young, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre, among others.

    Daniels referenced information from a group called Save Youth Football California, which announced in an April 11 news release that AB 734 had been pulled from committee before it could receive a vote. A call to the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, & Tourism Committee on April 19 by Sentinel staff confirmed that AB 734 will not be heard in the committee again until January 2024.

    “We are extremely satisfied with this outcome,” Save Youth Football California stated in the press release, adding that the California Youth Football Act of 2019 already provides players with the “safest environment” in which to play youth football.

    Daniels credited “very well organized outcry of the public” as the reason for the bill being removed from consideration this year.

  • Citrus Heights vice mayor speaks out against AB 734 youth tackle football ban

    Citrus Heights vice mayor speaks out against AB 734 youth tackle football ban

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Bret Daniels is seeking to gain the support of his fellow council members to officially oppose a proposed assembly bill that would ban tackle football for youths under 12 in the state of California.

    In a March 9 City Council meeting, Daniels requested support for a future agenda item that would explore opposing current Assembly Bill 734.

    AB 734, authored by California State Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), would prohibit youth sports organizations from allowing players younger than 12 to engage in tackle football.

    The assembly bill has sparked support and opposition locally and nationally. During the March council meeting, Daniels said banning tackle football would leave “idle minds to get in trouble” and said he feels the city has an interest in keeping kids active.

    “I believe the city council should oppose the effort to ban football for kids under 12,” Daniels said in a statement sent to The Sentinel.

    This is not the first time a bill addressing safety in youth football programs has been proposed. In 2018, McCarty proposed an assembly bill similar to the current AB 734, according to a recent article published in the San Francisco Standard. The bill was pulled before it could reach a committee hearing.

    Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), proposed a bill to limit the amount of time in which youths engaged in tackle football during practices, according to a Sacramento Bee article published in January, 2019.

    A 2018 study published by Boston University School of Medicine found that younger players engaged in tackle football may experience an earlier onset of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems than those who play after the age of 12.

    According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, cognitive, behavioral, and mood changes are associated with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The association describes CTE as a “progressive” brain disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions. Military Veterans and athletes who play high contact sports are at high risk of developing CTE.

    Mesa Verde Head Varsity football coach Leonard Casillas has been involved with local youth football programs for over 12 years and helped start the Citrus Heights Jr. Mavericks in 2008.

    “I believe football in general is the safest it’s ever been,” Casillas said in an interview with the Sentinel, adding that there are California laws limiting the amount of full contact play during weekly practices.

    Casillas explained that teaching proper tackling techniques early can greatly reduce players’ chances and instances of injury. Casillas said he sees the difference in kids’ tackling techniques when he teaches high schoolers who have played football before 12 and those who began playing later.

    “Football is getting attacked first by Mr. McCarty. What’s next? Soccer, wrestling, MMA?” Casillas said, adding that girls’ soccer also has high instances of concussions and head injuries.

    If passed, AB 734 would become effective Jan. 1, 2026.

    Want to share your thoughts on youth tackle football? Click here to submit a letter to the editor.

  • Heavy rains delay construction of new Mesa Verde stadium

    Construction workers and heavy equipment could be seen March 16 at Mesa Verde High School. // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    More than 40 days of rain have caused construction on the new stadium at Mesa Verde High School to be delayed, pushing back the estimated completion date from the original summer 2023 opening date.

    San Juan Unified School District Director of Communication Raj Rai said in a statement to The Sentinel on March 14 that construction on the long-anticipated stadium at Mesa Verde has been delayed due to “weather-related schedule impacts.”

    “Unfortunately, the rainy season has brought the Mesa Verde stadium construction up to 42 weather impact days so far,” Rai said, adding that completion would be delayed until late October to early November, 2023.

    Sacramento County has seen a marked increase in rain this winter season from multiple “atmospheric rivers” and strong wind events, which have resulted in local flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines and leaking roofs.

    The groundbreaking for the new state-of-the-art stadium at Mesa Verde took place on Aug. 30, 2022, and was attended by hundreds of school staff, students, alumni, local community members, and local media outlets. The signature project, which was funded through voter-approved bond Measure N, includes construction of a new stadium and track, tennis courts, and other external improvements.

    “The excitement of seeing the progress of the field and knowing we’re finally getting a stadium is so exciting for us and the Citrus Heights community,” Mesa Verde Head Varsity Coach Leonard Casillas said in an email to the Sentinel. The Maverick’s football season begins on Aug. 25, 2023.

  • 2022 Citrus Bowl: Mesa Verde beats San Juan 53-0

    The Mesa Verde Mavericks faced the San Juan Spartans in the annual Citrus Bowl game at McArthur Field on Sept. 12, 2022. // S. Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    High school football teams from Mesa Verde and San Juan went head-to-head on Monday night in the annual Citrus Bowl.

    The Mesa Verde Mavericks beat the San Juan Spartans 53 to 0 in the rescheduled Citrus Bowl, an annual intra-city competition held between the only two public high schools in Citrus Heights.

    Despite a first quarter with scattered penalties, the Mavericks scored two quick touchdowns and set the tone for the rest of the game against the Spartans. Even with two missed extra-point kicks during the second quarter, Mesa Verde still scored 19 more unanswered points before the end of the first half.

    The Spartans returned and fought hard during the second half in an attempt to hold the line against the Mavericks, but the Spartans’ defense was no match against Mesa Verde’s powerful offense. Mesa Verde scored another touchdown and capitalized on an interception by cornerback Matt Kozachenko, raising the Mavericks’ score to 45 by the end of the third quarter.

    When the clock ran out, the Mavericks gathered together with coaching staff to celebrate their victory. Head Coach Leonard Casillas said he was proud of all of them. The rest of the coaching staff echoed Casillas’ sentiments and raised the Citrus Bowl trophy to cheers from the players and the crowd.

    The team dedicated the game to their former teammate, Tony Rocha, who was killed over Memorial Day Weekend.

    “It meant the world to [the team] playing hard for their teammate,” Casillas said in an interview. “They dedicated the season to him. It’s been an emotional season for us.”

    Tony Rocha played junior varsity football with Mesa Verde during the 2021-22 school year and wore jersey number 20. Casillas confirmed that Rocha’s jersey number will be retired.

    The Citrus Bowl game was previously scheduled to take place on Sept. 9, but was postponed at the last minute by San Juan High School administration due to poor air quality from wildfire smoke. With cooling temperatures and improved air quality, the game was rescheduled for Sept. 12.

    The two teams face each other every year to compete for the Citrus Bowl trophy, which is awarded by the Citrus Heights Rotary Club, and the winner keeps it until the next time they meet.

  • Citrus Bowl game cancelled at last minute due to poor air quality

    Citrus Bowl game cancelled at last minute due to poor air quality

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Players and fans arrived at San Juan High School on Friday evening to find that the annual Citrus Bowl had been canceled less than an hour before kickoff.

    Every year, Mesa Verde High School and San Juan High School football teams face off in the Citrus Bowl, an intra-city competition to see which city high school team is best. The game was previously scheduled for kickoff at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, but due to extreme heat, kickoff was pushed back to 8 p.m., according to an email from San Juan High School Principal David Levis.

    Despite acceptable temperatures on Friday evening, the game was still canceled at the last minute due to poor air quality from smoke-filled skies.

    “San Juan Community, we are sad to say we have had to cancel the game because of the air quality,” San Juan High School announced on their Facebook Page Friday evening. “Our priority is the safety of our student-athletes.”

    Commenters on the post echoed that the health and safety of students was “more important than the game.” At the time of publication, a new date and time for kickoff has not been scheduled. Air quality continues to be a concern due to California’s ongoing wildfires.

    Several students and players arrived before 7:30 p.m. to find the lights on the field dark. Some students had traveled from Elk Grove to watch the game. While some waited for rides to return, a handful of kids played catch in the parking lot.

    On Friday morning, a post on the high school’s Facebook page stated that in order for the game to proceed as planned, temperatures had to drop below 104 degrees and the Air Quality Index (AQI) needed to be below 151 by 8 p.m. Friday evening.

    While the temperatures topped off over 104 degrees between 5 and 6 p.m., by 8 p.m., temperatures dipped below 100 degrees. During the day throughout Citrus Heights, the AQI hovered in the 120 range, but steadily climbed higher as 8 p.m. approached. After 8 p.m. the AQI in Citrus Heights hovered above 150, according to AirNow.gov.

    Two hours before kickoff, a post on San Juan’s Facebook page informed families that the game was still scheduled. There was no post on Mesa Verde’s Facebook page or the MSHS Football page before or after the initial time of kickoff.

    Mesa Verde Football Head Coach Leonard Casillas said in an interview that he hopes the game is rescheduled for next week, but that the decision is up to the San Juan High School administration.

  • Citrus Heights high school teams to face off this Friday in ‘Citrus Bowl’ rivalry

    Citrus Heights high school teams to face off this Friday in ‘Citrus Bowl’ rivalry

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    San Juan High School and Mesa Verde High School football teams are scheduled to face each other on the field this Friday in the annual Citrus Bowl.

    For decades, San Juan High was the only high school in Citrus Heights. Then Mesa Verde opened in 1970s, and with the advent of their first varsity football team in the 1978/1979 season, an intra-city rivalry was born.

    The extreme heat for the last two weeks has been a major concern, not just for Mesa Verde and San Juan football programs, but for all sports programs throughout the city.

    David Levis, San Juan High School principal, and Freddie Bryant, San Juan High School athletic director are taking the high heat seriously and informed The Sentinel that kickoff for the Citrus Bowl will be delayed until 8 p.m., when temperatures are expected to be lower. However, if the temperature does not drop below 104 degrees, the game will be postponed to a later date altogether.

    Regardless of when the two teams go head-to-head, Mesa Verde Head Coach Leonard Casillas said the game should be a competitive one.

    “We feel great,” Casillas said, adding that they’ve been practicing in the gym.

    The San Juan High School head coach could not be reached for comment prior to publication.

    The two teams face each other every year to compete for the Citrus Bowl trophy, which is awarded by the Citrus Heights Rotary Club, and the winner keeps it until the next time they meet.

    The Citrus Bowl is scheduled to take place on Friday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. at San Juan High School. According to the high school’s Facebook page, ticket prices are $8 for general, $6 for students with school ID, and $6 for senior citizens.

  • Citrus Heights middle school basketball team goes undefeated for season

    Citrus Heights middle school basketball team goes undefeated for season

    Image courtesy, Lichen K-8

    By Nanik Tagore—
    Following two years without a game due to COVID-19, almost all of the girls of Lichen K-8 were new to middle school sports.

    This was an adjustment for Coach Johnathan Wilson, who had the task of preparing the girls basketball team for the season.

    “Throughout the course of the season they started to get a lot more comfortable and understanding what to do and how to do it, and we got into a groove toward the end of season getting into a good flow,” Coach Wilson said.

    One of the first things Wilson focused on was teaching the girls offense, moving without the ball and setting screens. Everything started coming together for the team as they saw the wins stacking up.

    Wilson pointed out it was the second game when the girls started to see the defensive press working, a turning point for the young group.

    “Once they started realizing locking up on defense, the offense comes a lot easier… getting easy points,” Wilson said.

    The success the team found continued all the way to the end of the season with an undefeated 10-0 record.

    *This article was published as part of a new collaborative effort launched by The Sentinel to cover local sports, featuring articles written by student journalists from Citrus Heights high schools.

  • Boys Volleyball: Mesa Verde’s varsity team off to a fiery start

    Mesa Verde Maverick’s Boys Varsity Volleyball team. // Image courtesy, Jessica Shoffner

    Article submitted by Coach Jessica Shoffner–
    The varsity boys volleyball team at Mesa Verde High School is off to a fiery start with a bright future ahead, as the Mavericks are currently 2nd in the Golden Empire League with a league record of 5-2 and 8-3 overall.

    The team is onto their 5th win in a row after a match against the Pioneer Patriots, with no plans of slowing the momentum down anytime soon.

    Update: The team also won against Cordova on April 7, making for an overall record of 9-3 with six wins in a row.

    The Mavericks have an impressively young varsity team, with three freshmen in the starting lineup: first year volleyball player, No. 1 freshman, middle blocker, Mathew Garcia, has left the league awestruck by his outstanding performance on the court. Garcia is sitting amongst the top of the stat leaderboards for the GEL, 1st in kills, 2nd in blocks, 3rd in aces and 5th in digs.

    No. 8 Freshman, libero, Everardo Jimenez, leads the league in digs, and ranks 2nd in aces. No. 7 junior, middle blocker, Gabriel Texeira-Braga ranks 2nd in league in blocks.

    Offensively, the Mavericks are led by No. 3 senior, setter and captain, Jovoni Raya. Now in his third year playing volleyball, Raya has always been a natural leader on and off the court. Not only is he running the offense and calling plays for the hitters, he is the first to refocus the team when needed and keeps everyone motivated. Jovoni is leading the league in assists and aces and is ranked 5th in kills.

    What has been the highlight of your season so far?

    Raya: “The biggest highlight was our win against Casa and getting redemption for my team. This was one of the most intense games I’ve played and it really came down to which team wanted it more. Acing the last serve on match point to take it all home was so crazy for me because I have never been in such a pressure situation. I was proud to be the player put in that position and was motivated by how badly my team wanted that win, which pushed me to not let them down when they needed me the most.”

    What is your favorite part about playing volleyball?

    Raya: “My favorite thing about this sport is the joy you have playing it and the bond you build with your players. This game has taught me so much, such as how to be a leader and to have a positive mindset even when the game isn’t going in our favor. It has shown me that there are coaches out there that care a lot about their players and their futures, not just about volleyball.”

    Head Varsity Coach Jessica Shoffner is a Mesa Verde alumna who took over the Mavericks volleyball program four years ago with the intention of transforming the culture into something boys at Mesa Verde were proud to be a part of. She has 14 years of coaching experience at the middle school, high school and club level.