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Santa Cruz Sentinel - 12/03/2020 Page : B03 Thursday, December 3, 2020 » MORE AT FACEBOOK.COM/SCSENTINEL AND TWITTER.COM/SCSENTINEL » santacruzsentinel.com HIGH SCSHHOOL FOOTBAOCLL KTHENATION Super Bowl winning QB and Aptos High alum Trent Dilfer has Lipscomb Academy vying for a state championship two years after taking over tiny Tennessee program

LIPSCOMB ACADEMY – CONTRIBUTED Lipscomb Academy football coach Trent Dilfer, an Aptos High alum and Super Bowl winning quarterback, gives instruction to his players. His team competes in the Tennessee D-II AA State Championship game Thursday.

school quarter- but himself when he accepted a under late coach Glenn McCad- TUNE IN By Jim Seimas backs in a national position with Lipscomb Academy, ams from 1982-2012 — was far re- [email protected] What: Tennessee Division-II competition. a small high school in Nashville, moved from its glory days. It cap- AA State Championship Trent Dilfer could’ve had any After he was Tennessee, far from his home- tured the last of its three state ti- Who: Lipscomb Academy football coaching gig in the coun- laid off by ESPN town roots in Aptos. News of his tles in 2007. (11-2) vs. Christ Presbyte- try. A 14-year NFL veteran who in 2017, not long hiring appeared in every major Dilfer took over a program that rian Academy (10-1) quarterbacked the Baltimore Ra- after a heated at- publication, from Sports Illus- would be described in real estate When: Thursday, 9a.m. vens to a Super Bowl victory in tempt at negoti- trated to The Washington Post. terminology as a fixer-upper. He Streaming: nfhsnetwork.com 2000, he had a plethora of knowl- Dilfer ating a new con- “I did not do this for a career inherited a team that earned a edge and connections. tract, no one knew move,” he told The Tennessean, combined three wins in its pre- Dilfer found success as a foot- where he’d land next. It was go- in an article published Jan. 18, vious two seasons. Inside: Rafer Johnson, ball analyst for NFL Network and ing to be big, one had to assume. 2019. “This is a calling. I believe “We had 38 kids lifting when 1960Olympic decath- ESPN following his playing days. His next position wasn’t in the the God that I serve has so much we got here, six of them with PVC lon champion, dies at 86. He also coached Student Sports’ NFL, though. Nor was it in the in store for me, too.” pipes,” Dilfer said. “They couldn’t News+Notes, B8 Elite 11 program, where he evalu- college ranks. The private Christian school’s lift the 45-pound bar. We were the ated and mentored the best high Dilfer, 48, stunned everyone football program — a powerhouse DILFER » PAGE 4 January 31, 2021 6:57 pm (GMT -8:00) Powered by TECNAVIA

COVID-19 CIF further delays start of high school sports

State eyes Jan. 1, at the “Due to the continued surge in counties in the state moved to the Santa Cruz COVID-19 infections, the Califor- purple, or “widespread,” tier of High QB Dillon earliest, as new target nia Department of Public Health the state’s coronavirus measure- Danner fights has postponed the issuance of its ment model on Nov. 16. for extra yards updated youth sports guidance,” Athletic directors, coaches and in the CCS D-V By Jim Seimas the CIF stated in a release. “The athletes, as well as sports fans, semifinals last [email protected] California Interscholastic Feder- were holding out hope they would season. The The California Interscholas- ation does not expect the CDPH get a mid-December start, but start of the tic Federation announced Tues- will issue any guidance allowing they weren’t shocked by Tuesday’s 2020season day that it is pushing back its po- for schools to return to full prac- announcement. Still, it didn’t re- was pushed tential start date for high school tice and competition until after duce the sting. back to Jan. 1, sports practices due to the state’s January 1, 2021, at the earliest. “Pushing it back makes sense, 2021, at the recent spike of COVID-19 infec- Thus, all full practice and com- given the holidays are coming up,” earliest. tions. The CIF had hoped athletes petition start dates are officially said Ryan Chapatte, Soquel High’s would return to practice Dec. 14. on hold until updated guidance girls water polo coach. “It seems SHMUEL THALER The new start eyed is Jan. 1, at is issued.” like it’s a clean start to start in — SANTA CRUZ the earliest. Santa Cruz County is one of 28 PREPS » PAGE 8 SENTINEL FILE 4 | B SPORTS | SANTACRUZSENTINEL.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

On the air Thursday NBA

COLLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL 1:30p.m. UMass (Lowell) vs. NC State ESPNU Nets vs. Warriors to highlight 3p.m. Washington vs. Utah PAC12 4p.m. Legends of Classic: UConn vs. USC ESPN 5p.m. Seattle vs. UCLA PAC12 6p.m. New Mexico vs. Boise State FS1 opening of regular season 6:30p.m. Legends of Classic: Florida vs. BC ESPN2 7p.m. Arizona State at Cal PAC12810 COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Former Warrior Durant, the two-time Finals 4p.m. NC State at South Carolina ESPN2 MVP, will re-enter the pub- Durant set to lic conscience in a big way: COLLEGE FOOTBALL making his Nets debut in a 3p.m. Louisiana Tech at North Texas CBSSN return from injury marquee matchup against 6:30p.m. Air Force at Utah State CBSSN his former team. By Wes Goldberg Meanwhile, despite com- GOLF Bay Area News Group 5a.m. European Tour: South African Open GOLF ing off a league-worst 15-50 11 a.m. PGA Tour: Mayakoba Classic GOLF Stephen Curry will face record last season, the War- 2:30p.m. LPGA Tour: Volunteers Charity GOLF his old teammate on open- riors have been handed two ing night when the War- blockbuster games early in 10:30p.m. European Tour: Dubai Championship GOLF riors play Kevin Durant the NBA season. They are 3a.m. European Tour: SA Open (early Fri.) GOLF and the Nets in Brooklyn as set to play the Bucks in Mil- SOCCER part of the NBA’s showcase waukee on Christmas Day. 5:30p.m. MLS playoff: Sporting KC vs. Minn. Utd. FS1 to start the 2020-21 season. Clearly, the national de- According to The Ath- mand for Curry is high. Note: Due to COVID-19 cancellations or postponements, listed game RAY CHAVEZ — BAY AREA NEWS GROUP, FILE times and dates may change. letic, the NBA’s tentative Former Warrior Kevin Durant (35), now with the Nets, will The two-time MVP missed Dec. 22 doubleheader also square off against Stephen Curry (30) and the Warriors nearly all of last season includes a matchup be- as part of the NBA’s showcase to start the 2020-21 following hand surgery. tween the Lakers and Clip- season on Dec. 22. Although he will have to 49ERS pers, which will tip a con- play this season without densed 72-game season. teammate Klay Thomp- The season opener will and Durant won two cham- riors, Durant celebrated son (out with a torn Achil- Will long-lost pairing mark the first time Curry pionships and dominated his 31st and 32nd birthdays les), Curry will have Dray- and Durant have played the basketball world until during a meticulous rehabil- mond Green, No. 2 overall of Aiyuk and Samuel each other since Durant Durant’s torn Achilles in itation. He’s kept a relatively pick James Wiseman and signed with the Nets last Game 5 of the 2019 Finals low profile, deciding not to several new teammates to summer. In three seasons ended the dynasty. accompany the Nets in the help the Warriors return to trigger aSantapla yoCruzff Sentinelrun? - 12/03/2020from 2016 and 2019, Curry Since leaving the War- bubble this summer. But the postseason. Page : B04

By Cam Inman TUNE IN Bay Area News Group BUFFALO AT 49ERS Dilfer

Statistically, George Kit- When: Monday, 5:15 p.m. FROM PAGE 3 tle remains the 49ers’ lead- TV: ESPN ing receiver, even though smallest, weakest team in he’s missed five of the 49ers’ uel’s ability to break tackles the area.” 11 games this season, includ- and rack up yards after the Dilfer knew there was no ing the past three. catch fired up his teammates place left to go but up. Two That should change after and set the tone against the short seasons later, the pro- Monday night’s game. favored Rams. gram’s rise has been me- The 49ers expect wide re- “That’s what we were hop- teoric. His Mustangs (11- ceivers Brandon Aiyuk and ing for when we took him,” 2), ranked No. 7 in Tennes- Deebo Samuel together in Shanahan said. “We wanted see, faces No. 4 state-ranked the lineup for the first time that physicality and stuff in Christ Presbyterian Acad- since an Oct. 25 rout of the him. We thought we needed emy (10-1) of Nashville for New England Patriots. that, and he’s brought that the D-II AA title on Thurs- Aiyuk came off the NFL’s a ton. And that’s why when day. COVID-19 reserve list he’s out there, no matter Wednesday, along with de- where he’s at, he always Why Lipscomb? fensive linemen D.J. Jones helps us.” Lipscomb targeted Dilfer and Jordan Willis, all in Samuel credited the 49ers’ and the fact that it’s a Chris- time for the team’s flight to training staff for putting him tian-based school factored Phoenix. through game-like situations in heavily into his decision. PHOTOS BY LIPSCOMB ACADEMY – CONTRIBUTED Coach Kyle Shanahan is ahead of Sunday’s grand re- So did the opportunity to be excited to see what that Ai- turn, adding: “It also felt closer to his children. Lipscomb Academy football coach Trent Dilfer embraces one of his players. yuk-Samuel pairing can do great to be out there with Dilfer and his wife Cas- against another AFC East teammates to get the ‘W.’” sandra have four children: believe the talent they have.” foe, the Buffalo Bills (8-3). Shanahan’s trust in Sam- daughters Tori, Maddie and The playoff-chasing 49ers (5- uel is essential, as well. Delaney, and son, Trevin, Endgame 6) will host the Bills on Mon- “It all starts from trust, who died from a heart dis- After going 7-6 in 2019, day night at State Farm Sta- how I am with the ball and ease as a 5-year-old in 2003. the Mustangs started this dium in Glendale, Arizona, what Kyle trusts me to go out Tori is a senior setter for season with an 0-2 record. the 49ers’ makeshift home there and do that,” Samuel University of Louisville’s Dilfer remained optimis- after Santa Clara County’s added. volleyball team and Del- tic though. The Mustangs contact-sports ban. Aiyuk has not been avail- aney is a freshman setter for lost 29-19 to Brentwood “Just the more these able to reporters since going Lipscomb University, which Academy, a four-time state guys can play together, the on the COVID-19 list a sec- neighbors the high school. champion, in their opener, more they can get out there, ond time; his initial stay was Dilfer enjoyed working despite missing three of they’re made of the right for being a close contact af- with youth at Elite 11, but their best players. Dilfer stuff, they’re built the right ter Kendrick Bourne’s posi- that merely scratched the saw substantial improve- way, and they’ll only get bet- tive test before the Packers’ itch, he said. Lipscomb pre- ment from his squad, es- ter,” Shanahan said. game. sented the opportunity to Lipscomb Academy football coach Trent Dilfer, an Aptos pecially considering it was “I just want to get them When Aiyuk last spoke to fully immerse himself in the High alum and Super Bowl winning quarterback, roams unable to hold camp due to going.” the media Nov. 13, he said program and students’ lives. the sidelines during a game. COVID-19. Samuel’s bullish presence of the COVID-19 concerns: “It was more of a calling A week later, the Mus- with the ball in his hands, “It was frustrating, mostly than an ambition,” said Dil- “Outside of raising my also added Sione Ta’ufo’ou, tangs dropped a 28-21 de- when combined with Aiyuk’s being just the unknown. fer, before listing his deci- kids and being married 27 Archbishop Mitty’s former cision to Pope John Paul gracefulness as a multi-di- First I wanted to make sure sion to stop working as a years, this is the most re- head coach, as his defen- II. The teams endured a mensional receiver, make I didn’t have the virus, and football analyst. “Why else warding thing I’ve ever sive coordinator. 90-minute lightning delay, for the 49ers’ best offensive with what I had going on at would someone take a 100% done, way more than any- “A lot of people want to but Lipscomb couldn’t over- weapons, especially with home with my family. Not or 1,000% pay cut? I wasn’t thing I accomplished as a pout perfume on me,” Dil- come seven turnovers. their usually reliable run being able to be in the build- at peace. I didn’t feel like I player,” Dilfer said. fer said. “Ninety percent of “There was some fluky game sputtering this season ing was rough.” was having an impact. This the stuff we pulled off is be- stuff that happened, but we amid injuries. After this second stint is way more fun. This was Building it up cause of the team and peo- made had nine defensive Kittle would be that offen- — it’s unknown if he tested the arena I was called to.” Lipscomb’s road to re- ple we surrounded ourselves stops. That’s when I knew, sive workhorse if not for in- positive himself — Aiyuk Dilfer thought of the spectability began with a with. It truly takes everyone ‘Oh, we’re good,’ “ Dilfer juries this season, including can rejoin his teammates times in his life when he culture change, which led to build a champion.” said. a knee sprain that kept him for Wednesday’s trip to Ar- was most impacted and to growth in the classroom, Obviously, that includes The Mustangs turned out Weeks 2 and 3 before a izona. He had seven catches most of his recollections weight room and on the players. There were 38 play- their season around the fol- foot fracture sidelined him for 75 yards and scored his brought him back to Aptos field. ers in the program when lowing week, when they had the past three games (and fifth career touchdown in his High. “We were fortunate that Dilfer arrived and now a bye on the schedule. counting, until at least prob- last game, a Nov. 15 loss at He fondly recalled ju- the players bought into there are 108. Nearly of half “We used the bye week ably Week 16). New Orleans. nior-varsity coach Steve pursuing excellence,” Dil- the boys enrolled at the to let kids find answers, Aiyuk has missed two of Samuel has missed seven Miles talking him into stay- fer said. school committed to play- to teach them why,” Dilfer the past three games on the games, and the 49ers don’t ing on the basketball team To get them to do that, ing football. said. COVID-19 reserve list, but have enough healthy weap- when he wanted to quit. He the coach strived for every People like a challenge, Raise your hand, there the first-round draft pick has ons to compensate for his, pointed to the contributions aspect of the program to see and Dilfer provided one, are no stupid questions, shown great potential with Aiyuk and so many other of his former Mariners foot- improvement. With the full Ta’ufo’ou said, noting it’s he told them. Their hands 35 receptions (56 targets) for players’ absences. ball coaches, from his step- backing of the administra- one of the reasons he moved went up. 446 yards and three touch- “Every time Deebo gets father Frank Lynch to Jamie tion, Dilfer jumped in with across the country to join “That’s when the light- downs. going, we’ve had a little bit Townsend and Don Mont- both feet. the staff. bulb went off,” Dilfer said. Samuel opened the sea- of a setback,” Shanahan said, gomery, for challenging and The program had fun- “These kids are getting “We haven’t been chal- son on injured reserve be- “but you guys see how much help mold him. draised $110,000 in the 10 challenged academically, lenged since.” cause of a June foot frac- he helps us, and how much “I grew up in this,” Dil- years before he took over, spiritually, physically and Eleven straight wins. ture, then came a four-game he has every time he’s been fer said. “I saw the impact Dilfer said, and $1.1 mil- mentally,” Ta’ufo’ou said. Christ Presbyterian Acad- spree in which he showed in, and it’s a lot more fun to Frank had. I’d be in the lion in the first 92 days af- “If you compete in the pro- emy, the team responsible the play-making potential have him out there.” most random places with ter. Some of that money gram, you know you’re go- for ending Dilfer’s debut that helped the 49ers reach One extra element work- my dad and people would was used to assemble a top- ing to be the best version season in the state semifi- the Super Bowl his rookie ing in the 49ers’ offense’s fa- come up and tell him notch coaching staff, add a of you. There’s no easy way nals, awaits. season. vor, amid this month’s relo- how he changed their life. weight room, resurface the out. They’re learning hard The teams played in A hamstring injury late at cation from Santa Clara, is From Jamie to Don, all my field, and purchase new uni- life lessons by doing hard Week 10 this season and the New England shelved Sam- what State Farm Stadium’s coaches I was influenced by. forms and helmets. things. They’re being chal- Mustangs prevailed 20-14. uel until his bruising return natural-grass field offers. “It Those are some of my fond- Dilfer wanted a staff that lenged every day.” While victory is the goal, Sunday against the Rams (11 feels fast. I’ve always liked est memories.” was second to none. His The players came out Dilfer is trying to build receptions, 133 yards). Sam- that,” Shanahan said. Lynch is happy his son first season, he went with a of the woodwork, some of something bigger than one challenged himself by tak- heavy Tennessee flavor. One them from great distances. game. He’s trying to build ing the Lipscomb position. of the hires was former col- Henry Hasselbeck, whose a program. A juggernaut, at It’s a perfect match, he said. lege assistant Bruce Kittle, father Matt was an NFL that. He looks over his ros- “It fits him perfectly,” whose son, George, is the quarterback and team- ter and sees it loaded with Lynch said. “He’s giving San Francisco 49ers’ star mate of Dilfer’s in Seattle, talent for at least three more back to the game and the tight end. is a freshman quarterback years. kids. He’s articulate and Friend Phil Dawson, who who relocated from Mas- “Obviously, you always charismatic. He’s really do- served as a NFL kicker for sachusetts. Dawson’s son, want to win the game,” Dil- ing a nice job with them. It’s two decades, is serving as Beau, is a junior tight end. fer said. “The way we’re ap- a calling.” special teams coordinator, Quarterback Luther proaching it is it’s us versus Dilfer said his daugh- and Trenton Kirklin, a for- Richesson (6-foot-3, 202 us. We’re good enough. If we ters love how the position mer high school head coach pounds), Dawson (6-0, 200), play well, we’ll win.” has shaped their father. and ex-Cleveland Browns and junior running back Either way, Dilfer is go- He said he was being self- scout, is working as offen- Alex Broome (5-9, 186) are ing to enjoy the experience. ish in retirement and pre- sive coordinator. among the team’s stars. After all, it’s more than a viously lacked compassion, Kittle stepped down af- “He has juniors in high game. It’s part of the pro- KELVIN KUO — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS but has turned a corner on ter one season and was school that are more skilled cess, part of his calling. 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel carries after a catch during both fronts. replaced at offensive line than he was at Fresno the second half against the Rams last Sunday in Inglewood. He likes the growth he coach by former NFL line- State,” Lynch said. “These Contact reporter Jim has seen in himself. man Grant Williams. Dilfer kids are so advanced. I can’t Seimas at 831-706-3256.

January 31, 2021 6:57 pm (GMT -8:00) Powered by TECNAVIA