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Sunday, December 23, 2018 » MORE AT FACEBOOK.COM/CHICOER AND TWITTER.COM/CHICOER » chicoer.com AnGIANTS-COLdTS here’s thekicker: NBA bothfromGlennCounty

D. ROSS CAMERON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant (35) shoots while falling backward between two Dallas Mavericks defenders, including J.J. Barea, right, during the third quarter on Saturday in Oakland. Warriors nearly squander big lead Durant hits clutch 3-pointer late in win

By Mark Medina Bay Area News Group

OAKLAND » The Warriors looked like the Warriors again. And then they didn’t. The Warriors escaped with a 120-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday at Oracle Arena after nearly squandering an 18-point lead. Forward Kevin Durant sank a 3-pointer for a 120- 116 lead with 14.2 seconds left af- ter Mavs center DeAndre Jordan ANDY LYONS — GETTY IMAGES ROB CARR — GETTY IMAGES split a pair of foul shots, and for- Left: Rigoberto Sanchez of the Indianapolis Colts punts against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 14 in mer Warrior Harrison Barnes Indianapolis. Right: Kicker Aldrick Rosas of the kicks off to the Washington Redskins at FedExField on Dec. 9in Landover, missed a wide open 3-pointer. Maryland. The two NFL players from Glenn County will face each other for the first time since high school on Sunday in Indianapolis. That capped an efficient night for Durant, who had 29 points on 9-of-18 shooting, 3 of 5 from Hamilton City’s Sanchez, Orland’s Rosas to 3-point range and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line along with 12 re- face each other in an NFL game on Sunday bounds and eight assists. But it also capped a game in which the when Sanchez and the India- Warriors (22-11) nearly lost. By Sharon Martin napolis Colts host Rosas and The Mavericks trimmed the [email protected] @SharonBMartin on Twitter the New York Giants. Game Warriors’ lead to 117-113 with 1:46 time is 10 a.m. but the game is left after going on an 11-2 run. It was a warm August night not scheduled to be televised After Warriors coach Steve Kerr in 2011, the season opener for locally. called timeout, more mistakes the Orland and Hamilton High Sanchez, a 2012 Hamilton ensued. Stephen Curry missed a football teams — non-league alumnus, is the for the 3-pointer. Barnes made a 15-foot rivals separated by a 10-mile Colts. Rosas, a 2013 Orland jumper. Draymond Green com- stretch of Highway 32. graduate, is the Giants’ kicker. mitted a turnover. On the Braves’ sideline: a se- “We’re pretty excited about The Warriors still held on be- nior kicker named Rigoberto being able to play in the high- cause of their strong foundation. Sanchez. Over on the Trojans’ est level against each other,” Warriors reserve forward Jonas side: Aldrick Rosas, a junior Sanchez said during a phone Jerebko posted a career-high 23 versatile, defensive standout interview on Thursday. “We points on 10-of-12 shooting along who also served as the place- get to go out there and show with six rebounds, three assists kicker. our towns and reminisce about and one steal in 21 minutes. Curry More than seven years later, the old days. It’s pretty sur- WARRIORS » PAGE 2 they’re meeting again. But this real.” JASON HALLEY — ENTERPRISE-RECORD FILE time, the game is being played They’ve been friends since Abel Hernandez, left, and Hamilton High’s Rigoberto Sanchez look THESCORE a long way from Glenn County. elementary school as Sanchez on against East Nicolaus in the second quarter of their Northern WARRIORS 120, MAVERICKS 116 Two kickers from the same lived in Orland before moving Section playoff game at Hamilton High on Nov. 10, 2011, in Hamilton rural Northern California to Hamilton City in fifth grade. City. Sanchez is currently a punter for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. Up next: Clippers at Warriors county will meet in an NFL Being only one year apart, Hernandez coached both Sanchez and New York Giants kicker Aldrick When: Sunday, 5:30p.m. game for the first time Sunday KICKERS » PAGE 3 Rosas, who will play against each other Sunday. TV: NBCS-BA

NFL NHL NFL

San Jose Last game at Sharks center Three battles Joe Pavelski the Coliseum? (8) celebrates to watch when after scoring Raiders feel a goal against 49ers play in the Los Angeles Kings for home fans during the home finale third period in San Jose on By Jerry McDonald Saturday. By Cam Inman Bay Area News Group Bay Area News Group

ALAMEDA » No one knows for sure SANTA CLARA » Season 5 at Levi’s if the Oakland Raiders and the Stadium closes today for the San Coliseum have reached the end Francisco 49ers, and, per annual of the line, which is something routine, no playoff berth awaits players, coach Jon Gruden and the them. home fans all have in common. TONY AVELAR — So, the spoiler role it is. “I try not to speculate on THE ASSOCIATED After beating playoff contend- things,” Gruden said Saturday as PRESS ers Denver and Seattle the pre- the Raiders wrapped up prepara- vious two Sundays at home, the tions to host the Denver Broncos 49ers (4-10) now host the NFC on Christmas Eve. “You can’t con- Will Sharks’ Karlsson face a North champion trol a lot of it. You just have to (10-4). hope that is not the case and that A Bears loss could ruin their it works out. If it is the last game, suspension for hit on Wagner? shot of a first-round bye and give it certainly will be a sad day.” it to the NFC West-winning Los Since odds are slim owner Mark Angeles Rams (11-3). The Rams’ Davis will state his intentions be- On pace to score 51 goals, playoff position also could be im- By Paul Gackle THESCORE fore kickoff, the Raiders home the Sharks captain should be pacted by the 49ers via their Dec. Bay Area News Group field for 2019 will likely remain KINGS 3, SHARKS 2 (OT) in for a big pay raise this sum- 30 regular-season finale in L.A. undetermined and a matter of na- SAN JOSE » As the stock mar- Up next: Coyotes at Sharks mer. But enough about playoff sce- tional attention given their pres- ket continues its steep de- When: Sunday, 5p.m. “I knew he was going to narios. The 49ers are trying to ence on “Monday Night Football.” cline, Joe Pavelski’s value TV: NBCS-CA have a good season because do what they did last December, RAIDERS » PAGE 2 heading toward unrestricted he’s healthy,” head coach Pete 49ERS » PAGE 2 free agency is soaring. DeBoer said. “Nothing with TUNE IN Pavelski scored his 23rd a point against the woeful him surprises me.” TUNE IN goal of the season with 30 Los Angeles Kings by going Here’s what we learned as Up next: Broncos at Raiders seconds remaining in reg- to overtime. In doing so, Pav- the Los Angeles Kings beat Up next: Bears at 49ers When: Monday, 5:15 p.m. ulation Saturday, allowing elski surpassed his goal total the Sharks 3-2 in overtime at When: Sunday, 1:05p.m. TV/Radio: ESPN/93.9FM the San Jose Sharks to steal from last season. SHARKS » PAGE 2 TV/Radio: FOX/100.7FM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 ENTERPRISE-RECORD+MERCURY-REGISTER | SPORTS C | 3

COLLEGE FOOTBALL ROUNDUP NFL COMMENTARY No. 22 Army demolishes Houston

The Associated Press ward the middle of the field. down after James Nachtigal times for 91 more. Houston (8-5) lost for the forced the turnover when FORT WORTH,TEXAS » Army fourth time in five games he sacked Clayton Tune. Dollar General Bowl quarterback Kelvin Hop- since starting 7-1 and get- TROY 42, BUFFALO 32 » Saw- kins Jr. ran for 170 yards ting into the AP Top 25 poll Birmingham Bowl yer Smith threw for 320 and an Armed Forces Bowl- for one week in late October. WAKE FOREST 37, MEMPHIS yards and four touchdowns, record five touchdowns and The Cougars suffered their 34 » Jamie Newman scored B.J. Smith and Sidney Da- the No. 22 Black Knights most-lopsided loss in their on a 1-yard run with 34 sec- vis ran for touchdowns and overwhelmed Houston 70- 27 bowl games, and their onds left to help give Wake Troy beat Buffalo in the 14 on Saturday to reach 11 biggest loss overall since a Forest a 37-34 victory over Dollar General Bowl. wins for the first time in 66-10 loss at UCLA during Memphis in the Birming- Troy (10-3) secured the program history. the 1997 regular season. ham Bowl. hard-fought win on Da- The Black Knights (11-2) Along with his 11 rush- The Demon Deacons (7- vis’ 20-yard touchdown JANE TYSKA — BAY AREA NEWS GROUP won their ninth consecutive ing attempts before com- 6) then had to wait to cel- run with 3:09 remaining, Oakland Raiders fans Mario Duran, left, and Carlos game since an overtime loss ing out of the game midway ebrate until Riley Patter- a play after Buffalo’s Tyree Trevino, cheer before their game against the Los Angeles at playoff team Oklahoma through the third quarter son’s 43-yard field goal at- Jackson fumbled to give the Rams at the Coliseum in Oakland on Sept. 10. exactly three months ear- when it was 49-7, Hopkins tempt went wide right as Trojans possession. lier. completed the first 1,000- time expired. The entertaining game Hopkins had a nifty 77- yard passing season for Both teams scored touch- that had several big swings Raiders fans call yard TD run on the last play Army since 2007. He was downs over the final 1:15. in momentum, especially of the first quarter for a 3-of-3 passing for 70 yards, Memphis (8-6) lost a big during a strange third 14-0 lead. The junior quar- including a 54-yarder that lead for the second straight quarter that featured Buf- for pregame rally, terback initially ran right set up one of his three game after jumping ahead falo scoring seven points before cutting back the 1-yard TD plunges. He also by 18 points in the first half. despite not running an of- other way and alluding one had a 2-yard TD run. Game MVP Newman ran fensive play. try to buck history tackler. He sent two other On the first play of the for three touchdowns and Troy took a 21-17 lead on defenders sliding to the second quarter, Cameron passed for a fourth to lead Smith’s 2-yard touchdown ground when he switched Jones had a 23-yard fumble Wake Forest, throwing for run with 9:47 left in the count the ways: By Gary Peterson directions again back to- return for an Army touch- 328 yards and rushing 23 third. 1 » Browns owner Art Bay Area News Group Modell, who sought re- Got plans for Christmas location because Cleve- team earlier this Eve? Of course you do. land Stadium wasn’t af- Kickers week. Change them. fording him enough in- “I never would have That is the plaintive come, announced Nov. 6, FROM PAGE 1 thought this would hap- plea from a group called 1995, that he was mov- pen, especially after last Forever Oakland. The ing the team to Balti- they’d often play soccer to- year. I’m so blessed and group will be attending more. The following day, gether during recess while grateful,” Rosas said about Monday night’s Raiders Cuyahoga County voters attending Fairview School his Pro Bowl selection in a game against the Den- approved a “sin tax” to re- in Orland. video released by the Gi- ver Broncos. But they model the old stadium. (A “We always knew each ants. “It’s an exciting time.” will be front and center new stadium ultimately other,” Sanchez said. “We’d Sanchez would be signed in and around the Coli- was erected on the site of play soccer at recess and by the Colts as an un- seum parking lot all day, the old one). all that stuff. We’ve always drafted free agent in May handing out signs and be- 2 » Even if Oakland voters stayed in touch.” 2017. Since then, he’s been seeching anyone who will approved a tax for a foot- The similarities boil successful and has had the listen that the Raiders a) ball stadium, it would be down to their jersey num- chance to learn behind vet- should not move to Las partially offset by the out- bers as well. In high school, eran Adam Vinatieri. This Vegas, or b) at least leave standing $80 million debt both sported No. 8, and now year, Sanchez is averaging their name, colors, logo from the Coliseum’s reno- both of them wear No. 2. 46 yards per punt. and legacy behind, as the vation in 1996. “We always dreamed “We kind of did talk did in 3 » The Browns didn’t big,” Sanchez said. “He about it, like ‘one day we’re 1996 when they bugged have to contend with wanted to be better than going to be in the league out for Baltimore. a baseball team on the everybody around him. I playing with or against Time is of the essence. prowl for a better venue. had the same mentality. We each other,'” Sanchez re- Monday night’s game The Indians had moved push our limits, and we put called. “Just all the hard could be the Raiders’ last into a new ballpark two in the work and the hours JASON HALLEY — ENTERPRISE-RECORD FILE work paid off. It’s pretty in Oakland. years before the Browns’ every single day.” Orland High’s Aldrick Rosas, left, kicks as Las Plumas amazing.” It shouldn’t be diffi- departure. As former A’s High school High’s Brandon Cherry defends in the first half of a boys Giving back cult to find the Forever executive Andy Dolich soccer game Dec. 8, 2009, in Orland. Oakland folks. Accord- wrote in this paper re- When Sanchez got to Both have been generous ing to a Facebook post, cently, the A’s, who have high school, he built a rep- toward their high school they’re partial to spend- declared their intent to utation as a star soccer serve as the wing back on would have to send players programs. ing the pregame hours at build ballpark at How- player. It was the game he offense. to retrieve Rosas and his Rosas and the Giants MOB (stands for “Make ard Terminal, have not loved, and he always envi- Nick Velazquez, the cur- younger brother, Mersha, recently helped pay for Oakland Better”) Alley — yet taken a meaningful sioned himself as a profes- rent Orland head football out of bed and drag them the Orland High football the self-proclaimed NFL’s step to make their dream sional soccer player. coach, remains close to Ro- to practice. uniforms and even sur- Longest Tailgate, located venue come true. “I dreamt big for soccer,” sas. In 2012, Rosas’ senior That wasn’t the case for prised Velazquez with a directly across the street 4 » Cleveland was able to Sanchez said. “I grew up year, Velazquez was the de- Sanchez. box of Nike gloves for his from the 66th Avenue en- retain the Browns’ name, playing soccer. I thought I fensive coordinator and saw “He was never late. He players. trance into the Coliseum. colors and history be- had a chance. I was decent first-hand how much poten- would never miss an op- “I sent him a text saying Festivities commence cause Modell was agree- at it.” tial Rosas had. portunity to practice. He ‘Man you didn’t have to do at 9 a.m. extending to able to the idea. While playing soccer for “I saw him run on offense would stay late,” Cooley that. This is awesome.’ He noon — rain or shine. The From the Feb. 9, 1996, the Braves during his fresh- and I’m thinking ‘Man this said. “When football was goes ‘No worries, coach. I first 200 fans to drop by edition of the Elyria man year, Sanchez’s kick- guy runs like gazelle.’ He over he went right over to just want to give back to will get a sign to wave (Ohio) Telegram: ing ability caught the eye can jump, he has great ball soccer and dominate.” the program,'” Velazquez during the game. “The NFL has thrown of then Hamilton football skills,” Velazquez said. said. “That’s some exam- You love the fans’ alle- rabid Cleveland fans a coach and current Pleasant Velazquez recalled Rosas College to the NFL ples of what he’s done for giance. You cringe at the bone. Under the agree- Valley head football coach as being quiet and reserved, After high school, Rosas us in the last eight months.” impossible odds against ment reached with Cleve- Mark Cooley. but he let loose when he attended and played for Sanchez has expressed them. Why do we say this? land and the NFL, Mod- “I happened to watch him took the football field. Southern Oregon Univer- interest in hosting a youth On Dec. 7, 1981, the ell moves the franchise to play some soccer as a fresh- “I would give a little raw sity. Sanchez stayed home football camp in the area Raiders were three games Baltimore immediately man. One of the best soc- speech and he’d just go and attended Butte, helping once the offseason hits. from moving to Los An- but the name ‘Browns’ cer players I’ve ever seen,” ‘Yes, coach.’ Then he’d go the Roadrunners achieve an He’s hoping that he can geles. Then, as now, fans and the team’s tradi- Cooley said. “I thought ‘Hm, out there and knock heads. undefeated season and a be an inspiration for the were compelled to heart- tional colors remain be- maybe we can turn that The guy was an animal,” state championship in 2013. up and coming athletes felt action. That was a hind. Cleveland will get into a football guy. Get him Velazquez said. “If he didn’t After Butte, Sanchez trans- in Glenn County. He and Monday night back when another NFL franchise, to kick some field goals for kick, he could have easily ferred to the University of Cooley still keep in touch, “Monday Night Football” either through expansion us.’ We finally talked him gotten pretty far as an out- Hawaii. and Sanchez even sent a was a TV ratings kingpin. or relocation of an exist- into it his sophomore year side linebacker in college. Both found success at pump-up video message to Fans organized a boycott ing team.” to come out.” He’s so big and fast and the college level. However, Cooley before the Vikings of the first 15 minutes of There’s no way that Sanchez took on foot- strong and physical.” Rosas tore the ACL in his state title game. the game, during which could work in Oakland. ball his sophomore year Like Sanchez, Rosas also kicking leg during the 2014 “I always told (Aldrick) they congregated on con- First, Modell had a desti- and met kicking coach played soccer. In his senior NAIA National Champion- that the best thing about courses, halls, restrooms, nation city and a stadium Abel Hernandez. Hernan- year he really dedicated his ship game. Sanchez blos- all of this is being able to out of sight of ABC cam- readily available. Raiders dez was part of the coach- time to perfecting kicking somed at Hawaii, becom- give back to the kids back eras. It made a good vi- owner Mark Davis does ing staff for the Braves and and shifted his primary fo- ing one of the top kickers home. Because growing up sual. It did not forestall not. Modell was willing had a heavy hand in helping cus to football. and punters in Division I you want to have that role the team’s move to South- to use his team’s colors as both Sanchez and Rosas re- “I remember even after football. model,” Sanchez said. “Us ern California. a negotiation chip. Mark fine their kicking craft. Her- the football season, we’d Rosas rehabbed and re- being able to be that role Attempting to mimic Davis would rather grow nandez will be in Indianap- be seeing him carrying a turned to kicking in an at- model for the kids and the the Cleveland Browns sit- a pompadour than go olis to watch both Sanchez bag of footballs over to the tempt to catch a team’s eye people back home is beyond uation is a nice thought. there. The part about the and Rosas play in Sunday’s stadium over by himself in the NFL. Sanchez had the us.” But Clevelanders were promise of another fran- game. and just kick, and kick and same goal after Hawaii. The way ahead of the game chise? Where would it “I started teaching him kick,” Velazquez said. two would kick together Contact reporter Sharon compared to contempo- come from and where in kicking. I told him you de- A multi-sport athlete, Ro- with Hernandez guiding Martin at 530-896-7778. rary Raiders fans. Let us Oakland would it go to? cide what you want to do,” sas event took up tennis to them and sending tapes to Hernandez said. “Kicking a stay in shape throughout NFL teams in an attempt to field goal is pretty simple.” the year. draw interest. Sanchez said his decision “It was so funny because “We’d go to Shasta Col- to peel away from the pitch he would go in the weight lege, Red Bluff, anywhere and fully commit to football room really quick before his that we had a field to kick was the toughest choice he’s tennis match and just load on, anywhere we got the ever faced. up the curl bar,” Velazquez chance,” Sanchez said. “We “That was probably one said. “We’d be like ‘Aldrick didn’t just go out there to of the hardest things I’ve what are you doing?’ He hang out we’d go out there done thus far, decision- goes, ‘I got to get my pump to train for something. It wise,” Sanchez said. on coach before I beat this has paid off, and we’re here His options after high dude.'” now.” school were either to attend Hernandez helped guide Rosas was signed as an Santa Rosa Junior College Rosas as well. He later left undrafted free agent in to play soccer or stay home Hamilton to join the Orland 2016 by the Tennessee Ti- and play for the Butte Col- coaching staff. tans, but was cut after los- lege football team. He went “(Rosas) was an amazing ing the job to veteran Ryan with Butte. soccer player too — big, gi- Succup. “I felt like I wasn’t ready ant leg,” Hernandez said. Rosas wouldn’t find an- to leave home right after “Nobody liked to get in his other team until the Gi- high school,” Sanchez said. way because he could kick ants came calling in 2017. “I did well my first season the ball so hard with tre- He struggled his first year (at Butte). Second season I mendous power.” with the Giants making just decided this is what I’m go- But, Rosas had some 18 of 25 field goals and 20 of ing to do. It’s the best deci- struggles too, mainly with 23 extra points. sion I’ve made thus far too, attending football practice. “He was telling me last but it was a difficult deci- “It’s so funny I remember year, he goes ‘I might not Only $1.55/day!* sion to make.” his junior year and his se- make it through the sea- Over in Orland, Rosas nior year we would have to son,'” Velazquez said. *Call Membership for details at 343-5678 was playing everywhere on get him out of bed to come This year, he’s completely the football field for the Tro- to practice,” Velazquez rebounded. He’s made 28 of jans. He excelled at kicking recalled. “We would go 29 field-goal attempts and and punting but also played ‘Where’s Aldrick?'” missed just one extra point safety, linebacker and de- Orland head football — numbers good enough fensive end. He would even coach Mike McDonald to earn him a spot on the