The Sunnyvale Sun

Sports

Firebirds come up short, prepare for 'Toga

By MIKE BARNHART

For the second straight week, Fremont football coach Ron Demonner liked the progress, potential and points displayed by the Firebirds' offensive unit. But he could only scratch his head regarding the team's defensive play.

And, unfortunately for the Firebirds, the result was an exciting, but disappointing, 32-26 defeat to San Jose Academy, Sept. 22 at Diesner Field.

"We've been in command, but we have not been able to slow anybody down," Demonner lamented after the Firebirds' record slipped to 1-2. "We're not reading the keys properly and that's been a mystery for us defensively."

Demonner hopes he can solve some of the defensive issues prior to the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division opener on Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m., at Saratoga.

Demonner is pleased with the progress of his office since a 40-0 shutout to Willow Glen in the season opener.

"Pat Washington is emerging as a real running threat, and Daunti Mills is doing a fine job with the option," Demonner praised, "The line is coming along and [R.J.] Rivera has made some crushing blocks as a lead blocker."

Washington followed up a five-touchdown effort against Del Mar with a pair of touchdown runs against San Jose. Mills also ran for two scores against the Bulldogs.

In addition to fullback Rivera, who also has provided consistently good linebacker play for the Firebirds, Demonner praised the blocking of tight end Jon Karabats, guards Mike Lolling and John Magliulo, tackles George Tran and Juan Escamilla and center Ray Trevino.