Preps of the week: Archie Williams impresses in victory against Terra Linda
The second meeting between former MCAL teams in the new Redwood Empire Conference took place when Archie Williams battled Terra Linda at San Rafael High on Saturday.
The Peregrine Falcons, who had dropped a 10-7 game to Novato the week prior, bounced back with a big fourth-quarter performance to beat the Trojans and improve their chances of making the postseason dramatically.
In other football action, Novato reeled off its fourth consecutive win and a Novato resident keyed a big victory for St. Vincent de Paul of Petaluma.
Isaac Pierce and Nate Ryan, Archie Williams football
The Peregrine Falcons dug themselves an early hole with two turnovers on their first three offensive plays but roared back to score 32 of the final 38 points behind big games from Ryan and Pierce in a 32-13 win over Terra Linda on Saturday. Ryan got things started with his own personal two-play scoring drive. Ryan carried the ball both times for 44 total yards and scored to tie the game at 7-7. Ryan showed off his versatility as the Peregrine Falcons went ahead 14-7 in the second quarter. Coach Anthony Jackson dialed up a halfback option pass. Ryan rolled out to his right and hit Pierce for a 38-yard touchdown pass. From there, Pierce took over, scoring the Peregrine Falcons’ third touchdown of the day on a pass from quarterback Ronan Foley. TL trailed by two scores with just over 6 minutes left but Pierce snuffed out any hopes of a comeback with a pick-six to cap the scoring.
CJ Castro and Leo Hernandez, Novato football
The Hornets registered their second shutout of the season behind big games from Castro and Hernandez. Castro had the biggest play of the game, recovering a fumble and returning it 60 yards for a touchdown. Castro also had two passes defended and made three tackles. Hernandez had a huge four-sack game and forced a fumble. The Hornets have won four consecutive games on the back of an increasingly stingy defense. After surrendering 21 points in a season-opening loss, the Hornets have allowed just 14 total points during their winning streak.
Elizabeth Liu, Branson girls golf
The two-time MCAL golfer of the year has shown no signs of relinquishing that title during her senior season. Liu was the medalist with a 37 in a match at StoneTree Golf Club as the Bulls secured a 188-203 victory against Marin Catholic.
Bern Kent and Reed Hanna, Tam boys water polo
The senior duo stepped up in a big way to lead the Red-tailed Hawks to a 15-10 victory against Monte Vista on Saturday. Kent scored a team-high six goals for Tam (4-3) while Hanna added four goals and had four steals.
Carly Amborn, San Domenico girls tennis
One of the top players in the county, Amborn kept her undefeated streak for the season intact as she picked up San Domenico’s lone victory in a 6-1 loss to Lick-Wilmerding on Tuesday. Amborn is 6-0 on the season with wins at No. 1 singles against Terra Linda, College Prep, Urban, University HS, Archie Williams and last week vs Lick Wilmerding.
Timo Ural and Reed Edwards, Tam football
The Red-tailed Hawks had a tough task against undefeated American Canyon but hung around for as long as they could behind huge games from their quarterback and top receiver. Edwards completed 14 of his 25 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-25 road loss. Ural caught seven of those passes for a season-high 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Ural has four 100-yard receiving performances in five games this season.
Gabe Casanovas, St. Vincent football
The Novato resident had a game for the ages to lead the Mustangs of Petaluma to a 62-28 win against Fortuna on Saturday. Casanovas threw a career-high six touchdowns — including two to a pair of other Novato residents in Jack Ellis and Tyler Chelew. Casanovas completed 17 of 22 passes for 323 yards and added a rushing touchdown for good measure. For the season, Casanovas has completed 78.4% of his passes for 1,076 yards, with 15 touchdowns an no interceptions. Casanovas also leads the team in rushing with 343 yards and three more touchdowns.
Alex Markwick, San Rafael girls water polo
The freshman had a career game in a 14-10 loss to Rodriguez on Saturday and she scored a career-high nine goals. Markwick was involved in all 10 goals as she provided the assist on the other goal. Markwick’s previous best was a six-goal game against Del Campo in San Rafael’s season opener.