Matt Sargent returns to Dwarf Car winner’s circle

Antioch, Calif. – Oklahoma’s Daryn Pittman proved his versatility by driving to win the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars features in both spring and Sunday’s late summer track conditions.

“The track was a different track than what we were used to,” Pittman said in comparing his March 29 win on a tacky spring track surface with Sunday’s win on the smooth and slick 3/8-mile oval.

Tyler Walker of Los Angeles and Joey Saldana from Indiana were right on Pittman’s heels for most of the event. Saldana first had to contend with champ Donny Schatz at the start of the race. Soon after Schatz took the lead, his car was sidelined by a flat right rear tire.

“Donny (Schatz) got the lead and I was hanging with Joey (Saldana),” Pittman explained in victory lane. “Joey just messed up a little bit going into turn one and two. He didn’t commit to the top and missed the bottom. He just got stuck there in the middle, and luckily I got by him.”

Walker popped wheelies coming off the second turn as he tried to pass Saldana in vain. Brad Sweet of Grass Valley chased Walker across the finish line to take fourth. California native Paul McMahan finished fifth.

Local favorite Rico Abreu of Rutherford broke the track record by completing a circuit around the 3/8-mile oval in 11.489 seconds. Unfortunately, Abreu flipped his car coming out of the second turn in the feature event. He was not injured, but his car could not continue to be raced.

SARGENT RETURNS TO VICTORY LANE

San Jose’s Matt Sargent hadn’t seen victory lane at Antioch Speedway in six seasons. He wheeled his Dwarf Car to the checkered flag first in Sunday’s special Dwarf Car feature after a nip and tuck battle with Concord teen Adam Teves.

“He (Teves) got me on the restart and took the lead,” Sargent said after the race. “So, I followed him around the track and found a new line.”

As Sargent tried to pass Teves inside and out, he calculated his last pass for the win.

“I tried everything to pick up speed, then finally figured how to make the final pass.”
Danny Wagner of Bay Point finished third.

ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY SEASON CONTINUES WITH BIG SHOWS

Antioch Speedway presents DIRTcar Late Model Stock Cars this Saturday night. Sharing the spotlight with the fastest stock cars on dirt are International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) Modifieds and SportMods. In addition Northern All Stars Limited Late Models, Wingless Sprint Cars and Hobby Stocks are on the card.

MORE RACES, THIS SATURDAY

Saturday is the final tune-up for the IMCA Delta-Valley Classic on September 26 and 27. The extra money event is expected to draw a large field of cars.

Antioch Speedway is located within the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St. in Antioch, Calif. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, and $10 for children 6-12. Children under six years old are admitted free. A family four pack of tickets is $40. Secured parking is offered by the Fairgrounds for $5. Racing begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit www.antiochspeedway.com.

By Luke Johnson

Offensive tackle De’Ondre Wesley, who graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2010, was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 7.

Wesley was part of the 2009 undefeated team that saw Deer Valley capture its second league title. From there he played at Diablo Valley College in Concord for two years, where he was selected All-Conference, before accepting a scholarship to Brigham Young University. He was also recruited by Arizona State University, Utah, University of Texas San Antonio, Oregon State, Purdue and Louisiana Tech. Wesley had originally committed to ASU, a school he dreamed of playing for while growing up, but after he learned they had withdrawn their offer he reevaluated his situation before committing to BYU, where he was a broadcast journalism major with an English minor.

Wesley was the anchor of the offensive line at BYU that passed for 278 yards per game and rushed for 181 yards per game in 2014. The team also put up 37 points per game, the most a BYU offense has averaged since 2001. He earned letterman honors in both his junior and senior years and was named to the College Sports Madness All-Independent First Team in his final season.

Wesley is listed at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds on NFL.com, but he has his work cut out for him signing as an undrafted free agent. Currently in the middle of preseason, he has made it through the first stages of cuts. His status with the team is to be determined as the season progresses.

“I’m not surprised he’s in the NFL. He was always the tallest, and had a height and reach advantage over everybody,” former teammate Eddie Contreras said, who played on the offensive line with Wesley at Deer Valley and DVC. “It’s great for Deer Valley. He’s putting us on the map.”

Following are Wesley’s Pro Day stats, according to NFLDraftScout.com:

40-yard dash – 5.25 seconds
225 lb bench – 18 reps
Vertical jump – 31 inches
Broad jump – 115 inches
20-yard shuttle – 4.65 seconds
3-cone drill – 7.73 seconds

Now wearing Baltimore Ravens’ jersey #77, De’Ondre’s profile can be seen on the team’s website by clicking here.

By Luke Johnson

Antioch High School’s superstar running back Najee Harris has inserted himself into the record books again by rushing for 396 yards off 22 carries against Milpitas, at home Friday night, breaking a school record which he already possessed. In addition, he had two receptions for 94 yards, five touchdowns all together (three rushing and two receiving). The amazing part is he sat out the entire fourth quarter.

Harris did not know he passed his own mark until after the game in which Antioch was victorious 47-22. Once he was informed, the only thing he could think about was Antioch’s game at San Leandro next week.

“Nothing really,” he said when asked what was going through his mind now knowing he set a new record. “Just worried about San Leandro. That’s it… Nothing really special is going through my mind.”

Last year, in the first round of the North Coast Section Playoffs at San Leandro is when Harris originally broke the record with 371 rushing yards in a 50-26 win for Antioch. He passed Joe Madrigal’s mark from 1981 when he rushed for 308 yards. The record was originally set by Carl Maxwell, who rushed for 304 yards in 1953.

Harris now has 31 career touchdowns on varsity, and is approaching Brian Boccio’s record of 32 set back in 1992-93. With 3,011 career rushing yards, Harris already has the record previous held by Madrigal (2,103) set in 1980-81.

In Friday night’s matchup, Antioch trailed 16-8 late in the second quarter. On third and long, quarterback Numan Najib scrabbled outside the pocket and flung a short pass to Harris, who caught it just inches above the ground and ran 76 yards to the end zone; breaking five or six tackles along the way. On the second play of the ensuing drive, Antioch’s defense fell on a fumble behind the line of scrimmage, and Najee Harris scored a 30-yard touchdown run the very next snap through wide open space created by his offensive line. That sequence swung the momentum into Antioch’s favor with a 20-16 lead at halftime.

The team dominated from there, outscoring Milpitas 20-0 in the third quarter, propelling the Panthers to a 2-0 record to start the season.

“We knew coming in that this team was going to be hard [to beat],” Harris said. “I just told us to compete. I guess those little-big plays gave our team some momentum, and we never looked back.”

Why play Delta Winter Ball???

It’s the best deal in East County! Doesn’t interfere with Soccer or Football! Ball players get to play with their friends! Cost is only $65 for uniform (cap and shirt), umpire and game ball.

Online signups are open NOW!

In-Person signups:

– Saturday, September 12 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Sports Authority (5839 Lone Tree Way, Antioch)

– Wednesday, September 16 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Antioch Indoor Sports Complex (1210 Sunset Drive, Antioch)

– Friday, September 18 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Antioch Indoor Sports Complex (1210 Sunset Drive, Antioch)

– Saturday, September 26 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Sports Authority (5839 Lone Tree Way, Antioch)

Our season runs from October 18, 2015 to January 23, 2016.

12 game schedule (Weather permitting…Some double headers may be played due to weather and scheduling)

Most games played on Saturdays with the first three games played on Sunday.

Coaches bring over your entire team

Interested in signing up a team? Contact Seneca Gibson at fallwinterball@deltabaseballleague.com

Baseball Divisions

Junior Boys ages 6-7

(8 yr old can play Junior depending on skill level)

Ripken Minor ages 8-9

(10 yr old can play Minor depending on skill level)

Ripken Major ages 11-12

(10 yr old can play Major depending on skill level)

Softball Divisions

Junior Girls ages 9-10(8 yr old can play Junior depending on skill level)

Senior Girls ages 11-13

(10 yr old can play depending on skill level)

Coaches Needed!!! Contact Seneca Gibson at fallwinterball@deltabaseballleague.com

Delta Baseball and Softball League is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching Baseball and Softball to children in East Contra Costa County. Our Board of Directors are all volunteers giving their time to provide a positive and instructional league for children where the focus is on participation, fundamentals, and enjoyment of the game; all in a safe environment where everyone is treated fairly. Winning is not the primary goal. For more information visit www.deltabaseballleague.com.

Antioch, Calif. – Art McCarthy of San Jose averted disaster after his sprint car was launched spectacularly into the air but landed on all fours to win the Northern All Stars Winged 360 Sprint Car feature Saturday night at Antioch Speedway.

The seven-division summer spectacular saw Nick DeCarlo of Martinez take advantage of a fumble by Livermore’s Shawn DeForest to win in the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) modified stock car division. Anthony Giuliani of Morgan Hill out-dueled Brentwood’s Patti Ryland to win the IMCA SportMod feature.

Kyle Bakkie of Citrus heights won over Antioch’s Roy Fisher and Keith Shipherd in the Northern All Stars Wingless Sprint car feature. Concord’s Mike Gustafson was first in the Northern All Stars Limited Late Model main event. Mike Hynes of Suisun CIty and Lori Brown of Antioch chased him.

Bay Point’s Danny Wagner returned to victory lane by edging Mike Corsaro of Tracy in the Dwarf Car feature. Kimo Oreta of Vacaville, the reigning champ in the Hobby Stock division, again won the Hobby Stock main event.

McCarthy’s Spectacular Win

Coming out of the second turn on a super fast racetrack, McCarthy and Antioch’s Dan Gonderman were passing lapped traffic when they came together.

“The track was great – very fast,” said McCarthy. “When we split to go around a lapped car, he (Gonderman) went high and I went low. We came back together he dropped down a little lower and I ran over his left front.”

That resulted in McCarthy’s car being launched high on the backstretch.

“When the car came back down it was headed for the wall,” McCarthy said. “I kept my foot on the gas and it turned the car in the right direction.”

McCarthy went on to win with Robby McMahan of Sacramento and Antioch’s Shawn Arriaga following him across the finish line.

DeCarlo Over DeForest

DeCarlo’s win came by out-maneuvering Livermore’s DeForest in lapped traffic.

DeCarlo and DeForest started in the back of the pack. As they passed cars, DeCarlo made a bold move.

“Nick (DeCarlo) just went around all of us,” said DeForest. “I fumbled and he got by me.”

With three laps to go, Aaron Crowell of Brentwood was holding onto first when DeCarlo passed him on the restart. Scott Busby of Martinez was challenging Crowell for second when DeForest made his move for DeCarlo with one lap to go.

“Before I knew it the race was over. Running on the bottom of the track was good for me – every car I passed, I passed on the inside – which is uncharacteristic for me,” DeForest said. Oreste Gonella of Petaluma moved into third place.

Four for Giuliani

Giuliani scored his fourth IMCA SportMod win of the year after starting last.

When Fred Ryland of Brentwood’s hood flew off to bring out a restart, Giuliani still had to contend with Patti Ryland, Fred’s wife.

“Patti was really running great – we raced very hard, side by side,” Giuliani said. “It was really fun. She is an excellent driver to race against.”

Trevor Clymens of Brentwood was third.

Labor Day Break & World of Outlaws Sept. 13

Antioch Speedway will be dark this weekend, and will return to action with the World of Outlaws 410 Sprint Cars on Sunday night, Sept. 13. SportMods will also be featured in the program.

Tickets for the special event can be purchased at woosprint.com.

The Antioch Speedway is located at the Antioch Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking is accessible off L Street. For more information visit www.ovalmotorsports.com.

By Luke Johnson

The high school football season is about to kickoff, and Antioch and Deer Valley are ready to make some noise.

Coaches and players across the Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL) feel that Antioch is a strong contender to finish in first place. The team is led by returning BVAL MVP Najee Harris, a junior, who is ranked the number one running back in the country by various scouting websites. He broke two school records last season: rushing yards in a game (371) and in a season (2,263). The 6-foot-2, 222 pound junior has offers from some of the top schools in the country such as USC, Oregon and reigning NCAA Champs Ohio State, but verbally committed to Alabama in April during an unofficial visit.

The Panthers finished with a 7-5 record, and a victory in the first round of the North Coast Section Playoffs for the first time since 1984, which is also the last time they won a league title. The team will be returning many star players such as wide receiver/defensive back Ryan Payne, running back Nick Perry and linebacker Kobie Beltram, who is well on pace for breaking the school’s career tackle record and has a scholarship offer from Oregon State.

The Yoc Boyz, which became for a nickname for the team last year, will welcome three talented incoming transfers: defensive backs Issac Freytes (Freedom), Dawon Boyd (Deer Valley) and wide receiver Keonte Taylor (James Logan-Union City), who had 11 touchdown receptions last season. The squad also expects big things from wide receiver/defensive back Antione Tanner and lineman Sir Forbes whom are coming up from JV last year.

“I know Najee gets all the attention, but it’s not just Najee,” said offensive coordinator Brett Dudley. “We have weapons all over the place now.”

Deer Valley is not coming off its best performance, last season with a record of just 4-6. The Wolverines went 0-5 in interleague competition and were outscored 182-28 throughout those games. But things are looking up with new head coach Robert Hubbard at the helm, who is unanimously liked by players and fellow coaches, including opposing coaches.

“He’s a good dude. I know he loves the kids and is very organized,” said Dudley. “I have a lot of confidence that he is going to get them going in the right direction.”

As a player, Hubbard holds the single-season rushing record at Diablo Valley College (1,518), and had 2,403 all-purpose yards in two seasons at the University of Nevada. Prior to being named head coach at Deer Valley, he was an assistant coach at Northgate-Walnut Creek.

Fortunately for Hubbard, Deer Valley returns approximately 24 varsity football players, including three All-BVAL selections: running back Rai Shyan Alexander, offensive lineman Latu Toetuu and kicker Christian Rodriguez. The Wolverines also bring back key starters such as quarterback Devin Gould, lineman Troy Decuir, linebacker Brandon Faatalale and wide receiver Elijah Womack.

Hubbard said there is a lot of potential at Deer Valley, but added, “Potential means you haven’t done anything yet.” He feels the team is currently in a better mental state after dealing with off the field issues last year.

For Deer Valley and Antioch the season begins Friday, August 28. The Panthers will host Acalanes in their new $7-million stadium, while Deer Valley travels to Granada. The two will face each other on Oct. 30 in the annual Mayor’s Cup at Antioch High School.

By Luke Johnson

One of Antioch High School’s greatest and most accomplished legends died from natural causes on June 8. Joe Gambetta coached the golf team to 22 League Championships, a school record, and on top of that won the biggest prize of them all, a State Championship, in 1987.

Born on Nov. 28, 1920, Gambetta grew up on his grandfather’s farm with three siblings in Novatto during the Great Depression. He served in World War II as an Air Force pilot who transported supplies to France and brought wounded soldiers back to England. After the war, he retired with the rank of Major.

Gambetta came to Antioch in 1957 and taught U.S. History and Driver’s Education for 34 years. He coached numerous sports, but focused on golf and football. In 1970, he led the football team to its first victory against arch-rival Pittsburg in 20 years. When he retired from teaching and coaching in 1991, his successor Ron Remington named an annual golf tournament after him, The Joe Gambetta Invitational, which is still played today.

He coached PGA competitor Larry Silveira and Antioch Sports Legend Hall of Famer Scott Olds, who defeated future superstar Phil Mickelson in the 1987 State Tournament. One of the most impressive footnotes of Gambetta’s career is that he took a school from a blue collar town, and beat schools from upper scale cities such as San Ramon, Pleasanton and Danville in a country club sport.

Statistical information provided by Tom Lamothe via the Antioch Sports Legends Historical Museum.