Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "blake mori"

Gators Obliterate Outlaws 48-6

2010-05-27T11:16:05Z

The River City Gators, Sacramento's minor league football team, faced the East Bay Outlaws in Oakley on Saturday. Despite missing a number of key players due to injury, and resting several others, the Gators defeated the Outlaws 48-6. With the win, the Gators improved their record to 7-1 and clinched their division. With a bye week under way, the Gators are set to return to action on June 5 on the road in Santa Rosa versus the 2009 minor league national champion Northbay Rattlers.

A steady wind and intermittent rain throughout the East Bay presented a number of challenges on Saturday. Injuries to starting quarterback Blake Mori and wide receiver Kyle Providence reduced the number of offensive weapons as wide receivers Paris Warren and Wesley Williams were rested. Backup quarterback Robert Arthur played despite suffering a broken finger early in the first quarter. Passing game inefficiency was more than made up for by greatly improved rushing and stingy defense.

The only blemish on an otherwise productive outing was the continuation of assistant coaching errors, perhaps the most significant of which included a pair of 15-yard penalties and the ejection of Gators assistant coach and equipment manager Terry Johnson.

Johnson was first cited for unsportsmanlike conduct related to what officials perceived as an obscene gesture directed at them. Moments later, an angry Johnson said he would no longer comply with the officials’ requests for game balls. As soon as the first request was made, he simply dropped the ball on the turf and said, “Come and get it yourself.”

That resulted in another 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and Johnson’s ejection. Although he later returned in defiance after the 2-minute warning in the fourth quarter, officials chose not to penalize the team further and simply allowed the clock to run out.

At one point, there were five flags on the field, each related to a different penalty.

Despite the sideline antics, the Gators won the day. They also won the division. Their next opponent will not be so easily defeated. The Gators last played the Northbay Rattlers in Santa Rosa during the 2009 playoffs. In that game, the departure of current Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz defensive back Mervin Brookins to the Arena-2 Stockton Lightning proved crucial as the Rattlers exploited the fill-in corner and won the game.

Though this year’s Gator squad is significantly better than last year’s, victory will require discipline both on the field and on the sidelines.

Images from Oakley tell the story best.

The River City Gators next game is June 5 in Santa Rosa versus the Northbay Rattlers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30pm.

Author's Note: I am an official photographer for the River City Gators.

Gators Lose to Islanders

2010-05-20T12:10:38Z

On Saturday, the River City Gators lost to the Pacifica Islanders 26-21. The end of the Gators' winning streak came after many players participated in the UFL's open tryout for the Sacramento Mountain Lions. Despite leading 7-6 in the second quarter and 21-19 late in the game, the Gators defense was unable to stop the powerful Islanders offense.

Gators quarterback Blake Mori made several poor decisions that resulted in turnovers. His arm looked burned out from the Mountain Lions tryout. He barely threw warm-up passes before the game. During the game, he misread several defensive schemes and often failed to check his three and four receivers. Oftentimes during the game, it appeared as though Mori's footwork was off, resulting in poor snaps and exchanges from backup center Colbrun Mahan. Starting center Gabe Sorenson remains out with an injury.

Paris Warren never seemed to get in sync on offense and actually played free safety during part of the second half. Gators wide receiver Wesley Williams spent much of the game on the sidelines. Gators wide receiver Steve Dickinson was missing from action. It was later confirmed that he was released from the roster for unspecified reasons. Despite solid performances from wide receivers Cam'ron Mbewa and Kyle Providence, the Gators simply couldn't get the job done.

The Gators often came out of the huddle in no back sets. The lack of a running game underscored the offensive line's inability to control the line of scrimmage and create holes. Quarterback scurries, hurries, sacks and pocket pressure further confirmed that weakness. Even Gators kicker Morton Geivett had a bad night.

During a week where UFL tryout preparation resulted in a number of players not practicing, the effects were visible during the game. The Gators simply did not have their A game. The added fatigue from the UFL tryouts certainly was a factor. A breakdown in morale among coaches and team administrative personnel exacerbated the negativity on the sidelines. The early departure of the Gator Girls, managed by Cheer Sacramento, with 12:24 remaining in the second quarter, when the score was 7-6 favoring the Gators, seemed to alter the vocal expression of support from the warning track and the stands. With a record crowd on hand, such a breakdown in both on- and off-field practices defied comprehension.

Despite all of that, the Gators had several opportunities to win the game. On more than one occasion, the offense had the opportunity to score valuable pull-away points that would have kept them in front. Despite weakness in the secondary, the pass rush of the Gators defensive line was enough to keep the game within reach all the way to the two minute warning. Asked what happened, wide receiver Kyle Providence only said, "Guys don't show up for practice, this is what happens."

From the perspective of experienced media, having studied the game at a high level for the past two decades, it is clear that while Kyle Providence is correct, there's more to it. There's an old saying: You get out what you put in. This applies to more than just players. Everyone in the River City Gators organization from top to bottom must commit themselves to playing full-out no matter what the circumstance. The measurable impact of breakdowns in leadership at any level will always show up on the scoreboard.

Gators co-owner Jason Kang said, "We clearly have many things to work on."

Indeed. Another member of the media said, "It's OK that they lost this game. It gets their heads out of the clouds, and they're still on top of their division."

This is true. It is often said that one of the most difficult things to do in sports is beat the same great team twice. The Gators may very well face the Islanders again in the playoffs. If that opportunity comes, and if they want to win, then the many things they have to work on better be worked out.

Quarterback Blake Mori - looking tired

Wide receiver Paris Warren - wide open all day

Wide receiver Paris Warren - unable to pull down a high pass

Wide receiver Paris Warren - less than pleased

Wide receiver Cam'ron Mbewa - unable to pull in a high pass

Defensive back Brandon Coleman - turned around and unable to stop the TD

Defensive back Art Acosta - returns an interception for a touchdown

Wide receiver Kyle Providence - making the catch

Wide receiver Byron Wallace - unable to pull down the high pass

Kicker Morton Geivett - blocked

Quarterback Robert Arthur - reaching for the endzone

Quarterback Blake Mori - unable to escape the pressure

Wide Receiver Cam'ron Mbewa - protecting the ball

Quarterback Blake Mori - throwing into an empty seam

Kicker Morton Geivett - blocked

Paris Warren - playing defense

Linebacker Datay Pongyan - roughing the passer

Linebacker LaMont Providence - fatigued and dissatisfied

Assistant Coach and Manager Terry Johnson - resigned and by himself on the sideline

Wide receiver Wesley Willams, Defensive back Keenan Fields, and others - sensing the loss in the final minute

The River City Gators play the East Bay Outlaws on the road this Saturday in Oakley. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Authors Note : I am also an official team photographer for the River City Gators

Mountain Lions hold Open Tryouts in Sacramento

2010-05-20T09:16:09Z

The United Football League’s Sacramento Mountain Lions second California open tryout was held at Natomas High School on Saturday, May 15. Registration began at 7:30 a.m., and drills continued through the day until shortly after 11:30 a.m. Mountain Lions Head Coach Dennis Green spent most of the day in the middle of the field, turning to monitor various position groups and taking notes that presumably only his assistant could decipher.

According to Green, there were approximately 260 athletes participating on this day. The previous tryout was held in San Diego on May 8, and another one is scheduled for San Mateo on May 23. The team roster has 74 total spots, and Green said “there are about 30 open spots right now.” Better make that 29. Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who played for Green in Minneapolis, has just signed with the Mountain Lions.

Citing ESPN, the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Culpepper has not yet finalized the deal. Culpepper has most recently been with the NFL’s Detroit Lions. A local fan, Randy Silva, said “being reunited with Green in Sacramento seems great for [Culpepper]; after all, he had his most productive seasons in Green’s system with the Vikings.”

True, but he also had Randy Moss to throw to. While ESPN reports that Mountain Lions assistant coaches were telling players that Culpepper would be the quarterback during the tryout, I never heard that on the ground during drills, I never heard that from the players and I certainly never heard that from the coaches.

Perhaps the more important impact, however, is the reduction of one more open roster spot, and the decreasing chance for another quarterback to be signed. Green said, "Even though there are 30 spots open, we still have NFL free agents to look at.”

Culpepper is one of those free agents. For current River City Gators; former California State University, Sacramento, quarterback Blake Mori and others like him, the signing of NFL free agents is an X-factor that makes open tryouts often feel like cattle calls.

Former University of California, Davis, wide receiver Jerome McGee, who currently plays arena football for the San Jose Wolves, also attended the tryouts. He said, “It was good. Tough, but good. We’ll just have to see what happens. A lot of guys will be out there next week too.”

Current River City Gators and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Paris Warren was also there. He played in the UFL last season for the Florida Tuskers. He moved back to Sacramento, at least in part, to become a Mountain Lion. Asked about his experience, he said, “It’s always good to get on the field. I recognized some boys from the league, Fred Amey, Keith Wright and some Utah guys.” The speed is different out here, and you can tell. It felt good.”

Asked about the large number of participants, Warren said, “Whenever you do an open tryout, there are lots of defensive backs and wide receivers. Those are the most competitive positions on the field. We’ll see how it goes. There’s another tryout next week, but I don’t think I’ll be there.”

River City Gators linebacker LaMont Providence, who participated in the open tryouts, said these events are challenging.

“There’s a lot of guys out here, and most of them won’t make it,” Providence said. Indeed, Green confirmed that out of each of the open tryouts, the Mountain Lions might take a good look at three or four, maybe a few more. When asked whether that would translate into three or four player signings per tryout, Green was not so sure.

“We’ll just have to see," he said. "We did lots of work today. We kept them working. I’m excited, but free agents remain.” No matter how hard the open tryout field worked, the specter of NFL free agency looms, and Green’s comment seems to indicate the obvious – that there’s a lot more competition than what participants experienced on the field.

Contra Cost Razorbacks defensive lineman Sione Umufuke had fire and intensity unlike any other in his group. When asked about his motivation, he said, “This is my moment. There is no other. I don’t need to just be better than these guys here. I need to be better than everyone else.” Asked about NFL free agent competition, Umufuke said, “Just give me a shot at them. This is my time.”

Green’s excitement, however, was about more than just a good day of work on the field. He said, “I’m excited because the UFL is the first step toward making American football like the English model of soccer. They have the Premier League and a number of other professional leagues. There’s room for that here, and we’re making it happen.” Asked about whether he also advocated a system where the teams with the worst records in the highest league would drop down the subsequent year and be replaced by the best teams from the next lower division, Green only smiled. “I don’t know about that. One thing at a time.”

The UFL reportedly faced a net loss of approximately $30 Million after the 2009 season. The league has added one team in 2010, the Omaha Nighthawks. The Mountain Lions themselves are a rebranded migrant franchise, only moving to Sacramento after an expensive and ineffective season playing in San Francisco’s Pacific Bell Park as the California Redwoods. The majority of games will be played on Fridays and Saturdays and will be televised on HDNet, VERSUS and a third currently unnamed broadcast partner. The league believes that the collection of off-season adjustments will significantly improve its financial condition.

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, is the Chairman of HDNet. UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue said the league is delighted by Cuban’s commitment, which includes becoming an owner. Despite backing out of a deal to become an original investor in 2009, Cuban chose to buy a portion of the entire league last month. Cuban joins, among others, Paul Pelosi, husband of Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, as a league owner.

The league has identified approximately 13 other U.S. cities as potential team locations. Target markets include: Austin, Tex.; Birmingham, Ala.; Columbus, O.; Louisville, Ky.; Memphis, Tenn.; Milwaukee, Wisc.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Salt Lake City, U.; San Antonio, Tex.; Los Angeles and San Jose. Until there are more teams, however, open tryouts will continue to be a long shot for aspiring pro players.

Mountain Lions Head Coach Dennis Green (left) spent most of the day working from midfield

Quarterback Blake Mori

Linebacker LaMont Providence

Linebackers assistant coach giving instruction during drills

Defensive Lineman Sione Umufuke

Defensive Linemen being instructed before another drill

Wide receiver Kyle Providence (right) makes the grab

Mountain Lions Head Coach Dennis Green talks to all 260 tryout participants

The third and final open tryout for the UFL’s Sacramento Mountain Lions is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Sunday. It will be held at San Mateo Community College.

Gators Trounce Trojans 49-14

2010-05-10T10:24:11Z

West Sacramento, CA – On Saturday night, the River City Gators extended their winning streak to 6-0 by defeating the Stockton Trojans 49-14 at River City Stadium. The Gators gained 454 yards of offense and scored seven touchdowns on 52 plays. Quarterback Blake Mori completed 14 of 21 pass attempts for 286 yards and 5 touchdowns. Quarterback Robert Arthur completed 3 of 8 pass attempts for an additional 67 yards.

The Gators spread the ball around. Paris Warren caught 6 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown. Cam’ron Mbewa caught 5 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Providence caught 4 passes for 83 yards and one touchdown. Byron Wallace caught one pass for 21 yards and one touchdown, and Steve Dickinson caught one pass for 33 yards.

The balanced attack also featured five different rushers. Blake Mori carried 6 times for 27 yards and one touchdown. Robert Arthur carried 8 times for 38 yards. Michael Knowlton carried 4 times for 27 yards. Kyle Providence carried once for 9 yards and one touchdown, and Eric Bailey carried 4 times for 0 yards.

All together, the Gators passed 17-29 for 353 yards and 5 touchdowns, and recorded 23 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Special teams and defense generated significant additional yardage, though statistics were unavailable on Sunday.

Despite all of that, the Gators are projected underdogs for their home game on May 15th versus the Pacifica Islanders. Despite coming off a 55-0 shutout, the Islanders are 5-1, their lone loss being a defensive battle against Santa Rosa’s Northbay Rattlers. Gators Co-Owner Jason Kang says, “Gotta love being an underdog. Already picked to be nearly a two touchdown underdog on our own home field? I’m fired up and motivated.” Surely all of the players are motivated too.

Defensive tackle Rayford Green says, “Our motto is ‘Failure is not an Option’ so let’s get it!” With the UFL Sacramento Mountain Lions tryout set to take place on Saturday as well, both teams will be fired up. Tryouts run from 9am-12pm at Natomas High School. Registration begins at 7:30am. Over a dozen Gators players have registered and NCFL sources say a similar level of trout participation is expected from the Islanders. That said, Kang says that “even though player fatigue may be a factor, it should equally affect both teams.”

Images from the Gators vs. Trojans game provide a glimpse of what’s in store for fans this weekend.

Paris Warren in the open field.

Paris Warren in heavy traffic.

Cam'ron Mbewa takes out defenders pursuing Paris Warren.

Kyle Prividence eyes the endzone.

A Trojan defender is no match for Paris Warren.

Cam'ron Mbewa fights for a first down.

Paris Warren eyes his first TD as a Gator.

Paris Warren's first Gator TD.

Paris Warren and Byron Wallace celebrate.

A delighted Paris Warren after the score.

Carl Watson coming in from the outside.

LaMont Providence reading the formation.

Morton Geivett adds the extra point.

Wesley Williams debut in a Gator uniform.

Rayford Green and Kyle Providence.

Rayford Green and Paris Warren.

Wesley Williams.

Paris Warren.

The Gators vs. Islanders game is Saturday May15th. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm at River City Stadium in West Sacramento. For more information, visit the River City Gators website.

River City Gators Maul Marin Bulldogs

2010-04-27T07:53:48Z

On Saturday, April 24th, the River City Gators extended their winning streak to 4-0 by defeating the Marin Bulldogs 59-19 on the road in Marin. The Gators overcame a slow start after what was a relatively light week of practice. The game featured the return of Gators star wide receiver, #11 Kyle Providence, who missed the previous game due to UFL tryouts for the Las Vegas Locomotives. Gators quarterback, and former California State University - Sacramento player, #14 Blake Mori, split time with fellow quarterback, #18 Robert Arthur. While both seemed to struggle at times, the two-headed monster proved unstoppable.

It has long been said that a quarterback is only as good as the wide receivers he throws to. The 1-2 punch of #11 Kyle Providence, and #9 Camron Mbewa - also a former CSUS player - are as good as it gets in minor league play. In addition to those two, #15 Steve Dickinson, #82 Byron Wallace, #5 Terrell Crawford, and #2 Robbie Longan - a one-time NFL prospect - solidify the Gators receiving corps. To say the Gators are deep at wideout is an understatement.

Of course, the Gators talent pool is deep at all positions. An examination of the running backs, secondary, and both the offensive and defensive lines reveals considerable size, talent, and ability. Indeed, football is a team sport. The Gators continue to show signs of improved teamwork every week. The speed and precision of game management is always improving. To steal a line out of University of Oregon Head Football Coach Chip Kelly's book, the Gators' goal is simple: Win The Day.

On this day, that goal was decisively achieved. Images from the game tell the story best.

The Gators next game is May 1st, on the road versus the Nor Cal Lawmen. The UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions is scheduled for May 15th at Natomas High School. Kyle Providence and several other NCFL players will be there as well.

Gators rip holes and air it out on spring Saturdays

2010-04-20T10:09:00Z

Traditionalists will tell you that football season is in the fall. Here in Sacramento, however, there is a roster of men who will tell you football season is right now! The River City Gators football team is Sacramento's premier semi-pro football franchise. A member of the Northern California Football League, the Gators have been in the community for a good part of the last decade.

A quick check of the roster confirms that this is no pushover team of kids looking to toss the pigskin around on Saturdays. The offensive line weighs in at an average of 294.1 lbs. The defensive line weighs in at an average of 274.5 lbs. The Tallest offensive lineman is 6'5", and the tallest defensive lineman is 6'6". These are big men!

The Gators play fast and hard. They balance the run and pass. The offense rips holes and pounds the ball up the middle. They also go for the big pass and know how to put on an aerial show. Hands down, if you're a football fan sitting idle this spring waiting for the NFL draft and UFL tickets to go on sale, seeing the Gators play live will not disappoint.

Last year's Gator squad saw one player accepted to an NFL tryout camp with the Seattle Seahawks. Former Gator cornerback, Mervin Brookins, went on to play in the professional Arena Football League (Arena-2 Stockton Lightning). He is now playing for the ArenaOne Oklahoma City Yard Dogz. Another player was awarded an NCAA scholarship opportunity. Yet another former Gator player, defensive end, Sione Umufuke (currently playing for the NCFL's Contra Costa Razorbacks), was able to impress agent scouts enough to sign on with one as he currently prepares for United Football League (UFL) tryouts.

This year's Gator squad features quarterback, Blake Mori, and wide receiver, Camron Mbewa (both alums of California State University, Sacramento). Center, Gabe Sorenson, is a seven year veteran. He's also a regular competitor in World's Strongest Man competitions. His next one is July 4th in Red Bluff. Talented wide receiver, Kyle Providence, once a highly-rated prep prospect from Elk Grove, missed the game due to UFL tryouts being conducted in Arizona.

Sources say the Sacramento Mountain Lions are reportedly holding tryouts at Natomas High School on May 15th; however, this remains officially unconfirmed

The Gators are currently 3-0 (2-0 home, 1-0 away) and heading back on the road this weekend to play the Marin Bulldogs. The next home games are May 8th (vs. the Stockton Trojans) and May 15th (vs. the Pacifica Islanders). Both kickoffs are scheduled for 6:00pm Pacific. Home games are played at the new River City High School Stadium.

Images from the last game, a 35-21 victory over the Central Coast Barnstormers on April 17th, illustrate what the action is like.