Support the Novato Stingers as they SWARM Florida!

A request from the Novato Stingers players and families...


Novato Youth Football 2009 Stingers (Pee-Wee) Need Your Support


Dear Friends of Novato Youth Football & Cheer,


The Novato Stingers (PeeWee division) won the regional Mountain Valley Youth Football League Superbowl on Sunday, November 21st and earned the right to go to the American Youth Football National Championships in Orlando, December 5-12. We are looking forward to making our friends, family and community proud as we swarm toward a national title.


Our success has not been made by one player alone or a streak of luck. We have won our games due to the teamwork we exhibit each and every week. We are a close football family. Financially, it is a very significant challenge we face sending 31 boys to Orlando. Times are tough for many and contributions to our league are down. Estimated costs to attend are approximately $1,100.00 per player.


Itʼs going to take teamwork to send all of our boys to Orlando and we hope we can count on your support. We do not want to have to leave a member of our football family behind due to a lack of funds.


Our timeframe is aggressive and we are posting this note in the hope that you and/or your company with contribute to our efforts with a tax-deductible donation or sponsorship. If you can help us out, please e-mail ccassee@comcast.net or call 415.827.2872 and we will get a form right out to you!


Thank you so much!!!!!


GO STINGERS!

'09 MVL SuperBowl - Novato Stingers vs. Lathrop Steelers

Stinger moms show they "Believe" in their team

The pictures from this game are now available on the 2009 Novato Stingers Shutterfly site.


Game Summary


The #1 seeded Novato Stingers got to travel to Lathrop High School just outside Stockton to play the #3 seeded Lathrop Steelers in the Mountain Valley Youth Football League Division II SuperBowl on Saturday, November 21st.  It was a later start than usual for a PeeWee game, but with sunny skies and a serious chill in the air the games got down to business with a 3 PM kick-off.


The Steelers won the coin-toss but deferred to the Stingers, who elected to receive the ball first.  After a short opening drive, Novato had to give the ball back setting the stage for a defensive struggle.  And the Stinger defense did take over, forcing a fumble on the Steeler 35 after a short drive.  Novato took only a few plays to capitalize, with Alec Ball (12) breaking free for a 30-yard touchdown run for the first points of the game.  Marc Alvarez (21) kicked the two-point PAT and the Stingers were up 8-0 with 1:30 remaining in the first quarter.


The teams each got one more shot in the first-half, but came up short so Novato lead 8-0 at halftime.


Novato kicked-off to start the second-half, and immediately took control when Ben Putman (10) pounced on the onside-kick.  After a short drive, the Stingers had to kick the ball back and with the addition of a blocking-in-the-back penalty on the return, the Steelers were backed up on their 9 yard-line.   Novato held Lathrop and got the ball back on the Lathrop 16 yard-line.  A quick 13-yard pass from quarterback Tommy Sanz (13) to tight-end Robbie Cassée (16) set up a first-and-goal.  Half-back Putman then pushed it in for a touchdown and with Alvarez's second two-point PAT the Stingers were up 16-0 with 2:54 remaining in the third-quarter.


The ensuring onside kick-off was recovered by Stinger Henry Dalton (7) and Novato had the ball yet again.  This time it didn't last, as the Steelers recovered a fumble and then started a long march down the field.  With a rushing touchdown at 6:14 in the fourth-quarter, the game was a tighter-than-comfortable 14-6.  


Lathrop tried an onside-kick of their own on the ensuing kick-off but Moses Johnson (47) neatly caught the ball for the Stingers.  After a time-draining drive Putman broke through for a 6-yard touchdown.  With Alvarez's third two-point PAT the Stingers led 24-6 with 2:14 to play.


As it has all year, the Stinger defense came up big, stopping Lathrop's attempt to march down the field.  After taking the ball back on downs, Novato kneeled on the ball a couple of times and it was all over and the Stingers were the MVL PeeWee Division II champs!


Final Score: Novato Stingers 24, Lathrop Steelers 6


Next Up: AYF National Championship in Orlando, Florida!


Here are some highlight photos from the Stingers MVL SuperBowl win.

Alec Ball (12) breaks out for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Robbie Cassée (16) has a clutch catch an run to the 3 in the second-quarter.

Marc Alvarez (21) kicks the first of three 2-point PATs on the day

Henry Dalton (7) pounces on an onside-kick in the third-quarter

It's a bird.  It's a plane.  No, it's SuperBen Putman (10) flying for yards in the second-half.

Moses Johnson (47) makes a critical recovery on a Lathrop onside-kick

Offense wins games but swarming Stinger defense wins championships!

Celebration!  Yes, we're going to Orlando...

'09 Football Playoffs - Novato Stingers vs. Southern Marin Broncos

Coach Jones telling the Stingers "that's two-down with one more to go" following the game

The photos from this Novato Stingers game are now available on the 2009 Novato Stingers Shutterfly site.


Mountain Valley Youth Football League - 2009 PeeWee Division II Playoffs


Game Summary


The second round of the 2009 PeeWee Division II Playoffs for the Mountain Valley League of American Youth Football took place on Sunday, November 15th at Marin Catholic High School. The Novato Stingers, seeded #1, where officially the home team and played in their black uniforms. As the visiing team, Southern Marin, seeded #4, wore their white uniforms.


Southern Marin won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball. The Stinger defense established itself again, holding the Broncos on their opening drive and getting the ball back on the 35 yard-line. On Novato's first offensive play, Ben Putman (10) took the ball 65-yards down the right sideline for a quick score, giving the Stingers a quick 6-0 lead with 7:44 left in the first-quarter.


It looked like the Stingers would take control when Alec Ball (12) recovered the ensuing kick-off to give Novato the ball back. But the Broncos intercepted a long pass on the drive and the defensive struggle was on.


Danny Dreher (5) took the ball back with an interception at 1:30 in the first-quarter but the offense couldn't capitalize on the takeover. The second-quarter was hard-nosed football, with the Stinger defense, especially a fiesty Putman, clamping down the Bronco offense. The teams went into halftime with the Stingers up 6-0.


The second-half proved much the same, with Novato getting the ball first but turning it back over on downs. Dreher came up big again with another interceptions with 1:31 left in the third-quarter. The Broncos defense held firm and Novato had to give the ball back.


The fourth-quarter was similar until Novato got the ball back in Bronco territory with only minutes remaining. After a short drive, Putman broke one through the middle for a 30-yard touchdown. Coupled with a Marc Alvarez (21) two-point PAT field-goal, the Stingers were up 14-0 with only 1:31 left in the game.


Which put the game in the hands of the stingy Stinger defense one last time. And they came up big yet again. This time it was Hunter Wegner (18) with an interception with less than a minute remaining. After a final offensive play the hard-fought battle was over and the Stingers won the right to move on to the championship game.


"Southern Marin played a great game today," said Head Coach John Jones, "we had to give it everything we had to pull this one out.  Our boys played hard, but our defense really had to step it up to make sure we came out on top.  We can celebrate the win today, but we have a lot to do this week to get ready for a very tough Lathrop squad next weekend."


Final Score: Novato Stingers 14, Southern Marin Broncos 0


Next Up: Lathrop Steelers


NOTE: As of the time of this posting, the championship game is planned for Saturday, November 21 at Lincoln High School in Stockton, CA. I'll post any changes here...


Here are some photo highlights from the game:

A hard tackle on the Broncos opening drive

Ben Putman (10) breaks away for a touchdown on the Stingers first offensive play

Alec Ball (12) recovers the onside kick following the TD

Putman outjumps the Bronco receiver the knock it away!

Danny Dreher (5) intercepts a pass in the 1st Quarter, his first of two on the day!

It's just out of reach for Robbie Cassée (16) on this 2nd Quarter pass

The Stingers "D" swarms a Bronco like it did all day long

Marc Alvarez (21) sacks the Bronco QB for a huge loss late in the game

Putman bursts through the line for another TD late in the game to seal the Stinger win

'09 Football Playoffs - Novato Stingers vs. Esparto Spartans

Danny Dreher and Ben Putman showing their Novato pride for the playoffs!

The photos from this Novato Stingers game are now available on the 2009 Novato Stingers Shutterfly site.


Mountain Valley Youth Football League - 2009 PeeWee Division II Playoffs 


Game Summary


The first round of the 2009 PeeWee Division II Playoffs for the Mountain Valley League (MVL) of American Youth Football (AYF) took place on Sunday, November 8th in Northern California. The Novato Stingers entered the playoffs seeded first with an official record of 6-1 (7-1 overall). The eighth-seeded Esparto Spartans travelled to the Novato High School field for an 11 AM game on a beautiful sunny day for football.


Novato lost the coin toss and Esparto elected to receive the ball to start the game. Things started off well for the Stingers as Ben Putman (10) returned to action after a 4-game stint on the injured reserve, and promptly stripped the Spartan kick-returner of the ball and Henry Dalton (7) pounced on the fumble to give Novato the ball in Spartan territory. The Stinger Offense quickly established itself as Alec Ball (12) ran the ball for a 28-yard touchdown which Marc Alvarez (21) followed with a 2-point PAT field goal giving Novato a 8-0 lead.


The Novato defense quickly showed its stuff too, holding Esparto to a rapid 4-down and out on their first drive. It was an often repeated theme throughout the rest of the afternoon.


The Stingers second drive went 3-plays, capped by a 15-yard Tommy Sanz (13) pass to a wide-open Robbie Cassée (16) for a touchdown. The PAT attempt was thwarted by Esparto, making it 14-0 for Novato.


After holding Esparto to another 4-and-out, Novato drove the field for another score, this one a 12-yard pass from Sanz to a wide-open Dalton for another six points and a 20-0 lead.


On the Spartans third drive, Novato held tight again for a 4-and-out and then the offense took two plays for another score - this time a 42-yard run by Putman puting the Stingers up 26-0. A significant lead already, early in the second-quarter, and they were only getting warmed up!


The Spartans drove for a first down in their next drive, but the defense held tight once again taking the ball over on downs. Novato's fifth drive again resulted in a score, this time a 10-yard run by Ball and another 2-point kick by Alvarez for a 34-0 lead going into half-time.


Novato received the ball first in the second-half and promptly drove the field again. This time, Angelo Lagomarsino (9) pushed the ball in for a 2-yard score. The Stingers were hit with a big 15-yard penalty on the PAT attempt, pushing them to the 20 yard line. Undaunted, Sanz quickly hit Cassée on a quick out and he barreled his way in for another point and a 41-0 lead.


Things went from bad to worse for the Spartans, as Danny Dreher (5) intercepted the ball on the third play of Esparto's next drive. Novato quickly capitalized again, this time on a 50-yard, sideline-to-sideline scramble by Alvarez, and a 47-0 score.


The Stingers took the ball away again on the next drive when Cassée stripped the ball and Hunter Wegner (18) quickly recovered the fumble. Alvarez scored again, this time on a 35-yard run, and Lagomarsino followed it with a rushing PAT.


The defense made it three-take-aways-in-a-row, when Paul Kunst (24) intercepted a pass on the Spartans next drive. Novato quickly scored again on a 55-yard touchdown run by Ball.


Novato held Esparto to a 4-and-out again and Chris Folsom (25) capped a drive with a 3-yard touchdown run wrapping up the scoring on the day.


"The kids really played well on both sides of the ball today," said Coach John Jones. "The defense locked them down while the offense had a perfect day (10 touchdowns in 10 drives!) We'll work hard again this week to make sure we're ready for round two."


Final Score: Novato Stingers 67, Esparto Spartans 0


Next Up: Southern Marin Broncos


Here's are some photographic highlights from the game:

Ben Putman (10) is back with a vengence, stripping the ball on the opening kick-off

Alec Ball (12) follows Angelo Lagomarsino's (9) block on one of his 3 TD runs

Robbie Cassée (16) running to the end-zone after a catch

Henry Dalton (7) awaits the ball on the way to his touchdown

Marc Alvarez (21) jukes on a 50-yard sideline-to-sideline touchdown run

Cassée strips the ball and Hunter Wegner (18) gets ready to pounce on the ball.

The defense harassing the Spartans again.

Cheers! - Jason

Novato Yellow Jackets Oct. 31+ Game Photos

Hello Yellow Jackets Fans,


I've been a bit behind but have now caught up. If you'd like to see photos of the Yellow Jackets in action against Johnson, Weston Ranch and Rio Vista check them out at http://novatoyellowjackets.shutterfly.com/.


Black and Gold! All day, everyday! No Mercy!


/Bill Kelly

Novato Stingers vs Florin Phantoms - Oct. 24

The Stingers swarm the Florin Phantoms in Stockton

The photos from this Novato Stingers game are now available on the 2009 Novato Stingers Shutterfly site.


Game Summary
The Novato Stingers travelled to Stockton for a hot saturday afternoon game against the Florin Phantoms at Weston Ranch High School. Novato won the coin toss and quickly got things rolling on the offensive side with a two-play drive as Alec Ball (12) ran for a 22-yard touchdown only 42 seconds into the game. The PAT attempt was no good so the Stingers were up 6-0.


The Novato defense stopped the first Florin drive flat for a quick 4-and-out to get the ball back. It was a theme that would be repeated throughout the day as the swarming Stinger defense locked-down another opponent.


Novato scored again with another quick two-play drive, capped by a 13-yard Angelo Lagomarsino (9) run and a Danny Dreher (5) recovery in the end-zone for a touchdown. Mark Alvarez (21) kicked a two-point PAT to bring the score to 14-0.


Lagomarsino's ensuing onside kickoff was recovered by Ball and the Stingers were quickly at it again. Chris Folsom (25) back from a three-week layoff for an injury ran the ball 35-yards for a touchdown with 5:39 remaining in the second-quarter. With the addition of another Alvarez two-point PAT, the Stingers were up 22-0.


Novato added another quick score on Florin's next drive when Daylan Birlin (59) intercepted a pass and returned it 10-yards for a touchdown. Folsom ran for the PAT and Novato lead 29-0.


The Stingers would score once more in the first-half, when quarterback Tommy Sanz (13) hit a wide open Robbie Cassée (16) in the end-zone for a 9-yard touchdown with 2:30 remaining in the half. With the score 35-0 the "mercy rule" was invoked meaning the clock would run unstopped for the remainder of the game and that Novato could no longer pass and only run the ball between the tackles.


Novato would have scored once more in the fourth quarter on a 60-yard run by Ball with 6:30 remaining.


The Novato defense returned with a vengeance and held the Phantoms to no-first downs and no points in the game, giving the Stingers seven shutouts on the year.


Final Score: Novato Stingers 35*, Florin Phantoms 0
*mercy rule invoked with 2:30 remaining in the second-quarter


2009 Regular Season Scoring: Novato Stingers 209, Opponents 19


2009 Regular Season Record: 7-1


Here are some additional photo highlights from the game.

Alec Ball (12) busts loose for the game's first score!

Angelo Lagomarsino (9) pulls a pile of Florin tacklers toward the end-zone... 

...and Danny Dreher (5) smothers the loose ball in the end-zone for a TD

Daylan Birlin (59) ruturns a 2nd Quarter interception for a touchdown

Chris Folsom (25) returns to action with a bang with this 35-yard TD run

Robbie Cassée (16) is all alone in the end-zone for a 2nd Quarter TD catch

A Florin runner learns what it's like to run into a swarm of Stingers 

...more swarming Stingers piling on a Florin runner

Coach Rich Putman gets soaked in the post-game celebration

Cheers! - Jason

Novato Stingers vs Johnson Warriors - Oct. 18

Paul Kunst (24) gets behind the Johnson defense for a catch, long-run and TD!

The photos from this Novato Stingers game are now available on the 2009 Novato Stingers Shutterfly site.

Game Summary

In their away white jerseys and home black pants, the Stingers hosted the Johnson Warriors on a sunny, cool and windy day at the Novato High School field. Novato won the coin toss and got the ball first and things looked good to start as Alec Ball (12) had a stong return and the Stingers started with excellent field position. But the Warriors held the Stingers to a three-and-out and the game quickly devolved into a defensive struggle. The Stingers threatened to score with the ball inside the Warriors five-yard line, but were unable to do so. At the end of the first quarter the game was still scoreless.


With 6:00 minutes remaining in the second quarter, the vaunted Stingers defense finally yielded their first points of the year, after 25 straight shutout quarters. After a long touchdown run, Johnson scored the PAT and Novato was down for the first time all year, 0-7.


The Stingers quickly drove the ball back down the field on a combination of strong running and pass plays culminating with a critical fourth down attempt on the two-yard line. The Johnson line stopped Novato's attempt and took over on their own 1-yard line. Unfortunately, the Johnson running back burst through the middle on the very next play and ran the entire 99-yards for a seconds score.  The teams went to half-time with Johnson up 13-0.


Novato came on strong in the second-half, with Johnny Viezcas (82) recovering Angelo Lagomarsino's (9) opening kick-off giving the ball to the Stingers. Novato wasn't able to capitalize and gave the ball back to Johnson. The Novato defense then had a stop when a swarm of defenders combined to strip a Johnson runner of the ball and it ended up in the hands of Hunter Wegner (18). That's when the Novato offense really came alive, with Ball throwing a half-back pass to a streaking Paul Kunst (24) who got behind the Johnson defender,  caught a deflected ball and ran for a long touchdown. Mark Alvarez (21) kicked a two-point PAT and Novato was only down 13-8 with 3:10 left in the third quarter.


Novato made a big play on the ensuing kick-off, with Alvarez pouncing on another Lagomarsino onside kick. Alvarez followed it up with a streaking 21-yard run and Novato was seemingly back in control. Only, this time it wasn't meant to be. Novato fumbled on the Johnson 25 and gave back the ball.


In the fourth quarter, Johnson intercepted a long pass and then returned it for their third touchdown of the day with 7:18 left in the game. They missed the PAT, but Novato was down 19-8 and time was running out.


While Novato couldn't pull together another score in the final minutes, defensive lineman Ryan Johnson (54) gave them one last chance with a late fumble recovery in Warrior territory.


"This is a tough loss for us," said Coach John Jones, "but the kids played hard and didn't give up. We really beat ourselves in this one. I guess it will be a good lesson as we look at closing out the regular season next week and prepare for the playoffs."


Final Score: Johnson Warriors 19, Novato Stingers 8


2009 Stingers Record: 6-1


Defensive Points Allowed: 19! (over 7 games)


While the outcome wasn't what we were used to, the game was still exciting. Here are some pictures highlighting the great play during the day.

Quarterback Tommy Sanz (13) rolls out right and throws... 

...to a diving Robbie Cassée (16) for a catch during the Stingers second drive

The Stingers give up their first points of the year after 25 shutout quarters

Daniel Hopkins (33) fires up the Stingers at half-time

Johnny Viezcas (82) comes up with his second onside kick in two weeks!

A Novato "swarm" strips the ball and Hunter Wegner (18) ends up with it

Mark Alvarez (21) comes up with an onside kick in the third-quarter

Daronn McCall (14) fights for yards in the fourth-quarter

Ryan Johnson (54) fights for a fumble late in the game

Cheers! - Jason