We are passed the halfway point, so here's an update from Coach G
Your Falcons are off to an incredible start, and if you haven’t caught a varsity game yet, you’re missing something special. It’s not just about Ryan Stadtherr's dominant performances, though they’re hard to overlook. He’s virtually unstoppable, even though every team knows to watch out for him. As a fourth-year varsity starter, Ryan was key to our 2021 state championship. What many don’t know is that he’s also an outstanding student, maintaining a 4.6 GPA. There is no better way to lead our team as a captain than to lead by example. But there is something else that's hard to miss.
Scripps Ranch may not have the biggest or fastest players, but we consistently produce top-tier tight ends. This year, juniors Jackson Rochet, David Henderson, Kadin Lincoln, and Ben Wellons at wing/fullback are key in controlling the C-gap creating holes for Ryan Stadtherr and Tristan Reyna. What stands out most, though, is our youth. Three of our five linemen—center Slater Burgess (So.), guard Keegan Wenker (So.), and junior Kale Searles—are underclassmen. All of our starting receivers and our quarterback are underclassmen as well. The future looks bright for the #FalconFootballFamily.
Our Last Fundraiser - We Keep 100% of the Money Raised
We’re kicking off our final fundraiser of the year tomorrow, and we need your help. Don’t worry, we’re not asking for more donations—your generosity has been incredible. However, football is expensive, and we receive limited support from the school and district.
This fundraiser is for extended family and friends. It’s our annual email campaign, but this year, we’ve partnered with SchoolFundr, which doesn’t charge the usual 15-20% fee. SchoolFundr will be on campus tomorrow to get us started.
Here’s what we need: each student-athlete should bring 20 email addresses, saved in their phone's notes, so we can enter them into the campaign before practice.
We understand some families may not want to ask family or friends to contribute, and that’s okay. If you're uncomfortable reaching out, we’re happy to discuss other ways you can help.
Our goal is $200 per athlete. For more details, visit srfootball.com/fundraising.
Championship Rivalry
Mira Mesa has always been our natural geographic rival, as it was the neighborhood school before Scripps Ranch High opened in 1993. However, over the past eight years, a new rivalry has emerged with La Jolla High.
Our 2019 team, arguably the most talented ever, reached the D3 CIF-San Diego Championship but lost to La Jolla. Before that, we missed the playoffs after a dramatic loss to La Jolla, where a last-second fumble recovery led to their winning touchdown. That play has been viewed millions of times on YouTube. Fortunately, in 2021, we claimed our first championship with a 42-0 win over La Jolla and went on to win state.
La Jolla, coached by Scripps Ranch resident Tyler Roach, always puts up a fight, and we’ve had epic matchups over the years. So, whenever all three of our teams beat La Jolla, it’s a great week. Congratulations to our JV and freshmen/novice teams on their wins this week!
Thank You for Helping Me Celebrate my 51st
Thank you for your generosity. Given my health challenges over the years, each birthday is a blessing I deeply appreciate.
Coaching has made the past eight years truly incredible. It's a privilege to work with your children.
Thanks to you, my Reese's supply is stocked for another year, and your kindness also helps support kids in need. However, this birthday celebration came at a price—I completely forgot the team’s tradition! Before receiving my gifts, your kids drenched me with water balloons, and I’m pretty sure some swapped water for rocks!
I’m truly grateful for all of you and the opportunity to coach your kids.
The Crazy, Ever Changing Schedule
If you're wondering about the schedule, so are we. Here's the reality: teams don't have to declare which levels they will field until the Monday of each game week. Many programs lack enough student-athletes to play all three levels, and factors like injuries and eligibility can cause them to change levels from week to week. This makes it difficult to consistently schedule games.
At the varsity level, we've had three teams back out of games with us. Our September 6th game was supposed to be against Bishops, but they backed out and opted for a nine-game season. Compton-Centennial canceled our September 20th scheduled game. We replaced that game with Castle Park High School, who also backed out, citing suspensions and injuries.
It's common for there to be fluctuations with JV and freshman/novice games, but missing a game at the varsity level is very unusual. Moving forward, UC and Mount Miguel will have all three levels. Mission Bay and Mira Mesa likely will not. We'll do everything we can to fill those weeks.
50th Victory
Friday night marked a significant milestone—our 50th win during my eight years as head coach at Scripps Ranch. But make no mistake, it’s our 50th. The players worked hard and earned each victory, supported by some of the best coaches around.
To celebrate this milestone, I want to thank former DC/current OC and assistant head coach John Taylor. He’s been a mentor, friend, and an exceptional coach. His dedication to this team, despite teaching at Mira Mesa High, is unwavering. Mark Bolt, the most experienced coach I've worked with, and Chris Blevins, who teaches both AP History and “AP Football,” have made a huge impact. Current DC Adrian Valles, running game coordinator Alex Muckle, JV and Frosh/Novice head coach Jeff Theilacker, along with Rafell Jones, Blake Champoux, Robert Heleea, Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks, Seth Dickey, and Michael Cooper, are all dedicated men working hard for your kids.
And finally, a special thanks to Coach Cris Floyd. He’s been with me since my first day at Scripps Ranch High, back to our days at Scripps Ranch Pop Warner in 2010, and all the way to my first soccer team in 1977. He’s my best friend, and I wouldn’t be doing this without him.
Thank you all.
Coach G
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