Look: De La Salle player interviews Chris Biller, Drew Cunningham talk about presence of late coach Steve Jacoby
CONCORD, CALIF. — A shutout against perhaps the most lethal offense in the Central Section (Clovis North). A single score against perhaps the most explosive offense in the North Coast Section (San Ramon Valley). Three shutouts on the season and single score games to three other opponents.
The De La Salle defense has been a strength all season and in numerous games, it carried the Spartans to victory.
Many players and coaches agree it's not a coincidence they've played even more inspired since the sudden and unexpected death of their highly popular defensive line coach Steve Jacoby on Oct. 17.
"He's on the sideline, he's right with us tucked in our hearts," said senior defensive lineman Chris Biller after his team gave up just 208 yards to a 13-0 Clovis North Team in a 41-0 CIF Division 1-AA Northern California championshp win at De La Salle Friday. "He taught me so many things to make me the player that I am. ... He was just the best man I've ever met in my entire life."
Said De La Salle leadering tackler and hard-hitting linebacker Drew Cunningham, another sennior: "He's definitely been looking down on us since his passing. He's definitely looking down on this field. Since his passing it's been tough, but this entire season has been dedicated to him. I know how physical we played, especially our defensive line, they played for him this entire season."
The duo also talked about playing a new opponent in Clovis North, if this was De La Salle's 'A' game and how much they are looking forward to turning around last year's state final 1-AA loss to Lincoln-San Diego. The Spartans won't be playing Lincoln again, but instead Mission Viejo, a 49-14 winner over Granite Hills.
Listen to both young men.
