42nd Golden Apple on tap this Friday at El Molino

The Analy and El Molino football teams will put 42 years pride
on the line this Friday, when the teams renew their rivalry in 42nd
annual Golden Apple Bowl. Kickoff times starting with the JV game
are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
The 2006 edition of the game will be played on the Lion¹s home
field in Forestville, as El Molino tries to snap an eight game
losing streak to the Tigers. The Lions have not cradled the coveted
trophy since last winning in 1997. Despite the long drought, the
Lions still hold a slim edge in the series, 21-20.
Analy (2-1), under head coach Chip Castleberry, will be heavily
favored to retain the Golden Apple Trophy this season, as they come
into the game boasting one of the most explosive offensive units in
the league. The Tigers figure to come out throwing, with senior
quarterback Nick Maloney looking for standout receivers Kyle
Molkenbuhr, Nick Johnson, Alex Houlemard and Daniel Albert all
prime targets downfield. The Analy running game will feature
hard-hitting Cameron Cook, speedy AJ Fox and reliable Mike Paggi.
Analy also features a strong defensive unit with standout lineman
Mike Stone, linebacker Dominic Patrick and defensive backs Mike
Crivello, Cook and Molkenbuhr.
³I¹d almost rather be the underdog in this game,² said
Castleberry, who brings an 8-4 record as a head coach into the big
game. ³We all know that the favored team doesn¹t always win. I
really respect coach Roan and the Lions, so we¹re not taking them
lightly.²
The Lions, led by head coach Mike Roan, enter the game with a
1-2 record, but with a few breaks could easily be 3-0 at this
point. El Mo is not without its weapons on offense, despite a young
offensive line. The Lions will feature efficient senior quarterback
Tyler Kozlowski, punishing running back Korey Gosselin, Robbie
Spomer and receivers Randall Packard, Matt Weger and tight end Evan
Englar. The Lions defense will rely on Gosselin at linebacker,
along with strong pass rushers Englar and Packard. The defensive
backfield of Spomer, Troy Bowen and Brian Palazzo will be severely
tested in this game.
³We know we¹re going to get our best effort of the year from our
guys in this game,² said Roan. ³Trying to contain Analy¹s offense
is going to be tough. I think we¹ll have to force them into some
mistakes to win this game.²