tool name

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009

'The Catch' made Tisdale infamous... But can frosh lead Merced College to Golden Gate Conference win?

In the Merced College football fieldhouse and on the practice field, "The Catch" lives in infamy.

It wasn't a drag-your-toes sideline reception by freshman wide receiver Eddie Beavers.

Or a fingertip grab in the back of the end zone by a tight end. Sophomore Kyle McMillin is good, but he's no Dwight Clark.

Not yet, at least.

The Blue Devils weren't even on offense.

"The Catch" was provided by the unlikeliest of players -- squatty outside linebacker Tim Tisdale, against Reedley in Week 4 -- and soft hands were never part of the equation.

More like quick feet.

Tisdale was tracking a run play from the far side of the field when the Reedley running back broke a few tackles and darted into open space.

Tisdale sprang to action, bolting after the back, turning his legs as fast as he could.

"I didn't think I was going to catch him," said the freshman from St. Petersburg, Fla.

Oh, but he did.

Huffing and puffing the whole way, with a face as red as the hair on his head, Tisdale finally pulled the ball carrier down at the 9-yard line, saving his team six points.

"The Catch" lasted 71 yards -- much too long of a sprint for a linebacker.

"I was gassed," he said.

Reedley eventually kicked a field goal and went on for a 48-0 victory, but Tisdale's tenacity won him respect. And a fan.

A Reedley supporter stopped Tisdale on his way to the locker room after the game.

"He told me that no one had ever caught that kid from behind," Tisdale said.

Merced College coach Mark Kaanapu was also impressed.

He praises Tisdale, who leads the Blue Devils with 28 tackles in five games. He also has one interception and has blocked a field goal.

"The biggest compliment you can pay a football player is to tell them that they're a football player," Kaanapu said. "And Tisdale's a football player. He's physical and intuitive and he loves to play the game."

Tisdale bows his head at compliments about "The Catch" or his play. He's simply doing his job, he says in a reserved tone.

"The coaches talk a lot about finishing plays," he added. "And I tried."

Merced College's ability to finish a play -- and start one -- will be tested this afternoon when it faces Chabot in their Golden Gate Conference opener.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Stadium '76.

Quarterback Antoine Young and athlete Mason Tyler highlight a Chabot offense that is both versatile and explosive.

Young is a classic Spread offense quarterback, who won't hesitate to tuck the ball and run.

"If he gets to the edge, out into open space," Kaanapu said leaning forward in his office chair, "we'll have problems."

Tyler is the playmaker. Listed as a running back, Chabot will move the sophomore around the field, finding various ways to put the ball into his hands.

Kaanapu watched his young defense make strides in a 23-16 loss to Feather River on Oct. 3, but he needs to see more today.

From everyone, including Tisdale, Mr. Hustle.

"It's all about continuity and consistency," Kaanapu said. "Tim isn't perfect. He's made mistakes, too. It's all about flashes with this team. We've seen flashes from the line, the linebackers and the DBs.

"We haven't played a full four quarters. Two here, two there. The kids know we haven't been out of any game, and if they compete good things will happen."

Merced College will get a lift offensively.

Quarterback Brendan Crawford (sprained knee) is expected to play and may start.

The 6-foot-5 sophomore threw on the run during Thursday's practice, displaying the touch and accuracy that won him the starting job coming out of fall camp.

He wore a light brace.

Crawford sprained his knee during the first quarter against Reedley and has missed the past two games.

"Oh Crawford," Kaanapu said, "he will play."

James Burns is sports editor of the Sun-Star. He can be reached at jburns@mercedsun-star.com.