tool name

Thursday, Oct. 01, 2009

Shawn Jansen: Eye on Preps -- Refs, God help them

Angel Molina had just scored his third touchdown against Beyer on a 5-yard run.

After scoring the touchdown, the Atwater running back tapped his chest twice and pointed to the sky.

"I didn't say anything," Molina said of last Friday's seemingly timid touchdown celebration. "I just pointed up. I was honoring God. I've seen a lot of people do it, including some of my teammates."

According to at least one referee, Molina's actions were inappropriate.

Atwater was penalized 15 yards for excessive celebration.

"I was shocked," Molina said. "I didn't say anything to anybody. I didn't know honoring God was a penalty.

"The referee told me there wasn't going to be any of that. He felt I was trying to intimidate the other team."

Really?

Maybe the official felt Molina was trying to give his team an unfair advantage.

By thanking God, maybe Molina was trying to persuade God into favoring Atwater, while turning him against Beyer.

However, I doubt any rain clouds suddenly formed over the Beyer sideline.

I'm not sure how this fits into the "excessive celebration" or "showing up your opponents" categories.

Football is supposed to be fun.

Let the kids enjoy themselves.

I don't understand what's wrong with two teammates celebrating a touchdown with a chest bump.

How is that showing up the other team?

Is it really an excessive celebration?

Obviously, there is a line players shouldn't cross.

But pointing up to the sky?

"If you make a big play you should be able to show a little emotion," Molina said. "I can understand not spiking the ball.

"But what's wrong with a chest bump or a high-five with your teammate?"

God only knows.

The big Golden Valley-Atwater volleyball showdown Tuesday evening was everything everybody expected.

The two teams battled it out in a five-game marathon with Atwater pulling out a thrilling victory.

The match drew a big crowd, including three local volleyball referees who didn't want to miss the match.

Buhach Colony coach Michelle Osmer and some of her players even stopped by to catch the final games after quickly defeating Los Banos earlier that night.

Today's big game is in the pool.

The Merced and Golden Valley boys water polo teams are among the leaders in the Central California Conference standings and will square off at Merced College.

The girls game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with the boys to follow at 6 p.m.

You can't beat the seats two lucky Chowchilla fans get to sit in at each home football game.

Two fans are selected to sit in a red couch behind the end zone.

The two fans also win two pizzas and two 2-liter sodas.

Unfortunately, sports reporters aren't eligible for the drawing.

Shawn Jansen is a Sun-Star sports reporter. He can be reached at 385-2462 or via e-mail at sjansen@mercedsun-star.com.