Islanders Finish Regular Season Undefeated
Ryan Buchan, Islanders Staff Writer
Apr. 12, 2008

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- The Pacifica Islanders finished the regular season undefeated with a 51-13 victory over the Stanislaus Spartans. “They finally got me 50 points,” said head coach Jack Burgett. Many of the starters for the Islanders did not play but the backups performed just as well. “We improvised, adapted and overcame,” Burgett said.

The Islanders now will head into the playoffs with the best overall record in the Central Valley Football League. No team came within 20 points of beating the Islanders this season.
Jarmar Julien was one of many starters who did not suit up , but the running game did not miss a beat.

Lamar Johnson took his spot and ran for 154 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. Johnson averaged 9.6 yards-per-carry.
“One of the greatest days of my life,” Johnson said. “Tell Jarmar Julien thanks for giving me the opportunity.” He did a terrific job stepping up and running the ball, offensive coordinator John Kirby said. Johnson’s performance won him offensive player of the game.

Defensive tackle Junior Saga also got to run the ball, and made the best of his opportunity pounding the ball into the end zone.
The Islanders had a different man at quarterback but that did not mean Jason Piccolotti did not play. Piccolotti took on the kicking duties and performed well.

Just like at running back, the backup at quarterback stepped in and had a terrific performance. Dion Pickett showed off his arm by throwing four out of his six completions for over 25 yards. Pickett had an outstanding game filling in, Kirby said. Pickett finished the day with 150 yards through the air and three touchdowns. Pickett also ran the ball once for a 35 yard touchdown. “Coach called a great game” Pickett said.
 
Pickett contributes his success to the blocking of his offensive line. “We really don’t get touched,” Pickett said. “There is no need to rush anything.”
 
On the other side of the ball the defense gave the Spartan quarterbacks a beating. The Islanders recorded 7 sacks, and was close to a lot more. The defense played successful with a lot of players playing out of position. “They all stepped up,” Burgett said.
 
Joe Maningo had another stellar performance. It seemed that everywhere the ball was Maningo was right there. He finished the night with seven tackles, two sacks, a blocked kick and a forced fumble. He did much more then just stopping the guy with the ball. He often stopped the ball from getting to the guy. Maningo blanketed receivers, not allowing anything to be caught. Maningo was named defensive player of the game.
 
On special teams Danny Burgett played well and earned himself special teams player of the game.

The Islanders will have next week off and then start the playoffs on April 26, at Half Moon Bay High School. “Seeing are team half manned, and seeing what we can do, I am not worried” about going into the playoffs, wide receiver Obiama Ngumezi said.