Islanders Turn up the Heat in the CVFL Championship
Ryan Buchan, Islanders Staff Writer
May. 17, 2008

Fresno, Calif. – The Islanders came out on fire and never cooled down in a victory over the Central-Cal Crusaders. Pacifica took home the Central Valley Football League Championship with a decisive 47-0 win.
 
The Islanders got off to a hot start on both sides of the ball. At one point in the first half, four consecutive Jason Piccolotti completions went for touchdowns.
 
On the other side of the ball the Islanders took the ball away on all but one first half drive. The only crusader drive before halftime that did not result in a turnover was a quick three-and-out. “Came out on fire, got stingy and wanted the ball,” defensive back Packi Gordon said.

The defense recorded two fumbles and picked off three passes. “We are like Geico, we got all the coverages,” corner back, James Barnes said.

Defensive back Surrell Davis had two interceptions; one returned for 101 yards for a touchdown and a fumble recovery. “How could you not be satisfied” with that, Davis said. Paki Gordon also had an interception and defensive lineman Sam Iosia picked up the other fumble.
 
Linebacker Chauncey Ako was back in action after missing several weeks with an ankle injury. I mostly missed the Camaraderie” Ako said. Ako led the team with five and a half tackles.

Piccolotti said that it was the hard work of Taase Jennings, Sam Tagaloa, Meaalii Gutu, Travis McGee, Robert Tago, John Kendrick and any one else on the line, that made the offense’s production possible. Piccolotti had excellent protection and never got sacked.

Running back Jarmar Julien also helped Piccolotti by attracting all the defenders to the run, leaving the play-action pass open all day. “you can’t walk safeties up with the receivers we got,” Julien said. “All it is, is being a good teammate.”

Piccolotti threw five touchdown passes, three were over 20 yards. He had a total of 251 yards passing.

His favorite receiver of the day was Andre Kelley who led the team with 96 yards receiving, off of three catches, two of those for touchdowns. “Feels good as long as I contribute to the win,” Kelley said.

Nick Iano also had two touchdown passes off of three catches. Iano had a total of 31 yards through the air. In a “few good places at the right time,” Iano said.

The other Jason Piccolotti touchdown went to his brother Rob Piccolotti.

We were “able to shut them down,” head coach Jack Burgett said. “We came to play.”

The Islanders now have some time off until June 21 when they begin playing for a State title versus the Golden Coast Football League Champion.