Publication Date: Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Palo Alto Knights' goal is to win Super Bowl title
Palo Alto Knights' goal is to win Super Bowl title
(December 03, 2003) by Rick Eymer
There will be plenty of opportunities for distractions once the Palo Alto Knights Junior Pee Wee football team reaches Orlando, Fla., on Sunday in preparation for Pop Warner Super Bowl.
Coach Mike Piha wants to make it clear the team has but one goal.
"Our goal is to win the national championship," said Piha. "This is not a vacation; this is a journey to win a title."
The Knights qualified for the national championships with a 14-8 victory over the Petaluma Panthers in the Northwestern Regional at Pinole High on Saturday.
Palo Alto (11-1) meets the Southeastern champion, usually a team out of Florida, on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. (EST) in the national semifinals. The championships will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, also at 9 a.m.
"This a strong group of kids who keep overcoming things," Piha said. "The team just came together again."
An offensive-guard-turned-quarterback, Jordan Piha, led the way against the Panthers. Regular starting quarterback Davonte Adams suffered a broken arm during a tackling drill three days before the regional championship, forcing lineup changes at several positions.
Adams spent the night in the hospital and had just one question for his coach. "Do I still get to go to Florida?" he asked of Piha.
Thanks to a strong defensive effort, and two big offensive plays, Adams and his teammates qualified for the trip.
The Knights leave for Florida on Saturday night and Adams plans to be on the plane.
"Jordan did a great job," Piha said of his son. "He came in and showed strong leadership."
A 48-yard halfback pass from Hunter Shaw to Tyler Atwater, and a 2-point conversion from Austin Braff gave Palo Alto an 8-0 lead at halftime.
Petaluma tied the score in the third quarter but a 52-yard run by Brandon Bradford accounted for the game-winning score.
For Piha, it's his second straight trip to the national championships. He led the Junior Midgets into the Super Bowl last year.
"Getting there back to back is a big accomplishment for this program," said Piha.
So Piha is fully aware of all the off-field activities that could distract his team. That's why he's trying to keep them all focused on the task at hand.
"We'll be there for a week so the kids will have plenty of time to enjoy all the parks and sights," said Piha. "Most of the families are going too, so there will be some fun involved."
For now, though, the Knights are concentrating on their fundamentals.
The Knights are also looking for ways to help defray the cost (about $800 per player) of sending the team to Florida. Donations can be sent to the Palo Alto Knights, in care of Mike Piha, 415 Lowell Ave., Palo Alto, 94301.
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