After a full week of watching game tapes, and looking at their adversary’s strengths and weaknesses, the Eagles knew the outcome of the Riverdale game on Sept. 20 would rest on the shoulders of the defensive line and secondary.

The defense knew they were capable of shutting down Health Colvin, ’03, the big-play receiver from Riverdale, and worked on a plan to contain him.

With a double-smash defensive scheme in place, Eagles worked the plan to perfection. They shut down Colvin and shut out the Cowboys, 48-0. The defense also forced two turnovers and Michael Van Beek, ’03, returned an interception for a touchdown.

As a result of their third straight shut out victory, Valley news teams highlighted the Eagles on their Friday night sports segments. Later, after Monday Night Football on Sept. 23, Channel 30 awarded the team their Team of the Week.

“We’ve been blessed already this season with success and recognition,” defensive coordinator Christopher Schultz said, “and to see a local television station honor us for our hard work is special.”

Special teams also contributed to the win as Tyler Wiebe, ’04, and Colby Hunter, ’03, returned back-to-back punt returns for touchdowns.

Colvin, who leads all Valley receivers in catches and receiving yards, was not a factor in the game allowing him only one reception for 12 yards. Schultz had been concerned with keeping Colvin from having a big day.

“I knew that if we could shut him [Colvin] down, we could win,” Schultz said. “We put our best corners (seniors Brian Casey and Van Beek) on him most of the game and Hunter helped contain Colvin as well.” Colvin reminds me a lot of [Immanuel’s] Jacob Wild.”

The Eagles faced Wild in the first game of the season and were beaten for two long plays but were able to contain Immanuel’s wide receiver in the 18-13 win on Aug. 30.

“Wild and Colvin are basically the same type of player,” Schultz said. “They’re both about 6’3 or 6’4 basketball players who use their height to catch a lot of lob passes.”

Sanders and company succeeded in keeping the rest of Riverdale’s offense in check, holding the Cowboys to 85 total yards of offense, and four first downs. Offensively, the Eagles moved the ball with strong running game and the efficient passing of Sam Fisher, ?03.

Fisher had 103 yards passing, as well as 47 yards on the ground and added to his credibility of being Channel 47’s player of the week, Sept. 13-20. Fisher ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more: a one-yard strike to Hunter and a 33-yard bomb to Van Beek who out muscled the defensive back one the five-yard line. As a team, the Eagles piled up 321 yards of offense.

This was supposed to be a competitive showdown between the only 3-0 teams in the Central Sierra League. Instead, it turned into a blowout, with the outcome seemingly determined by halftime as the Eagles led 20-0. In the last three games, the Eagles have outscored their opponents 121 to zero and are now 4-0.

In a separate rating, The Fresno Bee ranked the Eagles #10 in their Sierra/Sequoia standings on Sept. 26. FC has only given up 105 yards rushing and 389 passing in 4 games and sports the second best defense in the section.

The Eagles next host Laton on Sept. 27 at Clark Intermediate at 5:30 p.m. Student leadership is also hosting a Kiddie Carnival and will provide food, games and entertainment for young fans.

Those who are interested in Channel 30’s interview with the football team after they were named Team of the Week, can go online to www.fresnochristian.com and click on the video center button on the lower left.” “Patricia Hill, Photographer” “With the two top undefeated teams in the Central Sierra meeting for the first time, the game seemed destined for suspense. However, with FC recovering a fumble in their own territory in the second quarter, they used the running of quarterback Sam Fisher, ?03, to spread out the Riverdale defense on Sept. 20. Here Fisher runs for one of his two touchdowns as the Eagles ran their unbeaten streak to three games and shutout the Cowboys, 48-0, at Clark Intermediate.” “Patricia Hill, Photographer” “Even when surrounded by Cowboys, quarterback Sam Fisher, ?03, was able to juke and dodge his way for a four-yard touchdown against Riverdale on Sept. 20. Fisher ran for 47 yards and two TDs and through for 103 yards and two more TDs as the Eagles shut out the Cowboys, 48-0.” “Fresno Christian web site and Channel 30 interview video link