9 quick hits as East Union powers to road win over McNair in Week 2

STOCKTON – East Union’s first road game of the season was sure to show just how good the Lancers would be after losing a dozen seniors from last year’s playoff team. A strong outing Friday night against the previously undefeated McNair Eagles proved East Union may once again belong in the postseason this year.

Goal line stand

The Lancers defeated the Eagles 43-7 as their defense allowed just three first downs, 28 total yards, and no offensive points by McNair (2-1). In contrast, the Lancers (2-1) compiled 559 total yards while averaging 17.4 yards per rush. East Union moved to 2-0 all-time against the Eagles, having defeated them 63-15 last year.

The highlight of the late evening, with kickoff pushed back to 8:15 due to extreme heat, was East Union’s stalwart defense late in the first quarter. With the game tied 7-7, McNair was sitting at the Lancers’ 11-yard line poised to take the lead. However, it took a fourth down, 10-yard pass from freshman quarterback Skyler Bell to Amaren Long to keep the drive alive at the 1-yard line.

Still, the Lancers’ defense held firm over the next five plays, including a pass interference call against it.  Two plays later, on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line, senior Renald Bacigalupi batted down Bell’s pass to end the threat.

Secondary of defense

“Our defensive coordinator, coach Ortiz, does a great job schematically getting guys lined up,” East Union coach Mike Kuhnlenz said. “Our guys stepped up to the plate and did a great job of executing. We had a lot less mental mistakes this week and, because of that, we were able to get after them on defense.”

The Lancers’ secondary was second to none when it came to covering the section’s top wideout statistically, Jeremiah Nash, through two games. He averaged 170 yards per game until facing the Lancers, who shut Nash down through two and a half quarters. Nash finished with two catches for 25 yards.

Two can play this game

McNair linebacker Greg Tatmon electrified the home fans when he single-handedly stopped East Union’s first drive of the game at the 4-yard line. On first-and-goal, Lancers quarterback Dylan Lee unsuccessfully pitched the ball to David Flores and the football suddenly bounced into Tatmon’s hands at the 9-yard line.

Tatmon raced down the exuberant McNair sideline for a 91-yard score just two minutes into the game. That was the first – and last – score by the Eagles. McNair’s offense had outscored its previous two opponents by a margin of 49-28.

Run and gun

Senior Emilio Perez, Jr. led the Lancers with 121 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown, while Flores added 56 yards on eight carries. Lee’s 67-yard scamper on a bootleg was the longest run of the night, but his touchdown was spoiled by McNair’s Semaj Robinson, who impressively caught him from behind at the 5-yard line.

Lee proved to be a dual threat by completing 16 of 24 targets for 306 passing yards and three touchdowns. His soft touch over the defense hit receivers in stride, including two touchdowns of 15 and 42 yards to Anthony Avelar. His favorite target, Nickolas Luna, caught five passes for an even 150 yards for a whopping 25-yards per catch.

“The offense is very, very enthusiastic,” said Lancers defensive lineman Sebastian Arrizano, who had three sacks. “It’s very cool to see Dylan Lee slinging the rock and making sure Blake Mount made that big play (40-yard reception) at the 1-yard line. That was the one play that stood out for me. We’re hoping the offense will stay like that the rest of the year.”

Not all fun and games

Coach Kuhnlez was clearly unhappy with his Lancers at times, who gave away two of their four fumbles along with an interception.

“We didn’t play a good game of football by any stretch of the imagination,” Kuhnlez said. “There’s still a lot to clean up, and we have to do a better job of protecting the ball. Through the air, they probably should have had two more interceptions. We just got lucky it went through their hands.”

Injuries unfortunate part of the game

McNair lost defensive lineman Eligh Savorn with an apparent knee injury midway through the second quarter, causing a 30-minute delay. As he was wheeled off the field, teammates surrounded him with encouragement, and it was promptly reciprocated.

Meanwhile, Bell missed the entire second half after holding his throwing arm tenderly heading into halftime.

Hall the way to success

When McNair athletic director Quincey Noble went searching for a new coach a month before the 2021 football season to replace outgoing coach Terrance Hampton, Hall was an instant candidate to take the helm.

“Nobody is bleeds green more than Chris Hall,” Noble said. “He’s invested in our community, and it’s reflected in the attitude of our players. We had zero kids ineligible to play (this season), and they’re all on track to make grades in October.”

Hall was, of course, grateful to be offered the job and jumped at it.

“You can’t get more McNair than me,” Hall said. “I’ve either played with or coached everyone whose ever been through here.”

Hall, a campus monitor who also doubles as a personal trainer in his free time, graduated in 2009 and immediately began coaching with the junior varsity team. He eventually joined the varsity program as an offensive coordinator, and was briefly tutored by then-coach Latef Grim.

“I’m a defensive guy first, but I learned Latef’s offense and I’ve added a few different schemes,” Hall said.

Hall pass

Noble first came in contact with his future coach when Hall, in 2005, entered as a freshman. Hall was in the first four-year class to graduate, but it wasn’t all roses and butterflies. Noble was a bit hesitant to tell of an incident back in the day with Hall, but nonetheless said Hall was en vogue by wearing his pants not fully up to the waist.

As Hall approached Noble’s desk to turn something in, Noble recalls Hall tripping and, subsequently, his pants falling as far down as they could go. Fortunately, Hall’s underpants were also in style.

Remembering Mike Leabo

The memory of former swim and water polo coach Mike Leabo loomed over the game. Leabo, 58, who passed away in January, was a personable announcer who could make anyone feel warm and welcome. He was forever humble, and would never tell you he was a two-time All-American water polo goalie for the University of Pacific. Instead, he’d always put the conversation on you.

The youthful Leabo seemed to thoroughly enjoy his role at McNair and became a valuable part of it. The nearby swimming pool located south of the stadium has been christened the Mike Leabo Swimming Pool.

New announcer Vic Picinich has filled in admirably this season thanks to his rich 14-year background of announcing. You may remember his voice and enthusiasm during stints at Tokay, Riverbank or with the Lodi Colts.

Contact Stockton Record Correspondent Kevin Niendorf at sports@recordnet.com.

This article originally appeared on The Record: 9 quick hits from East Union's Week 2 win over McNair