Does the recent tinkering the California Interscholastic Federation did to its State Bowl Championship football series help a public school like Colfax High?
If it means not having to compete for a berth against traditional Northern California small school powers, such as Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa and Palma of Salinas, well, then, yes.
Because the CIF has now set its bowl selection division parameters based on strength of leagues rather than enrollment, smaller public schools like Colfax – with an enrollment of around 850 – do have a better shot of earning a Div. III state bowl berth.
Of course, the first prerequisite to even be considered to earn a bowl bid remains the same – a school must be a section champion.
However, under the new format, because of the leagues they compete in, Cardinal Newman and Palma, past Div. III north state powers, are now headed for Div. II bowl eligibility.
New coach
While the Colfax High football program lost a few faces and moved a few more around, Falcons coach Tony Martello is welcoming aboard new varsity assistant coach Joey Pelfanio.
Pelfanio, who will be a full-time on-campus instructor at CHS, joins the Falcons after coaching at El Camino High School for the past eight seasons.
A 1996 El Camino graduate, Pelfrano, who graduated from the University of Kansas, will coach the Colfax running backs.
Wedding bells
In his playing days at Colfax High and San Jose State, Marcus Arroyo was always on target as a standout quarterback.
However, last week in Hawaii, the Wyoming offensive coordinator made a big catch in the form of tying the knot with the former Kelly Thoni. Much fun was had at the big event held at the Lanikuhiona resort on Oahu.
Blast from the past
April 15, 1955: The Colfax Fireballs will play a practice game with the Lincoln Tigers on the Living War Memorial Park Diamond Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The Fireballs held an all- around practice last Sunday afternoon with 12 players participating.
Andrew “Cookie” Torres, former Fireball twirler, has signed a Colfax contract and will strengthen the pitching department for the local club.
The Colfax squad so far this year is being filled by 18 players who are: Pitchers -- Ben Crigger, Ed Fontana, Bill Emery, Cookie Torres; Catchers -- Octavio Bravo and George Eddy; First basemen -- Roger Miller and Arthur Arnold; Second baseman -- Kenny Barnes; Third baseman -- Jack Hutchinson; Shortstop -- Gordon Farrell; Outfielders -- Roy Warren, Joe Bravo, Max Saliz, Robert Barnes and Ralph Shafer; Coach -- Steve Wroblewski; and Manager Bob “Ozzie” Marson….
The Colfax American Legion Fireballs bowling team, winners of the first half of the Gold Bowl bowling league will meet second half winner Johnson’s Frigidaire team next Monday.
Members of the Colfax team are Newt Chase, Vern Zemple, Bill Noxon, Dave Marson, Frank Winton and Mel Shafer.