At a testimonial honoring "Pete" Kramer back in 1958, I was stirred by the stories and accounts of many "old-timers" present, as they re-lived the generations of Mt. Diablo football of by-gone days. Wouldn't it be something to dig up the historical facts of the past, statistics and records of previous teams and players and put it into print for all to enjoy -- before the past gets lost?
So the idea of this work had its start.
In the spring of 1960, I gathered a group of ball players, went over to the Contra Costa Gazette in Martinez and we went through all the back issues -- way back to the "depression" days, the Titanic sinking in 1912 and the write ups of old Diablo football games. Some busy years went by. Then in 1964 and 1965, additional trips were made to the Gazette files along with many trips to the old copies of the Transcript dating back to 1905.
Then the careful compilation and organizing of all data began. Players, team statisticians, coaches' wives, faculty, secretaries, commercial and art classes, all pitched in and played their part in this, the first edition. From this start, hopefully, will come improved editions in the future -- with even more facts and accuracy based on corrections and additions that the many alumni will start to bring in -- as "rebuttal" or to clarify, or to add to the colorful history of football at Mt. Diablo.
It is hoped that the great events and deeds of the past will once more come to life in this work and that it will serve to stimulate interest in the present and inspiration for young athletes of the future.
-- Hart Fairclough
Acknowledgements
For the procurement of the information in this work, our thanks go to the many football players, statisticians, former coaches and alumni who contrubuted both time, help, and encouragement during the past six years it took to finalize this Almanac.
For the final publication of this edition, we are indebted to Mr. Piwkiewicz, Mrs. Bechtold, Mr. Navone, and their various student production groups for their fine effort in producing the booklets in such a short time.
To Whom It May Concern!
Alumni and all others with factual information relative to Mt. Diablo's football past, are encouraged to send such information to the school so that it may be incorporated into future editions of the Almanac.
IN MEMORIAM
Behind-the-scene of every meritable work there often stands, "in the shadow", and unknown, a selfless worker of matchless quality and devotion. There was such a young man involved in this work -- a student statistician -- who, over a two year span, "did a job" that only he and your author could know.
To
Leslie J. "Les" Norris
(January 19, 1949 - June 7, 1966)
this first edition is dedicated.
A few years back when someone did some cleaning at the school, I acquired a copy of this almanac that Coach Hart Fairclough compiled over a six year period and published in 1966. What a treasure! I want everyone to have access to it and enjoy it, because I am sure there are now perhaps a handful of people who even know about it!
Lack of interest and generally disappointing season records of the past many decades have resulted in that no statistical records have been kept. If any of you Red Devils have kept records, - for football or for any sport - I hope you will share with your fellow alumni. I would be happy to post them here for everyone's reference.
-- Christina Huvelle, '85
March 28, 2005
This almanac has been transcribed verbatim, with an effort to approximate the font styles and sizes and general layout of each page, which are separated by the green dividing lines.
1901-02
Mt. Diablo High School opens, but without a building. Students hold class at
local elementary school. Professor George Wright elected principal.
1902-03
First Commencement. Two graduates--both girls.
1903-04
Four students graduate. Three girls and a boy.
1904-05
Total pupils during the year was 62, average daily attendance was 55. The three
faculty members were: Professor Wright, Miss Lunny, and Miss Crocker. The
Board of Trustees consisted of six.
Concord Transcript, Sat. March 25, 1905
Front page column heading:
"Ground Broken For High School"
1905-06
Mr. H. Kittredge becomes principal.
1909-10
Mr. E. Dixon served as principal for one year, and then Mr. Roger Phelps took over
the position in 1910.
Until some "old-timers" can come up with some evidence to the contrary, the
first printed record of a Mt. Diablo football contest occured in 1909, but the
game itself was actually on Jan. 1st, 1910. Here is the only account of it from
the Martinez paper:
Daily Gazette, Dec. 30, 1909
Alhambra vs. Mount Diablo
The football teams of the Alhambra and Mt. Diablo Union High Schools
will meet in a dreadful combat on the dridiron at the county seat on New
Year's Day.
The game will be played on the Alhambra grounds adjacent to the Pacheco
road. It will not be a strictly high school students contest, both sides
having reserved the privilege of enlisting outside talent under certain
restrictions. In any event, it will be an interesting meet and as there are
no other public sports scheduled for the great first day of the year, a big
crowd will doubtless be present.
1911-12
Concord Transcript, Saturday, Nov. 25, 1922
A Tie Football Game at Antioch Last Saturday
Concord High School Football Team met Antioch High School Football Team
on the Antioch gridiron last Saturday.
The score was a tie 0 to 0 but the Concord boys played on the enemies
territory most of the time in the alst three quarters.
The boys did mighty well considering the weak line they had. One of
their tackes missed the train, but the team showed spirit and went into the
game for all they were worth. One of the features of the game was the
repeated punting of Antioch, but the Concord boys ran them back as fast as
they were kicked.
Those worthy of mention are Arlo Sperry for his splendid playing on left
end, and Russell stow for his tackling on the defensive, Clark Leh for his
gameness and Roy Bibber he always passed the ball the same and that counts
for a good deal in a football game.
When Antioch meets Concord on the Concord field it will be a close and
speedy game but Concord will win and the whole team is willing to back me up
on saying this.
Concord Transcript, Saturday, October 28, 1911
1911 Football Schedule (American Football)
Nov. 18, Mt. Diablo vs. Antioch --- 0 to 0 away
Dec. 2, Mt. Diablo vs. Antioch --- 0 to 0 home
Dec. 23, Mt. Diablo vs. Antioch --- 0 to 10 away
(On same dates above Martinez played Richmond in Rugby)
Average Daily Attendance at that time:
Concord51
Danville28
Martinez 52
Antioch 41
Brentwood 35
Crockett 48
Richmond 137
"Clark Leh's (Fullback) father moved from the East to manage the Cowell Plant. Being used to Eastern Football tradition, he was instrumental in getting the high school to have a football team." --- Roy Bibber
Football Game a Tie
Concord Transcript, Saturday, December 16, 1911
The Score 0 to 0 in the Game Last Saturday - - - December 23 the Date for Game at Antioch.
The second game of a series of three scheduled to be played between Mt. Diablo Union High School and the High School team of Antioch was played on the local athletic grounds last Saturday afternoon and resulted in a tie game 0 to 0 - the last game played at Antioch played some time ago.
The score does not tell the real result of the game, however, as the ball was in Antioch territory the major portion of the time, and only for an unfortunate fumble when the ball was near Antioch's goal the Concord boys would have made a touchdown but 'twas ever thus. The teams are very evenly matched.
There was a fair attendance and everyone enjoyed the game. The Antioch boys were accompanied by quite a number of their schoolmates and were royally entertained. Lunch was served and there was dancing both before and after the game.
The third game will be played at Antioch, December 23, and the Concord team is confident of victory.
The manager of the local team would be pleased to have the names of all those who are going to attend the Antioch game as soon as possible.
Get busy! Join the crowd - go to Antioch next Saturday - you will have a good time - see a good game, and help the team financially.
Go and root and then come home the victors.
Mt. Diablo's Line-up for the first game with Antioch in 1911 was as follows:
Arlo Sperry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Left End
Raymond Sawyers . . . . . . . . . Left Tackle
Herbert Elworthy . . . . . . . . . . Left Guard
Roy Bibbler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center
Fred Charles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Right Guard
Ralph West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Right Halfback
League Standing:Antioch 1stConcord 2nd
To be continued..........
Coach Fairclough generously donated his supplements for the '66, '67, and '68 seasons!
Coach Hart Fairclough on the gridiron again
at the MDHS Centennial, October 24, 2001.
* * * *
Two years later at the 100th All-Class Reunion,
the Red Devil Stadium was renamed
"Hart Fairclough Stadium" in the coach's honor.
1913 - 14
Contra Costa Gazette, October 18, 1913
Concord, October 14 -- By the score of 8 to 3, the Crockett team defeated the players of the Mt. Diablo Union High School in the football game on the local grounds last Saturday afternoon. Crockett's strength lay in her scrum line. The star play, however, was the 80 yard run for a try by G. Titcomb of the Concord team. The Concord High School boys turned out in force to root and sing their school songs. Tom Lewis of Crockett acted as referee.
Next Saturday Concord will play Antioch at the latter place. It is expected that nearly the entire membership of the school will make the trip to witness the game.
Contra Costa Gazette, October 25, 1913
Concord, October 20 -- The Antioch team defeated Mt. Diablo High of Concord by the score of 6 to 3 in the Rugby football game played in Antioch Saturday.
Taylor and F. Noca made the touchdowns for Antioch High, one in each half. George Murchio made the three points for Concord by a touchdown in the first half.
The game was called at 3:30, ten minutes before the time so that the big Concord delegation could catch the returning train. The Concordites declared that they might have secured another touchdown in that ten minutes as the ball was close to Antioch's goal.
There was no quarreling and the game was marked throughout by harmony between players and officials. Murchio made several good runs for Concord and Lemriel Dunn did some good kicking. Taylor and the fullback W. Noia were the star players for Antioch.
Mt. Diablo sent a delegation of 44, including all the teachers. One-third of the visitors were co-eds. Tense rivalry was shown in the rooting, neither school losing any opportunity to fill in the intermissions with songs and yells.
1913 Football Schedule (Rugby)
Oct. 14, Mt. Diablo vs. Crockett --- 3 to 8 home
Oct. 20, Mt. Diablo vs. Antioch --- 3 to 6 away
Mt. Diablo vs. Martinez ---
League Standing: Antioch
Squad Members:
George Murchio -- Back(scored only goal vs. Antioch)
G. Titcomb -- Back(scored only goal vs. Crockett)
Lemriel Dunn -- Kicker
1914-15
The CCAL (Contra Costa Athletic League) was comprised of five high schools in Rugby competition: Riverview, Alhambra, Mt. Diablo, Crockett and Brentwood.
1914 Football Schedule (Rugby)
Mt. Diablo vs. Brentwood -- 37 to 0(first League game)
Mt. Diablo vs. San Ramon -- 1 to 0(forfeit)
Nov 21, Mt. Diablo vs. Antioch --- 8 to 0 away
Mt. Diablo vs. Richmond --- 9 to 0
Mt. Diablo vs. Danville --- 58 to 4
Mt. Diablo vs. Crockett -- 4 to 7 = 11 (protested game)
117 to 11
Won5Lost1
League Standing: MD Championship
Team Captain:George Murchio
Lineup:
Manager: Fletcher
Forwards:Thomas, L. Randall, Foshing, Noia, Crenna, Hook, Elworthy
Center three: Dunn
Left Wing:Rident
Right Wing: Groves
Fullback:Oliveira
Daily Gazette, Martinez, Monday, November 23, 1914
MT. DIABLO WON RUGBY PENNENAT FROM ANTIOCH
Concord Team Too Much for Rugbyites of the Riverview High School in Game at Antioch Saturday.
By a score of 8 to 0, the rugby fifteen of Mt. Diablo High School of Concord won the football championship of Contra Costa County Saturday afternoon on the Antioch grounds defeating the fifteen of the Riverview High. This gives Mt. Diablo the pennant for the year, the Concord team having won from Alhambra by default and going through the season without meeting defeat.
November 5, 1914
Locals Defeat Champions
The football team of the Concord High School was in the best of form last Saturday when they gave Antioch her first defeat by a score of 8 to 0. The game was fought untiringly from start to finish, neither side giving up till the game was over.
Both teams realized they had a hard game coming and they met in the pink of condition -- each determined to win.
The Concord boys, after the Crockett game, saw the necessity of a coach and determined to have one if the bill had to be paid from their own pockets. However, the school trustees kindly agreed to "foot" the bill and the hearty thanks of the Student Body is hereby extended to them for their kindly aid. This is the first championship that Mt. Diablo has taked for many years and it has been featured by heavy financial reverses. Traveling expenses were paid from their own pockets. They were unable to purchase suits and were often described by their rivals as a "bunch of tramps". However, the locals now have the laugh on their opponents as
they think of the score which reads as follows: Concord 9, Richmond 0; Conocrd 58, Danville 4; Concord 37, Brentwood 0; Concord 4, Crockett 7 (protested); Concord 8, Antioch 0; total 116 to 11.
The victory over Antioch is due in a large respect to the new Coach who in five days brought the team from defeat at the hands of the cellar boys to victory over the champions. There is no doubt but that the name of Mike Smith will be remembered in the high school for a long time.
Captain Murchio also deserves his share of credit for leading the first victorious team since Rugby was introduced.
1914 lineup as follows: Forwards: Thomas, L. Randall, Fashing, Noia: Mgr., Fletcher, Crenna, Hook, Elworthy; center three, Dunn: left wing, Rideout; right wing, Groves, Treat; fullback Olivera.
"The Mt. Diablo Bucket" was used as a symbol of the season. Games won were indicated by red and green strips painted on the side. The bucket and stripes denoted the schools first championship.
"There are only 27 boys in Concord High School altogether, yet their rugby fifteen has this season established a record in its way that challenges comparison with that of the All Blacks!"
"In four games these speed marvels of Contra Costa County have scored 133 points to their opponents 0, in the course of four games."
"Jack Dillon, who used to play in Barbarian uniform some years ago, is doing the coaching. The fellow who is doing most of the scoring is Lindeman."
"There is a possibility that Concord will come to Berkeley and play Berkeley High in the preliminary game before the All Star match on Thanksgiving day."
November - Rugby
L. Randall was the star of the game, carrying the ball over the goal line for a score five times.
Concord Transcript, Thursday Evening, November 30, 1916
Football Team Entertained
The girls of the Mt. Diablo Union High School were hostesses at a banquet and a dance at the school last Friday evening. The members of the football team were the guests of honor. The banquet, prepared by the girls of the Domestic Science Class, was cooked to the taste of a king, and the girls received the just praise of all who partook.
The dance was also greatly enjoyed by a large crowd.
1917-18
The school enrollment at Mt. Diablo High -- 148 students. Miss Bertha Romaine becomes schools 5th principal.
1917 Football Schedule (Rugby)
Mt. Diablo vs. Alhambra -- 1 to 0
Mt. Diablo vs. Riverview --- 8 to 0
9 to 0
Won: 2Lost: 0Tied: 0
League Standing: 1st
1919-20
The Concord Transcript, Thursday Evening, October 16, 1919
High School News
At the Student Body meeting last week a heated discussion took place after which it was decided to play football this season.
The Concord Transcript, Thursday Evening, November 13, 1919
High School Notes
The football game with Martinez was postponed because of the disability of one of the players.
1919 Football Schedule
Mt. Diablo vs. Antioch --- 0 to 30
0 30
1920-21
Mr. Hugh Hunter becomes first full time physical education instructor and football coach on the faculty.
The boys of the Mt. Diablo Union High School are displaying their school spirit. The football field was so covered with rocks that Mr. Hunter spoke to the trustees about it. The trustees told Mr. Hunter that if the boys would show their school spirit, they would make a new track this year. Mr. Hunter said if they would furnish him with some rakes he would do the best he could on the field. The boys raked the field until there was hardly a rock left. When the league football games started last Saturday the field was in good order.
1924-25
Mr. Clarence Wells (U.C.) is the new football coach.
In the game against Alhambra, the Devils almost upset the favored Alhambra. Versus Hayward, Guest of Mt. Diablo, took the ball over the goal line the last quarter, but the touchdown was not awarded. The linesman claimed Guest had crawled over. The final score was 0 - 0.
At an evening football rally the school's "Alma Mater" song was first presented to the student body.
Referee Blocks Path of Tacker and Diablo Back-Field Man Races Down Field with Winning Touchdown
The game had reached its final minutes of play and Mt. Diablo had the ball. As Diablo attempted a forward pass, the referee turned about to look toward the sidelines and remained directly in the course of Hartz of Alhambra heading straight for a successful tackle. In dodging the referee Hartz lost ground and the Diablo man got away for the winning touchdown of the game.
The final game of the season, a re-match against Alhambra, was for the county championship. Alhambra won 12-0.
1926-27
Contra Costa Gazette, November 6, 1926
Tony Ciciola of Pittsburg recovered a Diablo fumble behind the goal line and raced the entire length of the field (100 yeards) for the most sensational touchdown made in League play this year.
Mt. Diablo upset undefeated Alhambra 7 to 0 in the last game.
1927-28
Contra Costa Gazette, October 22, 1927
There's trouble a-brewing in the Contra Costa High School Athletic League according to a report. Antioch accuses Pittsburg of permitting Billeci and Hunn, the latter said to be nearing 25 years, to play in the Pitt-Antioch games.
In the 8th game versus Alhambra, the Bulldogs led 13 to 0 going into the 4th quarter. Diablo came to life at this point, scoring twice to tie it up with only minutes to go. Just before the gun, Alhambra attempted a pass which
was intercepted by Stoeckle for a final Diablo touchdown and victory 20 - 13.
10th Game -- Championship play-off game versus Antioch.
"Mt. Diablo ahead 7-0 in the 2nd quarter. Antioch punted from their 15 yard line. "Nat" Richardson, Mt. Diablo defensive Half Back was blocking an Antioch end coming down. The ball hit him on the helmet and bounced past the Diablo Safety Duarte and Antioch recovered it on the 10 yard line. Antioch went on the score and move ahead to upset Diablo out of the title."
1928-29
The Concord Transcript, Thursday, November 15, 1928
No League Rival Was Able to Score Against the Local Team
November 9th Diablo finished a perfect league season by defeating their old rivals, Alhambra, 28 to 0. This was Diablo's sixth straight league win without a score made against them. Diablo has scored 111 points to none for their opponents. This establishes a record that will be hard to beat. Not since Pittsburg has entered the league and six games have been played by each team, has any school gone through without defeat, let alone without an opposing score.
Daily Gazette quote:
During 6 consecutive league games, Diablo with one of the best teams the County has ever seen, held its opponents scoreless while it ran up a total of 111 points. After winning the league championship, they lost a one point heart-breaker to Hayward in the North Coast Section playoff.
----- in league play, Diablo's opponents never had possession of the ball inside the Diablo 30 yard line! (6 games)
1929-30
There were 502 students and 27 faculty members at Mt. Diablo High School.
Daily Gazette, Wednesday, November 6, 1929
"Those Devils, They Set Fire To The Panther Bonfire Pile"
Alhambra bonfire woodpile stacked 30 feet high by the Sophomore class was touched off by Mt. Diablo students during the night. This pile was being readied for a big rally tomorrow night to burn the "Red Devil" himself in effigy. The pile is to be rebuilt and carefully guarded.
Daily Gazette, Thursday, November 7, 1929
"Devils Again Raid Campus Of Alhambra, Paint Bleacher Seats"
"Diablo High" in glaring red letters was discovered by thunder-struck students and faculty of Alhambra High this morning. Coach Pete Kramer of Diablo came to Martinez shortly after to arrange for the re-painting of the bleachers by Diablo students while the school principals were speaking to their respective student bodies to desist from any further reprisals in the interest of the game.
Mt. Diablo tied for the league title with Pittsburg and Antioch, but lost the play-off game to Pittsburg, 6-0. Pittsburg went on to beat Antioch 8-0 for the title one week later.
1930-31
Contra Costa Gazette, November 20, 1930
"...the C.I.F. had ruled upon a question raised by Alhambra on the elifibility of Parson Ramalia, star half-back of Pittsburg. The committee held Ramalia was within the 21 years age limit."
Daily Gazette, November 19, 1930
Charging "deliberately inflicted injuries", Antioch High today severed athletic relations with Pittsburg High. This decision was announed by Principal Roger Phelps.
1931-32
Forty-nine boys turned out for the team.
In the John Swett game DeRosa, from behind the 50 yard line, threw a pass to Mellor, who ran in the end zone to give Diablo the win over favorite John Swett.
In the Antioch game, Louis Ferreira scored two touchdowns, one of them being a 94 yard kick-off return.
Holleman, Diablo guard, made first string all county, with end Mellor, guard Candenasso and quarterback DeRosa on the second string squad. Also named later was Ogilvie as first string center.
1933-34
Hayward scored in the last three minutes of play. Hayward punted to Diablo and Barlow fumbled deep in Red Devil territory. The ball bounded to the one yard line where a Hayward player recovered. On two plays the Farmers scored a touchdown, but the attempt at conversion failed.
With the exception of the "break", the Hayward eleven was unable to get anywhere against the hard playing Diablo line.
Antioch Game
"Coach Kramer of Diablo with a lightweight backfield placed many of his backfield men in the line to bring the teams weight down to the 150 lb. level required in the Antioch game." (For this game Barlow moved to cneter and Newman to tackle)
1934-35
Jim Barlow and Ben Newman were the stars of the league.
1935-36
Contra Costa Gazette, Saturday 21, 1935
In the first quarter Americo Grossi punted from Concord's 40 yard line and the ball rolled out on Hayward's 4 yard line. Hayward attempted to return the punt but kicked short to one side and Arnord Bjork, "Red Devils" half back took the ball on the 30 yard line and ran over for a touchdown.
1936-37
In the first John Swett game, Mt. Diablo had the ball on the 4 yard line at the end of the first half, and on the 1 yard line at the final gun. The Crockett team won 6-0 by completing 10 of 12 passes for 125 yards passing to Mt. Diablo's 120 yards passing.
In the second John Swett game, Lyman "Beans" Glasgow made a famous 103 yard run "---in the 3rd quarter, John Swett leading 12-0, Glasgow caught a punt on the goal line. He was hit by two tacklers and it looked like a sure safety as he was forced back 3 yards. But in the same manner he wriggled out of the group of the two Crockett men and hot-footed it down the sidelines - 103 yards, the sensation of the entire Contra Costa football season."
Daily Gazette, October 17, 1936 (Pittsburg game)
"Coach Pete Kramer's Mt. Diablo High footballers pushed the highly touted Pittsburg Pirates all around the gridiron at Concord yesterday afternoon, but the steel city eleven connected with two long passes toward the end of the game to win 13-0.
Outweighing Mt. Diablo by a considerable margin, the Pittsburgers were outclassed by a fighting horde of "Red Devils" and in the first half Concord made 75 yards against 31 by Pittsburg. Score at half time was 0-0."
All County Selections:Lodin - Right Tackle and Ferrier - Full Back
1937-38
Two wins over Pittsburg, 8-0 and 8-6, closed an extremely successful season. Standouts for the team were: Captain Paul Schmidt, 3 year All County Guard; Bob Foskett, 2 year All County Guard; and Frank Lodin, 2 year All County Guard.
First place in the League.
1938-39
Diablo closed a very successful year at football, placing several men on All County teams and winning the mythical county championship for the 2nd year in a row.
"One of our finest ball clubs" - P.J. Kramer
1939-40
Won league again, 3rd in a row.
1941-42
Diablo's first game with its new "offspring" school, Acalanes, almost ended in a 0-0 tie. But in the closing minutes of the game, Norm Van Brocklin place-kicked a 35 yard field goal to give Acalanes a 3-0 margin.
1943-44
Although behind 12-0 early in the game, the Devils came back to win 18-12 over Acalanes.
1944-45
Dick Piedmonte raced 72 yards to the tying touchdown after catching Bill Woods' heave in the Armistice Day classic with Alhambra.
1947-48
The last game of the season was a big upset -- Diablo 14, Pittsburg (and John Henry Johnson) - 6.
Peter J. "Pete" Kramer ends 23 year coaching span as Red Devil Football Mentor! (1925-1947)
1948-49
Mr. James Dent becomes principal upon the retirement of Miss Bertha Romaine. Phil O'Neill (S.F. St.) takes over as new football coach.
In the Alhambra game, Frank Edleman received a pass, fumbled it twice, recovered it both times, then ran 45 yards for a touchdown.
1949-1950
Mr. John Cleary becomes principal as Mr. Dent moves up as first Superintendent of the newly formed Mt. Diablo Unified School District.
1950-51
Fullback Paul Johnson was leading league scorer (33 in league, 65 for season). Diablo outscored all other teams in the league. At the end spot, Diablo had All-CCCAL Jerry Annis.
1951-52
Mr. Ferd Diel becomes principal of Mt. Diablo High School. Rod Franz (U.C.) is new football coach.
In the Alhambra game, Edelman scored 6 touchdowns to break a 12 year record.
Famous 19-19 tie game at Pitt Stadium
The Red Devils powered by Edelman, Jeffry, Terraberry, Gonzaga, Macaffrey and McKean led 13-0 at the half. The score moved up to 19-0 in the 3rd quarter, but just after the Diablo first unit was taken out, Pittsburg came to life and scored a touchdown. The Diablo regulars returned to the game, but had lost their momentum. At the end of theh 4th quarter, Sonny "The Deacon" Dunham burst up the middle for a 3rd score, kicked his 1st PAT, and it was all tied up. With only seconds remaining, the Red Devils drove deep into Pitt territory, but time ran out before the threat could be finalized.
Against Antioch, Phil Parslow returned a 4th quarter kickoff from the Diablo 12 yard line to the Antioch 2 yard line --- 80 yards and no touchdown. Diablo scored on the next play to win a close game.
The final game against Acalanes was played in a blinding 60 mph wind and rainstorm. All Diablo's points (19) were scored in the first half. Final score 19-0, giving Diablo the Championship.
Captain Russ Steele and Coach Rod Franz selected for North Shrine All-Star Team.
1954-55
Orval Steffen (Colo. St.) becomes new football coach.
1955-56
Mt. Diablo and Pittsburg played a scoreless game until late in the 3rd quarter when both teams made a touchdown. Final score 6-6.
1956-57
Hart Fairclough (U.C.) is new football coach.
1957-58
Antioch was dedicating their new stadium "Eels Field", the night of October 18th, as Diablo completely dominated the Panthers during the first half. However, 105 yards in penalites and a last minute long T.D. pass by Antioch just before the end of the 2nd quarter gun, and the Red Devils found themsleves going off the field at the half all tied up at 6-6. A fired up Antioch eleven came back the 2nd half, took over control of the game, and rolled to two more touchdowns and a commanding 18-6 lead. With 5 1/2 minutes left in the 4th quarter, the Panthers
were driving once more towards the Diablo goal. Antioch then threw a deep pass from the Diablo 32 yard line, but safetyman Al Allison intercepted on the 7 and returned the ball back to the Diablo 32 yard line where the Antioch play had started. At this point, 68 yards away and 4 1/2 minutes left, the rest of "the miracle" started in earnest.
A pass from Allison to Zuur was good to the Antioch 38 yard line, and a pitch to Casey on an end around play went the rest of the way for the touchdown. Allison held, Trette kicked, and the score was now 13-18 Antioch and 3:02 on the clock.
It was quickly decided to kick off normally, rather than try a hastily unprepared "on-side kick". The defense would now have to hold and force a punt after 3 plays in order to get the ball. However, Casey's kick-off went short to the 19, and Antioch got off a strong return up to the 42. On 1st down they made 3 yards, 2nd down, -- 3 yards, and on 3rd (and 4 to go) they were held to 2 yards. Faced with a 4th and 2 at mid-field, and 1:08 on the clock, Antioch went to the punt, but the Diablo defense swarmed in and blocked it.
It was now the Devils ball on the Panther 46 yard line, and 58 seconds left. Allison to Casey was good for 16 yards to the 30 yard line. Allison then passed to Zuur who stepped out of bounds on the 14 yard line and the clock was supposedly stopped with 21 seconds remaining. The clock, however, kept running on out until a multitude of pretests caused the officials to have the clock "backed up" to 19 seconds.
On the next play, Casey swept around right end and into the end zone with 12 seconds left to bring Mt. Diablo one of its greatest comeback victories, 19-18.
1958-59
El Cerrito Game -- (Gary Casey's Big Night) - September 27, 1958
First quarter, Mt. Diablo kicked off to El Cerrito. The Diablo defense held well and on 4th down, El Cerrito punted and Diablo took over on its own 46 1/2 yard line. Three plays later an El Cerrito lineman broke through and stole the ball during a poor Grichuhin to Casey hand-off in Diablo's backfield. Three plays later El Cerrito was in the end zone on runs of 16, 8, and 14 yards and led with the score of 7-0. El Cerrito kicked off. After two plays we fumbled on our own 38 yard line and El Cerrito recovered. Four plays later, aided by a 25 yard pass, they had scored again. With only several minutes left in the 1st quarter, El Cerrito was leading 13-0.
After their 2nd touchdown, Casey returned the kick-off 65 yards for a touchdown (13-6). In the middle of the 2nd quarter, El Cerrito moved to the Devils 10 yard line. With 4th and 5 they passed. Casey intercepted just inside the end zone and ran it out to the 41. Seven plays later Mt. Diablo scored. The key plays were a 14 yard pass, Grichuhin to Lichti, a 13 yard run by Casey, and the scoring play, a 25 yard wing reverse by Casey. Thus, the score was tied 13-13 with only enough time for El Cerrito to return the kick-off to the 34 as the gun went off.
El Cerrito kicked off after half time to our 16 yard line. Casey returned it all the way, 84 yards (32-13). Towards the end of the game, Diablo fumbled a reverse on their own 13 yard line and El Cerrito recoveered. Three plays later they scored. Final score, 32-20.
Gary Casey had his hand on the ball 9 times during the game. The first time, he had the ball stolen right after the hand-off. The next 8 times he scored 5 T.D.s while gaining 379 yards. His yardage was made as follows:
Casey's Game Stats:
1st carry - had ball stolen0
1st K.O. return +65 T.D.
Pass interception +41
2nd carry +13
3rd carry (reverse play) +25 T.D.
2nd K.O. return +84 T.D.
1st punt return+61 T.D.
2nd punt return +85 T.D.
3rd punt return +5
(Also during the game Gary kicked off 5 times, punted twice, and played most of the game as a defensive back.)
1958-59
32-13 upset of undefeated Pittsburg at Steel City breaks Tony Knapp's Pirates 5 year domination of the league and gives Red Devils 1st crown since 1953.
Gary Casey is selected to play for North Shrine All-Star Team in Los Angeles.
1959-60
In the second quarter of the Pittsburg game with 0-0 score, Pittsburg drove from their 21 to our 3 and fumbled. After 3 plays Ed Johnson Punted from our 8 to the 47 yard line. He actually kicked from within the end zone. The punt was returned from the Pitt 45 to the 47. When tackled, Pitt fumbled, and Ed Johnson picked it up and ran the remaining 47 yards for a touchdown. Between the kick and the run, Johnson moved the ball from one end zone to the other. Diablo went on to win the game 19-6 and gain a "cinderella team" league championship -- 2nd year in a row.
1960-61
Third successive league title for the Red Devils. Players Tom Brown and Marty Piscovich and Coach Fairclough selected to participate in North-South Shrine All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
1962-63
"Rags to riches" squad - composed heavily of juniors, kept improving and tied unbeaten #1 team in the East Bay - Antioch. Came from behind (0-6) in the 4th quarter to beat Pleasant HIll to tie for the League title. As news of the Pittsburg upset of Antioch reached Diablo field in the middle of the 4th quarter, the Devils went on an 80 yard drive to win the game 7-6. Then they held off a last minute Pleasant Hill bid inside the 10 yard line.
Captain Mickey Workman was selected to North Shrine All-Star Team.
1963-64
Next to last game was with undefeated and untied Pittsburg. Diablo held Pitt to 0 yards rushing and 27 yards passing. Their star halfback, Al Wright, was held to -6 yards. Mt. Diablo won 13-0 to take DVAL Championship.
Mike Schomaker was selected to North Shrine All-Star Team.
