Week 13: And then there were five
Dear Viewers:
Every August thousands of San Diego high school football players dream of being on the podium for the Prep Pigskin Report's Silver Pigskin Gala. This December 6th, the dream will come true for Shawn Boose, Chase Knox, Brandon Lewis, Landon Lozoya and Taylor McNamara.
These five young men represent everything that is special about San Diego high school football. Our group consists of a U.S. Army All American (Taylor McNamara), a tough-as-nails quarterback (Chase Knox), a silky smooth conductor of the county's most dangerous offense (Brandon Lewis) and two athletes that represent the dreams and aspirations of their respective communities (Shawn Boose & Landon Lozoya).
Picking five Silver Pigskin Finalists is not easy. I can think of a dozen names that could have easily of made our podium. La Costa Canyon's Eric Magnusson, Mt. Miguel's Derrick Dunn, Steele Canyon's Chanceller James, Poway's Brian Guendling, Christian's Shane Dillon, Valhalla's Frank Foster and the Scotties' trio of Smith, Pruitt and Hancock. Or how about the Saints' Joe Kennedy? Or what if San Diego's Kari Kimbrough stayed healthy?
Picking five Finalists and an Iron Hog winner is not an exact science. It's a snapshot in time. In some cases it's just a flat out guess. But I tell you this: We couldn't be prouder of the class of 2011. Besides being stellar athletes, all five are quality human beings. I have no doubt they will represent the PPR with style, class and dignity.
So, in less than 3 weeks we'll know the 14th name to be etched on the side of the prestigious Silver Pigskin. Monday, 169 ballots were mailed out to San Diego county head football coaches, San Diego media members, previous Silver Pigskin winners and Finalists. Another 65 ballots were distributed to voting members of the PPR Player of the Year Committee and PPR sponsors. In total, 234 ballots were distributed.
And then there is the fan vote. Right now on all our social media sites (KUSI.com & Prep Pigskin Report Facebook page) you will find a link to an electronic ballot on which to cast your vote. In order that you can be a properly educated voter, our social media sites will soon include extensive statistical information, highlights and a full length interview with each finalist. Our Fan Vote will stay open all the way until 5pm December 6th, or 3 hours before the live Gala broadcast from the Hall of Champions.
The fan vote will be weighted to count as 10 percent of the paper ballot. That means if we get 200 ballots back, the Fan Vote will be divided to represent 20 paper ballots. KUSI Chief Financial Officer Steve Sadler will be in charge of the paper ballots and the Fan Vote formula. At 8pm on Tuesday, December 6th, only Mr. Sadler will know the name of the 2011 Silver Pigskin Player of the Year.
Immediately after the show, Mr. Sadler will post a comprehensive breakdown of the vote tally. Unlike Washington, D.C., here at the PPR we believe in full transparency.
Also, during the Gala we will announce the winner of the 2011 Iron Hog Award. This award was originally given to the county's premier interior lineman, but in 2011 we are opening the award up to anybody who displays the toughness emblematic of an Iron Hog.
It's going to be a blazing fast 3 weeks. Friday we will have 20 playoff games on the PPR. The following Friday we'll show you all the highlights from the semi-finals played the day before. On Monday, December 5th, our entire All Sports Report will be dedicated to the four championship games played at the Q. And then on Tuesday, it's the 14th Annual Prep Pigskin Report Silver Pigskin Gala. A VIP crowd of 700-plus will squeeze into the Hall of Champions. There will be mascots, the Carlsbad Marching Band will perform live and we'll recap all the best moments of the 2011 season.
And before the clock strikes 9 pm, we'll learn the next name to be immortalized by the Prep Pigskin Report.
If you like the show you can express your gratitude in two ways. 1) Vote. 2) Watch the Gala.
Until then, may the pigskin breeze be always at your back!
