McClymonds is hoping to ride two backs to another state title
Michael Peters figures it’s a reward for good living. Or for all those years — more than two decades — he spent as an assistant coach.
“I never wanted to be a head coach,” said the McClymonds Oakland head football coach. “Didn’t want all that responsibility.”
The father of Los Angeles Rams All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters took over the Mack program in 2013, and under his guidance, the Warriors have gone 71-9, won six of the program’s 10 straight Oakland Section championships, and earned state titles each of the past two years.
The Warriors (11-2), who won the Northern California crown Saturday by beating Aptos 28-20, will try for their their third consecutive state title at 6 p.m. Saturday when they play Garfield-Los Angeles (13-1) in the 4-A championship game at Laney College.
“It’s been a blessing,” Peters said. “I’ve got a good staff and a lot of great, dedicated players.”
This year’s bunch is led by a defense that has given up just 105 points and recorded eight shutouts — all but two of them against vastly outmatched Oakland Athletic League opponents, which McClymonds outscored 361-0.
The Warriors have leaned on arguably the best senior running-back tandem in the Bay Area.
Jarmar Julien, a 5-foot-10, 225-pound wrecking ball, has rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, according to Peters.
“He’s big and powerful and fast enough to break the long one,” Peters said.
The more fluid and elusive Adi Anderson (5-10, 195) has gained nearly 1,300 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
Both had 21 carries against Aptos; Julien gained 192 yards (and scored three times) and Anderson 152.
“He’s definitely shiftiest,” Peters said of Anderson, “but he’ll put his head down and run you over, too. That’s one heck of a one-two punch. Probably the best we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
Both were gifts, Peters said with a big smile. Julien transferred from Oak Grove-San Jose prior to his junior season, Anderson from Moreau CatholicHayward last summer.
In both cases, their families moved to Oakland, which has open enrollment. Both said academics played a big role, but having a juggernaut football program made it an easy choice.
“I was accepted right away so it wasn’t too tough,” Julien said.
Said Anderson: “I knew some kids at school before I came. It’s been an easy transition. And exciting to play for a state title.”
Peters describes both as quiet, fun and hard-working. Each also plays defense, Julien at linebacker and Anderson at safety.
Anderson had 12 college offers but has committed to San Jose State. Julien, presumably because of a lack of top-end speed, has yet to receive an offer. His father, Jarmar Julien Sr., is an Oak Grove alum, played at San Jose State and was briefly with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2002.
“I’m not sure what college coaches are looking at,” Peters said of Julien’s lack of recruiting. “The kid is one of the best players in the area. I think they’re making a bad decision by not offering him yet.”
Julien said: “I’m not worried about it. I’m enjoying playing the game right now, and I want to go to college and play. I’ll wait for my chance.”
Said Anderson of Julien: “The dude is a beast. I hate having to try to tackle him in practice.”
Both figure to get a heavy load Saturday.
“It’s hard going against two good backs — people don’t know who to game-plan for,” Anderson said.
Until Anderson arrived, Peters was planning to run a lot of one-back sets with Julien.
“I had to call some college coaches and ask about twoback sets,” Peters said. “Both of them are lead backs, and both can catch the ball. They’re each going to have great college careers.”
That will have to wait one more week.
“Right now,” said Julien, “we just want one more great high school game.”