MODESTO -- There are a number of reasons John Mundt is going to the University of Oregon next fall, including his strength, quickness, hands and smarts.
Those traits earned him the top ranking in last summer's Nike Combine national tour, season, setting off an intense recruiting battle for Mundt.
One look at Oregon's prolific offense and it's easy to see Mundt running down the center of the field for a long pass.
That all comes next season.
He's been most productive this year as a blocker for Central Catholic, crashing down on ends and linebackers with his 6-foot-5, 235-pound frame.
"It's an attitude block. You have to be physical, you have to stick with it until the running back gets through," said Mundt, who helps Central average 9.1 yards on each carry. "We're a run-first team. That means sealing the edge. If we don't block, we won't win. We want to win that state title."
Central Catholic (10-2) is the favorite in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 bracket and a virtual lock for the Northern California Division 4 Bowl it if wins Friday and again in the final.
One loss, though, and it all comes crashing down. No section title, no bid to the regional bowl, no return to Carson.
Mundt realizes how fast all of that can slip away. He was in Eugene Saturday for his official visit to Oregon and saw the Ducks upset by Stanford, potentially denying Oregon a berth in the Pac-12 championship game and a BCS crown.
"ESPN Gameday was there are it was wild, all that noise, all those people," Mundt said. "But Stanford won. It was a reminder to me that overlooking anyone can end all this."
Central Catholic, the winningest program in section history, used to be the neighborhood bully. Its ability to draw the finest players from across the Stanislaus District made it a powerhouse, and its aggressive nature left many foes unnerved.
It's been a few years, however, since Central Catholic put a real scare into a playoff opponent.
The Raiders went to a State Bowl in 2007, dropping a 35-21 decision to St. Bonaventure, and it's been lean times since. They haven't made a section since losing in 2008, and each of the last three seasons ended with an early-round upset.
The postseason failures are one reason the Raiders reverted to their old style of power runners behind physical linemen. They averaged 340 rushing yards the last three weeks against three playoff teams.
They threw a pass in the second half of last week's come-from-behind 40-21 win at Ripon. Down 21-17 at halftime, Central went simple to win.
Mundt become a third offensive tackle and fullback Blake Escobar played as if he were the third guard to give Central an equivalent of seven linemen.
Still, the reason Mundt has become so proficient at blocking is he has little else to do. Averaging two catches and 40 yards, he is rarely a factor in the passing game. He had five catches for 55 yards and a TD in a 28-21 upset of St. Mary's, and three for 100 and two TDs to help rout Patterson 63-20.
"Everything takes care of itself when you win," he said.
Mundt flashed his potential at Patterson win, twice grabbing a pop pass and going the distance. He dashed 30 and 70 yards, his long gait leaving defensive backs far behind him.
He runs away from safeties and outjumps linebackers, as well as hurdling over would-be tacklers as they approach.There will be time for more of that at Oregon, Mundt said.
"Right now, though, it's all about my pad level when I'm blocking, being quick off the line to hit the defender first, sealing off the lane," he said. "Those are things that will allow us to win right now. That is all that will matter to me.
"When I committed to Oregon last summer, it took the pressure off. I'm not worried making myself look good. I've got my school. I want a title."
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