Friend turned foe: Marin Catholic cheered Central Catholic to 2012 state title

Marin Catholic football coach Mazi Moayed is no stranger to Central Catholic, the Wildcats’ opponent in Saturday’s CIF Northern California Open Division Small-School game.

With 19 Sac-Joaquin Section titles and three consecutive state championships, the little ol’ Raiders – enrollment 369 – have become the measuring stick for small-school programs across the northern state.

Even on Moayed’s practice field, in private conversations or group discussion, the mere mention of Central Catholic draws a certain measure of respect from the Wildcats.

“We know all about their success,” said Moayed, now in his sixth season as Marin Catholic’s head coach. Before that, he served as an assistant to former coach Ken Peralta and had stops at College of Marin and Berkeley High, among other programs.

“I think (the section commissioners) got the right two teams. We’re honored to be in the Small Open with Central. I think it will be an exciting match-up.

“In big games, especially games as big these, you like to watch your opponent a little bit and admire the things they do. They’re a lot of fun to watch and scout.”

Moayed was a fan long before he became the enemy in this inaugural year of the bowl series.

His voice was among the thousands that cheered the Raiders to their first state championship in 2012 at The Home Depot Center in Carson. That year Marin Catholic advanced to the Division III bowl game, losing 38-35 to Madison of San Diego.

The Raiders and Wildcats shared the same hotel and Moayed got a chance to mingle with members of the Central Catholic community. He remembers feeling a sense of validation as he spoke with the players and coaches; that the tenets of his program – character, hard work and education – were part of the winning formula at Central Catholic.

Of course, the product on the field that weekend – and every Friday or Saturday since – was equally as impressive. Running backs Ray Lomas and Rey Vega, dubbed “The Ray and Rey Show” by The Modesto Bee, ran wild on Santa Fe Christian, combining for 285 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in a 66-7 win.

“They just exploded on the other team,” Moayed said. “We stayed in the same hotel and got a chance to meet some of their guys. We were pulling for each other. Those are some good guys with great families. It was a lot of fun.”

On Saturday, they’ll have fun as foes for the first time.

Marin Catholic (12-1) earned the bid with a 38-21 victory over Cardinal Newman in the North Coast Section Division IV championship.

Like Central Catholic (14-0), which has won four consecutive section titles and will move up to D-II next year because of its continued success, the Wildcats are accustomed to playing for championships.

Marin Catholic has appeared in an NCS final six of the last seven years, including five in a row. Moayed is 73-10 in six seasons as a head coach with two section titles and a state bowl berth.

“It’s same with Central. Once you’ve been there and rolling that way, it becomes the expectation; kids expect to win,” Moayed said. “You get a little more buy-in and a little more commitment. When you invest more, it’s hard to let go or surrender.

“It’s a neat culture and environment we’re in. I’m privileged and the guys enjoy it.”

In 2012, the Wildcats leaned on the power and precision of Jared Goff, a record-setting quarterback at Cal and considered by many a top NFL prospect.

Today’s Wildcats don’t possess a prime talent like Goff, but that doesn’t make them any less explosive.

Marin Catholic is paced by senior quarterback Darius-James Peterson, the two-time Marin County League Most Valuable Player.

Peterson was slowed by a hamstring injury at the start of the season, but he’s reached top speed in the playoffs.

“The thing that makes him special is his heart and toughness and competitiveness,” Moayed said. “He’s got great tools, but a lot of players have great tools. He’s fast and can throw the ball all over the place, but the toughness, determination and drive is what sets him apart from the other guys.”

Peterson is surrounded by weapons, all of whom have contributed to the Wildcats’ 12-game winning streak.

Receivers Reese Osborn, Peter Armusewicz and Jack Hogeboom provide big targets. Each stands at least 6 feet, 2 inches. Armusewicz had three touchdowns in last week’s victory over Cardinal Newman.

Will Buckstaff is the shortest of the starting receivers at 5-foot-9, but may be the Wildcats’ most explosive athlete. Buckstaff has garnered interest from several small colleges.

Marin Catholic uses a rotation at running back that includes brothers Nathan and Nick Gernhard and Jake Laudenslager.

Nick Gernhard is a third-year varsity player who doubles as the defensive captain from his middle linebacker position. He is the school’s all-time leading tackler and committed to Air Force, where he’ll play fullback.

Moayed said his team’s by-committee approach this season has helped the Wildcats weather devastating injury and in-game adversity. In the NCS semifinal, Marin Catholic rallied from a 13-0 deficit in a 31-27 win over Moreau Catholic, a team Moayed says is similar to Central Catholic.

“Perseverance. The team has run into a lot of adversity from the beginning of the season through the end. Guys have handled it and handled it well,” Moayed said. “They’ve taken it all in stride. It’s been a weird year with injuries. Fortunately, we’ve had some good horses to back them up and reload.

“There have been a couple of situations where we’ve had to shuffle guys around to make sure the best players are on the field.”

This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 5:25 PM with the headline "Friend turned foe: Marin Catholic cheered Central Catholic to 2012 state title."