HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK : Fockaert Wants to Ace Last Final

The region has been a hotbed for quality quarterbacks this decade, but only one can claim he led his team to three consecutive Southern Section finals--Rob Fockaert of Paraclete.

Fockaert is 26-4 since taking over as starter late in his sophomore year.

Paraclete (10-3), seeking to become the first area team since 1986 to win three consecutive section titles, plays Kilpatrick (9-4) for the Division XII championship at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Antelope Valley College.

“A lot of Rob’s success comes from his sheer desire not to want to lose,” Coach Steve Hagerty said. “I wouldn’t exchange him for anybody.”

Fockaert’s statistics this season aren’t staggering. He has passed for 1,452 yards and 19 touchdowns while sharing the workload with sophomore running back Curtis Brown, who has rushed for 2,494 yards and 27 touchdowns.

“Just so long as we win, I’m happy,” Fockaert said.

It’s an attitude Hagerty appreciates.

“He has a rare ability to recognize that the success of the team is above personal statistics,” Hagerty said.

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Linebacker Robert Watts of Paraclete will make a recruiting visit to Fresno State in late January.

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The Division XII final at Antelope Valley College will be a homecoming for three Kilpatrick players.

Jermaine Marshall, Andy Lewis and Matthias Alvarez attended high schools in the area before going to Malibu-based Kilpatrick. Defensive coordinator Murphy Ruffins lives in Lancaster.

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Marshall needs 58 yards rushing against Paraclete to break the state season record of 3,523.

No problem, said Hagerty.

“If he agrees to fall down and not play anymore after he gets the record, we’ll agree to step aside on the first play and he can run as far as he wants,” he said. “That’s pretty accommodating if you ask me.”

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Marshall is on the brink of the state record not only because of talent, but also because of an efficient offensive line that has improved through the season.

Guards Joreese Jackson and Walter Haywood, tackles Robert Hubbard and Daniel Villalobos, tight ends Dudy Moore and Andre Moore, and center Jason Kendrix have spent the season mostly running interference for Marshall in the Mustangs’ wing-T offense.

“With numbers like that, these guys must be doing something right,” Coach Sid Ware said.