Sports
49ers cruise past the Packers, stay atop the NFC
Santa Clara – The Forty-Niners surpassed one of their biggest hurdles with ease. The anticipated matchup against the Green Bay Packers didn’t turn out to be as exciting as we thought. In fact, the Packers went scoreless through the first half and held Aaron Rodgers to his lowest yards per attempt in his career as a starter.
The 49ers 37-8 victory over the Green Bay keeps them atop of the NFC with only one loss. San Francisco’s top rated defense remains tough to handle. Rodgers was sacked five times and went 10-for-20 for 41 yards in the first half alone. On the Packer’s opening drive, Davante Adams was charged with a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. On the next play, Rodgers was sacked by Fred Warner and fumbled the ball.
“Oh, it was a big tone setter,” said DL DeForest Buckner. “We came out guns blazing. That’s the kind of energy you want us to start off with, especially with a team like that. For the offense to capitalize off of it, it was just a great start to the game.”
Nick Bosa recovered the ball for 6 yards and that setup Tevin Coleman’s 2-yard touchdown. Green Bay’s offense got completely shut down in the first half. The Packers recorded five penalties for 50 yards which included Kevin King’s illegal use of hands (face mask). That put the 49ers in good field position. Jeff Wilson Jr. rushed up the middle for 25 yards, setting up Chase McLaughlin’s 29-yard field goal to extend San Francisco’s lead 10-0.
“We just played our game,” Richard Sherman said. “We just played disciplined football. Our D-Line, they hunted and in the secondary, we just tried to play tight coverage. We played a lot of man-to-man. [Defensive coordinator Robert] Saleh called a lot of man-to-man today and we felt like that was the plan to try and stop the run and stop [Green Bay Packers RB] Aaron Jones.”
By the second, the Green Bay continued to struggle while the 49ers picked up the pace. Jimmy Garoppolo connected with his favorite Tight End, George Kittle (who returned after missing 2 games) for 18 and 22 yards. That setup McLaughlin’s second field goal for 27 yards making it a 13-0 game. At the two-minute warning, Garoppolo handed off the ball to Deebo Samuel who took flight for a 42-yard touchdown extending San Francisco’s lead 20-0.
“It was just an end breaking route,” said Samuel. “When I see the ball, I take the ball. When I turn the corner all I see is the end zone. I was like, I got to get there.”
With seconds remaining on the clock, McLaughlin kicked a 48-yard field goal to make it a 23-0 game to end the half. This game was a must win for the 49ers. The team played great on all sides of the ball, leaving their performance tonight as one of the best of the season. Their win keeps them in control of the NFC and home field advantage as we get closer to the playoffs.
“We hurt ourselves again,” Adams said. “We just keep putting ourselves in these tough positions. When it’s third-and- forever or second-and-forever, it’s tough to comeback against a good team like that. We just have to put ourselves in a better position in early downs.
They’ve got some beasts up front. It’s tough. We still have to take care of business but they’ve got a really good team. They’ve got a really good front and they’ve got some impact players but we still have to come up with a game plan to stop guys like that. We didn’t do that today and that’s what it’s about.”
A poor performance by the packers left them dejected after their first turnover. Rodgers never got into a good rhythm and after scoring in the third, they never got that opportunity again. Due to a few San Francisco penalties, Green Bay saw a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel in the third quarter. Rodgers connected with Jamaal Williams for 33 and 9 yards, putting them in the best field position all night. Rodgers scrambled for 5 yards and a penalty on Richard Sherman for unnecessary roughness put the Packers on the goal line.
Rodgers found Adams for the 2-yard touchdown making it a 23-6 game. Green Bay went for the two-pint conversion to extend their lead to 23-8. But San Francisco’s two-play drive was the nail the coffin. Garoppolo connected with Kendrick Bourne for 14 yard pass. Garoppolo then went deep to Kittle for a 61 yard touchdown making it a 30-8 game. By the fourth Raheem Mostert rushed up the middle for a 15-yard touchdown making it a 37-8 game.
“Oh my, we’ve been running that since Week One, and I have to run it like two or three times a week,” said Kittle regarding his 61-yard touchdown. “That’s like a 50-yard route every single time. I’m just like, ‘Hey [San Francisco 49ers head coach] Kyle [Shanahan], relax. I’m a tight end.’ We finally got the call and ran it, so that was pretty fun. It’s just a corner post. Perfect coverage to run it against. Jimmy gave me a perfect ball and I had to unhitch the trailer and out-run a couple guys. It was pretty fun.”
The 49ers improve to 10-1 on the season, marking their best start through 11 games since 1997 (11-1). San Francisco won their only game of the season against the NFC North. The 49ers also won their first game on Sunday Night Football since 10/6/13 vs Houston (W, 34-3). The team is now 3-1 in primetime matchups this season.
“We’re very well aware of how tight of a race it is, but it’s way too early to sit there and focus on it,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “The way things are going, I’m sure that’ll be the last week that really is worth knowing what’s out there. There’s a lot of football to play and a lot of games and a lot of good teams out there.”
Business
Sacramento Kings and Black-Owned Digital License Plate Firm Enter History-Making Partnership
Reviver founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston attended the Sacramento Kings’ season opener at Golden 1 Center, witnessing players debut the company’s patch. Reviver proudly supports the Sacramento Kings’ community and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media (CBM).
By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
Reviver, the world’s first digital license plate and connected vehicle platform, has entered into a history-making jersey patch partnership with the Sacramento Kings, team officials announced right before the team’s season opener on Oct. 24.
The collaboration establishes Reviver as the first Black-founded technology jersey patch partner in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The Reviver logo now appears on the left front strap of Kings’ uniforms.
Reviver founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston was in attendance to see the company’s patch worn by the Kings, during a game with the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.
“It was an absolutely amazing night. More than I ever expected,” Boston told California Black Media (CBM). “The Sacramento Kings have been incredible. On a national, and maybe a worldwide level, this partnership raises the profile of Reviver with the assistance of (Kings chairman and CEO) Vivek Ranadivé and the Kings.”
According to the Kings’ brass, Reviver, supported by the Black Star Fund, a Black-led venture capital firm based in Sacramento, is now an official “innovation partner” of the Kings and Golden 1 Center; a presenting partner of “Capitalize Technology,” a King’s corporate social investment initiative; and the exclusive digital license plate of the Sacramento Kings.
Headquartered in Granite Bay, a suburb of Sacramento, Reviver was born from a vision to modernize and streamline the vehicle registration renewal process. On Jan. 1, 2023, the state of California joined Georgia, Colorado, Michigan, and Arizona as states that have approved digital license plates for use statewide, after Reviver completed a four-year pilot program that evaluated a replacement for metal plates.
About 10,000 California drivers bought digital plates during the pilot program. Vehicles registered with the state are eligible to adopt the new high-tech tags. Reviver existence was made possible when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 984 in September 2022.
Under that law, California vehicle owners can update their titles, registrations, and other records remotely. In addition, the digital license “RPlate” includes a flashing message if a vehicle is reported stolen or if there is an Amber Alert.
Ranadivé is spreading the news that Reviver has international potential.
“This jersey patch partnership with Reviver continues the Kings long tradition of using our global platform to promote innovation and technology,” Ranadivé stated. “It’s particularly exciting to showcase a homegrown company that was part of our Kings Capitalize program. This is just the beginning of our work together, and we look forward to helping Reviver in its mission to modernize the driving experience.”
The commercial use of patches in professional basketball all began in 2009 when the Women’s Basketball Association (WNBA) Phoenix Mercury removed its name to replace it with sponsor, LifeLock, an identity-theft protection company. The landmark deal netted a contract worth about $1 million annually.
Kindra Montgomery-Block, vice president of diversity, equity, and social impact for the Sacramento Kings, was the integral facilitator who assisted Boston and his team in connecting with the sports franchise that is boasting 40 years in the Capital City.
“This partnership between the Kings and Reviver, backed by the Black Star Fund, will invest in the Sacramento community to promote technology and innovation in the region,” Montgomery-Block stated. “Reviver will support the Sacramento Kings community and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.”
Editor’s Note: Neville Boston is a California Black Media board member.
Black History
Martial Artist Victor Moore: An American Karate and Kickboxing Pioneer
Throughout his career, Moore defeated many national champions, including Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. Moore placed in every tournament he competed in from 1965 until his retirement in 1975, defeating renowned national champions such as Mike Foster, Chuck Norris, Fred Wren, Glenn Keeney, James Hawkes, and Jim Kelly. Moore emphasizes that winning or losing does not diminish a champion’s credibility — they are all champions in his eyes.
By Tamara Shiloh
Victor Moore, born on Aug. 23, 1943, holds a 10th-degree Black Belt in Karate and is a four-time world karate champion.
As one of the chief instructors under Robert Trias in the Shuri-ryu Karate system, Moore was also among the first ten members of the Trias International Society. Over his 50-year martial arts career, he trained in various styles, including Chito-ryu with William J. Dometrich, Judo, Kempo, and Bondo karate.
Moore began his martial arts journey at the age of 7 in Cincinnati, lifting weights and reading Charles Atlas books to guide his training. By age 9, he had learned the basics of jujitsu and judo, and at 12, he began training in Kempo karate under Ronald Williams, who awarded him his first black belt after five years of instruction.
In 1961, Moore expanded his training by joining a judo school led by Ray Hughes and later trained in Gyu Ryu-karate under Harvey Eubanks. He studied Kempo with Bill Dometrich and continued exploring different karate styles. Instructors at the time, required students to start as white belts in each new style, even if they held black belts elsewhere, which shaped Moore’s adaptability.
Chung Ling, an exchange student from China, introduced Moore and others to Chuan Fa, enhancing Moore’s understanding of martial arts. He also took up judo at a school in Cincinnati, where he earned his brown belt, and trained in karate with Jim Wax, who had studied under the Shimabuku brothers. Moore’s toughness was further honed by his boxing experience at the 9th Street YMCA, where he became a sparring partner for Tiger Joe Harris.
At Central State University, Professor Barry Yasuto trained Moore in Shotokan karate, but Moore was denied entry to the Japanese Karate Association, possibly due to his race. After returning to Cincinnati, Moore opened his first karate school and began competing in national tournaments. He traveled across the U.S., eventually meeting Robert Trias, who became his mentor and helped him rise to the second-degree black belt level. Under Trias, Moore continued training in Kempo and Goju-Ryu styles.
Moore also trained under Dr. Maung Gyi, learning Bondo karate, stick fighting, and kickboxing. In 1973, Moore and Joe Lewis introduced kickboxing to America on the Merv Griffin TV show. Moore competed in the first kickboxing tournament in the U.S., facing Jim Harrison in a historic fight.
Throughout his career, Moore defeated many national champions, including Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. Moore placed in every tournament he competed in from 1965 until his retirement in 1975, defeating renowned national champions such as Mike Foster, Chuck Norris, Fred Wren, Glenn Keeney, James Hawkes, and Jim Kelly. Moore emphasizes that winning or losing does not diminish a champion’s credibility — they are all champions in his eyes.
Moore continues to teach martial arts, working with instructors and students nationwide. His daughters, Vickie and Vonnie, and his son, Vanceston, also train under his guidance.
Bay Area
Cal State East Bay Athletic Department Holds Hall of Fame Gala
The university honored exceptional athletes, teams, and coaches at their annual celebration before 200 guests. The Class of 2024 included the 1999-2000 Pioneer Softball Team that won the Cal Pac Championship in 2000 and went on to win the first two games of the NAIA Region II Playoffs and combined 32-3 in CalPac over the two seasons.
By Carla Thomas
California State University East Bay Athletics (CSUEB) hosted their 2024 Pioneer Hall of Fame Gala at the Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The university honored exceptional athletes, teams, and coaches at their annual celebration before 200 guests.
The Class of 2024 included the 1999-2000 Pioneer Softball Team that won the Cal Pac Championship in 2000 and went on to win the first two games of the NAIA Region II Playoffs and combined 32-3 in CalPac over the two seasons.
The 1999 CalPac Player of the Year was Pioneer Hall-of-Famer Danielle Stines and also on the 1999 team was Pioneer Hall-of-Famer Angel Alcorcha.
In 2000, the Pioneers swept the premier CalPac Awards, and Rachel Abrams was named Player of the Year, Christy Smith was named Pitcher of the Year, and Karen Lee Yoder (Matteson) was named Coach of the Year. Their team record for batting average in 1999 still stands after 25 years with an amazing combined .347.
Lorenzo Hall of CSUEB’s Men’s Basketball Team 1986-1990 was recognized for his achievements as a two-time All-NCAC selection, ranking in the top-10 in program history for assists, steals, free throw percentage and scoring.
At the time of his graduation, Hall held NCAC records for assists and steals. He also served as an assistant coach for the Pioneers after his playing career and created the nonprofit First Step Basketball to guide the next generation of young athletes.
Inductee and Women’s Gymnastics Coach Dorie Krepton of 1971-1985 led the team through winning 145 of 171 meets, 84% of their competition.
Through her 14 years of leading the Pioneers, Krepton coached the program to five Golden Gate Conference Championships, and the team qualified and participated in six NCAA Gymnastics National Championships. She also coached 10 All-American Athletes, including Pioneer Hall of Famers Holly Moore Leonard and Janet Kramer.
The seven-time Coach of the Year honoree served as Kinesiology and Physical Education professor emeritus at Cal State East Bay, which offered a degree option in exercise nutrition in the Kinesiology Department.
Bob Olsen of the CSUEB Men’s Track and Field Team, 1976-1979, was a member of 1977 NCAA Division II National Championship team and the two-time Far Western Conference Champion in pole vault, 1978 and 1979. Olsen was a four-time All-Conference selection and in 1976, Olsen became the first freshman pole vaulter in Division II to clear 16 feet.
Olsen was in the top 10 in the pole vault at the NCAA Division II Championships four times in his career.
Honoree Kulwant Singh served as the men’s and women’s assistant soccer coach from 1983-1990. The women’s team won six straight conference championships from 1984 to 1989. Singh served on the coaching staff alongside Pioneer Hall of Famer Colin Lindores.
In 1985, Singh coached the women’s team to an undefeated regular season (18-0) and lost to UC Santa Barbara on a golden goal in the NCAA playoffs. Singh was assistant coach for the 1988 NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship team and helped the 1989 men’s soccer team reach the NCAA Division II Championship semifinals.
Singh also played on the pitch as a Pioneer before coaching in Hayward and currently serves as commissioner for the Central Valley Conference.
The inductees also participated in several days of alumni activity, beginning with Pioneer Alumni Day on Thursday, Oct. 17.
With the addition of the new members, the Pioneers Hall of Fame now features 119 individuals and four teams.
During sports seasons, the Pioneer Gymnasium is open to the public, and guests can view the school’s Hall of Fame Wall.
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