Michael Barba

Jonah Owen Lamb

The troubling tip came in a month before his suicide.&nbsp;

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The troubling tip came in a month before his suicide.&nbsp;

Sgt. Chris Morris spent more than $2,200 at stores that sold firearms, gun parts and other weapons, a tipster told San Francisco police. And with the officer’s history of violence and drug addiction, the source worried those purchases might endanger Morris, his wife and their 9-year-old son.

Sgt. Chris Morris spent more than $2,200 at stores that sold firearms, gun parts and other weapons, a tipster told San Francisco police. And with the officer’s history of violence and drug addiction, the source worried those purchases might endanger Morris, his wife and their 9-year-old son.

“Mr. Morris has severe mental health and addiction problems,” Don Emley, an attorney for the officer’s wife, warned police in an email.&nbsp;

“Mr. Morris has severe mental health and addiction problems,” Don Emley, an attorney for the officer’s wife, warned police in an email.&nbsp;

But 35 days passed before police served a search warrant at his home, even though a domestic violence restraining order and a previous intensive mental health detention legally barred Morris from having a gun.&nbsp;

But 35 days passed before police served a search warrant at his home, even though a domestic violence restraining order and a previous intensive mental health detention legally barred Morris from having a gun.&nbsp;

When police came to his home with the warrant June 15, Morris <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sgt-chris-morris-was-on-paid-leave-when-he-died-wednesday-according-to-officials-with-knowledge-of-the-incident/">took his own life</a>. He died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

When police came to his home with the warrant June 15, Morris <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sgt-chris-morris-was-on-paid-leave-when-he-died-wednesday-according-to-officials-with-knowledge-of-the-incident/">took his own life</a>. He died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

His suicide raises questions about whether the San Francisco Police Department could have done more to stop his downward spiral, and what investigative steps—if any—the department took to determine whether Morris had gotten a hold of a gun in the five weeks after being notified about his purchases.

His suicide raises questions about whether the San Francisco Police Department could have done more to stop his downward spiral, and what investigative steps—if any—the department took to determine whether Morris had gotten a hold of a gun in the five weeks after being notified about his purchases.

Morris had a well-documented history of erratic behavior, drug use and what his wife once described as a “very unhealthy obsession with guns” that police knew about for at least two years before his suicide, according to court records obtained by The Standard. In May 2020, the department confiscated a cache of guns from his house, including an AR-15, and detained Morris against his will out of concern for his mental health.

Morris had a well-documented history of erratic behavior, drug use and what his wife once described as a “very unhealthy obsession with guns” that police knew about for at least two years before his suicide, according to court records obtained by The Standard. In May 2020, the department confiscated a cache of guns from his house, including an AR-15, and detained Morris against his will out of concern for his mental health.

While it’s unclear when Morris was last on active duty, he was on administrative leave at the time of his death.&nbsp;

While it’s unclear when Morris was last on active duty, he was on administrative leave at the time of his death.&nbsp;

His death is also driving concerns within the department about why internal affairs investigators executed the search warrant without bringing a SWAT team. The department knew that Morris struggled with drug addiction and had reason to suspect he had acquired a gun. Both of those circumstances, along with his documented obsession with firearms, could make serving the warrant high-risk enough to require a tactical response.

His death is also driving concerns within the department about why internal affairs investigators executed the search warrant without bringing a SWAT team. The department knew that Morris struggled with drug addiction and had reason to suspect he had acquired a gun. Both of those circumstances, along with his documented obsession with firearms, could make serving the warrant high-risk enough to require a tactical response.

San Francisco police did not answer detailed questions about the Morris case and how it was handled.&nbsp;

San Francisco police did not answer detailed questions about the Morris case and how it was handled.&nbsp;

The circumstances of the suicide deserve to be interrogated because of the all-too-common tragedy that is a police officer taking their own life, according to Humberto Cardounel, a retired Virginia police chief and internal affairs commander who is now a director with the National Policing Institute.

The circumstances of the suicide deserve to be interrogated because of the all-too-common tragedy that is a police officer taking their own life, according to Humberto Cardounel, a retired Virginia police chief and internal affairs commander who is now a director with the National Policing Institute.

“A situation like this is not so much a matter of trying to find blame,” Cardounel said, speaking generally without personal knowledge of the case. “If there were shortcomings, we need to fix those shortcomings because we cannot afford to let our men and women continue to go down these dark tunnels.”

“A situation like this is not so much a matter of trying to find blame,” Cardounel said, speaking generally without personal knowledge of the case. “If there were shortcomings, we need to fix those shortcomings because we cannot afford to let our men and women continue to go down these dark tunnels.”

So far this year, <a href="https://bluehelp.org/the-numbers/">63 officers have died by suicide</a> in the U.S., according to Blue Help, an organization that raises awareness about police suicide and mental health issues. Five of those deaths occurred in California.&nbsp;

So far this year, <a href="https://bluehelp.org/the-numbers/">63 officers have died by suicide</a> in the U.S., according to Blue Help, an organization that raises awareness about police suicide and mental health issues. Five of those deaths occurred in California.&nbsp;

Morris is not the first San Francisco police officer to find himself in trouble while abusing drugs—or to die by suicide while under investigation. Late last year, another veteran SFPD sergeant was arrested and charged for holding up a Rite Aid in San Mateo County after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/when-cops-are-addicts-pharmacy-robbery-sheds-rare-light-on-drug-abuse-among-first-responders/">becoming addicted to painkillers</a>. In 2017, a San Francisco officer killed himself when Richmond police pulled him over in connection with a Las Vegas child sex abuse case.

Morris is not the first San Francisco police officer to find himself in trouble while abusing drugs—or to die by suicide while under investigation. Late last year, another veteran SFPD sergeant was arrested and charged for holding up a Rite Aid in San Mateo County after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/when-cops-are-addicts-pharmacy-robbery-sheds-rare-light-on-drug-abuse-among-first-responders/">becoming addicted to painkillers</a>. In 2017, a San Francisco officer killed himself when Richmond police pulled him over in connection with a Las Vegas child sex abuse case.

A screenshot from legacy.com informing the public of the Funeral Mass for Christopher Morris which will be held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Cecilia's Church, 2555 17th Ave. in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Morris.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56648"/><figcaption>A screenshot from legacy.com informing the public of the Funeral Mass for Christopher Morris which will be held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Cecilia&#8217;s Church, 2555 17th Ave. in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Morris.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56648"/><figcaption>A screenshot from legacy.com informing the public of the Funeral Mass for Christopher Morris which will be held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Cecilia's Church, 2555 17th Ave. in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Morris.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56648"/><figcaption>A screenshot from legacy.com informing the public of the Funeral Mass for Christopher Morris which will be held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Cecilia&#8217;s Church, 2555 17th Ave. in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-red-flag-after-another">One Red Flag After Another</h2>

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<h2 id="h-one-red-flag-after-another">One Red Flag After Another</h2>

Morris, a 16-year veteran of the department, grew up in San Francisco and <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sfgate/name/christopher-morris-obituary?id=35311476">went to Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory</a>. His father, Dennis Morris, is a former city prosecutor. But his life was marked by tragedy and personal hardship. Court records show his twin brother, Gregory Morris, died by suicide in 2009 using a gun Morris procured for him.

Morris, a 16-year veteran of the department, grew up in San Francisco and <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sfgate/name/christopher-morris-obituary?id=35311476">went to Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory</a>. His father, Dennis Morris, is a former city prosecutor. But his life was marked by tragedy and personal hardship. Court records show his twin brother, Gregory Morris, died by suicide in 2009 using a gun Morris procured for him.

The problems escalated for Morris years ago when he injured his back and became addicted to opioid painkillers, court records show.

The problems escalated for Morris years ago when he injured his back and became addicted to opioid painkillers, court records show.

Morris soon became locked in a contentious divorce and child custody case with his wife, who The Standard is not naming because she reported being the victim of domestic violence. She repeatedly told the court she feared her husband and the sense of immunity he felt his job gave him.&nbsp;

Morris soon became locked in a contentious divorce and child custody case with his wife, who The Standard is not naming because she reported being the victim of domestic violence. She repeatedly told the court she feared her husband and the sense of immunity he felt his job gave him.&nbsp;

“Chris is an SFPD officer who has significant power that he can and has used to intimidate me and prevent me from seeking help,” his wife said in court records. She declined interview requests through her attorney.

“Chris is an SFPD officer who has significant power that he can and has used to intimidate me and prevent me from seeking help,” his wife said in court records. She declined interview requests through her attorney.

In 2018, Morris’ wife found him passed out in their car when he went missing during a Fourth of July party. Morris said he was sleeping because of insomnia, but she believed he was using drugs.

In 2018, Morris’ wife found him passed out in their car when he went missing during a Fourth of July party. Morris said he was sleeping because of insomnia, but she believed he was using drugs.

Drug use seemed to have been only part of the problem.

Drug use seemed to have been only part of the problem.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-he-raised-the-gun-to-my-face">‘He Raised the Gun to My Face’</h2>

<h2 id="h-he-raised-the-gun-to-my-face">‘He Raised the Gun to My Face’</h2>

Morris’ wife said he spent most of his time isolated downstairs, and “frequently walked around our house while carrying loaded firearms.”

Morris’ wife said he spent most of his time isolated downstairs, and “frequently walked around our house while carrying loaded firearms.”

Morris not only held the weapons around his young son, but threatened his wife when she tried to intervene, pointing a gun at her.

Morris not only held the weapons around his young son, but threatened his wife when she tried to intervene, pointing a gun at her.

“Chris was irritated—possibly because I wouldn’t let him near [our son] when he raised the gun to my face—and snickered,” his wife said in court records.

“Chris was irritated—possibly because I wouldn’t let him near [our son] when he raised the gun to my face—and snickered,” his wife said in court records.

Photographs his wife filed in court records show Morris cradling what looks like a gun while sitting in a chair at home with his son nearby.

Photographs his wife filed in court records show Morris cradling what looks like a gun while sitting in a chair at home with his son nearby.

Another incident involved Morris shooting his wife in the foot with an airsoft rifle after she asked him to get a gun away from their son.

Another incident involved Morris shooting his wife in the foot with an airsoft rifle after she asked him to get a gun away from their son.

Morris’ behavior was so erratic and strange that his wife often locked herself and her son in her room, she said in court records.&nbsp;

Morris’ behavior was so erratic and strange that his wife often locked herself and her son in her room, she said in court records.&nbsp;

Morris defended himself in court records, saying he was attending substance abuse and anger management treatment and meeting his obligations to test clean for drugs. He also denied threatening or abusing his wife and son.

Morris defended himself in court records, saying he was attending substance abuse and anger management treatment and meeting his obligations to test clean for drugs. He also denied threatening or abusing his wife and son.

“I am … no threat to [my son] and have never been,” Morris said in filings.&nbsp;

“I am … no threat to [my son] and have never been,” Morris said in filings.&nbsp;

Some time after these incidents, Morris’ wife said he kicked her and their son out of their home in the middle of the initial Covid lockdown. She later said she fled because she feared for her safety and called police.

Some time after these incidents, Morris’ wife said he kicked her and their son out of their home in the middle of the initial Covid lockdown. She later said she fled because she feared for her safety and called police.

“Something bad is going to happen and I have to get proactive to make sure it doesn’t,” his wife said in court documents.

“Something bad is going to happen and I have to get proactive to make sure it doesn’t,” his wife said in court documents.

Morris’ wife obtained a temporary restraining order against Morris to protect herself and her son in May 2020.

Morris’ wife obtained a temporary restraining order against Morris to protect herself and her son in May 2020.

The next day, police seized 10 guns from his home and held him involuntarily for intensive mental health treatment, court records show.

The next day, police seized 10 guns from his home and held him involuntarily for intensive mental health treatment, court records show.

The hold and restraining order barred him from having guns for five years.

The hold and restraining order barred him from having guns for five years.

In court records, Morris’ wife once worried that “Chris’ opioid addiction, mental health, and his unresolved problems with anger, make in-person exposure to him eventually very dangerous.”

In court records, Morris’ wife once worried that “Chris’ opioid addiction, mental health, and his unresolved problems with anger, make in-person exposure to him eventually very dangerous.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shock-and-surprise">‘A Shock and Surprise’</h2>

<h2 id="h-a-shock-and-surprise">‘A Shock and Surprise’</h2>

His troubles came to a head when an attorney representing his wife uncovered bank records showing Morris made 13 purchases from retailers that sold firearms, weapon parts and airsoft guns.

His troubles came to a head when an attorney representing his wife uncovered bank records showing Morris made 13 purchases from retailers that sold firearms, weapon parts and airsoft guns.

While it’s unclear what he bought, the transactions totalled about $2,200 over a one-year period beginning in July 2020.

While it’s unclear what he bought, the transactions totalled about $2,200 over a one-year period beginning in July 2020.

On May 11, the attorney shared his discovery with an internal affairs investigator in an email that included a foreboding message.

On May 11, the attorney shared his discovery with an internal affairs investigator in an email that included a foreboding message.

“Apart from the criminal implications of Mr. Morris possessing firearms, [his wife] is concerned for the safety of the child she shares with Mr. Morris, her own safety, and Mr. Morris’ safety,” Emley wrote. “There is a history of suicide in his family. A firearm was used in one case.”

“Apart from the criminal implications of Mr. Morris possessing firearms, [his wife] is concerned for the safety of the child she shares with Mr. Morris, her own safety, and Mr. Morris’ safety,” Emley wrote. “There is a history of suicide in his family. A firearm was used in one case.”

A month later, on June 15, internal affairs investigators went to Morris’ house on Moscow Street near Russia Avenue in the Excelsior with a search warrant.

A month later, on June 15, internal affairs investigators went to Morris’ house on Moscow Street near Russia Avenue in the Excelsior with a search warrant.

Morris’ attorney went with them.

It’s not known what happened next, but Morris ultimately took his own life.

It’s not known what happened next, but Morris ultimately took his own life.

“We were very concerned that something awful would happen and that Sgt. Morris would do something awful,” Emley said in an interview. “The fact that he actually did it did come as a shock and a surprise.”

“We were very concerned that something awful would happen and that Sgt. Morris would do something awful,” Emley said in an interview. “The fact that he actually did it did come as a shock and a surprise.”

SFPD officers stand outside the location of a what appears to be a police officer suicide in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. on June 15, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SFPDSuicideFolo_INLINED.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56630"/><figcaption>SFPD officers stand outside the home of Sgt. Chris Morris in the Excelsior on June 15, 2022. Morris killed himself while under investigation by his own department. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-they-re-hoping-not-to-escalate">‘They’re Hoping Not to Escalate’</h2>

<h2 id="h-they-re-hoping-not-to-escalate">‘They’re Hoping Not to Escalate’</h2>

Law enforcement experts differ in their opinions about how police dealt with the case, and specifically the search warrant.

Law enforcement experts differ in their opinions about how police dealt with the case, and specifically the search warrant.

David Thomas, a retired officer and professor of forensic studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, said Morris being a member of the department could explain why internal affairs didn’t bring a SWAT team to serve the warrant.

David Thomas, a retired officer and professor of forensic studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, said Morris being a member of the department could explain why internal affairs didn’t bring a SWAT team to serve the warrant.

“He is a police officer,” Thomas said. “He is from that agency. I’m sure in their mind, they’re hoping not to escalate that [situation]. The idea would be to do it low key.”

“He is a police officer,” Thomas said. “He is from that agency. I’m sure in their mind, they’re hoping not to escalate that [situation]. The idea would be to do it low key.”

Cardounel, the former chief and internal affairs commander, said there could be legitimate reasons for the 35 days between police receiving the bank records and executing the warrant. They might have needed more evidence to prove Morris purchased a firearm or gun parts from the stores, rather than other items.

Cardounel, the former chief and internal affairs commander, said there could be legitimate reasons for the 35 days between police receiving the bank records and executing the warrant. They might have needed more evidence to prove Morris purchased a firearm or gun parts from the stores, rather than other items.

To Seth Stoughton, a professor of law and criminology at University of South Carolina, SFPD appears to have taken an excessive amount of time to serve the warrant under the circumstances.

To Seth Stoughton, a professor of law and criminology at University of South Carolina, SFPD appears to have taken an excessive amount of time to serve the warrant under the circumstances.

“This case seems about as straightforward as it gets,” Stoughton said. “It sounds like the agency treated this as a lower priority than it might have had the subject not been an officer. But I’m very curious as to who made that call and why.”

“This case seems about as straightforward as it gets,” Stoughton said. “It sounds like the agency treated this as a lower priority than it might have had the subject not been an officer. But I’m very curious as to who made that call and why.”

Obsessed with guns, an officer frightened his family before taking his own life. Did SF police fail them?

Ethan Kassel

The Lincoln Mustangs will host the Balboa Buccaneers at 2 p.m. on Saturday to open Academic Athletic Association (AAA) play, marking the 12th meeting between the two schools since the start of the 2015 season.

The Lincoln Mustangs will host the Balboa Buccaneers at 2 p.m. on Saturday to open Academic Athletic Association (AAA) play, marking the 12th meeting between the two schools since the start of the 2015 season.

“It’s been a heated rivalry forever,” Lincoln head coach Phil Ferrigno said.

“It’s been a heated rivalry forever,” Lincoln head coach Phil Ferrigno said.

This time feels a little different, though.

This time feels a little different, though.

Yes, it’ll probably be the same sort of run-heavy, low-scoring affair that the two schools have played in recent years, likely decided by which team wins the turnover battle and avoids drive-killing penalties.

Yes, it’ll probably be the same sort of run-heavy, low-scoring affair that the two schools have played in recent years, likely decided by which team wins the turnover battle and avoids drive-killing penalties.

The difference lies in the footing on which the teams enter.

The difference lies in the footing on which the teams enter.

Balboa <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/news/pE7vLixdHUGCkUTMarNj7w/high-school-football-balboa-wins-historic-thanksgiving-title-in-san-francisco.htm">finally got the better of Lincoln last year in the Turkey Day Game</a>, snapping an eight-game head-to-head losing streak to the Mustangs and ending Lincoln’s runs of two straight San Francisco championships and 23 straight wins over city opponents.

Balboa <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/news/pE7vLixdHUGCkUTMarNj7w/high-school-football-balboa-wins-historic-thanksgiving-title-in-san-francisco.htm">finally got the better of Lincoln last year in the Turkey Day Game</a>, snapping an eight-game head-to-head losing streak to the Mustangs and ending Lincoln’s runs of two straight San Francisco championships and 23 straight wins over city opponents.

“They put us in our place last year,” Mustangs linebacker Diego Cristerna said. “We came in thinking we were the hotshots.”

“They put us in our place last year,” Mustangs linebacker Diego Cristerna said. “We came in thinking we were the hotshots.”

Saturday presents an opportunity for Lincoln (1-3) to prove that last year’s Thanksgiving Day defeat was an aberration, rather than a signal of the changing of the guard. While the Mustangs have won just once so far this season, they’ve faced a strong schedule, including a visit to Windsor two weeks ago.

Saturday presents an opportunity for Lincoln (1-3) to prove that last year’s Thanksgiving Day defeat was an aberration, rather than a signal of the changing of the guard. While the Mustangs have won just once so far this season, they’ve faced a strong schedule, including a visit to Windsor two weeks ago.

Balboa (1-3) has faced against top competition as well. The Buccaneers’ three losses have come against a Skyline team that played both Miramonte and Moreau Catholic close, an Oakdale team that regularly checks in as one of the finest in the Central Valley and a Livermore unit that’s off to a 5-0 start.

Balboa (1-3) has faced against top competition as well. The Buccaneers’ three losses have come against a Skyline team that played both Miramonte and Moreau Catholic close, an Oakdale team that regularly checks in as one of the finest in the Central Valley and a Livermore unit that’s off to a 5-0 start.

In a league where non-league results have no bearing on playoff positioning, the only downside to facing the kind of opponents that Lincoln and Balboa have scheduled is the injuries.

In a league where non-league results have no bearing on playoff positioning, the only downside to facing the kind of opponents that Lincoln and Balboa have scheduled is the injuries.

The Mustangs lost running back Ricky Underwood to a broken collarbone in his first game, and he’s still a couple of weeks from returning. The two-sport standout was just cleared to resume running in recent days.

The Mustangs lost running back Ricky Underwood to a broken collarbone in his first game, and he’s still a couple of weeks from returning. The two-sport standout was just cleared to resume running in recent days.

Buccaneers quarterback Edwin Maiava suffered a shoulder injury in the season-opening loss to Skyline and missed the next two games before returning against Livermore.

Buccaneers quarterback Edwin Maiava suffered a shoulder injury in the season-opening loss to Skyline and missed the next two games before returning against Livermore.

Unlike last year, experience is on Lincoln’s side.

Unlike last year, experience is on Lincoln’s side.

“We still haven’t found ourselves yet,” Balboa head coach Fred Velasquez said. “We have so many guys that have come from JV or transferred in that we haven’t found our team chemistry yet.”

“We still haven’t found ourselves yet,” Balboa head coach Fred Velasquez said. “We have so many guys that have come from JV or transferred in that we haven’t found our team chemistry yet.”

Balboa head coach Fred Velasquez watches his players during a blocking drill in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 27, 2022. | Ethan Kassel/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022HSFBWeek6Preview092922-2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78917"/><figcaption>Balboa head coach Fred Velasquez watches his players during a blocking drill in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 27, 2022. | Ethan Kassel/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022HSFBWeek6Preview092922-2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78917"/><figcaption>Balboa head coach Fred Velasquez watches his players during a blocking drill in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 27, 2022. | Ethan Kassel/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

There’s no better illustration of the lack of chemistry for Balboa than the constant barrage of penalties and turnovers that have plagued the Bucs through their first four games, something they’ll have to clean up in order to win on Saturday.

There’s no better illustration of the lack of chemistry for Balboa than the constant barrage of penalties and turnovers that have plagued the Bucs through their first four games, something they’ll have to clean up in order to win on Saturday.

“It comes down to defense and turnovers,” Ferrigno said.

“It comes down to defense and turnovers,” Ferrigno said.

Defense has been inconsistent for the Mustangs thus far. The starters allowed just one score in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sports/lincoln-mustangs-show-off-horsepower-in-dominant-43-14-victory-over-jefferson/">a season-opening win over Jefferson</a>, but each of Lincoln’s last three opponents has scored a minimum of 33 points. In a surprising loss to El Camino on Sept. 10, the visiting Colts scored all 33 in the first half.

Defense has been inconsistent for the Mustangs thus far. The starters allowed just one score in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sports/lincoln-mustangs-show-off-horsepower-in-dominant-43-14-victory-over-jefferson/">a season-opening win over Jefferson</a>, but each of Lincoln’s last three opponents has scored a minimum of 33 points. In a surprising loss to El Camino on Sept. 10, the visiting Colts scored all 33 in the first half.

Should Balboa win on Saturday, it’ll be the Buccaneers’ first regular season win over the Mustangs since 2010, a year in which Lincoln went winless. Both of Balboa’s victories over Lincoln in the last decade have come in the postseason.

Should Balboa win on Saturday, it’ll be the Buccaneers’ first regular season win over the Mustangs since 2010, a year in which Lincoln went winless. Both of Balboa’s victories over Lincoln in the last decade have come in the postseason.

“Lincoln’s always tough. They’ve been consistent every single year,” Velasquez commented. “They have discipline, aggressiveness and the will to make sure that they block. No matter who he has, they block well, every single year.”

“Lincoln’s always tough. They’ve been consistent every single year,” Velasquez commented. “They have discipline, aggressiveness and the will to make sure that they block. No matter who he has, they block well, every single year.”

Bellarmine Bells (2-2, 1-0 West Catholic Athletic League) @ Riordan Crusaders (3-1, 1-0), Sat. Oct. 1, 2 p.m.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bellarmine-bells-2-2-1-0-west-catholic-athletic-league-riordan-crusaders-3-1-1-0-sat-oct-1-2-p-m">Bellarmine Bells (2-2, 1-0 West Catholic Athletic League) @ Riordan Crusaders (3-1, 1-0), Sat. Oct. 1, 2 p.m.</h2>

<h2 id="h-bellarmine-bells-2-2-1-0-west-catholic-athletic-league-riordan-crusaders-3-1-1-0-sat-oct-1-2-p-m">Bellarmine Bells (2-2, 1-0 West Catholic Athletic League) @ Riordan Crusaders (3-1, 1-0), Sat. Oct. 1, 2 p.m.</h2>

Fans of modern, up-tempo football will love Saturday’s game between Bellarmine and Riordan, a battle of two young coaches that lead fast, pass-happy offense.

Fans of modern, up-tempo football will love Saturday’s game between Bellarmine and Riordan, a battle of two young coaches that lead fast, pass-happy offense.

When Bellarmine hired Jalal Beauchman, a 2006 graduate of the school, in March 2020, he opened up an offense that had played smash-mouth double wing football for decades under Mike Janda. The new-look Bells spread the ball around, feeding weapons all over the field.

When Bellarmine hired Jalal Beauchman, a 2006 graduate of the school, in March 2020, he opened up an offense that had played smash-mouth double wing football for decades under Mike Janda. The new-look Bells spread the ball around, feeding weapons all over the field.

A similar change has taken place at Riordan with the hiring of Adhir Ravipati, who brought a spread attack much like the one he directed at Menlo-Atherton from 2015 through 2018. A school that ran up the middle on most of its offensive plays for years has finally started to utilize the whole field, taking advantage of tremendous speed at the receiver positions.

A similar change has taken place at Riordan with the hiring of Adhir Ravipati, who brought a spread attack much like the one he directed at Menlo-Atherton from 2015 through 2018. A school that ran up the middle on most of its offensive plays for years has finally started to utilize the whole field, taking advantage of tremendous speed at the receiver positions.

It’s been part of a broader change all around the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL), where six of the eight teams now utilize some form of spread offense. Much of Serra’s recent glory stemmed from longtime head coach Patrick Walsh scrapping the double wing, save for a few particular short-yardage situations.

It’s been part of a broader change all around the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL), where six of the eight teams now utilize some form of spread offense. Much of Serra’s recent glory stemmed from longtime head coach Patrick Walsh scrapping the double wing, save for a few particular short-yardage situations.

St. Ignatius’ magical run to a share of the league title in 2019 came when the Wildcats put their faith in new offensive coordinator Mike Clark, quarterback Teddye Buchanan and top receiver Danny Ryan.

St. Ignatius’ magical run to a share of the league title in 2019 came when the Wildcats put their faith in new offensive coordinator Mike Clark, quarterback Teddye Buchanan and top receiver Danny Ryan.

Riordan freshman QB Mike Mitchell Jr. has received tons of attention, and deservedly so. The 15-year-old <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sports/head-coach-adhir-ravipati-freshman-quarterback-michael-mitchell-jr-win-riordan-debuts/">threw for a 55-yard touchdown on the first pass of his career</a>, and last week, he led the Crusaders to their first win over Valley Christian since 2006.

Riordan freshman QB Mike Mitchell Jr. has received tons of attention, and deservedly so. The 15-year-old <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sports/head-coach-adhir-ravipati-freshman-quarterback-michael-mitchell-jr-win-riordan-debuts/">threw for a 55-yard touchdown on the first pass of his career</a>, and last week, he led the Crusaders to their first win over Valley Christian since 2006.

Breaking historical trends and fighting the history of being the “same old Riordan” has been a priority for Ravipati in his first year on the job, something he emphasized <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sports/riordan-flattened-by-sacred-heart-prep-suffers-first-loss-under-adhir-ravipati/">after a 35-7 loss to Sacred Heart Prep</a>.

Breaking historical trends and fighting the history of being the “same old Riordan” has been a priority for Ravipati in his first year on the job, something he emphasized <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sports/riordan-flattened-by-sacred-heart-prep-suffers-first-loss-under-adhir-ravipati/">after a 35-7 loss to Sacred Heart Prep</a>.

“We had a pretty long conversation the Monday after that game,” Ravipati said. “It was on all of us, the lack of fight that we had. We harped on it all week and the kids fought at Valley Christian.”

“We had a pretty long conversation the Monday after that game,” Ravipati said. “It was on all of us, the lack of fight that we had. We harped on it all week and the kids fought at Valley Christian.”

A win over Bellarmine would be an enormous step towards breaking those trends. The Crusaders are currently wearing a 20-game losing streak to the Bells, having last beaten them in 2000. Their last home win over Bellarmine came at Kezar Stadium in 1993.

A win over Bellarmine would be an enormous step towards breaking those trends. The Crusaders are currently wearing a 20-game losing streak to the Bells, having last beaten them in 2000. Their last home win over Bellarmine came at Kezar Stadium in 1993.

Slowing Bellarmine won’t be easy, though. An injury to senior Nate Escalada, who plays both quarterback and safety, opened up a door for junior quarterback Parker Threatt, who had been lining up at wide receiver to begin the year.With Escalada now almost exclusively playing in the secondary, Threatt has taken full control of the offense. In <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/09/24/bellarmine-builds-huge-lead-rolls-past-st-ignatius-in-wcal-opener/">last week’s 34-14 win over St. Ignatius</a>, he threw for 219 yards, completing 22 of his 30 passes.

Slowing Bellarmine won’t be easy, though. An injury to senior Nate Escalada, who plays both quarterback and safety, opened up a door for junior quarterback Parker Threatt, who had been lining up at wide receiver to begin the year.With Escalada now almost exclusively playing in the secondary, Threatt has taken full control of the offense. In <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/09/24/bellarmine-builds-huge-lead-rolls-past-st-ignatius-in-wcal-opener/">last week’s 34-14 win over St. Ignatius</a>, he threw for 219 yards, completing 22 of his 30 passes.

Threatt’s best target may not be one of the wideouts, though. Running back Ben Pfaff is a regular target on screens and wheel routes, and caught six passes for 67 yards against SI to go along with his three rushing touchdowns.

Threatt’s best target may not be one of the wideouts, though. Running back Ben Pfaff is a regular target on screens and wheel routes, and caught six passes for 67 yards against SI to go along with his three rushing touchdowns.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin’ Irish (2-2, 0-1 WCAL) @ Valley Christian Warriors (1-3, 0-1), Sat. Oct. 1, 6 p.m.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sacred-heart-cathedral-fightin-irish-2-2-0-1-wcal-valley-christian-warriors-1-3-0-1-sat-oct-1-6-p-m">Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin’ Irish (2-2, 0-1 WCAL) @ Valley Christian Warriors (1-3, 0-1), Sat. Oct. 1, 6 p.m.</h2>

<h2 id="h-sacred-heart-cathedral-fightin-irish-2-2-0-1-wcal-valley-christian-warriors-1-3-0-1-sat-oct-1-6-p-m">Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin’ Irish (2-2, 0-1 WCAL) @ Valley Christian Warriors (1-3, 0-1), Sat. Oct. 1, 6 p.m.</h2>

Being scheduled as an opponent for a homecoming game is often taken as an insult, and it&#8217;s not like the Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin&#8217; Irish needed another chip on their shoulders.

Being scheduled as an opponent for a homecoming game is often taken as an insult, and it's not like the Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin' Irish needed another chip on their shoulders.

Being scheduled as an opponent for a homecoming game is often taken as an insult, and it&#8217;s not like the Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin&#8217; Irish needed another chip on their shoulders.

Last year’s loss to Valley Christian was the most painful of their 12-game head-to-head losing streak against the Warriors, a contest they led until Jurrion Dickey’s incredible 67-yard catch-and-run in the final minutes, dropping the Irish to 0-4.

Last year’s loss to Valley Christian was the most painful of their 12-game head-to-head losing streak against the Warriors, a contest they led until Jurrion Dickey’s incredible 67-yard catch-and-run in the final minutes, dropping the Irish to 0-4.

Though Dickey has since transferred to Menlo-Atherton, the memories of that play are fresh.

Though Dickey has since transferred to Menlo-Atherton, the memories of that play are fresh.

SHC has been dying for another shot at Valley Christian since that game. That the Warriors chose to schedule the Irish for homecoming is just the icing on the cake.

SHC has been dying for another shot at Valley Christian since that game. That the Warriors chose to schedule the Irish for homecoming is just the icing on the cake.

“We’ve been fired up about it all week,” SHC head coach Antoine Evans said. “The last time we went down there for their homecoming game, it was 61-0. The guys remember that.”

“We’ve been fired up about it all week,” SHC head coach Antoine Evans said. “The last time we went down there for their homecoming game, it was 61-0. The guys remember that.”

Homecoming is a big deal at Valley Christian, arguably bigger than at any of the other WCAL schools. Parking fills up early, to the point where fans have to park off-campus, and the game is typically a formality. The Warriors haven’t lost on Homecoming Night since 2012, and all but two of the wins since then have been by shutout, including that 61-0 pasting of the Irish in 2019.

Homecoming is a big deal at Valley Christian, arguably bigger than at any of the other WCAL schools. Parking fills up early, to the point where fans have to park off-campus, and the game is typically a formality. The Warriors haven’t lost on Homecoming Night since 2012, and all but two of the wins since then have been by shutout, including that 61-0 pasting of the Irish in 2019.

This year’s outcome is much less of a foregone conclusion. The Warriors have more sophomores (nine) on their roster than seniors (six). Only four of those seniors see the field. It’s a talented sophomore class, headlined by 335-pound lineman Champ Taulealea, running back/cornerback Marcel Leggett Jr. and defensive end Edgar Birelas, but QB Jonathan Craft, another member of the Class of 2025, suffered a broken ankle against Hollister. The Warriors completed just two more passes that night after Craft left, and connected on two for the entire game in last week’s loss to Riordan.

This year’s outcome is much less of a foregone conclusion. The Warriors have more sophomores (nine) on their roster than seniors (six). Only four of those seniors see the field. It’s a talented sophomore class, headlined by 335-pound lineman Champ Taulealea, running back/cornerback Marcel Leggett Jr. and defensive end Edgar Birelas, but QB Jonathan Craft, another member of the Class of 2025, suffered a broken ankle against Hollister. The Warriors completed just two more passes that night after Craft left, and connected on two for the entire game in last week’s loss to Riordan.

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Obsessed with guns, an officer frightened his family before taking his own life. Did SF police fail them?

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