It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Clayton House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Clayton, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes”
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“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it”
“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July,”
“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude.”
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“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice”
“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14”
“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She”
“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my”
“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care”
“These are skilled professions that give wonderful care. Thank you! Special thank you to Patricia and McKinsey for you attention to detail on multiple occasions!❤️”
“Always Best has been amazing in helping me with my father who has Alzheimer's and he had a stroke so he has limited mobility. They even go the extra mile and I'd like to mention Cynthia and Tracy for their outstanding service! It truly takes a hero to do what you guys do, as this is a very difficult job that requires amazing patience.”
“My family and I love Always Best Care!”
“The workers are nice and knowledgeable of their job. I would recommend the company to others”
“I love their caring services and would recommend them to anyone wanting to age in place. Thank you Always Best Care!”
“The company is TOP TIER, very flexible with my son’s school hours, always very nice. I love them! A HUGE help for me!”
“The company is an amazing company! The staff is wonderful, and the pay is great! I would highly recommend this company.”
“Always best care caregivers are very dependable and very hard workers goes above and beyond for their clients”
“I've been working with Always Best Care for over a year now, and I can honestly say it's been an incredible experience. The support from the office staff is top-notch - they're always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help with any issues that arise. The clients I've worked with have been wonderful, and I appreciate the care and attention the company puts into matching caregivers with clients who are a good fit. I highly recommend Always Best Care to any caregiver looking for a supportive, flexible, and rewarding work environment. Keep up the great work & thanks so much!”
“Always best senior care is a great company to work with. I've been working with Always best for a little over a year now and I absolutely love it. My clients are so sweet The company is very family oriented They don't just care about the clients they also care about the workers. My daddy was in the hospital and ended up passing away the company allowed me to take off so I could be at the hospital with my daddy, and after he passed away they allowed me to be off rest of the week.”
“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes of elderly patients. Recently, I engaged their services to find a caregiver for my grandmother, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. Cyndi Williams from Always Best Care was instrumental throughout the process. Her dependability and understanding made the entire experience smooth and reassuring. From our initial consultation to the caregiver placement, Cyndi and the staff at Always best Care ensured that my grandmother's needs were prioritized, which greatly eased what could have been a challenging transition. Thanks to Always Best Care, my grandmother is not only well cared for but also genuinely happy with her caregiver. This has brought immense relief and peace of mind to our family, knowing that she is in capable hands. Overall, I highly recommend Always Best Care for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to providing excellent elderly care services. They have truly made a positive difference in our lives during a time of significant adjustment. Claire Breslow”
“We have been very pleased with services from Always Best Care. They are awesome! They are very thorough, punctual, caring and helpful group. Shout out to Cynthia for going the extra mile to facilitate VA help for my step father. If your loved one is in need for in home care I highly recommend this company.”
“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home and gets busy doing whatever my mother needs her to do. She just takes it upon herself to do things that she sees that needs to be done. Angela has a great disposition. I can tell she loves what she does. Our family absolutely loves and appreciates Angela. Thank you to Always Best Care!!!!!”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it gets solved.”
“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These ladies quickly learned the routine that they like and take very good care of them. The office staff are so helpful and quick to find a replacement sitter if someone calls in sick. I highly recommended this agency for your loved ones”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July, 2022. My husband needs daily care and we have been more than pleased with the caregivers that they have provided. The Staff is so professional and efficient, yet like family at the same time. Their focus is on their patients and the families. They have made my life so much easier. Highly recommend!!”
“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude. I will definitely be using her again when I’m ready to sell. I highly recommend her.”
“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”
“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice and you will never find a better place to work and they are very respectful, understanding and caring bosses. They pair you up with clients that matches your personality. I really love working for this company and how they treat their employees.”
“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14 days. During that time our wonderful caregiver has agreed to be “on-call”. We are so grateful for her and there is no way we could take this trip without the peace of mind that her presence gives me! Thank you ABC for the service that your company provides and for the personal touch that you and your sister provide. Marilyn Get Outlook for iOS”
“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She loves her job because she gets to find the perfect home for her clients. I highly recommend Summer to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my Mother . I could go to work and know she was in excellent hands Very professional. Came on time. Treated us like family”
“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care of Monroe. They've been very helpful and the caregiver that we have working for us is fantastic. I would give them a very high recommendation. They started in July and have done exactly what we wanted them to do for our needs, and met those needs.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Oak Knoll Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Capital Grille or visit Clayton Octagon House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Clayton, LA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Clayton, LA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Clayton, LA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Eric Stephen is the managing editor of True Blue LA, where he's covered the Dodgers since 2009, and the co-host of the Three-Inning Save podcast. He's on Twitter at @ericstephen.The seventeenth major league season for Clayton Kershaw was unprecedented in that he was coming off the first...
Eric Stephen is the managing editor of True Blue LA, where he's covered the Dodgers since 2009, and the co-host of the Three-Inning Save podcast. He's on Twitter at @ericstephen.
The seventeenth major league season for Clayton Kershaw was unprecedented in that he was coming off the first surgery of his career, which limited his availability. But the irony of 2024 what while his repaired left shoulder held up fine, his campaign was done in by his left foot.
When Kershaw re-upped with the Dodgers in February, signing a one-year deal with a player option for 2025, the expectation was that he would rejoin the major league team at some point after the All-Star break. He nearly beat that timeline, but his rehab was slightly delayed by shoulder soreness in late June.
Kershaw was activated on July 25, to that point having not pitched more than four innings in any of his three minor league outings. Being built up was not a necessity to join the 2024 Dodgers rotation, with so much attrition throughout the year making even four-ish innings something the team would try to work with.
Kershaw topped five innings for the first time in his fourth start back, then pitched six scoreless innings on August 18. To this point he was five starts back with a 2.63 ERA and 3.00 FIP, with only one bad start to his ledger.
He allowed five runs in five innings to the Rays on August 24, and then six days later in Phoenix was pulled after only three outs and three runs charged to his ledger. A bone spur in his left big toe was acting up — preventing his back foot from properly pushing off the mound — and the Dodgers were prepared in the sense that Joe Kelly was already warming up to open the second inning before Kershaw walked off the mound, unable to continue.
This was Kershaw’s last start of 2024, but it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying.
The self-admitted stubborn left-hander tried to throw his way through the toe injury — including topping 80 pitches in a bullpen session or pitching off makeshift mounds to protect his toe — keeping his arm fresh so it would be easier to be major-league ready once his toe got better.
By early September, the Dodgers were already without Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone — the team leaders in starts and innings on the season — so Kershaw represented one of the last hopes at cobbling together a full October rotation (though as the Dodgers showed in the postseason, a team can in fact win a championship with three functioning starting pitchers and a deep bullpen).
Unfortunately for Kershaw, the toe never fully healed, and in fact got worse. He was officially ruled out for October just ahead of the NLDS.
Kershaw had surgeries on his left foot and to repair the meniscus in his left knee on November 6, so it’s not yet clear when he might begin his 2025 season. But unlike the previous three offseasons, there is more clarity where Kershaw will pitch next season, making clear of his intentions to return to the Dodgers.
This year, Kershaw set a franchise record by pitching in his 17th season with the Dodgers. Once he gets into a game in 2025, he’ll tie Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for most seasons played for the team.
Age: 36
Stats: 2-2, 4.50 ERA, 4.43 xERA, 7 starts, 30 IP, 24 K, 9 BB
Salary: $7.5 million ($5 million base salary plus $2.5 million in bonuses for seven starts)
August 18 was the finale of a weekend series in St. Louis, and the Dodgers were cycling through pitchers after injuries to starters Glasnow and River Ryan the previous eight days. Kershaw provided some stability with six scoreless innings to beat the Cardinals, inducing 10 groundouts to stay at an efficient 70 pitches.
From the game recap:
As it was, Kershaw delivered just the seventh Dodgers start of at least six innings in the last 43 games.
Sunday was the 427th career regular season start for Kershaw, and his 85th scoreless start lasting at least six innings. That’s one out of every five (19.9 percent).
Kershaw declined his player option and is a free agent, but has already said he’ll return to the Dodgers in 2025. It’s just a matter of when that contract gets worked out and finalized.
Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The Miami Marlins officially hired former Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough as their new manager, the franchise announced Monday.Marlins owner Bruce Sherman said he was "thrilled" to announce McCullough's hiring, which ended "an extensive search" to fill the vacancy left when the franchise parted way...
Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The Miami Marlins officially hired former Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough as their new manager, the franchise announced Monday.
Marlins owner Bruce Sherman said he was "thrilled" to announce McCullough's hiring, which ended "an extensive search" to fill the vacancy left when the franchise parted ways with former manager Skip Schumaker.
"Clayton joins our organization following a World Series Championship season and brings a strong pedigree of winning," Sherman said in a news release. "His love of the game, ability to build meaningful relationships and new leadership will guide our organization into an exciting new era.
"With roots already in South Florida, we are excited to welcome Clayton, along with his wife, Jill, and their children to the Marlins organization."
McCullough, 44, became the Dodgers' first base coach in 2021. He previously worked as an assistant at East Carolina and as a manager in the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league system. He joined the Dodgers as a minor league field coordinator in 2015.
"He has an impressive track record of success, building relationships and bringing positive energy every day," Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix said. "It's clear that Clayton's values and vision align perfectly with ours, and we are ready to begin working on the next exciting chapter for our club."
The Marlins went 146-178 in two seasons under Schumaker. They made the playoffs in his first season. They went 62-100 last season en route to a last-place finish in the National League East.
"It is an honor to be introduced as the manager for the Miami Marlins, and I would like to thank Bruce, Peter and the entire organization," McCullough said. "Following an incredible past few weeks, it is exciting to end the year by finding the right opportunity for me and my family.
"We have called South Florida home for the last 10 years, and now I get to lead the Marlins franchise forward with a culture that is built on determination, focus and care."
The Marlins have made the playoffs just four times in their 32-year history, winning the World Series twice. McCullough will be the team's 17th manager.
Spartans complete first unbeaten regular season since 2018 as six different players score in another decisive winHistory was not going to repeat itself.On the 20th anniversary that Clayton Valley Charter tied De La Salle — the only blemish...
Spartans complete first unbeaten regular season since 2018 as six different players score in another decisive win
History was not going to repeat itself.
On the 20th anniversary that Clayton Valley Charter tied De La Salle — the only blemish on the Spartans 33-year unbeaten streak against North Coast Section opponents — this was another De La Stomp.
Six different Spartans scored including a 72-yard interception return on the game's final play by Robert Williams in De La Salle's 49-3 win Friday at Clayton Valley Charter.
Derrick Blanche Jr. ran for a touchdown and caught one from Brandon Knight (8-for-11, 109 yards) and Toa Faavae, Dominic Kelley, Zay Jones and Jaden Jefferson all rushed for one as the Spartans completed a perfect 10-0 regular season, their first since 2018.
About that year, folks around Northern California talked about a dip in the dominance of De La Salle, which owns a national record 151-game win streak (1992-2004) and won a state record seven California crowns since the inception of the state bowl championships, which began in 2006.
But De La Salle hasn't won a state title since 2015 with the emergence of Mater Dei and St. John Bosco in Southern California.
The Spartans haven't represented Northern California in the Open Division — the state's top division — since 2019, but most believe this team, with loads of breakaway speed, has that look. They'll need just two more wins almost assuredly be handpicked by the CIF to do so.
They are ranked No. 1 in Northern California by all rankings services and fifth in the state, acccording to SBLive.
Faavae, a third-year starting quarterback known for his breakaway speed, showed it off with the game's first touchdown, a 55-yard sprint on the game's third play. De La Salle was on its way.
The Spartans are 275-0-1 against NCS opponents since 1991, when it lost to Pittsburg 35-27 in the NCS 3A title game at the Oakland Coliseum. The coach of that Pittsburg team, Herc Pardi, was also the coach of the Clayton Valley squad that tied De La Salle 17-17 on Oct. 22.
Many believe the 2024 Pittsburg squad, ranked ninth in the state, has the cabability to end that streak. The Pirates, which defeated Antioch Friday 57-16 to finish 9-1, will likely be seeded No. 2 in the NCS Open/Division 1 bracket.
Those brackets will be announced Sunday.
Statistics provided by Damin Esper
Published Nov 9, 2024|Modified Nov 9, 2024
Mitch Stephens is a senior editor at SBLive Sports for California, a state he's covered high school sports since 1984. He won multiple CNPA and CPSWA writing awards with the Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle and MaxPreps.com before joining the SBLive staff in 2022. He's covered the beat nationally since 2007, profiling such athletes as Derrick Henry, Paige Bueckers, Patrick Mahomes, Sabrina Ionescu, Jayson Tatum, Chiney Ogwumike, Jeremy Lin and Najee Harris as preps. You can reach him at [email protected].
De La Salle is 7-0 against Clayton Valley Charter since November of 2016, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The De La Salle Spartans will face off against the Clayton Valley Charter Ugly Eagles at 7:00 p.m. De La Salle will be coming into the match wi...
De La Salle is 7-0 against Clayton Valley Charter since November of 2016, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The De La Salle Spartans will face off against the Clayton Valley Charter Ugly Eagles at 7:00 p.m. De La Salle will be coming into the match with an undefeated record on the line.
De La Salle is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They really took it to California for the full four quarters, racking up a 48-10 victory. The Spartans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by 21 points or more this season.
De La Salle had a senior duo take command as Dominic Kelley rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on only seven carries and Derrick Blanche rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on only five carries. That's the most rushing yards Kelley has posted since back in September of 2023. Gregory Jones was another key player, rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown.
De La Salle was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 313 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 154 rushing yards in 21 consecutive contests dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Clayton Valley Charter got themselves on the board against Miramonte on Friday, but Miramonte never followed suit. They blew past the Matadors, posting a 35-0 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Ugly Eagles.
This one was won in the trenches and the lion's share of the credit has to go to Moise Henderson and Hayezon Jackson. Henderson rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns on only seven carries while Jackson rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns on only 12 carries.
Clayton Valley Charter's defense made their presence known, laying out Carson Blair. four times. Logan Knapp was especially locked on to Miramonte's QB and sacked him twice.
Clayton Valley Charter has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games, which provided a nice bump to their 6-3 record this season. Those good results were due in large part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 27.7 points per game. As for De La Salle, their victory was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 9-0.
Friday's match will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Blanche and Jackson. Blanche just won't slow down this season and has run in 9 touchdowns while averaging 90.9 rushing yards per game. Jackson has been a dominant force too and has averaged 13.2 receiving yards per game.
Everything came up roses for De La Salle against Clayton Valley Charter in their previous matchup back in November of 2023, as the team secured a 48-0 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for De La Salle since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
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