Joe Protheroe Clayton Valley Charter-Concord – Football

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that one of the most potent tandems in the Bay Area football landscape are the Brothers Protheroe. The elder one, Joe, a senior running back, is a catalyst for an Eagles squad that just captured its first league crown since 2008. He racked up 219 yards and three TDs against Concord (a 49-6 statement win on Oct. 19) and two more TDs to go with 172 yards against Northgate (a 41-21 DVAL-clinching victory on Oct. 26).

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that one of the most potent tandems in the Bay Area football landscape are the Brothers Protheroe. The elder one, Joe, a senior running back, is a catalyst for an Eagles squad that just captured its first league crown since 2008. He racked up 219 yards and three TDs against Concord (a 49-6 statement win on Oct. 19) and two more TDs to go with 172 yards against Northgate (a 41-21 DVAL-clinching victory on Oct. 26).

SportStars Magazine: Why are you guys so good this year?

Joe Protheroe: It has to do with our O-line and the new offense we run. Defensively, we were pretty weak in the beginning but (defensive coordinator Mitch McDuff) got us better every week. He gets us prepared for each game. 

SSM: You and your brother Mike combined for six TDs against Concord. How special was that night?

JP: It meant a lot to me. I know me and my brother get a lot of credit but everybody on the team wanted it as bad as us. Every year we get picked to lose to Concord, and finally my senior year we beat ’em.

SSM: How does it feel being league champs? 

JP: It feels great. Hopefully our team doesn’t get bigheaded. … Hopefully we take that NCS championship, too. 

SSM: Favorite highlight of the season?

JP: Our first TD against Concord. Coach Murphy, he usually never even moves, but that’s the only play I’ve seen him run down the sideline. There was just so much emotion and he just let it out on that play. 

JOE’S QUICK HITS

Favorite athlete: Eric Weddle

Favorite NFL team: Raiders

Favorite energy drink: Rockstar

Honorable Mention

Savrinah Oliveros — In her first year competing, the East Bay Sports Academy gymnast moved on to the Level 4 State competition with a 36.45 all around score at the Harvest Moon Invitational on Oct. 27.

Monica Chen — Posting a 3-under 69, the Mission San Jose-Fremont golfer earned medalist honors and helped the Warriors win the NCS championship on Oct. 29.

Jay Yesin — The Concord senior scored five TDs against Mt. Diablo on Oct. 26, two receiving, two punt returns and one interception return during a 68-12 victory.