As we kick off the 2016 high school football season, the San Francisco 49ers select Chase Hofmann of Half Moon Bay as the week one 49ers High School Player of the Week.
Hofmann was a key component in the Cougars nail-biter on Friday night. Half Moon Bay walked away with their first W of the season when they traveled to Saratoga, defeating the Falcons 27-26. It all came down to Half Moon Bay's big stop on Saratoga's late two-point conversion attempt to hold them off and secure the win.
"They went for the win, which I totally respect," said Half Moon Bay head coach Keith Holden. "If you want to win big, you have to play big. You've got to be aggressive there."
It wasn't the prettiest game for either team, but if there was one consistent spark in the game it was the play of junior running back Chase Hofmann. The returning varsity starter had 35 carries for 251 yards and put up three touchdowns on the night. He also recorded 3 tackles where he starts at safety for the Cougars and logged a kickoff return, contributing on all components.
Hofmann scored Half Moon Bay's lone touchdown of the first half, where the Cougars quickly found themselves down after three big homerun plays offensively for Saratoga. It certainly didn't help that the Cougars managed to come away with no points each time they hit the red zone, missing two field goals.
Coming out of the half, Hofmann provided the spark Half Moon Bay needed to bounce back, putting them on the board early scoring on one of their infamous trick plays. They ran the double pass for the quick touchdown.
Hofmann would strike again in the 4th, scoring the go-ahead touchdown at the end of the game.
"This isn't one of those things that he [Hofmann] just happened to have a standout game. No. This is going to be the level he performs at all season, there's no doubt," said Coach Holden.
"He's one of the best football players we've ever had here, like ever…" said Holden. "He is one of the best players I have ever coached."
Hofmann is a lead by example type of guy. He's exactly what you want from every single player on your roster, and all of his coaches and teammates recognize him for the work he consistently puts in daily.
"He's a very humble, pretty quiet kid, but he plays big – plays huge – plays with a ton of heart. He's a grinder, "said Coach Holden. "He's what we want all our kids to be."
When Coach says Hofmann is what he wants all his players to be, that doesn't just go for on the field. Hofmann works just as hard in the classroom, maintaining a 3.0 GPA. He is a family man, and takes great pride in that.
When he isn't playing football, Hofmann is working at the longtime family owned ranch, Lazy "H" Ranch, located right in the heart of hometown Half Moon Bay. Chase, along with the rest of the family, allows children of all ages to share their love of horses, ponies and other farm animals, offering horse/pony riding lessons and camps. Chase is very active in this family-centered mission, leading camps throughout the summer.
Half Moon Bay football is something that has been close to the Hofmann family, dating back even before Chase started his own career. Breen, Chase's father, also played for Half Moon Bay, where he now resides in the Hall of Fame. As it is now Chase's turn to strap it up for the Cougars, he gets to enjoy his successes with his dad not very far away. Breen is a position coach at Half Moon Bay, coaching running backs and linebackers.
As the home school of the 49ers High School Player of the Week, Half Moon Bay will receive a $500 grant for their football program from the 49ers Foundation. As part of this award, Chase will receive two tickets to a 49ers home game where he will be recognized on the field. At the end of the season, Hofmann will be invited to the SAP Performance Facility to watch a closed practice where 49ers head coach, Chip Kelly, will officially present him with his award.
Chase Hofmann of Half Moon Bay High School is the epitome of what the 49ers High School Player of the Week should embody and represent each week and the 49ers look forward to honoring him this season.
Congratulations Chase!
