Hometown report: Del Campo grad comes up big for Huskies

Now Donald Butler is getting a bit greedy.

Winning tends to do that, so we'll bear with the man who has a bear of an appetite to achieve again.

After recording a team-high 12 tackles, forcing a fumble and making an interception from his linebacker spot and basking in the sea of humanity that engulfed Husky Stadium on Saturday, courtesy of Washington's 16-13 stunner of USC, Butler was approached by former Huskies stars bearing some bling. Rose Bowl rings. Lots of them. And it got the Del Campo High School graduate thinking.

"I saw some of that and thought, 'Let's get some!' " Butler said Sunday. "We can shoot for that."

A year ago, Washington mostly shot itself in the foot. An 0-12 season included a 56-0 thumping by USC. Now here are the No. 24 Huskies (2-1, 1-0 Pacific-10 Conference) ranked again after six years out of the polls, relevant again in Seattle. And here's Butler, a senior team captain, enjoying his sport again, cherishing his best college showing – forever.

"I'll tell my kids about this," he said. "I'll tell my grandkids about this."

Negri's emotions run gamut

Frank Negri was a bundle of nerves Friday, facing his old school at his new school. He coached Foothill football for 42 seasons and now leads Natomas. Fell behind 27-7 and felt older by the moment. Then rebirth. Natomas stormed back for a 41-27 victory, the program's first home victory in four seasons. Negri chewed on Mustafa Vercher when the receiver dropped two first-half touchdowns, then hugged him when he broke it open with a 55-yard touchdown from Joe Hill. Negri, 74, danced like a teenager with his giddy players afterward.

"No pressure on me, right?" Negri cracked. "It was a fantastic feeling to see the kids come back like that. One of the most satisfying experiences I've ever had. To see the pride in their faces, to see them hold their heads up for the first time in so long … fantastic."

SCC's Allen a double threat

Cody Allen is a passer who can cripple a defense just the same with his legs. And after four years of minor league baseball, nothing rattles the Sacramento City College leader. He passed for 358 yards and three touchdowns and ran for two more in a 56-37 home victory over Shasta on Saturday, giving Dannie Walker his first coaching victory. Allen hit Joe Pereira for two scores and Victor Spencer for another.

Herd pride

Elk Grove High School football remains every foe's focal point, which is equal parts compliment and burden. The Thundering Herd was devoured by Monterey Trail 27-0 Friday, and Mustangs players and fans celebrated accordingly.

"That was their Super Bowl," Elk Grove coach Chris Nixon said. "And next week, we'll be Sheldon's Super Bowl, and then Pleasant Grove's Super Bowl. It's how we respond. I think we'll be OK."

Around the region

It was insult to injury in the worst way for Laguna Creek. After losing 57-20 to Vacaville on Friday, some Cardinals players were floored to discover personal items – keys, wallets, textbooks – had been stolen from their lockers. Better locker-room security is needed at football games.

• Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh attended the Del Campo-Davis game Friday to take a peek at Del Campo defensive ace Eddie Plantaric. Harbaugh grinned when he saw linebacker Tony Gonzalez switch to fullback for a play and pancake a Davis defender, allowing Ryan Dimino to score.

Call The Bee's Joe Davidson, (916) 321-1280.