In terms of individual performances on the football field, it could be argued that no one in the early 2000s enjoyed a more successful season than Buddy Connor in the 2002 season.
The Napa Register wrote that, “Buddy keyed Napa’s drive to the MEL title and appearance in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs. Plays the game with passion, poise, heart and emotion. Impact player with excellent skills. One of the best players to perform for a city team in recent years.”
In 2002, Connor was named to the All County, All League and All State teams for his performance on the team. After a drought in which Napa High football did not win a league title or advance to the playoffs, it was the leadership and play of Connor that helped Napa to its first league title and spot in the playoffs in seven years.
As the “heart and soul” of the 2002 team, Connor led by example with bruising runs as a fullback and punishing tackles as a linebacker. Needless to say, Connor never left the field.
In 2002, Connor was honored for his all-around play, earning Napa High’s “Most Valuable Player” award. Additionally, he was named as the MEL Division I Player of the Year, and the Player of the Year on the All Napa County team.
Connor continued his football career at Solano College and was named first-team All Bay Valley Conference after leading the league in tackles at inside linebacker. Today, he runs MC Construction and Concrete, a Napa-based business.