Above: Former Area Player of the Year Brigham Harwell
signed with the Washington Redskins.

There was good news and bad news over the weeknd, at least for this reporter, who is a fan of our former area stars.
The good was that after failing to be picked in the seven rounds of the NFL Draft, 2003 Area Player of the Year Brigham Harwell of Los Altos signed a free-agent contract. The bad news, at least for this reporter, who is fan of the Dallas Cowboys, was that he inked with the hated Washington Redskins, and will turn his blue and gold in for cardinal and gold...ewww!
But its good for Harwell, who I believe should have a good shot at making the club. He's a big-time run stuffer, and knows the Redskins' defense system, which is the same UCLA has run the past few years, since former Bruins defensive coordinator Dwayne Walker previously coached for the Redskins.
But here's a good luck to Brigham, and I guess for games when they are not playing the Cowboys, I can root for those 'Skins!
The draft was good for former Damien High School and Citrus College star Freddie Brown, who was selected in the seventh round by the Cincinnati Bengals. Brown starred for Utah last season, catching 77 passes for 900 yards and seven TDs as the Utes went undefeated and beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
Also former Damien star Ian Johnson, who played at Boise State, signed a free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings, while former UCLA punter Aaron Perez was invited to attend a New England Patriots mini camp this weekend. UCLA's Bret Lockett of Diamond Bar will try out for the Cleveland Browns.
Good luck to all!

Above: Chuck Tiffany is back with the Dodgers.

Who said you can't go home again?
Chuck Tiffany is proof you can.
The former Charter Oak High School pitching sensation, who signed with the Dodgers out of high school, is back with his hometown team, and child-hood favorite, after re-signing with the Dodgers over the weekend.
Tiffany, who was dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays organization in 2006 as part of a four-player deal, was recently released by the Rays. He's been assigned to the Dodgers spring training complex in Arizona to determine what affiliate he will join this season.

Kevin Mort, a former standout at South Hills in football and baseball, is enjoying life in the rugged Southeastern Conference. Mort is off to a solid season at the University of Mississippi. The junior, who transferred east after two steady years at nearby Rio Hondo College, is the team's starting shortstop and hitting .306 with 22 RBIs. He also has scored 20 runs.
The Rebels are 19-5 overall and are in third place in the SEC Western Division with a 9-6 record. They trail first-place Louisiana State by 1 1/2 games.

Wes Roemer pitched with a heavy heart on Friday.

Former Glendora High School star Wes Roemer opened the 2009 season by throwing five shut-out innings in the Visalia Rawhide's 5-3 victory over Lake Elsinore in a Cal League game on Friday.
It was a solid start to the season, but Roemer's heart was elsewhere. Roemer's two friends - Jon Wilhite and Courtney Stewart were victims in the car crash that cost the life of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart earlier this week. Stewart, a former Cal State Fullerton cheerleader, was also killed in the crash. Wilhite, the lone survivor who was upgraded to serious condition on Saturday and resting at UC Irvine Medical Center, was Roemer's teammate on the CSF baseball team.
Both were on his mind on Friday when he took the hill in Lake Elsinore. Here's what Roemer told the North County Times after his performance on Friday:
"I wanted to dedicate my game to them tonight," Roemer said. "It definitely gave me that extra drive to get through the game. When things got tough, I just stepped back and took a deep breath.
"You've got to go out there and perform. You've got to go on with it. It was tough ---- I'm not going to lie. Coming to the field today, it was in the back of my head ---- (Wilhite) was my catcher for three years."
Here is the rest of the story from the North County Times

My thoughts of this senseless tragedy is mainly spiritual. Sometimes things don't make sense in this life, or are even seem fair. I can only relate my personal experiences. I lost my best friend in life 10 years ago this summer, and my older brother passed a few years ago. I believe that all you can do in these circumstances are to reflect on the good times. On that here is a video on youtube from a "Little House on the Praire" episode that I think explains it better than I can put into words.

Above: Former West Covina star James Skelton is getting a good look in Arizona Diamonbacks Major League camp.

Remember for West Covina High School standout James Skelton?
When last heard from, he was playing Double-A ball in the Detroit Tigers organization. But now he's on the brink of making the Major Leagues after being selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Rule 5 Draft, which means the Snakes must return him if he doesn't make the big club.
Skelton, a catcher throughout his minor-league career, is now working in the outfield and infield, knowing that to make the D-Backs roster, his only value would be as a utility player.
Here's what coach Chip Hale told the Arizona Republic:
"I've seen him with good feet for a guy who has never played the infield since high school. He has really soft hands. He worked hard at all the infield positions. Hitting fungos, he looked like he'd have no problem fielding the ball and throwing to first. Obviously, we don't know what it's going to look like in game situations. He definitely has the body and the feet and the hands to be able to play the infield."

Former Glendora star James Powell fills it up for UC Santa Barbara.

James Powell was key part of Glendora High School's last CIF-Southern Section championship team, and now the former Tartan is enjoying success on the collegiate level, shining in the 805 area code for UC Santa Barbara.
Powell is averaging 11.2 points a game for the Gauchos and have become one of the most-prolific shooters in the school's history. He leads the team with 119 3-pointers this season, and broke school records for highest 3-point shooting percentage in a season last year as well as highest 3-point shooting percentage for a game.

Former Bishop Amat star Ralph Brown is hoping for a Super ending on Sunday.

When Ralph Brown was calling the San Gabriel Valley his stomping grounds in the mid 1990s, he was a shifty running back on Bishop Amat High School's last CIF-Southern Section divisional championship team.
The Hacienda Heights native is still shifty, but now to opposing quarterbacks. Brown, who would later star in the defensive secondary at Nebraska, is again wearing red these days, playing in the defensive backfield for the Arizona Cardinals, who have set franchise history by winning two playoff games.
Brown has done his part, grabbing an interception in each of the team's wins - a 30-24 victory over Atlanta on Jan. 3 and a 33-13 romp over Carolina this past Saturday.
The nine-year NFL veteran now will go for a Super ending when the Cardinals host Philadelphia in Sunday's NFC championship game, with the winner advancing to the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla. on Feb. 1.
Good luck from the SGV, Ralph!

Former Damien and Citrus College star Freddie Brown runs after one of his 12 receptions for Utah in the Utes' 31-17 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl on Friday.

What was that word? A Ute? What is a Ute?
- Fred Gwynne as Judge Chamberlain Haller in "My Cousin Vinny"

Alabama knows what a Ute is today, especially after the Utah Utes made their claim to be ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press football poll.
Utah's argument?
A convincing 31-17 victory over Tide in the Sugar Bowl on Friday. The victory over Alabama, which was ranked No. 1 for five consecutive weeks during the regular season, allowed the Utes, helped by former Damien High School and Citrus College star Freddie Brown and former Pasadena City standout David Reed, to become the only undefeated team in the bowl championship division, finishing 13-0.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham believes that should be enough to move his team to the top spot.
"I know where I'm voting us. I'm voting us No. 1. End of story," Whittingham said after Friday's victory in New Orleans. "I don't know why they wouldn't deserve that consideration. Somebody has to explain to me why they wouldn't. There is only one undefeated team in the United States of America right now in Division I football, and it's these guys right here."
Brown did his part by being Utah's leading receiver Friday, catching 12 passes for 125 yards. He also had a key 33-yard reception that led to an important TD drive in the third quarter. Reed had two catches for 58 yards, including a 28-yard TD reception that gave the Utes' a 28-17 lead in the second half.
Utah's roster also includes former Mt. San Antonio College players Aiona Key, Viliamu Nau and Aaron Tonga and Monrovia High's Patrick Greene.

Former Glendora boys basketball star Dominic Tiger-Cortes is earning his keep at Haskel Indian Nations University, a NAIA school in Lawrence, Kan.

One of the most-asked questions I've received lately has been what happened to Dominic Tiger-Cortes?
The 2008 area boys basketball player of the year, who almost single-handedly led Glendora to the CIF-Southern Section divisional semifinals last season, is alive and doing well in Lawrence, Kan. The slick-shooting guard, who demonstrated phenomenal range from the outside is seeing minutes for Haskell Indian Nations University, a NAIA school that is part of the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Association.
Tiger-Cortes has played in five of the Fightin' Indians 12 games, averaging 3.2 points per game. He's made six of 16 shots and has a season-high of six points. Tiger-Cortes is 4 of 12 from behind the 3-point arc. HINU is 4-11 entering conference play.

Former Bishop Amat star Kristen McCarthy, seen here last season, is having a solid season at Temple University.

Freshmen are usually expected to be seen, but not heard.
Then there's Kristen McCarthy, the former Bishop Amat girls basketball star who is making her mark at Temple University despite her freshman status.
The former two-time area player of the year is off to a solid collegiate career, helping the Owls to a 5-3 start.
McCarthy has played in all eight games, starting one and is averaging 7.8 points per game. She is also averaging four rebounds per contest and has 11 assists in eight games. McCarthy is coming off a solid effort against Toledo on Dec. 10, scoring 12 points to help the Owls to a 73-46 victory.

Former Damien star Freddie Brown is loving life in Utah.

It's been a long road to the Division I level for Freddie Brown. But the former Damien High School star and Citrus College player is making the most of is opportunity with Utah.
Brown, arguably one of the top collegiate players with local ties, has helped the Utes to a top-10 ranking and a shot at BCS bowl.
The senior leads the team with 57 receptions for 678 yards and seven TDs. He came up big two weeks ago, catching the winning TD in a 13-10 victory over TCU. He also five catches for 59 yards in a 25-23 victory at traditional-power Michigan in September and 11 receptions for 110 yards and two TDs in a 63-14 victory over San Diego State this past weekend.
He will now attempt to get the Utes a BCS bid with a victory over intra-state rival Brigham Young on Saturday.

Mt. SAC alum Antonio Pierce is one of the top linebackers in football.

As I was watching the Super Bowl champion New York football Giants take apart America's team - the Dallas Cowboys, I couldn't help notice the play of linebacker Antonio Pierce, who might be the best NFL player with local ties.
Who is better?
Is it former Bishop Amat star Brian Russell, who is now starting in the Seattle Seahawks defensive secondary?
Good pick. Russell ranks among the team leaders, with 36 tackles and has one sack.
But I like Pierce, who NFL analyst John Madden called one of the better linebackers in the game. And the numbers prove it.
Pierce, who helped Mt. San Antonio College win the 1997 CCCAA state title, is a key member of the Giants defense that played a big role in upsetting the New England Patriots. He's picked up where he left off, leading the Giants with 38 tackles. He also has one sack.
Pierce is also one of the emotional leaders for the Giants, who many believe can be repeat champs.

Charter Oak grad, who is now at UCLA, is one of the top punters in the country.

This has been somewhat of a trying season for the UCLA football team. But one of the bright spots have come from Charter Oak High School grad Aaron Perez, who is one of the top punters in the country.
Perez has become a key ingredient of coach Rick Neuheisel's plan to play the field position game, resulting in the former Charger being ranked No. 10 in the country with a 44.39-yards per punt average. He also ranks second in the Pac-10.

Damien High Grad Ian Johnson doesn't mind his dimished role at Boise State.

Former Damien High School running back, who made a name for himself at Boise State in the Broncos' upset of Oklahoma a few years back in the Fiesta Bowl, is in a more limited role this season. But with Boise State's current success, he doesn't seem to mind.
Here's the story about the former Spartan.
My own memory of Johnson at Damien was how he got me in trouble with then Bishop Amat coach Mike DiFiori. Johnson did some trash talking in my post-game interview after Damien beat Amat in 2002. I went with the quote and learned that I was forever banned from the Bishop Amat sideline by DiFiori.
I wonder if the former Lancers head coach, who is now an assistant at Amat, still has the same power. I will find out next week when I cover the Amat-Loyola game.
But good luck to IJ.

West Covina HS grad Walter Thurmond III intercepts a pass against USC in 2006. He returns to Southern California to face the Trojans on Saturday.

Saturday will be sort of a homecoming when the USC football team plays host to Oregon at the Coliseum at 5 p.m.
No, not for the Trojans, but for former West Covina High School's Walter Thurmond, who returns to Southern California as a member of the Gang Green secondary.
Thurmond is considered to be one of the top defensive backs on the West Coast. The junior, who has 19 tackles and two interceptions this season, was All-Pacific-10 last season and is on the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the top defensive back in the country.
Thurmond will lead a Oregon team that is ranked No. 23 and is 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Pac-10. The Ducks scored a 63-14 victory at Washington State last week.
Welcome back Walter and good luck against those Trojans!

James Skelton, a former standout baseball player at West Covina High School, completed a solid 2008 season in the Detroit Tigers organization, moving from Single-A to Double-A by season's end.

The former Bulldog hit a combined .303 while making stops for the Tigers' affiliates of Lakeland, Fla. of the Florida State League and Erie, Pa of the Eastern Association. He wound up the season with five home runs, 34 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. He hit .307 in 63 games with Single-A Lakeland before moving up to Double-A Erie after the Tigers traded veteran Pudge Rodriguez in July. He hit .294 with two homers and 11 RBIs in 24 games with Erie.

Former Charter Oak punter Aaron Perez, who is now at UCLA, is on the Ray Guy Award watch list.

Aaron Perez was one of the top punters in Southern California when he was at Charter Oak High School, and he has continued that success now that he is at UCLA.
Perez, one publication's preseason pick for first team All-Pacific 10, was recently added to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the top punter in the nation.
Perez has been solid this season, with 10 punts for an average of 47.7, including a long of 61 yards.
He plays a key role in UCLA's battle to win the field-position game.

Former Glendora star Wes Roemer enjoyed a solid season in Single-A, nearly throwing a perfect game in July.

The 2008 baseball season is over for former Valley players Sergio Pedroza of Northview and Wes Roemer of Glendora.
Roemer, pitching for the Single-A Visalia Oaks, an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, went 7-12 with a 4.59 ERA. He also had 122 strikeouts in 162 innings. Roemer did flatter with perfection earlier this season, taking a perfect game into the seventh inning before finishing with a three-hitter in a 4-2 victory over the Modesto Nuts in early July.
Pedroza had a solid season playing for the Double-A Montgomery (Ala.) Biscuits, an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. He .248 with five home runs and 16 doubles.

Former Mt. SAC QB Kevin Craft makes one of his throws that helped UCLA beat Tennessee on Monday.

UCLA may be in Westwood, but the Bruins football team certainly has some San Gabriel Valley flavor.
Of its top players, three have a Valley connection - Mt. San Antonio College's Kevin Craft, Los Altos' Brigham Harwell and Charter Oak's Aaron Perez. All three played key roles in UCLA opening the season with a 27-24 victory over Tennessee at the Rose Bowl on Labor Day.
Harwell was a monster inside, constantly blowing up the Vols' offensive schemes from his defensive line position. Perez, a two-year starter at punter, allowed UCLA to win the field-position battle, and Craft was the talk of the nation after following a four-interception first half with stout second half in which he led UCLA to a pair of TD drives that eventually led to the 27-24 victory.
Keep up the good work, Valley stars!

Former Los Altos star Shaun Cody, left, hopes to keep working on Sundays.

The National Football League, as a business, can be quite cruel.
There are no provisionals in the NFL. The best players play, and those who don't fit that criteria, must look elsewhere.
Former Los Altos High School star Shaun Cody finds himself right in the middle of that world. Cody, who after earning All-America status at USC and being regarded enough for the Detroit Lions to select him in the second-round of the 2005 NFL Draft, is now playing with his roster spot on the line this exhibition season.
It's a system that Cody truly understands.
"I don't take it as pressure," Cody told Detroitlions.com. "I just take it as a chance to compete for a spot. I know we've got a lot of defensive tackles and the reality is you can only keep so many. All you can do is go out and compete.
"If you put pressure on yourself, that's when guys tend to worry about it. You can't lose sleep over it, but go out there and compete. If you're the guy for the spot and they think you can perform and play to what they want you to, that's the only thing you can hope for."
Cody, who played in all 16 games, starting two his rookie year in 2005 and 15 games last season, has played in all of the team's three exhibition games, recording four tackles. Cody, who is listed as the team's No. 2 nose tackle, gets his last chance to state his case when the Lions travel to Buffalo to face the Bills on Thursday.
"I need to go out there and produce," Cody said. "I know I've had a good camp up to this point and now it's just time to prove it. That's when you've got to prove it. It doesn't matter what you do in practice. In the end, it's what you can put on tape and what you can show on film."

Brigham Harwell, a former Los Altos star who is now at UCLA, returns to the football field this season.

This is expected to be a special Labor Day for former Los Altos High School football star Brigham Harwell, who is now at UCLA.
Sept. 1 is the day the Bruins open the 2008 season with a home encounter against Tennessee at the Rose Bowl. But it's also signifies the end of Harwell's long wait. The senior missed all but one game last season. But now he's ready to return.
"I really can't wait for the season to start," Harwell recently. "Last year was very difficult for me. I had never missed a season. My Saturdays were spent watching UCLA on TV, and not playing.
"I'm really excited about the year. I've worked real hard, getting my timing, watching film and just preparing to perform on Saturdays."
And the general consensus is that he will not only perfom on Saturdays, but do it quite well. He is considered to be one of the top players at his position, not just in the Pac-10, but in the nation as well. He begins the season on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the top lineman in the country.
"I don't think there's any question that to play great defense, you have to be able to create a pass rush and disruption with your front four," UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said. "When you have the benefit and advantage of a guy like Brigham to start your defense, it's a nice place to start. It gives us hope to be a very, very strong defense."
Now Harwell is ready for a banner season, and the view from here says he will have one.