December 2011 Archives

Above: Whittier s Juan Quintero (#15)
makes a shot as they play Lawndale in the Championship game
of the Whittier High School Holiday Invitational on Thursday Dec. 29, 2011.
(SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger/SPORTS)

Two years, two final-round losses for the Whittier boys basketball team, which lost Lawndale in the finals of its own tournament on Thursday.
The Whittier girls team suffered the same fate, losing to Campbell Hall in the semifinals at the Cantwell Tournament. The Cardinals finish the tourney against Rosemead in the third-place game at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

Here's the game story from the Whittier boys game:

By John Sherrard Correspondent
WHITTIER - The Whittier High School boys basketball team knew it had a tall order - literally - in Lawndale on Thursday night in the title game of Whittier's own Second Annual Holiday Invitational.
That tall order was 6-foot-7 freshman center Chimezie Metu. He was a factor in the middle early, but a balanced scoring attack led Lawndale to a 70-65 victory.
Lawndale (11-3) was led by three players in double figures. Chris Munoz, Lemar Young and Will Newman had 17, 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Young had all of his points in the second half.
Whittier (7-8), which trailed by 10 points in the third quarter, 44-34, whittled away at the lead and came within four points with less than a minute remaining in the game.
Senior guard Damien Salcedo hit a short jumper and knocked down two free throws to bring Whittier close, 67-63.
"You know, it's tough, two years in a row in our own tournament," Whittier coach Joey Mata said.

Associated Press photo

As part of our coverage of the 98th Rose Bowl Game, here's my story on Wisconsin's Russell Wilson:

LOS ANGELES - There are a lot elements that were key for Wisconsin as the Badgers returned to the Rose Bowl Game
The X-factor is quarterback Russell Wilson, who is not a typical Wisconsin signal caller.
Wilson, a senior transfer from North Carolina State, added athleticism to a position that for years required nothing special, just someone who minimized mistakes while guiding an offense that used its mammoth front line and big running backs such as Ron Dayne and John Clay as focal points.
Wilson, at least for this season, changed that perception.
"The true sign of a great player is someone who can make something out of nothing," said Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema, whose Badgers face Oregon in the 98th Rose Bowl Game on Monday. "A lot of times it might be a call offensively where the scheme for the success of that play shuts down and you have to make a change.
"Russell has made changes this year on first, second, third and even fourth down that have allowed us to stay alive and make a play."
Wilson's biggest audible came not at Camp Randall Stadium, but off the field.

Above: Cantwell-Sacred Heart's Priscilla Rodriguez drives for two points against Campbell Hall during the Cantwell Tournament on Wednesday at the Montebello campus. (Leo Jarzomb / Staff Photographer)

The Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary girls basketball gave it a valiant effort before coming up short against ranked Campbell Hall in the quarterfinals of its Cardinal Classic. Whittier advanced and is playing Campbell Hall tonight. The finals are scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m.
In boys action, Whittier advanced to the finals of its second annual tournament for the second time, and is hosting Lawndale tonight.

Here is correspondent John Sherrard's story of the Cantwell-Campbell Hall game:

MONTEBELLO - The Cantwell Sacred Heart girls basketball team took the second-ranked Campbell Hall Vikings to the limit in the Cardinal Classic Wednesday night, but fell just short.
Trailing by as many as 15 points early in the third quarter, host Cantwell fell to CIF-SS Division 4 power Campbell Hall, 62-55, in the quarterfinals of its own tourney.
The Cardinals trailed Campbell Hall, 42-27, to begin the third quarter and were led by sophomore guard Justine Manjarrez with nine points in the quarter to put Cantwell within striking distance in the fourth.
Manjarrez scored 13 points, including 5 for 6 at the line in the game.
The Cardinals, who are a young team, were led by sophomore forward Sylvia Garcia with 20 points (9 for 10 free throws) and junior guard Priscilla Rodriguez (17 points, 7 of 8 free throws).
Trailing by seven, 59-52, with 43 seconds left, Rodriguez hit her only 3-pointer of the game to cut Campell Hall's lead to four points, but Campbell Hall's Lauren Holiday and Nicole Tolbert combined to make three free throws to seal the victory for the Vikings.
"We did everything we could and actually had a game plan and followed it," Cantwell first-year coach Jose Herrera said.
"Our game plan was to get Holiday out of her game and did that early," said Herrera.

I'm on the Rose Bowl beat this week, and Tuesday was a day at "The Happiest Place on Earth" -- Disneyland. Here's a photo of some members of the Wisconsin, on the left, and Oregon in front of the Magic Castle.

Here's my story from Tuesday's Arrival Press Conference at Disneyland:

ANAHEIM - For some, going to Disneyland never gets old.
You can put the Oregon and Wisconsin football teams in that group.
The Ducks and Badgers, who meet in Monday's 98th Rose Bowl Game, kicked off festivities Tuesday with the traditional stop at Disneyland.
It's the second trip for both teams within the past three years. Wisconsin also is playing in "The Granddaddy of Them All" for the sixth time since 1994 while Oregon is seeking its first victory in the Rose Bowl Game since beating Pennsylvania, 14-0, in 1917.
"It's a real honor to be back here again," Oregon coach Chip Kelly said. "I know (Wisconsin) was here last year, and we were here two years ago.
"When you talk about a college football game and you talk about tradition, it starts with the Rose Bowl. And there's no better place to kick it off than Disneyland."

Whittier and Cantwell, two of the better programs in the area, have each advanced to the Cardinal Classic quarterfinals at Cantwell after winning their respective pools.
Whittier, 9-1 with the only loss coming to traditional power Bishop Amat, faces Paramount at 8 p.m. tonight. Cantwell, 9-6, after winning a doubleheader on Monday, faces Campbell Hall at 6:30 tonight. If both win, they will meet in Thursday's semifinals at 6:30 p.m. The other quarterfinals will feature El Segundo vs. Rosemead at 3:30 p.m., with Rialto vs. St. Joseph at 5. Finals are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday.

The final week of tournament boys basketball is heating up, and so are some of the Whittier area teams, with three advancing to selected semifinals.
Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary, which won its own tournament for the first time last week, has won its first two games to advance to the semifinals of the La Salle/Temple City Tournament and will face Muir at 7:30 p.m. tonight at La Salle High School in Pasadena. The Cardinals are 12-0 under first-year coach George Zedan.
La Serna, which is 5-5 after winning back-to-back games, is in the Nogales Tournament semfinals. The Lancers face Savanna, which beat host Nogales Tuesday, at 8 p.m. tonight.
Whittier, which is 6-7, advanced to the semifinals of its second annual tournament after defeating Fullerton and Claremont the past two games. The Cardinals face Bellflower tonight at 7:30, with the finals scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

There are plenty of after-Christmas tournaments that begin today, but due to today being a national holiday, there will be nobody to take your calls until after 6 p.m. All our three newspapers are asking teams to email results to scores@sgvn.com, and leave a number in case we have questions, or call after 6 p.m., to 626-962-8811, ext. 2233 or 2242, thanks.
We will pick-up coverage on Tuesday.

This week marks the final week of the tournament season in boys and girls basketball, with nine area teams competed in selected tournaments.
On the boys side, Whittier is hosting a four-day tournament, while La Serna, El Rancho and La Mirada will be in the 16-team Nogales Tournament, with California in the Covina Tournament.
On the girls side, Whittier, El Rancho and host Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary compete in the Cardinal Classic.
The two boys tournaments are four-day bracket tournaments and run through Thursday, with the Cantwell girls tournament being pool play Monday and Tuesday before switching into bracket play with the quarterfinals slated for Wednesday, the semifinals on Thursday and the finals on Friday.
Here's the schedule for each tournament:
Girls
Cantwell Cardinal Classic
December 26th
@ Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary
Game 1 9:30 am CSHM vs. South Gate
Game 2 11:00 am Azusa vs. Sotmayor LA
Game 3 12:30 pm Huntington Park vs. CSHM JV
Game 4 2:00 pm John Glenn vs. Mary Star
Game 5 3:30 pm Whittier vs. Pomona Catholic
Game 6 5:00 pm Saint Josephs vs. CSHM JV
Game 7 6:30 pm CSHM vs. LACES
Game 8 8:00 pm Whittier vs. St. Marys
@ Cathy Hensel Park
Game 9 11:00 am Paramount vs. Mountain View
Game 10 12:30 pm Torres vs. Rosemead
Game 11 2:00 pm Paramount vs. South East
Game 12 3:30 pm Bishop Conaty vs. Lincoln
December 27th
@ Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary
Game 13 9:30 am Rialto vs. Bishop Conaty
Game 14 11:00 am Torres vs. EL Rancho
Game 15 12:30 pm Campbell Hall vs. Sotomayor
Game 16 2:00 pm Rialto vs. Lincoln
Game 17 3:30 pm EL Segundo vs. John Glenn
Game 18 5:00 pm Campbell Hall vs. Azusa
Game 19 6:30 pm Rosemead vs. EL Rancho
Game 20 8:00 pm EL Segundo vs. Mary Star
@ Cathy Hensel Park
Game 21 11:00 am LACES vs. South Gate
Game 22 12:30 pm Mountain View vs. South East
Game 23 2:00 pm Pomona Catholic vs. St. Marys
Game 24 3:30 pm Huntington Park vs. Saint Joseph's
December 28th
@ Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary
Game 25 9:30 am Pool A 2nd vs. Pool B 2nd
Game 26 11:00 am Pool C 2nd vs. Pool D 2nd
Game 27 12:30 pm Pool E 2nd vs. Pool F 2nd
Game 28 2:00 pm Pool G 2nd vs. Pool H 2nd
Game 29 3:30 pm Pool C 1st vs. Pool D 1st
Game 30 5:00 pm Pool A 1st vs. Pool B 1st
Game 31 6:30 pm Pool H 1st vs. Pool G 1st
Game 32 8:00 pm Pool E 1st vs. Pool F 1st
@ Cathy Hensel Park
Game 33 11:00 am Pool A 3rd vs. Pool B 3rd
Game 34 12:30 pm Pool C 3rd vs. Pool D 3rd
Game 35 2:00 pm Pool E 3rd vs. Pool F 3rd
Game 36 3:30 pm Pool G 3rd vs. Pool H 3rd
December 29th
@ Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary
Game 37 9:30 am Loser Game 25 vs. Loser Game 26
Game 38 11:00 am Loser Game 27 vs. Loser Game 28
Game 39 12:30 pm Winner Game 25 vs. Winner Game 26
Game 40 2:00 pm Winner Game 27 vs. Winner Game 28
Game 41 3:30 pm Loser Game 29 vs. Loser Game 30
Game 42 5:00 pm Loser Game 31 vs. Loser Game 32
Game 43 6:30 pm Winner Game 31 vs. Winner 32
Game 44 8:00 pm Winner Game 29 vs. Winner 30
@ Cathy Hensel Park
Game 45 11:00 am Loser Game 33 vs. Loser Game 34
Game 46 12:30 pm Loser Game 35 vs. Loser Game 36
Game 47 2:00 pm Winner Game 33 vs. Winner Game 34
Game 48 3:30 pm Winner game 35 vs. Winner Game 36
December 30th
@ Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary
Game 49 9:30 am Loser Game 38 vs. Loser Game 37 (15th Place)
Game 50 11:00 am Winner Game 38 vs. Winner Game 37 (13th Place)
Game 51 12:30 pm Loser Game 40 vs. Loser Game 39 (11th Place)
Game 52 2:00 pm Winner Game 40 vs. Winner Game 39 (9th Place)
Game 53 3:30 pm Loser Game 42 vs. Loser Game 41 (7th Place)
Game 54 5:00 pm Winner Game 42 vs. Winner Game 41 (5th Place)
Game 55 6:30 pm Loser Game 44 vs. Loser 43 (3rd Place)
Game 56 8:00 pm Winner Game 44 vs. Winner Game 43 (Championship)
@ Cathy Hensel Park
Game 57 11:00 am Loser Game 45 vs. Loser Game 46 (23rd Place)
Game 58 12:30 pm Winner Game 45 vs. Winner Game 46 (21st Place)
Game 59 2:00 pm Loser Game 47 vs. Loser Game 48 (19th Place)
Game 60 3:30 pm Winner Game 47 vs. Winner Game 48 (17th Place)
BOYS
WHITTIER TOURNAMENT
Monday, Dec. 26, first round at Whittier High
Rosemead vs. Salesian, 9 a.m
Katella vs. Warren, 10:30 a.m.
La Puente vs. Lawndale, noon
Pioneer vs. Pacifica/GG, 1:30 p.m.
Huntington Park Academy vs. Bellflower, 3 p.m.
University vs. Cabrillo/LB, 4:30 p.m.
Claremont vs. Alhambra, 6 p.m.
Whittier vs. Fullerton, 7:30 p.m.
NOGALES TOURNAMENT
Monday, Dec. 26 first-round at Nogales High
Top Bracket
Walnut vs. Alta Loma, 6:30 p.m.
Nipomo vs. Notre Dame, Noon
La Mirada vs. Don Lugo, 1:45 p.m.
Renaissance Academy vs. El Rancho, 3:30 p.m.
Bottom Bracket
Serrano vs. Bloomington Christian, 10:30 a.m.
West Covina vs. La Serna, 5 p.m.
Savanna vs. Glenn, 9 a.m.
Basett vs. Nogales, 8 p.m.
COVINA TOURNAMENT
Monday's First-Round games at Covina High School
Top Bracket
Bosco Tech vs. California, 10 a.m.
Rowland vs. Azusa, 11:30 a.m.
Northview vs.Garey, 1 p.m.
Wilson vs. Damien, 2:30 p.m.
Bottom Bracket
J.W. North vs. Charter Oak, 4 p.m.
Bishop Amat vs. Los Altos, 5:30 p.m.
South Hills vs. Jurupa Hills, 7 p.m.
Covina vs. Sierra Vista, 8:30 p.m.

Hi All: I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas on this joyous day!

- Steve

Above: Player of the Year Aaron Porter of La Habra (Staff photo by Keith Durflinger)
To read Aaron Porter's Player of the Year story, along the La Serna duo of OJ Medina and Craig Jones receiving offensive and defensive player of the year honors, and Santa Fe's Jack Mahlstede being named Coach of the Year, along with the first and second team lists, click the thread.

PORTER MAHLSTEDE MEDINA JONES

Player of the Year - Aaron Porter, La Habra, Sr.
Coach of the Year - Jack Mahlstede, Santa Fe
Offensive Player of the Year - OJ Medina, La Serna, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year - Craig Jones, La Serna, Sr.
Offense
QB:Paul Telles, St. Paul, Jr.
RB: Joey Davis, Santa Fe, Sr.
RB:OJ Medina, La Serna, Sr.
AP: Corey Collins, Cantwell, Sr.
WR:Brett Bartolone, La Habra, Sr.
WR: Dallis Shipp, La Mirada, Jr.
TE: Tyler Carrillo, St. Paul, Sr.
OL: Cristian Garcia, St. Paul, Jr..
OL: Spencer Fox, La Mirada, Sr.
OL: Pete Morales, La Habra, Sr.
OL: Spencer Long, La Habra, Sr.
OL: Isaiah Osorio, La Serna, Jr.
PK: Sean Wale, La Habra, Sr.
Defense
DL: Abraham Torres, Cantwell, Sr.
DL: Tony Casados, La Habra, Sr.
DL: John McFarland, La Serna, Jr.
LB: Kevin Romo, St. Paul, Sr.
LB: Craig Jones, La Serna, Sr.
LB: Miguel Cardiel, California
LB: Willie Blauser, Santa Fe, Sr.
DB: Daniel Abernethy, Whittier Christian, Sr.
DB: Cedrick Franklin, La Habra, Jr.
DB: Andy Gramajo, La Mirada, Sr.
DB: Christian Mahlstede, Santa Fe
P:Daniel Chacon, Whittier Christian, Sr
Second Team
Offense
QB:Frankie Palmer, La Serna, So.
RB:Johnny Hills, La Mirada, Jr.
RB:Ryan Morales, Whittier Chr., Sr.
AP: Michael Ortega, St. Paul, Senior
WR: Zach Ramsey, St. Paul, Senior
WR: Cody Bronkar, Whittier Christian, Jr.
WR: Adam Aguirre, Cantwell, Sr.
OL: Carlos Tovar, Santa Fe, Jr.
OL: Paul Governale, St. Paul, Sr.
OL: Cris Cisneros, La Mirada, Jr.
OL: Andrew Sagaio, La Habra, Sr.
OL: Memo Monreal, La Mirada, Sr.
PK: Eric Amezquita, California, So.
Defense
DL: Daniel Servin, Montebello, Sr.
DL: Omar Luna, Whittier, Jr.
DL: Mario Bonilla, Santa Fe, Sr.
DL: Tyler Luatua, La Mirada, So.
LB: Eric Magos, Schurr, Sr.
LB: David Cabral, St. Paul, Sr.
LB: Austin Ybarra, La Habra, Sr.
DB: Jacob Alaniz, Cantwell, Sr.
DB: Grant Escobar, Whittier Chr., Sr.
DB: Marcus Garcia, St. Paul, Sr.
DB: Lawrence Gomez, California, Sr.
P: Jordan Rincon, Santa Fe, Sr.

St. Paul High School said goodbye to a coaching legend when Marijon Ancich retired at the end of the recent football season, and it will welcome a new era with one of the up-and-coming coaches in Southern California.
The Santa Fe Springs school announced that it has hired Elijah Asante, who recently resigned after two seasons at City Section power Carson, as its next football coach.
Asante comes to St. Paul with one of the better resumes in California, coaching the past seven years in the Los Angeles City Section, first at Los Angeles Jordan and the past two at Carson, which advanced to the Division I finals each of the past two seasons.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to coach this tradition-rich program," Asante said. "I'm taking over for a coaching legend, who I admire and the type of football that St. Paul is known for. I'm excited. The future is bright."
Asante was 20-9 in two seasons at Carson, taking the Colts to the City Section Division 1 championship game each year, losing 45-7 to Crenshaw in 2010, and 48-32 to Narbonne this fall. The Colts also played one of the tougher schedules in Southern California, opening with a 26-22 victory over Mater Dei before losing to Long Beach Poly (38-18) and Santa Margarita (39-21), which went on to win the CIF-Southern Section Pac-5 title and a Division I CIF state bowl game.
"He's just has a tremendous track record," St. Paul athletic director Shawn Clingan said.
Asante is replacing a living legend in Ancich, who ranks second in wins in California with 353 victories, 140 losses and nine ties while serving three different stints as the Swordsmen's head coach.
Ancich, who turned St. Paul into one of the more recognized programs in Southern California, won three CIF-SS titles ('68,'72,'81), two California State titles and 19 league championships. St. Paul was 7-3 this season, but missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, finishing fourth in the Mission League.
Asante believes that winning tradition can be resurrected.
"It's a sleeping giant," Asante said. "And it's going to be awakened. All the fundamentals are there for them to bring this program back to the way it was. But we have to get everybody excited, from the kids, their parents, the boosters, everybody. We want them to be excited to be a Swordsmen."
St. Paul, which will return quarterback Paul Telles and offensive lineman Cristian Garcia, two of the better players in the area, will play what is expected to be arguably the top schedules in the area in 2012 with a slate that will feature old rival Bishop Amat, along with area stalwart La Habra. Asante is hoping to add Loyola to the schedule.
Asante also said he is the process of interviewing coaches to complete his staff and installing a weight training program

Above: Bishop Amat's Kaysee Tayag tries to get around a Whittier defender
during Wednesday's nonleague game. The Lancers beat the Cardinals, 44-39.
(Keith Birmingham / Staff Photographer)

Whittier High School was hoping to see where it stood among the best girls basketball teams in the CIF-Southern Section when it hosted traditional power Bishop Amat Wednesday. The Cardinals appear just to be a tad off.
Paulina Santana scored 21 points and Leeah Powell had 14 to lead the Lancers to a 44-39 victory over the Cardinals in a nonleague game.
Bishop Amat, which used a 11-2 run in the second quarter, improved to 9-2.
Whittier, getting 12 points each from Yazmin Acosta and Brenda Salazar, slipped to 8-1.
"I think the game was won and lost in the second quarter," Whittier coach Willie Pittman said. "They held us to two points after it was 12-11 in the first quarter.
"We had to fight back, and although we won the third quarter, we got into foul trouble and that hurt us."

Here's the All-Olympic League selections. My only question is how did Whittier Christian, which shared the league title with Valley Christian, not get any of the three MVP awards handed out?
Anyways, here's the list:

FOOTBALL
Offensive MVP: Amjed Aboul-Hosn, Village Christian, Sr.
Defensive MVP: Matt Hall, Maranatha, So.
Linemen MVP: Clayton Granch, Valley Christian, Jr.
First Team: LeJon Peterson, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Chris Tripoli, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Andrew Elffers, Maranatha, Jr.; Matt Hall, Maranatha, So.; Darien McGee, Maranatha, Sr.; Sterling Sanchez, Maranatha, Sr.; Omar Younger, Maranatha, Jr.; Cody Buskirk, Valley Chr., Sr.; Brandon Bynum, Valley Chr., Jr.; David Coley, Valley Chr., Sr.; Clayton Granch, Valley Chr., Jr.; Anthony Nocera, Valley Chr., Sr.; Jaylen Ray, Valley Chr., Sr.; LeWayne Wright, Valley Chr., Sr.; Amjed Aboul-Hosn, Village Chr., Sr.; Nick Hamilton, Village Chr., Jr.; Scott Maxwell, Village Chr., Sr.; Garrett Van, Village Chr., Sr.; Daniel Abernethy, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Cody Bronkar, Whittier Chr., Jr.; Andrew Delaney, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Grant Escobar, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Corey Gineris, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Joel Rhone, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Ryan Wallace, Whittier Chr., Sr.
Second Team: Josh Nguyen, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Sean Smith, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Robert Flewelling, Maranatha, Sr.; Adam Harr, Maranatha, Sr.; Matt Payton, Maranatha, Sr.; Daniel Rasmussen, Jr.; Darin Smith, Maranatha, Sr.; Patrick Avila, Valley Chr., Jr.; Zach D'Amico, Valley Chr., Sr.; Clay Thomas, Valley Chr., Sr.; Rodney VanDenBerg, Valley Chr., Jr.; Scott Vander Ploeg, Valley Chr., Sr.; Misha Gordon, Village Chr., Sr.; Eli Jerjerian, Village Chr., Jr.; Luke Rawlings, Village Chr., Jr.; Josh Rolls, Village Chr., Sr.; Daniel Chacon, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Matt Hearn, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Jacob Hughes, Whittier Chr., Jr.; Jack Huitt, Whittier Chr., So.; Ryan Morales, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Grady Smith, Whittier Chr., Sr.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
MVP: Jaden Louie, Whittier Chr., Sr.
First Team: Julianna Gutknecht, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Lauren Holstein, Maranatha, Jr.; Carley Berkencamp, Valley Chr., Sr.; Maggie Streelman, Valley Chr., So.; Aubrey Pyburn, Village Chr., Jr.; Jaclyn Barrera, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Deanna Blaine, Whittier Chr., So.; Jaden Louie, Whittier Chr., Sr.
Second Team: Mikayla Garcia, L.A. Baptist, Fr.; Skylar McLeod, Maranatha, Jr.; Alexa Chandler, Valley Chr., Sr.; Cassie Palmer, Valley Chr., Sr.; Joyce Cha, Village Chr., Jr.; Chyna Cotangco, Village Chr., Sr.; Kylee Wolfe, Whittier Chr., So.; Ashley Hunter, Whittier Chr., Sr.

ALL-ALMONT LEAGUE TEAMS
FOOTBALL
MVP -- Alex Villalobos, San Gabriel
Offensive MVP -- Andy Guerrero, San Gabriel
Defensive MVP -- Nathan Quinones, Alhambra
Lineman of the year -- Carlos Purser, San Gabriel
Coach of the Year -- Jude Olvia, San Gabriel
First Team
Offense -- Quarterback: Josh Mendoza, Alhambra. Backs: Jorge Remingio, Bell Gardens; Erza Broadus, Alhambra; Eric Magos, Schurr; Marcos Portillo, Montebello. Receivers: Joseph Villalobos, San Gabriel; Isai Fernandez, San Gabriel; Jorge Romo, Montebello, Oscar Gayton, Alhambra. Tight End: James Salazar, Bell Gardens. Linemen: Daniel Herrera, Bell Gardens; Joseph Rubino, Montebello; Brian Lopez, San Gabriel; Justin Luu, Alhambra; Gino Livotti, Montebello. Kicker: Ricardo Pena, Bell Gardens.
Defense -- Linemen: Daniel Servin, Montebello; Hunter Garcia, San Gabriel; Christian Caraveo, Alhambra; Sean Yee, Schurr. Linebackers: Robert Garcia, Montebello; Chris Aguilar, Schurr; Thomas Guevara, Bell Gardens; Andres Jimenez, San Gabriel. Backs: Joesph Villalobos, San Gabriel; Albert Lara, Bell Gardens; Erza Broadus, Alhambra; Randy Portillo, Montebello; Punter: Juan Hernandez, Montebello.
Second Team
Offense -- Quarterback: Albert Lara, Bell Gardens. Backs: Joseph Mayorga, San Gabriel; Esquivel Jimenez, Mark Keppel. Receivers: Ricky Fonseca, Schurr; Nathan May, Mark Keppel; Gilbert Herrera, Montebello. Tight End: Chirs Tovar, Mark Keppel. Linemen: Omar Gonzalez, San Gabriel; Thomas Richetts, Alhambra; Jaime Medina, Bell Gardens; Jesse Medina, Bell Gardens. Kicker: Edgar Tafoya, Montebello.
Defense -- Linemen: Nicholas Solorzano, Bell Gardens; Isaac Sermiento, Montebello; Willie Torres, Schurr; Javier Covarrubias, Alhambra. Linebackers: Eric Alvarez, San Gabriel; Jonathan Bird, Alhambra; Joseph Nieto, Alhambra; Jordan Fowlkes, Montebello. Backs: Jose Aguero, Schurr; Daniel Moviel, Schurr; Omero Eriza, San Gabriel; Aaron Handy, Schurr; Justin Marino, Montebello; Alex Ochoa, Bell Gardens. Punter: Ricky Fonseca, Schurr.

The 2011 Whittier Daily News football team, which will include a Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, will be published on Christmas Eve. It will include photos of each of the team's 25 players, list of first and second teams and honorable mention and the final top five rankings, and stories on the player of the year and coach of the year.
Also, due to next week being Rose Bowl week, the All-Area teams for girls volleyball, girls tennis, boys water polo and boys and girls cross country will be released in January.
Here are the dates when those layouts will be published:
Girls Volleyball, Wednesday, Jan. 4
Boys and Girls Cross Country, Thursday, Jan. 5
Boys Water Polo, Tuesday, Jan. 11
Girls Tennis, Wednesday, Jan. 12

There will be a lot of new faces on the sidelines when the race for the Del Rio League football title begins next fall.
El Rancho High School coach Rick Zepeda has resigning, leaving only California's Jim Arnold and La Serna's Margarito Beltran as the only holdovers from this season.
Pioneer's Ramon Juarez was relieved of his duties at the end of the season, while Whittier's Walter Scott resigned. Santa Fe's Jack Mahlstede had previously announced is retirement.
Zepeda was the latest after the Dons went 5-5 and finished 1-4 in league play, missing the playoffs.
He was 18-24 in four seasons.
"It was a mutual agreement," Zepeda said Monday. "We both (he and the El Rancho administration) decided to take a different path.
"It wasn't a bad breakup. We both decided to go in different directions."
The Dons, who began the season in the area top five, had a solid start, winning four of its first five games, with the only loss coming to CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division quarterfinalist Los Altos. But El Rancho, which was led by first-team All-Del Rio League running back Josh Lopez, lost its first three games in league and finished tied for fifth.
"I enjoyed being the El Rancho football coach," Zepeda said. "Everyone treated me well. I'm going to to miss the players and their parents. It was fun and I enjoyed it."
Calls to principal Sam Genis and athletic director Lynn Lawson were not immediately returned.

ALL-DEL RIO LEAGUE
FOOTBALL
Co-MVPs -- Christian Mahlstede, Santa Fe, Sr; Joe Davis, Santa Fe, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year -- OJ Medina, La Serna, Sr.
Co-Defensive Players of the Year -- Craig Jones, La Serna, Sr.; Willie Blauser, Santa Fe, Sr.
Coach of the Year -- Jack Mahlstede, Santa Fe
First Team
Offense -- Quarterback: Frankie Palmer, La Serna, So. Backs: Gabriel Lozano, California, Sr.; Lawrence Gomez, California, Sr.; Mark Lopez, El Rancho, Sr.. Receivers: Mackenzie Duarte, La Serna, So.; Benny Suria, Whittier, Jr. Tight End: John McFarland, La Serna, Jr.. Linemen: Mike Encinas, Santa Fe, Sr.; Pedro Huerta, California, Sr.; Alfred Villanueva, El Rancho, Jr.; Isaiah Osorio, La Serna, Jr.; Carlos Tovar, Santa Fe, Jr. Punter: Jordan Rincoln, Santa Fe, Sr. Utility: Josh Lopez, El Rancho, Sr.
Defense -- Linemen: Lance Hludzik, California, Sr.; Alfred Villanueva, El Rancho, Jr.; Julio Correa, Santa Fe, Sr.; Mario Bonilla, Santa Fe, Sr; John McFarland, La Serna, Jr.. Romeo Prado, Santa Fe, Sr. Linebackers: Miguel Cardiel, California, Sr.; Adrian Rodriguez, El Rancho, Jr.; Rigo Luquin, Pioneer, Sr.; Dan Galvez, Santa Fe, Jr.. Backs: Mark Lopez, El Rancho, Sr.; Justin Ballesteros, La Serna, Jr.; Sergio Corona, Santa Fe, Sr.; Jerry Garza, Whittier, Jr. Kickers: Eric Amezquita, California, So.; Issac Guzman, Santa Fe, Sr.
Second Team
Offense -- Quarterback: Justin Retiz, Santa Fe, So. Backs: Johnny Garica, El Rancho, Jr.; Tony Botello, Pioneer, Sr.; Aaron Zaragoza, Santa Fe, Sr. Receivers: Ruben Robles, Pioneer, Sr.; Marcos Gomez, Santa Fe, Sr.. Tight End: David Manzano, California, Sr. Linemen: German Ponce, California, Jr.; Lance Hludzik, California, Sr.; Jonathan Bustamante, La Serna, Sr.; Ed Cruz, Santa Fe, Jr.; Eric Mendez, Whittier, Sr. Punters: Tavis Guerra, La Serna, Jr.; Jonathan Ventura, Pioneer; Zack Woxland, Whittier, Sr. Utility: Isaiah Wilson, Santa Fe, Sr.
Defense -- Linemen: Isaiah Osorio, La Serna, Jr.; Faris Nesheiwat, La Serna, Sr.; Ricky Boyd, La Serna, Sr.; Alfred Guzman, Whittier, Jr.; Nick Ramirez, California, Sr.; Omar Luna, Whittier, Jr. Linebackers: Nick Gonzales, California, So.; Bryan Sedillo, El Rancho, Sr.; Michael Dingillo, La Serna, Jr.; Johnny Altamirano, Santa Fe, Sr.; Jordan Perez, Whittier, Jr. Backs: Josh Perez, California, Jr.; Lawrence Gomez, California, Sr.; Jerry Huff, El Rancho, Sr.; Tyler Michael, La Serna, Jr.; Patrick Jimenez, Pioneer, Sr. Kicker: Tavis Guerra, La Serna, Jr.
Honorable Mention
Offense -- California: Aaron Garcia, Justin Dankert, Daniel Polanco, Adryan Padilla, David Manzano. El Rancho: Joe Sanchez, Cameron Valencia, Bryan Ortiz, David Maturino. La Serna: Nick McCarty. Pioneer: Anthony Acevedo, Roman Garcia. Whittier: Giovanni Hernandez, Kevin Ramirez, Jonathan Mazon, Matthew Acosta, Paul Acosta, Mark Martinez, Michael Hartnell.
Honorable Mention
Defense -- California: David Manzano, David Escamilla. El Rancho: Andrew Prieto, Steve Gomez, Rio Valdez. Pioneer: Angel Marquez, Jesus Garnica, Angel Paez, Glenn Ochoa, Ruben Robles. Santa Fe: Luis Castillo, Dan Alvarado, Matt Webb. Whittier: Chris Irizarry, Ernie Cauley, Ernest Escareno.

Hi should have this up earlier, but he's the story of Cantwell winning its tournament on Saturday:

By John Sherrard, Correspondent
MONTEBELLO - The Cantwell Sacred Heart High School boys basketball team is in uncharted territory these days.
Cantwell defeated Ocean View of Huntington Beach, 87-76, in overtime Saturday night in the championship game of the Cardinal Classic.
It is the first time the Cardinals have won their own tournament. They are off to a 9-0 start.
Sophomore guard Joe Covarrubias, who had 22 points, scored nine points in the extra period, including a 3-pointer to put the Cardinals up by six early. Ocean View was never able to recover.
"It (win) feels really good and it's the first time we have won our own tournament," Covarrubias said.

Above: La Serna's Efrain Hernandez (#11) battles Whittier Christian's Jared Conlin (#3) for the ball in their non-league game at Whittier Christian High School. La Serna beat Whittier Christian 4-0. (Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger)

For all you soccer fans, here's my story on Friday's nonleague game between La Serna and Whittier Christian.

LA HABRA -- The game plan was pretty simple for the La Serna High School boys soccer team Friday.
The Lancers wanted to start fast and finish strong, with the former making the difference against Whittier Christian.
Midfielder Misael Orduno and forward Tanner Rath each scored goals within the first 10 minutes and La Serna outshot the host Heralds 7-0 in that span en route to a 4-0 victory in a nonleague game.
La Serna, also getting goals from midfielders Francisco Saucedo and Sergio Pliego, improved to 3-0-2.
Whittier Christian, which received nine saves from goalie Dylan Murphy, slipped to 0-6-1.
"We decided to start off with a lot of high pressure," said La Serna coach Jerrod Savala, whose Lancers outshot the Heralds 20-9, including 12-3 in the first half. "We kind of had the wind at our back during the first half. Teams like this we want to try and put a couple of goals in early and just play our game, which is a control game.
"You want to do that against any team. But (Friday), especially, with two games (today in a tournament), we wanted to get out to a good start and play a possession game after that."

The La Mirada football team, which advanced to the CIF-SS Southeast Division semifinals before losing to eventual champion West Covina, will face traditional power St. Francis in week four next season.
The Matadores schedule, which was one of the tougher ones in the area this season, will now have home games against St. Paul, Bishop Amat, and St. Francis.
"It's cool and exciting to play quality teams," La Mirada coach Mike Moschetti said. "It's a great experience for our guys."
La Mirada finished 8-5, winning eight of its last 10 games, and shared the Suburban League title with Mayfair and Bellflower.

Step one of the plan to replace retiring football coach Marijon Ancich at St. Paul High School has come and gone.
Athletic Director Casey Morales said Wednesday the school closed the application process this past Friday and will begin the next step, with the hope of naming a new coach by the middle of January.
"We're in the process of evaluating the applications -- and we had a ton," Morales said. "They will look over them and then look into interviewing (candidates)."
Ancich, who has had three different stints at St. Paul since the 1970s, retired after more than 40 years, leaving with a record of 353 wins, 140 losses and nine ties at the Santa Fe Springs school. He also coached in Orange County and ranks second all-time in California in wins.
The Swordsmen were 7-3 this season, finishing fourth in the Mission League and missing the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. St. Paul, led by quarterback Paul Telles, was ranked in the Western Division top 10 all season.
Morales said a decision on a new coach will be made before the team's banquet scheduled for Jan. 15.
"We had an idea what our ideal candidate would be, and we go from there," Morales said.

Well, the 2011 area high school football season is a wrap. As we get knee deep in selecting our all-area team, I began wondering what the top five should look like.
Here's what the MaxPreps computer rankings says, with the actual MaxPreps CIF-SS rankings in parentheses:

1. La Habra (53)
2. St. Paul (70)
3. La Serna (93)
4. La Mirada (94)
5. Santa Fe (145)

Above: La Serna coach Margarito Beltran tries to console his team after West Covina scored an 84-21 victory over the Lancers in Friday's Southeast Division championship game at California High School. (Staff photo by Keith Birmingham)

WHITTIER -- La Serna High School, after advancing to the CIF-Southern Section finals for the first time since 1968, is considered to be the Cinderella team of the Southeast Division
football playoffs.
The clock struck midnight on Friday.
Chris Solomon rushed for 99 yards and three touchdowns and Jimmy Frazier had 83 and scored three touchdown, including a 86-yard kickoff return and West Covina won the division title for the second consecutive season with an 84-21 victory over the Lancers at
California High School.
The Bulldogs (13-1), which had seven touchdown plays of 40 yards or more, scored the most points in an 11-man CIF-SS divisional final, eclipsing J.W. North, which had 67 in the Eastern Division championship game in 2007. Black Fox scored 94 points in six-man football in 1966.
La Serna, which received 140 yards passing and a touchdown from sophomore Frankie Palmer, finished 10-4.
"We came out hard and got on the board fast," said West Covina coach Mike Maggiore, who won his third CIF-SS title after wins by the Bulldogs last season and in 2004. "Our defense was flying around, they made a couple of mistakes and we capitalized.
"We've been getting better as a football team all year. We wanted toplay our best in the last game of the year, and we did."
The Bulldogs, who had to rally late to beat Hacienda League rival Bonita for the title last season, put this one way by the end of the first half, taking a 28-7 lead after the first quarter and 49-7 by halftime.

They are down to the bracket portion of the Blue Pride Classic at El Rancho High School. No area teams made it to the championship final four. But there are a lot of decent match-ups today, including the host Dons facing Cantwell in a 5th-place semifinal at 4:30 p.m.
Here's the schedule
Championship Semifinals
El Rancho Main Gym
Bonita vs. Northview, 6 p.m.
Warren vs. El Segundo, 7:30 p.m.
5th Place Semifinals
El Rancho Main Gym
La Mirada vs. Sunny Hills, 3 p.m.
El Rancho vs. Cantwell, 4:30 p.m.
9th Place Semifinals
El Rancho Gym 2
Alhambra vs. Garfield, 6 p.m.
Huntington Park vs. Banning, 7:30 p.m.
13th Place Semifinals
El Rancho Gym 2
Nogales vs. Santa Fe, 3 p.m.
AGBU vs. Montebello, 4:30 p.m.
17th place Pool
Santa Fe HS
Pioneer vs. Maywood, 4:30 p.m.
Diamond Ranch vs. Carter, 6 p.m.
Salesian vs. Sierra Vista, 7:30 p.m.

Above: From left, Craig Jones, John McFarland, Faris Nesheiwat and OJ Medina have been key players in La Serna's run to the CIF-SS Southeast Division championship game. (Leo Jarzomb / Staff Photographer)

WHITTIER - La Serna High School will attempt to do something Friday it hasn't achieved in 44 years - win a CIF-Southern Section football championship.
For most, it was a surprising road to postseason glory, especially after La Serna returned few from last season's run to the semifinals.
But La Serna coach Margarito Beltran, whose Lancers host West Covina at California High School for the Southeast Division title Friday at 7 p.m., knew there was a lot of potential for this young but talented group.
"We felt going into the year, if we can make the playoffs, we could make a run," Beltran said. "It's come full circle. We felt if things went the right way, if the kids progressed, we felt we could be in this position. We're looking forward to the challenge."

We just got the word, California High School Stadium received the thumbs up from CIF-Southern Section officials, who toured the facility this morning.
So now, it's a go. The Southeast Division championship game between La Serna and West Covina High Schools, after back-and-fourth discussions the past few days, will be at California High School at 7 p.m.
Steve's take: This was the right decision by CIF-SS officials. I believe either you are going to allow schools to have your football championship games played on a neutral field or your not. If you are to allow them to be played on home sites, and have not previously stated certain minimum requirements, then don't penalize a school because it's field has certain limitations. But under the current rules and bylaws, CIF-SS, in my opinion had to make this move.

Above: Pioneer and Bonita high players fight for a loose ball during Tuesday's El Rancho Tournament game. Pioneer lost, 56-27. (Leo Jarzomb / Staff Photographer)

For most high school boys basketball teams, December is a time for transition and finding themselves.
Bonita showed Tuesday it's a little bit farther ahead in the game than Pioneer.
Jeff Nelson scored 13 points and Tony Digirolamo had 10 to lead the Bearcats to a 56-27 victory over the Titans in a pool-play game at the 18th annual Blue Pride Classic at El Rancho High.
Bonita, also getting six points and 13 rebounds from Garrett Horine, improved to 3-0. The Bearcats continue pool play today against Huntington Park.
Pioneer, getting 10 points from DJ Williams, slipped to 1-5. The Titans are off today before continuing pool play against Armenian General Benevolent Union on Thursday.
Bonita coach Greg Eckler: Overall, I thought we shot the ball really, really poor. But I thought defensively we played really well, which helped us get the lead. We have five football guys, and they just started playing about two weeks ago, so it's a lot of learning and a lot of figuring out what where good at, and what we're not good at."
Pioneer coach Gregory Gilmore: "Lack of rebounding, missed free throws, that's been the story of our young season so far. We had a lot of missed free throws and we didn't box out in rebounding."
For the complete story, click here
Today's Blue Pride Classic schedule
El Rancho HS Main Gym
Montebello vs. Banning, 3 p.m.
Alhambra vs. AGBU, 4:30 p.m.
Huntington Park vs. Bonita, 6 p.m.
Warren vs. Diamond Ranch, 7:30 p.m.
El Rancho Gym 2
Cantwell vs. Carter, 4:30 p.m.
Salesian vs. El Segundo, 6 p.m
Nogales vs. La Mirada, 7:30 p.m.
Santa Fe HIgh School
Maywood Academy vs. Sierra Vista, 4:30 p.m.
Sunny Hills vs. Northview, 6 p.m.
Santa Fe vs. Garfield, 7:30 p.m.
Note: Championship and consolation brackets will be set late Thursday

What's that green stuff? Is it...grass?

UPDATE: West Covina football coach Mike Maggiore said tonight on our Prep Xtra Live show that officials from West Covina and La Serna, along with a representative from the CIF-Southern Section office will inspect California High School Wednesday to see it meets CIF-SS requirements to host Friday's Southeast Division championship game.
I'll have more on this when we hear something on Wednesday.

Above: La Serna High School was well-represented at Monday's CIF-SS football press conference. Seated from left are OJ Medina, Craig Jones and Faris Nesheiwat. Standing from left are head coach Margarito Beltran, A.D. Steve Hemenway and Eric Johnson. (Leo Jarzomb / Staff Photographer)

LONG BEACH - For some, Monday's CIF-Southern Section football championships luncheon at The Grand convention center was old hat.
Those in attendance included perennial powers Oaks Christian, seeking its eighth CIF-SS title in nine seasons, and Corona Centennial, looking to win its seventh in 11 seasons.
But for La Serna High School football players Faris Nesheiwat, Craig Jones and OJ Medina, it felt like visiting Disneyland for the first time as they hope to bring the Lancers their first CIF-SS title since 1967 when they host West Covina at a site to be determined for the Southeast title on Friday. It's also La Serna's first trip to the final since the school beat Temple City, 33-7 that season.
"It's awesome," said Medina, a key factor for the Lancers' run through the playoffs who ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns in La Serna's 28-3 victory over Muir in the semifinals. "Being able to go to the finals is a great experience and bringing the captains here, it's very exciting for the whole team. It's just amazing to be surrounded by all these athletes.
"It feels good to hear the words from (keynote speaker Steve Sarkisian, University of Washington coach). I'm taking that all in. It's a good experience."

Officials at La Serna and West Covina high schools, whose football teams meet Friday to decide the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division, are still discussing where to play the game.
We are hearing that La Serna, which is the host school, is leaning toward moving the game to Fullerton High School.
La Mirada High School, which in the past has been a venue for the CIF-SS soccer championships, is also a possibility. We will have more when a decision and announcement is made.

The last time La Serna High School played for a CIF-Southern Section football title, Richard Nixon was still two years from being the 37th president of the United States. But the Lancers are getting another crack after routing Muir, 28-3, in a Southeast Division semifinal. The Lancers will host West Covina, likely at Cal High, next Friday for their first crown since beating Temple City, 33-7, in 1967.
La Mirada and La Habra, which had won four consecutive titles, were not as fortunate. The Mats were no match for West Covina, losing 63-34, while the Highlanders title streak was halted in a 47-41 loss to El Toro.
Here's a brief look at tonight's three games:
Southeast Division
La Serna 28, Muir 3 -- The best players come up big in big games, and that fit La Serna's OJ Medina, who blitzed the helpless Mustangs for 135 yards and two touchdowns to set up the Lancers' date with destiny.
West Covina 63, La Mirada 34 -- The Mats got 122 yards and a TD from Andy Gramajo and 94 yards and two scores from Adam Carrasco, bu simply fell in a shower of big plays from West Covina, which had four plays of over 40 yards, including a couple of 75-yard jaunts by the Bulldogs' Chris Solomon, who finished with 290 yards rushing and 5 TDs. West Covina's Jimmy Frazier had 103 yards and two scores, including a 57-yard TD run.
Southwest Division
El Toro 47, La Habra 41 -- The Chargers, getting 403 yards from quarterback Connor Manning and 230 rushing yards from Jacob Furnari, lived up to the billing as a scoring juggernaut, jumping to a 47-13 lead before a late La Habra rally fell short. The Highlanders' Aaron Porter, a UCLA commit, rushed for 168 yards and scored four TDs in the loss.

Due to today's power outage, our phones in the West Covina office will not be available, so to report your scores for basketball, soccer and water polo, e-mail them to scores@sgvn.com.
Hopefully, they will be back up and running on Friday.