FOOTBALL: West snaps East's streak at Hall of Fame game
Above: South El Monte's Tommy Cogburn.
Six is enough for West
Cogburn leads all-stars to win over the East
By Scott Galetti, Staff Writer
LA PUENTE - All good streaks eventually come to an end - even in all-star games.
The East team had won six consecutive meetings entering the 29th annual San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame game Friday night at Bassett High School.
It was a streak the squad consisting of players from East of the 605 freeway couldn't extend.
South El Monte wide receiver Tommy Cogburn stole the show.
Cogburn hauled in touchdown passes of 30 yards from Duarte quarterback Austin Goldsmith, and strikes of 44 and 60 from South Pasadena's Jonathan Troast to lift the West to a 34-14 victory.
The former Eagles standout finished the night with seven catches for 178 yards and three touchdowns.
"I just really stayed in shape for this game," said Cogburn, who will attend Fullerton College. "Throughout the whole time I just worked hard, so it just felt like second nature."
The West drove 90 yards in seven plays to get on the board first following a couple of big plays by Goldsmith and Cogburn.
Goldsmith hit Cogburn for a 40-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage.
Cogburn later hauled in a short screen pass, faked out the East defense and raced 30 yards down the sideline for a touchdown to give the West a 7-0 lead with 4:04 to play in the first quarter.
On a fourth-and-5 play at the East 34, Goldsmith threw another pass to Cogburn in the flat. The Eagle wide receiver avoided a handful of tacklers and carried the ball to the 1 before running out of gas.
Goldsmith was 7 of 18 for 158 yards, and Troast threw for 123 yards and three touchdowns.
"I came out in the second half and knew that we had to keep the momentum because we had a 14-point lead, and I was just lucky to have a really good receiver who broke two big ones," said Troast, who plans to attend Pasadena City College.
Duarte running back Chris Harris appeared to take the ball into the end zone, but was ruled down at the 1. Goldsmith attempted a sneak but was stopped inches short to set up a fourth-and-inches. Harris finally took it in to give the West a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
The West carried that two-touchdown lead into the locker room at halftime.
Charter Oak's Kanaan Snowden helped the East get back into the contest early in the second half when he picked off a pass from Troast and returned the ball 45 yards to the West 10.
West Covina's Isaac Tucker scored on the first play from scrimmage to cut the West's lead to 14-7.
Tucker rushed for 30 yards on seven carries.
Troast connected with Cogburn for a 44-yard touchdown to give the West a 21-7 advantage.
Tucker returned the kickoff 85 yards to the West 5. South Hills quarterback Brandon Parham scored on a 4-yard keeper to bring the East back within seven.
With the East driving, Bosco Tech's Ryan Diaz had an interception in the end zone midway through the final quarter.
Troast hit Cogburn on a 60-yard touchdown strike to officially put an end to the East's comeback bid. The Tigers quarterback also had a 56-yard touchdown pass to Schurr's Alex Valdez with 1:45 to go.
"I was just fortunate because my arm got hit on the play and the ball came out wobbly, but the receiver was able to come underneath it and catch it," Troast said.
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About this blog
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
NY,
I can’t tell you how many times I wrote a rebuttal to you only to delete it simply because I don’t want this to turn into some kind of pissing match against you or anyone else.
We all have our own opinions and let’s respect them, just like very soon some of us will vote for Obama and some of us for McCain, pick your poison.
Let’s get our focus back on the upcoming season and off of this “meanin…” lol I’m not going there, All Star game.
As far as Cogburn is concerned, I don’t believe that this All Star game was his coming out, see “who I am” make a name for himself performance. From what I understand this young man is being handled by the premiere speed and agility coach in So. Cal. Speed killz Jimmy Nolan. Check out his site, you will see what he has done and is doing for former and current students of his. Those of us in attendance had an opportunity to see first hand what a quality athlete looks like when they dedicate themselves to training year round.
You can have the last word on this……….
Thank you PurdueAlum05.
Huckster,
I wouldn't call the San Gabriel coaches terrible. They take average players and get the most of them. The team is usually undersized and seem to be competitive. Coach Jones knows what he's doing running the Urban Myer offense. The reason why he hasn't won CIF is because they have to go to through
La Habra to win CIF and that is no easy task. FYI- the S. El Monte
football team is averaging 9 wins and 3 losses a season since their coach took over 4 years ago. I don't think the water their drinking over there in S. El Monte is getting those victories.
Scott,
Congrats on your new opportunity with the University of New Mexico. The Lobo family is getting a class act and you will be missed. Thanks for your exceptional work!
Golden,
My nephew is going out for football at Marshall. I will call him up and find out info on the varsity team.
Did you check out the Hall of Fame game?
DAWWGER
Goldenarm,
Yes, Tuesday July 1st. Sorry to get back so late.
NY
Pickens must be doing something right, because these kids (one is playing)say the "we are a joke" attitude is fading fast. They think they can win...and we all know that is a good thing, regardless.
If anyone out there has some facts on football headcount at Marshall, etc. Please share
hsftblfn,
I know, I know "it's just one fan's opinion," but why are you so negative on this game, stressing that it is meaningless?
This game and committee is far from perfect in selecting all deserving players and coaches, and this game is not a qualifier for another game, but saying it is meaningless is a bit short sighted. This game is one more avenue for kids from neigboring schools to meet eachother, establish friendships, etc.
And yes, it is the last time many kids get to suit up. That alone makes this game HUGE to anybody who loves playing football and wants one last chance on a Friday Night. Let's preserve the Hall of Fame and other all-star games. We never know when the next Tommy Cogburn will get to make a name for himself.
Big A
Today?
Huckster,
I will take you at your word on that, but you sure have an unorthodox way of making something "not about race" by suggesting a racial qualification for a separate all-star game.
Arcadia @ Arroyo @ 4:30.
Should be two other teams there.
Anyone got info on SGV passing tourneys or games this week?
Give it a break guys, this was a meaningless All Star game for a bunch of seniors who for the most part had an opportunity to put the pads on for the last time in their careers.
Most of these guys will never play a down again, some will travel the road of the 13th grade (JC) a select few will be given an opportunity to play at the next level (Saturdays)
So tell me, does it really matter who coaches this (again) meaningless game 6 months after the season is over.
Just one fan’s opinion…..
I remember when Tommy Cogburn played at the youth TC Live Oak Park and my son played with his brother Brent.
WOW!!!!! Tommy kicked ^%$#^* all around the field. It was not just his speed, but his vision, balance, strength, and overall outstanding shape.
After coaching 14 seasons, I compare Tommy to the great Reggie Bush (SC)in overall talent. I hope that some scouts were in the stands, because you dont let this one get away.
You can take that to the BANK!!!!
DAWWGER
New York,
It’s not about race, but I’m questioning the selections that’s all.
Goldenarm,
I played with Marshall's new coach, Pickens, in high school. Nice to hear that he is stressing dominance up front.
Regarding Marshall football, I talked to 2 kids yesterday...very upbeat and optimistic about Marshalls upcoming season. Have not heard that for awhile and I live nearby.
Apparently the new coach is stressing basics and line dominance...at least that was the word these kids shared. If so..sounds like the formula to at least get a couple "W"'s on the shelf.
Wow,
Thanks to Fred and Scott for covering the game. Cogburn reminds me of Tim Dwight, short but a burner, with great vision. We will definitely see that kid on Saturdays if he doesn't get injured.
Huckster,
I'm not on the selection committee either, but I did play in the game a while back (One of my Co-Head coaches was Black as well). A general observation seems to be that the selection committee tries to rotate the coaching selection. I could be mistaken, but I think Coach Howard coached the game a couple years ago.
As I mentioned, it would be difficult to select Tip as the All-Star coach after resigning the way he did. Prior to coaching at Blair, Tip was at Marshall, right? Did he have his great year at Marshall the same year that Howard was selected?
I was surprised with SEM coach's invitation as well, but my surprise was based on geography.
Sometimes it comes down to whether or not a coach is willing to do it. There was strong sentiment last year that La Salle's coaching staff should have taken the West, but rumors close to the source said that they were not interested.
Regardless, I too would like some transparency with the selection process for coaches AND players.
New York,
If winning league was the criteria then Kenny Howard and staff won a much more competitive league. Tip Sanders with his legendary status won league with a 9-1 record after going 1-9 previously and to add to that; Tip took Marshall Fundamental to several big time playoff games going to the title one year falling short. All respects to coach Escamilla, but what has he done? The San Gabriel coaches are pretty terrible too, I personally have been on my Bro for some critical coaching decisions, but after going to several practices with the Fiesta game coaches it’s clear that I owe Kevin M. an apology! It’s like Kevin, Tip or Kenny coaching soccer!
Huckster,
A third game would dilute things even more. Be patient. I'm sure your bro will get his invitation as soon as PHS wins league.
Personally, I wanted Coach Sanders to get the invitation. However, usually the teams practice where the head coach works...I don't think resigning during the spring helped Sanders' chances to get invited.
In the meantime, we should congratulate Coach Escamilla from South El Monte for finally leading the West to a victory.
Cogburn went crazy in the Hall of Fame game, but there were several wide outs from the Fiesta game that Mr. Cogburn couldn’t touch! I see the little offenses’ that’s being ran out of South El Monte to San Gabriel with all this screen stuff, so I know if that’s what the Pasadena area schools have to look for in the playoffs this will be easier than I thought. I’m asking Scott G and Fred R. who selects these coaches for the All Star game or maybe should we have a “Black Coaches All Star Game”?
Do did pretty well actually. He looked strong.
SG
Great to see that Troast made an impact.
Did Do get a chance to touch the ball?
See...the west was underdoggs and we still took the game..even tho the "major players" wasnt playing in this all star game..we didnt need them..
Westside!!!!!!!