Football: N.C. quarterback finds new home in Pasadena
Above: Cody Keith going through drills at Steve Clarkson's Quarterbacks Camp. Keith will start at quarterback this fall for Maranatha.(Photo courtesy of Steve Clarkson)
By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer
The word around campus was quickly spreading.
Cody Keith, a transfer from North Carolina, was going to be on the Maranatha High School football field taking part in drills with quarterbacks coach Steve Clarkson.
On this unassuming winter afternoon, the football players were making their way to their sixth-period class, the last of the day.
The buzz surrounding Keith's first scheduled workout was building, and many on the football team wanted to take a look at their new teammate. Some got permission from their teachers to leave class a bit early to witness for themselves what the buzz was all about.
Danny Beckwith was one of those players who watched firsthand. He wanted to see what he was going up against come spring ball. After all, Beckwith was supposed to be next in line to be the starting quarterback.
Beckwith kept an open mind but still was mindful about the sudden quarterback competition, something he clearly had not anticipated.
Thoughts started running through Beckwith's mind as he watched from a distance. He had a lot of fun playing wide receiver last season but was adamant about his strong desire to be the quarterback his senior year.
"When I went out there I thought, `I could take this guy out,' " Beckwith said. "But then he started practicing with us. He was a lot better, and I realized it was a better fit for him to throw to me. He was as good as Matt (Schilz), if not better."
There was Keith, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound pro-style quarterback, practically auditioning in front of his new teammates at his third school in four years.
Keith's checkered past was not widely known until a lengthy report appeared last year in the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, painting Cody's father, Greg, as an over-the-top father who pushed for Cody to become a starting quarterback.
While Greg Keith went to great lengths to abide by the state's high school sports governing body's rules, he also said his family was targeted and ridiculed for its decision.
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A painful experience
According to the newspaper report, Mecklenburg County's high school football season was marred by numerous cases involving parents, players and coaches cheating on eligibility rules.
Greg Keith didn't want to be one of those parents, so after Cody finished his sophomore year as backup quarterback at Myers Park High, he went about the proper channels so Cody could start elsewhere. They settled on South Mecklenburg High.
"We went to the superintendent of schools and he said .... we needed to go buy another house," Greg Keith said. "So that's what we did."
The Keith family rented out their $2.8 million home and bought a $738,000 home within the district lines of South Mecklenburg High. The move was necessary because it was apparent Cody's future success was dependant on valuable playing time.
"We followed the rules and did exactly what they told us to do, and we got attacked because we went and bought a house," Greg Keith said. "We were the poster child for the right way to do it, but instead we got criticized."
Nonetheless, things didn't pan out at South Mecklenburg. The school ran a double-wing offense, meaning Cody's arm strength was minimized.
The damage was done.
"We're a Christian family that's very close-knit," Greg Keith said. "We're a family trying to raise our kids the best we can. I hate to say it, but I guess we were overly naive to think we could sit down with a reporter and think he'll do what he said he was going to do.
"When we saw the story, we just went, `Golly, Moses.' We just felt like we got burned and treated unfairly. But that's a chapter of our lives we've closed. Bringing this up is obviously very painful to our family."
Making the move
The perception is the Keiths moved to California so Cody could start at quarterback.
"I would agree that's the perception," Greg Keith said. "That perception is not true."
In fact, Greg, a real estate developer, saw an opportunity to expand business here.
Throw in the fact that his daughters work and attend college here, and you've got what Greg calls "a perfect fit."
"The natural thing for people to think is we moved to Pasadena so Cody can play football and work with Clarkson," Greg Keith said.
"But had the girls been in San Francisco and at Stanford and working there, we would have been in San Francisco. The move that spurred us was the girls and some business opportunity."
Before settling on Pasadena, Greg said they looked at which school would fit Cody best.
They looked at several public and private schools. In the end, Maranatha's Christian values won them over.
"We spent a lot of time in prayer over this decision to move to California," Greg Keith said in a thick Southern accent. "We spent a lot of time over the right school (Cody) should attend, and this is where we felt the Lord led us."
Cody had taken several trips to California to participate in Clarkson's camp, which was held at Maranatha High.
Despite his talent not being maximized at South Mecklenburg, Clarkson felt that Cody Keith was special.
"He's very capable mentally of handling all the little nuances of the position," said Clarkson, whose notable list of clients includes sons of Hall of Famer Joe Montana, NHL great Wayne Gretzky and rapper Snoop Dogg. "He can get his teams out of bad plays, but his leadership qualities is something you look for.
"Coming from a new place, and to have to win over your teammates in a short period of time and getting everybody to pull at the same point, goes to show what kind of kid he is."
Cody's plan is to start in high school, land a scholarship at a Division I school and then turn pro. He's currently being looked at by some Pac-10, ACC and SEC schools.
"It was unbelievable how well Maranatha just accepts people and how well the team clicks," said Cody Keith, a newly-turned Dodgers and Lakers fan who's coping with coaches and teammates trying to get him to ditch the Southern country-boy look for a more relaxed, California-style hairdo.
"He's one of those guys that no one hates him," Beckwith said. "Right away he fit in very well and got along with everybody. You can't not like him, because he's fun to be around, and he's become a very good friend."
Beckwith was one of a few friends who lent a hand in organizing a surprise birthday party for Cody. Sixty people showed up.
"Danny's pretty much said he'll play the backup role because he likes what Cody's all about," said Jon Beckwith, Danny's father.
"He (Danny) accepted me even though he was supposed to be the quarterback," Cody Keith said. "He was very good about not making it a difficult situation, pushing or saying things. He handled it all with class."
The family also was welcomed with open arms.
"Everybody that I've talked to that's met them have enjoyed them and welcomed them," Jon Beckwith said. "And we're no exception; we really like them."
So much so that Cody agreed to take a trip with Danny Beckwith and a few other teammates to Lake Arrowhead.
"He's been nothing but an absolute gem," Maranatha football coach Joel Murphy said. "You look at the kid and can't see how he can't improve your team, on and off the field. He's just a great kid."
miguel.melendez@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4485
==============================
There was a lot of mystery surrounding Cody Keith's arrival to Maranatha High earlier this year. A lengthy report published last year in the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer put the Keith family in bad light, alleging Cody's father, Greg, went to great lengths to make Cody the school's starting quarterback. At a passing game last week, Cody looked relaxed and had great rapport with teammates. More impressively, Cody's passes were crisp and on target. His fundamentals and mechanics were solid and his field vision was impressive. Granted this was only a passing game, Cody's talent was every bit as advertised and it's no wonder why renowned quarterbacks coach Steve Clarkson feels he's a Division I prospect. I had the opportunity to meet Greg at the end of the game. He was courteous, a gentleman and receptive to my story idea of introducing Cody to our readership. And after conducting interviews with Maranatha coach Joel Murphy, athletic director Brian DeHaan and Steve Clarkson, I sat down today for an hour-long interview with Cody and Greg to discuss what happened in North Carolina, their purpose here, goals for the upcoming season and what led to Cody attending Maranatha and the family settling on Pasadena.
The story will publish Tuesday in the Star-News.
My two cents: I was overwhelmed by Greg and Cody's openness during our interview. Greg was forthcoming about how their family felt after the Observer story published; they felt burned and Greg said the painful experience was a valuable lesson. He admitted being naive to think his forthcoming wouldn't be misconstrued or taken out of context. He felt that's exactly what happened. I got a strong sense that Greg had the best intention for Cody and his family. Their decision to move to California was not solely based on Cody playing football. In fact, Greg's real estate business centered here, and throw in the fact his daughters worked and attended college here and you've got what Greg calls "a perfect fit." Before settling on Pasadena, Greg said they looked at which school would better fit Cody. They looked at several public and private schools. In the end, Maranatha's Christian values won them over. It's clear his new teammates took Cody in with open arms. After Matt Schilz graduated, Danny Beckwith was in line to be the next starting quarterback. Enter Cody Keith and suddenly there's a battle for the starting spot. But since Cody's arrival they've become really good friends. They hang out a lot and Danny was part of a group of friends who lent a hand in throwing Cody a surprise birthday party, just a few months after Cody had transferred to Maranatha. That right there is the strongest evidence that Cody will not only help the Minutemen this season, but he'll do it with class, dignity, respect, and, perhaps most important, have a lot of fun.
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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. |
Keith? Schilz? These kids are a couple of hacks compared to the legendary MHS alumni James Booth.
Okay, Cody in no way sucks MHS. Just because he throws interceptions, doesnt mean he isn't good. ALL QB's throw interceptions! Its life so move on kay! Just this weekend watching a few NFL games; they are pros and they had interceptions. You can't say Cody sucks, because in the end, I am sure he can throw ten times better than yall. Yes, Matt was good and yes all the talk made Cody sound like a pro, but saying Keith sucks is absolute crap. Do you have PAC 10 schools looking at you? Right, so don't you for one second say Cody is'nt good. Could he be doing better? Yes. But give him time, it isn't even frekin league yet! The guys love him on the team, have some respect for your own school and start encouraging. Maybe that's all he needs.
Look cody sucks if u really need a movie to make D-1 schools notice you then thats really sad. Matt was way better everybody knows it and that receiver they had name was Terell and he was the best nantha has had by far nobody on that wring corp is better then him even now. Call matt and terell lazy but how was they selfish especially Terell i dont think he said matt throw me the ball every play. Last yr nantha at this point 4-0 beat linfield and laSalle this year 2-2 lost to linfiled and laSalle hmmm...Murphy good coach hahahaahha good one
cody kieth is nothing compared to matt schilz cody= 4 interceptions against linfiled matt= 370 yards against linfiled
cody kieth sucks he threw 4 interceptions in his first game matt schilz threw for 370 yards agaisnt linfield
cody keith sucks 4 interceptions really matt schilz three for 370 yards against linfield
I have no idea what the post below even means? Please insight.
Again, give me a break. This is exactly what high school sports coverage should not encourage in any way.
BFF,
Good stuff man...Really looking forward to see how South Pas does. Might just have to go to one of those games when they play TC/Monrovia. Good Luck and I really hope South Pas can make some noise this season.
bff
great recap and info.
In 06 round 1 of the playoffs at TC, on a kickoff they purposefully short kicked a ball and it bounced to one of the up men, who was wearing jersey #30.
He picked up the ball, sidestepped one suicide kickoff dude...and blazed straight into the end zone....from the stands - he made it look effortless. They were trying to avoid kicking it to Broadnax...instead it ended up in the hands of Williams Do.
my thoughts on SP after watching the program for the last several years:
we need to beat TC or Monrovia to gain respect. two years ago, SP nearly beat TC, but the SP kicker kicked off to Williams Do, instead of on-side kick as the coaches told him to do, and Do ran it back for a game winning TD with only seconds left on the clock. Later that season, a furious fourth quarter rally fell short and we narrowly lost to Blair. If SP wins one of those two games, we make the playoffs for the first time in 7 years. Still, we finished 5-5 overall
Last season, you could not expect much from the team, and the coaches new it going into the season. gone were the studs from the previous season, and the varsity picked up four sophmore starters, including the QB, the center and guard.
The coaching at SP seems a bit stagnant. it was not until late last season that the coaches gave up attempts at the power running game and went with a more option-friendly approach. In the coaches credit, they have experimented with the spread offense this spring and summer, utilizing four and five receiver packages. only time will tell if SP can effectively use this in a game. All this is important because SP lacks the physical size on offense to really manhandle other teams. so quick runs and passes will be the key this season.
another issue with the SP program is the relative lack of experience of the boys playing football. South Pas has no peewee football program, most of the boys play soccer up til the time they enter high school, so the learning curve is mighty steep. Perhaps San Marino has the same issue with lack of football experience from their kids, most of their kids play soccer also in the younger grades. but I know that many of the other RHL football programs (including La Canada), and the others like SG and Alhambra have kids that enter HS with some peewee football experience.
Anyway, Im not making excuses for the program, just stating some facts. i agree with Lancer that this season can and should be a good one for SP football. the incoming seniors have a good bunch of kids with some skills, and the junior class is one of the best classes of footballers that the school has had in some time. should be a fun season
In the know-
I meant no disrespect calling that kid WR, just didnt know his name...Honestly I like MHS, but I absolutely hate them one day a year, and this year it is 9/11. You can check my earlier posts, I hope they do good, they are really a lot like La Salle in many ways...It reminds me of a few of my USC friends that say they like Notre Dame except one day a year. Good Luck, this game better get a lot of attention this year, after the great showing last year. Such a fun game, just cant wait for like 20 years so that I can remember the game and not so much that La Salle was on losing end.
Great points by all especially BFF. I think a lot of people should calm down with accusations and name calling, it's a little childish. In saying that, and you can read from my earlier posts I have a pretty good ear to what's going on with MHS, and know that the opinions expressed here are not those of the MHS community or football players. We want nothing but the best for Matt at Bowling Green and expect some incredible things from him. The same goes with the WR at Long Beach Poly (although I don't think he's there anymore either).
Moving past that I'd love some South Pas. fans to chime in on the question posed below. With so many returners and pretty good talent every year why the lack of continual success? I got a chance to see South Pas throw a couple times and they do well with what they have but there just seems to be something missing team wise.
BFF-
Like La Salle, South Pasadena needs to beat Temple City or Monrovia to get respect. Sucks but true. I have followed South Pas. a little and I really think if they are going to do it, it will be this year. South Pas. has a lot of the tools, is the coaching staff over there good? Not talking crap just honestly wondering, I have no idea what they have in terms of staff over there.?
Correct, BigFatFan is not Matt Schiltz. I looking for some progress from South Pas this season. we have nine or ten returning starters, and several are on the O and D lines, so maybe we can surprise some folks
Anon-
BigFatFan has been around for a while, so I very highly doubt that is Matt Shiltz. BFF brings up good points, but thats just MHS fans, since you didnt win it all you need to find reasons for it and since a stud transfered away from MHs you need to find a reason. Just sucks to be Shiltz and that WR, they are being thrown under the bus! What would you all be saying if that WR ended up staying. You would be saying, man Keith with (whatever that receivers name is) are going to tear it up. So save the psycho babel...Please pick a name!
no knock on Matt, just seems amusing that the MHS faithful is now banging on Schiltz for being selfish last season. Yes, one receiver had over 60 catches, but several other kids had over 20 catches for substantial yards. so I am just not sure why some bloggers had to bring Schiltz down, to bring up Cody.
BigFatFan-
Don't put yourself down Matt. You're not Big and Fat.
Its interesting to hear the criticism of Matt Schiltz, now that he is gone. did not hear any of that last year while he was guiding the Minutemen to the Finals. If there was indeed "selfish" play with Matt and his key receiver, it seems like Coach Murphy let that happen. When a QB has go-to guy that he can count on to catch the ball, why should he go elsewhere??
Should be a fun game to watch. MHS by 24 keep dreaming...Im bored, see you on 9/11.
The Lancer,
Glad to hear you have confidence in your guys. I know you had a WR that was thinking about transferring to MHS but decided to stay. He's probably going to regret that decision as far as football goes. Like I said in my previous post, there were guys on last years team that had loads of talent but were a bit lazy and selfish.
The receiver you were talking about was one of them.
It's not just a pipe dream to say that the WR core at MHS is much much better than last year. A selfish QB and selfish WR can make a great play every now and then but they were the most to blame for any shortcomings of last year for Maranatha's success.
You need good leadership and we did not have it last year. I still say MHS by 24 and I will stick with that prediction, bold as it may sound.
I heard the Natha almost got a monster transfer, dodged a bullet there he stayed put. They lost there best guy from last year (caught the winning touchdown from last year against La Salle) he transfered to Long Beach Poly, so should be interesting to see who the "Natha" will turn to. A nice way of thinking is they will play better as a team, but you guys lost a stud and that will hurt no matter how you package it. Just like La Salle lost Chase, that hurts. No way to make it sound pretty. I talked to one of the coaches and he told me that Mike Alexander should be a force to reckon with at La Salle. Not sure what position they will be playing him at, but should be really good.
In the know-
I don't know if you are parent, former student, current student or just a fan of MHS but the passing game will be much stronger this year for sure. Last year had too much lazy and selfish talent. That should be gone this year with a much better TEAM effort!
grff -
No, there are no new receivers. 3 of the four starting receivers are returning and one that was hurt last year came back. All are Seniors and very strong. Almost the entire starting teams on both sides of the ball are Seniors and many of them started last year. MHS lost it's most physically gifted receiver from last year. No more selfish play, better coaching, stronger and more experienced team. The good news is, this year, since Cody (unlike Matt) can and will throw to ALL of his receivers (not just go for the homerun to one of them), you don't know where the ball is going. This kid, can also run and has a Senior experienced line to work with. MHS won't need luck this year vs. the Lancers. They just need to go out and play like they are capabale of playing and this time it should not be as close. Minutemen by 24 points.
Griff:
As a huge fan of the Natha, it would have been a nice treat to have some new WR's to throw to; however, it's just not the case. No other transfers, other than Cody, are on the team.
One of the Maranatha bloggers know if the rumor is true that Maranatha, after importing the qb from North Carolina, then had Clarkson bring in some new receivers to throw to?
SGV Football Fan,
Why is that, cause you won some passing league games. Whole different story once the pads comes on, and by luck do you mean, the same luck MHS had last year in beating La Salle? Personally everyone should look for to this game, it is going to be a good one. I hope MHS does good this season, but I hope La Salle kicks the crap out of them on 9/11. I really hope they continue this rivalry...
The Lancer -
I'm not so sure I would look forward to 9/11 if I were you. If I were one of the MHS players I would.
Good luck..you'll need it.
Keep it under the radar. Just code-5 and BAM!!! NATHA-NATION...the iron curtain of the O-line and the nasty D-line will ????????????????
DAWG (keeping it ol-school)
Man I am glad this blog is now second. Archive it, BORRRINNNNGGGG!!!! See ya 9/11 MHS.
miguel
comon man, you got that brown armor and can withstand some shots.
You still got a shot at the hell week offer...which would silence even the east side bravado temporarily.
No way FJR would line up for two a days...he's smarter than that...you however, being a rookie (at least in the SGV football terms) could benefit from an insane assignment that would have you looking like a cross between Gandalf and the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
wow-
Queen said:
Freddie your blogs dwarf your boy Miguel's. His are like 8-man football and yours are like 11-man. Teach him a thing or two will ya. He's a good dude, but a little guidance would be very beneficial.
July 30, 2009 12:53 PM
another one?
Hey Donny boy said:
Hey Don, you can always go back to Miguel's blog, he's posted like, one topic since Monday...BORINGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
July 30, 2009 11:39 AM
from AP on the east side-
AZTEC PRIDE said:
Ahhhh... Come on Don, this is good stuff! What's wrong with going down memory lane? Melendez!!! WHAT! that blog is BORING, and he doesn't come close to Fred!
The only bloggers I ever see in Melendez blogs are Goldenarm and Muastang Sally (the stang), WOW.
Fred this was a great topic!
July 29, 2009 7:26 PM
GA-
I agree 100%. A "draw" play does not ever constitue a running game. And its not rare for interior linemen to be going both ways, but with the way LS was playing last year, some of those guys were just burnt out by the start of the 4th quarter. However, they did have one beast of a DE, who moved to LB towards the end of the season. Whoever decided to move that kid looks like a genius. But I dont want to pass any judgement.
Hopefully this year LS will be able to have a little more balanced attack. Use the run to set-up the pass, and move the ball down field, keeping that defense off the field for more than two minutes at a time.
King
I agree.
Injuries and a weak run game, made weaker by the fact it was given up on entirely...were part of what doomed the Lancer's last year. An occassional draw does not constitute a run attack.
The depth issue was more apparent in the 2nd half, when the La Salle interior line simply began running low on fuel, and began to get pushed around. I got to believe last season's sour taste will make for a much more complete and focused Lancer team this year.
No offense taken "Amused Reader"...but when your school has only 87 students and wins a 11 man CIF championship competing with schools over 1000 students...WOW, thats somthing rare to find anywhere in the U.S...give RIO HONDO 300 students and they would be easily competing with local schools..that's my 2 cents!
Ok Lancer, how is this for a screen name. I can’t believe it, another night crawler giving his overwhelming assessment of the MHS football program, when will it all end? You bet Murphy is an outstanding coach and we are very fortunate and proud to have him as our leader but thanks anyways for your show of support. With regards to St. Maggie’s, that program would give even some of the so called “best” programs in the SGV and run for their money. Did you happen to catch the state championship game? Not to rub any dirt in your face but hopefully you won’t have an opportunity this season to come out, watch and make an assessment of MHS during our playoff run because “hopefully” you guys will still be in the running, best of luck to you and 9/11 should be off the hook……..MHS faithful
MM see what you have created and to think you are leaving Friday for two weeks and forcing us to play nice and fend for ourselves. Hopefully we don't eat eachother while you are away, lol.... Peace
First of all pick a screen name, r u knuckle heads for reals and dBJ. Its bad enough we dont know real names, pick a screen name and save the little integrity we have. Firstly saying the Natha nation does not look for press is absolutely ridiculous. Look at the archives, there are several instances in which a "Natha" fan will whine about you not getting coverage.
Go team Go, dont apologize, come on everyone on the blog except one guy knew what you meant by passing judgement. I mean really, like it even matters if you pass judgement, no one knows who you are.
I was at the St. Margaret's game last year for Maranatha. WOW. The "Natha" was completely outcoached, which is expected because St. Margaret's has an outstanding staff. I honestly felt that the "Natha" had some competitive talent. I really hope the coaching situation over there has been resolved. I highly respect Joel Murphy and do think he can get it done.
Now with that said, I can not wait for Maranatha to come to La Salle on 9/11. It is going to be crazy. We are going to find out real quick what Cody Keith is made of. Passing league is fun and all, but come on who cares!!! Means absolutely nothing.
Ohhh and dont plan on Montana going to Keith's games he has a son that plays at Oaks Christian on Friday Nights, heard he was kind of good.
Pacificleaguefaithful: thanks for the positive props on South Pas QB. Miguel should spread the love around the Valley
I think I am having trouble choosing my words today -
I should have said "the kid is getting a lot of press, and I will be following this season to see if it is well deserved."
Like I said, it should be an interesting season for all the schools.
Goteamgo,
I would think you would wait until the results are in to determine whether or not the coverage is indeed "hype."
"Passing judgement" was the probably wrong term to use (though the "passing" part is a good play on words when discussing a QB.) I do not pass judgemnt on anyone.
My point is the kid is getting a lot of hype, and I will wait until later to see if it is for real.
AR, doesn't matter, last year MHS played no one and our QB got a full ride to a D-1 school, expect the same to happen this season with Cody. If you got it they will come and they will offer...
King -
What I hear at La Salle is that they will run a more "balanced attack" this season. I think they are still solidifying/evaluating some of the kids and positions, but I understand this year fullback (blocking back/short yardage back) will be featured more. Last year they had one back, whose job was to block for pass protection. I think the passing game will be more "west coast" style - short passes, ball control. I am not sure what exact formation they will run (I do not think it will be a spread) but it should be interesting.
The spread offense last year was set up to feature the star QB, and his passing game. When the injuries took their toll (mainly the receivers), they re-evaluated, and tried to run more, but by that time the season was pretty much over.
In my opinion, La Salle's big problem last year was with ball control. With the exclusive use of the passing attack and shotgun (using the shotgun and throwing on third and inches!) if they went three and out, it took 20 seconds off the clock. The defense was on the field way too much. Last year La Salle had the lead against Natha with less than two minutes to go, and had the ball. They needed to control the ball and run out the clock. They threw three passes, could not move the chains, punted, and all Natha needed was 1 1/2 minutes. The rest is now history.
The kid's parents are quite smart. He should throw for about 3,000 yards this season because Maranatha doesn't play anybody and is just one division higher than the bottom (no offense Rio Hondo Prep) in the small school category.
There are about 10 other schools I'd have picked over Maranatha for football. For scholastics, that's another story.
GTG - that most certainly is the mug of La Salle's former OC. Any word on what type of offense the new OC over there has? I know last year they were more of a spread type offense at the beginning of the year then in the last few weeks tried to turn it around into a ground and pound team. Should be interesting to see the LS v. Nantha matchup this year!
GTG,
Not defensive at all but passionate you bet your tussy I am. I have no problem with anyone making comments on a blog as long as they are constructive and have merit. I just find it amusing that there seems to be an abundance of knowledge on this blog that is as about as useful as a one legged man in an a** kicking contest when it comes to so called breaking down or evaluating athletes. As I previously mentioned it was circulated through the Natha Nation grapevine that MM was looking to do an interview on the Keiths and showed up when MHS was throwing against SM and Arcadia two weeks ago at SM.
The nerve of some of you people coming on here stating or for that matter even thinking that you can evaluate at a later date or pass judgment on anyone? Like we are all going to be sitting around waiting for some Arcadia dude to give us his assessment of a high school QB. Unless you have a scholarship to offer stick to what you know not what you think. What a joke some of you are thinking that you have the know it all when it comes scoping out talent. Double same on any of you who happen to be parents banging away on your keyboards judging this young man. I guess the majority of you passing judgments must live in glass houses and have no skeletons in your closets, right?
pacificleaguefaithful raises a good point; there are probably a lot of good players out there who are not getting press. I think that is what will make the upcoming season very exciting - there seems to be a lot of players and teams "bubbling under", and lying below the radar right now. A lot of teams have a lot of question marks this season, with player and coaching changes. Should be an exciting season.
Also, in looking at the picture - I think I recognize the person is the background, as he was La Salle's offensive coordinator last year? I know he works with Clarkson.
Always fun to stir the pot - there is one thing to be passionate, and another thing to be overly passionate.
I will not pass judgement on this kid yet.
I will be honest just cause a kid is 6'4 if he is that,
and attends AIR7 camp does not make him the real deal.
He threw for 1200 yds last year,
usually a high profile QB or any HP athlete w/ D1
potential starts getting offers after jr. year that's just keeping it real.
Is this kid getting offers and by who?
I'm sure the kid is talented but only time will tell.
S. Pas has a good looking 6'4 athlete @ Qb does that mean he shouldn't get any press?
I'm just saying...
Nice story Miguel. It's very clear to me that Cody and his family were given some bad press in NC that was very unfair to them. It is a pleasure to know the Keith family. Obviously goteamgo and others always like to "stir the pot" when it comes to Maranatha because they know how passionate we are about our sports programs.
Arcadia faced Maranatha in passing league? When did this happen?
dbj -
Don't be so defensive.
I read story A from NC; I read story B from the Star News. I noted inconsistencies; made some comments; concluded I would wait until September to draw conclusions.
If I keep my analysis and comments to myself like you suggest, will you do the same? If we keep comments to ourselves, why have a blog?
let's face it - it is fun to blog with the Natha Nation - a response on these blogs is always guaranteed!
the world always has room for another good QB
Welcome to Pasadena, hope the young man and his family are happy here - probably have some adjusting to do
i am shock chater oak din't get him
i am shock chater oak din't get him
GTG, fair enough but do us here in the Natha Nation a solid and keep you business savvy analysis to yourself. It’s so funny that when our tiny little school gets any type of attention it just seems to bring out all sorts of opinionated individuals. We know that we are in a lower division; we know that we don’t play anyone of substance but to tell you the truth, we really don’t care. From what I understand, next season we will be moving up a division and being given the opportunity to play with the “big boys”. Just look at what our boys did this baseball season after being moved up, shows that they were able to compete and bring home the hardware, Now I’m not sure why MM choose to do an article on Cody (maybe you should be directing that one to him before he jets off for two weeks) but to make accusations or assumptions of this young man just does not really make a whole lot of sense. Some people like to drink Coke while others prefer Diet Coke pick your poison but let’s keep that to ourselves. True passing league is no measuring gauge but a lot can be seen as far as a player’s athletic ability, poise, leadership and judging from the Bonita tournament and going against the likes of BA, BP, Arcadia, SM and SP, this young man certainly has the tools necessary to command and compete on the field this season, that all we here in the Natha Nation care about. Whether MM or anyone else chooses to run ink on us this season, always remember, they come a looking for us, not the other way around……..
GA, well put. Life has a reality to it, I think your stress was to lets see how he does on the field and leave it all there. They are kids after all.
As a Dad, I would do anything I could for my children and I don't discredit the Kieths for taking care of theirs.
I do hope that everyone knows that MHS is the least financially supported private school in the area, no endowments, only 76% of the parents give above at all and most families are middle class. We have a few top earners like the Kieths but not many.
Please don't get the wrong idea of some spoiled kids, they are good kids who act like a lot of other teens, with both positives and negatives.
Last note, the boys on the team ALL like Cody compared to alot of issues with Schilz. They say Cody takes a hit, accepts responsibility and works HARD!
dbj -
You guys in the "Natha Nation" try to bless us with everything else. The least I could do is bless you with my "business wisdom." What I know is what I have read - negative press from NC, a feel good local story, and the truth is always seems to fall in between the two.
Let's see how the season unfolds, and how things work out when people put on pads - passing league is one thing. As I said, I will hold judgement until September.
PS - Not jealous at all.
GTG, it’s very comforting to know that you will hold judgment until the season is under way; we here in the Natha nation will sleep so much better knowing that "you" are on point to bless us with your worldly business wisdom. Question for you, Have you even seen this young man in any passing league games this summer or are you the type that follows the code of “monkey see, monkey say”
GA, I’m sure Cody has plenty of photos with the Hall of Famer to worry about getting his autograph for his mantel. I too (as a father) am a bit jealous that Cody had the opportunity to be tutored by a living legend. I’m sure if you come by on Friday nights, you will see Joe (if PCC is in town) sitting in the stands with Steve checking Cody out.
If the family can afford private coaching from Clarkson, afford to move twice in three years (one time across country), and afford to travel around the country to attend QB camps, I am sure they could afford a public relations consultant who consulted them before their first interview with the local paper. I take the "feel good" story with a grain of salt. I am sorry, I have been in the business world long enough.
With all that said, I will be fair wait until the season starts to pass further judgement.
anon-
It's not about hype. It's about a great kid with loads of talent that deserves some good press.
He should have a very nice year and get significant offers from D-1. I'm sure there are others in the area that deserve and will get some nice coverage from Miguel.
With Nate Montana (son of Joe) now at PCC, at least Cody can grab an autograph for his mantle.
this kids getting too much hype
Miggy:
Looking forward to reading your article on Cody next week. Hopefully it will put to rest some of the comments made about this young man. I will say when I first heard about this I wondered why would a father move his family cross country so his son could play his senior year at Maranatha. Didn’t make sense to me. If the kid warrants all of this why would you choose Maranatha and not try an Oaks Christian or St Bonaventure type school where you’ll get much more media exposure, but after hearing more and meeting and talking to Greg at the MHS Boosters Golf tournament I agree with what you said, that Greg has the best intention for his son and his entire family. I glad to hear the team has embraced his arrival and I know I’m looking forward to another exciting year of Minuteman football and seeing this team go deep if not all the way into the playoffs.