August 2011 Archives

There was some talk that the Blair-Fulton season opener on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Muir would not go on because of a report in the L.A. Daily News that Fulton had canceled its football season. Not so, says Blair coach Gary Parks, who said he got confirmation from the Fulton principal that the season will continue. I will be there to cover the action and I'm bringing with me a photographer. If Fulton doesn't show up, how's a game of flag football sound?

Former Muir and Cal State Northridge basketball standout Joseph Frazier is fighting for his life after a hit-and-run accident about 8:45 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Ventura Blvd. and Wilbur Ave. in Tarzana. Frazier currently is an assistant boys basketball coach at Calabasas High

A Facebook fan page has an update as of nine hours ago: "Joe is taking deep breaths and breathing on his own in spurts. Keep it up Joe."

As of 58 minutes ago, via Facebook:

"Better. We spent the night with him just talking and he is still in a coma but was breathing on his own an his heart rate was going up when we were talking to him."

Muir coach Gamal Smalley offered his thoughts:

"The former Muir basketball great is so loved by his community and we are praying for him."

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

Perhaps it's the unlikeliest of friendships. Alex Villalobos is a senior at San Gabriel High School, a school more known for producing top-tier boys volleyball teams than Division I athletes. Kevon Seymour is a senior at Muir, which - in its heyday - produced Olympians and players in the NFL and NBA.

Villalobos is a wide receiver who made a name for himself in the West San Gabriel Valley, recording 802 yards and eight touchdowns on 41 catches for the Matadors.

Seymour is a 6-foot cornerback who last year lit up La Mirada in the opening round of the CIF- Southern Section Southeast Division playoffs, helping oust the defending champion. He's since skyrocketed on many recruiting charts and is listed as the No. 9- ranked cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com. He has offers from nearly every Pac-12 school, to go along with offers from Florida and Nebraska.

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By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

For a long time, the Mayfield Senior School volleyball team's modus operandi has been attack, attack and attack some more, but those attacking volleyball players have graduated to NCAA Division I programs. Suddenly, the Cubs appear to be not quite the attacking team they have been in years past. That's no concern, though, for coach Megan Rush.

"I think our defense will be phenomenal," the second-year coach said. "We have some big guns, but we seem to have all the angles covered in the backcourt."

It took a long time last year for Mayfield to develop into what's been typical for it in recent years - a team that makes a deep journey into the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. With so many new players and a new coach last year, it took the Cubs until the second half of the regular season to meld into a playoff contender. The Cubs finished second in the Prep League to Pasadena Poly, then lost to the Panthers in the CIF-SS semifinals.

Not surprisingly, the transformation began and ended with middle blocker Hannah Schraer, who's playing at USC this season. Schraer had to help work several new players into the Cubs' rotation.

"You can't replace a Hannah Schraer and you can't try," Rush said.

Those younger players, though, now have a year's experience.

"The girls have really become a dynamic team," Rush said. "We have come together a lot faster. I'm excited."

Seniors Brittany Angiuli and Alex Arnett have really come along, and sophomore Natalie Johnson has given the Cubs backcourt striking power.

"Brittany has really stepped up to another level and definitely runs the backcourt," Rush said. "Natalie just thinks defense. She's just a natural athlete."

Both could play libero and give the Cubs flexibility in their rotation.

Rush also has the luxury of two returning setters, senior Ashley Schamml and junior Madeline Watkins. Plus, there's newcomer Bella Garcia, who's also a junior. The Cubs can confidently run a 6-2 offense.

Mayfield had a scrimmage against Holy Family on Tuesday. The Cubs open their season Monday against Gahr in the Gahr tournament, then play Poly on Sept. 13 in the league opener for both schools.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

Charles Freberg has been coaching at Arcadia for nearly 30 years. In that time, he's rarely had freshmen on his team, much less let them start. This year, though, there'll be an exception.

Freshman Lexi Resch will start at outside hitter for the Apaches.

"She will be the best freshman I have had in my career," Freberg said. "She's that good. She can do whatever she wants to do. She can hit the lines, hit the angles, block, pass the ball."

Resch was the MVP in this year's Junior Olympics age-group tournament. She's participated in Freberg's summer program since the third grade.

With Brittney Lee returning, it gives the Apaches two powerful outside hitters.

"She's playing awfully well," Freberg said.

Resch, though, isn't the lone underclassman on the team. Freberg, who lost five starters from last year's team, has promoted four sophomores - including Kristen Mueller, Allison Stevenson and Jackie Churchill - to varsity.

"They are great athletes," Freberg said. "They have done special things this summer."

Arcadia opens its season Sept. 13 at San Gabriel.

Tuesday's PrepXtra Live featured CIF spokesman Thom Simmons (14:51 mark) followed by San Gabriel coach Jude Oliva and Muir coach Ken Howard at the 34:58 mark (SAME SEGMENT) with a brief break and then back with a few last questions for Oliva and Howard. The video also includes West Covina coach Mike Maggiore and Darryl Thomas (SAME SEGMENT) at the 54:01 mark.

We screwed up. The PrepXtra Preview Football magazine is NOT in today's home delivery or news rack. I'll spare you all the details, but a major breakdown in communication caused this. I have been assured that the PrepXtra Football Preview will run in WEDNESDAY'S home subscription and newsracks. Sorry for the inconvenience, it's embarrassing and we let you down.

For those who don't know, we print all editions of the San Gabriel Valley newsgroup (Tribune, Star-News, Whittier, Bulletin, Sun, etc) at the Orange County Register, then distribute them to our drivers. From what I understand, there was a mix-up on the dates our drivers were supposed to deliver the magazine. Apparently, the Register and drivers were given a date of Aug. 31 instead of the 30th to deliver the magazine. How that happened after all our promotion of the magazine on the 30th is difficult to comprehend, but it happened. I don't like making excuses, but what can I do other than say we screwed up, and that it will be in tomorrow's papers.

-- Prep Editor Fred Robledo

Here we go.

The season kicks off Thursday with one area home game featuring Blair against Fulton of Van Nuys. The Vikings won convincingly last year in the season opener, so expect the same result. I'll be at Muir to cover my first ever Blair football game. Our Keith Lair will travel to Ocean View High to cover Pasadena Poly at Brethren Christian.

Most of Friday's games are pretty much no-brainers, but here's hoping even though I picked Muir to beat San Gabriel that I still get to see a very competitive game featuring some of the most skilled players in the West San Gabriel Valley. La Salle shockingly opened the season ranked No. 5 in the Northwest Division, but the Lancers will open the season with a loss to a much tougher Village Christian team out of the Mid-Valley Division. How's this for a shocker: Keppel will beat Bassett and Marshall will beat Duarte. If Pasadena can come away from Alemany without sustaining injuries, count that as a win for the Bulldogs. As for the win/loss column, mark an "L" for Pasadena in the road season opener.

I'd really like to make a nice bet this season. The Stang Fan and I never came thorugh on our bet, which I'm clueless about right now. I'm thinking of inviting longtime Star-News correspondent Nathan Cambridge to go head-to-head with me this season with a bet to be named later. In case you don't know Nathan Cambridge (and I don't see how you can not) he's the guy who makes hilarious TV commercials, like the Swiffer one below. He's the DJ. Nathan Cambridge is a commercial and TV actor, but he's passionate about covering preps. I feed off his enthusiasm and look forward to inviting him to make picks with me this season.

That's it for now.

Look for the 2-minute drill video later today as Aram Tolegian and I discuss Muir-San Gabriel. Hope you all enjoyed the 2011 Star-News PrepXtra Magazine. Enjoy!

Thursday's games
Blair vs. Fulton at Muir, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Blair)
Pasadena Poly vs. Brethren Christian at Ocean View, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Poly)

Friday's games
Muir at San Gabriel, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Muir)
Village Christian at La Salle, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Village Christian)
Big Bear at Maranatha, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Maranatha)
Alhambra vs. Mountain View at Moor Field, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Alhambra)
Cerritos at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Cerritos)
Keppel at Bassett, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Keppel)
Bosco Tech at Wilson, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Wilson)
Marshall at Duarte, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Marshall)
Rio Hondo Prep at Parker San Diego, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Parker)
Pasadena at Alemany, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Almeany)
Flintridge Prep at Bell-Jeff, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Flintridge Prep)

STAR-NEWS PRESEASON TOP 10 POLL

1. MONROVIA -- When the pieces come together, the Wildcats again will prove they're a legitimate team that's more than just a contender for a Mid-Valley Division championship -- they're a heavy favorite to repeat.

2. ARCADIA -- Arcadia will be a much more balanced team, making the Apaches contenders in the Southeast Division.

3. ST. FRANCIS -- St. Francis came close to a huge upset last year in the first round of the Western Division playoffs, going up against San Gabriel Valley League champion Dominguez of Compton. The Golden Knights couldn't convert on fourth down, though, and St. Francis' late rally fell short. It seems like the Golden Knights come close each season, but is this finally the year?

4. MUIR -- In terms of area talent, Muir has enough to be one of the best teams. As for how it'll fare in the tougher Pacific League and always-tough Southeast Division remains to be seen. Too many question marks surround the Mustangs, depth being the biggest issue.

5. MARANATHA -- By all accounts, Maranatha looks promising but will be tested with a stronger schedule that includes several Mid-Valley Division schools. The Olympic League will be tough, too, but if the Minutemen start with momentum, look for this young team to fire on all cylinders come league play.

6. ROSEMEAD -- With coach Matt Koffer at the helm, the Panthers are seemingly always in contention. A Mission Valley League title is always in the cards, but Rosemead will try to build on last year's second-round playoff appearance.

7. ALHAMBRA -- Perhaps this young group, a year older now, will feel more comfortable with the offensive schemes that will call for a more-balanced offense. If so, this could be one of the most-competitive Moors teams in some time, one that could compete for the Almont League title.

8. SAN GABRIEL -- The Matadors have the weapons on offense, especially if Guerrero can adjust to playing tailback at times with Alvarez under center. There are options for a successful offense. If the defense can hold its ground, the Matadors figure to compete for the Almont League title.

9. PASADENA -- Pasadena was one win away from making the playoffs, but mental toughness was missing against rival Muir. a game the Bulldogs needed to win to make the playoffs. If the Bulldogs can stay focused and disciplined, they could be the surprise team in the Pacific League.

10. RIO HONDO PREP -- Rio Hondo Prep's never been one to shy away from contact. The Kares last season recorded a huge upset win over Village Christian, a Mid-Valley Division team that beat Cerritos Valley Christian handily. That same Cerritos Valley Christian team needed five overtimes to beat Maranatha. In short, Rio Hondo Prep could be contending for another Northeast Division title.

Who: San Gabriel coach Jude Oliva and Muir coach Ken Howard (SAME SEGMENT), West Covina coach Mike Maggiore and Darryl Thomas (SAME SEGMENT). And CIF's Thom Simmons.
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: This blog.

I promise you won't find another publication quite like PrepXtra which covers the 2011 high school football season in the San Gabriel Valley. The second annual Star-News PrepXtra Preview Magazine will be available in your home subscription or at newsstands on Tuesday, Aug. 30. If your newsstand runs out or you simply want extra copies, you can purchase them for $1 at the Pasadena Star-News (911 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena) office. They will go quick, so get here early. You can also purchase San Gabriel Valley Tribune or Whittier Daily News PrepXtra preview editions at those offices.

MID-VALLEY DIVISION
1. Monrovia, 2. Covina, 3. San Dimas, 4. Whittier Christian, 5. Maranatha, 6. Village Christian, 7. Arroyo, 8. Bell Gardens, 9. Baldwin Park, 10. Azusa.
Others: Montebello; South Pasadena; Pomona; San Gabriel; La PUente; El Monte.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
1. West Covina, 2. Bonita, 3. Mayfair, 4. Arcadia, 5. Santa Fe, 6. Muir, 7. Diamond Ranch, 8. Walnut, 9. La Serna, 10. Diamond Bar.

NORTHEAST DIVISION
1. Bishop Union; 2. Boron; 3. Rio Hondo Prep; 4. Desert Christian/Lancaster. 5. Vasquez. 6. Salesian. 7. Chadwick. 8. Desert. 9. Pasadena Poly. 10. Mojave.

NORTHWEST DIVISION
1. Lompoc; 2. South Torrance; 3. Santa Ynez; 4. Nordhoff; 5. La Salle; 6. Cabrillo/Lompoc; 7. Carpinteria; 8. Bishop Montgomery; 9. North Torrance; 10. Templeton.

WESTERN DIVISION
1. Chaminade; 2. Arroyo Grande; 3. Dominguez; 4. Serra; 5. St. Paul; 6. St. Joseph/Santa Maria; 7. Atascadero; 8. St. Francis; 9. Culver City; 10. Rio Mesa.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF DIETRICH RILEY THROUGH THE YEARS

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES - A year ago, Dietrich Riley would do whatever it took to get on the Rose Bowl turf.

But now, a year later, it may be his time to shine.

"Being penciled in as a starter, gives me a lot of confidence," said Riley, a former St. Francis High School star who came to UCLA as one of the top defensive back recruits in the country. "It makes me want to work harder.

"I just want to prove that I'm that guy who can make big plays. I'm excited. I have a lot of energy going into the season and I want to prove to the world that UCLA is going to be a great team this year."

If the Bruins are to recapture some of their past glory, Riley could play a major role in that transition.

The sophomore saw limited playing time as a freshman, but there were some indications of future greatness.

He played in 11 of UCLA's 12 games and had 22 tackles. But he caught some attention with a jarring hit on Oregon State star Jacquizz Rodgers in UCLA's 17-14 victory on Nov. 6. It's one of the most viewed sports videos on YouTube.

It also was a quick glimpse of the Pasadena native's untapped potential.

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By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

SAN GABRIEL - A few years ago, San Gabriel High School football coach Jude Oliva started a number of sophomores, not out of necessity but because of athletic ability.

Among that group who now are three-year starters are Hunter Garcia, Carlos Purser, Brian Lopez and Alex Villalobos.

Villalobos has stood out the most while earning first-team Star-News All-Area honors as a wide receiver, but Oliva feels the rest of the group can hold their own, too.

That much was clear on Wednesday afternoon at San Gabriel, where the Matadors wrapped up their final day of two-a-day workouts before today's walk-through and scrimmage at Maranatha at

7 p.m. San Gabriel opens the season at home Sept. 2 against Muir.

Garcia, a 6-foot, 225-pound defensive end, had a strong presence at practice. He muscled his way into the backfield with a strong upper body that allowed him to record eight sacks last year as a junior.

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By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

LA CANADA-FLINTRIDGE - Jared Lebowitz has not played a down of football in Southern California.

But the quarterback has already been projected, by some, to lead St. Francis High School's football team to places the Knights have not visited in several years.

"He hasn't played a down of varsity football in Southern California yet and he's had newspaper articles written about him," teammate Travis Talianko said. "I think there is pressure on him, but I don't know if he feels it. I do know he'll live up to all the hype."

Lebowitz transferred from South Burlington High in Vermont to St. Francis last January. He has worked extensively with quarterback coach Steve Clarkson.

"He seems like he had been pretty well coached before he got here because he has a very good eye for what I like in quarterbacks," said St. Francis coach Jim Bonds, who played the position at UCLA. "He is doing great."

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-hander left Vermont where there was 3 feet of snow to 60-degree weather in Southern California. He said that while his teammates hit the weight room in sweatshirts and pants, he wore a T-shirt.

His father, Harrison, who owns the Snow Farm Vineyard, which makes ice wines, began doing extensive work in Pasadena and brought his family with him.

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An offensive lineman isn't supposed to beat wide receivers in running drills, but that's what happened at La Cañada High School when Marty Vardanian showed up last week for the Spartans' first official day of practice dubbed "Midnight Madness."

"It's a tradition we do," La Cañada coach Dan Yoder said. "We can't run them for three weeks on dead period because of CIF rules. They show up and when it turns 12:01 on Monday morning we open the gates, turn on the lights and run them."

La Cañada, which tied for second place last year in the Rio Hondo League and lost to Covina in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoffs, spent an hour running 10 240-yard sprints from one goal post to the other and back, counting as one rep.

"We time them," Yoder said, "and it's a chance to prove they did their homework in those three weeks. Usually we get two thirds of the team who get it in the time allotted."

Vardanian, a senior offensive lineman and middle linebacker, was impressive.

"He showed up to camp just a physical specimen," Yoder said. "We ran his conditioning test and was beating receivers. He just really stepped up as a leader and with his physical performance. He was ready and it was really impressive."

The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder will be a left guard and move from the defensive line to middle linebacker, and the reason is simple.

"He's mobile," Yoder said. "That he can move is something he's been working on. We repped him a little bit at middle linebacker but there were other guys who were better suited there. But at the same time we didn't want to take him off the field so we put him on the defensive line."

Vardanian is a third-year letterman who started a few games on varsity as a sophomore. The Spartans will need more players to go both ways with a lower than expected turnout for football this season, but Yoder is not overly concerned.

"They're working really hard and picking up a lot of good reps," he said. "The guys that have to slip into those open spots have done a really good job so far."

La Cañada, which practices the rest of this week from 6p.m.-9 p.m., has an intersquad scrimmage Saturday followed by a scrimmage against Schurr next week.

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

The phone call came at lunch time in March.

Muir High School's Tairen Owens was given orders to wait outside for a call from Demetrice Martin, the secondary and cornerbacks coach recruiting Owens to play college football at the University of Washington.

The conversation wasn't long, but it left a lasting impression on Owens.

Martin extended a scholarship offer to Owens, a shifty and speedy tailback who racked up 822 yards and 10 touchdowns last season while splitting time in the backfield for the Mustangs.
Owens, surrounded by an overflowing crowd, stood motionless except for an obvious expression on his face.

"All I could do was smile," he recalled.

Owens didn't need to think it through. He accepted on the spot and ended the recruiting process. The only other school in the mix was Arizona State, where former teammate Karl Holmes Jr., is, but the Sun Devils weren't ever really in the mix.

"I'm not a real fan of the heat," Owens said. "I know it rains a lot in Washington, but I can deal with it."

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By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

PASADENA -- Jonah Campbell had a busy summer, perhaps more so than others.

Because he's a three-sport athlete at Pasadena Poly, Campbell evenly split his summer schedule so it included football, basketball and baseball.

He spent the first two days of the week working quarterback duties for the Panthers, followed by basketball the next two days. He spent the weekend working with the baseball team, for whom Campbell is a center fielder.

Campbell said his summer schedule was "strenuous" but it paid dividends.

"In the long run it helped me out because the workouts were working out different muscles," he said. "As football approached, I felt a lot better with my running and my speed."

Campbell enters his senior year knowing he's the go-to guy. He was backup quarterback last season to Hunter Merryman, the Star-News Male Athlete of the Year who earned first-team All-CIF honors in three sports.

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Above: George Frazier, aka G5, is in a battle for the starting job.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

MONROVIA - George Frazier V is no Nick Bueno. Blake Heyworth isn't, either.

Neither Monrovia High School junior quarterback claims to be the next coming of Bueno, the 2011 CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division offensive player of the year who led the Wildcats to a CIF-SS championship last season.

"I play a different style than Nick," Frazier said. "I'm not as shifty and I won't run as much.

"People say the pressure is there. In my eyes, I'm a whole different person. It's a whole other year, a whole other team."

Both quarterbacks, however, hope to be taking the most snaps this season and replicate Bueno's feat.

"You can't replace (Bueno)," coach Ryan Maddox said. "He was a special player, but we have some very good young kids.

"It's going to look a little different. We're not going to ask Blake or George to do what Nick did. They are different types of quarterbacks. We'll take what they do well and work from that."

Bueno was the Wildcats' quarterback for three seasons. Last year, he completed 108 of 201 passes for 1,828 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,513 yards and 14 scores.

Below: Blake Heyworth during practice Thursday.

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CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF BOSCO TECH'S TRAINING

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

ROSEMEAD - It's a cross between a family reunion picnic and organized chaos.

Some Bosco Tech football players carry teammates on their back. Others hop 100 yards down the home sideline. More run laps around the track.

The drills are something new to the Tigers this season.

"We wanted to try to do away from the condition that gets them tired," coach Chris Shockley said. "We wanted to do more sports-specific things, to get them ready to play football. We start by putting them in situations they're going to be in on the football field. The movements are more football-specific."

Shockley, in his 13th year with the program, said the coaches picked up on the football-related drills while attending various clinics and seminars.

"It makes it more scary," senior wide receiver C.J. Alvarez said of the new drills. "You don't ever know what you're going to be working on. It's tiring, but it gets in the work. Hopefully it will help us out on the field."

Coaches have more than 50 dynamic, metabolic and neurological drills, all football-related, that they can throw at the players at any time during practice. They can plan out a certain drill, but then they can take the initiative to change the plan to another drill at a moment's notice.

"We switch it up every session," Shockley said. "We think it has kept it fresh for them, because it's a new drill. It has kind of kept them on their toes because they don't know what to expect.

"We're getting more out of these guys. They're working on mastering the drill. When it's the same drill for three days, they know how to do it and you don't get as much out of them. They've responded really well."

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Aram Tolegian, AKA Chemical AT, ambushed Covina's practice earlier today. In his "Practice Ambush!!!!", Aram gets a closer look at Covina's behemoth defensive linemen. You can hear him in the video ask if Monrovia should be worried. I don't know that I would go that far, but you can see what Aram's talking about in the 3:13 mark, and those guys do look huge.

Muir opponents probably know where the Mustangs are going with the ball this season.

That would be to Washington-bound senior Tairen Owens.

But the question teams, such as San Gabriel in the Sept. 2 season opener, will have to figure out is: Where will they find Owens?

Muir coach Ken Howard plans on lining up Owens in the backfield, playing him in the slot and at wide receiver. He will also play cornerback.

"He's going to make a whole lot of guys look pretty stupid," Muir coach Ken Howard said. "Our offense alone is going to make it tough for defenses. It's not that we have just him."

Muir began two-a-day practices on Monday and will put on full pads either today or Thursday.

Owens has been thrust into a role as a leader both on and off the field; a leader by example of the exceptional season he had last year on the field, and a leader based on being one of only seven seniors on the team this year.

"I just tell them to keep their heads up and work hard," he said. "We are young."

Howard said he is truly counting on his seniors this season.

"All the seniors have to step it up, and not just a couple of notches," he said. "They have to step it up to a level that they never imagined. We're so young. It's a lot of inexperience and a lot of talented kids."

Last year, Owens accounted for just more than 1,300 yards in total offense. In his second year starting, third in the Mustangs' playing rotation, he rushed for a team-high 822 yards and 10 touchdowns. He caught 21 passes for 206 yards and four scores, returned six punts for 77 yards and returned five kickoffs for 205 yards.

"I've been waiting for (the start of practice) for like forever," Owens said. "I just like touching the ball and having the chance to score."

When Anthony Harris was hired as La Salle's new athletic director, his mission was to transform La Salle into a prominent program, saying "there's a lot of competition out there now. Maranatha, Alemany, they have a lot of kids from Pasadena. I would like La Salle to be a household name."

The new logo is the start to a wave of changes to come ahead.

"Absolutely," Harris said when reached by phone early this afternoon. "What we're trying to do is create a college prep athletic environment that matches our college prep academic environment. In a college prep school, in my opinion, we are preparing kids to graduate from college, not to go to college. On the athletic side, we are preparing guys to be college athletes. If they're lucky enough to continue into the next level, then hopefully we would have done our job so they're prepared."

Also, say goodbye to La Salle's old "LS" logo (below).

La Salle will use a new "LS" logo (below) in sports but will keep the old logo for academics.

La Salle also has a new school website complete with photos, schedules, rosters -- all things that any fan and even a local reporter would want from a school website. To tell you the truth, it really does look like a college sports website, which is the look and feel Harris was going for. And if you follow La Salle's Twitter account, you can get score updates and final game statistics.

As far as feedback regarding the new logo?

"They love it," Harris said. "It's intimidating. Kids feel pride and really motivates kids. We painted our weight room, our offices, slogans. We're really trying to step it up a notch. That's what i was hired for and that's what we're doing."

ALHAMBRA - This football season isn't about wins and losses for Alhambra High School's Demitrias Russell.

It's about redemption.

Russell is on track to getting there, and by season's end he's hoping the comeback bid is complete, as far as football goes.

It was during the start of spring practice when Alhambra coach Lou Torres informed Russell he no longer would be on the team and wouldn't allow him to take part in team activities.

It was the culmination to a season in which Russell, a 5-foot-10 standout wide receiver, was suspended from the Moors' third game of the season because of what Torres called "conduct detrimental" to the team. Torres politely declined to give specifics as to what led to the suspension - and ultimate dismissal from the team - but the consequences of his misguided actions were enough to jolt Russell back to reality.

Russell needed to earn his way back to playing for the Moors, a case that lasted well into summer.

The turnaround has been impressive, to say the least.

"A complete 180 turn," Torres said. "He's academically eligible, he's been to every practice, he's putting in the work that we wanted to see from him.

"All we wanted was for him to show, and he's gone above that."

Russell, who's been playing football since he was 5 and grew up playing youth football with the Alhambra Thunderbirds, needed to get back to what he loved doing most and playing for the team he's loved most. His determination can be heard in his voice.

"No more messing around," Russell said. "After this, it's manhood. I need to step in and do it now."

Russell has gone from team suspension and dismissal to one of seven team leaders this season who figures to be one of the most explosive weapons in the Moors' arsenal. With soft hands and a knack for running the proper routes, Russell could have the breakout season he's been hoping for.

He didn't figure to play defense this year, but it's looking like he could see significant time at cornerback or safety.

"He's just that good," Torres said. "With his off-field problems gone he can focus with on-field performances, and his progress is showing."

Russell has made a comeback before.

When he was 12, he broke his left ankle in practice. He was in a cast that covered his entire leg.

"It was really scary at the time," Russell said before adding he was walking again in just four weeks.

Russell stood out as a freshman, moved up to varsity and started as a sophomore.

With off-field issues in the past, Russell hopes to improve after an inconsistent junior season in which the Moors finished a disappointing 1-4 in the Almont League.

"It was disappointing, for sure," Russell said. "We had the talent, but we didn't put in the work. I'm working a lot harder this year."

The comeback kid not quite, but he's close.

Watch the PrepXtra Live replay of Whittier coach Frank Mazzotta and Aram and Fred's interview with Charter Oak and Super Bowl champion Jason David. Unfortunately, we did not archive the Chris Rix interview. Small glitch for the inaugural show.

When: EVERY Tuesday at 7 p.m.
What: The best players and coaches in the area as guests.
Where: Any of the blogs will have a LIVE player
August 16 guests: Former Charter Oak standout and Super Bowl champion Jason David, Former Bishop Amat and Florida St. quarterback Chris Rix and La Habra head coach Frank Mazzotta.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

The absence of top football recruits at Muir High School has been a blessing in disguise for Mustangs coach Ken Howard.

Over the summer, Kevon Seymour and Tairen Owens have attended several camps, keeping them busy in the offseason while also taking them away from voluntary workouts, passing league games and summer camp.

Howard, in his seventh season at the helm, said Seymour and Owens' absences have given others an opportunity to step into their roles and show their value. They'll continue having that chance when fall camp opens today at 3:30 p.m., with pads coming Wednesday.

"Not having them has not made things difficult at all," Howard said. "We pretty much know what those kids have to offer. What it did is help us find kids we didn't know about and could step into their roles.

"There's a few who are looking to make a name for themselves, and we'll see how they do once we open camp."

Seymour, a four-star recruit with multiple offers from schools like Oklahoma and Florida, will be absent Monday because he'll be attending a recruiting camp. Owens, a speedy tailback, has committed to Washington.

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After further consideration, the Star-News blog will not merge with the Tribune blog. There is no other blog like it in Pasadena, nor is there a quicker source for prep news in Pasadena and the surrounding areas. The Tribune and Star-News blogs complement each other well, and will continue dominating high school sports in the San Gabriel Valley with the continued efforts from Miguel Melendez, Aram Tolegian, Keith Lair, Steve Ramirez and myself.

Michelle Miller, the standout senior-to-be who led the Panthers to the CIF-SS Division 5AA championship and led the state in scoring with 33 points a game, is headed to Princeton, according to ESPN HoopGurlz.

Miller, a three-star recruit who averaged 13 rebounds, 2.9 steals, 2.1 assists and 1.9 blocked shots, drew a lot of interest from several major Division I schools, including USC where Miller planned on playing while also hoping to take part in the university's B.A./M.D. program.

Miller is on pace to finish second all-time in the Southern Section for most points in a career behind Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller (3,446). Michelle Miller already etched her name in Southern Section lore when this season she became No. 5 on the list of players with most points in a season (990) and passed the likes of another legend, three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic champion Lisa Leslie.

But the recruiting process came to an end Thursday when, according to her Cal Storm Team Taurasi club coach George Quintero, said Miller gave her verbal to Princeton.

"She has the offensive potential and scoring mind set that should make her an impact player in the Ivy League," Quintero said to ESPN HoopGirlz. "Michelle's work ethic will allow he rot fit perfectly into coach (Courtney Banghart's) system."

Miller, if you remember, is not only a standout three-sport standout. She's just as dominant in the classroom. She earned a 5.0 GPA as a junior and plans to major in bio-medical engineering before heading to medical school.

Also, the honors continue rolling in for Miller, who already is a two-time Star-News Player of the Year as well as Star-News Female Athlete of the Year.

Add this to her already impressive resume.

Miller was named ESPN Rise California Player of the Year in Division V. Here's what ESPN Rise had to say about her:

Above: New PCC football coach Fred Fimbres during fall camp opener.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

PASADENA - Every football coach has preached perfection.

The latest era in Pasadena City College football began Thursday with perfection on the mind of new head coach Fred Fimbres.

"We're making sure that we're keeping it in front of these young men's minds that everything counts," Fimbres said. "It's not just the big picture of running the play. It's every step, it's every body position and hand placement.

"When we plug all those pieces together, it makes the big picture."

His points were not lost with the current crop of Lancers. The offense could not finish practice until it had run 10 consecutive plays to perfection. The defense had to run its schemes to perfection, too.

"We want to be detail-oriented," Fimbres said. "You get so excited to run plays that sometimes what you tend to do is forget about the attention to details, the meticulous pursuit of perfection in everything we do."

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By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

ALHAMBRA - There's renewed commitment at Keppel High School. More players came out for football this spring, and that's carried well into spring and summer as two-a-days get under way, with full pads coming Friday.

That sense of commitment also extends to returning players, such as junior Esequiel Jimenez. The tailback/linebacker spent most of last year focused on basketball as a starting power forward with the junior varsity team. His goal in basketball was to move up to varsity and play under coach Hung Duong, who led Keppel to a deep run in the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

Jimenez's strong focus on basketball meant letting football get away from him, and at Keppel, basketball seems to always come first, making the decision to favor basketball much easier.

Jimenez, though, said seeing more players come out for football and an energized coaching staff has made him think twice about football, and coach Bobby Madrid has seen the difference this season, with Jimenez showing more involvement and renewed interest in leading from the backfield and in the secondary.

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Above: Myles Carr apparently goes shirtless when working the triceps. And before anyone clowns the kid, remember this: Dude bench presses 340 pounds. 'Nuff said.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

ARCADIA - The numbers: an eye- popping 26 touchdown passes and four interceptions.

Those numbers are what quarterback Myles Carr put up en route to leading Arcadia High School to a share of the Pacific League title last season.

"We just make the point that his job is to protect the football and make throws that are not detrimental to the team," Arcadia coach Jon Dimalante said. "That was a lot of reasons for our success last year.

"He did a really good job of managing the games last year. The job of our line and backs is to protect the quarterback, and our quarterback's job is to protect the football. He's done a good job of doing that."

Those numbers hopefully foreshadow what type of statistics Carr can put up heading into his third, and final, varsity football season. Formal practice begins Monday, with the team donning full pads next Thursday.

"I've been working hard this offseason," Carr said. "I think I can pass for at least 2,000 yards and a lot of TDs. I hope all this hard work in the offseason will pay off."

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Alhambra: Starts two-a-days next week (7:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 5:40 p.m.)

Arcadia: Starts two-a-days next week

Blair: Starts camp next week (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Bosco Tech: Starts two-a-days next week (8-10:30 a.m. and 2-5 p.m.)

Keppel: Started two-a-days this week (8-10:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.)

La Canada: Starts two-a-days next week (8-11 a.m. and 6-9 p.m.)

Muir: Starts two-a-days next week

Pasadena: Started two-a-days this week (8-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.)

San Gabriel: Starts two-a-days next week (7-10 a.m. and 2:30-6 p.m.)

San Marino: Starts two-a-days next week (7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.)

South Pasadena: Starts camp Aug. 17 through the 24 (5-10 p.m.)

Still waiting for the rest of the coaches to respond.

We have a handful of high school football correspondents returning to cover high school football games in the fall, but are looking for a few more. Those who have covered high school football games before or are studying journalism are ideal. Or, if you have a passion for writing and football, that works too. We give you a press credential, have you report back to our office in Pasadena and do a small write-up. For your efforts, you get paid a small fee and your name in the paper. Plus, on the nights we don't assign you to a game you can use your credential to go watch ANY high school football game in the Southern Section. If interested, feel free to email me at miguel.melendez@sgvn.com.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

PASADENA - Torus Stepney hit the hole in the offensive line as quickly as he got the ball from quarterback Brandon Cox.

The Pasadena High School junior was outside of his blockers just as quickly as the Bulldogs went through their second day of formal practice Tuesday afternoon.

Stepney ran through the drills with ease as well as authority. A year of varsity experience can do that for a player.

"I think I can run pretty hard this season," he said.

"I feel more confident than I was last year. Last year, I was the smallest player."

The only question regarding Stepney, who said he grew an inch, to 5-feet-7, and gained 15 pounds, to 145, from last year, is: will he last?

"He has a year under his belt," coach Randy Horton said. "He's gotten stronger and faster from track. He should definitely do more than last year.

"We just have to make sure he stays healthy."

Last year, Stepney's season was cut short when he suffered a broken ankle. During summer passing league competition, Stepney suffered a hyperextended knee.

He's healthy now, though, and ready to put on full gear Friday; the Bulldogs begin two-a-day practices Thursday.

Junior left-hander Cox has noticed the difference.

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By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

PASADENA - The discovery was made the first day of spring practice.

Maranatha High School's Robby Flewelling was at offensive tackle when first-year coach Pete Karavedas decided to make the switch.

"We saw his natural athletic ability," said Karavedas, who spent the last three seasons as Whittier Christian's defensive coordinator. "He was catching some balls, and I said we found ourselves the tight end we needed."

Flewelling was a backup offensive lineman last year. The 6-foot-5, 195-pound senior said he's looking forward to becoming a fixture in the new West Coast offense. That he's looking forward to his increased role is evident by how vocal he's become over the summer and heading into fall camp, which opened Monday. Flewelling is one of four captains, along with Andrew Elffers, Brian Lolik and Victor Chavez.

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A couple interesting reads from the New York Times.

The first article is in regards to how the recruiting process has evolved with the growth of social media. Coaches and recruits, according to the New York Times, say Facebook accounts for 50 percent of their recruiting interaction. Twitter is second and gaining ground, they say, with its direct-messaging function offering the bite-size communication preferred by teenagers.

Here's an interesting tidbit:

Also from the New York Times, a high school football team in Michigan has two-a-days for a week from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Fordson High School's enrollment is more than 90 percent Muslim and this week of two-a-day practices coincides with Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, when adherents refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. According to the story, This allows players to break their fast at sunset, drink liquids and eat a light meal, practice in the relative cool of what has been a baking summer, then eat again before sunrise.

Good reads.

Video courtesy of BruinReportOnline.com

Mark Jebbia was excited about playing at Westmont College, an NAIA Division III school. The Star-News All-Area infielder played summer ball to hone his skills, so good that schools came calling.

Jebbia drew interest from UC Santa Barbara, USC and Long Island University, all Division I schools that came calling late in the process. Jebbia, who helped the Minutemen to a CIF-SS Division 5 championship two years ago and the quarterfinals last season, was an undiscovered gem at this point. He batted .442 with 34 hits, 20 RBIs, five doubles, three triples and a home run last season and also recorded 16 stolen bases.

In the end, UCSB made perfect sense.

"I had a really good summer," Jebbia said. "I got a couple schools looking at me from the Division I level and got a couple offers. I wasn't on scholarship at Westmont so I felt like I had a better opportunity. I had submitted my housing (forms to Westmont) because i had to do that back in February, but I had not enrolled though.

"Long Island gave me an offer and USC didn't have any money this late in the process but they showed strong interest. I took a tour there, and they really wanted me to come there but in the end UCSB was the right fit for me."

Jebbia will join former St. Francis star AJ Burglund at UCSB, whom Jebbia says he knows "on the acquaintance level."

That Jebbia now gets to play Division I ball was a pleasant surprise.

"I totally had no idea," he said. "I was excited to go to Westmont. I was trying to stay sharp in the summer and then a couple schools came calling. They said they were interested and looking for another guy. So I prayed about it, thought it over and the rest is history."

Jebbia, a shortstop and pitcher at Maranatha, said they want him to play third and first and a little bit in the outfield.

As for Westmont's reaction...

"I think they had a normal reaction," Jebbia said. "I think every coach wants to have the best team they can possibly have. I think he was disappointed they weren't going to get to have me, but i think most people would understand why i made the decision.

"I just have to do what's best for myself going forward, even trying to get to the next level at the major league level. I want to do what's best for my future. UCSB was a far better fit than Westmont and was a far better fit than the other schools that contacted me as well."

La Cañada's 16U girls softball team went undefeated to claim the ASA Western Nationals Championship this past weekend in Prescott, Arizona. In the championship game, La Cañada beat Norwalk, 8-2.

The team, known as LC Wildfire, outscored opponents from across the Western United States 58-13 over seven games to dominate the tournament. Along the way La Cañada beat teams from California, Arizona and New Mexico.

In the championship game, La Cañada High School players carried the team. Olivia Leyva hit a two-run home run in the first inning to put the Wildfire on top and they never looked back. Michelle Grochow had three hits and four RBIs, Brenna Gay had two hits, Shelly Musso had two hits and an RBI, Katy Lee had a hit and scored two runs, Olivia Lam had a hit and Annie Monroe led a strong defense that shut down Norwalk from the first pitch. Bianca Cockrell had a double, a single and scored two runs.

Pasadena Poly's Kelly Berg laid down two perfect bunts and made an outstanding running catch in right field to preserve LC Wildfire's lead. Crescenta Valley's Shiyin Lim scored a run and Clair O'Connor played behind the plate. Temple City's Jenny Pegg and La Cañada's Maddy MacKenzie combined to give up only six hits and one earned run in the championship game.

From Staff Reports

SPOKANE, Washington -- Monrovia High School's Elise McCarthy hit two home runs to power the Arcadia 14U softball travel team to a 3-2 win over Idaho's Couer d'Alene Crush to win the Amateur Softball Association of America 14U national championship Saturday night.

Arcadia trailed 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth before McCarthy's two-run home run, followed by a solo shot in the fifth to make it 3-1. Arcadia scored 76 runs and allowed only five unearned runs in a span of seven games played.

The recruiting circus was just that, a circus.

So with that in mind, La Salle's Bowdien Derby decided to put an end to the fierce recruiting circuit and committed to San Diego State on Tuesday.

The senior-to-be Derby said he made up his mind Monday night and chose San Diego State because it had every component he was looking for in the school he was looking for: academics, team, coaches, weather, proximity.

Derby, a two-time Star-News All-Area selection, was nothing short of spectacular his junior season, particularly in the season finale against Palm Desert in the second round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 playoffs, clocking at 91 mph in front of pro and college scouts. But he was impressive all season long, going 10-1 in 15 appearances with seven complete games, five shutouts and 101 strikeouts and a 0.94 ERA.

That Derby prefers to play shortstop is a testament to his talent. He batted .435 with three home runs, 19 RBIs and 12 doubles. He also earned first-team All-CIF honors in Division 4. He said he would prefer to play shortstop at San Diego State because he feels he "can contribute more that way" but the Aztecs are recruiting him at both positions.

"This year I showed a lot of strength on the mound. I'll just work my butt off working both positions and wherever they see me fit is where I'll go."

Derby had initial offers from Loyola Marymount, Arizona, UC Santa Barbara and San Diego State, but the landscape opened more so after the Arizona recruiter left for Oregon, which then went after Derby.

"All these schools I was talking to for a while," Derby said. "People were telling me to wait and see what else comes up and if there would be any other offers. I was like, in my mind there are not any other schools that would really change my mind. But I knew I wanted to be close to home. I'm a family man and want to be close to home as much as possible. For me, a two-hour drive is nothing compared to Arizona which was an eight-hour drive."

Nevertheless, other schools got in the mix: Hawaii, Fresno State, Dartmouth and Azusa Pacific.

Derby said he was flattered that a Pac-12 school like Arizona, and now Oregon, were interested at all, but proximity, coupled with said requirements, would play a big role. That schools put intense pressure on Derby also was a factor in making an early decision.

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Above: Rob Wigod, the new CIF-SS Commissioner.

As part of the CIF-Southern Section's continuing hope to communicate effectively with the public through media outlets, the CIF-Southern Section will hold a Q&A session with Rob Wigod, the new Commissioner of Athletics.

The session will take place Aug. 25 at the Southern Section office in Los Alamitos. All topics are on the table, unless otherwise precluded from doing so (i.e. pending legal issues).

If you have specific questions you would like me to ask, please leave a comment or email me at miguel.melendez@sgvn.com.

Wigod, who officially took over the position today, succeeds the much-respected Jim Staunton.

For the last decade, Wigod served as assistant commissioner and he's now the point-man who will oversees 581 member schools with approximately 800,000 student-athletes.

In an interview with our Doug Krikorian, Wigod explained what he thinks might be the most daunting challenge:

"Trying to keep the focus on what high school athletics is all about - and what they're all about is for student-athletes to gain life lessons through athletic competition," he said. "There's a peripheral segment that hangs around and cares only about star athletes getting pro contracts, or college scholarships.

"Obviously, we're proud of our student-athletes who get scholarships, or who are good enough to sign pro contracts. But only a small number of them wind up with full rides to colleges, or play professional athletics."

I seldom interacted with Wigod during my four years at the Orange County Register (working a lot more closely with the now-retired Paul Castillo since he was the assistant commissioner in charge of the sports I covered at the Register). But over the last four years since my arrival here at the Star-News I've worked closely with Wigod, and he's proven to be a man of integrity. I look forward to working with Wigod and his staff.