August 2007 Archives

Milton Knox ran 15 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-6.

The score came immediately after a bad snap on a Crespi punt gave the Patriots the ball inside the Crespi 20.

Prince still hasn't returned for the Celts.

22-7 in the first half.

And it didn't take long at all. Lonell Jones returned the opening kick off 80 yards for touchdown to give the Celts a 7-0 lead. A shortwhile later Austin Shanks ran 25 yards for another touchdown for a 14-0 lead.

That's the good news.

The bad news is Crespi QB Kevin Prince left the game with what appears to be a right knee injury. He got hurt on the play before Shanks scored his touchdown.

We'll keep you posted when we hear more...

DAILY NEWS AREA TOP QUARTERBACKS

1. Dayne Crist, Notre Dame, Sr. – Among USA’s top players at any position
2. Kevin Prince, Crespi, Sr. – Seven DI offers including UCLA
3. Ryan Griffin, Chaminade, Sr. – Passed for 3,128 yards, 30 TDs
4. Christopher Potter, Oaks Christian, Sr. – Committed to Boise State as a WR
5. Graham Wilbert, Valencia, Sr. – Passed for 1,907, 20 TDs last year
6. Rashaad Reynolds, San Fernando, Jr. – Is developing into next Anthony Davis
7. Colby Cameron, Newbury Park, Sr. – Passed for 2,398 yards in ‘06
8. Adam Barry, Moorpark, Sr. – Must make up for Darrell Scott’s departure
9. B.R. Holbrook, Hart, Sr. – First-year starter has huge upside
10. Sean Berman, Harvard Westlake, Jr. – A Steve Clarkson protégée
11. Exavier Johnson, Birmingham, Sr. – Impact transfer from Taft
12. Sean Gavin, Canyon, Sr. -- Expected to have a big year
13. Nick Owens, Westlake, Sr. – Loves to pass to WR Curtis Peterson
14. Patrick McKernon, Alemany, Sr. – Coming off a huge summer
15. Greg Jimenez, Chatsworth, Sr. – Back after brief transfer to Granada Hills
16. Doug Shumway, Agoura, Sr. – Trains with ex-NFL QB Erik Kramer
17. Desi Rodriguez, Saugus, Sr. – Talented athlete also a top DB
18. Austin Heyworth, St. Francis, Sr. – Look for a breakout season
19. Jerald Robinson, Highland, Jr. – Impressive summer development
20. Corey Howard, Burroughs, Sr. – Drawing Ivy League interest
21. Kevin Hunter, Burbank, Sr. – Looked good in spot duty last year
22. Matt De Los Santos, Rio Mesa, Sr. – Terrific all-around athlete
23. Carlos Gonzalez, St. Genevieve, Sr.— Top small-schools player
24. Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, Paraclete, Sr. – Has NFL bloodlines
25. Jake Bernards, West Ranch, Sr. – Faces stiff challenge in Foothill League
OTHERS: Brian Blechen, Royal, So. ; Sean Duffy, Littlerock, Jr.;
Jonathan La Ricca; Littlerock, Jr.; Marcus Sanchez, Camarillo, Sr.; Trevor Shubert, Royal, Jr.
-- Gerry Gittelson

Crespi, Notre Dame, Hart and Canyon - but no Oaks Christian - have made it on the schedule for FSN Prime Ticket/FSN West 10-game high school football game package, released Tuesday.

Crespi's home game against Centennial on Sept. 14 (7 p.m., FSN Prime), Notre Dame's home game against Servite on Oct. 5 (7 p.m. FSN Prime) and the Hart-Canyon game on Oct. 12 (7 p.m., FSN Prime) are the only Valley-related games on the schedule that begins on Sept. 7 with Redlands East Valley at John W. North.

The Oaks Christian game at St. Bonaventure set for Sept. 21 was on the original FSN "wish list," but limitations put on the network by the home school about when it could set up its equipment prevented FSN from following through on it. Instead, Carson at Long Beach Poly will be carried.

The schedule, with games all on Friday, as it stands now:

Date, Matchup, Time, Channel

9/7: Redlands East Valley at John W. North (7 p.m., Prime)

9/14: Centennial at Crespi (7 p.m., Prime)

9/21: Carson at Long Beach Poly (7 p.m., Prime)

9/28: Los Alamitos at Orange Lutheran (7 p.m., West)

10/5: Servite at Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), (7 p.m., Prime)

10/12: Hart at Canyon (7 p.m., Prime)

10/19: To be determine (7 p.m., Prime)

10/26: Vista Murrieta at Chaparral (7 p.m., Prime)

11/2: South Hills at West Covina (7 p.m., Prime)

11/9: Mater Dei at Servite (7 p.m., Prime)

FSN Prime will have a CIF-SS Pac-5 Championship, the CIF (State) Selection Show on Sunday, December 9, and, on Saturday, December 15, for the second year in a row, the CIF State Toyota Championship Div III, II and I games.

DAILY NEWS AREA TOP WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Chris Owusu, Oaks Christian, Sr. -- Catch him if you can
2. De'Von Flournoy, Birmingham, Jr. -- Can do windmill slam dunks
3. Mark Urbina, Canyon, Sr. -- A fearless three-year starter
4. Malcom Culver, Palmdale, Sr. -- Major-college prospect has strong bloodlines
5. Curtis Peterson, Westlake, Sr. -- Coming off huge junior season
6. Blake Stanton, Crespi, So. -- This kid is a phenom
7. Stephen Wirthlin, Canyon, Sr. -- Very tough to catch from behind
8. Jon Mesa, Alemany, Sr. -- A blur in the open field
9. Brian Felt, Hart, Sr. -- Hart's No. 1 receiver
10. Danny Diefenthaler, Newbury Park, Sr. -- At 6-foot-5 a big target
11. Phillip Johnson, Camarillo, Sr. -- Coming off big summer
12, Demitri Diamond, Hart, So. -- Could develop into next Jerry owens
13, Isaiah Culver, Quartz Hill, Sr. -- Lots of breakaway speed
14, Jordyn Aupiu, Rio Mesa, Sr. -- Three-year starter
15. Chris Gant, Alemany, Jr. -- No one could stop him during summer
16. Chris Smith, Burroughs, Jr. -- Coach Knoop loves his athleticism
17. Haneef Smith, Glendale, Sr. -- Among Pacific League's fastest
18. Zach Tartabull, Valencia, Jr. -- Poised for a breakout season
20. Kevin Cummings, Crespi, Sr. -- Should score a lot of TDs
21. Ronald McRory, Chaminade, Jr. -- Impact transfer from Notre Dame
22. Mike Cammorata, Agoura, Sr. -- Converted safety should be prime target
23, Craig Kisylia , Chaminade, Sr. -- Should play a bigger role
-- Gerry Gittelson, 661-257-5218

His transfer to Granada Hills ruled ineligible Monday, top quarterback Greg Jimenez returned to Chatsworth today, and he's slated to play his first game in Week 3 after participating in the mandatory minimum of 10 practices.

Jimenez transferred during the summer, but the move was successfully challenged by Chatsworth.

Had Jimenez, who passed for more than 1,400 yards last season, not returned to Chatsworth, he would have been forced to sit out his senior year.

"I think the football team was shocked to see me back because it was an unexpected move when I left," Jimenez said. "The Granada Hills coaches said they will still support me, so there are no hard feelings."

-- Gerry Gittelson, 661-257-5218

...

Shane Watterson, a top returning offensive lineman for Saugus, has committed to a UNLV football scholarship, the first Saugus DI committment in at least a decade.

-- Gerry Gittelson, 661 247-5218

DAILY NEWS AREA TOP TIGHT ENDS
1. Joseph Fauria, Crespi, Sr. – Man child is in class by himself
2. Mychal Rivera, Birmingham, Sr. – Committed to Oregon
3. Anthony Crane, Palmdale, Sr. – Coach Williams: “Hands like a wide receiver.”
4. Clark Steele, Quartz Hill, Sr. – A very tough football player
5. Casey Blum, Moorpark, Sr. – Will play a much bigger role
6. Kevin Bessolo, St. Francis, Sr. – Primed for a breakout season
7. Chris Biggs, Westlake, Sr. – At 6-foot-5 makes big target
8. Hunter Paulsen, Chaminade, Sr. – An intimidating force
9. Chris Coyle, Oaks Christian, Jr. – Should develop into DI prospect
10. Mike Cooper, Royal, Jr. – This kid is a load
11. Chandler Larson, Oak Park, Sr. – Should be a lot more involved this season
12. John Young, Loyola, So. – All kinds of potential
13. Marcus Rodriguez, Canoga Park, Sr. – Can do a lot of things
14. Randy Flores, North Hollywood, Sr. – Provides toughness and grit
15. Terrence Woodberry, Van Nuys, Sr. – Strongest player on team
16. Mike Blum, Harvard Westlake, Jr. – Coach Eumont expects big plays
-- Gerry Gittelson. 661-257-5218

DAILY NEWS AREA TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
1. Jonathan Martin, Harvard Westlake, Sr. – An immovable force
2. A.J. Wallerstein, Canyon, Sr. – Has five DI college offers
3. Kevin Graf, Agoura, Jr. – Comes from great football family
4. Trace Biskin, Oaks Christian, Sr. – Has never lost a HS game
5. Larry Thompson, Notre Dame, Sr. – Must be accounted for at all times
6. Connor Bradford, Palmdale, Sr. – King of the Golden League
7. Derek Bickford, Hart, Sr. – Should be RB Delano Howell’s best friend
8. Michael Hernandez, Loyola, Sr. – Three-year starter
9. Brooks Porter, Alemany, Sr. – Coach Herrington loves him
10. Shane Watterson, Saugus, Sr. – Offers from UNLV and Northern Arizona
11. Matt Ross, Chaminade, Sr. – Should play a pivotal role
12. Justin Wallace, Canyon, Sr. – Expect a breakout season
13. Tommy Stuart, Westlake, Sr. – Comes from good bloodlines
14. Austin Champlain, Agoura, Sr. – Likes to push around defenders
15. Sebastian Valenzuela, Burroughs, Sr. – 6-3, 300 pounds with mean streak
16. Ged Carrington, Valencia, Sr. – Looks to pave way for comeback season
17. Jusin Maroldi, Burbank, Jr. -- No one gets around this guy
18. Jordan Allred, Thousand Oaks, Sr. – This kid strikes fear
19. Matt Andreioli, Royal, Sr. – Returning starter is a load
20. Tim Ketaily, Newbury Park, Sr. – Doesn’t mind mixing it up

OTHERS: Chris Berens, Cannoga Park, Sr.; Matt Bertole, Loyola, Sr.; Brad Dade, Royal, Sr.; Eric Jusko, Notre Dame, Sr.; Robert Ketchum, Sylmar, Sr.; Jack Knauer, Newbury Park, Sr.; Brandon Lott, Antelope Valley, Sr.; Jody Roane, Knight, Jr..; Joe Speers, Golden Valley, Sr.; Armondo Valenzuela, Camarillo, Sr.
-- Gerry Gittelson, 661 257 6218

Football practices are tough as 'heck'

BY GERRY GITTELSON, columnist

The high school football season begins Thursday for several area programs, and in the meantime, most teams have been trudging through some heavy-duty conditioning, better know as two-a-days.

Actually, through the years the sessions are best known as hell week, but perhaps that's not such a politically correct term.

Then again, even Dayne Crist, Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks' studious, mild-mannered quarterback, went so far as to use the word "heck."

As in "it's been tough as heck," which is the way Crist has described this past practice week.

Notre Dame's second daily practices have been lasting until 9 p.m., and nothing feels better than falling into bed afterward.

Right?

"Oh, it feels amazing," Crist said. "It's pretty tough going through it, but this is a totally necessary time for the team."

At any rate, unless something crazy happens - like Darrell Scott transferring back to Moorpark - here's what the Daily News preseason top 10 looks like (last year's record in parentheses):

1. Notre Dame (11-1)

2. Hart (8-5)

3. Birmingham (11-3)

4. Oaks Christian (15-0)

5. Crespi (6-5)

6. Canyon (12-2)

7. Westlake (12-1)

8. Palmdale (9-2)

9. Chaminade (9-4)

10. Rio Mesa (10-2)

-- It's going to be a good football year for sophomore wide receivers, notably Dietrich Riley of St. Francis of La Canada and Blake Stanton of Crespi of Encino, both of whom figure to make a major impact.

Reseda's football fortunes will revolve around running back Gio Dixon, who rushed for 1,263 yards and nine touchdowns last season - "he's going to be our horse," coach Alonso Arreola said - but watch out for Edgar Perez.

Perez is switching from receiver to quarterback - out of necessity because there isn't another academically eligible quarterback available - and his development will be crucial if the Regents want to keep pace in the Valley Mission League.

Other key players include offensive lineman Jorge Deleon and John Pally and defensive lineman John Boyd.

-- Daylon McCutcheon, who played cornerback at USC before a nine-year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, has joined the coaching staff at his alma mater, Bishop Amat of La Puente, which competes in the Serra League with Crespi, Notre Dame and Loyola of Los Angeles.

-- Delaney Willard, a senior softball standout at Camarillo, has committed to BYU following an unofficial visit.

"I just fell in love with the place. It's beautiful," Willard said.

As a junior, Willard, a shortstop who is the daughter of Camarillo head coach Jack Willard, batted .505 with nine home runs, 44 RBIs and a .901slugging percentage.

In other softball recruiting news, Burroughs of Burbank's Kerry Hodgins has committed to New Mexico, where she'll follow her sister, Ryanne, who graduated last semester.

-- Baseball coach Matt Whisenant of Montclair Prep of Panorama City has resigned under pressure - after a group of parents complained about him.

"It was a mutual agreement," athletic director Ken Smith said.

Rick Weber is the new coach. He formerly led Birmingham of LakeBalboa and Bel-Air Prep of LosAngeles.

-- And finally, former Grant of Van Nuys basketball star Gino Riney, in the midst of a comeback after serving three years in prison on a robbery conviction, has transferred from College of the Canyons to L.A. Valley College.

Ever the humble one, Riney predicts he'll score 50 on Canyons when the teams meet this season.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

(661) 257-5218

DAILY NEWS TOP LINEBACKERS IN AREA

1. Patrick Larimore, Hart, Sr. – Can you say brute force?
2. Donovan Carter, Birmingham, Sr. – Like Larimore, committed to UCLA
3. Anthony McDonald, Notre Dame, Sr. – A big-time hitter
4. Justin McKillop, Saugus, Sr. – Part of twin terror tandem
5. Ryan McKillop, Saugus, Sr. – The other part
6. Malcolm Jones, Oaks Christian, So. – Could be the next Marc Tyler
7. Quintin Greenlaw, Rio Mesa, Sr. – A major-college prospect
8. Oscar Choto, San Fernando, Sr. – Returning All-City selection
9. Walter Woods, Palmdale, Jr. – Major force in Golden League
10. Andrew Hunt, Chatsworth, Sr. – Flies to the football
11. Matt McGinnis, Agoura, Sr. – Possesses a mean streak
12. Michael Lien, Valencia, Sr. – This should be his year
13. Jordan Barrett, Notre Dame, Jr. – A lot to handle
14. T.J. Rosas, Birmingham, Sr. – Will put the hurt on you
15. Angel Anguiano, Sylmar, Sr. – Creates a lot of havoc
16. Justin Stevens, Canyon, Sr. – Impact transfer from rival Hart
17. Thomas Franco, Chatsworth, Sr. – Loves to lay the wood
18. Ina Liaina, Rio Mesa, Sr. – Coming off big junior season
19. Justin Robertson, Antelope Valley, Sr. – All kinds of potential
20. Jarrel Holland, Taft, Sr. – Too quick to block
21. Thomas Doupe, Westlake, Sr. – A force at LB or DL
22. Darwin Bacelis, Eagle Rock, Sr. – Excellent tackling skills
23. Sema’J Myles, Loyola, Sr. – A team leader
24. Jonathan Hammock, LB, Canyon – Coming back from shoulder injury
25. Lazelle Allston, Monroe, Sr. – Has a nose for the football
26. Dakota Luster, Hart, Sr. – Coming off face injury
27. Tyler O’Brien, West Ranch, Sr. – Great natural instincts
28. Glenn Coppola, El Camino Real, Sr. – Also plays QB
29. Chris Warren, Chaminade, Sr. – Key part of defense
30. Ron Tatham, Newbury Park, Sr. – 100 tackles last year

OTHERS: Anthony Barr, Loyola, So.; Kyle Budrick, Burroughs, Sr.; Mick Bruce, Taft, So. Chris Carter, Crespi, Jr. Justin Coleman, Granada Hills, Sr.; Christian Diance, Van Nuys; Chance Flaaten, Newbury Park, Sr.; Josh Harmon, Chatsworth, Jr Jacob Mesa, Burroughs, Sr.; Gino Monaco, Lancaster, Sr.; Isacc Ocampo, Kennedy, Sr.; Sam Ramirez, Valencia, Sr.; Korey Turk, Burbank., Sr.
-- Gerry Gittelson

DAILY NEWS TOP DEFENSIVE LINEMEN IN AREA
1. Wes Horton, Notre Dame, Sr. -- A one-man wrecking crew
2. Craig Noble, Taft, Sr. -- This kid can really get after it
3. Malik Jackson, Birmingham, Sr. -- 12.5 sacks as junior
4. Marquis Jackson, Birmingham, Sr. -- Malik's twin brother
5. Mike Spagnola, Canyon, Sr. -- Coming off 14-sack season
6. Karim Williams, Crespi, Sr. -- Must be double-teamed
7. Julian Fields, Crespi, Sr. -- Brother of Utah State LB Daryl Fields
8. Chad Ellis, Highland, Sr. -- 11 sacks last year
9. Erik Plumlee, Hart, Sr. -- Coaches love his all-around athleticism
10. Dereck Jester, Thousand Oaks, Jr. -- Possesses major athletic skills
11. Wayne Ennis, Lancaster, Sr. -- No one is tougher
12. Chris Coyle, Oaks Christian, Jr. -- Also a top TE
13. Jonathan Rossi, Loyola, Sr. -- Lots of quickness
14. Buddy Fishman, Crespi, Sr. -- Expect a breakout season
15. Matt Kaminski, Hart, Sr. -- Should be a major force
16. Danny Robinson, Canyon, Sr. -- A key piece of the puzzle
17. Ross Gruber, Harvard Westlake, Sr. -- Coming off injury-marred season
18. Alex Reitnouer, St. Francis, Sr. -- Coach Bonds loves his explosiveness
19. Mike Hodeib, North Hollywood, Sr. -- Returning All-City selection
20. Dustin Geyer, Oak Park, Sr. -- Also a top OL
21, Michael Willis, Loyola, Sr. -- Very quick and aggressive
22. Andrew Garza, Verdugo Hills, Sr. -- Three-year starter
23. Brit Smith, Lancaster, Sr. -- Big, strong and mobile
24. Glen Rivera, Saugus, Sr. -- Tearing it up in practice
Others: Josh Caldo, North Hollywood, Sr.; Hector Ferrell, Verdugo Hills, Sr.; Brandon Lott, Antelope Valley, Sr.
-- Gerry Gittelson, 661 257 521

DAILY NEWS TOP KICKERS IN AREA

1. Jordan Mannisto, Westlake, Sr. – Kicked 13 field goals (two 50-plus) in ’06.

2. Jelani Blunt, Eagle Rock, Sr. – 10 punts instead 20 last year.

3. Eric Bailey, Agoura, Sr. – Trains with kicking guru Chris Sailer

4. Kyle Strazzeri, Alemany, Sr. – Returning first-team All-Mission Leaguer.

5. Garret Hernandez, Canyon, Sr. -- Specializes in coiffin-corner punts.

6. Luis Casteneda, Knight, Sr. -- All-Southern Section honoree in ’06.

7. Brett Lloyd, Antelope Valley, Sr. -- Hitting 55-yard FG’s in practice.

8. David Matic, Newbury Park, Jr. – His nickname is “Auto.”

9. Paris Figueroa, Royal, Sr. – Takes over for standout Danny Jennings.

10. Jose Bettancourt, Van Nuys, So. – Expect a breakout year.

11. Marduk Cano, Kennedy, Jr. – Soccer convert has lots of potential.

-- Gerry Gittelson

DAILY NEWS DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. E.J. Woods, Crespi, Sr. – UCLA commit is a major hitter
2. Sean Westgate, Oak Park, Sr. – Opponents avoid him
3. Dietrich Riley, St. Francis, So. – Possesses unlimited potential
4. Justin Lilley, Westlake, Jr. – Returning All-Southern Section selection
5. Jerell Thomas, Rio Mesa, Sr. – Also a top running back
6. Mark Watley, Crespi, Sr. – Team-high 86 tackles, four INTs in ’06
7 Mario Wright, Saugus, Sr. – Has all the tools
8 Marlon Pollard, Valencia, Jr. – Already committed to UCLA
9 Khristian Guillory, Palmdale, Sr. – Three-year starter has strong bloodlines
10. Cory Perkins, Chaminade, Sr. – Coming off big junior season
11. Gregg Burgess, Birmingham, Sr. – Impact transfer from Crenshaw
12. Tyler Eyrich, Hart, Sr. – Terrific all-around athlete
13. Jake Mittel, Royal, Sr. – Seven INTs last year
14. Charles Roberson, Sylmar, Sr. – Among Valley’s quickest defenders
15. Eddie Smith, Saugus, Sr. – Cousin of Canyon assistant Ric Bailey
16. Spenser Souza, Hart, Jr. – Coming off serious summer head injury
17. Tyler Brown, Camarillo, Sr. – Flies to the football
18. Ryan Landseadel, Oaks Christian, Sr. – Has never lost a HS game
19. Andy Firestone, Harvard Westlake, Sr. – TV personality Roy Firestone’s son
20. James Flynn, Notre Dame, Jr. – Lots of athletic ability

Others: Ross Bacon, West Ranch, Sr.; Justin Edwards, Newbury Park, Sr.; Chris Fierro, Kennedy, Sr.; Buddy Robinson, Saugus, Sr.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Here’s a good comeback story: After taking a year off from football during his junior year in 2005 to contemplate his athletic future, Canyon High defensive back Anthony King has come back in a big way, signing a Toledo football scholarship after a great senior season.

“After my initial reaction, it’s actually turned out to be a good choice in the long run (to take the year off),” said King’s mother, Sheila.

King leaves tonight.

“I’m going to miss him a whole lot. He’s my baby,” she said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218

William S. Hart's PONY Mustang team (10-under) has advanced to the World Series in Irving, Texas, opening tonight vs. Illinois -- the league's fifth appearance in the Mustang World Series over the past 12 years.

Among Hart's top players are Cody Miller, Sean Cosley, Jagger Rusconi and Dayton Provost.

Hart last won the series in 1998 with a team that included Tyler Lyon and Matt Valaika.

-- Gerry Gittelson, (661) 257-5218
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com