September 2007 Archives
BY GERRY GITTELSON
Staff Writer
DAILY NEWS PREP FOOTBALL TOP 20
1.Birmingham (4-1) – Would be a shock if Patriots lose another game
2. Hart (4-0) – Starters called it a night early in 2nd quarter vs. Claremont
3. Crespi (3-1) – Deeply talented Celts appear to have no weaknesses
4. Notre Dame (3-1) – Showed heart in comeback win over Saugus
5. Oaks Christian (2-2) – Talented but must keep intensity for whole game
6. Saugus (3-1) – No opposing RB has surpassed 100 yards
7. Chaminade (4-0) – Why play overmatched ECR this week?
8. Newbury Park (4-0) – Key Marmonte League showdown vs. Westlake
9. Palmdale (3-1) – Should not lose another regular-season game
10. Westlake (2-2) – Registered two safeties in win over Calabasas
11. Valencia (2-2) – Last year’s two-win season a distant memory
12. Alemany (3-1) – But can the Warriors defeat a good team?
13. St. Francis (3-1) – On a roll after third victory in a row
14. Canyon (1-3) – Cowboys need to wake up or it could be a long year
15. Oak Park (3-1) – Another step-up game vs. Camarillo this week
16. Thousand Oaks (2-2) – Lancers on comeback trail with two wins in row
17. Harvard Westlake (3-1) – Loss to City power Carson should evoke toughness
18. Loyola (2-2) – No shame in loss to powerful Dominguez
19. Simi Valley (3-1) – Yet to allow more than two TDs in one game
20. Moorpark (2-2) – A hard team to gauge after up-and-down first month
POINTS AFTER TOUCHDOWN
BY GERRY GITTELSON
Columnist
Saturday mornings are a lively time when you cover high school football, and this week the first call came from Poly of Sun Valley coach Scott Faer, still awake from the night before and quite livid about the officiating in a 42-38 loss at Verdugo Hills.
“I’ve never been so homered in my life. It was the worst officiating crew I’ve ever seen,” Faer said. “I’ve lost sleep over it. They wouldn’t even let me ask them questions, instead just screaming at us to let them do their job. We had about 140 yards in penalties, and I’m telling you, it was not a fair win. But it’s the books. I just hope we see this Verdugo team again in the playoffs.”
Meantime, Poly has three home games in row, beginning with a nonleague game against Salesian of L.A.
The next one I talked to, Granada Hills’ coach Straun Joseph, also wasn’t too happy about the officiating from the night before. But at least his team won 48-10 over Palisades.
It all started when I asked about running back Anthony Dawkins, who rushed for 256 yards and three touchdowns.
“He should have had 400 but three 60-yard runs were called back,” Joseph said. “I’ll tell you the truth. There were some questionable calls.”
-- Who would have thought a month into the season you’d look at the Foothill League standings and see Golden Valley 2-2 and Canyon 1-3?
Didn’t eventual CIF State Div. I champion Canyon defeat Golden Valley 90-0 last year?
OK, the level of opposing competition is a bit skewed, but still.
“The kids are playing hard, they’re doing a good job -- and we’re having a lot more fun,” Golden Valley coach Steve Pinkston said. “Our defense has given up just one touchdown in the second half, so they’ve really stepped up.
“The nice thing is the success is spreading throughout the campus, so that’s a lot of fun. And you know what? With a few breaks, this team could very easily be 3-1 or 4-0.”
-- Speaking of Canyon, former coach Harry Welch has moved on as coach at one of the section’s Southernmost schools, St. Margaret’s of San Juan Capistrano, but the 62-year-old keeps popping back into the local news.
St. Margaret’s defeated Campbell Hall of North Hollywood 49-10 on Friday, and it turns out Steve Kaplan, the father of Campbell Hall quarterback Zach Kaplan, is a longtime friend of Welch, though the two had lost touch.
“I couldn’t believe it was the same Steve Kaplan – we were volleyball partners on the beach every day when we both lived in Marina del Rey from 1978 to 1981,” Welch said. “I hadn’t heard from him in 20 years.”
== Grace Brethren of Simi Valley is 3-1, but don’t blame the Lancers for continuing to wonder just how good they are. All three victories have come against teams with a current 0-5 record.
== When it was suggested in these pages last week that it’s time for Oaks Christian to start a new streak after falling for the first time in 48 games, we didn’t mean a LOSING streak. But here stand the mighty Lions, a four-time section champion, with two consecutive losses after a 41-35 defeat to Venice preceding by a 41-33 loss to St. Bonaventure of Ventura.
“We played very well in the first half and not so well in the second half, and we let them back in,” coach Bill Redell said. “Venice is a good team, and you can’t let a good team like that back in the game.”
Oaks Christian (2-2), reeling from the graduation of 10 NCAA Division I signees (including All-Americans Jimmy Clausen and Marc Tyler), has allowed 82 points over the past two games heading into Thursday’s nonleague matchup against Diamond Ranch (3-1) of Pomona.
“We’ll be ready,” Redell said.
Oaks Christian is 78-7-1 since 2001 and has never lost more than two games in one season.
-- After a season-ending knee injury in the first game of the season, Crespi of Encino’s touted quarterback, Kevin Prince, said UCLA has promised to keep a scholarship open for him once Prince returns from a planned two-year Mormon mission.
Meantime, Price has fallen into his role as sophomore Bryan Bennett’s quarterback tutor, helping the replacement along, as the Celts (3-1) forge through a difficult nonleague schedule that continues Thursday against two-time Northern Division champion Canyon.
“I’ve leaned that sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone,” Prince said. “You shouldn’t take anything for granted. But I’m trying to help Bryan become as good as he possibly can be, and he’s improved a lot.”
Bennett was never better during a 25-9 victory Friday over national power St. Bonaventure. He completed 12 of 21 for 227 yards, including a 78-yard touchdown.
-- Add Crespi: Cardinal Roger Mahoney was on hand, watching from the sideline. Daily News photog Tom Mendoza even caught a shot of him talking on his cell phone during the game.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
Gerry Gittelson’s column appears in the Daily News twice a week.
HE SAID
“The coffin door was shut, the nails were in place, but we dropped the hammer.”
-- Saugus coach Jason Bornn, on a last-second 38-35 loss to Notre Dame
UNSUNG HEROES
Joseph Figueroa, LB, Golden Valley and Trevon Smith, LB, Golden Valley
After going winless in 2006, Figueroa and Smith have helped Golden Valley to a 2-2 record, including a 16-6 victory Friday over Kilpatrick of Malibu.
Figueroa, a sophomore, is just 5-7 and 155 pounds but isn’t afraid to mix it up with blockers 100 pounds heavier.
“He’s really leading our defense,” coach Steve Pinkston said. “He’s really stepping and playing big, especially for a sophomore.”
Trevon Smith, a converted quarterback who returned two years ago after a brief transfer to Crespi of Encino, is 5-9, 260 – one of the Southland’s stockiest linebackers.
“He’s huge and strong and a wide load,” Pinkston said. “Trevon Smith brings new meaning to plugging the hole.”
LAST WEEK’S TOP PERFORMANCES
Delano Howell, RB, Hart – Who knows how many yards and touchdowns Howell might have accumulated had he remained in the game instead of calling it a night with nine minutes remaining in the second quarter of a 50-10 victory at Claremont? As things were, he rushed for 231 yards and three TDs – including a 94-yarder – on just seven carries, and he caught three passes for 95 yards. He also had a 55-yard punt return TD called back on a penalty.
Cornell McTier, OL, Granada – McTier, a 6-3, 250-pound junior, came through with several pancake blocks to help spring running back Anthony Dawkins, who rushed for 256 yards and three TDs in a 48-10 victory over Palisades.
“We ran a lot of dives right over him. Cornell played a heck of a game,” coach Straun Joseph said.
Dayne Crist, QB, Notre Dame – With just over one minute remaining, Crist engineered an 80-yard scoring drive, pulling out a 38-35 comeback victory over Saugus with a 5-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to Jeff Dickmann with 5 seconds left. Crist finished 20 of 30 for 313 yards and three TDs, and he also scored a TD.
BIG GAMES
Crespi (3-1) at Canyon (1-3), Thursday 7 p.m. – Two teams going in opposite directions, but both command respect. Crespi is coming off an impressive 25-9 victory over state power St. Bonaventure of Ventura, while two-time Northern Division champion Canyon fell 24-21 to Chaminade of West Hills on a last-minute field goal.
Servite (4-0) at Notre Dame (3-1), Friday 7:30 p.m.– A very tough game for Notre Dame against one of Orange County’s top programs, as former Crespi head coach Troy Thomas returns to the San Fernando Valley. Notre Dame, led by QB Dayne Crist, DL Wes Horton and LB Anthony McDonald, should have plenty of momentum after a last-second comeback victory over Saugus..
Hart (4-0) vs. Loyola (2-2) at College of the Canyons, Friday 7 p.m. -- These rivals have had a lot of close, dramatic showdowns through the years, but Hart should have a strong edge, as the Indians, led by QB B.R. Holbrook, RB Delano Howell, OL Derek Bickford and LB Patrick Larimore, have scored 28 points or more every game this season.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
Milton Knox gained 178 yards tonight, putting him just 99 yards short of Jerry Brown's (Taft High) City Section record. He should break it in Birmingham's next game, Oct. 12 against Chatsworth. For an interesting read, and some great historical insight, check out Ronnie Flores' article on Knox in this week's CalHi Sports.
After tonight's impressive victory over St. Bonaventure, it certainly appears that way. Earlier in the week, I talked with the coaches at St. Bonaventure about Crespi and they said they were very worried about the Celts' speed on defense. Turns out, that read was very prescient. The kid I'm super impressed with though is Austin Shanks. He's a little undersized, so that's why you haven't heard much recruiting chatter about him, but every night, he seems to be the guy making plays. It'll be interesting to see which college gets over his height and gives him a chance, because he certainly deserves one.
BY GERRY GITTELSON
Staff Writer
DAILY NEWS PREP FOOTBALL TOP 20
1. Birmingham (3-1) – A good candidate to win third City title in row – and a CIF State DI title, too
2. Hart (3-0) – Like most Hart teams through the years, the best is yet to come
3. Notre Dame (2-1) – No shame in loss to Birmingham last week
4. Oaks Christian (2-1) – Oh well, guess it’s time to start a new streak
5. Saugus (3-0) – If Saugus beats N.D. this week, we could be looking at strongest Cent team ever
6. Crespi (2-1) – In for another grueling showdown vs. St. Bonaventure
7. Canyon (1-2) – Feeling better after first victory but still in rebuilding mode
8. Chaminade (3-0) – Averaging 40.6 points but yet to face a tough defense
9. Newbury Park (3-0) – Looking more and more like comeback season for Panthers
10. Palmdale (2-1) – No one can stop RB Ronald Scott
11. Westlake (1-2) – Rough go vs. Foothill League competition
12. Alemany (2-1) – See Westlake
13. Oak Park (2-1) – Tough loss to larger N.P. should prove beneficial down the road
14. Harvard Westlake (3-0) – Don’t be surprised if Wolverines, facing light schedule, enter playoffs undefeated
15. St. Francis (2-1) – Golden Knights have played tough defense but face heavy favorite Los Altos
16. Loyola (2-1) – Faces defending Western Division champ Dominguez
17. Moorpark (2-1) – Should win next three in a row
18. Thousand Oaks (1-2) – Impressive win over Camarillo makes up for 0-2 start
19. Agoura (2-1) – Could be a sleeper in Marmonte League
20. West Ranch (2-1) – Must finish in top three in Foothill to make playoffs, but that won’t be easy
League updates
ALPHA
Campbell Hall Gregory Zebrack, one of the Southern Section’s leading WRs, has 26 receptions for 446 yards in three games.
DEL REY
Harvard-Westlake is bracing for its most difficult test of the season tonight against City Section power Carson. A year ago, Carson was the heavy favorite, but Harvard-Westlake came through with an upset. This time, Harvard-Westlake, coming off a bye, is 3-0, while Carson is 1-2.
“Carson is going to be made because they just lost to Long Beach Poly,” Harvard-Westlake coach Vic Eumont said.
DESERT MOUNTAIN
Desert Christian’s Cameron Gusbeth, coming off two successive 200-yard rushing performances, is off to a flying start. In four games, he’s rushed for 742 yards and scored nine touchdowns. He also has 33 tackles, and he’s averaging 40.6 yards on kick returns and 14.2 yards on punt returns.
MARMONTE
Agoura, which opens league competition tonight against Thousand Oaks, looks to parlay the momentum from a last-second 31-28 victory over Rio Mesa, as Eric Bailey kicked a game-winning 37-yard field goal.
“It was nice to have a win like that going into league. I think we’re improving,” coach Charlie Wegher said. “The main thing is, we’ve got to get better every week, so we’re working hard and trying to stay focused. Thousand Oaks might be 1-2 but they’ve played a rugged preseason schedule. You look at them on film, and they have all the pieces. We have our work cut out for us.”
“I think Doug is really starting to settle into his role, and I was real pleased with the way he played last week,” Wegher said.
MISSION
With leading rusher Cory Bass (broken collarbone) out for the season, Chaminade plans to use several RBs tonight vs. Canyon – ian Colburn, Chris Warren and C.A. Nunerly.
“We’re doing it by committee,” coach Anthony Harris said.
Also, Mykel Durr has switched from LB to DE.
NORTHERN
Eagle Rock QB Jelani Blunt is enjoying a good start. He’s passed for 544 yards and six TDs, and he’s rushed for 159 yards and four TDs, as Eagle Rock is 4-0. He’s also averaged 36.1 yards per punt with a long of 54, and four of eight punts inside the 20. Teammate Bryan Trujillo has five INTs, tops in the City Section.
OLYMPIC
Paraclete’s Beau Lynch and Kyle Swanson have proved solid defensively for Paraclete (4-0). Lynch is averaging 10.8 tackles per game, and Swanson 10.5.
PACIFIC
Burbank, looking for its first win under new coach Ted Amorosi, faces Arcadia tonight, and the Bulldogs figure to be in for another tough game.
“Arcadia always does a great job because they’re fundamentally solid in all aspects of the game,” Amorosi said. “To beat Arcadia, you’ve got to earn it.”
Arcadia upset St. Francis in the first game of the year.
SANTA FE
Bell-Jeff’s Jorge Chaidez, considered one of California’s top small-schools RBs, has rushed for 674 yards on just 51 carries – an average of 13.2 yards per carry. He’s also averaging 43.4 yards on kick returns, including a 99-yard TD last week, and 25.7 yards on punt returns. Overall, Chaidez has totaled an average of 272.3 all-purpose yards per game.
Bell-Jeff (3-1) plays at Lucerne Valley today, the first of three consecutive road games before three home games to end the regular season.
SERRA
Crespi continues its tough nonleague schedule against St. Bonaventure, ranked No. 1 in the Northern Division, at Pierce College tonight.
“It’s going to be a difficult game. We need to step up and make the plays,” Crespi WR Blake Stanton said.
SUNSET SIX
One week after recovering two fumbles in a loss to Panorama, Van Nuys LB Dontae Jelks totaled three sacks for minus-26 yards Thursday in a victory over West Adams Prep.
VALLEY MISSION
Reseda’s Oleg Gladchenko has five sacks over the past two games.
WEST VALLEY
Birmingham LB Donovan Carter totaled 14 tackles last week in a victory over Notre Dame, giving him 43 in four games – an average of 10.8 per game – with two sacks. Teammate Marquis Jackson, a DE, has 5.5 sacks.
Q and A with Reseda running back Giovannie Dixon
There isn’t a hotter running back than Reseda’s Giovannie Dixon, who’s rushed for 669 yards (9.8 avg.) – tops in the entire City Section -- and scored five TDs, including a 70-yard run. In three games, he has totaled 193 yards or more every week, including a 227-yard, two-touchdown performance in a 35-31 victory Thursday over Golden Valley.
Dixon, a senior who’s coming off a 1,300-yard season last year, also is averaging 31.3 yards on kick returns, and he has five tackles as a part-time safety.
The 5-11, 195-pound Dixon has impressive power and terrific breakaway speed. Once he gets into the open field, he’s nearly impossible to catch from behind, and he’s the primary weapon for the Regents (3-0), who play host to Canoga Park tonight.
Hey Giovannie, how’s it going?
Good, good. It’s going all right.
You’ve rushed for a lot of yards so far.
Yeah, I’ve just been running hard, trying to break the 2,000-yard barrier. I don’t know what the record is at Reseda, but I’d like to get 2,000 this year.
You’re off to a fast start at 3-0. But the same thing happened last year, when you started 5-0 but faded in the Valley Mission League. Are you concerned about keeping the momentum this year?
Definitely. I don’t want that to happen again. This is my senior year, my last year, so it means a lot more to me. This year we want to go all the way, so hopefully we can keep everything on track and try to accomplish something.
I don’t think too many people really know much about Reseda or who you are. Are you the San Fernando Valley’s well-kept secret?
Well, that’s definitely how we felt last year. This year, I think people know a little more about us.
I assume defenses are designed to stop you because you’re the main guy, right?
Yeah, every team has eight or nine guys in the box, but sometimes we’ve caught the other team slipping a little bit.
Reseda is still untested, I think. You’ve yet to play a really strong opponent. Agreed?
Yeah, maybe we need to lose a game, and that would shut us up a little bit and realize this isn’t just a game.
You think it would be good to lose a game? Are you kidding?
No, I’m serious. It might really help because it would wake us up.
Well, as long as you do keep winning, I’d have to say you’re one of the favorites in the Valley Mission League.
Yeah, that’s actually true. I’m worried about San Fernando, but that’s about it. They’ve got a very elusive quarterback.
What do you think of your teammate, offensive lineman John Pally? He played with a stomach flu last week, and I hear he was vomiting during the game but stuck it out.
Yeah, he actually had one of his best games since I’ve been playing with him. That took a lot of guts. I thought he could maybe play one half, but he kept on going.
Any recruiting news?
Most of the Pac-10 schools have sent me letters, but nothing else. As far as playing at the next level, I think I can do it. I love football, and it’s pretty much the only thing I want to do in life. I just can’t see myself not playing football at the next level.
BIG MATCHUP
Saugus RB Ryan Zirbel, Jr.
vs. Notre Dame LB Anthony McDonald, Sr.
Saugus vs. Notre Dame
7:30 tonight at College of the Canyons
Measureables:
Zirbel, 5-10, 186 pounds
McDonald, 6-3, 230 pounds
What they like to do:
Zirbel is a pure tailback with terrific natural instincts, impressive power, and breakaway speed. He hits the hole hard, and when Zirbel is on – which is often – Saugus loves to give him the football over and over again.
McDonald isn’t just a tough linebacker who loves contact. He also has great technique, and few defenders can match his tackling skills. He likes to fly to the ball, but he’s also careful not to overpursue.
What needs to be done:
If you’re Notre Dame, your first priority is to stop Zirbel, then worry about everyone else. He’s the focal point of Saugus’ offense, and the Centurions like to play off his success. So it’s simple: stop Zirbel or it could be a long night for the Knights.
If you’re Saugus, you need to account for McDonald at all times, especially when Zirbel is carrying the ball, because the Knights’ game plan undoubtedly will center on stopping Saugus’ running game. So a key priority for the Cents is to block McDonald; that’s one less obstacle for Zirbel to worry about.
What have you done for me lately:
Zirbel rushed for 189 yards and scored three TDs Friday in a 35-7 victory over Alemany of Mission Hills. He has 522 yards (7.8 avg.), six receptions and nine TDs, including a 92-yard kick return.
McDonald had several key tackles Thursday in a 28-21 loss to Birmingham. Despite the defeat, McDonald’s profile was raised because the game was televised nationally by ESPN2.
The future:
Just a junior, Zirbel has yet to receive a firm scholarship offer. But he’s receiving interest from major programs and should be a top recruit next season. He’s been a standout since his sophomore year.
McDonald has verbally committed to Notre Dame, where he’s join teammate Dayne Crist, a quarterback, and fellow Serra League player Joseph Fauria, a tight end from Crespi of Encino.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
I've been getting a few e-mails with links to highlight videos that've been posted on YouTube. Tonight's video comes from Simi Valley, where running back Langston Hughes has developed into one of the toughest runners in Ventura County.
Oaks Christian faces a new test
BY GERRY GITTELSON, Columnist
It will be interesting to see how the Oaks Christian of Westlake Village football team responds to the end of its Southern Section-record 48-game winning streak.
The players did not know what it felt like to lose a varsity game until a 41-33 defeat Friday to national power St. Bonaventure of Ventura. And there is no soft place to fall for the Lions (2-1), who play host Friday to City Section power Venice (3-0), which has scored 33 points or more in every game this season.
After nearly coming back from a 27-0 deficit against St.Bonaventure, Oaks Christian proved it has heart. Now the Lions must prove they have resiliency, too.
"Actually, once I looked at the film of the St.Bonaventure game, I think we're an even better team than I thought," coach Bill Redell said.
Oaks Christian's streak broke the section record co-held by three-time section champion Canyon, which won 46 in a row from 1983 to 1986.
How did Canyon respond 21 years ago? After the streak ended with a loss to Antelope Valley in the ninth week of the season, Canyon won threegames in a row before losing to Muir of Pasadena in the section semifinals.
"The night the streak ended, I remember it like yesterday," former Canyon coach Harry Welch said. "By that time, the streak was the longest in the nation, and it had taken on a life of its own because the community had become so involved.
"The next morning, I just told the kids that they shouldn't take on the responsibility for losing something that had been going on for four years, and that any mistake that was made was mine, not theirs."
-- Few prep football players are as ferocious as linebacker Lazelle Allston of Monroe of North Hills, and there's proof in the form of Allston's broken helmet, which now gets passed around as a reward to the team's player of the week.
"To hit someone so hard that you break your own helmet? I've never seen anything like it before," Monroe coach Don Senegal said. "And it was a Revolution (brand) helmet, too, and those are top of the line."
Allston, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior, has 32tackles and one sack in four games. The Vikings (3-1) have won three in a row.
-- After three relatively easy victories against non-elite opponents, the Chaminade of West Hills football team plays a step-up game Friday at two-time Northern Division champion Canyon (1-2), the defending CIF State Div. I Bowl titlist.
Canyon is off to a slow start, but the losses were to state powers Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks and St. Bonaventure, so the Cowboys remain a scary opponent.
"This is the kind of game that can catapult us if we're successful, because I don't think Chaminade has ever defeated Canyon," Chaminade first-year coach Anthony Harris said. "This week we'll find out who we are. But you know me. I'm from a small school (Campbell Hall of North Hollywood), so I always think of myself as the underdog, and you always want to root for the underdog."
Meantime, Chaminade might have a secret weapon in new running back C.A. Nunerly, a sophomore who has been promoted this week in the wake of starter Cory Bass' season-ending collarbone injury.
"C.A. is just a little guy, 5-5 and 140 pounds, but it's all muscle," Harris said. "He's actually the most natural, instinctive running back in our whole program. It will depend on the flow of the game this week, but he'll definitely see the football."
-- Rene Howard, a talented receiver/defensive back at Granada Hills, makes his football debut Friday against visiting Palisades after winning an appeal for a hardship waiver granting him a fifth year of eligibility.
Granada Hills is Howard's third school after attending Birmingham of Lake Balboa and Chatsworth.
"Rene is excited, and he looks good in practice," coach Straun Joseph said. "He's still getting his legs and working his way into it, but he'll start against Palisades. He's that good, and he's going to blossom."
-- After finishing 6-5 last season, Burbank's football team is 0-3, including two shutout losses, under new coach Ted Amorosi. But Amorosi, whose team continues to adjust to an all-new offense, says no one should give up on the Bulldogs, one of five Pacific League teams without a victory.
"We're ready to turn the corner," Amorosi said. "We just need to come out and play hard and play what we're calling Bulldog football."
-- And finally, Agoura might have the area's coolest football uniforms, a replica of the old San Diego Chargers' pattern but with royal blue instead of navy - complete with lighting bolts on the helmets, jerseys and pants.
"People seem to like them. They look sharp," coach Charlie Wegher said. "You know what? No matter how we play, we always look good."
Gerry Gittelson's column appears in the Daily News three times a week.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
POINTS AFTER TOUCHDOWN
BY GERRY GITTELSON
Columnist
The football gods giveth, and the football gods taketh away. That was the lesson this past weekend, as Calabasas’ 44-game losing streak ended, and Oaks Christian of Westlake Village’s 48-game winning streak ended, too.
Calabasas, with more difficult opponents ahead, was in serious danger of eclipsing Moorpark’s Southern Section record 46-game skid. But the Coyotes avoided an unwanted distinction in the record books by defeating Channel Islands 28-14 on Thursday, allowing just 40 yards in the first half.
Oaks Christian’s streak remains a Southern Section record, though well short of Concord De La Salle’s national mark of 151. The Lions lost 41-33 to St. Bonaventure of Ventura on Friday after rallying from a 27-0 deficit.
The Calabasas kids are beaming and filled with pride – reasonably so considering the players had never won a high school game at any level because the JV and frosh teams also have been winless over the past few years.
“They were happy, and it was good to see some smiles on their faces,” coach Lance Martin said. “But my job this week remains the same because we need to keep getting better. It was a great win, we had a good time with it, but it’s my job to keep them mentally focused.”
Defending CIF State Div. III champion Oaks Christian (2-1), which has won four section titles in a row and had last lost a game in 2002, has another tough game against Venice (3-0) on Friday.
-- One thing is for sure at Crespi of Encino. The Celts don’t shy away from tough competition, and this week they play host to St. Bonaventure, ranked No. 1 in the Northern Division and No. 2 in the state behind star running back Darrell Scott, who’s rushed for 824 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in four games.
Scott is the third running back of national prominence to face Crespi, which has already seen Birmingham’s Milton Knox and Centennial of Corona’s Ryan Bass, both coming off 2,000-yard seasons.
“The interesting thing is every week has been totally different in terms of preparation,” Crespi defensive back E.J. Woods said. “With Milton Knox, we had to adjust to the power pitch, and with Ryan Bass, he was just so shifty. Now Darrell Scott, this should be a good game.”
-- Germi Morrison, an all-purpose back at Monroe of North Hills, is electric. He barely touched the football in the first game of the season but has since come through with three terrific performances: nine carries for 172 yards and a 72-yard touchdown in a Sept. 7 win over Grant, followed by 15 caries for 168 yards and two TDs, including an 82-yarder, in a win over Arleta, then 10 carries for 129 yards and eight receptions for 146 yards in Thursday’s win over North Hollywood – scoring on a 22-yard run and receptions of 50 and 34 yards.
After totaling just four victories in coach Don Senegal’s first two seasons, Monroe is 3-1 heading into Friday’s 3 p.m. game at Jefferson of L.A.
-- The new motion picture “Mr. Woodcock,” starring Billy Bob Thornton, features a cameo appearance by Canyon’s 2005 football team, as 33 players performed as extras during a scene filmed in Santa Clarita.
-- Adam Corolla, a popular morning radio DJ on KLSX-FM 97.1, was a top football player at North Hollywood High in the early 1980s. He often talks on air about his playing days in high school and Pop Warner.
-- Haneef Smith, expected to be a Glendale’s top returning player, has resurfaced at Roosevelt of Corona, where he’s a starting linebacker.
“It’s pretty cool out here,” Smith said.
-- And finally, during ESPN2’s national broadcast Thursday of the Birmingham-Notre Dame game, I can’t believe they left off my former classmate Cindy Margolis from a list of Birmingham’s most famous celebrity alums. She was the whole reason I showed up for school every morning.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
DAILY NEWS PREP FOOTBALL TOP 20
1. Birmingham (3-1) – A good candidate to win third City title in row – and a CIF State DI title, too
2. Hart (3-0) – Like most Hart teams through the years, the best is yet to come
3. Notre Dame (2-1) – No shame in loss to Birmingham last week
4. Oaks Christian (2-1) – Oh well, guess it’s time to start a new streak
5. Saugus (3-0) – If Saugus beats N.D. this week, we could be looking at strongest Cent team ever
6. Crespi (2-1) – In for another grueling showdown vs. St. Bonaventure
7. Canyon (1-2) – Feeling better after first victory but still in rebuilding mode
8. Chaminade (3-0) – Averaging 40.6 points but yet to face a tough defense
9. Newbury Park (3-0) – Looking more and more like comeback season for Panthers
10. Palmdale (2-1) – No one can stop RB Ronald Scott
11. Westlake (1-2) – Rough go vs. Foothill League competition
12. Alemany (2-1) – See Westlake
13. Oak Park (2-1) – Tough loss to larger N.P. should prove beneficial down the road
14. Harvard Westlake (3-0) – Don’t be surprised if Wolverines, facing light schedule, enter playoffs undefeated
15. St. Francis (2-1) – Golden Knights have played tough defense but face heavy favorite Los Altos
16. Loyola (3-1) – Faces defending Western Division champ Dominguez
17. Moorpark (2-1) – Should win next three in a row
18. Thousand Oaks (1-2) – Impressive win over Camarillo makes up for 0-2 start
19. Agoura (2-1) – Could be a sleeper in Marmonte League
20. West Ranch (3-0) – Must finish in top three in Foothill to make playoffs, but that won’t be easy
HE SAID
“We have a lot of heart, but St. Bonaventure has a lot of heart, too.”
-- Oaks Christian QB Chris Potter, following a 41-33 loss to St. Bonaventure to break a 48-game winning streak
UNSUNG HERO
With the score tied with one second left, Agoura’s Eric Bailey kicked a 37-yard field goal to clinch a 31-28 victory over Rio Mesa of Oxnard, which had called three consecutive timeouts to try to freeze Bailey.
But you can’t freeze a kid who has ice water in his veins. Even with a large group of Rio Mesa fans jeering him and chanting “Don’t choke,” Bailey was not fazed. A returning second-team All-Marmonte League selection, Bailey proved there’s another top kicker in the area besides Westlake’s Jordan Mannisto.
“It was wild, but Eric handled that situation very well,” Agoura coach Charlie Wegher said. “We would have done the same thing and called three time outs in a row. Eric was very cool.”
Bailey has two field goals this season, eight over two years.
LAST WEEK’S TOP PERFORMANCES
Matt Gentle, RB, Kennedy – Gentle rushed for 226 yards and a TD on 35 carries in a 20-13 loss to Taft, as Kennedy avoided a shutout for the first time this season.
“That kid runs hard, and he has good speed,” Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said. “The yards he gained after first contact were ridiculous. I’d say he got 180 of his hards after the first hit. We’d have him stopped for 1 yard, and he break it for 20. Finally, I said, ‘Oh my lord, can somebody tackle this guy?”
John Pally, OL, Reseda – Despite still suffering from a stomach flu that had caused him to miss two days of practice, Pally was the key blocker Thursday in a 35-31 victory over Golden Valley, helping Giovannie Dixon rush for 226 yards and two TDs.
“John vomited several times during the game,” Reseda coach Alonzo Arreloa said. “He couldn’t keep any food or fluids down, but he was still our best blocker.
Malcolm Roberson, RB, Glendale – Roberson rushed for 251 yards and a 30-yard touchdown in 29 carries Friday in a 20-17 loss to South Pasadena.
BIG GAMES
Saugus (3-0) vs. Notre Dame (2-2) at College of the Canyons, Friday 7:30 p.m. – Few teams have more momentum than Saugus, coming off impressive victories over Alemany and Westlake. The Centurions, led by speedy quarterback Desi Rodriguez, top RB Ryan Zirbel and LBs Justin and Ryan McKillop, are more talented than ever. But enough to hang with high-powered Notre Dame? The then-No. 1 Knights proved they’re not invincible in a loss to Birmingham, but be assured QB Dayne Crist and Co. will be ready this week.
Birmingham (3-1) vs. Dorsey (2-1) at Rancho Cienega Park, Friday 7 p.m. – Two annual City Section powers collide in this attractive nonleague showdown. Birmingham’s Milton Knox has rushed for 594 yards and nine TDs, as the Patriots have built momentum under first-year QB Morey Croson. Dorsey RB Jonathan Franklin (548 yards) rushed for 268 yards in 26 carries in a 12-7 win Friday over respectable Santa Margarita.
Crespi (2-1) vs. St. Bonaventure (4-0) at Pierce College, Friday 7 p.m. -- Crespi’s unrelenting nonleague schedule continues against the Seraphs, ranked No. 1 in the Northern Division and No. 2 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports. Crespi’s top-notch DL, led by Karim Williams, is in for a major test vs. RB Darrell Scott, who has three consecutive 200-yard performances.
INJURY REPORT
Mark Urbina, Canyon, WR (leg) – Urbina suffered a compound fracture in Thursday’s victory over Lancaster, then underwent surgery Friday. He’s out for the year. but the preseason All-Daily News selection is planning to play college football.
Jason Perez, Reseda, S (neck) – Perez was taken by ambulance to the hospital Thursday against Golden Valley, but mostly for precautionary reasons, according to Reseda coach Alonzo Arreola. Perez, who is scheduled for a followup exam Tuesday, is questionable vs. Canoga Park this week.
Craig Noble, Taft, OL/DL (knee) – Noble, one of California’s top college prospects, is definite this week after sitting out Thursday’s win over Kennedy.
E.J. Woods, Crespi, DB (ankle) – Injured two weeks ago against Centennial of Corona, Woods, a UCLA commit, is definite vs. St. Bonaventure on Friday. The Celts were idle this past week.
Andrew Bedigian, Calabasas, OL/DL (foot) – Bedigian, injured Thursday in a victory over Channel Islands, is doubtful this week because of swelling.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
OK, it's easy to pile on Clausen and the 0-3 Fighting Irish right now, but after what I saw from Dayne Crist tonight, it's at least worth a discussion...
You could make a pretty good argument for Crist. He's got a cannon for an arm, is a better runner than Clausen and is extremely poised under pressure. Clausen has perfect mechanics, a lightning fast release, rocket arm and a big-time pedigree. But for some reason, I just feel like Crist has the intangibles you look for in a starter. For one, he's played in much bigger games than Clausen ever did at Oaks Christian. He's overcome a lot more adversity (the broken vertebrae last year), and showed a ton of character.
Clausen was a fantastic player and there's no doubting his skills. But we never really saw him tested in HS so it's hard to really evaluate him. We've seen Crist tested and every time, he's able to stay poised, make big plays and lead his team.
Notre Dame didn't win tonight, but everyone who watched the game came away super impressed with Crist. Clausen's very good too, but it could be an interesting QB comeptetion in South Bend next fall.
Resurgent Alemany faces big test vs. Saugus
BY GERRY GITTELSON, Staffwriter
MISSION HILLS -- This is what seven straight losing seasons can do for a team: Win consecutive games to start the season and watch the skeptics howl.
Such is the state of things at Alemany of Mission Hills, where a potential turnaround season is being met with raised eyebrows.
Two wins against subpar opponents isn't enough for fans to shake the memory of last year's 4-6 finish or the six losing seasons that preceded it.
Which makes tonight's game against undefeated Saugus all the more intriguing - for the Warriors and interested observers.
"I'm really excited, and I think we'll do well (tonight)," Alemany quarterback Patrick McKernon said. "All I know is it's like night and day around here compared to last year. You know, all of sudden I can hear people talking about football in the hallways, and you can definitely see a difference in the stands - it's packed."
McKernon isn't especially concerned about Alemany's status among the area's elite - or lack thereof. He's too busy throwing touchdown passes and winning games.
For sure, McKernon is a confident leader of a high-powered offense - that's always the case when passing guru Dean Herrington signs on as coach. Herrington is in his second year at Alemany, and on the surface it looks as if he's got the program back on track.
The first evidence of a turnaround occurred this summer, when the Warriors won three passing tournaments featuring highly regarded opponents.
With returning All-Mission League running back Malcolm Marable and top-flight receivers Nick Cook, Jon Mesa, Leandro Quesada and Chris Gant, it was obvious the pieces were falling in place.
Just before fall practice, Alemany added transfer running back Antonio Bray from Canyon, and suddenly, an offense shaping up as formidable started looking downright scary.
After two blowout wins to start 2007, some people are talking about the Warriors as a league championship threat.
Others are taking a wait-and-see approach.
"Having so much speed really helps," McKernon said. "It makes me look good because everyone with me is someone who can make something happen. It's working out well."
McKernon hasn't been asked to pass as much as he eventually will, because the wins have been one-sided. He has connected on 24of30 passes - an 80percent completion rate - for 383 yards, sixtouchdowns and no interceptions. Each of his fourreceivers has the potential to turn in a game-breaking play.
Bray, who returned a kick 90yards for a touchdown against Desert Hot Springs last week, is a blur in the open field.
While skeptics remain, some are showing their support. Cook said he couldn't believe it when hundreds of his classmates made the long drive for Alemany's game at Desert Hot Springs.
"Way more support than we thought, especially for an away game," Cook said. "It was a hot night in Palm Springs, too."
So McKernon and his teammates will keep moving forward, keep inching toward respectability for a program that had gone 2-8, 1-8, 2-8, 3-7, 4-6 and 2-8 in the six years preceding Herrington's arrival.
Tonight could be a turning point. It's definitely a major hump to get over.
"We know it's going to be a tough game, so we're just going to do what we do," Cook said.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
DAILY NEWS PREP FOOTBALL TOP 20
1. Notre Dame (2-0) - Big test this week vs. Birmingham
2. Hart (2-0) - B.R. Holbrook: 18 of 21, 278 yds, 2 TDs last week
3. Oaks Christian (2-0) - Showdown vs. St. Bonnie on Friday
4. Birmingham (2-1) - Two impressive victories following opening loss
5. Saugus (2-0) - Is this Saugus' first top-5 appearance in program history?
6. Crespi (2-1) - Celts' grueling nonleague schedule is unrelenting
7. Canyon (0-2) - Easy game vs. Lancaster tonight a welcome reprieve
8. Chaminade (2-0) - So far, so good under new coach Anthony Harris
9. Newbury Park (2-0) - Limited Rio Mesa to 103 yards in 15-7 win
10. Westlake (1-1) - Must rebound from heartbreaking last-second loss to Saugus
11. Alemany (2-0) - Few opponents have this much speed
12. Oak Park (2-0) - Embarrassed larger Royal 35-0 last week
13. Palmdale (1-1) - Ronald Scott: 218 yds rushing, 4 TDs last week
14. Harvard Westlake (2-0) - Five first-half TDs in 41-0 win over V.N.
15. Rio Mesa (1-1) - Not the same team after heavy graduation losses
16. St. Francis (1-1) - Much better after disappointing opening loss
17. Loyola (1-2) - Faces 0-3 Dana Hills on Sat. in one of few easy games
18. Moorpark (2-1) - Adjusting to life without Darrell Scott
19. Camarillo (2-1) - A lot more talented than people realize
20. Agoura (1-1) - Asleep during first half of 34-16 loss to Camarillo
LEAGUE UPDATES
FREELANCE
Vasquez of Action might be the among the section's top 0-3 teams entering tonight's game against Rosamond. All of Vasquez's losses have been to opponents that remain undefeated - Big Bear (3-0), Hamilton of Anza (3-0) and Desert (2-0).
GOLDEN
After just two weeks, all eight teams have lost at least one game. Quartz Hill (1-1) plays Barstow on Friday, the third Golden League team to face Barstow following victories by Antelope Valley last week and Highland two weeks prior.
Highland's Jerold Robinson, a junior, is living up to the hype following an impressive summer. He's passed for 528 yards and three TDs.
HIGH DESERT
Mojave plays host to Boron at 7 p.m. Friday in the annual Highway 58 Bowl. It's Boron's (2-1) first road game of the season, and Mojave's (0-2) first home game.
OLYMPIC
Kilpatrick of Malibu continues to seek its first points after being outscored 113-0 in three losses. The Mustangs, who play every game on the road, face Fillmore on Friday at 7:30 p.m., followed by Golden Valley on Sept. 28.
MARMONTE
Moorpark's Adam Barry is among the area's most productive QBs, posting three consecutive 200-plus yard performances. He's completed 50 percent for 758 yards - an average of 253 per game - with six TDs and one INT. Leading WR Ryan Murry has 15 catches and one TD.
SERRA
Notre Dame, which plays at Birmingham tonight, is 5-0 in the yearly series that began in 2002. WR Jeff Dickmann has 18 receptions and two TDs in two games.
SUNSET SIX
Poly's top RB Terrell Cable suffered kidney damage during a season opening victory over Santee of L.A. when he rushed for 273 yards and three TDs.
"That's what happens when you carry the ball 32 times. He's just a little dude," coach Scott Faer said.
Cable missed the following game last week, and he's not expected to play tonight against Marshall but should return next week.
Cable's injury is one of several for the Parrots. OL Brian Moreno (shoulder) should be back tonight, and Carolos Cudiel (knee) is expected back in 1-2 weeks.
TRI-VALLEY
After defeating larger Royal 35-0 last week, Oak Park has another chance to knock off a bigger program when the Eagles take on Newbury Park."
"We're a small school, and we get less respect because of that," DB Sean Westgate said. "But if you overlook us, that's a big mistake. I'm pretty sure that's what happened to Royal because they came out flat."
This is a perfect chance for Oak Park to prove itself and to gain confidence heading into to its eventual showdown with reigning league/section/state champion Oaks Christian.
"This is a big game," Westgate said. "It's one of two games I've had circled on my calendar, and I think you can guess what the other game is."
QB Chris Potter, who has taken over for Jimmy Clausen (now at Notre Dame), has made the most of limited opportunities. In two victories, he's completed 10 of 16 for 206 yards and four TDs, including a 74-yarder, and he's scored three TDs. He's also averaging 25.0 on kick returns, and 24.0 on punt returns. Teammate Zach Stout, a sophomore LB, is making a name for himself with 17 tackles, 12 last week vs. Muir. The 6-2, 215-pounder also has one sack.
Travis Sproat of Grace Brethren is among the area's hottest WRs with 12 receptions for 242 yards (20.1 avg.) and four TDs in two games. Teammate Ryan Curnel averaged 45.0 yards on three punts vs. Big Bear last week.
VALLEY MISSION
Monroe of North Hills RB Germi Morrison, who didn't have a single carry in an opening loss to Granada Hills, has made quite an impact over the past two games, rushing for 172 in nine carries in a victory over Grant of Van Nuys, followed last week with 168 yards in 16 carries in a victory over Arleta. He's scored two TDs and averages 14.2 yards per carry.
WEST VALLEY
Birmingham's nonleague showdown tonight against visiting Notre Dame is being televised by ESPN2, the first time this season a local program will appear on national TV. Oaks Christian appeared on national TV last year against Venice.
Meantime, Birmingham athletic director Rick Prizant is hoping it won't rain.
"Well, it's supposed to rain in the morning, but hopefully it will be done by then," Prizant said. "Otherwise, I might have to bring some old Braves friends for an anti-rain dance."
Q and A with Birmingham defensive lineman Marquis Jackson
Marquis Jackson, one half of Birmingham of Lake Balboa's twin-terror defensive end tandem along with brother Malik, has a big job tonight.
He must help contain Dayne Crist, considered among the nation's top quarterbacks, when the Patriots play host to Notre Dame, the Daily News' No. 1, in a nationally televised showdown on ESPN2. Kickoff is 8 p.m.
If anyone can upset Notre Dame (2-0) and its coterie of star players, it's Birmingham (2-1), coming off victories last over national power Long Beach Poly and respectable Valencia.
Jackson is part of a talented Patriots team that isn't afraid to lay the wood. He has 19 tackles and a team-high four sacks - brother Malik has 12 tackles and three sacks - and together they hope to clamp Notre Dame's high-octane offense.
So Marquis, have you been seeing Dayne Crist in your sleep?
No, no, not at all. I can't just be worried about Dayne Crist. My job, I can't focus on one player, especially Notre Dame because they've got so many good players.
Well, Dayne Crist isn't your typical quarterback. You would agree with that, right?
No, he's not typical. No, he's not. But the other thing is, he's a friend of mine. I guess, yes, I am consciously thinking about sacking him, but overall I can't think just about one person.
This is important game. You upset Notre Dame, and suddenly Birmingham is No. 1 again and everyone's favorite team. True?
Of course. We would love to win this game, and in practice this week we've been getting ready to get at and beat this team. We have a very good chance of beating them. We're practicing hard, so all we need to do is resemble what we look like on practice once we get on the field. If we can do that, we can win.
Marquis, we've met a few times but I still can tell you and your brother apart.
No one can. Most people tell us apart by our numbers. No. 19 for Marquis and No. 15 for Malik.
Well, what's the biggest difference between you and your brother?
Hmm. Malik is a more calm person, more calm about things. He'll work things out. I'm more energetic.
Your quarterback, Exavier Johnson came back from a broken hand this week. What have you talked to him about?
I just told him to keep looking to the future. What happened before, he made a mistake and hit a wall. Things happen, and in the meantime I told him he's got other things to do like helping Morey (Crosen, Birmingham's other quarterback) out. Just because he's been hurt, he can still help the team.
You and your brother are being recruited by major colleges. Would you like to go to the same school together?
Of course. I would love to. When we're on the same team, I know he has my back and that he'll get the job done, as opposed to relying on someone else I don't know. We're both good players. He's more of a pass rusher, and I'm more of a run stopper, so it works out.
BIG MATCHUP
Oaks Christian RB Malcolm Jones, So. Vs. St. Bonaventure RB Darrell Scott, Sr.
Measureables:
Jones, 6-0, 210 pounds
Scott, 6-2, 214 pounds
What they like to do:
Jones is a big, tough, strong runner - very much in the mold of last year's star, Marc Tyler, now at USC. Because he's so young and was a backup last year, Jones is still learning the game, but he already does the things you love to see in a top tailback - he fights for extra yardage, he can catch the football, and he's a breakaway threat in the open field. If Jones were a senior, he'd be a top recruit. That's very uncommon for a 10th grader.
Scott, who rushed for more than 3,100 yards with 46 TDs last year, likes to do whatever he wants to do. Whether that be trampling a linebacker, blazing down the sideline for another long touchdown, or even transferring after last season from two-time defending Northern Division finalist Moorpark, a move that raised the ire of the local football community. Unquestionably, Scott is a raw talent that comes along once in a generation, an oversized, athletic back with sprinter's speed and an NFL body.
What needs to be done:
If you're St. Bonaventure, you do everything possible to intimidate Jones because the one knock on him is he's yet to face many tough opponents, while St. Bonaventure has played against stronger competition.
If you're Oaks Christian, you play the David-vs.-Goliath card. Even though the Lions have won a Southern Section-record 48 in a row, including a 59-13 victory over St. Bonaventure last year, few expect them to win this game. That's got to give Jones and Co. all the motivation they need.
What have you done for me lately:
Because Oaks Christian has twice won by large margins, Jones still hasn't put in a full night's work, but he's done everything asked of him. Idle last week, he rushed 15 times for 129 yards and scored three TDs - including a 74-yard reception - in a victory the previous week over Muir. In two games, he's rushed for 284 yards and scored five TDs. He also has 14 tackles as a LB.
Scott was never better in a 28-17 victory Friday over Canyon, rushing for 289 yards in 35 carries with four TDs, including an 88-yard on the first play from scrimmage. He also caught two passes and was a scary presence on kick returns even though he didn't have any opportunities. In three games, he's rushed for 597 yards and scored seven TDs.
The future:
Jones probably will be among the nation's top recruits by the beginning of his junior season. Perhaps he eventually will join his brother, Marshall, a freshman DB at USC.
Scott has his pick of colleges, and USC is in the mix, but he won't make a decision until Signing Day, part of an agreement with a TV documentary production.
JUST FOR FUN
How well do you know local prep football history? Match the following former running backs with their jersey number. Answers below.
1. Justin Fargas, Notre Dame
2. Ted Iacenda, Hart
3. Manuel White, Valencia
4. Wilbert Smith, Montclair Prep
5. Pathon Rucker, Glendale
A. 2
B. 9
C. 26
D. 34
E. 46
Answers: 1, D; 2, E; 3, B; 4, A; 5, C.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
Friday night lights go out
BY GERRY GITTELSON, Columnist
Marty Martin, a former Village Christian of Sun Valley football coach, found himself back in the news at Clovis West of Fresno in the Central Section, where he's the new head coach at one of California's top programs.
With the score tied 27-27 on Friday in the third overtime of a much-anticipated showdown against Edison of Fresno, the stadium lights went out at 10:45p.m. -- shut down automatically by a computer at the school district's downtown office.
No one could figure out how to turn the lights back on, so a tie was declared.
"I've never experienced anything like it," Martin said. "There was plenty of screaming and ranting and raving, and to be honest with you, I still don't think I've completely rewound from the whole thing. It's unfortunate, we've never seen anything like it in our careers, but it is what it is."
Otherwise, it's been a relatively smooth transition for Martin, who's made the jump from one of California's smallest schools to one of its largest, at least in football terms.
Martin, now overseeing a staff of 28 assistants (including former Burbank head coach Greg Sobiech), probably fields about 10 times as many phone calls as he used to.
"That's about accurate," Martin said. "There's a lot more to do. We've already had two of our games televised."
One thing for sure, it's not about the money.
"I just turned 50, and to tell you the truth, as far as family and career is concerned, financially I could have made more money by staying at Village," Martin said. "But this was the right thing for me to do. I'm very competitive."
-- Cervantes commits to Kentucky: Brittany Cervantes, a top softball catcher who's helped Chaminade of West Hills to two consecutive Southern Section Div. IV championships, has committed to Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over Michigan State, Ohio State and Hawaii.
"She just fell in love with the place," said Jon Ellinghouse, her former coach who's now at Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth.
Last season, Cervantes batted .428 with four home runs, 33 RBIs and a .774 slugging percentage in 84 at-bats.
Riley switches to running back: Dietrich Riley, a promising sophomore at St. Francis of La Canada who's considered one of the area's brightest young football prospects, has switched from receiver to running back, taking over for injured starter Kyle Morgan (ankle).
In two games, the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown, and he has three receptions for 58 yards, plus nine tackles as a defensive back.
"When Kyle Morgan went down in our first series of the season, we were scrambling a little bit, but the plan all along was to get Dietrich Riley the ball as much as we could," coach Jim Bonds said. "We have a lot of ways to feature him."
Meanwhile, Bonds' son, James, a promising freshman quarterback, is recovering from a broken thumb, so he's been restricted to defense. He has yet to be cleared to throw a football and is using foam and tape to protect the injury during practice and games.
"It's freshman football, and he's just having fun, so that's all I care about," Bonds said.
Big game for Alemany: Alemany of Mission Hills -- a football program on the rise under second-year coach Dean Herrington and behind a group of top skill-position players such as quarterback Patrick McKernon, running backs Malcolm Marable and Antonio Bray and receivers Leandro Quesada, Nick Cook, Chris Gant and Jon Mesa -- has a step-up game Thursday.
The Warriors (2-0) play host to Saugus (2-0), and this will be Alemany's first chance to prove itself against a capable opponent after two routs against light competition.
"This is a big, big challenge for us, and we'll see what happens," Herrington said.
Up and comer: And finally, keep an eye out for freshman quarterback Jaloni Williams, who plays eight-man football at Sierra Canyon. He accounted for five touchdowns -- three rushing, onepassing and one receiving -- in the first half last week of a 58-8 win over Shandon. It was Sierra Canyon's first varsity victory.
Gerry Gittelson's column appears twice a week.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
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POINTS AFTER TOUCHDOWN
BY GERRY GITTELSON
Columnist
Saugus High’s football program is still shaking with excitement after a miracle 33-28 upset victory Friday over Westlake, as Desi Rodriguez passed 46 yards to Chris Aaron for a touchdown with no time remaining.
This was just the kind of step-up victory that Saugus, forever in the shadow of nearby powers Canyon and Hart of Newhall, needed to prove it belongs among the elite.
“It’s surreal. This was probably the greatest moment of my life,” Rodriguez said. “It’s really exciting. I think we’re finally creeping up on people.”
Aaron had only caught two passes in two seasons before the touchdown reception.
“I knew it was the last play of the game, so I had to catch it to win,” Aaron said. “The ball kind of came out of nowhere. It was just amazing.”
Bornn was so nervous that when the pass left Rodriguez’s hand, the coach could not bring himself to look.
Then Bornn heard the crowd go crazy, and the coach realized exactly what happened.
Through the years, Bornn has done the same thing on last-second field goal attempts.
“What can I say? I’m a weirdo. I just couldn’t watch,” Bornn said. “I just look away and wait for the crowd noise, and boy did I hear them. This is by far the biggest victory since I’ve been here. It’s huge. We’ve never beaten a team this highly ranked and this highly regarded.”
-- Village Christian of Sun Valley is 0-3 after forfeiting an opening victory over Junipero Serra because of an ineligible player, running back Jacob Franco, a transfer from Montclair Prep of Panorama City. Coach Jeff Cortez wasn’t available for comment.
-- Finally got a chance Friday to ask Darrell Scott, in a great mood at the time after rushing for nearly 300 yards and four TDs in a victory over Canyon, why he transferred from Moorpark to St. Bonaventure: “There was some conflict and some issues at Moorpark, but I really don’t want to get
that into it. It just wasn’t the right place for me.”
-- How does a guy who scored 99 touchdowns in high school end up as a DEFENSIVE coordinator? If you’re Ted Iacenda, that’s easy.
“No one else wanted the job,” said Iacenda, the former star running back at Hart of Newhall who’s the defensive coordinator at Alemany of Mission Hills. “If someone else came forward, it might have been different, but they asked me to do it.”
Alemany head coach Dean Herrington, who coached Iacenda at Hart during Herrington’s 11-year reign as offensive coordinator, has remained close friends with Iacenda through the years – but no one in Herrington’s world ever will call the plays except for him because Herrington is well-known as an offensive guru.
Alemany is averaging 43 points heading into Thursday’s showdown against Saugus, but the Warriors are also playing sound defense. They’ve given up an average of 24 points, but most of the touchdowns allowed have come late in second half after the games were decided.
“Ted is doing a good job,” Herrington said.
Iacenda plans to dedicate his life to coaching, so this is an important stepping stone for him.
“I’ll be 30 in November, and being a defensive coordinator makes me a better candidate to be a head coach,” he said.
-- Speaking of offensive gurus, Greg Weiss, who won four eight-man titles in eight appearances at Faith Baptist of Canoga Park, retired last year to Green Bay, Wisc., but he’s just taken a job as offensive coordinator at Windward of L.A., flying back and forth and staying in Santa Monica with the family of one of the players.
For some, it’s a dream gig. You live the Friday Night Lights but don’t deal with the red tape during the week.
“I’m enjoying it very much,” Weiss said.
-- Lancaster running back Taveon Burke, a hidden-gem desert talent who is the reigning Southern Section Div. I long jump champion, didn’t start in a 42-21 victory over Chatsworth because of “team rules violations.”
But what an impact Burke made once he got an opportunity, scoring on a 41-yard run the first time he touched the football and finishing with 124 yards on just five carries. Burke also scored on a 56-yard run as Lancaster came back from an eight-point deficit.
-- Because of a quirk in the schedule and a bye last week, Golden Valley doesn’t play its first home game until Sept. 28 against Kilpatrick – four weeks since its season opener Aug. 31.
-- Talk about frustration. In a 36-13 victory over Poly of Sun Valley, San Fernando had three touchdowns called back – all within a span of six plays.
“it got to the point where I wasn’t even mad. We were joking about it,” coach Tom Hernandez said.
This week will be serious business, however, as the Tigers (1-1) prepare for Friday’s game against Banning (2-0), averaging 55.5 points per game. The Pilots have defeated Los Angeles 56-6 and Fremont of L.A. 55-29.
Meantime, San Fernando WR Stacey Richards, one of the City’s top sophomores, recovered sooner than expected from a hip pointer. Richards caught five passes for 72 yards.
“We did a lot of whirlpool stuff, and that worked,” Hernandez said.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
DAILY NEWS PREP FOOTBALL TOP 20
1. Notre Dame (2-0) – Big test this week vs. Birmingham
2. Hart (2-0) – B.R. Holbrook: 18 of 21, 278 yds, 2 TDs last week
3. Oaks Christian (2-0) – Showdown vs. St. Bonnie this week
4. Birmingham (2-1) – Two impressive victories following opening loss
5. Saugus (2-0) – Is this Saugus’ first top-5 appearance in program history?
6. Crespi (2-1) – Celts’ grueling nonleague schedule is unrelenting
7. Canyon (0-2) – Easy game vs. Lancaster this week a welcome reprieve
8. Chaminade (2-0) – So far, so good under new coach Anthony Harris
9. Newbury Park (2-0) – Limited Rio Mesa to 103 yards in 15-7 win
10. Westlake (1-1) – Must rebound from heartbreaking last-second loss to Saugus
11. Alemany (2-0) – Few opponents have this much speed
12. Oak Park (2-0) – Embarrassed larger Royal 35-0 last week
13. Palmdale (1-1) – Ronald Scott: 218 yds rushing, 4 TDs last week
14. Harvard Westlake (2-0) – Five first-half TDs in 41-0 win over V.N.
15. Rio Mesa (1-1) – Not the same team after heavy graduation losses
16. St. Francis (1-1) – Much better after disappointing opening loss
17. Loyola (1-1xxxxx) – Faces 0-3 Dana Hills this week in one of few easy games
18. Moorpark (2-1) – Adjusting to life without Darrell Scott
18. Camarillo (2-1) – A lot more talented than people realize
19. Agoura (1-1) – Asleep during first half of 34-16 loss to Camarillo
20. Paraclete (3-0) – Spirits on quest to reclaim past glory
HE SAID
“There were four seconds left, and my coach told me to just throw the ball because this is what legends are made of.”
-- Saugus QB Desi Rodriguez, on his 46-yard game-winning pass Friday with no time remaining to defeat Westlake 33-28
UNSUNG HERO
David Green does a little of everything for Paraclete – and he does them all well. A quarterback last year, he’s switched to receiver, free safety and kick returner this season, and he’s a key reason Paraclete, once among California’s proudest programs, is on the rebound.
In a 39-0 victory over Littlerock, Green scored on a 32-yard reception and a 62-yard interception return.
“It’s not just the touchdowns. David Green was on a roll against Littlerock,” coach Norm Dahlia said. “He does all the little things like making downfield blocks to give the running backs an extra lane. He returns kicks, and he plays tailback, too. He’s one guy would would really miss because he just comes up with huge plays.”
FRIDAY’S TOP PERFORMANCES
Anthony Dawkins, RB, Granada Hills – Dawkins rushed for 182 yards and both touchdowns in a 14-7 upset over Sylmar, the Highlanders’ second victory in a row.
Kevin Ramay, QB, Grace Brethren – Thriving in Grace Brethren’s pass-first, ask questions later offense, Ramay completed 27 of 46 for 359 yards and six TDs in a loss to small-schools power Big Bear
Brandon Lott, DL, Antelope Valley – Lott registered five tackles for losses in a 35-12 victory over Barstow, the first win for new coach Brett Pape.
BIG GAMES
Notre Dame (2-0) at Birmingham (2-1), Thursday, 8 p.m. – Lots of skill-position talent on both sides make this intrasectional matchup one of the year’s most anticipated games. Notre Dame features QB Dayne Crist, among the nation’s top-ranked players at any position, along with RB Thaddeus Brown, DL Wes Horton and LBs Anthony McDonald and Hayden Hunter.
Birmingham has won two City titles in a row behind RB Milton Knox, who has committed to UCLA. Other key players include WR De’Von Flournoy, TE Mychal Rivera, DLs Malik and Marquis Jackson and LB Donovan Carter.
Oaks Christian (2-0) vs. St. Bonaventure (3-0) of Ventura at Ventura High, Friday 7:30 p.m. – A rematch of last year’s monumental 59-13 victory by Oaks Christian, you can bet St. Bonaventure will be out for revenge.
A showdown between two great RBs, Oaks Christian sophomore Malcolm Jones vs. St. Bonaventure’s Darrell Scott, who has two consecutive 200-yard performances.
Saugus (2-0) at Alemany (2-0), Thursday, 7:30 p.m. – Two programs on the rise meet in this attractive nonleague showdown. Saugus, led by QB Desi Rodriguez, RB Ryan Zirbel, OL Shane Watterson and LBs Justin and Ryan McKillop, is on a rush after a thrilling, last-second 33-28 upset over Westlake.
Alemany, led by QB Patrick McKernon, RBs Malcolm Marable and Antonio Bray and WRs Jon Mesa, Chris Gant and Leandro Quesado, averages 43 points.
INJURY REPORT
Cassius Marsh, Oaks Christian, DL (thigh) – Marsh, a sophomore transfer who faces his former school, St. Bonaventure, on Friday, is definite following a bye week.
Nate Mestizo, Canyon, OL/DL (ankle) – Mestizo left Friday’s loss to St. Bonaventure to ice his ankle. He’s day to day.
Kyle Morgan, St. Francis, RB (ankle)– Morgan didn’t suit up last game, but he’s probable this week at Burroughs.
Michael Janios, Alemany, OL (knee) – Janios, injured during practice prior to the opening scrimmage, is definite this week against Saugus after missing the first two games.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
Darrell Scott is having one heck of night. He just scored his third TD to put SB ahead of Canyon 21-14, and he has 223 yards on 22 carries.
Good night for Hart. Delano Howell has 67 yards on six carries and a TD in the first half, and quarterback B.R. Holbook is 12 of 15 for 193 yards and two TDs.
Also, Alemany up 49-0 against Desert Hot Springs.
Ahead just 8-6 at the half, Birmingham is breaking it open, leading 22-6 with 5:46 left in the third. Milton Knox has scored two TDs.
Alemany 42, Desert Hot Springs 0 (3rd)
Saugus 21, Westlake 0 (2nd)
Canyon 14, St. Bonaventure 14 (1:19 2nd)
St. Bonnie's Darrell Scott --he, of course, formerly of Moorpark High -- started the game with an 88-yard TD run on the first play. But Canyon rebounded with two consecutive TDs -- a 27-yard reception by Stephen Wirthlin and a Mike Spagnola's 1-yard run -- followed by Scott's 9-yard TD.
The first quarter is winding down, and we're tied 14-14. Good stuff.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
BY GERRY GITTELSON
Columnist
GITTELSON BITS:
If you like great high school running backs, this is a good football week.
Two of the nation’s top backs, Darrell Scott of St. Bonaventure of Ventura and Ryan Bass of Corona Centennial, face local opponents Friday, as St. Bonaventure (2-0) plays host to Canyon (0-1) at Ventura High, and Crespi (2-0) plays host to Centennial (2-0) at Pierce College.
A high-profile transfer, Scott played at Moorpark the previous two seasons and helped the Musketeers to consecutive Northern Division finals. As a junior last season, he rushed for 3,194 yards and scored 46 touchdowns, and some experts consider Scott the nation’s most coveted college prospect at any position; USC is among the schools recruiting him the hardest.
Bass is a returning Cal-Hi Sports all-state selection after rushing for 2,351 yards with 36 touchdowns as a junior, and 2,137 yards and 34 touchdowns as a sophomore. He has three official recruiting visits scheduled.
Defending CIF State Div. I Bowl champion Canyon has seen Scott before, twice defeating Moorpark last season, including a 24-22 victory in the Northern Division final.
In a victory last week over Atascadero, Scott rushed for 203 yards and scored three touchdowns – two of 65 yards or longer -- and if anything he appears to be as unstoppable as ever.
“He’s big, he’s fast, and he’s strong,” Canyon defensive coordinator John DiLuigi said. “He’s everything you want in a running back. But we’re not going to do anything different. We’ll swarm to the ball, attack him and hit him with as many bodies as we can.”
Crespi would love nothing more than to shut down Bass because is being televised on Fox Sports West, and a good performance means good exposure for the school.
“We haven’t been on television in a long time,” Crespi coach Jeremiah Ross said.
Centennial also features a top quarterback in Matt Smith, but the first mission always is to contain Bass.
“He’s the real deal, and we’ve got to give Bass respect because he’s very shifty,” Crespi defensive back Austin Shanks said.
-- Expect a large Oaks Christian contingent at the Canyon-St. Bonnie game because the Lions of Westlake Village have a bye before playing St. Bonaventure the following week. Last year, Oaks Christian defeated St. Bonaventure in a showdown of national significance, and the Lions and their coach Bill Redell want the Seraphs to remain undefeated because that makes the rematch a spectacle once again.
So Oaks Christian will be rooting for St. Bonaventure.
“Absolutely,” Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said. “That would gave our game a much bigger play. You don’t want to see St. Bonaventure lose before they play us.”
-- Speaking of Oaks Christian, Wendell Tyler remains an assistant coach this season even though his son, Marc, graduated to USC. The former NFL running back’s main purpose at Oaks Christian is to deliver the pregame motivation speech just before the Lions take the field; he’s been doing it last season, and of course Tyler has never lost a game, as Oaks Christian has 48 in a row since 2002.
“Wendell is undefeated – he does a good job,” Redell said.
-- Here’s a sight: Canyon’’s top offensive lineman A.J. Wallerstein, a 6-foot-4, 275-pounder, drives a 1967 MG sports car, one of the smallest cars on the road.
“Actually, the MG has more leg room than you’d think, but my head sticks out the top, so I always keep the top down,” Wallerstein said. “That’s no big deal. It’s a beautiful car, and it drives pretty well. It’s all original, too -- except for the sound system.”
-- Lookalikes: Crespi defensive back Mark Watley and a young Snoop Dogg.
-- Joey Sandfrey, a starting offensive and defensive lineman at Antelope Valley of Lancaster, broke his wrist in the first quarter against Saugus last week but played the whole football game.
“He never complained about it, which is kind of shocking when you think about it,” coach Brett Pape said. “He’s one tough kid, and nobody can ever second guess his courage.”
Sandfrey is doubtful this week against Barstow, but if he somehow can be medically cleared, you can bet he’ll be out there.
-- Two baseball commits: Westlake third baseman Shane Kroker has committed to Wake Forest, and Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks third baseman Trevor Gee is headed to LSU.
In other prep baseball news, Christian Lopes, a heavily hyped freshman at Valencia who is among the nation’s top 14-year-olds, is taking a year off from football – he was also a dominant youth-football running back -- to concentrate on baseball, though he hasn’t ruled out a return to football.
“Christian is pretty much choosing and focusing on baseball this season because we’re doing a lot with that with the junior Olympics and a tournament later this month in Nevada,” said his mother, Anjelica.
-- And finally, Matt Moustakas, the former Chatsworth baseball slugger drafted No. 2 overall by the Kansas City Royals, finished the short minor league rookie season at Idaho Falls with a .293 average and 10 RBIs in 11 games – with no home runs in 41 at-bats.
Moustakas, who signed for $4 million, turned 19 on Tuesday.
Gerry Gittelson’s column appears in the Daily News twice a week.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
Here's a first half recap:
Both teams came out playing tough and physical, and jarring hits highlighted most of the first-half action.
Notre Dame led 10-7 at halftime, scoring on Thaddeus Brown’s 13-yard run, followed by Mike Salveson’s 29-yard field goal with 9 seconds remaining before intermission.
Brown’s touchdown capped a three-play, 71-yard drive. Dayne Crist set up the score by scrambling 31 yards, then passing 27 yards to James Flynn.
Canyon went scoreless on its first three possessions before driving 80 yards on six plays, capped by Stephen Wirthlin’s 36-yard touchdown reception on a short pass from Sean Galvin.
Wirthlin added a 65-yard kick return on the final play of the first half.
Galvin, a senior making his first career start, showed poise and leadership skills. He completed 10 of 14 passes for 140 yards in the first half.
A bit of s surprise, so far: Birmingham socred on De'Von Flournoy's 32 yard TD catch, and Milton Knox scored on a 1 yard run.