October 2009 Archives

The quarterback situation is perilous at Taft of Woodland Hills heading into a West Valley League game Friday between the host Toreadors (5-3, 3-0) and arch rival Birmingham of Lake Balboa (1-7, 1-2).

Bam Goodall, a three-year starter who has thrown for more than 1,000 yards this season, injured his back Friday in a win at El Camino Real of Woodland Hills. He's questionable after pending one night at West Hills Hospital.

"He has a bruised C-7 vertebrae and some swelling, but x-rays were negative and a cat scan came up all good," coach Matt Kerstetter said. "There's pain but no serious damage. He walked out of the hospital gingerly, and we'll know more after Bam sees a doctor again on Monday."

Two backups, David Leong and Nate Forer, have barely played this season. Meanwhile, Michael Bercovici, a top transfer from Westlake who arrived midseason but was ruled ineligible, is still in the picture because he is appealing. Kerstetter said an additional 22 pages of documents certifying the legitimacy of Bercovici's transfer have been forwarded to City Section officials, and the coach is optimistic the junior will be cleared this week.

"If Bam is out and Michael is cleared, then he's going to play," Kerstetter said. "I don't know if he's going to start, but he's going to play."

It was a rough game for quarterbacks. El Camino Real's Ryan Meier also was knocked out because of a concussion. He is slated to miss at least one more game, and Kyle Bradley is the backup.

"Kyle is only a junior, and we're going to work with him," El Camino Real running back Ra'Shon Harper said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Alemany of Mission Hills (5-3, 1-0) and St. Francis of La Canada (7-1, 1-0) meet Friday in an important Mission League game, as both are tied for first place with two weeks remaining. The coaches, Dean Herrington from Alemany and Jim Bonds from St. Francis, have roots at Hart of Newhall, and they've been close friends for more than 20 years.

"When I was a sophomore at Hart, Dean was the offensive coordinator. He taught me how to play quarterback," said Jim Bonds, who went on to play at UCLA. "We've had a great friendship ever since, and his brother, Rick, too. We play golf together, we go to sporting events together. It should be an interesting game."

St. Francis' top player, multipurpose back Dietrich Riley, is doubtful because of a hamstring injury. He has missed one game.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Austin McBroom, a multi-purpose back and return specialist for Campbell Hall of North Hollywood, has scored 15 touchdowns, including four in a 45-7 victory Friday over Marshall of Pasadena.

Also a top basketball player, McBroom has a secret weapon - enhanced Peripheral vision thanks to a special daily vision program.

"It's this eye-testing program that trains your eyes and gives you better peripheral vision," coach Russell Gordon said. "I think Austin is one of the top kick returners in the state, and it's because of his great vision and lateral movement. I know having better peripheral vision is really helping him."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Poly of Sun Valley, coming off a 47-6 victory over North Hollywood, has scored 40 points or more in all but one game. The Parrots (7-1), averaging 51.7 points, have a good chance to win their final two games, beginning with a nonleague contest Friday at Bell (5-3), but what remains to be seen is if Poly can advance past the first round of the City playoffs - a feat that has not been accomplished since 1990 when Poly won the 3-A championship.

"Every year since that championship has been one-and-out," coach Scott Faer said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Antelope Valley coach Brett Pape is getting fed up, and it's hard to blame him. The Antelopes (0-8) are down to 19 players, and they were shut out for the fourth time Friday in a 55-0 loss to Highland of Palmdale.

Once one of the Southland's most consistently successful programs, Antelope Valley's student population has dropped because new schools Knight of Palmdale and East Side of Lancaster were built five years ago.

"We've got 1,700 students and everyone else in the Golden League has 2,700 to 3,700," Pape said. "Plus, 42 percent of the students are learning disabled. The whole thing doesn't seem to concern the district office, but I'm starting to get pissed. They say the best way to improve test scores is to lower enrollment. It's just not right."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Hobbled by an ankle injury, Arleta quarterback Bryan Choto is playing through the pain. After missing one game, he returned Friday and completed 7 of 13 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-6 victory at Grant of Van Nuys.

"He's not 100 percent but he's doing pretty good," teammate Antonio Bray said. "You've got to respect anyone who comes and plays hurt. You've got to respect that no matter who it is."

-- Gerry Gittelson

DAILY NEWS TOP 10

1. Oaks Christian (8-0) - Winning by average of 35.1 points

2. Moorpark (8-0) - Escaped with 28-21 OT win over Thousand Oaks

3. Notre Dame (7-1) - Last-second 23-21 win over Crespi was one for the ages

4. Valencia (8-0) - Did someone get the license plate of that truck?

5. Westlake (8-0) - Friday the 13th finale vs. Moorpark should be a doozey

6. Taft (5-3) - Nothing has come easy, but Toreadors figure to rout rival Birmingham

7. Alemany (5-3) - Showdown vs. St. Francis could be preview of Western championship

8. St. Francis (7-1) - Star back Dietrich Riley (hamstring) doubtful vs. Alemany

9. Crespi (4-4) - Close doesn't count, as Celts haven't won league game since '07.

10. Arleta (7-1) - Only loss was opening forfeit, as Mustangs averaging 49 points

OTHERS: El Camino Real (7-1), Newbury Park (6-2), Palmdale (6-2), Burbank (7-1), Camarillo (7-1).

HE SAID

"The only thing we could do is block it, and we didn't, and he didn't mess up."

Crespi's Kevin Williams, on Eric Solis' 51-yard field goal with one second left to give Notre Dame a 23-21 victory over the Celts.

UNSUNG HERO

Eric Solis, PK, Notre Dame - Solis kicked three FGs, including a 51-yarder with one second remaining in a 23-21 victory over visiting Crespi of Encino.

TOP PERFORMANCES

Keever Parrish, DB, West Ranch - Parrish tackled Jonathan Jerozal on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with eight seconds remaining in a 23-18 victory over Canyon at Valencia.

Adam Colman, QB, Burbank - Colman passed for 242 yards and three TDs, including a 19-yard scoring strike to Anthony Cervantes with 1:55 remaining in a 33-27 victory at Arcadia.

Darrol Mitchell, DL, Valencia - Mitchell recorded three sacks in a 56-7 victory over Hart, as Valencia forced five turnovers and limited the Indians to 187 yards, 9 rushing.

BIG GAMES FRIDAY

BISHOP AMAT (8-0, 1-0) at CRESPI (4-4, 0-1), 7:30 p.m. - Crespi can probably kiss its playoff hopes goodbye with a loss, so there should be no shortage of motivation in this key Serra League matchup.

LOYOLA (3-5, 0-1) at NOTRE DAME (7-1, 1-0), 7:30 p.m. - Don't let Loyola's record mislead you in this Serra League showdown. The Cubs remain one of the Southland's most respected programs. But stopping Notre Dame QB Ryan Kasdorf? That's another story.

ST. FRANCIS (7-1, 1-0) at ALEMANY (5-3, 1-0), 7:30 p.m. - St. Francis coach Jim Bonds and Alemany coach Dean Herrington are close friends who go back 25 years, but not tonight, as the winner has the inside track for the Mission League championship.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The tradition of having great kickers is alive and well at Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks.

Eric Solis kicked three field goals Friday, including a 51-yarder with one second remaining in a dramatic 23-21 victory over rival Crespi of Encino in a Serra League opener at Notre Dame.

From Chris Sailer to Nick Folk to Kai Forbath, Notre Dame has had some of the place, but Solis' field goal gave the Knights one of the most exciting comeback victories in the school's 62-year history.

It was stunning ending to a game that went back and fourth in the with quarter, as Crespi had the game all but won on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Bryan Bennett to Brandon Graves with 57 seconds left to give the Celts a 21-20 to lead.

But 57 seconds was enough time for Notre Dame. Starting from his own 22, Notre Dame's Ryan Kasdorf completed four passes for 49 yards to set up Solis. Kasdorf finished with 246 yards passing, completing 17 of 25 with two touchdowns.

Graves had the game of his life, totaling 11 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yarder. He also caused a fumble on a Notre Dame kick return.

Bennett completed 23 of 32 for 302 yards and two touchdowns, and he also scored on a 14-yard run. Kenny Boggs added 103 yards on 18 carries.

Notre Dame (7-1, 1-0) is 14-1 over the Celts (4-4, 0-1) over the past 15 games.

Crespi's Rhasheed Johnson rushed for 102 yards in 21 carries.

Notre Dame is leading Crespi 17-9 at halftime on two Ryan Kasdorf touchdown passes and Eric Solis' 26-yard field goal.

Down 6-0, Notre Dame took advantage of a questionable play call by Crespi, an option pitch from its own 6 that was fumbled away and recovered by Bryan Ruballo. Two plays later, Kasdorf connected with Tyler DiVincenzo on a 3-yard touchdown,

Two series later, Kasdorf hit Patrick Dayao on a short pass to the left flat, and he outraced everyone for an 81-yard touchdown to make it 14-6.

Crespi's Bryan Bennett completed 14 of 18 passes for 215 yards in the first half but had just one touchdown to show for it, a 75-yarder to Brandon Graves on the third play of the game.

Late in the second quarter, Graves appeared to score on an 18-yard reception, but the touchdown was nullified by a penalty, and three plays later McDonough missed a 32-yard field goal attempt.

Notre Dame is ahead 14-10 over visiting Crespi in a Serra League showdown.

The Knights have scored an two Ryan Kasdorf TD passes, including an 81 yarder to Tyler DiVincenzo. Crespi has scored on an 75 yard pass from Bryan Bennett to Brandon Graves and a short field goal.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Ben Loth is the latest Crespi senior to commit to a major-college scholarship, as it's been confirmed Loth, an offensive lineman, is head to Iowa State. The 6-5, 285-pounder had several offers.

Other Crespi commits are quarterback Bryan Bennett and lineman Hroniss Grasu (Oregon) and tight end Pierce Richardson (Iowa State). Lineman Mike Mitchell has an offer from Nevada, and receiver Blake Stanton has been receiving interest. Defensive back Kevin Williams has committed to play baseball at UCLA.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The Oaks Christian of Westlake Village boys water polo won the Tri-Valley League championship Friday afternoon defeating Malibu, 11-7.

Jet Reich, Alistair Hughes and Alec Follmer each had three goals for the Lions (17-2, 8-0), who led 7-2 at hlaftime and were never seriously challenged.

Oaks Christian has one nonleague match against Righetti of Santa Maria next Saturday before the Division IV playoffs begin Nov. 10.

2009 Westchester Tournament

King-Drew vs. Westchester, Mon. Nov. 30 7:30 p.m.
Peninsula vs. Reseda, Mon. Nov. 30 3 p.m.
Crenshaw vs. Birmingham, Mon. Nov. 30 4:30 p.m.
Compton Centannial vs. West Torrance, Mon. Nov. 30 6 p.m.

Taft vs. Carson, Tue. Dec. 1 7:30 p.m.
Morningside vs. Windward, Tue. Dec. 1 3 p.m.
Leuzinger vs. Community Charter, Tue. Dec. 1 4:30 p.m.
Washington vs. Horizon-San Diego, Tue. Dec. 1 6 p.m.

2009 Providence High tournament
101 fwy. exit at Buena Vista St.
Burbank, CA.

First round action Thursday Dec. 3

Providence of Burbank vs. Port of Los Angeles, 3 p.m.
Pilibos of Hollywood vs. St. Genevieve of Panorama City, 4:30 p.m.
San Marino vs. Oakwood of North Hollywood, 6 p.m.
Holy Martyrs of Encino vs. Waverly of Pasadena, 7:30 p.m.

It was big news a couple of years ago when Brandon Graves, then one of the Southland's top young multi-sport athletes, transferred to Crespi of Encino.

There was great hope the fast, athletic Graves would continue to make quite an impact in football, basketball and track, as he did as a sophomore at Los Alamitos, a large public school known for its top sports programs.

But Graves was ruled ineligible at Crespi because of residency issues and was forced to sit out all of his junior year.

Then, a summer shoulder injury kept Graves out of Crespi's first three games this season, so it seemed like forever before he finally got a chance to contribute.

But the 5-foot-8, 165-pound senior receiver is making up for lost time in a big way. He has scored six touchdowns over the past three games - including an 88-yard kick return Friday in a nonleague victory over St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs - heading into tonight's Serra League opener between the Celts (4-3) and host Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks (6-1). Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

"It was very frustrating for him. I think it was getting to the point where Brandon was wondering if he was ever going to play," said teammate Ben Loth, an offensive lineman. "So he's absolutely stoked to get on the field, and he can really do some things. I think he's going to have another big game this week."

In four games, Graves has 17 receptions for 326 yards, a 19.2 average, and he has scored six touchdowns.

"I feel good. I really feel good," Graves said. "It was hard last year, but I just kept talking to my coaches, and they told me everything would be fine and to keep believing. And now that I'm back, everything is fine."

At Los Alamitos, Graves caught 28 passes. He also was a starting point guard on the basketball team and a league track champion in the 200 meters.

"It took a couple of weeks for Brandon to get his legs under him, but he's done a good job. He's an explosive kid," coach Jeremiah Ross said. "I'm glad to see he's having some success because he has had to wait his time. He's an exciting player and a good kid. I'm glad to see he's doing well. We all knew how much he could help. He could have helped last year."

Since Graves could not participate in varsity football in 2008, he played on the junior varsity. One of the first times he touched the ball, he scored on a 98-yard run on a broken play. He finished with 22 touchdowns on the JV, including four against Saugus. He also participated in JV basketball and track.

Graves made his varsity football debut in September against Servite of Anaheim, entering late in the first half with Crespi down by 31 points. He ended up catching three passes for 65 yards to help the Celts make a game out of it in a 38-28 loss.

"Brandon is just a great player. Very athletic and very fast, and he uses his feet very well," offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu said. "He plays hard, too. He's not one of the biggest guys out there, but he has one of the biggest hearts, and he shows that on Friday nights. He's having a great year so far."

Graves is one of several top receivers for Crespi, including Devin Lucien (33 receptions, eight touchdowns), Blake Stanton (18 receptions, four touchdowns) and Iowa State-bound tight end Pierce Richardson (nine receptions, two touchdowns).

It helps having a top quarterback in three-year starter Bryan Bennett, who has completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 1,468 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Expect Crespi to pass the football a lot tonight at Notre Dame. The underdog Celts could use as many big plays as possible, and that's where Graves could help. He is on a hot streak and Crespi is hoping it continues in a crucial league game that figures to have playoff implications.

-- Gerry Gittelson

3 - Consecutive shutouts by Paraclete

27- Oaks Christian's winning streak

27.2 - Punt return average by Campbell Hall's Austin McBroom

353.6 - Rushing yardage per game by El Camino Real

1,584 - Six-game passing yardage total by Grace Brethren's Max Leffler

All games Friday

CRESPI (4-3, 0-0) at NOTRE DAME (6-1, 0-0), 7:30 p.m. - It could be a long night for Crespi in this Serra League opener if the Celts can't figure out a way to pressure Notre Dame's Ryan Kasdorf. If Kasdorf receives good blocking, he is almost impossible to stop.

HART (5-2, 2-0) vs. VALENCIA (7-0, 2-0) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m. - Hart leads the series 10-2-1, but Foothill League rival Valencia, led by QB Alex Bishop, RB Steven Manfro and WR Zach Tartabull, won by 31 points last year and again figures to be a strong favorite.

TAFT (4-3, 2-0) at EL CAMINO REAL (7-0, 2-0), 7 p.m. - Don't let the records mislead you in this West Valley League showdown. Taft has faced much tougher competition, and tonight the Toreadors, led by RB D.J. Morgan, discover if their brutal nonleague schedule will pay off.

CHAMINADE (6-1, 0-0) at ALEMANY (4-3, 0-0), 7:30 p.m. - There isn't much wiggle room in the four-team Mission League, so both want to get off to a good start. Alemany, led by QB Vernon Adams, RB Malcolm Marable and TE Kevin Lenik, has more skill-position talent, and that should prove the difference.

VILLAGE CHRISTIAN (6-1, 1-0) vs. PARACLETE (5-3, 2-0) at Knight High, 7 p.m. -Two of the area's dominant small-school programs face off in this Olympic League showdown. Village Christian, coached by former Paraclete coach Jeff Cortez, has won six in a row, including four victories over larger private schools. Paraclete has three consecutive shutouts.

OTHER GAMES

FRIDAY

ALPHA
Campbell Hall vs. Marshall at Crespi HS, 7:00pm
Sierra Canyon at Maranatha, 7:00pm

DESERT MOUNTAIN
Desert Christian at Boron, 7:00pm

EAST VALLEY
Arleta at Grant, 7:00pm
North Hollywood at Poly, 7:00pm
Canoga Park at Van Nuys, 7:00pm

FOOTHILL
Canyon vs. West Ranch at Valencia HS, 7:00pm
Golden Valley vs. Saugus at Canyon HS, 7:00pm

FRONTIER
Grace Brethren vs. Villanova Prep at Carpinteria HS, 7:00pm

GOLDEN
Highland at Antelope Valley, 7:00pm
Knight at Lancaster, 7:00pm
Littlerock at Palmdale, 7:00pm
Eastside at Quartz Hill, 7:00pm

MARMONTE
Newbury Park at Agoura, 7:00pm
Simi Valley at Calabasas, 7:00pm
Thousand Oaks at Moorpark, 7:00pm
Westlake at Royal, 7:00pm

MISSION
St. Paul at St. Francis, 7:30pm

OLYMPIC
Los Angeles Baptist at Valley Christian, 7:30pm

PACIFIC
Burbank at Arcadia, 7:00pm
Burroughs at Glendale, 7:00pm
Crescenta Valley at Pasadena, 7:00pm

PACIFIC VIEW
Channel Islands at Camarillo, 7:00pm

PREP
Flintridge Prep vs. Webb at Occidental College, 7:00pm
Rio Hondo Prep at Viewpoint, 3:00pm

RIO HONDO
La Canada at San Marino, 7:00pm

TRI-VALLEY
Oak Park at Oaks Christian, 7:30pm

VALLEY MISSION
Sylmar at Kennedy, 7:00pm
Reseda at Monroe, 7:00pm
Panorama at San Fernando, 7:00pm

WEST VALLEY
Chatsworth at Birmingham, 7:00pm
Cleveland at Granada Hills, 7:00pm

NONLEAGUE
Firebaugh at Vasquez, 7:00pm

SATURDAY

ALPHA
Montclair Prep at Brentwood, 2:00pm

NORTHERN
Belmont at Eagle Rock, 2:00pm

SANTA FE
St. Monica vs. St. Genevieve at Poly HS, 3:00pm

Under Armour made official its selection of Oaks Christian of Westlake Village quarterback Nick Montana to its All-American football game in a press conference at the school Thursday.

Montana will join 84 other top players in the country as selected by ESPN and Scout, Inc. on January 2 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The game is in its fourth year of existence and will be televised by ESPN at 8 a.m. PDT.

Montana was thrilled and humbled by the selection.

"It is a great opportunity to play against the best players in the country," Monatana said. "To play in the same game as Matt Barkely (USC), Julio Jones (Alabama) and A.J. Green (Georgia) did is an honor."

Before the all-star game come around, Montana has other business to attend to, namely helping Oaks Christian try to stay undefeated, capture its eighth consecutive division championship and hopefully be selcted for a state boel berth in the prestigious "Open Division".

James Bonds, a promising junior receiver/quarterback at St. Francis and the son of head coach Jim Bonds, is out for the season after undergoing knee surgery for a torn ACL. He has been out for a month.

Hopefully, he will be healed in time for baseball season.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Someone, not sure who, flew a small airplane with a banner Friday over the Hart-Canyon football game that read: "Miss you Harry Welch. Thanks, Bob."

Welch, of course, is Canyon's legendary former coach whom the stadium is named after. The Bob, undoubtedly, is principal Bob Messina, with whom Welch had an ongoing dispute before the coach in resigned 2 ½ years ago shortly after then two-time Northern Division champion Canyon won the inaugural CIF State Div. I Bowl championship with a victory over Concord De La Salle.

Since Chris Varner took over as coach, Canyon has yet to make the playoffs, and this year the Cowboys are 0-7 after losing by 18 points to Hart - the worst start in Canyon history.

Welch, 64, who won another CIF State Div. III title last year at St. Margaret's of San Juan Capistrano, heard about the banner afterward.

"Well, I miss the people of Santa Clarita and Canyon Country. Beyond that, I don't have any thought about it one way or the other," Welch said. "But I do sincerely miss the people of Canyon Country, and I care for them deeply."

Dave Hamilton, who was at the game, has been attending high school football games in the area for 30 years, and he said he had never seen anything like it.

"I looked up and said, 'What the heck is that all about?' I just assumed it was a disgruntled parent," Hamilton said. "I'm clueless about the politics of Canyon football, butI have to admit the banner was an interesting thing to happen."

-- Gerry Gittelson

When Lucky Radley of Taft of Woodland Hills returned an early punt for a 44-yard touchdown Friday in a 53-6 football victory over Chatsworth, he slowed down just a bit as a reached the end zone -- just so he could bowl over a chasing defender at the goal line to make a statement.

"I did that because I wanted to set the tempo and get things going and hype up the crowd, so I ran him over," Radley said. "I could have easily just out ran him, but I wanted to stop and hit him. After that, our momentum was pretty high.

-- Gerry Gittelson

There is no bigger private-school football rivalry in the San Fernando Valley than Notre Dame-Crespi, two state powers that go head to head Friday at 7:30 p.m. in a Serra League opener at Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks.

"It's going to be a really heated battle," Notre Dame running back Kenny Boggs said. "I think Crespi is a really good team. We have to watch out for them."

The winner has the inside track in the four-team league, where a total of one loss can sometimes cost a playoff berth.

"Obviously, Crespi is our closest rival in terms of geography, and we've been competing with them for a long time, so in that regard it's a very big game," Notre Dame coach Kevin Rooney said. "More important, it's the first league game, and both of us know how important that is."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Arleta's Bryan Choto, one of the San Fernando Valley's top City Section quarterbacks, has recovered more quickly than expected from an ankle injury. After missing one game, he has been practicing this week and is probable for an East Valley League game on Friday against Grant of Van Nuys.

Choto directs an offense that is averaging 50.2 points per game and a remarkably efficient 12.4 yards per play.

Arleta's Antonio Bray has yet to carry more than nine times in a game, but he has totaled 668 yards on 39 carries -- an average of 17.1 yards -- and he has scored 16 touchdowns, including two on kick returns.

"Antonio is very dangerous. Our problem is we've had so few snaps because we've been going to a running clock," coach Jeff Engilman said. "Last game (a 42-0 victory over Van Nuys), we only had 15 snaps all game. They went to a running clock with four minutes left in the first quarter after we went up 21-0."

Like his teammates, Bray has no choice but to make the most of his opportunities, as Arleta (6-1) remains a strong favorite to repeat as City Div. II champions.

"I do whatever I can when I get the football because I never know when I'm going to get it again," Bray said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

One week after losing a fumble near the end zone with one minute left to cost St. Francis of La Canada a chance to upset powerful Notre Dame in a 28-24 football loss, Justin Posthuma came through like a champion Friday. He completed the winning touchdown pass with 11 seconds remaining in a 27-23 comeback victory over visiting Loyola of Los Angeles.

"It was like polar opposites," Posthuma said. "After I blew that chance against Notre Dame, I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror. The team gave me nothing but support, but I was still feeling down about it. Then, against Loyola, I was in that same situation, the situation that I have always wanted to be in, and I made the pass, Travis Talianko made a great catch, and we were victorious.

"What a difference for team morale in the locker room afterwards."

Posthuma, a 6-foot-2 senior, has completed 58.6 percent for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns, including three against Loyola. He has also scored eight touchdowns heading into a Mission League opener Friday between the Golden Knights (6-1) and visiting St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs (3-4).

-- Gerry Gittelson

It was a football homecoming worth celebrating this past Saturday for St. Genevieve of Panorama City, which improved to 8-0 with a 37-23 victory over St. Anthony of Long Beach in front of the biggest crowd of the season at Poly High in Sun Valley.

"It was a good victory," coach Eric Harris said. "A lot of alumni were there, including Erik Kramer."

-- Gerry Gittelson

There figures to be star power everywhere Friday when state powers Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks and visiting Crespi of Crespi face off in a much-anticipated Serra League opener.

Crespi (4-3) boasts Oregon-bound quarterback Bryan Bennett and game-breaking receivers Blake Stanton, Brandon Graves and Devin Lucien, while Notre Dame (6-1) features All-American quarterback Ryan Kasdorf and heavily recruited linemen Ben Gottschalk and Daniel Munyer.

But the key player of all could be Alex Guzzi, a 6-foot, 250-pound Crespi offensive lineman who has been thrust into the starting lineup in place of injured three-year starter Hroniss Grasu. It will be Guzzi's responsibility to help protect Bennett and to pave the way for running backs Brad Lattanzio and Rhasheed Johnson.

On defense, Grasu had five sacks through six games, and he is being replaced by Ben Loth and Michael Mitchell, who previously alternated on defense but now will play together full time.

Loth and Mitchell are being recruited as offensive linemen. Both have been offered scholarships by Nevada, and Loth also has offers from Iowa State, Fresno State and UNLV.

"I just took a recruiting trip to Iowa State, and it was nice," Loth said. "I really like it there."

Grasu tore his MCL on his knee during practice last week. His absence was not a factor Friday in a 63-14 victory over St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs that was all but over after the first quarter, but Notre Dame is expected to put up a lot more resistance.

Grasu, who has committed to Oregon, said Tuesday that doctors told him surgery would not be required, so he is hoping to make it back in time for the playoffs.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The season's most meaningful West Valley League showdown arrives Friday, when El Camino Real of Woodland Hills (7-0, 2-0) faces visiting Taft of Woodland Hills (4-3, 2-0) in a contest that almost surely will eventually decide the league championship.

"It's going to be a good game," said Lucky Radley, Taft's all-purpose back. "We've been watching film on ECR, and they're a great team. I think the most physical team is going to win."

Technically, Cleveland of Reseda (6-1, 2-0) is tied for first place, too, but the Cavaliers' have to prove themselves, as the six victories have come against opponents with a combined current record of 6-37. Cleveland still has to play Taft and El Camino Real over the final three weeks of the season, and the Cavs are not expected to finish better than third.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Ruled ineligible for one year by the City Section last month because of a disciplinary issue at Birmingham of Lake Balboa, Davontae Perry-Brooks, a top senior receiver who has transferred to Monroe of North Hills, said Tuesday he is filing an appeal in hopes of being eligible for basketball and track. ...

After mssing one game because of a shoulder injury, Glendale quarterback Moises Chavez is back for a Pacific League game Friday against visiting Burroughs of Burbank. ...

Dietrich Riley, a standout multipurpose back for St. Francis of La Canada, is expected to miss one game because of a hamstring injury.

-- Gerry Gittelson

An interesting tidbit from the Antelope Valley.

DeWayne Dedmon, a 6'11 prospect from Antelope Valley College, has committed to USC.

Dedmon's story is interesting because he never played high school basketball until his senior year at Lancaster High.

Dedmon was raised as a Jehova's Witness, which precluded him from playing because of many conflicts.

Nick Montana, a top quarterback at Oaks Christian, has been selected to participate in the annual Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. local time, televised live on ESPN.

-- Gerry Gittelson

James "Deuce" Johnson, a 6'8 forward at Campbell Hall, has committed to Louisiana Tech.

Outfielders Josh Mason and Michael Hubbard, two of Crespi's top returning players, have committed to Stony Brook University in New York, where they'll join former teammate Tyler Johnson, a Stony Brook sophomore pitcher.

"It's a good story. Josh and Michael played Little League together at Woodland Hills Sunrise, and their dream was always to play together in high school and college," said Elliott Mason, Josh's dad.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Gerry Gittelson just called me to let me know Oaks Christian of Westlake Village defensive tackle Cassius Marsh has committed to play at LSU.

Lions coach Bill Redell thinks Marsh is going to shine with the Tigers.

"He's 6-5, 285 pounds and he runs a 4.8 forty, so LSU is getting a heckj of a football player." Redell said.

Eugene Phelps (Taft)-Long Beach St.
Jules Montgomery (Chaminade)-Long Beach St.
Jerramy King (Crespi)-Long Beach St.
Bryce Smith (Taft)-Cal St. Northridge
Lorne Jackson (Simi Valley)-Pepperdine
Alex Stephenson (Havard-Westlake-USC
Evan Smith (Calabasas)-USC
Jordan Cameron (Newbury Park)-USC
Larry Drew (Taft)-North Carolina
Calvin Haynes (Taft)-Oregon St.
Chano Rashiddudin (Taft)-UTEP
Tyler Honeycutt (Sylmar)-UCLA

Brooke Lemar will not be going to Western New Mexico after all.

Lemar received a scholarship offer from Southern Illinois and is excited about the opportunity to play Division I basketball.

Western New Mexico was a Div. II program.

Malcolm Jones of Oaks Christian has 88 touchdowns, putting him at No. 7 on the area's all-time list according to the Cal-Hi Sports record book. With three regular season remaining, plus as many as five playoff games if Oaks Christian gets a state bowl berth, Jones has a good chance to reach 100:

131 - Chad Kackert, Grace Brethren, 02-04
122 - Marc Tyler, Oaks Christian, 03-06
103 - Milton Knox, Birmingham, 04-07
99- Ted Iacenda, Hart, 93-95
94 - Russell White, Crespi, 86-88
91 - Curtis Brown, Paraclete, 98-01
88 - Malcolm Jones, Oaks Christian, 06-present
84 - Manuel White, Valencia, 96-99
82 - Justin Fargas, Notre Dame, 95-97
82 - J.J. DiLuigi, Canyon, 04-06
82 - Delano Howell, Hart, 05-07
81 - Marlon Lucky, North Hollywood, 02-04
79 - Ryan Zirbel, Saugus, 06-08

-- Gerry Gittelson

High school football heats up in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas Friday, as several top local rivalries are being renewed.
The anticipated showdowns include Crespi of Encino at Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, Hart of Newhall vs. Valencia at College of the Canyons and Sylmar at Kennedy of Granada Hills.

The Crespi-Notre Dame matchup features two of the area's most respected programs -- Notre Dame (6-1) is led by All-American quarterback Ryan Kasdorf and Crespi (4-3) features several Division I-bound starters including Oregon-bound quarterback Bryan Bennett and Iowa State-bound tight end Pierce Richardson -- and the loser will have to fight its way from the bottom of the four-team Serra League that also includes undefeated Bishop Amat of La Puente.

"It's a big game. It's going to show where we are as a team and how much teamwork we have," Crespi safety Kevin Williams said.

History favors Notre Dame. The Knights defeated Crespi by 20 points last year and have won 16 of 17 regular-season games beginning in 2008. Crespi had won just three of its past nine games dating back to last season before a 63-14 victory Friday over St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs.

"You can look at what's on paper or whatever, but playing this game Friday is only thing we're worried about," Williams said. "The best team Friday will win on that night, and that's it. It has nothing to do with what's happened the last couple of years."

The Hart-Valencia rivalry in huge in Santa Clarita, and past showdowns have drawn as many as 9,000 spectators. There was a time when Hart won 65 Foothill League games in a row, including a 10-0 record against Valencia, but that changed in 2004 when Valencia defeated Hart 29-10 to end the streak.
Since that night, Hart is 2-1-1 against Valencia, but the Vikings won by 31 points last year.
The Kennedy-Sylmar rivalry is one of the City Section's biggest, drawing sellout crowds of 5,000 through the years.
Sylmar (4-3, 2-0) stands alone in first place in the Valley Mission League, and the Spartans have defeated Kennedy (4-3, 1-1) two years in a row.
"It's a big rivalry game. It's definitely huge," Sylmar coach London Woodfin said. "I think the Valley Mission League is a little tougher than usual this year because it's evened out - anyone can beat anyone on any given Friday night. This should be a tough game."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Few teams have endured a more brutal schedule than Alemany of Mission Hills, which is 4-3 including losses to Oaks Christian of Westlake Village and Bishop Amat of La Puente and victories over Taft of Woodland Hills and Crespi of Encino -- all four of which have been ranked in the Cal-Hi Sports state top 20 this season.

Bishop Amat, which defeated the Warriors 36-14 on Friday and previously handed national power St. Bonaventure of Ventura its only loss this season, was the toughest opponent yet, according to Alemany coach Dean Herrington.

"We think Bishop Amat is by far the best team we've played all year -- better than Oaks Christian," Herrington said. "They do everything well, and we didn't play well enough to beat them -- too many mistakes. It's just weird. We've played seven games, and now the real season starts with the Mission League. We've played a really tough schedule."

-- Gerry Gittelson

After shaking off its only loss, a three-point defeat to Arleta three weeks ago, Poly of Sun Valley (6-1) continues to be a scoring machine, defeating Van Nuys 74-0 then trouncing Verdugo Hills 77-0 on Friday, to improve their scoring average of 52.5 points.

Kevin Ervin is Poly's top running back, and he rushed for 209 yards and six touchdowns in eight carries against Verdugo Hills. Ervin has yet to be held to fewer than 147 yards in a game, totaling 1,458 yards and 19 touchdowns in 103 carries -- an average of 14.2 yards per carry.

"It's hard to stop us. All I do is follow my blockers, and we get a lot of yards," Ervin said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

A moment of silence was observed Friday before the Flintridge Prep-Pasadena Poly game for longtime Flintridge Prep assistant Tom Fry, who died Wednesday from a brain tumor. He was 52.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Josh Shaw, a top defensive back from Palmdale who is among the Southland's most coveted uncommitted recruits, was spotting wearing a University of Florida t-shirt Friday. Shaw is considering the Gators following an official visit, but he also has visited Ohio State, Notre Dame and LSU, and he has a planned trip to Oklahoma in two weeks. Shaw also is considering USC.

-- Gerry Gittelson

On a night when Notre Dame's high-powered offense was not as productive as usual, the defense came through Friday in a 21-3 nonleague football victory over visiting Chaminade of West Hills.

Notre Dame (6-1) limited the Eagles (5-2) to 218 yards and did not allow the visitors to penetrate the red zone until the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

"Chaminade couldn't do much. I'm really proud of our defense," Notre Dame linebacker Wayne Swinson said. "The defense did a good job."

Chaminade's Jake Basmagian was held to 65 yards passing, completing 9 of 21 with an interception. The Eagles' longest play from scrimmage was 18 yards.

"We just weren't clicking on offense," Chaminade receiver Brando Tessar said. "We couldn't sustain any long drives, and that's what killed us."

Meanwhile Notre Dame, which entered with an average of 36.1 points per game, was having its own problems. All-American Ryan Kasdorf completed 17 of 28 for 147 yards, no touchdowns and an interception -- hardly Kasdorf-style numbers -- and the Knights overcame nine penalties for 90 yards.

It was not pretty, but the Knights will take it, as Notre Dame prepares to face rival Crespi of Encino (4-3) in the Serra League opener this coming Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame's Kenny Boggs rushed for 117 yards on 15 carries, and Jacob Smith added 82 yards on 11 carries, including two touchdowns.

Chaminade's Cory Bess rushed for 85 yards on 16 carries.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Notre Dame is leading Chaminade 14-3 at the half.

Notre Dame scored on its first two drives to take a quick 14-0 lead.

On the opening series, the Knights drove 80 yards on eight plays, scoring on Ryan Kasdorf's 3-yard run. The key plays on the drive included Kasdorf's 21-yard run, Kenny Boggs' four carries for 37 yards and a 22-yard pass from Kasdorf to Tyler Thomas to the 3.

The next time Notre Dame got the ball, the Knights again drove 80 yards, this time with a time-consuming 14-play series that consumed more than seven minutes. Kasdorf completed four passes for 37 yards, and Jacob Smith scored on a 4-yard run.

Chaminade's Matt Goudis kicked a 42-yard field goal in the second quarter, his sixth of the season and 20th of his career. Earlier, the junior was just short on a 55-yarder when the snap bounced. Goudis also had punts of 48 and 62 yards in the first half.

Facing heavy pressure, Chaminade's Jake Basmagian completed 3 of 9 for 33 yards in the first half, and he was sacked twice.

Kasdorf was 13 of 20 for 117 yards in the first half, as Notre Dame outgained the Eagles 272-126 through two quarters.

-- Gerry Gittelson

it's a beautiful night here at Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks, where the Knights face Chaminade in just a few minutes in a nonleague showdown between two top San Fernando Valley teams that have lost just one game apiece.

It's also homecoming at Notre Dame, so there is a buzz in the air.

The key for underdog Chaminade is to figure out a way to stop Ryan Kasdorf, a returning All-American quarterback who has made made many nights miserable for opposing defenses.

I'll update when I can.

-- Gerry Gittelson

It is with great sadness I report Mike Sandoval, boys basketball coach at Santa Clara High School in Oxnard, has passed away.

Sandoval coached several successful teams at Santa Clara, routinely at the top of the Tri-Valley League standings and in the playoffs.

Campbell Hall has not won a playoff game since 2005, but the Vikings could be onto something. The team is 5-1, 2-0 heading into today's 3:30 p.m. Alpha League game against visiting Brentwood (3-3, 2-1).

Leading rusher Bernard Dillard has played a key role, rushing for 707 yards and eight touchdowns, and most of his skill-positions teammates are underclassmen, so the future looks good. Among them are sophomore quarterback R.J. Gordon (831 yards passing, nine touchdowns), junior multi-purpose back Austin McBroom (251 yards rushing, 12 receptions for 281 yards, nine touchdowns) and junior receiver Louis Collins (12 receptions, two touchdowns).

-- Gerry Gittelson

Bad news for Crespi: Hroniss Grasu, one of California's top offensive and defensive linemen, tore his MCL during practice Tuesday, and he is expected to be out a minimum of three to four weeks -- if surgery is not required,

"Someone tripped during a play and took my knee out. I immediately heard and felt two pops," Grasu said.

Crespi (3-3) plays host to St. Paul (3-3) of Santa Fe Springs tonight in a nonleague game.

"i have a lot of faith in my team. They have all stepped up since I've been out," Grasu said.

Grasu is a Daily News preseason all-area selection, and he has committed to Oregon.

He has 32 tackles and five sacks. He is also a key blocker for quarterback Bryan Bennett, who has also has committed to Oregon.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The eight team San Luis Obispo tournament is set for Dec. 3-5.

Thousand Oaks and Oaks Christian are participating. In fact, the two schools face each other to tip-ooff the season on Thursday Dec. 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Pool A has Monta Vista of Cupertino, Lompoc, San Luis Obispo and Santa Margarita.

Pool b has Thousand Oaks, Oaks Christian, Ocean View and San Marcos.

Each team plays Thursday and Friday and twice on Saturday.

660 - Combined weight of Taft linemen Pearce Slater (335 pounds) and Brandon Mitchell (325).

508.6 - Valencia's total yardage per game

233.7 - Camarillo's Jeff Matthews passing yardage per game

24 - Touchdowns by St. Genevieve's Chris Navarro

11 - Campbell Hall's Josh Lumer's sack total

0 - Hart coach Mike Herrington's career losses to Canyon teams not coached by Harry Welch

-- Gerry Gittelson

FIVE TO WATCH

All games Friday

CHAMINADE (5-1) at NOTRE DAME (5-1), 7:30 p.m. - Chaminade has a flashy record but has yet to face a QB like Ryan Kasdorf, a returning MaxPreps All-American who holds the school single-season and career passing yardage and touchdown records.

WESTLAKE (6-0, 3-0) at NEWBURY PARK (5-1, 2-1), 7 p.m. - The Marmonte League always is full of surprises, but Westlake, led by QB Nick Isham, should prevail if the offense is clicking like usual.

ALEMANY (4-2) at BISHOP AMAT (6-0), 7:30 p.m. - When does Alemany get a break? After knocking off favored Crespi last week, the Warriors have an even more difficult task in La Puente in this final nonleague tuneup.

SAUGUS (1-5, 0-1) vs. WEST RANCH (4-2, 1-0) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m. - After advancing to the Northern semifinals the past two seasons, Saugus must play with playoff-like intensity -- because that's what inevitably will be on the line.

CLEVELAND (5-1, 1-0) at BIRMINGHAM (0-6, 0-1) - Two years ago, current Cleveland coach Vince Johnson was a Birmingham assistant when the Patriots defeated Cleveland 82-0. Tonight, the visiting Cavs are a 14-point favorite on Calpreps.com.

OTHER GAMES

FRIDAY

ALPHA
Brentwood at Campbell Hall, 3:30pm
Calvary Chapel vs. Sierra Canyon at Granada Hills HS, 7:00pm
Maranatha vs. Montclair Prep at Pierce College, 7:00pm

DEL REY
Serra at Harvard-Westlake, 7:00pm

DESERT MOUNTAIN
Desert Christian at Mojave, 7:00pm

EAST VALLEY
Grant at North Hollywood, 7:00pm
Poly at Verdugo Hills, 7:00pm
Arleta at Van Nuys, 7:00pm

FOOTHILL
Hart at Canyon, 7:00pm
Golden Valley at Valencia, 7:00pm

GOLDEN
Eastside at Highland, 7:00pm
Quartz Hill at Knight, 7:00pm
Lancaster at Littlerock, 7:00pm
Palmdale at Antelope Valley, 7:00pm

MARMONTE
Simi Valley at Agoura, 7:00pm
Calabasas at Thousand Oaks, 7:00pm
Royal at Moorpark, 7:00pm

NORTHERN
Wilson at Eagle Rock, 3:00pm

PACIFIC
Burbank vs. Hoover at Glendale, 7:00pm
Burroughs at Arcadia, 7:00pm

PACIFIC VIEW
Camarillo at Oxnard, 7:00pm

PREP
Chadwick at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30pm

RIO HONDO
Blair at La Canada, 7:00pm

TRI-VALLEY
Bishop Diego vs. Nordhoff at Santa Barbara City College, 7:30pm
Oaks Christian at Carpinteria, 7:30pm
Oak Park at Santa Clara, 7:30pm

VALLEY MISSION
Kennedy at Monroe, 7:00pm
San Fernando at Reseda, 7:00pm
Panorama at Sylmar, 7:00pm

WEST VALLEY
Cleveland at Birmingham, 7:00pm
Granada Hills at El Camino Real, 7:00pm
Chatsworth at Taft, 7:00pm

NONLEAGUE
St. Paul at Crespi, 7:30pm
St. Francis vs. Loyola at Los Angeles Valley College, 7:00pm

SATURDAY

OLYMPIC
Paraclete at Los Angeles Baptist, 1:00pm

PREP
Poly Pasadena vs. Flintridge Prep at La Canada HS, 7:00pm

SANTA FE
Bell-Jeff vs. St. Monica at Burroughs, 7:00pm
St. Anthony vs. St. Genevieve at Poly HS, 7:00pm

NONLEAGUE
Canoga Park vs. Firebaugh at Lynwood Middle School, 7:00pm

Small-schools sports power Oaks Christian was voted out of the Tri-Valley League and into the Marmonte League to replace Calabasas for all sports Thursday at CIF Council meeting in Long Beach - but the decision lasted just a few minutes before it was overturned on an immediate appeal.

So it is decreed that Oaks Christian - along with Channel League power St. Bonaventure -- will join the Marmonte League for football only beginning in 2010, and Calabasas gets to stay in the Marmonte League.

The Marmonte League will have 10 teams for football instead of eight, and league officials expect to divide the league into two five-team sub-leagues, though whom will go where has yet to be determined.

"I think it's probably a good idea for everybody," Oaks Christian football coach Bill Redell said. "Right now, I'm a little shocked because idea of a 10-team league wasn't even on the radar. But I think to compete in the Marmonte League there are going to have to be some philosophical changes for us."

Defending Northwest Division champion Oaks Christian has won six consecutive lower-division titles, while splitting two nonleague games with St. Bonaventure in 2006 and 2007.

While the Oaks Christian football program is among the best in the country, most of the other boys' and girls' sports are more on par with their small-school peers. So by not being forced into the Marmonte League for all sports, Oaks Christian is pleased.

Oaks Christian has 732 students, while the eight current Marmonte League schools all have 2,000 or more.

"Oh, we're very happy. This is very exciting," Oaks Christian athletic director Jan Hethcock said. "We wanted to be in the Marmonte League for football only because of enrollment and equality issues. The funny thing, we came up with this same proposal a year ago, and everyone went, 'Nah, that's stupid.'"

With St. Bonaventure having won eight section football titles over 10 years and Oaks Christian having won six in a row, combined with traditional powers Westlake, Moorpark, Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks, the Marmonte League figures to have total respect.

"It will probably be one of the toughest leagues in the country," Agoura football coach Charlie Wegher said. "There is still a lot of discussion that has to take place, though, as far as figuring out how the two tiers are going to work. We'll just have to wait until it all shakes out."

-- Gerry Gittelson

The consensus for weeks was Oaks Christian of Westlake Village would be put into the Marmonte League for all sports, switching places with Calabasas, who would join the Tri-Valley League.

Didn't happen.

The Marmonte League is in shock today after the Southern Section council overturned a 7-1 vote that would have put into effect the scenario above.

The coucil was swayed by an appeal from the athletic director at Ventura High and now Oaks Christian, St. Bonaventure of Ventura will be in the Marmonte league forming a 10-team league. Calabasas reamins in for all sports.

"This worked out better than we had hoped," Oaks Christian athletic director Jan Hethcock said. "We were prepared to go fro all sports but this will really help our school across the board. Everybody won today. The Channel League rid itself of St. Bonaventure and like us the rest of the sports programs don't get punished because one sport is at a higher level."

Calabasas has two new powers to deal with in football but got its wish to stay in the bigger enrollment Marmonte.

The Marmonte League now becomes one of the premier leagues in the country for football with Oaks Christian, St. Bonaventure, Moorpark and Westlake.

"It was time for change for us, for the Channel League and for St. Bonaventure," Hethcock said. "The right things happened today. A lot of factors like travel, time in the classroom and equity for all sports came into play."

According to several sources within the inner basketball circle in Southern California, rumors are flying rampant the controversial Pump brothers could be ending a nearly 25-year relationship with adidas.

David and Dana Pump have had a long-running relationship with the shoe and apparel company, receiving money and product for its elite travel basketball teams, usually made up of some of the top players in the country.

It is not clear why there could be a break-up but the economy and other issues have been cited as possible sticking points.

One of the brothers denied any such falling out and denied a meeting taking place on Thursday in Las Vegas with adidas representatives.

When contacted by phone at 10 p.m. Wednesday and asked about a split, David Pump responded, "Absolutely not, everything is fine."

Rumors also surfaced the Pumps have made inquiries with Nike and Under Armour for possible basketball relationships.

Stay tuned......

Arleta High quarterback Bryan Choto suffered a leg injury at practice Wednesday and his status for the this week's game against Van Nuys is in doubt.

"We're not sure what the extent of the injury is, we still have to wait and hear back from the doctors," said Arleta coach Jeff Engilman. "As soon as it happened we got the ice on it and got the treatment going, but we're just going to have to wait and see what the extent is."

Choto has completed 55 of 72 passes for 947 yards and 14 touchdowns for Arleta (5-1, 4-0) the defending Div. II City champion.

If Choto can't play, Arleta will turn to wide receiver Albert Sandobal, the Mustangs leading wide receiver.

"He's been our back-up quarterback all year and we have confidence in him," Engilman said.

Nevertheless, moving Sandobal to quarterback creates a hole at wide receiver, where Sandobal caught 20 passes for 334 yards and six touchdowns.

"The good news is our biggest strength is our skill people," Engilman said. "So we feel pretty good about the guys we have at wide receiver, should Albert have to take over at quarterback."

Choto went down midway through practice when his leg got tangled up with a teammate. The Mustangs practiced the final 40 minutes with Sandobal at quarterback.

"In that respect, we were able to get some good practice time in without him," Engilman said.

The Mustangs met after practice, and Engilman had a clear message for them.
"We talked about the fact that when someone goes down, someone else has to step up," Engilman said. "I think this team knows what is at stake and what they are playing for.
We have a number of seniors and we have experience. I believe they will handle this and handle it well."

2009 Westchester Tournament Nov. 30-Dec. 5

King-Drew vs. Westchester, Mon. Nov. 30 7:30 p.m.
Peninsula vs. Reseda, Mon. Nov. 30 3 p.m.
Crenshaw vs. Birmingham, Mon. Nov. 30 4:30 p.m.
Compton Centannial vs. West Torrance, Mon. Nov. 30 6 p.m.

Taft vs. Carson, Tue. Dec. 1 7:30 p.m.
Morningside vs. Windward, Tue. Dec. 1 3 p.m.
Leuzinger vs. Community Charter, Tue. Dec. 1 4:30 p.m.
Washington vs. Horizon-San Diego, Tue. Dec. 1 6 p.m.

Led by running back Ra'Shon Harper and quarterback Ryan Meier, El Camino Real of Woodland Hills is one of the area's most improved teams. After going 23-34 over the past five seasons, the Conquistadores are 6-0, 1-0 heading into a West Valley League game Friday at 7 p.m. against visiting Granada Hills (2-4, 0-1).

-- Gerry Gittelson

Cassius Marsh, an Oaks Christian of Westlake Village defensive lineman who is one of the Southland's top uncommitted recruits, has narrowed his college choices to four: LSU, USC, Arizona State and Cal.

Marsh originally committed to Cal but backed off to explore his options.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth, a fourth-year program playing 11-man football for the first time this season, is off to an impressive start. The Trailblazers (5-1) are averaging 33.8 points heading into an Alpha League game Friday against visiting Calvary Chapel of Downey at Granada Hills High.

As an 8-man program, Sierra Canyon was 1-6 its first season in 2007 and 10-1 last year.

"I remember our first practice we had only six guys show up, and only one of them, Geoff Rappoport, is still around," coach Jon Ellinghouse said. "We've got a great coaching staff that we've put together, and we're real proud of where we're at. We just have to keep working hard and keep going."

Sierra Canyon figures to improve because most of its top players are underclassmen, as the Trailblazers have just two seniors, linemen Ducan Laliberte and Sean Jacobsen.

"It's kind of a neat story because we start seven freshmen," Ellinghouse said. "There is a lot of good young talent in the school."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Jackson Liguori, a receiver for Harvard-Westlake of Studio City, might be the area's most underrated player. But opposing coaches sure know he is.

"He's one of the best receivers I've ever coached against," said Alemany coach Dean Herrington after Liguori torched the Warriors for nine receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns, including a 64-yarder, in a 24-20 victory earlier this month.

Liguori, who has yet to be held to fewer than four catches in one game, has 28 receptions for 465 yards and six touchdowns.

"Jackson has made a lot of good catches the whole year," Harvard-Westlake coach Vic Eumont said. "He's improved as a receiver, and he has become more aggressive."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Arleta's Bryan Choto passed for a career-high 258 yards Friday in a 62-0 victory over North Hollywood. For the season, Choto, a three-year starter, has completed 76.4 percent for 937 yards and 14 touchdowns with one interception.

OTHER NOTES: Chris Walker is having a breakout junior season at Reseda. He has 16 receptions for 437 yards - an average of 27.3 yards - and four touchdowns, including a 95-yarder.

Palmdale has won 40 of its past 41 Golden League games heading into Friday's game at Antelope Valley. ... Kyle Steffes, one of the Southland's top kickers, is having an MVP-type season for Paraclete of Lancaster. He kicked four field goals Friday to account for all the scoring in a 12-0 victory over Whittier Christian, giving him eight field goals this season. Steffes also is averaging 40.8 yards on punts, and he has recorded 19 touchbacks on 30 kickoffs.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Pierce Richardson, a tight end from Crespi of Encino, has committed to Iowa State. He also had offers from Wyoming, San Diego State, New Mexico State and Utah State.

-- Gerry Gittelson

San Fernando has forfeited two victories because of an ineligible player, so the Tigers are 1-5 instead of 3-3.

City spokesman John Aguirre said a San Fernando player was granted a hardship waiver, but not until Friday, so the Tigers' first two victories over Littlerock and Poly of Sun Valley have been overturned because the player in question participated.

San Fernando coach Tom Hernandez said it was "a paperwork mistake."

San Fernando defeated Kennedy 7-2 in a Valley Mission League game Friday.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Mohammad Roknipour, a junior kicker declared ineligible at Canyon, has won his appeal and has been activated for tonight's game at Valencia.

"We just got word from the Southern Section late last night," Canyon athletic director Rich Gutierrez said.

Roknipour is a transfer from Iran who arrived this past January. He is reported to have the power to kick 65-yard field goals.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Trajuan Briggs, a star running back for Birmingham who's been sidelined all season with a broken foot, has been upgraded to "questionable" for tonight's game at El Camino Real.

Briggs, who has committed to USC, rushed for 1,513 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. Birmingham (0-5) is winless without him this season. He had a cast removed last week.

Birmingham coach Jim Rose said Briggs has practiced lightly this week. The coach is hoping to use Briggs for a few plays if Briggs shows improvement during pregame warmups.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Amber Murakami's season debut for Saugus resulted in a victory in the JV race in 21:04 at Castaic Lake, giving the Centurions the frosh/soph (Kathryn Huntington, 20:30) and varsity (Stephanie Bulder, 18:44) winners.

Murakami joined recent graduate Erin Ortega -- now at UC Santa Barbara -- in the rare achievement of competing for Saugus in a league race at all three levels. Murakami made an appearance at the frosh/soph level in 2007 and raced at the JV level for the first time Thursday.

The Centurions just missed a 1-5 sweep in all three girls' races, taking the top five spots in the varsity race, the top five spots in the frosh/soph race and first through fourth, along with sixth, in the JV race.

None of the girls' races had repeat winners from the first league meet Sept. 30 at Central Park. West Ranch junior Jennifer Owen didn't compete in the varsity race Thursday because of a fever, Saugus' Emily McCarty sat out the frosh/soph competition because of recent illness and Murakami won the JV race after West Ranch's Kaitlin Phillips triumphed the first time.

Golden Valley had repeat winners at the boys' varsity (Seth Totten) and frosh/soph (Juan David Garcia) levels.

Saugus hasn't lost a varsity girls' league race since the 2005 Foothill final and hasn't dropped a boys' varsity league competition since the second Foothill meet in 2006, falling to Canyon.

The most significant movers -- based solely on place -- at the girls' varsity level from the first league meet were: Hart's Jordan Walsh (27th to 15th), Saugus' Danielle Hernando (14th to 4th), Hart's Grace Zamudio (13th to 7th) and West Ranch's Ashley Welker (11th to 6th).

The most significant movers -- based solely on place -- at the boys' varsity level from the first league meet were: Valencia's Andrew Berumen (23rd to 11th), Canyon's Tyler Tockstein (25th to 15th) and Tim Gonzales (17th to 8th), as well as Saugus' Alec Nelson (15th to 9th).

Not since Canyon defeated Saugus both times in Foothill League competition during the 2006 regular season -- only to watch the Centurions emerge victorious at the league final, resulting in a co-championship -- had the battle between the rival cross country programs been as close it was Thursday at Castaic Lake.

Under the double-dual scoring format -- the same method used for the first league meet Sept. 30 at Central Park -- Saugus held off Canyon 27-28, with the Cowboys closing the gap from a 23-32 setback in their first meeting. Canyon defeated Golden Valley 26-29, atoning for a 25-30 setback at Central Park.

However, if the meet had been scored using the invitational format -- the way it will be for the league final Nov. 5 at Central Park -- then Canyon would have defeated Saugus 54-58, with Golden Valley right behind with 61 points.

Kurt Lutz was Saugus' fifth runner in 25th place, two spots ahead of Canyon's No. 6 runner Mason Bouchet. That 11-second differential was crucial in Saugus prevailing in the double-dual format. But the the Cowboys' strength of Thomas McGuan (second), Tim Gonzales (eighth), Sam Willis (12th), Tyler Tockstein (15th) and Michael Noris (17th) would've been enough to defeat Saugus' Robert Pion (fourth), Logan Smith (seventh), Alec Nelson (ninth), AJ Hebert (13th) and Lutz under the invitational format.

Hebert finishing in between Willis and Tockstein was also instrumental in Saugus' one-point victory, as was Smith finishing ahead of Gonzales.

Under the invitational format, Golden Valley did well to place all its scoring runners in the top 20, but the gap between Seth Totten's victory and Avery McDougal's 10th-place finish was too much to overcome against Saugus and Canyon.

Stefany Valentino, an outfielder at Agoura, has committed to UNLV, according to the Ventura County Star.

-- Gerry Gittelson
\

FIVE GAMES TO WATCH:

All games Friday

CRESPI (3-2) at ALEMANY (2-3), 7:30 p.m. - Crespi comes from a larger division and is a strong favorite, but Alemany has enough talent to pull off a surprise.

NOTRE DAME (4-1) at ST. FRANCIS (5-0), 7:30 p.m. - Notre Dame is a big step up in competition for St. Francis, which hopes it will be a night of the Golden Knights and not the Knights.

SAN FERNANDO (2-3, 0-0), at KENNEDY (2-3, 0-0), 7 p.m. - The winner has the inside track for the Valley Mission League title, so there is a lot on the line in this neighborhood rivalry game.

HART (3-2, 0-0) vs. SAUGUS (1-4, 0-0) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m. - Both teams depend heavily on their QBs, so whomever plays better - Hart's C.J. Reyes or Saugus' Zack Gauthier - probably will end up on the winning side.

BIRMINGHAM (0-5, 0-0) at EL CAMINO REAL (5-0, 0-0) - Won-loss records can be misleading: Since 2000, Birmingham is 9-0 against ECR and has won by an average of more than 37 points.

OTHER GAMES

FRIDAY

ALPHA
Kilpatrick at Campbell Hall, 3:30pm

DEL REY
Harvard-Westlake at St. Bernard, 7:30pm

EAST VALLEY
Canoga Park at Verdugo Hills, 7:00pm
North Hollywood at Arleta, 3:00pm
Van Nuys at Poly, 7:00pm

FOOTHILL
Canyon at Valencia, 7:00pm
Golden Valley vs. West Ranch at Canyon HS, 7:00pm

FRONTIER
Grace Brethren at Malibu, 7:00pm

GOLDEN
Eastside at Antelope Valley, 7:00pm
Knight at Palmdale, 7:00pm
Lancaster at Quartz Hill, 7:00pm
Littlerock at Highland, 7:00pm

MARMONTE
Agoura at Thousand Oaks, 7:00pm
Calabasas at Westlake, 7:00pm
Moorpark at Simi Valley, 7:00pm
Newbury Park at Royal, 7:00pm

NORTHERN
Eagle Rock at Marshall, 3:00pm

OLYMPIC
Whittier Christian vs. Paraclete at AV College, 7:00pm

PACIFIC
Arcadia at Muir, 7:00pm
Burbank vs. Glendale at Burroughs HS, 7:00pm
Hoover vs. Crescenta Valley at Glendale HS, 7:00pm

PACIFIC VIEW
Camarillo at Pacifica, 7:00pm

PREP
Flintridge Prep at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30pm

TRI-VALLEY
Bishop Diego at Oaks Christian, 7:30pm
Oak Park at Carpinteria, 7:30pm

VALLEY MISSION
Panorama at Reseda, 7:00pm
Sylmar at Monroe, 7:00pm

WEST VALLEY
Chatsworth at Cleveland, 7:00pm
Taft at Granada Hills, 7:00pm

NONLEAGUE
Calvary Murrieta at Vasquez, 7:00pm
Loyola at Chaminade, 7:30pm
Santa Paula at Grant, 7:00pm

SATURDAY

ALPHA
Sierra Canyon vs. Montclair Prep at Granada Hills HS, 7:00pm

DESERT MOUNTAIN
Desert Christian vs. Lucerne Valley at Lancaster HS, 7:00pm

OLYMPIC
Los Angeles Baptist vs. Village Christian at Glendale HS, 7:00pm

PREP
Viewpoint at Chadwick , 2:00pm

SANTA FE
St. Genevieve vs. Bell-Jeff at Burroughs HS, 7:00pm

Alemany principal Frank Ferry confirmed he has received a letter of reprimand from the Southern Section for taking out a paid advertisement promoting Alemany sports -- a Southern Section violation.

The school is slated to be sanctioned for one year beginning this past Tuesday, which means all Alemany transfers over the next year will be "scrutinized by the Southern Section," Ferry said. Ferry said no Alemany team will be ineligible for the playoffs or anything like that.

A Southern Section representative was not available.

"The CIF is trying to appease whoever made an issue of it. This is basically a warning not to do it again," Ferry said. "I just want to make sure the rule is consistent for both public and private schools and that we're not just the whipping boy of the month."

Football coach Dean Herrington said Wednesday he has heard nothing about any sanctions and that the ruling is news to him.

-- Gerry Gittelson

After being declared ineligible by the City Section last week because of an "athletically motivated transfer" after arriving from Westlake High, quarterback Michael Bercovici of Taft of Woodland Hills remains upbeat and hopeful he will be cleared through the appeals process.

"I really enjoy Taft, and the team has welcomed me. I'm having a lot of fun here," Bercovici said. "I'm doing everything I can to be part of the football team, and as of right now I'm just practicing with the team. I think everything should be fine in the end. I just want to help the team."

Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said additional paperwork substantiating Bercovici's transfer has been forwarded to the City Section, and Kerstetter expects a decision soon.

Meanwhile, after enduring a brutal nonleague schedule that included losses to Southern Section powers Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, Alemany of Mission Hills and Serra of Gardena, Taft (2-3) begins West Valley League competition Friday at Granada Hills (2-3).

The Toreadors have every intention of going 5-0 in league and being among the City's top playoff seeds.

"We are so serious now it's not even funny," Taft running back D.J. Morgan said. "We're not giving slack to anybody. We're going to be hard on everyone because this is where it counts."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Phillip Diaz, a quarterback at Bell-Jeff of Burbank who is one of California's leading passers, has left the football team because of a family decision following an ankle injury and a concussion.

"It's bad news. Phillip has decided to give it up," coach Rolando Aguirre said. "He's OK, but his mother doesn't want him to play."

Diaz, a junior, passed for 241, 279 and 351 yards over the first three games before taking a late hit and suffering a concussion in the first half of a 52-14 loss to Frazier Mountain. For the season, he has passed for 881 yards and nine touchdowns.

Brendan Alferez, a senior, is 2-0 as Diaz's replacement heading into a Santa Fe League game Saturday night between the Guards (4-2) and St. Genevieve of Panorama City (6-0) at Burroughs High.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Miles Kottak, a drummer in Taft's marching band, is a natural. His father, James Kottak, plays drums for the Scorpions, a multi-platinum rock band.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The cast has been removed from Trajuan Briggs' broken foot, but the football standout from Birmingham High of Lake Balboa is doubtful Friday at El Camino Real of Woodland Hills, according to Birmingham coach Jim Rose, who said the USC-bound running back has yet to practice at full speed.

"Trajuan is doubtful right now. It just depends later in the week what he can do," Rose said. "I think it's going to be a game-time decision. If he's 90 percent or so, we're going to see what we can do. We need him."

Birmingham is 0-5 and El Camino Real is 5-0, but Birmingham, which has won four City titles over the past six seasons, has faced much tougher competition. Assuming state power Taft goes undefeated and repeats as West Valley League champion, tonight's game should decide a playoff berth.

"This is a big week for us because if you go 3-2 in league, it will be impossible to make the playoffs," Rose said. "This is it."

In Briggs' absence, Birmingham has focused on passing, as Max Smith has passed for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he has scored two touchdowns.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Valencia's Alex Bishop has a shot to break the state football record for highest completion percentage in one season. Heading into a Foothill League opener Friday against visiting Canyon, Bishop has completed 77.4 percent of his passes (72 of 93) for 1,216 yards and 16 touchdowns with one interception.

According to the Cal-Hi Sports record book, the state record is 78.1 percent by Trent Edwards (Los Gatos, 2000), and the best in Valley-area history is 72.4 (Samson Szakacsy, Camarillo, 2005).

Over the past two games, Bishop has completed 25 of 30 for 424 yards and six touchdowns, as Valencia (5-0) has climbed to No. 2 in the Northern Division.

"Alex is just lighting it up. I mean, 77 percent? That's just insane," Valencia coach Larry Muir said. "I think he's doing a good job of being efficient, the offensive line is protecting him really well, and when there is some pressure, he has great feet.

"Plus, the wide receivers are doing a good job of catching the football. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep it rolling."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Community Charter guard Jermaine Dansby is garnering much attention from college recruiters.

According to coach Les Bean, Dansby has been offered a scholarship by UC Santa Barbara.

Colorado St., CSUN and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are also interested in the 5'9 guard who is super quick and can shoot the 3-point ball.

Tyler Honeycutt is now at UCLA, no longer doing everything for Sylmar High.

So what has coach Bort Escoto done to fill the void for the upcoming season.

Transfers.

Derek Scott has come in from Fairfax of Los Angeles and three players have come from Arleta High.

Alex Moreno, a 6'6 forwardis the bestof the bunch along with Ruben Garcia and Doyle Jones.

Just when the rest of the league thought Sylmar's winning days might be over, think again.

Bryce Smith, a 3-point specialist who helped lead Taft of Wwodland Hills to the 2008 City Section championship has transferred to CSUN from San Diego St.

Brooke Lemar, a senior guard at Canyon of Canyon Country has committed to Western New Mexico, a Division II program.

Lemar plans to sign on November 11th.

Former Crespi quarterback Matt Wabby, now at Pierce College, threw eight touchdown passes in one game Saturday, a 62-55 overtime victory over West L.A., as Pierce came from 21 points down.

-- Gerry Gittelson

NEWBURY PARK -- Facing one of California's most feared running backs, Moorpark High rose to the ocassion Friday.

The Musketeers held Notre Dame-bound Cameron Roberson to 8 yards on nine carries in a 35-14 Marmonte League football victory over host Newbury Park (4-1, 1-1).

Roberson, a 6-1, 215-pounder, entered with 494 yards and five touchdowns but could not manage a run more than 3 yards.

"We knew if we stopped Cameron Roberson, we would win the game," Moorpark linebacker Marc Palacios said. "We had a good game plan. We wanted to close the gaps and not allow him to do any cutbacks."

Both teams came in undefeated, but Moorpark (5-0, 2-0), ranked No. 1 in the Northern Division, had seen tougher competition -- including a victory over state-power Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks -- and that was the difference.

"That meant everything. Once we beat Notre Dame, we know how good we were going to be," Palacios said.

Moorpark's Austin Edmonson rushed for 135 yards on 18 carries and scored three touchdowns on runs of 2, 6 and 4 yards. Brian Blechen added 91 yards rushing, and Tyler Peterson chipped in 86, as Moorpark completed just one pass -- a 70-yarder from Blechen to James Dearborn.

"We knew we were going to run tonight, and the offensive line did a great job," Blechen said.

Newbury Park's Jake Geringer completed 19 of 31 passes for 317 yards and one touchdown. But he was sacked five times and intercepted once. Alex Lopez had seven receptions for 141 yards and a 5-yard touchdown.

Moorpark started inauspiciously. On its first drive beginning on its own 3, the Musketeers' nearly fumbled away the opening snap, followed by a 2-yard run by Edmonson, two penalties and a near-interception.

The teams then traded turnovers -- Moorpark's Joey Eckert intercepted a pass, soon followed by a fumble recovery by Newbury Park's Michael LaPerche --before Moorpark finally put together its first scoring drive. The Musketeers drove 93 yards on nine plays, scoring on Edmonson's 2-yard run. The key plays were a Peterson's 38-yard run and Blechen's 15-yard scramble to the 5.

The game was delayed nearly 30 minutes early in the second quarter when Newbury Park's Justin Southon was injured and taken by ambulance.

Edmonson added a 7-yard touchdown run to make it 14-0, capping a six-play, 67-yard drive in which Edmonson carried four times for 46 yards.

Moorpark did a great job stuffing the run, holding Roberson to zero yards in five carries in the first half, as Newbury Park led 21-0 on Edmonson's third touchdown, a 4-yard run.

Newbury Park entered without a turnover over its past three games, but Moorpark forced three turnovers in the first half while limiting the Panthers to minus-14 yards rushing.

Geringer passed for 188 yards in the first half but was often hurried and was sacked five times through two quarters.

Moorpark put the game out of reach in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns on Blechen's 1-yard run and Peterson's 4-yard run to make it 35-7.

-- Gerry Gittelson

BOX SCORE:

MP - 714-14-35
NP - 0-0-7-7-14

MP-Edmonson 2 run (Picchini kick)
MP-Edmonson 6 run (Picchini kick)
MP-Edmonson 4 run (Picchini kick)
MP-Blechen 1 run (Picchini kick)
NP-Roberson 1 run (Kircher kick)
MP-Peterson 4 run (Picchini kick)
NP-Lopez 5 pass from Geringer (Kircher kick)

STATS:

Passing:
MP-Blechen 1-3-70
NP-Geringer 19-31-317

Rushing:
MP-Edmonson 18-135
NP-Roberson 9-8

Receiving:
MP - Dearborn 1-70
NP - Lopez -7-141

Taft trails Serra 20-12 with nine minutes left.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Moorpark looks very good. The Musketeers lead host Newbury Park 21-0 at halftime in a Marmonte League showdown between undefeated teams.

Moorpark started inauspiciously. On its first drive beginning on its own 3, the Musketeers' nearly fumbled away the opening snap, followed by a 2-yard run by Austin Edmonson, two penalties and a near-interception.

The teams then traded turnovers -- Moorpark's Joey Eckert intercepted a pass, soon followed by a fumble recovery by Newbury Park's Michael LaPerche --before Moorpark finally put together its first scoring drive. The Musketeers drove 93 yards on nine plays, scoring on Austin Edmonson's 2-yard run. The key plays were a Tyler Peterson's 38-yard run and Brian Blechen's 15-yard scramble to the 5.

The game was delayed nearly 30 minutes early in the second quarter when Newbury Park's Justin Southon was injured and taken by ambulance.

Edmonson added a 7-yard touchdown run to make it 14-0, capping a six-play, 67-yard drive in which Edmonson carried four times for 46 yards.

Moorpark did a great job stuffing the run, holding Notre Dame-bound Cameron Roberson to zero yards in five carries in the first half, as Newbury Park led 21-0 on Edmonson's third touchdown, a 4-yard run.

Newbury Park entered without a turnover over its past three games, but Moorpark forced three turnovers in the first half while limiting the Panthers to minus-14 yards rushing.

Newbury Park's Jake Gerringer passed for 188 yards in the first half but was often hurried and was sacked five times through two quarters.

-- Gerry Gittelson

To our readers,

Due to technical issues, we can not broadcast tonight's Taft-Serra game at dailynews.com.

However, we are broadcasting the Oaks Christian-Long Beach Jordan game and the Crespi-Saugus game.

Here we are at Newbury Park High, and it's a beautiful evening with perfect football weather.

It's a good game, too. Newbury Park plays host to Moorpark, and both are 4-0, 1-0 in the Marmonte League. The biggest difference, going in, is Moorpark has played stiffer competition, particularly a victory over state power Notre Dame last month.

Will update when I can ....

-- Gerry Gittelson

Michael Bercovici, a quarterback who transferred Monday from Westlake to Taft after moving to Woodland Hills, has been ruled ineligible by the City Section because of an "athletically motivated transfer."

The news came down a few minutes ago when Taft athletic director Mark Drucker was informed of the ruling by phone, as Taft was preparing to play at Serra of Gardena tonight.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Because of schedule conflict, the nonleague game between Paraclete and visiting Golden Valley has been switched to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Knight High. It was originally scheduled for 7 p.m. at Antelope Valley College.

-- Gerry Gittelson

An age-group world track champion and state titleist in the 110 hurdles, D.J. Morgan might be California's fastest high school football player. He has never been caught from behind, but there's more than blinding speed that makes the running back from Taft High of Woodland Hills so special.

Like many great running backs, Morgan has that rare knack to break tackles, fake out defenders and somehow never give up on a play that looks like it's going nowhere, because those are the times Morgan is most dangerous -- a game-breaking playmaker who can create and is extraordinarily difficult to tackle in the open field.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior committed to USC more than a year ago, and he is participating in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in Texas in January -- the nation's most prestigious high school sports event.

"I think I've scored at least 20 touchdowns every year since I was seven or eight years old," Morgan said. "Every time I touch the ball, I want to score."

He is on a tear once again this season. Morgan has averaged 9.6 yards per carry while rushing for 616 yards with seven receptions and nine touchdowns for the Toreadors (2-2) against an upgraded nonleague schedule that gets even tougher Friday night at 7 at high-powered Serra of Gardena (4-0), ranked No. 14 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports.

Two weeks ago, Morgan put on a show at state power Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks. He rushed for 235 yards and scored three long touchdowns, weaving from sideline to sideline and faking out several defenders on every score in a 45-27 loss.

"That might have been my favorite game because Notre Dame is great team," Morgan said.

His offensive linemen love blocking for him, and why not? If you hold your block for just a split second, it might be enough for Morgan to break another touchdown.

"You know when you're watching a highlight tape on ESPN? That's him," lineman Brandon Mitchell said. "He's a human highlight right there. It's just fun to block for him and watch him shoot through a gap."

Teammate Antuan Woods appreciates Morgan's ability to make something out of a broken play, as Morgan has been hit behind the line of scrimmage on many of his longest runs while still managing to score a touchdown.

"He can mess up, and he still breaks it," Woods said. "It's really hard to grab D.J., and that's the problem because you have to wrap him up."

Elusiveness is a skill Morgan first began perfecting in his front yard as an elementary student when he would go head to head with his older brother, Josh, who would become a top running back at Crespi of Encino.

"Josh would go hard on me and try to slam me, but sometimes I'd be like an inch off the ground and somehow get away," Morgan said.

Perhaps the best is yet to come because last year Morgan rose to the ocassion late in the season. He scored the go-ahead touchdown on 65-yard reception in the final minute to beat longtime West Valley League rival Birmingham in the finale. And in the City quarterfinals against San Fernando, he scored four touchdowns, including an amazing 50-yard run in which he was all but dead before somehow finding a late opening -- in a muddy 40-17 victory.

Taft lost to San Pedro in the semifinals to finish 11-2, and Morgan totaled 1,841 yards rushing, 32 receptions for 583 yards, and 33 touchdowns.

Morgan takes losses hard.

"I wouldn't yell at the team, but every time I lose it just wants me to get that much better," Morgan said.

There is a chance Taft could get tagged with its third defeat tonight -- Serra beat Taft by 36 points last year and has welcomed several top transfers this season -- but the Toreadors still would be considered a championship contender in the City Section.`

Whatever happens in the playoffs, Morgan will get a chance to prove himself against the nation's best in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January.

"I'm excited. It's like a dream come true because everyone wants to play in this game," Morgan said.

Morgan will be joined in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl by two Oaks Christian participants who will be announced Friday.

"I think it's awesome. This is a great opportunity for D.J. to see how he stacks up," Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said. "I don't know who is going to coach the West, but whoever he is, I hope he finds some creative ways to get D.J. the ball. I know that's what I like to do."

BY THE NUMBERS

545.8 - Valencia's total yardage per game

25 - Oaks Christian's winning streak

24 - Age of Loyola interim coach Adam Guerra

18 - Taft offensive lineman Brandon Mitchell's shoe size

16.7 - Arleta's Antonio Bray's yards per carry (26 carries, 434 yards)

.708 - Combined nonleague winning percentage of Santa Fe League teams (17-7)

-- Gerry Gittelson

FIVE TO WATCH:

All games Friday unless noted

TAFT (2-2) at SERRA (4-0), 7 p.m. - New-look Taft unleashes previously ineligible running back/safety Lucky Radley, who figures to make a major impact, and new transfer QB Michael Bercovici, who joined Monday.

CHAMINADE (4-0) at HARVARD-WESTLAKE (3-0), 7 p.m. - This one is the Brain Bowl, as two of the San Fernando Valley's acclaimed academic schools go head to head in a showdown of unbeatens. HW's Jackson Ligouri caught nine passes for 185 yards and two long TDs last week.

SAUGUS (1-3) at CRESPI (2-2), 7:30 p.m. - Saugus faces one of the area's most potent offenses after holding high-powered Taft to two TDs in 14-3 loss. The Centurions have lost three in a row, and Crespi has lost two in a row.

MOORPARK (4-0) at NEWBURY PARK (4-0), 7 p.m. - Which RB gains more yards, Moorpark scat back Austin Edmonson or Newbury Park's burly Cameron Roberson?

VALENCIA (4-0) vs. LOYOLA (2-2) at L.A. Valley College, Saturday 7 p.m. - Loyola coach Jeff Kearin quit this past week, and the question is, is that good or bad for Valencia? QB Alex Bishop, RB Steven Manfro and WRs Zach Tartabull and Brock Vereen are all game breakers for Valencia.

OTHER GAMES:

FRIDAY

ALPHA
Sierra Canyon at Brentwood, 3:15pm
Calvary Chapel at Campbell Hall, 3:30pm
Montclair Prep vs. Marshall at Pierce College, 7:00pm

EAST VALLEY
Poly at Arleta, 3:00pm
Canoga Park at Grant, 7:00pm
Verdugo Hills at North Hollywood, 7:00pm

GOLDEN
Antelope Valley at Littlerock, 7:00pm
Highland at Knight, 7:00pm
Lancaster vs. Eastside at Antelope Valley HS, 7:00pm
Palmdale at Quartz Hill, 7:00pm

MARMONTE
Royal at Calabasas, 7:00pm
Simi Valley at Thousand Oaks, 7:00pm
Agoura at Westlake, 7:00pm

PACIFIC
Pasadena at Arcadia, 7:00pm
Crescenta Valley at Glendale, 7:00pm
Muir vs. Burbank at Burroughs HS, 7:00pm

NONLEAGUE
Reseda at Fremont, 7:00pm
Kennedy at Granada Hills, 7:30pm
Chatsworth at Locke, 3:00pm
Lincoln at Monroe, 7:00pm
El Camino Real at Panorama, 7:00pm
Cleveland at University, 3:00pm
Marshall at Van Nuys, 7:00pm
San Fernando at Venice, 7:00pm
Sylmar at Washington, 3:00pm
Bishop Diego vs. Grace Brethren at Santa Barbara City College, 7:30pm
Oak Park at Camarillo, 7:00pm
Buena at Canyon, 7:00pm
Dos Pueblos vs. Rio Mesa at San Marcos HS, 7:00pm
Arroyo at La Canada, 7:00pm
Jordan at Oaks Christian, 7:30pm
West Ranch vs. Los Osos at Valencia HS, 7:00pm
Village Christian at Bakersfield Christian HS, 7:30pm

SATURDAY

NONLEAGUE
Bell-Jeff vs. Silver Valley at Burroughs HS, 7:00pm
Desert Christian vs. Vasquez at Lancaster HS, 7:00pm
Frazier Mountain vs. St. Genevieve at Poly HS, 7:00pm
Golden Valley vs. Paraclete at Antelope Valley College, 7:00pm
Malibu at Los Angeles Baptist, 1:00pm

As first reported by our UCLA beat writer Jon Gold a few minutes ago, Oaks Christian running back Malcolm Jones has committed to UCLA. Kudos to Jack Pollon for getting the scoop.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Victor Ruiz, a three-year starting offensive lineman at Paraclete, is out for the season after breaking his shoulder in practice.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Running back D.J. Morgan from Taft of Woodland Hills accepted an invitation Wednesday to participate in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and he made a great acceptance speech at a campus press conference.

Morgan thanked, in order, god, his father for teaching him the fundamentals of the game, his mother for always being there to help with the bumps and bruises after games, his brother and sister, his teachers and coaches, and all of the teammates he's ever played with -- specifically his Taft offensive linemen.

The U.S. Army Bowl is scheduled for Jan. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, televised live by NBC beginning at 10 a.m. local time.

"It's going to be a great opportunity to see how D.J. stacks up against the best football players on a national stage," Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said. "I think he's going to surprise some people."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Michael Bercovici, a promising junior quarterback who was an effective backup at Westlake, said family reasons is why he abruptly moved to Woodland Hills and transferred to Taft on Monday.

"It was a family move for family reasons," said Bercovici, who did not elaborate further.

As of Wednesday, Bercovici is Taft's No. 3 quarterback behind three-year starter Bam Goodall and backup Nate Forer, but Taft coach Matt Kerstetter conceded Bercovici could make up ground quickly depending on how quickly he learns Taft's no-huddle offense. there is also a plan for Bercovici to take "about four snaps" on Friday against host Serra of Gardena.

-- Gerry Gittelson

There are a lot of top head football coaches with historical ties to Crespi of Encino, either as a former player or coach: Pat Hill (Fresno State), Bill Redell (Oaks Christian), Jim Benkert (Westlake), Tim Lins (Moorpark), Troy Thomas (Servite) and Harry Welch (St. Margaret's/ex-Canyon).

Also, John Becker, Crespi's head coach from 1965 to 1969, coached for many years in the NFL as an assistant, most recently with the Indianapolis Colts before retiring last season.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Brando Tessar, a multipurpose back at Chaminade of West Hills who does a little bit of everything, is the most versatile player Ed Croson has coached since Dennis Keyes at Birmingham of Lake Balboa in 2002.

"Brando does everything, and he does it great - quarterback, receiver, cornerback, strong safety. Plus, he's our return guy and the holder on kicks," Croson said. "I would put him right there with Dennis Keyes, but Dennis didn't hold kicks."

-- Gerry Gittelson

When Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel played football at Chatsworth, his top running back was Eric Harris, now head coach at St. Genevieve of Panorama City.

Harris said he and Cassel lost touch when Cassel went to USC and Harris went to Cal State Northridge. Of course, that was before Cassel signed a $63 million contract with the Chiefs.

"If I would have known that was going to happen, I would have been in Matt's entourage," Harris said with a wink.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Van Nuys broke the area's longest football losing streak at 17 games (dating back to 2007) on Friday by defeating host North Hollywood 32-0.

"It was very good for the kids. I think it was the first shutout for Van Nuys in about a decade," first-year coach Sean Pollard said. "If we keep improving every week, I think we can win one or two more."

-- Gerry Gittelson

In Highland of Palmdale's wild 41-40 overtime football victory Friday over Golden League rival Quartz Hill, the game was filled with dramatic twists and turns - including two blocked extra-point attempts that helped Highland keep the score tied in regulation.

In overtime, when Quartz Hill scored first, this time the Rebels faked the extra point and went for two, but Highland was ready as linebackers Travis Kirby and Mitch Lorenzen broke up a pass attempted for Kyle Brooks. Quartz Hill then scored and coverted the point-after for the victory.

"I know he's taking a lot of heat for it, but to me, it was a really good call by (Quartz Hill coach) by Pat Degnan that didn't work out," Highland coach Randy Block said. "I don't blame him. It was a smart move, but our defensive coordinator, Antoine Hill, had the right call - a 'field goal safe' instead of a 'field goal block'."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Valencia has been put into a tough position this coming Saturday at 7 p.m. against Loyola of Los Angeles because Loyola's coach, Jeff Kearin, surprisingly resigned this past week, citing "family reasons."

Adam Guerra, a 24-year-old assistant, has taken over as interim coach, and Valencia does not know what to expect - Loyola could be totally fired up or in a depressed coma or somewhere in-between.

"That's the scary thing. Who knows what's going to happen?" Valencia coach Larry Muir said. "It's going to be kind of the great unknown out there. I guess we'll just have to see what happens."

-- Gerry Gittelson

After being embroiled in a quarterback competition at Westlake High, Michael Bercovici transferred to Taft of Woodland Hills on Monday, but again he figures to compete for playing time with Taft three-year starter Bam Goodall, one of the City Section's top quarterbacks.

Bercovici had been rotating with starter Nick Isham at Westlake through the first three games of the season but did not play Friday in a victory over Thousand Oaks. He has moved into an apartment with his family near Taft's campus and practiced Monday, according to Taft coach Matt Kerstetter.

Bercovici had his best game in Westlake's opening victory over Paso Robles, passing for 139 yards and a touchdown. But on the same night, Isham completed 5 of 7 for 155 yards, and three touchdowns, including a 94-yarder; Bercovici's role decreased as the season progressed.

"I actually did not get a chance to talk to Michael before he left, so I'm not in a position to say why he left, but he had his own reasons and made the decision," Isham said. "It wasn't too much of a shock."

Bercovici made a strong impression Monday.

"Michael is looking really good. He has a great arm, and he's a really good quarterback," Taft running back/linebacker Lucky Radley said. "He just needs to learn the plays, so I'm not sure if he will be in the mix this week (at Serra of Gardena)."

After completing 54.4 percent of his passes for 1,541 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior last year to help Taft reach the City Section semifinals, Goodall has not been as effective this season against an upgraded nonleague schedule. In four games, he has completed 46.1 percent (35 of 76) for 439 yards and two touchdowns with five interceptions, as the Toreadors are 2-2.

"Michael just got here, so I'm still figuring it all out, but he looks like a sharp kid and he throws a nice ball," Kerstetter said. "We'll see how the whole thing goes. I'm still learning about the kid."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Valencia's Alex Bishop is doing a great impression of former Vikings' star Michael Herrick, who graduated in 2006 as California's all-time career passing yardage leader.

Bishop has completed 76.3 percent of his passes (58 of 76) for 1,005 yards and 14 touchdowns, as the point-a-minute Vikings (4-0) are averaging 48.2 points heading into a nonleague showdown against Loyola of L.A. on Saturday at 7 p.m. at L.A.
Valley College.

Another quarterback off to a great start is Chris Navarro, a returning St. Genevieve of Panorama City standout who has passed for 550 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 710 yards and 16 touchdowns to help the Valiants (5-0) to their best start since 1970 heading into a nonleague game Saturday at 7 p.m. against Frazier Mountain (4-0).

Navarro is being recruited by Sacramento State, Columbia, Dartmouth and New Hampshire, as St. Genevieve has climbed to No. 3 in the Northeast rankings.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Don't blink or you might miss a long touchdown Friday when Arleta (3-1, 1-0) plays host to Poly (3-1, 1-0) in a key East Valley League showdown, as Arleta averages 56.3 points per game and Poly averages 46.3.

"This is a big one this week, a huge game," Poly coach Scott Faer said. "Arleta is big, physical, fast and fundamentally sound."

Its only loss an opening forfeit that is being disputed through the appeals process, Arleta is led by running backs Antonio Bray and Omar Sanchez, while Poly is led by running back Kevin Ervin.

Arleta, the City Section's defending Div. II champion, is averaging more than 10 yards per play.

"We're scoring some points, and we're doing pretty well on defense," Arleta coach Jeff Engilman said. "We're really concentrating on Poly. That's our entire focus this week."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Among the biggest upsets of the season was Harvard-Westlake of Studio City's 24-20 victory Saturday over Alemany of Mission Hills, which entered as the No. 1 team in the Western Division.

"Every little thing went wrong. ... Too many mistakes, and we got beat by a good team," Alemany coach Dean Herrington said. "I told my players before the game that they were going to have to beat that team because Harvard-Westlake wasn't going to beat themselves. They're a good, solid team."

For Harvard-Westlake, it continues to get interesting. The Wolverines (3-0) play host to Chaminade of West Hills (4-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. in a matchup of undefeated upstarts.

"This is no longer a throwaway game like people thought it would be," Chaminade coach Ed Croson said. "Let me tell you, Harvard-westlake is good, and they play hard. The kids are fit and in good shape, and they're tough. They're doing something right over there, I can tell you that."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Campbell Hall of North Hollywood has a couple of sack machines in Josh Lumer and Brandon Koletsky. Lumer has 10 sacks for minus-41 yards, and Koletsky has nine sacks for minus-55 yards.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Ron Smith, a former All-American swimmer at Crespi of Encino, died late Saturday from a heart attack shortly after being inducted into the school Hall of Fame. Smith was prounounced dead at Encino Hospital. He was 47.

"My heart was torn in two the next morning when I heard about it," said Harry Welch, a fellow Crespi alum who served as master of ceremonies at the Hall of Fame event. "He looked great. His brother looked great. His whole family was there to honor him. What a trajedy. I send my prayers to Ron Smith's family. I'm deeply moved."

In 1980, Smith won two Southern Section individual events, as Crespi finished No. 2 in the section. He went to Utah State on a full scholarship. In the 1990s, he was a top competitive bass fisherman.

Smith is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ferrone, and two daughters.

-- Gerry Gittelson

El Camino Real is hoping to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1977, as the Conquistadores, led by running back Ra'Shon Harper, play at Panorama on Friday at 7p.m.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Oaks Christian is No. 5 in the USA Today national rankings -- one spot higher than where the Lions finished in 2006 after winning the inaugural CIF State Div. III championship.

Interestingly, the only school to drop out of the USA Today Super 25 was Oaks Christian's arch rival, St. Bonaventure, formerly No. 17 before losing to Bishop Amat this past Friday.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Chaminade of West Hills is hosting its annual Christmas tournament

Here are the 16 teams scheduled to participate

Chaminade, Valencia, Golden Valley, Calabasas, Newbury Park, Lancaster, Eastside, Burbank, Montclair Prep, St. Bonaventure, Granada Hills, Kennedy, San Fernando, Monroe, Northridge Academy and Menlo of Atherton.

Basketball player Jordan Coleman, a senior guard at Calabasas has committed to Hawaii.

Coleman chise Hawaii over Southern Utah, Portland and Boise St.

Coleman is an athletic guard who transferred from Granada Hills two years ago.

He is expected to be a key player for the Coyoted this year.

St. Francis has not won a playoff game since 2005, but this might be the year of the Golden Knights (4-0), who have outscored opponents by nearly 26 points per game.

"We put a spanking on Valencia in our scrimmage, too," multipurpose back Dietrich Riley said. "I think we're going to surprise a lot of people this season."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Neighborhood rivals Granada Hills and Kennedy of Granada Hills no longer compete in the same league, but there is a lot on the line when the teams meet Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Granada Hills.

Granada Hills (2-2) is celebrating homecoming, and first-year coach Billy Parra, who played and coached at Kennedy (2-2), used to be on the same Kennedy staff as current Kennedy coach Dion Lambert when Bob Francola was the head coach; Parra was the offensive coordinator and Lambert the defensive coordinator.

"It's going to be nice because we play for a Chamber of Commerce trophy, and we're planning a pep rally for Friday," Parra said. "It's a shame we're not in the same league anymore, so I'm trying to get as much community involvement as I can."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Malcolm Jones, a top running back for Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, has a good chance to surpass 6,000 yards rushing and 100 touchdowns for his career. With six regular-season games remaining, Jones has rushed for 4,674 yards and scored 79 touchdowns.

According to the Cal-Hi Sports record book, the five locals to surpass 6,000 yards rushing are Paraclete's Curtis Brown (7,025 yards, 1998-2001), Valencia's Manuel White (6,745 yards, 1997-99), Grace Brethren's Chad Kackert (6,734 yards, 2002-04), Birmingham's Milton Knox (6,695 yards, 2004-07) and Notre Dame's Justin Fargas (6,352 yards, 1995-97).

Only three locals have totaled more than 100 touchdowns: Kackert (131 touchdowns), Oaks Christian's Marc Tyler (122 touchdowns, 2003-06) and Knox (103).

-- Gerry Gittelson

Some of the luster was removed from a much-anticipated Golden League showdown this coming Friday between Quartz Hill and visiting Palmdale (3-1) because Quartz Hill (1-3) suffered a shocking 41-40 overtime loss to Highland of Palmdale on Friday.

Nevertheless, the Palmdale-Quartz Hill winner probably will have the inside track to the league championship.

Palmdale has won 38 of its past 39 league games, including a 28-7 victory over Quartz Hill last year, but Quartz Hill went on to win the 2008 Western Division title while top-seeded Palmdale was eliminated in the semifinals.

"We're playing the defending Western Division champions, so we have to be at our best," Palmdale coach Jeff Williams said.

In other Golden League news, Antelope Valley's home stadium was renamed Brent Newcomb Stadium at Mays Field on Friday night in honor of former coach Brent Newcomb, who won 18 league titles and three section championships in his 26-year career before retiring in 2003.

Antelope Valley won section championship in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and players from each decade were on hand Friday, including Lee D'Errico from the the Antelopes' 1976 and 1977 section championship team, Marco Johnson from the 1981 section championship team and Jermaine Lewis from the 1994 section championship team.

"Brent is a really humble guy, so I don't know how much he liked all the attention, but it was a great turnout," Antelope Valley coach Brett Pape said.

After advancing to the Northern Division semifinals the past two seasons, Saugus is 1-3, and its only victory was a lackluster 17-7 opening win at lightly regarded Pasadena. But coach Jason Bornn implores followers not to give up on the Centurions, who are playing a tough schedule that does not get any easier Friday at powerful Crespi of Encino.

"Take a look at who we've lost to - Westlake and Newbury Park, who are both undefeated, and Taft, who has like eight guys going Division I," Bornn said. "These are not soft teams. We've could be 4-0, too, if we scheduled schools like Sisters of the Poor, but that wouldn't prepare us for the Foothill League. I think we have talent and ability. We just need to get it all together."

-- Gerry Gittelson

BIG GAMES
All games Friday

TAFT (2-2) at SERRA (4-0), 7 p.m. - Taft should expect a stiff challenge from Serra of Gardena, which has several top transfers and is among California's top teams. Heavily-recruited LB Lucky Radley is slated to make his Taft debut.

SAUGUS (1-3) at CRESPI (2-2), 7:30 p.m. - Perspective has given Saugus a greater appreciation of graduated standouts Desi Rodriguez (quarterback) and Ryan Zirbel (running back). Without them, Saugus is an average team playing an exceedingly difficult schedule.

NEWBURY PARK (4-0, 1-0) at MOORPARK (4-0, 1-0), 7 p.m. - The winner has an inside track to the Marmonte League championship, and Moorpark has the advantage of having played tougher competition.

HE SAID
"I don't believe in moral victories."

-Antelope Valley coach Brett Pape, whose team fell to 0-4 after a 46-6 loss to Knight.

UNSUNG HERO

Kyle Custer, QB, Village Christian - Custer led Village Christian to its fourth consecutive victory over a public school with at least twice the enrollment, completing 18 of 27 for 379 yards and two TDs as the Crusaders rallied from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter in a 28-24 victory at Sylmar.

LAST WEEK'S TOP PERFORMANCES

Andy Dean, TE, Camarillo - Dean, a converted offensive lineman, had six receptions for 201 yards and two TDs, including a 35-yarder in the final minute in a 26-25 victory at Ventura.

Malcolm Jones, RB, Oaks Christian - Jones rushed for a school-record 333 yards on 27 carries, scoring four TDs on runs of 60, 39, 69 and 30 yards in a 33-13 victory at Venice.

Antonio Bray, RB, Arleta - Bray rushed for a career-best 169 yards on nine carries and scored four TDs on runs of 40, 65, 3 and 25 yards in a 63-12 victory over visiting Cleveland.

-- Gerry Gittelson

1. Oaks Christian (4-0) - No one can keep up with The Jones

2. Moorpark (4-0) - Key Marmonte League showdown vs. Newbury Park

3. Notre Dame (4-1) - Idle after three decisive victories in a row

4. Crespi (2-2) - Ready to take out frustrations on struggling Saugus

5. Alemany (3-1) - Begins tough two-game stretch vs. Bishop Amat and Crespi

6. Valencia (4-0) - Loyola matchup could be only serious challenge until playoffs

7. Westlake (3-0) - Should have easy time vs. overmatched Agoura

8. Newbury Park (4-0) - Has won every game by two TDs or more

9. Taft (2-2) - Must be more disciplined after 17 penalties for minus-133 yards in win over Saugus

10. Chaminade (4-0) - Eagles only wish they had coaxed back coach Croson sooner

OTHERS: Hart (3-2); St. Francis (4-0); Palmdale (2-2); Arleta (3-1); Burbank (3-1); El Camino Real (4-0); Camarillo (3-1).

Dominguez 7-0-0-3-10
Notre Dame 14-20-14-0-48

ND - Dayao 15 pass from Kasdorf (Solis kick)
D-Gregory 60 run (Rodriguez)
ND-Kasdorf 1 run (Rodriguez kick)
ND-Kasdorf 21 run (Solis kick)
ND-Dayao 8 pass from Kasdorf (run failed)
ND-Dayao 42 pass Kasdorf (Solis kick)
ND-Boggs 75 run (Solis kick)
ND-Smith 20 run (Solis kick)
D-FG Rodriguez 30

LEADERS:

Passing
D-Brown 4-12-32
ND-Kasdorf 11-16-199

Rushing:
D: Gregory 12-109
ND: Boggs 12-146

Receiving:
ND: Dayao 4-10
D: Bell 1-27

*******************************************

It was another milestone performance Friday for Ryan Kasdorf.

The returning All-American quarterback broke Garrett Green's career passing yardage record in a 48-10 victory over visiting Dominguez of Compton at Notre Dame.

A senior playing his second season, Kasdorf completed 11 of 16 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 4,386 career yards with five regular-season games remaining. Green totaled 4,378 yards over three seasons from 2003 to 2005.

"We don't really worry about all the record stuff until after it's all over," Notre Dame coach Kevin Rooney said. "He's a good player who has done some good things, but we'll worry about that stuff later."

After passing for 3,291 yards and 36 touchdowns in 12 games as a junior last year, Kasdorf, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound with a strong arm, poise in the pocket and quick feet, has passed for 1095 yards and eight touchdowns this season, and he has also scored six touchdowns.

In 17 career games, Kasdorf has accounted for 56 touchdowns.

Ahead by 45 points, Kasdorf called it a night after three quarters with Notre Dame (4-1) ahead by 45 points.

Kasdorf connected with Patrick Dayao for three touchdowns passes of 15, 8 and 42 yards, as Notre Dame surged to a 34-7 lead.

In the final minute of the first half, Dominguez was down by just 20 points and drove to the Notre Dame 15. But two plays later, Notre Dame's Ben Gottschalk sacked Chris Brown on fourth down, and Notre Dame took over on its own 28.

In methodical fashion, Kasdorf completed three consecutive passes -- a 14-yarder to Tyler Thomas, a 16-yarder to Kimati Ramsey, then a 42-yard touchdown to Dayao as time expired to make it 34-7.

Through two quarters, Notre Dame outgained the Dons 341-140, and Kasdorf was the key. He completed 8 of 13 for 161 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed for 83 yards on six carries, including a 21-yard touchdown.

If there was any doubt about the outcome, Notre Dame's Kenny Boggs scored on a 75-yard run on the first play of the second half to extend the lead to 42-7.

"We played well in both halves, and that's something we haven't done every game," Rooney said.

Boggs rushed for 146 yards on 12 carries. Dayao had four receptions for 105 yards and three touchdowns.

Dominguez's WIll Gregory rushed for 109 yards on 12 carries, including a 60-yard touchdown run. Brown completed 4 of 12 for 32 yards.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Ryan Kasdorf has connected with Patrick Dayao for three touchdowns passes of 15, 8 and 42 yards, as Notre Dame leads 34-7 over Dominguez at halftime.

In the final minute of the first half, Dominguez was down by just 20 points and drove to the Notre Dame 15. But two plays later, Notre Dame's Ben Gottschalk sacked Chris Brown on fourth down, and Notre Dame took over on its own 28.

In methodical fashion, Kasdorf completed three consecutive passes -- a 14-yarder to Tyler Thomas, a 16-yarder to Kimati Ramsey, then a 42-yard touchdown to Dayao as time expired to make it 34-7.

Through two quarters, Notre Dame outgained the Dons 341-140, and Kasdorf was the key. He completed 8 of 13 for 161 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed for 83 yards on six carries, including a 21-yard touchdown.

It's a perfect evening for football here in Sherman Oaks, with temperatures in the 70s and a full moon looking down on tonight's matchup between Notre Dame and visiting Dominguez of Compton. We're set to kick off in just a few minutes.

Dominguez (1-2) is a bit down these days, but it was not long ago that the Dons were among the Southland's most successful programs. From 2004 to 2007, Dominguez was 48-7, including two section championships. In 2003, they were 10-0 on the field but forfeited nine victories and were bounced out of the playoffs.

Meantime, Notre Dame (3-1) is a strong program once again, led by All-American quarterback Ryan Kasdorf, who needs 188 yards tonight to eclipse the school career passing yardage record (4,378, Garrett Green, 2003-05). Kasdorf has passed for 4,187 yards in 16 games -- an average of 261.7 yards per game.

Davontae Perry-Brooks, a top City Section receiver who had 655 yards receiving in three games, has been expelled from Birmingham of Lake Balboa for disciplinary reasons.

Perry-Brooks, a senior, said he plans to attend Monroe of North Hills beginning on Monday. He is not eligible to play sports.

"I got into some trouble and lost my athletic eligibility for one year," Perry-Brooks said.

Birmingham athletic director Rick Prizant confirmed the expulsion but said he could not comment further.

Perry-Brooks said he plans to play college football but said he must now first attend a junior college.

Birmingham (0-4) was already reeling from the loss of USC-bound running back Trajuan Briggs, who has yet to suit up because of a broken ankle suffered before the opener. He could be back soon.

I'll have more in my Points After Touchdown column on Sunday.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Avondre Bollar, a Thousand Oaks junior who is a top baseball player and starting quarterback for the football team, has committed to play baseball at San Diego State.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Bryan Bennett broke Crespi's career passing yardage record last week. With six regular-season games remaining, Bennett has passed for 4,668 yards - 182 more than former record holder Cody Smith (1989-91). Here is the top five:

1. Bryan Bennett, 2007-to present, 4,668

2. Cody Smith, 1989-91, 4,486

3. Matt Wabby, 2003-05, 4,375

4. Dave Lins, 1992-94, 3,296

5. Babe Laufenberg, 1976-77, 2,678

-- Gerry Gittelson

FIVE GAMES TO WATCH
All games Friday

TAFT (1-2) vs. SAUGUS (1-2) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m. - Taft is in the midst of a month-long nonleague stretch against four top Southern Section opponents. While the Toreadors, led by USC-bound RB D.J. Morgan, took their lumps against Notre Dame and Alemany, they have a good chance to defeat the rebuilding Centurions.

HART (2-2) vs. PARACLETE (2-2) at Knight High, 7 p.m. - Small-school power Paraclete is in a no-lose situation against the area's most consistently successful large-school program over the past 25 years. If Hart wins, everyone will say it was supposed to happen. If Paraclete scores an upset, it will be one of the biggest regular-season victories in school history.

DOMINGUEZ (1-2) at NOTRE DAME (3-1), 7 p.m. - A total contrast in styles. Dominguez likes to keep things simple with a power pitch offense featuring the same few basic plays over and over. Notre Dame, led by All-American QB Ryan Kasdorf, thrives on a tricky scheme featuring misdirection and lots of passing. "There's going to be a lot of battling up front, but we can turn into a power team," Notre Dame two-way lineman Ben Gottschalk said.

THOUSAND OAKS (1-2) at WESTLAKE (3-0), 7 p.m. - Two top QBs who can run and pass go head to head. Thousand Oaks' Avondre Bollar passed for 307 yards and four TDs last week in a win over Canyon, while Westlake's Nick Isham has completed 74 percent for 385 yards and eight TDs with no INTs, and he has scored three TDs.

CANYON (0-3) at CHAMINADE (3-0), 7:30 p.m. - Chaminade is off to a fast start but has yet to face an elite opponent. Canyon no longer strikes fear like it did in the Harry Welch days, but the Cowboys, led by QB Jonathan Jerozal, have enough talent to make this one interesting.

OTHER GAMES:

ALPHA
Montclair Prep at Campbell Hall, 3:30pm

GOLDEN
Eastside at Littlerock, 7:00pm
Knight at Antelope Valley, 7:00pm
Lancaster at Palmdale, 7:00pm
Quartz Hill at Highland, 7:00pm

MARMONTE
Agoura at Royal, 7:00pm
Calabasas at Moorpark, 7:00pm
Simi Valley at Newbury Park, 7:00pm

PACIFIC
Crescenta Valley vs. Burbank at Glendale HS, 7:00pm
Hoover at Pasadena, 7:00pm
Muir at Burroughs, 7:00pm

EAST VALLEY
Poly at Canoga Park, 7:00pm
Van Nuys at North Hollywood, 7:00pm
Verdugo Hills at Grant, 7:00pm

NONLEAGUE

Cleveland at Arleta, 3:00pm
Dorsey vs. Birmingham at Rancho Cienega Park (Los Angeles), 7:00pm
El Camino Real at Reseda, 7:00pm
Kennedy at Chatsworth, 7:00pm
Palisades at Granada Hills, 7:00pm
Panorama at Jefferson, 3:00pm
Camarillo at Ventura, 7:00pm
Dominguez at Notre Dame, 7:00pm
Flintridge Prep at Malibu, 7:00pm
Grace Brethren at Frazier Mountain, 7:00pm
Rio Mesa at St. Francis, 7:30pm
Santa Monica at Valencia, 7:00pm
Serrano vs. Golden Valley at Canyon HS, 7:00pm
Twentynine Palms at Oak Park, 7:30pm
Vasquez at Rosamond, 7:00pm
Viewpoint at Sage Hill, 7:00pm
Cathedral at Eagle Rock, 3:00pm
Lynwood at San Fernando, 7:00pm
Oaks Christian at Venice, 7:00pm
Village Christian at Sylmar, 7:00pm

SATURDAY

ALPHA
Sierra Canyon vs. Kilpatrick at Granada Hills, 7:00pm

NONLEAGUE
Alemany at Harvard-Westlake, 7:00pm
Crean Lutheran South vs. Bell-Jeff at Burroughs, 7:00pm
St. Genevieve at L.A. Baptist, 1:00pm

Well-traveled Chuck Berrington is the new coach at Providence in Burbank, his third stop over the past three years following stints at Newbury Park for one season this past spring and Taft for three seasons. He previously coached at Westlake for seven seasons before resigning in 2002, then worked as an assistant at Moorpark JC.

Newbury Park finished 20-10 and placed third in the Marmonte League under Berrington last season.

-- Gerry Gittelson