August 2010 Archives

2010 CIF SOUTHERN SECTION PRESEASON FOOTBALL TOP TEN POLLS

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
Rank School (League)
1. St. Margaret's (Academy)
2. Rim of the World (Mountain Valley)
3. Sierra Canyon (Alpha)
4. Paraclete (Alpha)
5. Aquinas (Ambassador)
6. Ontario Christian (Ambassador)
7. Twentynine Palms (De Anza)
8. Linfield Christian (Ambassador)
9. Notre Dame/Riverside (Mountain Valley)
10. Bishop Diego (Frontier)
Others: Banning (Mountain Valley); Campbell Hall (Alpha); Grace Brethren (Frontier); Sage Hill
(Academy): Big Bear; Rubidoux (Mountain Valley).

MID-VALLEY DIVISION
Rank School (League)
1. San Dimas (Valle Vista)
2. Monrovia (Rio Hondo)
3. Valley Christian/Cerritos (Olympic)
4. Schurr (Almont)
5. Arroyo (Mission Valley)
6. Whittier Christian (Olympic)
7. Azusa (Montview)
8. Village Christian (Olympic)
9. Rosemead (Mission Valley)
10. San Marino (Rio Hondo)
Others: San Gabriel (Almont); Baldwin Park (Valle Vista); Bell Gardens (Almont); La Puente
(Montview); Alhambra (Almont); Covina (Valle Vista).

NORTHEAST DIVISION
Rank School (League)
1. Bishop Union (High Desert)
2. Salesian (Santa Fe)
3. Rio Hondo Prep (Prep)
4. Chadwick (Prep)
5. Poly/Pasadena (Prep)
6. Boron (Desert Mountain)
7. Kern Valley (High Desert)
8. Flintridge Prep (Prep)
9. Mojave (Desert Mountain)
10. Hamilton (Arrowhead)
Others: Vasquez (Desert Mountain); St. Genevieve (Santa Fe); Bell-Jeff (Santa Fe);
Sherman Indian (Arrowhead); Saddleback Valley Christian (San Joaquin); Rosamond (High
Desert)

NORTHERN DIVISION
Rank School (League)
1. Westlake (Marmonte)
2. St. Bonaventure (Marmonte)
3. Valencia (Foothill)
4. Oaks Christian (Marmonte)
5. Moorpark (Marmonte)
6. Thousand Oaks (Marmonte)
7. Mira Costa (Bay)
8. Palmdale (Golden)
9. Palos Verdes (Bay)
10. Canyon (Foothill)
Others: Newbury Park (Marmonte); Quartz Hill (Golden); Redondo (Bay); West Ranch
(Foothill); Highland (Golden); West Torrance (Bay).

NORTHWEST DIVISION
Rank School (League)
1. Templeton (Los Padres)
2. Nordhoff (Tri-Valley)
3. Santa Ynez (Los Padres)
4. Verbum Dei (Del Rey)
5. North Torrance (Pioneer)
6. Nipomo (Los Padres)
7. Cantwell Sacred-Heart (Del Rey)
8. South Torrance (Pioneer)
9. El Segundo (Pioneer)
10. Oak Park (Tri-Valley)
Others: Don Bosco Tech (Del Rey); Carpinteria (Tri-Valley); Morro Bay (Los Padres);
Centennial/Compton (Pioneer); Fillmore (Tri-Valley); Torrance (Pioneer).

PAC-5 DIVISION
Rank School (League)
1. Mission Viejo (South Coast)
2. Mater Dei (Trinity)
3. Servite (Trinity)
4. Poly/Long Beach (Moore)
5. Lakewood (Moore)
6. Los Alamitos (Sunset)
7. Edison (Sunset)
8. Bishop Amat (Serra)
9. Newport Harbor (Sunset)
10. San Clemente (South Coast)
Others: Lutheran/Orange (Trinity); Crespi (Serra); Dana Hills (South Coast); Loyola (Serra); St.
John Bosco (Trinity); Wilson/Long Beach (Moore).

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Rank School (League)
1. La Mirada (Suburban)
2. Norwalk (Suburban)
3. Burbank (Pacific)
4. Diamond Ranch (Hacienda)
5. West Covina (Hacienda)
6. Santa Fe (Del Rio)
7. Muir (Pacific)
8. La Serna (Del Rio)
9. Mayfair (Suburban)
10. Rowland (Hacienda)
Others: California (Del Rio); El Rancho (Del Rio); Bonita (Hacienda); Burroughs/Burbank
(Pacific); Arcadia (Pacific); Bellflower (Suburban).

WESTERN DIVISION
Rank School (League)
1. Serra (Mission)
2. Dominguez (San Gabriel Valley)
3. Warren (San Gabriel Valley)
4. Chaminade (Mission)
5. Gahr (San Gabriel Valley)
6. St. Francis (Mission)
7. Culver City (Ocean)
8. Ventura (Channel)
9. Arroyo Grande (PAC-7)
10. Oxnard (Pacific View)
Others: Buena (Channel); St. Joseph/Santa Maria (PAC-7); Atascadero (PAC-7); Santa Monica (Ocean); Camarillo (Pacific View); Cathedral (Mission).

If you like prep football, you're going to love Wednesday's edition of the Daily News, featuring our kickoff coverage and lots of color photos of the area's top players.

We answer five burning questions, we examine every league plus all the other teams in the area, and we list the top players in every position plus the Daily News preseason all-area team, top 20 rankings and a bunch of other stuff.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The Ventura County Star has published its predictions for how the revamped Marmonte League will shake out this season, and it's a surprise to see St. Bonaventure listed fifth in the 10-team league.

Check out the rankings here.

St. Bonaventure, generally considered one of the strongest programs in the country, went 11-2 on the field last year and advanced to the Northern Division semifinals. But later, all 11 victories were forfeited because of an ineligible player, so St. Bonaventure's official record was 0-13.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Utah opens Thursday against against visiting Pittsburgh, and the Utes have big plans for Brian Blechen, a freshman safety from Moorpark who has worked his way into the starting lineup.

Another freshman signee, running back Lucky Radley from Taft, could find a spot as a starting return specialist, though a report in the Salt Lake Tribute said he probably will red shirt.

-- Gerry Gittelson

What a night for Mike Moustakas, the former Chatsworth star who holds the state prep records for home runs in a season and career.

Playing for Kansas City Royals affiliate Omaha, Moustakas hit three home runs with 11 RBIs in a 23-5 victory over Round Rock in a triple-A game.

Earlier in the day, Moustakas was named Texas League Player of Year. Overall, he has 34 home runs this season in 110 games, including 44 triple-A games.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Former Oaks Christian standout Duke Lemmens has been named captain of the University of Florida football team for 2010 by his teammates.

Lemmens is a 6-foot-3, 250 pound senior defensive end who is No. 1 on the depth chart and will be starting Saturday when the Gators take on Miami (Ohio).

Shaquille Shelton, a former Taft running back/defensive back who was among the area's top players, has transferred to defending City Section champion Crenshaw after checking out of Taft on Wednesday.

"Shaquille Shelton did enroll here at Crenshaw on Friday," Crenshaw athletic director Sonya Neely said today.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Oaks Christian has had its share of outstanding soccer players over the past several years.

Six are making contributions in the college ranks.

Freshman Kelly Johnson is at TCU and has started three of the Horned Frogs' first four games. Johnson is a defender but has three shots, including one on goal.

Freshman Lauren Lindstrom has started three of the Bulldogs' first four games and has two shots, including one on goal.

Noelle Salter and Megan Connor are sophomores at San Francisco. Salter has started two of three games and given up only two goals. Connor has played in two games. The Dons are 3-0 on the young season.

Nicole Sweetman has started one game at Long Beach St. The junior transferred from UCLA.

Kelsea Smith is a sophomore at Pepperdine and was named to the all-freshman WCC team last year.

Megan Schoppe will play for Cal Lutheran this season after transferring from Pacific.

Kristen Clark is a junior at Wheaton College in Illinois

Fulton Prep is starting its fourth season of football Thursday but this year will be unlike the past three.

Fulton Prep is moving up to 11-man for the first time.

Coach Sean Jackson couldn't be happier.

"I am glad we are moving," Jackson said. "8-man was more gimmick plays and now we can play real football. The kids are excited and ready for the challenge."

Jackson will be relying on QB Miguel Gonzalez (5'8, 170), RB Oscar Miranda (5'7, 200) and sophomore WR Johnny Perez (6'2).

The first game is Thursday against Blair of Pasadena at Muir High in Pasadena at 7 p.m.

Montclair Prep received another blow before the season begins.

Top returning running back Myles Rankin won't be returning.

Rankin led the team in rushing last year.

Rankin went home to New York over the summer and has not come back to California.

"He would have been one of top guys," coach John Greaves said.

Luckily for Montclair Prep, Blair Stone has checked in from Texas. Stone is expected to start.

Three former area players could see playing time at Yale this season.

Jackson Ligouri (Harvard-Westlake) is among a group of talented freshman competing for a spot with the receivers and Nicky Okano (Harvard-Westlake) and Max Napolitano (Oaks Christian) have been impressive competing for backup spots with the cornerbacks.

With Taft stacked with quarterback Michael Bercovici and defensive lineman Antwaun Woods, plus El Camino Real returning running back Kawan Rally and most of his blockers, it's going to be tough for the others to keep up in the West Valley League.

Chatsworth is in the hunt, and the Chancellors have a group of talented returnees and a new running back, Awatas Brown, so it looks like they might be good.

Hoping to rebound from a 2-8 season, Chatsworth returns D'ondre Alexander, who had six interceptions last season. He will be key for Chatsworth to shore up its defense after allowing 36 points per game in '09. Noseguard Dylan Murrietta is back, too, and he's a big one, a 6-4, 330-pounder who of course plays offense, too.

"Dylan looks really good. He's really improved," coach Jason Camp said.

A senior transfer who played just three games for Golden Valley last season, Brown has developed into a pleasant surprise. He'll also get a long look at outside linebacker.

So who is left? Birmingham, Cleveland and Granada Hills.

Birmingham is coming off a rough year that included some crippling injuries -- had top running back Trajuan Briggs been healthy, I bet the Patriots would have gone 8-3 instead of 3-8 -- while Cleveland went 8-4 but defeated just one .500 opponent, and Granada Hills (2-8) gave up 37.4 points per game.

Poor coach Jim Rose at Birmingham. He had all the talent in the world when he was the defensive coordinator during Birmingham's recent peak, but since taking over last year for Ed Croson, the Patriots have been very thin.

Cleveland has a great young defensive back in junior Miguel Garcia, who runs a 4.6 and loves physical contact, but the Cavs are probably at least a year away from making a major run.

At Granada Hills, a lot is riding on running back Jacob Smith winning a hardship appeal. The former Notre Dame back is a blazing-fast junior who could give the Highlanders instant credibility. If not, returning quarterback Josh Szin needs to have a huge year.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Santa Clarita Christian has won two consecutive Southern Section Div. I eight-man championships, but it will be hard to three-peat because there are only two starters returning and 13 freshman on this year's team.

Santa Clarita Christian opens Sept. 11 against visiting First Lutheran at Valencia High. Kickoff is 8 p.m.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Florida Marlins rookie outfielder Mike Stanton, formerly of Notre Dame High, was removed from the starting lineup Friday night because of an 0-for-24 skid.

Stanton, who struck out as a pinch-hitter Friday night, has just one hit in his past 33 at-bats, dropping his batting average to .242. Before that, he batted .583 (14-for-24) in six games during his Player of the Week run, boosting his average to .275.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The CIF SOUTHERN SECTION, in partnership with FOX SPORTS PRIME TICKET AND FOX SPORTS WEST, announce the "High School Football Game of the Week" selections for the 2010 regular season.

Kicking-off the 10-game schedule on September 3, Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks hosts Serra. The game will be a tape delayed broadcast on Prime Ticket.

Analyst John Jackson and play-by-play announcer Chris McGee return to the booth for their fourth season together while Sideline Reporter, Courtney Jones, enters her sophomore season.

Adding to the Prime Ticket team in 2010 is Crystina Poncher, who will also provide sideline reports for games yet to be determined.

Here is the schedule:

Sept. 3 Fri. Serra at Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks 10:30 p.m. (D) PRIME
Sept. 10 Fri. Crenshaw at Norco 8:30 p.m. PRIME
Sept. 16 Thur. Thousand Oaks at Westlake 7:30 p.m. PRIME
Sept. 24 Fri. Edison vs. Servite (@ Cerritos College) 7:30 p.m. PRIME
Oct. 1 Fri. Westlake vs. Oaks Christian 8:30 p.m. WEST
Oct. 8 Fri. Long Beach Poly vs. Lakewood (@ Vets Stadium) 7:30 p.m. PRIME
Oct. 22 Fri. St. Bonaventure at Th ousand Oaks 7:30 p.m. PRIME
Oct. 29 Fri. Mater Dei vs. Servite (@ Angels Stadium) 10:30 p.m. (D) PRIME
Nov. 5 Wildcard: Match-up TBD** 10:30 p.m. (D) PRIME
Nov. 11 Th ur. Edison vs Los Alamitos (@ Vets Stadium) 7:30 p.m. PRIME
Dec. 3 Fri. CIF-SS Semifi nal Game (Division TBD) 8:00 p.m. PRIME
Dec. 10 Fri. CIF-SS Championship Game (Division TBD) 7:30 p.m. WEST
Dec. 13 Sat. CIF-SS PAC-5 Championship Game 8:00 p.m. PRIME

Marijon Ancich has been reinstated as head coach at Mission League school St. Paul in Santa Fe Springs after being put on leave following a campus hazing incident, according to report in the Whittier Daily News.

-- Gerry Gittelson

I checked out Taft's scrimmage against visiting Van Nuys last night, and Taft's new quarterback, Michael Bercovici, is really impressive. He is a natural at the position, he has a great arm, and he has a presence about him like all great high school quarterbacks.

I would be shocked if Berco doesn't pass for at least 2,000 yards this season, perhaps a lot more if the Toreadors can make a deep playoff run as well they should.

Shaquille Shelton was not around after checking out of school one day earlier, which meant Taft was without its top running back and one of its top hitters on defense, too. So Taft gave the football a lot to Dimitray Lewis, a junior, who looked like he gained about 100 yards during the 45 minutes or so that I was closely watching.

As for Van Nuys, the Wolves were a lot better than I thought, and frankly they mixed it up pretty good against an opponent MUCH bigger, stronger and athletic.

Van Nuys does have a very intriguing prospect in jumbo defensive lineman Jorge Martinez, a 6-6, 360-pound junior transfer from Fulton Prep. He's absolutely huge but a bit of project who didn't play at Fulton Prep because of fitness and grade issues.

He was a lot bigger but has lost 30 pounds to get into football shape, Van Nuys coach Sean Polllard said, and with the right mix of instruction, discipline and exposure, Martinez could develop into quite a prospect.

He's so big that his helmet, pads and uniform all had to be special ordered, Pollard said.

One last thing: A couple of Taft starters were held out for disciplinary reasons, and that's just not cool. I've been doing this for nearly 30 years, and if the kids can't behave, no matter how talented, they're never going to win a championship.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Neil Uskali, a sophomore transfer from Westlake, has made quite an impression at quarterback for Montclair Prep following the departure of last year's starter, Fabian Alomar, now at Canoga Park.

"The kid is real good. He can sling the ball," coach John Greaves said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Zach Miller, an All-Marmonte League offensive lineman who was Westlake's only returning starting blocker, is out for at least four to six weeks following his second knee surgery since January.

"I'll be starting four juniors and a sophomore on the line," coach Jim Benkert said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

B.R. Holbrook, a former Hart quarterback, has been named starting quarterback for New Mexico for the Sept. 4 opener at Oregon.

Holbrook, a 6-3 sophomore, passed for 170 yards and a touchdown last year as a backup.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Van Nuys resident Parker Jackson-Cartwright, the sixth-rated point guard in the United States in his age group, has enrolled as a freshman at Loyola.

His brother, Miles, was an All-Southern Section and all-state guard for Loyola the past four years and is now at Pennsylvania.

-- Gerry Gittelson

If you want to see some tackle football, you can check out a scrimmage tonight between Taft and visiting Van Nuys, set for 7 p.m. but now expected to be pushed back a half hour or so because of the heat.

Tonight will mark the unofficial official debut of Taft quarterback Michael Bercovici, who was declared ineligible last year upon transferring from Westlake. In workouts, Bercovici has looked so good that he already has committed to an Arizona State scholarship, and it will be interesting to catch my first glimpse of receiver Michael Thomas, nephew of Keyshawn Johnson.

Taft is reeling now that top running back Shaquille Shelton checked out of school Wednesday, but the Toreadors figure to overpower Van Nuys, a lightly regarded Div. II program searching for respectability under second-year coach Sean Pollard, a former Taft assistant.

"Our thinking with scheduling Taft is we want to compete and see where we're at and get battle-tested," Pollard said. "I think we're going to be able to get some stuff done and come out of this unscathed. It's going to be a controlled, quick-whistle kind of thing. If it was a real game, it would be more of a scare."

-- Gerry Gittelson

I'll go out on a limb and proclaim Montclair Prep's trip to Bishop on Saturday will be the longest distance a San Fernando Valley team has ever traveled to play a scrimmage.

New coach John Greaves said by the time he took the job, every opponent he could think of already had a scrimmage scheduled. So the team will make the best of it.

"It will be fun. We'll leave Friday and practice in Bishop, we'll stay overnight, then we'll play the scrimmage on Saturday," Greaves said.

Perhaps a weekend together will be a good way to bond because the Mounties are a whole new team, as nearly every returning player either switched schools or is not playing this season.

The good news is a bunch of experienced players have transferred in, including three from Valencia plus a promising new running back from Texas, Blair Stone, so, as Greaves put it, "I'm just getting my team together."

This morning was the first day of full-contact practice, and Greaves, a longtime assistant under departed George Giannini, liked what he saw.

"We've got a 22-man roster with no JV team, just a lot of new players, but we should be good," Greaves said.

Greaves is especially excited about the future because there are a bunch of top Pop Warner players enrolled in the eighth grade or planning to enroll next season, he said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Jeff Engilman, a hard-nosed but successful coach whose style transcends a different era, says this last year at Arleta will be it for him. The 59-year-old has announced his pending retirement.

"It's been 36 years. I wanted last year to be my last year to tell you the truth," Engilman said. "But four assistants left at Arleta, so I wasn't going to leave the place with no coaches. Like I said, last year would have been a great year to go out because I saw my ninth-graders all the way through. Everyone wants to go out on top, but it didn't work out."

Engilman, who has 233 career victories, has won five City titles -- two at Manual Arts, two at Sylmar and one at Arleta, where he is 28-8 in three varsity seasons.

"I don't know what I'm going to do without football, but I'm willing to try," Engilman said. "My wife is worried, though. She thinks I'm going to get myself in trouble if I'm not coaching. There's always a time to hang it up. I don't want to be like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays and stay too long."

Engilman is one of the few area coaches to have won large-division titles at three different schools.

"I guess the biggest accomplishment is the five titles, but I've had a lot of good players along the way -- that helps," Engilman said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

It's been a long time since Oaks Christian has not relied on one dominant tailback in the wake of the legacies of Malcolm Jones and Marc Tyler, but this year the Lions have three running backs, and all are about equal heading into the season opener next week.

Carlos Mendoza, Ronny Camacho and Ishmael Adams are all in the mix, and all have game-breaking ability.

They're also full-time defensive players. Mendoza, a junior, and Camacho, a senior, play linebacker. Adams, a junior transfer from Georgia, is a defensive back who could also see time as receiver and return specialist.

"We really haven't picked a starter. They're all going to play," coach Bill Redell said. "We're going to go like USC does a little bit."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Blake Borland and Jake Stephens, two of Hart's top players last season, have stuck together and are playing at Western State of Colorado, a Div. II program.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Austin Allen, a returning All-Pacific League defense lineman for Burroughs, has decided not to play football so he can focus on track. The senior is also a top pole vaulter.

"He's trying to get an DI scholarship in track," Burroughs football coach Keith Knoop said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Taft coach Derrick Taylor has confirmed C.J. Blackwell has enrolled in school and is attending classes.

Blackwell (6'5) played at Peachtree Ridge High in Georgia last year.

Blackwell is being recruited by Purdue, UNLV, Wisconsin and several other schools.

It took awhile, but all the paperwork has been turned into the City Section regarding top running back Jacob Smith's appeal to be eligible immediately at Granada Hills instead of waiting a year, per section rules, after transferring from Notre Dame via Canyon.

"We submitted all supporting documentation today," athletic director Rick Charls said, adding that he expects a decision by the end of next week.

Smith, one of California's fastest football players and track sprinters, is an explosive multi-purpose back who would have been Notre Dame's most notable returning player. A hardship appeal at Canyon last spring was denied by the Southern Section.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Bad news for Taft today, as Shaquille Shelton, one of the San Fernando Valley's top two-way starters, checked out of school with plans to transfer to another school, perhaps Crenshaw or Culver City, according to multiple sources.

"One second earlier, I had just got off the phone with ESPN about a photo shoot they're doing, and I had given them Shaquille's name as one of the players in the shoot -- and he walks into my office and says he's checking out," coach Matt Kerstetter said. "I couldn't believe it."

Kerstetter said he then spent about an hour talking with Shelton's dad and step mother, trying to convince them to have Shelton return, but to no avail.

"There's a lot of different things going on, some academic and some other issues," Kerstetter said. "His mom said he might not play football at all this year so he can get his grades up, and I told her that's something where you have to sit down and make a family decision."

Shelton was a key player last year in helping Taft to the City quarterfinals. With top quarterback Michael Bercovici having transferred in, Taft is expected to compete for a City title this year, but now it will be that much more difficult.

"The sad part is Shaquille has been with us for three years and now he's missing his senior year," Kerstetter said. "That would really hurt."

DImitray Lewis, a junior, is the new starting running back.

"Dimitray looks fast, and he's more of a power back," Bercovici said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Junior Hanah Roberg has transferred from Buena to Oaks Christian.

Roberg is a pitcher, outfielder and first baseman.

Roberg was 12-4 with a 1.97 ERA and hit .316 last season, leading Buena to the Division IV semifinals.

Roberg gives the Lions a potent one-two punch in the circle, joining Coastal Carolina-recruit Kiana Quolas.

Time Warner Cable is negotiating with Fox Sports to televise high school football games this season.

Fox Sports has an exclusive deal with the Southern Section but is expected to make a deal with Time Warner, allowing the Southern California carrier to broadcast games as well.

Two games are already on the docket.

Alemany at Oaks Christian on Sept. 3 and Corona Centennial at Birmingham on Sept. 10.

The games will be on channel 101.

Michael Sheridan, one of the Golden League's top returning multi-purpose backs, has transferred from Lancaster to Highland.

As a junior at Lancaster last season, Sheridan caught 24 passes and averaged 37.2 yards on kick returns. He also rushed for 190 yards and a touchdown.

"He just showed up this week, so we're waiting for all the paperwork to get done," Highland coach Troy Jackson said. "He's been sitting instead of participating, so he's kind of biting at the bit. He's ready to go. He wants to play running back."

Christian Tago, a junior, is a returning quarterback who's 6-2, 215 pounds with a lot of raw talent.

"He can do it all, and he's a little bigger, a little faster and a little stronger this year," Jackson said. "He's a team leader and the kind of guy you want to run the show."

Most of Highland's other top seniors are linemen, including Dwayne Carter, a 6-3, 220-pound defensive end who also plays tight end, and Tarrin Woods, a 6-1, 260-pounder.

Hunter Sharp and Leonard Merriweather are top juniors. Sharp is a receiver/safety, and Merriweather is a running back/linebacker.

"Our numbers are good. We have about 55 kids on varsity, and I think we should be considered one of the top three teams with a good chance to win it," Jackson said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Thrust into the role of starting quarterback in Week 2 last year when the No. 1 QB was injured, Brian Luttrell continues to adjust from being a linebacker to being a quarterback.

"Brian went through some growing pains, but the good thing was he was already a pretty physical kid," coach Robert Watts said. "He's a natural leader, and hopefully this year he'll really embrace being the quarterback. He's got a year under his belt, he's already a lot more comfortable, and I'm looking for Brian to have a big year."

C.J. Miller figures to play a huge role, too. He's a returning All-Golden League fullback and a key hitter at linebacker.

"C.J. is a three-year starter, and he's the leader of the team at the moment," Watts said. "He's going to be a focal point."

Littlerock (4-6 last year) is also hoping Preston Price works out at running back. A converted defensive back, he looked good at tailback last season when given an opportunity, but as soon as he got rolling he sprained his knee.

"He's a kid that's pretty athletic," Watts said. "He's not real big, but he's got the ability. His knee is fine now."

Matt Freeman is the top lineman on both sides, a 6-2, 240-pounder who loves contact.

"He's our big, physical lineman. He does the dirty work," Watts said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Here's something you don't see every day: a former kicker working as a head coach.

But that's the case at Lancaster, where Chad Shrout, a punter and kicker at Hawaii in the 1990s, is in his fourth year and is trying to restore a winning tradition.

"You're right. You don't see too many kickers being coaches, but I played offensive and defensive line, too, when I played at Antelope Valley High, so those are my roots," Shrout said. "I've also had some good coaches along the way with Brent Newcomb in high school and June Jones at Hawaii."

Lancaster made the playoffs in Shrout's first season in 2007, but dwindling participation has contributed to a slide that has seen the Eagles win a total of four games over the past two seasons, including 3-7 last year.

Shrout is looking to give the program a new face with four assistants who've moved up to the varsity level for the first time this season.

"It's real good stuff. I like the staff I have, plus we changed the whole administration this past year, and everyone is really supportive," Shrout said. "The new coaches are first-year varsity coaches, but they've been in the program here, and we're all on the same page."

Lancaster has just 30 players - most large-school programs have 50 or more - but that's enough, Shrout said.

"We had 30 players at Antelope Valley in 1994, and we won the Southern Section (Div. II) championship," Shrout said.

Cleavon Barnes, a senior running back, is key. He's 5-10 and 219 pounds, and he scored seven touchdowns last year, when no one else on the team had more than two. He participated at a USC camp in late April and really impressed everyone, according to online reports.

"He's one of the strongest guys on the team and he runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and benches 315 pounds," Shrout said. "He has really good grades, too, and I'm expecting good things athletically and academically. I hope he gets a scholarship."

The other key seniors include Melvin Stovall, a multi-purpose back and Angelo Casillas, a fullback/linebacker.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Crespi alum Blake Stanton, one of the area's top receivers over the past three seasons, is playing for Oregon as a walk-on.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The Signal has put together a list of Santa Clarita-area grads playing college football, and it's very extensive. Here it is:

Jake Bernards, redshirt freshman, West Ranch, San Diego State
After redshirting last year, Bernards is listed as the third-string quarterback heading into the season for the NCAA Division I Aztecs.

Spencer Boring, freshman, West Ranch, Chapman University
The first-team All-Foothill League selection in 2009 will compete for a spot on Chapman's offensive line.

Kenny Brown, redshirt sophomore, College of the Canyons, UNLV
Brown redshirted in 2009 and will battle for time at cornerback with the Rebels.

Hayo Carpenter, senior, College of the Canyons, University of Minnesota
The COC product played in 10 games last season and caught his first pass for the Gophers in a loss to Cal. With the departure of standout receiver Eric Decker, Carpenter could win a starting job out wide.

Demitri Diamond, sophomore, Hart, Colgate University
Diamond was named Patriot League Rookie of the Year in 2009, only the second defensive player to win the honor. He started all 11 games and was the fifth-leading tackler on the FCS Raiders with 26 stops and will be one of the top defensive backs on the team this season.

J.J. DiLuigi, junior, Canyon, BYU
The Canyon High legend played in all 13 games for the Cougars last season, totaling 248 rushing yards and three touchdowns. With the departure of Harvey Unga, who withdrew from BYU last April after violating the school's honor code, the door is open for DiLuigi to take the starting running back spot.

Ricky Drake, junior, Valencia/College of the Canyons, University of Nevada, Reno
Drake doesn't get many chances to kick field goals in Nevada's high-octane offense, but he hit 60-of-64 extra points last fall and is the team's top kicker again this season.

Brian Fausett, freshman, Saugus, Oklahoma Panhandle State
The Saugus product will compete for playing time on the offensive line for the Division II Aggies.

Arron Fisher, junior, College of the Canyons, Texas A&M Kingsville
The former first-team All-Northern Conference cornerback will try to find a spot in the secondary for the Division II Javelinas.

Nick Gauthier, junior, Saugus, Eastern Washington
After starring at Saugus, Gauthier is now a backup for the Football Championship Subdivision Eagles. He played at Bakersfield College and redshirted in 2009 before 23-of-44 passes for 224 yards and no touchdowns in scrimmages this past spring.

Zack Gauthier, freshman, Saugus, Humboldt State
Gauthier will likely begin as a back-up quarterback for the Division II Jacks after an All-Foothill League season in 2009.

Ramsen Golpashin, junior, Saugus, University of Oregon
After playing in three games in 2009, Golpashin is the top backup at left guard heading into the 2010 season.

Michael Herrick, senior, Valencia, Northern Arizona University
California's all-time prep passing leader is primed for a big senior season at NAU. Herrick completed 68.2 percent of his passes last season for 3,356 yards and 22 touchdowns for the FCS Lumberjacks. He's on the preseason watch list for numerous awards and owns the school record for most passing yards in a single game with 574 against Eastern Washington last fall.

B.R. Holbrook, sophomore, Hart, University of New Mexico
Holbrook could be the starter this season for New Mexico after being the second-string quarterback last season. The Hart High graduate played in five games and completed 19-of-34 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown.

Jonathan Hollins, junior, College of the Canyons, University of Arizona
The COC product redshirted last season but is competing for one of the starting defensive tackle jobs for the Wildcats.

Jabari Howard, freshman, Valencia, UC Davis
The All-Foothill League and All-Santa Clarita Valley defensive back could see playing time in his first year for the FCS Aggies, although he might redshirt given a wealth of returners in the secondary.

Delano Howell, junior, Hart, Stanford University
After transitioning from running back to safety in 2009, Howell will lead a young secondary in 2010. The Hart graduate had 78 tackles, the most of any returning defender, and two interceptions while earning an All-Pac-10 honorable mention.

Shawn Johnson, junior, College of the Canyons, West Texas A&M
The COC product will compete for time on the offensive line for the Division II Buffalo.

Collin Keoshian, freshman, Santa Clarita Christian, BYU
The first student in SCCS history to receive an NCAA Division I football scholarship, Keoshian will likely see limited action during his first season at BYU or redshirt.

Patrick Larimore, redshirt sophomore, Hart, UCLA
Larimore enters the season as one of UCLA's top reserve linebackers after appearing in 11 games as a freshman last fall. The Hart grad could see time on special teams as well.

Melqui Lemus, freshman, Saugus, Oklahoma Panhandle State
Lemus will compete for time as a defensive lineman for the Aggies.

Randy Lemus, junior, Canyon, West Liberty University
After sitting out the 2009 season with a training camp injury, Lemus will compete for a spot on the offensive line in 2010 for the Division II Hilltoppers.

Michael Lien, junior, Valencia, South Dakota State
The Valencia High product recorded 14 tackles as a sophomore and played in 11 games for the FCS Jackrabbits. He will compete for a linebacker spot this fall.

Nick Madia, senior, Canyon, West Liberty University
Madia started all 13 games at center in 2009 and was a first-team All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection.

Nolan O'Sullivan, freshman, Valencia, Navy
Because of his high GPA, O'Sullivan was able to bypass prep school and become a member of Navy's football team right away. He will compete for a spot on the offensive line in the Naval Academy's potent rushing attack, which finished fourth in the country in rushing yards per game last fall at 280.5.

Nick Peterson, senior, Canyon, St. Francis University
Peterson started all 11 games on the offensive line in 2009 and returns for his senior season in 2010 for the FCS Red Flash.

Alex Pettee, senior, Hart, University of Toledo
The Hart graduate could become the starter in a wide-open quarterback race for the Rockets. He played in four games last season and threw for 380 yards and one touchdown, completing 37-of-58 passes.

C.J. Reyes, freshman, Hart, Idaho State
After an excellent senior season at quarterback for Hart High, Reyes will be a kicker and punter this fall for the FCS Bengals.

Brock Vereen, University of Minnesota
The All-Foothill League and All-CIF-Southern Section Northern Division honoree could see time on special teams during his freshman season while battling for a job in the Gophers' secondary.

Shane Vereen, junior, University of California, Berkeley
Vereen steps into the starting running back spot for the Golden Bears, whose rich tradition at that position includes former COC standout J.J. Arrington. The junior All-Pac-10 candidate led Cal in rushing last season with 952 yards and 12 touchdowns despite serving primarily as a backup. He started the last four games and racked up 566 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

A.J. Wallerstein, junior, Canyon, Air Force Academy
The Canyon High product will compete for a spot on the offensive line for Air Force, which finished third in the nation in rushing last season at 283.5 yards per game.

Robert Waterman, freshman, West Ranch, UNLV
The former Wildcat grayshirted after signing with UNLV in February of 2009 and will battle for playing time at offensive tackle this fall.

Shane Watterson, sophomore, Saugus, UNLV
Watterson played in six games last season and earned Academic All-Mountain West Conference honors as a freshman. This fall, he is listed as the No. 2 left tackle on the team.

Graham Wilbert, redshirt sophomore, Valencia, Florida Atlantic
The Valencia High product didn't see any playing time last fall and will compete for a spot on the FAU roster as a quarterback.

Fred Winborn, senior, College of the Canyons, Texas A&M Kingsville
The running back earned first-team All-Lone Star Conference South Division honors as a junior in 2009, rushing for 1,295 yards and scoring 19 total touchdowns. He will again be the feature back in 2010.

Mario Wright, junior, Saugus/College of the Canyons, Glenville State College
The wide receiver will battle for playing time for the Division II Pioneers in West Virginia.

Dejuan Yates, redshirt junior, College of the Canyons, New Mexico State
Yates redshirted in 2009, his first season with the Division I Aggies, and will compete for playing time in 2010.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Jaloni Williams has left Oaks Christian of Westlake Village and checked in at Chaminade of West Hills.

Williams attended Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth as a freshman.

Williams (6'0, 170) was injured most of last year. He played a few downs against Cathedral of Los Angeles in the semifinals.

Williams could help Chaminade as a cornerback and in basketball on defense.

It's going to be challenging for Simi Valley to keep pace in the revamped Marmonte League that now includes national powers Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure, but the Pioneers (1-9 in '09) have a great building block in linebacker Jens Jeters, a 6-1, 225-pounder who might be the league's best-kept secret.

"Actually, he's a DI prospect. He's on the radar of some Pac-10 schools," coach Lance Martin said.

Jeters looks great in a youtube video, too.

The other key face is Matt Baynard, a junior running back and strong safety who figures to get most of the carries on offense, though Jeters will see the ball, too.

"We've got a couple of really good players. We just need more depth," Martin said. "We're getting to the point where we know we can compete, and you have to go through that faze to get to the mindset of where you know you can win. It's tough."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Glendale is hoping to rebuild after finishing 1-9 last season under first-year coach Alan Eberhart, a proven winner at Crescenta Valley.

This year, the plan is for Glendale to take advantage of skilled receivers Linden Anderson and Michael Davis. Anderson caught 27 passes last year, and Davis, a sophomore, was a track standout who as a freshman won the Pacific League track title in the 100 and was second in the 200.

"Linden is our biggest threat, and Michael is going to be a great player. He's so good he stands out like a sore thumb," Eberhart said.

A key is the development of Alex Yoon, a quarterback best known for his scrambling ability.

"He's efficient, and I like what he's done so far," Eberhart said.

Meantime, Glendale is in two-a-days in the midst of a heatwave.

"We're in the second part of hell week, and with me, there's still a little hell in hell week -- I don't just call them two-a-days," Eberhart said. "The first practice, we go from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. I like it hot, but we keep it to two hours. Then, they come back at night, and it's a little nicer."

Compared to last year, Ebarhart said the players have improved, and so have their attitudes.

"Last year, there was a group of seniors that didn't really buy into what we were doing, so as I replaced them with younger players, there was some dissention," Eberhart said. "I just don't think the players played as hard as they could have or should have. This year, we're seeing the benefit of those kids getting playing time last year, and we have better chemistry."

Glendale gave up nearly 40 points per game last year, so improving the defense is vital. A key returnee is linebacker Chan Kim.

"He's one of those stud kids who likes to make tackles," Eberhart said. "He's very serious. You can't make him laugh or smile, but he's going to be a good linebacker. A lot of kids don't have that football mentality or don't understand it, but he does."

-- Gerry Gittelson

It's been well over a decade since Hoover's has had a winning record in football, and third-year coach Chris Long is tired of losing.

"I love winning but I hate losing even more," Long said.

With three-year starting quarterback A.J. Pule, the Tornadoes are hoping for a turnaround, and not just a small one like last year, when Hoover finished 2-8 after going 0-10 in each of the previous two seasons.

"It's still Hoover, so we lack depth, but I really feel good about this team and our kids this year," Long said. "A winning record? That's the goal, and we feel like we can do it. It's my third year, and the kids have grasped an understanding of what to do offensively and defensively. We really feel like this will be a good year for us."

Pule is the key.

"As he goes, we go," Long said.

The other key seniors are linemen Sergio Arenas and Enrique Diaz and receivers Devaughn Williams and Dymond McRae.

Pule can play other positions, so Hoover will give quarterback Alex Rangel a long look, Long said.

Hoover, 3-37 over the past four seasons, opens Sept. 10 at Sierra Vista in Baldwin Park. Pacific League competition begins Sept. 30 vs. Burroughs at Glendale High.

-- Gerry Gittelson

El Camino Real has done an about-face and changed plans to play home games at Pierce College during construction on its home field, where artificial turf is being installed.

Instead, El Camino Real will play every game on the road until an Oct. 29 game against visiting Cleveland -- the target date for the field to be completed -- except for the opener Sept. 3 against Hart, which will be played at Birmingham High.

As a result, El Camino Real plays at Palisades and at Canoga Park instead of being the home team, as originally scheduled.

"The booster club isn't thrilled, but what are you going to do? Everyone has to make sacrifices," athletic director Vinnie Orlando said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Longtime St. Paul coach Marijon Ancich, in his 37th year over three stints, is on leave because of an alleged hazing incident, according to an NBC report.

The frosh staff is taking over on an interim basis, according to the report.

-- Gerry Gittelson

CaliforniaPreps.com/Slam Jam Incoming Soph. and Freshman Showcase

Sunday August 22, 2010
Doors open at 11:15 a.m.
$5 admission

Site will be Montclair Prep in Van Nuys (8071 Sepulveda Ave. Van Nuys
91402)

Team 1 game times 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
0-London Perrantes-Crespi
1-Shane Hall-Villanova Prep
2-Wesley Greason-Cate
3-Jaron Martin-Chaminade
4-Isaac Girley-St. Genevieve
5-Ryan Roberts-El Toro
6-Alex Crawford-Peninsula
7-Linwood Foy-St. Genevieve
8-Michael Milligan-Crespi
9-Grant Lozoya-Westlake

Team 2 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
0-Brandon Hill-Newbury Park
1-Alec Johnson-San Juan Hills
2-Chad Fackler-Estancia
3-Ben Johnson-Hart
4-Mason Pendleton-Vantura
5-Daniel Crocker-Oxnard
6-Devin Morgan-Hart
7-Ante Joyner-Quartz Hill
8-Connor Tapley-St. Francis
9-Leland King-Brentwood

Team 3 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
0-Brandon Castaneda-Chino
1-Mark Patterson-Mayfair
2-Keshon Robinson-Taft
3-Caleb Richey-Santa Barbara
4-Ron Lee-Oak Park
5-J.D. Slajchert-Oak Park
6-Jake Myers-Moorpark
7-Ziad Damanhoury-La Jolla Country Day
8-Luke Lango-The Bishop's School
9-

Team 4 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
0-Max Lyons-Linfield Christian
1-Bryce Battle-Oaks Christian
2-
3-Juwane Damon-L.A. Adventist
4-Allen Garcia-Valencia
5-Armon Battle-Oaks Christian
6-Jarrett Davis-La Mirada
7-Jared Graham-Riverside Prep
8-Ako Kaluna-West Ranch
9-

Team 5 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
North Hollywood Wolverines (Get Your Game Right)
0-Jared Harper-Campbell Hall
1-Francis Hyde-Harvard-Westlake
2-Sam Weintraub-Harvard-Westlake
3-Jeremy Schreck-Harvard-Westlake
4-Michael Sheng-Harvard-Westlake
5-Brian Polan-Harvard-Westlake
6-Derrick Newton-Harvard-Westlake
7-Nick Wittbrodt-Harvard-Westlake
8-Luca Ferrari-Notre Dame
10-Adam Treisman-Milken Community

Malik Anderson, an incoming ninth-grader (6'4) has checked in at Calabasas after moving from Northern California.

Anderson has a basketball background.

His father was former NBA and Illinois star Nick Anderson.

The timing is perfect with Jordan Coleman graduated and playing for Hawaii.

Anderson could develop to become an impact player.

Kiana Quolas, the No. 1 starting pitcher for Oaks Christian picked up offers from Stony Brook in New York and Coastal Carolina this summer on the never ending travel-ball circuit.

Quolas is waiting to hear from some more school before deciding.

Left-hander Travis Radke, a hard-throwing pitcher from Oaks Christian received his first offer this week from Santa Clara in the West Coast Conference.

Radke did not commit and is keeping his options open

Justice Achonu, a 5-11, 220-pound defensive lineman for Cleveland, is so strong and athletic -- he runs a 4.7 40 and squats 450 pounds -- that coach Vinnie Johnson is trying him out at running back

"Justice is in the plans, big time," coach Vinnie Johnson said. "I just decided I had to give him the ball."

Some of Cleveland's other top players are Miguel Garcia, a hard-hitting safety, and Kevin Pineda, an offensive and defensive lineman.

"Kevin is 5-11, 280 pounds, and he can run," Johnson said. "I should give him the ball, too, but someone has to block."

Another prospect at running back is Alan Robles, who looked good in limited opportunities last season.

"Alan is going to be a big part of what's going on," Johnson said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Monroe has won a total of just four games over the past two seasons, including 1-9 last year, but the Vikings have a good building block in Antonio Blanco, a linebacker who is a returning all-league selection -- Monroe is switching from the Valley Mission to the East Valley League -- who's 6-foot and 225 pounds with a 4.2 grade-point average, including five AP courses.

"He's a very good linebacker," coach Don Senegal said. "He's being recruiting by UC Davis."

Monroe is trying re-establish itself.

"We don't get the talent like we used to, but we've got a lot of players who play hard. It's cyclical," Senegal said.

Another top returning player is Rafael Vargas, a defensive tackle who's a three-year starter.

-- Gerry Gittelson

North Hollywood has a new coach in Doug Bledsoe, a former Granada Hills assistant and Glendale College defensive coordinator who has taken over for Andrew Kasek, who went 1-9 last year.

North Hollywood had a lot of underclassmen last year, so most of the top players are back. The Huskies figure to build around linebacker Christian Cordova and quarterback Jesse Craven.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Richard Lear is the new head coach at Eastside in Lancaster, and like a lot of Golden League coaches, the 36-year-old plans to keep things simple.

His best returning player is running back Dajohn Gaines (745 yards, six TDs), and Lear is making the senior the focal point of the offense, as Eastside looks to improve from 3-7.

"Dajohn is fast, he's strong, he loves the weight room, and we're going to feed him the football until his legs fall off," Lear said. "We're going to give him every opportunity to shine this year."

Lear knows Eastside's personnel because he's been the defensive coordinator under founding coach Steve Lockhart, who stepped down after last season. Fellow assistant John Orians takes over as defensive coordinator.

Brent Jones (1,089 yards, 12 TDs) returns at quarterback, and he's a dual threat. Spencer Elrod, an all-league receiver, is back, after totaling 17 receptions for 372 yards and six TDs -- a 21.9 average per reception.

On defense, linebacker Tyler McBride benches 350 pounds, and he won a weight-lifting contest over the summer that included most of the league's strongest players. Joe Huezo, an offensive and defensive lineman, should help.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Antelope Valley finally has a working scoreboard after a year without one, and the Antelopes can thank Marco Johnson, a former AV running back who donated the board in the first place -- then paid to have it fixed when no one could figure out how to work it.

"Marco spent more than 20 grand, and it never worked, so for him to open up his pocket book again, I'm just so happy," coach Brett Pape said. "It's ready. I plugged it in. It works. Now we'll know how much time is left in the quarter and in the game."

Johnson, who as a junior helped Antelope Valley win a 1981 section title, played at Hawaii and was drafted by the Houston Oilers. He started a successful medical school and recently founded a new college, University of Antelope Valley, which has a softball team as its first sport.

-- Gerry Gittelson

FSN Prime Ticket is scheduled to televise the much-anticipated football game between Westlake and Oaks Christian Oct. 1 at 8:30 p.m.

The game will be at Oaks Christian. There should be much interest as the schools are about a mile apart.

It will be a good chance for the Lions to show off their new sysnthetic field surface and upgrades to the stadium.

If you would rather be part of the scene than to watch on television I suggest to come early because seating will be scarce, not to mention parking.

Five big men from the area are ranked in the top-10 of their respective position by West Coast recruiting analyst Greg Hicks of Scout.com.

The biggest surprise is Valley Torah forward Aaron Lieberman (6'8) at No. 8 among power forwards.

It is not everyday a player from an orthodox-Jewish high school becomes highly regarded in basketball.

Harvard-Westlake's Damiene Cain is No. 5 on the list and expected to lead the Wolverines to a deep postseason run.

Flintridge Prep's Kenyatta Smith, Taft's Kevin Johnson and Mike Van Kirk are Nos. 2, 5 and 10 on the list of centers.

Smith on the center list was surprising because he measures just 6'6 but has great skills around the basket.

It's kind of weird not considering Notre Dame as a prime candidate to win a league title, but a lot of folks are picking the rebuilding Knights to finish no better than fourth in the tough Serra League that now includes defending Western Division finalist Alemany, along with mainstays Bishop Amat, Crespi and Loyola -- all of whom are considered championship contenders in the Pac-5, the Southern Section's most competitive division.

Notre Dame has no returning starters on offense, just two on defense, and its most notable underclassman from last year's 9-3 team, running back Jacob Smith, transferred to Canyon and is now at Granada Hills.

The Knights looked OK in summer passing competitions, certainly not as good as usual.

"We have a lot of guys who have never had a chance to play and have waited their turn," said coach Kevin Rooney, in his 31st season. "But we've actually been in this situation before where guys graduate and other guys need to come in and step up."

Matt Lathuras is the quarterback, as he must replace a legend in Ryan Kasdorf, who set most of Notre Dame's single-season and career passing records over the past two seasons.

Micah Peters, a linebacker, is back, but he's still recovering from knee injury and has been fitted with a brace.

Khalfani Muhammad, a blazing-fast sophomore, could make an impact at running back, but he is unproven.

"He's doing well, but like all sophomores there's a learning curve," Rooney said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The area's oldest school without a football championship, Harvard-Westlake finally is no longer in the same division as Oaks Christian.

That's the good news. The other news, in switching from the Northwest Division to the Western Division, Harvard-Westlake moves up in class by joining the Mission League.

"We're in with some of the top teams around," coach Vic Eumont said. "But that's the fun part. It's a challenge, and our kids love challenges."

One of Harvard-Westlake's best players is returning defensive lineman Adam Wolf, who is just 5-9 and 165 pounds but had 80 tackles and five sacks last year. Harvard-Westlake also returns top quarterback Max Heltzer, running back Jamais Jones and strong-legged kicker Will Oliver.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Steve Dillon, a top returning defensive lineman for Palmdale, has a bunch of scholarship offers including UCLA, along with Arizona State, Cal, Colorado State, Iowa State, New Mexico, Oregon State, Utah, Washington and Washington State.

A 6-3, 260-pounder, Dillon had 74 tackles and nine sacks as a junior. He also plays tight end.

-- Gerry Gittelson

With two capable running backs in the same backfield, Royal is going old school with Kyle Gauthier and Keith Langley.

The Highlanders (4-6 in 2009) compete in the high-powered Marmonte League, where everyone else uses a one-back set.

"We think our running game and our ability to stop the run can keep us in games," Royal coach Kevin Flye said.

Gauthier came on strong last season and finished with 750 yards in six games, while Langley was a top defensive back.

Royal also returns Zach Collins, who passed for 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns.
"Zach in taller, thicker and in better shape," Flye said.

Royal has rebuilt its offensive line, and Joey Blanc leads a cast of juniors. Tight end Mason Huether should help, too.

Huether, also a defensive end, is a top hitter, along with linebacker Mason McCormick.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The Marmonte League has been weighted by the arrival of Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure, and with high-powered Westlake, Moorpark, Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks still around, it's going to be hard to make the playoffs.

But don't count out Agoura, which is coming off a 3-7 season but has a lot of returning skill talent, including quarterback Gerard Poutier, running back Frank Schmidt and a cast of receivers who looked great during the summer.

Plus, linebacker Wesley Rowell, a returning first-team leaguer, is back, too.

"He's a big hitter and extraordinarily football smart," coach Charlie Wegher said.
Wegher concedes the league is now "one of the toughest in the country," but with a few breaks he's hoping Agoura can keep pace.

"It's a challenge, so we need to be ready, and I think if we stay healthy and get a few breaks, we can make the playoffs," he said. "That's a realistic goal."

Agoura also is ready to unleash Kyle London, a sophomore receiver who had "a great summer," Wegher said.

"I'm excited about Kyle London," Wegher said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Seven area standouts have been chosen for the Cal-Hi Sports/ESPN RISE preseason All-L.A. City section football team.

Taft has four players on the list.

2010 Preseason All-L.A. City Section
Football Teams

First Team Offense
WR Gabriel Marks (Venice) 5-11, 155, Jr.
OL Aaron Hardin (Fairfax, Los Angeles) 6-2, 255, Sr.
OL Michael Johnson (West Adams Prep, Los Angeles) 6-5, 300, Sr.
OL Anthony Kyles (Westchester, Los Angeles) 6-2, 270, Jr.
OL Dontae Levingston (Narbonne, Harbor City) 6-4, 270, Sr.
OL Jordan Simmons (Dorsey, Los Angeles) 6-5, 295, Jr.
QB Michael Bercovici (Taft, Woodland Hills) 6-0, 210, Sr.
RB Matt Bowen (Fairfax, Los Angeles) 5-7, 215, Sr.
RB Kevin Ervin (Poly, Sun Valley) 5-10, 170, Sr.
RB Dion Willis (Carson) 5-8, 185, Sr.
K Jose Arias (Locke, Los Angeles) 6-1, 160, Sr.

First Team Defense
DL James Brock (Crenshaw, Los Angeles) 5-10, 235, Sr.
DL Marcus Martin (Crenshaw, Los Angeles) 6-3, 350, Sr.
DL Moses Saucedo (Garfield, Los Angeles) 5-10, 180, Sr.
DL Antuan Woods (Taft, Woodland Hills) 6-1, 320 Sr.
LB Kristopher Bass (San Pedro) 5-11, 215, Sr.
LB Matthew Lyons (Dorsey, Los Angeles) 6-1, 190, Sr.
LB Aaron Rogers (Hamilton, Los Angeles) 5-11, 192, Jr.
DB Tony Bell (Locke, Los Angeles) 5-11, 178, Sr.
DB Jonathan Mariscal (Roosevelt, Los Angeles) 5-9, 155, Sr.
DB Nick Murray (Narbonne, Harbor City) 5-10, 185, Sr.
DB Mychael Tarr (Venice) 5-8, 162, Sr.
P Jermaine Marshall (Westchester, Los Angeles) 5-11, 165, Sr.

First Team Multi-Purpose
QB/DB Justin Alo (Carson) 6-1, 175, Sr.
WR/RB/KR/PR Teondray Caldwell (Venice) 5-10, 185, Sr.
DB/RB/WR Malcolm Creer (Palisades, Pacific Palisades) 5-10, 190, Sr.
DB/RB Robert Lewis (South East, South Gate) 5-10, 155, Jr.
DB/KR Shaquille Shelton (Taft, Woodland Hills) 5-8, 170, Sr.
RB/DB De'Anthony Thomas (Crenshaw, Los Angeles) 5-9, 165, Sr.

Second Team Offense/Defense
LB Daniel Acevado (Carson) 5-11, 185, Sr.
OL Junior Alexis (Crenshaw, Los Angeles), 6-1, 218, Sr.
WR Dominique Brown (Birmingham, Lake Balboa) 6-2, 165, Sr.
DL Daron Cooley (West Adams Prep, Los Angeles) 6-2, 275, Sr.
RB/LB Mark Davis (Gardena) 5-11, 240, Sr.
OL Steven Dine (Carson) 5-8, 216, Sr.
RB/LB Qujuan Floyd (Crenshaw, Los Angeles) 6-1, 185, Sr.
QB Joseph Gray (Dorsey, Los Angeles) 6-0, 180, Sr
WR Jonathan Major (Taft, Woodland Hills) 6-1, 185, Sr.
OL Anthony Menendez (Fairfax, Los Angeles) 5-11, 280, Sr.
WR Jaydon Mickens (Dorsey, Los Angeles), 5-10, 160, Jr.
RB/LB - Dezden Petty (Gardena) 6-2, 230, Sr.
OL Darnell Rucker (Dorsey, Los Angeles) 6-6, 400, Sr.
DB Myan Tave (Carson) 6-0, 170, Jr.
WR Everton Thaxter (Narbonne, Harbor City) 6-1, 215, Jr.
RB Malcolm Thomas (Panorama, Panorama City) 5-10, 185, Sr.
DB/RB Darrius Vallery (Washington, Los Angeles) 6-0, 180, Sr.
LB Darrian Watkins (Narbonne, Harbor City), 5-8, 185, Sr.
QB Torey Whitfield (Hamilton, Los Angeles) 5-11, 180, Sr.

If you want to play college basketball, Taft might be the place to go.

Coach Derrick Taylor has placed numerous players in colleges across the country and currently has 13 active.

And don't forget about Jordan Farmar (New Jersey Nets) and Steve Smith (NFL - NY Giants).

Here is a list.

Larry Drew II-North Carolina
Bryce Jones-USC
Calvin Haynes-Oregon St.
Garrett Green-LSU
Eugene Phelps-Long Beach St.
Justin Hawkins-UNLV
Michael Williams-San Francisco
Pierson Williams-Loyola (Maryland)
Bryce Smith-CSUN
Chano Rashiddudin-Arkansas St.
Paul Carter-Minnesota
Anthony Kelly-Central St. (Div. II)

Taylor's team taking the court in December could have Kevin Johnson, Spencer Dinwiddie, Stephen Maxwell and Khiry Williams all move onto college as well.

While other Mission Leagues have played the transfer game when it comes to new players, Chaminade coach Todd Wolfson is looking to some youngsters for help.

Wolfson is high on ninth-grade students Jack Williams and Justin Eisen.

Wolfson said both players could be on varsity and contribute.

Williams is close to 6'4 and lives in Santa Clarita.

Eisen is guard who could help sophomore Jaron Martin in the backcourt.

Wolfson also said he is working on really increasing the popular "Cage" student section from 700 to over 800 students.

To say Alemany of Mission Hills has a few guards would be an understatement.

Coach Tray Meeks' biggest job next year might just be keeping everyone happy.

Meeks will have to juggle five solid guards after the transfer of brothers Marqueze and Michael Coleman from Dorsey of Los Angeles.

The Coleman's will join senior Jordan Fuller and juniors Max Guercy and Jerico Richardson in the deepest backcourt in the Mission League.

There is also 6'2 sophomore-to-be K.J. Moffett.

Meeks did an excellent job last year, leading the Warriors to the Div. IV-A championship game, including an upset of top-seed Oaks Christian along the way.

Good luck coach.

It now does not appear Landon Drew will attend Harvard-Westlake.

Sources have confirmed the Drew family expressed interest in coming to Harvard-Westlake and even had a possible meeting scheduled for today but the 11th grade class is full at the North Hollywood campus.

Could Crespi of Encino be the next stop?

We will have to wait and see.

Meanwhile, Drew is still active in the computer system at Taft and has not checked out or requested transcripts.

One of the most underrated and least appreciated players in the West Valley League last year was El Camino Real's Temjae Singleton.

Singleton took a back seat to Taft's Bryce Jones and one of his own teammates, Tre Holden.

Singleton doesn't have to take a back seat anymore.

Colleges have taken notice after a successful spring and summer circuit.

New Mexico St. and Utah have offered scholarships to the 6'6 wing who can really shoot the ball.

Singleton is also receiving interest from Washington, UNLV, San Francisco, Portland and Pepperdine. Offers could be coming soon.

Singleton will contending for West Valley League M.V.P. honors with Taft's duo of Kevin Johnson and Spencer Dinwiddie and Cleveland's Jaylen Bland.

Trevor Gretzky excels at two sports, just like his famous father
Son of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky has passion for baseball and football
Harold Abend Special to ESPN RISE

LONG BEACH, Calif. - The expression "it's in the blood" has never been more appropriate than in describing the 2010 Area Code Baseball games at Blair Field.

Out of the 200 high school baseball players assembled for this year's six-day event, six are sons of former Major Leaguers.

Photo by: Scott Kurtz
It was a busy spring and summer for Trevor, he participated in an Elite 11 event in Las Vegas and now the Area Code Baseball Games in August.

That's a pretty fair number considering the thousands of boys who tried out for a spot on one of the eight teams competing.

The sons of the former pros are Oakland Athletics outfielder Alec Bankhead, son of Scott Bankhead; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Bonilla, son of Bobby Bonilla; Milwaukee Brewers (White) outfielder Shawon Dunston, son of Shawon Dunston; A's Catcher Brett Geren, son of current A's Manager Bob Geren; Texas Rangers outfielder C.J. McElroy, son of Chuck McElroy; and Cincinnati Reds infielder Drew Stankiewicz, son of Andy Stankiewicz.

However, only one player has a dad whose professional prowess was in a sport other than baseball.

Trevor Gretzky's father played a sport contested on a rink rather than a diamond. Wayne Gretzky may very well be the greatest ice hockey player to ever lace up a pair of skates.

Even so, baseball is in the younger Gretzky's blood.

"Baseball is my dad's favorite sport. He was even offered out of high school by the Blue Jays," Trevor told ESPN RISE after his Milwaukee Brewers White team pinned an 8-5 loss on the Cincinnati Reds in the final game Friday.

His father's sport choice was a no-brainer as a native of Canada, but Trevor is faced with a choice of his own that may or may not be an easy one.

The .341 hitter with 33 RBIs for 21-8 Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) is also a highly-regarded quarterback prospect although he saw limited action as the Lions backup to the son of another famous dad, Nick Montana.

Even though he only threw 41 passes with 23 completions for 288 yards with four touchdowns, Gretzky still gets high marks from ESPN RISE's Greg Biggins who saw him at the EA Sports Elite 11 regional camp at UNLV in June.

"He's a tremendous athlete and his ability to throw on the run with accuracy and velocity was the best in the camp," wrote Biggins in his story about the UNLV camp.

His overall athleticism showed in the baseball SPARQ testing when his 67.84 rating was No. 31 overall and No. 3 among first and third basemen.

"It was fun," said Gretzky about the SPARQ testing. "Any time you can show what you can do athletically, it's a good thing."

He may have college football coaches calling soon but right now baseball is flowing through his veins.

At 6-3 and left-handed as a batter but right-handed as a thrower, he's perfect for a quarterback but also for a first baseman.

"Baseball was my first love. I've played it since I was a little kid."

USC and UCLA have expressed interest in him for baseball. Gretzky likes Arizona State as well.

"I talk to USC the most and I really like ASU. Hopefully more will come along after these games and people see me."

Analyst and former major-leaguer Rex Hudler said Gretzky possesses the tools scouts are looking for.

"I like his hustle too. He gets down the line to first quick for a tall kid and he's pretty solid around the bag at first on defense," said Hudler.

Still, there are those who think football will eventually be where Gretzky makes his mark.

"I've heard from some schools but there haven't been any offers. If football offers come I'll think about it or even the possibility of playing both, but right now its baseball," he said.

Gretzky has his dad behind him. The first four days of Area Code the senior Gretzky was front and center down in the box seats near the field closely watching the action and talking with scouts.

The family has even engaged a hitting coach Roger Frash and a family friend and former college coach Dustin Kelly, to work with Trevor.

"With football you don't get that much time to swing the bat," Gretzky said. "Right now I've been in the cage every day working with my hands."

Football is right around the corner, so Trevor may have to sneak into the batting cage when the Oaks Christian football coaches aren't looking.

The Nike Extravaganza, hosted by Mater Dei High School is the place to be Feb. 5, 2011

Nine boys games are scheduled.

Here is the line-up.

8:30 a.m. Fairmont Prep vs. Westminster
10 a.m. JSerra vs. Upland
11:30 a.m. Ocean View vs. Colony
1 p.m. Los Alamitos vs. Santa Margarita
3 p.m. Fairfax vs. Eisenhower
4:30 p.m. Westchester vs. Orange Lutheran
6 p.m. Taft vs. De La Salle
7:30 p.m. Long Beach Poly vs. Bishop Gorman
9 p.m. Mater Dei vs. Price

There are also five girls' games schedule for Friday Feb. 4

Jordan Simmons, an impact transfer from Dorsey, has arrived at Crespi, and first-year coach Jon Mack could not be more thrilled.

"He's one of the best offensive lineman in the country. You've got to trust me on this," Mack said.

Simmons, a 6-5, 335-pound junior, was a second-team All-City selection last year as a defensive lineman, but he will stick with offense at Crespi, Mack said.

"He's a great kid, he's working hard, and obviously he's a great addition to our team," Mack said.

Mack said Simmons has changed residences, so there are no eligibility issues.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Paraclete of Lancaster has two big college prospects.

TE/DE Lavonte Barnett (6'2, 235) verballed to Cal and will take a visit soon. Barnett also has Colorado St. hot on his trail and it might afford him earlier playing time.

WR/DB Darian Thompson is wanted by Boise St. Thompson would probabaly gray-shirt next year and officially be on the team for 2012.

Stay tuned...........

Alex Singleton, a returning linebacker at Thousand Oaks, is a lot bigger after growing from 5-11 to 6-2 ½, and he's a lot better, too.

"He was a solid starter last year, but he's still really young, just 16 years old as a senior," coach Mike Leibin said. "He's really going to be something this year."

-- Gerry Gittelson

What school will Landon Drew attend this year?

I haven't been able to find out quite yet.

The former Taft guard has shown interest in Harvard-Westlake and could be on campus Tuesday for a meeting.

School starts Tuesday Aug. 31 at the North Hollywood campus.

Unlike Hart's glory days, when the Indians were a scoring machine while winning five large-division titles over a six-year period from 1998 to 2003, the strength this season is defense, led by linebacker John Cornelius and defensive lineman Justyn Eddins, two of the Foothill League's top returning players.

Cornelius is 6-3 and is coming off a 102-tackle season, while Eddins has gotten a lot bigger and faster, Herrington said.

Hart is testing two quarterbacks, Cory Mayes and Jeff Waterman, both of whom had their moments during summer passing competitions, and longtime coach Mike Herrington said the team is "plugging away and getting after it" now that full-contact practices have begun.

But it's going to be tough keeping pace with defending champion Valencia, which returns quarterback Alex Bishop and running back Steven Manfro, two of California's most productive players.

"Our numbers are real low, but the varsity should be OK," Herrington said. "We've just got to plug in and see what happens."

Nothing is automatic in the Foothill League considering four different teams have won the title over the past four seasons - Valencia last year, Saugus in 2008, Hart in 2007 and Canyon in 2006.

"Valencia should be the top dog, but there's a lot of parity," Herrington said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

After going 9-3 and winning its first league football title in 37 years last season, Burbank High should be even better because four top players return - quarterback Adam Colman, linebacker Ryan Seidler, running back Ulises Ochoa and offensive lineman Spencer Lee, all of whom were first-team All-Pacific League selections.

"To be honest, I think it's going to be a great year," second-year coach Hector Valencia said. "We've got a lot of good skill-position players and a couple of big linebackers. We just need to fill a couple of spots on the offensive line, and we're hoping the new guys can pull it off. The spirit is way up, and so is the kids' confidence."

Colman passed for 1,796 yards and 24 touchdowns, Seidler totaled a school-record 159 tackles, and Ochoa rushed for a school-record 1,504 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Burbank is further bolstered by the return of receiver Jose Rodriguez, who missed last season because of non-football-related eye injury, plus the arrival of transfer Brian Carrillo, a starting linebacker from Grant.

"Jose is looking sharp. He's going to be a threat at receiver," Valencia said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Opening night is fast approaching, and Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell says his team is an underdog against visiting Alemany on Sept. 3 -- and Redell is not kidding, even though Oaks Christian has won six section titles over the past seven seasons.

"I don't know, Alemany gave us a real good game last year, and they probably should be the favorite this time with so many players coming back," Redell said. "We'll see how it goes."

Oaks Christian was hit hard by graduation but still has a lot of talent, including USC-bound junior receiver Jordan Payton, Duke-bound receiver Blair Holliday and top recruit Dillon van der Wal (tight end/defensive end), among others.

"We're coming along, but depth has always been a problem for us," Redell said. "When you're playing in the Marmonte League now instead of the Tri-Valley League, depth is more more of an issue. But we should be pretty good."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Six boys' basketball players from the region received the opportunity to play in the inaugural So. Cal. Clash Sunday at the Hangar Athletic Xchange in Hawthorne.

Spencer Dinwiddie (Taft of Woodland Hills), Max Guercy (Alemany of Mission Hills), Marqueze Coleman (Alemany), Zena Edosomwan (Harvard-Westlake of North Hollywood), Ryan Wright (Palmdale) and Chass Bryan (Oaks Christian of Westlake Village) all participated in the showcase game that featured top players from the class of 2011 vs. 2012.

Dinwiddie was the single elder statesman of the bunch after Kevin Johnson (Taft), Damiene Cain (Harvard-Westlake) and Jonathan Davis (Simi Valley) could not attend due to injury or other prior committments.

Dinwiddie registered 10 points on three of seven shooting, four assists, two rebounds and two steals to help the 2011 team to a 83-78 victory.

Dinwiddie, who has been offered scholarships by Oregon and Colorado made two free throws with 17 seconds remaining to help clinch the game. Dinwiddie also scored the first basket for the 2011 team on a long 3-pointer one minute into the contest.

"It is really all abut fun out here," Dinwiddie said. "But you always want to win. I felt no pressure. These are games I have been playing in a lot now."

Two players on the 2012 team got reacquainted and showed chemistry should be no problem as they will share the ball this upcoming season.

Alemany's Guercy and Coleman each assisted each other on baskets and will be tough to defend when the season rolls around.

Guercy had 11 points, three rebounds and three assists and Coleman, who just transferred from Dorsey of Los Angeles with his twin brother Michael, registered six points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

"It felt good out there," Coleman said. "I can't wait till the season starts. I have known Max since we were nine years old."

Edosomwan, Bryan and Wright have flown under the radar much of their first two years in high school but all three showed flashes of brilliance and should make quite an impact four months from now.

Edosomwan had three points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks while fighting underneath the boards with 7-foot man-child Robert Upshaw of San Joaquin Memorial, the same high school that produced NBA twin brothers Brook and Robin Lopez.

Bryan only scored two points but dished out a game high five assists and handled the ball extremely well.

Wright was very consistent with 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Wright could be the best player in the High Desert-area and could lead Palmdale to the Golden League championship.

"I love playing in these events". "There aren't a lot of opportunities so when I get invited I always say yes. I want to get better every day."

Dave Caldwell and color man Tony Moskal, two of the best community TV football announcers I've been around over the past three decades, have been doing Friday nights in Santa Clarita and beyond for the past 13 years -- either on SCVTV or KHTS AM radio -- but this season it's getting late and they still don't have a big sponsor necessary to make it work.

Our very own Tom Hoffarth at the Daily News has recognized them, and it would be a shame if a corporate sponsor does not step up because the TV broadcasts are a great way to promote high school football.

For information, contact: info@scvtv.com.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The inaugural So. Cal. Clash pitting top seniors vs. juniors went to the seniors in an 83-78 victory at the HAX in Hawthorne Sunday.

Six local players participated but it was Etiwanda's Jordan Daniels and Kevin Bailey from Clovis East that were honored as players of the game.

Max Guercy (Alemany), Ryan Wright (Palmdale) and Spencer Dinwiddie (Taft) had 11, 10 and 10 points respectively to lead the local contingent.

Look for the full story here and in Monday's edition of the paper.

Danielle Kang had watched her last three opponents -- Juliana Murcia Ortiz, Sydnee Michaels and Jennifer Kirby -- birdie the par-3, 119-yard 17th hole against her to extend their matches at the 110th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.

After making par to halve the 17th hole with Jessica Korda (Bradenton, Fla.) in the morning session of the 36-hole, match-play final, the Pepperdine sophomore finally made birdie in the afternoon when it mattered most.

Kang made a 4-foot birdie putt on the 17th -- and 35th hole overall -- and Korda's 7-foot birdie attempt burned the right edge of the hole and lipped out, lifting the Westlake graduate to a 2 and 1 victory Sunday at Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina.

"The 17th hole has been my jinx," Kang said. "But I said 'today is my time to birdie it.'"

After going 1 down with six holes to play, Kang birdied the 14th hole and made par to Korda's bogey on the 16th hole, before closing the match out on No. 17.

"Even when I went 1 down with six holes to play, I thought I could still win (4 and 3)," Kang said. "I was not even thinking about (losing), I was only worrying about my score. I told myself 'It's fine, I'm here to play and I'm having a lot of fun.'"

Kang hit 13 of 14 fairways, 13 of 17 greens and recorded 28 putts. She finished 5-under for the match, including 1-under over the final 17 holes. After shooting even par for the 36 holes of stroke play, Kang was a combined 4-under over 122 holes in match play.

"My mom couldn't be here because she gets too nervous. But she said 'No matter what happens, it's fine, just do your best, but it would be nice to get to see (the Robert Cox championship trophy),'" Kang said. "It's awesome and it's mine and now I get to put my name on the trophy and show it to my mom."

Korda hit all 14 fairways and 16 of 17 greens, but had 30 putts. She was the equivalent of 6-under for 35 holes, shooting 3-under in the afternoon, including two conceded birdies and finished a combined 20-under over 117 holes in match play.

Pepperdine sophomore Danielle Kang sank a 4-foot birdie putt on the par-3, 119-yard 17th hole (35th hole overall) and Jessica Korda of Bradenton, Fla., had a 7-footer lip out to extend the match, securing a 2 and 1 victory for the Westlake graduate in the 36-hole, match-play final Sunday at the 110th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship at Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina.

It was the ninth birdie of the championship round, but the first birdie in eight times playing the 17th hole this week for Kang, who follows former USC All-American Jennifer Song -- now playing professionally -- as Women's Amateur champion.

Kang, the 12th seed, held the advantage from the fourth to the 26th hole, but never led No. 11 Korda by more than two holes. The 17-year-olds were all square for three consecutive holes, before Korda took her first lead of the match by making birdie on the par-5, 574-yard 12th hole, which Kang bogeyed.

Both players made par 4 on the 439-yard 13th hole, allowing Korda to remain in front after 31 holes, before Kang pulled even again with a birdie on the par-4, 331-yard 14th hole. Both competitors then recorded par 4 on the 358-yard 15th hole, then Korda bogeyed the 16th, just her fourth of the round.

Kang was 2 up after the first 18 holes in the morning. Both players made par on the first four holes in the afternoon session, before Kang bogeyed the par-4, 351-yard fifth hole to allow Korda to close to within 1 down for the first time since the 15th hole.

Kang rebounded to regain a 2-up lead after Korda bogeyed the par-4, 383-yard sixth hole, but the daughter of former Czech Republic tennis star Petr Korda recorded birdies on the par-5, 497-yard seventh hole and par-4, 368-yard ninth hole to pull even with nine holes remaining, the first time she was all square since the third hole.

Pepperdine sophomore Danielle Kang, a Westlake graduate, recorded a par 4 on the 418-yard 16th hole to go 1 up on Jessica Korda of Bradenton, Fla., after 34 holes in the 36-hole, match-play final Sunday at the 110th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship at Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina.

Kang, the 12th seed, held the advantage from the fourth to the 26th hole, but never led No. 11 Korda by more than two holes. The 17-year-olds were all square for three consecutive holes, before Korda took her first lead of the match by making birdie on the par-5, 574-yard 12th hole, which Kang bogeyed.

Both players made par 4 on the 439-yard 13th hole, allowing Korda to remain in front after 31 holes, before Kang pulled even again with a birdie on the par-4, 331-yard 14th hole. Both competitors then recorded par 4 on the 358-yard 15th hole, then Korda bogeyed the 16th, just her fourth of the round.

Kang was 2 up after the first 18 holes in the morning. Both players made par on the first four holes in the afternoon session, before Kang bogeyed the par-4, 351-yard fifth hole to allow Korda to close to within 1 down for the first time since the 15th hole.

Kang rebounded to regain a 2-up lead after Korda bogeyed the par-4, 383-yard sixth hole, but the daughter of former Czech Republic tennis star Petr Korda recorded birdies on the par-5, 497-yard seventh hole and par-4, 368-yard ninth hole to pull even with nine holes remaining, the first time she was all square since the third hole.

Pepperdine sophomore Danielle Kang, a Westlake graduate, birdied the par-4, 331-yard 14th hole to pull all square Jessica Korda of Bradenton, Fla., after 32 holes in the 36-hole, match-play final Sunday at the 110th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship at Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina.

Kang, the 12th seed, held the advantage from the fourth to the 26th hole, but never led No. 11 Korda by more than two holes. The 17-year-olds were all square for three consecutive holes, before Korda took her first lead of the match by making birdie on the par-5, 574-yard 12th hole, which Kang bogeyed.

Both players made par 4 on the 331-yard 13th hole, allowing Korda to remain in front after 31 holes, before Kang pulled even again, marking the sixth time in the match the competitors have been all square.

Kang was 2 up after the first 18 holes in the morning. Both players made par on the first four holes in the afternoon session, before Kang bogeyed the par-4, 351-yard fifth hole to allow Korda to close to within 1 down for the first time since the 15th hole.

Kang rebounded to regain a 2-up lead after Korda bogeyed the par-4, 383-yard sixth hole, but the daughter of former Czech Republic tennis star Petr Korda recorded birdies on the par-5, 497-yard seventh hole and par-4, 368-yard ninth hole to pull even with nine holes remaining, the first time she was all square since the third hole.

Pepperdine sophomore Danielle Kang, a Westlake graduate, trails Jessica Korda of Bradenton, Fla., 1 down after 30 holes in the 36-hole, match-play final Sunday at the 110th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship at Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina.

Kang, the 12th seed, held the advantage from the fourth to the 26th hole, but never led No. 11 Korda by more than two holes. The 17-year-olds were all square for three consecutive holes, before Korda took her first lead of the match by making birdie on the par-5, 574-yard 12th hole, which Kang bogeyed.

Kang was 2 up after the first 18 holes in the morning. Both players made par on the first four holes in the afternoon session, before Kang bogeyed the par-4, 351-yard fifth hole to allow Korda to close to within 1 down for the first time since the 15th hole.

Kang rebounded to regain a 2-up lead after Korda bogeyed the par-4, 383-yard sixth hole, but the daughter of former Czech Republic tennis star Petr Korda recorded birdies on the par-5, 497-yard seventh hole and par-4, 368-yard ninth hole to pull even with nine holes remaining, the first time she was all square since the third hole.

Pepperdine sophomore Danielle Kang, a Westlake graduate, is all square through 27 holes with Jessica Korda of Bradenton, Fla., in the 36-hole, match-play final Sunday at the 110th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship at Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina.

Kang, the 12th seed, held the advantage from the fourth to the 26th hole, but never led No. 11 Korda by more than two holes.

Kang was 2 up after the first 18 holes in the morning. Both 17-year-olds made par on the first four holes in the afternoon session, before Kang bogeyed the par-4, 351-yard fifth hole to allow Korda to close to within 1 down for the first time since the 15th hole.

Kang rebounded to regain a 2-up lead after Korda bogeyed the par-4, 383-yard sixth hole, but the daughter of former Czech Republic tennis star Petr Korda recorded birdies on the par-5, 497-yard seventh hole and par-4, 368-yard ninth hole to pull even with nine holes remaining.

It marks the third time in the match Korda has been all square, but she has never led Kang.

A rivals.com posting says Jordan Stanton, a 6-1, 225-pound linebacker for Knight who is one of the area's top defensive players, has transferred to Palmdale -- but it's not true, Palmdale coach Jeff Williams said.

"Yeah, that was posted a couple of weeks ago, but it's a mistake. Jordan Stanton is not here," Williams said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Charles Washington, a top returning safety for Crespi, has picked his first scholarship offer from Fresno State. He had 72 tackles last year.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Pepperdine sophomore Danielle Kang, a Westlake graduate, remains 1 up through 23 holes on Jessica Korda of Bradenton, Fla., in the 36-hole, match-play final Sunday at the 110th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship at Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina.

Kang, the 12th seed, has held the advantage since the fourth hole, but never led No. 11 Korda by more than two holes.

Kang was 2 up after the first 18 holes in the morning. Both 17-year-olds made par on the first four holes in the afternoon session, before Kang bogeyed the par-4, 351-yard fifth hole to allow Korda to close to within 1 down for the first time since the 15th hole in the morning.

In a game that ended around 3:15 a.m. Sunday in Bogota, Colombia, the U.S. junior national softball team -- featuring Valencia graduate Madison Shipman -- defeated Canada 3-1 to capture the gold medal at the 18-under Pan American Championships.

Because of rain delays throughout the day in Colombia, the start of the Americans' 6-1 semifinal victory over Puerto Rico, as well as Canada's 2-1, eight-inning win over Puerto Rico in the bronze medal game, were considerably pushed back from their originally scheduled start times.

The championship game started after midnight in Colombia. It marked the 27th consecutive victory and third straight gold medal for the U.S. in 18-under Pan Am competition. The Americans (9-0) defeated host Puerto Rico 7-0 in the 2006 final and knocked off Canada 2-0 in the 2002 title game in Mexico.

Shipman went 1 for 2 with a walk and a stolen base against Canada, finishing the tournament 8 for 19 with eight runs, seven RBIs and nine stolen bases. In the semifinal victory over Puerto Rico, the Tennessee-bound Shipman -- who started all nine games -- went 1 for 3 with a stolen base.

Along with the Americans, Canada and Puerto Rico, Argentina and Brazil also qualified for the 19-under International Softball Federation World Championships in Dec. 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth could have the top class of incoming freshman this season.

Multiple sources have said Devin Burleson and Namon Wright will be enrolling this week along with sophomore-to-be Jahmel Taylor from Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks.

Burleson (6'7) has already been offered a scholarship by USC. Wright is a fast-developing combo guard.

Another freshman, Marsellis Johnson, the brother of former Campbel Hall of North Hollywood standout James Johnson has been slated for Sierra Canyon since early last year.

In a stroke of good luck for the Trailblazers as well, it is expected that Brian Alberts will stay at Sierra Canyon for high school after checking out Sylmar and Oaks Christian of Westlake Village this summer.

Adding these five players will only strengthen a team that returns brothers Michael and Daniel Cohen and juniors Julian Brooks and Jesse Howell.

New coach Ryan Silver will have a loaded deck come December.

Chris Printz resigned as boys' basketball coach at Golden Valley on Friday.

By Saturday afternoon, Printz accepted an asst. coaching position at Simi Valley, where he graduated in 1990.

Here is a press release from asst. coach Ryan Moore.

Coach Chris Printz of Golden Valley has resigned as head coach and accepted a position as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Simi Valley ('90). The assistant coaching position will allow Printz to spend more time with his family, wife Leslie and four young children. The Printz family already resides in Simi Valley.

Printz built the Golden Valley program from scratch and into one of the strongest programs in the Southern Section. Ironically, Golden Valley lost their first varsity game in school history 85 - 45 to Simi Valley in the first round of the Simi Valley Tip Off Classic during the 04 - 05 season. Just a few seasons later (08 - 09) Golden Valley beat Simi Valley in overtime in the championship game of the same Simi Valley Tournament by a score of 89 - 83.

Printz amassed an overall record 83 - 57 and a Foothill league record of 19 - 20. In his last two seasons at Golden Valley, Printz led the Grizzlies to a 51 - 10 overall record, a 17 - 3 record in the Foothill League, and 2 league championships. Printz leaves Golden Valley while the Grizzlies still have a 14 game home winning streak.

Printz becomes the sixth alumnus to join the Simi Valley coaching staff. Head Coach, Christian Aurand, played for Bob Hawking and graduated in 1986. Printz played for Dean Bradshaw and graduated in 1990. David Suniga ('02), Ryan Bradshaw ('01), Nick Grandchamp ('01) and Jon Green ('04) all played for current coach Christian Aurand.

Printz also becomes the fourth member of the coaching staff with previous head coaching experience.

Head Coach, Christian Aurand has amassed an overall record of 230 - 87 since taking the reigns in 1999.

Assistant Coach, Chris Garton, was the first coach in school history at Fulton College Prep in Van Nuys.

Assistant Coach, Ryan Moore, was the head coach at Oaks Christian in Westlake Village for two years and amassed a 32 - 23 record, including a trip to the CIF-SS IVAA Semifinals in 2004.

Simi Valley is coming off a disappointing 17 - 11, injury plagued season, in which the Pioneers' starters missed a combined 20 games. Simi Valley returns 6'7 swingman, Jonathan Davis, who already has offers from UTEP, Pacific, George Washington, Utah, and Hawaii.

Ryan Watkins was an integral part of the Reseda boys' basketball team during the 2009 season. He averaged 22 points per game and over 11 rebounds while helping the Regents advance to the Div. II state playoffs.

After taking a year off, Watkins will be heading to Boise St., signing a financial aid agreement extended to him by coach Leon Rice.

Here is a story from the Idaho Statesman newspaper.

Boise State men's basketball adds big body to roster
BY NICK JEZIERNY - njezierny@idahostatesman.com

Boise State men's basketball coach Leon Rice and his staff spent much of July following Ryan Watkins' AAU team.
Their persistence paid off Monday when Watkins, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound post player, signed a financial aid agreement. He could play for the Broncos this fall after picking Boise State over Boston College, Northwestern and Washington State, he said.
"I really like that the program is on the rise and trying to get better. They are going to the Mountain West. I just want to be a part of it,'' Watkins told the Idaho Statesman.
Finding a home was a relief for Watkins, who graduated from Reseda (Calif.) High in 2009. The plan was for Watkins to attend prep school for a year to increase his exposure and work on his game, but that didn't work out.
Watkins tried two prep schools. The first, his father said, turned out to be in a bad neighborhood in Boston where neither father nor son was comfortable. A second school's basketball program folded.
"It was a difficult journey, but it was well worth it," said Myron Watkins, Ryan's father. "This makes (Ryan) appreciate the opportunity he has even more."
Watkins averaged 22.7 points and 11.1 rebounds during his senior year of high school. He played for the Double Pump Elite AAU team this summer, and his team won the Las Vegas Invitational.
Along the way, more and more schools became enamored.
"It was getting hot and heavy with the traffic of people coming in on Ryan," Rice said. "It really affirmed what we saw, and that's why everyone else jumped in on him, too."
What impressed the Boise State staff was Watkins' physical skills and his basketball IQ.
Associate head coach Dave Wojcik said Watkins has "terrific hands and feet" and Rice said the big-bodied post player stood out all summer.
"It's a lost art to be able to score with your back to the basket, and Ryan has that skill," Rice said. "We watched thousands of players this summer and only a handful of guys can score with their back to the basket with a defender between them and the basket. Ryan can do that."
Rice said Watkins offers a size and skill set that no other player on the roster has and that playing this fall is definitely a possibility. A redshirt year could happen, too.
"I'll do whatever I can to help the team," said Watkins, adding that his biggest focus will be improving his strength and conditioning.

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/08/10/1297604/broncos-add-big-body-to-roster.html#ixzz0wcJxf4Ci

Just wait until you discover Jordan Discalo, a sophomore kicker for Taft who transferred in from Monte Vista in Northern California.

"He's the best kicker we've had at Taft in at least 10 years," coach Matt Kerstetter said. "The kid puts kickoffs into the end zone, he punts, he kicks 50-yard field goals. Oh yeah, this kid is a weapon."

Discalo was born in Tarzana but moved north when he was 5 years old, and now he's back, Kerstetter said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Six local players will be participating in the first annual So. Cal. Clash all-star game Sunday at the HAX in Hawthorne at 1:30 p.m.

The game features top players from the class of 2011 vs. 2012.

Taft's Kevin Johnson and Spencer Dinwiddie will participate on the 2011 team while Max Guercy (Alemany), Chass Bryan (Oaks Christian), Zena Edosomwan (Harvard-Westlake) and Ryan Wright (Palmdale) are on the 2012 team.

Californiapreps.com/Slam Jam Incoming Soph. and Freshman Showcase

Sunday August 22, 2010

Site will be Taft High in Woodland Hills or Montclair Prep in Van Nuys

Team 1 game times 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
0-London Perrantes-Crespi
1-Shane Hall-Villanova Prep
2-Wesley Greason-Cate
3-Jaron Martin-Chaminade
4-Ryan Roberts-El Toro
5-Jared Graham-Riverside Prep
6-Alex Crawford-Peninsula
7-Linwood Foy-St. Genevieve

Team 2 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
0-Brandon Hill-Newbury Park
1-Alec Johnson-San Juan Hills
2-Chad Fackler-Estancia
3-Ben Johnson-Hart
4-Daniel Crocker-Oxnard
5-Jarrett Davis-La Mirada
6-Devin Morgan-Hart
7-Ante Joyner-Quartz Hill

Team 3 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
0-Brandon Castaneda-Chino
1-Mark Patterson-Mayfair
2-Keshon Robinson-Taft
3-Max Lyons-Linfield Christian
4-Ron Lee-Oak Park
5-J.D. Slajchert-Oak Park
6-Jake Myers-Moorpark
7-Ziad Damanhoury-La Jolla Country Day

Team 4 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
North Hollywood Wolverines (Get Your Game Right)
Names to be announced

818.439.2275 for more info or to sign up

From Loyola mailer:

COACH

New head coach Mike Christensen is a turnaround master. When he took over at Carson in '06, the once proud Colts program was coming off back-to-back 3-8 campaigns. Christensen immediately changed the ethos of the program to the tune of a 9-4 finish, Marine League title and City Section semifinal appearance his first year. His '07 11-3 league championship team played for the City Section Championship, and his '09 squad was 10-3, league champion and again advanced to the City Section semi-finals.

Christensen took over a floundering Lakewood program in 2000 and led the Lancers to the Pac-5 playoffs five times. His '04 squad finished 11-3 and ended the season ranked in the national top 25.

Christensen inherits a program that has experienced its worst four-year run in more than a generation, but he has already changed the culture and, despite an immensely challenging schedule, expects big things from the Cubs this fall.

TOP RETURNEES

Loyola has the top RB in the Pac-5 Conference and maybe the entire Southern Section. University of Arizona commit JARED BAKER, Sr. (5-9, 185, 4.4, 335 lb bench, 440 squat) rushed for 1,453 (7 yds. per carry) yards as a junior, taking over for Anthony Barr (UCLA) who was injured in game two. Baker is fast, quick and strong, and had multiple FBS scholarship offers. He was the Serra League Most Valuable Offensive Player in '09. He ran the 100m in 10.83 for Loyola's CIF Div. II champion track and field team. On top of that he maintains a 3.8 GPA.

JERRY NEUHEISEL, Sr. (6-2, 180) returns after an outstanding junior campaign in which he threw for 1,621 yards (62% completion rate.) He has all the tools, not surprising given he is the son of UCLA's head football coach.

NICK NASSE, Sr. (6-2, 220, 4.6 TE/OLB) He is a physical force on both sides of the ball. Coaches say he is a major college prospect.

KODI WHITFIELD, Jr. (6-2, 188, 4.5 WR/FS) Son of former NFL All-Pro tackle Bob Whitfield, this superior athlete is already on the radar of the majors after a great showing in summer passing competition.

LEE HIGHTOWER, Sr. (6-3, 183, 4.4 WR/FS) Great athlete (2nd in CIF Div. II long jump) with superior cover skills. Outstanding student. Offered by San Diego State, among others.

TYLER McBRIDE, Sr. (5-9, 190, RB/S) Tremendous competitor with great strength and skills. Will play strong safety.

DAREN ROSENBERG, Sr. (5-9, 163, 4.5 WR) All-Serra League WR with tremendous quickness and top end speed.

JARED SANCHEZ, Jr. (6-2, 245, OL) All-Serra League OL. A tough, experienced technician.

JUSTIN ESTORGA, Sr. (5-10, 210 FB/LB) An aggressive FB/LB. Benches 330. A mauler at LB.

SCOTT SANFORD, Sr. (5-10, 225 OG) All-Serra League guard who possesses tremendous leverage on the OL.

TOP NEWCOMERS

CHAZ ANDERSON, Jr. (5-10, 172, 4.5 WR/DB) Great receiver and cover corner.

EAMON McOSKER, Jr. (6-2, 195, WR/OLB) One tough hombre on both sides of the ball. A fantastic complement to Nasse at outside linebacker.

TRAVIS HARVEY, Jr. (6-5, 305, OT) A road grader who has unlimited upside.

CAMERON WALKER, Soph. (5-10, 171, 4.5, DB) Top two-way player on league champion freshman team last fall.

CONRAD UKROPINA, Jr. (K/P 6-1, 170) Loyola's best kicker in many years. Possesses both superb punting and kicking prowess.

THE SCHEDULE: Heavyweights Mission Viejo (game 2), Upland (game 5), Valencia (game 6) and the Serra League gauntlet make for a monster schedule. The Cubs open with defending Western Division Champion Mira Costa on the road.

THE OUTLOOK: Baker and Neuheisel bring back more than 3,000 yards of total offense. Christensen has tightened the reins, and the Loyola brand is back to its roots, a very physical approach. Nasse is a prime time force on both sides of the ball as is junior Kodi Whitfield. Both will play pivotal roles this season.

The Cubs have excellent skill players and should be able to score. The defensive backfield is very talented.

If the Cubs in the trenches get the job done, the Serra League championship is attainable.

THREE CIF FINALS APPEARANCES, TWO TITLES IN PAST DECADE: Loyola played in the CIF Div. I championship game in 2000 (16-13 overtime loss to L.B. Poly) and won the CIF Div. I Championship in 2003 (21-17 vs. L.B. Poly) and 2005 (49-42 vs. Espenavera).

Chris Printz has resigned as boys' basketball coach at Golden Valley of Santa Clarita.

Printz led the Grizzlies to a 27-4 record two seasons ago, including a loss against Gahr of Cerritos in the semifinals and a 24-6 mark last year.

Printz also helped Trevor Wiseman land a scholarship offer from Hawaii this past season

Printz could be headed back to Simi Valley as an asst. on Christian Aurand's staff.

The last we heard from Chaminade multi-sport standout Brando Tessar back in June, he was a team MVP for the West in the annual Daily News All-Star Football Game at Birmingham High.

He's headed to Oregon on a baseball scholarship, so Tessar has spent most of the summer resting his pitching arm, tossing a few innings here and there after pitching 88 innings for Chaminade this past spring.

So, is his football career over?

"I wouldn't say that. We'll see what happens," Tessar said. "I have to red shirt for football my freshman year because of baseball, but next year it's a possibility. Football is not over for me."

-- Gerry Gittelson

A top offensive and defensive lineman at Taft since his freshman season, USC-bound Antwaun Woods said the plan is for him to focus only on defense for his senior season.

"I'm playing defense, not offense this year," he said.

Part of the reason is Taft is loaded on the offensive line, as two returning starters, seniors Brandon Mitchell and Traves Raphael, have been awarded a fifth year of eligibility by hardship appeals.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Jacob Smith is one of California's fastest football players, but the wheels of his hardship appeal are moving slow, as Smith hopes to become eligibility immediately at Granada Hills instead of sitting out one year per CIF rules.

The paperwork stream has lagged, so Smith isn't eligible to practice with the football team, except for sixth-period conditioning class.

Smith, a top running back and track sprinter, played at Notre Dame as a sophomore last fall, then transferred to Canyon -- where a hardship appeal was denied by the Southern Section, Canyon coach Chris Varner said -- before transferring to Granada Hills.

"We've done the initial paperwork, and we need to submit more paperwork," Granada Hills athletic director Rick Charls said. "Yes, he's gone to three schools in one year, but we can explain it."

Charls said Smith's living situation has changed because of family reasons.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Grace Brethren of Simi Valley has picked up four transfers from Cornerstone Christian of Camarillo after the school dropped its 8-man program.

Senior RB Kendall Rettig, Junior OL/DL Nate Karn, Junior WR/DB Micah McDowell and Junior DE Jordan Helus have all checked in at the Simi Valley-campus according to new coach Josh Henderson.

Henderson said all four players will have an impact and Rettig could be the starting tailback.

Rettig could be a nice complement to returning QB Max Leffler, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards last year.

Austin McBroom will be staying at Campbell Hall of North Hollywood.

There was much speculation the standout guard in basketball and wide receiver in football was headed for Serra of Gardena or Taft of Woodland Hills but he will be at football practice Monday according to his dad, Allen.

Allen McBroom said he felt the school did not think it was in Austin's best interest to tranfer in his senior year.

Allen McBroom also implied he did not want to pursue a transfer without Campbell Hall's blessing in letting him go elsewhere.

This is very good news for coach Steve Wachs, who now knows who his starting point guard will be come Thanksgiving.

It wasn't an unbelieveable debut in the NFL for Jimmy Clausen but it was far from terrible as well.

Clausen completed eight of 15 passes for 80 yards and was able to make a few plays and move the ball for the Carolina Panthers.

In a nutshell, solid, not spectacular.

Clausen has his work cut out for himself to unseat Matt Moore but he is on the right path.

Carolina lost to Baltimore, 17-12.

Oaks Christian of Westlake Village's Jimmy Clausen made his NFL debut Thursday with the Carolina Panthers and had a fine performance in the first half.

Clausen completed six of 11 passes for 73 yards and led the Panthers on a nice drive to set up a field goal attempt with one second remaining.

However, Carolina botched the field goal and trail 10-3 at halftime.

ESPN's Keyshawn Johnson commented on the halftime show that Clausen sure didn't look like he was only playing in his first NFL game.

For the second consecutive school year, Loyola High of Los Angeles has won the CIF Southern Section's Commissioner's Cup, based on a point system that awards five points for a section championship, three points for a section runner-up or second place finish in team point competition sport, two points for semifinal appearance or third place finish in team point sport, and one point for a fourth place finish.

Loyola won Southern Section championships in volleyball and track and field, were runners-up in water polo and swimming & diving, and were semifinalists in basketball and fourth place in cross country.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Montclair Prep of Van Nuys won the San Fernando Valley's first ever state championship way back in 1995 in a easy victory against University High of San Francisco on March 17 at the Oakland Coliseum.

It has been 15 years and the players and coaches have all moved on so-to-speak.

Here is a breakdown.

Anwawn Jones-Played football at Northwestern and is currently a police officer with the Oakland Police Dept.

Akil Anderson-Working in the probation dept. for L.A. County.

Reed Berglund-Working for CBS radio in marketing and advertising.

Scott Stark-Works for Fox Sports in Los Angeles.

Jeff Benson-Works for real estate firm Marcus & Millichap and co-founded the restaurant Sashi in Manhattan Beach.

Brandon Michaels-Lives in Westlake Village and also works for Marcus & Millichap.

Tommy Walder-Real Estate management.

Carlos Roubicek-Tragically passed away.

Coach Greg Patterson-Athletic director and head coach at Montclair Prep

Coach Howard Abrams-Teaches P.E. at Montclair Prep. Asst. coach to Patterson.

Coach Greg Jones-Relocated to Florida.

Coach Jack Pollon-Works and coaches at Oaks Christian of Westlake Village

It is safe to say the Marmonte League is one of the best leagues in the country now that national powers Oaks Christian of Westlake Village and St. Bonaventure of Ventura have joined to create a 10-team league.

After scouring over the schedules three teams stood out with some very tough stretches.

Calabasas plays Oct. 29 at St. Bonaventure, Nov. 5 vs. Thousand Oaks and Nov. 12 vs. Westlake.

Royal plays Sept. 24 at Westlake, Oct. 1 at Thousand Oaks and Oct. 8 vs. Oaks Christian.

Thousand Oaks has no easy task with a road game Sept. 15 at Oaks Christian before hosting St. Bonaventure the week after.

Oaks Christian could know where its season is going by the night of Oct. 1.

The Lions play Alemany of Mission Hills, St. Bonaventure of Ventura and Westlake of Westlake Village within the first five weeks of the season.

The Gametymers basketball club oraganization will be holding the Earl Watson instructional clinics at Taft High in Woodland Hills August 28 and 29.

There will be two clinics each day.

The first session for each weekend will be from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and is for ages 8-11.

The second session each weekend will be from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. and is for ages 12-14.

Each session will include a skills contest, a clinic shirt and an autograph session in addition to quality instruction.

Watson was a former standout at UCLA and has played for eight teams in the NBA.

For more information and to register visit, www.gametymersbasketball.com

An application ready to download and print is available

He isn't a household name, but what until you get a look at the new Daniel Williams, a 6-foot-6 tight for Birmingham who has put on 25 pounds of muscle and is switching from offensive lineman to tight end.

"Daniel was 205 last year and played offensive tackle out of necessity," Birmingham coach Jim Rose said. "Now he's up to 6-6 and 230, and he can run."

Otherwise, Birmingham has a lot of question marks, as the Patriots have a tough nonleague schedule and a lot of inexperienced skill players, as sophomore Anthony Dickinson is competing with Adrian Mora for the quarterback job, while there are three prospects at running back.

"I only have six or seven seniors," Rose said.

The strength of the team is the offensive line with David Orellana and Joey Perriera. Orellana was a first-team All-West Valley selection while Perriera played a lot.

Justin Gomez, a linebacker, is the top hitter.

"We'll be better on defense," Rose said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Ishmael Adams, an impact transfer from Dunwoody High in Georgia, should make quite an impression this season as a junior multi-purpose back for Oaks Christian.

Adams, son of former Raiders cornerback Stefon Adams, fit right in during summer passing competitions, and Oaks Christian is scheduled to practice with full pads for the first time Saturday.

"I like hitting, and I like making tackles," Adams said.

And he likes Southern California, too.

"Oh, I'm loving it here," he said. "The weather is great and the people are really nice."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Jake Geringer, one of the area's top returning quarterbacks, is back for Newbury Park, but most of the other key players from last year have graduated, so a lot of youngsters need to develop for Newbury Park to compete for a playoff berth in the revamped 10-team Marmonte League that now includes national powers Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure.

Geringer, who'll be a three-year starter, completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 2,251 yards and 22 touchdowns last year. He's 6-foot-2 and sports a 3.8 GPA, and several colleges are interested though no one has made an offer.

"Whatever the equivalent of a gym rat is for football, that's Jake," coach Gary Fabricius said. "He'll throw the football with anyone or on his own. He's either doing that, or he's in the weight room. He's a joy to coach."

But whom Geringer will throw to is an issue, along with the running game and the blocking, as most of Newbury Park's top players are untested.

Among those in the mix are receivers Dakota Dunlea and Sean Garry, who are both 6-3, while Michael Difronza will get a long look at running back.

Returning kicker Kevin Kircher could play a key role.

"We don't kick a lot of field goals, but Kevin proved himself under pressure last year," Fabricius said. "We might kick more this year."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Among the Southland's top young players is Tedrick Thompson, a Valencia sophomore who last year worked his way up from the frosh team to a varsity starter at cornerback.

"His instincts are incredible. They're unlike anything I've seen," Valencia quarterback Alex Bishop said. "Last year, it was pretty surprising the way he made it to varsity and stuck there as soon as we put him in. He's had a great summer, too. He's been a stud every day in practice."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Randy Block, who resigned as Highland's coach this past summer, is headed to Italy in two week to coach professional football for Achei Crotone.

"I'm 51, my kids are grown, and I've been working my butt off for 30 years, so this just seemed like a great opportunity," Block said. "I don't know if a lot of people know this, but American football is huge in Italy. This gives me a chance to see the world, coach football for a couple of hours a day, and the team pays for everything. What could be bad?"

In the meantime, Troy Jackson is the interim coach at Highland. He is a former Highland assistant who took a year off last year.

"Troy is a good coach. He knows his stuff," Block said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The ESPN Rise Boost Mobile Elite 24 all-star game is set for August 28 at Vencie Beach.

The game will feature 24 of the best boys basketball players in the country regardless of grade level.

Taft of Woodland Hills coach Derrick Taylor has been selected to coach and former Taft star De'Andre Daniels is schedule to particpate.

Daniels is trying to gain a hardship waiver from the Los Angeles City Section to return to Taft for one more season before heading to Texas.

The game will be televised by ESPNU at 4;30 p.m.

There will also be a dunk contest the day before at 5 p.m.

New coach Nick Hauselman is wasting no time trying to get things going at Birmingham of Lake Balboa.

Hauselman is working out for an hour each day this week with his new team and has plans to change the culture and atmosphere of the program.

"We are going to do things differently than in the past for sure," Hauselman said.

One change will be the offense.

"We are going to run the triangle. I don't think a lot of teams run that."

Will changes on the court and off the court be enough to knock off powerhouse Taft of Woodland Hills?

"We are definitely not going to be satisfied just competing and losing twice to Taft anymore. We have to have a different mindset and believe we can win."

Hauselman is not only coaching at Birmingham.

He runs his own blog about basketball.

Check it out at www.youtube.com/user/bballbreakdown

Village Christian of Sun Valley filled its boys' basketball position but is still looking for a qualified girls' coach.

Tim Brown coached the team last year but is now at A.G.B.U. of Pasadena.

Interested applicants should contact athletic director Kevin Aust.

kevina@villagechristian.org

Village Christian of Sun Valley has hired Jon Shaw to fill its vacant boys' basketball position.

Here is a press release from athletic director Kevin Aust.

Village Christian is pleased to announce the hiring of John Shaw as our new Head Boys Basketball Coach. Jon is succeeding Coach Reggie Richardson who did an outstanding job leading the program for the last two seasons.

Jon joins the Village family following a two year stint as an assistant coach at NCAA Division 1 Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. John has a wealth of experience at nearly every level, having previously served as the head men's basketball coach at Cascade College (NAIA) in Portland, OR, the head boys basketball coach at Highland High School in Gilbert, Ariz., from 2004-07, and a graduate assistant at the NCAA Division 1 University of Oklahoma from 2002-2004.

Shaw's first head coaching job came in 1997 at Grace Academy High School in Marysville, Wash., where he led the Eagles to two conference championships, going 19-1 in conference play during a two-year span and four district playoff appearances, while posting a 52-56 record in five seasons (1997-2002).

He also has served as an assistant coach at McClintock High School in Tempe, Ariz., and The Master's College in California. He has vast experience as a summer camp director and instructor, working and coaching at summer basketball camps in Indiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Wake Forest, and Kansas.

He received his bachelors degree in history from The Master's College in 1995, and a master's of education in educational administration from the University of Oklahoma in 2003.

A native of Napa, Calif., Shaw played at Vintage High School for Erik Zaidel. He went on to play two seasons (1990-92) at Napa Valley College, under former head coach Kermit Young, before transferring to play two seasons (1992-94) at The Master's College under Mel Hankinson and Bill Oates.

He and his wife Heather are the parents of two daughters, Brooke and Sarah, as well as a son, Kaden.

We are extremely excited about John's decision to join Village Christian family and expect him to lead our basketball program to the next level. John is and seasoned coach and knows what it takes to build a successful program on and off the court and will be a great asset to our players who desire to play at the collegiate level.
In addition to coaching, John will also be joining the VCS staff as Co-Admission Director and his wife Heather will be joining the HS faculty as a new English teacher. The Shaw's three kids will also be attending VCS so we are excited about welcoming the entire Shaw family into our community.

Jon shared this quote with us: "Our family is excited to join the Village family..We look forward to working and serving alongside the team of people that Tom Konjoyan and the Village Christian Board has assembled. Village Christian is a special place because they have had a long legacy of impacting young people for Jesus Christ. We look to build on the current foundation that has been laid by many parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators to establish a championship level basketball program that the community of Burbank and the Southern California region will embrace and want to be a part of."

2011 Oaks Christian Lions Showcase
HOOPS ONE-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

SATURDAY JANUARY 22, 2011.
SITE: Oaks Christian school in Westlake Village

THE MATCH-UPS:
ALL GAMES, ONE SITE

Buckley vs. Ribet Academy, 10:00 a.m.
Cleveland vs. Pacific Hills, 11:30 a.m.
Girls-Sierra Canyon vs. Canyon (Cyn. Cty.), 1:30 p.m.
Girls-St. Joseph (Santa Maria) vs. Palos Verd, 2:30 p.m.
Girls-Bell-Jeff vs. Fairfax, 4 p.m.
El Camino Real vs. San Pedro, 5:30 p.m.
Girls-El Camino Real vs. Chaminade, 7 p.m.
Girls-Oaks Christian vs. Inglewood, 8:30 p.m.

2011 WAR ON THE FLOOR BOYS HOOPS
ONE DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

SATURDAY JANUARY 15, 2011.
SITE: Pierce College in Woodland Hills (tentative)

THE MATCH-UPS:
ALL GAMES, ONE SITE

Campbell Hall vs. Granada Hills (girls), 9 a.m.
Montclair Prep vs. Santa Clara (girls), 10:30 a.m.
LaSalle vs. Besant Hill, 12 p.m.
Brentwood vs. Renaissance Academy, 1:30 p.m.
Montclair Prep vs. Sylmar, 3 p.m.
Notre Dame vs. Dorsey, 4:30 p.m.
Inglewood vs. Chaminade, 6 p.m.
Valencia vs. Campbell Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Oaks Christian vs. Alemany, 9 p.m.

The Oaks Christian game against Alemany should be outstanding with several top players on both teams and it will be a rematch of last year's Div. IV-A quarterfinal, which Alemany won after coming back from 19 points down.

Vaelncia's Lonnie Jackson will square off against Campbell Hall of North Hollywood's Austin McBroom in a battle of two of the best guards in the region.

Gilles Dierickx and sophomore sensation Jaron Martin will go up against an always athletic Inglewood team, coached by Pat Roy.

Kevin Ward, Chad Thomas and possibly top-incoming freshman Brian Alberts will battle Montclair Prep's Trey Dickerson, Charles Lockett, Amonte Dees and Jake Boger.

The Santa Clarita Valley will be getting two impact freshman in baseball.

Jake Bird is a top pitcher headed to West Ranch of Valencia and Nick Valaika is a top shortstop headed to Hart of Newhall.

Bird struck out eight batters in three innings of a J.V. V.IB.L. game this summer and Valaika played in six varsity contests.

Valaika comes from a baseball-rich family.

Brothers Chris and Matt are in the minor leagues with the Cinicinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals and Pat will be at UCLA this year.

Cantwell Sacred-Heart of Mary High School in Montebello is hosting a boys' basketball tournament Dec. 13-18.

The tournament is still looking for a couple teams.

Local schools Montclair Prep of Van Nuys, Chaminade of West Hills and Chatsworth are participating.

Contact Gregg Gilmore at ggilmore_cshm@yahoo.com for more info.

24 Team tournament with a 5 game Guarentee, two sites, well run, great atmosphere. December 13th-18th (Monday-Saturday)

Teams participating are:
Cantwell (Host)
Bell
Roosevelt
Whittier
Huntington Park
Montclair Prep
Chaminade
Chatsworth
Salesian
El Camino (Oceanside, Ca)
Hawthorne
South El Monte
Santee
Venice
Hamilton
Pioneer
Artesia
Los Altos
Bravo
Sergestrom
Duarte
Hoover (Glendale) ???
South Pasadena???

Nick Hauselman has been hired to take over for Jarvis Turner at Birmingham of Lake Balboa.

Hauselman will be come the newest coach to try and knock off Taft of Woodland Hills, which has not lost a West Valley League game on the court since January 2005.

Hauselman might have a chance if 6'7 forward Marcus Holt sticks around and doesn't tranfer.

Taft's Kevin Johnson and Spencer Dinwiddie along with Simi Valley's Jonathan Davis will be playing on the 2011 team.

Chass Bryan (Oaks Christian), Zena Edosomwan (Harvard-Westlake), Max Guercy (Alemany) and Ryan Wright (Palmdale) will be suiting up for the 2012 team.

With many other top players participating, it should be an outstanding game.

2010 SO CAL CLASH PRESS RELEASE

The first annual So Cal Clash will be held Sunday, August 15th at the HAX in Hawthorne at 1:30 pm. This one-game event will have elite players from Southern California in the class of 2011 playing against elite players in the class of 2012.

The purpose of the event is to help promote So Cal basketball and its' elite prospects. A report on the event will be done by the Hoop Review scouting service in addition to websites californiapreps.com, scout.com, espn.com and westcoasthoopsreport.com in addition to numerous other media outlets.

Coaching in the game will be two 2010 state champions from Southern California: Dwan Hurt from Division III champion Serra of Gardena and Mike Lynch from Division IV champion Price of Los Angeles.

A committee of scouts who cover Southern California high school basketball that are not connected to any teams/players will be making the selections.

The Taft of Woodland Hills girls' volleyball team could not win its fourth tournament championship of the summer this past weekend.

Taft, the only City Section school in the competitive 12-team Oxnard tournament of champions reached the Bronze Division final but lost to Buena of Ventura 25-13, 25-9, 25-23.

Taft beat Oxnard in the semifinals 26-24, 25-23, 25-17.

Harvard-Westlake of North Hollywood competed in the Silver Division championship and we are still awaiting word on the result.

Valencia lost to Oxnard in the Bronze semifinals.

2010 Monarchs' Football Schedule
Overall Record: 0-0 Conference Record: 0-0
DATE OPPONENT TIME LOCATION SCORE STATS
September 4East Los Angeles Huskies *6:00Valley Glen

September 11College of the Desert Roadrunners**6:00Palm Desert

September 18Pasadena City College Lancers***6:00Pasadena

September 25
San Diego Mesa Olympians*6:00Valley Glen

October 2Glendale Vaqueros****6:00Glendale

October 9
BYE

October 16West Los Angeles Wildcats****1:00Culver City

October 23Santa Barbara Vaqueros****6:00Valley Glen

October 30Santa Monica Corsairs****6:00Valley Glen

November 6Los Angeles Southwest Cougars****6:00Los Angeles

November 13Pierce Brahmas****6:00Valley Glen

*American Division Mountain Conference Crossover Game
**Central Division Eastern Conference Crossover Game
***National Division Southern Conference Crossover Game
****American Division Pacific Conference Game

2010 Pierce College Football Schedule

Saturday September 4 Bakersfield Bakersfield 7:00 P.M.
Saturday September 11 Moorpark Moorpark 6:00 P.M.
Saturday September 18 Fullerton Fullerton 6:00 P.M.
Saturday September 25 Long Beach Pierce 7:00 P.M.
Saturday October 2 West LA Pierce 7:00 P.M.
Saturday October 9 Glendale Glendale 6:00 P.M.
Saturday October 16 Santa Barbara Santa Barbara 6:00 P.M.
Saturday October 23 Santa Monica Pierce 7:00 P.M.
Saturday October 30 LA Southwest Pierce 7:00 P.M.
Saturday November 6 BYE
Saturday November 13 LA Valley LA Valley 6:00 P.M.

Simi Valley's Jonathan Davis (6'7, 190) has picked up offers from Pacific and UTEP.

Davis is part of terrific senior class in the region that includes Kevin Johnson (Taft), Damiene Cain (Harvard-Westlake), Spencer Dinwiddie (Taft), Austin McBroom (Campbell Hall), Jaylen Bland (Cleveland), Gilles Dierickx (Chaminade), Matt Mounier (Crespi), Kenyatta Smith (Flintridge Prep), Khiry Williams (Taft), Temjae Singleton (El Camino Real), Blair Holliday (Oaks Christian), Dillon van der Wal (Oaks Christian), Taylor Hange (Oaks Christian) and Jordan Fuller (Alemany).

Taft defensive lineman Antuan Woods (6'0, 291) is set to visit Washington Sept. 18 when the Huskies host Nebraska, according to Scott Eklund of dawgman.com.

Woods committed to USC back in February but is appraently keeping his option sopen.

Jorge Chaidez , the all-time rushing leader at Bell-Jeff High who played two years at Glendale College, has accepted a scholarship to Missouri Valley University, an NAIA school.

His step-brother, Major Armstead, is a junior receiver at Alemany High and one of the fastest players on the team. He ran a 4.45 40-yard dash in June at the UCLA camp.

-- Gerry Gittelson

USC coach Kevin O'Neill has offered a scholarship to incoming freshman Devin Burleson (6'7), according to Burleson's guardian, Doug Burnside.

Burleson has been very impressive this past spring and summer on the travel ball circuit.

Burleson was offered at an elite camp held at USC this weekend.

Burleson attended Ribet Academy of Los Angeles this past year despite living in Lancaster and played with Price of Los Angeles at the Fairfax of Los Angeles tournament in early July.

Burleson projects to be an outstanding forward and could follow in the same footsteps as former high desert star Craig Brackins (Lancaster High), who went to Iowa St. and was picked in the first round of the NBA draft in June.

Oaks Christian WR Blair Holliday committed to Duke this week.

Could teammate Dillon van der Wal be next?

Holliday is trying to convince van der Wal to join him in Durham, NC. next year but van der Wal hasn't made up his mind.

van der Wal, 6-foot-7, 250 pound TE/DE texted Duke, Cal, UCLA, Minnesota, Arizona St. and USC are still in the running.

Stay tuned.....................

Crespi of Encino, the defending Div. IV-A champion could get a boost if Reggie Coates comes back to the team.

Coates (6'3, 240) played his first two years before not playing last year because of football and injuries.

Crespi should be fine with Matt Mounier, Justin Rubia and London Perrantes but Coates could help Chris Connelly underneath with rebounding and toughness.

Coach Russell White hinted it could be a possibility that Coates come back but is not throwing all his eggs into one basket on this one.

Birmingham of Lake Balboa and Village Christian of Sun Valley are in need of basketball coaches.

Jarvis Turner stepped down at Birmingham to accept the same position at Beverly Hills.

Reggie Richardson will not be back at Village Christian.

Interested applicants should contact athletic directors Rick Prizant at Birmingham and Kevin Aust at Village Christian.

Oaks Christian of Westlake Village tournament Dec. 27-30

Teams participating as of Aug. 6

Windward of Los Angeles (6'7 Imani Stafford)
Canyon Springs of Moreno Valley
Carson
St. Joseph of Santa Maria (6'2 Aly Beebe)
Inglewood
Country Day of La Jolla
Washington Prep of Los Angeles
Oaks Christian
Mater Dei Catholic of Chula Vista
Antelope Valley (Keiona Matthews and Destini Price)
El Camino Real of Woodland Hills
Agoura (Kylie Cunningham and Camille Mahlknecht)
Sierra Canyon (Tori Wells and Jamine Sneed)
Alemany of Mission Hills
Palisades of Pacific Palisades
Taft of Woodland Hills

Should be another outstanding tournament

Oaks Christian boys' basketball tournament Dec. 27-30

Teams particpating as of Aug. 6

Etiwanda (USC commit Byron Wesley)
De La Salle of Concord
Loyola of Los Angeles
Sacramento (Highly recruited point guard Josiah Turner)
Price of Los Angeles (Highly recruited forward Norvel Pelle and Askia Booker)
Rancho Verde of Moreno Valley
Upland
Pasadena (guard Todd Lewis)
Canyon Springs of Moreno Valley
Oaks Christian (guards Blair Holliday, Chass Bryan and Taylor Hange; forward Dillon van der Wal)
Colony of Ontario
Inglewood
Palisades of Pacific Palisades
Valencia (guard Lonnie Jackson)
Alemany of Mission Hills (Dorsey transfers Michael and Marqueze Coleman, Jordan fuller and Max Guercy)
Country Day of La Jolla

Should be an outstanding tournament in Westlake Village

Rivals.com is in the process of releasing its Top 100 teams in the nation.

Over the next four days the final Top 10 will be released.

No. 100-11 have been released already and two local schools made the cut.

Westlake, featuring Nelson Spruce and Nick Isham checked in at No. 40 and Oaks Christian, featuring Blair Holliday, Jordan Payton, Trevor Gretzky, Trey Smith, Dillon van der Wal and Ishmael Adams checked in at No. 54.

The two teams will meet up Friday Oct. 1 at Oaks Christian.

Serra of Gardena, which barely edged Oaks Christian in a driving rain storm in last year's Northwest Division championship game was ranked No. 16.

John Wooden Celebrity Basketball Game

August 14th, 5:00pm
The first annual John Wooden Celebrity Basketball Game presented by the HAX Foundation will take place August 14th at 5:00pm at HAX. The game will benefit the HAX Foundation and the John Wooden Legacy Foundation.

Participants include:
Rick Fox - Former Laker & current broadcaster
Mark Jackson - Former Knick & current broadcaster
Marcus Johnson - Former UCLA & NBA star
Reggie Miller - Future Hall of Famer & Current Broadcaster
Allen Payne - Actor
Chris Spencer - Actor & Comedian
Sik Wit It, Inches & Hollywizzle - Street Ball Players
and More!
Halftime Entertainment


Pre - Sale tickets are available at HAX or tickets are available at the door the night of.
$10.00 general admission
$25.00 Floor Seats
$100.00 Bench Seats

Game Location:

HAX
3203 Jack Northrop Ave
Hawthorne, Ca 90250
P 310-219-0600
www.HAXLA.com

Former Taft running back D.J. Morgan, who underwent knee surgery last year, is working to regain his speed in time to make an impact as a USC freshman this fall.

"I've been rehabbing and stuff, and I'm getting there, Morgan said. "I probably won't be 100 percent for the start of camp this week, but we'll see."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Michael Davison, a Crespi multi-purpose who is listed at 5-foot-4 but is closer to 5-1, rarely saw the football last season as a reserve running back and return specialist.

But the junior has come on strong during the summer, and it looks like Davision is going to be a starting receiver this season.

"He's only about 5-foot, but I've been really impressed with him because he's super quick, and he can do a lot of things," said Devin Lucien, Crespi's leading returning receiver and a top college recruit.

Crespi should have a strong receiving corps with returnees Lucien, Brian Irvine and Chris Harper.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Bill Frazer, who dedicated his life to San Fernando High football for the past 50 years as a volunteer coach, died July 26 from complications from Leukemia. He was 68.

Frazer began volunteering immediately after graduating from San Fernando in 1960, and "he loved every minute of it," said his wife, Karen, one of four family survivors along with a niece, Theresa, and nephews Charlie and Scott.

"Bill was just so inspired and so taken by the students and the coaches," Karen said. "He really did love every minute of it - as long as they were winning. You know how that goes."

Among Frazer's duties was publishing an annual booklet of the team's history and statistics that was always meticulous, along with taking care of administrative paperwork, helping to break down game film and thoroughly analyzing opponents' statistics.

Frazer and his wife have lived in Mission Hills for more than 25 years. He also worked as a Red Cross volunteer since 1971, and through the years Frazer worked in broadcasting and private business.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday at Lorenzen Mortuary in Reseda.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Serra of Gardena big-man Ronnie Stevens, who played in the War on the Floor Future Stars all-star game June 12th at Pierce College in Woodland Hills finished his summer with a bang.

And several colleges across the West Coast are taking notice.

The 6'9 forward scored 25 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, dished out six assists and had three blocks to lead Belmont Shore of Long Beach over Mac Irvin of Chicago at the Duel of the Desert tournament in Arizona the last week of July.

Stevens now has offers from Colorado, Colorado St., UTEP, TCU, Utah, UCSB, Long Beach St., UC Irvine and CSUN.

The Oxnard summer Tournament of Champions starts Friday.

Local programs Taft of Woodland Hills, Harvard-Westlake of North Hollywood and Valencia are participating.

The two-day event concludes with the Gold championship at 7 p.m. Saturday

Here is the schedule.

Pool A:
Long Beach Wilson
Ventura
Valencia

Pool B:
Orange Lutheran
Harvard-Westlake
Buena

Pool C:
Santa Barbara
Redondo Union
Oxnard

Pool D:
Santa Margarita
Vista Murrieta
Taft

Friday, August 6th , Playing Schedule

9:00 am Valencia vs. Ventura Big Gym
Santa Barbara vs. Oxnard Small Gym

11:00 am Buena vs. Harvard-Westlake Big Gym
Vista Murrieta vs. Taft Small Gym

1:00 pm Santa Barbara vs. Redondo Union Big Gym
Long Beach Wilson vs. Valencia Small Gym

3:00 pm Orange Lutheran vs. Harvard-Westlake Big Gym
Santa Margarita vs. Taft Small Gym

5:00 pm Long Beach Wilson vs. Ventura Big Gym
Redondo Union vs. Oxnard Small Gym

7:00 pm Vista Murrieta vs. Santa Margarita Big Gym
Orange Lutheran vs. Buena Small Gym

Saturday, August 7th, Playing Schedule

9:00 am Pool A 3rd place vs. Pool B 3rd place Big Gym
(Bronze Division) Pool C 3rd place vs. Pool D 3rd place Small Gym

11:00 am Pool A 2nd place vs. Pool B 2nd place Big Gym
(Silver Division) Pool C 2nd place vs. Pool D 2nd place Small Gym

1:00 pm Bronze Division Championship Big Gym
Bronze Division Consolation Small Gym

3:00 pm Pool A 1st place vs. Pool B 1st place Big Gym
(Gold Division) Pool C 1st place vs. Pool D 1st place Small Gym

5:00 pm Silver Division Championship Big Gym
Silver Division Consolation Small Gym

7:00 pm Gold Division Championship Big Gym
Gold Division Consolation Small Gym

Oaks Christian of Westlake Village wide receiver Blair Holliday has committed to Duke.

Holliday was being recruited by several schools and had an offer from Boise St. but decided he will go to the East coast.

"They offered this week and I really wanted to go to a good academic school," Holliday said. "I wanted to get this out of the way before the season starts."

Holliday (6'2, 170) will team with junior Jordan Payton to give Oaks Christian one of the best receiving duo's in the area.

2010 Girls' Volleyball season

Selected matches to watch list.

Sept. 7 Thousand Oaks at Harvard-Westlake
Sept. 9 Thousand Oaks at Santa Barbara
Sept. 14 Harvard-Westlake at Santa Barbara
Sept. 14 Camarillo at Oaks Christian
Sept. 21 La Canada at Hart
Sept. 27 West Ranch at Campbell Hall
Sept. 28 Bishop Montgomery at Harvard-Westlake
Sept. 29 Brentwood at Oaks Christian
Oct. 5 Taft at Birmingham
Oct. 7 Oaks Christian at La Reina
Oct. 7 Taft at Granada Hills
Oct. 19 West Ranch at Valencia
Oct. 26 Granada Hills at Taft
Oct. 28 Birmingham at Granada Hills
Nov. 2 La Reina at Oaks Christian
Nov. 4 Royal at Thousand Oaks

I was just doing some legwork for our football preview scheduled to launch at the end of the month and boy is Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth coach Jon Ellinghouse ready to go.

QB Tyler Stewart and WR Shane Harrison could be one of the top air-attack combinations in the region and sophomore Xavier Mennefield could be an impact running back.

"We were pretty athletic last year but I think we have more experience and depth this season," Ellinghouse said.

The Trailblazers were 8-3 last season in their first 11-man season and really think they can do even better this year.

Simi Valley asst. coach Ryan Moore sent over a text and it said 6'9 senior-to-be forward Jonathan Davis has received offers from SMU and George Washington.

Davis is weighing several offers and probably won't commit until November or wait until after the season.

It is official.

Jarvis Turner is the new boys' basketball coach at Beverly Hills.

Turner coached at Birmingham of Lake Balboa the last four years.

Tiny Hillcrest Christian of Granada Hills is nestled in the foothills just north of Rinaldi St. and the 118 fwy, west of Balboa Blvd.

It is no wonder many have not heard of 6'4 left-hander Britton Doerbecker.

Well, if his summer play is any indication of things to come he should be heard from this upcoming season as he tries to lead the Eagles to a successful year on the hardwood.

Doerbecker has been playing for Orange County-based Branch West and has drawn the attention of The Master's College in Santa Clarita and Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Small schools for a small school player but a chance to continue his basketball career nonetheless.

Cole Huff, a 6'8 rising senior at Campbell Hall of North Hollywood was offered a scholarship by San Diego St. according to Huff's club coach Clint Parks.

Huff impressed coaches at the Jerry Mullens tournament in Tulsa, the Best Buy Classic in Minnesota and the Fab 48 in Las Vegas.

Huff most recently played in the Best of Summer tournament in Anaheim last week.

Huff has been playing for Parks and former Pepperdine-standout Marvin Lea on Team Eleate.

I just talked to Campbell Hall of North Hollywood football coach Russ Gordon and he is very excited about the upcoming season.

There is a buzz aruond the program with several top players returning and Gordon says everybody is hungry because the Vikings were left out of the playoffs last year despite finishing 7-3.

"We have some unfinished business to take care of," Gordon said.

Gordon mentioned WR Austin McBroom, RB Louis Collins and CB Ricky Lawson as players generating college interest.

"Those three guys will have scholarships for sure," Gordon said.Football

Some good stuff on former Valencia quarterback Michael Herrick, courtesy of azdailysun.com:

NAU quarterback Michael Herrick added to his preseason awards list Monday, being named a First-Team Football Championship Subdivision All-American by The Sports Network.

Herrick's already been named All-Big Sky Conference First-Team, an All-American by JB Scouting Inc., college football prognosticator Phil Steele's All-American quarterback. The senior is also on the watch list for the Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding player in the FCS.

Herrick finished as the top junior in the Payton Award voting last season.

The Valencia, Calif., native finished the 2009 season with 3,356 passing yards, the fifth most in the FCS last year. He set four the top 20 single-game passing performances in NAU history and had five games with 300 or more yards.

He completed 66.3 percent of his passes and threw 22 touchdowns with eight interceptions for a 149.5 pass-efficiency rating, which ranked 11th in the FCS.

I

Host Montclair Prep of Van Nuys knocked off Granada Hills, 63-58 in the championship game of the End of Summer tournament.

Charles Lockett and Trey Dickerson were all-tournament selections.

The Mounties could be a force in the Olympic League next year with Lockett, Dickerson, Jake Boger, Amonte Dees, Max Fried and Bo Vaughn.

If they can beat Windward of Los Angeles and Wesley Saunders remains the big obstacle but not impossible now that Windward lost fantastic freshman Chauncey Hill to Fairfax of Los Angeles.

Taft's Kevin Johnson has offers on the table from Illinois and UTEP and coach Derrick Taylor has said over 50 schools from across the country have contacted him inquiring about the 6'10 center.

Johnson will make his much anticipated regular season debut for the Toreadors in early December at the Westchester tournament.

Johnson sat out all of last year after transferring from Serra of Gardena.

"kevin has really made tremendous strides and progress in a lot of areas," Taylor said.

In the wake of athletic director and boys' and girls' basketball coach Bryan Camacho leaving to take an assistant position with the CSUN women's program, Bell-Jeff of Burbank has filled its vacant boys position with Julian Andrade.

Andrade was head coach at Eagle Rock in 1995 and 96 leading the Eagles to two Northern League titles and 20 wins each season.

Andrade has also assisted on the Pierce College of Woodland Hills women's staff, Beverly Hills high school boys' staff and Sylmar boys' staff.

David Jensen was hired earier this summer to take over the very successful girls' program.

Jensen most recently coached at San Marino and has also coached at Blair of Pasadena and Renaissance Academy of La Canada.