September 2010 Archives

Before Saugus or West Ranch get a shot at eight-time defending Foothill League girls' volleyball champion Valencia, they first need survive a challenging league opener today at Saugus High.

Saugus (11-3) rebounded nicely from being swept Saturday by Notre Dame in the final of its own Beach in the Valley tournament to outlast Chaminade in five games Thursday.

West Ranch (8-7) suffered a five-game setback Tuesday at Notre Dame.

Saugus is led by junior outside hitter Jaclyn Clark, along with setter Ashley Guthrie and middle blocker Sarah Blomgren.

West Ranch counters with setter Tani Slauson and outside hitters Bree Braucher and Hannah Orlandi.

The La Canada girls' volleyball team has obviously taken the lessons learned from its Sept. 15 loss to Lakewood in the final of the Gahr/Molten Classic to heart.

Since their four-game setback to Lakewood (14-2) -- ranked No. 38 nationally by PrepVolleyball.com editor John Tawa -- the Spartans (7-1) have swept their past three matches against Mayfield, Hart and Flintridge Sacred Heart.

Against Mayfield, La Canada was faced with the task of slowing down USC-bound middle blocker Hannah Schraer, and against Flintridge Sacred Heart, it was focusing on Fairfield-bound outside hitter Camille Coffey and Delaware commit Alyssa Walton at right-side hitter.

The Spartans were also successful in neutralizing Hart's talented trio of Anne Baker, Brittani Elser and Anissa Robinson.

Tonight against Notre Dame (10-1), La Canada will have to find a way to contain Louisiana Tech commit Anne Marie Taylor, a 6-foot-4 right-side hitter/middle blocker, along with 5-11 outside hitter Emily Moss, who was selected MVP after helping the Knights capture the championship Saturday at Saugus' second annual Beach in the Valley tournament.

La Canada, the top-ranked team in Southern Section Div. II-AA, counters with sophomores Micaela Anderson, Kendall Walbrecht and Katie Pierce, along with juniors Laura Schroeder and Claire Hilsen.

Following its victory Saturday at the Durango Fall Classic and a sweep Tuesday of rival Bishop Montgomery, Harvard-Westlake (10-0) ascended from No. 59 to No. 2 in the Century Club top 100 national high school girls' volleyball rankings according to PrepVolleyball.com editor John Tawa.

Harvard-Westlake, which didn't began the season ranked in the top 100, now sits behind only St. James of Lenexa, Kansas (21-0).

The Wolverines, who have defeated eight teams currently in the national top 100, travel to No. 53 Marymount (7-3) this afternoon. Marymount placed 11th at the 48-team Durango Fall Classic.

It marks the highest Harvard-Westlake has been ranked in Adam Black's four-year coaching tenure. The Wolverines finished the 2007 season ranked No. 12 nationally after capturing the Southern Section Div. I-A and Div. III state championships.

John Ward, athletic director and boys' basketball coach at Carpinteria has passed away after a brief battle with colon cancer.

Ward was 55.

Ward was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on Sept. 17 and died 12 days later.

Ward was known as the dean of Ventura County basketball.

He previously coached at Bishop Diego in Santa Barabra before taking over at Carpinteria.

Burroughs is posthumously inducting Elvin "Hutch" Hutchison, the Burbank school's first football and basketball coach, into the school Hall of Fame on Oct. 15 prior to a Pacific League football game against visiting Arcadia.

Hutchison played college football at Whittier before joining the Detroit Lions in 1939. He worked as an official in the NFL and AFL from 1952 to 1969. He died in 2001 at 88.
The other inductees include former football standouts Mike Sheppard (1968) and Jeff Fitzgerald (1978), both of whom are NFL assistant coaches with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Host School- Cantwell Sacred-Heart of Mary

Number of Teams: 24
5 game guarantee for all teams

Tournament Dates- December 13th-18th

Tournament Name- Cardinal Classic

Sites being Used- CSHM and Salesian High School

Participating Teams:
CSHM (Host)
Artesia
Bell
Bravo
Clovis West (Fresno)
Chaminade
Chatsworth
Duarte
El Camino (Oceanside)
Hamilton
Hawthorne
Huntington Park
Los Altos
Marshall (Pasadena)
Montclair Prep
Pioneer
Roosevelt
Roybal
Salesian
Segestrom
South El Monte
South Pasadena
Venice
Whittier

INGLEWOOD CITY OF CHAMPIONS ELITE BRACKET

POOL A POOL B
BEVERLY HILLS SERRA
HUNTINGTON PARK MONROE
MUIR SOUTH EAST

POOL C POOL D
OAKS CHRISTIAN BELL JEFF
BISHOP MONTGOMERY REDONDO
RESEDA CHATSWORTH

POOL E POOL F
INGLEWOOD SIERRA CANYON
VIEW PARK HARVARD-WESTLAKE
WESTCHESTER WASHINGTON

POOL G POOL H
ST. BERNARD SANTA MONICA
FAIRFAX L.B. JORDAN
ALEMANY MAYFAIR

LOCATIONS: 1= INGLEWOOD
2= SERRA
3= ST BERNARDS
4= ST MARYS

POOL PLAY

Monday November 29 Time Location Pool

Beverly Hills vs Huntington Park 3:00pm 2 A
Serra vs Monroe 4:30pm 2 B
Bishop Montgomery vs Oaks Christian 6:00pm 2 C
Bell-Jeff vs Redondo 6:00pm 1 D
Inglewood vs View Park 7:30pm 1 E
Sierra Canyon vs Harvard Westlake 4:30pm 1 F
St Bernards vs Fairfax 9:00pm 3 G
Santa Monica vs Mayfair 3:00pm 1 H

Tuesday November 30

Beverly Hills vs Muir 3:00pm 1 A
Serra vs SouthEast 6:00pm 2 B
Bishop Montgomery vs Reseda 3:00pm 2 C
Bell-Jeff vs Chatsworth 4:30pm 2 D
Inglewood vs Westchester 7:30pm 1 E
Sierra Canyon vs Washington 6:00pm 1 F
St Bernards vs Alemany 9:00pm 3 G
Santa Monica vs LB Jordan 4:30pm 1 H

Wednesday December 1

Huntington Park vs Muir 3:00pm 2 A
Monroe vs SouthEast 4:30pm 2 B
Oaks Christian vs Reseda 6:00pm 2 C
Redondo vs Chatsworth 7:30pm 2 D
View Park vs Westchester 3:00pm 1 E
Harvard Westlake vs Washington 4:30pm 1 F
Alemany vs Fairfax 6:00pm 1 G
Mayfair vs LB Jordan 7:30pm 1 H

The Mission League has always been very good in girls' volleyball.

This year is no exception with Harvard-Westlake and Flintridge Sacred Heart as strong as ever.

However, the other schools are catching up for what figures to be a great October and early November of intense matches.

Chaminade features Rutgers-bound Alex Nyman, Louisville is quickly improving under the guidance of coach Sabine Stork and players Danna McDonald and Jasmine Burton and the biggest surprise of the young season could be Notre Dame.

Coach Kristin Gorman has the Knights off to a 10-1 start, including taking the championship at the Saugus tournament.

Emily Moss, Anne Marie Taylor, Erika Payton and Melanie Violas have been leading the way.

After four victories, Alemany still has three tailbacks, so Saladin McCullough, Kyron Defour and Cameron Washington will continue to rotate like USC.

McCullough and Defour are breakaway threats, while Washington is a power back, and coach Dean Herrington loves the combination.

"They've all got their roles, and they're all going to play," Herrington said.

Also, standout kicker Martin Meza, who injured his leg Friday in a win over visiting Taft, is expected back at practice Wednesday. He remains probable Friday against visiting Harvard-Westlake.

In other injury news, Palmdale defensive tackle Steve Dillon, one of California's top recruits, is out with a sprained knee, and it is not clear when he will return. He has missed one game and is out for the Golden League opener Friday at Lancaster.

"We're a different team without him," Palmdale coach Jeff Williams said.

College basketball coaches are all over Taft this season -- what else is new? -- and here's a list of the schools that been on campus recently or are coming this week: UConn, UCLA, USC, Cal, Oregon, Colorado, Colorado State, Washington, Utah, San Diego State, St. Johns, Hofstra, Cal Poly SLO, Cal State Northridge, Long Beach State, Montana State, UNLV, LMU, Harvard and New Mexico.

"I have numerous requests from universities who want to come in and look at the players," Taft coach Derrick Taylor said.

Check out this yahoo report on Cal dropping baseball for budget reasons.

Among those are affected are freshmen Seth Spivak (Taft) and Devin Rodriguez (Hart).

An allotment of 6,000 presale tickets is being equally shared by Westlake and host Oaks Christian for Friday's Marmonte League showdown, and that's not as many as you might think because most have been sold -- and Oaks Christian's stadium does not hold many more than 6,000.

Oaks Christian athletic director Jan Hethcock said about 350 tickets remain for members of the school and their families, but they're going fast. If there are any left by Thursday morning, the tickets will be released to the general public at 8 a.m. at Oaks Christian.

Westlake football coach Jim Benkert said there were about 1,000 left at Westlake, and they're available to the general public daily from 7:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Westlake while they last. Tickets also will be available Thursday night at the frosh game at Westlake beginning at 4:30 p.m., Benkert said.

It is unclear if tickets will be available at the gate Friday night -- it's an 8:30 kickoff -- but Hethcock expects a sellout and for the doors to be closed when that happens. Prime Ticket is televising live.

"There's a bigger demand for tickets than I thought there was going to be," Hethcock said. "It's pretty berserk out here trying to get a ticket."

Plus, Benkert points out that Westlake has a huge band and about 70 cheerleaders, so it's going to be tight.

"We're bringing six buses for a game across the street. I don't think there is going to be a lot of seats available," Benkert said.

Westlake sold out a Marmonte League game last against visiting Moorpark.

"We're used to it," Benkert said.

Huge game in the High Desert this Friday.

Boron at Vasquez.

The winner has the inside track to the High Desert League championship.

Both teams are 4-0.

Boron has an enrollment of only 156 but has three shutouts and Vasquez owns a close victory against Montclair Prep.

In one of the biggest Marmonte League games of the year, Oaks Christian's Richie Harrington will start at quarterback against Westlake on Friday because of a lingering shoulder injury sustained by Trevor Gretzky.
Oaks Christian (2-1, 2-0 in league) coach Bill Redell said Gretzky originally suffered the injury in the Lions' 20-17 loss in their season opener against Alemany on Sept. 3. Gretzky missed practice Monday and is being examined today.
Redell said Gretzky is listed as "questionable" for the Friday night showdown with Westlake (3-0, 2-0).
Gretzky and Harrington, both seniors, saw action in last week's 47-6 victory over Calabasas. Gretzky was 4 of 6 for 66 yards and a 52-yard touchdown pass. Harrington completed 9 of 14 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns.

San Fernando broke an 0-15 series losing streak against Banning in a 26-0 win Friday, the first victory over the Pilots since 1975.

"It was a good win," San Fernando coach Tom Hernandez said.

The Tigers are 2-2 heading into the Valley Mission League opener Friday against visiting Reseda. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

St. Francis is 3-0 and winning by an average of more than 20 points, but the rest of Mission League is performing well, too, as all six won Friday to boost the league's record to 17-2-1, an .872 winning percentage.

"It's going to be good competition in the Mission League," St. Francis offensive lineman Patrick Carroll said.

Of course, the clear favorite is defending Northwest Division/CIF State Div. Bowl champion Serra, which went 15-0 last year including a win over Oaks Christian in the section final.

Serra is 4-0 and averaging 38.5 points, while St. Francis averages 38.3 points, Chaminade (3-0) averages 38.6 and Cathedral (3-0) averages 34.0.

"I think just about every team has a winning record so far, and its definitely going to be competitive. I'm excited," Serra quarterback Conner Preston said.

Still, Preston agreed he would be shocked to lose a game this season.

"Yes I would be," he said. "I respect every opponent in our league, and I expect to win every game."

The City Section canceled all football practices today for LAUSD schools because of the heat, but now officials have said teams can practice Tuesday -- an exception because it's staff-development day, which ordinarily means no practice.

"But it should be just as hot tomorrow," El Camino Real athletic director Vincent Orlando said.

City Section football teams are going to have a short week of preparation.

Not only are teams not practicing Tuesday because of staff-development day, but today's practices have been canceled by the City Section because of of the heat.

So football teams preparing for a Friday game now only have two days prepare -- Wednesday and Thursday. And Thursdays are usually just walk-throughs because most teams don't like to participate in full-contact drills the day before a game.

After considering folding the football program because of competitive equity and participation issues, Fulton Prep canceled its game this past Friday at Santa Clara, but the season will go on, coach Sean Jackson said.

"We got a few more players, and we're going to tough it out and finish the schedule as planned," Jackson said.

Fulton Prep (0-2), playing 11-man football this season after graduating from eight-man, plays at Twin Pines (1-2) in Banning at 3:45 p.m. Friday. The home opener follows on Oct. 8 against Bright Star at Birmingham High.

Norman Powell, a guard at Lincoln High in San Diego has committed to UCLA.

Powell plays for former Van Nuys coach Jason Bryant and helped lead the Hornets to a Div. II state championship last March.

Perry Skaggs knows the health of his players comes first.
The Westmark High football coach showed that Saturday, in a game the Lions won by forfeit at Price.
The nonleague 8-man game was halted with the Lions leading 8-6 midway through the first quarter when quarterback A.J. Arauz suffered an injury and it was learned Price didn't have a certified medical professional at the game, as required by CIF rules.
"He took a shot to the head and we tried to have someone take a look at him," said Skaggs, in his first year at Westmark after previously coaching at Flintridge Prep. "Head injuries are what everyone is concerned with this season."
When game officials realized Price didn't have medical personnel at the game, they stopped play and awarded a forfeit to Westmark.
Skaggs said Arauz, who threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Shands McCoy for the game's opening score and then ran for the 2-point conversion, is doing "just fine."
"We were looking forward to playing the contest, but the safety of the players has to come first," said Skaggs, whose team improved to 1-1-1.

The Sierra Canyon football team remained undefeated this season after a closer than expected 31-28 victory against Pasadena Poly.

Tyler Stewart and Shane Harrison are becoming quite a one-two punch for the Trailblazers (3-0).

Stewart completed 15 of 19 passes for 296 yards and four touchdowns. Stewart also scored a 2-yard sneak.

Harrison caught nine passes for 166 yards with two touchdowns.

Sierra Canyon trailed 28-19 early in the fourth quarter but Stewart remained calm and poised and led his team to the comeback.

The Trailblazers play Montclair Prep next week at Pierce College in an Alpha League opener.

Trevor Gretzky and Richie Harrington split duties at quarteback Friday in a 47-6 victory against Calabasas.

The big question everyone wants to know is, who will start against Westlake in a huge Marmonte League showdown next Friday at Oaks Christian in a nationally televised game on Fox Sports West.

Harrington was on the field a little longer than Gretzky and finished 9 of 14 for 114 yards and two touchdowns.

Gretzky completed 4 of 6 passes for 66 yards, including a 52-yard scoring strike to Blair Holliday.

Coach Bill Redell didn't give any indication either way.

"Both guys played well and both guys did some things not so well," Redell said. "We will continue to evaluate both players next week at practice. I'll sit down with Casey (Clausen) and Mike (Sherrard) and discuss it."

Should be an interesting week of practice.

The big game is all set for next week.

Westlake at Oaks Christian for the first time ever.

Both teams took care of business Friday with lopsided victories.

Oaks Christian beat Calabasas, 47-6. Westlake scoreched Royal, 52-0

Both teams are 2-0 in the Marmonte League and both teams have big-time players.

Nick Isham, Nelson Spruce, Tavior Mowry and cast of plenty others for Westlake.

Blair Holliday, Jordan Payton and Ishmael Adams for Oaks Christian.

The Lions will also look to Richie Harrington and Trevor Gretzky in the quarterback spot, Carlos Mendoza at running back and Brett Medders in the receiving corps.

Tight end Dillon van der Wal could also possibly be back after nursing a leg injury the past two games. Payton has also been out the last two weeks but vows to take the field next Friday.

"I will be playing for sure," Payton said.

The winner has the inside track to the league championship.

The game will start at 8:30 p.m. and be televised nationally by Fox Sports West.

Come very early or you might get shut out.

Arleta 36, Cleveland 7

Campbell Hall 33, Flintridge Prep 14

Crescenta Valley 38, La Canada 34

Hart 44, Arroyo 3

Harvard-Westlake 24, Sylmar 14

Marshall 44, Verdugo Hills 7

Montclair Prep 30, St. Anthony's 6

Moorpark 37, Agoura 7

Quartz Hill 24, Barstow 0

Westlake 52, Royal 0

Hoover 45, Mountain View 38

South Pasadena 27, Glendale 21

El Camino Real 20, Canoga Park 13

Franklin 27, Panorama 8

Granada Hills 42, Poly 13

Chaminade 42, Fairfax 13

Grant 20, Manual Arts 12

Reseda 21, Chatsworth 14

St. Francis 31, Venice 13

Oaks Christian 47, Calabasas 6

St. Bonaventure 54, Simi Valley 0

Canyon 44, Camarillo 28

Golden Valley 33, Channel Islands 3

Oak Park 21, Don Lugo 7

Desert 26, L.A. Baptist 20

Crespi 52, Chulva Vista 6

Faith Baptist 28, Joshua Springs 18

West Ranch 24, Silverado 14

Taft 13, Alemany 8

Oaks Christian 33, Calabasas 6

Canyon 21, Camarillo 14

Chaminade 21, Fairfax 7

Grant 14, Manuel Arts 6

Hart 24, Arroyo 3

Harvard-Westlake 10, Sylmar 0

Crescenta Valley 21, La Canada 20

Montclair Prep 12, St. Anthony 6

Moorpark 27, Agoura 7

Thousand Oaks 28, Newbury Park 0

Notre Dame 10, Birmingham 0

Panorama 8, Franklin 8

Granada Hills 14, Poly 7

Chatsworth 14, Reseda 13

St. Francis 21, Venice 7

Valencia 31, Palmdale 0

Westlake 49, Royal 0

Oak Park 14, Don Lugo 0

Cleveland senior guard Jaylen Bland gave his verbal commitment Friday to play basketball at Murray State.

Matt Goudis, a top kicker from Chaminade, is headed to Boise State this weekend for an official recruiting visit.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Just checked in with Valencia's talented running back Steven Manfro, who is happy to report he has received his first major-college offer from Wyoming.

"I'm planning on taking a visit there after the season," Manfro said.

Teams in the West Valley League that wrote off Chatsworth when sisters Kim and Gennifer Brandon graduated three and two years ago respectively might need to rethink the notion that the Chancellors aren't contenders anymore.

The reason is, coach Michelle Chevalier revealed Wednesday a new pair of sisters checked into school recently.

Thomesha and T'liyah Smith from Texas by way of Georgia are forwards with near 6-foot frames.

According to Chevalier, the girls father is a military officer and he has been stationed in California for the next three years.

Chevalier also said the girls have flown under the radar because they were constantly moving around the country but Albany (New York) and Cal St. Northridge have shown early interest since finding out the girls are settled in.

Thomesha is a senior and T'liyah is a junior.

The duo will team with Jasmine Wooton, sophomore Christina Porvenzano and freshman Lindsey Rodriguez to instantly put Chatsworth back on the map.

Coach John Pugliese at Brentwood school in Los Angeles is excited about three top players for 2010-2011

Senior Mack Fraser, sophomore Leland King and freshman guard Tra Holder.

Boston College, UC Irvine and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo have been to the school to watch the trio workout.

Holder could be the prize down the line.

"Boston College loved him," Pugliese said.

Check out highlights of the players at youtube.com/brentwoodbasketball

King playerd very well at the Fullcourtpress.net showcase on Sept. 12 at St. Bernard.

"Stanford wants King and Holder to come on unofficial visits," Pugliese said.

King was an all-Olympic League selection last year after averaging 12 points per game.

Fraser is recuperating from a knee injury but hopes to have a big senior year.

Burbank High will be hosting its annual varsity boys' basketball tournament Nov 29-Dec 4.

Teams entered are Agoura, Burbank, Burroughs, Canyon, Glendale, Hart, Mark Keppel, Notre Dame, Renaissance Academy, LA Roosevelt, Royal.

One team is needed to round out the field.

Contact Jose Hernandez @ coachhernadez9@aol.com

Here are the details for the Crescenta Valley tournament scheduled for December 6 - 10.

Teams participating are Cresecenta Valley, Simi Valley, Chatsworth, Flintridge Prep,
St. Francis, South Pasadena, Antelope Valley and Sun Valley.

The 32-team San Fernando Valley Invitational boys' basketball tournament is set for Dec. 17-22.

Host sites are Crespi, Kennedy, Granada Hills and Alemany

The championship game is scheduled for Granada Hills High on Wednesday Dec. 22

Teams participating are:

Crespi

Granada Hills

Kennedy

Alemany

Servite

Oak Park

Orange Lutheran

North Hollywood

University (Los Angeles)

Desert Christian Lancaster

Saugus

West Ranch

Sierra Canyon

Golden Valley

Milken Community

Santiago (Corona)

Kitsilano (Vancouver, BC, Canada)

Camarillo

Poly (Sun Valley)

Ribet Academy

Burroughs

El Camino Real

Westlake

Crescenta Valley

Antelope Valley

Knight

Burbank

Verdugo Hills

Eastside

Grant

Calabasas

Bell-Jeff

The 22nd Annual Paul Sutton Tip-Off Classic for boys is scheduled for Dec. 2-4

Teams participating are:
Holy Martyrs, Oakwood, Pilibos, Port of L.A., Providence, San Marino, St. Genevieve, Waverly

The 14th Annual Providence Pioneer Shoot Out for girls teams is Dec. 20-24

Teams participating include:
Canoga Park, Crossroads, East Valley, Flintridge Prep, Holy Family, Immaculate Heart, La Reina, L.A.B., Louisville, New Roads, Pasadena Poly, Pilibos, Providence, Ramona Convent, St. Genevieve, Village Christian

David Richards, a top receiver/defensive back for Palmdale, has committed to Arizona.

"I think David definitely has a legitimate claim to being a football player, and Arizona was really after him," Palmdale coach Jeff Williams said.

There is no quarterback controversy at Oaks Christian after Richie Harrington replaced struggling starter Trevor Gretzky on Friday at St. Bonaventure and passed for four touchdowns to help the Lions overcome a 19-point second-half deficit in a 33-32 overtime victory.

"Harrington obviously showed he can play, and we would have no trouble going to him again if we can't move the ball, but Gretzky is still the starter," Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said.

However, there is one big change: Now, Harrington and Gretzky are sharing nearly equal reps in practice, Redell said, as the Lions prepare to face Calabasas on Friday, followed by a much-anticipated showdown Oct. 1 against visiting Westlake.

"Normally, it would 80-20, but now it's closer to 50-50," Redell said.

Also, receiver Jordan Payton, a USC-bound junior, might miss his second game in a row because of an ankle injury. Redell said Payton is questionable, along with tight end/defensive lineman Dillon van der Wal (leg).

There is no quarterback controversy at Oaks Christian after Richie Harrington replaced struggling starter Trevor Gretsky on Friday at St. Bonaventure and passed for four touchdowns to help the Lions overcome a 19-point second-half deficit in a 33-32 overtime victory.

"Harrington obviously showed he can play, and we would have no trouble going to him again if we can't move the ball, but Gretsky is still the starter," Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said.

However, there is one big change: Now, Harrington and Gretsky are sharing nearly equal reps in practice, Redell said, as the Lions prepare to face Calabasas on Friday, followed by a much-anticipated showdown Oct. 1 against visiting Westlake.

"Normally, it would 80-20, but now it's closer to 50-50," Redell said.

Also, receiver Jordan Payton, a USC-bound junior, might miss his second game in a row because of an ankle injury. Redell said Payton is questionable, along with tight end/defensive lineman Dillon van der Wal (leg).

STRONG SAFETY MIGHT BE CHAMINADE BACK'S TRU POSITION

Tru Jarvis, a top running back at Chaminade, has rushed for 207 yards and six touchdowns to help the Eagles climb to No. 2 in the Southern Section Western Division poll, but his college future might be as a safety.

"Tru weighs about 190 pounds, and he's very athletic, so most of the schools like him on defense," Chaminade coach Ed Croson said. "He's being recruited by New Mexico State, San Diego State, Fresno State and a bunch of others, but he doesn't have any official offers yet."

In the meantime, it looks like Chaminade has discovered a receiver in junior Ned Hurlbut, who has five receptions for 142 yards and three touchdowns. He has helped Chaminade average 37 points and 418 yards per game.

Chaminade (2-0) is one of four Mission League teams still undefeated, along with Serra (3-0), St. Francis (2-0) and Cathedral (2-0). Overall, the league is 11-2-1.

"We're working hard and just trying to get better," Croson said. "The young guys are growing up, and the older guys are doing a great job."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Westlake (2-0) and Royal (2-0) are the only undefeated teams remaining in the Marmonte League, but not for long because they meet at 7 p.m. Friday at Westlake.

Westlake, the defending Northern Division champion, has won 16 in a row and is a heavy favorite.

"We're trying to figure out the best way we can hang with Westlake, but obviously there are matchup problems because they're so good in so many areas," Royal coach Kevin Flye said. "Our whole deal is, if we can match up with teams across the lines, we always play well. But Westlake is a beast. They're big, plus they have guys all over the place.

"But I told me players that it's not often you get to play the No. 1 team in the state, so we have an opportunity and the kids are looking forward to it."

-- Gerry Gittelson

After going 3-17 over the past two seasons, including 1-9 last year, Simi Valley was thrilled Thursday with a 41-35 victory over Agoura in the Marmonte opener.

"We're a team that hasn't had the best of success recently, so we're just sort of gaining confidence and feeling ourselves out," Simi Valley coach Lance Martin said. "Plus, we have some guys back that were injured, and that really helps. I like the way the guys are working together. It's a good, tight-knit group, and they've all bought in to the same vision."

-- Gerry Gittelson

How do you outgain an opponent by 350 yards and still lose? In the case of Montclair Prep, you turn the ball over eight times. That's what happened Friday in a 25-24 loss at Acton.

"A minor detail," Montclair Prep coach John Greaves said with a sigh. "Eight turnovers will kill you every time, especially when two of them are returned back for touchdowns. But it happens. At the end of the day, we'll be better for it."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Simi Valley Tipoff Classic 2010 Turns 25!

Dear Coaches:

We are currently looking for a few teams to complete our field of 16 for our 2010 Simi Valley Varsity Tipoff Classic. For 25 years we have run a high-quality competitive tournament that includes a variety of teams from Ventura and Los Angeles Counties and most recently have added teams from beyond.

Tuesday, November 30th through Saturday, December 4th 2010

In addition, this year our tournament will be played on our newly designed and painted floor being installed this summer!

If you are interested please contact me as soon as possible! All players will receive a T-Shirt and the tourney is a four game guarantee for $450. caurand@sbcglobal.net

Teams Entered thus far:

1. Clovis East - Defending Champions
2. Valencia - Runners up
3. Ventura
4. Simi Valley
5. El Camino
6. Golden Valley
7. Newbury Park
8. Besant Hill
9. Rio Mesa
10. Camarillo
11. North Hollywood
12. McClymonds (Oakland)
13. Dos Pueblos
14. Verdugo Hills
15.
16.

Big news at Granada Hills. Jacob Smith has been declared eligible by the City Section on his hardship appeal.

The prizied running back from Notre Dame vis Canyon is expected to suit up immediately./

-- Gerry Gittelson

Lonnie Jackson, a high-scoring guard for Valencia, has committed to Boston College after a weekend visit, turning down offers from SMU, Pepperdine, Penn, Arizona State, Northwestern and others.

"He wants to play in the ACC, plus the education, the school environment, the whole thing," said his father, Lance.

-- Gerry Gittelson

We're already three weeks into the football season, and there is still no word on Jacob Smith's hardship appeal, as the prized junior running back for Granada Hills is trying to be cleared instead of being forced to wait a year after transferring from Canyon via Notre Dame.

But things are winding down and a decision is expected today, Granada Hills coach Billy Parra said.

"The latest is, the City Section asked for one last piece of paperwork from Canyon on Monday, they got it, and they assured us we're going to get an answer today," Parra said. "The only thing I can think of, after talking it over with our athletic director, Rick Charls, is that it's possibly going to be a 'yes' because it's taken so long. But you never know."

Smith, also a top track sprinter, is one of the fastest football players in California.

The Highlanders are 1-1, and if Smith is deemed eligible the Highlanders should be considered instant title contenders in the West Valley League.

Stay tuned.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Taft is expected to have the Daily News preseason No. 1 ranking come mid-November.

Here is the schedule for the Toreadors, who feature Kevin Johnson, Spencer Dinwiddie, Brandon Perry, Khiry Williams, Stephen Maxwell and Kris Yanku.

And if C.J. Blackwell is eligible, watch out.

Nov. 30-Dec. 4 at Westchester tournament
Dec. 11 vs. Harvard-Westlake at Pierce College, 8 p.m.
Dec. 17-21 at Mission Prep tournament (San Luis Obispo)
Dec. 27-30 at Torrey Pines tournament (San Diego area)
Jan. 12 at Birmingham
Jan. 13 at Chatsworth
Jan. 15 vs. Mt. Vernon (New York) at Hoophall Hall of Fame Classic in Mass.
Jan. 19 vs. El Camino Real
Jan. 21 vs. Cleveland
Jan. 26 vs. Granada Hills
Jan. 28 vs. Birmingham
Feb. 2 vs. Chatsworth
Feb. 4 at El Camino Real
Feb. 5 vs. De La Salle (Concord) at Mater Dei, 6 p.m.
Feb. 9 at Cleveland
Feb. 11 at Granada Hills

Jan Hethcock has resigned as girls' soccer coach at Oaks Christian.

Hethcock has been the schools only coach since the school opened in 2000.

Hethcock won five championships and reached the quarterfinals nine times with seven trips to the semifinals.

The new girls coach will be former boys coach Sebastian Alvarado.

Greg Dimitrowich, who assisted Hethcock will be the new boys coach.

Hethcock will remain as athletic director.

Viewpoint will play Villanova Prep Saturday at 1 p.m.

The game was originally scheduled for Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Things have been going good for the Patriots so far.

They are 2-0 after losing 17 of 18 games the previous two years.

Sophomore Adam Markun has been a key contributor with 317 yards rushing in two games.

Quarterback Alex Satnick and receiver Drew Johnston have made a great combination in the passing game.

New coach Chris Adamson has brought a new attitude to the program.

It seems to be paying dividends.

One of the top tournaments every year is the Westchester Tip-Off Classic.

18 teams are competing as of now. The tourney runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 4.

Here is a list of teams scheduled to participate.

Westchester-Lost several key seniors
Taft-City Section title favorite
Leuzinger-Coach Reggie Morris is at St. Bernard and Amir Garrett transferred
Peninsula-Reese Morgan is a scoring machine
King-Drew
Morningside
Windward-Wesley Saunders is there, Chauncey Hill isn't
Carson
West Torrance
Washington-Great backcourt guards in Michaelyn Davis and Chris Brown
Community Charter-Coach Les Bean will have his team ready
Beverly Hills-Jarvis Turner is the new coach
St. Bernard-Reggie Morris will have plenty of new players
Hawthorne
Dorsey-Guards Marqueeze and Michael Coleman transferred to Dorsey
Manual Arts-New coach is Dwayne Polee
Alemany-Talented team with depth at guard position
Bell-Jeff-New coach is Julian Andrade. Andre Frazier is a top player.

Saturday September 25
at El Camino Real High
9 am Calabasas 2 vs. Conejo Quakes (girls)
10 am Oak Park vs. Crescenta Valley (girls)
11 am Calabasas 1 vs. Oaks Christian (girls)
12 pm Agoura 2 vs. Sun Valley (girls)
1 pm Agoura 1 vs. Oaks Christian (girls)
2 pm Chaminade 1 vs. Westlake 1 (boys)
3 pm Calabasas 1 vs. Chaminade 2 (boys)
4 pm Calabasas 2 vs. Westlake 2 (boys)
5 pm El Camino Real 2 vs. Oaks Christian 2 (boys)

at Montclair Prep High
9 am Gametymers vs. Buckley 2 (boys)
10 am Van Nuys vs. Buckley 1 (boys)
11 am Sierra Canyon vs. Northridge (boys)
12 pm Simi Valley vs. Viewpoint (boys)
1 pm Harvard-Westlake 1 vs. A.G.B.U. 1 (boys)
2 pm Harvard-Westlake 2 vs. A.G.B.U. 2 (boys)
3 pm L.A. Baptist vs. A.G.B.U. (girls)
4 pm Sun Valley 1 vs. Montclair Prep (boys)
5 pm Sun Valley 2 vs. Notre Dame (boys)
6 pm Royal vs. Panorama (boys)

Bye: Westlake girls, Notre Dame girls, Skywalkers

Saturday October 2
At El Camino Real High
9 am Agoura 1 vs. A.G.B.U. (girls)
10 am Agoura 2 vs. Crescenta Valley (girls)
11 am Westlake vs. Notre Dame (girls)
12 pm Oaks Christian 2 vs. A.G.B.U. 2 (boys)
1 pm Conejo Quakes vs. Crescenta Valley (girls)
2 pm Viewpoint vs. A.G.B.U. 1 (boys)
3 pm Conejo Quakes vs. Sun Valley (girls)
4 pm Calabasas 2 vs. Oak Park (girls)
5 pm L.A. Baptist vs. Oak Park (girls)

at Montclair Prep High
9 am Gametymers vs. Notre Dame (boys)
10 am Westlake 2 vs. Buckley 2 (boys)
11 am Westlake 1 vs. Buckley 1 (boys)
12 pm Skywalkers vs. Simi Valley (boys)
1 pm Royal vs. Sierra Canyon (boys)
2 pm Skywalkers vs. Panorama (boys)
3 pm Van Nuys vs. Royal (boys)
4 pm Harvard-Westlake 1 vs. Calabasas 1 (boys)
5 pm Havrard-Westlake 2 vs. Calabasas 2 (boys)

Bye: Calabasas 1 girls, Oaks Chr. girls, El Camino Real 2, Chaminade 2, Sun Valley boys, Montclair Prep, Northridge

There was shootout going on in North Hills Saturday.

No weapons were involved but some high potent offenses were on display.

Chadwick outlasted L.A. Baptist, 68-59. Yes. 68-59.

Chadwick had 606 yards of total offense and L.A. Baptist racked up 460.

Chadwick quarterback Hank Trumbull completed 21 of 40 passes for 337 yards with five touchdowns.

Running back Chudi Iregbulem had 224 yards on 23 carries.

Sean Smith completed 13 of 29 passes for 205 yards for the Knights.

Michael Ray gained 223 yards on 20 carries.

There were 18 touchdowns scored.

The halftime score was 46-28.

An interesting side note is L.A. Baptist could only muster three points in a season opening loss against Mammoth.

The 68 points were the most given up by an L.A. Baptist team since Montclair Prep scored 70 in 1991.

In only his third start, Kenny Stenhouse completed 35 of 45 passes for a Crespi-record 424 yards Friday- and the Celts needed every one of them in a 34-33 victory over Clovis West in a wild intersectional showdown before a packed and breathless crowd at Crespi.

Stenhouse passed for three touchdowns, including a 7-yarder to Chris Harper with just over seven minutes remaining that proved to be decisive, as Clovis West (2-1) pulled to within a point on Patrick Elliott's 6-yard touchdown reception with five minutes left, but a botched snap on the extra point prevented the visiting Golden Eagles from tying the score.

"We won the game by being disciplined. It was a hard-fought game," Stenhouse said. "We executed a little bit better than they did. The offensive line really stepped it. It's really nice to start of this year with a bang."

Crespi's Devin Lucien had nine receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns of 40 and 32 yards.

"We played as a family. We stayed focused the whole time," Lucien said. "Stenhouse was great. He made plays when they had to be made."

The previous school passing record was 388 yards by Bryan Bennett against Canyon in 2007. The record for completions was 29 by Todd McLean against St. John Bosco in 1995.

The first half was a shootout, as Crespi's Stenhouse completed 18 of 24 for 234 yards and two touchdowns through two quarters, while Clovis West's Kendall Brock rushed for 109 yards on 10 carries, eventually finishing with 199 yards on 24 carries..

Lucien caught both first-half touchdowns on long passes down the right sideline, first a 40-yard early in the second quarter followed by a 32-yarder with 38 seconds remaining before halftime.

Crespi (2-1) had difficulty stopping Clovis West's misdirection offense, a shotgun version of the wing-T. But every time Clovis West delivered a blow, the Celts answered, though they never led in the first half and went into the locker room tied 21-21.

Crespi's rushing game was non-existent in the first half, as the Celts managed just 28 yards on 11 attempts, including three quarterback sacks. They finished with 38 yards on 28 carries.

But Stenhouse was accurate and productive enough to overcome, showing good poise and a fearless knack for staying in the pocket and hitting receivers at the last moment. In the first half, Lucien had four receptions for 95 yards.

Stenhouse added a second-half touchdown on a 1-yard run.

The Celts played without top lineman Jordan Simmons, a Dorsey transfer who has missed all three game because of a neck injury.

-- Gerry Gittelson

BOX SCORE:

Crespi 34, Clovis West 33

CW - 7-14-6-6 - 33
Crespi - 7-14-6-7 - 34
C-Washington 25 INT return (McDonough kick)
CW-Chastain 33 pass from Hall (Samson kick)
CW-Morris 4 pass from Hall (Samson kick)
C-Lucien 40 pass from Stenhouse (McDonough kick)
CW-Hall 22 run (Samson kick)
C-Lucien 32 pass from Stenhouse (run failed)
CW-Brock 5 run (run failed)
C-Stenhouse 1 run (kick failed)
C-Harper 17 pass from Stenhouse (McDonough kick)
CW-Elliott 6 pass from Hall (run failed)

Leaders
Pass
CW-Hall 8-20-2-108
C-Stenhouse 35-45-0-424

Rush
CW-Brock 24-199
C-Harper 2-13

Receive
CW-Brock 3-40
C-Lucien 9-157

R: C 2-1; CW 2-1

Still coming in:

Oxnard 34, San Luis Obispo 27
Pacifica 42, Santa Paula 35
Grace Brethren 46, Flintridge Prep 20
Burbank 44, San Gabriel 36
Panorama 34, Arleta 27

Marmonte League shocker:

In overtime, Oaks Christian 33, St. Bonaventure 32

They're going to overtime in the Marmonte League battle at Ventura High.

St. Bonaventure 26, Oaks Christian 26

More finals rolling in:

Crespi 34, Clovis West 33
Alemany 42, Knight 14
St. Francis 42, Crescenta Valley 14
Hollywood 28, North Hollywood 12
South Gate 31, Monroe 6
Camarillo 21, Righetti 17

End of the third quarter from Ventura High:

St. Bonaventure 19, Oaks Christian 14

Oaks Christian was down 19-0 at one point.

Here are some early Friday night finals:

Canoga Park 21, Roybal 0
Channel Islands 16, Santa Clara 7
Vasquez 25, Montclair Prep 24
La Canada 40, Glendale 17
Palmdale 14, Kennedy 10
Trinity Classical 48, Ojai Valley 0
Ventura 55, Rio Mesa 41
Paraclete 29, Barstow 6

It's 21-21 at halftime here at Crespi, as Clovis West is giving the Celts everything they handle.

The first half was a shootout, as Crespi's Kenny Stenhouse completed 18 of 24 for 234 yards and two touchdownsthrough two quarters, while Clovis West's Kendall Brock rushed for 109 yards on 10 carries.

Crespi's Devin Lucien caught both first-half touchdowns on long passes down the right sideline, first a 40-yard early in the second quarter followed by a 32-yarder with 38 seconds remaining before halftime.

Crespi had difficulty stopping Clovis West's misdirection offense, a shotgun version of wing-T. But every time Clovis West delivered a blow, the Celts answered, though they never led in the first half and went into the locker room tied 21-21.

Crespi's rushing game was non-existent in the first half, as the Celts managed just 28 yards on 11 attempts, including three quarterback sacks.

But Stenhouse was accurate and productive enough to overcome Crespi's limited rushing attack, showing good poise and a fearless knack for staying in the pocket and hitting receivers at the last moment. In the first half, Lucien had four receptions for 95 yards.

Arleta 13, Panorama 6
Burbank 37, San Gabriel 14
Righetti 14, Camarillo 7
Canoga Park 0, Roybal 0
St. Francis 28, Crescenta Valley 0
La Canada 27, Glendale 8
Flintridge Prep 7, Grace Brethren 6
Hollywood 6, North Hollywood 6
Montclair Prep 14, Vasquez 7
Ventura 27, Rio Mesa 13
Santa Clara 7, Channel Islands 7
San Luis Obispo 20, Oxnard 20
Pacifica 35, Santa Paula 14

Crespi folks were hoping injured offensive lineman Jordan Simmons would finally be cleared for tonight's game against Clovis West, but he must sit out at least one more game because of a neck injury sustained before the opener.

"With the neck and the head, that's stuff you don't want to mess with," Crespi coach Jon Mack said.

So the Celts (1-1) will take on Clovis West (3-0) with a patched-up offensive line featuring new personnel for the third consecutive game.

Not that a win was going to come easy anyway, as Clovis West is among the Central Coast's most respected programs.

Kickoff is 45 minutes or so. I'll update when I can.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The Taft football team turned the tables on Notre Dame Thursday, and just in the nick of time.

Taft gave the Knights a dose of of its own medicine.

Beat Notre Dame at its own game.

Jordan Dascalo kicked a 35-yard field goal with 1:01 remaining to give Taft a razor close 38-35 nonleague victory.

Dylan Pritchard had a chance to tie the game as the final seconds ticked away but missed wide right on a 35-yard field goal attempt. Pritchard missed a 45-yard attempt earlier in the fourth quarter with Notre Dame trailing 28-27.

Not only did the Toreadors win their first game of the year but kept Notre Dame winless in three games this season.

"I shut everyone out and focused on that kick," Dascalo said. "It was make or break time."

Notre Dame has broken its opponents hearts over the years with great kickers like Chris Sailor and Kai Forbath.

But on this night, it was Taft's turn.

The game went back and forth all night with big plays, great speed and a never-say-die attitude from both teams.

Arizona St.-commit Michael Bercovici of Taft completed 31 of 46 passes for 460 yards.

Taft receivers Michael Thomas ans Miles Johnson had huge games. Thomas caught 13 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson had nine receptions for 179 yards, including a 75-yard score with 4:16 remaining which gave the Toreadors a 35-27 lead.

"Our offense is unstoppable," Thomas said. "We have so many weapons. We just had to stay in the moment to win that game."

Notre Dame wouldn't go down by any means.

Sophomore Khalfani Muhammad ripped off a 55-yard run after a big kick return, setting up Sam Robinson's 7-yard touchdown with 3:14 remaining to tie the game at 35-35 after Matt Lathuras found Cole Spurlin for a two-point conversion.

But Bercovici found Thomas on a 44-yard strike and three plays later Dascalo nailed the game winner.

"I needed that," Bercovici said of his big performance and earning his first win with his new school after transferring from Westlake last year. "We took what they gave us. They really mixed it up on defense and did a great job but I just knew I had to be a leade rand stay composed. Mike and Myles are track stars out there. One of my asst. coaches told me I just need to get the ball to those guys, they are athletes and will make it happen."

Muhammad rushed for 180 yards on 18 carries including a 25-yard touchdown and caught a 39-yard score from Matt Lathuras (17 of 31 for 201 yards).

The Knights were feeling good after taking a 27-14 lead thanks to a 62-yard touchdown run by Lathuras.

Taft came back with a three consecutive touchdowns.

Dimitray Lewis rushed for 96 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns for Taft. Lewis had a 4-yard run with 8:41 remaining which gave the Toreadors their first lead of the season.

"It is disappointing," Notre Dame coach Kevin Rooney said. "Their quarterback was great. We gave up a lot of big plays. We just have to get better."

FINAL

Reseda 24, Cleveland 0
Sylmar 16, El Camino Real 6
Granda Hills 31, Grant 19
Poly 43, San Fernando 20
Taft 38, Notre Dame 35
Valencia 47, Birmingham 6
Royal 24, Calabasas 6
Moorpark 31, Newbury Park 30
Simi Valley 41, Agoura 35
Westlake 31, Thousand Oaks 3
Hart 27, Burroughs 10
Canyon 31, Highland 0
Harvard-Westlake 42, Leuzinger 8
Chino 49, Oak Park 19
Buena 24, Saugus 13
Campbell Hall 39, Villanova Prep 26
West Ranch 24, Eastside 7
Viewpoint 24, Lucerne Valley 20

Steven Manfro is a touchdown machine.

A week after the Valencia High running back scored five touchdowns against annual power Notre Dame, he again scored five times Thursday in a 47-6 nonleague victory at Birmingham, one of the area's top City Section programs but totally out of touch on how to stop the blazing fast running back.

Manfro scored on runs of 2, 25, 48 and 6 yards - all in the first half as Valencia (2-0) jumped to a 40-point lead - then returned the second-half kickoff 93 yards for his final touchdown, weaving his way through several defenders.

A 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior who runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and benches 315 pounds, Manfro rushed for 153 yards on 10 carries and had three receptions for 56 yards. In two games, he has 330 yards rushing on 25 carries with eight catches for 245 yards.

Alex Bishop completed 13 of 20 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns, a 55-yarder to Jake Reed and a 26-yarder to Matt Nyberg.

Overall, Valencia totaled 497 yards even though a running clock was used in the second half, compared to 107 yards for Birmingham (0-2).

Birmingham scored in the fourth quarter on Marcus Harris' 50-yard fumble return.

Valencia jumped to a 40-0 lead in the first half while amassing 415 yards, as Bishop completed 11 of 17 for 262 yards and two touchdowns, and Manfro rushed for 153 yards on 10 carries with three receptions and four touchdowns.

Birmingham managed just two first downs in the first half, losing a fumble on its first drive that was soon converted into a touchdown, as Valencia scored on a four-play, 52-yard drive culminating with Manfro's 2-yard touchdown.

Birmingham went three-and-out, and Valencia followed with a 60-yard drive on six plays, including two Bishop completions for 16 yards and three Manfro runs for 44 yards including a 25-yard touchdown.

Birmingham again went three-and-out, and this time it took Valencia just one play to score on a 55-yard pass from Bishop to Jake Reed.

On its next possession, Valencia scored on Manfro's 48-yard run. He added a 6-yard touchdown run two series later, and Valencia scored its sixth touchdown of the half a short time later on a 26-yard pass from Bishop to Matt Nyberg to make it 40-0.

Valencia held Birmingham to 68 yards in the first half while forcing two turnovers and sacking Adrian Mora three times. Mora finished 7 of 21 for 63 yards.

-- Gerry Gittelson

It's no contest here at Birmingham High between the Patriots and the visiting Valencia Vikings.

Valencia has jumped to a 40-0 lead in the first half while amassing 415 yards, as Alex Bishop completed 11 of 17 for 262 yards and two touchdowns, and Steven Manfro has rushed for 153 yards on 10 carries with three receptions and four touchdowns.

Birmingham managed just two first downs in the first half, losing a fumble on its first drive that was soon converted into a touchdown, as Valencia scored on a four-play, 52-yard drive culminating with Manfro's 2-yard touchdown.

Birmingham went three-and-out, and Valencia followed with a 60-yard drive on six plays, including two Bishop completions for 16 yards and three Manfro runs for 44 yards including a 25-yard touchdown.

Birmingham again went three-and-out, and this time it took Valencia just one play to score on a 55-yard pass from Bishop to Jake Reed.

On its next possession, Valencia scored on Manfro's 48-yard run. He added a 6-yard touchdown run two series later, and Valencia scored its sixth touchdown of the half a short time later on a 26-yard pass from Bishop to Matt Nyberg to make it 40-0.

Valencia held Birmingham to 68 yards in the first half while forcing two turnovers and sacking Adrian Mora three times.

Mora was 3 of 12 for 38 yards in the first half.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Notre Dame 20, Taft 14

Simi Valley 22, Agoura 7

Royal 21, Calabasas 6

Campbell Hall 26, Villanova Prep 6

Westlake 21, Thousand Oaks 3

Grant 14, Granada Hills 13

Hart 21, Burroughs 10

Moorpark 16, Newbury Park 13

HALFTIME

Canyon 14, Highland 0
Reseda 7, Cleveland 0
Sylmar 13, ECR 6
Poly 13, San Fernando 0
Buena 17, Saugus 7

Steven Manfro has scored two touchdowns on runs of 2 and 25 yards to boost Valencia to a 14-0 lead at Birmingham, and there is still more than three minutes left in the first quarter.

The senior running back has 56 yards in five carries, and Alex Bishop has completed 3 of 5 passes for 56 yards.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Birmingham plays host to Valencia is just a few minutes, and the visiting Vikings are a heavy favorite even though they're hurting a bit with three starters out -- linebacker Ryan Gorman (groin), defensive back Zach Kelly (concussion) and receiver Max Rodriguez (knee).

But as long as Valencia has quarterback Alex Bishop and running back Steven Manfro, everything should be OK. In an opening 49-32 victory over Notre Dame last week, Bishop passed for 380 yards and four touchdowns, and Manfro rushed for 177 yards in 15 carries, caught five passes for 189 yards and scored five touchdowns.

"Those two guys in the backfield are just so dynamic," Valencia coach Larry Muir said.

Birmingham is a little banged up, too -- especially up front, where tight end Danny Williams might be pressed into duty at left tackle -- after taking a 48-8 whipping from Corona Centennial last week.

Definitely a long shot, but it's hard to dismiss Birmingham against any opponent considering the Patriots won four City titles over a six-year period ending in 2007.

It's a tighter deadline on Thursdays, but I'll try to update when I can.

If you want to catch the game on TV, check it out on IBNsports.com, probably beginning tomorrow. The great Randy Rosenbloom is doing play by play.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Former Taft guard Landon Drew has finally checked out of Taft and has enrolled under open enrollment at Fairfax.

No word if he will be eligible to play this upcoming season.

It's been a long wait for Max Leffler, a top small-schools quarterback at Grace Brethren who as a junior passed for 3,372 yards with 40 touchdowns (24 passing, 16 rushing),

Because Leffler was ejected in the final game last year -- a playoff loss to Ontario Christian -- he was forced to sit out the season opener last week. Per CIF rules, anyone ejected must sit out the next game, too, even if the punishment has to carry from one season to the next.

Without Leffler, Grace Brethren lost its opener 24-16 to Brentwood.

The senior returns Friday at Flintridge Prep.

"Max is the real deal," said first-year coach Josh Henderson, who of course had nothing to do with whatever happened last season.

-- Gerry Gittelson

It dodn't take long for Sierra Canyon to go from hunting to being the hunted.

Two victories against Webb and Villanova Prep have vaulted the Trailblazers to the No. 1 spot in the East Valley Division.

Sierra Canyon has outscored its opponents 103-6.

Junior quarterback Tyler Stewart was 21 of 31 for 278 yards and four touchdowns against Villanova Prep.

Shane Harrison had three touchdowns.

The Trailblazers rolled up 551 yards of total offense while holding Villanova Prep to 40.

"I think Tyler and Shane are two of the best players in the valley," Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse said. "We are No. 1 now. Now, we have work to do."

Ten schools from the region are participating in the prestigious Inglewood City of Champions tournament Nov. 29-Dec. 4

Here is the impressive lost of 41 teams already committed.

Tournament director Tony Scott is looking for seven more teams to make it a 48-team mega-extravaganza.

He can be reached at relite310@earthlink.net

Inglewood (CIF Champions)
Sylmar
Taft (CIF Semifinalist)
Muir (CIF Finalist)
Washington (CIF Finalist)
Culver City
SouthEast
LB Jordan (CIF Quarterfinalist)
St Bernard (CIF Champion)
Westchester
Bishop Montgomery (CIF Finalist)
Maranatha
Bell Jeff (CIF Semifinalist)
South Torrance (CIF Quarterfinalist)
Torrance
Chadwick
Harvard Westlake (CIF Champion)
Huntington Park
View Park (CIF Finalist)
Monroe (CIF Finalist)
Beverly Hills (CIF Semi-Finalist)
Santa Monica (CIF Champion)
St. Marys
Serra (CIF Champion)
Sun Valley Poly
Garfield
Chatsworth (CIF Quarterfinalist)
Mira Costa (CIF Quarterfinalist)
Sierra Canoyn (CIF Quarterfinalist)
Fairfax
Oaks Christian (CIF Semifinalist)
Gahr
Marlborough
Mayfair
Redondo
Hawthorne
Antelope Valley (CIF Quarterfianlist)

New coach Mario Trutanic at Oaks Christian is looking to fill his coaching staff with two asst. coaches.

Interested applicants should contact Trutanic at mario@mariotrutanic.com

Former Montclair Prep players, Fabian Alomar and Terrell Newby have flourished with their new schools in the early going.

Alomar, a sophomore quarterback at Canoga Park has thrown for six touchdowns in victories against Washington Prep and Eagke Rock.

Newby, a sophomore running back at Chaminade, rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown in a season opening victory against Burbank.

Both players were on the Montclair Prep team last year but left the school.

Oaks Christian graduate Erik Kohler has made a quite an impact at Washington already.

Kohler (6'6, 290) will be the starting left tackle in Saturday's game against Nebraska.

Pretty impressive for a true freshman in the Pac-10.

La Canada is thriving on its defense after holding Alhambra to 206 yards Thursday in a 17-0 opening victory. Michael Arkfeld had an interception and forced a fumble, and Don O'Donnell had two sacks.

"I thought our defense was nails. They did a good job keeping us in the game," coach Dan Yoder said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Poly running back Kevin Ervin, the City Section's leading rusher last season with 2,297 yards and 36 touchdowns, is questionable for Thursday's game against visiting San Fernando because of a neck injury.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Reseda plays at Cleveland on Thursday, and though it's a nonleague game, there is a lot of pride on the line because the schools are so close together.

For the past two years, the teams have celebrated their rivalry by awarding a winner's cup, and Cleveland has won the first two, so Reseda is trying to get the cup for the first time.

"It's pretty cool because a lot of the kids on both teams know each other," Reseda coach Alonso Arreola said. "They've been playing with and against each other for a long time."

The past two victories have been close, as Cleveland won 40-38 last year and 19-12 in 2008.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Fulton Prep coach Sean Jackson has never had a losing season in six years as a coach - three as a head coach at Fulton Prep while competing in eight-man football, preceded by three as a Chaminade assistant.

So Jackson is quite upset about Fulton Prep's 0-2 start in its first season of 11-man football, punctuated by a 62-12 loss Friday at Saddleback Valley Christian.

"I'm going to have to make some wholesale changes," Jackson said.

One player Jackson is not worrying about is quarterback/linebacker Miguel Gonzalez.

"He is nails. He's the heart and soul of the team," Jackson said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

What a freshman debut for Collin Liberty, who kicked the winning 26-yard field Friday in the waning moments of Cleveland's 15-13 opening victory at Fremont - not bad for the first football game of his life.

"He's the only freshman on the team, but the way Collin's personality is, you can't rattle him," coach Vinnie Johnson said. "He can handle the pressure."

-- Gerry Gittelson

For the Hart Indians, it was a long bus ride back from the High Desert on Friday following a 42-7 loss at Palmdale, one of the worst defeats in coach Mike Herrington's 22 years, as Hart committed eight turnovers, including five interceptions.

"It was all quiet riding back with the lights off and no talking," Hart linebacker John Cornelius said.

Yet that was as much as Cornelius and his teammates were willing to dwell on the loss.

"We'll forget about last week and focus on the games ahead," Cornelius said. "It's just one game, a preseason game, too, so it's just a matter of us getting our confidence back. Practice is the most important thing because you practice like you play. So we'll work hard in practice."

Meanwhile, Palmdale was pleased after a lot more losses than wins against Hart through the years.

Our kids played really well, and those eight turnovers helped our cause quite a bit," Palmdale coach Jeff Williams said. "That's got to be the most turnovers we've ever had in a game. I think it was unprecedented. It was kind of surreal. I mean, we even intercepted a shovel pass. When have you ever seen that happen?"

Among Palmdale key defenders were cornerbacks David Richards, Houston Haynes and Mark Cisneros.

"All three of the guys just played outstanding for us," Williams said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

After recording 58 touchbacks and eight field goals last season as a sophomore playing football for the first time, Westlake junior Alex Ball is also handling the punting this season instead of Nick Isham, who has enough to do as the starting quarterback.

"I like it. It's really cool," said Ball, a transfer student from England. "When you're punting, you get to see more of the field, and that's the best thing about it."

In an opening 42-14 victory over Oxnard, all but one of Ball's kickoffs sailed into the end zone, but for him that was not good enough.

"I missed one, and that just made me mad," Ball said. "I know I can do it every time. I just need to focus, I guess."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Technically, Oaks Christian High football standout Dillon van der Wal has a broken leg after X-rays revealed a hairline fracture just below the knee last week.

But van der Wal, a 6-foot-7, 240-pounder who is nation's No. 12 prospect at tight end, said he and his doctor agree the injury is not serious.

"I'm fine. I'm better," van der Wal said. "If it was the Super Bowl this week, I'd be playing."

The plan is for van der Wal to sit out for two weeks and return Oct. 1 for a Marmonte League showdown against visiting Westlake.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Oaks Christian of Westlake Village has players littered all over the Pac-10.

They include, Malcolm Jones and Cassius Marsh at UCLA; Marc Tyler and Marshall Jones at USC; Nick Montana and Erik Kohler at Washington; Casey Matthews and Anthony Gildon at Oregon; Chris Owusu at Stanford; Trace Biskin at Arizona and Chris Coyle at Arizona St.

Across the country there are even more.

Duke Lemmens at Florida; Zac Stout and Alani Fua at BYU; Chris Judge at Air Force, Michael Ebbitt at Texas A & M; Andru Stewart at Arkansas; and Ryan Ahern at Syracuse.

Don't forget about the Ivy League standouts either.

Brian Owusu at Harvard, Andrew Bierschenk at Princeton, Max Napolitano at Yale and Jordan Morrison at Brown.

The football game scheduled for Friday between Reseda and Cleveland has been moved to Thursday.

The game will be at Cleveland at 7 p.m. on Thursday

Sources have confirmed Taft point guard Landon Drew is trying to enroll at Fairfax.

Drew's mother attempted to get paperwork signed at Taft this morning stating the transfer would be for protection, thus allowing athletic privileges, possibly.

Taft would not sign the paperwork.

Drew's file is still in the computer system at Taft. He has not officially checked out of the Woodland Hills campus as of Monday morning

Kiana Quolas has made a verbal to Coastal Carolina after an official visit this weekend.

Quolas is a top pitcher/infielder with a potent bat.

"I am so relieved to know where I am going to college and can really enjoy my senior year now," Quolas said. "I am very excited. The school and the players were great."

Quolas flourished at Oaks Christian the past two seasons after transferring from Oxnard following her freshman year.

Quolas hopes to lead the Lions to a deep run in the Div. III playoffs this spring.

More Friday night finals:

Valencia 49, Notre Dame 32
Nordhoff 42, Pacifica 12
Hueneme 28, Santa Clara 24
Crescenta Valley 34, Verdugo Hills 13
Santa Paula 48, Douglass 0
Crespi 51, L.A. Jordan 8
Westlake 42, Oxnard 14
Palmdale 42, Hart 7
Fillmore 28, Village Christian 7
Saugus 28, Muir 14
Chaminade 37, Burbank 6
Sierra Vista 35, Hoover 27
Harvard-Westlake 14, Fairfax 14

Former Taft point guard Landon Drew was spotted at the Fairfax vs. Harvard-Westlake football game Friday night.

Fairfax starts school next week and the sighting could indicate Drew will join the Lions.

Drew has been able to keep his plans quiet despite rumors he was going to Harvard-Westlake, Crespi, Chaminade, Price, Dorsey or Westchester all summer.

Drew is still in the computer system at Taft and has not officially checked according to administrators at the Woodland Hills campus.

Something could happen Monday or Tuesday.

Picking up right from where they left off last season, Valencia High's potent combination of quarterback Alex Bishop and running back Steven Manfro put on quite a show Friday in a 49-32 football victory over visiting Notre Dame.

Bishop completed 16 of 23 passes for 380 yards and four touchdowns - all of 63 yards or longer - and Manfro rushed 177 yards and 15 carries and caught five passes for 189 yards, scoring five touchdowns on runs of 5, 3 and 45 yards and receptions of 70 and 74 yards.

Valencia jumped on shell-shocked Notre Dame for six first-half touchdowns and finished with a total of 616 yards.

A year ago, Bishop and Manfro combined for 77 touchdowns as juniors.

"Steven Manfro was his usual self. He's come back in midseason form," Bishop said. "He's just such a dynamic player that I love having him next to me."

Bishop, who passed for more than 3,400 last year, was not bad himself, improving to 17-1 as a starting quarterback over the past three seasons.

"I got a little help tonight from my receivers and Manfro," Bishop said. "It felt good to get our first win right away."

Bishop's final touchdown pass was a 63-yarder to Matt Nyberg.

Notre Dame fell to 0-2. Earlier in the week, Notre Dame's longtime coach Kevin Rooney said he could not remember the last time the Knights lost the first two games of a season, but now the coach might have to go back and figure it out.

Valencia (1-0) was a blur in the first half, as Bishop's first pass went 63 yards for a touchdown to Blake Anthony. Before the Knights knew what hit them, it was 35-7 early in the second quarter as Manfro scored four touchdowns in a row.

Khalfani Muhammad scored three touchdowns for Notre Dame on runs of 2, 1 and 1 yard, finishing with 50 yards on 14 carries.

Notre Dame was limited to 250 yards. Matt Lathuras completed 5 of 20 passes for 89 yards, and Kelly Hiliniski relieved him early in the second half and finished 4 of 6 for 59 yards.

The victory was the first by a Foothill League opponent over Notre Dame since 1999, breaking a streak of 14 consecutive victories.

Notre Dame, which finished 9-3 last season and is among the Southland's most successful programs over the past two decades, has been outscored by an average of 22 points over two defeats, including a 34-7 opening loss to Serra of Gardena.

Valencia was without top returning receiver Max Rodriguez, sidelined with a knee injury suffered during an opening scrimmage. He is expected back next week.

-- Gerry Gittelson

ND 7-7-3-15-32
Val 28-14-0-7-49

V-Anthony 63 pass from Bishop (Wikler kick)
V-Manfro 5 run (Wikler kick)
ND-Muhammad 2 run (Pritchard kick)
V-Manfro 3 run (Wikler kick)
V-Manfro 70 pass from Bishop (Wikler kick)
V-Manfro 45 run (Wikler kick)
ND-Muhammad 1 run (Pritchard kick)
V-Manfro 74 pass from Bishop (Wikler kick)
ND-FG Pritchard 28
ND-Muhammad 1 run (Spurlin pass from Hiliniski)
V-Nyberg 63 pass from Bishop (Wikler kick)
ND-Anderson 1 run (Pritchard kick)

Passing:
ND: Lathuras 5-20-1-89
V: Bishop 16-23-1-380
Rushing:
ND: Muhammad 15-50
V: Manfro 15-177
Receiving
ND: Spurlin 3-55
V: Manfro 5-189

R: V 1-0; ND 0-2

The Calabasas football team came through with an excellent fourth quarter defensive performance against Granada Hills in a 17-7 victory which snapped a nine game losing streak in a season opener for both teams.

Shane Bick intercepted two Joshua Szin passes, Nick Eberle had an interception and the Coyotes also recovered a fumble as Granada Hills let a 7-3 lead slip away.

Bick returned his first pick 77 yards for a touchdown with 11:09 remaining to give Calabasas its first lead since early in the first quarter.

"We just played hard and stayed mentally tough," Bick said. "The defense came through and the whole team came through. This means a lot to the team."

Gali Edwards kicked a 22-yard field goal in the first quarter for Calabasas but Granada Hills came right back on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Szin to Victor Rabago.

The short 23-yard drive was set up by a 67-yard kickoff return by Jonathan Powell.

Neither team scored for two quarters as the offenses stalled and the defenses were solid.

Calabasas broke through in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore Tyson Jones rushed for a 15-yard touchdown less than a minute after Bick returned his interception and the Coyotes were on their way.

"We were in better shape this year and bigger and stronger," Calabasas coach Larry Edwards said.

Kyle Zion completed 7 of 15 passes for 82 yards and added 63 yards rushing on 11 carries.

Calabasas used eight different runners to gain 202 yards on 36 attempts.

Szin was 11 of 18 for 111 yards with three interceptions.

Oscar Ortiz and Brian Sanchez combined for 58 yards on 18 carries for Granada Hills.

"This really is big for us but come tomorrow it will be next week," Bick said. "There are many more victories coming."

More finals from around the area:

Reseda 17, Monroe 2
Centennial (Corona) 48, Birmingham 8
Alemany 44, Eastside 20
El Camino Real 36, Palisades 35
Agoura 35, Ventura 34
Camarillo 28, Buena 23
St. Francis 42, Arcadia 27
Oak Park 15, Channel Islands 3

First finals starting to roll in:

Montclair Prep 35, Frazier Mountain 0
Cathedral 21, Glendale 10
Calabasas 17, Granada Hills 7
Royal 20, Golden Valley 19
Quartz Hill 7, Inglewood 0

More football scores:

HALFTIME
Westlake 35, Oxnard 0
Palmdale 21, Hart 7
Nordhoff 7, Pacifica 6
Royal 10, Golden Valley 6
Oak Park 15, Channel Islands 0
Santa Clara 17, Hueneme 7
Centennial (Corona) 41, Birmingham 0
Chaminade 16, Burbank 0
St. Francis 28, Arcadia 13
Valencia 42, Notre Dame 14
Saugus 22, Muir 8

What a show quarterback Alex Bishop and running back Stephen Manfro are putting on at Valencia, as the Vikings lead shell-shocked Notre Dame 42-14 at halftime.

Bishop passed for a 63-yard touchdown on his first attempt of the season, and after two quarters he is 11 of 14 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns, all of 63 yards or longer. Manfro has rushed for 154 yards on 11 carries, and he has five receptions for 189 yards, scoring five touchdowns on runs of 5, 3 and 45 yards and receptions of 70 and 74 yards.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Some scores coming in already:

HALFTIME
Ouartz Hill 7, Inglewood 0
Reseda 14, Monroe 7
Granada Hills 7, Calabasas 3
Ventura 20, Agoura 14
Montclair Prep 6, Frazier Mountain 0

Two of the area's most successful programs go head to head in just a few minutes, as Valencia and visiting Notre Dame are set to tee off at 7 p.m. in a nonleague showdown.

Notre Dame has the advantage of having already played a game, albeit a 34-7 loss to state power Serra of Gardena, and history is also on Notre Dame's side, as the Knights have won 14 in a row against Foothill League competition, including four successive victories over Valencia.

But there's a big X factor for Valencia, and that's the presence of returning standouts Alex Bishop at quarterback and Steven Manfro at running back; they're two of the state's most productive players.

I'll update when I can.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Golden Valley has selected Myron Watkins as its new boys' basketball coach.

Watkins was an asst. last year under Chris Printz, who resigned and is now an asst. at Simi Valley.

Watkins' son Ryan will be a freshman forward at Boise St this season and played at Reseda for two years.

Starting point guard B.J. Burton has transferred to Dorsey after three years at Taft.

Burton might not play this season and just sit out.

UC Riverside is recruting her.

Taft quarterback Michael Bercovici finally made his long-awaited debut for the Toreadors after transferring from Westlake during the last school year but it was Dorsey quarterback Joseph Gray and receivers Marvin Hall and Jaydon Mickens that stole the show in a 37-24 victory at Jackie Robinson Park in Los Angeles.

Despite trailing 20-0 in the first quarter, Taft fought back and made a game of it before Keith Lakey ripped off a 59-yard touchdown run with 2:21 remaining to seal it for Dorsey (2-0).

Taft was lucky to be in any position to try and win the game after Gray threw for 240 yards on 8 of 14 passing in the first quarter alone.

Gray connected with Hall on an 80-yard hitch play on the first offensive play of the game, threw to Hall for a 21-yard touchdown two minutes later and hit Michael Roberts in stride for a 37-yard touchdown. Again, all in the first quarter.

Not exactly the recipe to start the year for a team with championship aspirations.

Gray finished 19 of 38 for 350 yards with the three scoring strikes.

"We had an advantage playing last week," Gray said. "The chemistry, the timing, all of that. We were fired up and ready to go. But they are a good team and I'm sure we will see them again in the playoffs."

Hall had six receptions for 151 yards and Mickens caught seven passes for 118 yards as Taft was beset by poor tackling and missed assignments early on.

Taft wouldn't go away and got right back into the game on two touchdown runs from Dimitray Lewis of three and eight yards.

Lewis finished with 86 yards on 18 carries.

Taft made some adjustments on defense and Gray couldn't find his two main targets as easily after the first 12 minutes.

"Conditioning and consistency," Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said. "We will get better. We have to."

After the teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, Dorsey received a huge 38-yard field goal from Roberts to go ahead 30-21 with 5:50 remaining.

Taft struck back thanks to a 55-yard kick return from Anthony Nickerson and a 30-yard field goal from Jordan Dascalo but Lakey sprung loose for his second touchdown of the half to end all hope for the Toreadors.

Bercovici finished 16 of 33 for 146 yards and one interception. He also rushed for a 1-yard plunge in the third quarter, setting himself up after finding Mike Thomas on a 20-yard reception.

Thomas was Bercovici's main target, catching nine passes for 101 yards.

"This game really showed I was away from football for a long time," Bercovici said. "I put this game on me. I messed up a couple throws. We needed to make more plays. Our defense did a good job giving us some position. We will come back and make it happen."

Things don't get too much easier next week as the Toreadors host Notre Dame on Thursday.

Once among the San Fernando Valley's most talent-rich programs, Montclair Prep is trying to get its swagger back under new coach John Greaves, a former assistant who has taken over for long-time coach George Giannini.

The Mounties, 2-8 last year following a four-year stint in eight-man football because of dwindling participation, defeated Bishop 28-7 in a scrimmage on Saturday -- quite an achievement considering Bishop is No. 1 in the Southern Section Northeast preseason rankings.

"Bishop has like seven guys who bench 300 pounds, and we just rolled 'em up," Greaves said. "We could scored more if we kept on passing, but we wanted to work on other things."

It was a long trip to Bishop, so the night before the teams engaged in a Friday 7-on-7 matchup, and Montclair Prep dominated that one, too, scoring nine touchdowns to Bishop's two.

Montclair Prep opens Friday at Frazier Mountain. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

"I'm hoping we're turning a corner, but I don't want to go overboard. We'll see what happens on Friday night," Greaves said. "The thing is, we only have 19 players, so we can't be that physical in practice because of our numbers."

Greaves is thoroughly impressed with sophomore quarterback Neil Uskali, a Westlake transfer.

"He's a great kid, and he has a rocket of an arm," Greaves said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

FIVE GAMES TO WATCH
All games Friday unless noted

NOTRE DAME (0-1) at VALENCIA (0-0), 7 p.m. - For the second consecutive week, Notre Dame faces a high-powered passing offense, as the Knights are coming off an opening 34-7 loss to Serra. This time, they need to find a way to contain Valencia's ultra productive one-two punch of QB Alex Bishop and RB Steven Manfro.

Valencia is the last Foothill League opponent to defeat Notre Dame, but that was all the way back in 1999, as the Knights have won 14 in a row against Foothill teams.

BURBANK (1-0) at CHAMINADE (0-0), 7:30 p.m. - Two programs on the rise meet in this intriguing nonleague showdown, as Chaminade's second-year coach Ed Croson matches up against Burbank's third-year coach Hector Valencia, with both having reached a section quarterfinal last season.

Burbank has the advantage of having played a game, defeating host Warren 41-39 last week in the final moments. Chaminade PK Matt Goudis could be a difference maker.

OXNARD (0-0) at WESTLAKE (0-0), 7 p.m. - Westlake looks to renew its success after going 14-0 and winning the Northern Division championship last year, and most key skill-position players have returned, including top QB Nick Isham, standout WR Nelson Spruce and productive RB Tavior Mowry.

Oxnard, one of the Pacific View League's top teams, went 7-4 last season but figures to be in over its head, as Westlake is ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation in Maxpreps' Freeman rankings.

CORONA CENTENNIAL (0-0) at BIRMINGHAM (1-0) - Birmingham is known for being a good upset pick, and it will take a big one to knock off state-power Corona Centennial, which has a lot more experienced skill players and big linemen.

For Birmingham to succeed, the Patriots need to play a near-perfect game, avoid mistakes and perhaps force a key turnover or two. It's not impossible, but it's a real long shot. Birmingham's Daniel Williams, a top TE/DL, needs to be a leader.

BURROUGHS (0-1) at CANYON (0-0), 7 p.m. Saturday - After a successful summer, Canyon has waited longer than just about anyone to play its first game, and the Cowboys are eager to unleash QB Jonathan Jerozal, one of the Southland's top junior passers. With his favorite receiver Drew Wolitarsky back, too, the Cowboys should put plenty of points on the board.

Burroughs, led by QB Lucas Yanez, plays a Foothill opponent for the second consecutive week following an opening loss to Saugus.

OTHER GAMES:

FRIDAY

Bell at Grant, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Fremont, 7 p.m.

El Camino Real at Palisades, 7 p.m.

Monroe at Reseda, 7 p.m.

Sylmar at Westchester, 7 p.m.

Agoura at Ventura, 7 p.m.

Antelope Valley at Rosamond, 7 p.m.

Arcadia at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.

Bell-Jeff at Citrus Valley, 7 p.m.

Camarillo at Buena, 7 p.m.

Cathedral at Glendale, 7 p.m.

Eastside at Alemany, 7 p.m.

Frazier Mountain vs. Montclair Prep at Pierce College, 7 p.m.

Hoover at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m.

Littlerock at Fontana, 7 p.m.

L.A. Baptist at California Military Institute, 7 p.m.

Loyola vs. Mission Viejo at Valley College, 7 p.m.

Muir vs. Saugus at College of Canyons, 7:30 p.m.

Oak Park at Channel Islands, 7 p.m.

Oxnard at Westlake, 7 p.m.

Paraclete at Knight, 7 p.m.

Quartz Hill vs. Inglewood at Coleman Stadium (Inglewood), 7 p.m.

Ridgecrest Burroughs at Highland, 7 p.m.

Royal vs. Golden Valley at Canyon HS, 7 p.m.

Vasquez at Kern Valley, 7 p.m.

Village Christian at Fillmore, 7:30 p.m.

West Ranch at Lancaster, 7 p.m.

Calabasas at Granada Hills, 7 p.m.

Corona Centennial at Birmingham, 7:30 p.m.

Crescenta Valley at Verdugo Hills, 7 p.m.

Fairfax at Harvard-Westlake, 7 p.m.

Fulton vs. Saddleback Valley Christian at San Juan Hills, 7 p.m.

Kilpatrick at Van Nuys, 7 p.m.

L.A. Jordan at Crespi, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

Canoga Park at Eagle Rock, 2 p.m.

Franklin at Poly, 12:30 p.m.

L.A. Marshall at Arleta, 2 p.m.

Panorama at Chatsworth, 7 p.m.

Sun Valley at Jefferson, 1 p.m.

Burroughs at Canyon, 7 p.m.

Desert vs. Desert Christian at Lancaster HS, 7 p.m.

Flintridge Prep vs. St. Genevieve at Poly HS, 7 p.m.

Jurupa Hills at Viewpoint, 2 p.m.

Pasadena Poly at Malibu, 1 p.m.

Sierra Canyon vs. Villanova Prep at Carpinteria, 7 p.m.

Heading into a nonleague game tonight at Valencia, Notre Dame has won 14 in a row over Foothill League opponents. Here's a look at the streak:

2008

Notre Dame 52, Saugus 28

2007

Notre Dame 38, Saugus 35

Notre Dame 17, Canyon 7

2006

Notre Dame 24, Valencia 21

Notre Dame 56, Saugus 33

Notre Dame 18, Canyon 17

2005

Notre Dame 35, Valencia 28

Notre Dame 21, Saugus 7

2004

Notre Dame 33, Valencia 3

Notre Dame 37, Saugus 22

2003

Notre Dame 24, Valencia 23

2002

Notre Dame 41, Saugus 7

2001

Notre Dame 24, Saugus 21

2000

Notre Dame 34, Saugus 11

DAILY NEWS TOP 20

1. Westlake (0-0) - Northern champs coming off 14-0 season

2. Alemany (1-0) - Should have easy time against Eastside

3. Oaks Christian (0-1) - Coming off first-ever opening loss

4. Valencia (0-0) - Ryan Gorman and Trevor Smyth tough LB tandem

5. Crespi (0-1) - Celts need to find rhythm on offense

6. Notre Dame (0-1) - Is RB Khalfani Muhammad ready to break out?

7. Moorpark (0-1) - Idle this week after tough last-second loss at Eastlake in S.D.

8. Taft (0-0)xxx - If new receivers come around, Taft will win a lot of games

9. Newbury Park (1-0) - Mostly new faces but there's still a lot of talent

10. St. Francis (0-0) - Big up front, St. Francis looks to push people around

11. Thousand Oaks (1-0) - Lancers looking to creep into top 10

12. Hart (1-0) - Looked sharp in opening 21-7 win over El Camino Real

13. Burbank (1-0) - Tough nonleague matchup tonight vs. Chaminade

14. Palmdale (0-0) - As usual, Falcons are loaded with speed at skill positions

15. Canyon (0-0) - Rocknipour is ready to kick a 50-yard field goal Saturday night

16. Chaminade (0-0) - Young but talented group needs to mature in hurry

17. Arleta (0-0) - This is 59-year-old coach Jeff Engilman's last year

18. Harvard-Westlake (0-1) - Looks to even record vs. visiting Fairfax

19. El Camino Real (0-1) - As long as rushing attack is working, ECR should be OK

20. Royal (0-0) - Does not want to slip against Golden Valley

Freshman Jeremy Lieberman has enrolled at Calabasas after much speculation he would attend Malibu.

Freshman Malik Anderson (6'5), the son of former NBA player Nick Anderson, enrolled in late August but has checked out and will be home-schooled according to coach Jon Palarz.

Palarz also indicated Anderson was going to repeat eighth grade and be a freshman next year.

Princeton and UC Riverside will be at Chaminade Friday to watch 6'8 forward Gilles Dierickx in a workout.

Dierickx is from Belgium, transferred to Chaminade during his sophomore year and is hoping to make an impact this season.

ESPNLosAngeles.com has a brand new high schools page with stories, rankings, blogs and much, much more.

Four players from the region are ranked amongst the Top-10 senior in boys' basketball.

Taft's Kevin Johnson and Spencer Dinwiddie are Nos. 3 and 6.

Flintridge Prep's Kenyatta Smith is No 9 and Ribet Academy's Greg Sequele is No. 10.

According to multiple sources, Birmingham's Marcus Holt has not shown up for classes at Birmingham.

School started August 16th but there have been no sightings of the 6'7 senior forward.

The loss of Holt would severely deplete new coach Nick Hauselman's team.

Alexis Inouye has transferred from L.A. Baptist to Montclair Prep.

Inouye was a standout guard for three seasons despite suffering a leg-injury last year.

Inouye still has to be cleared by the Southern Section on a bonafide change of residence and that no undue influence rules were broken.

DIVISION 1 BOYS

1. Arcadia
2. Trabuco Hills
3. Dana Hills
4. Marina
5. Rancho Cucamonga
6. Great Oak
7. Yucaipa
8. El Toro
9. Corona
10. California
11. Capistrano Valley
12. Redlands East Valley
12. M.L. King
13. Troy

DIVISION 2 BOYS

1. Loyola
2. Glendora
3. Claremont
4. Saugus
5. Valencia-Pl.
6. Adolfo Camarillo
7. Ventura
8. Esperanza
9. North Torrance
10. Westlake
11. Colony
12. Canyon-Ana.
13. Newbury Park

DIVISION 3 BOYS

1. Granite Hills
2. Palos Verdes
3. St. John Bosco
4. Golden Valley
5. Servite
6. Corona del Mar
7. San Juan Hills
8. Brea Olinda
9. San Luis Obispo
10. Buena Park

DIVISION 4 BOYS

1. Harvard-Westlake
2. Laguna Beach
3. Notre Dame-SO
4. JSerra
5. Maranatha
6. Oaks Christian
7. Salesian
8. Bosco Tech
9. Big Bear
10. Morro Bay

DIVISION 5 BOYS

1. Woodcrest Christian
2. Desert Christian-Lanc.
3. Th acher
4. St. Margaret's
5. Flintridge Prep
6. Brentwood
7. Xavier College Prep
8. Pasadena Poly
9. Viewpoint
10. Buckley

DIVISION I GIRLS

1. Great Oak
2. Dana Hills
3. Trabuco Hills
4. Vista Murrieta
5. San Clemente
6. Tesoro
7. Chaparral
8. Warren
9. Redlands
10. M.L. King
11. Crescenta Valley
12. Los Alamitos
13. Fountain Valley

DIVISION 2 GIRLS

1. Saugus
2. Mira Costa
3. Redondo Union
4. Canyon-Ana.
5. Foothill
6. Sultana
7. Serrano
8. Thousand Oaks
9. Edison
10. Arroyo Grande
11. Ayala
12. Royal
13. Esperanza

DIVISION 3 GIRLS

1. Palos Verdes
2. La Mirada
3. San Luis Obispo
4. Orange Lutheran
5. Westlake
6. Northwood
7. Woodbridge
8. Corona del Mar
9. Oak Park
10. Bonita

DIVISION 4 GIRLS

1. Harvard/Westlake
2. Mayfield
3. JSerra
4. Flintridge Sacred Heart
5. Paraclete
6. St. Joseph/S.M.
7. Maranatha
8. Laguna Beach
9. La Reina
10. Templeton

DIVISION 5 GIRLS

1. Chadwick
2. St. Margaret's
3. Aquinas
4. Xavier College Prep
5. Mission College Prep
6. Desert Christian, Lanc.
7. Sage Hill
8. Flintridge Prep
9. Cate
10. Crossroads

Layana White, a senior guard at Bell-Jeff has committed to Idaho.

White transferred from Canyon High after her sophomore year and led Bell-Jeff to the Div. IV-A semifinals last season.

White had a successful summer playing for the FBC Blue club team.

6'7" swingman Jonathan Davis (Simi Valley/Simi Valley CA) has committed to George Washington after visiting the Washington, D.C. campus this past weekend.

Davis is a multi-skilled player that should fit very well within Coach Karl Hobbs' system. Davis picked the Colonials over Hawaii, Utah, Colorado, SMU, San Diego State, Pacific, Santa Clara, UC-Davis, and Cal State Northridge.

Sylmar and Westchester were scheduled to play Friday at Westchester at 7 p.m. but the game has been rescheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.

Devin Burleson and Namon Wright are headed to perennial-power Price of Los Angeles.

The two freshman enrolled at Sierra Canyon in late August but abruptly checked out of school Tuesday.

Burleson is a 6'7 forward, who has already been offered a scholarship by USC and Wright is a promising guard prospect.

The pair played with Price over the summer at the Fairfax tournament.

The addition of Burleson and Wright only make Price a much deeper tram that includes Norvel Pelle, Skylar Spencer, Askia Booker and Chance Murray.

I know its early but this one was too good to pass up.

The brackets for the 16-team Oaks Christian boys' tournament have all but been finalized.

There are many top players participating and scouts, recruiters and internet junkies should be out en masse Dec. 27-30 in Westlake Village.

First-round games are Monday Dec. 27

In order of the bracket,

Etiwanda vs. La Jolla Country Day, 1:30 p.m.
Inglewood vs. Rancho Verde, 3 p.m.
Price vs. Palisades, 4:30 p.m.
Colony vs. Sacramento, 6 p.m.

Loyola vs. Canyon Springs, 9 p.m.
Oaks Christian vs. Upland, 7:30 p.m.
Pasadena vs. Alemany, 12 p.m.
Valencia vs. De La Salle, 10:30 a.m.

Potential semifinals could include Etiwanda's Byron Wesley going up against Sacramento's Josiah Turner or Price's Norvel Pelle.

Antelope Valley High is close to naming a new girls basketball coach.

Football coach Bret Pape and the father of junior Destini Price are the leading candidates.

Price's father was an asst. last year for head coach and athletic director D.J.Hein.

Hein resigned and relocated to the Napa Valley at the end of the summer.

Former boys coach Ed Campbell, who coached the girls team at Eastside High two years ago is the new athletic director

Scott Barlow, a senior pitcher at Golden Valley, has committed to Fresno State.

"I think he is the most improved pitcher in the area. He has a great future in baseball," Golden Valley coach Scott Drootin said. "He has worked very hard to get where he is at. I am very proud of him."

-- Gerry Gittelson

After losing to Dorsey in the City Section quarterfinals last winter, Taft gets another crack at the Dons on Thursday night at Rancho Cienega Park in Los Angeles -- and for Taft defensive lineman Antwaun Woods, the rivalry is personal.

Woods, a USC commit, lives in the same neighborhood as most of Dorsey's players and has known them since elementary school.

"They're all my friends over there," Woods said. "I'm excited to play them. I can't wait."

Woods said the playoff loss last year really got to him.

"It was a tough one. I was really mad," Woods said. "It wasn't that we lost but that it was personal. I'm glad to get another chance at them."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Antelope Valley (0-1) is putting its faith in freshman quarterback Kainoa Matthews, a 6-3, 150-pounder who endured some growing pains in an opening 26-3 loss to visiting Campbell Hall.

Matthews is taking over for Tavion Tucker, who is Antelope Valley's top returning player but has switched from quarterback to receiver for his senior season.

"We're going to go with Kainoa," coach Brett Pape said. "He went 0 for 7 and kind of took his lumps against Campbell Hall, but he threw some nice balls. I think he's going to turn it around, and we're going to make sure of it by trying to keep the game plan simplified."

Tucker missed much of the opener because of recurring muscle cramps, and Pape thinks he knows why: "I think it was his diet. He went to In-N-Out at 4 p.m. before the game, and I think that's what did it."

-- Gerry Gittelson

36 team are entered for the Conejo Classic water polo tournament that starts Friday.

The Platinum division includes Oaks Christian, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Newbury Park, Rio Mesa, Hoover, Ventura and Buena.

Buena plays Newbury Park at Thousand Oaks Friday.

Oaks Christian hosts Rio Mesa at 2 p.m. followed by Ventura and Hoover at 2:45 p.m. in the O.C. pool.

There is also a lower Gold division.

The semifinals and championship matches will be Saturday at Cal Lutheran starting at 3 p.m.

Montclair Prep was set to host Frazier Mountain on Friday at Pierce College but the game has been moved to Frazier Mountain at 7 p.m.

The Mounties' first three games are on the road.

It will be interesting to see how Montclair Prep fares this season under new coaches John Greaves and Reggie Smith.

The Mounties lost a few players to Chaminade, Fabian Alomar to Canoga Park and Myles Rankin never returned from New York.

However, Stephan Nembot is a 6'9, 270-pound defensive end prospect receiving interest from Pac-10 schools.

Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth is becoming quite the sports school.

The boys' basketball team reached the Div. V-AA championship game last year, returns four starters and has added five top prospects (Jahmel Taylor, Brian Alberts, Devin Burleson, Namon Wright and Marsallis Johnson).

Now, the football team is trying to make its mark.

Coach Jon Ellinghouse has done a superb job as evidence in a 55-7 thrashing of Webb on Saturday.

Junior Tyler Stewart is an athletic quarterback, junior receiver Julian Brooks could play for any large school in the region and sophomore tailback Xavier Menifield is a star in the making.

Running back Danny Jordan is not too bad either, returning an interception 84-yards for a touchdown.

The Trailblazers will battle Paraclete and Campbell Hall for the Alpha League championship and should be title contenders in the East Valley Division.

The girls' basketball team, under the direction of coach T.J. Knox looks strong too.

Two years ago, Sierra Canyon won a section championship and is primed for another deep playoff run behind Tori Wells, Jasmine Sneed, Kelly Schneider, Toni Oni and two solid freshman.

Congrats to Thousand Oaks receiver Richard Mullaney, who this morning accepted an Oregon State scholarship offer. He caught 80 passes last year and had 12 offers.

Mullaney had narrowed his choices to Oregon State and Washington.

"In the end, I just felt more comfortable with Oregon State, the family atmosphere," Mullaney said. "I just feel great."

Mullaney scored two touchdowns Friday in a 51-14 opening victory over Hueneme.

"Oregon State is getting an incredible receiver, one of the best I've ever been around," Thousand Oaks coach Mike Leibin said. "It's an incredible opportunity for him. I'm just as excited as heck."

-- Gerry Gittelson

Sophomore running back Xavier Menifield made his debut at Sierra Canyon a memorable one by rushing for 134 yards on only five carries, including touchdowns of 50 and 45 yards to lead the Trailblazers in a 55-7 victory against Webb at Granada Hills High.

Tyler Stewart completed 8 of 11 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

Stewart connected with Shane Harrison (five receptions, 152 yards) on a 91-yard scoring strike in the first quarter and found Harrison again in the third quarter for a short 3-yard score.

Junior receiver Julian Brooks had a big night with a two interceptions and a 30-yard touchdown recpetion.

Brooks returned one of his interceptions 68 yards for a score in the second quarter.

Danny Jordan capped the evening with an 84-yard interception return to end the game.

Caleb Nickels led the defense as the Trailblazers stopped Webb 10 times behind the line of scrimmage.

About the only thing that went right for the Malibu football team Saturday afternoon was the beautiful weather.

Not much else was positive in a season opening 53-0 loss against Fillmore.

Chris Konkol, Cooper Smart and Matt Mason each rushed for over 50 yards but five turnovers doomed the Sharks (0-1).

Konkol had 68 yards rushing on 12 carries and completed 8 of 15 passes for 56 yards but threw four costly interceptions.

Malibu had the ball inside Fillmore's 20-yard line twice in the second half but each drive was halted by a miscue.

The backbreaker was Matt Mason's fumble on third and three from the nine-yard line that Corey Cole returned 93 yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter.

Cole did a lot of damage, throwing for 164 yards on 8 of 13 passing with two touchdowns and had an interception.

Sophomore Collin Farrar rushed for 181 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns.

Chris De La Paz contributed six receptions for 145 yards and two scores.

Nick Paz added 39 yards rushing on nine carries with two touchdowns

Fillmore rolled up 494 yards to Malibu's 233.

Here's a correction regarding my story in today's edition on the Alemany-Oaks Christian football game. Alemany lineman Akeem Gonzales' mother, Shelmadine, went to the hospital last night for precautionary reasons because of breathing problems before kickoff, not Akeem, who went to the hospital after the game but was fine.

Shelmadine was fine, too. She checked out of the hospital about 11 p.m. last night.

-- Gerry Gittelson

For four City Section teams from the region, Week 0 was literally just that.

A big fat zero.

Van Nuys lost to Contreras 27-0, North Hollywood lost to Dorsey 41-0, Monroe lost to Lincoln 41-0 and Eagle Rock lost to South East 35-0.

Where is the offense?

In addition, El Camino Real only scored seven points in a loss against Hart and Sun Valley only posted eight points in a blowout loss against Manual Arts.

Panorama, Canoga Park and San Fernando were the only three schools to muster an attack.

Panorama scored 32 against South Gate, Canoga Park rang up 34 against Washington Prep and San Fernando defeated Morningside 21-6.

This one might come as a shocker to some.

Birmingham hadn't won a season opener since 2001, but ended that streak with a 16-7 victory over West Adams Prep.

In 2001, Birmingham dropped Canoga Park 55-0. But then the losses piled up.

Four consecutive to Notre Dame, two to Crespi and two more against Garfield before ending the drought Friday, despite committing four turnovers.

Oaks Christian's 20-17 loss to Alemany was the first ever season-opening loss for the 10-year-old school.

The Lions had defeated Silver Valley, Santa Ana Calvary Chapel, Muir, Lompoc, Bakersfield Christian and Alemany during their nine-year run of season-opening victories.

Golden Valley made some history in a 31-19 victory against Simi Valley.

It was the first ever season-opening win in the six-year history of the program and the Grizzlies snapped a 15-game losing streak.

Golden Valley's last win came against Kilpatrick on Oct. 4, 2008

More final scores:
Eastside 22, Granite Hills 19
San Fernando 21, Morningside 6
Vasquez 20, Desert 14
California City 17, Lancaster Desert Christian 14
Campbell Hall 26, Antelope Valley 3

Finals still coming in:
Serra 34, Notre Dame 7
Venice 47, Harvard-Westlake 16
Newbury Park 21, Buena 14
Golden Valley 31, Simi Valley 19
Nordhoff 39, West Ranch 14
Serrano 35, Paraclete 14

WESTLAKE VILLAGE - There was all kinds of star power on offense and defense Friday when Oaks Christian High played host to Alemany in a highly-anticipated opening showdown between two of the Southland's top football programs.

But it all came down to Alemany kicker Martin Meza, who kicked two field goals, including an 18-yarder with 14 seconds remaining to lift the visiting Warriors to a 20-17 victory before a crowd of about 6,000.

What made Meza's winning field goal especially dramatic was holder Vernon Adams dropped a low snap, then picked it up at the last moment to place the football.

"I felt nervous but I knew I had to get it done," said Meza, a senior who kicked five field goals last season. "I've got to give Vernon credit for his hold because once it dropped to the turf, he got it right back up. It feels great."

Adams completed 11 of 17 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, and he also rushed for a touchdown, but no play was more important than helping Meza at the end.

"The snap was a little low and I kind of bobbled it, so it felt so good to get it back up," Adams said. "We needed that field goal, and Martin Meza stepped up big time."

Three plays before Meza's field goal, Oaks Christian committed a costly defensive penalty on a 4th-and-one that gave Alemany new life.

Both teams have moved to a more competitive division, with Alemany going from the Western Division to the Pac-5 and Oaks Christian switching from the Northwest to the Northern.

By the looks of things, it's going to be difficult for Oaks Christian to be as dominant after winning six consecutive lower-division titles before finishing as a runner-up last year.

Quarterback Trevor Gretzky looked good in his debut, completing 17 of 22 for 211 yards and scoring on an 18-yard run. But it's obvious Oaks Christian misses All-American running back Malcolm Jones, now at UCLA, as leading rusher Ishmael Adams managed just 51 yards on 12 carries.

Injuries were a factor. Alemany's top blocker, Akeem Gonzales, was taken to the hospital after experiencing breathing problems, though Alemany principal Frank Ferry said it was for precautionary reasons. Oaks Christian's top defensive lineman and tight end, Dillon van der Wal, injured his knee in the first half but managed to hobble back in in the waning moments.

There was lots of action in the first half, as Alemany led 17-14 on Meza's 47-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter.

Alemany's Adams passed for one touchdown and scored another in the first half, hitting Jesse Sampson on a 4-yard touchdown, then scoring on a 1-yard run.

Oaks Christian led 14-7 on Trevor Gretzky's 18-yard touchdown run and a 48-yard punt return touchdown by Cole Brownell.

But Alemany's defense stiffened in the second quarter, and Oaks Christian was not heard from again, as the visitors limited the Lions to 154 yards in the first half and 327 overall.

Gretzky passed effectively in the first half when given an opportunity, completing 4 of 4 for 67 yards, and he added 41 yards rushing on six carries. Most of Gretzky's rushing yardage was a result of getting chased out of the pocket, so it was hard for Gretzky to get in a rhythm as three running backs combined for 46 yards on eight carries.

Overall, Oaks Christian reeled off just 18 plays in the first half.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

After beating Alemany last year, Oaks Christian couldn't make it two in a row.

Martin Meza nailed an 18-yard field goal with 14.5 seconds remaining to give Alemany a 20-17 victory.

A key play came on fourth and two from the 14 yard line and Alemany drew Oaks Christian offsides.

Three plays later Meza booted the game winner.

Oaks Christian had a golden opportunity with 3:38 remaining but couldn't convert on fourth and one from Alemany's 23-yard line.

Alemany took over and went 77 yards on nine running plays.

The loss was the first for Oaks Christian on its home field since October of 2007 against Oak Park and the first time the Lions have lost consecutive games since 2007.

Oaks Christian ended last season with a heart-breaking 42-41 setback in the Northwest Division final against Serra.

More finals:
Alemany 20, Oaks Christian 17
Birmingham 16, West Adams Prep 7 (corrected score)
Thousand Oaks 51, Hueneme 14
Eastlake (Chula Vista) 24, Moorpark 21
Brentwood 26, Grace Brethren 14
Saugus 26, Burroughs 20
Panorama 32, South Gate 13
Burbank 41, Warren 39

Finals:
Hart 21, El Camino Real 7
Dominguez 14, Crespi 11

Third quarter:
Simi Valley 19, Golden Valley 18

Third-quarter scores:
Buena 14, Newbury Park 14
Eastlake (Chula Vista) 21, Moorpark 14

After three quarters:
Thousand Oaks 44, Hueneme 7
Serra 27, Notre Dame 7

In the fourth quarter:
Alemany 17, Oaks Christian 17 (11:42 to go)

At the half:
Venice 28, Harvard-Westlake 9
Brentwood 26, Grace Brethren 7
Nordhoff 25, West Ranch 7

There was lots of action in the first half, as Alemany led 17-14 on Martin Meza's 47-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter in a nonleague showdown at Oaks Christian.

Alemany's Vernon Adams passed for one touchdown and scored another in the first half, hitting Jesse Sampson on a 4-yard touchdown, then scoring on a 1-yard run.

Oaks Christian led 14-7 on Trevor Gretzky's 18-run and a 48-yard punt return by Cole Brownell.

But Alemany's defense stiffened in the second quarter, and Oaks Christian was not heard from again, as the visitors limited the Lions to 154 yards in the first half - quite a difference compared to last season when Oaks Christian routinely led by four touchdowns or more at the half.

Gretzky passed effectively in the first half when given an opportunity, completing 4 of 4 for 67 yards, and he added 41 yards rushing on six carries. Most of Gretzky's rushing yardage was a result of getting chased out of the pocket, so it was hard for Gretzky to get in a rhythm as three running backs combined for 46 yards on eight carries.

Overall, Oaks Christian reeled off just 18 plays in the first half.

Adams completed 9 of 11 for 92 yards and a touchdown in the first half, and he also rushed for 32 yards on 11 carries.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Oaks Christian has found itself in a rare position against Alemany.

Trailing at halftime.

Martin Meza booted a 47-yard field goal at the halftime buzzer and Alemany leads 17-14.

Vernon Adams has accounted for two touchdowns on a 4-yard pass to Jesse Sampson and a 1-yard sneak for Alemany.

Trevor Gretzky rushed for an 18-yard score and Cole Brownell returned a punt 48 yards for another touchdown for Oaks Christian.

Dunwoody (Georgia) High-transfer Ishmael Adams has 33 yards rushing six carries for Oaks Christian.

Trevor Gretzky is 3 for 3 passing for 52 yards.

Adams is 9 for 12 for 95 yards.

Should be an exciting second half.

The game will be on T.V. Saturday at 10 a.m. on Time Warner Cable channel 101.

At the half:
Alemany 17, Oaks Christian 14
Serra 13, Notre Dame 0
Crespi 0, Dominguez 0
Thousand Oaks 37, Hueneme 0
Panorama 20, South Gate 13

Second quarter:
Eastlake (Chula Vista) 21, Moorpark 7

Here are some early scores from games in progress in Week Zero:

Golden Valley 6, Simi Valley 0
Buena 6, Newbury Park 0
Thousand Oaks 20, Hueneme 0

We'll try to keep everyone updated as the scores come in.

Alemany and Oaks Christia are all tied at 7-7.

Vernon Adams hit Jesse Sampson for a 4-yard touchdown but Trevor Gretzky came right back for Oaks Christian with an 18-yard run.

Saladin McCullough and Ishmael Adams each had big runs on the drives for Alemany and Oaks Christian.

Doug Nicol, a former 11-year girls' basketball coach at Burroughs through 2004, has returned to coach softball.

Nicol takes over for Jose Valle, who has resigned after guiding Burroughs to its first league championship in 28 years this past spring.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Inheriting a team that went 1-9 last season, North Hollywood first-year coach Doug Bledsoe could have picked a lot of easier opening opponents than Dorsey, which handed the Huskies a 41-0 loss Wednesday.

However, Bledsoe is thinking long-term, and he believes that even though North Hollywood got kicked around a bit -- managing just 45 total yards and five first downs -- it will toughen up the Huskies for the rest of the season.

"We knew exactly what we were getting into because I played for Dorsey in '87, so I've played for coach Knox," Bledsoe said. "I wanted to see how we'd react to great speed and great athletes, and now we have the rest of the season to adapt to it."

North Hollywood is expecting a big season for returning starting quarterback Jesse Craven and running back Andrew Torres.

-- Gerry Gittelson

What an opening night for Brian Blechen, the former Moorpark defensive back who made a huge splash Thursday for Utah in an opening 27-24 win over visiting Pitt.

Blechen, a true freshman, had a key interception down the stretch and totaled five tackles.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Trinity Classical, a small but growing private school in Valencia, is playing varsity eight-man football for the first time this season even though the 10th-year school does not have seniors until the 2011-2012 school year.

Of the 18 players on the roster, 12 weigh 155 pounds or less and only one measures in at more than 200, but the Knights plan to give it their best shot, beginning Saturday, Sept. 11 with a 1 p.m. opener against Calvary Baptist of La Verne at Horsetheif Park in San Dimas.

James Brooks, a 6-5 junior receiver/defensive lineman, and Shane Larson, a junior running back/linebacker, are the key faces on a team comprised of nine freshman, three sophomores and six juniors.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The recruting process is heating up for Simi Valley's Jonathan Davis.

The 6'7 forward has several offers already and is on an official visit to Georege Washington this weekend.

Davis had a strong summer playing for Chastworth-based Double Pump.

SMU coach Matt Doherty is expected to come to Simi Valley to watch Davis workout next week.

After taking small baby steps for what's going on six years, Golden Valley has never won a Foothill League game, but that's just a formality, says second-year coach Andy Campbell, who promises the Grizzlies are finally going to be competitive this year - and perhaps in the hunt for a playoff berth -- no kidding.

"We're turning the corner. We're going to be darn good," Campbell said. "Better jump on the bandwagon now because we're going to start making a playoff run or at least give it a heck of a push."

Campbell is excited about a group of talented junior skill players, notably quarterback Reid Soliman and running backs Jeff Coprich and Earl Johnson. Sean Stephan is a key lineman, and linebackers Brett Melton and Sean Tate are the top hitters.

"We had a successful spring and a successful summer, and we're competing hard every day," Campbell said. "Plus, the JV was 4-6 last year including two league wins."

Golden Valley was 0-10 in Campbell's first season last year. He is the program's third head coach. Overall, Golden Valley is 7-43.

"From here on in, we're not looking back," Campbell said.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Small-school Campbell Hall defeated large-school Antelope Valley by 28 points in last year's opener, and the rematch is Friday at Antelope Valley. The question, of course, is will it be closer this time?

By returning its top skill players in quarterback R.J. Gordon and multi-purpose back Austin McBroom, Campbell Hall (7-3 in '09) has improved, but so has Antelope Valley, which has revamped its support staff under head coach Brett Pape and has no where to go but up after finishing 0-10.

"It's going to be a tough game," Campbell Hall coach Russ Gordon said. "A.V. hired a new defensive staff, so they're going to be well-coached on the defensive side, and we feel like they're loaded with athletes. So we have to play assignment football."

Not that Gordon is not expecting success. Plenty of it, actually.

"I think we're going to be able to throw the ball all over the field, not just against A.V. but in general," the coach said.

McBroom broke off two long touchdowns in an opening scrimmage against St. Margarets that saw Campbell Hall's first-teamers score on all three possessions.

"Without question, Austin is faster and more dangerous," Gordon said. "He'll start at receiver, but we're going to line him up all over the field and at cornerback a little bit, too."

-- Gerry Gittelson

There's an experienced quarterback in place with Max Heltzer, but otherwise it's mostly new faces for Harvard-Westlake heading into the season opener Friday at City Section power Venice. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

"We're got to have young players step up, and we're going to find out at Venice because they bring the heat," Harvard-Westlake coach Vic Eumont said.

Eumont is relying heavily on Heltzer, a Steve Clarkson prodigy.

"He had a good summer, and he needs to be our leader because we've got all new receivers," Eumont said. "He and (running back) Jamias Jones are the only ones with experience on offense."

Harvard-Westlake was 7-4 last year in its final season in the Del Rey League and Northwest Divison before moving up to the Mission League and Western Division. Venice was 10-2 last season and faces three Mission League opponents this season with games against Chaminade on Sept. 16 and St. Francis on Sept. 24.

-- Gerry Gittelson

The Jon Mack era at Crespi begins Friday, and the Celts have a tough opener against visiting Dominguez, one of Southern California's most respected programs. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

The Dons had a lean year or two this past decade, but now that coach Willie Donerson is back, Dominguez is as strong as ever, particularly this season, as most of the top skill players and a bunch of big lineman return after advancing to the section semifinals last year.

Back for Dominguez is top running back Will Gregory (1,350 yards), along with quarterback Chris Brown (1,278 yards passing, eight TDs) and top receiver John Bell (31 receptions); plus, the offensive line averages close to 300 pounds.

The Dons used to be known primarily as a power-pitch team, but over the past couple of seasons they've incorporated a lot of passing, so they're more well-rounded than they used to be.

Crespi's new quarterbck, Kenny Stenhouse, looked sharp over the summer, and he has a top receiver in Devin Lucien. Making his Crespi debut will be offensive lineman Jordan Simmons, a 6-5, 335-pound junior transfer from Dorsey who is a preseason All-Daily News selection.

-- Gerry Gittelson

As far as first impressions go, sophomore quarterback Fabian Alomar didn't disappoint for Canoga Park in a 34-7 season opening nonleague victory against Washington Prep Wednesday.

Alomar completed 11 of 14 passes for 257 yards including two touchdown to lead the Hunters.

Alomar felt right at home throwing tight spirals and hitting receivers in stride after transferring from Montclair Prep over the summer.

"The intensity was there and I felt great," Alomar said. "I am proud of my team. They believe in me and the line protected me well. I worked hard for this and got ready."

Alomar connected with Ryan Thomas on a 47-yard pass play setting the stage for Anthony Bell's 7-yard touchdown run and then hooked up with Randy Uzoma on a 50-yard touchdown giving the Hunters (1-0) a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. Alomar added a 5-yard rushing touchdown for good measure in the second half before leaving the game for good with 7:00 minutes remaining.

"He really throws a nice ball, has the mentality to do it and is only a sophomore," assistant coach Kevin Carlson said.

Canoga Park took advantage of six turnovers, including an interception and fumble revovery by Mike Almodovar.

Bell gained 106 yards on 13 carries and Miguel Rodriguez had an 8-yard touchdown run for Canoga Park. The Hunters totaled 442 yards of offense.

Washington Prep's only score came on a Michael Choice 2-yard run in the fourth quarter against the second string. Choice gained 77 yards on 15 carries.

It wasn't too long ago Guy Landry was playing for Sylmar High.

In fact, in 2008 he was on the same team with Tyler Honeycutt, who is now a sophomore at UCLA.

The 6'7 wing is now playing for the Ivory Coast national team in the FIBA basketball world championships.

Landry has played in all four contests averagong just a shade over 10 points per game.

Landry had nine points, three rebounds and two steals in an 86-47 loss against Turkey; nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in an 83-73 loss against China; 14 points, two rebounds and one assist in a 72-66 loss against Russia; and nine points and two rebounds in a 97-60 loss against Greece.

There could be some tense moments for the Jones family on Dec. 4.

That is when USC visits UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

Malcolm Jones could be playing running back for UCLA. Marshall Jones could be playing safety for USC. Both prepped at Oaks Christian.

If Malcolm breaks open into the secondary, will Marshall try and tackle his little brother or, will Malcolm make Marshall miss on a potential tackle.

I'm glad I'm not a parent in this one.

The football game between Contreras and Van Nuys tonight will be played at Pierce College at 7 p.m.

The bleachers at Van Niys are being worked on.

Asst. principal Lisa Hamilton said the school hopes to be back at Van Nuys Sept. 10

It looks like J.J. DiLuigi will be the feature back for BYU this season, as the junior from Canyon has "pulled away" from the others in competing for the starting job, according to a story in the Deseret News.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Burbank receiver Zack Tomlinson, a sophomore wide receiver, is out for the season because of an ankle injury.

-- Gerry Gittelson