October 2011 Archives

Burroughs baseball coach Eddie Alvarez was fired Monday.

Alvarez was hired last June after the previous coach and three assistants were fired following an incident with alcohol at a tournament during the regular season.

Alvarez was dismissed because of "inconsistent leadership", according to principal Emilio Urioste.

Oaks Christian's Carlos Mendoza, a running back/linebacker who is one of the Southland's top players, hurt his shoulder Friday in a win over Simi Valley, and he is scheduled to undergoe an examination by noted orthopedist Dr. Richard Ferkel today, Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said.

"We're hoping it's not that serious, but it was serious enough for him to be taken out last game to miss the second quarter, the third quarter and the fourth quarter," Redell said. "We'll know more tonight. Hopefully, it's minor. We won't know for sure until x-rays and MRIs and all those things."

Griffen Kramer, a Thousand Oaks quarterback and the son of former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer, died this past weekend.

"His death is a tragic loss for his family and the Lancer family," Thousand Oaks coach Mike Leibin said. "He had an amazing ability to light up the room with is sense of humor."

West Ranch's Ako Kaluna has been offered a scholarship by Hawaii.

Kaluna is a 6-foot-6, 240 pound forward, who moves great.

Kaluna could join former Golden Valley standout Trevor Wiseman in Hawaii.

A young quarterback still trying to traverse his way in the Southern Section's most competitive football division, Devon Dunn grew up Friday.

The junior quarterback for Alemany High completed 18 of 25 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown, and he also rushed for 74 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 30-28 victory over visiting Crespi in a Serra League showdown before a crowd of about 4,000 at Alemany.

"It was Devon's best game all year," Alemany coach Dean Herrington said. "He ran the offense really well. It was a physical game, and he was very strong tonight."

Dunn has passed for 1,891 yards and 17 touchdowns, and he is fearless whenever he tucks the ball and runs - an important attribute at Alemany (6-2, 2-0), a program that always relies heavily on its quarterback.

"I feel great," Dunn said. "This was a big rivalry game, and we showed a lot of determination. It just feels good to come out and beat Crespi. I feel like I played well, and the offensive line did a great job."

The lead changed four times in the second half, and Alemany went ahead for good on John Sanchez's 41-yard field goal with 7 minutes, 37 seconds remaining.
Alemany held Crespi (7-2, 0-2) scoreless in the fourth quarter.

"We made a few mistakes, but the defense put on a lot of pressure tonight," Alemany defensive back DeRon Smith said.

Crespi's standout quarterback Cody Cordell injured his ankle in the first quarter and did not return, replaced by sophomore Brad Kaaya, who completed 6 of 12 for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

"I thought Brad Kaaya came in and played his butt off. He was great," Crespi coach Jon Mack said.

Crespi's Terry Williams rushed for 114 yards in 18 carries, but he was limited to 21 yards in his final nine attempts, as Alemany's swarming defense continued to gain momentum as the evening progressed.

It is homecoming at Birmingham Community Charter High in Lake Balboa and the school has done an excellent job with all activities.

The halftime show was the best.

Fireworks from the West end zone brought the crowd to their feet.

Birmingham is trying to stay in first place with undefeated El Camino Real and set up a huge showdown next week.

The Patriots lead Granada Hills, 14-6.

Trae Smith and Isaiah Hastings will need a solid 24 minutes of play to keep Birmignham ahead.

Birmingham leads Granada Hills, 14-6.

The winner will remain in first place.

El Camino Real 21, Chatsworth 14

Big showdown looming next week. Birmingham at El Camino Real.

Kawan Rally has 187 yards rushing at the half. He is 302 away from breaking the school record.

Taft was leading Cleveland, 17-3 in the first half.

Reigning City Section Player of the Year Jackie Altschuld from El Camino Real is on a visit to perennial NCAA-power Santa Clara this weekend.

Altschuld is only a junior but has offers from Washington, Utah, Arizona St., Clemson, Pepperdine and San Diego.

2011 War on the Floor Fall Showcase Spectacular
Preseason Showcase

Pool A: Sylmar, Chaminade, West Ranch, Burbank
Pool B: Simi Valley, St. Francis, El Camino Real, Paraclete
Pool C: Westlake, Cleveland, Oxnard, Saugus
Pool D: Royal, Crespi, Oaks Christian, Palmdale
Pool E: Moorpark, Birmingham, Providence, Oak Park
Pool F: Newbury Park, Sierra Canyon, Renaissance Academy, LaSalle
Pool G: Fairmont Prep/Sylmar, Camarillo, Bell-Jeff, Calabasas

Saturday October 29
Boys Games at Moorpark High
9 am West Ranch vs. Burbank
10 am Sylmar vs. Chaminade
11 am Saugus vs. Cleveland
12 pm Birmingham vs. Burbank
1 pm Oxnard vs. Saugus
2 pm Royal vs. Oaks Christian
3 pm Westlake vs. Cleveland
4 pm Granada Hills vs. Oaks Christian (girls)
5 pm Palmdale vs. Oaks Christian
6 pm Moorpark vs. Providence
7:15 pm Moorpark vs. Palmdale

Aux. Gym
9 am La Salle vs. Calabasas
10 am Fairmont Prep vs. Bell-Jeff
11 am Sierra Canyon vs. La Salle
12 pm Fairmont Prep vs. Calabasas
1 pm Renaissance Academy vs. Camarillo
2 pm El Camino Real vs. Paraclete
3 pm Royal vs. Birmingham
4 pm Newbury Park vs. Sierra Canyon
5 pm Simi Valley vs. St. Francis
6 pm Sylmar vs. Oak Park

Sunday October 30
Boys Games at Moorpark High
9 am West Ranch vs. Chaminade
10 am St. Francis vs. Paraclete
11 am Sylmar vs. Crespi
12 pm Palmdale vs. West Ranch
1 pm Camarillo vs. Bell-Jeff
2 pm Westlake vs. Saugus
3 pm Simi Valley vs. El Camino Real
4 pm Moorpark vs. Oak Park
5:15 p.m. Providence vs. Oak Park

Aux. Gym
10 am Westlake vs. Oxnard
11 am Chaminade vs. Burbank
12 pm Oxnard vs. Cleveland
1 pm Simi Valley vs. Paraclete
2 pm Oaks Christian vs. Crespi
3 pm Newbury Park vs. La Salle
4 pm Birmingham vs. Providence
5 pm Newbury Park vs. Renaissance Academy

Games at Royal High
10 am Royal vs. Camarillo
11 am Chaminade vs. Oaks Christian (girls)
12 pm Chaminade vs. Granada Hills (girls)
1 pm El Camino Real vs. St. Francis
2 pm St. Bonaventure vs. Granada Hills (girls)
3 pm Sierra Canyon vs. Renaissance Academy
4 pm Calabasas vs. Bell-Jeff

Devon Dunn was hot in the first half, helping Alemany to a 21-15 lead. He completed 10 of 12 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown, and he also carried eight times for 51 yards and two touchdowns.

Crespi scored first, driving 68 yards in five plays, as Terry Williams broke off runs of 38 and 27 yards to set up Cody Cordell's 1-yard touchdown run.

Alemany answered by driving 80 yards on six plays, as Dunn completed four passes for 69 yards before scoring on a 6-yard keeper.

After a failed Crespi field goal attempt, Alemany was busy again, driving 80 yards on 10 plays. Steven Mitchell reeled off a 27=yard run and caught a 16-yard pass to set up Dunn's 23-yard touchdown pass to Corey Sims to stake a 14-6 lead.

Brad Kaaya replaced Cordell in the second quarter, engineering a nine-play, 80-yard drive culminating with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Chris Harper.

Alemany continued to reel off big plays on its next possession, scoring on a four-play, 72-yard drive, as Dunn had a 29-yard run and a 28-yard completion to Devon Ross to set up an 11-yard keeper for another touchdown to push Alemany's lead to 21-12.

Crespi's Patrick Cassley hit a 47-yard field goal with four seconds left before halftime.

Xavier Menifield and Danny Jordan each rushed for two touchdowns and Div. I-bound quarterback Tyler Stewart threw two touchdown passes to lead Sierra Canyon in a 42-8 Alpha League victory at Brentwood.

Menifield had 140 yards on only seven carries and Stewart completed 13 of 17 passes for 173 yards.

All the starters were out in the fourth quarter when Brentwood's Etienne Tremblay plunged in from 1-yard out for the Eagles only touchdown.

The Trailblazers improved to 8-0 and 5-0 with a monster showdown next Saturday against East Valley Division contender Paraclete at Granada Hills High.

The game will be a rematch of last years regular season and championship games both won by the Spirits.

Sierra Canyon is trying to run the table for a 14-0 season and clinch a berth in the small-schools state bowl game.

Paraclete would like nothing more than ruin the Trailblazers dream season.

Sierra Canyon will be without top kick returner Kieran Yancy, who suffered a fractured leg against Campbell Hall and top wide receiver Julian Brooks is doubtful with a right big-toe injury.

Brooks did not play against Brentwood and was on the sidelines in a walking-boot.

It's a big Serra League showdown tonight at Alemany between the host Warriors and visiting Crespi, and spectators are arriving in preparation for the kickoff in about 20 minutes or so. Alemany spoiled Crespi's homecoming last year with an 11-point win, and tonight the Celts are looking to avenge that loss -- and to rebound from a loss to Bishop Amat last week.

Should be lots of scoring. I'll update when I can.

Recurring speculation that Oaks Christian's Jordan Payton would announce his college choice Thursday or Friday is not true.

Payton checked in Thursday, and though one Oaks Christian source says it's all but a done deal Payton will end up at Notre Dame, the prized receiver says it's still between the Fighting Irish, Michigan and Cal.

"It's still going to take a little bit of time," Payton said.

Burroughs, which has won 16 consecutive matches and secured its first Pacific League title since 2007, will look to continue its success Friday and Saturday at the 16-team Crescenta Valley tournament.

Burroughs, led by senior Megan Stephenson, is in the same pool as Oak Park, Eagle Rock and Alta Loma when play begins at 3 p.m. Friday.

Hart is paired with South Pasadena, Maranatha and Crescenta Valley White.

Taft is matched up with Pasadena Poly, Righetti and Pasadena.

Van Nuys will compete against South Hills, L.A. Baptist and Crescenta Valley Blue.

The top eight teams will compete in the gold division playoffs beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, with the final scheduled for approximately 3 p.m.

Saugus, the two-time defending champion, is competing in the Redondo Power Classic this weekend, so there will be a new champ crowned.

The four-team pools have been determined for the Redondo Power Classic, and one of the biggest showdowns on Friday's schedule is the rematch between area volleyball powers Saugus and Oaks Christian in pool that also includes Flintridge Sacred Heart, with all matches at West Torrance High.

Oaks Christian defeated Saugus 25-22 in the San Luis Obispo tournament final Sept. 10.

Neither team has lost a match since, with Saugus winning 48 of 51 games -- including Thursday's Foothill League sweep of Golden Valley -- highlighted by its own tournament title Sept. 24.

Oaks Christian remained unbeaten since a season-opening loss Sept. 1 to Buena following Thursday night's four-game Tri-Valley League victory at La Reina. Since defeating Saugus, the Lions have won 46 of 50 games.

Although local programs Granada Hills, La Canada and West Ranch are also competing in the two-day tournament, Saugus is the lone area team to be seeded at No. 8.

Valencia is competing in a pool with No. 7 Long Beach Poly, along with Peninsula and Palisades at West Torrance.

Granada Hills, which lost to El Camino Real in Thursday's West Valley League showdown, is in the same pool with No. 3 South Torrance, Buena and Harbor at South Torrance.

La Canada and West Ranch will square off Friday in a pool that includes No. 5 Centennial of Bakersfield and La Jolla at El Segundo.

Gold division playoffs, featuring the top 16 teams, will take place Saturday at both Redondo Union and South Torrance, with the final scheduled for approximately 3 p.m. at Redondo Union.

> Saturday October 29
> Boys Games at Moorpark High
> 9 am West Ranch vs. Burbank
> 10 am Sylmar vs. Chaminade
> 11 am Saugus vs. Cleveland
> 12 pm Sylmar vs. Burbank
> 1 pm Oxnard vs. Saugus
> 2 pm Royal vs. Oaks Christian
> 3 pm Westlake vs. Cleveland
> 4 pm Granada Hills vs. Oaks Christian (girls)
> 5 pm Palmdale vs. Oaks Christian
> 6 pm Moorpark vs. Providence
> 7:15 pm Moorpark vs. Palmdale
>
> Aux. Gym
> 9 am La Salle vs. Calabasas
> 10 am Fairmont Prep vs. Bell-Jeff
> 11 am Sierra Canyon vs. La Salle
> 12 pm Calabasas vs. Fairmont Prep
> 1 pm Renaissance Academy vs. Camarillo
> 2 pm El Camino Real vs. Paraclete
> 3 pm Royal vs. Birmingham
> 4 pm Newbury Park vs. Sierra Canyon
> 5 pm Simi Valley vs. St. Francis
> 6 pm Birmingham vs. Oak Park
>
> Sunday October 30
> Boys Games at Moorpark High
> 9 am West Ranch vs. Chaminade
> 10 am St. Francis vs. Paraclete
> 11 am Sylmar vs. Crespi
> 12 pm Sylmar vs. West Ranch
> 1 pm Camarillo vs. Bell-Jeff
> 2 pm Westlake vs. Saugus
> 3 pm Simi Valley vs. El Camino Real
> 4 pm Moorpark vs. Oak Park
> 5:15 p.m. Providence vs. Oak Park
>
> Aux. Gym
> 10 am Westlake vs. Oxnard
> 11 am Chaminade vs. Burbank
> 12 pm Oxnard vs. Cleveland
> 1 pm Simi Valley vs. Paraclete
> 2 pm Oaks Christian vs. Crespi
> 3 pm Newbury Park vs. La Salle
> 4 pm Birmingham vs. Providence
> 5 pm Newbury Park vs. Renaissance Academy
>
> Games at Royal High
> 10 am Royal vs. Camarillo
> 11 am Oaks Christian vs. Chaminade (girls)
> 12 pm Chaminade vs. Granada Hills (girls)
> 1 pm El Camino Real vs. St. Francis
> 2 pm St. Bonaventure vs. Granada Hills (girls)
> 3 pm Sierra Canyon vs. Renaissance Academy
> 4 pm Calabasas vs. Bell-Jeff

After leading the La Canada boys' soccer team to a 24-1-2 record, a Rio Hondo League title and an appearance in the Southern Section Div. V quarterfinals last season, Barry Ritson has resigned as Spartans head coach to pursue other professional opportunities.

Ritson, also the director of coaching for Los Angeles Premier Futbol Club, guided La Canada to a 47-4-3 record in two seasons after coaching the Mayfield girls' soccer team from 2005-09.

No candidates to replace Ritson have been named. With the season scheduled to begin in less than five weeks, La Canada will be expeditious in its search to find a successor for Ritson, who replaced Jordan Jones following the 2008-09 season.

There are plenty of good girls' volleyball matches in the region Thursday

Oaks Christian at La Reina, 6 p.m.

The Lions, who have won 21 in a row, are going for an undefeated run through Tri-Valley League play. La Reina is going for a share of first place.

El Camino Real at Granada Hills, 4 p.m.

The West Valley League championship is up for grabs. ECR grabs a share of first place with a victory. Granada Hills wants an undefeated league championship.

The teams are expected to be seeded 1-2 in the City Section Div. I playoffs.

West Ranch at Valencia, 6 p.m. (Vikings need win to secure second place in Foothill League behind Saugus)

Royal at Thousand Oaks, 6 p.m. (Lancers close with three straight road matches in pursuit of undefeated Marmonte League record)

Pacifica at Camarillo, 6 p.m. (Scorpions have won 25 consecutive Pacific View League matches and seek back-to-back outright championships with victory)

Saugus at Golden Valley, 5 p.m. (Centurions look to punctuate first Foothill League title since 2001)

Notre Dame at Louisville, 6:30 p.m. (After securing first Mission League title since 1991, Knights can't afford letdown against Louisville, which is tied for second)

The 2011-2012 girls basketball season is right around the corner

Which teams are the area's best?

Here a few in no particular order.

Alemany
Chaminade
Oaks Christian
Canyon
Agoura
El Camino Real
Harvard-Westlake
Bell-Jeff
Sierra Canyon
Saugus
Monroe
Chatsworth
Thousand Oaks
Antelope Valley

It could be a big week for El Camino Real's Kawan Rally.

The senior running back is only 489 yards away from breaking Ra'Shon Harper's school record of 4,301 yards rushing.

Rally also only needs three touchdowns to break Harper's record of 58.

Rally will try and accomplish the impressive feats Friday at Chatsworth.

The touchdown mark is more likely.

Coach Kevin Williams would need to leave Rally in the entire game and keep feeding him the ball to get the rushing mark this week.

Two time all-city pitcher Karyn Wright of El Camino Real has committed to Portland State following a weekend visit.

Wright, a right-hander, hopes to lead the Conquistadores to a City title this upcoming season after ECR lost to Carson in May in the championship game at Cal State Northridge.

Wright, who went 24-4 as a junior with a 0.84 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 174 innings, will sign a letter of intent next week during the fall early signing period.

One of the best players in the Mission League has made her college decision.

Chaminade forward Annie Tarakchian has committed to Princeton.

Tarakchian led the Eagles to a Div. IV-A semifinal berth last year, as well as an appearance in the state playoffs.

Tarakchian, who averaged 16.5 points and 14.4 rebounds as a junior, had offers from several Pac-12 schools, including Washington, Arizona State and Utah.

Tarakchian, who could be a future college teammate of former Harvard-Westlake standout Nicole Hung, is glad she knows where she will be attending college, but is looking forward to two big Mission League showdowns with a revamped Alemany team this season.

Tyler Foreman, a junior safety for Crespi, has been offered by Arizona State.

Defending Northern Division champion Oaks Christian's 24-17 win Friday over Thousand Oaks was closer than expected, but Oaks Christian linebacker Cole Taylor said that's just what the Lions needed heading into the final stretch.

"Games like that are good for us sometimes," Taylor said. "They keep us in check and remind us that the Marmonte League is not an easy league. We just need to keep making adjustments and to keep the intensity up."

One week after wrestling away first place in the Foothill League with a 34-7 win over Canyon, Valencia (4-3, 2-) has another big game at 7:30 p.m. Friday against arch-rival Hart (5-2, 1-1) at College of the Canyons.

"Against Canyon, our team pulled together, executed on all cylinders and pulled out a huge win against a great team," Valencia linebacker Ryan Gorman said. "That said, we need to move on. Hart is next, our cross-town rivals, and they're in for a tough game. We will bring our best."

The annual Daily News All-Star Football Game is scheduled for Jan. 15 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. Jon Ellinghouse of Sierra Canyon is coaching the West, and Vic Eumont of Harvard-Westlake is coaching the East.

Christian Tago, a three-year starting quarterback for Highland who has thrown for 1,239 yards and 15 touchdowns in six games, has verbally committed to San Jose State.

2011 Northeast Valley boys' basketball tournament

Nov. 28-Dec. 3

Pool A: Annenberg, Community Harvest, Fulton Prep
Pool B: Valley Alternative, Hillcrest Christian/G. Hills, Highland Hall
Pool C: East Valley, A.G.B.U. (Canoga Park), Academia Avance
Pool D: Vaughn, Central City Value, Ivy Academia

Monday Nov. 28
Games at Vaughn
Central City Value vs. Ivy Academia, 4 p.m.
Annenberg vs. East Valley, 5:30 p.m.
Hillcrest Chr. vs. Vaughn, 7 p.m.

Games at Fulton Prep
Highland Hall vs. Valley Alternative, 4 p.m.
A.G.B.U. vs. Academia Avance, 5:30 p.m.
Community Harvest vs. Fulton Prep, 7 p.m.

Tuesday Nov. 29
Games at Vaughn
East Valley vs. A.G.B.U., 4 p.m.
Valley Alternative vs. Hillcrest Chr, 5:30 p.m.
Central City Value vs. Vaughn, 7 p.m.

Games at Fulton Prep
Ivy Academia vs. Highland Hall, 4 p.m.
Community Harvest vs. Annenberg, 5:30 p.m.
Academia Avance vs. Fulton Prep, 7 p.m.

Wednesday Nov. 30
Games at Vaughn
Ivy Academia vs. Vaughn, 4 p.m.
A.G.B.U. vs. Community Harvest, 5:30 p.m.

Games at Fulton Prep
Academia Avance vs. East Valley, 4:15 p.m.
Valley Alternative vs. Central City Value, 5:45 p.m.
Annenberg vs. Fulton Prep, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday Dec. 1
Highland Hall vs. Hillcrest Chr. @Vaughn, 5:30 p.m.

Friday Dec. 2
Consolation games at both gyms 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Semifinals at both gyms at 7 p.m.

Saturday Dec. 3
Games at Vaughn
4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., championship game 7 p.m.

Games at Fulton Prep
11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. (all consolation games)

Monica Jackson will not be playing for the Pierce College women's basketball team this season.

Jackson, who attended Chatsworth High and was the state's second leading scorer at just under 30 points per game last year as a freshman for the Brahmas, got into an altercation with another female near campus, and subsequently got into a physical altercation with an officer from the school-based sheriff's department.

Jackson was a lightning rod for Pierce last year.

Jackson was MVP of the Western State Conference and a second-team all-state selection.

The Pasadena tournament is schedule for Nov. 28-Dec. 3 and looks terrific.

President's Division

Monday Nov. 28 @ Pasadena H.S.

3:30 Corona Roosevelt vs L.B Jordan
5:00 Ribet Academy vs Leuzinger
6:30 LaVerne Lutheran vs Cleveland
8:00 Arroyo Valley vs Pasadena

Tuesday Nov. 29 @ Pasadena H.S.

3:30 Etiwanda vs Cajon
5:00 Canyon Springs vs Chino Hills
6:30 Washington Prep vs Sylmar
8:00 Price vs Birmingham

The Bell-Jeff boys' basketball program is holding a varsity tournament Dec. 20-23.

The tournament needs two teams to complete a 12-team field.

Here are the 10 teams schedule to participate.

Arleta
Cleveland
Fremont
L.A. Jordan
Roybal
Manual Arts
Hollywood
Gardena
Sylmar
Bell-Jeff

Contact Julian Andrade
coachjulian@msn.com

Friday was a rough night for injuries, but the good news is what was feared to be a serious neck injury to Crespi linebacker Corey Peoples has turned out to be just a scare, Crespi coach Jon Mack said.

Peoples was taken by ambulance to a hospital after going down in the fourth quarter of a 28-14 loss to visiting Bishop Amat, but Mack said a CAT scan proved negative and that Peoples had feeling in his extremities.

"He's OK. It was just a bad scare," Mack said.

Crespi quarterback Cody Cordell, coming off an ankle injury, also left because of a new injury, but Mack said Cordell was just "dinged up" and is OK.

Drew Wolitarsky, Canyon's star receiver, appeared to be in a lot of pain after injuring his leg in the fourth quarter in a 34-7 loss at Valencia, and the injury turned out to be just a bruise. It's unclear if Wolitarsky will miss a game.

Meanwhile, Sierra Canyon standout receiver/defensive back Julian Brooks, an Arizona commit, is out for at least a week because of a foot injury suffered in a win over Campbell Hall, Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse said. Plus, Sierra Canyon return specialist Kieran Yancy broke his leg and is out for the year, and Campbell Hall receiver Jared Harper also broke his leg

Having never finished better than third in the Golden League since joining in 2007, Eastside continues to impress. The Lions (4-3, 4-0) won their fourth league game without a loss by coming from 21 points down in a 56-34 victory at Antelope Valley.

Kevin Teate and Daniel Bernard both rushed for more than 200 yards, as Eastside amassed a school-record 534 yards rushing.

That's all well and good, but Eastside's toughest challenges lie ahead. The underdog Lions play Friday at Highland (5-1, 3-1), then comes Quartz Hill (6-1, 4-0) and Palmdale (3-4, 2-2).

Burroughs' Zander Anding needs one more 300-yard performance to tie Tyler Ebell's state record of five in a row (Ventura, 2000).

Anding, a senior first-year starter, has rushed for 1,901 yards in 154 carries - an average of 12.3 per carry - and he has scored 25 touchdowns, four shy of Dominique Barnes' 2008 school record of 29.

"It's pretty nice," Burroughs coach Keith Knoop said.

Oaks Christian was gimpy by the end of a 24-17 win at Thousand Oaks, as star running back/defensive back Ishmael Adams (ankle) did not play, and fellow multi-purpose standout Jordan Payton was relegated to defense-only in the second half because an ankle injury.

Yet the visiting Lions still had Carlos Mendoza, like the others an impact player on both sides of the ball - plus he is a top punter - and Mendoza's presence was the difference in a Marmonte League showdown was closer than expected. Mendoza rushed for 238 yards on 28 carries, including second-half touchdowns of 73 and 79 yards, plus he averaged 41.0 yards on four punts, and was a force at linebacker.

"We've been working really hard, and we're determined to keep winning each and every week," Mendoza said.

What's going on at Notre Dame? A season filled with so much promise after winning all five nonleague games is falling apart after the Knights (5-3) fell to 0-2 in Serra League competition after a 27-14 loss to Loyola at L.A. Valley College - Notre Dame's fifth league loss over past six since star quarterback Ryan Kasdorf graduated two years ago.

Notre Dame has a bye, and the Knights need to find their groove or risk not making the playoffs for the second year in a row after a string of 18 consecutive postseason appearances.

"We need to get healed up and to recover from injuries and to fix some technique issues for all positions," defensive back Kevin Carrasco said. "Then we have Bishop Amat coming up, and that's going to be another tough game and another must-win."

After defeating Calabasas 37-13, Newbury Park (3-4) is still clinging to playoff hopes, as the Panthers are trying to maneuver their way through the high-powered, 10-team Marmonte League, in which half don't make the playoffs.

With three games left, the Panthers still must face leaders Westlake and Oaks Christian, but for now Newbury Park is savoring its success after finishing 3-7 last season, one game out of the cellar.

"It was a nice win against Calabasas," Newbury Park coach Gary Fabricius said. "We played well in all phases - offense, defense and special teams."

It's back to the drawing board for Taft. After advancing to the City Section Div. I quarterfinals or further in each of the past four seasonws, the Toreadors continue to struggle under new coach Chris Rizzo, losing 20-14 to Birmingham on a long touchdown with five seconds left.

Taft (1-6) has given up an average of more than 35 points a game - a far cry from last year's team that featured record-setting quarterback Michael Bercovici (now at Arizona State) and defensive lineman Antwaun Woods (now at USC).

"Our kids played with passion and fought until the end," Rizzo said. "As disappointing as it was not to get the win, it's a performance we can learn from and build on."

DAILY NEWS TOP 20

1. Westlake (7-0) - DB Dashon Hunt: 'It was a great win over Moorpark'

2. Oaks Christian (5-2) - Losses to opponents with combined 15-0 record

3. Chaminade (6-1) - St. Francis matchup fourth home game in row

4. Alemany (5-2) - WR Jerico Richardson: 'Our best is coming. I can feel it'

5. Crespi (6-2) - Coach Jon Mack: 'We have got to bounce back'

6. Valencia (4-3) - Would be shock if Vikes don't win 3rd Foothill title

7. Canyon (6-1) - Looks to bounce back from Valencia loss

8. St. Francis (6-1) - Must upset Chaminade to keep Mission hopes

9. Notre Dame (5-3) - Idle following three consecutive losses

10. Quartz Hill (6-1) - Rebels have won five in a row

11. Thousand Oaks (5-2) - Coach Mike Leibin: 'Huge missed opportunity vs. Oaks'

12. Moorpark (4-3) - Only one win over a .500 opponent

13. Highland (5-1) - Showdown vs. upstart Eastside a must-win situation

14. Saugus (4-3) - Coach Jason Bornn: 'A man can only lose if he quits or dies'

15. Hart (5-2) - After costly Saugus loss, toughest games lie ahead

16. Sierra Canyon (7-0) - Ho hum, another easy win over iffy opponent

17. Harvard-Westlake (4-3) - Did someone get the license number of that truck?

18. El Camino Real (6-1) - With nearly 1,700 yards, RB Kawan Rally is spectacular

19. Birmingham (5-2) - Has yet to lose to a City Section opponent

20. Burroughs (4-3) - Guess who is going to see the football

UNSUNG HERO

Chris Hamilton, DB, Saugus - Hamilton, a freshman, came through with a key interception late in the third quarter in a 24-10 win over Hart at College of the Canyons, as the Centurions forced three turnovers in defeating the Indians for the third time over the past four seasons.

"That was pretty big. Chris is just 14 years old, but he's the real deal," Saugus coach Jason Bornn said. "He's smart, and he's physically mature beyond his years."

TOP PERFORMANCES

Alex Ball, PK, Westlake - Ball kicked two field goals, including a 45-yarder, in a 34-13 win at Moorpark, giving him 15 field goals, including eight over the past three games. With three weeks remaining in the regular season, Ball has 32 career field goals, one shy of the state record.

Isaiah Hastings, RB, Birmingham - Hastings took a short pass and scored on a 50-yard touchdown with five seconds remaining in a dramatic 20-14 win at archrival Taft.

Travis Valdez, QB, Camarillo - Valdez passed for 389 yards and seven touchdowns in a 58-14 win at Hueneme. Overall, Valdez has 16 touchdown passes - all over the past three games -- and receiver Jake Maulhardt (nine catches, 138 yards, two touchdowns) has 90 receptions.

All games Friday

Valencia (4-3) vs. Hart (5-2) at College of the Canyons, 7:30 p.m. - This is always an intense rivalry, but lately the gap is widening, as Valencia has won two Foothill League titles in a row, while Hart, coming off an upset loss to Saugus, missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 22 years and could be in danger of again falling out of postseason contention.

"Hart is our cross-town rivals, and they're in for a tough game," Valencia LB Ryan Gorman said. "We will bring our best."

Crespi (6-2) at Alemany (5-2), 7 p.m. - Two of the San Fernando Valley's proudest private-school programs go head to head in a key Serra League showdown, and Crespi needs to pull a road win to stay in the title hunt after losing to Bishop Amat.

"We need to eliminate our mistakes and not only want to win in our hearts but also show it on the field," Crespi LB Lawrence Wilkerson said.

St. Francis (6-1) at Chaminade (6-1), 7:30 p.m. - Some of the luster was removed after St. Francis lost a Mission League game Friday to Serra, but there is still a lot on the line in this attractive matchup pitting Chaminade star RB Terrell Newby (981 yards, 16 TDs) against St. Francis' swarming defense.

"We know St. Francis has a lot of veteran guys, and they're physical, so we are going to have to have a good week of practice."

There is no stopping the high-powered Sierra Canyon football team.

The Trailblazers are looking forward to a small-schools state bowl bid and are leaving nothing to chance.

Xavier Menifield rushed for 156 yards on nine carries with three touchdowns and caught a 78-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Stewart in a 33-0 Alpha League victory against Campbell Hall at Birmingham High.

Stewart completed 7 of 13 passes for 138 yards. Stewart has scholarship offers from San Jose St and Bowling Green with Boston College showing interest.

However, Arizona-bound receiver Julian Brooks and sophomore Keiran Yancy both left the game with injuries.

Brooks sustained a possible broken right toe in the first quarter and Yancy was transported by ambulance to Valley Presbyterian hospital with a compound leg injury.

Campbell Hall twice failed to score in the red zone and dropped its third consecutive game after starting the season 5-0.

The Vikings were hit by the injury bug, as well.

Jared Harper suffered a gruesome right leg injury much like Yancy and was transported to a hospital by ambulance.

Sierra Canyon must still get past nemesis Paraclete and possibly have to beat the Spirits twice if both advance to the East Valley Division championship.

Sierra Canyon hosts Paraclete on Nov. 5 at Granada Hills High.

The game will likely decide the Alpha League championship and No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

Montclair Prep canceled athletics during the summer, leaving several coaches without work.

Many have resurfaced.

Rick Weber is the new baseball coach at Sierra Canyon, girls' basketball coach Bob Webb is the J.V. girls' basketball coach at Albert Einstein Academy of Santa Clarita, asst. boys' basketball coach Mike Edwards is the head coach at Bassett of City of Industry asst. baseball coach Rocco Barille is the head coach at New Jewish Community of West Hills.

It looks as though former boys' basketball coaches Greg Patterson and Howard Abrams will take a year off but plan to be coach in the future.

Refusing to be intimidated by a Canyon High team that had won its first six games by an average margin of nearly 40 points, Valencia gave new meaning Friday to the phrase "it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game."

Valencia came into the Foothill League showdown with a .500 record, having lost to three high-powered nonleague opponents, while visiting Canyon was riding high but was still waiting to prove itself against a top opponent.

The host Vikings jumped all over the Cowboys, surging to quick 14-point lead in a 34-7 win that gives two-time league champion Valencia an inside track with three games remaining.

Valencia (4-3, 2-0) limited Canyon to 224 yards - about half the Cowboys' average - and forced three turnovers in winning its fifth in a row over the Cowboys (6-1, 1-1) since 2006, all by decisive margins.

"We came out banging. We came out rolling," Valencia defensive back Edmund Darko said.

Valencia's Jake Solley rushed for 139 yards in 18 carries, and Sean Murphy completed 7 of his first 8 passes, finishing 12 of 19 for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Murphy also scored a touchdown, and Brett Schreiber added two field goals.

"Our defense played great. We shut them down over the last three quarters," Valencia defensive back Tedric Thompson said. "Our defensive line was great. The put on a lot of pressure."
Canyon quarterback Jonathan Jerozal came in with 1,651 yards passing and 19 touchdowns, but the senior had not seen a defense this season like Valencia's. He completed 13 of 26 for 186 yards and no touchdowns with two interceptions on a night when Canyon never seriously threatened after falling behind by two touchdowns.

"We got outcoached and outplayed," Jerozal said. "We came out and underestimated Valencia a little bit. We thought we were well-prepared, but obviously that wasn't the case."

Drew Wolitarsky, Canyon's heralded receiver, was limited to four receptions for 86 yards, and the junior was knocked out of the game in the second half after suffering an apparent leg injury.

Canyon is doing a number on Valencia, leading 24-7 at halftime.

Valencia went right to work, driving 80 yards on 11 plays to jump to a 7-0 lead on Sean Murphy's 1-yard touchdown run. The key plays included Jake Solley's 43 yards rushing on five carries in addition to a 19-yard pass from Murphy to Malik Townsend.

Canyon went three-and-out, then Valencia scored another touchdown, driving 50 yards in five plays, as Townsend scored on a 29-yard pass from Murphy to make it 14-0.

Sparked by a 50-yard kick return by Max Archuleta to the Valencia 48, Canyon pulled to within in a touchdown, as Jonathan Jerozal found Drew Wolitarsky on an 18-yard pass to the Valencia 12, and Jerozal scored two plays later on a 1-yard run.

Valencia scored on its third consecutive possession, driving 80 yards in 10 plays, including three Murphy completions for 25 yards to help set up Cody Anciano's 18-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 21-7.

Schreiber added a 19-yard field goal to give Valencia a 24-7 halftime lead.

Jordan Simmons, a top offensive lineman for Crespi who is among California's most heavily recruited prospects, has committed to USC, according to school spokesman Paul Rawate.

Kickoff is approaching at Valencia High, and there is electricity in the air as the host Vikings prepare for a crucial Foothill League showdown against visiting Canyon -- as the league's two clear favorites go head to head in game that figures to all but decide the eventual league champion.

Canyon (6-0) loves to score but has not played a top opponent. Valencia (3-3) has lost three times to opponents ranked among the top 30 in the state, so no one is sure exactly what to expect.

Ishmael Adams, a top running back and defensive back for Oaks Christian who is among California's top recruits, injured his ankle in practice and is slated to miss two games, coach Bill Redell said.

"He stepped in a little sprinkler hole," Redell said.

2011 Simi Valley tournament
Nov. 29-Dec. 3

First round Tue., Nov. 29
Games at Camarillo High
El Camino Real vs. Verdigo Hills, 3:30 p.m.
West Ranch vs. Ventura, 5 p.m.
Besant Hill vs. Camarillo, 6:30 p.m.
Westlake vs. Golden Valley, 8 p.m.

Games at Simi Valley High
Dos Pueblos vs. Highland, 3;30 p.m.
Chatsworth vs. Valencia, 5 p.m.
Simi Valley vs. Sun Valley, 6:30 p.m.
Sierra Canyon vs. Rio Mesa, 8 p.m.

2011 Campbell Hall tournament

Nov. 28-Dec. 3

Pool A: Campbell Hall, Blair, Poly, Hoover
Pool B: Calabasas, LaSalle, University (L.A.), Canoga Park

Monday Nov. 28
Blair vs. Poly, 4p.m.
LaSalle vs. Calabasas, 5:30 p.m.
Campbell Hall vs. Hoover, 7 p.m.

Tue. Nov. 29
University vs. Canoga Park, 4 p.m.
Hoover vs. Blair, 5:30 p.m.
Campbell Hall vs. Poly, 7 p.m.

Wed. Nov. 30
University vs. La Salle, 5:30 p.m.
Calabasas vs. Canoga Park, 7 p.m.

Thur. Dec. 1
Poly vs. Hoover, 5:30 p.m.
Campbell Hall vs. Blair, 7 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 2
Canoga Park vs. La Salle, 5:30 p.m.
Calabasas vs. University, 7 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 3
7th place game, 12:30 p.m.
5th place game, 2 p.m.
3rd place game, 3:30 p.m.
championship, 5 p.m.

It's tough at Sylmar under first-year coach Andy Kasek, who has confirmed that 10 players have quit the team in the wake of a homecoming loss Friday to Van Nuys.

"Our roster has gone from 38 to 28," Kasek said. "To be totally honest, there is a total lack of accountability -- some of it comes down from the parents and alumni. When we win, these kids think it's all about them, and when we lose, they think it's everyone else's fault. It's enough to create a headache. ... I can't coach kids like that."

Kasek said he does not expect any of the players who quit to rejoin the team. Sylmar (2-4) plays at Canoga Park at 7 p.m. Friday.

With three consecutive 300-yard rushing performances, Burroughs' Zander Anding has gone where few, if any, local running backs have gone before - especially at a large school.

No one keeps track meticulous statistics of such streaks, but you can bet what Anding has accomplished is very rare.

In six games, Anding has rushed for 1,515 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, and after an 0-3 start, Burroughs (3-3, 3-0) is in sole possession of first place in the Pacific League.

"He's by far one of the best athletes ever at Burroughs, and that's in every sport - he's also a great baseball player, and I'm trying to get him to run track because I think he would be the fastest in the league."

Anding is the star attraction, but having been raised with two younger brothers by a single mom, the senior first-year starter has a good sense of teamwork. He is quick to credit his offensive linemen such as Gus Ferrat, Thomas Liro and Raul Martinez.

"They have an amazing push, the whole line does," Anding said.

Anding, who is 6-feet-1, 185 pounds and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, twice broke his hand last year, limiting his playing time, though he did manage nine touchdowns in five games.

Knoop said before the season he expected big things - but who could have predicted anything like this?

"We're going to keep feeding him the ball," Knoop said.

After winning its first five games, Notre Dame is coming off two heartbreaking losses, giving up an 11-point lead in a 36-32 loss at Chaminade, then surrendering a 10-point advantage this past Friday in a 28-26 loss at Crespi.

There is no rest for the weary in the Serra League. Notre Dame (5-2, 0-1) plays Loyola (5-1, 0-0) at 7 p.m. Friday at L.A. Valley College, and in a tight five-team league in which three make the playoffs, an 0-2 start could spell disaster.

"I know my team. I believe in our coaches and my teammates," Notre Dame quarterback Kelly Hilinski said. "We will clean up our mistakes and continue to work hard to prepare for Loyola. We will be ready."

Injury-strapped Fulton Prep (0-5), coming off a 2-0 forfeit loss to Douglass this past Saturday, is forfeiting again Friday for a scheduled game at View Park Prep.

"We've got eight guys out, and they're all starters. It's crazy," Fulton Prep coach Sean Jackson said. "It was hard enough when he had them, but we're down to our fifth- and sixth-string guys. We're going to get them back the week after next and try to make a run at it for the last three games. We'll see what happens."

Just about everyone has picked Canyon to win the Foothill League title, and the Cowboys (6-0) play at Valencia (3-3) in a showdown at 7 p.m. Friday that figures to afford the winner an inside track.

Canyon is led by record-setting quarterback Jonathan Jerozal, who passed Nate Longshore with his 63rd career touchdown pass Friday for the most in Cowboys' history.

But if you look closer at the series history since Canyon coach Harry Welch left after the 2006 season, it's easy to pick Valencia. The Vikings have defeated Canyon four years in a row by an average margin of 26.3 points with every win by three touchdowns or more.

Wyoming's Chris McNeill, a former Notre Dame standout, has been named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week.

McNeill returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown, threw a 28-yard touchdown pass and also completed a 2-point conversion pass in Wyoming's 41-14 win over UNLV. McNeill's punt return for a touchdown was the Cowboys' first since 2004 and the first in the Mountain West this season.

The rest of the Mission League should be watching out for Alemany this year and in the future.

New coach Bryan Camacho is not accustomed to losing and the Warriors have some impressive players.

Sophomore forward Hannah Johnson had a terrific summer and freshman Breanna Calhoun could be WNBA-bound, according to Camacho.

"She is special, she is a beast," Camacho said.

Alemany also has senior Alex Moon, junior transfer Leslie Lopez-Wood from Bell-Jeff and freshman Nia Britt.

Britt is a Junior National Champion in the shot put and a hard-working, tremendous athlete.

Britt's relatives, include Kenny Britt on the Tennessee Titans and Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks.

Britt wakes up every morning at 4 a.m. to train with her father and was recently profiled on ABC channel 7 sports report, which can be seen on YouTube.com

DAILY NEWS TOP 20

1. Westlake (6-0) - Has scored four TDs or more every game

2. Oaks Christian (4-2) - DL Marcus Jones is hard to block

3. Chaminade (5-1) - Expect shootout against visiting Harvard-Westlake

4. Crespi (6-1) - Defense is much more physical this season

5. Alemany (5-2) - Idle Warriors have two weeks to prepare for Crespi

6. Canyon (6-0) - Saugus coach Bornn on Wolitarsky: "He's real deal'

7. Notre Dame (5-2) - Poor special-teams play very uncharacteristic

8. St. Francis (6-0) - Showed flair for dramatic in win over H.W.

9. Moorpark (4-2) - Showdown vs. Westlake a step-up game

10. Valencia (3-3) - Showdown vs. Canyon could be for all marbles

11. Thousand Oaks (5-1) - Win over Oaks would make Lancers' season

12. Hart (5-1) - Indians have buckled down on defense

13. Quartz Hill (5-1) - In Golden driver's seat after key win over Palmdale

14. Highland (4-1) - Bulldogs off to best start in years

15. Sierra Canyon (6-0) - Hard to rank much higher until S.C. plays someone

16. Harvard-Westlake (4-2) - Needs to prove itself against quality opponent

17. El Camino Real (5-1) - Sticking to formula that works - run, run run

18. Birmingham (4-2) - Would be no surprise if Pats win out from here

19. Burroughs (3-3) - Two-time Pacific champs have won three in row

20. Arleta (5-1) - Mustangs have outscored past three 153-6

UNSUNG HERO

Osirus Burke, RB, Quartz Hill - Burke carried 38 times for 242 yards and four touchdowns in a 27-21 win over visiting Palmdale. Burke, a junior, scored on runs of 6, 1, 13 and 11 yards.

TOP PERFORMANCES

Billy McCreary, PK, St. Francis - McCreary kicked three field goals, including a 37-yarder with two seconds remaining in a 23-20 win over visiting Harvard-Westlake - the second time this season McCreary has come through with a winning field goal in the final seconds.

Tyler Foreman, DB, Crespi - Foreman broke up a potential winning pass in the end zone on fourth down with 50 seconds left to preserve a 28-26 homecoming victory over visiting Notre Dame before a crowd of more than 5,000.

Zander Anding, RB, Burroughs - Anding rushed for 394 yards on 22 carries and scored six touchdowns Thursday in a 70-34 win at Glendale -his third consecutive 300-yard performance and the third time in a row Anding has broke Burroughs' single-game rushing record. He has 1,515 yards and 15 touchdowns, an average of 252.5 yards per game.

BIG GAMES

All games Friday

Canyon (6-0) at Valencia (3-3), 7 p.m. - Don't let the records mislead you. Two-time Foothill champ Valencia has faced tougher competition and perhaps is the favorite despite the fact visiting Canyon is averaging close to 50 points. Look for Valencia, led by DL Billy Shipman, LB Ryan Gorman and DB Tedric Thompson, to do everything possible to make life difficult for Canyon's ultra productive QB Jonathan Jerozal.

Oaks Christian (4-2) at Thousand Oaks (5-1), 7 p.m. - Thousand Oaks coach Mike Leibin says his Lancers don't get enough respect, so this Marmonte showdown is a prime opportunity, as the visiting Lions have won seven section titles over the past seasons and feature some of the Southland's top playmakers in QB Brandon Dawkins, WR Jordan Payton and RB Ishmael Adams. If Thousand Oaks can pull an upset, there will be no denying the Lancers' legitimacy.

Bishop Amat (5-2) at Crespi (6-1), 7 p.m. - After an exciting homecoming win over rival Notre Dame, Crespi looks to parlay the momentum in this key Serra League matchup. Crespi must focus on stopping Bishop Amat RB Jalen Moore, one of the Southern Section's best, and that means LB Lawrence Wilkerson and DBs Tyler Foreman, Brandon Arnold and Noah Ciccel need to step up.

A week after its second-most one-sided defeat in school history (a 43-21 loss to Westlake), Oaks Christian came back strong Friday. The defending Northern Division-champion Lions defeated Royal 50-0 in a Marmonte League game that was not as close as expected.

With seven Southern Section titles over the past eight seasons, Oaks Christian, No. 13 in USA Today's preseason rankings, still has championship aspirations. If the Lions (4-2, 4-1) can defeat Thousand Oaks (5-1, 4-1) on Friday, they should be in good shape.

"It was a big game. We wanted to get the sick feeling out," Oaks Christian receiver Jordan Payton said. "We know we have some tough games ahead."

Added linebacker Cole Taylor: "It was very important for us to get that win and make a statement that we're still here to win. Now it's about execution and consistency to win out."

Meanwhile, Oaks Christian's Brandon Dawkins has already outdone Jimmy Clausen in one department, as the sophomore quarterback set a school single-game record Friday with 387 yards passing, breaking Clausen's mark of 367 against Santa Paula in 2006.

Another intriguing Marmonte matchup Friday is a showdown between Westlake and host Moorpark. Westlake (6-0, 5-0) controls its own destiny because every other program in the league has lost at least once, while Moorpark (4-2, 3-2) is a bubble team that still has to play Oaks Christian.

"We need to have a great week of practice because we're playing a good football team," Westlake defensive back Dashon Hunt said.

They're celebrating at Van Nuys, as the resurgent Wolves (5-2, 1-2) are coming off a 10-7 win at Sylmar that spoiled the Spartans' homecoming.

"I'm not sure exactly how long it's been, but they're telling me it was 1986 the last time Van Nuys beat Sylmar," Van Nuys coach Sean Pollard said. "So to beat them in their house on their homecoming was very gratifying. If we play four quarters of football every week, we're capable of doing things that have never been accomplished in school history."

After an impressive 51-28 win over Saugus to open Foothill competition, high-powered Canyon (6-0, 1-0) faces a bigger challenge Friday at Valencia (3-3, 1-0), an opponent noted for its strong defense.

"We had a lot of emotions flowing against Saugus because we were all pumped to finally play a league game, but Valencia is one of our biggest games of the whole year," Canyon receiver Drew Wolitarsky said.

Grace Brethren (4-2) has yet to defeat a .500 opponent, and the Lancers will be put to the test Friday at distant Mission Prep (5-1) in a nonleague game in San Luis Obispo.

Jack Gilliland, Grace Brethren's standout multi-purpose back, came through with an inspiring performance in 59-17 win over visiting Santa Clara. Grace Brethren was ahead by just one point at halftime, and Gilliland was angry.

"He called out the team at halftime, then he scored three touchdowns in the second half," Grace Brethren coach Josh Henderson said. "I think we grew up a little last night."

Gilliland had seven receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns, and he also returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown and had an interception.

Village Christian is at a turning point under first-year coach Jay Schroeder. The Crusaders (3-4, 0-1) have returned star running back Amjed Aboul-Hosn after advancing to the Mid-Valley Division semifinals last season, but they're struggling, losing four of their last five -- including a last-second 31-24 loss Friday at Cerritos Valley Christian in the Olympic League opener.

It would be one thing if Village Christian was losing to opponents like Concord De La Salle, but Cerritos Valley Christian came in with a 1-5 record.

"It was a truly heartbreaking loss, but on the other hand, we keep getting better," Aboul-Hosn said. "Every week, we get tougher and stronger and harder to beat."

Village Christian has a bye before celebrating homecoming at 1 p.m. Oct. 22 against L.A. Baptist in the annual "Bible Bowl."

Eastside has come out of nowhere to pull into a tie for first place in the Golden League. After scoring a total of three touchdowns in three uninspired nonleague losses, Eastside (3-3, 3-0) has yet to lose a league game after defeating Lancaster 43-0.

"The defense continued to play hard, physical football, and we maintained the shutout with several goal-line stands, including a fourth-and-goal from the one-inch line," Eastside coach Richard Lear said.

Eastside has never finished better than third since joining the Golden League in 2007, and the Lions have never won a league title in football, basketball or baseball.

In another exciting chapter in Crespi High football lore, Tyler Foreman broke up a potential winning fourth-down pass in the end zone with 50 seconds left Friday to preserve a 28-26 win over arch-rival Notre Dame before an capacity homecoming crowd of more than 5,000 at Crespi.

Notre Dame (5-2, 0-1) was down by four points on Crespi's 10-yard line when Kelly Hilinski passed to Sam Robinson, who was hit just as the ball arrived and could not hold on, setting off a huge celebration.

"I saw the slant play, and I knew I had to break it up," Foreman said. "We got the job done tonight. I love it 100 percent. The defense put the team on its back tonight."

Leading 28-24, Crespi (6-1, 1-0) gave up an inconsequential safety in the final seconds to account for the final points in the Serra League opener for both teams.

In a showdown filled with big plays and dramatic twists, Crespi scored two touchdowns on long returns - a 99-yard kick return by Nathan Walker and Noah Ciccel's 40-yard blocked-punt return - and blocked two kicks, as poor special-teams execution by Notre Dame proved a key factor.

"It was a tough game. Crespi is a great team, but mistakes killed us," Notre Dame defensive back Kevin Carrasco said. "We can't have mistakes like that. This league is too competitive."

Notre Dame has won 14 of the past 17 in the series, but Crespi has won two in a row, including a last-second win in the regular-season finale last season that eliminated Notre Dame from playoff contention.

The past three have come down the final seconds, and this time Foreman was the hero.

"He played great pass defense. He's a great football player," Crespi coach Jon Mack said.

Crespi pulled ahead for good on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Cody Cordell to Chris Harper with just over seven minutes left.

Cordell completed 13 of 23 passes for 130 yards, fighting off the effects of a sprained ankle that cost him four practices. The junior has passed for 1,340 yards and 22 touchdowns.

He was picked off twice, and both were returned for touchdowns - a 32-yarder by Carrasco and a 58-yarder by Nick Holland.

Here is the schedule for the first round of the Palisades Beach Invitational Nov. 28-Dec. 3

Palisades vs. Marlborough, Tuesday Nov. 29, 2:15 p.m.
Carson vs. St. Monica, Monday Nov. 28, 5:15 p.m.
Campbell Hall vs. Culver city, Tuesday Nov. 29, 3:45 p.m.
Palos Verdes vs. Locke, Tuesday Nov. 29, 6:45 p.m.

Sierra Canyon vs. Westchester, Monday Nov. 28, 3:45 p.m.
El Camino Real vs. Canoga Park, Monday Nov. 28, 2:15 p.m.
La Salle vs. Marymount, Monday Nov. 28, 6:45 p.m.
Esperanza vs. Calabasas, Tuesday Nov. 29, 5:15 p.m.

An interesting second round matchup could see El Camino Real take on Sierra Canyon.

Sierra Canyon coach Raquel Alotis left ECR to take the job at Sierra Canyon last Spring.

Crespi just scored on a 6-yard pass from Cody Cordell to Chris Harper to stake the Celts to a 28-24 lead over visiting Notre Dame with seven minutes left.

Notre Dame has scored 17 unanswered points, including Kevin Carrasco's 32-yard interception return for a touchdown with 1:16 left in the first half, to lead 17-7 at Crespi.

After missing four practices because of an ankle injury sustained last week in a win over Taft, Crespi quarterback Cody Cordell was cleared Wednesday, and he says he is OK for tonight's game against visiting Notre Dame. Kickoff is in 15 minutes, and Cordell showed no signs of being hurt during warmups despite the fact this is his first time in full pads since the injury.

Cordell has been rehabbing the ankle twice a day since last Friday.

"I think it's pretty good," said team doctor Richard Ferkel of Van Nuys. "I'd say it was a moderate sprain."

Cordell, a junior, has completed 75.3 percent for 1,210 yards and 21 touchdowns to help the Celts to a 5-1 record. Notre Dame is also 5-1, and tonight is the Serra League opener.

The Sierra Canyon girls' basketball team has had much success the past several years, including a Southern Section championship in 2009.

The Trailblazers graduated top players Jasmine Sneed, Kelly Schneider and Tori Wells bur have no intentions of falling apart.

Athletic Director Rock Pillsbury hired former El Camino Real coach Raquel Alotis and the Trailblazers will welcome two outstanding freshman this season.

Kennedy Burke and Cheyenne Wallace are two youngsters to watch out for.

They will join senior forward Toni Oni to help keep Sierra Canyon continue its winning ways.

Burke is the sister of former Notre Dame standout Kody Burke and Wallace is considered one of the areas brightest prospects after almost attending L.A. Baptist.

2011-2012 Daily News girls' basketball preseason all-area selections

Brianna Barrett, Oaks Christian, Sr.
Monet McNally, L.A. Baptist, Sr.
Rishonda Napier, Bell-Jeff, Sr.
Jasmine Smith, Bell-Jeff, Sr.
Annie Tarakchian, Chaminade, Sr.
Lauren Holiday, Campbell Hall, Sr.
Keiona Matthews, Antelope Valley, Sr.
Destini Price, Antelope Valley, Sr.
Kylie Cunningham, Agoura, Sr.
Ayisat Afolabi, Monroe, Jr.
Natalie Florescu, Harvard-Westlake, Jr.
Shannon Kingery, El Camino Real, Sr.
Hannah Johnson, Alemany, Soph.
Kailee Severt, Oaks Christian, Soph.
Alia McCoy, Canyon, Jr.

DAILY NEWS TOP 20

1. Westlake (5-0) - QB Justin Moore directs offense that averages 428 yards

2. Oaks Christian (3-2) - Coach Redell: 'We got beat like red-headed step child'

3. Chaminade (4-1) - If St. Paul is for real, Eagles will be put to test

4. Notre Dame (5-1) - Revenge-hungry Knights seek payback at Crespi

5. Crespi (5-1) - QB Cody Cordell: 'We will rise to the occasion'

6. Alemany (4-2) - Can't let Amat control pace in Serra showdown

7. Canyon (5-0) - Looks to put pinch in Saugus' option offense

8. St. Francis (5-0) - Can Golden Knights stop H.W. QB Chad Kanoff?

9. Moorpark (3-2) - Musketeers need to win 4 of 5 to be in good shape

10. Valencia (2-3) - Watch for better results now that league has started

11. Thousand Oaks (4-1) - Agoura is easy, but then comes Oaks, St. Bonnie

12. Hart (4-1) - Indians riding 4-game winning streak

13. Quartz Hill (4-1) - Showdown vs. Palmdale is key

14. Harvard-Westlake (5-1) - Wolverines look to pull upset over St. Francis

15. Highland (3-1) - After Quartz Hill loss, Bulldogs need to win out

16. Palmdale (2-3) - If Falcons take care of ball, they should be OK

17. Sierra Canyon (5-0) - Would be shock if opponent Marshall scores a TD

18. West Ranch (4-1) - Has had two weeks to prepare for Valencia

19. Saugus (3-2) - Coach Bornn: 'We need to make every play count'

20. Chatsworth (4-1) - Readying for West Valley opener at Birmingham

TODAY

Notre Dame (5-1) at Crespi (5-1), 7 p.m. - Expect emotions to be sky high in this heavily anticipated showdown between arch rivals, as Crespi was the one that eliminated Notre Dame from playoff competition last season by defeating the Knights on a miracle last-second TD in the finale. Crespi loves to pass behind QB Cody Cordell, while Notre Dame is more balanced with fast RB Khalfani Muhammad, so the team that controls the pace could prevail. Notre Dame OL Austin Crist (knee) is definite.

Alemany (4-2) at Bishop Amat (5-1), 7 p.m. - Alemany is capable of scoring TDs in bunches, but in this Serra League showdown, the Warriors' defense will be put to the test against Bishop Amat RB Jalen Moore (1,027 yards, 14 TDs). Look for Alemany LB Bryce Henderson and fast DB Steven Mitchell to make an impact.

Saugus (3-2) at Canyon (5-0), 7:30 p.m. - Canyon is flyin' high with an average of 49.6 points, but the Cowboys face a stiff challenge against the visiting Centurions, as coach Jason Bornn looks to figure out a way to stop Canyon's high-performing trio of QB Jonathan Jerozal, WR Drew Wolitarsky and RB Max Archuleta.

Palmdale (2-3, 1-1) at Quartz Hill (4-1, 2-0), 7 p.m. - Palmdale needs a victory to remain in the hunt for a league title, so the talented but inconsistent Falcons need to execute better if they expect to keep up with a quality opponent. Quartz Hill has an elusive RB in Mario Lodge.

Taft (1-4) at El Camino Real (4-1), 7 p.m. - Taft has been tagged with a series of losses to high-powered opponents, and now there are no excuses, as the visiting Toreadors look to stop El Camino Real RB Kawan Rally (1,159 yards, 14 TDs), one of California's leading rushers.

OTHER GAMES
(all games 7 p.m. unless noted)

Sherman Oaks CES vs. Animo South Los Angeles at Locke HS, 3:00pm
Grant at Sun Valley, 3:00pm
Poly at Arleta, 3:30pm
Monroe at Verdugo Hills
Eagle Rock at Lincoln
Reseda at Canoga Park
San Fernando at Kennedy
Van Nuys at Sylmar
Chatsworth at Birmingham
Cleveland at Granada Hills
Taft at El Camino Real
Calvary Chapel vs. Kilpatrick
Sierra Canyon vs. Marshall (Pasadena) at Chatsworth HS
Desert Christian at Boron
West Ranch at Valencia
Antelope Valley at Littlerock
Eastside vs. Lancaster at Antelope Valley
Highland at Knight
Agoura at Thousand Oaks
Moorpark at Calabasas
Royal at Oaks Christian
Simi Valley at Westlake
St. Bonaventure at Newbury Park
Cathedral at Serra
Whittier Christian vs. L.A. Baptist at Whittier College
Burbank at Arcadia
Crescenta Valley at Pasadena
Muir vs. Hoover at Glendale
Channel Islands at Camarillo
Bell Jeff at Salesian
Santa Paula at Oak Park, 7:30pm
Village Christian at Valley Christian, 7:30pm
Harvard-Westlake at St. Francis, 7:30pm
Bishop Diego vs. Malibu at Santa Barbara City College, 7:30pm
Santa Clara vs. Grace Brethren at Moorpark College, 7:30pm
St. Paul at Chaminade, 7:30pm
Saugus at Canyon, 7:30pm
Golden Valley vs. Hart at College of Canyons, 7:30pm

SATURDAY

Campbell Hall at Brentwood, 2:00pm
Rio Hondo Prep at Viewpoint, 3:30pm
Santa Clarita Christian vs. Crean Lutheran at Canyon
Fulton vs. Douglass at Birmingham

The Sierra Canyon vs. Marshall of Pasadena football game Friday will be played at Chatsworth High.

The game was originally scheduled for Pierce College in Woodland Hills.

The Alpha League game between Sierra Canyon and visiting Marshall of Pasadena on Friday at 7 p.m. has been switched from Pierce College to Chatsworth High.

Cole Huff, a top post player for Campbell Hall, has offers from UC Irvine, Denver, UTEP, Nevada and Pepperdine. He is expected to make a selection in early November, he said.

The annual Moorpark tournament Dec. 5-10 this year needs one team to complete an eight team field.

Moorpark, Oaks Christian, Royal, Notre Dame, Chatsworth, Granada Hills and Sylmar are scheduled to compete.

Contact Eddie Gutierrez for more information.

emg01@msn.com

The kickoff for the Notre Dame at Crespi football showdown Friday in the Serra League opener has been moved up to 7 p.m. instead of 7:30 -- another reason to get to Encino early because a capacity crowd is expected.

New coach Jason Hart at Taft has some big shoes to fill now that former coach Derrick Taylor is at St. John Bosco.

And it is not all about winning championships.

Taylor currently has 15 players that he coached and graduated from Taft on Division I roster for the upcoming college basketball season.

Larry Drew (UCLA)
Justin Hawkins (UNLV)
Eugene Phelps (Long Beach St.)
Garrett Green (LSU)
Michael Williams (San Francisco)
Bryce Smith (Cal St. Northridge)
Jordan Gathers (St. Bonaventure)
Pierson Williams (Loyola of Maryland)
Marc Jackson (Louisville)
Chano Rashiduddin (Arkansas St.)
Kevin Johnson (Seton Hall)
C.J. Blackwell (Loyola Marymount)
Spencer Dinwiddie (Colorado)
De'Andre Daniels (UCONN)
Stephen Maxwell (Cal St. Northridge)

Hart should have no problem sending some players to college if his roster for this season stays intact.

Brandon Perry is already committed to Cal St. Northridge and other college hopefuls include Steven Jones, Shaqquan Aaron, Anthony January, Teyvon Myers and Kris Yanku

Former Sylmar wide receiver Brandon Browner had a day to remeber for the Seattle Seahawks.

Browner is a defensive specialist now and intercepted Eli Manning and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown to seal a 36-25 upset victory against the New York Giants.

Browner graduated from Sylmar in 2002 and went on to Oregon St. wehre he started every game he ever played in after redshirting in 2002.

Hart High is hosting its annual boys' basketball tournament after Christmas.

The tournament needs one team to complete an eight team field.

Teams scheduled to participate are Hart, Camarillo, Glendale, Grant, Littlerock, knight and Reseda.

Contact Tom Kelly for more information

tkelly@hartdistrict.org

It's finally here, the high school football rematch between bitter rivals Crespi and Notre Dame eleven months after Crespi defeated Notre Dame 34-28 on a Stanford-vs.-Cal-style last-second touchdown to knock the Knights out of the playoffs for the first time in more than 20 years.

A capacity crowd in Encino is expected when the teams face off at 7 p.m. Friday at Crespi. It's the Serra League opener plus Crespi's homecoming game.

A lot of the top players from both teams are returning starters, and if ever the emotion can carry over from one season to the next, this is the game.

Notre Dame (5-1) is coming off a tough 36-32 loss Friday at Chaminade, one night before Crespi (5-1) defeated Taft 56-7, so players from both teams got a chance to do their own scouting report this past weekend.

"Our team, coaches included, are taking the aggravating loss from last week's game and the storybook ending against Crespi last year, and it's filling us with emotion and fuel to prepare us for Friday," Notre Dame defensive lineman Brandon Jett said. "I can assure you, it will be an amazing game."

Every game should prove critical in the Serra League, as the five participants have a combined record of 24-6. With only three teams guaranteed a Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoff berth, it's full speed from this point forward.

"This game has been circled on our calendars all year," Notre Dame quarterback Kelly Hilinski said. "Preseason is over, and we have learned from our mistakes. The real season starts Friday. It's time to earn a playoff spot, and it all begins with this game."

Hilinski has passed for 655 yards and five touchdowns, and he has scored five touchdowns. Teammate Khalfani Muhammad has rushed for 744 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, and Jett and defensive back Kevin Carrasco are among the league's most intimidating defenders. Crespi counters with quarterback Cody Cordell, who has completed 75.3 percent for 1,210 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with receivers Chris Harper (22 receptions, 616 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Mike Davison (19 receptions, 223 yards, three touchdowns), All-American offensive lineman Jordan Simmons and returning all-league linebacker Luke Wilkerson.

"We are mentally and physically focused for Notre Dame, and it's going to be a dogfight the whole game," Davison said. "The men will come out victorious."

Can someone explain why Jake Maulhardt, a 6-foot-7 receiver for Camarillo who is among the national leaders with 73 receptions -- including a state-record 28 against Canyon in a 52-28 loss Sept. 23 -- has not received a scholarship offer?

In the past, some internet sites have published Maulhardt has offers from BYU, Colorado and Boise, but he says it's not true.

"I have no idea where they got that or where that came from," Maulhardt said Tuesday. "Some schools have kind of told me they wanted me to go there, but nothing is official."

He took a visit to San Diego State this past weekend, and the Aztecs did not offer, Maulhardt said.

It's not like Maulhardt has come out of nowhere. He had 96 catches last year despite missing two games, and this season Maulhardt is well on pace to surpass 100 and perhaps break the state mark of 122.

"We played a game against Ventura, and every time we lined up, every guy on Ventura would point to me and yell, 'Ball! Ball! Ball!" Maulhardt said. "I get that a lot."

Camarillo coach Dennis Riedmiller can't figure out why USC and UCLA are not pounding on Maulhardt's door and begging the kid to sign.

"I just don't get it," Riedmiller said. "I know UCLA was interested before, but I'm not sure if they are anymore. If it was me, oh my god, I would take Jake Maulhardt any day of the week. I would take him over anyone in Southern California."

Maulhardt is extremely tough for 5-foot-10 cornerbacks to cover one-on-one.

"Most of the teams we've faced try to put their best athlete on Jake, but with his jumping ability, it's like he's 10-feet tall," Riedmiller said. "Plus, he has done a great job to improve his speed. He's not the fastest guy on the team, but he's right there."

Alemany has a tough one in Friday's Serra League football opener. Not only do the Warriors have to win in unfriendly confines at Bishop Amat in La Puente, the team also has to figure out a way to slow Bishop Amat's Jalen Moore, one of California's most talented running backs.

Moore has rushed for 1,012 yards -- one of the few in California to already reach 1,000 -- and last week he carried 38 times for 213 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Venice.

"Jalen Moore is really good. He's the heart and the soul of that team," Alemany coach Dean Herrington said. "He carried 38 times last week, so obviously they want to give him the ball. But they pass the ball well, too, so it's not like we can just zero in on him."

Bishop Amat draws big crowds, and the stadium's tight design includes end zone seats occupied by home fans.

"It's a fun place to play, a pretty rowdy crowd," Herrington said. "There should be a lot of people. It should be fun."

Renard Beavers has been named coach at L.A. Baptist.

Beavers replaces Tim Smith

Moorpark High is hosting a Fall event for boys' basketball the weekend of Oct. 15-16

Here is the schedule

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
MAIN GYM
12:00 PM CHATSWORTH VS. RIO MESA
1:00 PM CHATSWORTH VS. OAK PARK
2:00 PM RIO MESA VS. OAK PARK
3:00 PM MOORPARK VS. BURBANK
4:00 PM ROYAL VS. CANYON
5:00 PM CHAMINADE VS. BURBANK
6:00 PM MOORPARK VS. CANYON
7:00 PM ROYAL VS. CHAMINADE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16
MAIN GYM
1:00 PM CHAMINADE VS. CHATSWORTH
2:00 PM RIO MESA VS. ROYAL
3:00 PM CHAMINADE VS. CANYON
4:00 PM MOORPARK VS. RIO MESA

Auxiliary Gym
1 p.m. Burbank vs. Canyon
2 p.m. Moorpark vs. Oak Park
3 p.m. Burbank vs. Chatsworth
4 p.m. Royal vs. Oak Park

Here are the matchups for the 12th annual Modesto Christian Holiday Hoop Classic.

All first round game are Tuesday Dec. 27

Alemany vs. Turlock, 6 p.m.
Notre Dame vs. University of San Francisco, 4:30 p.m.
El Camino Real vs. Ribet Academy, 9 p.m.
Sylmar vs. Modesto Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Weston Ranch vs. Clovis East, 10:30 a.m.
Central Valley Christian vs. Oakland, 12 p.m.
Burbank (Sacramento) vs. Central (Fresno), 1:30 p.m.
Ripon vs. Bakersfield, 3 p.m.

The Santa Monica tournament is schedued for Dec. 5-10 and it is a good one.

Here are the first round matchups

Loyola vs. Canoga Park, 8 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 6
El Camino Real vs. Eisenhower, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 6
Santa Monica vs. Cleveland, 8 p.m. Monday Dec. 5
Fairfax vs. Palmdale, 6:30 p.m. Monday Dec. 5

Alemany vs. East Bakersfield, 5 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 6
Centennial vs. Palisades, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 6
Windward vs. Chaminade, 5 p.m. Monday Dec. 5
Price vs. Birmingham, 3:30 p.m. Monday Dec. 5

Former Taft guard Michael Williams is having himself quite a nice little career at San Francisco.

The former Daily News Player of the Year racked up some impressive awards last year.

There are four other Southern California players on the team and could be a fifth if Crespi guard London Perrantes commits.

Here is a look at what Williams has accomplished.

It is quite possible Perrantes could have the same success.

2011 All-District 12 Second Team
2011 West Coast Conference All-Tournament Team
2011 All-West Coast Conference First Team

AT USF 2010-11 (14.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG
Registered 74 3-pointers, the second highest tally in program history, one shy of Ali Thomas (1997-01), who tallied 75 as a freshman in 1997-98... ranks 10th in USF career 3-pointers with 103

AT USF 2009-10 (5.5 ppg, 1.30 rpg, 1.54 apg, 0.23 spg)

There have been plenty of Fall league games and showcase events to crack out a top 20 list of area teams for 2011-2012.

Feel free to comment if you agree or disagree.

1. Taft
2. Harvard-Westlake
3. Alemany
4. Crespi
5. Royal
6. Calabasas
7. Crescenta Valley
8. Oaks Christian
9. Village Christian
10. El Camino Real
11. Sierra Canyon
12. Notre Dame
13. Thousand Oaks
14. Campbell Hall
15. Canyon
16. Cleveland
17. Moorpark
18. Saugus
19. Chaminade
20. West Ranch

Others: Simi Valley, Buckley, Providence, Burbank, Kennedy, Chatsworth, Birmingham, Camarillo, Grant

Crespi grad Casey Snow, a former Dodgers draft choice who played five minor league seasons, is among the scheduled inductees Oct. 29 at the annual Crespi Hall of Fame ceremony.

The others are Joe Willging (Crespi Man award), Dave Scheper and Sean Howard (football), Marc Wong (Water Polo), Paul Mokeski (basketball) and Mike Lafemina (soccer).

> 2011 War on the Floor Fall Showcase Spectacular
> Preseason Showcase
>
> Pool A: Taft, Chaminade, West Ranch, Burbank
> Pool B: Simi Valley, St. Francis, El Camino Real, Paraclete
> Pool C: Westlake, Cleveland, Oxnard, Sierra Canyon
> Pool D: Royal, Crespi, Oaks Christian, Palmdale
> Pool E: Moorpark, Birmingham, Providence, Oak Park
> Pool F: Newbury Park, Saugus, Renaissance Academy, LaSalle
> Pool G: Valencia, Camarillo, Bell-Jeff, Calabasas
>
> Saturday October 29
> Boys Games at Moorpark High
> 9 am West Ranch vs. Burbank
> 10 am Taft vs. Chaminade
> 11 am Sierra Canyon vs. Cleveland
> 12 pm Taft vs. Burbank
> 1 pm Oxnard vs. Sierra Canyon
> 2 pm Moorpark vs. Birmingham
> 3 pm Westlake vs. Cleveland
> 4 pm Providence vs. Oak Park
> 5 pm Palmdale vs. Oaks Christian
> 6 pm Moorpark vs. Providence
> 7 pm Granada Hills vs. Oaks Christian (girls)
>
> Aux. Gym
> 9 am Camarillo vs. Calabasas
> 10 am Valencia vs. Bell-Jeff
> 11 am Saugus vs. La Salle
> 12 pm Calabasas vs. Bell-Jeff
> 1 pm Renaissance Academy vs. La Salle
> 2 pm El Camino Real vs. Paraclete
> 3 pm Royal vs. Palmdale
> 4 pm Newbury Park vs. Saugus
> 5 pm Simi Valley vs. St. Francis
> 6 pm Birmingham vs. Oak Park
>
> Sunday October 30
> Boys Games at Moorpark High
> 9 am Royal vs. Crespi
> 10 am Chaminade vs. Burbank
> 11 am Oaks Christian vs. Crespi
> 12 pm Taft vs. West Ranch
> 1 pm Camarillo vs. Bell-Jeff
> 2 pm Westlake vs. Sierra Canyon
> 3 pm Simi Valley vs. El Camino Real
> 4 pm Moorpark vs. Oak Park
>
> Aux. Gym
> 9 am West Ranch vs. Chaminade
> 10 am Westlake vs. Oxnard
> 11 am St. Francis vs. Paraclete
> 12 pm Oxnard vs. Cleveland
> 1 pm Simi Valley vs. Paraclete
> 2 pm Valencia vs. Camarillo
> 3 pm Newbury Park vs. La Salle
> 4 pm Birmingham vs. Providence
>
> Games at Moorpark College
> 11 am Chaminade vs. Oaks Christian (girls)
> 12 pm Sylmar vs. Granada Hills (girls)
> 1 pm El Camino Real vs. St. Francis
> 2 pm Chaminade vs. Granada Hills (girls)
> 3 pm Saugus vs. Renaissance Academy
> 4 pm Calabasas vs. Valencia
> 5 pm Newbury Park vs. Renaissance Academy

When talk turns to Marmonte League basketball, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Calabasas grab most of the headlines.

I am telling you right now, do not forget about Royal.

The Highlanders will be terrific with a roster that consists of 10 juniors and two seniors.

The top two players are junior Max McCoy and senior J.R. Powell.

McCoy was a first team All-Marmonte League selection, first team All-Ventura County pick and an All-Southern Section second team selection.

Powell not only was selected second team All-Marmonte League and second team All-Ventura County, but broke the school single season 3-point record with 84.

Asst. coach Steve Stokes said Powell is on pace to break the Southern Section record for career 3-pointers.

The three other starters aren't bad either.

Scott Woods, Nick Creber and Weston Park are all juniors with a huge year of varsity experience under their belt when Royal made a great run to the quarterfinals, the farthest of any Marmonte League team.

Woods shattered the school record for blocked shots in a season with 83, Creber was a second team All-Marmonte League selection and Park is considered the teams best on-ball defender.

Chris Terry and Trent Atkinson are the best freshman in the program and are expected to play J.V. for a year.

Royal will participate in the Burbank and Moorpark tournaments locally in December.

1. Westlake (5-0) - Proved it belongs on top after win over Oaks Christian

2. Oaks Christian (3-2) - WR Jordan Payton: 'Now it's personal'

3. Chaminade (4-1) - Riding high after wild upset win over Notre Dame

4. Notre Dame (5-1) - Must respond from emotional loss at Chaminade

5. Crespi (5-1) - After easy win over Taft, time to roll up sleeves

6. Alemany (4-2) - DB Corey Sims on Amat: 'We can't mess up on their turf'

7. Canyon (5-0) - Defense will be tested vs. Foothill rival Saugus

8. St. Francis (5-0) - Can't argue with perfection

9. Moorpark (3-2) - QB Grant Rohach: 'We're going to shake off St. Bonnie loss and move on'

10. Valencia (2-2) - Swarming defense should be key vs. West Ranch

11. Thousand Oaks (4-1) - Figures to overpower winless Agoura

12. Hart (4-1) - Ready for Foothill after not making playoffs in '10

13. Quartz Hill (4-1) - Win over Palmdale would all but clinch Golden title

14. Harvard-Westlake (5-1) - Coach Eumont: 'Now the real season begins'

15. Highland (3-1) - First loss of season was a real stinger vs. Quartz Hill

16. Palmdale (2-3) - Quartz Hill showdown is must-win situation

17. Sierra Canyon (4-0) - Coach Ellinghouse: 'We're playing really good football'

18. West Ranch (4-1) - Valencia matchup should prove telling

19. Saugus (3-2) - Looks to throw wrench in Canyon's title plans

20. Chatsworth (4-1) - RB Eric Waters has 17 touchdowns

UNSUNG HERO

Evan Norton, QB, Glendale - Norton passed for a school-record 465 yards and three TDs in a 47-46 loss at Pasadena.

"It was a thriller," Glendale coach Alan Eberhardt said.

TOP PERFORMANCES

Earl Johnson, RB, Golden Valley - Originally credited with 299 yards rushing, Johnson rushed for a school-record 345 yards and three TDs in 25 carries Thursday in a 38-20 loss to visiting San Marino.

"Our run game really came together, and Earl ran harder than I've ever seen," Golden Valley coach Robert Fisher said. "He was determined to set the school record with the help of his teammates."

Nick Ruiz, DB, Crescenta Valley - Ruiz came through with a game-saving interception on the 10-yard line with nine seconds left to preserve a 27-20 win Friday over visiting Muir. He also caught four passes for 115 yards and a TD.

Rey Rodriguez, PK, Quartz Hill - Rodriguez kicked a 39-yard field goal with eight seconds left in a 23-21 win at Highland to save the visiting Rebels after squandering a 20-point lead.

In the wake of Chaminade High's 36-32 win Friday over visiting Notre Dame that saw the host Eagles come from an 11-point deficit in the final two minutes, some are calling the victory the greatest in the school's 60-year history.

"In my 29 years as a head coach and administrator, I have never seen such passion in the players, electricity in the crowd -- and a great ending," Chaminade athletic director Todd Borowski said.

The showdown between two of the San Fernando Valley's elite private-school programs featured a series of twists and turns, as Chaminade (4-1) jumped to an 18-point halftime lead, then Notre Dame scored 29 unanswered points before the Eagles rallied at the end.

"Nights like that are why we play the game," Chaminade quarterback Logan Scott said. "I've never played in a more exciting game in my life."

Added Chaminade coach Ed Croson: "They should have charged everyone again on the way out. Eight dollars wasn't enough because this game was too good."

Meanwhile, Notre Dame (5-1) needs to pick itself up in a hurry because an even bigger challenge awaits, as Serra League competition begins at 7 p.m. Friday at Crespi (5-1). The teams are fierce rivals, and Notre Dame is looking to avenge a season-ending loss last year to the Celts that cost the Knights a playoff berth - only the second Crespi victory over the Knights in the past 16 meetings.

After being outscored by an average of nearly 40 points while starting 0-4, Cleveland came through with an upset Friday in a 38-20 victory at University in L.A.

"It took us five games but we figured it out," Cleveland coach Vinnie Johnson said. "The kids did not quit on the season."

There's a lot going on in the Golden League this coming week.

Longtime Golden League powers Quartz Hill (4-1, 2-0) and visiting Palmdale (2-3, 1-1) square off at 7 p.m. Friday, and though it's still early in the season, the winner should have an inside track.

"The league title is up for grabs, and it's going to be a war," Palmdale lineman Eric Rodriguez said.

It's getting hard to tell which Palmdale team is going to show up. The Falcons have been plagued by injuries and careless turnovers, but at some point their usual tough nonleague schedule figures to pay off, as Palmdale has lost to Hart and Valencia - while just one of Quartz Hill's victories has been against a .500 opponent.

"When we find our rhythm, we play (darn) well," Palmdale coach Jeff Williams said.

Meanwhile, first-place Eastside has come out of nowhere. The Lions (2-3, 2-0) lost all three nonleague games before rallying defensively in a 21-19 upset over defending champion Knight, followed by a 17-7 win Friday at Littlerock.

"When we were down by five points late in the game against Littlerock, the team kept its composure and dug deep," Eastside coach Richard Lear said.

After advancing to the City Section Division I quarterfinals four years in a row, Taft is struggling under new coach Chris Rizzo, as the Toreadors (1-4) have been outscored 178-38 including two shutout losses heading into a West Valley League opener at 7 p.m. Friday against visiting El Camino Real.

"We have to realize we are not going to win any games based on just our reputation of past years," Rizzo said. "We need to put in the work required during the week to have success in games."

Another City program hoping to live up to its past reputation is Birmingham. The Patriots (3-2) play host to Chatsworth at 7 p.m. Friday, and after losing two in row to tough Southern Section opponents, Birmingham is coming off with bye with a renewed determination.

"I'm glad the bye week is over," Birmingham coach Jim Rose said. "The bye week is like the week for Christmas. It's really boring, but you get everything done."

Westlake's Alex Ball has tied a school record with 29 field goals after hitting five Thursday in a 43-21 win over visiting Oaks Christian, tying Jordan Mannisto (2005-07), now a senior at Houston.

INGLEWOOD CITY OF CHAMPIONS BLACK BRACKET
Lower Division
10 teams. Pool Play only.

Pool A
Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Archer, Poly (Sun Valley), St. Mary's Academy

Pool B
Bell, Venice, Hollywood, Lawndale, Cleveland

ALL GAMES AT ST. MARY'S ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL IN INGLEWOOD

Monday, NOVEMBER 28

Beverly Hills vs. Venice, 2:30 p.m.
Brentwood vs. Bell, 3:50 p.m.
Archer vs. Hollywood, 5:15 p.m.
Poly vs. Lawndale, 6:40 p.m.
St. Mary's Academy vs. Cleveland, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, NOVEMBER 29

Beverly Hills vs. Bell, 2:30 p.m.
Brentwood vs. Cleveland, 3:50 p.m.
Archer vs. Venice, 5:15 p.m.
Poly vs. Hollywood, 6:40 p.m.
St. Mary's Academy vs. Lawndale, 8 p.m.

NO GAMES Wednesday, NOVEMBER 30!!!!!

Thursday, DECEMBER 1

St. Mary's Academy vs. Venice, 2:30 p.m.
Beverly Hills vs. Hollywood, 3:50 p.m.
Brentwood vs. Cleveland, 5:15 p.m.
Poly vs. Bell, 6:40 p.m.
Archer vs. Lawndale, 8 p.m.

Friday, DECEMBER 2

Beverly Hills vs. Lawndale, 2:30 p.m.
Brentwood vs. Venice, 3:50 p.m.
Archer vs. Bell, 5:15 p.m.
Poly vs. Cleveland, 6:40 p.m.
St. Mary's Academy vs. Hollywood, 8 p.m.

Saturday DECEMBER 3

St. Mary's Academy vs. Bell, 9 a.m.
Poly vs. Venice, 10:30 a.m.
Archer vs. Cleveland, 12 p.m.
Beverly Hills vs. Hollywood, 1:30 p.m.
Brentwood vs. Lawndale, 3 p.m.

The Fairfax State Preview Classic has announced the lineup for this year's big basketball showcase. It all goes down Jan. 28 at Fairfax High and boys' teams from La Canada, Harvard-Westake and Alemany will both be in action.

Here's the full lineup:

10:30 am LACES (Girls) vs. North Torrance (Girls)

12:00 pm La Cañada vs. Oceanside El Camino

1:30 pm Windward vs. Torrey Pines

3:00 pm Santa Monica vs. Harvard-Westlake

4:30 pm Price vs. Alemany

6:30 pm Fairfax vs. Serra

8:00 pm Loyola vs. Etiwanda

Inglewood High tournament of champions Nov. 28-Dec. 3
Elite Division. 24 teams

POOL PLAY Games for first three days
Eight pools with three teams each.

Bracket play for Platinum, Silver and Bronze divisions starts on Thursday, Dec. 1

Four sites for the tournament are Inglewood, St. Bernard, St. Mary's Academy and Hawthorne.

Monday, November 28

Long Beach Poly vs. Hawthorne, 3 p.m. at St. Bernard
Alemany vs. Taft, 4:30 p.m. at St. Bernard
Long Beach Jordan vs. Reseda, 6 p.m. at St. Bernard
St. Bernard vs. West Torrance, 7:30 p.m. at St. Bernard

Monroe vs. Peninsula, 3 p.m. at Inglewood
Bishop Montgomery vs. Chatsworth, 4:30 p.m. at Inglewood
Redondo vs. Centennial Compton, 6 p.m. at Inglewood
Bell-Jeff vs. View Park Prep, 7:30 p.m. at Inglewood

Tuesday, November 29

South Torrance vs. Hawthorne, 3 p.m. at St. Bernard
Keppel vs. Taft, 4:30 p.m. at St. Bernard
Reseda vs. Mira Costa, 6 p.m. at St. Bernard
West Torrance vs. Harvard-Westlake, 7:30 p.m. at St. Bernard

Santa Monica vs. View Park Prep, 3 p.m. at Inglewood
Centennial Compton vs. Muir, 4:30 p.m. at Inglewood
Chatsworth vs. Long Beach Wilson, 6 p.m. at Inglewood
Peninsula vs. Inglewood, 7:30 p.m. at Inglewood

Wednesday, November 30

Long Beach Jordan vs. Mira Costa, 3 p.m. at St. Bernard
Alemany vs. Keppel, 4:30 p.m. at St. Bernard
Long Beach Poly vs. South Torrance, 6 p.m. at St. Bernard
St. Bernard vs. Harvard-Westlake, 7:30 p.m. at St. Bernard

Redondo vs. Muir, 3 p.m. at Inglewood
Bishop Montgomery vs. Long Beach Wilson, 4:30 p.m. at Inglewood
Santa Monica vs. Bell-Jeff, 6 p.m. at Inglewood
Monroe vs. Inglewood, 7:30 p.m. at Inglewood

It was one of those wild comebacks that you wouldn't believe unless you saw it yourself.
Chaminade blew an 18-point lead in the second half Friday in a heavily anticipated showdown with visiting Notre Dame, only to come back itself from an 11-point deficit in the final two minutes to pull out a shocking 36-32 upset before an hysterical overflow crowd in West Hills.

Following a successful onside kick, Terrell Newby scored the winning touchdown with a 1-yard run with 15 seconds remaining.

"It was amazing. Our spirit and motivation kept us in the game," Newby said.

Down 32-21, Chaminade's Logan Scott scored on a 9-yard run with 1:53 left, then Ben Krietenberg kicked a roller that was recovered by the host Eagles just in time to drive 48 yards in seven plays to win it.

Newby carried 32 times, and Chaminade (4-1) needed every one of them, as the junior finished with 141 yards and three touchdowns, plus a two-point conversion run and three receptions for 30 yards.

Scott completed 18 of 29 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown, and he also rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown.

After trailing by 18 at the half, Notre Dame scored 29 unanswered points but could not close.

Notre Dame's Kelly Hilinski completed 14 of 18 for 225 yards. Khalfani Muhammad rushed for 82 yards in 21 carries with two touchdowns.

Notre Dame has rallied in the second half, pulling ahead 25-21 with seven minutes left on Khalfani Muhammad's 7-yard TD. Chaminade lost 35 yards on a bad punt snap to set up the go-ahead score.

Chaminade leads Notre Dame 21-3 at the half.

Chaminade jumped to quick 14-0 lead in the opening minutes.

On its first possession, the Eagles drove 84 yards on nine plays, scoring on Terrell Newby's 3-yard run. Logan Scott sparked the drive with four completions for 55 yards, including a 24-yard strike to Elijah Dunston.

It took three plays for Notre Dame to fumble the ball away. On a short completion from Kelly Hilinski, Josh Anderson fumbled on a jarring hit from Jacob Bowman, and Sam Hardy recovered at the Notre Dame 38.

After a 17-yard run by Scott, Chaminade fed Newby the ball seven times in a row, and the junior finished with a 1-yard touchdown run.

Notre Dame rallied a couple of series later when Helinski found Muhammad on a pass down the left sideline for a 54-yard gain to the 7. But on third-and-goal from the 4, Howard Lynch-Balani sacked Hilinski for an 8-yard loss, and Notre Dame had to settle for Lucas Alfonso's 29-yard field goal.

Chaminade scored again on a 33-yard pass from Logan to Dunston, culminating a seven-play, 80-yard drive. The key play was a 22-yard reception by Newby.

There's a huge overflow crowd here at Chaminade for a highly anticipated with showdown with Notre Dame, and the host Eagles lead the favored Knights 21-3 early in the second quarter.

Chaminade has scored on two short runs by Terrell Newby, followe by a 33-yard touchdown pass from Logan Scott to Elijah Dunston.

Wow. Notre Dame is a big favorite in this game, but Chaminade has come out swinging.

There's lots of motivation for both teams at 7:30 tonight in a heavily anticipated showdown between Notre Dame and host Chaminade.

Notre Dame (5-0) wants to remain undefeated plus deliver some payback because Chaminade defeated the Knights last season in their homecoming game -- Notre Dame's first homecoming loss in 35 years.

Chaminade, from the lesser Mission League and Western Division compared to the Serra League and Pac-5, wants to prove it can prevail in a "step-up" game -- especially after a 24-point loss two weeks ago to Serra League competitor Alemany.

It's also going to be fun to see who can gain more yards and score more touchdowns, Chaminade's Terrell Newby or Notre Dame's Khalfani Muhammad. The junior running backs are two of California's top underclassmen, and both have breakaway speed.

1. Simi Valley

2. Camarillo

3. Sierra Canyon

4. Valencia

5. Golden Valley

6. Dos Pueblos

7. Besant Hill

8. Ventura

9. Verdugo Hills

10. Highland

11. West Ranch

12. Rio Mesa

13. Chatsworth

14. Westlake

15. El Camino

16. Sun Valley

Littlerock turned the ball over six times last week in a 19-7 loss to Quartz Hill, and now that the Lobos (1-3) are at full strength with the return of running back Adam Castrellon (ankle), they're hoping to boost their chances in the Golden League with a win tonight against visiting Eastside (1-3).,

"We let the Rebels escape the Rock with a win last week," assistant James Vondra said. "Hopefully, we protect the ball this week and execute. We're ready to go."

After winning its final three games of the season last year, North Hollywood was expecting big things this season. But injuries have ravaged the winless Huskies (0-6), as starting quarterback Cullen Englund (collarbone) and starting running back Valon Holmes (leg) are among those out for the season.

North Hollywood has held its past four opponents to an average of 13.3 points but to no avail. The Huskies have a bye this week before East Valley League play resumes Oct. 21 at Arleta -- one of the toughest opponents on the schedule.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," North Hollywood coach Doug Bledsoe said. "We're still alive, and we will get this ship turned around."

Antelope Valley has forfeited a Sept. 16 win at Barstow because of an ineligible player, Antelope Valley coach Eric MacIntyre confirmed today.

The Antelopes are 2-2 instead of 3-1.

"It was a paperwork mistake," said MacIntyre, a first-year coach. "A kid who had transferred in played about eight plays was not officially cleared until of a couple of days later."

Brentwood High School is close to hiring a new boys' basketball coach.

Tony Bergeron left and went back to the East Coast.

Ryan "Moose" Bailey is expected to be named head coach Monday.

Bailey is the brother of former UCLA and NBA player Toby Bailey.

Ryan Bailey has been an asst. coach at Loyola for several years.

Tuesday Dec. 27

Cleveland vs. Colony, 10:30 a.m.

Inglewood vs. Upland, 12 p.m.

Palisades vs. Compton Centennial, 1:30 p.m.

Eisenhower vs. Rancho Verde, 3 p.m.

La Jolla Country Day vs. Santa Monica, 4:30 p.m.

Etiwanda vs. Morningside, 6:00 p.m.

Oaks Christian vs. Calabasas, 7:30 p.m.

Sacramento vs. Corona Centennial, 9 p.m.

Tuesday Dec. 27

Serra vs. Taft, 10:30 a.m.

Long Beach Poly vs. Agoura, 12 p.m.

Inglewood vs. St. Joseph (Santa Maria), 1:30 p.m.

Thousand Oaks vs. Canyon Springs, 3 p.m.

Palisades vs. Mater Dei Catholic (Chula Vista), 4:30 p.m.

Oaks Christian vs. El Camino Real, 6:00 p.m.

Carson vs. Country Day La Jolla, 7:30 p.m.

Carondelet (Concord) vs. Newbury Park, 9 p.m.

Westlake quarterback Justin Moore is a junior, but he was so good tonight in a win over Oaks Christian that he has been offered a scholarship by SMU.

It was not a championship game like last time, but Westlake High's football team exacted some revenge Thursday over neighborhood rival Oaks Christian, defeating the visiting Lions 43-21 in a Marmonte League showdown before a soldout crowd of close to 6,000.

In December, Oaks Christian held on for a one-point victory in the Northern Division championship. This one was not nearly as close, as Westlake pulled away behind junior quarterback Justin Moore, who rushed for 222 yards on 14 carries and completed 6 of 12 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Moore, a junior, scored on a 7-yard run, passed for another and even chipped in a fourth-quarter interception on defense, as Westlake totaled 522 yards and scored the most points by an Oaks Christian opponent in the Lions' 12-year history.

"We just came out and executed and stuck to our game plan," Moore said. "We practiced hard all week. We came out, and we were reminded of last year's loss, but this is a completely different team, so we didn't put too much emphasis on that."

Alex Ball added five field goals, including a 45-yarder and a 47-yarder, giving him 12 in five games.

The win puts Westlake (5-0, 4-0) in prime position to finish first in the 10-team league, as second-place Oaks Christian (3-2, 3-1) is hoping eventually to win its eighth section championship over the past nine seasons.

A year ago, Westlake defeated Oaks Christian by 19 points in the regular season, but Oaks Christian rebounded from a 2-2 start to win the title in its first season playing in a large division after moving up from the Tri-Valley League in the lightly regarded Northwest Division.

Oaks Christian's Brandon Dawkins completed of 11 for 22 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown, and he scored two touchdowns, but he was intercepted twice and lost two fumbles.

Alex Ball has kicked his third field goal, a 47-yarder, to help Westlake to a 30-14 lead over Oaks Christian midway through the third period. Ball has 10 field goals in five games.

As expected, there has been lots of action at Westlake, as the host Warriors lead Oaks Christian 20-14 with four minutes left in the second quarter of a rematch of last year's Northern championship won by Oaks Christian.

Justin Moore has passed for a touchdown and rushed for a TD for Westlake, and Alex Ball has two field goals. Oaks Christian has scored on Carlos Mendoza's 1-yard run and Jordan Payton's 12-yard reception from Brandon Dawkins.

Looking for a spark, Oaks Christian took a march from its own campus to Westlake, as coach Bill Redell led the team plus a cavalcade of cheerleaders, parents and fans.

The walk was nearly a mile, and Redell, 70, has a bad back and a bad knee, but the coach proved to be a trooper. As the team marched behind him, he jokingly called out to star receiver Jordan Payton: "Hey, Jordan? Are you OK?"

"Yeah, Coach," Payton smiled.

The 2011 Viewpoint tournament
Dec. 5-10

Pool A: St. Genevieve, Viewpoint, Malibu, Faith Baptist
Pool B: Crossroads, Milken Community, Providence, Holy Family

Monday Dec. 5
Crossroads vs. Providence, 3 p.m.
Viewpoint vs. Faith Baptist, 6 p.m.
Malibu vs. St. Genevieve, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Dec. 6
Viewpoint vs. malibu, 4:30 p.m.
Holy Family vs. Milken Community, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Dec. 7
Faith Baptist vs. Malibu, 3 p.m.
Providence vs. Holy Family, 6 p.m.
Milken Community vs. Crossroads, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday Dec. 8
Viewpoint vs. St. Genevieve, 4:30 p.m.
Milken Community vs. Providence, 7:30 p.m.

Friday Dec. 9
St. Genevieve vs. Faith Baptist, 3 p.m.
Crossroads vs. Holy Family, 6 p.m.

Saturday Dec. 10
11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. (not necessarily the championship game)

Randy Uzoma, a receiver/defensive back for Canoga Park, remains committed to Nevada, but the senior is also interested in Oregon after receiving an offer by the Ducks this week.

Struggling to field enough players to have a team, Flintridge Prep canceled its second game of the season.

The Rebels (1-5) were scheduled to play Webb Friday in a Prep League game but don't have enough healthy players.

Flintridge Prep earlier canceled a game with Campbell Hall Sept. 23.

The Rebels played last Saturday at Malibu but suited up only 14 players and had 12 near the end of a 49-0 loss.

2012 Nike Extravaganza
at the Meruelo Athletic Center on the Campus of Mater Dei High School

Friday, Feb. 3

3:00pm Fairmont Prep (Boys) vs Laguna Blanca (Boys)
4:30pm Rialto (Girls) vs Rosary (Girls)
6:00pm Orange Lutheran (Girls) vs Oaks Christian (Girls)
7:30pm Mater Dei (Boys) vs St. John Bosco (Boys)
9:00pm Mater Dei (Girls) vs Windward (Girls)

Saturday, Feb. 4
Boys Morning Session

9:00am Upland vs Los Alamitos
10:20am Colony vs JSerra
11:40am Ocean View vs Mission Viejo

Boys Evening Session

1:30pm Fairfax vs Eisenhower
3:00pm Westchester vs Capistrano Valley
4:30pm Taft vs Loyola
6:00pm Long Beach Poly vs Orange Lutheran
7:30pm Mater Dei vs La Verne Lutheran
9:00pm Bishop Gorman vs Whitney Young (IL)

Tickets will be available after Dec.1 at Mater Dei Ticket office

Here are the 16 teams scheduled to participate in the Redondo Union tournament
Nov. 28-Dec. 3.

It is also known as the Pacific Shores tournament.

Loyola
Westchester
Fairfax
Mayfair
Long Beach Poly
Palisades
Torrance
Hawthorne
Pacific Hills
Bakersfield
Compton
Dominguez
Bishop Montgomery
Santa Monica
Harvard-Westlake
Redondo

The Campbell Hall girls' volleyball team did something Tuesday it couldn't do last season against Brentwood, despite going onto winning the Div. III-A championship.

Win an Alpha League match against the Eagles.

Alex Cardwell had 24 kills, repeatedly hitting past Brentwood defenders to lead the Vikings in a 25-20, 19-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory.

The win puts the Vikings in favorable position to capture the league championship.

Brentwood came in as the top-ranked team in Div. III-A.

"We had so many people supporting us," Cardwell said. "I got up this morning and was like, 'It's Brentwood again'."

Phelix Fincher and Alexa Brown each had 24 digs and Julianna Tucker had nine kills and 23 assists for Campbell Hall.

"Ever since I was a freshman it has been a huge rivalry," Tucker said. "The fans are insane. The tension is crazy and our football players weren't even there. Every time we play them it just gets bigger and bigger. It is the best feeling in the world to beat them."

The match turned in Campbell Hall's favor in game three.

The Vikings were down 13-8 but rallied quickly for four consecutive points, eventually took a 19-16 lead and closed it out.

Campbell Hall rode the momentum into game four and never trailed.

"The setting was literally amazing," Cardwell said. "We really executed around their block well."

First-year coach Turhan Douglas couldn't have been more pleased with the important league win.

"It was our true test of the season and we passed," Douglas said. "We had a good game plan and executed the game plan.

Two years ago Campbell Hall beat Brentwood four times but fell short in the playoffs.

Last year, the Vikings lost twice to Brentwood but regrouped to win the Div. III-A championship against Rim of the World.

Campbell Hall hopes the trend doesn't continue.

"Our goal is to win every league match and win another CIF championship," Tucker said.

Taft High plays host to Crespi at 7 p.m. Thursday in a football rematch of last year's wild 53-47 Crespi win that saw the teams combine for 15 touchdowns and nearly 1,200 yards.

The difference this year is Crespi (4-1) has returned many of its key starters like receivers Chris Harper and Mike Davison, linemen Jordan Simmons and Ricky Wolff, linebacker Luke Wilkerson and defensive backs Noah Ciccel and Tyler Foreman, while host Taft (1-3) has struggled to fill the vacancies left by Michael Bercovici (who passed for 431 yards that night), defensive linemen Antwaun Woods and receiver Michael Thomas.

With Crespi a heavy favorite, Mother Nature might be a neutralizing force. There is a chance of showers, and Taft first-year coach Chris Rizzo figures the wetter, the better.

"Crespi has artificial turf, and we have dirt. It looks like it's going to be a mud bowl this year in the battle of the boulevard," Rizzo said.

El Camino Real (4-1) is longer undefeated after losing Saturday at Harvard-Westlake 39-31, but El Camino Real coach Kevin Williams - who did not participate in the loss because he was serving a one-game suspension - believes the Conquistadores have unlimited potential.

"People wanted to see how we would do against a high-level team, and we responded with 530 yards of total offense," Williams said. "We're still a work in progress. But if we clean up our mistakes, we can play with anyone."

Chaminade plays host to Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m. Friday, and the game within the game is a matchup between star running backs Terrell Newby of Chaminade and Khalfani Muhammad - two of the Southland's fastest who both happen to be privately coached by Eliel Swinton, a played at Montclair Prep and Stanford.

"Everyone has been calling me, asking who is going to have more yards," Swinton said.

For Chaminade (3-1), it's a step-up game for a rising program that still is having difficulty against elite programs.

"We're looking forward to another big game against a ranked opponent," said Chaminade coach Ed Croson, who is expecting a capacity crowd.

Notre Dame (5-0) is one of the area's few large schools that remain undefeated.

"In practice, the team has a sense of urgency this week that I haven't seen this year," Notre Dame defensive lineman Brandon Jett said. "It shows me that the game will set the tone for the rest of the season. We're very excited to play Chaminade."

The Westlake-Oaks Christian rematch at 7:30 p.m. Thursday is probably the biggest game of the regular season, and a capacity crowd is expected at Westlake, as the host Warriors look to avenge a 29-28 loss in last year's Southern Section Northern Division championship.

Tickets are available during school hours at both schools while they last, and it might be a good idea to get them early, as the event might sell out.

"We're so hyped to play Westlake," Oaks Christian receiver/defensive back Jordan Payton said. "We've been waiting to play them since last year, and we're working hard and preparing for a tough game."

After going 0-3 in the preseason with three road losses to Foothill League opponents, Burroughs is right back in the thick of things. The Indians (0-3, 1-0) are tied for first in the Pacific League with a showdown game at 7 p.m. Friday at league favorite Arcadia (3-1, 1-0).

A year ago, Burroughs defeated visiting Arcadia 21-14 in Burbank, and the teams ended up tied for first. The time, the host Apaches are on their own field.

"This next game is going to show how bad we want another league title," Burroughs quarterback Eli Peppmuller said. "Arcadia has some good guys, and it will be a tough test for us, but we are never going to back down from a battle like the one we're going to have on Friday night."

Crescenta Valley (3-1, 1-0) is also hoping to fit in. The Falcons, coming off a 35-0 win over Hoover, have a challenging three-game stretch.

"It was a nice shutout win against Hoover, but we know the tough part of our schedule is starting," Crescenta Valley coach Paul Schilling said. "We have to commit for 23 days."

Canyon is off to a roaring start. The Cowboys are 5-0 and averaging more than 50 points, and another easy win is expected Thursday at distant Dos Pueblos (0-5) in Goleta.

Canyon, led by quarterback Jonathan Jerozal, receiver Drew Wolitarsky and running back Max Archuleta, is taking nothing because last year the Cowboys won their first six against most the same opponents before a loss to Valencia to cost them a Foothill League title.

"We're looking forward to the start of league, but we're not looking past Dos Pueblos," Arculeta said. "We're taking things one game at a time."

Watch out for tiny Ribet Academy in Los Angeles.

Coach William Middlebrooks will rely on 6-foot-9 sophomore forward Idrissa Diallo and ultra-talented freshman guard Tyler Dorsey.

Ribet Academy is located just a stone's throw from Glendale High but we will be keeping an eye on the Fighting Frogs all season long.

Don't just hand over the league championship to Buckley in the Liberty League.

Providence and Viewpoint will be major players in the race for the league title.

Buckley lost sophomore guard Larry Bush to Westlake and graduated forward Nick de Bonfilhs, after a run to the Div. IV-A championship game, in which it lost to Oaks Christian, 66-48.

Providence has talented guard Patrick Gonzalez back and added two new players, Christopher Ware-Berry from El Camino Real and freshman guard Marcus Lovette.

Viewpoint is a team on the rise under the direction of coach J.J. Prince.

Prince has four solid players at his disposal.

Jack Borentstein averaged 15.5 points and four assists a year ago, junior Jonny Paul averaged 13.5 points, sophomore Tim Howell contributed on varsity as a freshman and incoming freshman Stone Spellman has athleticism and great potential.

The Liberty League championship is up for grabs.

The 2011 Viewpoint tournament schedule has been released.

Pool 1: Viewpoint, A.G.B.U., Hueneme, Villanova Prep
Pool 2: Brethren Christian, Village Christian, Crossroads, Malibu

Monday Dec. 5
Malibu vs. Village Christian, 4:30 p.m.
Viewpoint vs. Hueneme, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Dec. 6
Malibu vs. Crossroads, 3 p.m.
Viewpoint vs. A.G.B.U., 6 p.m.
Brethren Christian vs. Village Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Dec. 7
Malibu vs. Brethren Christian, 4:30 p.m.
A.G.B.U. vs. Villanova Prep, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday Dec. 8
A.G.B.U. vs. Hueneme, 3 p.m.
Viewpoint vs. Villanova Prep, 6 p.m.
Brethren Christian vs. Crossroads, 7:30 p.m.

Friday Dec. 9
Hueneme vs. Villanova Prep, 4:30 p.m.
Village Christian vs. Crossroads, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Dec. 10
7th place game, 9:30 a.m.
5th place game, 12:30 p.m.
3rd place game, 3:30 p.m.
championship game, 6:30 p.m.

2012 San Diego vs. Los Angeles Hoops Challenge
at Lincoln High School San Diego

Saturday, Jan. 7th, 2012

Boys' Afternoon Session
1:00pm Horizon Christian vs Compton Centennial
2:30pm St. Augustine vs Serra (Gardena)
4:00pm Torrey Pines vs Long Beach (Jordan)

Boys' Evening Session
5:30pm La Costa Canyon vs La Verne Lutheran
7:00pm Francis Parker vs Windward
8:30pm Lincoln vs. Taft (Woodland Hills)

Tickets will be available for purchase Dec. 1 at the Lincoln High financial office.

Jason Bryant (former Van Nuys High head coach)
Boys Basketball Coach
Lincoln High School
4777 Imperial Avenue
San Diego, CA 92113
(818) 201-5951 Mobile Office
jbryant04@yahoo.com

Oak Park senior third baseman Christie Langlois has committed to Oregon State.

Langlois hit .523 with eight home runs last season.