Gerry Gittelson: December 2007 Archives

Tony Macarena, a part-time starting quarterback for Northern Division champion/CIF State Div. III Bowl titlest St. Bonaventure of Ventura, has transferred to Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, which has won five Southern Section titles in a row.

As a junior this past season, Macarena passed for 733 yards (64.6 pct) and five TDs with one INT before losing the starting job to Casey Serna.

"I don't know how big this is -- Tony will have to start as the No. 3 quarterback and work his way up," Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said.

Sean Sehnam, a former Crespi of Encino kicker who played at College of the Canyon and Western New Mexico, has accepted an offer from Oregon State as a recruited walk-on, with the understanding he will receive a scholarship if wins the kicking or punting job. Sehnam has two years of eligibility.

-- Gerry Gittelson

CANYON COUNTRY -- A.J. Wallerstein, an offensive lineman from Canyon High, has committed to Air Force in Colorado Springs, he announced late Wednesday.

"I've visted the campus, met the coaches and did my homework. I'm certain it's the place for me," Wallerstein said in an email.

-- Gerry Gittelson

John Cicuto, Glendale College's football coach for the past 19 seasons, has resigned. Cicuto played high school football at Notre Dame in Sherman Oaks.

Cicuto, 63, will continue at Glendale as an athletic director.

-- Gerry Gittelson

L.J. Jones, a top defensive back and return specialist for Crespi High of Encino, has committed to Fresno State, a development that pleases Crespi coach Jeremiah Ross, a former Fresno State player and assistant coach.

"Fresno State is getting a very physical player who fits the mold at Fresno State -- hard-nosed and aggressive," Ross daid. "Yes, I talked about him with (Fresno State coach) Pat Hill, but the reason they offered is because they like the way he plays."

Jones took an official visit to Fresno State this past weekend. He also has offers -- and scheduled visits -- to Nevada and San Diego State.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Adam Barry, a three-year standout quarterback at Moorpark High, has committed to Wyoming, according to scout.com.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Paige Smith is the latest Valencia High softball returnee to commit to a Division I university, accepting a scholarship to Saint Francis in Pennsylvania. Smith, a catcher, helped Valencia to the Southern Section Div. I title and No. 1 ranking in the nation last season.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Knox has 162 yards on 15 carries with three TDs, as Birmingham is running away with this thing. He needs 68 yards to surpass Manuel White as the Valley area's all time leading rusher.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Birmingham took advantage of a botch punt snap, taking over at the Carson 17 after a 14-yard loss. Knox carried three times in a row, including a 9-yard touchdown in which he dragged another defender into the end zone to make it 14-0 with just more than five minutes remaining before halftime.

Knox has 47 yards in nine carries. He needs 230 to break the area large-school career record.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

After a scoreless first quarter, Birmingham scored on the second play of the second quarter, a 2-yard run by Milton Knox, his 37th touchdown of the season. Knox then scored on an impressive two-point conversion run, picking up his own fumble and dragging a defender into the end zone to make it 8-0.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Carson has had the ball for most of the quarter, but Birmingham has come through with two fourth-down stops.

Not much sign of rain at the Coliseum -- knock, knock -- as Birmingham prepares to play Carson in the City Section championship at 8 p.m.

Checked in with the Patriots in the locker room, and they seem loose and in good spirits.

In the Invitational final, defending finalist Garfield of L.A defeated University of L.A. 28-23 -- the scoreboard says 21, but University registered a safety at the end.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Softball standout Stephanie Cuevas, a returning junior catcher at Alemany High in Mission Hills, has committed to Illinois.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Ryan Griffin, a top quarterback from Chaminade High of West Hills, has committed to Tulane after an official visit this past weekend according to scout.com.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Desi Rodriguez is a rare breed, a quarterback who loves to scramble yet isn’t afraid to take a hit.

Rodriguez, a Saugus junior, is as fast and elusive as most running backs – he has rushed for 1,177 yards and 10 touchdowns – but you never see him head for the sidelines, much less slide.

“The way I view it, you only get to play in so many football games, so why not make the most of it?” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez was never better in a 34-6 victory Friday over Atascadero in the Northern Division semifinals, rushing for 150 yards, completing 5 of 7 passes for 76 yards, while accounting for two touchdowns – one rushing, one passing.

As the quarterback in an option offense, Rodriguez is a vital component heading into tonight’s 7:30 semifinal vs. top-seeded St. Bonaventure (11-1) at Ventura High.

Saugus coach Jason Bornn, like others, admits he is concerned about Rodriguez’s reckless running style, but there’s no taming a wild horse.

“Desi is tough as nails. He’s probably the hardest hitter on the team considering the position he plays,” Bornn said. “He’s just fiercely competitive with the heart of a warrior. He physically and mentally wants to will his team to victory.”

An upset over St. Bonaventure would prove historic for Saugus (10-2), which has never qualified for a final in the school’s 30-year history.

“People think we’re going to lose, and they can say whatever they want to say,” Rodriguez said. “The only thing that matters is what we believe, and we believe we have a great shot and a great game plan.”

Saugus runs a shotgun offense, and Rodriguez often fakes to fellow junior Ryan Zirbel, who has rushed for 2,159 yards and scored 31 touchdowns.

They’re best friends and enjoying the time of their lives, riding the crest of the program’s most successful season ever.

“Sometimes I tell Ryan, ‘Hey, I need my yards, you already have 2,000,” Rodriguez said with a smile. “When you come to the line of scrimmage, and you just have that feeling, there is nothing like it. You can see we’re going to pop one.”

Paraclete’s Caterina lost for season: Thomas Caterina, Paraclete of Lancaster’s leading receiver and two-year starting defensive end, is out for the season after tearing his MCL in a first-round victory.

After missing one game, there was hope Caterina might return Saturday for the Spirits’ Mid-Valley semifinal against Bishop Diego at Santa Barbara College.

“He’s done. We just got the final MRI report (on Thursday),” coach Norm Dahlia said. “Of course this hurts. He’s a pretty sound player. We’ll have to adjust.”
Caterina has 18 receptions for 238 yards and two touchdowns, and he has 31 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
SOUTHERN SECTION SEMIFINALS
All games 7:30 tonight
NORTHERN DIVISION
SAUGUS (9-2) vs. ST. BONAVENTURE (11-1) at Ventura HS
MID-VALLEY
PARACLETE (12-0) vs. BISHOP DIEGO (10-2)

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com