Gerry Gittelson: September 2008 Archives

With so much returning talent and momentum, the prospect of losing a football game never occurred to Crespi High of Encino.

But that's what happened Friday, as Crespi surrendered the first 31 points and was defeated 31-14 by St. Bonaventure of Ventura in a showdown between two of California's top programs at Ventura High.

Crespi (3-1), which advanced to the Pac-5 Division final last season, managed just 298 yards - nearly half of which was accumulated in the final five minutes as the Celts scored a couple of inconsequential touchdowns after the result was well in hand.

Crespi quarterback Bryan Bennett, who totaled seven touchdown passes over the first three games, completed just 9 of 26 for 76 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.

Bennett's final pass was intercepted by Kody Kurtz and returned 38 yards for touchdown to make it 31-0.

That was it for Bennett. He was replaced by Dusty Kramer, who orchestrated two touchdown drives over the final five minutes to make things a bit less disparaging.

The loss avenged a 25-9 victory last season by Crespi over the Seraphs, who lead the series 4-1.

USC-bound Patrick Hall rushed for 146 yards on four carries, scoring on runs of 53 and 82 yards. He also had an interception on defense, as defending Northern Divison champion and CIF State Div. III Bowl champion St. Bonaventure forced four turnovers.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Crespi got off to a shaky start, fumbling away a fair catch on its own 13 two minutes into the game that led to a Derek Kirk's 28-yard field goal.

The next time St. Bonaventure touched the ball, Patrick Hall scored on a 53-yard touchdown run, and just like that it was 10-0.

Crespi's next four possessions ended with a punt, an interception, then two more punts, as the Celts remained down by 10 at halftime.

Crespi totaled just 82 yards in the first half, as Bennett was 5 of 14 for 41 yards, including 2 completions and an interception over his final 11 attempts.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Well, here i am about 90 minutes before kickoff, getting ready for the Crespi-St. Bonaventure showdown at Ventura High.

This should be HUGE. We're talking two of California's best teams going head to head in a game that nobody has any idea who will win -- 'cept calpreps, of course, which favors Crespi by one point.

Lots of stars everywhere you look tonight. Crespi (3-0) has lots of returning talent such as quarterback Bryan Bennett, offensive linemen Hroniss Grasu and Ben Loth, receivers Kevin Cummings and Blake Stanton, linebacker Chris Carter, defensive back Mikio Island and kicker Christian Nastos.

St. Bonnie (3-0), which leads the series 3-1, has lots of talent, too, led by USC-bound all-purpose back Patrick Hall and quarterback Logan Meyer.

Should be a good one. I will update when I can. Probably at halftime and after the game, as I will again be furiously taking stats without the aid of my right-hand man, Dave Roghan.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Bad news for Canyon High. High-profile transfer Antonio Bray, an Alemany transfer who is considered one of the area's top running backs, has been ruled ineligible for one year, Canyon athletic director Marlene Holomon said.

"I'm not sure exactly what happened, but it has do with moving (residences)," Holomon said. "The paperwork wasn't signed or wasn't right. ... I'm not sure if he is staying at this school. If he does, he can eligible in one year."

Bray, a junior, scored seven touchdowns (two on kick returns) as an Alemany sophomore last year. In 2006, he averaged more than 200 yards per game for Canyon's JV team before transferring.

According to a source, Bray has made inquiries about transferring to Crespi.

Bray and Canyon coach Chris Varner could not be reached.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Congrats and farewell to former Daily News sports reporter Roman Veytsman, who is headed East for a dream job as a TV production assitant for ESPN in Bristol, Conn.

Of late, Veytsman has been working at the Signal, and his last day is today.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Keegan Hornbuckle, a top returning basketball player at Campbell Hall, has committed to Colorado.

"It's a great fit for him. it's perfect," Campbell Hall coach Terry Kelly said. "He picked Colorado over two or three Pac-10 schools because he fits in so well there."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Chris Reed, an All-Daily News preaseason defensive lineman from Canyon, has endured a tough week. On Friday, he was hospitalized in Riverside after injuring his neck in a 16-6 victory at Norco.

"I thought I was done (for the season)," Reed said.

Though Reed spent two nights in the hospital, he said the neck injury was not deemed serious. Then, on Monday he was hit a by car in front of Canyon, sending him back to the hospital overnight because of a knee injury.

"The driver was a mother of one of the students, I'm not sure who," Reed said. "It looks like I'm going to have an MRI because my knee is killing me. I'm hoping to be back (in three weeks) for the start of league."

Reed, a junior, is a Crespi transfer.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Sergio Sylvestre, a 6-foot-8, 385-pound offensive lineman who transferred from St. Bernard to Crespi this past summer, has been ruled ineligible because of undue influence, Southern Section spokesman Thom Simmons confirmed today.

Sylvestre, a senior, would have been the biggest player in Crespi history.

Crespi coach Jeremiah Ross does not think the ruling is fair.

"It's unfortunate because the kid didn't even play football last year, so how is that recruiting?" Ross said. "It is what it is. Nobody on my staff has been recruiting kids. It was ruled an outside influence. ... St. Bernard didn't do anything for the kid. They didn't even get equipment to fit him."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Valencia sophomore Christian Lopes represented himself well for Team USA in the Pan Am Games in Veracruz, Mexico, batting .367 (11 for 30) with one home run, 10 runs and nine RBIs as the Americans finished 8-0, including a 7-3 victory Sunday over host Mexico before a crowd of 3,200 in the championship game.

Lopes played every inning of every game, starting in left field and batting sixth.

At Valencia, Lopes hit 10 home runs and started at shortstop as a freshman.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

1. Crespi (3-0) - Readying for showdown vs. St. Bonaventure
2. Notre Dame (2-0) - QB Kasdorf: 16 of 17, 288 yards
3. Oaks Christian (3-0) - Will anyone challenge the Lions?
4. Saugus (2-0) - Committed 13 penalties in win over Westlake
5. Palmdale (2-0) - The Big Green Machine
6. Hart (1-1) - All-purpose standout Demitri Diamond's shoulder injury bad news
7. Newbury Park (2-0) - New coach Fabricius still perfect
8. Alemany (2-0) - Big step up vs. Saugus this week
9. Westlake (1-1) - Faces another top Foothill League program vs. Hart
10. Thousand Oaks (2-0) - RB John Lister is running wild
11. Valencia (1-1) - Impressive shutout victory over Birmingham
12. Taft (2-0) - Hoping LB Nick Bruce (ankle) returns soon
13. Moorpark (2-1) - Playing tough defense as usual
14. Canyon (2-1) - Laid the wood in 16-6 victory at Norco
15. Birmingham (0-3) - Two-time City champs better get act together or bye-bye top 20
16. Quartz Hill (3-0) - So far so good but Rebels haven't played anyone
17. St. Francis (2-0) - RB Dietrich Riley is da man
18. Agoura (1-1) - A different team with RB/LB Lucky Radley in lineup
19. West Ranch (1-1) - Needs to be on the money at Beverly Hills
20. Harvard-Westlake (1-0-1) - Coming off bye week

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

WESTLAKE VILLAGE - What a wild shootout Friday, as Saugus High defeated Westlake 42-40 in a nonleague football showdown at Westlake High.

Rarely do top-caliber teams combine for so many yards and long touchdowns, as Saugus (2-0) totaled 559 yards, including three touchdowns of 55 yards or longer, and Westlake totaled 561 yards, including 474 passing.

The brightest star was Saugus quarterback Desi Rodriguez. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 162 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown to Kollin DePew, and he rushed for 211 yards on 16 carries, including touchdowns of 78 and 55 yards.

Westlake's Ben Conlin completed 28 of 46 passes for 356 yards, and he ran for a touchdown, and Nick Isham completed 6 of 7 for 118 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown to Steve Hagy with just over two minutes remaining to pull the Warriors within two points.

Down 42-40, Westlake (1-1) had a chance to get the ball back one last time, but with Saugus in punt formation with just under a minute to go, the Warriors were called for an illegal substitution penalty (too many men on the field) that proved to be the clincher.

"I think both of us gave up too many yards. We both need to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to play defense," Saugus coach Jason Bornn said.

Hagy had 14 receptions for 191 yards, and teammate James De La Cerna had 10 receptions for 153.

Saugus' Ryan Zirbel, one of the Southland's top running backs, was held to 64 yards on 16 carries, including two touchdowns. But he had several long runs called back because of penalties - including a 78-yard touchdown.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

it's quite a game here at Westlake High, as Saugus leads 14-12 after coming from 9 back in what has proved to be a very exciting first half.

Saugus' star running back Ryan Zirbel has not been effective -- he has just 10 yards in 10 carries, including a 3-yard TD -- but quarterback Desi Rodriguez has made it up for it by rushing for 94 yards, including a weaving 55-yard TD, and he also has completed 4 of 6 passes for 77 yards.

Westlake is passing the football like crazy, though the Warriors are finding difficulty in the red zone. Ben Conlin is 18 of 32 for 193 yards -- 32 attempts in the first half, that's a lot.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Nick Bruce, Taft's standout linebacker who has a Fresno State scholarship offer, is not playing tonight against Westchester because of a high-ankle sprain.

Bruce might be back next week, Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said.

"Nick actually first hurt it in our scrimmage, then someone rolled on it in the Venice game," Kerstetter said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Collin Keoshian, a 6-2, 200-pound running back at Santa Clarita Christian, is too big and strong for most eight-man football opponents. After rushing for more than 2,200 yards and accounting for 39 touchdowns as a sophomore ast year, he started with a bang Friday - rushing for 253 yards and five touchdowns in a 59-20 victory over Trona. ...

After going just 1-6 in its first season last year, Sierra Canyon opened with a 37-8 victory over Hillcrest Christian of Granada Hills, usually one of the area's top eight-man programs.

"We have some good things going," Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse said.

Among Sierra Canyon's key players are LB Andrew Clark and WR Shane Harrison, a Chaminade transfer.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Oaks Christian QB Nick Montana, a transfer from Concord De La Salle, plans to visit his old friends Saturday night when De La Salle plays Loyola of L.A. at Glendale High.

"I'll be there ... and I'm picking De La Salle," Montana said. "They've got a really good team this year."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

It could be a high-scoring game when Alemany plays host to Roosevelt of Corona on Friday.

Alemany scored 53 points in its first game and Roosevelt scored 63, including more than 600 yards total offense. In some ways, Roosevelt looks a lot like Alemany, running a four-wide offense and featuring a quick running back.

"Roosevelt is a solid team. They're scary because they can score on anyone," Alemany coach Dean Herrington said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Golden Valley set a school single-game school record for points Friday in a 48-6 victory over Hoover.

The Grizzlies scored 34 in the third quarter. Golden Valley is getting a strong performance from WR/DB Jon Schlegel. Through two games, he has nine receptions, one TD, 34 tackles and one fumble recovery.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

After winning just one game in each of the past two seasons, Cleveland opened with a 66-13 victory over respectable Verdugo Hills, but Cleveland's first-year coach Vinnie Johnson said it's not about him.

"Me? I've been at Birmingham so I know what it's like to win - it's about the kids," Johnson said. "A lot of these players, they had won maybe one varsity game in their lives,"

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Emotions figure to run high Friday when Crespi plays host to Servite in a rematch of last year's Pac-5 semifinal won by Crespi in overtime.

Crespi coach Jeremiah Ross is a disciple of Servite coach Troy Thomas, who coached at Crespi from 2001 to 2004, with Ross serving as an assistant.

"I think it's going to be one of our tougher games," Crespi WR Blake Stanton said. "There's a lot of emotions with the ex-coach on our field for the first time back. I think that gives Servite a boost."

Added Crespi QB Bryan Bennett: "When we played Servite last year, all of our seniors had been coached in their first year by Thomas. So it's a natural rivalry. They run some of the same stuff we do."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

St. Francis quarterback Justin Sciarra is the son of former UCLA quarterback John Sciarra and the brother of former St. Francis quarterback John Sciarra, Jr.

In a 54-7 win over Arcadia on Friday, Justin completed 7 of 9 for 129 yards and two TDs, and he also scored a TD.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Valencia quarterback Dominick Solley, hoping to recover from a high ankle sprain, remains questionable for Friday's game against Birmingham, though he has been dressing for practice and taking some reps, coach Larry Muir said.

"He is hanging in there. We'll make a decision tomorrow (Friday) morning," Muir said.

Meantime, top receiver Zach Tartabull (concussion) is definite after returning to practice this past Wednesday.

Receivers Richard Nyberg (shoulder) and Daniel Johnson (toe) remain out.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Thousand Oaks opened with a 23-14 football upset at Valencia, but coach Mike Leibin is wary of making too big a deal of it.

"We have a lot of room for improvement. It was the cleanest game on either side of the ball," Leibin said. "We're going to need to get a lot better. The (local newspaper) thinks we're the second coming, but we're not there yet."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Taft's D.J. Morgan committed to USC at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday after receiving an official offer in writing. He's only a junior, so there is limited communication allowed between Morgan and USC officials.

"I'm excited and happy. I'm been a USC fan all my life," Morgan said. "It's always been my dream to go to USC. They're my favorite. It's a dream come true."

Morgan is among California's fastest football players. Besides rushing for nearly 1,300 yards as a sophomore last season, he also was a top track sprinter and hurdler.

Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said: "D.J. had a big smile on his face. I guess he went down with his parents to USC, and it actually surprised me how fast he committed after getting the letter. USC is where he wanted to go."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com\

D.J. Morgan, a blazing fast junior running back at Taft of Woodland Hills, has verbally committed to USC, according to Taft coach Matt Kerstetter.

"D.J. gave his verbal to USC yesterday (Tuesday)," Kerstetter said. "I am excited obviously. I'm excited any time a kid gets to go to such a prestigious program. He's an exceptional talent. Good for him."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Chris Reed, a top Canyon football lineman, is the nephew of Toa, a TV star on American Gladiators.

"Toa's my mother's brother, and I see him a lot because the family is real close -- lots of family barbeques, and he comes to my football games almost every week," Reed said. "Is he tougher than me? Yeah, I guess so. He's way bigger."

Reed also is a second cousin of pro wrestler/move star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Kennedy softball pitcher Julieanne Martinez has been offered scholarships by Boise State and Louisiana Tech.

As a junior last season, the 5-foot-5 right-hander was 24-4 with a 0.56 ERA and 273 strikeouts in 176 innings.

gerry.gittelson@daIlynews.com

Valencia sophomore Christian Lopes, participating for the USA Baseball National Team (16-under) in the Pan Am Games in Mexico, is killing the ball. In four victories over five days, he's batting .462 (6 for 13) with five runs and two RBIs.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell is coaching in the annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January in San Antonio.

"It's fabulous. I was an assistant in the U.S. Army game a few years ago, and it's a first-class all-star game," Redell said. "It's like a college bowl game."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Remember the Jackson twins from Birmingham, defensive ends Malik (now at USC) and Marquis (College of the Canyons)?

There is a similar situation at Alemany of Mission Hills, where twin defensive linemen K.C. and Chucky Obi continue to cause havoc. They're 6-2, 230 pounds and love to hit.

"They're both Division I prospects," Alemany coach Dean Herrington said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

The City Section championship game is still at L.A. Coliseum but has been switched to Saturday afternoon, Dec. 13 instead of Friday night, for budget reasons, according to a Blog by Eric Sondheimer of the L.A. Times.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Flintridge Prep quarterback/linebacker Gus Herrera suffered a dislocagted shoulder Saturday in a 45-20 loss to St. Genevieve, according to Grant Gordon of the Glendale News-Press.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

\One year after losing 33-28 to Saugus on a last-second Hail Mary pass, Westlake gets its shot at revenge Friday in the rematch at Westlake.

"I''m looking forward to it because of what happened last year," Westlake's Justin Lilley said. "I was in the pile at the end on that last play. The ball sailed over my head."

Saugus quarterback Desi Rodriguez threw the Hail Mary, and he's back, along with top running back Ryan Zirbel.

Saugus' top returning offensive lineman, Justin Wells (undisclosed injury), has been medically cleared after missing an opening win over Pasadena.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Crespi looks sharp, opening a 15-0 halftime lead over visiting Birmingham.

Birmingham started nervously, as its first three drives ended with a lost fumble on its own 20, a fumbled punt snap on its own 20, then a lost fumble in the end zone.

Following Birmingham's second turnover, Crespi cashed in two plays later with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Bryan Bennett to Blake Stanton, who faked out several defenders near the goal line.

Birmingham had a prime opportunity to tie the score, but Tajuan Briggs coughed up the football just as he was about to score on a 4-yard run, and Kevin Cummings recovered in the end zone for a touchback.

On the ensuing series, Crespi's Brad Lattanzio rushed for 24 yards, then 21 yards, followed three plays later with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Bennett to Cummings.
Kahlil Bass' two-point conversion run on a quick snap made it 15-0.

Birmingham did not record a first down over the next two possessions, but had a good chance to score in the closing minutes of the first half after recovering a fumble on the Crespi 35. The Patriots drove to the 6, but Morey Croson was tackled at the 2 while trying to scramble as the halftime clock ran out.

Croson had difficulty handling Crespi's blitzing defense. He was sacked just once but was constantly chased out of the pocket, finishing the first half 6 for 12 for 89 yards.

It's already a lively crowd here at Crespi in Encino, as the host Celts face City Section power Birmingham in just a few minutes, as kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and the TV cameras will be rolling.

Birmingham lost its season opener, 29-28, to unheralded Garfield of L.A., and that seemed to have turned off a lot of prognosticators, as the calpreps line is 31 points.

"Nobody expects us to have a chance, and frankly I was surprised they even let us in the building tonight," Birmingham coach Ed Croson said.

But Birmingham is capable of big upsets -- I remember the Patriots knocked off Hart in a total shocker a few years back -- so nobody should give up on them, though there's no doubt Crespi (1-0) is a prohibative favorite.

Even I am picking against my alma mater tonight -- Birmingham was the Braves in my day -- but you know what? I've been wrong before ...

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

We'll call this my expasion upon Peerless Pronog:

Hart 27, Palmdale 21 -- Palmdale has shortened the gap between a top Golden League team and a top Foothill League team, but not quite enough to win this one -- even on Palmdale's home field. Hart's all-purpose standout Demitri Diamond is the difference.

Valencia 23, Thousand Oaks 21 -- This one comes down the very end. The Thousand Oaks duo of QB Ian Shultis and RB John Lister gives the Lancers the lead, but Valencia's new QB Dominick Solley has the last word in front of a big home crowd.

Crespi 42, Birmingham 23 -- OK, it's not 31 points like calpreps.com says, but Birmingham just doesn't have enough experienced defenders to keep pace with host Crespi's high-octane offense. And if Birmingham thought Garfield of L.A. could lay the wood, just wait until get a load of the gang-tackling Celts.

Notre Dame 17, Moorpark 7 -- Notre Dame has a lot to prove after falling in the first round of the playoffs last year, but visiting Moorpark, led by DL Corey Sandoval, won't make it easy. The Knights workmanlike approach will success, and we might even see a 50-yard field goal.

El Camino Real 24, Calabasas 7 -- This one is easy for the Conquistadores, as Rashon Harper runs wild. But it will get tougher down the road.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com.

Well, that didn't take long. Alemany scored on its first play just a moment ago on a 62 yard pass from David Metcalf to blazing Chris Gant to forge an early lead against visiting Kennedy. Check Jacob Pollon's story in the DN tomorrow (or online tonight at midnight for you diehards).

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Defending Mid-Valley Division semifinalist Paraclete killed itself with mistakes last week in a 35-28 loss at Serrano.

The Spirits totaled 447 yards of total offense but committed five turnovers (three within their own 20) and muffed a punt on its own 11. One lost fumble occurred on the 1 as a Paraclete player was running into the end zone.

"It was just one of those games. Very frustrating," coach Norm Dahlia said.

Paraclete looks to rebound against visiting Burroughs of Ridgecrest on Saturday night. The Spirits are playing home games this season at Knight of Palmdale - 15 miles from Paraclete's campus - because the Spirits' usual home field at Antelope Valley College is being refurbished.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Grant plays under its new lights Friday against Bell, and kickoff has been pushed to 7:30 p.m. because Grant plans a special ceremony and a halftime fireworks show.

"We're encouraging everyone who ever has been associated with Grant - students, teachers, coaches - to come out," said Jeff Halpern, interim assistant principal. "I was from Grant's first graduating class in 1959, so I know all about how it took only 49 years to get some lights, and now I'm back. We're also going to have a fireworks display at halftime."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Dylan Jones, a top baseball player at Valencia, has committed to Oregon, according to The Signal.

As a junior, Jones batted .466 with three home runs and 22 RBIs.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Jules Montgomery, a 6-foot-9 senior at Chaminade of West Hills, has committed to Long Beach State.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

The competition for the starting quarterback job at Hart of Newhall remains tight, but Spenser Souza will start Friday over Darren Sholes in the season opener at Palmdale on Friday night. Kickoff is 7:30.

"Spenser had a little bit of a better day, statistics-wise, in our scimmage," coach Mike Herrington said.

Herrington said he was not sure if both would play Friday.

Souza is a converted receiver/defensive back, and Sholes was a backup quarterback last season.

The past eight Hart quarterbacks -- David Neill, Kyle Boller, Kyle Matter, Matt Moore, Sean Norton, Tyler Lyon, Alex Pettee and B.R. Holbrook -- all eventually played major-college football, and Boller and Moore are in the NFL.

Defending Northern Division finalist Hart has defeated reigning Western Division runner-up Palmdale 12 times in a row by an average of nearly 28 points. The last meeting was in 2001.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

San Fernando continues to cope without one the Valley Mission League's top returning players, receiver Stacey Richards, who is academically ineligible.

"He didn't make up a class during the summer," head coach Tom Hernandez said.

As a junior last season, Richards caught 42 passes for 599 yards and two TDs.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Marquis Jackson, the former All-City defensive end from Birmingham who lost a Fresno State scholarship because of grades, is playing for College of the Canyons after first working out with Moorpark College this past summer.

Canyons, which defeated Antelope Valley College on Saturday in the season opener, is ranked No. 1 in the nation among JC programs.

Among other Canyons notables: D.J. Stephens (Kennedy), Germi Morrison (Monroe), Anthony Dawkins (Granada Hills), Ricky Drake and Josh Gibbs (Valencia), Steve Gourley (Grace Brethren), Eddie Smith (Saugus) and Brandon Pittman (Lynwood/Saugus),

Meanwhile, Chris Andrade, a top linebacker from Monroe, has left Moorpark's team to pursue academic interests.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Christian Lopes, who hit 10 home runs as a Valencia freshman this past spring, has been named to the USA National Team (16-under).

The team is scheduled to participate in a 10-day international tournament in Mexico beginning Friday.

I've been following Lopes since he was 10 years old when he led the William S. Hart PONY team to the Mustang World Series in Texas. Back then, he could hit a baseball 250 feet -- WAY over the fence. These days, Lopes can hit 400-foot home runs and throws a 90 mph fastball.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

By Gerry Gittelson
Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - Founded in 1893, Bakersfield High is one of California's oldest high school football programs, and the visiting Drillers were giving Canyon an old-fashioned whipping Friday in the season opener at Canyon.

Central Section power Bakersfield, 13-1 last season, did nothing fancy, employing a basic but increasingly effective running attack that wore down the Cowboys, who fell behind by as much as 24 points in the fourth quarter.

But Canyon came roaring back, scoring three touchdowns over a six-minute span to make it respectable in a 38-32 loss before a crowd of about 5,000 at Canyon.

Canyon (0-1) is in serious need of respectability after finishing just 4-6 last season after winning two Northern Division titles in a row in 2005 and 2006. Had the Cowboys come back all the way, this would have been quite a comeback, but there is nothing to be ashamed of in losing to a defending section champion, so the onus is on Canyon to build from this defeat.

In the fourth quarter, Canyon scored on Chris Rivas' 67-yard touchdown, Geffen Camp's 10-yard run and finally Tyger Rodriguez's 84-yard fumble return with 54 seconds remaining.

But onside kicks failed after all three touchdowns, and Canyon ran out of time.

Canyon jumped to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter, but Bakersfield (1-0) answered with 31 consecutive points.

Playing without top running back Antonio Bray (ineligible), Canyon succeeded with it passing attack. Jordan Adamczyk completed 14 of 22 for 264 yards and a 67-yard touchdown to Rivas (seven receptions, 176 yards).

But Canyon simply could not stop Bakersfield's ground game, as the Drillers amassed 417 yards, 364 rushing. J.J. Johnson rushed for 120 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries, and Alfonso Jackson added 125 yards on 16 carries.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

it's 26-14 Bakersfield over Canyon at the half here at Canyon High, and the second half is about to get underway.

Canyon jumped to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter, but Bakersfield responded with three consecutive touchdowns to forge a 26-12 halftime lead.

Canyon started impressively enough, driving 63 yards in 14 plays while eating up nearly six minutes, but the Cowboys could not cash in, fumbling away the hold on a 26-yard field goal attempt.

Bakersfield's Chris Anderson returned the fumble 50 yards to 17, and Dakota Velasquez scored three plays later on a 1-yard run.

Canyon kept the pressure on, driving 70 yards on seven plays, scoring the first touchdown on Chris Reed's 11-yard run.

On the next series, Canyon took advantage of a Bakersfield fumble and scored on Geffen Camp's 2-yard run.

But Canyon failed to record a first down over its next three series, and Bakersfield proved increasingly successful with a straight-ahead offense that wasn't fancy but was physical.

Bakersfield amassed 182 yards in the first half, 168 rushing.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Sitll just more than hour before kickoff, but I was so pumped about football season starting again that got here WAY early at Canyon, as the Cowboys prepare to face Central Section power Bakersfield (13-1 last year) in the opener, Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

Bakersfield is a good team -- the Drillers are favored by 15 on calpreps -- but Canyon is always a tough progam even though the Cowboys finished just 4-6 last season after winning consecutive Northern Division titles in 2005 and 2006.

No Antonio Bray tonight. The ultra fast running back for Canyon has eligibility issues because of his transfer from Alemany, but word is he'll probably be OK by next week.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Here's a scoop: Taft linebacker Nick Bruce was offered a scholarship today by Fresno State.

"It's his offer, and that's good because the first one is always the toughest," Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Lucky Radley is set to transfer yet again, this time to Agoura, according to several sources including Agoura's All-American prospect offensive lineman, Kevin Graf, who went with Radley to the UCLA football game Monday and said Radley attended Agoura's practice on Tuesday and also visited practice last week.

The plan according to sources is for Radley to change guardianship and move in with the family of Agoura receiver Bryce Majdick, Graf said.

Radley could not be reached.

Agoura coach Charlie Wegher acknowledged meeting Radley at practice but told him to go meet with the athletic director, per Southern Section rules.

"As of now, he's not enrolled as far as I know," Wegher said. "If he takes the steps and it's all kosher, that's something else."

Taft coach Matt Kerstetter, who has petitioned the City Section for Radley to be granted a hardship waiver at Taft instead of being forced to sit out for year because of transfer restrictions, said he knows nothing about it.

"I've hung out with Lucky Radley -- it looks like he will be coming here, though I don't think it's 100 percent for sure," Graf said. "He's a great guy. I think it will be great having him on the team. it will make a huge improvement and make us that much better."

Radley totaled more than 100 tackles as a sophomore last season for Crespi but was later suspended, then expelled shortly after returning. He attended school at Taft on Wednesday, Kerstetter said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

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Canyon's top running back Antonio Bray, a transfer from Bakersfield, continues to wait to be cleared after transferring from Alemany, so he won't play Friday in the season opener against visiting Bakersfield.

"We just want to check everything and confirm everything. He'll probably suit up next week against Granada Hills," Canyon coach Chris Varner said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TONIGHT

Garfield of L.A. (0-0) at Birmingham of Lake Balboa (0-0), 7:30: The PM era (post-Milton) begins for Birmingham, which begins its quest for a third consecutive City championship and fifth over the past seven seasons.

Birmingham has a top WR in USC-bound De'Von Flournoy, and the key to this season figures to be the development of the rest of the receiving corps, as all except Jake Granitz lack experience. If one or two WRs emerge, then returning QB Morey Croson should be primed for a big season.

Milton Knox's successor is promising junior Trajuan Briggs. Garfield won the City Invitational title last year but should be in way over its head.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Well, it's official: The Daily News' very own Ramona Shelburne and former Daily News staffer Nevin Barich -- "Like Kevin but with an N," he always says -- are getting hitched! The date isn't totally set but the plan is for sometime next summer, said Ramona, who is sporting some bling. Congrats!

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Brandon Graves, one of the Southland's brightest young football prospects, has been denied eligibility at Crespi of Encino after transferring from Los Alamitos.

Crespi is appealing via a hardship waiver, but it is not clear when the matter will be resolved.

Graves, a receiver/defensive back who has been living in the San Fernando Valley and practicing with Crespi since late June, caught 28 passes and scored one touchdown as a sophomore last season at Los Alamitos, one of California's top programs.

Graves also played varsity basketball at Los Alamitos.

If the appeal process does not go his way, Graves will be forced to sit out one year before resuming varsity participation.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

It hasn't hit the Net yet, but Oaks Christian junior running back Malcolm Jones have been offerred a scholarship by Oregon.

"It's official. We just got the offer today," Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said.

This is Jones' second Pac-10 offer, with Stanford being the first. His brother, Marshall, is a USC defensive back.

Speaking of Oaks Christian running backs, former star Marc Tyler scored his first touchdown for USC on Saturday on a 10-yard run in 52-7 opening victory over Virginia. And even though Tyler was the last of six USC tailbacks to show his face, Redell believes Tyler eventually will assert himself and move up.

"I think as the season goes, Marc is going to be right there. He looks very good," Redell said. "There are a lot good running backs there, but none of them are better than Marc Tyler.:

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com