Prep Dog

Diamond Ranch forward picks Santa Clara

2008-08-29T22:17:12Z

Diamond Ranch senior forward Chris Cunningham has committed to play basketball at Santa Clara University, reports sectionsports.com.

He also attracted interest from Cal and Stanford, the Web site said.

"I believe coach (Kerry) Keating is a great coach who will help develop my game," Cunning told sectionsports. "He is going to take us to the tournament and make Santa Clara a competitive program year in and year out."

Santa Clara is best known in basketball circles for having produced Lakers forward Kurt Rambis and Warriors center Kenny Sears.

Centennial, REV ranked in Top 10

2008-08-29T21:18:25Z

Sectionsports.com has released its Top 10 Cali prep football teams. It has Concord De La Salle No. 1 and Corona Centennial checking in at No. 2.

Redlands East Valley gets a mention, at No. 10. Here's what the site has to say about the Wildcats:

"Inland Division semi-finalist looks tough with QB Tyler Shreve and several offensive linemen returning. However, Shreve will miss the ability of last year's receiving corps. The defense is expected to be even strong than last year. Finding somebody to catch Shreve's passes will be the key for the Wildcats."

What do you think? Is that about right for REV, or too high? Did the Web site miss anyone?

It's all over on The Farm

2008-08-29T04:45:16Z

Stanford wins 36-28 on The Farm as Oregon State fumbles on 1-yard line with less than a minute left.

Not sure how many yards Gerhart had ... 140-and-change, I think.

My gut feeling is USC has nothing to worry about against either of these teams, but then everyone thought that last year, too.

Stanford coach Harbaugh was interviewed post-game and called Gerhart "the real deal." Also, in a post-game close-up, Gerhart mouthed "hi mom" to the camera. Awww.

Pulses quickening in Palo Alto

2008-08-29T04:25:40Z

Stanford ahead by 16 with four minutes left. I'm signing off soon, though I don't consider this game in the bag. I've been watching the Cardinal since they were the Indians and if anybody can blow a 16-point lead in four minutes, it's Stanford.

This is unofficial, but I believe Norco grad Toby Gerhart has more than 140 yards rushing and should eclipse his single-game college best of last season, set against San Jose State.

Gerhart was impressive - decisive, fast and strong. If he stays healthy, he'll do some damage this season.

Update: Oregon State just scored a TD and made the 2-point conversion. It's now an eight-point game. Memo to Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh: Keep handing Gerhart the rock.

Gerhart running wild

2008-08-29T03:31:30Z

Toby Gerhart continues to pile up yards for Stanford, despite just sharing tailback duties. He has to be in the 110- to 120-yard range, though I've heard nothing official. Included was a 46-yard TD run.

The announcers have likened Gerhart to former Stanford and Chicago Bears running back "Touchdown" Tommy Vardell and former SMU great Craig James. James, who later became an announcer, was one-half of SMU's famed "Pony Express" - the other half being Eric Dickerson, later of the L.A. Rams.

Stanford leads 22-20 after scoring a safety on a backwards Oregon State pass that went out of the end zone.

The game is being televised on espn2.

Update: Gerhart just ran for a first down and has more than 140 yards on 14 carries with one TD. End of third quarter, 22-20 Stanford.

Long TD run for Norco grad Gerhart

2008-08-29T02:30:04Z

Add a 46-yard TD run on a draw play to Toby Gerhart's evening. Stanford now leads 17-10 and it's almost halftime, but Oregon State is in scoring position.

Gerhart, the Norco grad, bounced out of the grasp of two Oregon State defenders. With a 36-yard run and a 46-yarder, looks like Gerhart's knee (badly injured last season) is doing OK.

I've been poking around on the Internet, trying to find out what happened to Alexis Serna, the Miller grad who won the Lou Groza Award for best placekicker in the nation while at Oregon State. I know Serna didn't get drafted by an NFL team and didn't get picked up by anyone right away. Does anyone know his whereabouts?

I'm answering my own question ... my Internet seach shows Serna signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL and helped the Bombers defeat Montreal 19-16 with a 17-yard field goal with one second left in the game.

Ike grad Butler a nightmare for Stanford

2008-08-29T02:13:51Z

I'm watching Oregon State at Stanford football on TV and I'm going to go out on a limb and predict neither team makes the BCS title game. it's a 10-10 tie at the moment.

Norco grad Toby Gerhart had a 36-yard run for Stanford and Aquinas grad Chike Amajoyi has made his presence felt on defense for the Cardinal.

But the real star among local guys is Eisenhower grad Victor Butler who is all over the place from his defensive end position. He has 3-4 tackles with four minutes left in the half.

Last season Butler had 10 1/2 sacks, third in the Pacific-10.

Otherwise, the new Stanford Stadium looks beautiful - shades of Kezar Stadium the way Stanford has incorporated the old pillars and archways into the design. Too bad it looks like half the stadium is empty. But then it was a 6 p.m. Thursday start, the game is on espn2 and I'm thinking Oregon State didn't bring a ton of people.

Colton first in CIF-SS pre-season Central Division rankings

2008-08-28T23:29:51Z

Here are the CIF-SS pre-season football polls ... what do you think? Leave a response below.

2008 CIF SOUTHERN SECTION PRESEASON FOOTBALL TOP TEN POLLS
(as of 8-25-08)
CENTRAL DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Colton (San Andreas) 9-4
2. Colony (Mt. Baldy) 12-2
3. Upland (Baseline) 7-4
4. Chaffey (Mt. Baldy) 9-2
5. Paloma Valley (Sunbelt) 7-4
6. Glendora (Sierra) 9-3
7. Los Osos (Baseline) 8-3
8. Cajon (San Andreas) 5-6
9. Damien (Sierra) 5-5-1
10. West Valley (Sunbelt) 6-5
OTHERS: Hemet (Sunbelt), 5-5; Etiwanda (Baseline), 6-5; Arroyo Valley (San Andreas), 7-3-1;
Ayala (Sierra), 7-4; Chino Hills (Sierra), 6-3-1; Elsinore (Sunbelt), 5-6.

EASTERN DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Citrus Hill (Mountain Pass) 14-0
2. La Quinta/La Quinta (Desert Valley) 8-3
3. Serrano (Mojave River) 11-1
4. Hesperia (Mojave River) 9-2
5. Palm Desert (Desert Valley) 10-4
6. Kaiser (Sunkist) 5-7
7. San Jacinto (Mountain Pass) 11-3
8. Silverado (Desert Sky) 6-3-2
9. Palm Springs (Desert Valley) 6-7
10. Notre Dame/Riverside (Mountain Pass) 8-5
OTHERS: Apple Valley (Mojave River), 6-4; Victor Valley (Desert Sky), 0-9; Jurupa Valley
(Sunkist), 7-4.

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. St. Margaret's (Academy) 14-0
2. Maranatha (Alpha) 8-4
3. Twentynine Palms (De Anza) 8-3
4. Brentwood (Alpha) 12-2
5. Big Bear (De Anza) 8-3
6. Ontario Christian (Christian) 9-3
7. Desert (High Desert) 9-2
8 Aquinas (Christian) 7-5
9. Bishop (High Desert) 7-6
10. Grace Brethren (Frontier) 4-6
OTHERS: Fillmore (Frontier), 4-6; Calvary Chapel/Downey (Alpha), 5-4; Sage Hill (Academy), 8-
3; Santa Paula (Frontier), 4-6; Brethren Christian (Academy), 4-6; Kern Valley (High Desert), 5-6.

INLAND DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Centennial/Corona (Big 8) 13-2
2. Chaparral (Southwestern) 9-4
3. Redlands East Valley (Citrus Belt) 12-1
4. Rancho Verde (Inland Valley) 9-3
5. J.W. North (Big 8) 13-1
6. Vista Murrieta (Southwestern) 11-1
7. Santiago/Corona (Big 8) 8-5
8. Moreno Valley (Inland Valley) 10-3
9. Murrieta Valley (Southwestern) 6-5
10. Redlands (Citrus Belt) 3-7
OTHERS: Norco (Big 8), 9-3; Arlington (Inland Valley), 5-6; A.B. Miller (Citrus Belt), 10-2.

MID-VALLEY DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Paraclete (Olympic) 12-1
2. San Dimas (Valle Vista) 9-2
3. South El Monte (Mission Valley) 7-5
4. Temple City (Rio Hondo) 5-7
5. Monrovia (Rio Hondo) 6-6
6. La Puente (Montview) 7-4
7. Valley Christian/Cerritos (Olympic) 7-6
8. Northview (Valle Vista) 7-4
9. Duarte (Montview) 8-3
10. Rosemead (Mission Valley) 7-4
OTHERS: Covina (Valle Vista), 5-5; San Marino (Rio Hondo), 5-4-1; Whittier Christian (Olympic),
6-6; Azusa (Montview), 5-6; Gabrielino (Mission Valley), 2-8.

NORTHEAST DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Saddleback Valley Christian (San Joaquin) 12-1
2. Calvary Murrieta (Big Sky) 9-4
3. Mammoth (Desert Mountain) 7-4
4. Linfield Christian (Big Sky) 8-4
5. Boron (Desert Mountain) 6-5
6. Rio Hondo Prep (Prep) 5-6
7. Flintridge Prep (Prep) 7-4
8. Salesian (Santa Fe) 3-7
9. Fairmont Prep (San Joaquin) 7-4
10. Bell-Jeff (Santa Fe) 9-2
OTHERS: Silver Valley (Desert Mountain), 4-6; Poly/Pasadena (Prep), 3-6; St. Anthony (Santa
Fe), 7-4; Bloomington Christian (San Joaquin), 3-6.

NORTHERN DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. St. Bonaventure (Channel) 10-2
2. Valencia/Valencia (Foothill) 7-4-1
3. Westlake (Marmonte) 8-4
4. Moorpark (Marmonte) 6-5
5. Hart (Foothill) 12-1-1
6. Newbury Park (Marmonte) 11-2
7. Saugus (Foothill) 10-3
8. Atascadero (PAC-7) 9-3
9. Paso Robles (PAC 7) 9-3
10. Oxnard (Pacific View) 8-3
OTHERS: Thousand Oaks (Marmonte), 5-6; Adolfo Camarillo (Pacific View), 7-4; Rio Mesa
(Pacific View), 4-6.

NORTHWEST DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Oaks Christian (Tri-Valley) 15-0
2. Serra (Del Rey) 9-3
3. St. Joseph/Santa Maria (Los Padres) 9-3
4. Santa Clara (Tri-Valley) 11-1-1
5. Oak Park (Tri-Valley) 9-4
6. Torrance (Pioneer) 7-4
7. Harvard/Westlake (Del Rey) 8-4
8. Morro Bay (Los Padres) 11-1
9. Carpinteria (Tri-Valley) 4-6
10. La Salle (Camino Real) 6-6
OTHERS: Verbum Dei (Camino Real), 2-8; North Torrance (Pioneer), 4-7; Bishop Montgomery
(Camino Real), 1-9.

PAC-5 DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Long Beach Poly (Moore) 13-1
2. Orange Lutheran (Trinity) 10-2
3. Crespi (Serra) 11-3
4. Mater Dei (Trinity) 9-2
5. Edison (Sunset) 8-4
6. Mission Viejo (South Coast) 6-4-1
7. Servite (Trinity) 8-4
8. Los Alamitos (Sunset) 7-4
9. Newport Harbor (Sunset) 6-4
10. Esperanza (Sunset) 10-2
OTHERS: Bishop Amat (Serra), 3-7; Lakewood (Moore), 7-4; Tesoro (South Coast), 7-4; Notre
Dame/Sherman Oaks (Serra), 11-1; San Clemente (South Coast), 8-3.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. South Hills (San Antonio) 10-3
2. Charter Oak (Miramonte) 10-2-1
3. Diamond Ranch (Miramonte) 7-3
4. Schurr (Almont) 8-5
5. Santa Fe (Del Rio) 5-6
6. California (Del Rio) 11-2
7. Muir (Pacific) 9-3
8. Burroughs/Burbank (Pacific) 4-7
9. Alhambra (Almont) 7-4
10. West Covina (San Antonio) 6-6
OTHERS: Los Altos (Miramonte), 5-5; Burbank (Pacific), 3-7; Rowland (San Antonio), 3-8.

SOUTHERN DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Laguna Hills (Pacific Coast) 6-3
2. Westminster (Golden West) 8-4
3. Mayfair (Suburban) 7-4
4. Bellflower (Suburban) 7-4
5. Garden Grove (Garden Grove) 6-5
6. Orange (Golden West) 3-7
7. Santiago/Garden Grove (Garden Grove) 8-3
8. University (Pacific Coast) 10-1
9. Laguna Beach (Orange Coast) 2-8
10. Estancia (Orange Coast) 5-6
OTHERS: Rancho Alamitos (Garden Grove), 5-5; Irvine (Pacific Coast), 8-3; Segerstrom (Golden
West), 5-5; Costa Mesa (Orange Coast), 3-8; La Mirada (Suburban), 4-7.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. El Dorado (Century) 13-1
2. La Habra (Freeway) 13-0
3. Trabuco Hills (Sea View) 12-2
4. Fullerton (Freeway) 9-4
5. Pacifica/Garden Grove (Empire) 10-3
6. Western (Orange) 9-2
7. Foothill (Sea View) 9-3
8. Valencia/Placentia (Empire) 8-3-1
9. Kennedy (Empire) 8-4
10. Cypress (Empire) 10-3
OTHERS: Troy (Freeway), 7-2; Santa Ana Valley (Orange), 7-4; Canyon/Anaheim (Century), 8-3;
Tustin (Century), 4-6.

WESTERN DIVISION
RK. SCHOOL (LEAGUE) 2007 W/L
1. Palmdale (Golden) 12-2
2. Dominguez (San Gabriel Valley) 10-3
3. St. Paul (Mission) 10-4
4. Gahr (San Gabriel Valley) 10-3
5. Palos Verdes (Bay) 8-3-1
6. Alemany (Mission) 8-4
7. Beverly Hills (Ocean) 4-6-1
8. Quartz Hill (Golden) 8-3
9. Redondo (Bay) 8-4
10. Santa Monica (Ocean) 6-5
OTHERS: Highland (Golden), 5-6; Chaminade (Mission), 6-4; St. Francis (Mission), 4-6;
Inglewood (Ocean), 4-6; Culver City (Ocean), 11-1.

Philipp, Pollard make all-state pre-season team

2008-08-28T23:19:22Z

Arroyo Valley offensive lineman Michael Philipp and Cajon defensive back Marlon Pollard have made the all-state pre-season football team just released by maxpreps.com.

Philipp has been recruited by nearly all of the Pac-10 teams.

Pollard committed to Notre Dame after de-committing to UCLA. He transferred into Cajon after last season.

Also making the team were linebacker Maurice Cox of Riverside North and linebacker Vontaze Burfict of Corona Centennial.

Six area teams crack Top 50 in football

2008-08-28T18:36:44Z

Concord De La Salle is ranked No. 1 in the state in football by calhisports.com. De La Salle went 13-0 last season and defeated Corona Centennial in the state playoff bowl game.

Long Beach Poly is ranked second.

Here are the area teams ranked in the Top 50:

6. Corona Centennial (13-2 last season). The Huskies have seven potential D-I kids, the Web site said.

30. Riverside North. Former Yucaipa coach Scott Pearne takes over the Huskies. They are 27-1 over the last two seasons.

40. Corona Santiago. The Sharks went 9-5 last season, defeated REV in the playoffs and made the CIF-SS Inland Division title game, where they lost to Centennial.

42. Redlands East Valley. The Wildcats won their first 12 games last season before getting upset by Santiago. Junior Taylor Shreve returns at QB to lead the WIldcats. Running back/wideout Gary Walker - a transfer from Rialto recently cleared by CIF - should help.

45. Los Osos. The Grizzlies look stout with UCLA-bound recruit Richard Brehaut at quarterback and RB/DB Arby Fields making his presence felt.

49. Norco. The Cougars went 9-3 last season and again appear tough, despite the transfer of talented linebacker Brandon Brown to Centennial.

Wesley leaves Rialto; son transfers to Cajon

2008-08-26T20:58:48Z

Byron Wesley is out as the boys basketball coach at Rialto High School, the victim of teaching cuts, Wesley said.

"They didn't bring back a lot of people," Wesley said. "I was not retained."

Wesley said nothing was stated about his basketball coaching job, but he assumed he would not be back.

"I'm going to be assisting (Quincy) Brewer at (San Bernardino) Valley College this year," said Wesley, a Highland resident.

New Rialto athletic director Dan Williams was not immediately available for comment.

Wesley now teaches at a middle school in Perris.

He coached at Rialto for just one year. Before that, he coached at Colton and Aquinas.

Wesley also said his son, 6-foot-4 Byron Wesley Jr., has transferred to Cajon. Byron Jr. started for Rialto on varsity last season as a freshman, averaging 11 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Clarendon retires as Ike coach; Pulido promoted

2008-08-26T18:53:36Z

Bob Clarendon has retired as the baseball coach at Eisenhower, Eagles athletic director Steve Johnson told the Prep-dog.

Gilbert Pulido is the new coach, though Clarendon still plans to be involved in the program, Johnson said.

Pulido assisted Clarendon for several years. He played baseball at Rialto High School and UC-Riverside. He is a health teacher at Eisenhower.

Clarendon was the the Eisenhower coach for 11 years.

Also, Gary Djonne is the new Eisenhower water polo and swimming coach, though former head coach John DeVries will still be involved in the program, Johnson said.

Walker cleared to play at REV

2008-08-25T23:12:44Z

Gary Walker has been cleared to play football at Redlands East Valley, REV athletic director Rhonda Fouch said.

"He's eligible to compete," Fouch said. "The CIF commissioner (James Staunton) has reviewed it and has declared him eligible for football."

Walker transferred from Rialto to REV after last season. REV did an internal investigation after questions arose regarding Walker's transfer and determined there was no wrong-doing. The CIF-SS also looked into the matter and has declared Walker eligible.

Walker was a utility player last season for Rialto and projects as a starter for the Wildcats, which will need to replace the likes of running back Chris Polk, now starting on offense as a freshman for the University of Washington.

Playing a variety of positions including quarterback and running back, Walker ran for 222 yards last season, including a 40-yard jaunt; caught 22 passes for 210 yards and passed for 84 yards.

Notable early season prep football games

2008-08-25T21:20:52Z

Notable early-season prep football games:

THURSDAY, SEPT. 4
Upland at Colony
Highly touted Highlander QB Josh Nunes tackles two-time defending section champions.

Pacific at Summit
Pirates try to snap 20-game losing streak against fledgling SkyHawks.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 5
Palm Springs at Miller
A chance for David Dash to make headlines for something that happens on the field.

Vista Murrieta at Redlands
The Terriers play their first-ever varsity football game at Dodge Field, prompting home-made signs that say "Get outta Dodge" and "Dodge Ball."

FRIDAY, SEPT. 12

Big Bear at Aquinas
Is there a Proctor in the house? No, but this should be a head-knocker anyway.

Los Osos at Cajon
Interesting battle between Richard Brehaut-led Grizzlies and Cajon, paced by RB Walter Kazee and DB Marlon Pollard.

Silverado at Serrano
No love lost between these schools.

Apple Valley at Kaiser
Coach Dick Bruich opens the new Cat stadium and his final season as coach against his old acquaintance, Sun Devils coach Frank Pulice.

North at Redlands East Valley
New Huskies coach Scott Pearne returns to his old stomping grounds.

Starting at quarterback: Montana

2008-08-25T20:39:30Z

Junior transfer Nick Montana, the son of Joe Montana, will start at quarterback for Westlake Village Oaks Christian this season, said an L.A. Times blog.

Montana, who transferred from national prep powerhouse Concord De La Salle, beat out Tony Macarena. Macarena was also a transfer, from Ventura St. Bonaventure.

Joe Montana, the Hall of Fame San Francisco 49ers quarterback, was a football, basketball and baseball standout in high school in Pennsylvania.

Montana has another son who played at both Santa Rosa Cardinal Newman and De La Salle, who is now a quarterback on the roster at the University of Notre Dame, Joe's alma mater.