The second annual Chris Rix “Christmas Football Combine” is on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Maranatha High School from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Rix, who starred at quarterback for Bishop Amat, Santa Margarita and later played for Bobby Bowden at Florida State, is a college football and NFL analyst for Fox Sports. But he has maintained his ties in the San Gabriel Valley, where he continues to mentor several of the area’s top quarterbacks.

The Christmas Combine is comprised of two divisions, the “Top Guns” division for high school and college players, and the “Young Guns” division for players ages 7-13.

“Whether your team’s season ended in early November or this past Saturday, this will be one more chance for passionate football players of all levels to compete one more time on the field before Christmas,” explained Rix.

The camp is free for participants who bring a new unopened toy or Christmas gift (Between $25-$40) that can be donated to a shelter or needy family.

Otherwise, the camp is $40 for prior registration and $50 on the day of the camp, and includes a shirt. There are discounts for larger groups. To register early or ask questions, call 626-581-7016 or email championOrganization@live.com.

By Steve Ramirez
Staff Writer

Dale Ziola, an assistant at Los Altos High School last season and previously at Montebello, is the Conquerors’ new football coach.

He succeeds Jim Arellanes, who last month was let go after one season at the Hacienda Heights school.

Ziola, the fourth coach at Los Altos since Conqueror legend Dwayne DeSpain retired following the 1996 season, is a former player at Whittier College.

His coaching tenure began at Montebello, where he was an assistant from 2004-09 before moving over to Los Altos last season, where he coached running backs.

Ziola was also a finalist when Arellanes, who came over from Northview, was hired prior to last season.

The Conquerors’ program has been on a downward spiral the past few years, winning just four games since 2007.

Former area player of the year Felipe Aguilar, who followed Greg Gano prior to the 2008 season, went 1-9 and 3-7 before resigning. Arellanes followed, and went 0-10 this past fall.

Aram’s take: This one caught me surprise, as Los Altos obviously moved very quickly to replace Arellanes. Did LA fly the position? Did it conduct interviews? How did LA make a hire so quickly while Wilson is still deep in the process of finding its new coach, which is a vacancy that came about earlier than Los Altos’ did. Anyway, don’t know much about Coach Ziola. I will find out more …