When I called Diamond Ranch football coach Roddy Layton to talk about football, he said, “I know why you want to do this, you want to put it on the blog and get a bunch of people talking trash about me.” We laughed about it, but the truth is, Layton speaks from the heart, he doesn’t hide anything, he’s become one of the area’s best young coaches, and again, he had plenty to say, even knowing I’m going to share it with all of you. So, here goes, a fun Q&A with Roddy Layton, just click on the thread

Everyone talks about your schedule, so what’s going on next year? Layton was often ridiculed this past season for scheduling non-league games against Bishop Amat, Oaks Christian, Muir, and Chino Hills. The Panthers started 1-6, but rebounded to advance to the Southeast Division championship, where they lost to Miramonte League rival Charter Oak, 30-16. The Panthers have dropped Oaks Christian, but will still play Bishop Amat, Colony, Muir and Chino Hills. They’re hoping to add an out-of-state game.
“Everyone wanted to say something about our schedule, but like I’ve said time and time again, it’s about getting our players noticed and measuring yourself against great teams. The Bishop Amat game was on Fox Sports. That’s great exposure. And the bottom line is that experience helped us down the road. You play three seasons, and the first two (non-league and league) helped us prepare for the third (CIF playoffs), so from that standpoint, how can you complain about it.”
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How’s the out-of-state game coming along. Diamond Ranch has two non-league games to add, and if Layton has it his way, they will play a non-league game in Hawaii, but he’s open to the possibility of playing an out-of-state game somewhere else, like Colorado, Texas or Florida.
“We’re in the early stages of trying to make that happen. I’m talking with the school, my boosters, and think it’s a great next step to take. We’re losing so many important seniors I think a trip like this, where guys are together in a hotel and hanging out all the time, will be a good bonding experience. I think we’ll come back from a trip like that a much better team than when we left.”
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How about the game that never happens, against Diamond Bar. Is it in the works?
Diamond Bar football coach J.T. Cameron was asked during last year’s football season why the two schools never played, and he said it was more political than anything else. Layton wonders why. Diamond Bar has a much greater history than Diamond Ranch, winning four championships under legendary coach Terry Roche during a stretch from the 1980’s and into the 90’s.
“That would be a natural rivalry for us. It seems like every city as an inner-city rivalry, and this is as close as it gets for us. That game is on the table anytime they want it. We can go to a local park and play it, I don’t care. I’d just like to see it get done. I know why they don’t want to play, the pendulum has swung. We don’t have the banners they have, but we have a better program. I’m not trying to slam them, it would just be a good game to play. I’ll do my annual plea and beg to make it happen, but they don’t want it.”
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Layton jokingly said a game against Rosemead would have a nice twist since Panthers coach Matt Koffler and Layton both played at USC.
Look at all the stuff you have in common,” Layton joked. “You have two guys who basically didn’t play that much at USC. Both teams played for the CIF championships and we’re both named the Panthers. Makes sense to me.
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Layton is always petitioning Fox Sports for one of their games of the week, and says if they don’t pick Amat-DRanch again, there is only one game more worthy. The problem is, it hasn’t been scheduled and probably won’t.
Charter Oak and Bishop Amat is a natural. Fox Sports is always looking for one San Gabriel Valley game to feature, and that would be it. I thought Charter Oak would have given them a great game this past year, and it would be a great game next year too.”
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We had a long discussion about a lot of things. I started to ask about the firing of St. Paul coach Pete Gonzalez, but all Layton could talk about was running back Aubrey Haynes, who left Diamond Ranch his senior year for St. Paul and led them to a CIF divisional title in 2007.
“That’s a sore subject with me. They recruited Aubrey. I know it and they know it and I don’t care if you write it. I reported it to CIF and nothing happened. They were Emailing him through MySpace, at games, whatever. That’s a game I would love to play too. It’s personal. What really bothers me is they didn’t help him get to college. That’s what we’re here for. He’s a year out of school and is back contacting me to help him go somewhere. That’s a shame. It’s one thing to steal players, but our job as coaches is to do everything possible to get our players to college. Not all players get scholarships, but they can all go to college. I’m not mad at Aubrey, he’s a good kid, and I will do what I can to help him.”
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How does Layton helps his players get to the next level, well, listen at how he conducts job interviews.
“I have a coach coming in to interview, and one of the first things I’m going to ask for is a highlight-reel tape of his position players. That has to be part of your job description. When the season’s over, we kick into high gear trying to get our players scholarships.”
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In closing, Layton said a Villanova scout/coach was in town recently. Not only was Layton trying to sell his players, but he put in a few good words for Charter Oak quarterback Chris Allen.
“You have to,” Layton said. “These are San Gabriel Valley players and Chris is an exceptional kid who deserves a shot. I also talked to them about Muir corner Tyree Mills. He burned us the first time we played them, and he’s another who I think should be looked at closer.”