Oceanside (4-0) matched up against the athleticism of the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbit's (1-3) and upset the Southern Section power, and traditional national powerhouse 14-7, in a thrilling non-league contest.
The Oceanside defense had 3 sacks by Rene Siluano, Kenny Galea'i and Markis Tokio, and and also forced 4 interceptions in the second half, including an interception in the endzone with 1:03 left to play in the 4th quarter by Oceanside defensive back King Holder.
This is arguably the biggest intersectional win by a San Diego team ever, and will have huge implications for any San Diego teams fighting for a slot in the State Bowl games at the end of the year. Even though Long Beach Poly, who has sent 40 players to the NFL, may not be fielding their best team in recent years, beating a program of this caliber strengthens the argument that any San Diego team going undefeated through the championship games at Qualcomm should be selected to represent Southern California in the State Bowls, instead of a Southern Section team.
Could we see 2 San Diego teams represent So Cal in the State Bowl Games? This victory opens the door for three teams in particular who have a great shot at going undefeated and being selected: La Costa Canyon (DI), Oceanside (DI), Cathedral Catholic (DIII).
The La Costa Canyon Mavericks played consistent ball on offense, but the Maverick defense captured the story in the 28-14 LCC victory.
The defense shut down the Santa Margarita rushing game, limiting them to 20 rushing yards in the first half. The Mavericks held for just two second half touchdowns. The "Gang Green" defense, led big hits and solid form tackles by Ian Seau, Justin Witzmann, and Paul Quessenberry dominated the Santa Margarita front and propelled the team to an impressive 28-14 win.
Quarterback Garrett Krstich scored on a 2-yard run after he marched the Mavericks down the field 83 yards on the opening drive of the game.
The Eagles were spying Kenny Stills the entire night, and other players stepped up including runningback Shea Backus and wide receiver Jacob Siem.
Runningback Seth Hanson was the work-horse, leading the offensive charge with 118 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. The Mavericks rushed for a staggering 296 yards on the night. Hanson is securing his position as one of the top runningbacks in North County.
La Costa Canyon is developing a nice little streak, adding their 13th victory in a row dating back to last year's loss against Santa Margarita.
Friday is a big night for San Diego Section high school football. In state and national polls, the voters and "experts" have always given the advantage to Southern Section team over San Diego section teams. Will San Diego teams be able to make a valid case against this Friday night?
The Southern section, a massive geographic district for high school football covering nearly all of Southern California and more (see section 9 on map) is home to a lot of teams, trumping the 70 or so teams that make up the San Diego Section (section 10 on map).
Considering the sheer number of players, schools, and diverse demographic regions, the Southern Section has produced a ton of raw talent from schools like Long Beach Poly, Mater Dei, Mission Viejo, Los Alamitos, Servite, Edison, Lakewood, and many others. While maybe its not fair to compare apples to oranges, Friday night gives three San Diego sections teams the opportunity to not only boost their school's football image in California, but drastically increase the credibility of the entire San Diego section, which could have huge implications in December in the selection process for Southern California representation to California Bowl games.
Three Must See Games...
La Costa Canyon vs. Santa Margarita
Where: Saddleback College (Orange County)
When: 7pm
Preview: The Mavericks (3-0) are highly ranked in regional and national polls and boast a dynamic offensive attack. The defense is young but led by Ian Seau, Adam Witzmann, Dylan Laurino, and Paul Quessenberry. Santa Margarita (2-1) boasts a solid rushing attack with an athletic quarterback.
Predication: La Costa Canyon 28 - Santa Margarita 17
Long Beach Poly vs. Oceanside
Where: Oceanside High School
When: 7pm
Preview: Oceanside (3-0), ranked #1 on San Diego by the Union Tribune, and arguably San Diego's most decorated prep football program, comes into the game with a shaky quarterback situation, but has a ton of leadership on the offensive and defensive lines, and talent at the skilled position. Coach John Carroll and Oceanside are riding an amazing 28 game streak with no losses, and one draw to Ramona 33-33 in 2008. Long Beach Poly (1-2) fields a ton of raw talent and a huge offensive line. The Jackrabbits are coming loss in the open division California bowl game last season.This year they have started off a bit slow losing to nationally ranked Servite 30-7 and nationally ranked St. Bonaventure (Ventura) 27-7. The Jackrabbits will come ready to play, and are well coached.
Prediction: Oceanside 21 - Long Beach Poly 20
Mission Viejo vs. Vista
Where: Vista High School
When: 7pm
Preview: Ranked 42 in the nation and 6 in the state of California, according to MaxPreps, the Bob Johnson-led Diablos will likely come out and present a big challenge to Vista (3-0). Mission Viejo is a perennial California power and reloads each year. Runningback Exavier Edwards, a hot college prospect, is leading the team in rushing. Vista, a program with much tradition and its vaunted black shirt defense, is 3-0. Vista runningback Jordan Alexander has scored 7 touchdowns is averaging nearly 150 yards per game rushing this year. Vista is coming of a dominating 51-0 victory against University City. The Panthers are only giving up 10 points per game this, and are led by the defense.
In a week of San Diego Section/Southern Section matchups, including Long Beach Poly vs. Oceanside, the Mavericks, ranked #1 in San Diego by Max Preps and RawHide Nation, travel to Rancho Santa Margarita to take on the Eagles, of the southern section. La Costa Canyon (3-0) looks for some payback against Santa Margarita (2-1) who traveled to La Costa in 2008 and beat the Mavericks in the last minute of the game, throwing a touchdown with 16 seconds in the game. See video highlights from last year's game here.
Last week, the Mavericks first teams dominated Chula Vista in all facets of the game: offense, defense, and special teams. Dylan Laurino, Adam Witzmann, and Ian Seau led the defensive charge, holding the Spartans to a donut in the first half. Seth Hanson ignited the offense, making acrobatic 1-handed touchdown receptions and proving himself as a playmaker. Hanson has scored 6 touchdowns this season. Junior quarterback Garrett Krstich was impressive and compiled over 200 passing yards with multiple touchdowns last week. Wide receiver Kenny Stills has 5 touchdowns in 3 games with 258 receiving yards. Not taking credit away from a good victory, but Chula Vista wasn't that good. They face a better team in Santa Margarita this week.
Santa Margarita is coming off has already played a San Diego section this year, Poway, and beat them handily 41-17. Last week, the Eagles beat Foothill (Santa Ana) 34-26. They have one loss to Dana Hills, falling 34-27 in week 1. Santa Margarita boasts a heavy rushing attack, with a quarterback who acts more like a running back. Last week Eagle quarterback #9 Reiley Higgins was 4-for-9 for 135 yards passing and two touchdowns. Nearly all of these yards came from an 85 yards TD strike. Higgins also rushed for 97 yards on 12 carries. The Eagles runningback workhorse is #22 Spencer Tyson, who ran for 153 yards 24 attempts last week vs. Foothill.
The Maverick offense is dynamic and can score on the ground or in the air. The spotlight this week is on the Maverick defense. Can they shut down the rushing game and hold the Eagles under 2 touchdowns? Watch for special teams to play a big role in this game, as big returns or falters influences field position.
Prediction: La Costa Canyon 28 - Santa Margarita 17
Video from 2008 La Costa Canyon - Santa Margarita match-up (must come to website to view video)
As expected, La Costa Canyon beat up on Chula Vista, winning a game that once was once again determined in the first half, with senior runningback Seth Hanson scoring on a bunch of plays, including a spectacular one-handed touchdown reception in the first quarter.
The Mavericks (3-0) built a dominating 31-0 first half lead over the underdog Chula Vista Spartans (2-1). Seth Hanson began with 2 touchdown receptions. Bobby Zalud added a field goal. Ian Seau contributed with a nice 29-yard reception and solid defensive pressure. Dylan Laurino led the defense with big hits and contagious energy. Junior Garrett Krstich, who I am extremely impressed with, guided the offensive machine, throwing for 11-of-16 for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game. Kenny Stills (5 receptions for 115 yards) added a electrifying punt return and 47-yard reception.
Everything seemed nice and jolly, until the second half, when Chula Vista made a strong run late, scoring 21 points led by quarterback Victor Perez and punt return-man Anthony Stanislaus. What does this tell us about the depth of the Mavericks?
While it is still early in the 2009 campaign, the Mavericks have yet to put a complete game together with the entire team. If La Costa wants to repeat as CIF champions, the seonds teams, the defense and the offense, must develop an identity during their time on the field. For the first team defense, Ian Seau and Dylan Laurino must take leadership roles and ignite the charge and inspire the defense, similarly to what linebacker Jacob Driver and cornerback Connor Garrett did last year. This is not to say the first team defense isn't playing well - they are - but they need to take it to another level if they plan on beating star runningback Ricky Seale and Escondido later in the season.
The Mavericks will face one of their biggest test of the regular season this coming week, heading to Santa Margarita High School (Orange County) to take on the Eagles of the Southern Section. The Eagles beat the Mavericks in a nail biter in the last 30 seconds last year at La Costa.
Chula Vista (2-0) travels north to take on #1 ranked La Costa Canyon (2-0). The Spartans have opened up the 2009 season with two straight victories -- a 49-10 romp over Castle Park and 49-14 beating of Sweetwater. The opponents do not represent the skill level of some of the top North County powerhouses. Tonight's game will determine whether Chula Vista is a serious contender, or a South County pretender.
Spartans QB Victor Perez is the star of the offense, throwing for 316 yards and five scores. The team has rushed for 409 yards and 7.3 yards per carry. They will look to run against the La Costa Canyon defense.
LCC has rolled up 84 points in wins over Salinas (54-20) and Carlsbad (30-10). The Mavericks have 691 total yards. QB Garrett Krstich has passed for 278. Kenny Stills has six catches for 144 yards and TD catches of 64 and 38 yards, plus a 99-yard kickoff return last week against Carlsbad. The offensive line has suffered injuries, but was successful again Carlsbad.
Look for Stills and Krstich to have another big game together.
RAMSEY, N.J. — De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) enjoyed the sights for the few days before its game with Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.). The Spartans, No. 14 in the USA TODAY Super 25 high school football rankings, flew out on Wednesday, shook off the jet lag and even toured Ground Zero in New York City.
Forget about mentioning Saturday night's game in the postcard. Before a crowd of 7,200, No. 4 Don Bosco took charge early, handing De La Salle its worst loss in five years, 30-6.
SCOREBOARD: Weekend Super 25 scores
Don Bosco's Paul Canevari recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff, leading to an Aidan Murray field goal a little over a minute into the game. Three plays later, the Ironmen got the ball back when Paul Sakowski picked off an errant pass. On the ensuing drive, Tony Jones carried five times with the last run being a 2-yard touchdown and Don Bosco (1-0) led 9-0 before the Spartans (1-1) could take a breath.
Jones rushed 25 times for 98 yards and three touchdowns.
"This game was probably won in July and August," Don Bosco Prep coach Greg Toal said. "Our kids made a commitment and really sucked it up. Our defense did a great job and a lot of bad things happened to (De La Salle). Their defense is tough, but their offense is struggling."
The game was a rematch as Don Bosco Prep went to Concord last season and handed De La Salle one of its two losses last season.
"Our defense was OK," De La Salle coach Bob Ladouseur said. "If our offense could have done anything, we would have been in the game."
While Don Bosco was in command, the game wasn't out of reach until quarterback Gary Nova hit Jimmy Clark for a 56-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. Clark reached for Nova's pass, bobbled it for a second as he chased it down, but then hauled it in and kept running to give his team its final score.
"I think that last score took a little out of them," Nova said. "Right now, this is the greatest feeling in the world. This is where I want to be."
Oceanside - La Costa Canyon coach Darrin Brown got excited this off-season, realizing that he finally had a true blue chipper - a player with ankle breaking jukes and burning speed - to throw into the mix, and position around the field to strike from any angle. Enter Kenny Stills.
Friday night Stills lined up in the punter position on a 4th down. Carlsbad, the fans, and myself immediately assumed a fake was surely coming. Little did we know Stills could boot actually the ball about 40 yards - and that's exactly what he did.
The Mavericks blew out the Lancers in a game that delivered an exciting first half, full of a touchdown, another touchdown, and another touchdown by Kenny Stills. The first was a strike thrown by junior quarterback Garrett Krstich, connecting with stills on a slant for a long 60-yard touchdown score.
After Carlsbad kicked a field goal to make it 7-3, on the ensuing kickoff, Kenny decided to take it back 99 yards for the touchdown. His lightning quick shake and bake moves makes him tough to bring down.
Kenny capped off his trifecta with a 2nd quarter 38 yard touchdown lob pass from Krstich again. Seth Hanson iced the game with a 4-yard rushing touchdown up the middle.
Carlsbad finished the first half a bit shell shocked down 27-3, and the rest was history.
The second half turned into a blah, back and forth sloppy football with numerous turnovers. La Costa kicker Robert Zalud, who unfortunately got absolutely rocked on a fumbled long snap, came back with a field goal, and the clock expired.
Stills, a top wide receiver prospect in the nation, caught six passes for 144 yards. Krstich was 11-of-23 passing for 202 yards and two touchdowns.
The Mavericks beat the Lancers for the third straight time stemming back to last season. La Costa Canyon will now battle south San Diego team Chula Vista at home next Friday.
Since La Costa Canyon's inception in 1996, the Mavericks and Lancers have battled for cross-town bragging rights, and a shot at the Rotary Cup, the rivalry trophy going to the victor of the annual game.
The Lancers dominated the series early, winning 8 straight victories, up until the 2003 season, when the momentum shifted. In 2008 La Costa Canyon beat the Lancers twice, the first time in an early season 53-3 whipping, and the second time in a closer 33-14 battle in the division I semifinals.
The teams don't like eachother, but respect eachother's abilities and coaching. Longtime Carlsbad Coach Bob Mcalister is a class act and a bit of a San Diego Section legend. La Costa Canyon Coach Darrin Brown has built the Maverick program into a powerhouse and is rightfully respected.
The Mavericks (1-0) are coming off a 54-20 slaughter of Salinas, and the Lancers (0-1) are recovering from a tough 15-14 loss against St. Augustine. Carlsbad is opening at "home" at El Camino High School, after they lost their field last season due dangerous toxins in their field.
The Mavericks will attempt to jump on the Lancers early, and pound the ball with the rushing game. The Mavericks put up 290 total rushing yards last week behind senior lineman Aaron Wofford and Corey Lamb. Seth Hanson and Weston Manor will anchor the rushing attack. We'll likely see Kenny Stills all over the field once again. Expect him to pick up some receptions this week as well as take snap from the quarterback position/wildcat formation. On the defensive side, expect Ian Seau and Dylan Laurino to have big game again the Lancer run-oriented offense.
The Lancers will face an uphill battle coming off a tough loss, but do have some bright spots. Runningback Michael Taele rushed for an impressive 214 yards last week. The Lancers will take to the ground and hope to exploit a young La Costa Canyon defense.
Bottom Line
The Mavericks are a better team and should come out with the victory. Expect a tough and competitive 1st quarter, as emotions will run high in this rivalry game. La Costa's powerful running game will pound away and keep the Carlsbad offense off the field. Both coach's will get creative with play calling. Expect a halfback pass from LCC.
The La Costa Canyon Maverick football team is still riding the wave from its first ever section football title in 2008. After a solid win over a mediocre school, combined with a gift from Mission Hills (beat Tesoro, previously #5), the Mavericks are ranked #5 in the state of California according to Max Preps. Oceanside, the other San Diego powerhouse, is ranked #11 in the same poll.
The most interesting story here might not even be these rankings, but that Max Preps believes La Costa is better than traditional national power including De La Salle. De La Salle (Concord, CA) is currently ranked below LCC in their poll but DLS is ranked #14 in the nation in the USA Today Super 25 poll. De La Salle plays #4 Don Bosco Prep this weekend, and if they win, and La Costa Canyon blows out Carlsbad, does this make La Costa a top 10 team in the Nation, acording to Max Preps?
What this does not tell us about LCC or De La Salle...
No it does not. Nor would it make De La Salle a top 4 team in the nation. Rankings are fun to write about and hype up but generally early in the season, they don't mean a whole lot (right Oklahoma?). These major national polls are voted on by national writers, who also have no possible way to really understand how good teams are on the local level. They can only follow the big name teams because there are simply too many high school football programs across the nation. This is why at the end of the year you will see big name teams who have lost multiple games atop the polls.
What this does tell us about LCC?
If La Costa Canyon can run the table and go undefeated in their regular season, with this current media push, its very likely we could see the Mavericks as a top 25 team in the USA Today Super 25 rankings. The Mavericks have a couple things going for them to make this a possibility: (1) They are coming off a section championship in CA, (2) The school is becoming widely known by major sports writers because of power-house teams Coach Brown has scheduled in past years (De La Salle, Mission Viejo, Oceanside, Las Vegas, etc.), and probably the most important, (3) they have a guy named Kenny Stills who recruiters at Florida, Penn St., USC, UCLA, and LSU are absolutely drueling over. This buzz gets picked up by the college recruiting circle and bam, you have a recipe for the possibility of extordinary national rankings.
Now all they have to do is win. La Costa plays Carlsbad at El Camino High School on Friday Night.
Mission Hills stunned Tesoro High School on Friday night, winning in a battle 13-10. Tesoro High School, a top south section power, ranked #6 in the state and #2 in Southern California by Maxpreps, bites the dust to a San Diego team. This is great for San Diego section football, and the biggest win in the history of Mission Hills high school. With this victory, it looks likely Mission Hills was hugely underrated heading into the 2009 season.
La Costa Canyon, ranked #7 in the state of California, will now likely rise to #6 in the state, and #2 in Southern California. While rankings don't mean a whole lot when two teams step on the turf, San Diego has generally been disrespected by voters.
LAS FLORES - The hard running of senior Chad Dobbins and the timely play of an aggressive Mission Hills defense proved to be too much for No. 6 Tesoro.
Dobbins carried 26 times for 140 yards, while the Grizzlies defense held Tesoro to less than 200 total yards, as Mission Hills rallied for a 13-10 victory in the season opener for both teams Friday night at Tesoro High.
“We worked so hard for this in practice and got it done today,” said Dobbins. “Our focus was on wearing them down.”
The defeat snapped an 11-game home winning streak for the Titans (0-1), who last suffered a home loss on September 28, 2007, a 28-7 decision to Esperanza.
“They deserve the credit by coming out here and beating us,” Titans coach Brian Barnes said. “We just have to find our identity and get better.”
After a slow start by both teams, special teams helped the Grizzlies get on the scoreboard first. A 70-yard punt return down the left sideline by Justin Malishan helped set up a 28-yard field goal by Carlos Hernandez. Mission Hills took a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
The Titans defense came up big in the second quarter, as Zach Hartman and Wittock each nabbed an interception. Grizzlies senior starting quarterback Aaron Hauser was also knocked out of the game with a left wrist injury.
Tesoro finally showed some offensive life midway through the second quarter. Senior quarterback Brett Mason guided the Titans on a 56-yard drive that ended when he lofted a touch pass to Wittock, who got his feet down in the back left corner of the end zone, giving Tesoro a 7-3 advantage.
The Grizzlies’ had a late drive into Titan territory just before halftime, but a sack by senior Erik Nelson ended the threat.
The Titans increased the lead to 10-3 early in the third quarter on a 41-yard field goal by senior Ian Sellar, but the Grizzlies responded minutes later, as tight end Dallas Butler took a short pass over the middle from backup quarterback Hunter Moore, broke a tackle, and raced 79 yards into the end zone to even the score at 10.
Following a Tesoro fumble on their ensuing possession, Dobbins gashed the Titans defense with tough runs up the middle, helping them drive deep into Titans territory before Hernandez booted a 35-yard field goal to give the Grizzlies a 13-10 lead early in the fourth.
Tesoro had one last chance to score points, driving to the Grizzlies’ 28-yard line on the next possession, but Mason was stopped on a fourth and inches run.
Halftime: The Mavericks are outplaying the Cowboys, having built a 19-point lead. Seth Hanson is running like a freight train. After a 40-yard pop pass to the tight end, Kenny Stills took the snap from the QB position and ran into the end zone right before the end of the half.
1. Lakewood 6-7 The Lancers had to forfeit four wins last year due to an ineligible player. Lakewood has an excellent group of talent, led by USC commit Jesse Scroggins at quarterback. He threw for 2,462 yards and 23 touchdowns last year. He’ll get help from RB Alley Long, who will take over the carries targeted for Jerry Stone, last year’s leading rusher. Stone was dismissed from the team last week and is currently charged in a gang-related shooting. The Lancer defense should be a force with Justin Utupo (70 tackles) on the defensive line and Dion Bailey and Brennan Kelley in the defensive backfield.
Photo by Heston Quan
Dylan Wynn, De La Salle.
2. Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita) The Titans came close to capturing its first Pac-5 Division championship, falling to Long Beach Poly 20-17 to finish 13-1. Tesoro has won the South Coast League the past two seasons, but it will have to replace league MVPs Preston King, Scott Graves and Robbie Picazo, as well as a stellar group of offensive linemen. Second-team all-league running back Zach Mitchell is the top returning offensive threat for the Titans, while Sil Ajawara is one of the few returning starters on the line. Seth Davis, a junior linebacker, and Trevor Weis, a senior defensive back, are the top defenders.
3. La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad), 11-2 The Mavericks captured the Division I championship in the San Diego Section and appear primed to repeat as champions. Coach Darrin Brown returns eight starters on offense, including one of the nation’s best receivers in Kenny Stills. La Costa Canyon also has five starters back on defense, including junior defensive end Ian Seau, nephew of former NFL star Junior Seau. Corey Lamb leads the offensive line after earning second-team all-league honors last year.
4. Chaparral (Temecula), 12-2 The Pumas are loaded with every skill player returning and 15 total starters returning from last year’s 12-2 team. Chaparral is experienced in the backfield with both Johnny Diaz (5-foot-8, 175 pounds) and junior Darius Guillory (5-7, 190) returning. Jonathan Johnson, a 6-1, 220-pound defensive end, returns to lead the defense.
5. Edison (Huntington Beach), 7-3 Quarterback Matt Viles is one of seven starters back on offense for the Chargers. Viles threw for 2,009 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior. He’ll get plenty of protection from the likes of Roman Sapolu (6-2, 240) while Jordan Zumwalt (6-4, 220) figures to be Viles’ favorite target at receiver. The Chargers picked up big wins last year, defeating Mater Dei and Newport Harbor. Edison finished in a five-way tie for first place in the Sunset League last year, however, and failed to make the playoffs.
6. Poly (Long Beach), 14-1 After reaching the state finals last year in the Open Division and falling to Grant, the Jackrabbits have a lot of work to do in 2009 to get another shot at a title. Coach Raul Lara returns only four starters on offense and none on defense from a team that went 14-1 overall. Poly is still one of the most prestigious programs in the country, however, and figures to reload without much difficulty. Cory Westbrook figures to be the big playmaker at running back, while Kaelin Clay will be a gamebreaker at receiver. Wilson Edwards (6-0, 245) is the top offensive line candidate.
Photo by Louis Lopez
Long Beach Poly coach Raul Lara.
7. Oceanside, 12-0-1 The Pirates return seven starters on both offense and defense and should be a shoe-in to win a sixth straight Division II San Diego Section crown. Quarterback Jordan Wynn, the league’s offensive player of the year, will be missed, but the Pirates return junior standout Demario Coleman and Jerry Whittaker at receiver, along with Rene Siluano at running back, Thomas Molesi on the line and Jake Fely at linebacker.
8. Mission Viejo, 10-2 The Diablos lose league MVP Allan Bridgeford at quarterback and have only five starters returning on offense. However, Joey Branker (5-9, 175) is back at receiver and Michael Christe (6-5, 295) should be one of the league’s top linemen. Junior Trey Madden (6-1, 215) is one of six returning starters on defense. Coach Bob Johnson also has a 10-0 JV team moving up to provide depth.
9. Rancho Cucamonga, 13-0-1 The Cougars figure to be the favorites in the Central Division of the Southern Section thanks to the return of league MVP Greg Watson at quarterback. Watson has one of the best tight ends on the West Coast at his disposal in Randall Telfer (6-5, 225) while Gary Berwick ranks as one of the top linemen in the Baseline League. The defense will need to fill some holes, but Sione Kauvaka is a returning all-league player at defensive lineman.
10. Centennial (Corona) The Huskies return just four starters on offense and defense, and they lose two of the state’s top performers from last year’s state championship team in QB Taylor Martinez and LB Vontaze Burfict. Brandon Brown (6-2, 245) takes over from Burfict as the stopper on defense at linebacker while Chris Simpson is one of the few returning starters in the receiving corps. The Huskies do have one of the top kickers in the country in Trevor Romaine.
Division I - Northern California
1. De La Salle (Concord), 12-2 The Spartans return four starters on offense and six on defense from a team that won the North Coast Section championship for the 17th straight season. The loss of league MVP Blake Wayne at quarterback will be significant since no backup quarterback saw more than a couple of plays during the season.
Fortunately, a strong group of running backs, led by returning senior Terron Williams-Ward, will take some of the pressure off of the new QB. Experience on the offensive and defensive lines will be a key for the Spartans, who fell to Centennial in the Division I state championship last year. Senior Thomas Hickel (6-3, 225) anchors the offensive line while junior defensive end Dylan Winn is the playmaker on defense. The Spartans have two big games against out-of-state teams this year as they travel to play at Don Bosco Prep on Sept. 12 and host Lakeland of Florida on Sept. 25.
2. Grant (Sacramento), 14-0 The Pacers answered many questions last year about the talent level in Sacramento. Grant received the berth in the Open Division of the state bowl games, which came as a surprise to some who might have expected De La Salle to receive the bid.
Grant proved the naysayers wrong by defeating Long Beach Poly 25-20 in the state final. Returning to the state championships won’t be as easy due to the loss of six starters on offense and nine on defense. The return of 2,000-yard rusher Devontae Butler will help. He’ll get company in the backfield from Shaq Thompson, a 6-1, 180-pound sophomore. On defense, Villiami Moala emerged last year as a defensive force at nose guard. The 6-3, 330-pound junior could be one of the top recruits in the class of 2011.
3. Serra (San Mateo), 8-4 The Padres will find out where they stand right away as they take on De La Salle in their season opener this week. While Serra lost a talented quarterback in Cody Jackson, who led the Padres to an 8-4 record, coach Patrick Walsh expects junior quarterback Andy McAlindon to step in and run the Padres’ new offensive system.
McAlindon certainly has the build, as he stands 6-5 and weighs 205. Adonis Smith (5-11, 185) and Donandre Clark (5-9, 160) join McAlindon in the backfield. Both saw playing time last year. Experience on the offensive and defensive lines will be the key for the Padres.
4. Bellarmine Prep (San Jose), 12-1 The Bells’ dynamic trio of Usua Amanam, Michael Clay and Austyn Carta-Samuels have all graduated, leaving a large void at the skill positions at Bellarmine Prep. The absence of Kevin Danser on the offensive line will also have to be addressed for coach Mike Landa’s team to stay on top of the West Catholic Athletic League. Kyle Olugbode (5-11, 180) will take over the role of playmaker at running back while Tyler Robitaille (5-10, 160) will play receiver. Both will man one of the linebacking spots to make that position one of the team’s strengths. Rudy Iniguez, a 5-10, 245-pound junior, takes over as the anchor on the offensive line at center.
5. Monte Vista (Danville), 8-3
While Joe Southwick of San Ramon Valley got most of the headlines across town, Monte Vista’s Brett Nottingham made a good argument for being the best quarterback in the East Bay last year. At 6-4, 215 pounds, Nottingham threw for 2,797 yards and 34 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. He’s already committed to play at UCLA next year. His top receiver should be Dane Turner, a 6-1, 180-pound junior. Linebacker Dave Wilkerson, meanwhile, ranks as one of the top linebackers on the West Coast.
6. Foothill (Pleasanton), 9-3
The Falcons routinely have one of the top programs in the East Bay, and that won’t change this year. Although just four starters return, including only one on defense, Foothill has a good group of juniors up from an 8-2 JV team, along with an experienced quarterback in Sean Mannion (6-5, 205). The team’s top lineman from last year, center Zach Buen (6-1, 210), is back, along with senior middle linebacking standout Nick Quan (6-1, 210).
7. Pittsburg, 11-2 The Pirates came within a game of reaching the section finals, losing to De La Salle in the North Coast Section playoffs. Only five starters return from that team, but one of them is Erick Dargan, a defensive back who ranks as one of the top defenders on the West Coast. Dargan will get help in the secondary from Tracy Clark, giving the Pirates one of the best tandems of defensive backs in the state. Jeremy Wiles also returns at linebacker to make Pittsburg’s defense one of the team’s strengths. The rest of the team is young, however, and coach Victor Galli has some holes to fill on the line.
8. Granite Bay, 9-2 The Grizzlies were on their way to an outstanding season; however, a 35-34 loss in league play to Roseville and a 22-19 first-round loss to Grant brought an early end to the season for coach Ernie Cooper’s squad. Few starters return from last year’s team; however, Cooper has guided the Grizzlies to a 56-16-1 record over the past six seasons, making Granite Bay one of the more consistent programs in the Sierra Foothill League. The Grizzlies will get a good gauge of their talents in their season opener when they take on Pittsburg. 9. California, 7-5 The Fightin’ Grizzlies not only lost most of their skill players from last year, but they lost their coach as well. Head coach Tony Sanchez left California, the high school and the state, to take over the program at Bishop Gorman in Nevada.
Eric Bellici takes over a team that returns five starters on offense and defense, but must replace, among others, talented running back Leroy Green. Quinn Kaehler (6-2, 185) will step in as quarterback while Reggie Davis (6-1, 190) will move in at running back. Trevor Morrison (5-11, 200) will team with Davis to form a solid secondary. 10. Nevada Union, 10-2 Coach Dave Humphers returns 13 starters from a team that tied for first place in the Delta Valley League last year. He also has a talented JV team that went 9-1 last year moving up to the varsity level. Broughan Jantz is the key returning player for the Miners after starting last year at quarterback. Meanwhile Zach Vallejo returns to lead the defense. The Miners should have one of the Sacramento area’s top kicking games with Conor Maloney doing the honors.
Editor's Note: Rankings have changed since Sept. 1 due to a change in the CIF Playoff Divisions.
Mascot: Cowboys
Coach: Steve Goodbody
Colors: Purple, Gold
League: Tri-County
Section: Central Coast Section (CA)
2008 Record: 7-5 (3-3)
State Rank (CA): 380
Returning Players:
Offensive Starters: 8
Defensive Starters: 5
2008 JV Record: 9-1
Starting Quarterback Returning: no
Top Running Back Returning: yes
Top Receiver Returning: yes
Top OL Returning: yes
Top Defender Returning: no
Analysis: In the film I've seen from the 2008 season, the Cowboys run a pretty standard pro offense, running many bellies, sweeps, tosses, and waggles (all-in-all pretty vanilla). If they come out with a similar offensive scheme this year, expect the Maverick defense to be prepared. This is nothing the La Costa coaching staff haven't seen before. The Cowboys return their top runningbacks, and their JV team went an impressive 9-1 in 2008.
2008 Game Film
Prediction: With 8 returning offensive starters, the Mavericks will attack with the rushing game and run all over this Salinas team. Expect few passing yards (sorry Stills), and expect Seth Hanson, Weston Manor, and Erik Nelson to have big rushing nights, combining for at least 350 yards and 4 touchdowns. The La Costa Canyon offense line is huge and experienced, led by veterans Aaron Wofford and Corey Lamb. La Costa's biggest question mark will be their quarterback play and defensive leadership.
Key players: Kenny Stills Jr. (WR), Cory Lamb (OL), Mike Connelly (OL), Justin Dire (OL), Aaron Wofford (OL), Mike Moore (TE-OL), Seth Hanson (RB), Weston Manor (FB), Paul Quessenberry (DE), Adam Witzmann (LB), Ian Seau (DE), Dylan Laurino (LB), Erik Nelson (RB-LB), Bobby Zalud (K).
Scouting report: The Mavericks captured the school's first San Diego Section football championship last season and don't appear to be slowing down any time soon. With a massive offensive line, 14 returning starters and one of the best wide receivers in the country in Stills, look for LCC to be in the hunt for consecutive Division I titles. Lamb (6-0, 260), Connelly (6-3, 260), Dire (6-6, 260) and Wofford (6-4, 315) are college prospects and should open holes for Hanson and Manor. Witzmann also has college potential and will be the centerpiece of LCC's Gang Green defense. Zalud is one of the top kickers in the country.
ESCONDIDO
10-3.
Coach: Paul Gomes, ninth year.
Key players: Ricky Seale (RB), Tim Zier (RB), Larson Romo (LB-OL), Andrew Wahlquist (MLB), Anthony Bolton (DE), Tyler Moore (CB), Riley Wilson (FS), Schyler Shadrick (DT), Kevin Nguyen (C), Ariel Milo (CB), Sammy Altimirano (K), Kenny York (P-TE).
Scouting report: Run, Ricky, run. That's going to be the Cougars' mantra. Seale set the section season rushing mark last year in the Division I championship game, only to lose it a week later to Tyler Gaffney, who played in a state bowl game. Seale appears poised for another outstanding season. With Zier alongside, Escondido is sporting perhaps the best backfield in the section. The offensive line is big, which can only benefit Seale and Zier. Escondido must develop a new quarterback and fill some holes on defense.
MISSION HILLS
8-4-1.
Coach: Chris Hauser, sixth year.
Key players: Dallas Butler (TE), Chad Dobbins (LB), Erik Aunese (DL), Tyler Acosta (OL), Nigel Westbrooks (WR), Justin Milishan (DB), Robbie Rocamora (OL), Jared Delaney (SS), Jason Delaney (FS), Tom Bowen (OL), Matt Bruno (DL), Joseph Scott (OLB), Leo Romero (DB), Hector Collazo (LB), Kavin Ward (P).
Scouting report: Strong defense has been Hauser's philosophy since taking the reins at Mission Hills, and this year's unit should be no exception. Dobbins anchors the linebacking corps with the Delaneys roaming the secondary. Moving the ball against the Grizzlies will not be easy. Butler returns as the team's leading receiver with 30 catches last season. Westbrooks caught 27 balls for six touchdowns. There is a quarterback battle brewing between Aaron Hauser and Hunter Moore. Ward should be among the section's top punters.
FALLBROOK
5-7.
Coach: Joe Silvey, second year.
Key players: John Hayden (OL-DL), Sal Siaton (RB-DB), Earl Smith (RB-DB), Trevor Krok (WR-DB), Caleb Sumpter (WR-DB), Kyle Volan (TE-LB), Erik Eyer (TE-LB), Zack Brickell (OL-DL), Cameron Remy (WR-DB) Bruce Wallace (OL-DL).
Scouting report: With most of last year's starters graduated (just seven returning) this could be a learning-curve season for the Warriors, who showed promise in Silvey's first season as head coach. The offensive line is bolstered by the return of Hayden, a second-team all-league performer last season, and Brickell (6-4, 250). The loss of two-way player Jake Ware, who led the team in rushing and was a talented linebacker, will hurt on both sides of the ball. Siaton will get the bulk of the carries but also will play a lot of defense. Quarterback duties will fall to either Roman Rogers or Christopher Fuetterer.
TORREY PINES
3-7-1.
Coach: Scott Ashby, third year.
Key players: Robbie Rodriguez (DE), Josh Mendoza (LB), Shane Bingham (CB), Nolan Fargo (DL), Harry Wilburn (DL), Joe Driscoll (RB-LB), Parker Vail (WR-SS), Michael Moore (OL), Anthony Naser (OL-DL), Bassim ElSawbawi (RB-DB), Chris Johns (LB), Michael Shoen (SS), Ryan Rodas (WR), Blake Busse (K-P).
Scouting report: The Falcons have a young team, but several key players return who have potential to play at the next level. ElSawbawi is expected to be the primary playmaker. The Falcons graduated all of their top rushers from last season. Getting the new players acclimated will be key. Rodriguez is a college prospect on the line — which should be the strength of Torrey's defense with Wilburn and Fargo also returning.
SAN PASQUAL
2-8.
Coach: Tony Corley, third year.
Key players: Tony Fiocco (FB), Steven Clark (LB), Matt Lee (WR), Jacob Cruz (DB), Cory Barton (WR), Dalin Earls (OL), Nick Lee (OL), Cody Kruse (DL), Nick McNaughton (OL), Matt Sinsky (RB), Adam Martinez (RB), Ross Lewis (DL), Tom Dant (LB), Nick Woods (DL).
Scouting report: With just 14 seniors on the team and six returning starters, the Eagles may be in for another tough season — especially with the quality of opponents in the Avocado League. Corley said he's looking for his juniors and seniors to step up and contribute right away. Martinez and Fiocco combined for just 37 carries last season, so Corley will lean on his boys up front to lead the offense.
The move comes after third-stringer Drew Stanton(notes) tore knee cartilage, an injury that requires surgery.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Wednesday coaches will set up a simple package of plays for O’Connell and “see how comfortable he can get in the next 24 hours.”
Detroit ends the preseason at Buffalo on Thursday.
