Griffins ranked No. 1 by Street & Smith Preseason
perch will be challenged early East County Sports.com EL
CAJON (7-15-06) -- Preseason ratings tend to be a reflection of the previous season's
results. Grossmont College won National and State championships with a school-record
13 victories a year ago to anchor itself among the country's elite community colleges
football programs. Winning is nothing new to these Griffins, who
have compiled a 64-9 record over the past six seasons. Grossmont has earned three
straight Foothill Conference championships and won 37 of its last 40 games. The
Griffins have reached the state finals two of the last three years. Perennial
power? The editors of the highly regarded national publication Street
& Smith's 2006 College Football Yearbook certainly think so. Grossmont College
is ranked No. 1 with rival College of the Canyons of Valencia rated No. 2 in the
2006 preseason poll. To fuel the fire 'these teams will meet on Sept. 9 at Grossmont
College. So what do these preseason polls mean? Little more than
to fan the flames among interested parties. Street & Smith,
however, is no small time outfit in that they have been producing their annual
college football yearbook since the 1950s. Some 40 players return
from last year's championship squad, including defensive stalwarts -- linemen
MAGNUM MAUGA and AVENI LEUNG WAI, both of whom have Mountain West Conference scholarships
in tow along with can't-miss safety TERRY MIXON †blue chip
receiver CHRIS JOHNSON and hard-charging running back KEVIN SMITH. In
all, 13 starters return for the Griffins, who have received an influx of Division
I bounce-backs and a host of talented freshmen that includes San Diego CIF Player
of the Year ABRAHAM MUEHEIZE and speedy receiver JEREMY YOUNG, products of El
Cajon Valley's 10-3 Division II finalist. Brunker heads
to Saginaw Valley State East County Sports.com SAGINAW,
Mich. (7-1-06) -- MARIO BRUNKER, the second-leading receiver on the 2005 California
state and national champion Grossmont College football team, will transfer to
NCAA Division II power Saginaw Valley State for the 2006 season. Brunker,
a 6-2, 190-pound wide receiver, caught 26 passes in nine regular season contests
last season, going for 514 yards and six touchdowns. Two of the scores came during
Grossmont's record-setting 83-35 scorefest against Mt. San Jacinto. "Bronc"
also collected a 27-yard score in the Southland semifinals against El Camino,
a touchdown which capped a streak of 31 consecutive points to rally the Griffins
from a 34-14 deficit. Mauga makes '07 commitment to
BYUEast County Sports.com PROVO, Utah (6-14-06) -- Less than
two months after losing former Helix High receiver TODD WATKINS in the National
Football League draft to the Arizona Cardinals, Brigham Young University is reloading
on its share of talent from the Highlanders. On Friday (June 9),
Cougars head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced a verbal commitment from MAGNUM
MAUGA, a 6-foot, 265-pound defensive end prospect who played a variety of positions
for Grossmont College as a freshman last season, helping the Griffins capture
both the state and national community college football titles. "BYU
is the right place for me," Mauga recently told The Total Blue Network.
"It has what I need to become a better person and achieve my football, spiritual
and academic goals. It has everything. I love the coaches, the players, and just
everything about BYU, and that's why I committed while on my trip."
Mauga filled in at defensive tackle and middle linebacker for Grossmont,
while also playing a touch at fullback. However, Mauga is penciled in at defensive
end for the 2007 Cougars after he concludes his playing career with the Griffins
this season. According to the website CougarBlue.com, among
others, Mauga was recruited by Washington State, Auburn, Arizona, Florida, Boston
College, Nebraska, UCLA, Colorado, Colorado State, Kansas State, Oregon State
and SDSU. In addition to BYU, Mauga received scholarship offers from Arizona,
Washington State and Auburn. In other words, Mauga is a hot commodity.
Mauga was a consistent force for Grossmont College last season, including
a 6-tackle performance against El Camino in the Southern California semifinals,
and a season-high 8 tackles in the regular season home finale against Victor Valley.
Mauga was also a turnover maker, grabbing a key interception to help the
Griffins rally from 21 points downs to upend Chaffey for the Foothill Conference
title, and caused an important fumble which ignited a 31-6 rout of Southwestern.
Mauga also returned an intentionally short kickoff, racing 25 yards to
setup a touchdown against Mt. San Jacinto. During the current offseason,
two of Mauga's brothers -- defensive lineman DALLAS and fullback RAINBOW -- committed
to play for Sacramento State. Grossmont's King overcomes
severe injuryEast County Sports.com HONOLULU (6-5-06)
-- During the California state championship game last December, Grossmont College
defender Stephen King was injured while making a tackle. Little did anyone know
at the time, but the damage to his neck was life-threatening. Although
his football career is over, luckily for King, he is on his way to a full recovery,
as detailed in this story published in The
Honolulu Advertiser.
|
The
Polynesian athletes of the 2005 Grossmont Griffins. (Grossmont College
courtesy photo) |
|
The father-son coaching combination of Mike (son, left) and Dave Jordan pose with
the J.C. Grid-Wire National Championship Trophy, awarded to the school
at ceremonies on the Fletcher Hills campus Wednesday (Feb. 1st). (Photo
by Greg Eichelberger) |
JCAB National Coach of the Year |
|
Following more than 30 seasons with the Griffins, head coach Dave Jordan has his
second state crown. |
Nat'l. Co-Player of the Year/Offense |
|
Derrell Hutsona, the
J.C. Athletic Bureau national co-player of the year on offense. |
RECENT HEADLINES (Full stories below) Twice
as nice: Mauga brothers head to Sacramento State on full scholarships East
County Sports.com SACRAMENTO (1-27-06) -- Sacramento State University
bolstered the lines on both sides of the football by offering scholarships to
three players this past week, including a pair to former Grossmont College football
players: brothers DALLAS MAUGA and RAINBOW MAUGA. Dallas
Mauga was considered quite a coup for the Hornets, after learning the new coaching
staff at San Diego State decided to focus on freshmen recruits instead of a player
whose teams have posted a composite 37-2 record over his last three seasons. MORE
Campus celebration
slated for Feb. 1 Public invited
to honor Jordan, players, staff East
County Sports.com EL CAJON (1-24-06) -- The Associated Students
of Grossmont College will hold an on-campus reception for the 2005 Griffins football
team and head coach DAVE JORDAN in recognition of capturing the J.C. Grid-Wire
mythical national community college football championship. The public is invited
to the celebration, scheduled for the Main Quad area of the Fletcher Hills campus,
on Wed., Feb. 1, starting at noon. MORE Is
Wright headed to professional football? Trio of Griffins
headed for Montezuma Mesa East County Sports.com EL CAJON
(1-26-06) -- Grossmont College football All-America defensive end RODERKUS WRIGHT
could become the school's first athlete to move directly to the pro ranks without
additional seasoning at a four-year school in any team sport. MORE Hutsona,
five others receive 4-year rides
Running back headed for Wazzou in Pac-10 >
Wazzou, K-State fighting for Hutsona
> More postseason honors
for GC > Griffins declared
National Champions > State Championship:
The Ultimate retirement gift for Dave Jordan > Grossmont
quarterback Reilly Murphy earns Joe Roth Memorial Award > Grossmont
takes SoCal crown > Hutsona,
Wright named JC Grid-Wire first-team All-Americas
Twice as nice:
Mauga brothers head to Sacramento State on full scholarships
East County Sports.com SACRAMENTO (1-27-06)
-- Sacramento State University bolstered the lines on both sides of the football
by offering scholarships to three players this past week, including a pair to
former Grossmont College football players: brothers DALLAS MAUGA and RAINBOW MAUGA.
Dallas Mauga was considered quite a coup for the
Hornets, after learning the new coaching staff at San Diego State decided to focus
on freshmen recruits instead of a player whose teams have posted a composite 37-2
record over his last three seasons. "He's
an impact player," said Hornets coach Steve Mooshagian. Lineman
Mauga was named a first-team J.C. Grid-Wire All-America selection and was listed
as one of the top 30 defensive line recruits (high school and junior college)
in America by Scout.com. The 6-foot-1, 300-pounder was a two-time first team All-Foothill
Conference selection and was the league's defensive MVP during his final season.
That year, Mauga tallied 62 tackles, 11 quarterback sacks and forced five fumbles.
As a freshman, he had 51 tackles, including seven sacks. Grossmont posted a 24-2
record during his tenure and never lost a regular season game. Dallas
graduated from Helix High School in 2003, where he was an All-San Diego CIF first
team selection while also earning All-East CountySports.com and All-Grossmont
South League honors. As a senior, he posted 84 tackles with 15 sacks while starting
at inside and outside linebacker. The Highlanders went 13-0 that season.
And since the spring semester has already started at Sacramento State,
Mauga has already moved to the state capitol and started classes this past Monday
(Jan. 23) allowing him to compete in spring drills to earn a starting berth. He
completed his Associates' degree last semester at Grossmont. "Dallas
already completed his AA degree," said BENSON T. MAUGA, his father. "And
it's thanks to (Grossmont College) coach (DAVE) JORDAN and his support in believing
in our local athletes and that they can make a difference in our community."
"Now Dallas gets to attend early and participate in spring football,
getting to know his peers and coaching staff. And being with his brother, Rainbow,
they will be able to help boost Sac State to another level." Rainbow
Mauga, a fullback, was the blocking back for the Griffins in 2003, although he
did score a touchdown in the state championship contest against City College of
San Francisco. The Hornets were one of five schools -- Boise State,
Texas Tech, Arizona State and Montana State were the others -- which offered scholarships
to Dallas Mauga. However, Sac State held the edge thanks to special
teams and tight ends coach RICHARD SANCHEZ, a former assistant coach at Grossmont
and USD according to Jordan. The Mauga brothers increase the list
of Griffins gaining scholarships this off-season to 10, with another potential
this weekend. Cornerback DEVON JONES (Valhalla High) is currently on a recruiting
visit to the University of Hawai'i, coached by JUNE JONES, the former interim
head coach of the San Diego Chargers. Devon Jones registered an
interception in the 2005 state title game, helping Grossmont avenge its 2003 loss
to CCSF by claiming its second state title following a 41-38 triumph in Fresno.
Sacramento State (2-9 overall and 1-6 in the Big Sky Conference last season)
hopes it has taken a step forward with the signing of the Maugas. They also signed
Solano Community College transfer Matt Russell, a 6-5, 315-pound offensive lineman.
Is Wright headed
to professional football? East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-26-06) -- Grossmont College owns its share of players who continued
their athletic success and eventually moved on to the professional level. Included
are current performers in football (Atlanta Falcons free safety KEVIN McCADAM),
baseball (Oakland A's starting pitcher JOE KENNEDY, Atlanta Braves second baseman
MARCUS GILES, Giants pitcher KEVIN CORREIA), and women's pro beach volleyball
(JENNIFER MURRELL HOLDREN), among others. Griffins football All-America
defensive end RODERKUS WRIGHT could become the school's first athlete to move
directly to the pro ranks without additional seasoning at a four-year school in
team sports. Wright has an agent and is seeking a position in some
form of professional football, most likely that will be on foreign soil. That
could be in the Canadian Football League or NFL Europe. As a player
with parts of three seasons of college football under his belt, Wright, who started
his career at Oregon, could apply to be granted special eligibility for the NFL
draft on Apr. 29-30. However, the application deadline passed last week with only
48 listed players -- including REGGIE BUSH of USC and Vince Young of Texas --
but Wright could still be placed on another supplemental list or be signed as
a free agent by the NFL should he officially declare to turn pro. At
6-foot-6, 275 pounds and a lineman with 4.9 speed in the 40-yard dash, Wright,
24, has the criterion many NFL teams seek. MAUGA MAZE
DALLAS MAUGA, another former Griffins defensive standout who was named an All-America
lineman by J.C. Grid-Wire in 2004, may still join the roster at San Diego
State. After his 11-sack performance in 2004, the 6-foot-2, 297-pound
Mauga signed with the Aztecs, but was declared academically ineligible. Now with
his grades in order, Mauga has attracted the attention of new Aztecs head coach
Chuck Long. The problem here is Mauga reportedly has only one year
of college eligibility left. The majority of colleges aren't interested in a player
with that limited of playing time. Long, though, knows talent when he sees it.
Long, unlike the previous football coaching administration at Montezuma
Mesa, has made an effort to recruit several players from Grossmont's national
championship squad. The latest commitments: Griffins offensive lineman DANNY HATHAWAY
(Grossmont High), and defensive end BRIAN STANBRA, who originally wanted to attend
SDSU out of high school but attended Cal Poly instead. Stanbra's
other major-college choice was Louisville, while BYU showed interest, but Stanbra
is happy to see San Diego State change its opinion of the two-way, high school
standout, who actually received more notoriety on offense than defense.
However, the Aztecs weren't interested at the time, so Stanbra went to
Cal Poly after graduating from USDHS (now Cathedral Catholic). But when things
didn't work along the central California coast, Stanbra joined Mauga at Grossmont.
Now, hopefully, Mauga, Stanbra and Hathaway will all wear the Aztecs' Red
& Black. "I always said I'd like to stay local, even out
of high school, but Cal Poly was my only solid offer," recalled Stanbra.
"I'm glad coach Long took another look at me." MONTEZUMA
COUP Hathaway, who stands 6-foot-7, and weighs 290 pounds, was on the
2003 All-East County team as a prep, then became an All-Foothill Conference performer
with the Griffins. He was considering offers from Louisville and Cincinnati (schools
he visited), plus Wyoming and Ole Miss. Another Grossmont defender
catching the 4-year college recruiter's eyes is corner DEVON JONES. Hawaii is
most interested in Jones, who also has a couple of Big Sky Conference schools
looking his way. And Grossmont College head coach DAVE JORDAN says
the list of Griffins advancing to play four-year college level will continue to
grow in the coming weeks. At present, eight players from last year's national
championship team have found a new home. Campus
celebration slated for Feb. 1 Public
invited to honor Jordan, players, staff East
County Sports.com EL CAJON (1-24-06) -- The Associated Students
of Grossmont College will hold a campus reception for the 2005 Griffins football
team and head coach DAVE JORDAN in recognition of capturing the J.C. Grid-Wire
mythical national community college football championship. Following
a 4-0 sweep of the playoffs, Grossmont (13-1) captured its second California state
championship -- the first was in 1974 -- after outlasting City College of San
Francisco, 41-38, in Fresno. The J.C. Grid-Wire, based in Santa Ana, then tabbed
the Griffins as the top team in the country this past season, beating out Glendale
(Ariz.) College. Meanwhile, the J.C. Athletic Bureau of San Mateo and the California
Community College Football Coaches Association tabbed Jordan its coach of the
year. The public is invited to the celebration, scheduled for the
Main Quad area of the Fletcher Hills campus, on Wed., Feb. 1, starting at noon.
ASGC will feature a brief program and presentation of trophies for its
third consecutive Foothill Conference title, its second consecutive Southern California
Bowl crown, plus the COA Championship Trophy for the school's first state title
since 1974. In addition, the Grossmont College cheer squad will
perform, plus brief remarks from Jordan and the college's Acting President Dr.
Dean C. Colli. "These incredible championships reflect not
only the quality of Grossmont College athletic programs, but the college's commitment
to academic rigor," noted Colli. "The outstanding transfer rate for
student athletes does not happen by itself. It is everyoneâ€s
goal to help students get to the next level and succeed." James
Spillers, the Associate Dean for Athletics, noted, "These students are outstanding
in every way. They have great futures at major four-year institutions, including
several Division IA colleges. This team received universal support, from academic
counselors to professors riding on the booster busses to our away games. The team's
success reflects back on the entire campus."
Hutsona,
five others receive 4-year rides East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-20-06/REVISED 1-21-06) -- DERRELL HUTSONA, the national co-player
of the year on offense for the 2005 national champion Grossmont College football
team, made his selection from among more than a dozen teams and will continue
his playing career with a scholarship at Washington State of the Pac-10.
The state rushing and kickoff returns champion, Hutsona capped his brief
Fletcher Hills career by also being named the MVP of the state title game, as
Grossmont defeated City College of San Francisco, 41-38, in Fresno, for the school's
second state crown (1974). For the season, the sophomore rushed for 1,291 yards
on 177 carries. "It is wide open for me to come in and play
right away," said Hutsona noting that the Cougars do not have an experienced
back returning. "Basically, they have all freshmen backs returning."
Hutsona sees the Cougars as contenders for a bowl game next season.
"They lost a lot of close games last season," he said. "I
think we can turn that around." Winning is something Hutsona
does well. He helped the Griffins to a 13-1 finish last season.
The former backfield running mate at Helix High with Heisman Trophy winner REGGIE
BUSH of USC, Hutsona, a transfer from San Jose State, considered firm offers from,
Kansas State, Arkansas, New Mexico State and Utah. More than a half-dozen other
schools also expressed interest in the 5-foot-10, 185-pound back, including UCLA
and Tennessee. Hutsona is one of six Griffins to announce their
four-year college plans so far. Quarterback REILLY MURPHY signed
with Indiana State, receiver MICHAEL OMAR signed with Massachusetts and Sacramento
State reeled in tight end JERRY MAREKO, and offensive linemen MATT GAUGHEN and
FRANCISCO CRUZ. Grossmont College coach DAVE JORDAN says a second
wave of scholarships for the Griffins is forthcoming.
Wazzou, K-State fighting
for Hutsona By BARRY BOLTON Cougfan.com Senior Editor
Special to East County Sports.com EL CAJON (1-17-06) -- This town
just east of San Diego, home to Grossmont College, was named after the 'Big Box
Canyon' in which it is situated. Ironic then, that Grossmont's Derrell Hutsona
has rarely been boxed in on a football field. A pair of Cougar coaches recently
came through the San Diego area, with designs on mining more gold as the recruiting
season hits the homestretch. WSU is currently tied for the lead with Hutsona,
who holds a Cougar offer and trips to Pullman in about two weeks time. Hutsona
(5-10, 183) holds offers from Washington State, Kansas State, New Mexico State,
Utah and Arkansas. Also lurking are UCLA, Tennessee, Nevada and Colorado, with
Dan Hawkins first recruiting Hutsona for Boise State and now the Buffaloes. Hutsona's
two frontrunners are WSU and KSU, but he was quick to add he remains open to everyone.
He trips to Washington State Jan. 13 and Kansas State the following weekend. Hutsona
is fast, especially over the 40-yard range, and has plenty of moves. How fast?
He clocked a 4.28 in the 40 at San Jose State last year at the Spartans' Pro Day.
But conditions were perfect and he might not be quite that fast these days. "I'm
more like a 4.33 now," said Hutsona. What's also opened eyes -- Hutsona
honed his craft in '05 to develop into an accomplished blocker, and more complete
back. THE COUGS ARE recruiting Hutsona at running back and for special teams,
with the former a good situation for someone looking to earn early playing time.
The departure of senior Jerome Harrison leaves a talented, but inexperienced corps
of backs with no WSU starts to their credit. And as a return man, Hutsona could
earn instant playing time. He churned up over 1,000 yards on the season -- on
punt and kickoff returns alone. On the year, Hutsona racked up a ridiculous
2,534 all-purpose yards including the playoffs -- gaining nearly 1,000 of the
total in crunch time over a four game playoff run. Hutsona, a key factor
in helping Grossmont lay claim to the JC national title this season was not only
an All-America, he was the All-America Co-Offensive Player of the Year as named
by the JC Athletic Bureau and the CCCFCA. He also was selected the all-California
offensive player of the year and first team offense (Region III) by the same panel. SOME SCHOOLS ARE talking to
Hutsona, as they did coming out of high school, about playing defensive back.
But Hutsona has never played DB and isn't in any hurry to make the switch. Given
what he's done in limited turns from the backfield, it's not hard to see why. He
wasn't the featured back for Grossmont but Hutsona still became a 1,000 yard back
for the Griffins in 2005 with 1,291 rushing yards, (534 yards in playoffs). But
a high average per carry is nothing new for Hutsona. JUST ABOUT EVERY story
you read on Hutsona, including this one, makes some mention of Reggie Bush. The
two played side by side in the same backfield at Helix High for a couple of years,
along with quarterback Alex Smith. And while Bush has deservedly earned a very
large spotlight, Hutsona is a player in his own right. His final two seasons
at Helix, Hutsona rushed for 2,052 yards on but 154 carries, a 13.3-yard average
that still stands as the San Diego Section career record. Bush gained 4,925 yards
on 407 carries at Helix, good for third (12.1). The two are very close friends,
with Bush and Hutsona getting together this Thanksgiving and Christmas. And during
a Southern Cal bye and the following week's down time, Bush was sitting with the
Hutsona's during a pair of Grossmont's playoff games. But the two are not
competitive, and the inevitable media comparisons between the two are a way to
spice up a storyline more than anything else, says Hutsona. "They compare
me to Reggie because we do the same things," said Hutsona. "I just smile
because you can't really (make comparisons). We have different types of styles." OTHER
SCHOOLS such as K-State and Nevada have dropped by the school and talked with
Hutsona, with WSU assistants Kelly Skipper (running backs) and George Yarno (offensive
line) the two coaches thus far having made an in-home. Hutsona said the duo made
a solid impression on him and his family over mother Sheena Hutsona's fried chicken. And
talk about a gene pool, Derrell's older brother, Damon Hutsona, was drafted out
of high school by the Florida Marlins in 1993. Their father Rodney was a fleet
footed high school wide receiver and served as an assistant at Helix and as Derrell's
sprint coach. Mother Sheena was a running back for the San Diego Lobos of the
Womenâ€s Professional Football League in the 70â€s.
She also had some wheels out on the track during her prep days, anchoring the
relay. Integral to Hutsona's decision making process will be the opportunity
to compete for playing time, education and the coaching staff. Link to:
Derrell Hutsona
on Scout.com. NOTES: There's some question as to whether Hutsona,
if he graduates on time, could get a year back and have three years to play at
the next level. It looks, however, like he would have two years at a D-IA school.
He's on pace to graduate this spring. Hutsona spent two years at San Jose
State, signing with the Spartans in 2003. One year was lost to injury, which will
likely be counted as a redshirt season, while the other saw Hutsona not seeing
much of the field. After two disappointing years, the coach's resignation ending
a stint marked by controversies, and a football program in danger of being dropped
altogether, Hutsona made the decision to transfer to Grossmont. At Helix,
Hutsona won the '03 California High School state title with a 24-5.75 leap in
the long jump. Hutsona also took home gold in the 4x100 relay team in the '01
California state CIF championship. More
post-season honors for Griffins East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-25-05) -- When you win the national championship, it's not uncommon
that your team is loaded with individual honors. Grossmont running back DERRELL
HUTSONA was named J.C. Athletic Bureau All-America Co-Offensive Player
of the Year and Griffins head coach DAVE JORDAN was selected JCAB National Coach
of the Year. Grossmont College center MATT GAUGHEN was chosen to
the JCAB All-America first team offense, while end RODERKUS WRIGHT was named to
the first team defense. All-State Offense Player of the Year honors
went to Hutsona, Gaughen, Wright and defensive back TERRY MIXON.
Griffins declared National
Champions of community college football East County Sports.com
SANTA ANA (12-12-05) -- Grossmont College has been named the mythical national
champions of community college football by J.C. Grid-Wire, the No. 1 authority
on junior college football. The official announcement was made to
the San Diego Union-Tribune by long time J.C.Grid-Wire director
HANK IVES only minutes following the Griffins 41-38 state-championship victory
over City College of San Francisco Saturday (Dec. 10) in Fresno. Although
J.C. Grid-Wire's Final 30, a poll that has combines California and NJCAA
schools for nearly 50 years, won't be released until Tuesday (Dec. 13), The
Harvey Hyde Show on KDWN-AM 720 radio in Las Vegas confirmed that Grossmont
was the national kingpin for 2005. Hyde, a former head coach at UNLV and Pasadena
City College, is a longtime friend of Ives. The previous best national
ranking for the Griffins was at No. 3 in 1974 and 2003. Following
an early-season setback to defending state and J.C. Grid-Wire national
titlist College of the Canyons, the Griffins finished the season with a string
of 12 consecutive victories. Included were playoff victories over Glendale (42-10),
nation top-ranked El Camino (52-43) and a revenge triumph over Canyons' Cougars
(24-19) to claim Grossmont's second Southern California championship in three
seasons. Final
2005 National Rankings by J.C. Grid-Wire |
Rk | Team (CA, unless
noted) | Record | Last
Game | 1 | GROSSMONT |
13-1 | df. CC San Francisco,
41-38 | 2 | Glendale
(Ariz.) | 11-0 | df.
Grand Rapids (Mich.), 50-48 | 3 | College
of the Canyons | 12-1 | lost
to GROSSMONT, 24-19 | 4 | El
Camino | 11-1 | lost
to GROSSMONT, 52-43 | 5 | Reedley |
10-1 | lost to CC San Francisco, 40-35 |
6 | CC San Francisco |
10-2 | lost to GROSSMONT, 41-38 |
7 | Snow (Utah) |
10-2 | df. Butler County (Kan.), 17-14 |
8 | Pearl River
(Miss.) | 8-1 | df.
Gulf Coast (Miss.), 25-19 | 9 | College
of San Mateo | 8-3 | df.
College of the Sequoias, 41-39 | 10 | Butler
County (Kan.) | 9-2 | lost
to Snow (Utah), 17-14 | 11 | Santa
Rosa | 8-3 | df.
Fresno City, 35-12 | 12 | Georgia
Military | 9-2 | df.
Coffeyville (Kan.), 21-17 | 13 | Trintiy
Valley (Texas) | 9-3 | f.
Northeast Mississippi, 24-14 | 14 | Bakersfield |
9-3 | lost to College of the Canyons,
48-26 | 15 | Coffeyville
(Kan.) | 9-3 | lost
to Georgia Military, 21-17 | 16 | College
of the Sequoias | 8-3 | lost
to College of San Mateo, 41-39 | 17 | N.E.
Oklahoma | 9-3 | df.
Gulf Coast (Miss), 21-19 | 18 | Dixie
State (Utah) | 9-3 | df.
Garden City (Kan.), 35-31 | 19 | Foothill |
8-3 | df. Feather River, 35-33 |
20 | Long Beach
City | 8-3 | df.
Allan Hancock, 49-37 | 21 | Laney |
9-2 | df. American River, 20-17 |
22 | American
River | 10-1 | lost
to Laney, 20-17 | 23 | Grand
Rapids (Mich.) | 9-2 | lost
to Glendale (Ariz.), 50-48 | 24 | Nassau
(N.Y.) | 9-2 | df.
Erie (N.Y.), 42-31 | 25 | Sierra |
9-2 | df. Butte, 37-24 |
26 | Northeast Mississippi |
7-2 | lost to Trinity Valley (Tex.),
30-27 | 27 | Blinn
(Texas) | 7-3 | lost
to Trinity Valley (Tex.), 30-27 ot | 28 | Glendale |
8-3 | lost to GROSSMONT, 42-10 |
29 | Mississippi
Gulf Coast | 7-3 | lost
to N.E. Oklahoma, 21-19 | 30 | Minnesota
West | 10-1 | lost
to Rochester (Minn.), 26-21 |
Kudos to 'Old School' |
|
Grossmont head coach Dave Jordan (old guy) receives congratulations from his son,
co-head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Jordan, following a Week 1 victory
over Mt. San Antonio College, 21-17. Congratulations to 'Old School' foir
capturing the California State community college football championship, defeating
CCSF, 41-38. (Photo by Greg Eichelberger) |
|
Griffins wide receiver
Michael Omar (5) returns to his teammates after collecting the state championship
trophy following Grossmont's 41-38 win over City College of San Francisco, completing
a sweep of four straight postseason victories to gain the Griffins' second-ever
state crown. (COA Courtesy Photo) |
Murphy honored |
|
Grossmont quarterback Reilly Murphy was the Outstanding Player of the Game in
the state final victory over CCSF. (ECS.com File Photo) |
Going "Out
In Style," Head Coach Dave Jordan receives the ultimate retirement gift --
The California State Championship East County Sports.com
FRESNO (12-10-05) -- The year-long goal to send Grossmont College head coach DAVE
JORDAN "out in style" with a pending retirement came to fruition Saturday
(Dec. 10), as the Griffins downed CC San Francisco, 41-38, to capture the California
state community college football championship at Grizzlies Stadium. It's
the second state trophy for Jordan and Grossmont, which took its other crown with
a Joe Roth-led team in 1974. Unlike the 2003 state title game, when
CCSF rallied in the final seconds for a 38-35 decision, Grossmont made a 38-10
lead standup -- but barely. The Rams stormed back behind reserve quarterback Andrew
Strom, moving to within three points with 0:09 left. However, the Griffins' DERRELL
HUTSONA made a fair catch on the ensuing onside kick to cinch the biggest victory
in school history. Grossmont quarterback REILLY MURPHY was named
Most Valuable Player of the game. He completed 18 of 29 passes, including an early
39-yard TD strike less than 2 minutes into the game to CHRIS JOHNSON that made
it 7-0. Murphy later rushed for a touchdown on a 1-yard plunge. Defensive
player of the game honors went to linebacker LEE PALEAFEI, who wasn't even a starter
to open the year, but came through with a magical season which included several
key TDs on defense and special teams to lift Grossmont to a 13-1 overall record.
Paleafei notched a game-high 14 tackles, including five for losses. "This
is one of the greatest feelings I've ever had in my life," said Paleafei. The
Grossmont defense dictated the contest early, forcing eight turnovers and sending
starting Rams quarterback Timothy Sonnenburg to the bench. However, backup QB
Andrew Strom almost turned in a rally similar to the 2003 state title game. But
the Griffins blunted the Rams' rally just in time. Grossmont's TERRY
MIXON and BRETT ST. JAMES had two interceptions apiece, while DEVON JONES added
a fifth. RANDY HORN, JIM PINKNEY and TONY AUGAFA had fumble recoveries for the
Griffins. It wasn't all about the Griffins' defense, though, as Hustona
rushed for 129 yards and a TD on 19 carries. Receiver MICHAEL OMAR made some brilliant
catches, totaling 154 yards on six grabs. "My emotions are wonderful,"
related Grossmont coach DAVE JORDAN of his feelings following the Griffins victory.
"My emotions are real deep. Going out with a big win like this is one the
greatest things that's ever happened to me." Jordan plans to
retire from teaching while stepping down as Grossmont's head coach after 35 seasons
in the Griffins' football program. Jordan will continue to help his son -- 36-year-old
offensive coordinator MIKE JORDAN -- in the football arena next season and probably
longer. Even when the Griffins led 38-10 early in the second half Dave Jordan
didn't feel secure. "We had some key injuries on defense, especially in the
secondary, that hurt us," Jordan said. "And it showed there at the end." The
bottom line is Grossmont held on to earn the title of 2005 California CC State
Champions. "We all feel like we are the national champions,"
said Grossmont linebacker RANDY HORN. "It feels great." The
jury's still out on that. "I'm just happy we did this for coach
Dave Jordan,†said Grossmont defensive end RODERKUS WRIGHT.
â€We wanted to make this the most memorable season of his career." 'Nuf
said. Griffin Graffiti -- Grossmont's 13 victories this season equals
the school record set in 2003... The team's total of 8 postseason victories over
the past three seasons is also the best in the nation over that span.
State Championship, at Fresno |
1 | 2 |
3 | 4 |
TOTAL | Grossmont
"Griffins" (13-1) | 17 |
14 | 7 |
3 | 41 |
CC San Francisco "Rams" (10-2) |
10 | 0 |
7 | 21 |
38 | FIRST QTR.
GC -- C. Johnson 39 pass from Murphy (Ballman kick), 13:38 SF -- Sonnenburg
1 run (Abrams kick), 8:13 SF -- FG Abrams 32, 5:01 GC -- FG Ballman 29,
1:39 GC -- Hutsona 15 run (Ballman kick), 0:09 SECOND QTR.
GC -- K. Smith 3 run (Ballman kick), 13:10 GC -- Murphy 1 run (Ballman kick),
2:43 THIRD QTR. GC -- Mixon 17 interception return (Ballman kick),
7:50 SF -- McBean 17 pass from Strom (Abrams kick), 5:47 FOURTH QTR.
SF -- James fumble recovery in end zone (Abrams kick), 14:55 SF -- Purify
20 pass from Strom (Abrams kick), 6:04 GC -- FG Ballman 30, 1:46 SF --
Purify 12 pass from Strom (Abrams kick), 0:09
Griffins seek second state crown, and maybe more East County
Sports.com FRESNO (12-9-05) -- Over the past three seasons, no community
college football program in the nation has posted more postseason victories than
Grossmont College. However, the Griffins still need one additional triumph to
make all the previous hard work worthwhile. Grossmont (12-1) seeks
more than just the California state championship when the Griffins meet North
regional titlist City College of San Francisco (10-1) in Saturday's (Dec. 10)
final at Grizzlies Stadium. To the winner of this battle, could go the national
championship. All season long, every member of the Griffins, from
the players to the coaches to the support staff, has indicated they all wanted
to send head coach DAVE JORDAN "out in style" with a state banner. Then
the players received extra motivation following their mentor's administrative
difficulties with the school board, setting the tone for three straight Southland
wins, whipping Glendale (42-10), El Camino (52-43) and College of the Canyon (24-19)
in succession. But now, with only one other community college in
the nation finishing with a perfect record -- Glendale (Ariz.), at 11-0, but playing
a relatively average schedule -- the stakes are now raised, with the door wide
open for Grossmont to slip past the Gauchos and be proclaimed the nation's No.
1 team by J.C. Grid-Wire, the only ratings service which combines teams
from California and the NJCAA. So the state title game with the
Rams could result in triple-motivation. A win gives Jordan his second
long sought-after state title; a win gives the players a potential national title,
with all its perks and benefits, including a scholarship offers from 4-year schools;
and a win avenges a 38-35 last-second loss to CCSF in the 2003 state title contest
in Bakersfield. Not that the Griffins need any assistance.
While Grossmont is playing at peak form and is relatively healthy, the
Rams demonstrated some blemishes to their armor of late, struggling to reach the
title game after sweeping through their first seven games by a combined score
of 323-53. CCSF closed the regular season with a pair of narrow
wins over San Mateo (41-40) and Santa Rosa (24-20), then saw its 10-year home-field
winning streak snapped by Foothill (21-14) to close the regular season.
The Rams then advanced to the North regional final -- also known as the
Hawaiian Punch Bowl -- but escaped with a 40-35 decision over favored Reedley,
nearly blowing a 34-14 lead. The Tigers moved into scoring position in the final
minute of play, yet couldn't score after gaining a first down at the Rams-4, then
failed on a fourth-down pass from the 2-yard line The Griffins will
need to stop CCSF receivers Aaron Straiten, who had touchdown receptions of 15,
74 and 32 yards, then averaged more than 12 yards per punt return, and Maurice
Purify, who scored twice against Reedley on screen passes. Kickoff
is slated for 1 p.m. (time change), with a webcast available HERE,
starting at 12:45 p.m.
Roth Award winner |
|
Griffins
quarterback Reilly Murphy was awarded the 29th annual Joe Roth Memorial Award
as the San Diego County community college player of the year. (File Photo by
Greg Eichelberger) | Murphy
earns Joe Roth Award, JC-Grid Wire Scholar All-America honors
East County Sports.com EL CAJON (12-7-05) -- Grossmont College
quarterback REILLY MURPHY was a big winner Tuesday (Dec. 6), as he was named the
recipient of the prestigious Joe Roth Memorial Award and also was selected to
the J.C. Grid-Wire Scholar-Athlete All-America Team. This was the
29th year of the Joe Roth Memorial Award, which goes to the San Diego County community
college football player that best meets the high academic standards and athletic
excellence that the late Joe Roth exhibited during his All-America career. Roth,
a gifted quarterback, guided the Griffins to their only undefeated season and
state championship in 1974. He led Cal to its only Pac-10 championship in 1975
and was considered a potential NFL first-round draft pick before he died of cancer
in February, 1977. Murphy, who has passed for 3,056 yards and 28
touchdowns for the Southern California champion Griffins (12-1), was the only
community college player from San Diego County selected to the J.C. Grid-Wire
Scholar-Athlete team. Meanwhile, running back DERRELL HUTSONA was
chosen the Griffins' team MVP at the Grossmont College awards banquet Tuesday
night. The Offensive MVP award went to tackle JAKE BINGHAM and the Defensive MVP
honor went to end BRIAN STANBRA.
|
Southern California
Championship Grossmont College 24, College of the Canyons 19 |
Grossmont's Road Warriors clip Canyons to claim Southern California
football crown East County Sports.com SANTA CLARITA (12-4-05)
-- Should the persistent rumors become true that USC tailback REGGIE BUSH will
turn professional and forego his senior season should he capture the Heisman Trophy,
Bush can easily direct the Trojans to his possible replacement: Former Helix High
teammate DERRELL HUTSONA. "I told the offensive line and the other
backs before the game that we're going out there to win the Heisman," said
Hutsona. "The coaches told me I'd be a workhorse tonight." And
Hutsona and his teammmates ran the ball all night long. In his second stellar
playoff performance in as many weeks, Hutsona rushed the ball 31 times for 179
yards Saturday (Dec. 3), powering Grossmont College to a convincing 24-19 victory
over defending state and national champion College of the Canyons. The triumph
gives the Griffins (12-1) their second Southern California community college football
championship in three seasons.
|
CLICK
HERE to see what The Daily News published about this game. |
Grossmont, which captured its fourth road playoff victory since 2003,
will meet a team its failed to defeat on the road in recent postseasons runs in
City College of San Francisco. The Rams (10-1) stunned undefeated Northern California
kingpin Reedley College, 40-35, to gain a berth to next week's state championship
game at Grizzlies Stadium in Fresno to setup a rematch of the 2003 title contest
against the Griffins.
|
CLICK
HERE to see what The Signal newspaper of the Santa Clarita Valley published
about this game. Note: The writer blames the weather for seven COC
turnovers -- we think not! | The Griffins' running
game, which gained 296 yards on 60 carries, kept Canyons off-balance to setup
a pair of early touchdown passes, as Grossmont built a 24-7 lead, then hung on
in the final minutes. "They were bending me -- a linebacker was shadowing
me everywhere I went," noted Hutsona, who successfully gobbled up yardage
between the 20s. But when in the red zone, quarterback REILLY MURPHY tossed
a pair of scoring passes to wide receiver CHRIS JOHNSON, connecting on TD strikes
of 22 and 20 yards to build an early 14-0 lead. Meanwhile, Grossmont's defense
hounded Cougars quarterback Marcel Marquez all contest, forcing seven turnovers
from the second-team All-America selection. Marquez threw three interceptions,
including a pair by ADAM COOPER, while fumbling four times, as defensive end BRIAN
STANBRA and cornerback TERRY MIXON registered a sack and a fumble recovery each. "This
is about as good a defensive game as we can play," Griffins coach DAVE JORDAN
said of the G-House of Pain. "And I think the cold weather motivated us to
play harder." After typically playing in mild, afternoon conditions
all season, Grossmont faced a windy, cold night at Cougar Stadium, where the Griffins
suffered a 30-0 playoff setback to Canyons in similar conditions last season.
But on this occassion, it was the Cougars offense that was unable to score for
three quarters, watching their 30-game home winning streak of five years come
to an end. "Marquez got so frustrated because we kept hitting him all
night," noted Grossmont secondary coach MARK DEESING. "Soon, he stared
throwing the ball right to us or coughing it up. He took a lot of abuse out there." "He
still is the best quarterback we've faced this season, but our defense contained
him all night except for one play." Included was the work of defensive
end RODERKUS WRIGHT, who sacked Marquez once and added a collection of hits on
the quarterback. GEOFFREY HOWARD also recorded a sack, while hard hits allowed
RANDY HORN and NICK MARTINEZ to collect fumble recoveries. Noted Jordan,
"He's going to be sore tomorrow." Following Johnson's pair of
TD catches, Grossmont committed its only major mistake of the first half by longtime
Griffins tormentor, Canyons cornerback Michael Carr. In both of two previous
ballgames between the schools, Carr returned interceptions for touchdowns. And
the honorable mention All-America did it again against Grossmont, stepping in
front of a Murphy pass and streaking 58 yards for his third career score against
the Green & Gold. However, kicker JARED BALLMAN, who missed a 39-yard
field goal into the wind in the first period, used the wind to his advantage shortly
before the half by connecting from 38 yards for a 17-7 lead at the intermission. Grossmont
then went conservative in the second half, keeping the ball on the ground while
not completing a pass (only 3 attempts) over the final 30 minutes. Hutsona and
Smith (16-83) kept the clock ticking, as Smith carried for a 2-yard score in the
third period for a 24-7 lead. Canyons utilized two big plays to get within
striking distance late. After Jaa'Vonte Holmes returned a punt 40 yards,
Marquez raced 15 yards on the very next play to trim the deficit to 24-13 -- the
PAT was wide. Then Marquez found Terence Scott behind the secondary for a 77-yard
TD strike with exactly 3:00 remaining. "We only counted at least three
holding penalties on the punt return," Jordan added. However, after
Canyons utilized its final timeout, Hutsona closed it out. He rippoed off 10-yards
on 3rd-and-5 with 2:36 left for a first down, then galoped for 23 additional yards
two plays later to complete another victory by Grossmont's Road Warriors. After
gaining just 142 yards in total offense in a 32-22 loss in Week 2 (Sept. 10) at
Canyons, Grossmont collected 405 yards in the rematch. Canyons finished with 314
yards, but 77 came on one play. Johnson finished with three catches for
46 yards, while MICHAEL OMAR caught four balls for 54, as Murphy finished 8-for-25
for 109 yards, all in the first half. Cooper, who finished the regular season
ranked in a tie for ninth in the state in interceptions, now has picked off Marquez
four times this season -- two in each meeting. Griffin Graffiti --
Grossmont has now captured 23 of its last 25 games, with both setbacks coming
to Canyons... Canyons' last loss was in the 2003 playoffs to the Griffins, 14-10...
The schools have now alternated winning the Southland titles, with Canyons winning
in 2002 and 2004, and now the Griffins in 2003 and 2005... Except for a pair of
titles by Palomar, the Mission Conference hasn't captured a Southland crown since
Mt. San Antonio went all the way to the 1997 state title -- a stretch of eight
seasons... The state title game will kickoff at 1:30 p.m.
No surprise! It's the Griffins vs. Canyons yet again for SoCal crown
East County Sports.com SANTA CLARITA (12-2-05) -- In a match-up
Grossmont College's players have been gunning for since suffering their lone setback
of the season back on Sept. 10, the Griffins (11-1) will get their rematch with
College of the Canyons. However, so much more will be on the line this go-round.
Following a pair of postseason victories by both ballclubs, the teams will
again contend for the Southern California community college football championship
in a battle of the last two Southland champions. Grossmont, the 2003 champion,
will take on a Cougars team that not only claimed the regional title, but went
on to collect both the state and national crowns last season. It
can't get much better than this. Not only is Canyons the defending
champions (plus the 2002 title), the Cougars are undefeated this season at 12-0,
including last week's 48-26 conquest of Bakersfield, giving the team an incredible
26 consecutive victories. But if there is a team that can go on
the road to win, it might be this set of Griffins. Grossmont is
the only team in the state to go on the road and post at least one playoff victory
over each of the past three seasons. In 2003, when the Griffins
claimed the Southland title, head coach DAVE JORDAN's troops defeated Citrus in
a neutral site contest at Southwestern College. Last season, although designated
the "home team" by goofy COA policies, Grossmont defeated Chaffey in
the Panthers' own stadium for another opening-round victory. And,
of course, last week might have been the most impression performance away from
Grossmont's Mashin-Roth Memorial Stadium, traveling to Torrance to knock off the
nation's top-ranked team in El Camino, 52-43. Plus, the schools
have some recent history. Grossmont downed Canyons during the playoffs en route
to the 2003 title, then the Cougars did the same to the Griffins on the way to
the 2004 crown. In addition, Canyons topped Grossmont during Week Two, 32-22,
this season. The battle is almost even in the awards category, too.
Grossmont had three players selected as J.C. Grid-Wire All-Americas this week,
yet Canyons came out better with four honorees. Included were first-team linebacker
Joey La Roque, second-teammers in quarterback Marcel Marquez, defensive back Justin
Tryon, and return specialist Ja'Vonie Holmes. Canyons also have honorable mention
safety Michael Carr, who has returned interceptions for touchdowns in both of
his career appearances against Grossmont. Griffin Graffiti --
The 2005 season will mark the fourth consecutive year that a team from the Mission
Conference -- a self-proclaimed kingpin of community college football -- will
NOT claim the SoCal title. Since Palomar won it in 2001, the winners were: 2002-Canyons,
2003-Grossmont, and 2004-Canyons... KHTS-AM 1220 in Santa Clarita will be broadcasting
the Southern California Championship game, but only on the internet. Please visit
their website HERE to log
on. The webcast starts 15 minutes prior to kick-off.
Hutsona, Wright, tabbed
JC Grid-Wire All-Americas East County Sports.com SANTA
ANA (11-30-05) -- National kickoff return and all-purpose yardage champion DERRELL
HUTSONA, along with team sack leader RODERKUS WRIGHT, headed a list of Grossmont
College football players which were named first-team All-Americas by JC Grid-Wire.
The pair of Division I transfers were among the leading vote-getters at
their respective positions, as cumulated by long-time JC Grid-Wire publisher
HANK IVES, who issued his 46th All-America teams among all of the nation's community
college football programs -- the only such organization which combines California
schools with member schools of the NJCAA. Also named from Grossmont
College was defensive lineman BRIAN STANBRA, who was an honorable mention All-America.
Hutsona, a Helix High product who transferred to Grossmont from San Jose
State, set a school record with 365 all-purpose yards in last week's Southern
California semifinal playoff triumph at El Camino. The yardage placed the sophomore
back into the state lead in the category; Hutsona is also the national leader
in average yards per kickoff return, as the Griffins finished as the state's team
leader in total offense Wright, a transfer from the University of
Oregon, terrorized opposing quarterbacks all season, ranking at the top of the
Griffins leaders in sacks. Meanwhile, Stanbra quietly was a consistent force for
the Grossmont defense all season, switching seamlessly from linebacker to the
opposite side of the defensive line from Wright. Grossmont (11-1)
will play in its second Southern California Championship game on Saturday (Dec.
3), as the 2003 Southland champions will take on defending titlist and top-seeded
College of the Canyons in a 7 p.m. kickoff at Cougar Stadium in Valencia.
Bush inspires Hutsona in comeback victory
East County Sports.com TORRANCE (11-27-05) -- With former Helix
High School teammate REGGIE BUSH offering encouragement along the Grossmont College
sidelines, Griffins running back DERRELL HUTSONA became not only inspired, he
needed to show his stuff.
|
South Region
Semifinals No. 5 GROSSMONT 52, No. 1 EL CAMINO 43 |
No. 2 CANYONS 48, No. 9 BAKERSFIELD
26 HIGHLIGHTS HERE |
"I had to have a big game because my close friend, Reggie
Bush, was here," noted Hutsona, who played with USC's Heisman Trophy favorite
for two seasons while with the Highlanders. "I wanted to show him I could
still do it." And do it he did. With the deep
passing game shutdown for both teams due to blustery, windy conditions at Murdock
Stadium, Hutsona powered a ground attack which collected 308 rushing yards to
power the Griffins back from a 19-0 deficit, whipping nationally top-ranked El
Camino, 52-43, in Saturday's (Dec. 26) Southern California regional semifinals.
Grossmont (11-1) advances to the Southland championship contest
for the second time in three seasons, facing top-seeded College of the Canyons.
The Cougars (12-0) are the only team to defeat the Griffins this season, winning
32-22, back in Week 2. Grossmont won the regional title in 2003, while COC's Cougars
are the defending state and national champions. Hutsona rushed 19
times for 160 yards, part of his all-purpose total of 365 yards -- a school record
-- to move him back into first place among the state leaders in the category.
Already California's kickoff return titlist, the Warriors still
kicked-off to the transfer from San Jose State, yet Hutsona burned them for 157
yards on five returns (31.4 average), while also catching two passes and returning
a punt for his career-high yardage total. "I was just feeding
off our team's energy," added Hutsona. "And just knowing Reggie was
here gave an extra boost to my game." El Camino (11-1) took
early leads of 19-0 and 27-7 thanks in part to its defense. Nate Ness returned
an interception 53 yards for a score, then All-America candidate Moses Manu scooped
a fumble and rumbled 71 yards for a 20-point lead with 3:32 left in the first
half. However, it was all Grossmont from there, as Griffins quarterback
REILLY MURPHY tossed four touchdown passes. "It was kind of
a rough start, but we were still confident," noted Reilly, who completed
16-of-34 passes for 210 yards. "And it wasn't a false confidence either --
you could see it in people's eyes." The turnaround resulted
in another of the Griffins' patented scoring runs, tallying 31 consecutive points
to turn deficits of 27-7 and 34-14 into a 45-34 advantage. Murphy connected
with tight end JEREMIAH MAREKO on scoring passes of 4 and 19 yards. Later, he
found MICHAEL OMAR on a 24-yarder, then MARIO BRUNKER from 27 yards out. But
it was the running attack which set-up of the series of short scoring tosses.
Along with Hutsona, KEVIN SMITH ran 13 times for 68 yards and a score, as Grossmont
collected 52 points and 518 yards against the nation's top-ranked ballclub. "That's
the best game I've ever seen Derrell have," said Grossmont co-head coach
MIKE JORDAN. "And it's the best game I've probably ever seen a Grossmont
back have." Murphy agreed, as El Camino failed to sack the
Grossmont quarterback, who has suffered just one sack over the last five ballgames.
"Our running game was awesome -- the best we've ever had,"
noted the sophomore. "Our O-line guys were just pushing them off the ball."
However, the biggest play to spark the turnabout may have came from
the special teams unit to open the second half. Grossmont squib
the kick over the front line of the Warriors, as no El Camino player could get
to the ball, with reserve linebacker ANDREW LEALOFI making the recovery at the
Warriors-27. Six plays later, Smith romped into the endzone from
four yards out, cutting the El Camino lead to 34-28. On the next series, Grossmont
again needed six plays to score, marching 80 yards to claim the lead for keeps,
35-34. Big plays on the go-ahead scoring drive included a 28-yard
rush by PERRY GARDNER, a 24-yard burst by Smith, then with Hutsona picking up
the blitz, Murphy found Brunker in the corner of the endzone from 27 yards out
with 5:50 left in the third period. "To me, the most special
thing about Derrells game was his job blocking, picking up the blitz,"
added Jordan. El Camino freshman quarterback Lyle Moevao completed
24-of-43 passes for 409 yards, but only reached the endzone twice, as Grossmont
defenders blanked the Warriors in the third period, then only allowing a late
score in the closing seconds after the contest was decided. ADAM
COOPER paced the G-House defense with 10 tackles, while GEOFFERY HOWARD posted
seven tackles and intercepted Moevao. In additoion, TERRY MIXON recorded seven
tackles and a fumble recovery, while MAGNUM MAUGA had six tackles and repeatedly
harassed Moevao with his pass pressure. In winning the 3-hour, 32-minute
marathon, the Griffins have now captured 62 of their last 71 contests.
|
South Region Semifinals
Saturday, Nov. 26, 7 p.m. Grossmont "Griffins" (10-1) at
El Camino "Warriors" (11-0) | No. 5
Griffins vs. No. 1 El Camino for berth in SoCal final East County
Sports.com TORRANCE (11-24-05) -- With most of the off-the-field media
attention finally cooling down, head coach DAVE JORDAN and his Grossmont College
Griffins can focus their full attention on Saturday's (Nov. 26) Southern California
Community College semifinal at El Camino College. "I'd like
to think our primary goal at the moment is to beat El Camino and make it to the
(SoCal) final," Jordan said. "I know our kids are focused. I think we
will be ready to play a good football game." Good might not
be good enough. Coach John Featherstone's Warriors (11-0) are the No. 1-ranked
team in the nation and winners of 19 of 22 starts over the past two seasons. "We
have a great group of sophomores," Featherstone said. "As freshmen,
this group was only a couple of plays from going undefeated." The Warriors
concluded the 2004 campaign 8-3. The Mission Conference powerhouse
is averaging 42.5 points and allowing just 20.1 this year. Grossmont (10-1), meanwhile,
is scoring at a 44.5 clip while allowing just 17.7 points per outing. The
Griffins look to quarterback REILLY MURPHY (180-328, 2737 yards, 22 TDs), running
backs DERRELL HUTSONA (108-823, 11 TDs) and KEVIN SMITH (82-560, 5 TDs), along
with wide receivers MICHAEL OMAR (48-872, 5 TDs) and MARIO BRUNKER (27-540, 6
TDs) and tight end JEREMIAH MAREKO (10-110, 6 TDs). El Camino kingpin is
quarterback Lyle Moevao, who averaged 187 yards per game during the regular season,
threw 5 TD passes and accumulated 387 yards as the Warriors rolled off 35 points
to snap a 22-22 tie for an eventual 57-22 win over Riverside in the opening round
of the playoffs. Featherstone, a former assistant coach at Grossmont,
is quick to note that El Camino plays in the superior Mission Conference. "Our
kids are used to playing four physical quarters of football every week,"
he said. "I know Grossmont is a top notch team, but I'm not sure they have
faced the quality of competition we have week in and week out." The
Griffins and Warriors have common opponents in Chaffey and Mt. San Antonio. Grossmont
overcame a 24-3 deficit to edge Chaffey, 38-31, while El Camino whipped the Panthers,
35-24. Against Mt. San Antonio, Grossmont scored in the final three minutes of
the season opener pull out a 21-17 victory, while the Warriors clobbered the Mounties,
61-10. Obviously, offense is the forte of both Grossmont and El Camino.
Yet, it will probably be defense that decides the issue. GRIFFIN GRAFFITI
-- These teams have crossed paths only twice, with each side winning once.
The Warriors edged the ALIKI SMITH-led Griffins, 35-34, in the 1996 Orange County
Simple Green Bowl . . . Grossmont won the first meeting, 37-35, in 1993 . . .
Top-seeded and defending state champion College of the Canyons (11-0) hosts Western
State Conference rival Bakersfield (9-2) in the other SoCal semifinal at 7 p.m.
Easy as 1-2-3... 4! |
|
Grossmont College quarterback
Reilly Murphy threw four first-half TD passes Saturday, including strikes to Jeremiah
Mareko, Chris Johnson, Michael Omar (not pictured) and Iosef Oberwager. (Photos
by Greg Eichelberger) |
|
Grossmont College
Southern California Bowl 2004 & 2005 Champions |
Murphy throws 4 first-half TD passes, Griffins easily claim
SoCal Bowl, 42-10 EL CAJON (11-19-05) -- It didn't really matter
who the opponent was, because nationally 6th-ranked Grossmont College was playing
for more than just a cause or a playoff victory. They were playing for a man they
all respected -- and one they suspected was receiving a raw deal. With
veteran coach DAVE JORDAN vanquished from the sidelines on administrative leave
(with pay), the Griffins rode the arm of quarterback REILLY MURPHY in a dominant
performance. The sophomore threw for four touchdowns in the first half to mount
a 42-0 advantage, as the Griffins whipped Western State Conference Southern Division
champion Glendale, 42-10, in Saturday's (Nov. 19) Southern California Bowl at
Mashin-Roth Memorial Stadium.
Quotables | "We
missed the old-timer, man, a lot." -- Grossmont linebacker
Matt Westrick, on the absense of head coach Dave Jordan |
It was the second straight season for the Griffins (10-1) to capture
the bowl, which also serves as the opening round to the California state community
college football playoffs. Behind Murphy, Grossmont rolled up three
scores in both the first and second quarter, out-gaining the Vaqueros (8-3), 394-to-52
in total offense by the intermission. Every single member of the
Griffins asked noted that the contest was dedicated to Jordan, who missed the
ballgame while district officials investigate an off-campus incident that occurred
more than a year ago involving several former players. "Coach
was still here in spirit," noted Murphy, who completed 10-of-21 passes for
273 yards. "We knew what he wanted us to do -- it definitely got a fire going
inside all of us."
Nowhere to hide |
|
Glendale ball-carrier
Brandon McCullough finds no room to run, surrounded by Grossmont defenders Devon
Jones (24) and Adam Cooper (8). (Photo by Greg Eichelberger) |
For his efforts, Murphy was selected Offensive Player of the Game by
the media, while linebacker MATT WESTRICK was tabbed Defensive Player of the Game
following a game-high 11 tackles and one sack. "We were pumped, knew
we had to stop the run force them to throw the ball," Westrick said. "That's
exactly what we did." As for his thoughts on the Jordan's absence,
Westrick offered, "We missed the old-timer, man, a lot." With
the triumph, Grossmont advances to the South region semifinals for the third consecutive
season, meeting undefeated El Camino (11-0) Saturday (Nov. 26) in Torrance. Kickoff
time has been changed to 7 p.m. The second-seeded Warriors only led Riverside,
29-22, at the half before pulling away for a comfortable 57-22 decision over the
Tigers. Glendale had one chance to extend its 7-game winning streak
at Grossmont's expense. Following a Glendale punt on its opening series, Grossmont's
first play was a quick out to the sideline, but cornerback Carlos Velasquez jumped
in front of the pass and had an easy interception for a touchdown -- except he
dropped the ball. Five plays later, tight end JEREMIAH MAREKO got
behind the Glendale secondary, as Murphy threw a perfect pass for a 26-yard score.
It was all the Griffins needed in winning for the 61st time in their last 70 outings.
"I don't know why Glendale thought they could press us," said
Mareko. "They were so worried about our receivers, doubling on MICHAEL (OMAR)
and 'Bronc' (MARIO BRUNKER), or their linebackers were covering our backs, there
was no one left to cover me." Nevertheless, Grossmont's receiving
corps kept collecting passes, as CHRIS JOHNSON finished with three receptions
for 126 yards, including a 56-yard TD to finish the first period with a 21-0 advantage,
while Omar (4-87) got free behind the Vaqueros for a 52-yard score in the second
period.
Doin' it for the 'Old-Timer' |
|
Lineman
Roderkus Wright (left) sacks Glendale quarterback Steve Martinez, while Matt Westrick
(pictured in enlargement) strips the ball for a fumble in a 42-10 win. (Photo
by Greg Eichelberger) | Fullback DANTE ANDERSON
scored on a 1-yard dive for his first TD of the season for a 14-0 lead. Glendale
later fumbled on the first play of the second period when Westrick stripped the
ball away while TIMOTEO MAUGA sacked Glendale quarterback Steve Martinez.
One play later, DERRELL HUTSONA rumbled 26 yards for the team's fourth
TD. Murphy followed with scoring strikes to Omar and IOSEF OBERWAGER (24 yards)
to cap a memorable first half. "We played the first half for
Coach Jordan," noted Mauga. "He always wanted us to play a solid first
half and we knew one way or another he'd be watching -- he's always here with
us." Along with the usual strong play of corps defenders, newcomer
RANDY HORN stepped in at linebacker like he's been there all season. Working from
the bottom of the depth chart back during training camp, the freshman saw significant
action. "It's just great to be playing on a team like this,"
said Horn, who was credited with 7 tackles. "I'm blessed to play with great
competitors and get a chance to play for a championship." KEVIN
SMITH rushed 16 times for 102 yards to lead the Grossmont ground attack. In additional,
PERRY GARDNER rushed four times for 46 yards, while DONNEL WILLIAMS gained 40
yards on his four rushes. Grossmont's offensive line did not surrender
a quarterback sack for the third time in the last four games.
Playoff Match-Up |
|
GLENDALE "VAQUEROS"
(8-2) vs. GROSSMONT "GRIFFINS" (9-1), Saturday, 1 p.m. Mashin-Roth
Memorial Stadium | Griffins prepare to tackle
a legendary institution East County Sports.com EL CAJON
(11-17-05) -- After opening its doors in 1927, Glendale College quickly landed
on the international sports map when local Glendale prep standout Frank Wykoff
wanted his high school track coach to continue training him, so in 1929, he became
a Vaquero in order to remain in town. A year earlier, Wykoff competed
in the U.S. Olympic Trials at the Los Angeles Coliseum, as the 18-year old senior,
hitting the tape wearing the famous giant "G" on his Glendale uniform,
tied the Olympic Record when he won the 100 meters in 10.6 seconds and also tied
the World Record in the 200 meters in 20.45. A month later at the
U.S. Olympic Finals, he equaled the World Record in the 100 four times and his
status as a sprinting legend was sealed forever when he won gold medals in the
1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games in the 4x100-meter relay.
|
Andy Reid
(Courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles) | The
school's only other notables include offensive lineman Andy Reid (1975-76), now
the winningest coach in Philadelphia Eagles history; Bob Gagliano (1976-77), who
later played quarterback for six NFL and one USFL teams over a 15-year professional
career; and Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Lon Simmons, who has worked San
Francisco Giants and Oakland A's ballgames for decades. Unfortunately
for Glendale, the school's fortunes in athletics have not even approached this
level again, except for a few instances in football. The Vaqueros captured the
Potato Bowl championship in 1961 and 1985, and won the Beach Bowl in 2001. In
general, though, the Vaqueros have hardly dominated in the Western State Conference.
Some 15 years later, the Vaqueros are back, capturing the WSC's Southern
Division crown after downing East Los Angeles, 24-12, to complete the regular
season on a 7-game winning streak. Glendale (8-2) tied for first with Citrus,
but by virtue of a win over the Owls, 40-34 in overtime -- one of two victories
in extra time by the Vaqueros this season -- gained a berth in the playoffs as
the No. 6 seed in the Southern California regional. Plus, the Vaqueros
hold a few psychological advantages when they meet Grossmont College in Saturday's
(Nov. 19) Southern California Bowl, which also serves as the opening game of the
California Community College Southern California Football Playoffs. The Griffins
have never defeated the Vaqueros in more than four decades of football, with Glendale
taking a pair of meetings long before Reid and Gagliano graduated from high school.
In addition, Glendale recently had a $3 million renovation of Satoris Field,
the Vaqueros' on-campus stadium, which is carpeted with a state-of-the-art Springturf
synthetic surface. So playing on the Grossmont rug, where the Griffins have lost
just once in six seasons (a triple-overtime setback to Chaffey), will not be unique
to the Vaqueros. Glendale is led by quarterback Steve Martinez, who
passed for 206 yards (12-of-19) and one touchdown to bounce the Huskies last week
to clinch the conference title. Wide receiver Johnny Serfozo caught four of Martinez'
passes for 88 yards and one score. And just like Grossmont running back KEVIN
SMITH, Vaqueros ball carrier Jamal Rashad also returned to action this past week,
rushing for 129 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Defensively,
linebacker Alonzo Meinfield is among the top tacklers, recording eight stops against
East L.A., while sophomore defensive linemen Jason Bonwell and Frank Yee had seven
tackles each. Meanwhile, Grossmont enters with the top-rated offense
in California, overtaking both Santa Rosa and College of the Sequoias on the final
day of the season at 482.9 yards and 44.7 points per outing.
|
The
Griffins' Derrell Hutsona, making a catch here against
Mesa, was tabbed Foothill Conference MVP on offense. (Photo by Adolfo
Villanueva) | Running back DERRELL HUTSONA
finished as the state leader in kickoff returns at 38.8 yards per return, but
was caught for the All-Purpose Yardage title by Larry "Sweet Pea" Richardson
of Southwestern, although Hutsona hasn't played four full quarters of football
in weeks after the Griffins won their last four games by an average margin of
more than 46 points per contest. Such numbers have lifted Grossmont's
ranking to a tie for sixth in the nation with City College of San Francisco, according
to JC Grid-Wire, and fifth in the state by the JC Athletic Bureau's
account. In addition, the Grid-Wire made predictions on all California
bowl and playoff contests, selecting the Griffins to win this one by a 42-21 count. GRIFFIN
GRAFITTI --The Griffins will play the playoff opener without legendary coach
DAVE JORDAN, who has been placed on administrative leave with pay. Jordan is being
held accountable by the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District school board
for his failure to disclose an incident in September, 2004 involving four of his
players in a fight at a frat party in Oak Park hosted by SDSU students. Reports
are the Grossmont players involved beat up three SDSU seniors, one of them severely.
. . Jordan will not be allowed to coach the game against Glendale because one
of the parents of the kids injured in the fight complained to the school board,
which blames Jordan for his failure to report the incident to the Grossmont College
administration.
Shedding the tackler |
|
Running back Derrell
Hutsona (2), the California kickoff returns leader, was selected by coaches as
2005 Offensive Player of the Year in the Foothill Conference. (Photo
by Travis Downs) | All-Foothill Conference selections
short-change Griffins Hutsona tabbed Offensive MVP East
County Sports.com EL CAJON (11-16-05) -- It seems funny if not downright
ludicrous that the state's No. 1-ranked offense could be worthy of only four players
-- total -- being named to the All-Foothill Conference first AND second teams.
It's obviously a clear case of petty jealousy among the opposing coaches, considering
the Griffins have used the Foothill patsies as punching bags for more than a decade.
Three straight conference crowns and seven in the past 12 seasons have the meek
crying foul. And it could have been worse. Time and time again, the Grossmont
coaches have removed their starters early in the second half to avoid turning
the game into a blowout and being accused of running up the score. In most cases,
the game has still resulted in a rout. That's because Grossmont's second and third
units are THAT good. Yet, the majority of Foothill Conference head coaches
continue to whine. They want the Griffins out of their conference. They were talking
about begging for a switch with the Mission Conference, which would send its weakest
team to the Foothill circuit and force the Griffins into the Mission circuit.
That's not going to happen, although a statewide re-leaguing plan is a possibility
in the future. Meanwhile, the nine conference head coaches did vote Grossmont
running back DERRELL HUTSONA the Foothill Conference MVP on offense. Nice gesture.
The kid earned it. Hutsona is averaging 177 all-purpose yards per game and has
scored 14 touchdowns. Other than Hutsona, only Grossmont center MATT GAUGHEN
was selected to the first-team offense. Receiver MICHAEL OMAR and kicker JARED
BALLMAN were anointed with second-team honors. Omar leads the Griffins in
receiving with 44 catches for 785 yards and fourTDs. Ballman has improved
every game and finished the regular season with 68 points, including 9-for-14
field goal kicking. He missed only one of 42 PAT kicks, and averaged 34.3 yards
on 23 punts.
|
Grossmont defenders
Matt Westrick (47) and Terry Mixon (1) get ready to stop Mesa's offense in a 64-3
conquest. Both were selected to the coaches' All-Foothill Conference team. |
On the defensive side, Grossmont landed five first-team spots. Ends
RODERKUS WRIGHT and BRIAN STANBRA, linebacker MATT WESTRICK, corner TERRY MIXON
and strong safety ADAM COOPER all were named to the Foothill circuit's first unit. No
Griffins were named to the second team defense. Grossmont honorable mention
awards went to: quarterback REILLY MURPHY; offensive linemen JAKE BINGHAM and
DAN HATHAWAY; running back KEVIN SMITH; wide receiver MARIO BRUNKER; and corner
BRETT ST. JAMES. The Griffins (9-1) host Glendale (8-2) in Saturday's (Nov.
19) opening round of the Southern California Regional playoffs at 1 p.m.
|
Griffins receiver Mario Brunker
(20) avoids the tackle of Mesa safety Kyle Greenspan during Saturday's 64-3 whipping
of the Olympians to conclude the regular season at 9-1. (Photo by Travis
Downs) | Griffins seeded third, host Glendale East
County Sports.com SACRAMENTO (11-14-05) -- All of the projections were
accurate: the 7th-nationally ranked Grossmont College football team was seeded
third in the South Region for the California State community college playoffs,
hosting Glendale College in Saturday's quarter-finals, slated for Saturday at
1 p.m. at Mashin-Roth Memorial Stadium. The game has been designated as
the Southern California Bowl, the second straight year that the Griffins have
participated in the contest. A year ago, Grossmont easily defeated host Chaffey,
26-7, at Grigsby Field in Rancho Cucamonga before falling in the semifinals to
College of the Canyons. Glendale's Vaqueros posted an8-2 overall record,
capturing the Southern Division of the Western State Conference. Canyons, the
defending state and national champions, took the WSC's Northern Division to again
claim the top seed. "They're certainly not Mesa," noted Griffins
head coach DAVE JORDAN, who is sending a team to the playoffs for the sxith consecutive
season. "They're a lot better than any team we've faced except for Canyons
and Chaffey." By coincidence, Canyons will meet Chaffey, the eighth
seed, in the Westen State Bowl, one of four quarterfinal-round games slated for
Saturday. The other contests feature No. 5 Fullerton going on the road to No.
4 Bakersfield in the Golden Empire Bowl, while No. 7 Riverside will travel to
No. 2 El Camino in the National Bowl. All three of these pairings are rematches
from regular season encounters, while the Griffins-Gauchos clash is the lone unique
pairing in the regional bracket. "Every game from here on is a plus,"
noted Jordan. "The more games we play, the more scouts will be attending
and watching our players." Similar to 2003, when Grossmont hosted all
three Southland rounds (including a first-round bowl victory at Southwestern College)
en route to the Southern California championship and a berth in the California
State title contest, exposure of the team has been positive, as the Griffins have
sent more players to NCAA Division I schools than at almost any other time in
their history. Grossmont and Glendale hold two common opponents, with scores
comparisons showing a solid advantage to the Griffins. Both teams defeated Antelope
Valley, with GC winning 44-11 while the Gauchos slipped past the Marauders, 21-17. Both
sides also played Southwestern, as Grossmont won 31-6, but the Jaguars beat Glendale,
39-36, on a last-second field goal after the Gauchos rallied to tie by scoring
16 points in the final four minutes. The South Region bracket:
Southern California Bowl: National Bowl:
| (6) Glendale (8-2) at (3) Grossmont (9-1)
(7) Riverside (7-3) at (2) El Camino (10-0) | Golden
Empire Bowl: Western State Bowl: | (5)
Fullerton (8-2) at (4) Bakersfield (8-2) (8) Chaffey (7-3) at (1) Canyons
(10-0) |
|
Grossmont cornerback Devon Jones
(24) knocks a Mesa ball carrier off his feet as the Griffins' Brett St. James
(4) looks on. (Photo by Adolfo
Villanueva) | Griffins mutilate Mesa again
East County Sports.com KEARNY MESA (11-13-05) -- It's easy to
think that San Diego Mesa College coach Martin Moss could grow to hate Grossmont
College. The former Griffins assistant coach has watched Grossmont pound out a
134-10 scoring advantage the last two seasons, including a 64-3 romp in Saturday's
(Nov. 12) regular-season finale at Merrill Douglas Stadium. The Griffins,
as they've been known to do this season, went on one of their patented scoring
blitzes by recording the game's closing 51 consecutive points, whipping the outmanned
Olympians to complete a perfect Foothill Conference campaign. The victory
gave the Griffins (9-1 overall, 8-0) their 27th straight conference victory, capping
a third undefeated conference slate in-a-row as they enter next week's Southern
California playoffs. ''We got ourselves to go out there and play for a half,''
Moss said. ''But we knew going in that we didn't have the horses to compete.'' Moss
admitted that the Griffins have a galaxy of stars that makes them a cut above. ''They
are a talented, very talented team capable of going a long way if they eliminate
some of the stupid stuff,'' said Moss, noting that the Griffins racked up 16 penalties
for 163 yards. The fact that Grossmont scored 64 points, the third time
the Griffins have scored that many points or more this season, did not please
Moss. But the veteran coach did not place blame on his opponents. ''Not
at all,'' said Moss when asked if he thought the Griffins were running up the
score on his wounded Olympians (3-7, 2-6). ''It's always been my contention that
it's not their (Grossmont's) job to stop themselves, it's our job. That running-it-up
stuff is baloney. It's our job to see that it doesn't happen. Like I tell our
kids, if you don't like it, you've got 60 minutes to do something about it.''
|
Grossmont ball-carrier
Perry Gardner (21) breaks away from Mesa tackler Terrell Totten as the Griffins
closed the regular season with a lop-sided victory. (Photo by Adolfo
Villanueva) | DERRELL HUTSONA scored four touchdowns
via three different methods, including a pass reception from quarterback REILLY
MURPHY to ignite this mismatch. The state leader in all-purpose yardage later
rushed for a pair of scores before returning a punt 62 yards for a TD to finish
the day with 127 all-purpose yards. The punt returns were the most satisfying
for Hutsona, a Helix High product by way of San Jose State. ''I just had
a clear shot, then a dude sniped at my legs,'' said Hutsona. ''It threw me off
balance, but I stayed on my feet.'' Meanwhile, Murphy passed for 303 yards
and two TDs in less than three quarters of action, yet he feels the Griffins are
ready for postseason play. ''We're more than ready,'' noted Murphy, one
of the state leaders in completions and passing yardage. ''We've had two weeks
to make ourselves healthy and I think we are ready to make a run for the state
and national championships.'' With most of the Southland leaders all winning
on Saturday, Grossmont figures to remain the third-ranked team in the region,
which gives them their first home game in almost a month next weekend at Mashin-Roth
Memorial Stadium. The SoCal playoff pairings will be announced Sunday (Nov. 13),
with the odds being that Glendale, co-champion of the Western State Conference's
Southern Division will be assigned to face the Griffins in El Cajon. Some
questioned whether a bye date in Week 10, then the blowout of Mesa, will properly
prep head coach DAVE JORDAN's team for the tournament. The Grossmont defenders
kept both San Diego County-based opponents out of the endzone this season, limiting
Southwestern and Mesa to just three field goals. Included was strong play from
the Griffins' Samoan posse, led by MAGNUM MAUGA, JOHNATHAN MEREDITH and LIAVAA
ATUATASI. ''Today, everyone seemed to have some Samoan in them,'' joked
Murphy, who completed 18 of 25 passes (sans three drops). In stopping the
Olympians, the Griffins forced four turnovers, registered a safety, and allowed
a mere 160 yards in total offense, even after clearing the bench. Cornerback
TERRY MIXON paced the assault with nine tackles, while BRETT ST. JAMES recorded
an interception from the opposite corner.
|
Grossmont defensive
end Roderkus Wright (97) collars San Diego Mesa quarterback Jake Santos for the
sack, as Matt Westrick (47) looks on. (Photo by Dawn Adams) |
''The pick was just a reflection of what 'T' (Mixon) has done all year,''
noted St. James. ''When things go well like that, you just feel it.'' Head
coach DAVE JORDAN focused on the overall performance of his defense, which record
14 tackles for losses and 4 sacks against the Olympians. End RODERKUS WRIGHT was
a mean hombre, taking part in three sacks while harassing Mesa QB Jake Santos
all afternoon. While the defense recorded its most prolific outing of the
season, including fumble recoveries by LAMONT BUTLER and Wright, the offense was
fueled by the return of running back KEVIN SMITH. After missing four contests,
Smith's comeback included 78 yards and a TD on 10 rushes. ''This was enough
to get us ready for the playoffs,'' noted Smith. ''We're blocking well and scoring,
so we'll take whatever they give us for the playoffs.''
No. 2 is No. 1 for No. 3 | |
Grossmont
back Derrell Hutsona, the current state leader in all-purpose yardage. (Photo
by Dawn Adams) | Griffins return to the
Three R's East County Sports.com EL CAJON (11-4-05) -- It's
back to basics time for the Grossmont Griffins, coming in the form of "The
Three R's:" Rest, Rejuvenation and getting Ready for the stretch run.
With another late-season bye to the Griffins' football schedule coming
this weekend, the coaching staff hopes to get as many healthy bodies back as possible
for the regular-season finale at San Diego Mesa next Saturday (Nov. 12) before
highly-probably heading into the COA playoffs. As anticipated, Grossmont
(8-1 overall, 7-0 Foothill Conference) moved up in all of the major polls, including
7th (by both by J.C. Grid-Wire and
JuCoFootball.org) nationally,
5th in the state (J.C. Athletic Bureau), and more importantly, third in the Southland
according to the COA Coaches
Poll, which is the only poll utilized to determine playoff positions.
Season-long No. 1 College of the Canyons remains on top, followed by El
Camino, then Grossmont, which flipped positions with Fullerton after the Hornets
fell to Long Beach, 20-14. Individually, the Griffins' DERRELL HUTSONA
overtook the Hornets' Joe Chatman for the state leadership in all-purpose yardage.
Get Your Nose In There | |
Grossmont
defensive back Lee Paleafei (43) encounters several Victor Valley linemen while
attempting to make a tackle. (Photo by Dawn Adams) |
In team statistics, the Grossmont offense climbed to third-best in
the state (tops in Southern California) at 480.6 yards per contest, trailing only
Santa Rosa (486.9) and College of the Sequoias (486.5). The Griffins also average
42.6 points per game. The Griffins had several players nominated
for state player of the week laurels, but the one winner was defensive back LEE
PALEAFEI, a player who didn't even play, never mind be a starter, over the first
three games of the season. Paleafei registered his third defensive
touchdown of the season after returning a fumble for a score against Antelope
Valley last Saturday. Earlier in the season, the freshman raced 73 yards to the
end zone with an interception against Mt. San Jacinto and then scooped up a blocked
punt and scored against Chaffey, giving him scores via three different methods.
Murphy honored by JCAB | |
Griffins quarterback
Reilly Murphy was one of the California state players of the week for his performance
against Victory Valley (Photo by Travis Downs) |
Griffins whip AVC, 44-11, clinch another Foothill crown East
County Sports.com LANCASTER (10-30-05) -- Another slow start. Another
fast finish. And another Foothill Conference football title. The
storyline never seems to change for the nationally 8th-ranked Grossmont College
Griffins. Leading winless Antelope Valley at the half only 14-3, the Griffins
converted three turnovers into touchdowns in the second half to whip the host
Marauders, 44-11, to clinch the conference crown for the third straight season.
It was also the seventh title in 12 seasons for head coach DAVE JORDAN.
"This is never an easy (3 1/2-hour) trip," Jordan said of the
425-mile (roundtrip) trek to the high desert. "But we got what we came for
-- the conference championship. I thought our defense played very well, giving
up only 150 yards in the first three quarters." Grossmont also
forced three turnovers, including a fumble recovery by the ever-opportunistic
LEE PALEAFEI, who raced 25 yards for his third touchdown of the season.
Once the offense got going, Grossmont rolled up 552 total yards, as running
back DERRELL HUTSONA rushed 13 times for 136 yards and two scores, while quarterback
REILLY MURPHY passed for a touchdown and ran for another. It helped the Griffins
overcome 14 penalties for 135 yards, and six fumbles (three lost) and four turnovers.
However, a huge defensive stop by the Griffins defense late in the first
half fueled the effort. Moments following losing the ball on a fumble, Antelope
Valley (0-8, 0-6) was unable to punch the ball in from the 3, settling for a field
goal to cut the Grossmont lead to 14-3 heading into the locker room. And
per their usual script, the Griffins (8-1 overall, 7-0 conference) went jailbreak
in the second half with a 30-8 scoring run to make the long bus ride home more
tolerable. Hutsona opened the second half with a 42-yard burst to the Marauders-8.
Two plays later, Murphy powered in from the 1 for a 21-3 lead. Then on the very
next play from scrimmage, Antelope Valley fumbled and Paleafei registered the
Griffins' second touchdown in a span of seven seconds. It was the fifth time an
AVC fumble was returned for a score this season. Hutsona, who lost a 71-yard
dash due to a penalty, started the scoring with a 5-yard TD burst for the only
points in the first period. The touchdown was setup on a nifty catch by tight
end JEREMIAH MAREKO on third down to give the Griffins a first down at the AVC-8. Seconds
into the second quarter, MICHAEL OMAR, the team's leading receiver with five catches
for 68 yards, took a Murphy pass and raced 32 yards for his longest play of the
contest. Two plays later, Murphy found Mareko on a 7-yard TD pass in the back
of the end zone for a 14-0 lead. Following Murphy's QB sneak and Paleafei's
return, Hutsona scored his second TD on an 11-yard rush, then Grossmont kicker
BRET HAASE kicked a 42-yard field goal for a 34-point lead. Technically,
the Marauders registered their second-best offensive display of the season with
233 total yards, but one-fourth of it came late against the reserves. Trailing
37-3, AVC completed its longest play of year when Ron Hamilton found Daniel Ashcraft
open on a 59-yard pass play. However, when the game was still on
the line, Grossmont's defense was fantastic. They forced Antelope Valley to go
3-and-out five straight possessions -- including the goal line stand for the field
goal -- and forced a punt or a turnover on 8-of-9 possessions. ADAM
COOPER registered the first interception for Grossmont in the third quarter. It
was his fourth in five games. MATT WESTRICK picked off a second pass in the fourth
quarter and, after rambling 7 yards, lateraled the ball to TERRY MIXON, who raced
18 additional yards. Grossmont closed the scoring when reserve quarterback
BLAKE SUTTON connected with CHRIS JOHNSON from 27 yards in the closing seconds.
Not to be overlooked was the hustle of Grossmont kicker JARED BALLMAN.
The freshman out of Patrick Henry High had his first PAT blocked (even though
the intruder was off-side). Instead of sulking about having the boot repelled
(he is now 33-for-34), Ballman raced downfield to knock out of bounds the AVC
defender who scooped up the ball at the Grossmont 7-yard line, denying him the
two points. Griffin Graffiti -- Jordan's troops entered the
contest rated fourth in the Coaches Southland Poll, but No. 3 Fullerton was upset
by Long Beach, 20-14, so the Griffins should advance a notch in the balloting.
The top four teams will host first-round SoCal playoff games, with the two highest
rated teams remaining hosting games in the semifinals.
Polite Griffins can clinch Foothill title in the High Desert East
County Sports.com LANCASTER (10-28-05) -- Grossmont College went out its
way to be polite when meeting Antelope Valley last season, whitewashing the Marauders,
38-0, without rolling up the score for its fifth straight victory in the series
(outscoring AVC by a 277-117 count). However, what do you do this go-around
against a struggling foe who had yet to win a contest this season, scoring a mere
63 points in seven outings; the Griffins have scored that many in a single-game
twice this season. Unfortunately for the Marauders, they don't seem to be
an obstacle to prevent the Griffins -- ranked 8th in the nation by JC Grid-Wire,
6th in California and 4th in the Southland -- from clinching their thrird consecutive
Foothill Conference football crown. Grossmont is also seeking its 26th straight
conference triumph. Even few Grossmont fans are expected to wake-up early
and make the 3-plus-hour commute to the High Desert, as the game will be broadcast
live on Magic 1340 (KTPI-AM, Lancaster), which offers a live webcast of the contest
(www.communityradio1340.com/main.html), plus a re-broadcast Sunday at 9 a.m. Indeed,
the crowd might be the smallest since San Diego City College dropped football
after losing 55 consecutive games over six seasons. Right now, Antelope
Valley (0-7, 0-5) are on their way to matching the Knights, currently on a 13-game
losing stretch. And they close the season with three of the top four teams in
the Foothill standings, meeting College of the Desert and Chaffey to close the
season. This has made ife even tougher for Marauders coach Brent Cander, the fifth-winningest
coach in state history (11th nationally) at 189-170-5 in his 36th season. However,
interest in the Griffins (7-1 overall, 6-1 conference) is higher than ever, and
Internet traffic proves it. By the miracle of computer "cookies," tracking
is available to determine which NCAA four-year schools are scoping head coach
Dave Jordan's team. Here is a log from a 48-hour period early this week:
Notre Dame, Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri, Michigan,
USC, UCLA, Florida State, UNLV, California, South Carolina, SE Louisiana, William
& Mary, Arkansas State, Wake Forest, Nevada, Army, Eastern Washington, Ouichita
Baptist, Arkansas Tech, Temple, Southern Indiana, Ricks College (Idaho), North
Carolina A&T, Howard Univ., Morehouse College, Augustana (S.D.) and many more. |
Among the many players being looked at include quarterback REILLY MURPHY,
who was tabbed one of the California state players of the week (See article below).
Murphy had pushed the team's offense to a ranking of fifth-best in the state (seocnd
in the Southland) at 471.6 yards per contest. Running back and kick returner
DERRELL HUTSONA rates second in the state in all-purpose yards, while also ranking
second in kickoff returns at 38.8 yards per return, less than 0.1 behind state
leader Jerome Morris of East Los Angeles. Following the Antelope Valley
ballgame, the Griffins close the regular season with a bye date, then meet crosstown
rival San Diego Mesa on Sat., Nov. 12 at 1 p.m., at Mesa's Merrill Douglas Stadium. Griffin
Grafffiti -- Quarterback Reilly Murphy, a sophomore from Torrey Pines, was
named as one of the California State Players of the Week by JC Athletic Bureau.
Griffins' magic number is down to 1 East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-23-05) -- These early afternoon kickoffs don't' seem to settle too
well for the Grossmont Griffins. Nevertheless, following yet another early siesta,
the nationally 10th-ranked Griffins pieced together another huge scoring spree,
stringing 38 points in a row to offset a 19-14 deficit to waltz past visiting
Victor Valley, 59-26, at Mashin-Roth Memorial Field. With the victory, Grossmont
(7-1 overall, 6-0 in conference) moved within a game of clinching its seventh
Foothill Conference title over the past 12 seasons. Griffins quarterback
REILLY MURPHY tossed four touchdown passes, but the recent surprise to the offense,
which ranks among the top eight in California, is tight end JEREMIAH MAREKO. Known
to teammates simply as "a blocking machine," the sophomore caught a
pair of scoring passes for the second consecutive week, demonstrating a new dimension
to his abilities. "Yeah, I'm trying to get up there with the scoring
leaders, like DERRELL (HUTSONA) and MICHAEL (OMAR)," joked Mareko, who caught
three passes for 33 yards. "The only difference to my game now is that I
threatened Reilly to throw me the ball! "But really, the coaches are
drawing great plays and we just go out there and execute them." Execution
is the defining word to this, the Griffins' 25th consecutive Foothill Conference
victory. Grossmont rolled up 582 yards total offense, including 438 through the
air. Murphy accounted for 344 yards on 22-for-33 passing, then BLAKE SUTTON entered
late in the third period, going three-of-seven for 94 yards, including a score. Sophomore
MICHAEL OMAR became only the 15th player in Grossmont's pass-happy history to
catch as many as 10 passes in a game. The sophomore from Antioch's Deer Valley
High snagged 10 aerials for 186 yards and one TD. "Basically, our offensive
line dominated the game and that opened up the passing game," said Omar,
whose receiving yardage total ties him for 7th on the all-time Grossmont College
books. "Seems like they tried to cover us 'man' and they couldn't keep up
with our speed." In addition to Mareko's pair of scores, MARIO BRUNKER
and Hutsona also reached the end zone twice. Brunker caught TD passes of 35 and
46 yards, one from each quarterback, while Hutsona scored on runs of 2 and 47
yards to finish with 104 yards on 15 carries. "Their defensive backs
were playing far off so that helped with our short (passing) game," said
Brunker, who made five catches for 120 yards. "When they came up, we just
went over the top. It looked like their strategy was not to get beat deep." Standing
in as a heavy favorite has added to some of Grossmont's slow starts. That was
what happened on Saturday. "It's not hard to get for any team because
we're looking for a good seed in the (Southern California playoffs)," Brunker
added. After both teams exchanged a pair of scores in the first period,
Victor Valley (2-6, 1-5) took a 19-14 lead when Theodore Snodgrass, the in-motion
slotback, took the handoff and broke free around the right end for a 26-yard touchdown
run. That's when the Griffins' collective nap was over. "We came
out flat again, but when we pick it up there's no stopping us," said defensive
lineman LIAVAA ATUATASI, who made seven tackles for Grossmont. He had plenty of
help from nose guard MAGNUM MAUGA (8 tackles), linebackers LAMONT BUTLER (9 stops)
and MATT WESTRICK (8 tackles), and tackle AVENI LEUNG-WAI (4 tackles). "And
the offense was on again, showing that we belong with anybody out there." Grossmont
scored on five of six possessions during the 38-point streak. Mareko glided behind
the linebackers to collect his first scoring pass to start the run. And the rout
was on. Victor Valley running back Antoine Randolph (32-204) also scored
twice, opening the ballgame with a 44-run for a quick 6-0 Rams lead. His final
tally came in the fourth period against the Griffins' reserves. Victor Valley
attacked the Grossmont defense with 66 running plays, pulling out a net 344 yards.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI: Grossmont offensive lineman CODY GOCKE was injured in
pregame drills, breaking a leg when a teammate accidentally rolled over his legs
from behind on the last practice play from scrimmage.
Murphy plays role of Wile E. Coyote, blitz Roadrunners, 65-7 East
County Sports.com EL CAJON (10-15-05) -- Art may imitate life, but on
Saturday, life definitely didn't imitate art. Grossmont College
quarterback REILLY MURPHY, filling the role of Wile E. Coyote in an award-winning
performance, allowed the Warner Bros. cartoon character to finally catch his roadrunner.
The sophomore from Torrey Pines High tossed a pair of touchdown passes and ran
for two other scores, as the 15th-ranked Griffins scored 58 unanswered points
to bury College of the Desert, 65-7, in Saturday's (Oct. 15) Foothill Conference
contest at Mashin-Roth Memorial Field. The victory boosted Grossmont's
bid for a third consecutive conference crown with a 5-0 record (6-1 overall),
giving the Griffins their 24th consecutive Foothill triumph over the past four
seasons. "It was imperative that we come out early and take
their heart out of the game," noted Murphy, who completed 18 of 29 passes
for 244 yards in just over two quarters of action. "A lot of times lately
we've come out slow, allowing our opponents to think they can play with us."
For the third straight week, 12 different Griffins hauled in passes, including
tight end JEREMIAH MAREKO, who collected two of three receptions for 26 yards
for scores. The native of Kona, Hawai'i, scored on a pair of 2-yard passes, one
from Murphy and another from freshman quarterback BLAKE SUTTON. "The
whole line blocked, like we to have 5 days a week in practice, then I got blessed
with the touchdown catches," said Mareko. "But we also go against the
best (defense) every day in practice, too." A year ago, Grossmont's
defense established a school-record by sacking COD quarterbacks 11 times. This
go-round, the Roadrunners withheld a running back from running pass patterns to
block, but that just gave the Griffins secondary fewer options to cover. Thus,
the turnovers came in the form of four interceptions, including a pair of cornerback
TERRY MIXON. However, the most dramatic theft came from lineman
TIMOTEO MAUGA, the brother of Grossmont starting linebacker MAGNUM MAUGA. Unable
to get to the COD quarterback on a screen pass, the ball landed on top of the
shoulder pads of running back A.J. Scott. Mauga trapped the ball and the two players
turned and fell to the ground grappling for possession, with Mauga eventually
awarded possession after two different game officials comicly pointed in opposite
directions. "Really, I read the screen and went for the running
back," said the defensive end. "Then I caught it on his shoulder and
ripped it away." Even the few times things seemed to turn badly
for Grossmont, the team came out sparkling. Included was a COD sack of Murphy
by linebacker Billy Atlas. Murphy fumbled the ball, but offensive lineman MATTHEW
GAUGHEN recovered to allow the Griffins to kick a field goal on the final drive
of the first half to close with a 38-7 advantage. "The offensive
line has played well all year, but injuries over the past two weeks required the
rest of us to get more players in and to do the little things -- like the fumble
recovery -- and make plays." Grossmont accumulated 537 yards
in total offense. "I like the yardage and I like the way our
defense is playing," noted Griffins head coach DAVE JORDAN. "We have
a Division I secondary out there, and a lot of other players of that same caliber."
CHRIS JOHNSON opened the scoring with an 8-yard TD catch from Murphy just
2:07 into the ballgame. Desert (4-3, 3-2), which entered the contest tied for
second place in the Foothill standings, utilized its speed on deep pitch plays
to the outside. The strategy worked on the first drive, capped by a 17-yard TD
run by running back Josh Fludd, who was listed as a linebacker on the Roadrunners'
roster. However, the Grossmont defense adjusted, limiting the 'Runners
to a mere 223 yards in total offense. DERRELL HUTSONA then returned
the ensuing kickoff 54 yards to setup his own TD gallop from the COD-2, starting
the string of 58 consecutive points. The score came just 62 seconds after the
visitors temporarily tied the score and the rout was on. Also reaching
the end zone for Grossmont was SEAN TUIOFU on a 1-yard run, DUPREE FLENOID on
an 11-yard scamper, with the place-kickers were 3-for-3 in converting field goals,
as JARED BALLMAN connected on boots from 22 and 33 yards, then BRET HAASE hit
from 36 yards for the only score of the final period.
Griffins rally from 21 down to stun Chaffey East County Sports.com
RANCHO CUCAMONGA (10-9-05) -- Moments after Grossmont College linebacker BRIAN
STANBRA prevented a Hail Mary pass with a game-ending sack of Chaffey quarterback
Casey Hansen, the towering Griffins sophomore quickly jumped to his feet, turned
towards the sideline, then raised his hand with a finger extended to the sky to
show that his team was once again No. 1. Mobbed by teammates pouring from
the bench, there indeed was reason to celebrate. Trailing 24-3 early in the second
half, 16th-ranked Grossmont came out of hibernation to score 35 straight points,
eventually stunning the host Panthers, 38-31, in Saturday's dramatic battle for
the leadership of the Foothill Conference at Chaffey's Grigsby Field. "I'm
speechless," exclaimed Stanbra. "I can't believe we really came back
like that." Quarterback REILLY MURPHY started the turnaround with a
hand in three straight touchdowns, running for one and passing for two more within
a 5:39 span late in the third quarter to tie the game at 24-all. Then reserve
quarterback CARTER HALLOCK blocked a Panthers punt, as teammate LEE PALEAFEI scooped
up the loose ball and rumbled 21 yards for the go-ahead score moments into the
fourth period. Paleafei, a freshman from Pearl City, Oahu, Hawaii, also
garnered the Griffins' third interception with 1:53 remaining on a pass first
tipped by Stanbra to end Chaffey's final realistic hope of forcing overtime. "They
thought they had the game won in the first quarter," noted defensive end
RODERKUS WRIGHT, who was among Grossmont's leaders in tackles and registered a
fumble recovery. "But we played hard the entire game because you can take
a dog out of a fight, but you can't take the fight out of a dog. And Chaffey couldn't
take us out of the fight." In complete contrast to the first half,
when Grossmont looked nothing like a team which had captured two straight Foothill
Conference titles, the Griffins once again demonstrated the old adage that it's
a 60-minute contest -- Chaffey had its way, but only for the opening 32 minutes
en route to a 21-point advantage. Immediately after Panthers running back
Bernard Payton (30 carries, 150 yards) scored on a 5-yard run 1:48 into the second
half, every break swung toward the Griffins. They responded with a 17-play, 78-yard
march capped by a 2-yard run by Murphy on an option to the left. The drive included
a pair of 4th-down conversions, featuring a tough catch over the middle in traffic
by DANIEL IMOESIRI and a Murphy scramble for 13 yards on an option-right. Not
only was the touchdown the offense's first in more than four quarters of football
-- a span of 78:16 dating back to the second quarter of last week's win at San
Bernardino Valley -- it ignited the memories and the confidence the Griffins displayed
when they scored 83 points on Mt. San Jacinto in the conference opener. "Really,
no one can really stop us except ourselves," noted Murphy, who threw for
334 yards and three scores on 21-for-47 passing. "We've had a lot of injuries
sure, but the only one beating us is ourselves; we need to eliminate all of our
little mistakes." Just 1:21 later, Murphy tossed a 41-yard pass to
ANDREW HERNANDEZ for a score, igniting both the sidelines and the large corps
of Grossmont supporters who made the trek north. Grossmont then scored on
its third straight possession as Murphy twice connected with JUSTIN JOHNSON on
passes of 15 and 24 yards for first downs, then squeezed in a pass between a pair
of defenders to Imoesiri in the end zone to knot the contest with 0:29 left in
the third. Then it was the Griffins' defense turn once again. After allowing
almost 300 yards in the first 32 minutes of play, Chaffey abruptly was halted
to just 40 yards over five ensuing possessions, one ending on Wright's fumble
recovery and four others ending on punts. However, the final punt in the
series put the visitors in front as Hallock followed a hole opened by JOHNATHAN
MEREDITH in the front line and stuff-blocked the kick of the Panthers' Fortino
Amancio. The ball bounced to the defenders' left, where Paleafei made the scoop
and the quick, dramatic dash to the end zone. "I took on the guard,
shot his hand down and got through," noted Hallock, a freshman from Warner
Creek in the San Francisco Bay area. "I then shot my hands up and went vertical." The
string of 35 points was capped by Murphy's third TD pass, throwing a deep fade
along the right sideline to CHRIS JOHNSON for 75 yards and a 38-24 lead. Hansen
(14-35-3, 243 yards) answered with a 12-yard TD run to move within seven points,
then the Panthers got the ball back with 2:41 remaining only to see Paleafei register
his second interception of the season. Earlier this season, Paleafei raced 73
yards -- also on a tipped pass -- for the record-breaking points to cap the 83-35
romp over Mt. San Jacinto. The Griffins, who defeated a team unbeaten in
conference for the third straight week, now stand as the lone undefeated side
remaining in the Foothill at 4-0 (5-1 overall). The Panthers, who fell to No.
1 Canyons and No. 3 El Camino on their tough non-conference slate, fell to 2-1
(2-3 overall). Payton finished with two scores for Chaffey, also scoring
on an early 2-yard run following a short, 16-yard Griffins punt. Later, Grossmont
failed on a fourth-down try from its own 23, leaving the Panthers room for a short
drive for a 14-0 lead when Hansen hit Donald Brown on an 11-yard pass. In
the second period, both sides exchanged field goals, as Amancio booted a 24-yarder
for a 17-0 lead, but BRET HAASE connected from 38 yards. MAGNUM MAUGA and
TERRY MIXON also recorded interceptions for the Griffins. Grossmont hosts
second-place College of the Desert next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Mashin-Roth Memorial
Stadium. The Roadrunners are coming off an overtime victory over Southwestern.
Late interception return salvages Grossmont East County Sports.com
SAN BERNARDINO (Oct. 1) -- If you were to tell improving San Bernardino Valley
that it would lead two-time defending Foothill Conference champion Grossmont College
at halftime, then keep the Griffins offense off the scoreboard in the second half,
you'd think the Wolverines would be more than joyous. Well, both happened
in Saturday's clash of undefeated Foothill Conference teams, yet San Bernardino
had little to show for it. Trailing 17-13, reserve cornerback GEOFFREY HOWARD
(Horizon Christian) returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown with 6:12
remaining and the only score by either team in the second half, salvaging a 20-17
victory for visiting Grossmont (4-1, 3-0) over the Wolverines (2-2, 1-1). "It
was just a Dog Red, which is like a Cover 3, but no one was in my area,"
noted Howard. "So I just saw the quarterback's eyes, stepped up, and it just
happened." Meanwhile, Chaffey (2-2, 2-0) nipped Southwestern, 17-15,
in Chula Vista. Grossmont and Chaffey, the combined winners of the last six Foothill
crowns, meet next Saturday (Oct.8) at 5 p.m. in Rancho Cucamonga for the inside
track to yet another conference championship for one of the schools. Could
both Grossmont and Chaffey be accused of looking ahead? "No, our defense
was there all game and they couldn't do anything except for a pair of big plays,"
said safety ADAM COOPER (Mira Mesa), who registered a pair of first-half interceptions.
"Our line shot them down, which made my picks look easy." Howard's
interception helped overcome a sluggish Grossmont offense, which collected 417
total yards, but turned the ball over five times. The Wolverines were no
better with a mere 322 total yards, including 257 on the ground. Down the stretch,
they also had a chance to force overtime , but Griffins linebacker BRIAN STANBRA
(USDHS) blocked a 47-yard field goal attempt with 2:25 remaining. TERRY MIXON
(Compton Dominguez) recovered, then Grossmont was able to run out the clock.
"The defense really held their own," added Howard. "Some days,
the team's not going to be like it should, but a tight game like this is when
we really develop." A pair of big gainers on toss plays to the left
side aided SBVC to maintain the lead throughout much of the contest, played in
temperatures nearing 100 degrees on the school's new artificial playing surface
-- it was just the second SBVC home game on the plastic grass. Wolverines
running back Tim Lewis (20 carries, 99 yards) busted loose on a 54-yard romp in
the second quarter, but Cooper raced from behind to make a TD-saving tackle. The
defensive line, which was missing starting end RODERKUS WRIGHT to an inflammatory
spider bite, followed with three additional stops at the Griffins-3 to eventually
force a field goal for a 10-6 SBVC lead. The Griffins took their initial
lead at 13-10 when PERRY GARDNER capped a 72-yard drive with a 10-yard burst.
However, SBVC answered on a 62-yard TD gallop by Myron Moore (13-115) on an identical
toss-left to reclaim the lead four minutes later. Grossmont had a chance
to gain the lead at intermission, as a 17-yard run by Gardner (15-54) brought
the ball to the SBVC-1 with 1:46 to play. However, a goal-line stand by the Wolverines
maintained a 17-13 advantage, including a fourth-down stop on Gardner by defensive
end Seabrook Graves. Along with Stanbra's block, Grossmont also rejected
a Wolverines punt when STEPHEN KING broke through for the stuff, setting up the
second of two JARED BALLMAN field goals (31 and 46 yards), both coming late in
the first period. MICHAEL OMAR paced the Grossmont receivers with seven
catches for 130 yards, as quarterback REILLY MURPHY finished with 285 yards on
20-for-38 passing. However, he connected on just six of his last 16 passes as
the offense reached the end zone only once all contest against an SBVC unit rated
second in total defense in the conference. Several of his passes were dropped. The
Griffins defense held firm with MARCUS VICKERS and TIMOTEO MAUGA filling in for
Wright. Mauga registered the team's lone sack of SBVC quarterback Ryan Rising
(6-23-3, 65 yards), while brother MAGNUM MAUGA, the middle linebacker, joined
teammates LAMONT BUTLER and BRETT ST. JAMES among the team leaders in tackles.
Dominos are aligned for attempt to Three-peat East County Sports.com
SAN BERNARDINO (9-30-05) -- The elimination process to knockout contenders for
the Foothill Conference football title just happens to be front-loaded on the
2005 Grossmont Conference schedule. Last week, there were four undefeated
teams remaining in the circuit, as the Griffins (3-1 overall, 2-0 Foothill) downed
Southwestern, 31-6, to move the Jaguars among the list of the defeated. Coming
up next will be two more contests against undefeated sides as Grossmont travels
for road contests at San Bernardino Valley (Oct. 1, at 1 p.m.) and Chaffey (Oct.
8, at 5 p.m.). Among four Griffins tabbed Foothill players of the week,
three were from the defensive side of the line, helping keep Southwestern out
of the end zone all afternoon. Included were defensive end RODERKUS WRIGHT, middle
linebacker MAGNUM MAUGA and free safety TERRY MIXON. Wright, a sophomore
from San Diego HS, helped halt the Jas run game with four tackles, then was equally
effective against the pass with one quarterback sack and five hurries. Included
was a pass rush which led to Mixon stepping forward and intercepting a screen
pass. Mixon, a freshman out of Compton- Dominguez, also broke up three pass and
recorded five tackles. In addition, Mauga, a freshman from Helix, registered eight
tackles and forced a fumble on Southwestern running back Larry "Sweet Pea"
Richardson. Meanwhile, Griffins running back DERRELL HUTSONA, a transfer
from San Jose State by way of Helix, was also tabbed as a player of the week.
Hutsona is the Foothill leader in all-purpose yardage. The Grossmont defense
will need to shine again in meetng a San Bernardino Valley squad which actually
ranks higher than the Griffins in total defense. The Wolverines are second among
the nine Foothill teams. Foothill notes -- Mount Miguel High product Halim
Abdullah, who now starts at defensive end for San Diego Mesa, also earned a player
of the week nof after an 8-tackle, 2-sack performance against Antelope Valley.
Defense in spotlight, trips Southwestern East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-26-05) -- One week after the Grossmont College offense starred in
the limelight with a school-record 83-point effort, it was the defensive unit's
turn to gather the applause from center stage. The defense limited Southwestern
to a pair of early field goals Saturday (Sept. 24), then blanked the Jaquars over
the final 36 minutes to power the Griffins (3-1, 2-0) to a steady 31-6 Foothill
Conference triumph. Middle linebacker MAGNUM MAUGA, who again led Grossmont
in tackles with six, teamed with a defensive front which pressured Southwestern
quarterback Robert Riggs all contest. Although the Griffins only registered a
pair of sacks, several hurried passes led to a pair of important interceptions
by TERRY MIXON to keep the Jaguars out of the end zone. "We just brought
out the competitor in each of us, then gave the glory to God," said Mauga.
"It was a lot of work, a lot of conditioning, and it paid off." The
Griffins defense either bailed out or setup the offense throughout, giving the
school its 20th consecutive conference victory over four seasons. After
KEVIN SMITH scored the first of his two touchdowns, carrying in from a yard out
for a 7-6 lead, Mauga forced an early release of a screen pass, as Mixon charged
foward for the theft. The turnover allowed Griffins quarterback REILLY MURPHY
to hit DERRELL HUTSONA for 30 yards and Smith for 34 yards on pass plays to setup
a field goal for a 10-6 halftime lead. Two plays into the second half, Mauga
caught Southwestern running back Larry "Sweet Pea" Richardson with a
shoulder to force a fumble, which was recovered by the Griffsâ¤â¢
WES FENTON. Two plays later, Smith galloped home on a 24-yard score and the Griffins
offense seemed to find itself. "It's hard to come off a high-scoring
fiasco after scoring 83 points. We found out that we might not be as good as we
think we are," noted Grossmont head coach DAVE JORDAN. "And the whole
(defensive) front line was really good for us." Included was strong
play from RODERKUS WRIGHT, JESSE BOGARDES and LIAVAA ATUATASI, among others, who
kept Richardson off the scoreboard. "We all came out hard and it showed
on the scoreboard," noted Atuatasi, the starting defensive end. "That
boy (Richardson) is shifty -- the most shifty guy we've faced -- but he didn't
get into the end zone." Richardson, who rushed 29 times for 157 yards,
busted loose on a 54-yard run in the opening quarter. However, BRIAN STANBRA deflected
a third-down pass into the end zone, forcing Southwestern to settle for the first
of two (20 and 28 yards) field goals by Ryan Bowling. In the second half,
every time the Jaguars were approaching an opportunity to get back into the game,
someone on the Grossmont defense -- which featured 22 different players with tackles
-- would make a key stop. Included were a blocked field goal attempt and a pair
of stops on fourth down. Grossmont extended the lead on a Hutsona 4-yard
TD run, which was setup on a 31-yard Murphy pass to DERRIAN LUCKETT, then reserve
quarterback BLAKE SUTTON completed three passes to CHRIS JOHNSON, the last going
for a 39-yard score. Hutsona finished with 164 yards on 16 carries, while
returning a pair of kickoffs for 66 yards. Smith collected 79 yards on 11 carries.
Among the receiving corps, Johnson caught four balls for 96 yards, while Luckett
was 3-for-75. For Southwestern, Richardson rushed 29 times for 157 yards.
He also returned a kickoff 56 yards, but the stalled drive resulted in the blocked
field goal on a low kick which caught the hand of BRETT ST. JAMES. Jaguars
punter Martin House averaged 42.1 yards on his eight boots, including a 56-yarder
and two others inside the Grossmont-15. Meanwhile, linebacker Justin Hornsby (Steele
Canyon) was among the team's leading tacklers. -- Southwestern's
Larry "Sweet Pea" Richardson gets bear-clawed by Grossmont defensive
lineman Jonathan Meredith in Saturday's Foothill Conference game. Although Richardson
rushed for 157 yards, he never reached the end zone as the Griffins pulled away
for a 31-6 victory. (Photo by Travis Downs). Let's
(don't) go to the videotape East County Sports.com EL CAJON
(9-22-05) -- The last time Southwestern College visited the confines of Mashin-Roth
Memorial Stadium for a football game, the Griffins set a school scoring record
in a 76-28 romp in the contest that featured the famous one-handed catch by Grossmont
wide receiver TODD WATKINS, the current All-America candidate at BYU. So,
if you're a member of the Jaguars defensive coaching staff, you might just skip
looking at that particiular game tape or, at least, not show it to the players. Two
years later, Southwestern returns for this Saturday's 3 p.m. kickoff with the
Griffins. And what piece of videotape did the coaching staff get to look at in
order to scout their opponent? Indeed, it was Grossmont's most recent scoring-record
performanxce -- 83 points -- against Mt. San Jacinto. Talk about terrible
timing! In past seasons, Jags coaches might have thrown their hands in the
air in disgust. However, this year's team may be the best on the defensive side
of the ball in many years. Included was limiting Antelope Valley to just seven
points in last week's victory, as both Southwestern and Grossmont enter with identical
2-1 overall (1-0 in the Foothill Conference) records in an early battle of conference
co-leaders. Currently, the Griffins are ranked fifth in the Southland, 10th
in the state and 16th nationally. An interesting note: the state COA poll, which
determines the playoff pairings, also lists Grossmont fifth in the South, with
a potential playoff matchup (if things don't change between now and December)
against No. 4 Palomar. Meanwhile, Southwestern is rated 17th in the South
and are two minutes away from being unbeaten after falling late, 12-9, to East
Los Angeles in Week 2. The Jaguars pace all Foothill schools in total defense
and fewest points allowed per contest. GRIFFIN GOSSIP -- WR Michael Omar
was among this week's California State athletes of the week for football by JC
Athletic Bureau. Omar! Oh, my! -- Griffins
score record 83 points in romp East County Sports.com EL CAJON
(9-18-05) -- Hauling in a 55-yard touchdown pass on the game's opening play from
scrimmage, Grossmont College receiver MICHAEL OMAR capped a career outing with
155 yards and three TD receptions -- part of seven scorng passes by Grossmont
quarterbacks for the afternoon -- as the Griffins rolled up a school-record 83
points in a wild, wild, 83-35 demolition of Mt. San Jacinto in the Foothill Conference
opener for both schools. Talk about a shootout with enough side-plots for
several volumes, starting quarterback REILLY MURPHY tossed two of his four TD
strikes in the first period for a comfortable 17-0 lead. However, after the visiting
Eagles countered and closed to within 31-28 after scoring four times in the second
period, the Griffins closed the affair by outscoring MSJC, 52-7 over the final
35 minutes in handing the Eagles -- the lone undefeated team in the conference
entering the day -- their first setback to end any asperations of knocking off
the two-time defending Foothill champion Griffins. Omar, a sophomore from
Antioch, Calif., collected a pair of 55-yard TD passes -- including a bomb along
the right sideline of the game's first play -- along with a 26-yarder. Meawhile,
the Grossmont ground game saw a pair of 100-yard rushers in KEVIN SMITH (13 carries,
127 yards, 1 TD) and DERRELL HUTSONA (10-107-1), as Grossmont rolled up 737 yards
in total offense -- the third-highest total in school history. "No,
I didn't know the coaches would call that play until we got into the huddle,"
noted Omar, who scored just 14 seconds into the contest. "I just used my
speed to my advantage, then it was a straight shot to the end zone." Hutsona,
who already returned a punt for a score this season, added to his special teams
laurels. After Mt. San Jacinto quarterback Matt Ticich threw the first of his
three TD passes to get the Eagles on the board at 17-7, Hutsona broke free along
the left side in front of the Griffins bench with a 98-yard kickoff return. He
also added a 2-yard scoring rush, matching receiver MARIO BRUNKER with a pair
of touchdowns for the contest. "Everything worked better than it had
all season," noted Hutsona, a Helix High graduate. "We had to let them
know -- and everyone else know -- that you have to beat us if you want to win
the league." The contest was ultimately decided in the second period,
when both sides reached the end zone four times each in combining for 56 total
points. During the second quarter alone, Ticich hit on 12-of-17 passes for 253
yards. However, a heavy Grossmont pass rush send Ticich to the sidelines with
an undisclosed injury, He finished completing 17-of-37 for 316 yards. Meanwhile,
Grossmont's Murphy threw for 227 yards on 15-for-25 accuracy, then releiver BLAKE
SUTTON went 5-for-8 and 155 yards -- the balanced Griffins attack collected 382
yards through the air and 355 on the ground. "We caught fire today,"
stated Griffins coach DAVE JORDAN. "This is the way we thought we should
be playing, it just took us a little longer to get there." The school
scoring record of 76, set two seasons ago at home against Southwestern -- remarkably,
in a game that was scoreless through the first 15 minutes -- seemed destined to
remain on the books after the Eagles started running the ball in the final minutes
while trailing 76-35. However, the visitors then started to throw once again,
but defensive back LEE PALAFE -- who wasn't even listed in the game program as
Grossmont used every available player -- intercepted a pass first tipped by JAY
LUCAS, rumbling 77 yards for the record-breaking points with 4:48 remaining. The
setback for the Eagles was a severe downnote to the homecoming of head coach ED
CARBERRY, who was making his first East County appearance after more than a decade
as coach at Monte Vista High. He also was a Griffins assistant for one season. "I've
been trying to stop Hutsona for four years now, and I still haven't figured out
a way to stop him," noted Carberry. "Our offense was great, but we just
haven't figured out how to tackle people, yet a lot of the credit goes to Grossmont." Even
when the Eagles kept the ball away from Hutsona, their plans went array. On one
intentionally short kickoff, linebacker MAGNUM MAUGA returned the ball 25 yards
into MSJC territory to setup a second-half touchdown. Mauga also gained 29 yards
on a fake punt for a first down; Grossmont never needed to punt all contest. Next
Saturday, the Griffins entertain Southwestern at 3 p.m.
Grossmont meets surprising Eagles in Foothill Conference opener East
County Sports.com EL CAJON (9-16-05) -- After facing what could be recognized
as the toughest non-conference schedule in the state, Grossmont College came away
with a split after downing Mt. San Antonio before falling on the road to defending
national champion College of the Canyons. However, the real path to the
postseason begins Saturday (Sept. 17) when former Monte Vista High head coach
ED CARBERRY brings surprising Mt. San Jacinto to town for a 3 p.m. kickoff at
Mashin-Roth Memorial Stadium. The Eagles, based just north of Hemet in southern
Riverside County, are the lone Foothill squad remaining perfect with a 2-0 record
through the opening two weeks of the season. Not bad for a program with just two
winning seasons over the past decade, as Carberry's troops were recognized for
their accomplishment by gaining the 25th and final berth in this week's state
rankings. Meanwhile, the Griffins (1-1) didn't drop far after watching their
24-game regular-season winning streak over four seasons get snapped. Head coach
DAVE JORDAN's side is listed seventh in Southern California, 11th in the state
and 24th in the nation, as Grossmont seeks its third consecutive conference crown.
Late TD pass lifts Grossmont in season opener East County Sports.com
EL CAJON -- Unable to generate a long-passing game throughout the afternoon, Grossmont
College quarterback REILLY MURPHY took advantage of a busted coverage to connect
with receiver MARIO BRUNKER on a 51-yard hook-up with 2:50 remaining Saturday
(Sept. 3), as the Griffins came from behind twice to upend visiting Mt. San Antonio,
21-17, in the CACC season opener for both sides. Brunker, who was
allowed to race free by the cornerback, never was picked-up by the free safety,
collecting Murphy's pass at the Mounties-20 and walking untouched into the end
zone. The Mounties had three chances to pull out the victory, as
a pair of Grossmont interceptions were called back on penalties during the final
drive, including a 43-yard return for an apparent touchdown by linebacker MATT
WESTRICK. However, Mt. SAC's last opportunity ended at the Grossmont-24
on a dropped pass on a 4th-and-7 play. "We had to overcome
a lot of stuff to win and it pulled us together," said Grossmont defender
TERRY MIXON, who registered nine tackles and recorded the other nullified interception.
"It was a big win against a great team, but it's just a taste of what's going
to happen the rest of the season." The taste will become a
mouthful next week, when Grossmont travels to Santa Clarita to meet defending
JC Grid-Wire national champion College of the Canyons. The Cougars bounced the
Griffins out of the state playoffs last season by a 30-0 count in the Southland
semifinals after Grossmont downed COC in the playoffs en route to winning the
2003 Southern California championship. "The defense really
banded together at the end and shook off everything that went against us,"
noted linebacker BRIAN STANBRA, who was among the Griffins' leading tacklers.
"And what about that amazing interception by Westrick. The ball tipped off
a lineman's head, Matt then tipped it, then dove to make the catch."
The Westrick theft came in the first half after Mt. SAC opened a 10-0 lead.
They almost made it 17-0 after dominating on both lines, but the Grossmont defense
forced four turnovers and limited the Mounties to just seven points over the final
three periods. Murphy's sneak from the 1-yard line brought Grossmont
to within 10-7 at the half, then DERRELL HUTSONA carried in from the 7 yards out
just 1:34 into the second half. Mt. SAC running back Randall Brown answered with
a 6-yard TD run on the next possession, then both defenses dug in to see who would
flinch first. "We just collected ourselves after the poor start
-- it was beautiful how we did it," added Stanbra. For Brunker,
he is enjoying his second chance to make an impression to Division I coaches after
his senior season in high school was cut short. "I broke my
wrist in 12th grade at Patrick Henry," noted Brunker, who caught four passes
for 101 yards. "I'm just glad to be here, then we got a chance to get it
together finally on that last drive. We talked a lot about facing adversity yet
never gave up." Murphy, who was missing a pair of starting
offensive linemen due to injuries suffered in practice this past week, rarely
had time to throw deep. But he came through on his one chance for the big play.
"My line hung tough all day and we caught their soft spot on a fly
route," noted Murphy. "It felt real good to get a fourth-quarter victory
against a really good team. Nobody paniced." With the victory,
Grossmont extended its regular-season winning streak to 24 games over four seasons.
Canyons snaps Grossmont's 24-game regular-season win streak East
County Sports.com SANTA CLARITA (9-11-05) -- Grossmont College freshman
DERRELL HUTSONA equaled one school record and approached several others with his
special teams returns, but the Griffins failed to hold possession of the ball
long enough to do much else on offense, as defending national champion College
of the Canyons repeated its 2004 playoff performance by mounting an early lead
to again whip the Griffins, 32-22, Saturday (Sept. 10) at COC's Cougar Stadium.
The decision snapped Grossmont's school-record, 24-game regular-season winning
streak, while Canyons (2-0) ran its overall win streak to 16 contests, last falling
to the Griffins in the 2003 postseason. After returning a kickoff 91 yards
on the first touch of the football by Grossmont in the opening quarter, Hutsona
raced 54 yards on a punt return for a touchdown to spark a Griffins rally from
a 25-point deficit to within 10 points with 13:47 remaining. However, Canyons
continued its vaunted ground game to run more than nine minutes off the clock.
Although a goal line stand by the Griffins finally stopped the 17-play, 79-yard
drive just inches short of the end zone, Grossmont didn't have enough time available
to move closer. "We made some mistakes on offense and we made some
mistakes on defense," noted defensive end RODERKUS WRIGHT, who registered
one of Grossmont's two sacks. "But we never were able to make a big play." Included
was striking out on all nine chances to make a third-down conversion by the offense,
limiting the team to just 40 plays for the contest †one of
the lowest totals in school history. Meanwhile, the defense failed to register
a turnover while Canyons went 7-for-12 on third down to keep several long drives
alive. After Canyons took the opening kickoff and marched 76 yards on 13
plays for a quick 7-0 lead, Hutsona took the ensuing kickoff to the left side,
cut to his right toward the center of the field, then cut right again before finally
getting caught at the COC-5. The 91-yard return equaled the longest, non-scoring
return in Grossmont history, matching the 1990 mark by Bob Winnie at home against
Palomar. For the contest, Hutsona totaled 219 return yards (on both punts
and kickoffs), one of the top performances on the Grossmont record book. The
Cougars built a 19-7 halftime lead, then scored twice in a 14-second span in the
third to produce their big lead. Sean Edwards completed a 10-play drive with an
8-yard gallop after taking the pitch on an option to the right side. Then on the
Griffins next play from scrimmage, linebacker Michael Carr stepped in front of
the receiver on a quick-out to the right, rambling 23 yards with the interception
for another Cougars' score, and a 32-7 lead. Grossmont answered by temporarily
going with a no-huddle offense. Quarterback REILLY MURPHY capped the drive with
a 9-yard scoring toss to WILLIAM BOUGHTON. Hutsona then went directly to
the right side with a punt early in the fourth period, receiving a key block by
BRETT ST. JAMES in front of the Griffins bench to spring Hutsona. Canyons
running back Brandon Clayton keyed the ball-control game by carrying 29 times
for 118 yards, while quarterback Marcel Marquez rushed for a pair of short TDs,
then directed a short passing attack by going 16-of-21 for 129 yards. Meanwhile,
Murphy was just 9-for-19 and 89 yards, as the Griffins were outgained, 298-155. Despite
the obvious significance with the top two teams in Southern California meeting,
Grossmont's ticket to the playoffs doesn't officially begin until next Saturday
when Foothill Conference competition opens. The Griffins (1-1) will entertain
Mt. San Jacinto to start the league slate at 3 p.m. The Eagles, led by former
East County coach ED CARBERRY (Monte Vista, Grossmont College assistant coach),
are the only undefeated team among the circuit's nine teams at 2-0, including
Saturday's 35-14 whipping of L.A. Valley.
Grossmont again tabbed among football elite East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (7-6-05/Modified 7-11-05) -- Among the things that come from perennial
success is national attention. In the case of Grossmont College, Street &
Smith Magazine, a prestigious annual nationwide publication, has the Griffins
slotted No. 6 in the national preseason ratings for 2005. Whether Grossmont is
worthy of that lofty spot should be resolved in the first two weeks of the season.
Week 2, in fact, calls for a trek to Valencia where the Griffins will take on
nationally top-ranked and defending 2004 state-champion College of the Canyons
(Sept.10). Preseason ratings tend to be a reflection of the previous
campaign, however. But these Griffins do boast a 51-8 record over the past five
seasons and appear to be armed for more this fall. Without going
into a complete preseason preview, the Griffins must be recognized for headliners
such as Helix High alum (San Jose State transfer) running back DERRELL HUTSONA
-- the 2004 state CIF 100-meter champion. Quarterback REILLY MURPHY also returns
as do the majority of offensive linemen that include JAKE BINGHAM (6-4, 330) and
DANNY HATHAWAY (6-7, 295). On the defensive side, the Griffins can
count on returning corner DEVON JONES and end BRIAN STANBRA a(6-5, 240) as well
as tackle KEN TULLIS (6-3,240). Newcomers such as linebacker MAGNUM MAUGA also
figure to make an impact as do an influx of unexpected out-of-area transfers.
The Griffins will need a boatload of talent to test the waters this season,
which begins with a non-conference home opener against perennial power Mount San
Antonio (Sept. 3 at GC). Seven days later the Griffins challenge Canyons, which
has a 29-game winning streak on its home field. Canyons clubbed
the Griffins 30-0 in the quarterfinals last year, eliminated Saddleback in the
semifinals and toppled City College of San Francisco 39-32 in the state championship
game. Not to be forgotten is Grossmont eliminated Canyons in the
2003 Southern California semifinals 14-10 and continued on to capture the SoCal
crown with a 47-34 triumph over Fullerton. The Griffins narrowly missed securing
the state title that season as they led City College of San Francisco with 33
seconds remaining before succumbing 38-35. This year will be no
picnic as every team in the Foothill Conference is promising improvement.
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