Brown saves best for last with late interception at Sun Bowl

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EL PASO (12-28-14) —  Former Grossmont College football standout KWEISHI BROWN, a graduate of Valhalla High, was a major factor in Arizona State University’s 36-31 Sun Bowl victory over Duke University on Saturday (Dec. 27).

Brown, a junior at ASU, made a game-saving interception in the final seconds at the endzone with the game on the line.

It was Brown’s second interception of the season for ASU.

Brown played two seasons for the Griffins and a pair for Valhalla.

According to ASU positional grades: 

When a player from a position group seals the game with a single play, its hard not to put this group in the A range. Kweishi Brown did just that with an interception to give ASU its Sun Bowl victory. Jordan Simone, in spite of having a stomach bug, also had 10 tackles with a fumble recovery which Brown stripped.

Lloyd Carrington and Brown held Jamison Crowder of Duke to 102 yards and seven receptions, a stat line which should be considered a victory. Both players also had some great coverage on deeper passes which made Duke resort to dump offs, screen passes and trickeration. The corners and safeties clearly had one of the biggest impacts on the game and come out with the highest grade.

Bonner wins D2 Title

© Special to East County Sports.com
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (12-21-14) — Former Grossmont College Griffin quarterback CHRIS BONNER has helped CSU-Pueblo win its first NCAA Div. II football championship.

Colorado State-Pueblo’s seven-year climb to the national championship podium is complete.

And the ThunderWolves didn't wait until the final gun to begin the celebration of their NCAA Division II title with a 13-0 victory over Minnesota State on Saturday.

With about 35 seconds remaining, when it became apparent the ThunderWolves would not be required to take another snap, the players and coaches on their sideline spilled onto the field, arms raised in triumph.

Later, head coach John Wristen fought back tears explaining the program’s remarkable journey from restoration to national title.

"I wanted to be part of something special to Pueblo, Colorado," Wristen said. "We just put our head down and went to work."

Wristen, a quarterback when the school was known as the University of Southern Colorado in the early 1980s, has been the architect. Football and other sports were shut down in 1984 as a cost-cutting measure. Upon football's return to competition in 2008, the ThunderWolves have been a national power and have a 48-4 record over the last four years.

The program had been knocking on the door of national success in that time, and Saturday, CSU-Pueblo finished the job.

"To be able to come through in the end like this, it’s beautiful," said Widefield product Paul Browning, a senior wide receiver who scored the only touchdown. CSU-Pueblo (14-1) rode its stout defense, holding Minnesota State (14-1) to 265 total yards before a crowd of 6,762. The Mavericks were shut out for the first time since 2004, a span of 128 games.

"They played outstanding," Wristen said of his players.

The ThunderWolves were motivated too. Wristen made sure his team knew that Minnesota State entered the game ranked first nationally in scoring defense. The ThunderWolves also can play great defense. That was the message on display throughout the game at Sporting Park.

After CSU-Pueblo missed a field goal late in the first quarter, Minnesota State responded with its best drive of the game, reaching the ThunderWolves’ 8-yard line. The Mavericks were at the 11 when they lined up for a 27-yard field goal. CSU-Pueblo’s Josh Bredl broke through for the block.

"That was a huge momentum change," Wristen said. "We kind of got going there."

After the blocked kick, running back Cameron McDondle started getting yards in chunks. His 34-yard gain set up the game’s first score, a 27-yard field goal by Greg O’Donnell. McDondle finished with 113 yards rushing and surpassed 2,000 yards for the season.

When they got the ball back, the ThunderWolves reached the Mavs’ 18 and quarterback Bonner lofted a perfect strike to Browning down the sideline for the game’s only touchdown.

"I just saw a good matchup out there with Paul and anytime I’ve seen that this year, I know if I give him a chance to go out and get it he will," Bonner said.

O’Donnell’s 24-yard field goal early in the third quarter made it 13-0. The ThunderWolves pitched the first shutout in a Division II championship game since 1997.

"Our defense was outstanding, and our offense made the plays they needed to make to win the game," Wristen said. "We're here and we finished it."

El Capitan Alum Signs with Chargers

© EastCountySports.com
SAN DIEGO (9-1-14) — RYAN LINDLEY began his football career as a Lakeside-Santee Pop Warner offensive lineman way back when.

Eventually a record-breaking varsity quarterback at El Capitan under head coach RON BURNER, Lindley was heavily recruited and cast his lot with San Diego State where he was convinced he was a better quarterback by West Hills alum LON SHERIFF, who also called signals for the Aztecs.

Lindley was drafted in 2012 as a sixth round pick as a quarterback by the NFL Arizona Cardinals.

He’s come a long way and is now on the edge of earning a back-up quarterback berth with the San Diego Chargers.

©EastCountySports.com
SAN DIEGO (8-31-14) — Former El Capitan tight end ROBERT CRAIGHEAD, a two-time All-East County performer, caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Poe Kyren in San Diego State’s 38-7 season opening victory over Northern Arizona University in Saturday’s (Aug. 29) non-league contest at Qualcomm Stadium.

Punter JOEL ALESI, a Christian High graduate, averaged 35 yards on three punts in the Aztecs’ victory.

Former Valhalla star Thomas set to start for UL-Monroe

©EastCountySports.com
MONROE, La. (8-29-14) - Kolton Browning is gone from the UL-Monroe offense after another solid year and it looks as if Colorado State/N.C. State transfer Pete Thomas, will take over when the Warhawks face Wake Forest in a nationally televised season-opener on ESPNU at 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Thomas has skills, as he was the No. 21 QB recruit when he came out of Valhalla High.

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound veteran from El Cajon completed 149 of 247 passes last season for the Wolf Pack for 1,667 yards, with four touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Thomas sat out to the 2012-13 season after transferring for N.C. State from Colorado State. Thomas spent two seasons with the Rams, throwing for 4,269 yards over two seasons with 18 TDs and 21 INTs.

Havird gets starting berth at GWU

© East County Sports.com
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (4-13-14) – One player who had arguably the biggest leap this spring at Gardner Webb University was 6-foot-2, 188-pound redshirt freshman safety SPENCER HAVIRD, who won the starting spot at free safety and fared well in coverage and run support.

Havird, a graduate of Valhalla High, was an All-State selection as a senior after registering 163 tackles and 11 interceptions. He was selected the 2012 EastCountySports.com Defensive Player of the Year.

Texas Tech  37 No. 16 Arizona St. 23    2013 National University HOLIDAY  BOWL

Texas Tech 37 No.16 ASU 23 TTU QB Davis Webb tossed four TD passes – all in the furst half – to equal the Holiday Bowl record, leading the Red Raiders past No 14 Arizona State. Pictured are running backs Eric Ward (18), Jacarthy Mack (11), and a great TD reception by senior Bradley Margquez (4). Also, the U.S. Navy SEALS parachute team arrives with the Old Glory in pregame ceremonies. (Photos by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS GAME STORY

By David Dickens
© East County Sports.com
GREENSBORO, N.C. (1-23-14) — When you think about all around success in an athlete, former Valhalla High and Southwestern College quarterback FRANK FOSTER comes to mind.

Frank Foster

Foster finished a brilliant season with the Jaguars and has accepted a football scholarship to North Carolina A&T of the Mid Eastern Conference. The Aggies finished 7-4 a year ago.

As a sophomore for the Jaguars, Foster completed 210 of 332 passes threw for 2,213 yards and 18 touchdowns. His impressive performance doesn’t stop there, as his legs are just as dangerous. Foster rushed 103 times for 348 yards, and 10 TDs,

When asked if he was a (San Francisco 49ers) Colin Kaepernick type quarterback?

“No, I like to think of myself more as a (Seattle Seahawks) Russell Wilson type,” Foster stated.

Foster was actually speaking on telephone from the campus of North Carolina A&T, a definitely different type of climate, as he spoke of rainy and cold, as opposed to the sunshine and drought like conditions of San Diego .

Aggies coach Rolando Rivera shared responsibility along with Southwestern coach ED CARBERRY, for leading Foster through the correct channels to attain the scholarship opportunity at North Carolina A&T.

“I simply love it here, especially the commitment to win,” Foster said.

“Coach Carberry is everything I could have asked for in a coach, and taught me a lot about football. He has been a true mentor,” Foster said praising his Southwestern coach.

Foster also held a great work ethic in the classroom as well with a solid 3.7 GPA, which carried on through his 2 years at Southwestern.

“I have to win the job here, but I know that I am capable, and I can bring a lot to the table,” stated Foster of his new surroundings at North Carolina A&T.

Utah State  21 No. 24 N. Illinois 14 2013 San Diego County Credit Union POINSETTIA BOWL

Utah State 21 No.24 NIU 14 Joey DeMartino (left) rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown, while NIU QB Jordan Lynch was held in check by the Aggies defense. (Photos by Frank Price and Nathan Price, youatplay.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (12-27-13) — Utah State running back JOEY DeMARTINO, a product of Mt. Carmel High and Grossmont College , found his homecoming to be an excellent way to cap his collegiate career.

GDeMartino

DeMartino's long gainer helped Utah State mount a 6-0 lead, but Northern Illinois rallied for a 7-6 halftime lead behind Heisman Trophy finalist Jordan Lynch. However, DeMartino registered the second of two second-half touchdowns on a 1-yard run, to fuel the rally.

"There's no better way to close out my senior year," said DeMartino, who led Grossmont College to a 2009 Beach Bowl victory over El Camino, 27-22. "And to do so in front of all my teammates, friends and family is really special."

Just like the Beach Bowl, DeMartino was tabbed the Offensive MVP of the Poinsettia Bowl.

Meanwhile, the Utah State defense, which nearly upset USC earlier this season in a narrow 17-14 loss at the Coliseum, prevented Lynch from becoming the first player in NCAA history to both rush and pass for 2,000 yards in a season. Lynch needed 119 on the ground to achieve the feat, but the Aggies bottled him to just 39 yards, leaving him at 1,920 for the season.

USU safety Brian Suite intercepted a pass and recovered a Lynch fumble. Lynch's pick on the first play of the second half set up a go-ahead, 5-yard touchdown pass from Darrel Garretson to Brandon Swindall and a13-7 advantage.

The Aggies (9-5) put it away when DeMartino scored on a 1-yard TD run with 4:14 to go for a 21-7 lead. It capped a 16-play, 80-yard drive that consumed more than seven minutes off the clock. NIU, which opened the season with 12 consecutive victories, finished 12-2.

“Words can’t describe that feeling at the end, but as long as the team was winning and our seniors were going out like this … it’s the best feeling in the world,” an emotional DeMartino told The Deseret News.

For the season DeMartino rushed for 1,221 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Another national All-Academic honor for Peru State's Campbell © East County Sports.com PERU, Neb. (12-23-13) — For the second straight year, former Foothills Christian High football player GARRET CAMPBELL, senior marketing major, has been honored as a 2013 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete. Garret Campbell The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced Friday (Dec. 20) that 259 football student-athletes have been named 2013 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Eight of the 259 are from the Peru State Bobcats. In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status. Students must appear on the school's eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended two full years as a non-transfer or one full year as a transfer. The awards are given annually by the NAIA to outstanding student-athletes in the various sports in which the program is active and their team is eligible for NAIA postseason competition.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (12-24-13) — Former Grossmont College running back JOEY DeMARTINO, who led the Griffins in rushing in 2009, will return to San Diego with his Utah State teammates to face Northern Illinois in the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium on Thursday (Dec. 26).

The game will be televised live by ESPN at 6:30 p.m.

Despite being dogged by injuries at Grossmont College, DeMartino rushed by 827 yards and 6 touchdowns in 143 carries to lead the team. He was named second team all-conference for the 8-3 Griffins.

DeMartino, a product of Mt. Carmel High, played primarily special teams at Utah State but appeared in all 11 games for the Aggies. He rushed for 157 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries.

After back-to-back redshirt seasons, DeMartino is the featured running back for the Aggies (8-5) as a senior. He’s the third-straight 1,000 yard rusher for Utah State this season, carrying the ball 198 times for 1,078 yards and 12 touchdowns.

No. 23 ranked Northern Illinois (12-1) lost its final game of the regular season to Bowling Green.

Larceval becomes the second player from San José State to win the Courage Award after Neil Parry (2003), now a graduate assistant defensive coach on the Spartans football team.

Larceval will be honored on the field of the Discover Orange Bowl on Jan. 3 and will also receive his trophy at the bowl's Coaches Luncheon on Jan. 2.

The 6-2, 284-pound defensive tackle from Spring Valley was named second team All-Western Athletic Conference in 2012, but he never made it to the team's bowl practices. On Dec. 14, 2012, he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with viral meningoencephalitis, a virus that infects and causes swelling in the brain. After slipping into unconsciousness, he didn't awake until Jan. 5, 2013 and completely missed San José State's 29-20 Military Bowl victory over Bowling Green on Dec. 27, 2012.

"I think back a lot on it," Larceval said. "I went a month without knowing any part of my life. I essentially lost a month. I reflect on it, knowing I missed the Military Bowl, Christmas, my dad's birthday and New Year's. It hurts."

Larceval lost 40 pounds and needed outpatient speech, physical, occupational and recreational therapy to recover. Although the San José State medical staff said he would miss the 2013 season, Anthony defied the prognosis and was back with the team at the start of preseason camp in August.

"My mother definitely didn't want me to come back and play," Larceval said. "My dad was pushing me to move on. All the time I was thinking of my three younger brothers and that was motivation to come back and do everything and my teammates wearing my name and number in the Military Bowl. Seeing their reactions when I came back on field was tremendous."

During the Spartans' 6-6 2013 season, Larceval made nine tackles (six unassisted) and had one quarterback hurry. He is a child development major who wants to become a teacher and/or a coach.

Parry, who suffered a compound fracture during a 2000 game that led to a partial amputation of his right leg, became the first player to come back and play college football with a prosthetic leg in 2003.

"After all he had gone through, he is one of the first coaches, persons around San José State to come to me and put his arm around me and let me know he was there for me in every way," Larceval said. "When he told me to never give up, that was big encouragement. It was the only thing I could control."

"To see where Anthony was and to see what he went through, nobody thought he was going to be able to come back and play football again. When he got out of the hospital, comes into the (football) office, to see the shape he was in, to be able to get back on to the field is one thing, but to be productive is another," Parry said. "Anthony is a great young man and put a lot of work into coming back this year. He did a heck of a job just to get back to a normal life and to get back to being a Division I football player is another. It's very fitting for Anthony to receive this award."

A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship.

"Anthony's story was quite unusual and moving," said FWAA Executive Director Steve Richardson. "We had numerous good stories of players and others who personified what this award is all about. His was certainly compelling."

© East County Sports.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio (11-30-13) — Former standout East County running back AARON HARRIS, a product of Granite Hills High and Southwestern College, is the starting tailback for the West Texas A&M Buffaloes.

West Texas A&M, the No. 6 seed, has advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division II national playoffs by defeating the No. 3 seed Indianapolis University 27-14 and then knocking off No. 2 seed Ohio Dominican University 34-27 on Saturday (Nov. 30).

In the Buffaloes latest victory Harris rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries and caught one pass for 7 yards.

If the Buffaloes are successful on Saturday (Dec. 7) at Grand Valley State University of Allendale, Mich., West Texas A&M will advance to the semifinals on Dec 14th against a team to be determined.

A victory at that level would put the Buffaloes into the Division 2 National Championship game on Dec 21 at Florence , Ala. at Tom Braly Municipal Stadium.

USD's Mason Mills (l-r), Princeton's Quinn Epperly, and Bryan Bennett of Southeastern Louisiana were added to the Watch Liist for the 2013 Walter Payton Award as the top player in FCS college football. (The Sports Network courtesy photo)

© East County Sports.com
PHILADELPHIA (11-13-13) — University of San Diego quarterback MASON MILLS (Christian/Coronado high schools) has been named among the finalist for the 27th annual Walter Payton Award, given to the nation's top player in the FCS (NCAA Div. 1-A).

Mills made the list among with Bryan Bennett of Southeastern Louisiana and Princeton's Quinn Epperly. All three have guided their respective schools into first place.

Mills, a 6-foot, 195-pound redshirt senior, hopes to lead the Toreros to the Pioneer Football League's first automatic bid to the FCS playoffs - something that would happen with a Toreros win on Saturday. USD's careerpassing leader, Mills ranks seventh nationally with 317.6 passing yards per game, having thrown for 3,176 yards and 32 touchdowns and only five interceptions with 66.6 percent accuracy (227-of-341). A four-year starter, Mills has passed for 10,817 yards and 92 touchdowns in his career.

Bennett, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound redshirt junior, has led 14th-ranked Southeastern Louisiana to first place in a strong Southland Conference race. A heralded transfer from the University of Oregon, Bennett has lived up to the hype, ranking second in the Southland with 283.2 total yards per game. Much of his success comes with his feet as Bennett has run for 763 yards and a Southland-best 13 touchdowns. But he also has a 151.7 passing efficiency rating, completing 138-of-222 attempts (62.2 percent) for 2,069 yards and 13 touchdowns with nine interceptions.

Epperly, a 6-1, 220-pound junior, also knows about dominating opponents with either his arm or feet. In Princeton's 7-1 season atop the Ivy League standings, Epperly has rushed for 475 yards and 16 touchdowns and thrown for 1,668 yards and 20 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He ranks first nationally in points responsible for per game (27.5), second nationally in completion percentage (74.1, on 157-of-212 passing), third nationally in scoring per game (12.0) and sixth nationally in passing efficiency (169.4).

The trio complete the list of 20 finalists, with the winner to be announced on Dec. 16 by The Sports Network, which also presents the Buck Buchanan (outstanding defensive player), Jerry Rice (freshman of the year) and Eddie Robinson awards (coach of the year) in the FCS,

© East County Sports.com
AUGUSTA, Ga. (10-27-13) — San Diego State's JOEL ALESI, a former standout at Christian High, has been announced as a nominees for the 2013 Ray Guy Award, which identifies the nation’s top collegiate punter. Among the 85 candidates are 2012 finalist, Kyle Christy of Florida, and 2011 finalist Steven Clark of Auburn. The award is coordinated by the Augusta Sports Council.

The list will be narrowed to ten semi-finalists to be announced on November 8. Following the semi-finalists announcement, a national body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) sports information directors, coaches, media representatives and previous Ray Guy Award winners will vote for the top three finalists, who will be identified on November 25. The voting body will then cast ballots to select the winner.

The presentation of the Ray Guy Award will be featured on The Home Depot College Football Awards live on Thurs., Dec.12 at 7:30 pm ET on ESPN.

Most recently, Alesi was tabbed Mountain West Conference special teams player of the week for his effort against Nevada.

The Spartans' Anthony Larceval (43). (San Jose State courtesy photo)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-23-13) — San Jose State defensive tackle ANTHONY LARCEVAL is the weekly nominee for the 2013 Discover Orange Bowl-FWAA national Courage Award that will be announced at the end of the season.

As a junior in 2012, the 6-foot-2, 284-pound Helix High graduate, Larceval was named second team All-Western Athletic Conference, but he never made it to the team's bowl practices. On Dec. 14, 2012, he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with viral meningoencephalitis, a virus that infects and causes swelling in the brain.

After slipping into unconsciousness, he didn't awake until Jan. 5, 2013 and completely missed San Jose State 's 29-20 Military Bowl victory over Bowling Green on Dec. 27, 2012. Larceval lost 40 pounds and needed outpatient speech, physical, occupational and recreational therapy to recover. Although the San Jose State medical staff said he would miss the 2013 season, Anthony defied the prognosis and was back with the team at the start of preseason camp in August.

Through the first six games of the 2013 season, Larceval started the first three games and was a reserve in two others. He has made nine tackles, six unassisted and has one quarterback hurry. He is a child development major who wants to become a teacher and/or a coach.

For the eighth straight year, the Football Writers Association of America and the Discover Orange Bowl will announce weekly nominees during the season. A blue-ribbon panel of FWAA members will determine the winner from all of the nominees.

The requirements for the Courage Award nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship.

Sultan in the desert
T.D. GROSS, a 6-foot-6, 278-pound redshirt freshman, has crashed his way into the starting lineup at the University of Arizona. As a high school at Santana he won all the honors, including playing tight end as a junior and catching 25 passes for 277 yards and 3 touchdowns.

T.D. played prep football for his father, DAVE GROSS at Santana, earning four letters in the process. His father is a graduate of the University of Pacific in the 1970s where he was an offensive lineman.

K.O. is a knockout at Grossmont
A former outstanding Griffins wide receiver, LEVI “K.O.” KEALALUHI returns for his second year as a receivers’ coach at Grossmont College, Kealaluhi played football on scholarship at BYU, where he scored a game-winning, 28-yard touchdown in the 1997 Cotton Bowl against Kansas State.

USD quarterback Mason Mills fires under solid protection. (Photo by Tori Mills)

© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (10-13-13) — MASON MILLS, the former standout from Christian and Coronado high schools, fired for three touchdowns and directed the game-winning drive for the deciding field goal at the gun, lifting USD past visiting Marist, 35-33.

Toreros kicker David Last missed a 33-yard field goal, but was roughed, giving USD an extra play. This time, he connected from 28 yards to the delight of a near-sellout, homecoming crowd of 3,513.

The victory snapped a tie between the ballclubs, leaving USD and Butler as the Pioneer League's lone unbeatens at 3-0 in conference play. Butler, which whipped Campbell, 35-14, Saturday (Oct. 11), comes to Toreros Stadium on Oct. 26, with the victor earning the conference's first automatic berth to the NCAA-AA playoffs.

Mills completed 20-of-39 passes for 349 yards, featuring a pair of 100-yard receivers in Brandon White (5-100) and Reggie Bell (4-104, 1 TD).

USD (4-2 overall) trailed 14-5, including a sack in the end zone by USD defensive end Blake Oliaro for a safety.

"We were out of sync the first half," said Mills. "At halftime, we made a few adjustments and I told my offensive coordinator, we are going to win." "The second half we got our passing game going, our defense really stepped up and David put the ball through the uprights."

Mills answered by connecting with TDs to Sam Hoekstra for 9 yards and Cole Naone for 3 yards before fullback Montell Allen closed out the quarter with a 1-yard burst, Mils then found Bell on a 62-yard hookup for a 32-20 lead.

The Red Foxes answered with a pair of fourth-quarter scores to grab a 1-point lead. However, Mills directed the final drive from the USD-25 with 5:19 remaining. Included were a pair of third-down conversion passes to Bell and Joe Ferguson (the top rusher with 53 yards).

Next week, the Toreros travel to Ohio to meet the Dayton Flyers.

© East County Sports.com
RENO, Nev. (9-8-13) — After missing the season opener against UCLA due to injury, former Grossmont College All-America linebacker IAN SEAU made the most of his major college debut Saturday (Sept. 7) for the Nevada Wolf Pack.

Seau ranked third on the team in tackles, including a game-high 2.5 stops for losses, leading the Nevada defense in a 36-7 decision over UC Davis at Mackay Stadium,

Seau also forced a fumble, as Nevada limited the Aggies to just 296 yards in total offense.

© East County Sports.com
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (9-1-13) — When Bret Bielema guided Wisconsin to consecutive Rose Bowls over the past three seasons, he was known for an affinity for offensive linemen. So when he accepted the job at Arkansas, Bielema's goal was to again rebuild the line. And he did so in more ways than one.

When a full quintet of 300-pounders now starting for the Razorbacks, former Helix High/Grossmont College offensive lineman PATRICK ARINZE, who stands just 5-foot-10, has been converted to fullback. Yet his blocking skills remain undeniable.

Arinze, the No. 2 back for Arkansas, played about one-third of Saturday's (Aug. 31) season opener, as the Razorbacks rolled up more than 500 yards in total offense to top Louisiana (formerly La.-Lafayette), 34-14. Included were 293 yards on the ground against the Ragin' Cajuns, including a game-high 151 rushing yards by Jonathan Williams, featuring a75-tard TD romp.

Former Helix High/Grossmont College standout Patrick Arinza gains No. 2 fullback berth for University of Arkansas.

By Robert Turbeville
Special to East County Sports.com
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (6-16-13) — At first glance, he looks like a bigger Dennis Johnson, wearing the same No. 33 jersey, playing tailback, running through arm tackles and grinding for extra yards.

At other times, he looks like Kiero Small 2.0, a big bruising fullback who’s clearing holes with punishing blocks.

The one constant: Very few people in Arkansas seem to know much about him.

The mystery man is former Helix High and Grossmont College alum Arinze, a 5-10, 254-pound junior who walked on at the UA at midterm without any hoopla. He quickly made a name for himself with his play on the field, though, finishing the spring as the Hogs’ No. 2 fullback.

Despite his immediate success as a backup fullback and situational tailback, Arinze, to a large degree, is still an enigma.

The UA’s spring football guide lists his position, height, weight, class, hometown, high school and community college. That’s all.

There’s very little information about him in the public domain, either. Internet searches reveal a few statistics here and there from a combined 10 games in 2010 and 2011, but you have to dig. There are some community college video highlights from 2011, and there's a mention or two from his high school days.

Thanks to his performance during Arkansas ’ recent practices – he led the Razorbacks in rushing in the spring game and in another scrimmage – there are mentions of him in relation to the Hogs. But again, not much background info, and he’s given no interviews that can be found.

So who is Patrick Arinze?

We’ve been asking ourselves that question this spring, so we did some digging. After talking to Arinze’s former high school coach as well as the trainer who helped him prepare for SEC football, we have a better idea.

‘A WEIGHT ROOM MONSTER’
Believe it or not, Arinze is a former high school offensive lineman – a kid who played very little football until he arrived at San Diego-area powerhouse Helix as a junior and became “a battering ram,” as Helix head coach TROY STARR put it.

Starr describes Arinze – 5-10 and 215 pounds at the time – as “a unique kid, real quiet kid,” but also a “weight room monster” who set the school’s squat record at 685 pounds.

“Isn’t that ridiculous? It’s like a small Volkswagen,” Starr said.

But Arinze was raw, and he was playing at a school known for big-time football, one that produced the likes of REGGIE BUSH and ALEX SMITH.

Being new to the game, Arinze didn’t have “that swag at all and all that other stuff,” Starr said. But had he “started early and had he done all that other stuff, he would have been a huge player.”

“You know, when he was with us when he was in high school, he only played one year of varsity, and he was a kid that got into football late,” Starr said. “It was kind of one of those things where he didn’t have his … it was kind of like he was in between. And then right at the end of his senior year, he got real good. He’s a guy I wish we would have had one more year – just a classic late bloomer kid.”

Arinze started at offensive guard for Helix as a senior during the 2009 season and played a little on the defensive line. He helped the Highlanders reach the CIF San Diego Section championship game at Qualcomm Stadium.

“He’s the biggest reason why we made a late-season run,” Starr said. “He was just a beast.

“Had we played a pure fullback and had we had the linemen that year … That was when we had a lot of sophomores, we didn’t have big linemen. That’s why he was in there. But in an ideal situation he would have been a fullback in a system where the fullback was utilized.”

Starr, the former director of football operations at Florida, said he told Arinze he needed to go to a nearby community college, Grossmont College in El Cajon, and play fullback. Starr felt like that was Arinze’s natural position at the next level “because he’s just so strong and he can run.”

“So he went to Grossmont and got hurt his first year, and his second year he just kept working at it …”

FROM THE GRIDIRON TO REHAB
At Grossmont, Arinze played in six games in 2010 and four games in 2011, according to official statistics. He ran for a combined 21 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries, being used primarily as a blocker.

Tom Cox, the sports performance director at Velocity Sports Performance in San Diego, said Arinze tore an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee while at Grossmont and came to him last summer to train.

“Basically came in wanting to lose a little bit a weight, kind of lean up, gain some muscle and get faster, so that’s exactly what we did,” Cox said.

“The guy is naturally gifted. He’s naturally strong. When he first came in, he just came off of rehabbing. In no way shape or form he was ready to get back to that same weight he was squatting in high school. Basically took a approach where we did more injury prevention with him. Really loosened up his hips a lot made sure that all of muscles were working properly and activating properly.”

They started working together five days a week. Cox quickly discovered that Arinze is “one of the hardest working and nicest kids you’ll ever meet.”

While they were working together, Arinze was communicating with Arkansas ’ former coaching staff. The Razorbacks ended up inviting Arinze to walk on. They “were excited to have him,” Cox said, and Arinze was very excited about the opportunity.

But of course, John L. Smith was out as head coach at the end of last season, and Bret Bielema took that job in December.

“When the staff change happened, he was kind of nervous, thinking his walk-on spot would not be reserved,” Cox said. “We sent film to the DB coach (at the time, Bobby Allen), and they said, ‘No, we’d love to have you walk on.’ It’s actually kind of an inspiration.

“He took a big leap of faith, I think, flying halfway across the country just on a whim that he might get a chance to play.”

HELPING THE HOGS
Arinze arrived at Arkansas at about 270 pounds – or 16 pounds heavier than his current listed weight.

Cox said Arinze told him Arkansas ’ strength and conditioning staff “have done wonders.”

In the Red-White game, Arinze certainly didn’t look too slow for the role the Razorbacks have in mind – playing a little fullback and spot play at tailback. Arinze led all rushers with 66 yards on nine carries.

There were a few plays where he looked a little bit like Johnson, the Hogs’ former starting tailback. And again, at others, he looked like Small, Arkansas ’ starting fullback.

“When he first got to campus, that’s what a lot of the guys were saying. Like, ‘Man, y’all are built just alike,’” Small said. “He’s a strong guy. Squats the house. Big legs. He can run through arm tackles and things of that sort.”

Bielema called Arinze a “nice surprise” this spring and said he was “very powerful,” comparing him to a “little Tonka truck.”

“Just really built strong, tough and physical,” Bielema said, adding that there’s “a nice combination with him and Kiero – also the two of them in the backfield, possibly together.”

When Bielema released the Razorbacks’ post-spring depth chart, Arinze was listed as the second-team fullback behind Small.

His high school coach, who learned Arinze was at Arkansas in late spring when he talked to another former Helix player, said it’s “surprising to some extent, but not completely surprising." Fullbacks are “a dying breed,” he noted.

“They’re hard to find,” Starr said. “And he fits the bill. He’s got the right height, and he’s so strong and fast for a big guy.

“When you see him, tell him I said hello. I’m proud of him.”

Bonner had such a good spring at quarterback for CSUP that he won the Mick McCall Award honoring the position.

But he missed the awards ceremony, which was hosted by Mike Friedman, who once coached the then University of Southern Colorado Indians before the school moved from NAIA to NCAA Division II football.

"I was on my way to the field house when coach called," Bonner said. "I had it in my mind that we needed to be there at 1. I messed up."

At least Bonner wasn't late getting on the field for the spring game Saturday at the Neta & Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl. He engineered several scoring drives and threw two touchdown passes to lead the Blue team to a 28-14 win over the Red.

In 10 games as the Griffins starter last season, Bonner completed 191 passes of 382 attempts for 2,470 yards and 19 touchdowns. It was quite a transition for the 6-foot-7 Bonner who did little more than hand the ball off at Clairemont High School.

Southwestern College football Ed Carberry, who formerly coached at Grosmsont College and Monte Vista High, was one of two Southland coaches named the State Coach of the Year for Region 5 at the State Community College Hall of Fame luncheon held Mar. 16. The other was Jeff Chudy of Bakersfield College. (Courtesy, CCCSFCA)

Toreros quarterback Mason Mills, named the team MVP for the 2012 season (File photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

Mills, who now resides in Coronado, was given the award by the USD coaching staff after leading the Toreros to a share of the Pioneer League championship.

For the season, Mills completed 252-of-360 passes for 3,106 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 70.0% completion percentage was the top mark among all FCS players this season.

He also ranked 5th in passing efficiency (154.26) and 21st in total offense (270.91 yards per game). A two-time PFL player of the week recipient, Mills played a key role in the team finishing out the year with six straight victories and their second straight share of the PFL championship.

Senior defensive tackle Dustin Geyer (Oak Park) was named the team's Defensive MVP while senior center Matt Peleti (Laguna Niguel) received the Offensive MVP award.

Geyer anchored the defensive line unit that helped the Toreros rank 15th in the FCS in both scoring defense (19.27 ppg) and rushing defense (120.0 yards per game). Peleti moved to center and anchored the team's offensive line unit where he directed the Torero offense with both run blocking and pass protection packages. The USD offense ranked 21st overall in total offense (433.64 yards per game).

The Toreros, who finished with a 8-3 overall mark and tied for first place in the Pioneer Football League with Butler and Drake at 7-1, will be recognized at Sunday's San Diego Chargers football game against the Carolina Panthers at Qualcomm Stadium.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (12-7-12) — Chadron State (Neb.) junior safety TRELAN TAYLOR, a product of Helix High, was twice granted postseason football awards for the 2012 season.

After receiving a first-team berth on the all-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference team, Taylor joined teammate Kevin Lindholm on the Daktronics All-Super Region 4 Football First Team, which was announced Thursday (Dec. 7).

The teams are voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Both Taylor and Lindholm will advance to the national ballot.

Taylor finished the season as the RMAC leader in interceptions with eight and he was the Eagles’ third-leading tackler with 74. He also forced two fumbles and was named to the all-conference first team on defense and the all-conference third team at punt returner.

For the season, Taylor averaged 12.2 yards on 22 punt returns and he tied a school record by scoring on an 86-yard punt return. He also returned an interception for a touchdown and compiled 376 all-purpose yards.

Lindholm, a senior linebacker from Eads, Colo., and a three-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference First Team selection, led the Eagles with 122 tackles this season. He added 20.5 tackles for a loss and he also had 4.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries.

He was named the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year and finished his career with 299 tackles, the ninth most in school history. His 37.5 tackles for loss in his career ranks him fifth at CSC.

RMAC led all conferences in Super Region 4 with 17 selections.

Chadron State (9-3 overall, 8-1 RMAC) finished second behind CSU-Pueblo, advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs. However, West Texas A&M downed the Eagles, 38-30, in the first round, then defeated Pueblo, 34-13, in the national quarterfinals.

San Diego State punter Joel Alesi, a product of Christian High.

San Diego State sophomore defensive lineman Sam Meredith regstered his first career fumble recovery and a pair of solo tackles Saturday (Nov. 10), helping the Aztecs (8-3) to a 28-9 decision over Air Force for the program's 500th all-time win in their final Mountain West Conference home game; they join the Big East in 2013. (Photo by Philip Brents, Chula Vista Star News)

Old rivals Aztecs, BYU, tabbed for Poinsettia, Dec. 20 SDSU advances after first conference title since '98 Family Ticket Four-Packs

Toreros earn share of Pioneer League crown Quarterback Mills: 23-of-34, 422 yards, 2 TDs

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PERU, Neb. (12-1-12) — The awards continue to pile up for former Foothills Christian High standout GARRET CAMPBELL.

For October, Campbell was named the male athlete of the month at Peru State College. Then in November, the Heart of America Athletic Conference named him as both Special Teams player of the week for his performance vs. Central Methodist on Nov. 10, then a week later placed him among the honorable mention to the HAAC all-conference team for his play at defensive back.

Campbell totaled 530 yards in kickoff returns on 24 attempts, averaging 22.1 yards per attempt. Against Avila, Campbell 's 66-yard kickoff return, his longest of the year, set up the game-tying field goal. In addition, Campbell had one punt return for 27 yards.

He was also among eight Bobcats named to the 2012 Daktronics-NAIA Football Scholar-Athletes.

Chicken & Stars for Campbell

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PERU, Neb. (11-4-12) — Foothills Christian High alum GARRET CAMPBELL was a big part of the Peru State win over Central Methodist last Saturday (Nov. 3), where he had an impact on defense and specials teams. His efforts earned him both the Heart of America Conference’s Special Team Player of the Week citation and the Bobcats' Male Athlete of the Month award for October.

The junior blocked a punt in the first quarter, which led to a Bobcat touchdown. In the second quarter, Campbell recovered a fumble on a Central Methodist fake punt and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown. He also had a punt return for 27 yards and had another 27 yards on a pair kickoff returns.

Campbell has had 21 kickoff returns during the season for 444 yards, averaging 21.1 yards per return. He has had 23 total tackles – ten of which were solo. In addition, Campbell has had two tackles for a total loss of four yards and leads the team with two interceptions with 96 yards in returns.

Garret Campbell (13) scrambles for 48 yards for a touchdown on a fumble recovery after Central Methodist dropped the ball on a fake punt. Peru State won 40-23, in the final game at the Oak Bowl before major stadium rennovations commence.

Campbell enjoys the other side of football

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PERU, Neb. (10-9-12) — Former Foothills Christian High standout GARRET CAMPBELL,, who set a national record with 11 career kickoff return touchdowns with the Knights, is now enjoying life on the other side of the ball at Peru State (Neb.) University.

On Saturday (Oct. 6), Campbell, now a college junior, posted his best defensive outing since signing with the Bobcats by blocking a pair of punts and registering an interception, leading to a 47-21 conquest of Trinity Bible College at Oak Bowl.

On his interception, Campbell noted, “I read the quarterback and made the pick in the end zone. When I looked out and realized I would not get too far, I just took a knee.”

Campbell finished the ballgame with four total tackles – three solo, including one for a loss of three yards – nearly had two more interceptions for Peru State (3-3). The defensive back also was credited for breaking up two additional passes by the Lions (2-4).

The first blocked punt came on Trinity's first possession, setting up a Peru State touchdown to open the scoring. His interception was good for a touchback to halt a deep Lions drive.

For his very busy day, Campbell was named the team's player of the game.

By Bill Dickens
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EL CAJON (10-25-12) — Six-foot-8 Helix High graduate, tight end LEVINE TOILOLO helped No. 22-ranked Stanford win the “Big Game” with a 21-3 victory over Cal last week. Toilolo contributed to the scoring with a 9-yard TD catch from backup Kevin Hogan – normally a read-option QB – to put the Cardinal ahead 14-3 on the first throw of his career.

Toilolo, a junior, has tallied 15 catches for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns, starting in all seven of Stanford’s football games this season.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (9-29-12) — North Carolina's Bryn Renner (2) scrambles to avoid Idaho senior Homer Maugua (55), the former Helix High and Grossmont College standout. The linebacker registered a team-high 9 tackles. The Tar Heels won, 66-0, at Kenan Stadium. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

San Jose State's Jimmy Pruitt (top) takes down SDSU's Gavin Escobar, limiting the play to just a 1-yard gain, as the visiting Spartans stun the Aztecs, 38-34 (Photo by Philip Brents)

Helix High alum Anthony Larceval (far right) is a three-year starter for San Jose State. (Photo by Philip Brents)

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SAN DIEGO (9-23-12) — In a wild, frantic fourth quarter which saw four lead changes, San Jose State quarterback David Fales fired his third touchdown pass of the quarter with 50 seconds remaining, lifting the Spartans past San Diego State, 38-34, in Saturday's (Sept. 22) non-conference shootout at Qualcomm Stadium.

Fales connected with wide receiver Chandler Jones on a 14-yard reception, giving SJSU (3-1) its first victory in San Diego in 10 tries since 1952.

Over the final 12 minutes, Fales completed 13-of-16 passes for 187 yards and three scores. His game totals saw 260 yards and a season-best four TDs -- to four different receivers -- on 21-of-31 passing.

Though San Diego State (2-2) outgained San Jose State, 484 to 367, the Spartans won the game with drives of 80, 77 and 65 yards on just 17 total plays.

The Aztecs ran up 271 rushing yards in the first half while San Jose State fumbled the ball away three times, but the teams came away even at 17-17 at the intermission following big plays by the Spartans. Included was a 97-yard kickoff return by Tyler Ervin, then running back Adam Muema, who rushed for 202 yards on 25 carries, sprinted for an 83-yard touchdown run.

The Aztecs had one last gasp, but Spartans defensive end Travis Johnson recorded the team's fifth sack of the game on fourth down on SDSU's final offensive play. Also registering a sack for San Jose State was Helix High product ANTHONY LARCEVAL, a third-year starter at defensive end.

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SAN DIEGO (9-21-12) — Five East County products will lead San Jose State against the Aztecs of San Diego State in Saturday’s (Sept. 22) non-conference game at Qualcomm Stadium at 5 p.m.

The Spartans (2-1) look to receivers SEAN LINTON (Helix) and HANSSELL WILSON (Valhalla) to lead the Spartans’ aerial game.

Other local standouts for San Jose include offensive lineman JAKE PETERSON (6-4, 316, West Hills) and junior defensive tackle ANTHONY LARCEVAL (6-2, 284, Helix). Also making his mark as corner back is JIMMY PRUITT, a 6-0, 175 Helix grad.

Three-year starter Larceval is one of the key anchors to the Spartans’ defense.

Local East County members of the San Diego State squad include defensive lineman MALCOLM JACKSON (6-3, 255, Mount Miguel), defensive tackle SAM MEREDITH (6-3, 255, Helix), defensive lineman ROBERT CRAIGHEAD (6-4, 275, El Capitan). All are freshmen.

Sophomore JOEL ALESI from Christian is one of the Aztecs’ punters.

The game will be broadcast on KUSI Channel 51 television.

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PERU, Neb. (7-23-12) — Former Foothills Christian High football player GARRET CAMPBELL has been named a preseason All-American for Peru State College of the Heart of America Conference.

Campbell was among those named by the Omaha World Herald as an honorable mention recipient among NAIA colleges, as well as being a member of the Bobcats 3.0 Club for his academic achievements.

In 2009 as a freshman at Grossmont, Molzen had 11 pass receptions for 272 yards and 5 touchdowns for an 18.1 average.

At El Capitan, Molzen made 44 catches for 807 yards and 10 touchdowns for an 18.3 average as a senior. Molzen was also selected to the first team All-Grossmont North League as a senior.

Arthur Hobbs

The A.P. Little All-America team dates back to the early 1930's and includes players from NCAA Division II and III schools, as well as NAIA institutions.

Hobbs, a resident of Lemon Grove, recently named to the Daktronics/Sports Information Directors All-America team, is just the ninth Loper selected to the A.P. squad. Of the nine chosen, seven have come since UNK joined Division II in 1990.

In 2011, Hobbs picked off six passes for a Division II-leading 295 yards. A two-year Loper, he also had 54 tackles (36 solo), 18 pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries.

Against Northeastern State in September, Hobbs set a D-2 record for most interception return yards in a game (214) when he picked off three passes with two of those coming back for scores.

In that game, Hobbs covered Trey McVey, who earned first-team A.P. All-American honors. McVey ended that game with just four catches for 53 yards.

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REDLANDS (11-17-11) — A trio of former standouts at Santana High lifted 13th-ranked University of Redlands into the NCAA Division III playoffs after posting an 8-1 regular-season record.

The former Sultans include senior middle linebacker BRETT ROMERO, and senior receivers KYLE ROMERO, and TYLER AUBREY.

Aubrey paced Redlands in punt returns at a solid 10.4 yards per runback, while placing third in receiving with 21 receptions and a pair of touchdowns. Kyle Romero also recorded a pair of TD catches, while brother Brett was a special team and pass defense specialist who registered a sack this season.

The 32-team tournament finds the Bulldogs traveling to Belton, Texas, to meet No. 4 Mary Hardin-Baylor. The undefeated Crusaders (10-0) are en route to taking the American Southwest Conference title. Redlands, which placed second in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, seek its first-ever postseason win in the school's fifth trip to the playoffs (the first since 2007).

The squads square off for the first time in history at Tiger Field, starting at 10 a.m. PT. Earlier in the season, Redlands downed another 4th-ranked ballclub in North Central (Ill.) University.

The winner of the Redlands-UMHB game faces the victor of the McMurry vs. Trinity (Texas) showdown.

By Andrew Smith
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FORT COLLINS, Colo. (11-9-11) — Any typical November afternoon in this Rocky Mountain town would go unnoticeable to most people in East County. This particular Saturday (Nov. 12), however, has several ties closer to home than usual.

Only five quarterbacks from East County have eclipsed the 2,000 yard mark passing at least twice in their careers in the 21st century and two of them will meet head-to-head when El Capitan High alum RYAN LINDLEY (SDSU) will face off against Valhalla product PETE THOMAS (Colorado State) as the Aztecs travel a mile high for a Mountain West showdown. The game can be seen live at 3 p.m. PDT on The Mountain (channel 320 on Cox) and also on Channel 4 San Diego.

Lindley holds the only victory between the two former All-East County standouts on the college level after winning last year’s contest 24-19 at Qualcomm Stadium. To be honest, Thomas didn’t have half the talent Lindley was surrounded with to call it a fair bout. Lindley had a solid running attack with Mountain West freshman of the year Ronnie Hillman while two NFL-caliber wide outs – Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson – caught everything thrown their way.

Throwing for 5,551 yards his junior and senior year combined, Thomas more than made his mark as a Norseman in the 2008-09 seasons. Lindley also flashed the East County skies by tossing for 5,741 his last two years as a Vaquero.

The two have not disappointed on the next level either as they have combined to throw for 15,583 yards to this point or in other words the length of 156 football fields combined.

CSU coach Steve Fairchild is impressed by Lindley.

“Ryan did kind of what they all do. He had a redshirt year but they threw him in there, I believe my first year as a head football coach. He was playing as a redshirt freshman bouncing around. He had his ups and downs for a couple years and then you could really see the light come on the last two years and I really think he has a future.”

One anonymous NFL scout proclaimed after studying their college tapes, “They have the arm strength, mindset and ability to both play on Sundays and have potential bright careers as professionals.”

A former Patrick Henry High southpaw quarterback, Fairchild recognizes talent when he sees it.

“(Lindley) has got good size, a good arm. He stands in the pocket. He can make every throw; you saw that more last year when they stretched the field. He can put the ball from a hash mark all the way out to a deep cut; he can throw the deep ball. He’s in that (NFL) style of offense, too. He’s playing underneath center, he’s doing some of the play-action thing he’ll need to do. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get a real good look.”

Attacking the scheme of Aztecs’ defensive maestro Rocky Long is no small task.

“It’s just unusual because it’s multiple; it’s very pressure-oriented,” Fairchild said. “They play both man and zone but they challenge you man-to-man. From a structure standpoint it’s unlike what you’re used to going against the majority of the year. It’s like defensively trying to stop Air Force; it’s so unique it’s hard to simulate and obviously you have some things from a protection standpoint that you’ve got to get worked out in a short week.”

SDSU has its concerns defending Thomas.

"I see a guy who has improved a lot, plays with more confidence,” Long said. “He has a better handle on their offense this year and is not playing like a rookie anymore. He is playing like a veteran.”

Granite Hills High product Aaron Harris established Southwestern College records for career rushing. (Photo by Russell Scoffin)

Aaron Harris (Photo by S.J.)

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CHULA VISTA (11-02-11) — Former Granite Hills High standout AARON HARRIS has established four rushing and scoring records during his stint at Southwestern College. Latest of his milestones is becoming the all-time career rushing leader, a mark he cleared Saturday (Oct. 29) with 138 yards in a setback to Golden West.

The Jaguars’ 6-foot, 190-pound redshirt sophomore running back now has 1,763 career rushing yards with two games remaining in the regular season. He breaks a 37-year-old Southwestern career mark set by Donnell Kinard, who rushed for 1,685 during the 1973-4 seasons. Harris also holds rushing records for single season (1,128 yards in 2009), touchdowns (14 in 2009) and career rushing TDs (21 and counting).

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KEARNEY, Neb. (10-25-11) — Four East County products are making an impact in the Nebraska-Kearney football program.

Senior corner ARTHUR HOBBS, who played at Mount Miguel and Grossmont College, is the top defensive back in the secondary for the Lopers, who sport a 7-1 record and No. 2 ranking in Region III of the NCAA Division II poll.

Hobbs, who led the Lopers in solo tackles with 42 a year ago on his way to earning second team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference second team honors, is on course to nailing down a first team berth this year. After eight games, Hobbs has a team-best 29 solo stops with six interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Sophomore KENNY HILL, a Grossmont College standout, starts adjacent to Hobbs in the Nebraska-Kearney secondary. Hill ranked sixth in tackles as a redshirt freshman for the Lopers a year ago. He has 25 tackles and nine pass break-ups this season.

Other East County contributors to the Nebraska-Kearney cause include sophomore kicker MICHAEL GRUBER (Christian High) and junior inside linebacker PAT KELLY, a graduate of Christian High and Grossmont College.

After scoring a team-high 74 points as a redshirt freshman, Gruber has clicked on 12 of 13 PATs this season. A year ago, Gruber converted 7 of 12 field goals and 47 of 50 PATs.

Kelly has notched 10 tackles in seven games in his first season with the Lopers.

Tyler Aubrey

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REDLANDS (10-4-11) — Santana High alum senior wide receiver/kick return specialist TYLER AUBREY of the University of Redlands has been named as a semifinalist for the 2011 National Football Foundation William V. Campbell Trophy, which honors the sport's best scholar-athlete in the nation. In addition, Aubrey remains in the running as one of possible 16 recipients of the NFF Scholar-Athlete Postgraduate Award of $18,000. The Campbell Trophy, endowed by Health South, increases the amount of the recipient's grant by $7,000 for a total postgraduate scholarship of $25,000.

Candidates for these awards must be in their final year of eligibility, boast a minimum GPA of 3.2, possess outstanding football ability as a significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.

With a cumulative GPA of 3.563, Aubrey continues his work toward a degree in Financial Economics while pursuing minors in Accounting and Business Administration. Among his scholarly achievements, this six-time Dean's List member landed on the 2010 College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District First Team and collected his third of likely four UR Scholar-Athlete awards.

Earlier this season, Aubrey made strong contributions to the Redlands ' upset win over then-third-ranked North Central College (IL), as well as the solid road victory of familiar foe Whitworth University (WA).

Beyond football, Aubrey consistently gives back to the community while revealing his compassionate leadership skills. During the 2010 May Term break, he organized and participated in Bulldog football's Strong Hands, Soft Hearts campaign for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times®. He specifically coordinated housing, meals, and work crews for 75 teammates whose work continues to benefit 1,700 children with cancer and their families each year.

Aubrey also served as an active participant in the Benevolent Bulldog program, which takes $100 seed money and grows it into as much as possible for a worthy cause. He joined forces with three teammates to raise a combined $5,900 for the Susan G. Komen San Diego Breast Cancer Research Fund during the past two summers.

“I am often amazed by Tyler 's talent, high energy and profound commitment to shine at everything he does. Be it academics, service to the community, or football, Tyler Aubrey always brings his best effort and comes through with excellence,” stated head coach Mike Maynard.

Redlands penned Aubrey as its nominee earlier this September and looks forward to the official announcement of the NFF Scholar-Athletes on Oct. 26. All honorees will attend the 54th Annual NFF Awards Dinner on Dec. 6 in New York City at the Waldorf-Astoria where one member of the group will be announced live as the winner of the coveted Campbell Trophy.

Peru State's Garret Campbell with yet another kickoff runback for a touchdown. (Photo by Darrell Wellman)

Helix alum in step with Thundering Herd
Former Helix High running back TRAVON VAN is gaining steady footing as the Marshall University season progresses. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Van rushed for a team-best 54 yards on 15 carries as the Thundering Herd edged host Louisville 17-13. It was Marshall ’s first win over a BCS opponent since 2003.

Van ranks as the No. 2 rusher for Marshall (2-3) with 161 yards on 61 carries. He has also caught eight passes for 52 yards and has started all five games in the Thundering Herd backfield.

Campbell tabbed Bobcat of the month
Peru State College (PSC) Athletic Director Steve Schneider has announced that Foothills Christian alum GARRET CAMPBELL has been selected as one of the two Bobcat Athletes of the Month for September.

Campbell, a sophomore defensive back and kick returner, was picked for his record-setting performance on Sept. 10, as well as his overall performance for the month. (see previous stories).

Top: South Dakota Mines RB Jamie Dale (4). Bottom: Idaho linebacker Homer Mauga (19). (Courtesy photos, supplied by schools)

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RAPID CITY, S.D. (9-27-11) — Steele Canyon High alum JAMIE DALE has seen better days during his four-year career at the NAIA South Dakota School of Mines.

While Saturday’s (Sept. 24) loss to the Valley City State (N.D.) Vikings 29-17 was frustrating, it was also a record-breaking afternoon for Dale and quarterback Nick Russell (Catholic Catholic).

Dale, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior running back, rushed for 68 yards on 15 carries, raising his career rushing count to a South Dakota School of Mines record 2,997 yards. He also owns the Hardrockers’ career record for all-purpose yardage with 4,747.

Other SDSM marks in Dale’s grasp include the season scoring record of 88 points (set as a freshman in 2008) and the career scoring record of 192 points. The industrial engineering major has five games remaining in his collegiate career.

Russell fired a SDSM 46th scoring pass of his four-year career in the Hardrockers loss to Valley City State. He holds several other passing school milestones as he nears the end of his playing career.

Former Griffin Mauga now a menace in Moscow
University of Idaho linebacker HOMER MAUGA has had some moments of brilliance for the Vandals last year as a junior and so far this season in Moscow.

The 6-foot, 233-pound product of Helix High and Grossmont College ranked third among Idaho’s defensive leaders last season with 54 tackles (32 solo), two sacks and three pass breakups for the Vandals (6-7 in 2010).

Nagging injuries have impeded Mauga’s progress this season, although he did record one of his finest outings with 10 tackles in Idaho’s 37-7 loss to Texas A&M.

As a sophomore transfer from Grossmont College in 2009, Mauga recorded 74 tackles (42 solo) and three sacks for the Vandals, who finished 8-4 that year.

West Hills duo enjoy life in Crookston
Multi-talented West Hills graduate ERIC FIEGE leads the NCAA Div. II Minnesota-Crookston Golden Eagles in pass receiving (9-138), punt returns (5-68), and kickoff returns (11-239). The 5-foot-9, 175-pound junior stands second in all-purpose running with 452 yards for the 1-3 Golden Eagles.

Not to be overlooked is four-year Minnesota-Crookston veteran offensive lineman DOMINIC LaRUSSA (West Hills), who has started the last 14 games in the trenches for the Golden Eagles.

Cory Lockman

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YUMA, Ariz. (9-20-11) — Former Granite Hills High quarterback CORY LOCKMAN is making the most of limited playing time as a freshman at Arizona Western College these days.

One of three freshman quarterbacks on the Matadors roster, Lockman delivered scoring strikes of 16 and 22 yards during a 22-point second quarter in Saturday’s (Sept. 17) Western States Football League 55-8 rout of Phoenix College. Lockman clicked on 4 of 7 passes for 46 yards.

As a senior at Granite Hills last season, Lockman passed for 2,028 yards and 13 TDs while completing 144 of 262 passes.

Arizona Western (3-0), ranked No. 3 nationally by the NJCAA, has outscored its first three foes, 141-15.

Gang-tackling Griffins coming up big in ‘Show-Me’ state
JOPLIN, Mo. — A quartet of Grossmont College products is making an impact at Missouri Southern State University.

Linebacker ALEX WONG ranks among the leading tacklers with 12 stops and also has a forced fumble and a pair of pass breakups. Mount Miguel graduate JUAN BOLANOS (6-6, 340) and JOSH SPENCE (6-3, 310) help bolster the Lions offensive line, while El Capitan grad CODY FURR (6-5, 248) is a mainstay in the defensive trenches.

Toilolo is Stanford stalwart
PALO ALTO — Redshirt sophomore tight end LEVINE TOILOLO has started all three games for the undefeated Cardinal (3-0) this season. The 6-foot-8, 263-pound Helix High graduate has caught four passes for 102 yards – an average of 25.5 per grab – and one touchdown this year.

Heisman Trophy candidate Andrew Luck fired a 34-yard scoring pass to Toilolo in Stanford’s 37-10 Pac-12 Conference romp at Arizona on Saturday (Sept. 17).

Nino Mallory

Trevon Van

Garret Campbell

© East County Sports.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (9-13-11) — NOLAN “NINO” MALLORY has received an appointment to the Air Force Academy, where he is playing football as a wide receiver for the Falcons.

A 3-year starter at Valhalla High School, Mallory suffered a season ending knee injury his junior year when the Norsemen captured the Grossmont South League and played in the San Diego CIF Division III title at Qualcomm Stadium.

Mallory underwent surgery and was able to complete his senior season at Valhalla in 2009.

Focused on serving his country and continuing his education, Mallory attended Northwestern Prep School (Colo.) where he was awarded a coveted USAF Falcon Foundation scholarship. In the fall of 2010, he received a nomination to the USAFA for the second time, and his long awaited Appointment in March.

In August after completing Basic Cadet Training at the USAFA, Mallory earned a berth on the Falcons’ football team.

Ex-Griffin gains his Dawg tags in Georgia
Former Grossmont College standout BRANDON BOGOTAY hasn’t scored a single point as a kicker in his three seasons at the University of Georgia. But the 6-foot-3, 207-pound senior has handled the kickoffs for the Bulldogs.

Van finding stride for Thundering Herd
In his second start at Marshall University, former Helix High running back TRAVON VAN posted 53 all-purpose yards Saturday (Sept. 10) as the Thundering Herd edged Southern Mississippi, 26-20.

Campbell dials long distance
Sophomore GARRET CAMPBELL (Foothills Christian) returned four kickoffs totaling a school-record 168 yards as Peru State College (Neb.) defeated Culver-Stockton College (Mo.), 58-27, on Saturday (Sept. 10). One runback went for 84 yards, but Campbell came up one yard shy of reaching the end zone. His yardage total snapped a Bobcats record which stood since 1979.

Top: Western New Mexico's Dylan Fitzgerald. Bottom: USD quarterback Mason Mills. (Photos by Frank Price, youatplay.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (9-8-11) — More than a dozen players from San Diego County, including three from East County, will return home when Western New Mexico comes to town to meet the University of San Diego in a college football intersectional game Saturday (Sept. 10) at Walter E. Zable Field at Torero Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Among the Grossmont Conference players to participate for the Mustangs are senior long-snapper DYLAN FITZGERALD (Steele Canyon), freshman linebacker JONATHAN BUTLER (Santana) and freshman running back DAKOTA FURR (El Capitan).

Fitzgerald, a Grossmont Hills League champion in the pole vault with the Cougars, helped Grossmont College to an 8-3 record and a Beach Bowl victory in 2009. Meanwhile, Butler, who broke LEON BENDER’s record for Santana career sacks last year, gained a first team berth on the All-East County team as a senior. Furr was the East County Sports Co-Offensive Player of the Year last season.

Western New Mexico, led by second-year head coach ADAM CLARK – who played locally at West Hills and Grossmont College – opened its season with a 35-28 triumph over Sul Ross State (Texas), scoring in the final 35 seconds to claim its home opener in Silver City, N.M.

Meanwhile, sophomore quarterback MASON MILLS passed for 402 yards and four touchdowns in leading USD (1-0) to a 42-40 victory over Azusa Pacific. Mills, who was named Pioneer Football League offensive player of the week for his effort, played his high school ball at Christian and Coronado high schools.

Other USD players with an East County connection include La Mesa sophomore linebacker MONTELL ALLEN (La Jolla Country Day), and redshirt freshman punter LANDON RIVERS (Grossmont HS).

This will be the first-ever meeting between the Mustangs and Toreros.

Trevon Van   Elliott Taylor College Football Notebook © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (9-6-11) — East County high school gridiron standouts are beginning to surface at some new places. Running backs TRAVON VAN (Helix) is now a starter at Marshall University, while ELLIOT TAYLOR (Mount Miguel) made the Arizona travel squad as a walk-on from the Wildcats’ track team. Van received national television coverage in Saturday’s (Sept. 3) Coal Bowl against the Mountaineers of West Virginia in Morgantown. The game was finally called in the fourth quarter after nearly seven hours of on-again, off-again play due to severe weather, with West Virginia leading the Thundering Herd, 34-13. Lightning was seen close by the stadium in the afternoon and the field and stands at Milan Puskar Stadium were cleared with just about five minutes left in the third quarter. West Virginia led 27-13 at the time. The game was halted again early in the fourth quarter and did not resume. Obviously neither team could generate much rhythm and Van – listed as a redshirt freshman – finished with a net of 1 yard rushing. However, making it to the Division I-FBS university is a plus for Van, who was the 2009 Offensive MVP at Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y. in what he thought was a course to the University of Florida. Taylor (5-foot-10, 186-pounds), meanwhile, was a rushing leader for the Matadors, but got lost in the shuffle at Southwestern College before focusing his attention on track when he transferred to the Pac-12 school. “Just the fact that he convinced the football coaches to let him walk on says something about the kid,” Mount Miguel coach TOM KARLO said. Arizona meets Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla. on Thursday (Sept. 8) in a game to be televised nationally by ESPN at 5 p.m.

Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas Pete Thomas   Dominique Bradley   Garret Campbell Thomas exhibits pinpoint passing ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Colorado State sophomore PETE THOMAS, who became the Rams’ first returning starting quarterback since 2007, enjoyed the second-most accurate day ever by a CSU passer. The Valhalla High product clicked on 22 of 26 passes for a lofty 84.6 completion percentage in a 14-10 Mountain West Conference win at New Mexico on Saturday (Sept. 3). That is not surprising considering Thomas entered the season as the most career accurate passer in CSU history. Former Foothiller Bradley picked DAC player of the week CROOKSTON, Minn. — Mayville State (N.D.) defensive back DOMINIQUE BRADLEY has been named the Dakota Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound sophomore out of Grossmont High returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown in Saturday's (Sept. 3) 31-29 setback at Minnesota-Crookston on Saturday (Sept. 3). Bradley also had 6 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles and 0.5 sacks for the Comets. Quick Strike by Campbell at Peru State PERU, Neb. — In its first ever Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) football game, Peru State (Neb.) was buried by Baker University, 55-12, Saturday (Sept. 3). One of the few highlights was provided by Santee resident and Foothills Christian graduate GARRET CAMPBELL, a sophomore for the Bobcats, who returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown.

Former West Hills quarterback Gary Isaacson. (WHHS courtesy photo)

© East County Sports.com
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (7-29-11) — For players who suffer the type of injury GARY ISAACSON absorbed in the first game of his senior football season at West Hills, it usually spells the end of a career.

That could well have happened to Isaacson had he not had a football scholarship to New Mexico State University dangling in his face. More than that, though, was Isaacson refused to give up.

“It’s been a long road, but I realized right away that I’d rather be on the field than holding a clipboard on the sideline,” Isaacson said. “I went through reconstructive ACL surgery one month after I went down. It was our homecoming game against El Cap and I begged the doctor to let me be there.”

And so he was.

“I wanted to be with my team even though I couldn’t play,” Isaacson said. “They found me a wheel chair and I was there to lead our team in a pregame prayer. We went on to win the game 13-7. That was the highlight of the season for me.”

After transferring from Helix following his freshman season, Isaacson elected to remain on the junior varsity so he could play quarterback rather than line up as a varsity receiver.

As a junior, Isaacson earned the starting quarterback post and completed 76 of 119 passes for 1,069 yards and a dozen touchdowns. He proved himself as a bona fide scrambler, although the coaches insisted he remain in the passing pocket.

Rated a blue chip signal-caller heading into his senior season, Isaacson was injured on a scramble in the 2010 season opener at Santana.

“I was running down the sideline, and I got hit which left me a little bit off balance,” he said. “I was trying to make a cut when I got hit in the knee. My foot turned and I went down.”

After being helped from the field, Isaacson was laying on the trainer’s table when West Hills took possession of the ball. He tried to return to the field, but was denied.

“I got off the table and tried to run, but I could barely walk,” he said. “I knew I was done.”

Since then Isaacson’s days have been all about rehab. He credits Wolf Pack assistant coach HONDO HERRERA and quarterback coach DICK VAN RAAPHORST in helping rebuild his career.

“I know I’m about 80 percent right now,” Isaacson said. “Coach Van Raaphorst has done a great job of working with my mechanics. He has helped me with my footwork, throwing a tight spiral and how to break down a defense.”

More than that is Isaacson praised the New Mexico State coaches for not giving up on him.

“When they were recruiting me I was able to see their spring game,” Isaacson said. “I felt a great vibe when I was there. But more than that I’m really happy that (head NMSTU coach DeWayne) Walker and (receivers coach-recruiter (Todd) Littlejohn have stuck by me.”

Isaacson will gray shirt this season, but plans to be on the sideline for the Aggies’ 2011 season opener against Ohio University on Sept. 3 at home in southeastern New Mexico.

“I am definitely driven to play,” Isaacson said. “I know they have a senior quarterback (Palomar JC transfer Matt Christian) and Hawai’i sophomore Andrew Manly battling for the starting berth this season.”

Isaacson plans to make his move in 2012.

I work out every day with (West Hills alums) JARRETT DALE (Azusa Pacific) and defensive end STEVE ARMSTRONG (Iowa Wesleyan),” Isaacson said.

“I’m going to New Mexico State to play quarterback. If I they want me to utilize my talents at other positions, so be it. I just want to play as soon as possible.”

2010 Poinsettia Bowl
AZTECS 35	NAVY 14
Top: Aztecs quarterback Ryan Lindley, who threw for 276 yards and 2 touchdowns. Bottom: SDSU lineman Tommie Draheim (60), an El Cap alum, helped open this hole for Aztecs running back Walter Kazee, who breaks loose into the Navy secondary. (Photos by Frank Price, youatplay.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Lindley and sophomore running back Ronnie Hillman are the first San Diego State student-athletes tabbed to the watch list since former running back Lynell Hamilton in 2006.

Lindley returns for his fourth year as SDSU’s starting signal caller and has already amassed 9,537 career passing yards and 67 touchdowns in 36 contests.

A resident of Alpine, Lindley had his best season a year ago, throwing for 3,830 yards and 28 TDs to lead the Mountain West in passing (294.6 ypg.) and total offense (292.2 ypg.). Lindley was a second-team all-conference selection as a junior and enters 2011 within striking distance of the school’s all-time career passing record currently held by Todd Santos (11,425).

San Diego State is one of 15 schools to have two or more players on this year’s Maxwell Award Watch List. Overall, 47 schools are represented, including fellow Mountain West members Boise State and TCU.

The 66 players nominated this season were picked by the Maxwell Football Club’s selection committee and evaluated on past performance and future potential. Additions and deletions to the watch list may be made throughout the season and the award’s winner will be voted on by members of the Maxwell Football Club, NCAA sports information directors, head coaches and selected national media.

The Maxwell Award has been given out annually since 1937, and is named in honor of sportswriter Robert W. “Tiny” Maxwell. This year’s group of semifinalists will be announced on Oct. 31, while the finalist will be unveiled on Nov. 21. The winner of the award will be recognized on Dec. 8, as a part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show and the formal presentation takes place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala in Atlantic City, N.J., on March 2.

© East County Sports.com
WEATHERFORD, Okla. (5-6-11) — Junior safety JONATHAN DARBY, a product of West Hills High and Grossmont College, has been recognized as the top male athlete of the year at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The award is based on the student’s athletic achievement, academic standing, community involvement and citizenship.

Darby made an instant impact on the Bulldogs football team this season, leading the Bulldogs with 91 tackles despite missing the last two games with an ankle injury. He was Southwestern's lone representative on the Lone Star Conference’s first-team North Division squad. Darby is majoring in education where he carries a 3.97 grade point average.

In his final season at Grossmont College, Darby received the 33rd annual Joe Roth Memorial Award, which goes to the Griffins football player that best exemplifies the high academic standards, athletic excellence, humility, leadership, character and class that the late Joe Roth exhibited during his All-America career.

Elsewhere
Midland Lutheran running back KHALID WATERS, a product of Grossmont High, has been named to the All-Nebraska NAIA Football First Team Offense.

© East County Sports.com
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (1-30-11) — A trio of former East County football players gained national and regional awards while playing at NAIA colleges during the 2010 season.

Included was an All-America citation for former West Hills High quarterback PHILIP STABACK. After leading the nation in passing for Lindenwood University (Mo.), Staback, who now resides in Oceanside, gained a second team berth along with Lions teammate Dan Jones as an offensive lineman.

It was Staback's second All-America award in as many seasons with Lindenwood.

In addition, former Steele Canyon running back JAMIE DALE earned honorable mention on the All-America list after a standout season at South Dakota Mines.

Dale, a junior from Alpine, rushed for 1,057 yards for the Hardrockers (7-3), a total which included a season-high effort of 198 yards against Valley City State.

Meanwhile, Midland University running back KHALID WATERS (Grossmont HS) was tabbed to the All-Nebraska NAIA football team, as selected annually by the Omaha World Herald. Waters was one of 10 Warriors chosen by the publication.

Waters, a junior, was also an All-Great Plains Conference honoree after rushing for a team-high 817 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Warriors. He was also one of the top punt returners in the conference, with runbacks of almost 10 yards per attempt.

The awards were announced by the NAIA and the Victory Sports Network.

© East County Sports.com
CHENEY, Wash. (12-16-10) — For the second year in a row, former Mount Miguel High standout CHIDOZIE EKEWEOZOR will a be a starting offensive tackle for defending national champion Villanova (9-4).

Villanova will play in the FCS semifinals of the Division I-AA Football Championship series against No. 5 seed and host Eastern Washington (11-2) in a game that will take place Friday (Dec. 17) at 5 p.m. at Roos Field. The contest will be nationally televised on ESPN2.

Villanova is the defending NCAA Football Championship Subdivision champion. A year ago the Wildcats defeated top-seeded and undefeated Montana, 23-21, for its first national title at Finley Stadium.

This season marks the ninth appearance in the FCS playoffs and the third straight for Villanova, which is currently riding a three-game overall winning streak and a six-game postseason winning streak. The string of three straight years in the playoffs is a first for the program, which captured its first national title last season.

Friday night's game against Eastern Washington will be the third straight game for the Wildcats against a program they had never faced prior to this season.

Lindenwood QB Philip Staback named 2010 NAIA All-America (Lindenwood Univ. courtesy photo) All-America citation for Lindenwood's Staback © East County Sports.com LIBERTY, Mo. (12-15-10) — Former West Hills High quarterback PHILIP STABACK, who recently signed an indoor football professional contract, was named Tuesday (Dec. 14) to the 2010 NAIA All-America football team by the American Football Coaches Association. Staback becomes the first Lindenwood University quarterback to receive such a citation after being named the Heart of America Athletic Conference player of the year on offense by becoming the second player in NAIA history to complete more than 70 percent of his passes. Staback re-wrote the Lions record book by throwing for 3,329 yards and 34 touchdowns, and had just eight interceptions. He led the NAIA in pass efficiency (225.0) and passing yards per game (332.9), and was third in total offense per game (344.2). Among the single-game records broken were total offense and most touchdown passes. Single-season records set included total offense, total offense per game, passing yards per game, and completion percentage. For his career, the senior threw for 6,710 yards in just two seasons. He set a Lindenwood career record with 70 touchdown passes. Staback completed over 70 percent of his passes and averaged 279.6 passing yards a game. He also rushed for 328 yards and eight touchdowns. Staback directed a Lindenwood offense that led the NAIA this past season with 52.5 points, 358.7 passing yards, and 551.5 total offense yards per game. Fueled by Staback, the Lions (9-2) advanced to the NAIA Football Championship Series for the fourth straight season. Philip Staback Staback turns pro in Green Bay         © East County Sports.com GREEN BAY, Wis. (11-30-10/Revised 12-3-10) — Fresh from receiving NAIA All-American honors for Lindenwood University, former West Hills High quarterback PHILIP STABACK recently signed a professional contract to join the Green Bay Blizzard of the American Indoor Football Association. Staback, the national NAIA leader in passing efficiency (225.0) and yardage (332.9) this past season, will immediately join the Barons for training camp. The season opens in February 2011. “Philip is coming from a program that's high tempo which will help him greatly with the transition into indoor football,” stated Blizzard assistant head coach Jarrod Rogol. “Also, he is the kind of player that isn’t satisfied with good and is always driven to be great." Staback was originally going to sign with the AIFA Reno Aces, but welcomed a better opportunity in Wisconsin. "Green Bay is a better fit for me," said Staback." It is a better program that will help me succeed, and it is a successful program that has experience in the playoffs which I hope to lead to the championship this year." "There will be heavy competition. too, which will help me expose my true talent at the arena level." Over the last two seasons at Lindenwood, Staback has proven to be one of the top quarterbacks in the NAIA and the Heart of America Conference. After setting Lindenwood’s single-season passing touchdown record (36) in 2009, Staback posted exceptional numbers this fall. In one game he completed 19-of-21 passes, another game saw him toss six touchdown passes, leading the Lions to a 9-1 regular season record and a berth in the NAIA playoffs.

Jon Molzen Molzen helping William Jewel make strides © East County Sports.com LIBERTY, Mo. (12-8-10) — It may be a few baby steps, but for former El Capitan High and Grossmont College standout JON MOLZEN, the 2010 football season must be called a success. Playing for William Jewel College, an NAIA program, which posted just a single victory in 2009, Molzen and a cast of fresh recruits arrived at the western Missouri campus just outside of Kansas City and posted with three additional triumphs in a 4-7 campaign. Included were a pair of road victories before closing the season by limiting Lindenwood University, which averaged more than 50 points per game behind former West Hills High quarterback PHILIP STABACK, to just 29 points -- the second-fewest registered by the Lions all season. Molzen, a sophomore, finished as the Cardinals' second-leading receiver, finishing with 20 receptions for 235 yards and a touchdown, as William Jewel finished in the middle of the Heart of America Conference in a tie for 6th place among 11 schools. Molzen was joined by high school teammate MARK PEREZ, who gained more time on the offensive line as the season progressed. Also at William Jewel is Lemon Grove resident FEALT COOPER, who played his high school ball at Kearny, then became the Cards' leading rusher with 605 yards to gain an All-HAAC honorable mention berth. Darby earns All-Lone Star Conference © East County Sports.com WEATHERFORD, Okla. (11-30-10) — West Hills alum JONATHAN DARBY, the 2009 Joe Roth Award winner out of Grossmont College, continues to gain honors at Southwestern Oklahoma State. Darby was among a handful of Bulldogs selected to the All-Lone Star Conference North Division team, the league office announced. Darby, a junior defensive back, was a first-team selection after leading the team with 91 tackles, ranking seventh-best in the conference. Bradley, Dale – like dis & like DAC © East County Sports.com DICKINSON, N.D. (11-30-10) — A pair of former East County players have gained postseason honors in the Dakota Athletic Conference. Earning first team honors are Mayville State defensive back DOMINIQUE BRADLEY (Grossmont HS) and South Dakota Mines running back JAMIE DALE (Steele Canyon). Bradley, a freshman, was one of only two non-seniors (the other was a sophomore) to make the first team, as voted by DAC coaches. He was a conference player of the week in three categories – offense, defense and special teams – during the season. Dale rushed for a DAC-best 1,057 yards along with 8 touchdowns, finishing as the only player in the conference to rush for more than 100 yards per contest at 132.1, helping SD Mines (7-3, 6-3 DAC) to a second-place finish.

SDSU's Ryan Lindley CSU's Pete Thomas Lindley vs. Thomas: East County QBs clash in Saturday shootout at Qualcomm © East County Sports.com SAN DIEGO (11-4-10) — In the history of East County football not many shootouts get bigger than Saturday’s (Nov. 6) Mountain West Conference Colorado State versus San Diego State shootout at Qualcomm Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m. when the visiting Rams quarterback and Valhalla High graduate PETE THOMAS takes aim at the Aztecs, who are led by El Capitan High grad and SDSU junior RYAN LINDLEY. Thomas, a true freshman, has completed 187 of 276 passes for 2,007 yards and 9 touchdowns for CSU (3-6, 2-3 MWC). Lindley, a three-year starter for the Aztecs (6-2, 3-1 MWC), has completed 142 of 265 passes for 2,255 yards and 15 TDs this season. Having won three consecutive games for the first time in eight years, having matched its best eight-game record in the last 33 seasons and posting its best record in 14 years, SDSU opens a stretch of three of its final four regular-season contests at home. The joust with Colorado State will also be televised by The Mountain television network on Cox channel 320. The game can be heard on AM 600 KOGO.

Dominique Bradley One-of-a-kind Triple Crown by Grossmont High grad © East County Sports.com MAYVILLE, N.D. (11-3-10) — Mayville State (N.D.) University freshman DOMINIQUE BRADLEY – a graduate of Grossmont High – has pulled off a hat trick of sorts. That is, Bradley carried the ball 26 times for 181 yards and two touchdowns in the Comets' 21-14 win over Dakota State to earn Dakota Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week. The Spring Valley native has now won Player of the Week honors on three separate occasions this season. He was the defensive player of the week after the Comets' win over Trinity Bible College on Sept. 11 and was named the special teams player of the week after the Comets' game against Jamestown College.

Midland Lutheran’s Waters makes like a Comet © East County Sports.com FREMONT, Neb. (11-3-10) — Former Grossmont High running back KHALID WATERS rushed for a team high 119 yards on 23 carries and scored three touchdowns as Midland Lutheran (Neb.) won its fifth straight by bouncing Briar Cliff (Sioux City, Iowa) University 31-10 on Saturday (Oct. 30). Waters also caught three passes for 27 yards. Waters scored on runs of 24, 14 and 5 yards for the Warriors (7-2 overall), who are tied for third place in the Great Plains Athletic Conference at 6-2.

© East County Sports.com
REDLANDS (11-3-10) — Four East County graduates are helping the Redlands University Bulldogs make a run for the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football championship this season.

The quartet includes Santana High products TYLER AUBREY, the ROMERO brothers – BRETT and KYLE – and Valhalla freshman MATTHEW SWANGER.

Aubrey, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound junior wide receiver, has reeled in 16 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown for the second-place Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1). He also leads the team in kickoff returns with 174 yards on nine runbacks, and totals 359 all-purpose yards.

Kyle Romero, also a junior, has five receptions for 65 yards and a TD, while linebacker Brett Romero is making his hits on the other side of the ball.

Although he is on the Bulldogs roster, it would appear that Swanger is red-shirting this year.

© East County Sports.com
LARAMIE, Wyo. (10-30-10) — San Diego State, following Saturday's (Oct. 30) 48-38 victory at Wyoming, are now bowl eligible for the first time in 12 seasons. Aztecs quarterback RYAN LINDLEY (El Capitan) completed 16-of-32 passes for 365 yards and 3 touchdowns for SDSU (6-2, 3-1 MWC).

© East County Sports.com
MAYVILLE, N.D. (10-25-10) — Former Grossmont High safety DOMINIQUE BRADLEY of Mayville State University was recently named the Dakota Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against Jamestown College (N.D.). He was also listed among the honorable mention for the NAIA national award.

The Comets freshman broke a 29-year-old NAIA record with his 99-yard punt return for a touchdown.

He also returned six kickoff returns for a total of 173 yards, while on defense recorded 10 tackles on the day – including nine solo tackles and two tackles for a loss.

The previous NAIA record for longest punt return of 97 yards was set by Ron Fuller of Evangel (Mo.) against Missouri Southern in 1981.

Earlier in the season, Bradley was named the DAC Defensive Player of the Week when Mayville State blanked Trinity Bible College, 31-0, in September.

© East County Sports.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.
(10-20-10) — Former Valhalla High standout PETE THOMAS, the first true-freshman starting quarterback at Colorado State since at least World War II, completed 10 of 14 passes for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Rams buried visiting UNLV 43-10 in Saturday’s (Oct. 16) Mountain West Conference action.

Thomas has completed 151 of 223 passes for 1,566 yards and 8 TDs for the 2-5 Rams.

Colorado State University quarterback Pete Thomas celebrates with fans after leading the Rams past visiting Idaho (Photo by Dan Byers, CSU media relations)

© East County Sports.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (9-27-10) — Former Valhalla High standout PETE THOMAS, the first true-freshman starting quarterback at Colorado State since at least World War II, earned Mountain West Conference honors in just his fourth collegiate outing.

On Saturday (Sept. 25), Thomas led the Rams to a last-minute, game-winning drive to defeat Idaho, earning conference player of the week honors. Thomas orchestrated a 12-play, 66-yard drive over the final 2:38 of regulation, setting up Ben DeLine’s 35-yard game-winning field goal at the gun in a 36-34 triumph over the Vandals.

He also guided the Rams on six other scoring drives, the most critical of which were quick touchdown marches in the final 5 minutes of the first half, erasing a 13-0 deficit and giving the Rams an important advantage entering the locker room. In a game that featured three lead changes and a tie, he also directed a seven-play, 64-yard touchdown drive, hitting T.J. Borcky on an 11-yard score, that nearly tied the contest at 34 with just over 6 minutes left (prior to a missed PAT).

The third-youngest QB in CSU history, Thomas completed 29-of-36 pass attempts (80.6 percent) for 386 yards and three touchdowns, against a defense that entered ranked No. 7 in the country against the pass, allowing just 120.33 yards per game.

His 386 passing yards were the most by a CSU QB since Justin Holland had 419 in a 39-31 win over Wyoming in Fort Collins, Oct. 22, 2005. Thomas, who earned his first win as a collegiate QB, became the first Rams player to string together consecutive 300-yard passing games since Holland threw for 405 vs. Wyoming (Oct. 22, 2005) and 312 at New Mexico (Oct. 28, 2005), a 35-25 win.

In completing 80.6 percent of his passes (29 of 36), he notched the sixth-best single-game completion percentage in school annals. However, his mark is the No. 1 percentage among CSU passers with at least 36 attempts. After his first-quarter interception, he threw the last 32 without a pick.

Thomas, who ranks 21st in the nation with 270.2 passing yards per game, becomes the first CSU player to win the MWC’s weekly offensive award since RB Gartrell Johnson on Oct. 6, 2008.

Mason Mills Mills tabbed starting quarterback for USD © East County Sports.com ALCALA PARK (9-22-10) — MASON MILLS, a former football and baseball standout for Christian and Coronado high schools, has been named starting quarterback for University of San Diego for the balance of the season. The freshman had been playing baseball on scholarship for New Mexico State last season before deciding to switch back to football. Mills gained his first start last week against UC Davis. Despite falling, 38-24, Mills completed 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Toreros, 0-3 following one of the most difficult pre-conference schedules in school history, open Pioneer Football League action Saturday at Butler. In high schools, Mills established a CIF San Diego Section single-season record by completing 72 percent of his passes, posting 2,970 yards and 37 touchdowns for the Islanders as a senior in 2008.

© East County Sports.com
ST. CHARLES, Mo. (9-21-10) — Former West Hills High quarterback PHILIP STABACK, a senior signal-caller at Lindenwood University, has earned NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week.

Lindenwood quarterback Philip Staback

Missouri Valley came into the game allowing just 5.0 points and 80.5 yards of offense a game. Staback led Lindenwood to over 500 yards of total offense and the Lions scored seven out of 11 times that they touched the ball.

For the year, Staback has completed 63 of 79 passes (79.7 percent) for 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns. He ranks first in the NAIA in pass efficiency, passing yards per game and total offense yards per game.

Staback completed 19-of-21 passes in the first half of Lindenwood’s 68-7 season-opening win over Evangel for 385 yards and three touchdowns. Nine of his completions were for 20 yards or more and he had the fifth-highest passing day in Lindenwood history. The Lions scored touchdowns on all seven drives that he was under center.

He clicked on 17 of 18 passes for 330 yards and 5 TDs against Central Methodist 69-7 in the second game of the season.

Mayfield State defensive back Dominique Bradley Former Grossmont star wins conference honor © East County Sports.com MAYVILLE, N.D. (9-14-10) — Mayville State University defensive back DOMINIQUE BRADLEY was named the Dakota Athletic Conference Player of the Week for his performance during the Comets' win over Trinity Bible College on Saturday (Sept. 11) in Ellendale, N.D. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound freshman out of Grossmont High racked up two interceptions and returned a fumble for a 30-yard touchdown during MSU's 31-0 win over TBC. The win boosted Mayville's record to 1-1 overall heading into the conference opener this Saturday (Sept. 18) in Minot, N.D. Bradley also had three solo tackles and four assist tackles in the contest, including one tackle for a loss.

Steele Canyon products doing well at Humboldt State © East County Sports.com ARCATA (9-14-10) — Head coach Rob Smith and his Humboldt State Lumberjacks, lost their season-opener against Cal Poly, 23-17, on Sept. 4, but rebounded to win the following week against Dixie State in St. George, Utah, 49-14. Placekicker MATT BRUDER, a 5-foot-7, 152-pound true freshman out of Steele Canyon High School in Jamul, has emerged as the Jacks' starter at that position. Bruder kicked a 40 yard field goal against SLO, 2 PATs and 4 kickoffs for 221 yards (55.2 average). Against Dixie State, Bruder kicked off 8 times for 439 yards (54.9 average). He was a perfect 7-for-7 on PATs. The Jacks’ first scrimmage indicated the defense is closer to being game-ready than the offense is. "The defense ran to the ball well and forced some turnovers," Smith said. "The offense is lagging behind and is going to have to pick up the pace." Defensive players who flashed signs of readiness include another Steele Canyon alum, JUSTIN HORNSBY, who was knocked out of action by an injury last year, but appears completely recovered in time for his second chance at a senior year on the defensive line. Elsewhere — Former Steele Canyon running back ALEX PERLIN, East County's second-leading rusher in 2009, will red-shirt at Central Missouri this season.

© East County Sports.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (9-1-10) — Former Helix High standout ANTHONY LARCEVAL will face the biggest assignment of his life as a starting defensive tackle for San Jose State University when the Spartans open the season Saturday (Sept. 4) against top-ranked Alabama.

It will be the second time in San Jose State's 93-year football history opening against the preseason No. 1 (Nebraska, 2000) as they make the journey to the Deep South and Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The last time SJSU defeated a nationally-ranked opponent came in the 2000 season when the Spartans defeated No. 9 TCU featuring LaDainian Tomlinson, 27-24 in Spartan Stadium. But to turn the trick on the road, the Spartans need to turn the page back to 1980 and a 30-22 victory over Baylor, which featured linebacker Mike Singletary, safety Vann McElroy and running backs Walter Abercrombie and Dennis Gentry and went on to win the Southwest Conference championship.

Of San Jose State's 56 players listed on the August 25 depth chart, eight players (four offense and four defense) are in line for their first major college start, including Larceval.

The 6-1, 265-pound red-shirt freshman will participate in his first ballgame since falling in the 2008 CIF Division II title game to Oceanside, 23-19, after sweeping to the Grossmont South League title en route to being tabbed the East County Defensive Player of the Year.

© East County Sports.com
MADISON, S.D. (8-29-10) — Junior KHALID WATERS rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, while sophomore brother JEFF WATERS scored on a 6-yard run, leading Midland Lutheran (Neb.) to a 38-7 Great Plains Athletic Conference rout of host Dakota State University Saturday (Aug. 28) at Trojan Field.

It was the season opener for both teams.

Midland Lutheran scored on its opening drive of the game as Khalid Waters bolted 53 yards to make it 7-0.

With 3:52 left before intermission, the Warriors used a 3-play, 50-yard scoring drive, capped off by a Khalid Waters 14-yard scoring burst to make it 28-0.

MLC’s Jeff Waters closed the scoring with a 6-yard TD dash.

Midland Lutheran outgained the Trojans 306-61 in rushing yards.

Homer Mauga

© East County Sports.com
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (8-21-10) — Quarterback PETE THOMAS knew what he was doing when he worked feverishly to secure his high school diploma in January. Early graduation from high school is already paying dividends.

The 6-foot-5, 218-pound freshman out of Valhalla High has battled his way in to a starting role as the quarterback at Colorado State University.

In spite of his youth, Thomas has begun to mature and is turning into a leader on and off the field according to CSU officials. Recently, after an off-the-mark pass, Thomas, ran over to talk to a CSU receiver about where he wants the ball in certain situations. Also in recent days, Thomas has been high-fiving the offensive line after every team period.

Practice has been kind to Thomas, who has hit numerous receivers in stride and also connected on a few deep balls.

Junior wide receiver Matt Yemm caught his second touchdown of the day when he hauled in a strike at the back corner of the end zone. The other offensive highlight came when Marquise Law used his size and jumping ability to catch a touchdown.

Even though not injured Thomas wore a red jersey for a portion of practice of the Aug. 18 practice. The jersey, which usually symbolizes a player recovering from a malady, was a precautionary measure by coaches so that Thomas would not get hit during the live period.

‘Nuf said.

Thomas, at least for the moment, is the man in Ft. Collins.

The Rams head football coach, STEVE FAIRCHILD, will bring his team to Qualcomm Stadium to face San Diego State on Saturday (Nov. 6). It should be a gala homecoming considering Fairchild is a graduate of Patrick Henry and San Diego Mesa College, as well as a former SDSU assistant coach.

In addition it will be a firing match between former East County high school rivals Thomas and El Capita’s ­– and now Aztecs quarterback – RYAN LINDLEY.

© East County Sports.com
HUNTINGTON, W.V. (6-14-10) — Former Helix High running back TRAVON VAN, who was ticketed to attend the University of Florida, has changed course after spending last season at Milford Prep Academy.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Van will be eligible to play for the Thundering Herd this season if he clears academic tests. If he fails that test, Marshall first-year head coach John ‘Doc’ Holiday said he will apply for a hardship scholarship to the NCAA for Van

Van rushed for 315 yards and three touchdowns on 86 carries. Serving much of his time as a slotback at Milford, Van also caught 24 passes for 289 yards for the Falcons. Milford’s 13-game schedule included games against the Army Prep squad, Yale JV and Lehigh University JV, as well as a few junior college teams.

Over the past three years, Milford Academy located in West Berlin, N.Y., has sent 98 percent of its students on to colleges. Perhaps more notably, more than two-thirds of these graduates received full four-year scholarship offers. Van hopes to continue that tradition.

Milford Academy was opened in 1916 and has been a non-profit institution since 1965. In that same year, the school introduced a Division 1 level post-graduate football program that enjoyed immense success over the years.

“Travon missed by an eyelash of passing the test to get in at Florida,” said Helix coach TROY STARR, a former coaching associate of Holiday. “But he’s working hard, showing up for his classes every day at Marshall. He is a much improved student as well as a good football player.”

Marshall is an upcoming power that opens the 2010 season with games against Ohio State and West Virginia.

Magnum Mauga Mauga joins SWC staff © East County Sports.com CHULA VISTA (5-18-10) — Southwestern College has added longtime East County star football player MAGNUM MAUGA to its coaching staff. A three-year starter at Helix High and an all-conference pick for two seasons at Grossmont College, Mauga recently graduated from Utah State. A middle linebacker in high school and a defensive lineman in college, Mauga will make the transition to the offensive side of the ball coaching the Jaguars’ running backs in his first assignment. He will also work as the director of Southwestern College’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle on campus.

Adam Clark

© East County Sports.com
SILVER CITY, N.M. (5-15-10) — Former West Hills High-Grossmont College linebacker ADAM CLARK has been named head football coach at NCAA Division II Western New Mexico University.

Originally, Clark was hired to be the Mustangs’ defensive coordinator in February of this year before being elevated to the top post.

Clark has spent his football career as both a player and a coach with winning programs. He has won eight or more games nine out of the last 10 years at the college level. He has also won seven conference championships and had two runner-up conference finishes as a player and as a coach during that span.

Clark came to WNMU after back-to-back second-place finishes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference at the Colorado School of Mines (Golden, Colo.), where he was the defensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator.

Clark helped build the Orediggers to an RMAC powerhouse, finishing just one game behind conference champion Neb.-Kearney last season. While at Mines, Clark coached the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year and three all-conference defensive linemen selections in 2009. The team also finished ranked in the top 25 in the nation in run defense the past two seasons. Mines head coach Bob Stitt credited Clark’s strength program as a major reason for Mines’ success.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at Western New Mexico University,” Clark said. “I see so much potential in this program, and I believe we will turn this program into something the entire WNMU community and Silver City will be proud of.”

Prior to tending to the Mines, Clark spent the 2007 season as the defensive coordinator/assistant head coach at St. Ambrose University, where he was selected as the MSFA Assistant Coach of the Year. Clark's 2007 defense was ranked in the top five nationally in four categories, including scoring (fourth, 12.8 points per game), pass defense (second, 134 yards per game), pass defense efficiency (second, 80.6) and turnovers forced (fourth, 38). Clark helped guide the Fighting Bees to a final national ranking of No. 9 in the country.

Clark also spent three seasons (2004-06) as the defensive secondary and strength and conditioning coach at Graceland University (Lamoni, Iowa). In 2005, the Jackets finished 9-3, won the school’s first conference championship in 30 years, and advanced to their first-ever national playoff. Clark also coached the Defensive Player of the year in the Heart of America Conference in 2005.

A 2002 graduate of St. Ambrose University, Clark earned his bachelor's degree in sociology. Clark, who went on to earn his Master's in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose, also served as a graduate assistant for his alma mater from 2002-04.

Clark was a two-year letter winner on the St. Ambrose football team during his undergraduate career. During his time with the Fighting Bees, Clark raked in all-conference and all-American honors. Prior to attending St. Ambrose, Clark played football at Grossmont College (1997-98) for two years, earning all-conference and all-state accolades.

While at West Hills (1994-96), Clark set a Wolf Pack career record with 9 interceptions. He also owns the Pack’s season mark of six thefts in 1996. Although the exact number was not available Clark also paced the Wolf Pack in tackles as a junior and a senior.

© East County Sports.com
OMAHA (12-26-09) — In San Diego, football coaches select all-league and all-CIF divisional teams, while the media chooses regional (e.g., all-East County, all-North County) all-star squads, including the official All-San Diego Section teams.

The same process holds true across the nation, including Nebraska, where the Omaha World-Herald named the state's All-NAIA college team.

Two former East County standouts were honored.

Named to the World-Herald's first team were running back KHALID WATERS (Grossmont HS) and BRANDEN BROWN (Steele Canyon), a defensive back. The La Mesa residents are both sophomores for Midland Lutheran University.

Only three other sophomores were named to the 25-man squad by the publication.

Brown registered a pair of interceptions while finishing third in tackles and second in forced fumbles for MLU (6-5). Waters rushed for 591 yards in 9 contests, losing the team rushing title by a mere 4 yards despite playing in two fewer contests.

Brown was also one of three Warriors named by coaches to the All-Great Plains Athletic Conference football team.

Other East County products on the MLU roster include sophomore defensive back MICHAEL GRAHAM (Grossmont HS), sophomore running back JEFF WATERS (Grossmont HS), freshman wide receiver DERRICK BEEBE (Christian HS), and sophomore linebacker A.J. VINES (Horizon).

Earlier, Staback, who passed for over 3,300 yards and 34 touchdowns this season, hit Matt Bramow on a 19-yard touchdown strike with 7:30 to go in the second. The catch was Bramow's 11th touchdown catch of the year, which tied the single-season Lindenwood record.

Villanova wide receiver Brandyn Harvey (3, left) was utilized mostly as a decoy, yet the Wildcats still captured the FCS championship by topping No. 1 Montana. (Courtesy photo from Villanova University website) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE and HERE / VIDEO

© East County Sports.com
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (12-19-09) — With the deep passing game absent due to rainy conditions, former Monte Vista High standout BRANDYN HARVEY was anything but unhappy after going without a reception Friday (Dec. 18).

Instead, Villanova (14-1) went with short passes and the ground game to rally past top-seeded and undefeated Montana, 23-21, for its first NCAA Football Championship Subdivision title at Finley Stadium. MORE

Matt Szczur rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns and had another 68 yards receiving, as the Wildcats rallied from a 14-3 deficit by scoring 20 straight points, then held on after a late Grizzlies TD and an onside kick. STATS

The title was especially welcomed by Nova head coach Andy Talley, who had friends warn him about undergoing heart tests a few days before traveling to the national championship game. They didn’t want the Villanova coach to suffer complications before the big game.

Villanova head coach Andy Talley. (Courtesy photo from Villanova University website)

MORE ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP HERE

After waiting 25 seasons for his first shot at a title, Talley didn’t heed their warnings.

“If I died here winning the national championship, that would be a pretty good death,” Talley told reporters following the contest. “Does that tell you how much it means to me?”

Brandyn Harvey

Chidozie Ekwoezor

Meanwhile, Montana (14-1), making its record 17th consecutive postseason appearance, fell to 2-5 in the title game, including a loss to Richmond last season.

Villanova quarterback Chris Whitney directed an 81-yard drive, running for 22 yards on one play and connecting with Szczur for 26 yards on another. Whitney hit Chris Farmer with a 3-yard TD pass to give Villanova 16-14 lead with 5:26 left in the third quarter.

Whitney directed an attack of short passes, going 10 for 13 for 142 yards, even with Harvey, the Wildcats' leading receiver getting shutout. Whitney also rushed for 102 yards.

Also on the Villanova roster is redshirt freshman CHIDOZIE EKWEOZOR, an offensive tackle out of Mount Miguel High, who was named to the 2007 All-East County second team.

Montana’s Andrew Selle threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to Jabin Sambrano to pull the Grizzlies to 23-21 with 1:07 left, but the onside kick attempt went out of bounds. Nova then regsitered a first down before running out the clock.

Szczur racked up 270 all-purpose yards, including a career-high 159 rushing, en route to being named the championship game's Most Outstanding Player.

The title is the 18th national championship in Villanova history, and the second in the last four weeks. Villanova claimed the women's cross country national title in Terre Haute, Ind. last month.

Villanova wide receiver Brandyn Harvey (3) eludes William & Mary's Robert Livingston on a 40-yard catch in the FCS semifinals. Nova won, 14-13, to advance to Friday's championship game vs. No. 1 Montana. (Photo by David Swanson, courtesy, Phila. Daily News) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE AND HERE

© East County Sports.com
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (12-16-09) — After winning a CIF championship at Monte Vista High in 2003, former Monarchs standout BRANDYN HARVEY will attempt to gain a collegiate crown on Friday (Dec. 17; 5 p.m. PT on ESPN2) at Finley Stadium.

Brandyn Harvey

Harvey, the starting wide receiver for Villanova, will play for the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) crown against No. 1 Montana. In the semifinals, Nova scored late to nip William & Mary, 14-13, while the Grizzlies eliminated Appalachian State, 24-17.

It's the first title game appearance for Villanova (13-1), the second seeds. The Wildcats have won 8 straight contests to set a school single-season record for victories.

Harvey was instrumental on the game-winning drive with a key third-down reception. He was initially ruled out of bounds, but the call was overturned based on an official review in the booth, giving him a 16-yard completion to the Tribe-6. Nova would score moments later.

Harvey paced the Wildcats with three catches for 65 yards, including a 40-yard reception in the first half. The senior leads Nova with 53 grabs fror 694 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Earlier in the season, Harvey made a one-handed grab of Chris Whitney’s fourth-down pass for a 29-yard touchdown with 59 seconds left to stun defending FCS national champion Richmond, 21-20, ending the Spiders 17-game win streak on Nov. 7.

© East County Sports.com
HELENA, Mont. (12-8-09) — The last time former West Hills High quarterback PHILIP STABACK was involved in postseason play, it was a rather forgettable experience. Starting for Mesa College, the Olympians were shutout by Fullerton, 26-0, as Staback threw for just 166 yards and a pair of interceptions.

Philip Staback

Now the starting quarterback for Lindenwood University of St. Charles, Mo., Staback threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns Saturday (Dec. 5) to lead the 3rd-ranked Lions past No. 2 Carroll College, 42-35, in the NAIA national semifinals.

The winning touchdown came with 49 seconds remaining when Staback capped an 88-yard drive with a 10-yard scoring pass to senior receiver Matt Bramow. The Lions offense finished with 568 total yards against the second-rated defense in the NAIA, as Staback, a criminal justice major, completed 25-of-35 passes.

Lindenwood Univeristy quarterback Philip Staback (11) surprised Carroll College with this run. The West Hills High product threw for three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 10 seconds remaining to lead the Lions to a 42-25 win in the NAIA national semifinals. (Lindenwood University courtesy photo)

Lindenwood (13-0) will face top-ranked and defending champion Sioux Falls (S.D.) in the 54th Annual Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship in Rome, Ga., on Dec. 19. Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. PT, and broadcast nationally on the CBS College Sports (Chl. 321 on Cox Cable).

Sioux Falls, a 3-time national titlists (1996, 2006 and 2008) won its 28th straight game and 42nd straight home contest following a 48-6 triumph over St. Xavier (Ill.) in the other semifinal. The Cougars will make their sixth title game appearance; it's the first trip for the Lions.

After capturing the Heart of America Conference crown with a clinching 73-6 pasting over William Jewell (Mo.) to close the regular season on Nov. 14, Lindenwood captured home playoff victories over Langston (Okla.), 42-14, and Ottawa (Kan.), 64-26.

For the season, the Lions have scored an amazing 722 points (55.5 per game) with Staback barely playing into the second half of most ballgames. Still, the junior threw for 3,229 yards on 67.9 percent accuracy (220-for-324) with 34 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions.

Memorial for Hoover, former Monarchs standout Courtesy, Eastern Illinois University CHARLESTON, Ill. (12-6-09) — A memorial service to honor the life of Eastern Illinois assistant football coach Jeff Hoover was held Saturday (Dec. 5) afternoon in the Grand Ball Room of the Martin Luther King Jr., Student Union on the EIU campus. Hoover, 41, a 1986 graduate of Monte Vista High School, where he was a standout football player and wrestler, will also be honored with a a memorial service on Dec. 13 at Portland State University, where Hoover coached previously to joining the EIU staff. Hoover lost his life in a tragic car accident when returning from the Panthers first round FCS playoff game in Carbondale, Ill. Hoover had just completed his third season as a member of the EIU coaching staff. Currently, EIU strength coach Eric Cash and his wife Sherri are currently in fair condition at Carle Hospital in Champaign, Ill., after also being injured in the accident. The Cash’s child and all three members of the Hoover family have been released from the hospital. As further updates on the Cash family are available they will be posted. In lieu of flowers, a Jeff Hoover Children’s Education Memorial Fund has been established through First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust. Jeff Hoover Children's Education Fund c/o First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust 701 Sixth Street Charleston, IL 61920 (217) 345-8325 The EIU football team is also accepting gift card donations to help both the Hoover and Cash families. Donations can be sent to: EIU Football Office Attn: Hoover/Cash Family Donations 600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, IL 61920 Please do not send cash donations to the EIU football office.

LOCAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2009 Click on Logo for further information Wes Davis What a Treat! Davis to Emerald Bowl © East County Sports.com SAN FRANCISCO (12-6-09) — Former Steele Canyon High standout WES DAVIS and his Boston College Eagles were rewarded for a solid 8-4 season, gaining a berth in the Emerald Bowl. The Eagles will meet the USC Trojans (8-4) at AT&T Park on Sat., Dec. 26, with kickoff on ESPN set for 5 p.m. PT. Executive director Gary Cavalli extended the Emerald Bowl bid to each team today (Sun., Dec. 6). Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Davis was recognized at BC's annual Scanlan Awards Banquet, the recipient of the Jay McGillis Scholarship Award. Emerald Bowl website HERE Davis overcame a potential career-threatening injury in 2007 to become one of the top defenders for BC. The free safety ranked fifth on the Eagles in tackles, second in interceptions (1st in return yards), starting in 11 of 12 ballgames this season. In 2008, Davis ranked fourth on the ballclub in tackles. His on-field and classroom excellence earned him The Devlin Family Athletic Scholarship that season. Boston College continued its amazing run of consecutive bowl appearances, going to postseason play for the 11th straight year dating back to 1999. The Emerald Bowl appearance marks USC's ninth consecutive bowl game appearance dating back to 2001, which includes four straight Rose Bowl contests [2005-08] plus the 2004 National Championship game in the Orange Bowl. In preseason polls, Boston College was selected to finish at the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference. But the Eagles were undeterred under Frank Spaziani, in his first year as head coach but with 13 overall in the BC program. Season highlights included home wins over Wake Forest, Florida State and N.C. State, and two road victories at Virginia and Maryland late in the season.

Arlin Taylor

Luis Guerra

ARLIN TAYLOR and LUIS GUERRA, both Steele Canyon alums, have been selected to the All-Northwest Conference team.

Taylor, a junior strong safety, was chosen to the all-first team defense. He made 33 tackles for the Bearcats while starting all 10 games this season. Sixteen of his tackles were solo stops. He also intercepted one pass, giving him three interceptions the past two years.

During his three seasons with the Bearcats, Taylor has played in all 32 games, while achieving 128 total tackles. He has broken up 10 passes, forced four fumbles, recovered five fumbles and intercepted three passes. He scored on a 37-yard fumble recovery against Southern Oregon University on Sept. 19. He also earned first team All-NWC honors in 2008.

Willamette University was represented on the second team offense by Guerra, a junior offensive guard, who started each of the past two seasons.

Guerra helped the Bearcats run 458 times for 2,344 yards, an average of 5.1 yard per carry. Willamette completed 56.7 per cent of its 203 passes and the Bearcats quarterbacks were sacked only 13 times.

Guerra received honorable mention All-NWC in 2008.

The Bearcats finished the regular season ranked 20th nationally in the NCAA Division III Coaches Poll released by the American Football Coaches Association.

In 2009, as a senior at Cal Lutheran University, Toilolo feels fortunate to even having played in Saturday (Nov. 21) NCAA Division III playoffs. Never mind that the Kingsmen lost the game 38-17 to Linfield (Ore.) in McMinnville, Ore. Toilolo completed 18 of 34 passes for 155 yards in the defeat.

Jericho Toilolo

OTHER VIEWS

Ventura County Star

Former Grossmont High standout Khalid Waters rushed for 143 yards vs. Concordia in Week 1. (MLC courtesy photo) MORE HERE

© East County Sports.com
FREMONT, Neb. (10-29-09) — Midland Lutheran College, a member of the NAIA Great Plains Athletic Conference, continues to play well with a quartet of East County products on its squad. However, the Warriors keep coming up just short against nationally ranked opponents.

Grossmont High grad KHALID WATERS is the top ball-carrier for Midland Lutheran. Through 8 contests, Waters, a member of the 2007 All-East County team, owns 559 rushing yards this season.

On defense, Steele Canyon High alum BRANDEN BROWN ranks second on the Warriors in interceptions and third in total tackles.

Midland also features former Grossmont High standouts MICHAEL GRAHAM and JEFF WATERS.

© East County Sports.com
ARKADEPHIA, Ark. (9-29-09) — Before a packed home crowd, No. 21 ranked Ouachita Baptist turned in the most impressive victory in school history on Saturday (Sept. 26), with a 38-14 win over No. 9 Delta State.

The triumph raised the Tigers' record to 4-0, with JEREMY YOUNG, a senior standout out of El Cajon Valley High, at center stage.

Young put together another stellar night receiving with 151 yards on 12 catches. Young also added three rushes for 39 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown run. He totaled 240 yards of all-purpose yardage on the night.

In his last two games, Young, the NCAA Division II Player of the Week, has reeled in 24 passes for 412 yards.

Young leads the 11-team GSC circuit with 32 receptions for 417 and ranks third in all-purpose yards with 749 yards (187.2 ypg).

For the second consecutive week, Ouachita Baptist (4-0, 3-0) defeated a top-25 Gulf South Conference opponent after a 24-14 victory over former top-25 member Valdosta (Ga.) State in week three. The victory extends the current winning streak to nine games to set a new school record that stretches back to the final five games of 2008.

The Tigers’ victory over Delta State (Miss.) snapped the 25-game Gulf States Conference winning streak that the Statesmen compiled in the last 3.5 years of GSC play.

© East County Sports.com
STANFORD (9-25-09) — It seems almost yesterday when Monte Vista High graduate CLINTON SNYDER was involved in his final athletic event which was a basketball playoff game at University City.

Now the Cardinal defensive leader, Snyder, a 6-foot-4, 240-pounder, has a fumble recovery and made 21 tackles – 15 solo – in the three games. Stanford (2-1) claims victories over Washington State (39-13) and San Jose State (42-17), losing only to Wake Forest (24-17).

A candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, and a Lombardi Award Candidate, Snyder will lead the Cardinal into Saturday’s (Sept. 26) host encounter against Washington, which is coming off a 16-13 upset of USC a week ago.

The leader of a talented group of linebackers, the fifth-year senior has started 34 of 36 games over the last three seasons. He will transition from "sam" to "mike" linebacker this season. He is one of the players who sets the tone for the Stanford defense with his physical presence and leadership skills.

© East County Sports.com
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (9-22-09) — After setting a school record 261 yards on 13 pass receptions on Saturday (Sept. 19), Ouachita Baptist University senior wide receiver JEREMY YOUNG was named the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

Young set the school record for receiving yards in a game which also placed him sixth on the all-time GSC list. His receptions and yards were also the most by any GSC player this season.

With the victory, Ouachita improves to 3-0 on the season and 2-0 in Gulf South Conference play. The Tigers are riding a current winning streak of eight games dating back to last season. It is the longest win streak by OBU since 1968.

The victory was OBU’s first in 10 meetings against Valdosta State since Ouachita joined the Gulf South Conference in 2000. It also was the first victory over a top-25 opponent since the 2003 season, when the Tigers defeated Southeastern Oklahoma State and Central Arkansas.

Courtesy, Poinsettia Bowl committee
SAN DIEGO (9-15-09) — San Diego County Credit Union has extended its title sponsorship of the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, 2009 Bowl President Barbara Warden announced today. The extension is for sponsorship through the 2010 contest, with options for 2011 and 2012. Financial terms were not disclosed. San Diego County Credit Union served as title sponsor since the game’s inception in 2005.

“The entire San Diego community owes San Diego County Credit Union a great deal of thanks for their name-in-title partnership,” said Warden. “Their investment makes it possible for the game to annually attract thousands of fans to the region and produce millions of dollars for the San Diego economy.”

We are excited to extend our title sponsorship of the Poinsettia Bowl,” said Irene Oberbauer, President & CEO of San Diego County Credit Union. “We are committed to the success of this great event and proud to continue the partnership with this game’s beneficiary, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.”

In what was widely recognized as one of the premier bowl match ups last season, the 2008 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl saw the 11th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs upset the 9th-ranked and previously undefeated Boise State Broncos 17-16 in front of 34,628 fans at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. The game garnered a 3.74 television rating on ESPN, the highest ever for a pre-Christmas bowl game on the all-sports network.

The San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl was established in 2005 and is produced by the non-profit San Diego Bowl Game Association. The mission of the Association is to generate tourism, exposure, economic benefit and civic pride for San Diego and its citizens by producing the nation’s most exciting bowl games and festivals of events. The San Diego Bowl Game Association also produces the annual Pacific Life Holiday Bowl. In 2008 the two games combined to produce $52.3 million for the regional economy.

The 2009 San Diego County Credit Union will be played at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23rd at Qualcomm Stadium. The game will pit the second selection from the Mountain West Conference against a Pacific-10 or Western Athletic Conference opponent.

For ticket and event information, call the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl ticket office at (619) 285-5039 or visit www.PoinsettiaBowl.com.

Courtesy, SDSU Media Relations
SAN DIEGO (8-18-09) – San Diego State sophomore RYAN LINDLEY (El Capitan HS) has been named to the preseason watch list for the Manning Award, presented to the nation’s top collegiate quarterback. Lindley, who set school and Mountain West Conference records last season for passing yards by a freshman, is one of 38 quarterbacks on the list and one of just six sophomores.

Lindley becomes the second Aztecs player to be named to a national award watch list this season, joining center Trask Iosefa (Rimington Trophy watch list). He is one of three MWC quarterbacks on the Manning Award Watch List along with TCU senior Andy Dalton and Brigham Young senior Max Hall.

A native of Alpine, Lindley earned team offensive most valuable player honors last season as a redshirt freshman. He started 10 games, completing 242-of-427 passes for a 56.7 completion percentage with 16 touchdowns and 2,653 yards. Lindley ended the season ranked 24th nationally in passing average, including second among freshmen, and 42nd in total offense (fourth among freshmen). He also had the seventh-best passing efficiency among all freshmen at 117.01. He also became just the second freshman in school history to start a season-opening game for the Aztecs, joining two-time All-American and the school’s all-time career passing leader, Todd Santos.

Against Idaho last year, Lindley threw for a career-high 433 yards to become the 14th quarterback in school history to record a 400-yard passing game. Lindley, who also had four 300-yard passing days on the season, finished his freshman campaign on a high note, completing 35-of-50 passes for 387 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in San Diego State ’s 42-21 victory over UNLV.

The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. Ten finalists will be determined by a selected panel of national media covering college football, as well as each of the Mannings. That list will be released on Monday (Nov. 30). The winner will be announced by the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 14.

The first four winners of the Manning Award reads like a Who's Who list at the quarterback position. USC's Matt Leinart was the inaugural winner of the award in 2005, followed by Texas ' Vince Young in 2006. Both went on to be top-10 NFL draft picks. In 2007, LSU's JaMarcus Russell earned the award and was the NFL's No. 1 draft pick. Boston College's Matt Ryan claimed the award in 2008 and was drafted No. 3, quickly becoming the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.

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INDIANAPOLIS (2-10-09) — ARLIN TAYLOR, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound sophomore strong safety for the Willamette University Bearcats in Salem, Ore., has been selected to the 2008 All-Fraternity All-America Division II-III/NAIA football team.

A 2006 graduate of Steele Canyon High, Taylor is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

The selections were made the under the auspices of the North American Interfraternity Conference.

Matt Sutton

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DAVENPORT, Iowa (12-18-08) — Redshirt sophomore left tackle MATT SUTTON (West Hills HS) of St. Ambrose University has been named to Mid-States Football Association's All-Midwest League team.

The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Sutton, formerly of West Hills High, led an offensive line that helped SAU average 27.2 points and 380.7 yards of total offense per game this season.

St. Ambrose won its third straight Mid-States Football Association Midwest League title, and led the 2008 MWL selections with five first-team players. Included was wide receiver Michael Hayward, who was named the league's Player of the Year.

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SALEM, Ore. (11-29-08) — Willamette University sophomore strong safety ARLIN TAYLOR (Steele Canyon High) registered a team-high 11 tackles Saturday (Nov. 29), but the Bearcats' perfect season ended in a 30-27 loss to Wisc.-Whitewater, the defending NCAA Division III champions.

Willamette (11-1), the top-ranked West region ballclub, scored 20 fourth-period points to rally yet fell short at McCulloch Stadium.

Stylin' in Salem	NCAA Playoffs Division III Willamette 48 Occidental 33 FULL STORY An interception by Arlin Taylor (Steele Canyon) sets-up the go-ahead score in an NCAA Div. III playoff triumph over Oxy, 48-33.	NCAA Playoffs Division III UWWW 30 Willamette 27 FULL STORY The defending NCAA Division III champs end the Bearcats' season by handing WU (11-1) its lone setback of 2008. Arlin Taylor led WU: 11 tackles.
Former Steele Canyon High standouts Arlin Taylor (left), Luis Guerra and Scott Perlin now compete for undefeated Willamette University (10-0) in Oregon. The Bearcats host Occidental in their playoff opener. (Photos courtesy of Willamette media relations)

'First in the West' is first in the West

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SALEM, Ore. (11-21-08) — Willamette University, the first college established in the western United States, is the top-ranked NCAA Division III school in the Western Region entering Saturday's (Nov. 21) opening-round playoff contest against Occidental College at McCulloch Stadium.

And the Bearcats, undefeated in the regular season at 10-0, have a boatload of East County talent on their roster, which also helped them capture the Northwest Conference crown and gain a No. 6 national ranking. Willamette is one position behind defending national champion Wisc.-Whitewater.

Among the locals succeeding in southern Oregon include a trio of Steele Canyon High products: sophomore guard LUIS GUERRA, sophomore defensive back ARLIN TAYLOR, and freshman running back SCOTT PERLIN,

Taylor, who plays at strong safety, was tabbed to the All-NWC first team, along with five other Bearcats defenders.

Taylor ranked fourth on the team during the regular season with 45 total tackles. He earned 21 unassisted tackles and was credited with 24 assists. He forced two fumbles and recovered three fumbles for the Bearcats. He also intercepted one pass and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown against Cal Lutheran in a 31-17 win on Sept. 13.

Taylor has not missed a game in his two seasons with Willamette.

Guerra made the All-NWC team as an honorable mention selection. His efforts have helped WU average 398.5 total yards per game, with at least 400 yards in six games, including each of the last five games. Guerra and the rest of the line also have allowed the Bearcats to complete 58.4 percent of their passes this fall.

Perlin played in just two games in his first season, yet did register a special teams tackle against Lewis & Clark.

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SALEM, Ore. (9-25-08) – With a recent influx of East County talent, suddenly Willamette University is gaining a spot in the NCAA Division III football polls.

Fresh off a 31-23 upset of rival Southern Oregon, the Bearcats are rated 25th in the nation according to D3Football.com, while picking up several votes to rank among the honorable mention in the regular NCAA listings.

Willamette features a trio of Steele Canyon High products in sophomore strong safety ARLIN TAYLOR, sophomore offensive guard LUIS GUERRA, and freshman fullback SCOTT PERLIN.

Taylor finished fourth on the team in tackles against Southern Oregon, as Willamette scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally past the Raiders. Meanwhile, Guerra starts on the right side of the Bearcats' O-line, while Perlin is on special teams.

Willamette makes its final Southern California appearance this week, meeting University of La Verne at 1 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 27)..

Jeff Schiller (UMC file photo)

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (11-12-08) — Freshman offensive lineman JEFF SCHILLER, a graduate of El Capitan High, has been recognition by Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference for his play this season.

Schiller, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound center, earned NSIC North Division All-Conference honors as a member of the University of Minnesota-Crookston (2-9).

As a Vaqueros senior, Schiller – one of the top pass protectors in the Grossmont North League – was named to the All-GNL first team and to the All-East County second team in 2007.

Other East County players on the Golden Eagles roster include: OL Dominic LaRussa (West Hills), WRs Anthony Conti and Garrett Jarvis (El Capitan), and RB Ben Wilkins (El Capitan).

Aztecs quarterback Ryan Lindley (left); Colorado State Rams at San Diego State Aztecs (Slideshow by Tori Mills)

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DENVER (9-30-08) – San Diego State quarterback RYAN LINDLEY (El Capitan), after setting several freshmen passing records, has been named Mountain West Conference player of the week. It is Lindley's first such citation.

Lindley established MWC and SDSU records for most passing yards (433) and touchdowns (four) by a freshman in a 45-17 triumph over Idaho. He is the first frosh to capture the award since 2006. His passing rating of 198.87 is the high among all qualifying frosh, ranking 18th overall.

The Aztecs (1-3) travel to Fort Worth, Texas, to meet TCU in their conference opener on Saturday. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. PT.

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SAN DIEGO (8-31-08) — In his first official competitive action in 20 months, San Diego State red-shirt freshman RYAN LINDLEY did almost everything possible to carry the Aztecs to victory.

Lindley, an all-state performer for El Capitan in 2006, established a pair of school records for passing yardage and touchdowns by an SDSU quarterback in his freshman debut. However, Cal Poly bounced back on a 20-yard field goal by Andrew Gardner on the game's final play to secure another shocker over the Aztecs, 29-27, Saturday (Aug. 30) at Qualcomm Stadium.

The victory was the Mustangs' second over San Diego State in three seasons.

Following a slow start in the first quarter, Lindley settled in and tossed for records of 352 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 27-of-45 passes.

"I think I was just rushing a little bit in the first quarter," Lindley explained. "Probably at the end of the first quarter I felt like the whole offense was clicking. The (offensive) line was picking up stuff very well all game. I think that everybody just got in a groove. Then we kind of kicked it up. We just need to go that extra yard, that extra inch to get what we need in the next game."

Just think how well the former Vaqueros standout could've done with some assistance from his teammates. Lindley was intercepted twice, both times on tipped passes off the hands of his receivers. The Aztecs also dropped no less than a half-dozen passes.

Lindley, in his first collegiate appearance, refused to point fingers.

"Any one play could've turned this thing around and it obviously did for them unfortunately," said Lindley. "There were a couple of good plays where we would build momentum and build momentum, then all of the sudden we slipped up. It happens, but I feel extremely confident that we can turn it around next week."

Cal Poly led throughout by taking advance of five San Diego State turnovers. Meanwhile, the Aztecs defense was burned for 480 total yards.

Lindley led the comeback with TD tosses to Brand Sullivan (16 yards), Robert Wallace (30) and Vincent Brown (23), then he directed a 77-yard scoring drive to finally give the Aztecs the lead at 27-26 with 6:51 remaining on a 5-yard TD rush by Sullivan. SDSU failed on a 2-point conversion attempt to leave the door open for the Mustangs, who capped a 9-play, 63-yard drive with Gardner's second field goal of the contest at the gun.

“The silver lining in there was Ryan Lindley," said head coach CHUCK LONG. "He really threw the ball well after a rough start. He really came on and showed a lot."

Up next for San Diego State (0-1) is a nationally televised contest at Notre Dame on Sept. 6. The Aztecs return home to meet Idaho on Sept. 27.

Grossmont HS alum Khalid Waters records his first collegiate TD on this 11-yard run to give Midland Lutheran an early 7-0 lead. (Midland Lutheran courtesy photo) DOUBLE-CLICK TO ENLARGE

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FREMONT, Neb. (9-25-08) – Midland Lutheran College is off a fast start at 3-0 with the assistance of a pair of East County alums, gaining an NAIA national ranking.

Blue Collar football

Midland Lutheran honored Larry the Cable Guy with his own team jersey, then the Warriors beat Doane, 27-26, on a 2-point PAT with 1:06 left. (Midland Lutheran College courtesy photo)

Aided by the efforts of running back KHALID WATERS (Grossmont HS) and safety BRANDON BROWN (Steele Canyon), the Warriors are ranked 23rd nationally after nipping Doane College (Neb.), 27-26, last Saturday. MLC scored a touchdown with 1:06 to play, then completed a 2-point conversion for the dramatic victory at Memorial Field.

Stand-up comedian Larry the Cable Guy was in attendance to make sure the Warriors "Get'r Done." Waters did by finishing the contest with 109 all-purpose yards, scoring the game's opening touchdown on an 11-yard rush. Meanwhile, Brown was the Warriors' second-leading tackler, which included a shared quarterback sack.

For their efforts, both freshmen are expected to gain their first starts of the season this Saturday, when Midland Lutheran, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, travels to Sioux City, Iowa, to meet Briar Cliff University.

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MARSHALL, Minn. (9-2-08) — It was a less than auspicious debut for five East County football players, all of who have accepted football scholarships to the University of Minnesota–Crookston. On Saturday (Aug. 30), the Golden Eagles were crushed by host Southwest Minnesota State, 54-14, to open the season.

The lone bright spot for the team was provided by ANTHONY (A.J.) CONTI of El Capitan High, who reeled in six passes for 52 yards and kicked two conversions.

In addition to Conti, El Capitan grad JEFF SCHILLER started at center and West Hills product DOMINIC LaRUSSA started at left guard for the Golden Eagles. GARRETT JARVIS, a wide receiver/tight end out of El Capitan, and former Vaqueros running back BEN WILKINS are also on scholarship to Minnesota–Crookston but did not play in the opener.

Clinton Snyder (Stanford photos)

The Football Writers Association of America All-America Committee selects the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner from the association's 11-man All-America defensive team in November. The watch list was developed by the FWAA All-America committee with the help of schools and conferences.

Snyder, who earned second team All-Pac-10 Conference honors last season, ranks as Stanford's active career leader in tackles (179), sacks (10.0), fumbles forced (7) and is tied for first in fumbles recovered (3) and tackles for loss (18). He ranked among the Pac-10 leaders in virtually every defensive category in 2007, including fumbles forced, tackles for loss, fumble recoveries, sacks and tackles.

As a senior at Monte Vista, Snyder was the East County Sports.com Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. He was also a first-team tight end in the East County Sports.com selections.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy has been presented since 1993 and is awarded in memory of the legendary Nagurski, a former All-America lineman at Minnesota in 1927-29 who went on to star for the Chicago Bears in the 1930s.

Stanford linebacker Clinton Snyder (Stanford Univ. photo) In Thursday's (Aug. 28) NCAA opener, former Monte Vista standout CLINTON SNYDER, now a starting linebacker for Stanford, helped lead the Cardinal over visiting Oregon, 36-28, placing Stanford as the early leader in the Pacific 10.

"It's more than a landmark. It's a great step for us that we need as a program to show people that we're not the old Stanford," said Snyder, one of three Cardinal defenders with 10 tackles. "I didn't know how it would feel. We haven't done this in a long time."

Under the leadership of former University of San Diego head coach JIM HARBAUGH, the rebuilding process seemed headed for a long, bumpy road following embarrassing Pac-10 Conference losses to UCLA (45-17), Oregon (55-31) and Arizona State (41-3) – all at home – earlier in the season.

Perhaps playing on the road is the ticket for the Cardinal, which snapped USC’s 35-game home winning streak. Oh yeah, the last time the Trojans were toppled in the Coliseum was at the hands of Stanford in 2001. That was USC coach Pete Carroll’s first year as the Trojans' head man.

"It's incredible. We came into this game with only a win against a WAC team (San Jose State), and we weren't performing like we knew we could," added the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Snyder, Stanford’s top returning tackler from a year ago. "This game, we came out and ground it out, and performed the way the Stanford Cardinal needs to perform in the future."

The youthful Cardinal committed mistake-after-mistake, but switching to Tavita Pritchard at quarterback last week against Arizona State seemed to be the catalyst, as the offense took giants steps forward while Snyder & Co. held the line on defense.

"All the little mistakes we were making in the other games didn't happen," noted Snyder, a redshirt sophomore. "We got some good breaks on defense with all the turnovers. It's a game of turnovers. Whoever wins the turnover battle usually wins the game."

Snyder, the 2004 East County Defensive Player of the Year who set a Grossmont Conference record of 44 sacks, went on to say:

"We got those turnovers on defense and helped the offense out by giving the offense good field position, and they made good adjustments. They moved the ball down the field and scored some points for us, and we came out on top."

Snyder, who made 61 tackles for losses during his Monte Vista career, came through with several of those key plays. He forced a fumble which led to a turnover, then he registered one of three sacks on Trojans quarterback J.D. Booty late in the 4th quarter which led to Stanford getting the ball back for its game-winning drive.

The Cardinal offense rebounded with the game-winning touchdown in the final 2:50. Included was a 4th-down reception by Richard Sherman to the USC-9, then Pritchard found Mark Bradford on the left-side of the endzone with 49 seconds remaining for another 4th-down conversion.

"We said focus and finish, which is what we've been saying all year,” Snyder said. “Focus and finish is a big thing for us. That's what we stress, finishing in the fourth quarter. We went out there and got a good stop on defense."

USC, ranked No. 1 in one major poll and No. 2 in the other, had one last chance, but Booty's bomb was intercepted by Bo McNally.

"Just to see Bo catch that ball and slide down there knowing that the game is over and we had won the game is just great," said Snyder, who now has 117 tackles in five games this season. “It's awesome; it's a dream. This is a great win for the program."