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PRO FOOTBALL Mills signs with CFL's Blue Bombers

© East County Sports.com
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (7-14-14) — Former University of San Diego quarterback MASON MILLS, the 2013 Pioneer League player of the year, has been signed to the practice roster of the undefeated Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

 
Mason Mills

"I'm very happy to be with the Blue Bombers," said Mills. "Signing with Winnipeg validates all of the time and energy spent, working on and off the field."

"At present, I'm pressing hard to learn the intricacies of the Canadian game."

Mills finished as the Toreros all-time leading passer with 11,099 yards, starting all four seasons at USD. He led San Diego to an 8-3 record as a senior, tossing a whopping 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions, finishing with 3,463 yards through the air.

Mills' collegiate career originally began as a baseball player for New Mexico State in 2009 before returning to his hometown and switched sports.

Mills originally played his high school ball at Christian High before finishing his career at Coronado , when the Islanders won the CIFSDS baseball crown in 2008.

  PRO BASEBALL: Summer Notebook

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (7-31-14) — Helix High graduate JAKE REED, a fifth round pick of the Minnesota Twins, is making a major impact with a major league organization.

Reed has been a fast starter as he began his career at Elizabethton, Ky., and has advanced to the Class A Midwest League in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, toiling for the Kernels. So far in 2014 the right-handed pitcher is 4-1 with 1.95 ERA, 13 saves and 34 strikeouts in 37 innings pitched with the Kernels.

Haar the Hammer: Grossmont High graduate BRYAN HAAR, the Cedar Rapids Kernels’ third baseman, has blasted 13 home runs with 55 RBI so far this season. He also has five triples and 18 doubles.

Orioles Newcomer: Another Grossmont High graduate, STEVEN BRAULT, has posted a 7-7 record with a 3.29 ERA with 102 strikeouts and 23 walks in 112 innings pitched for the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Class A South Atlantic League in Aberdeen, Md.

More to look at: El Capitan product TANNER RUST is batting .280 for the Delmarva (Md.) Shorebirds, the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.


 
NASCAR
Johnson sports Blue Bunny helmet
Five charities awarded $25,000, Logo Placement on driver’s helmet

Special to East County Sports
INDIANAPOLIS (7-25-14) --- El Cajon's JIMMIE JOHNSON revealed the special Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope design he will wear during this weekend’s Sprint Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The helmet scheme features the five winners of the 2014 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, a program that allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate and vote for not-for-profit organizations that support K-12 public education.

Sixteen years after being named the CIF-San Diego Section Division II Player of the Year
at Monte Vista High, Brooks Conrad slugged his first home run as a member of the Padres.
(San Diego Padres courtesy photo)
Remember When...
Brooks Conrad belted a pinch-hit, walk-off grand slam off a defenders' glove for Atlanta in 2010. VIDEO
Conrad belts first homer with Padres

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (7-7-14) — Former Monte Vista High standout BROOKS CONRAD, who was added to the San Diego Padres' 40-man roster Wednesday (July 2), belted his first career home run for his hometown team in Sunday's (July 6) setback to the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park.

Conrad homered in the 7th inning off Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum, who fired a no-hitter against the Padres just 11 days ago. Conrad took the ball out to right-center field to make it 3-1 and end Lincecum's shutout streak against San Diego .

Conrad was signed after an injury to shortstop Everth Cabrera, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring suffered in Monday's game with Cincinnati .

With only three infielders on the big league roster, the Padres elected to purchase the contract of the journeyman third baseman from Triple-A El Paso, where Conrad has a slash line of .275/.347/.526 with 18 homers, tied for second most in the Pacific Coast League.

Conrad played the 2013 season in Japan . He debuted in the Majors with Oakland in 2008, then spent three years in the Braves organization.

At Monte Vista, Conrad was the CIF-San Diego Section Division II Player of the Year in 1998. He was also a two-time member of the All-East County team (1997-98).


El Cajon's Jimmie Johnson
48 
Jimmie Johnson Day
2nd Street to be re-named
for NASCAR champ

Date: Tue., June 17
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Site: Centennial Plaza,
200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon

NASCAR SPRINT CUP
Johnson finally conquers Michigan


Back on Track: J.J. claims Charlotte
Vaqueros seeking berths with NFL Cardinals

© East County Sports . com
GLENDALE, Ariz. (5-8-14) — A pair of El Capitan High graduates are making an impact for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League.

Quarterback RYAN LINDLEY is taking snaps for the Cardinals in spring drills, while 6-foot-4, 309-pound TOMMIE DRAHEIM is toiling as an offensive lineman in his second season.

Both are graduates of San Diego State.

As a rookie, Lindley – a 6-foot-3, 232-pounder – passed for 752 yards in 171 attempts in the 2012 season. He is currently bidding for more playing time.

The Cardinals will open the 2014 season with a Monday Night Football against against the San Diego Chargers.


PRO BASKETBALL:
Former SDSU standout Kawhi Leonard named NBA Finals MVP
Former Grossmont High pitcher A.J. Griffin saw
his season with the Oakland A's came to an end.
He's slated for Tommy John surger
y on Thursday.
(Oakland Athletics.comn courtesy photo)
The Ups & Downs of Baseball
Garcia called up by Cards, Griffin sent to A's DL for the season

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-30-14) – There is good news and there is bad news involving two East County Major League Baseball players.

First the good news.

Former Valhalla High standout GREG GARCIA has been called up by the St. Louis Cardinals from AAA Memphis. He made his MLB debut as a pinch-hitter in the 7th inning, drawing a walk in Monday’s (Apr. 28) loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

The bad news concerns former Grossmont High right-handed pitcher A.J. GRIFFIN of the Oakland A’s. Griffin will probably be side-lined for up to a year following Tommy John surgery, scheduled this week.

If all goes well he could be pitching again for the A’s by midseason 2015. A year ago he posted a 14-10 record with a 3.83 ERA in over 200 innings.

Meanwhile Garcia was batting at a .267 clip with 5 home runs, 2 doubles and 3 triples for Memphis . He had a 9-game hitting streak broken on Sunday (Apr. 27) and has batted .333 over that stretch.

Garcia’s versatility as a middle infielder will serve as a bit of a grading curve for his bat and as a player who can play at all infield positions. He’s not one to hit for a high average but possesses surprising power for a player his size.


Infielder Brooks Conrad, left, of the Triple A San Diego Padres forces an out on Michael De Leon, 96, of the Triple A Texas Rangers at second base during their 2014 spring training game at at the Rangers' training facility in Surprise, Ariz.
(Photo by Rudy Gutierrez / Courtesy, El Paso Times)
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
Pro Baseball Notebook: Conrad
could fill Padres need at 3B

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (4-25-14) — Three East County standouts – two of which have already tasted Major League competition – are on the verge of returning to the show.

Monte Vista graduate BROOKS CONRAD, an infielder who has served as a top-notch pinch-hitter for the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays and the Oakland A’s, may someday make it to the Padres as he’s batting .303 with the National League teams with four home runs and 11 RBI in 20 games for the AAA El Paso Chihuahuas of the Pacific Coast League.

Since the Chihuahuas are the Padres’ top farm club, Conrad could help the anemic Padres attack if he gets the call, especially since the San Diego club has suffered key injuries in recent weeks.

Considering starting third baseman Chase Headley suffered a calf injury in Thursday’s (Apr. 24) game against the Washington Nationals, that leaves the door open for players like the 5-foot-10, 180-pound switch-hitting Conrad.

O’Sullivan Bros.
Brothers SEAN and RYAN O’SULLIVAN are toiling in the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league chain these days.

The elder Sean O’Sullivan is pitching for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in Allentown , PA of the AAA International League. In four starts he’s 0-2 with an 3.96 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings. He has background with the Angels, Royals and Padres.

Sean’s younger brother, RYAN O’SULLIVAN, who was drafted out of San Diego State by the Los Angeles Dodgers, is making his pitch for a Major League berth with the AA Reading, PA Fightin Phillies of the Eastern League. He is the club closer.


Lance Hurdle
 
Another Hurdle to the NBA

© East County Sports.com
SANTA CRUZ (2-16-14) — Following a successful season playing professional basketball in Australia, Helix High alum LANCE HURDLE has climbed another step on the ladder to the NBA, coming to California next week as a member of the Springfield (Mass.) Armor of the NBA Development League (the 'D' League).

The Armor will appear in Santa Cruz for a two-game series with the West Division co-leading Warriors (18-12) on Thurs.-Fri., Feb. 20-21, then come to the Southland to meet the Los Angeles D-Fenders (also 18-12), the farm team to the L.A. Lakers, on Mon., Feb. 24.

The contest with the D-Fenders will be held at the Toyota Sports Center (the Lakers practice facility) in El Segundo. All three games start at 7 p.m.

Springfield (11-19) is sitting in fourth place in the East Division, just behind the third-place Maine Red Claws, with slim prospects for the playoffs. But for the players, it's more about improving to hopefully gain the interest of an NBA team for a big-money contract, even if it's at the NBA minimum or a 10-day contract (worth approximately $17,700 for a journeyman).

Armor coaches have been rotating their players, with each receiving comparable minutes. Hurdle is averaged 4.9 points in slightly more than 15 minutes per game. His .889 foul-shooting percentage had kept Hurdle in the final minutes of his most recent D-League outings, which could improve his stock in seeking a ticket to the NBA.


NASCAR: 'Missed by that much'
Johnson sent to back row at Daytona 500
after car inspection failure of 1/10,000th inch

Courtesy, NBC Sports.com
DAYTONA, Fla. (2-16-14) — In the words of famous television spy Maxwell Smart (the 1960s Get Smart), "Sorry about that, Chief" or even "Missed by that much" would be appropriate.

Both would be accurate after NASCAR officials found JIMMIE JOHNSON's No. 48 Lowes Chevrolet to be too wide by a margin of 1/10,000th of an inch, failing pre-qualifying tech inspection for Sunday's (Feb. 23) the 56th running of the Daytona 500.

Johnson, of El Cajon, has been bumoed to the back of the pack when he opens defense of his title.

Austin Dillon captured the pole, also is a Chevy, in car No. 3 in the number's first appearance in the Cup series since Dale Earnhardt died after a last-lap crash in the 2001 Daytona 500. MORE
STARTING GRID / JOHNSON'S NASCAR PAGE


SOCKERS: Playoffs? Did someone say 'playoffs'?, Sat., Feb. 22, vs. arch-rival Toros

CHARGERS: Finalize Coaching Staff for '14

  HISTORY AT HOMESTEAD
El Cajon's Jimmie Johnson overcomes
late bumping incident
to claim sixth
NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase championship
in eight seasons

FINAL STANDINGS
RACE RESULTS

NASCAR Chase standings thru Sept. 29
1. Matt Kenseth (2,149 points) +/-0 positions
2. Jimmie Johnson (2,141 points, -8) +1
3. Kyle Busch (2,137 points, -12) -1
4. Kevin Harvick (2,110 points -39) +2
5. Jeff Gordon (2,110 points, -39) +3
6. Greg Biffle (2,108 points, -41) -1
7. Ryan Newman (2,101 points, -48) +2
8. Clint Bowyer (2,098 points, -51) +2
9. Kurt Busch (2,094 points, -55) -2
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2,092 points, -57) +1
11. Carl Edwards (2,084 points, -65) -7
12. Joey Logano (2,083 points, -66) +/-0
13. Kasey Kahne (2,071 points, -78) +/-0
AUTO RACING: Johnson goes max for record 8th win at Dover

Special to East County Sports.com
DOVER, Del. (9-30-13) — El Cajon native JIMMIE JOHNSON earned maximum points in his No. 48 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS on Sunday (Sept. 29) at Dover International Speedway, leading the most laps en route to his record eighth career victory at the 1-mile concrete oval. The win moved him to second in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, just eight points behind leader Matt Kenseth.

“I still think it’s too early to say somebody can make a move,” said Johnson, who has three top-five finishes in the first three Chase races. “You just don’t want to give points up. Today we got max points, so we didn’t leave any on the table, and we will go to Kansas next week and see what we can do.”

Johnson started the 400-lap event from the eighth position and never fell out of the top-10. He had minimal complaints about his car and led five times for a race-high 243 laps. As he cruised around the track with fewer than 50 laps remaining, only a final, green-flag pit stop stood between him and Victory Lane.

“(We had) a very fast race car,” Johnson said. “I think we were a little vulnerable on stickers and new tires to get going for five to eight laps. Then after that, this Kobalt Tools Chevrolet was really strong. I was fearing cautions at the end. Of course, we had one.”

As Johnson led the field around the track with only 29 laps remaining, the yellow flag waved for debris in turn three. Crew chief Chad Knaus had a decision to make: two tires or four. Since Johnson led the field into the pits, the call was a gamble. Knaus decided on two tires. A speedy stop by the 48 crew sent Johnson back to the lead, but only two other teams also chose two tires. Johnson’s teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., the first car to take four tires, lined up behind Johnson for the restart.

“I felt like two (tires) was good for us,” Johnson said. “We knew that it was going to work well for us. I wish that four (tires) was going to start further back. When I saw four was the car right behind me, I knew I was going to be in trouble. Junior drove a whale of a race. He kept me super honest there at the end.”

Johnson managed to hold off Earnhardt’s No. 88 Chevrolet for the final 26 laps as he made his way toward history at Dover International Speedway. Johnson’s eighth win made him the all-time win leader at Dover, breaking a tie with Richard Petty and Bobby Allison.

“It’s incredible,” Johnson said. “To do anything that Bobby or Richard has done is quite an accomplishment. We’ve had a few sneak away from us here, too, over the years. I’m just so happy to get that done and be the sole leader of race wins here. It’s a very special day.”

Earnhardt finished .446 of a second behind Johnson in the runner-up spot, while Joey Logano, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch rounded out the top-five. Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle and Clint Bowyer comprised the remainder of the top-10.

There were four caution periods for 21 laps, with six drivers failing to finish the 400-lap race.


Reggie Bush rushed for more than
| 100 yards and a 37-yard touchdown
in the first half in a win over Chicago.
PRO FOOTBALL: Bush livin' large for first-place Lions

Special to East County Sports.com
DETROIT (9-30-13) — Former Helix High great REGGIE BUSH gave the Detroit Lions offense everything they’d been missing – and more – since Jahvid Best went down early in the 2011 season.

Bush gained 139 yards on 18 carries and capped off a 27-point second-quarter explosion with a 37-yard TD run in a Sunday's (Sept. 29) 40-32 win over visiting Chicago, moving the Lions into a first-place deadlock with the Bears at 3-1 in the NFC North. MORE

 
Levine Toilolo:
Helix/Stanford alum now with NFL Falcons
NFL rookie Toilolo
finds the end zone

© East County Sports.com 
MIAMI (9-23-13) — Former Helix High and Stanford standout LEVINE TOILOLO, who caught his first NFL pass last week, did one better this week for the Atlanta Falcons. Toilolo, a rookie tight end, caught his first touchdown pass as a professional Sunday (Sept. 22), although his Falcons surrendered a 10-point lead in falling to the Miami Dolphins, 27-23.

A big target at 6-foot-8, another redzone weapon may be blossoming for Atlanta after quarterback Matt Ryan found Toilolo in the end zone on a 2-year play,

At Helix, Toilolo capped his senior year in 2008 as a first-team All-East County selection at two different positions, including tight end and defensive lineman.


AUTO RACING: Johnson returns to Granite for The Chase

Special to East County Sports.com
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (9-18-13) – The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to the Granite State this weekend. New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon has proven to be a tough place at times for Jimmie Johnson. He has three wins, his most recent one coming at the mile oval in July 2010. But prior to that, a 2003 sweep was the last time he visited victory lane there.

Fortunately, Johnson’s last four races at the “Magic Mile” have ended in top-10 runs. At last year’s September race, he missed a shot at the win, earning a runner-up finish. It’s a position he hopes to improve on by one spot during Sunday’s Sylvania 300 after points leader Matt Kenseth won last weekend’s opening Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. Johnson was bumped to third in points after his fifth-place finish at Chicagoland, a position he has never occupied entering the second race of the Chase.

The Lowe’s team tested last month at New Hampshire and all indications point to a productive weekend. With Johnson celebrating his 38th birthday Tuesday, it’s time for him to rock it in the Granite State. And there’d be no better gift than celebrating at the New Hampshire track with his fifth win of the season and what would be his 23rd in the history of the Chase.


AUTO RACING: Johnson become father

Special to East County Sports.com
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (9-6-13) — Chandra and Jimmie Johnson are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter. She was born Friday, Sept. 6, at 2:02 a.m. at a local hospital. She weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces and was 19 inches long at birth.

Big sister Genevieve Marie, 3, is said to be very proud of her new baby sister. Mother and baby and are doing fine and are expected to remain in the hospital overnight.

Johnson will miss today’s events at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. Regan Smith will serve as interim driver with Johnson returning to drive the No. 48 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS in Saturday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

   PRO BASEBALL:
DeRosier gains record triumph

© East County Sports.com
WASHINGTON (9-6-13) — The first victory as a professional for El Capitan High graduate MATT DeROSIER proved to be historic.

DeRosier's victory in relief clinched a record 49th win for the Nationals' MLB Rookie League team, an all-time record at the level.

The Nationals also set a record for all-time stolen bases and their pitching staff dominated in almost every category in the league.


PRO HOCKEY: From Santee to Sweden
PRO SOCCER: Medina leads Sockers in first outdoor game since 1984

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (9-2-13) — The four-time defending PASL champion San Diego Sockers got a jump on the 2013-14 indoor season by playing in their first outdoor game in 29 years.

On Sunday (Sept. 1), Valhalla High alum ANTHONY MEDINA posted two assists then scored on a header in the 77th minute, leading the Sockers to a 4-1 triumph over an all-star team from Mexico in an exhibition friendly at Balboa Stadium's Glenn Broderick Field.

Medina set-up reigning PASL scoring champion KRAIG CHILES with a pair of passes which led directly to goals, then found himself open along the left wing with 13 minutes left, placing in the ball into the upper right-hand corner of the net for to cap a 3-point outing.

The Sockers will open the PASL indoor season in November at the Valley View Casino Center (formerly the San Diego Sports Arena).


MNOR LEAGUE BASEBALL NOTEPAD: Humphries going Nuts in Cal League

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

MODESTO (8-24-13) — Colorado Rockies product BRIAN HUMPHRIES, the starting left fielder for the Class A California League Modesto Nuts, is enjoying a blue chip season. The Granite Hills High graduate is batting at a .305 clip (128-for-420). Humphries has hammered 8 home runs and 48 RBI for Modesto, which leads the Cal League North division. He also has 14 stolen bases.

Humphries, who dazzled East County with his fielding and batting skills before accepting a scholarship to Pepperdine in 2008, was eventually drafted by the Colorado Rockies three years later.

Meanwhile, Humphries inked a pact with the Tri-City (Wash ) Dust Devils of the Class A Northwest League after being selected in the 14th round by the Rockies.

Brother Act
RYAN O’SULLIVAN, the 6-foot-2, 21-year-old right-hander and brother of Padres Major League SEAN O’SULLIVAN, is in the process of climbing up the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ladder.

Pitching for the Clearwater Florida State League Threshers, Ryan O’Sullivan, who throws in the high 90s, has posted a 3-5 record with a 2.50 ERA. He also has 6 saves.

Prior to his arrival in Clearwater O’Sullivan combined for an 8-6 record and a 3.05 ERA in 29 games at Rancho Cucamonga and Great Lakes .

Vaquero Heat
Former El Capitan High and Southwestern College pitcher MATTHEW DeROSIER is making an impact for the Washington Nationals Gulf Coast League rookie team in Viera , Fla. this summer. The Nationals yearlings have posted a 47-9 regular season record in the Florida-based league and qualified for the playoffs.

A 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-hander, DeRosier posted a 2-1 record with a 2.88 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 25 innings.


MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL:
Former Hillers go mano a mano

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (8-20-13) — Two former Grossmont High graduates will face off in a pitching duel Wednesday (Aug. 21) in a New York-Penn League matchup between the Aberdeen Ironbirds and the Hudson Valley Renegades.

STEVEN BRAULT will be starting for the Ironbirds and AARON GRIFFIN will start for the Renegades. The duo has played together in Fletcher Hills Little League and Grossmont Pony before finishing up at Grossmont High.

The game will be broadcast on the Aberdeen Ironbirds Baseball Network beginning at 4:05 p.m. (PDT).

  Griffin-Brault brawl: No decision

© East County Sports.com
WAPPINGER FALLS, NY (8-22-13) — Grossmont High School graduates AARON GRIFFIN and STEVEN BRAULT faced off in a New York Penn League game on Wednesday (Aug. 21) in Class A baseball match-up, pitting the Aberdeen Ironbirds against the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Neither of the former Foothillers came away with a decision as the game was decided in extra innings.

Griffin allowed one run and six hits and struck out four in six innings for the Renegades.

Brault surrendered two runs and struck out three in three innings for the Ironbirds.

Aberdeen eventually won the game 6-5 in a 10 innings in a game that featured 28 hits.


PRO HOCKEY
From Santee to Sweden

© East County Sports.com
STOCKHOLM Sweden (8-16-13) — The latest East County high school product to reach the professional ranks doesn't come via any traditional sports, such as baseball, football or basketball.

West Hills High alum CHARLES BALDWIN, a winger who played the past three seasons in the North American Hockey League with the New Mexico Mustangs and the Corpus Christi Texas IceRays, recently scored a goal for Tranås AIF in a Svenska Hockeyligan (in the Swedish Elite League) exhibition contest.

The SHL is Europe's most popular league with higher attendance than even Russia 's Kontinental Hockey League, and offers the fourth-highest salaries in the world.

Sweden is the defending IIHF world champion after downing upstart Switzerland during this summer's tournament.

At West Hills, Baldwin played for the Wolf Pack roller hockey team coached by his father, STEVE BALDWIN. The Pack captured the CIF-San Diego Section championship last season.
— Nick Pellegrino

 
Five-time NASCAR driving champion Jimmie Johnson of El Cajon (right) exchanges greetings with students from Chase Avenue Elementary School during ceremonies Tuesday (June 18) for the grand opening of a running track at the school, funded via a grant from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.
PHOTO2 / PHOTO3
(Photos by Linda Byerline)
NASCAR SPRINT CUP
Johnson qualifies for The Chase


Courtesy, NASCAR
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (8-11-13) — El Cajon's JIMMIE JOHNSON was looking to cross Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International off his list of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tracks where he has never won. Johnson and the rest of Team Lowe’s Racing gave it their all in the Cheez-It 355k at The Glen but pit cycles and caution flags made it difficult to make up ground Sunday at the 2.45-mile, 11-turn road course.

Johnson finished eighth, his seventh top-10 in 12 races at The Glen. But more importantly, the finish allowed him to clinch a wild-card spot, for now, in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. He is the first driver to clinch this season and the only driver to qualify for the Chase every year since the format was instituted in 2004 – 10 consecutive seasons.

Johnson spent the first part of the race trying to gain track position after starting 18th. With a race that typically sees few pit stops, a comfortable car is crucial at the Glen. And crew chief Chad Knaus delivered a No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS that elicited few complaints from Johnson. A pit stop on lap 30 was the first of the day for Team Lowe’s Racing. After four tires and a slight adjustment, Johnson restarted 15th.

A red flag delayed action on lap 41. When the race resumed, Johnson made up five spots from the 15th position. He remained in the top 10 until a caution on lap 61 shook up the field, as some drivers were on pit road for green-flag stops with others were coming down as the caution flew. Johnson and several other competitors pitted on the following lap. The sequence put him in 15th-place again on the restart.

Several cautions in the closing laps left few opportunities for Johnson to pass. He managed to hold his own, moving up several spots. On the final caution, with two laps to go, Johnson wheeled his machine around several competitors to finish eighth.

“We were solid all day,” said Johnson, who has never won at the Glen, one of five tracks where he is winless on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit, along with Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Homestead-Miami Speedway and Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. “We thought we had the strategy to put us in contention, but when the 43 (Aric Almirola) spun, it killed our track position. But definitely a decent day for the Lowe’s Chevy.”

Kyle Busch won the 355k at The Glen to score his 27th career Sprint Cup victory, his third of the season and his second career win at Watkins Glen.

Brad Keselowski finished .486 of a second behind Busch in the runner-up spot, while Martin Truex Jr., Carl Edwards and Juan Pablo Montoya rounded out the top-five. Clint Bowyer, Joey Logano, Johnson, Kurt Busch and AJ Allmendinger comprised the remainder of the top-10.

There were eight caution periods for 21 laps, with nine drivers failing to finish the 90-lap race.

With round 21 of 36 complete, Johnson continues to lead the Hendrick Motorsports contingent and the rest of the NASCAR field in the championship point standings. His 808 points place him 75 ahead of second-place Clint Bowyer and 185 ahead of 11th-place Kurt Busch. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is sixth with 670 points, 138 out of first and 47 ahead of 11th. Kasey Kahne is 12th with 622 points, 186 out of first and three out of 10th. Jeff Gordon is 13th with 610 points, 198 out of first and 15 out of 10th.

Four races remain before the 12-driver, 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup begins Sept. 15 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. Only the top-10 in points are locked into the Chase. Positions 11 and 12 in the Chase are wild cards, awarded to the two drivers between 11th and 20th in points with the most wins. If multiple drivers have the same number of wins, a driver’s point standing serves as the tiebreaker.

Kahne, who is 12th in points, is the first wild card via his two wins. Ryan Newman is the second wild card because he is the highest-standing driver between 11th and 20th with one victory.

The next event on the Sprint Cup schedule is the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, Aug. 18 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The race starts at 1 p.m. EDT, with live coverage provided by ESPN beginning with its pre-race show at noon.


NASCAR SPRINT CUP
Daytona Double for Johnson  

Courtesy, NASCAR.com
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (7-7-13) — El Cajon's JIMMIE JOHNSON became the first NASCAR driver in 31 years to sweep both major races at Daytona International Speedway by taking the Coke Zero 400. MORE

Coupled with his victory in the season-opening Daytona 500, Johnson is the first to sweep both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at the 2.5-mile tri-oval since Bobby Allison accomplished the feat in 1982.

Padres' O'Sullivan returns as a Friar father

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (8-1-13) – The San Diego Padres today announced that they have reinstated right-handed pitcher SEAN O’SULLIVAN from paternity leave and have optioned right-hander Miles Mikolas to Triple-A Tucson. Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes made the announcement.

O’Sullivan, 25, was placed on paternity leave on July 30. He and his wife, Sabrina, welcomed their first child – a baby girl, Hailey Marie -- on Wednesday (July 31).


MLB: O'Sullivan drops homecoming despite solid effort
Padres bullpen allows eight runs to San Francisco

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (7-13-13) — SEAN O’SULLIVAN’s major league homecoming drew mixed reviews. The 6-foot-1, 240 pound Valhalla/Grossmont College product pitched five impressive innings, allowing just two runs and six hits.

He left the game trailing 2-1 and the Padres eventually lost the game to the world champion San Francisco Giants, 10-1, Friday night (July 12) before a capacity crowd at Petco Park.

O’Sullivan (0-1) struck out four and walked three on the Padres’ Fedora giveaway night.

“Overall we liked what we saw from Sean,” said Padres manager Buddy Black. “This was a special night for him and I could tell very early in the day that he was locked in.”

Another highlight for O’Sullivan was he hit a leadoff double to center field that short-hopped the center field wall in the third inning. He advanced to third base with one out, but was stranded there. That was the hardest hit ball by the Padres all night.

“We saw what he could do with during spring training and at Tucson,” Black said. “So we weren’t surprised to see him pound the ball like that.”

The 25-year old right-hander, who previously pitched for the Angels and the Royals, signed a Minor League contract with the Padres during the off-season. He was 7-4 with a 3.88 ERA for the Tucson Triple A Padres.

O’Sullivan needed 100 pitches to complete five innings, and that concerned Black.

“The bright spot is he had all five of his pitches working, especially his change-up, slider and curveball,” said Black. “But we need more efficiency from him.”
 

Sean O'Sillivan pitching during spring training
Lakeside's Draheim
signs with KC Chiefs

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LAKESIDE (4-5-13) — Former El Capitan High offensive line standout TOMMIE DRAHEIM has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Draheim played left tackle and center at San Diego State, earning All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2011.

Draheim was originally signed as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers but was one of the final cuts two years ago. He also spent a season on the practice squad for the Seattle Seahawks but is looking for a new beginning with the Chiefs.

MLB: O'Sullivan named Padres starting pitcher vs. Giants

© East County Sports . com
EL CAJON (7-11-13) — The San Diego Padres announced SEAN O'SULLIVAN (Valhalla High/Grossmont College/San Diego Stars) will have his contract purchased from Tucson (AAA) and he will be the starting pitcher for Friday's (July 12) game against the World Champion San Francisco Giants at Petco Park at 7:10 p.m.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound right-hander posted a 7-4 record with a 3.88 ERA for the Tucson Padres in the Pacific Coast League. He posted 90 strikeouts and walked only 29 in 102 innings for the Padres’ AAA club.

O’Sullivan, who previously pitched for the Angels (2009-10), Kansas City Royals (2010-12) and Toronto Blue Jays (2012), signed a Minor League contract with the San Diego Padres. This will be his first time to shine in front of his home fans.


Brandon Bogotay, who played for
Patrick Henry, Grossmont College
and the University of Georgia,
signs with the Cleveland Browns
(File photo by Tori Mills)
NFL: Bogotay signs with Browns

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

CLEVELAND (4-3-13) — Former Grossmont College kicker BRANDON BOGOTAY has signed a contract with the National Football League’s Cleveland Browns.

The 6-foot-3, 207-pound Bogotay, a product of Patrick Henry High who kicked for the Griffins in 2008, concluded his collegiate career on a football scholarship to the University of Georgia.

Bogotay is much like the infamous Grossmont College Griffins graduate BRAD DALUISO. Neither one of them made a big splash in high school, let alone the collegiate ranks. In fact both were soccer superstars.

However, Daluiso went on to play for a decade in the NFL with the Falcons, Bills, Broncos and Raiders before retiring in 2001.

Bogotay came into his own in his only football season with the Griffins in 2008. He was successful in 15 of 23 field goal attempts and ranked 3rd in the state in kick scoring with 72 points.

Bogotay selected Georgia over Hawaii for his collegiate career.

“I wanted to play at the highest level I could and Georgia gave me that opportunity,” he said. And it also gave him exposure.

However, while at Georgia Bogotay’s kicking was limited. In fact that makes his signing with the Browns that much more exciting.

Grossmont College defensive coordinator and special teams coach at the time DAVE JORDAN recalls when Bogotay first walked onto the Griffins’ Mashin-Roth Memorial Field he was virtual unknown. His claim to fame was in soccer as a four-year starter and all-league player.

“He could barely kick the ball between the uprights,” Jordan said. “But he was a worker, you could tell that from the start. He was willing to spend hours perfecting his kicking technique."


'Wrighteous' — Sockers capture 14th indoor soccer championship

SAN DIEGO SOCKERS 8,
DETROIT WAZA FLO 6

SAN DIEGO (3-12-13) — The San Diego Sockers captured
their 14th championship
(and fourth straight), when Chiky Luna tallied a late goal to snap a 6-6 tie Monday (Mar. 11), claiming another PASL Ron Newman Cup crown.
Grossmont High alum Paul Wright, 43, who earlier announced
his retirement, also scored the Sockers' first goal.

(Photo by Philip Brents)


NASCAR
Jimmie Johnson captures Daytona 500
El Cajon racer, knocked out early in 2012, holds off Dale Jr for second career victory at the Great American Race (Courtesy, NASCAR) RACE VIDEOS

PRO BASEBALL: O'Sullivan signs with Padres

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (12-13-12) — Pitcher SEAN O’SULLIVAN is hoping for a homecoming as he signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday (Dec. 12).

The 25-year old right-hander who was a multi-award winner at Valhalla High and Grossmont College could be a key signing for the Padres.

The former third round pick of the Los Angeles Angels, O’Sullivan finished last season by going 9-3 with a 2.72 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 89.1 innings for Triple A Las Vegas.

Struggling with his control throughout his professional career, O’Sullivan has gone 10-14 with a 6.13 ERA (132 ER/193.2 IP). In 43 games – 34 of them starts – O’Sullivan has 91 strikeouts against 73 walks in parts of three major league seasons in his career with the Angels (2009-10) and the Kansas Royals (2010-11).

While at Valhalla (2002-05) a four-year varsity starter, O’Sullivan posted a career ERA of 2.08 in 277.2 innings while compiling a 32-7 record with 4 saves. He struck out 312 batters while walking only 33 in four years.

In his only season at Grossmont College in the spring of 2006 O’Sullivan was selected the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Following that season he then signed with the Angels.

   PRO INDOOR SOCCER: Medina, Wright
score in Sockers' 43rd straight win

© East County Sports.com
QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. (12-9-12) — Former Valhalla High standout ANTHONY MEDINA registered a pair of goals, while PASL scoring leader KRAIG CHILES added a hat trick and a pair of assists, powering the unbeaten San Diego Sockers to a 9-3 triumph over Real Phoenix in Saturday's easy 9-3 victory at the Barney Sports Complex.

Chiles has a league-leading 28 goals and 33 points in six games.

Meanwhile, 43-year-old midfielder PAUL WRIGHT (Grossmont HS) also netted a power play goal, San Diego's 12th man advantage tally in 20 tries this season. Chris Toth (3-0) won in goal and is 11-0 lifetime.

The Sockers extended their U.S. pro sports record winning streak to 43 consecutive games, while also winning their 18th straight road contest and 30th straight regular season game in the PASL.

San Diego opens a 3-game homestand at the Valley View Casino Center (the renamed San Diego Sports Arena) with Saturday contests against the Tacoma Stars (Dec. 15), Anaheim Bolts (Dec. 22) and Turlock Express (Jan. 5). All three start at 7:05 p.m.


PRO INDOOR SOCCER
San Diego whips Toros de Mexico
for record 41st consecutive win

Chiles scores Sockers record 8 goals
SOCKERS BOX

• Lance Hurdle (left)
PRO BASKETBALL
Hawks climbing to NBL crown
Helix alum Lance Hurdle loving
life on the beaches of Australia

© East County Sports.com
WOLLONGONG, New South Wales, Australia (11-26-12) — Life on the beachfront has been good for former Helix High standout LANCE HURDLE, the 2004-05 East County co-player of the year.

From San Diego County, Hurdle registered collegiate stops at UC Santa Barbara and Miami. Now the shooting guard is marking his first year as a professional in first place -- in Australia.

Helix High alum Lance Hurdle of the Wollongong (AUS) Hawks
(Courtesy photos)
Hurdle is the fourth-leading 3-point shooter in the National Basketball League, Australia's pro circuit, helping his Wollongong Hawks (7-1) earn first place nearing the midway point of the summer season. Hurdle is scoring at a 10.3 clip in the league, which features seven teams in Australia, plus the New Zealand Breakers, which are a game back in second.

NBL Standings
(thru Round 8, Nov. 25)
 W L 
Wollongong Hawks
New Zealand Breakers
Perth Wildcats
Adelaide 36ers
Sydney Kings
Cairns Taipans
Melbourne Tigers
Townsville Crocodiles
7-1
7-2
5-3
5-3
6-4
3-6
3-6
0-10
"Lance is enjoying the experience and looking forward to leading his team to a championship, " said Kevin Welch, his father, who now lives in Virginia. "He loves doing community service which has made an immediate impact."

"He wants to pass on to everybody to continue to strive to be great and that he misses being with the San Diego Family. My wife and I, as well as the rest of the family, are very proud of him."

[Watch Hurdle's Television Interview.]

Hurdle's popularity has grown so quickly, he is already doing commercials for the Hawks, which opened a new sports arena this season – the Wollongong Entertainment Centre – packing in growing crowds of more than 4,000 per game since the Hawks' recent success. Following a preseason victory over Washington State of the Pac-12, Opening Night (Oct. 5) saw Hurdle collect 10 points in a 79-76 victory over the arch-rival Sydney Kings. Wollongong is located about 85 kilometers (52 miles) south of Sydney.


NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson rallies late at Texas
Pole sitter uses late caution to his advantage, passing
Brad Keselowski for his fifth win of the season; Chase
lead expands to 7 points with two races remaining
48
Sockers' Brian Farber
(Courtesy photo)
PRO INDOOR SOCCER
Sockers: Welcome Back to original home
Sockers smash Sacramento, 15-2, for 38th straight win in return to Valley View Casino Center (SD Sports Arena)

Grossmont High product Wright returns to Sockers, opener Saturday at VVCC
(see story below)

Sockers' Medina, a Valhalla grad


PRO BASEBALL: Giants, Zito (Grossmont/USDHS) sweep to World Series title

AUTO RACING: For Jimmie Johnson, it's Seventh Heaven at 'The Paperclip'

Martinsville win gives Granite Hills alum NASCAR Chase lead; three races remaining

PRO INDOOR SOCCER: Grossmont alum Wright returns to Sockers

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (10-27-12) — PAUL WRIGHT, a standout at Grossmont High School more than a quarter-century ago, will enter his 24th season of professional soccer after signing to return to the San Diego Sockers. Wright, 43, the only player to win both MISL and PASL championships with the Sockers, signed a 1-year deal after playing last season for the Anaheim Bolts.

"It's amazing how things work out," said Wright, "I talked to (head coach/owner) Phil Salvagio and "Coach K" (general manager John Kentera) and the door was still open here in San Diego . I'm thrilled to finish out my career here. They still feel I have a couple of good years in me, so here we go again."

Wright is a six-time indoor champion who has scored over 380 goals during his illustrious career. The man known as "P3" (referring to his jersey number 3) first appeared for the Sockers as a 19-year-old in 1990, winning the Championship Series Unsung Hero award as the Sockers won the MISL championship. His career has taken him to Cleveland, Milwaukee, LA, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Sacramento and Anaheim indoors, in addition to four seasons spent with the MLS Kansas City Wizards from 1996-99.

Wright helped restart the PASL edition of the Sockers in 2009-10, starting at midfield and captaining the power play en route to a 14 goal, 23 assist season. Wright's 37 points led the Sockers in their inaugural PASL season as the team went 13-3 and captured their 11th indoor title. In 2010-11, Wright finished second on the team with 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists in 14 games) as the Sockers finished 14-2 and won their second PASL title and 12th overall. Wright signed with the expansion Anaheim Bolts in 2011-12, playing in only eight games but still managing 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists).

"I'm very excited about Paul Wright coming back home to the Sockers organization," said Kentera, "We always left the door open for Paul to come back. My family enjoyed watching him play as a 19-year-old and we will continue to enjoy watching him play at a very high level as a 43-year-old."

Wright says his role on the team will change this year now that the Sockers have grown into their own as a franchise.

"My role is to be a helper. Whatever they need, if it's midfield, the back, or helping out leading the team when (team captain Aaron) Susi asks for it, my role is to be a helper and continue the amazing run they're having here," said Wright, "It's funny to say at my old age that I can provide fresh legs but my legs feel great and I know I can help out. I grew up at the Sports Arena and know it like the back of my hand."

The Sockers, the 3-time defending PASL champions, open the 2012-13 season on Saturday (Nov. 3), hosting the Sacramento Surge at the Valley View Casino Center (former San Diego Sports Arena) at 7 p.m. Prior to the contest, the team will lift its indoor record 13th championship banner to the rafters.


Sept. 18 Update
Six days later, Draheim was cut by Seattle, which had five O-line players on its practice squad. He is now in New England, being looked at by the Patriots.
Draheim cut by Packers, yet signs with Seahawks

© East County Sports.com
RENTON, Wash. (9-12-12) — Former El Capitan High and San Diego State standout TOMMIE DRAHEIM has been picked up by the Seattle Seahawks and signed to the NFL team's practice squad.

Draheim, an offensive lineman, was one of the final cuts by the Green Bay Packers, who originally signed him as a free agent following the NFL Draft until being let go on Aug. 31.

The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Draheim played left tackle and center for the Aztecs. At El Capitan , the all-state (medium schools) performer helped the Vaqueros post a perfect 10-0 regular season in 2006, while also making the Honor Roll.


O'Sullivan joins Phillies

© East County Sports.com
LOS ANGELES (8-21-12) — Former Valhalla High standout RYAN O’SULLIVAN has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies to complete a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the Joe Blanton deal executed earlier this month.

O’Sullivan, a 21-year-old right-hander and younger brother of SEAN O’SULLIVAN now in the Toronto organization, is rated the 18th best prospect in the Dodgers’ minor league system.

The younger O’Sullivan, a hard-throwing 6-foot-2 pitcher with mid-90s speed, went 3-2 with a 3.57 ERA in 14 innings for Rancho Cucamonga in the Class A advanced California League. Prior to that promotion O’Sullivan posted a 2.92 ERA in 71 innings for the Great Lakes Loons of the Class A Midwest League.

Philadelphia chose O’Sullivan from a short list to become the Phillies player to be named later in the Blanton trade. But he was ineligible to be traded until a year after he signed after the Dodgers made him their 4th round draft choice in the 2011 draft.

O’Sullivan officially changed uniforms on Thursday (Aug. 16).


Needy climbing Padres ladder

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (8-1-12) — In these summer days of musical chairs conducted by the San Diego Padres, former Santana High standout JAMES NEEDY has pitched for all of San Diego’s top three minor league ballclubs.

In his latest outing, Needy, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound right-hander, gave up one run and struck out two in 2 1/3 innings for the Fort Wayne TinCaps during Tuesday's (July 31) 5-4 Class A Midwest League victory over the Great Lake Loons.

Thus far this season, the Padres’ 6th round selection in the 2009 first-year player draft has posted a combined 4-1 record and a 1.43 ERA in 63 innings pitched in stops at Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A Tucson in addition to Fort Wayne.

Overall, Needy is 8-6 in parts of three professional seasons.


The man with the Golden Eye

© East County Sports.com
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (7-23-12) — Former Santana High and Grossmont College slugger JOSH MAZZOLA, a 26-year-old corner infielder, is swinging a hot bat for the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the independent Can-Am Baseball Association.

Mazzola extended his personal hitting streak to 18 games on Sunday (July 22) as Winnipeg edged the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Pheasants, 5-2. A one-time draft choice of the San Francisco Giants, Mazzola raised his season average to .301.

A year ago, Mazzola, who once hit three home runs in a game for the Griffins, missed most of the 2010 season due to injury. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder twice posted 10-game hitting streaks. He appeared in 104 games for the San Francisco Giants and closed his season with a .326 average.

His career reached the Triple-A level before further injuries sent him soaring back to San Jose of the Class A California League.

After signing with the Giants out of Missouri State University in 2008 as a non-draft free agent, Mazzola made the South Atlantic League All-Star team.


Musgrove inserted in massive 10-player trade

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

HOUSTON (7-21-12) — Former Grossmont High pitcher JOE MUSGROVE is changing directions in his professional baseball career. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander was part of a 10-player trade between the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros on Friday (July 20).

Musgrove, 19, was among seven players picked up by the Astros in the deal. He was Toronto's first pick in the first compensation round of the 2011 draft.

In two appearances with rookie level Bluefield, W.V., of the Class A Appalachian League this season, Musgrove posted a 1.12 ERA with no walks and nine strikeouts in eight innings.

In his brief pro career, Musgrove made a combined nine appearances (seven starts) with Bluefield and Toronto 's rookie Gulf Coast League club in 2011.

"This is a very good deal for us," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "Once again we are adding depth to our Minor League system with quality young players. We really feel this will help us moving forward and are extremely excited about the players we've added to our organization."


Ex-Foothiller helps Express advance to title game

By Brent Wasenius, Fremont Tribune
Special to East County Sports.com

FREMONT, Neb. (7-16-12) — Midland University will be well represented in Saturday night's (July 21) American Professional Indoor Football League championship game.

Five former Warriors will be competing for the Council Bluffs Express, including former Grossmont High School standout KHALID WATERS, as they look to derail defending champion Sioux City at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

"I think it kind of helps all of us that we have that Midland (background)," lineman Everett Corley said. "It is kind of like a family, but we have guys on our team from all different levels of football. We're all working as a cohesive group and toward the same goal."

The 6-10, 400-pound Corley has played on the offensive and defensive lines for the Express. He joined the team after the Omaha Beef's season ended earlier this summer. The Express' roster also includes receivers Mike Jones and Waters and offensive linemen Billy Sonnemaker and Tony Cabrera.

"It has been a fun experience," said Waters, who finished his four-year career with the Warriors as a running back last fall. "We've had some ups and downs, but we all came together when we needed to. I've met a lot of cool people through indoor football."

The Express experienced ownership, coaching and personnel changes this season, but carry a 10-3 record into the title game against the Bandits.

"I think the main thing was that we didn't give up on each other," said Corley, who was one of five players to join the Express from the Beef.

Waters, who caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback James McNear during a 37-32 win over Oklahoma in the semifinals on Saturday at the Mid-America Center , said the team has adapted to the changes.

"We signed some new players and had some coaching changes," the California native said. "It is just stuff that is part of the game. It is business. The new guys came in and they have helped the team. They are pieces to the overall puzzle."

One of those pieces is McNear, a veteran of the Beef.

"It has been a big plus to the team to have him come in and run the offense," Waters said. "All the experience he has helps."

Waters' journey to the Express began through Facebook. The team contacted him about a tryout in February. He was soon notified he had made the team, but it was an adjustment going to indoor football.

"It is a faster pace and higher scoring game," he said. "It took me a while to get used to the carpeted field and playing on a 50-yard field with walls. Let me tell you, those walls do hurt."

Waters' transition to the game has been easier thanks to tutelage of veterans like Jones.

"I've had a lot of fun," he said. "Mike Jones has helped me. I've learned a lot from Mike and Steve Rush (former Missouri State player)."

Corley has demonstrated his versatility by playing on both sides of the ball.

"Whether you are playing offensive or defensive line you are constantly hitting somebody," he said. "Defense gives me the freedom to do my thing and show my talents off more, but I'll go wherever they need me."

Sioux City, 13-0, carries a 27-game APFL win streak into the championship game. The Bandits beat the Express 49-16 in Sioux City May 26 and won 41-29 June 8 in Council Bluffs .

"I kind of like the role of the underdog," Corley said. "The fun comes when people doubt you and think they are better. As an athlete, you know the playoffs are a different season. It is the last game and we know what we need to do."

Sioux City also has a Midland presence on its roster. Eddie Pertilla, who caught an 18-yard touchdown pass in the Bandits' 61-28 semifinal win over Mid-Missouri on Sunday, is a receiver for the defending champions.

Waters said he hopes Midland fans will make the trek to the game.

"We'd like to have a lot of fans there to make some noise for us and show us their support," he said.


Sacramento River Cats pitcher A.J. Griffin (Courtery, River Cats' media)
LOCAL PROS – BASEBALL
Rookies power A's past Giants, 4-2, in Griffin's debut;
first MLB homer by Norris is a walk-off, game-winner

Courtesy, San Francisco Chronicle
OAKLAND (6-25-12) — Derek Norris came to the big leagues for the first time Thursday. A.J. GRIFFIN (Grossmont High/ USD) made his major-league debut Sunday (July 24). Together, the 23-year-old catcher and the 24-year-old right-hander combined to prevent the Giants from sweeping the A's in a three-game series at the Coliseum.
MORE  PHOTO  TV INTERVIEW


Griffin making his move to the top

© Special to East County Sports.com
FRESNO (6-15-12) — When former Grossmont High standout and now Oakland A’s minor league pitcher A.J. GRIFFIN jogged toward the visiting dugout after an inning-ending strikeout in the 8th inning of Wednesday’s (June 13) Pacific Coast League game against the Fresno Grizzlies, he tried as hard as he could to avoid Sacramento manager Darren Bush. After all, the River Cats’ skipper had never sent a starter back out for the 9th inning during his managerial career that spans six teams and stretches back almost a decade.

But when Sacramento pitching coach Scott Emerson told Griffin – Oakland ’s No. 12 prospect – to stay loose, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-hander did not ask any questions.

The 24-year-old Griffin surrendered one run on six hits while striking out six batters over nine innings to lead the Triple-A River Cats to a 6-1 victory at Fresno.

In doing so, he became the first pitcher in the history of the club to throw back-to-back complete games and the first player to toss a nine-inning complete game in Bush's managerial career.

"Darren Bush just told me that in 10 years of managing he has never let anyone come back out for the ninth, so it's pretty cool," Griffin told MLB.com’s Ashley Marshall. "We had a 13-inning game last night that exhausted the bullpen, so I pitched like I knew I was going to have a chance to go deep into the game.

"[After the eighth] when I got to the dugout, I blew past him, hoping I would not get that handshake. Then my pitching coach came up to me and told me I should go and finish the ballgame. It is awesome when any coach has faith in you. It's good to have that encouragement."

Griffin allowed a first-inning run and an RBI groundout. From there, Griffin found his groove and retired 15 of the next 17 batters.

"Tonight I was throwing my fastball, changeup and cutter, then sometimes my slider and curveball. They were all working pretty well. I went out there and attacked the zone and kept them off balance. I just tried to do the best job that I could; it just worked out that I went nine."

Griffin allowed two unearned runs on three hits during a seven-inning complete game in Colorado Springs on Friday (June 8) in his previous start. He is 2-2 with a 2.78 in seven starts and owns 38 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings for the River Cats, who are contending

Selected by Oakland in the 13th round of the 2010 Draft out of the University of San Diego, Griffin induced 14 ground balls and threw 72 of 93 pitches for strikes.

"About three weeks ago, maybe after my third start, I was throwing a bullpen [session] and the manager pulled me aside and said to throw the ball hard down in the zone and stop trying to nibble at the corners," Griffin said. "He told me to make them hit my fastball and pitch them in to make them uncomfortable.

Across two levels this year, Griffin is a combined 5-3 with a 2.64 ERA and 82 strikeouts over 88 2/3 innings. That includes seven starts at Midland of the AA Texas League.

Ashley Marshall contributed to this story.

Baseball Bites: Taijeron moves"on deck" in HR derby

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (6-24-12) — Former Granite Hills High slugger TRAVIS TAIJERON, an 18th-round draft pick of the New York Mets in 2011, is flexing his muscles in the minor leagues.

A former California Collegiate Athletic Association male athlete of the year at Cal Poly Pomona two years ago, Taijeron is bashing his way through the minors as a power hitter, now aligned with the Savannah Sand Gnats in the Class A South Atlantic League.

Chosen to the SAL All-Star team, Taijeron was a finalist in the league home run derby contest that began on the deck of the USS Yorktown.

Taijeron, in his second season as a pro, is batting .291 (67 for 230) with 17 doubles, 12 home runs, 44 RBI and 46 runs scored in 64 games.

Fast start for O’Sullivan
In his first start with his new team, the Las Vegas 51s, former Valhalla High and Grossmont College standout SEAN O’SULLIVAN blanked Sacramento on three hits over six innings while striking out four to pick up the victory in Saturday’s (June 23) Pacific Coast League 7-2 triumph.

Earlier in the week O’Sullivan was traded by the Kansas City Royals’ to the Toronto Blue Jays’ AAA farm club in Nevada .

Musgrove impressive in sophomore appearance
Former Grossmont High power pitcher JOE MUSGROVE struck out five and walked none in a four-inning start at Tuesday’s Appalachian League opener in Bristol, Va.

The Bluefield , West Virginia Blue Jays right-hander yielded consecutive singles to start the fourth inning but induced a first-pitch double-play then struck out the next batter to end the inning.


O’Sullivan traded to Toronto

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

KANSAS CITY (6-22-12) — Former Valhalla High and Grossmont College standout SEAN O'SULLIVAN, a right-handed pitcher who was a member of the Kansas City Royals' rotation in 2010-11, was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday (June 21) in exchange for cash considerations.

The move adds depth to a Toronto pitching staff that has been hampered by a series of injuries this season.

After failing to make the Royals' staff in Spring Training, O'Sullivan, 24, was optioned to Triple-A Omaha, where he was 5-4 with a 6.75 ERA in 17 games including five starts.

O'Sullivan's Major League record is 10-14 with a 6.13 ERA, including parts of three seasons with the Angels and the Royals. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 3rd round out of Grossmont College in 2005.

Things are great with the Loons
At least that’s the way RYAN O’SULLIVAN sees it. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound younger brother of Sean O’Sullivan, is holding his own as a 21-year-old right-hander with the Great Lakes Loons of the Class A Midwest League.

In 15 games – nine of them starts – Ryan has compiled a 5-4 record with a 2.92 ERA in 71 innings with 43 strikeouts.

He was a 4th round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers of 2011 draft. He also played for Valhalla and San Diego State .

Two Vaqueros turn pro
El Capitan catcher CHARLES MOORMAN reported to his first professional baseball camp on Thursday (June 21) at the Surprise, Ariz., minor league headquarters of the Texas Rangers.

A four-year varsity starter, Moorman helped direct the Vaqueros to four San Diego CIF championship appearances. As a senior Moorman called every pitch his senior year before he was selected in the 17th round by the American League champion Rangers.

Six-foot-9, 235-pound MICHAEL FLORES, an El Capitan graduate who pitched out of the Grossmont College bullpen, has signed after being tabbed in the 24th round by the Atlanta Braves.


Arthur Hobbs
Hobbs, former Matadors standout, signs with Chargers

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LEMON GROVE (5-17-12) — Former East County standout ARTHUR HOBBS has signed a 3-year deal with the San Diego Chargers.

“Arthur is a true warrior,” Hobbs ’ high school coach at Mount Miguel TOM KARLO said. “He has fought every step of the way and now is in 'The League.' What an amazing story.”

A 2007 All-East County first team pick for the Matadors, Hobbs advanced to Grossmont College and then rode a scholarship to Neb.-Kearney. As a Loper, Hobbs recorded 50 tackles, logged 8 pass breakups, intercepted three passes and blocked two kicks.

“There is not a better story than a guy going to JC, then Division II, then to a rookie tryout, and signing with his hometown team,” Karlo said.

“This couldn't have happened to a better person. Arthur is a role model and should be looked up to as a guy who did things the right way and made it.”

Hobbs (5-foot-11, 188) earned a berth on the Associated Press Little All-America Team, which is the highest honor for Non-Division I teams.

“I would bet he makes at least the practice squad,” Karlo said of Hobbs. “The guy has tremendous heart and is a great competitor.”

In 2011, Hobbs picked off six passes for an NCAA 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 D2 record for most interception return yards in a game (214) when he picked off three passes with two of those coming back for scores.


Lindley, Draheim (El Capitan/SDSU) headed to the NFL

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (4-29-12) — A pair of former East County high school stars who continued on to be standouts at San Diego State earned opportunities to play in the National Football League.

Quarterback RYAN LINDLEY, who guided El Capitan High to an 11-1 record in 2006, was selected in the sixth round by the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, 6--foot-4, 305-pound offensive lineman TOMMIE DRAHEIM, also of the Vaqueros and Aztecs, reached a free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.

The school's all-time leading passer, Lindley heard his named called with the 15th pick (185th overall) of the sixth round. He was a four-year starter for the Aztecs, setting SDSU career records for passing yards (12,690), touchdown passes (90), total offense (12,415) and completions (961).

The Alpine native also holds the program record for most quarterback starts with 49 and most consecutive starts by a QB with 45. Lindley threw for over 2,500 yards in each of his four campaigns, including three-straight 3,000-yard seasons, which is a first for an Aztec. He had14 career 300-yard passing games, highlighted by a 528-yard effort against then No. 25 Utah in 2010.

Lindley is the second consecutive Aztec starting quarterback to be tabbed in the NFL Draft, joining Kevin O'Connell, who was picked in the third round by the New England Patriots in 2008. This is the also the second season in a row the Cardinals have drafted an SDSU player with wideout DeMarco Sampson going in the seventh round.

Draheim is a three-year starter who spent most of his career at left tackle, earning All-Mountain West Conference selection as a senior.

The scouting report is Draheim is a hardworking college lineman. Displays good awareness, keeps his head on a swivel and works well with teammates. Stays square, makes good use of angles and keeps defenders in front of him. Quick out to the second level and works his hands throughout the action.

Now Draheim, like Lindley, will get a chance to play for pay.


PRO INDOOR SOCCER: San Diego Sockers claim record 13th title
Down 2-0, Valhalla High grad Anthony Medina scores twice for 5-2 halftime lead
en route to another PASL Ron Newman Cup crown
WATCH & LISTEN
PRO BASEBALL
Former Norsemen X's with the O's


© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (2-13-12) — Former Valhalla High pitcher BOBBY WILKINS has signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles and will be playing in the American League ballclub’s minor league system.

A late bloomer, Wilkins was a second-team All-East County selection as a senior in 2007, although he led the region with a 1.08 earned run average in 64.2 innings of work, recording 74 strikeouts while posting a 5-5 record..
PRO INDOOR FOOTBALL: Terrell Owens upstages Staback debut

© East County Sports.com
ALLEN, Texas (2-27-12) — Former West Hills High standout PHILIP STABACK threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, but was upstaged in his Indoor Football League opener Saturday (Feb. 25).

While Staback propelled the Wichita Wild to early 10-3 lead, former NFL star Terrell Owens caught three TD passes, allowing the Allen (Texas) Wranglers to rally for a 50-30 triumph before a record crowd of 5,711 at Allen Events Center.

Staback rushed for a 1-yard TD and a 10-3 lead, then tossed for 262 yards. However, three interceptions and a lost fumble setup two of Owens' TD receptions.


   PRO INDOOR FOOTBALL
Wolf Pack drive The Chisholm Trail

© East County Sports.com
WICHITA, Kan. (11-17-11) — A pair of East County football products will be joined by two additional players with Grossmont Conference roots as part of the Wichita Wild of the Indoor Football League.

The Wild, already well situated with a pair of West Hills High standouts, recently signed receivers JEREMY YOUNG and ELIJAH "E.J." BROWN.

Young and Brown were two of East County 's top receivers in 2005. Young, an El Cajon Valley High alum, ranked second in both receptions (72) and yards (1,158), while Brown finished with 43 grabs and six touchdowns.

The Wild already features quarterback PHILIP STABACK (NAIA All-America at Lindenwood Univ.) and defensive lineman MATT MOSS (starter at Texas A&M after receiving JC All-America laurels for Grossmont College).

PRO INDOOR SOCCER: Sockers lose Wright, claim Velez

© East County Sports.com
DEL MAR (11-17-11) — The San Diego Sockers saw 42-year old forward PAUL WRIGHT, a standout at Grossmont High in the 1980s, bolt as a free agent for the expansion Anaheim Bolts of the Professional Arena Soccer League during the offseason. But they quickly found a replacement.

This Saturday (Nov. 19), in their home opener, the Sockers will feature the return of midfielder Eduardo Velez, who agreed on a 1-year contract last month.

Velez was the leading scorer in PASL-Pro play as a member of Revolucion Tijuana last season. He registered a league-best 52 points on 30 goals and 22 assists in just 14 contests. He now returns to the north side of the border; Velez once played for the ill-fated 2004-05 Sockers squad which folded mid-seasonunder previous ownership.

“We are ecstatic to bring a player of Eduardo’s caliber to the San Diego Sockers,” said Sockers general manager John Kentera. “Velez is not only a tremendous soccer player, he’s a great leader and a great person. He’s a family man whose numbers speak for themselves in the indoor game.”

Velez is also a member of the Mexican National Indoor Soccer Team and the founder/director of operations of Revolucion Tijuana. Velez played the past two seasons for Los Revs.

“It’s great for me and I’m excited to be here,” said Velez after his introductory press conference, “I never thought I would get the chance to come back to San Diego, but once I got the opportunity my family and I talked about it and it was an easy choice to come here.”

“Eddie,” a Tijuana native, rose through the amateur ranks of the outdoor game, eventually earning selection to the Nacional Tijuana first-division team. After his Sockers career was cut short, Velez concentrated on the indoor game to great effect, earning promotion to the Mexican National Indoor Soccer Team in 2006 and the World United Futbol Team.

The Sockers will host Anaheim in Saturday's 7 p.m. home opener at Chevy Del Mar Arena, located next to the racetrack at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The teams opened the PASL-Pro season last weekend, with San Diego scoring the game's final five goals to rally for a 10-6 victory over the Bolts in their debut appearance at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.


PRO BASEBALL: Griffin tabbed A's Minor Leaguer of the Year

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-12-11) — Former Grossmont High pitcher A.J. GRIFFIN has been selected the Oakland A’s minor league organizational pitcher of the year by MLB.com.

The 13th-round draft pick out of the University of San Diego in 2010, Griffin made stops at all four full-season A's minor league affiliates in his first full season, finishing second in the system with his 3.47 ERA and tied for the lead with 156 strikeouts. The 6-foot-5 right-hander also won a pair of games for Stockton in the California League playoffs.

Another award to be passed Griffin ’s way was being selected the No. 2 minor league prospect by area writers on OaklandClubhouse.com. In another segment of this web site, the Oakland fans tabbed the 6-foot-5 right-hander as the minor league pitcher of year.

Griffin was debuted professionally as a closer with the short-season Vancouver Canadians in 2010 and earned post-season All-Star honors by saving 15 games and posting a 2.95 ERA in 21.1 innings.

Griffin was only pitching out of the bullpen last season to keep his innings total down after a heavy college workload, and the A's didn't hesitate to move him into the starting rotation in 2011. Griffin began the year with Low-A Burlington, but after eight starts it was apparent he was too good for the Midwest League. He went 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA and had a 46-to-5 strikeouts to walks ratio.

He was asked to make the jump to the hitter-friendly California League and he did so with little trouble. In his first five starts with the Ports, he posted a 2.93 ERA in 30.2 innings.

In early June, Griffin was asked to make a spot start for Triple-A Sacramento. He looked every bit the part of a Triple-A pitcher in the outing versus Tacoma, striking out eight in six innings. He allowed three runs (two earned), but was hung with the loss when the River Cats were unable to mount much of an offense.

Griffin spent all of July with Double-A Midland. He struggled with the longball, in particular, with the Rockhounds, allowing six homers in 32 innings. After a rough outing during which he allowed eight runs in three innings, Griffin was sent back to Stockton for the month of August and the playoffs. He had a 6.47 ERA for the 'Hounds.

With Stockton, Griffin helped anchor a staff that propelled the Ports to the California League post-season. After returning to Stockton, he struck-out 46 over 36 regular season innings and walked only seven. Then during the playoffs, Griffin went 2-0 with a 28-to-2 BB ratio in 21 innings spread over three starts.

All told, Griffin went 11-7 with a 3.47 ERA in 160.2 innings. He tied with Robert Gilliam for the organizational lead in strikeouts with 156 and Griffin walked only 32 while holding opposing batters to a .238 average. He is expected to start next season with Double-A Midland and could see significant time with Triple-A Sacramento by the end of the year.


PRO BASEBALL: Musgrove promoted for 'zero'

© East County Sports.com
BLUEFIELD, West Va. (9-21-11) — Grossmont High alum JOE MUSGROVE did not log a single pitching win in his rookie season of professional baseball as a No. 1 draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays this season.

That does not mean the 6-foot-5, 230-pound right-hander failed to make an impact, however, since turning pro in June.

Fact is, Musgrove has been rated No. 15 among the top 20 players in the Gulf Coast Rookie League with an 0-1 record and a 4.57 ERA in 21 2/3 innings. That performance earned him a late season promotion to Bluefield (W.Va.), which is the best-of-three series of the Class A Appalachian League playoffs.

Musgrove was the only high school rookie out of this year’s draft promoted to Bluefield, which is dominated by two-year pros and college rookies.


PRO BASEBALL: Sean O’Sullivan rocked in Triple-A final

© East County Sports.com
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (9-20-11) — After a quick, seven-pitch first inning, Omaha starter SEAN O’SULLIVAN allowed six runs on six hits over the next two innings as the Storm Chasers fell to the Columbus Clippers 8-3 in Tuesday’s (Sept. 20) nationally televised Triple-A National Championship game before a paid crowd of 9,569 at Albuquerque's Isotopes Park.

The former Valhalla High and Grossmont College standout, who has split this season between the parent Kansas City Royals and Omaha, finished with an 8-2 record and a 4.22 ERA for the Storm Chasers during the regular season. He was 2-5 at Kansas City when an injury forced him to regroup in the minors.

A 6-foot-2, 230-pound right-hander, O'Sullivan posted a dominating first-round start when he allowed two runs over eight innings in the Storm Chasers' clinching semifinal playoff win over the Round Rock (Texas) Express.


12-time North America Indoor Champions
The 2010-11 San Diego Sockers scored an arena
soccer double for the second straight season,
capturing the team's 12th league championship,
then winning the U.S. Open Cup crown. MORE
 
NASCAR

THE FIFTH DIMENSION
El Cajon's Jimmie Johnson claims record
5th consecutive Sprint Cup championship
(NASCAR courtesy photo) 11-21-10
PRO BASEBALL: Taijeron's huge pro debut

© East County Sports.com
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (6-20-11) — The professional playing career for former Granite Hills High standout TRAVIS TAIJERON couldn't have gone better.

Opening the New York-Penn League (Class A) season with the Brooklyn Cyclones, a 3-game series against crosstown rival Staten Island saw Taijeron bat a cool .500 after going 5-for-10 against the Yankees.

In his debut on June 17, Taijeron went 2-for-2 including a triple, plus a pair of walks and scored twice in a 5-3 triumph at Staten Island. The next night during the Cyclones' home opener, the outfielder went 2-for-4 in front of 9,003 fans at Brooklyn's MCU Park on Coney Island.


PRO FOOTBALL: QB Staback lifts Wichita Wild
Former West Hills High standout goes 5-2 in IFL
Courtesy, Missouri Sports Magazine

PRO FOOTBALL: Indoor season over for Moss

© East County Sports.com
SAN JOSE (6-18-11) — The Arena Football League season is officially over former MATT MOSS of the San Jose Sabrecats.

Moss, a product of West Hills High, was placed on the injured list midway through the season in April, when the Cats were 5-2. However, Moss was recently placed for reassigned by the last-place team in the West Division, which has lost seven straight contests since several key injuries decimated the ballclub.

After earning All-Grossmont North League status following the 2004 and 2005 high school seasons, Moss moved on to Grossmont College, where he became a community college All-America selection by J.C. Grid-Wire, earning a scholarship to Texas A&M.

While playing for Grossmont College, West Hills alum Matt Moss spent most of his times in opponents' backfields, including sacks of San Diego Mesa College quarterback Kamy Ahmadian (left) and College of the Canyons quarterback Andrew Miramontes in 2006.
(East County Sports file photos)


PRO BASEBALL: Hillers alum McCoy hits first MLB homer

© Special to East County Sports.com
From the Toronto Sun

NEW YORK (5-1-11) — Grossmont High alum MIKE McCOY worked a long time to get to the major leagues so he is entitled to savour his first home run, an impressive swat of more than 400 feet to right field at Yankee Stadium on Saturday (Apr. 30).

Mike McCoy

"It was pretty cool and to do it here was a special moment," said McCoy who, at 30 years old, is in just his third year in the majors.

Yankee Stadium fans always throw back opposition home runs so McCoy got the ball. Derek Jeter tossed it to Brian Butterfield, who relayed to Jose Bautista. Bautista then pretended to throw McCoy's memento into the stands before handing it over.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound McCoy also impacted the game with his glove, making a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch of a pop-up deep in right field, then wheeling to double up Robinson Cano at first.

"I take a lot of pride in my defense. I think it's probably what has gotten me to the big leagues," McCoy said. "I love that. But I can't give back that homer."

McCoy has spent parts of the last three seasons with the Rockies in 2009 and the Blue Jays the past two years. In his latest outing McCoy reached base three times as he was 2-for-4 with a walk.


PRO BASEBALL: Powell belongs to the Windy City

© East County Sports.com
CRESTWOOD, Ill. (4-29-11) — Former Grossmont College standout MATT POWELL, who went on to an All-America catching career at Southern Nazarene (Okla.) University, has been signed off the roster of the San Diego Stars semipro baseball team to a professional contract.

Matt Powell
On Thursday (Apr. 28) night, the paperwork was faxed verifying Powell is now a member of the Windy City ThunderBolts, one of 12 ballclubs in the independent Frontier League. The T-Bolts are the defending Eastern Division champions.

Following an All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference season with the Griffins, Powell was signed off the Stars roster to an NCAA Division I scholarship with Cal State Fullerton. But when the Titans changed coaches, Powell was signed to the NAIA program, where he batted .451 in 2009, leading the Crimson Storm (37-15 record) to their first-ever appearance to the NAIA national championship.

"We are so proud for Matt – all of his hard work is paying off," said Stars general manager KELLY RITAYIK. "He has done so much for the Stars and now he gets rewarded with a pro contract."

In 2010, Stars owner-manager MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN loaned Powell to the Heroes of the Diamond national military touring ballclub, making appearances at more than 40 minor league ballparks across the country, including a stop at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The exposure landed Powell his berth with the T-Bolts.

At Grossmont in 2007, Powell played behind the plate for much of the season, yet was key when injuries occurred by also playing third base or serving as designated hitter, finishing with a .370 average.

Powell was also considered a key in aiding a freshman-dominated pitching staff, then doing the same with Stars pitchers en route to a Western Baseball Association crown and a berth to the National Baseball Congress World Series.


PRO FOOTBALL: Bush expects to depart New Orleans
“It’s been fun New Orleans,” tweeted Bush

© East County Sports.com
NEW ORLEANS (4-28-11, 9:06 p.m.) — Former Helix High School and USC standout REGGIE BUSH believes his playing career with the New Orleans Saints has ended.

On Thursday night (Apr. 28), Bush announced on his Twitter page that he expects to be elsewhere next season after the running back-deep Saints drafted Mark Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner out of Alabama, with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft.

In five seasons with the Saints, Bush, 26, rushed 524 times for 2,090 yards and caught 294 passes for 2,142 yards. He scored 29 touchdowns combined on offense, as the Saints captured Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17, over the Indianapolis Colts.


PRO BASEBALL: Griffin scores with bunny

© East County Sports.com
BURLINGTON, Iowa (4-17-11) — A.J. GRIFFIN, the 2006 East County pitcher of the year for Grossmont High, sat alone in his corner of the Burlington Bees dugout, except for a new friend.

Accompanying Griffin was a large chocolate Easter bunny, complete with a big gold chain around its neck, found during a late-night shopping binge to Wal-Mart. Oddly, Griffin purchased the confection because he thought it looked like Bees teammate Tyreace House.

"It looks just like Tyreace," Griffin told TheHawkEye.com. "It's a bunny dude!"

The rabbit turned into Griffin's good luck charm for Thursday's (Apr. 14) Class A Midwest League game at Community Field.

The right-hander carried a no-hit bid into the 8th inning against the Peoria Chiefs, finally surrendering a base hit to Sergio Burruel with one out. An out later, Grififn yielded to the bullpen as he collected his first victory of the season following a 5-1 decision.

"I came into the clubhouse and looked up there and I said, 'That's me?' He said, 'Yeah, that's you,'" House recounted. "I said it was a good-luck charm, so at the beginning of the game I told him to put it right next to him when he pitches. It worked for us."

Griffin – who struck out 10 in a no-decision at Clinton last week – mowed down the Chiefs in his second start.

He needed just 16 pitches in the first two innings as he struck out three across the frames. The first runner reached base against Griffin in the fourth when Matt Szczur reached on a fielding error by third baseman Nino Leyja. Pierre LePage followed that with a walk.

The no-hitter was still intact, but not for long. Burrell ended the suspense with a ground ball through the right side.

Griffin was drafted in the 13th round of the 2010 draft out of the University of San Diego. He split last season between the Oakland A's rookie team in Arizona and Vancouver. He led the Northwest League and ranked third among all A's minor leaguers in saves with 15 in 20 games.

But Griffin – a starter his junior and senior years of college – had never come this close to a no-hitter.

"I've had one through five or six but never all the way through seven and a third like that," Griffin said. "I'm having fun getting back out there and throwing the ball around."


PRO BASEBALL
Penn pitching professionally in Japan

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-19-11) — Santana High graduate HAYDEN PENN has been pitching professionally since 2002. Originally a 5th round draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound right-hander has toiled for the Orioles, Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates in parts of four major league seasons.

The past two years, Penn has been hurling for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japanese Baseball League. A year ago, Penn’s lone pitching victory in The Orient came in the Nippon Championships when he worked 5 1/3 innings allowing, 2 runs and 5 hits while striking out three in the Marines 10-4 victory over the Chunichi Dragons. Chiba Lotte went on to win the Japanese version of the World Series.

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan. It was introduced to Japan in 1872 by Horace Wilson, who taught at the Kaisei School in Tokyo. The first baseball team was called the Shimbashi Athletic Club and was established in 1878. Baseball has been a popular sport ever since.

In eight minor league seasons in the U.S., Penn posted a mark of 42-37. When he made his Major League debut on May 5, 2005 with Orioles he was the youngest player in the Major Leagues at 20 years and seven months. His career record in MLB is 4-6.

In his first Japanese season, Penn recorded 27 strikeouts and a 3.69 ERA.


PRO FOOTBALL
Notebook: Former Matadors lineman re-signs with Chargers

© East County Sports.com
MUPRHY CANYON (3-3-11) — Former Mount Miguel High defensive lineman OGEMDI NWAGBUO, who played collegiately for Michigan State, accepted a tender offer and signed a 1-year contract extension with the San Diego Chargers.

Ogemdi Nwagbuo re-signs with Chargers.
(San Diego Chargers courtesy photo)
Nwagbuo, who will enter his third season with the Chargers, played in 15 games this past season, adding depth to the defensive line as a reserve nose tackle. He recorded a season-high five tackles Week 12 against the Oakland Raiders, then posted a fumble recovery in Week 16 at Cincinnati.

Nwagbuo rose from obscurity in 2009. A practice squad player in 2008 who was likely destined for the same role in ’09, he made the opening day active roster with the help of a solid training camp and a rash of injuries along the defensive line and put up some impressive numbers.

Nwagbuo’s background made him one of the more interesting stories to watch in 2009. His parents were born in Lagos, Nigeria, and even though “OG,” as he is referred to by teammates, was born in San Diego, he was given a Nigerian name, which translated to English means “my time will come.” Nwagbuo is the family’s surname.

Although he only played three games of high school football, he transformed into an All-Foothill Conference performer at Southwestern College, gaining the chance to play for Michigan State. Following graduation, Nwagbuo signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2008, but got cut before the season started, then was signed to the Chargers practice squad.

Defensive back Trey Young's runback
with a 2009 interception for the Locos.
(Las Vegas Locomotives courtesy photo)
Young going Loco
LAS VEGAS (3-3-11) — Former Helix High standout TREY YOUNG, the final cut by the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders three years ago, has planned to play a third season with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League.

Young, 30, a defensive back, led the UFL in interceptions in 2009, including a 75-yard runback for a touchdown, helping the Locos (as the team is called for short) win the UFL Championship Game over Florida.

In college, Young was team captain for Montana when the Grizzlies captured the 2001 NCAA Division I-AA national championship. He was a first-team All-America selection in 2002, when he was Big Sky Conference defensive player of the year.

Staback gets to stay
GREEN BAY, Wis. (3-3-11) — Former West Hills High quarterback PHILIP STABACK, a two-time NAIA All-America performer at Lindenwood University won't play, yet wasn't cut by the Green Bay Blizzard of the Indoor Football League, which opens its season this Friday (Mar. 4).

Staback was placed on the "RTR" (right to re-sign) list, the IFL's form of practice squad so a player may stay with a team and develop, and giving the team the first option to claim the player back to the main roster.


PRO BASEBALL
Strasburg's elbow ahead of schedule

GIBBY Award goes to Strasburg


Celebrating their 2009-10 PASL-Pro North America championship are
(l-r) the Sockers' Paul Wright, Scott Martin, Aaron Susi and Dan Antoniuk.
(San Diego Sockers courtesy photo)
PRO SOCCER
Wright still gunning at 41

In third stint with 11-time indoor champion San Diego Sockers

© East County Sports.com
DEL MAR (12-17-10) — During the tail end of the San Diego Sockers dynasty of the 1980s, when the franchise captured 10 arena soccer (then simply called "indoor soccer") championships over a 12-year span, one of the team's leading scorers was former Grossmont High standout PAUL WRIGHT.

"It seems every one in San Diego still has great memories of the Sockers from their glory days," said Wright. "Those were great teams."

Paul Wright
More than a decade later, Wright, who turns 42 this season, is still plying his trade with the latest incarnation of the Sockers, which is coming off an 11th North American indoor title last winter.

"I feel like I can still contribute and keep the team winning," added Wright. "Playing for the Sockers still ranks among my favorite moments in soccer."

Still contribute? Wright is known among the top free kick specialists – the David Beckham of indoors – finishing seventh in the PASL-Pro league in scoring. Placing the ball into the net is something Wright has been doing for a long time.

In fact, thanks to a 4-point night against the Louisville Lightning recently, Wright shared player of the week honors with defender Diego Rovira, as announced by Sockers general manager John "The Coach" Kentera.

"When I came to the States, I was 10 and began playing for Derek Armstrong of the La Jolla Nomads," said the native of England. "At Grossmont (High), we were known for scoring a lot of goals."

However, the Foothillers never climbed the mountain to capture CIF crowns, while Helix (1983), Granite Hills (1985) and Valhalla (1986-88) took titles, while Monte Vista was a section runner-up (1989) after falling in a memorable double-overtime thriller to Bonita Vista.

Wright eventually turned professional with the Cleveland Crunch in 1989, then was traded to the Sockers in 1990, taking the MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League) trophy that season.

Wright, now in his third tour of duty in San Diego, credits his training regiment which he continues as founder/operator of Speed To Burn, which provides speed training for enhanced athletic performance.

"We train people to increase their speed," noted Wright. "We handle youngsters, high school and college players, and adults.

Wright's next opportunity to showcase his skills comes Wednesday (Dec. 29), when San Diego (6-1) hosts the Southwest final of the U.S. Open Cup series. Kickoff is at 6:15 p.m. from Del Mar Arena (located next door to the racetrack on the Del Mar Fairgrounds). The winner advances to the Open Cup national Final Four.

The contest will feature a ceremony honoring the Sockers MISL championship team from 1985-96, plus honor former head coach Ron Newman.
Oakland Raiders tackle Khalif Barnes / Raiders.com courtesy photo
Former Matadors O-lineman Barnes makes key TD catch for Raiders, beat KC in OT

© East County Sports.com
OAKLAND (11-7-10) — Former Mount Miguel High and University of Washington offensive lineman KHALIF BARNES scored a rare touchdown Sunday (Nov. 7), keying the Oakland Raiders in a 23-20 overtime victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Midway through the third quarter, Barnes hauled in a 2-yard TD pass from Jason Campbell on a tackle-eligible play, giving the Raiders a 14-13 lead after the team was shutout in the first half.

In his second season with Oakland, Barnes garnered just two previous starts in 14 appearances after moving to the Bay Area following four seasons as a full-time starter with Jacksonville. The catch was his first career NFL reception for the Jaguars' second round (52th overall) pick in the 2005 draft.

By winning its third straight game for the first time since that season, Oakland (5-4) heads into its bye week just a half-game behind Kansas City (5-3) in the division.


Harvey signs with NFL Falcons

© East County Sports.com
ATLANTA (7-27-10) — Passing the ball has never been a strong trait at Monte Vista High School.

However, as a senior, wide receiver BRANDYN HARVEY caught 21 passes for 459 yards and five TDs, averaging 21.9 yards per catch for the Monarchs.

Upon entering Villanova University, Harvey became more of a primary receiver, pulling down 53 aerials for 694 yards and 5 TDs during his senior season when the Wildcats captured the Division I-FCS (formerly I-AA) championship.

Harvey’s numbers turned out to be proof that professional scouts can find talent – no matter where the school is. The number of catches don’t seem to matter. It’s more a case of whether the receiver can make the big-time catch.

The Atlanta Falcons apparently viewed the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Harvey, liked what they saw and are willing to gamble on his future as they signed him to a summer camp contract.


Snyder ready to give UFL his professional service

© East County Sports.com
SACRAMENTO (7-21-10) — Former Monte Vista High and Stanford University linebacker-defensive end CLINTON SNYDER has signed his first professional football contact with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Snyder figures to make an immediate impact for the Mountain Lions in his rookie season.

Snyder started 42 of 44 games during his Stanford career (2006-2009). He recorded 298 tackles, 14 sacks, 25.5 tackles for losses and logged one interception.

He tarted 11 of 12 games as a freshman in 2006 and registered 83 tackles and 2 sacks. He dded 96 tackles and 8 sacks while starting 11 of 12 games as a sophomore in 2007. The former Monte Vista captain started all 12 games as a junior in 2008 and notched 58 tackles and 3 sacks. He also started the first eight games of his senior campaign in 2009 and was leading the school with 61 tackles and 1 sack before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Snyder once recorded a career-high 16 tackles in a game against Washington on November 3, 2007.

Sacramento also signed former Castle Park High linebacker ZEKE MORENO, who also figures to step into the starting plans.


The Atlanta Braves bounce following a walk-off grand slam by
former Monte Vista High standout Brooks Conrad (second from right).
(Courtesy, The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, by Curtis Compton)

WATCH BROOKS CONRAD'S GRAND SLAM MLB.com

Similar: Bobby Thomson's "Shot Heard 'Round The World" HERE
1951 NL Playoff (Game 3), Giants vs. Dodgers, Polo Grounds
Braves' Conrad: PH walk-off slam

© East County Sports.com
ATLANTA (5-21-10) — Nothing has come easy in the long professional baseball career of former Monte Vista High product BROOKS CONRAD.

It took eight long years toiling on bus trips through the minor leagues before Conrad finally advanced to "The Show," breaking in with the Oakland A's in July 2008.

Two years later, Conrad gained an opportunity to do something he had never done in baseball, although the odds were against him.

Batting just .167 without an RBI as a pinchhitter this season, all Conrad could do was grab his helmet in disgust when his long fly ball seemingly landed in the glove of Cincinnati Reds left fielder Laynce Nix in front of the 380-foot sign.

"I hit it and I was kind of talking to it to get out of there and I saw (Nix) jump up, Conrad told MLB.com. “From my angle, it looked like he kind of brought it back. I put my hands no my helmet and said, ‘No way he caught that.”

Lamenting while rounding first base, Conrad suddenly heard the crowd roar and his teammates pour from the dugout – the ball deflected off Nix' glove and went over the wall for a walkoff grand slam, capping an amazing 7-run rally in the bottom of the 9th to stun the Reds, 10-9, Thursday afternoon (May 21) at Ted Turner Field.

It was the Braves' third straight victory in their final at-bat. They had trailed early, 8-0, thanks to a grand slam by the Reds' Joey Vetto.


"BRETT FAVRE AND THE JETS" SONG (2008)
Hurdle: One 'Jam' away from the NBA

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Lance Hurdle
BAKERSFIELD (11-7-09) — Former Helix High standout LANCE HURDLE has been drafted by the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League. Hurdle, a product of Miami (Fla.), was the Jam’s No. 5 selection in an 8-round draft.

A 6-foot-1, 183-pound point guard, Hurdle was among 200 NBA prospects available to the 16 teams in the NBA D-League. Drafted players will join a group of returning and allocated players in NBA the various D-League training camps on Sunday, Nov. 15.

The Bakersfield franchise is affiliated with the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers.

“These are real exciting times,” Hurdle said. “I’m looking forward to playing professional basketball.”

Upon graduating from Helix in 2005 after averaging 24.1 points and 4.8 assists as a senior, Hurdle was bound for UC Santa Barbara. When that didn’t work out, he transferred to San Bernardino Valley Community College for his freshman season.

He spent the final three collegiate seasons with the Hurricanes, where he was a starter his final two years. Hurdle was primarily more of a playmaker than a big scorer playing in the Big East Conference, scoring a career-high 9 points during his senior season.


Ex-Foothiller joins Rockies

© East County Sports.com
DENVER (9-22-09) — Former Grossmont High and USD infielder MIKE McCOY has been promoted to the Colorado Rockies for their stretch run for a wild card berth in the National League playoffs.

McCoy hit .307 with five triples, 102 runs and 40 steals for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 132 games prior to his recall.

A 34th round draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals, McCoy reached the Triple-A level as a middle infielder with the Memphis Red Birds in 2007. He’s spent the past two seasons in the Rockies ’ organization.


Former El Cap standout joins Blue Jays

© East County Sports.com
Bellatti signs with Rays

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (6-26-09) — ANDREW BELLATTI, a 12th round pick of the American League champion Tampa Bay Rays, has signed a pro pact.

Bellatti posted a 13-9-1 record with 172 strikeouts in 140 innings in his final two seasons at Steele Canyon.

Also stationed as a corner infielder, Bellatti batted .407 (70-172) with 14 home runs and 53 RBI in his last two prep campaigns.

Bellatti had the option of remaining an amateur athlete as he turned down a baseball scholarship to Cal State Fullerton.

TACOMA, Wash. (6-27-09) — It was pregame warm-ups as usual for KYLE PHILLIPS, the leading hitter for the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League Friday night (June 26) in Tacoma.

That is, until pitching coach Andy LaRoche hollered to Phillips that Las Vegas manager Mike Basso wanted to see him.

“Since I hadn’t played for eight days I thought it could be one of two things – either I was going home or being dropped to Double-A,” said the 25-year-old El Capitan High graduate.

He was wrong on both accounts. Basso informed Phillips that he’d been called up to the major leagues by the Toronto Blue Jays. He was ticketed for a “red-eye” flight that would allow him to get to the Rogers Centre in the Canadian city in time for Saturday’s (June 27) game against the visiting American League champion Tampa Bay Rays at 10 a.m. (PT).

“It was an out of body experience,” Phillips said. “I thought he was kidding me, and I started looking for hidden cameras inside his office.”

A 10th round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2002, Phillips was batting .338 with three home runs and a dozen RBI for Las Vegas. He is filling a void created by Rod Barajas, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring pull.

Phillips and backup Raul Chavez will serve as Toronto ’s catchers for the time being.

Phillips, whose older brother, Jason (now a coach with the Seattle Mariners), played for the Jays in 2006-07, is getting his first chance to play in the big leagues.

“Kyle had a really good (spring training) camp," Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said. "The pitchers like throwing to him. He's one of those guys that's kind of like a lifetime Minor Leaguer – they hang around long enough, they get a chance. I'm happy for him. He's got to come up here and help us hold the fort down."

During his 7 ½ seasons of playing minor league ball, Phillips has had more highs than lows despite being released by the Twins after four seasons and then again by the Milwaukee Brewers after two seasons.

Not to be denied Phillips hooked on with Toronto and batted .306 at New Hampshire of the Double AA Eastern League in 2008 after registering a .306 average with 10 home runs and 60 RBI in the Class A Florida State League the year before.

“When you get released by an organization it’s like being fired,” Phillips said. “Since it happened to me twice I was ready to go back to selling cars at Marvin K. Brown.”

When Toronto pitched him an offer he decided to hang on a little longer.

“Now I’m one of the top 60 catchers in the world,” Phillips said. “A lot of people said I’d never reach the major leagues, but I never gave up and here I am. As long as they have a jersey with my name on the back and a paycheck I need to sign, I’ll be happy no matter how long it lasts.”

An ironic twist to Phillips’ trek to The Show was John Leavitt – a major league scout for the Twins who originally signed the versatile Vaquero – gave him a ride to the airport Friday night.

“Everybody from Little League on up lives for this moment,” Phillips said. “I can tell you all the work you put into it as a kid is worth it. There is no better feeling.”


Former Norsemen/Griffin cornerback Jones signs with af2 football team

© East County Sports.com
MOLINE, Ill. (1-22-09) — Former Valhalla High standout DEVON JONES, who later helped Grossmont College to a state and national football championship, has signed a pro indoor football contract. Jones will join the Quad City Steamwheelers, the 2-time champions of af2, the minor league circuit to the Arena Football League which celebrates its 10th season this spring.

Former Grossmont College cornerback Devon Jones
(24, left) signs with Quad City in Af2 Arena Football.
(File photo by Greg Eichelberger)
DEVON JONES VIDEO HIGHLIGHT HERE
Jones was a second-team, All-East County performer at two positions (running back and defensive back) with the Norsemen in 2003. He ranked among Grossmont Conference leaders with 906 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

He then started at cornerback for two seasons with the Griffins, registering an interception in the 2005 state title game to help edge City College of San Francisco, 41-38, in Fresno. The triumph also earned the school the mythical national crown from J.C. Grid-Wire.

Jones later performed for University of Mary (Bismarck, N.D.), an NCAA Division II program. Although he missed his junior season with the Marauders due to a knee injury, he bounced back to earn first-team All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference honors at cornerback in 2007, completing the season at 7-4 (7-2 NSIC, tie 2nd place) following a victory over Northern State University in a game played at the Metrodome.

He led Mary in kickoff returns (21.5 average), while ranking among the team's top defenders by breaking up 15 passes to rank 8th in the nation to go along with three interceptions.

The Spring Valley resident majored in Criminal Justice. The Wheelers open the season by hosting the Peoria Pirates on Mar. 29.

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