2003 Grossmont College Griffins Football2003 Grossmont College Griffins Football
Former Grossmont College freshman QB Jordan Adams tries on his new University of Nebraska jersey as he and Cornhuskers' coach Bill Callahan bask in the zero degree weather during Adams' recent trip to the Lincoln (Neb.) campus. (Photo by Dawn Adams)
Adams catches eye of Big Red, will head
to Husker Nation
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - Nebraska-bound quarterback JORDAN ADAMS
spent the greater part of the 2003 Grossmont College football
season holding a clipboard and logging plays. Good thing he was
a quick study, as the 6-foot-3, 190-pound freshman was able to
meet the challenge when his number was called. Adams appeared
in 11 games, but only once as starter. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound
Adams managed to complete 67 percent of his passes in that full-game
performance, passing for a Grossmont-record 531 yards and 4 TDs
on 30-of-42 completions. His effort resulted in the Griffins 52-49
victory over Antelope Valley, which capped the first 10-0 regular
season in the 42-year history of the Grossmont College football
program.
For any player to catch the recruiting eye of the tradition-laden
Cornhuskers is rare. The fact that Adams - a reserve who did not
earn any scholarship offers as a West Hills High senior - attracted
Nebraska's attention is one of those fantasy but true tales.
"It was one of those deals that you don't believe it's happening
until you are there experiencing the moment," Adams said.
"I was in shock when I first received the telephone call
from (Nebraska offensive line coach) DENNIS WAGNER."
The recruiting processed as most do. But it was
the home visit of Nebraska head coach BILL CALLAHAN and Wagner
in late January that swung the deal.
"I was pretty nervous when they told me they were coming
to my house," Adams said. "Sitting there on the couch
with Coach Callahan - starring at his (AFC) championship ring
- was kind of nerve-wrecking. We were watching one of my game
films and he was asking me a lot of questions about what I was
thinking on a particular play."
Adams must have passed the test, as upon his return from last
weekend's recruiting trip to Lincoln, Neb., he found a packet
containing his scholarship papers on the front step of his Santee
home.
"All of this has been pretty crazy," Adams said. "Having
seen the town and campus, Lincoln (Neb.,) is all about football.
It was just awesome."
The University of Nebraska Jumbotron
in the Cornhuskers' Memorial Stadium displays greeting of Grossmont
College recruit Jordan Adams during his recent visit to Lincoln
(Neb.). (Photo by Dawn Adams)
MORE FREE RIDES
The Griffins' scholarship parade made a major impact at Nevada-Las
Vegas where defensive end DAN WIDDERS, linebacker BOBBY KELLY
and defensive back CHANTI BLOOMER have signed on.
For a while, Bloomer, a Helix High product, was contemplating
hooking up with BYU, but has since decided to cement his plans
with UNLV.
The Griffins' national scholarship cavalcade includes safety MAURICE
LONDON (Arizona State), offensive lineman AUNDREA LIDDELL (San
Jose State), tight end XAVIER CAMPBELL (Louisiana-Lafayette),
wide receiver BRIAN ALLBROOKS (Temple), offensive tackle JUSTIN
ERNEST (Louisiana-Lafayette), and defensive lineman CHRIS D'AGOSTINO
(Charleston, S.C. Southern).
In earlier commitments, receivers TODD WATKINS and JOE GRIFFIN
cast their fate with BYU.
The Griffins list of 4-year college scholarship candidates doesn't
stop here. Freshman kicker TRAVIS DOROSKI, who handled the kickoff
chores and converted 7 PATs, is considering offers between Montana
State and Sacramento State, while DB JOHN GEISE is visiting Mississippi
State. Running back K.J. WALKER is eyeing Gardner-Webb,
while the 300-pound offensive linemen LAUIFI brothers - VINCE
and VICTOR - are honing in on Charleston Southern.
Meanwhile, linebacker DAN CATALANO - the Foothill Conference defensive
player of the year who missed the playoffs due to a knee injury
- is focusing on a scholarship to UNLV.
A voice from the past - tight end KYLE BACHELOR - has signed on
with NCAA Division II
power Texas-Kingsville.
(02-03-04)
Grossmont College double threat Todd Watkins
(1), shown kicking out of a Chris Mazzi (3) hold, scored a Griffins
record 285 points as a receiver/kicker during his 2-year career
at the Fletcher Hills campus. The versatile Watkins is mulling
over several scholarship opportunities, which includes Oregon
State, Kansas State, Hawaii and San Diego State. (Photo by
Dawn Adams)
Griffins' scholarship players Watkins,
Griffin, London, Ernest set for four-year success
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - Let the parade begin. The first four of what Grossmont
College coach DAVE JORDAN believes will be a bumper crop of Division
I college scholarships has come to fruition. Blue chip wide receiver/kicker
TODD WATKINS, slighted by his hometown SDSU, yet coveted by the
likes of Oregon State and Kansas State, has signed with Brigham
Young University. Labeled "too slow" by the Aztecs'
coaching staff, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Watkins will begin classes
in Provo, Utah, this month and participate in spring drills in
March.
Watkins' decision may have surprised some, due to Oregon State's
early pursuit and Kansas State's reputation. He also had recruiting
trips slated for SDSU and Hawaii, but elected not to use the ticket.
He was sold on BYU for a variety of reasons. Foremost in his decision
is the Cougars are known for their passing success. And catching
footballs and winning games is what Watkins calls a positive game
plan.
"It was a tough decision, but I had to make it," said
Watkins, a graduate of Helix High. "I'm excited and ready
to get the ball rolling."
A J.C. Grid-Wire All-American and as well as a JC Athletic Bureau
All-State selection, Watkins averaged 23.5 yards on 48 catches
while ringing up a state-high 176 points as a sophomore. His two-year
career totals are equally as amazing: 57 catches; 1,402 yards
(24.6 avg); and 285 points (15 TDs, 27 FGs, 114-of-118 PAT kicks).
The fact that former Grossmont College/Monte Vista running back
REYNALDO BRATHWAITE returns for his senior year after leading
the Cougars in rushing and all-purpose yardage in 2003 was another
plus for BYU in wooing Watkins. So was the Cougars' recruitment
of yet a third Grossmont alum in wide receiver JOE GRIFFIN, who
made a verbal commitment but cannot officially sign until Feb.
4 since he won't graduate from the Fletcher Hills community college
until May.
"I think it's kind of ironic that Todd and Joe wound up choosing
the same school," Jordan said. "They always seemed so
competitive in practice, always chipping at one another. But I
guess that's what fueled their fire - helped make them the great
receivers they are today."
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Griffin came into his own as a sophomore,
finishing one reception behind Watkins with 47 catches for 901
yards and 7 TDs.
"I think it's pretty cool that Todd and I will be teammates
again," said Griffin, who transferred to Grossmont after
a grey shirt year at CCSF. "We've always pushed each other,
and it's made us better."
Meanwhile, Grossmont College's J.C. Grid-Wire All-America free
safety MAURICE LONDON followed through with his pre-season notions
and accepted an offer from Arizona State, while All-Foothill Conference
offensive tackle JUSTIN ERNEST has packed his bags for an all-expenses
stint at Louisiana-Lafayette University. He is the first Grossmont
athlete to join the Ragin' Cajuns since 1974 All-American DAVE
OLIVER headed south after helping the Griffins win their only
state crown.
London chose ASU over North Carolina, Colorado State, Marshall
and Temple. Among those who helped convince London that Tempe,
Ariz. would be his best fit was Sun Devils' senior linebacker
BRETT HUDSON, a product of Grossmont College and Patrick Henry
High. Furthermore, London will be in the same secondary as returning
ASU corner JOSH GOLDEN, who got his college star with Jordan's
Griffins.
Watkins, Griffin, London and Ernest helped lead Grossmont to a
record 13-1 finish and a No. 3 national ranking. Grossmont rallied
from a 21-0 deficit to take a lead, and came within 33 seconds
of defeating City College of San Francisco in the California State
championship game on Dec. 13 in Bakersfield.
Grossmont College's Todd Watkins (1) watches
as Joe Griffin (8) hauls in a TD pass against Victor Valley. The
duo will be teammates once again at Brigham Young University for
the 2004 season. The two receivers are among the first four Griffins
to accept scholarships to 4-year colleges. (Photo by Dawn Adams)
FUTURE GAMES
A trio of Griffins - defensive end DAN WIDDERS, linebacker BOBBY
KELLY and defensive back CHANTI BLOOMER - are expected to commit
to Nevada-Las Vegas.
Other Griffins on the recruiting line include offensive lineman
AUNDREA LIDDELL, tight end XAVIER CAMPBELL, linebacker DAN CATALANO,
receiver BRIAN ALLBROOKS, running back GARY FRANKLIN, defensive
end CHRIS D'AGOSTINO, offensive lineman ROBERT PATMON, running
back K.J. WALKER, and receiver CHRIS MAZZI.
(01-05-04)
Grossmont College Linebacker Bobby Kelly (45)
was selected for the 27th
annual Joe Roth Award, which is presented to the San Diego County
JC football
player who best exhibits the qualities of ability, character and
leadership.
(Photo by Dawn Adams)
Kelly wins Roth Award; Watkins, Liddell,
London, Catalano are Griffins' Players of Year as Grossmont program
celebrates school's best team ever
Grossmont College coach Dave Jordan, shown
here with the Southern California Championship trophy, was voted
the California State, Region III Coach of the Year. He is one
of two JC coaches in the nation invited to speak at the American
Football Coaches seminar in Orlando (Fla.) early next year.
(Photo by Dawn Adams)
EastCountySports.com
SAN DIEGO - The awards just keep on coming for Grossmont College's
TODD WATKINS, BOBBY KELLY and other members of the Griffins' football
team veteran coach DAVE JORDAN labeled "the best team in
school history," at Thursday's (Dec. 18) team awards banquet
in Marina Village.
Most coveted of the awards - the 27th annual Joe Roth Memorial
Award - went to Kelly, an unheralded University City High linebacker
who rose into prominence in two seasons at Grossmont and most
likely will accept a scholarship to Nevada-Las Vegas later this
week. Kelly previously earned 1st team All-Foothill Conference
and J.C.Grid-Wire All-American honorable mention.
Watkins, a record-breaking receiver/kicker and offensive lineman
AUNDREA LIDDELL were recognized as Grossmont's Co-Offensive Players
of the Year at the team's awards banquet. The Junior College Athletic
Bureau (JCAB) named both players to the All-America first-team.
J.C. Grid-Wire selected Watkins to its first team, while naming
Liddell to its third unit. Liddell twice earned 1st team All-Foothill
Conference honors.
Watkins was a proverbial scoring machine for the Griffins, garnering
a Grossmont career record 285 points. That breaks down to 15 TDs,
114-of-118 PAT kicks, and 27-of-34 field goal boots.
JCAB named Watkins the All-State Region III Offensive Player of
the Year and Catalano the Region III Defensive Player of the Year.
To make it a clean sweep, JCAB selected Grossmont's DAVE JORDAN
the State Region III Coach of the Year.
Grossmont's Defensive Player of the Year team award was shared
by safety MAURICE LONDON and linebacker DAN CATALANO. Both were
1st team picks on JCAB's All-America team. J.C. Grid-Wire previously
tabbed London as a 1st team All-America selection, while Catalano
was a 2nd team choice.
Word is London will sign scholarship papers with Arizona State
this week.
Grossmont defensive lineman DALLAS MAUGA received All-State Region
III honors as chosen by the JCAB. He was also tabbed the most
outstanding Grossmont defensive freshman performer.
Other major award winners at the Grossmont banquet were: punter
CLAY PERKINS, most improved player; SCOTT SMILEY, top special
team player; MVP offensive lineman JUSTIN ERNEST; MVP defensive
lineman, DAN WIDDERS; top receiver shared by JOE GRIFFIN and CHRIS
MAZZI; and top running backs GARY FRANKLIN and KASHUN MCCLAY.
SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH
Three Griffins - corner CHANTI BLOOMER, Widders and Kelly - are
slated for a recruiting trip to Nevada-Las Vegas Friday (Dec.
19) ?Watkins is ticketed for a trip to Kansas State this week.
. . Jordan figures a minimum of 10 Grossmont players will receive
Division I scholarships. The recruiting derby is just beginning.
FINAL RANKINGS
National polls agreed - Grossmont (13-1) is No. 3 behind unbeatens
City College of San Francisco (12-0) and Butler County, Kansas
(12-0). J.C. Grid-Wire declared CCSF and Butler County as
national co-champions.
Grossmont's No.3 national ranking equals the school record best
established by the Joe Roth-led State championship team of 1974.
Furthermore, Grossmont is ranked No.1 in Southern California
and No. 2 in the state by JCAB.
J.C. GRID-WIRE rates No. 1 in SoCal and No.2 in the state.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI - Just for the record, JuCal Transfer
tabbed London, Watkins and Liddell to its All-State team.
(12-18-03)
Grossmont's twin towers Victor Lauifi (79)
and Vince Lauifi (77) protect quarterback Jordan Adams (7) who
came off the bench to complete 18 of 27 passes for 347 yards and
3 TDs in the California State Community College Championship in
Bakersfield. (Photo by Dawn Adams)
Grossmont College DE Andrew
Jilles (84) sacks CCSF quarterback Joseph Ayoob (18) - the Offensive
MVP of the State title game - as Jeramiah Schuh (70) approaches.
(Photo by Dawn Adams)
35
No. 2
GROSSMONT
COLLEGE
(13-1)
38
No. 1
CITY COLLEGE OF
SAN FRANCISCO
(12-0)
Griffins fall three points short of state
championship
Grossmont denied comeback by Rams last-minute touchdown
pass; Adams dodges, then fires to mount huge rally
EastCountySports.com
BAKERSFIELD - JARROD JACKSON had no choice as the Grossmont College
trainers wrapped the injured thumb on his throwing (right) hand
with gobs of tape late in the 1st quarter of Saturday's (Dec.13)
California State Championship game at Bakersfield College. Little
did the Griffins' starting quarterback know, but his status in
the Griffins bid for a record 14th straight victory and a state
championship had been rendered inactive. Keep in mind that Jackson
was sentenced to the sidelines with Grossmont trailing 21-0 five
seconds in the 2nd quarter.
As explosive as Grossmont's 48-points-per-game offense has been
all season, the Griffins eventually succumbed to perennial national
power City College of San Francisco 38-35 on Joseph Ayoob's 9-yard
TD pass to Ruben Jackson with 0:33 remaining in the game.
Comebacks against City College of San Francisco are rare, as the
Rams (12-0) never trailed in a single game regular season game.
This was a team aiming for its 4th state title in the last 5 years,
which seemed a sure thing when Jackson was incapacitated with
Grossmont trailing by three touchdowns.
Grossmont's backup QB JORDAN ADAMS stepped in to the cockpit to
direct the Griffins offense in Jackson's absence. There were no
pilot errors by this lanky freshman out of West Hills High as
he delivered 18 completions for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns in
27 attempts.
Not that Adams didn't take a beating.
"I was running on adrenaline most of the night," Adams
said. "They got me (on a sack by Desmond Bishop late in the
second quarter) and I was in pain the rest of the game."
Fact is, Adams had to retreat to the sidelines for the remainder
of Grossmont's finale series of the half.
"The first time they sacked me, I thought was finished,"
Adams admitted. "But I knew I couldn't come out - that I
had to play."
Third string QB ANTHONY LoPICCOLO was forced into action with
the Griffins reeling at a rapid descent. The freshman out of Placer
HS who had not thrown a pass for the Griffins in 23 games, made
two smooth handoffs that resulted in positive yardage, and then
lofted a 38-yard pass completion to JOE GRIFFIN for 38 yards from
first-and-goal at the CCSF 10-yard line.
Two plays later GARY FRANKLIN scored on a 3-yard run to cut CCSF's
edge to 24-14 at the break.
The Rams went up 31-14 in the 3rd quarter, and appeared to be
breezing.
At that point Adams returned to drive the Griffins on three quick
scores - all passing streaks.
Playing on a hyper-extended knee, Adams managed to fire consecutive
TD passes to CHRIS MAZZI (45 yards), TODD WATKINS (68 yards) and
Griffin to shockingly give Grossmont the lead 35-31
But a weary and depleted Grossmont defense could not put the brakes
to the determined Rams outfit, seeking their 4th state crown in
the last 5 years. CCSF drove 95 yards on 13 plays in the
final 6 minutes to swipe a three-point victory from the upset-minded
Griffins.
(12-13-03)
Grossmont College safety Maurice London (2) making his 7th career interception against Victor Valley. Griffins Bobby Kelly (45) and James Gentile (23) look on. The Griffs' defense figure to play a key role in Saturday's (12-12-03) state championship game against City College of San Francisco in Bakersfield. (Photo by Dawn Adams)
Griffins poised for state championship
challenge from four-time national champion City College of San
Francisco
EastCountySports.com
BAKERSFIELD - Listening and reading about the reports out of the
Bay Area concerning the talents of City College of San Francisco's
football team, one has to wonder what kind of chance Grossmont
College has at winning Saturday's (Dec. 13) California CC State
Championship at Bakersfield College's Memorial Stadium.
CCSF head coach GEORGE RUSH, who has guided the Rams to a 223-74-4
record during his 25-year career that includes winning 4 National
championships, 4 state titles and 5 Northern California crowns,
is quick to claim his players have a 95 percent transfer rate
to four-year colleges. What is this guy, superman?
More believable is the fact that Rush's Rams average a dozen Division
I scholarships per season.
So what does that have to do with Saturday's championship bout?
Grossmont College's veteran coach DAVE JORDAN is plenty impressed
by the Rams' fortunes under Rush's leadership.
"That guy has quite a record," said Jordan, whose Griffins
have posted a 68-20 mark over the past 8 seasons and have won
37 of their last 39 regular season games. "But we'll show
up and give it our best."
J.C. Grid-Wire guru HANK IVES, who has been reporting on junior
college football for 44 years, believes the Griffins will take
the Rams down by the horns, 27-24.
"That's flattering, but it won't help us win the game,"
Jordan said.
While Grossmont flattening Fullerton 47-30 to claim Southern California
supremacy, CCSF ousted defending state-champion Reedley in the
Hawaiian Punch Bowl 27-21 for the Northern California championship
last Saturday (Dec. 6).
While the Griffins built a 47-14 lead in the first three quarters
and then emptied the bench as they cruised past Fullerton, CCSF
scrambled to put down Reedley.
"Since the start of the summer all we talked about was getting
back to Bakersfield,'' said Rams running back TIM BROWN, was a
member of the CCSF squad that succumbed to Reedley a year ago.
"This year we had a lot more enthusiasm than last year. I
knew we could do it."
Even at that, it was a narrow escape. The Rams watched a 12-point
lead shrink to six with less than three minutes to go after two
fumbles in the fourth quarter by freshman QB Joseph Aycoob cost
CCSF a probable touchdown and set up Reedley's final TD.
But Aycoob, who replaced San Diego Lincoln High's Jason Swanson
at mid-season, was an effective passer, clicking on 21 of 30 aerials
for 297 yards against Reedley.
While the Rams like to toot their horns for rattling Reedley (9-2)
it must be noted the Tigers played without 11 players who were
suspended after a brawl with Fresno City in their final regular-season
game.
As successful as Aycoob has been, the key to CCSF's success is
centered around running back Tim Brown (201 carries, 1484 yards,
21 TDs).
Rush compares Brown (5-8,180) to one of the NFL's all-time best
running backs.
"He's right out of the Barry Sanders mold," Rush told
the San Francisco Chronicle. "He's not always the fastest
guy on the field or the most powerful, but in space, he makes
defenders look silly. He has a special talent to make others miss."
Yes, CCSF is loaded. But Jordan and the Griffins aren't intimidated.
"It could come down to the fact that I think we have more
depth," Jordan said.
No matter what the outcome, this one should go down to the wire.
A true championship game that validates the reason for conducting
an eight-team playoff.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI - Sophomore running back GARY FRANKLIN was named
the Southern California Championship game offensive MVP, while
linebacker BOBBY KELLY was tabbed the defensive MVP for that game
. . . Former GC middle linebacker DON JACKSON, now a starter at
Washington State, has been named to the All-Pac 10 second team
defense . . . CCSF All-American OT Albert Toeina (6-7, 340) will
miss Saturday's championship game as he was ejected for having
too many major penalties in the NoCal final against Reedley .
. .Grossmont and CCSF have never met in football .. . The Rams
once enjoyed a 42-game winning streak (1998-2002) . . .
One thing about have the season extend in the 14\th (actually
15th week) is it woos more four-year college scouts .. . The number
of 4-year college coaches to attend Grossmont practices are too
numerous for Jordan to recall. The Griffins coach did mention
Kansas State, BYU, San Jose State, Temple, San Diego State, Idaho
and Texas-Kingsville among the coaches visiting the Grossmont
practice sessions this week . . . CCSF won national championships
in 1946, 1948, 1994, 1999, 2000 and 2001.
(12-11-03)