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Downs recognized by National Football Foundation
EastCountySports.com
SAN DIEGO - Grossmont College offensive lineman SAM DOWNS
has been named a scholar-leader-athlete by the Walter J. Zable/San
Diego Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College
Hall of Fame.
Downs was honored with 29 other San Diego County high school and
college football players at the chapter's 33rd Annual Awards Banquet
March 18 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Mission Valley.
All of those honored have demonstrated exceptional academic, citizenship
and athletic achievements during the past year.
A Valhalla High product, Downs, at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, was a
unanimous All-Foothill Conference selection, first-team J.C. Grid-Wire
All-American team pick and first-team All-State. A Griffin co-captain,
he was Grossmont's Most Valuable Offensive Player and Player of
the Year.
His coach, DAVE JORDAN, describes Downs as an outstanding
citizen, student leader and athlete.
With a 3.8 grade point average, he was on the President's List
at Grossmont. Downs is attending Idaho State University on a football
scholarship, where he is majoring in accounting. He is ticketed
to start for the Bengals.
He lists his hobbies as reading, weight lifting and restoring
old cars.
He is the son of George and Mayda Downs in Spring Valley.
(03-31-05)
Griff duo signs with Henderson State
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON -- Grossmont College wide receivers JASON FACTUAR
and MARQUIS CLARK have accepted scholarships to Henderson
State University in Arkadelphia, Ark.
Situated 70 miles south of Little Rock, Henderson State has a
new head coach in Scott Maxfield. The former Blinn (Texas) JC
skipper has developed an offense that averaged more than 46 points
the past two seasons.
That has to be an exciting prospect at Henderson State where passing
has been out of desperation rather than by choice the past four
seasons.
Factuar (West Hills HS), who led the Foothill Conference champion
Griffins (11-1) with 54 catches for 897 yards and 5 TDs last season,
figures to be a possession receiver for the Division II Reddies.
Clark (Mt. Carmel HS), who reeled in 57 passes for 870 yards and
5 TDs the past two season, will also provide a formidable target
for the Reddies.
Henderson State has wooed more than 40 recruits to its quaint
campus, as Maxfield's Reddies prepare to go airborne in 2005.
(02-24-05)
Grossmont College running back Rajive Otah,
who became only the third 1000-yard rusher in the school's history,
has accepted a scholarship to Liberty University in Virginia.
(2004/Photo by Dawn Adams)
Give Otah Liberty as choice to continue
football career
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - Grossmont College running back RAJIVE OTAH is a winner
in every sense of the word. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound sophomore,
who rushed for 1,165 yards and 15 TDs for the Foothill Conference
Griffins last year, has accepted a scholarship to Liberty University
in Lynchburg, Va.
Otah's rushing total is the second highest all-time at Grossmont
College. He is only the third Grossmont back to break the 1,000-yard
rushing barrier in the Griffins' 43-year football history. Ironically,
all three of those backs hail from Helix High, the same school
that produced 2004 Heisman Trophy candidates Reggie Bush (USC)
and Alex Smith (Utah).
During his two seasons at Grossmont, Otah and the Griffins won
back-to-back conference championships while compiling an overall
24-2 record. His two-year rushing count added up to 1,304 yards
and 16 TDs. Grossmont reached the state finals when he was a freshman,
losing 38-35 to City College of San Francisco.
In his two varsity seasons at Helix High, Otah rushed for 1,553
yards and 15 TDs while the Highlanders marched into the San Diego
CIF Division II finals both years, winning in 2001.
Ken Karcher, a former back-up to Denver Broncos quarterback John
Elway, is the head coach of Liberty University, which plays in
the NCAA Division I-AA Big South Conference.
The Flames' football skipper announced that he is bringing in
31 players for the 2005 season.
The Flames are coming off a 6-5 season in which they won their
final four games.
Given that only one back is returning from last year's 6-5 team,
It would appear that Otah has a reasonable chance to start.
(02-03-05)
Jackson, Guice will continue careers at
UNLV
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - The University of Nevada-Las Vegas is taking on a definite
Grossmont College hue. With the verbal commitments of quarterback
JARROD JACKSON and corner JOHN GUICE, the Runnin' Rebels will
have six ex-Griffins in uniform next fall.
Guice, a J.C. Grid-Wire All-American who snagged 7 interceptions,
figures to start for the Rebels in the 2005 season. The 5-foot-9,
180-pound Georgia native was also recruited by Boise State, Utah,
Oregon State, BYU and UTEP.
Jackson, who was wooed heavily by Buffalo, TCU, Portland State,
Idaho State, BYU, Bowling Green and Weber State, cast his future
with the Mountain West Conference Rebels "because the QB
job is open and I've got a chance to compete for the starting
spot."
Spring practices are an open audition as a rule, but Jackson,
who guided the Griffins to two Foothill Conference championships
and passed for 4,671 yards and 36 touchdowns appears to have an
early edge on the job.
"His stats don't show what he could have done had he not
(missed three games) because of a high ankle sprain," Grossmont
College coach DAVE JORDAN said of Jackson.
One of the things Jackson does that intrigues UNLV coach Mike
Sanford is scramble away from pressure. When forced out of the
pocket, Jackson can deliver when he's on the run.
The UNLV roster now includes Grossmont graduates: defensive
end DAN WIDDERS; linebacker BOBBY KELLY; corner CHANTI BLOOMER;
linebacker DAN CATALANO; Jackson and Guice.
(12-23-04)
Mauga chooses Aztecs over Oklahoma, Arizona,
Oregon State
EastCountySports.com
SAN DIEGO - Grossmont College sophomore DALLAS MAUGA, the J.C.
Grid-Wire All-America lineman for the record-breaking Griffins
defensive unit, gave a verbal commitment Saturday (Dec. 18) to
attend San Diego State University. Mauga is the second Grossmont
player from last year's 11-1 squad to announce his intentions
this week. Offensive tackle SAM DOWNS, who also earned first team
J.C. Grid-Wire All-America honors, has agreed to play at Idaho
State.
Mauga, a former Helix High standout, noted he wanted to stay close
to home, and thus selected the Aztecs over Pac-10 schools Arizona
and Oregon State, and No.2-ranked Oklahoma.
Downs, a Valhalla High alum, was sought by several other schools
but elected to go with the rebuilding Bengals of the NCAA I-AA
Big Sky Conference.
Grossmont College coach DAVE JORDAN said several Griffins are
"still in the process of taking trips. We want to them not
to jump at the first offer they get." This is, however, a
team laden with freshman.
In his two seasons at Grossmont, the 6-foot-1, 297-pound Mauga
anchored a defense which propelled the team to a perfect 20-0
regular season record and a pair of Foothill Conference championships.
The 2003 squad also captured the Southern California crown and
moved within 33 seconds of also garnering a state championship.
In 2004, Grossmont was the top-ranked team in Southern California
and No. 2-ranked squad in the state entering the postseason, setting
records for fewest points allowed en route to a Southland final
four appearance before falling to eventual state titlist College
of the Canyons.
Grossmont was ranked No. 5 in the nation by the conclusion of
the 2004 campaign.
Mauga's list of awards include: Grossmont College Defensive Player
of the Year; a two-time All-Foothill Conference first-team pick,
including defensive player of the year by unanimous vote as a
sophomore; and a berth on the JuCal Transfer All-California community
college football team.
Downs' list of awards include team offensive MVP; first-team All-Foothill
Conference as a sophomore; and an All-State pick by JuCal Transfer.com
(12-18-04)
Jackson is recipient of Roth Award
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - Grossmont College quarterback JARROD JACKSON, defensive
end ANDREW JILLES and offensive tackle SAM DOWNS have been selected
to the 2004 J.C. GRID-WIRE Scholar/Athlete Junior College All-American
team.
Jackson, who carries a 3.0 grade-point-average and helped lead
the Griffins to back-to-back Foothill Conference championships,
also is the recipient of the 28th annual Joe Roth Memorial Award.
The Roth Award is presented to the San Diego County community
college football player who best exemplifies Joe's characteristics
of leadership, humility and class.
Despite missing three games due to injury, Jackson passed for
1,887 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Griffins, who finished with
the second-most wins in Grossmont College history at 11-1.
The University of Buffalo, Ohio University, Portland State and
Idaho State are among the schools recruiting Jackson.
Jilles, who is being wooed by the University of Houston among
others, owns a 3.4 grade-point-average. Downs, also a blue-chip
recruit, checks in with a 3.8 gpa.
Other Griffins presented awards at the team luncheon on Saturday
(Dec. 4) were: SAM DOWNS (offensive MVP); tackle DALLAS MAUGA
(defensive MVP); best DB JOHN GUICE; best DL ANDREW JILLES; best
LB EVAN HERMANSON ; best RB RAJIVE OTAH; best co-receivers MARQUES
CLARK and JASON FACTUAR; and specialist of the year DAN ZEIDMAN.
JUCAL TRANSFER PICKS 5 GRIFFS, COACH, ALL-STATE
Grossmont College's DAVE JORDAN has been named the 2nd annual
JuCal Transfer California Community College Coach of the Year.
Jordan led the Griffins to their second straight 10-0 regular
season finish.
JuCal Transfer All-State honors went to Hermanson, Guice, Mauga,
Jilles and Downs.
(12-07-04)
Grossmont College sophomore defensive
tackle Dallas Mauga (91) was awarded 1st team JC All-American
by J.C.Grid-Wire. (Photo by Dawn Adams); Grossmont College's
sophomore corner John Guice (1) was named to the 45th annual
J.C. Grid-Wire Junior College All-American 1st team. Guice ranked
among the leaders with 7 interceptions. (Photo by Dawn Adams);
Grossmont College sophomore tackle Sam Downs (74) was the
only Griffins player recognized on J.C.Grid-Wire's JC All-American
1st team offense. (Photo by Dawn Adams)
Mauga, Guice, Downs are JC All-Americans
EastCountySports.com
SANTA ANA - Even though the Grossmont College Griffins came up
short in their bid for a second straight Southern California championship,
they made a major impact in the post-season selections. Three
Griffins were chosen to the 45th annual J.C. Grid-Wire Junior
College All-America Team. No other team had more than two players
included among the top 26 players in the nation.
Tackle DALLAS MAUGA, the Foothill Conference Defensive Player
of the Year, was the Grand Marshal of the Griffins' post-season
parade. The 6-foot-1, 297-pound sophomore out of Helix High, was
named to the J.C. Grid-Wire first team defense along with sophomore corner
JOHN GUICE.
SAM DOWNS, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound offensive tackle with 3.8 gpa,
was Grossmont's representative on the first team offense.
Sophomore defensive end ANDREW JILLES, a 6-4, 244-pounder with
a 3.4 gpa, received J.C. Grid-Wire honorable mention recognition.
Grossmont reached the Southern California Regional semifinals,
finishing with the second-most victories in school history at
11-1.
(11-30-04)
Grossmont College's Andrew Jilles (17)
smothers a Canyons running back as Adam Cooper (8) (2 interceptions)
and Evan Hermanson (53) (9 tackles) look on during the
SoCal semifinals game in Santa Clarita. (11-27-04/Photo by Lynda
Garvin)
Reversal of fortune dooms Griffins
Canyons advances to SoCal final
after blanking Grossmont, 30-0
East County Sports.com
SANTA CLARITA -- Riding high with an 11-game winning streak and
on target for another shot at the California state community college
title game berth, it only took a fumble, an interception and a
punt shank to abruptly end the Grossmont College football season.
In a reversal of roles, College of the Canyons gained revenge
from a painful semifinal loss in 2003, upending the Griffins,
30-0, to gain a berth in next week's Southern California championship
game. The Cougars (12-0) will meet top-seeded Saddleback (11-1),
which downed Long Beach City, 41-25.
Last year at this time, COC fumed after racing through the regular
season undefeated and were ranked higher than Grossmont, but they
still needing to travel south, where they finally fell, 14-10.
On Saturday (Nov. 27), it was now the Griffins who needed to traverse
the Southland freeway system over a holiday weekend, then battling
the difficulties of cold, rainy weather, and playing a rare night
contest despite being ranked first in both major polls.
All are convenient excuses, but the bottom line: Too many turnovers
results in short scoring drives, as Canyons expanded upon a 7-0
halftime lead with 23 third-quarter points, capped by a 31-yard
interception return by defensive back Michael Carr to ignite an
early COC celebration.
"A lot of people overlook our defense, but there is no way
they can anymore -- that's our fifth shutout of the season,"
said Carr, who also forced a fumble to setup a Cougars touchdown
in the third. Canyons' defense has now posted consecutive postseason
shutouts after blanking El Camino, 17-0, in last week's playoff
opener.
Grossmont's defense hung tough for a half, surrendering only a
1-yard touchdown run by COC quarterback Cory Miles in the first
period. But miscues by the Griffins on offense and special teams
finally proved too much. Included were six fumbles (three lost),
a missed field goal, a 5-yard punt, with many of the lapses leading
to short scoring drives to raise the Cougars' win streak to 12,
with victories in 23 of their last 24 ballgames over two seasons.
"We were in the game, but we kept making mistakes that killed
us," said Griffins quarterback JARROD JACKSON, who completed
just two of his first 12 passes en route to a 15-for-44 performance
for 193 yards. "We fumbled the ball and they scored, we get
the bad punt and they scored, they I threw the pick. We simply
gave them a short field all night long."
Cougars running back Will Caldwell was the beneficiary of the
errors. He rushed for 93 yards on 13 carries, including scoring
runs of 9 and 1 yards in the third to mount a 20-0 advantage.
Kicker Jason Tompkins then booted a school-record 50-yard field
goal on a kick that was barely tipped by the Grossmont defensive
line, yet knuckle-balled through the uprights.
In another reversal, Grossmont had outscored its opponents, 121-7,
during the season.
"You can't do anything like we did and win," added head
coach DAVE JORDAN. "You can't win with six fumbles, you can't
win with poor special teams, and you can't win by giving them
a short field."
Grossmont's defense kept bailing water, however, including a pair
of interceptions by ADAM COOPER, highlighted by a juggling grab
for a touchback on a pass initially tipped by MOZIQUE McCURTIS
at the goal line. The Griffins also recorded a pair of sacks,
including a solo stop by linebacker ANDREW JILLES, while LAMONT
BUTLER and MATHEW AHMU shared a sack.
However, the heart of the Griffins defense made few stops, by
design if you talk to the Cougars.
"We tried to run away from their best players, no matter
which side of the field we were on," noted Cougars quarterback
Marcel Marquez, the team's starter to open the season, who entered
in the second quarter following Miles' second interception. "We
talked about getting back at Grossmont all season, and we're all
happy we got that chance."
Grossmont will get a shot earlier than expected next season. The
preliminary Southland football schedule has been released to coaches
for approval, with the Griffins slated to return to Canyons in
Week 2 of the 2005 slate following a season-opener at home against
Mt. San Antonio of the Mission Conference.
For the Griffins, receiver MARQUES CLARK caught six balls for
88 yards, MICHAEL OMAR made four receptions for 66 yards, and
RAJIVE OTAH came off the bench to be the leading ball-carries
with 49 yards on 10 carries after Grossmont was limited to 1 yard
on the ground in the first half.
On defense, the leading tacklers were lineman DALLAS MAUGA and
linebacker EVAN HERMANSON.
NOTES: How important is playoff seeding? The only road team to
win this playoff season was Grossmont, when they were the "designated"
home team against Chaffey last week. If the Griffins were at home,
they could have extended their 25-1 record at Mashin-Roth Memorial
Stadium. Instead, Canyons posted its school-record 28th consecutive
home victory... Despite promises of upwards of 5,000 fans for
the game, the weather held the turnout to barely 500, with one-third
coming from brave Grossmont supporters... Former COC and current
University of California running back J.J. Arrington was the honorary
captain for the coin toss.
Scholarship Prospects: Sophomore cornerback JOHN GUICE, who was
avoided all night by the Cougars, needed to make just one tackle.
The state interceptions leader has four schools breathing heavy
for his services, including front-runner Utah, plus Boise St.,
Oregon and Michigan State... Jackson, who hails from the greater
Portland, Ore., area, noted that a few of his top possibilities
for 2005 include Portland State and Idaho State.
(11-28-04)
Undefeateds Griffins, Canyons ready for
smashmouth semifinal before huge crowd
EastCountySports.com
VALENCIA - Folks around the College of the Canyons have been waiting
for Saturday's (Nov. 27) arrival of Grossmont College for nearly
a year now. This is an ironic tale of déjà vu. These
two teams met a year ago in the Southern California Regional semifinals
at Grossmont as the only 11-0 teams in the state. Both squads
are 11-0 again this year as they prepare to collide in the So.Cal
semifinals. The biggest difference is this year's game will be
played at College of the Canyons' spacious stadium across the
freeway from Six Flags Magic Mountain at 7 p.m.
The visiting Griffins, the defending Southern California champions,
hope the results this time around are as rewarding as they were
in 2003. Grossmont squeezed out a 14-10 victory over the Cougars
before a record SRO crowd of 2,400 at Mashin-Roth Memorial Field.
COC officials anticipate the crowd will be twice as large for
Saturday's rematch.
Both teams are touted for their defense. The Cougars blanked El
Camino 21-0 in last week's 1st round, giving them two shutouts
in their last three games. The Cougars have allowed just 25 points
in their last four starts.
Tackle Dennis Ellis, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound product of Cleveland,
Texas, demolished El Camino with 8 unassisted tackles and 4 sacks,
while linebacker Jerrod Perry (No. Nashville, N.C.) added 10 tackles
to Canyons' impressive totals.
"I believe we have one of the best defenses in all of junior
college football," said Ellis, who has 10 sacks for the season.
"(Grossmont) put us out last year, but it's not going to
happen this year."
That's a bold prediction, considering Grossmont has lost only
7 of its last 57 games.
"We think our defense is pretty good, too," Grossmont
College coach DAVE JORDAN said.
Jordan has maintained from the opening snap that 6-foot-1, 297-pound
tackle DALLAS MAUGA is the top defensive lineman in the state.
The Foothill Conference believes in Mauga's ability as the nine
head coaches in that circuit made him a unanimous choice for Defensive
Player of the Year.
Canyons has its share of standouts as well.
Sophomore Roshawn Marshall (Tarpon Springs, Fla.) was a unanimous
All-Western State Conference first-team pick as a cornerback,
in addition to being honored as top return specialist in the league.
Marshall led a program-record 23 Cougars who were selected to
the all-conference team.
"Roshawn Marshall is one of the best cornerbacks to ever
play here," said Canyons' Chuck Lyon, who earned his fourth
WSC North Division Coach of the Year award since 1998. "The
conference selections say a lot about this program, the coaching
staff and these players."
Grossmont earned 15 all-conference berths in the larger Foothill
Conference. Jordan was tabbed the coach of the year.
COC quarterback Cory Miles (186-of-313, 2638 yards, 22 TDs) and
sure-handed receiver Tyrell Smith (Cody, Mich., 82 catches, 1076
yards, 10 TDs) will test the Griffins.
Running back RAJIVE OTAH (1,116 yards, 16 TDs) and quarterback
JARROD JACKSON (132-of-231, 1693 yards, 12 TDs) are the mainliners
of a Grossmont offense that operates behind a huge and effective
offensive line.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI - Canyons has 15 out-of-state players compared
to 11 for Grossmont . . . The Griffins lead the all-time series
2-1 . . . Rain and gusty winds plagued both teams in COC's 21-0
knockout of El Camino last week. That game was closer than the
score indicates as the Cougars led only 7-0 after three quarters
. . . Grossmont has outscored its opponents 121-7 in he 3rd quarter
this season.
(11-25-04)
Grossmont College DE Andrew Jilles (17) drops Chaffey's
Brandon Fractious (2) - the Foothill Conference's leading rusher
in the Griffins' SoCal Regional victory over Chaffey. Jilles was
named the Verizon Defensive Player of the Game. (11-20-04/Photo
by Lynda Garvin)
Griffins suffocate Chaffey in Southern California
Bowl to advance
EastCountySports.com
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - While the coaching staff voiced concern and
objections during the week on the unusual situation which placed
undefeated and top-ranked Grossmont College on the road for the
opening round of the Southern California playoffs, the players
kept quiet and remained focused on its task.
"We don't care who we play - it's just somebody in our way,"
explained lineman DALLAS MAUGA, who bullied the host Chaffey College
Panthers throughout the afternoon. Make that two afternoons.
"We felt good and stayed focused on what's ahead of us."
Such elements replayed nearly an identical result.
Meeting a conference rival that they defeated by 31 points earlier
this season at Mashin-Roth Memorial Field, Grossmont proved it
could produce a similar number on the road against the Panthers.
The visiting Griffins built a 26-0 lead with 10 minutes left in
the 3rd quarter and continued on for a 26-7 whipping of Chaffey
in the Verizon Southern California Bowl at Grigsby Field. The
bowl serves as one of four quarterfinal-round ballgames in the
Southern California playoffs.
That victory earned the Griffins a date against College of the
Canyons - matching Southern California's only unbeaten teams -
in Saturday's (Nov. 27) Regional semifinals. Kickoff for that
battle of 11-0 squads is 7 p.m. in Valencia (adjacent to Six Flags-Magic
Mountain amusement park).
Canyons blanked El Camino 21-0 in its 1st round playoff game on
a chilly night a few miles south of the Grapevine on Saturday
(Nov. 20).
When Canyons visited Grossmont in last year's SoCal semifinals,
it was a virtual war. Both teams were 11-0. The Griffins eventually
squeezed out a 14-10 victory in what should have been the Southern
California championship game. A similar encounter should be expected
in this year's rematch.
But first, the Griffins would like to celebrate their second 2004
knockout of Foothill Conference rival Chaffey - a team they clubbed
45-14 during the regular season.
That first go-round was similar to Saturday's rematch in that
the Griffins carried a 31-0 lead into halftime. Thus, another
meeting seemed unnecessary and even silly. But it was the path
the selection process demanded.
"I was concerned because Chaffey wanted it so bad,"
noted Griffins coach DAVE JORDAN, the Foothill Conference's coach
of the year. "We played nearly a perfect game against them
the first time, so we knew it would be closer this time."
Jordan's worries went for naught.
"There is great satisfaction in winning this game. Simply,
we did not want to be here, the whole situation wasn't right.
This game was tougher on me than any of the other games will be."
With Mauga occupying the Chaffey front line, end ANDREW JILLES
stepped up to make several key plays and was named the Defensive
MVP for the game by the media.
QB Jarrod Jackson (4) rolled up 242 yards total
offense and had a hand in 3 of Grossmont's 4 TDs
in the 1st round of the SoCal Regional playoffs won by the Griffins
26-7 at Chaffey. Jackson was named the Verizon Offensive
Player of the Game. (11-20-04/Photo by Lynda Garvin)
Meanwhile, Grossmont quarterback JARROD
JACKSON completed 18-of-32 passes for 234 yards and a pair of
touchdowns to claim the Verizon Bowl's Offensive MVP Award. The
Griffins sophomore field general also showed that his once sore
ankle was back to 100 percent as he scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown
run giving Grossmont a 14-0 advantage in the 2nd quarter.
"We did a few things different from the first time we played
them," Jackson said. "We put in an empty formation with
5 wide receivers. We only ran it a few times. But really, we didn't
do all that much different than we did the last time we played
them."
One new wrinkle was the shovel pass, which the Griffins executed
to precision on a couple of occasions.
Another surprise breaking out of the Grossmont offensive huddle
was the emergence of some new faces. MICHAEL OMAR caught the first
two passes of his career for 33 yards. DEVIN ST. JAMES caught
his first collegiate pass - a 12-yard TD strike from Jackson on
the first play of the 2nd quarter to break a scoreless tie.
"We had some guys come through who have been around and are
just now learning the offense," Jackson said. "They
were put into a situation where they had to just step up and play
and they did."
Following a fumble recovery by EVAN HERMANSON, Jackson scored
his first touchdown of the year, staking Grossmont to a 14-0 lead.
"It's good to be back - I've been hurt all season,"
said Jackson, who was recognized for his ability to scramble as
a freshman. "I really haven't done anything with my feet
(until Saturday). So it felt good to finally make it to the end
zone."
Following a familiar pattern, the Griffins defense held their
opponent in check, giving the offense time to get in gear.
Grossmont limited Chaffey to a mere 176 yards in total offense
through three periods, finally losing its shutout bid with 4:30
remaining after a semifinals berth was already comfortably tucked
away.
"Stingy. That's how we play," added Mauga. "We're
greedy, not wanting to give up first downs."
Only once in the first half could Chaffey advance the ball past
midfield, reaching the Griffins 45 on its opening drive. However,
Jilles crashed the line to stuff Panthers standout running back
Brandon Fractious for a 4-yard loss with a one-handed tackle.
That rattled Chaffey as a delay penalty pushed the ball back behind
the 50.
"I didn't know it was that big of a play," admitted
Jilles. In terms of momentum, it was huge, as the Griffins were
clinging to a 14-0 advantage with three minutes left in the 1st
half.
Fractious, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards during the regular
season, mustered just 10 yards on 10 carries in the 1st half,
as the Griffins defense continued to neutralize one of the state's
top running backs. In two games opposite Grossmont, Fractious
rushed for a mere 106 yards on 42 carries.
DEVON JONES and ADAM COOPER each intercepted Panthers quarterback
Nick Davila, the Foothill Conference Offensive Player of the Year,
who stumbled with a 9-for-20 effort for 98 yards in the first
half. Davila finished 26 for 52 for 366 in the game.
"We fought hard and the defensive line made great penetration,"
noted Grossmont's MATT WESTRICK. "They made our job easy,
so we just filled the holes and made plays all day long."
Following a scoreless 1st period, Jackson accounted for all three
Griffins scores in the second period, sandwiching scoring passes
to St. James and JASON FACTUAR between his season long 15-yard
scoring run for a 20-0 lead at intermission.
St. James' first career reception went for a TD on the opening
play of the 2nd quarter, after being left unguarded in the front-left
corner of the end zone. The 11-play, 78-yard drive survived a
fumble following a 19-yard gain on a shovel pass to RAJIVE OTAH,
but lineman SAM DOWNS continued to hustle on the play, racing
downfield to grab the ball on the bounce and advancing it 3 additional
yards to the Panthers 11.
Grossmont finished off a dominating period as Jackson found Factuar
on consecutive connections for 18 and 19 yards, the latter coming
with 23.2 seconds left. Factuar finished with four catches for
68 yards, while running back Otah was the leading receiver with
five grabs, as the sophomore finished with identical totals of
72 yards receiving and rushing.
Any hopes for a Chaffey rally ended quickly when Grossmont took
the second half kickoff and marched 80 yards on 11 plays to mount
a 26-point cushion. A 25-yard Jackson pass to Factuar allowed
fullback RODERICK COOKSEY to romp home from the Panthers 1-yard
line on a play where the Grossmont line pushed nearly every Chaffey
lineman backwards.
"We wanted to finish it there," noted center PATRICK
KAPUNIAI "And all the guys -- "Big" SAM (DOWNS),
JAKE (BINGHAM), MATT (GAUGHEN) and C.J. (BRYANT) -- just played
well and pushed hard." And that's not to forget 6-foot-7,
290-pound freshman DAN HATHAWAY and others who came off the bench
to contribute.
Special teams also played well for Grossmont, led by punter DAN
ZEIDMAN, who placed three punts inside the Panthers 20. Included
were coffin corner boots that sailed out of bounds at the 6 and
9 in the first half, while two others went for 46 and 50 yards.
Chaffey finally reached the end zone against the Grossmont reserves,
when Davila went over-the-top to hit Marcel Reece on a 54-yard
pass. Davila rang up 208 of his yards in the 4th quarter. Even
against less than the full starting unit, the Griffins did not
allow Chaffey to score on four separate trips to the red zone,
as drives reached the Grossmont's 8, 14, 18 and 6 over the final
15 minutes, yet the Panthers were rejected each time.
(11-20-04)
Griffins, chippy Chaffey will meet in the
middle in Regional Playoff
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - It's down to the little things now. Such as which sideline
and locker room will Grossmont College occupy at Chaffey College's
Grigsby Field on Saturday (Nov. 20) when the Griffins and Panthers
meet in the opening round of the Southern California Regional
playoffs at 1 p.m. The Griffins will don their "home"
green jerseys, and have elected to use the facilities normally
reserved for Chaffey.
Even though that's what the COA rules vaguely indicated, Chaffey
athletic director Bob Olivera has put his foot down on one aspect
of his school's hospitality toward the "home team" Griffins.
"Grossmont wanted to be the home team and use our locker
room," Olivera told sports editor Louis Brewster of the Inland
Valley Daily Bulletin. "We have made the locker room for
the designated home team available to them, but we will not move
out of our team room."
Chaffey football coach Carl Beach said his team would abandon
their normal home team locker room two hours before game time
and use the nearby practice facilities for a team walk through.
Inside, outside, north side, south side . . . how much does it
matter?
"We play in the middle, and that's what counts," Beach
told the Inland Valley Bulletin.
Some might say this playoff game has lost some of its luster considering
the Griffins pounded the Panthers 45-14 on Oct. 16 at Mashin-Roth
Memorial Field in the game that decided the Foothill Conference
championship. Grossmont punched out 28 points before Chaffey logged
its initial first down with 7:17 left in the 2nd quarter that
afternoon.
None of that matters now. The Griffins (10-0), undefeated for
the second consecutive season, must prove to the Panthers (9-1)
that first meeting was no fluke.
"Any team with their record has to be a good football team,"
Grossmont College coach DAVE JORDAN said. "And Chaffey is
a solid team."
So how did the Griffins pummel the Panthers with relative ease
in the first go-round?
"That's about as smooth as we can play," Jordan said.
"Both sides of the ball, I thought we played well. It was
probably our best total game."
These Panthers are no pushovers. Following the loss to Grossmont,
Chaffey cruised to consecutive conquests over San Diego Mesa (40-31),
College of the Desert (42-7), Mt. San Jacinto (43-20) and San
Bernardino Valley (17-6).
In order to sponsor the game, the sanctioning Commission on Athletics
required a $10,000 bond for the bowl game. Verizon has put up
the cash annually for the past three years.
Jordan questions how that money is used.
Chaffey's Olivera gave a breakdown to Brewster.
"We are spending close to $3,000 on shirts and hats for players
and coaches," said Olivera.
A 12-page color program is $2,000. The sandwiches and drinks for
the players after the game is more than $1,000. The Verizon stencil
is on the field costs $1,200 and the game officials cost $500.
Olivera added that maintenance costs, security and game management
expenses would chew up much of the remaining $2,300.
Not that Chaffey isn't willing to hand out a consolation prize
to Grossmont.
"We are recognizant of their expenses," Olivera said.
If the bowl covers its expenses, Brewster reported, Olivera said
he would reimburse Grossmont mileage for bus travel.
No doubt the Griffins would rather have a victory, and allow Chaffey
to keep the change.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI - Chaffey won its five home games by more than
30 points per start, sweeping to a 5-0 mark. The Panthers' road
wins came by a margin of less than 6 points . . . Hmm? So how
do we figure this game - Is Chaffey the "road" team
or ?. . . For some reason, Chaffey officials have the idea
2,000 Grossmont fans will be on hand for this game. That is more
like a home game crowd for the Griffins. Maybe if this game had
been scheduled for San Diego County . . . Ohio University is making
a pitch for Grossmont quarterback JARROD JACKSON . . . SDSU and
Arizona like Foothill Conference Defensive Player of the Year
DALLAS MAUGA ⤠Grossmont has won 11 of the 20 meetings
from Chaffey.
(11-18-04)
All Conference Quartet: Foothill Conference Grossmont
College 1st team picks Ernesto Gradillas (56), Andrew
Jilles (17) and Evan Hermanson (53) bury Chaffey's
Brandon Fractious (2), the conference's leading rusher
during the regular season game. (Photo by Travis Downs)
Mauga is Foothill Defensive Player of Year
as eight Griffins are first team
Guice, Jilles, Hermanson, Downs, Zeidman,
Factuar, Gradillas earn top honors
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON -Not surprisingly, the two-time undefeated Grossmont
College Griffins dominated the All-Foothill Conference selections.
Fifteen Griffins were recognized, including tackle DALLAS MAUGA
- a unanimous choice for the Foothill's Defensive Player of the
Year - in balloting conducted by the circuit's nine head coaches.
The 6-foot-1, 290-pound Mauga, a product of Helix High who earned
first-team honors for the second straight season, is being heavily
recruited with San Diego State University and Arizona as the front
runners.
Mauga is one of six Griffins who were unanimous picks, and thus
receive automatic consideration for All-State honors.
This bullish lineman routinely draws double- and sometimes triple-coverage
from Grossmont opponents. Not many have been successful at neutralizing
this physical ruffian. Since he draws so much attention from opposing
linemen, Mauga has not racked up record-breaking statistics, leaving
that to his teammates. Mauga's numbers aren't that bad, however,
as he's notched 9 sacks and averaged 5 tackles per game.
Grossmont's other unanimous all-conference first-team defensive
winners were corner JOHN GUICE; end ANDREW JILLES;
and linebacker EVAN HERMANSON.
Sophomore lineman SAM DOWNS (6-3, 278) was Grossmont's
lone unanimous pick on offense, while freshman DAN ZEIDMAN
captured all the votes for Foothill Conference Kicker of the Year.
Known for his touchback kickoffs, Zeidman also booted 7 field
goals, 48-of-50 PATs and averaged 37.5 on 30 punts.
Other first-team picks for the Griffins were wide receiver JASON
FACTUAR (47 catches, 790 yards, 4 TDs) and linebacker ERNESTO
GRADILLAS.
Sophomore quarterback JARROD JACKSON heads Grossmont's
list of second-team picks. Despite missing three games due to
injury, Jackson - a second-team All-Foothill Conference choice
a year ago as a freshman - passed for 1,459 yards and 10 TDs on
114-for-199 accuracy.
Others named to the all-conference second-team offense were: running
back RAJIVE OTAH (143-1044, 15 TDs); linemen C.J. BRYANT
and PATRICK KUPUNIAI; and wide receiver MARQUES CLARK
( 35-472, 3 TDs).
Honorable mention went to defensive end BRIAN STANBRA and
safety ADAM COOPER.
I've never had so many players sweep the board (unanimously),"
said Grossmont's DAVE JORDAN, who was voted Coach of the
Year for the second time in a row.
For Jordan, it was the 6th time he has been selected conference
coach of the year by his peers during his 34-year career at Grossmont.
In the last 10 seasons, Jordan has guided the Griffins to six
Foothill Conference crowns. His clubs have compiled a 50-7 record
the last five seasons, including a 10-0 mark so far this year.
Jordan and Co. hope to add to their victory totals when they open
the Southern California CC Playoffs Saturday (Nov. 20) in Chaffey
at 1 pm.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI -Chaffey QB Nick Davila was tabbed the
Foothill Conference Offensive Player of the Year. . . Grossmont's
schedule for the 2005 season was announced. The Griffins will
open up at home against Mount San Antonio College and then travels
to Santa Clarita to face College of the Canyons. The Foothill
Conference slate kicks off in week three.
(11-16-04)
Perfect May Not Be Good
Enough for Griffins
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - Grossmont College coaches and players will spend
the final Saturday (Nov. 13) of the regular season scouting possible
future playoff opponents. The Griffins, who wrapped up their second
straight 10-0 season a week ago, close the campaign with a bye.
Pairings for the eight-team Southern California Regional will
be announced Sunday (Nov. 13) afternoon.
In the infinite wisdom of those who make such decisions, Grossmont
College - one of only two undefeated teams in Southern California
- will not host a playoff game.
Despite being ranked No. 1 - and claiming all 14 first-place votes
in the COA's (California Community College Commission on Athletics)
Southern California Poll - the Griffins will be challenged to
repeat as So. Cal champions by sweeping to three straight wins
on the road.
Baring any major upsets the final day of the regular season, the
Griffins will be seeded No. 3 and most likely be the "host
team" in the Verizon Bowl at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga.
Some home field advantage for the top-ranked team in Southern
California.
Even more unbelievable is there is a possibility that the Griffins
would have to play Chaffey - a team they clubbed by 31 points
on Oct. 16 at Mashin-Roth Memorial Field - on the Panthers' home
field.
Wow!
The greatest impact of the COA/CCC Football Coaches Association
formula for selecting the top five seeds occurred during the first
two weeks of the season. That is, the composite non-conference
record during that two-week stretch of each of the five SoCal
conferences is a major criterion for seeding the post-season tournament.
The Mission Conference's National Division was collectively 7-5
against non-conference foes - a winning percentage of .583. That
mark is the highest among the leagues, and Saddleback (8-1) has
already secured that circuit's championship. Thus, the Gauchos
will be the No. 1 seed, even though they lost to Chaffey 35-33
and Grossmont later beat the Chaffey 45-14. Saddleback is ranked
No. 5 in the COA Southern California Regional Poll this week.
Pretty wacky, huh! Stay tuned. It gets more confusing.
The Western State Conference's North Division was collectively
9-7 (.563) to earn the No. 2 SoCal seeding position. Undefeated
College of the Canyons (9-0) - ranked No. 2 in the COA Regional
Poll at the moment - must beat No. 9 Moorpark (6-3) to take the
conference title and maintain its lofty playoff position. Should
the Cougars stumble and tie Moorpark for the Western Conference
North crown, the Raiders would advance as the No. 2 seed. Canyons
would then have to settle for a No. 6, 7 or 8 seed.
The Foothill Conference was 9-9 against non-league opponents and
thus earns the No. 3 seed. Enter Grossmont.
The Mission Conference's American Division is No. 4 (due to a
6-6 non-league mark) followed by the Western State's South Division
at No. 5 (which could feature a league champion with a 6-4 mark).
The remaining three at-large berths complete the playoff bracket,
and that is where the COA Poll comes in. Doesn't say much for
the impact of this poll, does it.
The So.Cal Playoffs begin on Saturday, Nov. 20.
REAL NITTY GRITTY
Let's face it. Seems there are those around the state who aren't
overly fond of Grossmont's rustic "stadium" for a variety
of reasons. Foremost is Mashin-Roth Memorial Field seats only
1,200. Tight quarters indeed, considering last year's two playoff
games played at Grossmont drew standing-room-only crowds. And
the restroom facilities are too far from the field.
Obviously, Grossmont is responsible for shoring up some of its
shortcomings. Given the current situation, Griffins head coach
DAVE JORDAN is willing to play his "home" playoff games
at nearby Southwestern College (seating capacity 7,000).
Perhaps the COA should follow its own Football Guidelines regarding
playoff format: "Every consideration should be given to helping
insure the best match-ups that will generate the largest gate
income." Given that Grossmont is the top-seeded team in Southern
California, where would the Griffins draw the biggest crowd?
Anybody that knows anything about Chaffey football is aware that,
despite its perennial success and excellent facility, the Panthers
rarely attract more than 500 fans - regardless of who they play.
In the 2001 SoCal Championship game pitting Palomar against the
Panthers at Chaffey, there were fewer than 1,000 people in the
stands.
Although none of the higher-ups will admit it, the bottom line
here is Grossmont is 25-1 at home since installing Field-Turf
prior to the 2000 season. And they're entitled to a home game.
It's still hard to believe a team that has been rated as highly
as Grossmont all season cannot beg, borrow, buy or steal a home
game. Sounds political.
The closest Grossmont could get to playing a home game is at Southwestern
College. A lot of favorites would have to fall for that to happen,
though.
RATINGS REVIEW
· JuCal Transfer: Ranks the Griffins No. 1 in the state
ahead of CC San Francisco (9-0), Canyons (9-0), Butte (8-1), Sierra
(9-0), Saddleback (8-1), Mt. SAC (8-1), Chaffey (8-1), San Joaquin
Delta (7-2) and Fresno (7-2).
· JC Grid-Wire: Rates the Griffins No. 3 in the nation
behind CC San Francisco, Butler, Kansas (11-0). Pearl River (Poplar,
Mo. 10-0) in No. 4 and Canyons is No. 5. The same poll ranks Grossmont
No. 2 in the state and No. 1 in Southern California.
· The Junior College Athletic Bureau's California Community
College Football Coaches Association Poll rates the Griffins No.
2 in the state and No. 1 in Southern California. CC San
Francisco owns the No. 1 spot in the state.
· The Junior College Football Network's All-USA Coaches
Poll rates the Griffins No. 3 in the nation, No. 2 in the state
and No. 1 in SoCal.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI:
· Grossmont ranks No.3 in the state for offense, averaging
39.1 points and 481.5 yards per game, and No. 4 among state defenses
- 9.5 points and 239.3 yards per outing.
(11-11-04)
%20QB%20Reilly%23DA57F.jpg)
Grossmont College QB Reilly Murphy (14) threw
3 TD passes and scrambled for a 4th as the Griffins blanked Antelope
Valley 38-0. (Photo by Dawn Adams)
Winning Griffins are heroes after finishing
regular season undefeated
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - It was a record-breaking finish to an undefeated
season for Grossmont College Saturday (Nov. 6) at Mashin-Roth
Memorial Field. Not only did the Griffins bully Lancaster's Antelope
Valley Marauders 38-0 to cap their second straight Foothill Conference
crown, they broke a defensive scoring record, and produced their
third 1,000-yard rusher in 44 years while establishing a pair
of team rushing marks.
The conquering heroes wearing the Grossmont Green and Gold were
approached by dozens of autograph-seeking youngsters following
their 25th win in 26 home starts over the past five seasons.
"This is a kick," said Griffins running back RAJIVE
OTAH as he signed a game program for a young boy after rushing
for 136 yards and one TD on 21 carries. Otah moves into second
place for rushing yards in a season with 1,044 yards (on 143 carries)
- leapfrogging COREY RANSOM (1,018 yards on 179 carries in 1998)
in the Griffin record book. The all-time Grossmont rushing leader
is FRANK WOOLRICH (1,328 yards on 256 carries). One thing these
three rushers have in common is they all are products of the tradition-rich
Helix High football program.
"Everything I've done is due in part to the other 10 guys
on the field, blocking for me," said Otah, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound
sophomore tailback. "They all knew that I had something to
accomplish, and they wanted to have the glory with me. It was
a team effort. I was appreciating every block. My line made it
very easy for me, like they've been doing all year. We came together
going after that school (season) rushing record."
The Griffins piled up 202 yards on 37 carries against Antelope
Valley (3-6, 1-6), swelling their season rushing total to 2,295
(on 434 carries). That breaks the old mark of 2,122 (429 carries)
set in 1977.
RODERICK COOKSEY, Grossmont's 6-foot-2, 275-pound fullback, contributed
38 yards on just four carries on this record-breaking outing.
Otah's record run didn't stop with yardage. He scored his 16th
touchdown on a 1-yard run that culminated a six-play, 65-yard
scoring drive that staked Grossmont to a 7-0 lead with 6:05 left
in the opening quarter.
"All the success we've had is due to team participation,"
Otah said. "Every week we study our video tapes so we know
who we are going against. Then, when we get into the actual game,
I listen to my O-linemen and go a lot off what they say. When
they make their blocks, I just follow."
Although he was unaware of what milestones this season held in
store, Otah said, "I set my priorities going into the season.
I was hoping to get a thousand, maybe 1,200 yards. Those guys
out in front of me, my O-linemen, made those goals achievable."
Otah's early scoring dash marked his 16th touchdown of the season
- pushing him into second place on Grossmont's all-time ledger
for six-pointers in a season. Only Ransom (20 in 1998) has more.
Then freshman quarterback REILLY MURPHY took over. Making just
his third collegiate start, Murphy clicked on eight of 16 passes
for 159 yards, including scoring strikes to JERRY MAREKO (3 yards),
RICHARD NELSON (17 yards) and JASON FACTUAR (26 yards).
For good measure, Murphy scrambled away from pressure and scored
on a 7-yard run to hoist the Griffins' advantage to 35-0 with
1:36 left in the first half.
"We wanted to make it clear that we are ready to go into
the playoffs," said Murphy, a Torrey Pines High alum. "I
found out Wednesday that I was going to start this game (due to
an ankle injury to sophomore JARROD JACKSON).
"I didn't think of that as late notice because I prepare
every week as if I'm going to be the starter. I'm just here waiting
to get my chance."
Consider the bell answered.
"Our receivers did real well getting over the top on the
corners," Murphy said. The Griffins easily could have padded
their aerial mileage if not for several dropped passes. "I
overthrew a couple, too."
Factuar led the Griffins with three catches for 71 yards and the
one score. Nelson reeled in a pair of aerials for 61 yards and
JOE WYNN pulled down a pair, as did tight end Mareko.
When under pressure Murphy was quite nimble on his feet as well.
"I just went right and came left," Murphy said. "When
I saw the receivers were covered I just booted out. When guys
came at me I juked back to the left after everybody had flown
over to the play on the right."
Ironically, Murphy has appeared in nine of Grossmont's 10 games
- more than either of his two signal-calling teammates. He's completed
62 of 110 passes for 871 yards and 7 TDs.
"I'd like to go out (on a four-year scholarship) after this
year," Murphy admitted. "But we have some unfinished
business to tend to this season before I think about next year.
We want that state title."
Once this season concludes Murphy will be looking for a four-year
university.
"I wouldn't have any problem coming back to Grossmont next
year if things don't work out," Murphy said. "I feel
we still have a lot of football left this year. After that, it
will be a wait-and-see deal."
Thanks to Murphy's TD burst, Grossmont set a season record in
that department with 31 - breaking last year's mark of 30.
Grossmont's regular-season finale, which produced a 402-129 advantage
in yardage, also included some high water marks on defense.
The Griffins needed a shutout to set a single season record for
fewest points allowed in a 10-game season.
Despite making wholesale substitutions, and enduring a 19-play,
46-yard Antelope Valley drive in the second half that reached
the Grossmont 17-yard line, the Griffins chalked up their first
shutout of the season. That sterling effort held the Griffins'
points allowed at 95 - breaking a Grossmont record of 100 points
(in 10 games) set by the 1974 state championship team.
"Our sophomores really wanted to go undefeated in back-to-back
seasons," said Grossmont coach DAVE JORDAN. "Getting
the shutout was a bonus."
End ANDREW JILLES ( 6 tackles, a career-high 3 sacks), tackle
DALLAS MAUGA (6 tackles, one sack), linebacker EVAN HERMANSON
(7 tackles) and end KEN TULLIS (6 tackles, one QB hurry) are among
the Grossmont defenders that allowed this year's crew to break
the 30-year record for fewest points permitted.
"We wanted that record real bad," sophomore linebacker
MATT WESTRICK said. "Our D-line got great penetration
again and made our job real easy. We had real tight coverage in
the secondary. This was absolutely one of our best defensive games.
"I've never been on a team like this, so it's really been
a pleasant for me. We have a special bond and plan to keep on
going to the top."
The Griffins led 21-0 after one quarter and 35-0 by halftime against
a buffaloed herd of Antelopes.
"The (defensive scoring) record meant a lot to us,"
Jilles said. "We always pride ourselves for keeping teams
out of the end zone. We have a fast defense that swarms to the
ball. Getting this shutout is something we all wanted. We want
to be the best."
So far, so good.
Grossmont will take a week off before it knows who it will play
in the Verizon Bowl Saturday, Nov. 20 at Chaffey College in Rancho
Cucamonga.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI - Grossmont is 50-7 - with a 23-game winning
streak - in regular season games over the last five seasons .
. . Only three Grossmont teams have finished the year undefeated,
including the 1974 state-championship crew which went 8-0-2 before
sweeping to two playoff wins to win it all . . . Griffin alum
TODD WATKINS, who was shunned by SDSU and signed by BYU, caught
three passes for 135 yards, including a 68-yard TD pass on the
game's second play in the Cougars' 49-16 rout of the Aztecs Saturday
(Nov. 6) in Provo.
(11-06-04)
%20Quinten%20W%23DA576.jpg)
Grossmont College's Quinten Womack (22)
averaged 23 yards on 3 punt returns as the Griffins wrapped their
2nd straight 10-0 regular season by knocking off Antelope Valley.
(11-6-04/Photo by Dawn Adams)
Griffs can close out second-straight undefeated
season with win
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON - With the Foothill Conference championship secured,
it might appear that the Grossmont College Griffins won't have
much to play for when they close the regular season, hosting Lancaster's
Antelope Valley on Saturday (Nov. 6) at Mashin-Roth Memorial Field.
Kickoff for what will likely be Grossmont's final 2004 home appearance
is 1 p.m. Make no mistake about it, the Griffins have plenty of
marks of note that should serve as motivation.
A Grossmont victory over the always-aggressive Marauders (3-5,
1-5) would give the Griffins their second straight 10-0 regular
season finish. Only one other Grossmont team in the 44-year history
of the Fletcher Hills community college's football program has
gone unbeaten during the regular season - the 1974 state champions
(8-0-2). That club, led by the late, great JOE ROTH, wound up
10-0-2 overall.
Defensively, the Griffins (9-0, 7-0 Foothill) can set a Grossmont
record for fewest points allowed in a 10-game season. To do so,
they must keep Antelope Valley out of the end zone to break the
30-year-old record of 100 points set by Grossmont's only state
championship outfit.
This Grossmont defense has been tagged with 95 points (although
16 of the markers are defensive scores). The record would have
been a lock had the Griffins not surrendered 26 points in last
week's 13-point win at Victor Valley.
On the offensive end, the Griffins figure to establish the 2004
unit as the most prolific rushing team on the Grossmont books.
The current record belongs to the 1977 Griffins, who racked up
2,122 yards on 429 carries. This year's group has amassed 2,093
yards on 397 carries. The 1994 Griffins also rushed for 2,093
yards in 10 games. No other Grossmont team has reached the 2,000-yard
rushing plateau.
If the Griffins can muster up 30 yards via the ground against
Antelope Valley, they will earn the honor as Grossmont's No. 1
ground force of all-time.
The leader of the pack is sophomore tailback RAJIVE OTAH (122
carries, 908 yards). Otah, who is averaging 117 yards over the
past seven games, needs 92 yards to become only the third 1,000-yard
rusher in Grossmont history.
Other Grossmont backs who have contributed to the Griffins rush
on the run include DUPREE FLENOID (62 carries, 378 yards, 2 TDs),
ANTHONY TURCHETTA (43-239, TD), and RODERICK COOKSEY (48-225,
7 TDs).
Not to be forgotten are the men who battle in the trenches. This
group, which includes SAM DOWNS, C.J. BRYANT, PATRICK KAPUNIAI,
JAKE BINGHAM, FRANCISCO CRUZ, MATTHEW GAUGHEN and DAN HATHAWAY,
has also provided near-perfect pass protection, allowing only
11 sacks in nine games.
Linebacker EVAN HERMANSON, linemen DALLAS MAUGA, BRIAN STANBRA
and ANDREW JILLES, corner JOHN GUICE and safety JAMES GENTILE
lead the Grossmont defense.
The Griffins have won 11 of 15 meetings from Antelope Valley,
but a couple of those victories took Herculean efforts. Just last
year backup quarterback JORDAN ADAMS made his first start and
delivered a school-record 531 passing yards and 4 TDs as the Griffins
escaped with a 52-49 win in the final minute. Adams has since
accepted a scholarship to Nebraska.
Oh, the drama between these teams never ceases to amaze. In 2001,
the Griffins rallied from a 35-14 deficit with a 28-point 4th
quarter ignited by backup quarterback MIKE CLARK for a 42-35 victory.
MICHAEL YANCY amassed 380 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns
in that comeback win.
An unexpected ingredient to this year's finale is the prediction
of thunderstorms. Yes, the Griffins are blessed with a FieldTurf
playing surface, but don't have any shield for lightning should
that become a factor.
Regardless whether the Griffins win Saturday, however, they will
advance to the Southern California Regional quarterfinals as the
No. 3 seed. They will play their first game in the Verizon Bowl
at Chaffey College on Saturday, Nov. 20 against a yet-to-be-determined
opponent.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI:
· After further review, what was believed to be a Grossmont-record
11 sacks against College of the Desert on Oct. 23, was only second
best. The official record for sacks in a game was 14 in a 28-16
win over Citrus in 1969.
· The Griffins are among only 7 remaining undefeated teams
in the nation. Four of those teams are from California.
· Grossmont is 49-7 - with a 22-game winning streak - in
regular season games over the last five seasons.
· The Griffins have outscored their opponents 112-7 in
the 3rd quarter.
· Running back RAJIVE OTAH's 90 points (15 TDs) makes him
the 4th-leading scorer in the state.
· DAN ZEIDMAN ranks 7th in the state for kick-scoring with
61 points.
· Corner JOHN GUICE remains tied for the state lead with
7 interceptions.
· Grossmont boasts the state's No. 3 offense, averaging
490.3 yards and 39.2 points per game.
· AVC coach Brent Carder has compiled a 189-165-3 record
in 35 seasons as the Marauders' pilot. That victory total ranks
him 7th nationally.
RATINGS GAME
· JC Grid-Wire: The Griffins are ranked No. 3 in the nation,
No. 2 in the state and No. 1 in Southern California.
· The Junior College Athletic Bureau's California Community
College Football Coaches Association Poll rates the Griffins No.
2 in the state and No. 1 in Southern California.
· The Junior College Football Network's All-USA Coaches
Poll rates the Griffins No. 3 in the nation, No. 2 in the state
and No. 1 in SoCal.
· JuCal Transfer ranks the Griffins No. 2 in the state
and No. 1 in Southern California.
(11-04-04)
Grossmont College kicker Dan Zeidman (33)
boots an extra point in the Griffins 39-26 Foothill Conference
clinching victory over Victor Valley on Saturday. (10-30-04/Photo
by Lynda Garvin)
Griffins clinch Foothill championship in
sub-par win against sub-par opponent
EastCountySports.com
VICTORVILLE - On a day when Grossmont College clinched yet another
Foothill Conference football championship, the Griffins - ranked
No. 3 nationally and No. 2 in the state - looked like anything
but champions Saturday (Oct.30) at Victor Valley College.
In another lethargic performance against a sub-.500 opponent,
Grossmont (9-0 overall, 7-0 Foothill) moved out of the gates slowly,
but still recouped in time to slip past host Victor Valley, 39-26,
claiming its sixth conference crown over the past decade. However,
few people associated with the team were in a joyous mood following
the triumph.
"We'd better play better than we did today if we expect to
get to the state title game again," said Grossmont coach
DAVE JORDAN, who admitted shouting at his troops at halftime for
the first time all season. "We were sloppy and didn't play
well, so they got a lot of yards on us."
Also for the first time all season, an opponent out-gained Grossmont,
as Victor Valley held the statistical edge in yards 476-443. And
the Rams, who scored 12 more points than any of Grossmont's previous
eight foes, had two fewer possessions after returning an early
interception for a touchdown.
It might have gotten worse for the Griffins before it got better.
After forcing a second Grossmont turnover in the 1st quarter,
the Rams (2-7, 1-6) lost the ball on a fumble on the very same
play, with Griffins quarterback JARROD JACKSON making the recovery
when the ball hit the turf a second time during a wild first-period
scramble.
Grossmont wide receiver Marques Clark atempts to make
the reception in front of Rams cornerback E.J.Whiteley in fourth-quarter
action Saturday. Although Whiteley broke-up this play, Clark would
collect a touchdown pass two plays later for an important insurance
score in a 39-26 victory. (Photo by Nick Pellegrino).
"The same thing happened to us last
year when we played Antelope Valley," Jordan recalled of
last year's 52-49 win over the Marauders in Lancaster on the final
week of the regular season. "We were like 9-0 and they were
2-6 or something like that, but they came to play because playing
us was their playoff game. But we have no excuses."
The Rams used a nifty combination of fullback Bennie Curry and
motion-man Ryan Gilbert to disturb the Griffins. When the slotback
came into motion, the ball was always snapped just when he reached
quarterback Mark Moore, who either stretched the Grossmont defense
on an end-around to Gilbert, or handed the ball up the middle
to Curry, who rumbled for 135 yards on 17 carries. Curry included
eight carries of 10-or-more yards.
Both ball-carriers made for a long afternoon for the nicked-up
defensive line of the Griffins.
"It's been a long, hard season for us," said Grossmont
defensive lineman PHILLIP PEEK. "Hopefully, we'll get over
it and get past Antelope Valley to go undefeated again."
Victor Valley mounted a 19-17 halftime lead, topped by an interception
by Chester Nicholson, who returned the ball 12 yards before lateraling
the ball to E.J. Whiteley, who traveled the final 20 yards for
the score.
However, it was the Grossmont secondary that rescued the team
with three interceptions, effectively eliminating the Rams' short
passing game in the second half.
"They got nothing on us short or in the red zone," said
cornerback JOHN GUICE, who overcame a banged knee to register
six tackles and nearly adding a fourth interception. "They
only got us on a couple of deep passes, which we have to eliminate."
Grossmont resumed its habitual surge of coming out with a bang
in the second half to take control.
On the second play after the break, linebacker EVAN HERMANSON's
third interception set up a short scoring drive, capped by a 1-yard
dive by fullback RODERICK COOKSEY for his 7th TD of the season.
The 2-point PAT pass from Jackson to JERRY MAREKO gave the Griffins
the lead for keeps at 25-19.
RAJIVE OTAH later scored his second touchdown of the game late
in the 3rd period for a 32-19 advantage. During that scoring drive,
two Grossmont offensive linemen - PATRICK KAPUNIAI and FRANCISCO
CRUZ - left the game with injuries.
Both linemen returned, however, to help Otah - who scored on runs
of 5 and 7 yards -finish with 97 yards on 14 rushes. Otah now
has 15 touchdowns this season, tying him with receiver RICHARD
ZAYAS (1984) for second place on Grossmont's all-time books.
"We came out sluggish," Otah said. "But we know
our boundaries and we came out and performed like we know how
in the second half."
Otah's second score came on a nice cutback on an option to the
left side.
"The linebacker over-shaded one side, and I saw it and reversed
myself to where I knew I would have a block," the sophomore
tailback said.
Grossmont running back Rajive
Otah turns the corner on the left side for a 12-yard gain, as
Griffins fullback Roderick Cooksey (40) is about to plow over
Victor Valley lineback Keith Stanley (3). (Photo by Nick Pellegrino).
Fortunately, Grossmont resembled its championship
self in the 4th quarter, when Jackson found some magic on his
second TD pass of the ballgame.
Rolling to his left, Jackson's pass was aimed for wide receiver
MARQUES CLARK. However, Mareko, the tight end, ran between the
pass combination, but missed the ball, deflecting it directly
into Clark's hands for the score.
"Jarrod said the ball was intended for me, but Jerry got
in the way," noted Clark. "But Jarrod throws the ball
so hard that it went right through his hands and came right to
me."
Jackson finished with 18 completions, 195 yards and two TDs in
34 passing attempts. JASON FACTUAR with a game-high six receptions
for 83 yards.
"We were throwing short routes all game because Victor Valley's
secondary was playing 12-to-15-to-20 yards off the line,"
explained Clark.
In addition to Hermanson's pick, defensive backs CHRIS MARKS and
ADAM COOPER registered interceptions, but the secondary corps
was forced to make way too many tackles.
"We still competed and won most of the downs," noted
Marks. "That's what counts."
Peek was joined by ANDREW JILLES and KEN TULLIS with three sacks
of Moore, who completed just three passes in the second half.
Tied at 7-all, DANNY ZEIDMAN converted a 30-yard field goal for
a 10-7 Griffins lead, but Victor Valley controlled the remainder
of the half. Curry, who ran for 77 of the Rams 233 rushing yards,
scored on a 2-yard run to put VVC back on top 13-10.
Trailing 19-10, Grossmont scored in the final minute of the half,
as consecutive receptions by Factuar set up a 20-yard JOE WYNN
touchdown reception from Jackson with 38 seconds left in the half.
Grossmont was flagged a mere three times for season-low (-best)
11 yards, while the Rams were ticketed 12 times for 83 yards.
(10-30-04)
Grossmont defender Devon Jones (24) brings
down Victor Valley's Ryan GIlbert, holding him for no gain on
this end-around. The Griffins defense allowed just a singel score
in the second half to spark a rally from a 19-10 deficit. (Photo
by Nick Pellegrino).
Maybe Grossmont College basketball
coach Doug Weber should check out Griffins defensive end
Brian Stanbra (59), a 6-5, 230 pound sophomore out of USDHS.
Nate Dolan (32) looks on in game against San Bernardino.
(Photo by Dawn Adams)
Victory not assumed when Griffins get
early bus ride to Victor Valley
EastCountySports.com
VICTORVILLE -Grossmont College faces arguably its most grueling
road trip of the season on Saturday (Oct. 30) when the Griffins
tackle host Victor Valley College in a Foothill Conference skirmish
that kicks off at 1 p.m. The bottom line is Grossmont needs a
victory to secure the conference championship.
Despite an unattractive record (2-6, 1-5), Victor Valley has reared
up to create chaos on more than one occasion this season. The
Rams led Chaffey 40-27 with less than five minutes remaining earlier
this month only to lose in the final 17 seconds, 41-40.
Just two weeks ago, the Rams riddled Antelope Valley 34-9, scoring
27 points in the second half.
"The better their opponent, the better they seem to play,"
Grossmont head coach DAVE JORDAN said of the Rams. "And
the fact that we have to be on the bus for a three-hour ride at
7 a.m. doesn't help us. But it's part of the game and we have
to be ready."
Victor Valley's Ryan Gilbert is the No. 2 rusher in the
Foothill Conference, averaging 118.3 yards per game. Quarterback
Bruce Petty (49-for-109, 1264 yards, 8 TDs) stands third
among Foothill passers. Terriko Carr (27-543, 3 TDs) gives
VVC a deep threat on the outside.
"They love to throw the deep pass," Jordan said. "our
job as a defense not to let the guy have enough time to do that."
Grossmont recorded a school-record 11 sacks in last week's 37-2
romp over College of the Desert. ANDREW JILLES, who was
in on 2.5 of those sacks, may have to sit this game out due to
a knee injury.
Even without Jilles, the Griffins have enough muscle on the front
lines to make VVC's Petty wish he had the speed of Richard Petty
instead of Tom Petty.
Defensively, Victor Valley has surrendered more points (208) than
any team in the conference.
"They try to intimidate you with a lot of blitzing,"
Jordan said. "We have to stay patient, block their blitzes
and run our offense. If we do that, we should be happy with the
outcome."
PLAYOFF PUZZLE
Grossmont captured 13 of 14 of the first place votes in the COA
- California Community College Commission on Athletics - Southern
California Poll this week. This is the poll that supposedly carries
the most weight in terms of determining the eight teams for the
Southern California Playoffs.
There are other factors, such as the composite non-conference
record of each of the five SoCal conferences. This criterion for
seeding the post-season tournament packs the most impact. The
Mission Conference's National Division was collectively 7-5 against
non-conference foes. The Western State's North Division was 9-7
to secure the No. 2 seeding position. The Foothill Conference
was 9-9 against non-league opponents and thus earns the No. 3
seed. The Mission Conference's American Division is No. 4 followed
by the Western State's South Division at No. 5. The remaining
three at-large berths complete the playoff bracket, and that is
where the COA Poll comes in.
At the moment, Grossmont College is closing in on the No. 3 seed
as the Foothill Conference champion. El Camino (7-0) is the frontrunner
in the Mission Conference's National Division and the top-seed.
College of the Canyons (7-0) is all but assured of claiming
the Western State's North crown and the No. 2 playoff seeding
position.
The So.Cal Playoffs begin on Saturday, Nov. 20.
GRIFFIN GRAFFITI: