© East County Sports.com

NORTH 14, SOUTH 7

RANCHO PENASQUITOS -- Steele Canyon High running back JAMIE DALE collected a 4th-quarter touchdown pass, but the South rally fell short in falling to the North, 14-7, in the 18th annual Alex Spanos All-Star Football Classic, held Friday night (July 11) before 3,148 fans at Mt. Carmel Stadium.

Dale, who has a scholarship to South Dakota School of the Mines in hand, raced over the middle to haul in a 31-yard scoring pass from Eastlake quarterback Derek Witte.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Dale made the grab at North 3-yard line, then made a spin move to shake off a tackler to cut the deficit in half.

Talk about a one-man effort . . . Dale set up his scoring play with a 38-yard punt return.

A final opportunity to win or force overtime was thwarted by Mission Hills safety Tyler Hanks, who registered his second interception of the contest to lock-up the victory in the closing minutes. Hanks finished his final high school season with 11 interceptions.

The opening score came on a 1-yard rush by North running back Joe DeMartino, who was playing at the stadium of his alma mater.

Carlsbad quarterback Justin Morales (Idaho) then connected with Lancers teammate Micharl Vandenkolk (Washington State) on a 45-yard TD pass early in the second quarter for a 14-0 cushion.

An interception on a tipped pass by Mario Kurn of Santa Fe Christian set-up the score. Kurn will play for USD this fall.

Poway's Nick Milani (Chadron State) was named MVP for the North. The MVP for the South was Mitte.

Despite the setback, the South has won three of the last five meetings.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO PENASQUITOS (7-10-08) — Football in the summer seems to attract only hardcore football fans. When it comes to followers of high school football, the 18th annual Alex Spanos All-Star Football Classic, Friday night (July 11) at Mt. Carmel High will be special.

The annual tussle between the elite graduating seniors from the North County against the best 2008 graduates from the East County, South Bay and City Conference, once again promises to be a gala event.

Kickoff for this summer showcase is 7:30 p.m.

Running backs back LAWRENCE WALKER of Christian and JAMIE DALE of Stele Canyon will represent a contingent of 13 East County seniors who’ll line up for the South All-Stars.

Others East County graduates in the South arsenal are DB SAMATRE JONES (Mt. Miguel), DB-RB KHALID WATERS(Grossmont) linebacker CHRIS PETERSON (Helix), flanker TYLER AUBREY (Santana), linebacker PATRICK KELLY (Christian), linebacker HOMER MAUGA (Helix), center DOMINIC LaRUSSA (West Hills), offensive lineman ROBERT FORRESTER (Steele Canyon), offensive lineman GRANT SIMPSON (Grossmont), offensive lineman DERYCK BEVERIDGE (El Capitan) and lineman RANDI TAITI (Mount Miguel).

Admission: Adults/$8, Children 5-12/$5. Free for 4-and-under. No CIF passes accepted.

The South captured last season's contest, 14-0, for its third win in the last fou meeting. However, under the current format, the North still holds a tight 8-5 advantage.

East County's Shane Mallory (7), Tyler Aubrey (20) and Nate Brown (55) participated in the Down Under Bowl, winning the championship. (Courtesy photo)

Representing Team California was SHANE MALLORY and NATE BROWN of Valhalla High, plus TYLER AUBREY from Santana. Each worked hard to raise money and earn sponsorships in order to participate in this highly competitive and memorable tournament and vacation of a lifetime, capped by a 26-7 championship victory over a team composed of players hailing from Arizona and Idaho.

Team “Cali,” as they were affectionately known by th Aussies, was mostly comprised of San Diego area players, plus a few individuals from North Carolina, Oklahoma and Maryland, which dominated both sides of the line to race to the title after averging more than 26 points per contest.

Meanwhile, Team Cali did not allow a point until the championship contest, which was scored on special team. But the Americans' defence countered with a pair of touchdowns -- both by East County players. Included was a 30-yard interception return by Aubrey, then Mallory scooped a lateral pass and rumbled 25 yards to the end zone.

© East County Sports.com
LINDA VISTA (6-19-08) -- The CIF-San Diego Section is pleased to announce that the 2008 Division I, II, III, and IV football championship games will return to Qualcomm Stadium on Fri., Dec. 12. The quadrupleheader was made possible through the cooperation of stadium officials and the City of San Diego; along with Alex and Dean Spanos, and the San Diego Chargers.

The football championships begin with all first-round contestts on Fri., Nov. 21. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Fri., Nov. 28, then the semifinals on Fri., Dec. 5.

The postseason will culminate with the CIFSDS championships for Divisions I-IV at San Diego Qualcomm Stadium on Fri., Dec. 12, and the CIFSDS Division V championship will take place Sat., Dec. 13 at a site to be determined.

David Castro Castro headed for "Baja Manitoba" © East County Sports.com MADISON, S.D. (5-13-08) -- Valhalla High defensive lineman DAVID CASTRO has agreed to continue his football career at Dakota State University. The Trojans play in the NAIA Dakota Athletic Conference. Castro, one of the leading student-athletes on the Norsemen, was an honorable mention selection on the All-Grossmont South League, completing a successful conversion from linebacker to the team's starting nose guard. "David's not the biggest player, but he reminds me of a badger -- he's ornery and tenacious," said Valhalla head coach STEVE SUTTON. "He's a good guy who works really hard and is really competitive." At 5-foot-9, 200 pounds, Castro may lack the size needed to compete at a major college school, but Sutton noted this may be a good fit for him. "His work ethic will make him successful in a conference like this one," Sutton added. "I'm happy for him." Castro carries a 3.80 grade-point average. Dakota State, located about 30 miles from the South Dakota--Minnesota border some 300 miles due west of Minneapolis, posted a 3-6 record (2-5 DAC) last season.

Paid Advertisement- Double Click Paid Advertisement- Double Click Perdue to guide Foothills football Ex-Valhalla baseball coach now author © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-13-08) – STEVE PERDUE is back in the forefront again, this time as head football coach at Foothills Christian, a parochial school of 223 students in East County. Perhaps known best for directing Valhalla to its first and only major sports championship when the Norsemen captured the San Diego CIF Div. III baseball crown in 2006, Perdue was officially named Foothills Christian football mentor on Tuesday (May 6). “It became official when I addressed the Foothills student body,” said Perdue, a former quarterback at Monte Vista High, Grossmont College and USIU (now Alliant International University). “I think this is the first time they have had a true football guy in charge of things. Just putting the Knights through spring football drills seems to have Perdue fired up for the fall season. “The kids are excited and learning a ton,” Perdue said. “Our team is learning a new offensive system. We all are excited about it and progressing quite well. Defensively we play a 50 hero introduced to me by a great football coach by the name of GARY COOPER.” Perdue praised last year’s head coach WAYNE CLARK for staying on board to help make things run smoothly. It appears to be a great set-up for all involved. “Wayne Clark will handle about 99 percent of all the administrative stuff for me so I can coach the players,” Perdue said. Injuries hampered Foothills Christian a year ago when Perdue was on staff as the defensive coordinator. The key setback was losing do-it-all sophomore GARRETT CAMPBELL, who scored 11 TDs as the Knights quarterback in five games before an injury ended his season. The team finished 1-9. Perdue said the Knights had only 15 healthy players by season’s end. “We have 16 returners back, and all epitomize the word heart,” Perdue said. Perdue is no stranger to coaching football, having served three seasons as offensive coordinator at Valhalla (1991-93). In 1994-95 he was Valhalla ’s defensive coordinator. Prior to that, Perdue began his coaching career in 1978 as the quarterback coach for the Monte Vista freshman team. He also coached receivers and defensive ends at Bonita Vista from 1979-82. In addition Perdue was a varsity assistant coach at Santana in 1989 where he coached running backs for two years. In his eight years as Valhalla Baseball coach, Perdue led the Norsemen to a 189-73-3 mark, which included three Grossmont South League championships and one SDCIF title.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-8-08) — Monte Vista linebacker ANTHONY MARCON has accepted a football scholarship to New Mexico Highlands, an NCAA Division II university in Las Vegas, N.M.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Marcon said he was hoping to attend college out of state.

“It’s a good fit, because they are trying to rebuild,” Marcon said. “They have 49 new players coming next season and that should make for a lot of challenging for playing time.”

New Mexico Highlands was one of the last schools to make a pitch for Marcon, who originally thought he had a deal to go to Western New Mexico in Silver City, N.M. that eventually fell through. Northern Iowa of Cedar Falls, Iowa also gave Marcon some attention, but delivered no offers.

By committing to New Mexico Highlands of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Marcon becomes one of 32 freshmen recruited by first-year head coach Chad Roanhaus.

The Cowboys are coming off a 4-6 season and hope to make a swift rebound under Roanhaus.

Marcon said he also hopes to have a shot at playing baseball at New Mexico Highlands.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-24-08) -- It isn't that long of a roadtrip, but the conditions were far from ordinary.

"The stands were packed. The band was playing," recalled Steele Canyon back SCOTT PERLIN. "It was definitely the best experience of my high school football career."

What made the 2006 CIF playoff contest even better was leaving the atmosphere of El Centro -- where high school football is king -- with a 31-17 playoff upset victory over the 3rd-seeded Central Union Spartans. Perlin contributed by blocking for his running back, JAMIE DALE, who gained more than 200 yards and three touchdowns to silence the large throng.

"Let's just say the ride home was one of the best of my life."

Perlin hopes to duplicate that moment in his life by accepting an offer to play college football at Willamette University, an NCAA Division III program located in Salem, Ore. He will join former Cougars defensive back ARLIN TAYLOR and La Costa Canyon product BRANDON BENNETT -- a 2007 Little All-America second team selection -- on the Bearcats roster.

"Arlin was one of only three freshmen to make the travel roster last season and I hope to do the same," said Perlin. "Right now, the coaches see me as a single back in their fly offense, and if there's a second back, I can still block."

Willamette posted a 6-4 record last season, including a 14-7 victory over Cal Lutheran, one of the other schools under consideration by Perlin, along with Pomona-Pitzer and Humboldt State. However, since the political science major envisions going to law school, Willamette, which has a law school located across the street from the main campus, became the choice.

Perlin carries a grade-point average at a tick under 4.00.

Aubrey, McNeal, awarded NFF scholarships
Walker tabbed county's Most Inspirational Player

Aubrey (4.40 grade-point average) and McNeal (also 4.40) were among the 27 high school seniors and four collegiate players which carried cumulative GPAs of 3.00 or better, and demonstrated superior ability on the playing field.

"Each of us -- all 31 of us -- were given a chance to speak to thank our coaches and parents, then talking about our most memorable football moments," said Aubrey. "It was real exciting -- a big honor."

The evening's top awards went to Bonita Vista tight end D.J. Shields (4.00) and Oceanside linebacker Matthew Segi (3.83), who were tabbed the foundation's offensive and defensive Scholar-Athletes of the Year. They each received a $1,500 college scholarship, while the remaining 29 standouts gained $1,000 college scholarships.

NFF Honorees

Tyler Aubrey Santana High

Bobby McNeal Christian High

Lawrence Walker Christian High

Chris Pousson St. Augustine HS

Kyle Wilkinson Kearny High (NFF photos)

The Most Inspirational Player award went to Christian High running back LAWRENCE WALKER, who rushed for 1,852 yards and 30 touchdowns to lead the East County.

"I didn't choose one specific moment," noted Aubrey, who is leaning towards attending the University of Redlands over Chapman University this fall. "I just said the whole football experience is what I'll remember forever -- they all mean too much for me."

Aubrey played on the Sultans varsity for 2-plus seasons after gaining some playing time as a sophomore. In 2007, the slotback ranked fourth in the East County with 45 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. He reached the end zone 10 times total, with a pair of rushing scores and two on returns (75 yards with a punt, 90 on a kickoff return).

Aubrey plans to major in business administration and management.

McNeal, a defensive tackle, was one of Christian's top tacklers in 2007, helping the Patriots advance to Qualcomm Stadium in the CIF Division V championship contest. He also saw time at left tackle blocking for Walker.

Other East County recipients include Christopher Pousson of St. Augustine (lives in Lakeside), and Kearny High's Kyle Wilkinson (resident of Lemon Grove).

Last season, RYAN LINDLEY of El Capitan (now San Diego State) was the Scholar-Athlete of the Year on offense by the NFF/Zable Chapter, while then West Hills High coach STEVE SUTTON was named Meritorious Coach of the Year. Sutton now coaches at Valhalla.

The other 2007-08 recipients included:

Division I schools -- Taylor Julio (3.96), Chula Vista; Brian McMullen (4.00), Vista; Nelson Rosario (3.20), El Camino; David Seawright (3.90), Rancho Bernardo; and Stephen Simpson (3.69), Carlsbad.

Division II -- Michael Alcala (4.67), Hilltop; Sam Brenner (3.33), Oceanside; Colin Cummins (4.27), Bonita Vista; Daniel Minamide (4.42), San Pasqual; Frankie Zimmerman (3.30), Oceanside.

Division III -- Josh Canup (4.00), Point Loma; Kyle Mohamed (4.39), Brawley; Chris Pousson (3.89), St. Augustine (Lakeside); Nick Russell (3.39); Alex Scarlett (4.03), University City; Josh Steimel (4.67), Brawley; and Kyle Wilkinson (4.00), Kearny (Lemon Grove).

Division IV -- J.D. Albert (4.18), Madison; Tyler Aubrey (4.40), Santana; Ricardo Oberwager (3.60), Coronado ; and Roman Owens (3.94), Mater Dei.

Division V -- Bobby McNeal (4.40), Christian; Chase Olsson (4.63), Francis Parker; Will Peck (4.75), The Bishop's; and Arden Tran (4.02), Army-Navy.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-11-08) -- El Capitan quarterback TANNER RUST, who led the San Diego CIF in passing last fall as a junior, has been offered a football scholarship to attend San Diego State University beginning in the Fall of 2009.

Rust, who completed 57 percent of 330 passes for 3,159 yards and 30 TDs in just 10 games despite playing most of the season on a sore leg, admitted being surprised that SDSU made overtures his way as soon as they did.

"It all happened pretty fast," said Rust, who is also a blue chip baseball player at El Capitan. "I'm really excited to know I have this going for me."

The probable starting quarterback for SDSU next fall will be RYAN LINDLEY, who guided the Vaqueros to a school-best 11-1 finish two seasons ago.

“We were teammates at El Cap so I think it would be great to be the same in college,” Rust said. “But he knows I am as competitive as he is. Ryan knows I’m not going to SDSU to just sit for four years.”

El Capitan football coach RON BURNER is tickled to have to his first two quarterbacks playing major college football.

“I’m excited for both of them,” Burner said. “I know SDSU (head coach Chuck Long) made the right call on Lindley and is making an equally wise choice by offering Tanner. They went after Tanner pretty hard, really aggressive in their approach toward him.”

Burner does not expect SDSU to be the only college making a pitch for Rust. Stanford , Washington State, Arizona and Boise State have expressed major interest in Rust – for football.

And then, too, there is always the pro baseball draft.

“Honestly, I’d like to be able to play both football and baseball,” Rust said.

As a Division I quarterback, he may not have that choice.

“It takes a lot of time in the off-season to be a big-time college quarterback,” Burner said.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (3-06-08) -- Helix High tight end LEVINE TOILOLO, Class of 2009, has verbally committed to Stanford University. The 6-foot-7, 235-pound junior selected the Cardinal from a blue chip set of offers including Florida, Cal and Vanderbilt.

Toilolo was rated an elite four-star prospect by Scout.com recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman. Toilolo caught 20 passes for 276 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Grossmont South League-champion Highlanders last season.

Stanford actually offered Toilolo a football scholarship last September. Toilolo made his commitment after attending Stanford's Junior Day last weekend. He called head coach Jim Harbaugh on Monday (Mar. 3) to accept the offer from the former San Diego Chargers quarterback and University of San Diego head coach.

Other schools who were wooing Toilolo included UCLA, Arizona State and Utah.

Naturally, Toilolo said the academics at Stanford were part of the attraction of attending that Pac-10 school. He also noted Harbrough's tendency for using a double-tight end set.

Toilolo is a transfer from H-Town Christian where he doubled as a tight end and defensive end in two seasons there. He caught 12 passes for 270 yards and two TDs, while notching 70 tackles and 13.5 sacks.

A versatile athlete, Toilolo also earned All-Grossmont South League honors in basketball as well as football.

West Hills' Eric Fiege signing his scholarship papers to Louisiana Tech. (Photo by Miranda Chrislock)

Fiege Video Highlights HERE

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (2-26-08) -- For West Hills High football player ERIC FIEGE, there are now two types of geography.

"When I went to visit Louisiana Tech, I was told Louisiana isn't really the South," noted Fiege. "But I'm from San Diego -- it's the South."

Nevertheless, Fiege fell in love with the small town of Ruston, La., agreeing to accept a scholarship with the Louisiana Tech football team. Fiege becomes just the second member of the Wolf Pack to play for a Division I football program directly out of high school (LON SHERIFF, San Diego State, was the other).

Because of his diminutive size (5-foot-9, 160 pounds), the only Division I program looking at Fiege was another Western Athletic Conference school in New Mexico State.

"However, (St.Augustine High defensive line) coach Rolando 'Ro' Garcia sent some tapes out for me," noted Fiege. "I guess that's how Louisiana Tech got to know me -- they saw them and loved me."

Like many other WAC programs, Fiege was impressed with the upgrading of campus infrastructure.

"They flew me out last Wednesday (Feb. 19) -- it was a nice little college town," added Fiege, who plans to major in business. "And I loved the facilities -- the stadium is great."

"The locker room is brand new, the weight room overlooks the stadium, and the coaches seem to all be great guys -- I was impressed with everything."

But one game from his high school career in particular will remain with Fiege.

"It was the playoff game this year, a couple of days after my grandfather died," he recalled. "I scored three touchdowns, including a last-second TD to win it. I probably won't forget that one."

The score came with 22 seconds remaining, lifting the Grossmont North League champion Wolf Pack past Westview, 28-21. Fiege took the ball on a toss-right, hit a seam and raced untouched for the 12-yard score.

For the season, Fiege placed fifth in East County (3rd in the GNL) in all-purpose yardage with 1,424, posting balanced numbers of 473 rushing, 503 receiving and 448 on returns, collecting 10 touchdowns.

"Louisiana Tech sees Eric as a kid who can make people miss," said West Hills coach CASEY ASH. "They are going to put him in the slot and look at him as a kick returner down the road."

Helix' Brian Milholland (left) and Jamar Taylor sign NCAA Letters of Commitment. Milholland will play for San Diego State; Taylor at Boise State. (Helix High courtesy photo)

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (2-17-08) -- One is going to perhaps the most exciting college football team in America. The other hopes to get his new team to the top.

Taylor signed to play his college career at Boise State, while Milholland joins a host of other San Diego County prospects who hope to turn the fortunes of their hometown team at San Diego State.

"I'm just blessed to be going to a D-1 school," said Taylor, who helped lead one of the county's stingiest defensive units. " Boise State is a school I wanted to go to, and my coaches wanted me to go, too. It was where my heart was after I visited them."

The Broncos are known for their blue turf and a high-flying offense, featuring the well-known victory over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

"But the Fiesta Bowl is in the past -- I look toward the future," added Taylor . "It feels alright just to try to go out there and contribute to the team."

Taylor helped the Highlanders to the Grossmont South League title and a semifinal berth in the SDCIF playoffs as a senior, ranking among the leaders in the secondary with 55 tackles and 4 interceptions.

But those high-flying offensive stats mounted annually by Boise State may have Taylor thinking.

"I've played on offense before -- I had a 50-yard catch and carried something like 3 times for 150 yards," Taylor noted. "I just want to contribute to the team, so if it comes down to it, I will do it, but I still want to play defense."

Taylor will major in business and would like to become either a sports agent or work in sports medicine. Along with Boise , Taylor was considered by New Mexico, Hawai'i, BYU, Vanderbilt and several Big Sky Conference schools.

Meanwhile, Milholland believes in the path taken by San Diego State 's Aztecs under head coach Chuck Long.

"It's my hometown team and I feel good that the Aztecs can get into contention quickly under Coach Long," said Milholland. "He is really outgoing and really personable."

At 6-foot-7, 305-pounds, and with both Aztecs tackles having graduated, Milholland hopes to learn the offense quickly.

"Both tackle sports are open, so (offensive line coach Del) Miller said I could start if I make fast progress," noted Milholland. "If not, I'll red-shirt."

USC asked Milholland to walk-on, while Penn State, Cal and Washington State were recruiting the tackle until he decided on the Aztecs.

"I felt like there were a really good coaching staff and things will start going for them," said the business major, who played in the inaugural Navy-Marine Corps Southern California Bowl. "Coach Long is a great up-and-coming coach; the Aztecs are coming on and improving."

Among Milholland's career highlights at Helix was the big Week 2 victory over top-ranked Oceanside during his senior season.

"Beating Oceanside was a big, big deal," he added. "It was probably the proudest moment of my high school career."

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (02-14-08) — When Helix High athletic director DAMON CHASE said the Highlanders were making a national search to find the best man to lead their football program, he wasn’t kidding.

“We had candidates from Florida, New Mexico, Utah , Washington and Northern California, as well as some solid local applicants,” Chase said. “We had inquiries from all over. We interviewed five and believe we made an excellent choice.”

Helix’s administration gave the nod to TROY STARR, who accepted the job as the Highlanders head football coach on Thursday (Feb. 14). Starr will be on the La Mesa charter high school’s campus by early March.

At the moment, Starr, 45, is Director of Football Operations at the University of Florida where his responsibilities include coordinating the Gators’ overall football personnel and recruiting.

While he has ties and experience of working with one of the nation’s top college football powers, it was Starr’s experience coaching high school football at Taft High in Woodland Hills for 14 seasons that clinched the deal.

During his tenure there, Starr led the Toreadors to a 139-36-1 record and 10 West Valley League championships. Six times, Starr took Taft to the CIF-Los Angeles City Section finals, capturing a section championship in 1998. Four of his teams finished undefeated during the regular season.

Starr earned his B.A. in Physical Education from Mount Union ( Ohio ) in 1985. While at Mount Union, he was an All-America linebacker in 1983 and 1984. He was elected to the Mount Union College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

Starr began his coaching career in 1987 as a linebackers coach at Carson High. From 1988 through 1991, he was the defensive coordinator at San Fernando High and spent the 2003 season as the quarterbacks coach at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

Among the athletes Starr developed, the following played in the NFL: Arnold Ale (LB), Kansas City; Dashon Polk (LB), Buffalo Bills; Taco Wallace (WR), Seattle; Morris Unatoa (OL), Green Bay; Bryant Reeves (WR), Arizona; Gregg Guenther (TE), Cincinnati . In addition, five of his athletes at Taft were selected as the L.A. City Players of the Year.

Seems like a nice fit since Helix has had its share of big-time performers, including REGGIE BUSH (New Orleans) and ALEX SMITH (San Francisco).

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (1-28-08) -- Texas-El Paso, a school already for one personality known as "Bear," is about to gain another one.

El Capitan High tackle DERYCK "Bear" BEVERIDGE has offered a verbal commitment to play football for the Miners. He will make it official on Feb. 6, the first day seniors may sign national letters of intent.

"I took my trip to UTEP and the coaches were great," said Beveridge. "And I really seemed to fit well with the team. It reminded me of El Capitan in how they run the team -- they were a great bunch of guys."

Like with the Vaqueros, Beveridge sees a rising program which is gaining media coverage and a new-found fan base. And he foresees gaining a starting berth early in his college career.

"Because of my long arms, the UTEP coaches are keeping me at tackle," added Beveridge, who will major in kinesiology. "They're a passing team, so they need good pass protection."

Beveridge took a similar path with the Vaqueros.

"I'm part of two classes who had coach (RON) BURNER over their whole career," noted Beveridge. "He came in and changed us around from a running team into one with more of a passing attack."

"But people really didn't notice it until my junior year when we had our great season (10-0 entering the playoffs). Coach Burner challenged us every game, seeing who wanted it more and who wanted to take it."

El Capitan left tackle Deryck 'Bear' Beveridge (78; far right) will sign with Texas-El Paso on Feb. 6th. (East County Sports file photo)

Beveridge carries a 3.00 grade-point average. His long-term goal is to open a gymnasium, but if things go well at UTEP, he hopes to gain an opportunity to play professionally in the NFL.

Beveridge hopes to follow the success of former UTEP basketball coach Don "Bear" Haskins, who led then-known Texas Western to the 1966 national championship. Haskins was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Beveridge was recruited by Aaron Price, the son to UTEP head coach Mike Price, who began the resurgence in Miners football with three bowl berths over the past four seasons after three consecutive 2-win seasons.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-24-08) — Four East County football players have received all-state recognition by CalHiSports.com.

El Capitan quarterback TANNER RUST, who passed for a San Diego CIF-leading 3,159 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 57 percent of 330 aerials, was named to the all-junior first team.

Valhalla quarterback PETER THOMAS was a second team all-sophomore selection in the CalHiSports.com picks. Thomas passed for 1,961 yards.

Christian High running back LAWRENCE WALKER and Patriots linebacker PATRICK KELLY were named to the all-small-enrollment first team squad by CalHiSports.

Walker rushed for 1,852 yards on 263 carries and led the county in scoring with 190 points. Kelly was named East County Co-Defensive Player of the Year by EastCountySports.com, while Walker shared similar honors with El Capitan’s Rust on the offensive side of the ball.

Mount Miguel lineman Chidozie Ekweozor (72) is headed for Philadelphia to play for Villanova. (Susan Cooper Photography)

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (1-24-08) — Mount Miguel head football coach TOM KARLO finds it hard to believe that more colleges are not attracted to senior offensive tackle CHIDOZIE EKWEOZOR.

“I’m shocked that more schools didn’t go on him,” Karlo said. “A lot of schools did inquire about him and Cal, San Diego State and Nevada-Reno physically came to watch him play. And then they just seemed to evaporate – never heard another word.”

Ekweozor has verbally committed to the I-AA Wildcats of the Colonial Athletic Association. He will make his intentions official when he signs scholarship papers with Villanova on Wednesday (Feb. 6), the first day early signees can do so.

“I had several schools send me literature and indicated some interest,” said Ekweozor. “But Villanova was the first one to actually offer me a scholarship.”

Ekweozor took a recruiting trip to Villanova, which is just outside of Philadelphia on Dec. 14.

“I remember a lot of things about that trip and that date,” Ekweozor said. “I had to miss the KUSI Football Gala (his invitation was as a member of John Shacklett’s Pig Pen). Boy, the weather was cold back there but it was nice to see a lot of new faces. I even got to meet the president of the school.”

Villanova, which finished 7-4 on the football field a year ago, is a Roman Catholic institution founded in 1842.

Playing time as a freshman is up in the air for Ekweozor.

“It’s basically a lot up to me,” said Ekweozor. “They have one returning offensive tackle so they’ve recruited a bunch of freshmen. There is opening there, it’s just a matter of how hard I hit the weights and how much stronger I can get.”

Ekweozor, whose 5-year scholarship is worth $42,000 a year, plans to major in business. He’ll join a somewhat familiar face in Villanova wide receiver BRANDYN HARVEY, a product of Monte Vista. Harvey was the Wildcats third-leading receiver with 25 catches for 435 yards and a team-best 17.4 yards per catch average as a sophomore.

Ekweozor was a main cog in the Matadors offensive line, as Mount Miguel finished 8-4 and reached the San Diego CIF Division III semifinals for the first time since 1987.

“I’m so excited about Chidozie and this great opportunity he has,” Karlo said. “In my three years as head coach we’ve managed to get major scholarships for (QB-DB) JEFF FREEMAN (UC Davis, 2006), offensive tackle JUAN BOLANOS (SDSU, 2007) and Chidozie. And we’ve had another handful of guys go on to the community college level where they’ve had success.”

“I’m really proud of my staff and the kids of Mount Miguel for making such a great showing.”

The Eagles' Landon Turley (15) slides past the Monte Vista blockers to gain a tackle for loss. (Photo by Chris DeRosier)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-22-08) — Granite Hills’ record-breaking defensive end LANDON TURLEY is a man who can look into the future and keep his focus. He knows what he wants, yet builds in alternatives if his Plan A does not materialize.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior will attend Brown University in Providence, R.I. He plans to major in business and play football at the prestigious Ivy League institution.

“I liked the coaches, the school and the area,” said Turley, who recorded a Granite Hills record 31 career sacks. “I could say about some of the other schools that were recruiting me, too.”

“My ultimate choice was more than simply about football. I could picture myself going to Brown without playing football and still enjoy going to school there.”

Ivy League schools Columbia and Penn were also wooing Turley. Then Stanford made a play for Turley on Tuesday (Jan. 22). Talk about making things difficult.

“Not really,” Turley said. “I’m flattered by Stanford, and I could still go there. But I’m sticking with Brown. I want a change of environment, see what’s out there. There is a lot of history at that school. And they actually have changes in seasons back there. I want to experience all that.”

If Turley is to challenge for a starting job as a freshman he realizes he must get stronger, add more weight before next season. He does have an edge in that area as his 24-year-old brother DUSTIN TURLEY is Granite Hills’ strength coach.

“I’d like to get up to 240-250 if I can,” Turley said. “Brown has only one returning defensive lineman returning. There are openings for sure. It’s just a matter of being prepared to challenge.”

Jose Cortes Signs scholarship offer from Univ. of Buffalo

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-19-08) — Valhalla senior JOSE CORTES knows a good thing when he sees it.

“The thing about Coach Gill, and all the coaches at Buffalo, is that they are real professionals. They are good human beings,” said Cortes. “They really care about their players. They are so dedicated about what they do and they have great integrity. I feel comfortable signing with them.”

Never accuse Buffalo of having tried to pull the wool over Cortes’ eyes. They invited him on a recruiting trip in the middle of December. Yes, there was snow on the ground and a chill in the air.

The Bulls, who finished 5-7 and earned Gill the Mid-America Conference 2007 Coach of the Year, play their home games in a 29,000-seat outdoor stadium.

“Obviously, they have a lot of cold weather back there,” Cortes said. “But I can deal with that.”

Cortes realizes that he is not guaranteed a starting role in his first season in the frozen tundra.

“On the depth chart I know they have two established tackles and another freshman recruit from New York,” he said. “I’m just going back there to compete for a spot.”

Although recruited by more than a handful of other colleges, Cortes has verbally committed to Buffalo and will make his intentions official when he signs scholarship papers on Wednesday (Feb. 6), the first official national letter of intent signing date.

Cortes received on-the-table offers from Nevada, New Mexico, UC Davis, Montana State and Sacramento State. Of those schools he visited only Nevada-Reno in addition to Buffalo.

“I feel lucky so have had so many options,” Cortes said. “I sent out 50 (video) tapes to various schools around the country. Buffalo was one of the first to respond, and they began following me in August of last year and ever since.”

Cortes earned All-EastCountySports.com as a senior and collected All-Grossmont South League honors the past two seasons.

Another reason behind Cortes’ selection of Buffalo for his collegiate future involves academics.

“Buffalo is one of the Top 10 business schools in the nation, and I want to major in business,” he said. His focus will be on public administration with an emphasis in law enforcement.

“My uncle PJ Guido is a lieutenant in the Santa Monica Police Department,” said Cortes. “I’ve had a lot of influence from people involved in police work.

Valhalla offensive line coach FRANK YANCEY also is involved in law enforcement through the San Diego County Sheriff Department and the state prison system.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-19-08) — RON MURPHY knows plenty about Grossmont Conference football. In fact, he is familiar with football all over San Diego County – both at the high school and community college levels.

That’s why Grossmont High Athletic Director FRANK FOGGIANO feels fortunate that Murphy accepted an offer on Friday (Jan. 18) to become head coach of the Foothillers.

“We interviewed six very qualified candidates for the job,” said Foggiano, who was looking for a successor to replace JUDD HULBERT, who stepped down following the 2007 season. “I was impressed.”

So what put Murphy over the top?

“Ron is extremely organized and appears to be a good motivator,” Foggiano said. “And he has experience as a head coach.”

Murphy, 44, was head coach at Poway for five seasons (1999-2003) before taking over the defensive coordinator role at Santana. He’s been with the Sultans the past four years, and also serves the Santee school as a full-time teacher.

Since Murphy is also Santana’s Athletic Director, he found himself in somewhat of an awkward position at Friday’s basketball doubleheader between the Sultans and Foothillers at Grossmont.

“I wasn’t sure which side of the gym to stand on,” he chortled.

Murphy has been coaching football for 20 years, including stops at West Hills High, Southwestern College and San Diego Mesa College . But this guy is no vagabond.

“There is a method to my madness,” said Murphy, who coached against the likes of North County legends Herb Meyer, Ed Burke, John Carroll and Chris Hauser during his stint at Poway . “I got to coach with and against some of the best in the business. I’ve received some quality mentoring from a lot of great coaches (including Mike Pompa and Martin Moss at the JC level).”

Eager to kick off his coaching career at Grossmont, Murphy plans to spend this three-day weekend studying game films from the Foothillers’ 2007 season.

“I asked (Grossmont assistant principal) DAN BARNES if he could get me all 10 game films and a roster,” Murphy said. “And he came through in a matter of hours.”

Murphy is a 1982 graduate of Santana where he played varsity football for three years. He continued his career at Grossmont College for two seasons and then got married.

Murphy and his wife DANI live in El Cajon with daughter WHITNEY (20), and sons JORDAN (17) and LUKE (15).

“One of the reasons I did not continue as head coach at Poway is I wanted to be closer to my son, Jordan (who was a student athlete at Santana),” Murphy said. “Luke is a freshman at Santana now and I plan to have him transfer to Grossmont in time for next season.”

Talk about a family reunion. . . Dani Murphy works for the Grossmont district, which is situated on the Grossmont High campus.

“This job is a good fit for me,” said Murphy, who owned a contracting business for 12 years while working nights on earning a teaching credential. His evening studies led to a master’s degree from Chapman University . “It’s good all around for my family.”

It should work out for the Foothillers, too.

© East County Sports.com
FULLERTON (1-12-08) -- A trio of East County seniors have been selected to participate in the inaugural Navy-Marine Corps All-Star Classic, slated for Saturday (Jan. 26) at Cal State Fullerton.

Among the honorees are JAMAR TAYLOR and BRIAN MILLHOLLAND of Helix High, and KHALID WATERS of Grossmont High. They are part of a 45-player roster to play for the Navy Coastal Team, a squad featuring players from San Diego , Orange and Imperial counties, which will play the Marine Corps Inland team, composed of players from Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Tickets are $25 in advance when purchased on the website, or $30 at the gate. Kickoff is ar 1:15 p.m.

A handful of the uncommitted prospects will announce their college decisions during the game, which will be televised nationally and worldwide by ESPNU and ESPN2 (check local cable system for the station in your area), and will precede the American Heritage Bowl, a game featuring the top graduating seniors from the historically black colleges from around the country.

The players will be spending the week prior to the game at Disneyland ’s Paradise Pier Hotel. The weeks activities include dinner at the ESPN Zone in Anaheim, visits to the USS Ronald Reagan and Camp Pendleton, participation in the ‘Rib Bowl’ sponsored by Newport Rib Company, visits to California Adventure and Disneyland, as well as an NFL Combine day at Titan Field.

Proceeds benefit the non-profit Fight On! Foundation, which uses sport and recreation as a vehicle to enhance and foster children’s spiritual, physical, emotional, and educational goals and development. The focus is to benefit the children of our fallen servicemen and women that represent the military, law enforcement and protection services.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (12-18-07) — Veteran Helix Charter High School football coach, DAVE VAN MATRE, will be officially inducted as an honorary life member of the American Football Coaches Association.

Coach Van Matre will be honored as a 35-year Member during the 2008 AFCA Convention in Anaheim , California on Monday, January 7, 2008. He will be recognized for his many years of service, dedication, and commitment to the profession of high school football coaching in San Diego County , spanning five different decades.

Van Matre was the varsity head coach at Valhalla from 1979 through 1984, and most recently has been the head freshman football coach at Helix for nearly two decades.

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (12-15-07) -- Christian High running back LAWRENCE WALKER, who became the fourth ball-carrier in CIF-San Diego Section history to rush for more than 5,000 yards in a career, was named the winner of the Walter J. Zable scholarship. The award is presented by the San Diego Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

The announcement came during a KUSI-TV Prep Pigskin Report telecast of its annual high school football awards program from the San Diego Hall of Champions. The scholarship is worth $5,000.

Walker's running led the Patriots to a third consecutive SDCIF Division V finals appearance. He finished the season with an East County best 1,852 yards (520 coming in three postseason contests), sharing the section scoring title with 190 points (31 touchdowns. and a pair of 2-point conversions).

His career total of 5,112 yards is third-best in CIFSDS history.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-12-07) — Anyone focused on or at least been around East County high school football the past two decades should be familiar with Grossmont High’s JUDD HULBERT.

Hulbert has spent 11 seasons as the Foothillers head coach, compiling a 63-45-8 record and capturing three Grossmont North League championships along the way.

Hulbert resigned his post as Grossmont’s head coach on Monday (Dec. 10).

“I may continue coaching in the future because I love the game and I love coaching kids,” said Hulbert. “It is dealing with the off the field stuff that’s worn me out.”

In other words, Hulbert, a fulltime science teacher at Grossmont, no longer wants to be a head coach, but would prefer to be an assistant coach.

“All I want to do is step on the field and coach kids,” he said. “Let somebody else do all the paperwork and the things it takes to be a head coach.”

Hulbert loves anything that involves the game of football – the X’s and O’s, the game preparation. The chess match of outmaneuvering a weekly opponent fuels his fire for competition. It’s the paper shuffle, parent conferences, meeting with the school administration that has worn him out.

In 1989 Hulbert guided Grossmont to a 10-0-2 season, which ended when the Foothillers lost a San Diego CIF playoff game to Lincoln 31-25 in overtime.

Two years later the Foothillers finished 9-1-1, their lone setback a 19-18 playoff loss to Orange Glen.

Although he has no plans for next season, Hulbert says he would like to assist the incoming Foothillers head coach in any way he can. If that doesn’t work out, he may look elsewhere for an assistant coaching post.

Grossmont athletic director Frank Foggiano emphasizes that the job is open and the school is seeking applicants right away. Interested parties may contact Foggiano by calling (619) 668-6144 or emailing ffoggiano@guhsd.net.

ALL-EAST COUNTY

CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Lawrence Walker, Christian

Tanner Rust, El Capitan

CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Patrick Kelly, Christian

Jamar Taylor, Helix

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Maurice Payne, Monte Vista

CO-COACHES OF THE YEAR

Tom Karlo, Mount Miguel

A back view of West Hills head coach Casey Ash. Hey, coach, nice suit. To our photographer, what were you thinking?.. lol Thank You... to the Wolf Pack football website for this photo

Multiple winners featured

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-10-07) -- Voting was so close for this year’s All-East County Sports.com awards that the three major honors wound up with more than a single winner.

Christian High’s record-breaking running back LAWRENCE WALKER and San Diego CIF passing leader TANNER RUST of El Capitan were named East County Sports.com Offensive Co-Players of the Year.

Walker rushed for an East County-leading 1,852 yards on 263 carries while scoring an Inland best 190 points (31 TDs, 4 PAT points). His career rushing total of 5,112 yards is the fourth-highest in the SDCIF history. Walker’s 376 points (62 TDs, 4 PAT points) rank second in East County and seventh on the SDCIF annals.

Rust, meanwhile, led all SDCIF passers with 3,159 yards in 10 games. His closest challenger was more than 700 yards behind Rust even though he played three more games. Although only a junior, Rust, fired a section-best 30 scoring passes. He also rushed for 165 yards and scored 5 TDs.

The East County Sports.com staff anointed Helix corner JAMAR TAYLOR and Christian middle linebacker PATRICK KELLY as co-Defensive Players of the Year. Both of these guys are sure to graduate with Division I college scholarships.

Helix opponents wisely shied away from Taylor, who is a clamp-down cover guy and a ferocious tackler against the run. Kelly, who also excels as a down lineman on offense and defense, was the anchor of a defense that helped Christian reach the Division V finals for the third straight year of his career.

Coach of the Year honors were shared by first-year West Hills skipper CASEY ASH and third-year mentor TOM KARLO of Mount Miguel.

Hired in the summer with plans for a season opener in Hawaii pending, Ash guided a team in a rebuilding mode to the Grossmont North League championship. Furthermore, the Pack scored a first-round playoff win over Westview under Ash’s tutelage.

Karlo led Mount Miguel to the Division III semifinals before losing to eventual section champion Cathedral Catholic. The Matadors’ eight wins was the most by Mount Miguel since the 1987 squad finished 11-1.

Rookie of the Year honors went to Monte Vista sophomore quarterback MAURICE PAYNE.

The lone repeat winner on first team offense this year is Steele Canyon’s all-time leading rusher JAMIE DALE.

Defensive first-team repeats are Granite Hills lineman LANDON TURLEY, who recorded 31 career sacks, and Helix linebacker ANTHONY LARCEVAL.