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Homer Mauga
Mauga makes impact in Moscow

© East County Sports.com
MOSCOW, Idaho (8-16-10) — HOMER MAUGA, a junior transfer from Grossmont College, is making a swift impact at the University of Idaho.

A 6-foot, 225-pound linebacker, Mauga – a Helix High graduate – recorded a team-best 8 tackles in the Vandals’ first intra-squad scrimmage last weekend.

Defense figures to be Idaho’s strength this season as 10 lettermen return from last year’s fourth-place finish in the Western Conference. The Vandals posted an 8-5 record and edged Bowling Green, 43-42, in the Humanitarian Bowl last season.

High-scoring games such as that may be the exception rather than the rule this season. The Vandals return only one offensive lineman and must find a way to protect a huddle full of quality skill position players.

Thus, the defense must carry the Vandals’ hopes, especially in the early stages of the season, which includes a road trip to Nebraska the second week of the campaign.


Van takes detour from Florida to Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Magnum Mauga
Mauga joins SWC staff

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (5-18-10) — Southwestern College has added longtime East County star football player MAGNUM MAUGA to its coaching staff.

A three-year starter at Helix High and an all-conference pick for two seasons at Grossmont College, Mauga recently graduated from Utah State.

A middle linebacker in high school and a defensive lineman in college, Mauga will make the transition to the offensive side of the ball coaching the Jaguars’ running backs in his first assignment. He will also work as the director of Southwestern College’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle on campus.

Adam Clark
Former Griffins standout Clark
makes contact in New Mexico

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Waters, Brown, tabbed all-Nebraska

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

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

Two former East County standouts were honored.

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

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

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

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

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


Special teams foils title for Staback

© East County Sports.com
ROME, Ga. (12-20-09) — When the football game's most outstanding player is announced and a kicker is named, two things occurred. There was no one else worthy to select, yet that team probably won anyway.

If you're former West Hills High quarterback PHILIP STABACK, perhaps all you can do is shrug your shoulders when the opposing placekicker Braden Wieking of Sioux Falls won the award.

On Saturday (Dec. 19), Staback threw for 144 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the top-rated defense in NAIA football. Then the defensive unit of his Lindenwood (Mo.) University Lions limited top-ranked and undefeated Sioux Falls (S.D.) to just a single trip into the end zone.

However, special teams proved to be the difference after Wieking booted three field goals and sophomore Adam Lopez returned the second-half kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown, as Sioux Falls (15-0) successfully defended its NAIA national championship after nipping Lindenwood, 25-22, at Barron Stadium.

Staback completed 16-of-26 passes for the Lions, while running back Denodus O'Bryant rushed for 60 yards on just six attempts, just enough to finish his season with exactly 1,000 rushing yards.

The contest featured five lead changes, but despite collecting 142 yards in the fourth quarter, Lindenwood never could regain the advantage after Wieking booted a tie-breaking, 42-yard field goal with 9:50 remaining.

Sioux Falls, in winning its fourth national title in its history, has now captured 29 consecutive ballgames.

After trailing at halftime for the first time all season, Lopez' runback gave the Cougars a 15-14 lead.

Staback directed the Lions back in front in short order on a 6-play, 63-yard march. O'Bryant found the end zone on a 45-yard run at the 11:39 mark of the third quarter, then Staback ran in the two-point conversion for a 22-15 lead.

However, Sioux Falls running back Ryan Lowmiller made it a 22-22 deadlock after a 2-yard rushing score at the 9:45 mark of the third, then Wieking's third field goal gave the Cougars their final margin of victory.

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


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

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

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

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

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

Villanova head coach Andy Talley.
(Courtesy photo from
Villanova University website)
MORE ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP
HERE

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

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

Brandyn Harvey
Chidozie
Ekwoezor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Brandyn Harvey

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

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

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

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

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


NAIA National Semifinals: Game-winning touchdown pass by
Philip Staback to lead Lindenwood University over host Carroll College.
Staback plays for NAIA title

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

Philip Staback
Vowing for such a debacle to never occur again, Staback is now within one game of capturing a national championship.

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

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

Lindenwood Univeristy quarterback Philip Staback (11) surprised Carroll College with this run.
The West Hills High product threw for three touchdowns, including the game-winner with
10 seconds remaining to lead the Lions to a 42-25 win in the NAIA national semifinals.
(Lindenwood University courtesy photo)
The triumph snapped a 24-game home winning streak for Carroll, the Frontier Conference champions.

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

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

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

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


Memorial for Hoover, former Monarchs standout

Courtesy, Eastern Illinois University
CHARLESTON, Ill. (12-6-09) — A memorial service to honor the life of Eastern Illinois assistant football coach Jeff Hoover was held Saturday (Dec. 5) afternoon in the Grand Ball Room of the Martin Luther King Jr., Student Union on the EIU campus.

Hoover, 41, a 1986 graduate of Monte Vista High School, where he was a standout football player and wrestler, will also be honored with a a memorial service on Dec. 13 at Portland State University, where Hoover coached previously to joining the EIU staff.

Hoover lost his life in a tragic car accident when returning from the Panthers first round FCS playoff game in Carbondale, Ill. Hoover had just completed his third season as a member of the EIU coaching staff.

Currently, EIU strength coach Eric Cash and his wife Sherri are currently in fair condition at Carle Hospital in Champaign, Ill., after also being injured in the accident. The Cash’s child and all three members of the Hoover family have been released from the hospital. As further updates on the Cash family are available they will be posted.

In lieu of flowers, a Jeff Hoover Children’s Education Memorial Fund has been established through First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust.

Jeff Hoover Children's Education Fund
c/o First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust
701 Sixth Street
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 345-8325

The EIU football team is also accepting gift card donations to help both the Hoover and Cash families. Donations can be sent to:

EIU Football Office
Attn: Hoover/Cash Family Donations
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920

Please do not send cash donations to the EIU football office.

  
LOCAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2009
Click on Logo for further information

Wes Davis
What a Treat!
Davis to Emerald Bowl

© East County Sports.com
SAN FRANCISCO (12-6-09) — Former Steele Canyon High standout WES DAVIS and his Boston College Eagles were rewarded for a solid 8-4 season, gaining a berth in the Emerald Bowl.

The Eagles will meet the USC Trojans (8-4) at AT&T Park on Sat., Dec. 26, with kickoff on ESPN set for 5 p.m. PT. Executive director Gary Cavalli extended the Emerald Bowl bid to each team today (Sun., Dec. 6).

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Davis was recognized at BC's annual Scanlan Awards Banquet, the recipient of the Jay McGillis Scholarship Award.

Emerald Bowl website HERE
Davis overcame a potential career-threatening injury in 2007 to become one of the top defenders for BC. The free safety ranked fifth on the Eagles in tackles, second in interceptions (1st in return yards), starting in 11 of 12 ballgames this season.

In 2008, Davis ranked fourth on the ballclub in tackles. His on-field and classroom excellence earned him The Devlin Family Athletic Scholarship that season.

Boston College continued its amazing run of consecutive bowl appearances, going to postseason play for the 11th straight year dating back to 1999. The Emerald Bowl appearance marks USC's ninth consecutive bowl game appearance dating back to 2001, which includes four straight Rose Bowl contests [2005-08] plus the 2004 National Championship game in the Orange Bowl.

In preseason polls, Boston College was selected to finish at the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference. But the Eagles were undeterred under Frank Spaziani, in his first year as head coach but with 13 overall in the BC program. Season highlights included home wins over Wake Forest, Florida State and N.C. State, and two road victories at Virginia and Maryland late in the season.

Steele Canyon products earn All-NWC honors

Arlin Taylor
Luis Guerra
© East County Sports.com
SALEM, Ore. (11-27-09) — A pair of former East County standouts have been recognized for their success on the football field at Willamette University.

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

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

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

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

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

Guerra received honorable mention All-NWC in 2008.

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


  Ex-Vaquero earns honor

© East County Sports.com
Jeff Schiller
ST. PAUL, Minn. (11-20-09) – Coaches from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference named former El Capitan standout JEFF SCHILLER (OL, 6-6, 300, So.) of Minnesota-Crookson to the All-NSIC team.

Schiller, the center for the Golden Eagles, made nine starts this season, gaining an NSIC second-team berth. He was a leader on the offensive line that helped Golden Eagles running backs average 99.4 yards/game.

He was an All-East County pick as a Vaqueros senior in 2007.

From near-death injury,
Toilolo in NCAA playoffs


© East County Sports.com
THOUSAND OAKS (11-18-09/Updated 11-24-09) — As the starting quarterback for Helix High in 2004, senior JERICHO TOILOLO guided the Scotties deep into the CIF playoffs before finally falling to Oceanside in the championship contest.

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

Jericho Toilolo
OTHER VIEWS
Earlier this season, feeling weak following several ballgames, it was Kingsmen teammate Ebere Winston who convinced Toilolo to head for the hospital after he had passed out.

Doctors report the decision came just in time.

Toilolo not only suffered a broken rib, the bone punctured a lung and caused internal bleeding; he easily could've died without seeking immediate treatment.

“Probably one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done in my life,” Toilolo told the Ventura County Star, noting he simply believed he was dehydrated. "I ended up getting yelled at by almost every nurse and doctor in the hospital for not going to the hospital sooner. And our trainers yelled at me, too.”

Now, Toilolo has guided Cal Lutheran (8-1) to its first postseason appearance in 27 years.

Toilolo's resume includes a 14-1 career mark as CLU's starting quarterback (8-1 in SCIAC conference play). Included was a mammoth 464-yard, 6 touchdown effort in his second collegiate outing as a sophomore, then a 4 TD performance against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in the game he was injured.
Former Grossmont High standout Khalid Waters rushed for 143 yards vs. Concordia in Week 1.
(MLC courtesy photo) MORE HERE
Locals help Midland Lutheran to near upset

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

For the third time this season, MLC held a lead against a Top 25 foe. But this latest time, a 21-6 halftime lead disappeared in a 38-27 setback to 5th-rated Morningside College. The loss dropped the Warriors to 5-3 overall – they are 0-3 against ranked teams, yet a perfect 5-0 against all others.

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

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

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


Dale big in Dakotas

© East County Sports.com
RAPID CITY, S.D. (10-21-09) — Former Steele Canyon standout running back JAMIE DALE, majoring in Metallurgical Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, leads the Hardrockers in rushing with 593 yards and 6 touchdowns on 100 carries.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound sophomore also leads the Dakota Athletic Conference in all purpose running with 1,042 yards (173.7 ypg) and scoring with 42 points (7 TD). Dale was selected to the 2008 All-DAC team.

The Hardrockers (3-3, 2-3 DAC) pride themselves as “the only university in the nation where starting salaries average more than total costs.”

The 2007 Grossmont South League Offensive Player of the Year, Dale was also selected to the 2007 All-East County Football Team.

 

Helix' Van steamrolls Army Prep

© East County Sports.com
NEW BERLIN, N.Y. (10-21-09) — Former Helix High running back TRAVON VAN, who has accepted a scholarship to the University of Florida, is taking his handoffs at Milford Academy this season.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Van is making the most of his chances to run wild as he proved Oct. 18 in the team’s 48-40 victory over Army Prep.

Selected the player of the game Van rushed for 196 yards and a TD, while hauling in three passes for 26 yards and another score.


Young is ace of Arkadelphia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Stanford's Snyder steps above the crowd

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

OTHER VIEWS
The University City crowd was raucous to say the least, holding up placards bearing Snyder’s face and continually hollering at him. Although he was angry, Snyder kept his emotions hidden.

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

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

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


Former ECV Braves standout sets record

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

Football Flashback
From 2006: Video of Jeremy Young setting a Grossmont College record
with 100-yard kickoff return HERE.
A former El Cajon Valley High standout, Young earned his first-ever honor, leading the OBU offense in a 24-14 home upset of No. 16 Valdosta (Ga.) State. The senior caught 13 passes for 261 yards and a 20.1 per catch average along with touchdowns catches of 60 and 56 yards. He didn’t stop there, also returning three punts for 32 yards and three kickoffs for 46, upping his all-purpose yardage to 339.

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

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

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


Poinsettia Bowl extends contract with sponsor
Local company to continue support of community enhancement event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Aztecs’ classic four

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (8-30-09) – East County will be well represented at San Diego State with four Inlanders wearing pads and helmets for the Aztecs this fall.

El Capitan High graduate TOMMIE DRAHIEM (6-4, 285) is slated to start at left tackle, while his highly-touted El Capitan teammate RYAN LINDLEY handles the quarterbacking chores.

The Aztecs, who open the season at UCLA on Saturday (Sept. 5) at 4:45 PDT in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl, also welcome two East County transfers to their lineup.

JACOB TAUANUU, a product of Helix High and Grossmont College, was a defensive stalwart at Alabama-Birmingham last season as a sophomore. The 6-2, 240-pound defensive end played in all 12 games for the Barons, racking up 48 tackles, including two sacks.

Grossmont College transfer LARRY PARKER should make an impact in the Aztecs secondary after leaving St. Augustine to spend his freshman year with the Griffins. Parker was recruited by Houston, BYU and Michigan as well as the Aztecs.


Fiege transfers to USD

© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (8-30-09) – Former West Hills High standout ERIC FIEGE has left Louisiana Tech University after one season and plans to play football this fall at the University of San Diego

A 5-foot-9, 170-pound sophomore wide receiver, Fiege saw limited playing time for the Western Athletic Conference Bulldogs as a freshman. The versatile Fiege mustered 1,424 all-purpose yards, collecting 10 touchdowns while earning 2007 All-East County offense and defense.

Fiege is one of three East County products – which includes Helix quarterback TY CULVER and Grossmont defensive back KEVIN WRIGHT – ticketed to play for the Toreros.

Another East County touch is USD quarterbacks coach TANNER ENGSTRAND, who begins his fifth season on the Toreros coaching staff. He is a former Grossmont, Grossmont College and SDSU quarterback.

 

Locals play in Big 5 showdown

© East County Sports.com
PHILADELPHIA (9-2-09) — Two East County graduates will be in Villanova University’s starting lineup Thursday (Sept. 3) when the Wildcats tangle with Temple University in the inaugural Philadelphia Mayor’s Cup Game at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles.

CHIDOZIE EKWEOZOR, a redshirt freshman out of Mount Miguel High, has earned his first collegiate start for Villanova. He’ll be the Wildcats’ starting right offensive tackle, with four returning veterans making up the remainder of the Wildcats’ offensive blocking wall.

“I guess you could say I’m kinda in shock,” said the 6-foot-5, 305-pound Ekweozor. “But I’ve been waiting a year to get this chance.”

Monte Vista High product BRANYDN HARVEY will begin his senior season as a starting receiver. A year ago, Harvey ranked second in receiving for Villanova with 43 receptions for 552 yards and three TDs.

The Wildcats are ranked No. 5 in the Collegiate Commissioner's Association Coaches Poll released this week and are one of eight teams from the Colonial Athletic Association listed in the top 25.

Villanova returns 15 starters and 31 letter winners from last year's NCAA quarterfinal team that went 10-3 overall and 7-1 in CAA play. The Wildcats have been picked along with defending national champion Richmond to win the CAA in 2009.

ANOTHER MATADOR STUCK IN PAUSE MODE
DAVIS – Former Mount Miguel southpaw quarterback JEFF FREEMAN has made a smooth transition converting to a full time free safety at UC Davis. His biggest problem has been injuries.

Freeman appeared in seven games as a reserve in 2007 as a reserve, recording five tackles. A year ago Freeman played in four games – three starts – but missed the rest of the season after suffering a broken arm against Northeastern University of Boston.

“I guess you’d say I’m not very lucky,” Freeman said.

Freeman was ticketed to be the Aggies starting safety this season, but was knocked out of the box when he suffered a torn meniscus early in camp. If all things go his way, Freeman will return to the UC Davis starting lineup when the Aggies travel to Boise State on Oct. 3.


Lindley Named to Manning Award Watch List for Nation’s Top QB
Quarterback is one of just 38 players on the list and one of only six sophomores

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

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

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

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

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

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


REGGIE BUSH update
with Kim Kardashian.
Phi Slamma Jamma

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

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

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


Matt Sutton
Sutton earns postseason honor

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

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

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


'First in the West' eliminated by D3 champs

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

Willamette (11-1), the top-ranked West region ballclub, scored 20 fourth-period points to rally yet fell short at McCulloch Stadium.
Stylin' in Salem
NCAA Playoffs
Division III
Willamette 48
Occidental 33
FULL STORY
An interception
by Arlin Taylor
(Steele Canyon)
sets-up the go-ahead score in
an NCAA Div. III
playoff triumph
over Oxy, 48-33.
NCAA Playoffs
Division III
UWWW 30
Willamette 27
FULL STORY
The defending
NCAA Division III
champs end the
Bearcats' season
by handing WU
(11-1) its lone
setback of 2008.
Arlin Taylor led
WU: 11 tackles.
Former Steele Canyon High standouts Arlin Taylor
(left), Luis Guerra and Scott Perlin now compete for
undefeated Willamette University (10-0) in Oregon.
The Bearcats host Occidental in their playoff opener.
(Photos courtesy of Willamette media relations)

'First in the West' is first in the West

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Cougars help Willamette into D-3 national rankings

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

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

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

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

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


Jeff Schiller
(UMC file photo)

Schiller recognized for All-Conference Honors

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

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

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

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


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

Can’t tame this Tiger

© East County Sports.com
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (10-10-08) — Former El Cajon Valley High-Grossmont College standout JEREMY YOUNG, now a multi-purpose junior receiver at Ouachita Baptist University, is making a major splash in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound junior leads the Tigers (3-3) in all-purpose running (155.5 ypg) and tops his team in kickoff returns (24.1 avg on 18 chances). To boot, he’s Ouachita’s No. 2 receiver (32-327 yards, two TDs). Young was a key member of the El Cajon Valley squad that reached the Division II section finals against Oceanside in 2005. He also helped the Griffins reach the SoCal semifinals as a freshman a year later.

 

Dale digs the Mines

© East County Sports.com
RAPID CITY, S.D. (10-10-08) — Steele Canyon alum JAMIE DALE, the 2007 Grossmont South League Offensive Player of the Year, has been the guiding light for the Hardrockers of the NAIA South Dakota College of Mines and Technology.

Dale leads the eight-team Dakota Athletic Conference in all-purpose running (178.4 ypg) and in scoring (76 points, 12 TDs, 4 PATs). A 5-foot-9, 165-pound freshman, Dale also heads the Hardrockers (4-1) in rushing (76-548, 10 TDs).

Dale earned DAC Player of the Week honors on Sept. 22 against Dakota State.


Lindley gains MWC weekly honors

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

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

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


Lindley not blamed for embarrassing Aztecs loss
Pair of school frosh passing records not enough
to avoid last-second 29-26 failure to Cal Poly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


El Cap’s Conti has crisp debut for Golden Eagles
Receiver joins four East County products at Minn.-Crookston

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

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

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


 
Clinton Snyder on Bronko Nagurski watch list
Award Honors College Football's Top Defensive Player

Clinton Snyder
(Stanford photos)

Special to East County Sports.com
STANFORD (7-7-08) – Former Monte Vista High standout and Stanford outside linebacker CLINTON SNYDER has been included on the watch list for the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Award, which goes to the best defensive player in college football. There are 88 candidates nationwide nominated for the award, which is sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

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

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

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

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


Stanford linebacker
Clinton Snyder
(Stanford Univ. photo)
In Thursday's (Aug. 28) NCAA opener, former Monte Vista standout CLINTON SNYDER, now a starting linebacker for Stanford, helped lead the Cardinal over visiting Oregon, 36-28, placing Stanford as the early leader in the Pacific 10.
 
Ex-Monarch Snyder, Stanford shock No. 1 USC

© East County Sports.com
LOS ANGELES (10-7-07) – It wasn't just another victory, it was a program maker for Stanford outside linebacker CLINTON SNYDER. The former Monte Vista High standout was among the leading tacklers for the Cardinal in Saturday's (Oct. 6) 24-23 shocker over top-ranked USC at L.A. Memorial Coliseum.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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