Mater Dei dunks all over Foothill

The Monarchs defeated Foothill 68-43 to capture the Orange Holiday Classic. Tournament MVPs Tyler Lamb had 20 pts, 3 stl, 3 blks while Keala King added 13 pts, 10 reb, & 5 asts.

Get into the holiday spirit!

Yes, I'm known more for my OCVarsity prep reporting, and this is a sports blog after all, but that doesn't mean we can't get into the holiday spirit! Here are two holiday/Christmas videos I produced for OCRegister.com that'll be sure to stuff your stocking full of joy!

The Science of Gingerbread has taken over the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Kids can learn what goes into making gingerbread as well as view award winning gingerbread houses.



The Fullerton landmark known as the "Christmas House" is displaying their lights for the last time. For over 20 years, Jean Payne and Russ Miller have spent thousands of dollars to bring joy to visitors.



The ninth annual "Santa Ride" brought 100 motorcyclists dressed as Santa Claus delivering presents to kids from the Orangewood Children's Home. Video by Jonathan Khamis, OCRegister.com

2009 All-County Football Videos

Highlights of the 2009 selections including an interview with the offensive player of the year Cody Fajardo.



Highlights of the 2009 selections, including an interview with the defensive player of the year Jordan Zumwalt.



Garden Grove head coach Joe Hay was met with an unexpected tragedy to start the season. Linebacker Kevin Telles collapsed on the field and later passed away. His Argos rallied and went undefeated to the Southern title game.



Bloopers from the All-County photo shoot at the ESPN Zone in Anaheim.

Servite's last second FG wins state

The Friars defeat Rocklin 33-30 to win their first CIF state bowl game. Servite was up 30-10 in the third quarter, before the Thunder roared back to tie the game. Nicholas Echeverry's last second FG sealed the title for Servite.

Servite had to get through the best of the best to get to this title game. They have now survived three games that came down to the final moments. First came Long Beach Poly. Servite blocked their attempt at a tying field goal. Then came Mission Viejo, who decided to go for two and the win, but were unable to convert. Finally, with tonight's win, Servite caps off their special season by winning state.

That doesn't count defeating Mater Dei for the first time in over 20 years, becoming the first team to win the Trinity League outright (and go undefefeated nonetheless), and beating what I still think was the most talented football team all season in Edison.

Finally, congratulations to Servite for staying classy all year long. In a year that saw USC and UCLA throw chivalry out the window., Coach Troy Thomas did it the right way.

He took the foot off the gas against Crespi, because he didn't want to embarass his former school. He pulled his young assistant coaches aside late against Mater Dei, when emotions rode high after some chippy play. He told his team not to point their figures, signaling they were number one, after defeating Edison.

It's funny how professional and college coaches could learn from coaches in high school.

Highlights and interviews just a click away!

OCVarsity Week in Review: Football championships

The OCVarsity Week in Review for Dec. 14 highlights the CIF football championship games. Footage includes Servite vs. Edison, La Habra vs. Trabuco Hills, Garden Grove vs. La Mirada, and St. Margaret's vs. Ontario Christian.

What an oustanding week in High School football. We saw an unexpected run end in heartbreak for Garden Grove. A three-peat dynasty cement itself in La Habra. Orange County history made as St. Margaret's won their fourth consecutive title. Also, a little game involving the two best teams in the Pac-5 championship game.

Enjoy the highlights below!

Servite defeats Edison to win Pac-5 championship

The Friars defeat the Chargers 16-6 to win their first CIF title since 1983. Servite held Edison scoreless through 3 quarters as Servite laid into Edison. Whether it was Coleby Clemmer, Jacob Slemmer, or Blake Brady, these guys proved a point.

It’s well known that defense wins championships, and Servite certainly proved that, holding the Chargers to 35 total yards in the first half. This was against a team that was averaging 36.4 points per game.

Jeff Trojan and Dylan Leener weren’t winning the jump balls they did when Edison beat Servite 23-9 on Sept. 25.

Also, Servite celebrated with class. Head Coach Troy Thomas didn’t want any one hoisting a finger saluting that they were number one, but the Friars might get the opportunity to do that in the state title game next week.

Finally, congratulations to Edison on a great season. I know the Huntington Beachers are tired of coming in second place, but there’s no shame in that.

Video highlights and interviews are a click away!

Three-peat! La Habra shuts out Trabuco Hills

The Highlanders win their third consecutive CIF championship shuting out Trabuco Hills 21-0. Quarterback Cody Clements scored three touchdowns, while the Highlanders defense only allowed 49 rush yards.

What an amazing run for La Habra. They have now won five CIF titles this decade, and that can all be traced to Frank Mazzotta. They went back-to-back in '02 and '03, and have now three-peated their way into the record books.

It was nice to see Josh Quezada and his brother share a long embrace after the game. Josh credits his older brother for improvements in his game, and molding him into the man he is today. He also wanted to dedicate his newest championship ring to his other brother Jarell, who played for the Highlanders from '04 to '06.

Highlights and interviews are just a click away!

La Mirada takes title over heartbroken Garden Grove

The Matadores win the Southern Division championship over Garden Grove 49-27.

The Argonauts were rolling until their quarterback Sean Young was injured early in the second quarter. He left the game and was later wheeled out on a stretcher with a rib injury. Being down on the sidelines, it was gut wrenching to see him fight away his tears. His team suffered in his absence, struggling to even pick up a first down.

Without Sean Young, La Mirada went on to score 42 consecutive points on the heels of Justin Torres and his three touchdowns.

However, my favorite part of the game came towards the end of the fourth quarter, as Carlos Arias tumbled over a cheerleader block, trying to get out of the way of an oncoming player. He ruined his knees and nearly sent an innocent cheerleader to a brutal fall. Truly hilarious.

Check out the video highlights below!

OCVarsity Week in Review: Football semifinals, basketball record

Football semifinals footage featuring Mission Viejo vs Servite, Edison vs Lakewood, Trabuco Hills vs Tustin, Cypress vs La Habra, and La Mirada vs Laguna Hills.

Also, a basketball coaching record broken at Mater Dei, and footage of the #1 wrestler in the county Tank Knowles.

Quezeda's 300 Yards carry La Habra over Cypress

We have a possible dynasty in the making. Forget the Lakers, Yankees, and Patriots, a budding dynasty is growing in Orange County.

The La Habra Highlanders football team is gunning for their fifth CIF title this decade and their third straight, as La Habra defeated Cypress 35-21 in the Southwest semifinal.

The Highlanders' Josh Quezada scored four touchdowns, rushing for 300 yards, while the defense held Cypress to only seven points in the 2nd half.

Cypress Head Coach Ray Fenton has turned Cypress into a respectable football program, but he was clearly distraught after the game.

He sat in a dark corner near the south end zone, staring at his dejected team. Being on the sidelines, I could tell that the refs were getting to Fenton. He even ran half way across the field at halftime to inform the officials that La Habra was late to arrive, and they should be flagged for a 15-yard penalty.

Interviews & highlights are a click away!

Servite survives after Mission goes for two

Would you go for two and the win? With, the Diablos down 19-18 with 47 seconds remaining in the game, Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson decided to go for two rather than kick a PAT and tie the game.

This might have something to do with his kicker missing all night. The dude missed two PATs and a field goal earlier in the game, so that must've been running in his mind.

Anyways, the two point conversion failed and it cost them the game as they fell to the Friars 19-18. Servite advances to the finals for the first time since 1995.

Looking back, yeah it was aggressive, yeah they had the momentum, but no it wasn't the right call. Just kick the PAT and give your team a chance in OT.

Highlights & interviews are a click away!

Mater Dei coach becomes all-time winner

Mater Dei head coach Gary McKnight won his 830th career victory making him the all-time winningest coach in the history of the CIF SS. His Monarchs defeated Norwalk 116-53. Interviews with McKnight, Franklin & Lamb.

The amazing Anthony Wilkerson

Anthony "All Day" Wilkerson is leading the county in rushing touchdowns. The senior is commited to Stanford and has ran all over county opponents. Wilk is also close to breaking Dashaun Foster's school record.

OCVarsity Week in Review: 2nd round of football playoffs

The quarterfinals of CIF playoff football action showcased some great games, but none better than Servite vs. Long Beach Poly. Included in the video is the exciting finish, as well as highlights of Mission Viejo win over Notre Dame, and Edison's domination of Dana Hills.