Saturday, October 30, 2010

Servite starts new streak over Mater Dei


We have a new streak in the Trinity League.

After 20 years of Mater Dei dominance over Servite, the Friars have finally gone streaking.

In front of 25,000 rabid red & black dressed fans, Servite defeated Mater Dei 21-14.

Trojan commit Max Wittek wasn't sharp, but credit the Servite defense. The Mater Dei quarterback ended his night by throwing four picks, two to Matt Inman, one to Karlton Dennis, and a pick six to Troy Niklas.

But Wittek wasn't helped by a number of dropped passes. Credit that to Servite's imposing and intimidating secondary. If you catch one over the middle, "The Hitman" Matt Inman, and "The Butcher" Butch Pauu are there to greet you.

This also wasn't a game that's going to go on any kicking highlight reels. Servite missed three field goals, one of them blocked, and Mater Dei missed one wide left.

But with all the talk that Servite's coaches try to preach to their kids about this being just another Trinity League game, that clearly wasn't the case in the post-game celebration.

Matt Inman was teary eyed, players held up a trophy while celebrating with the fans, and the emotion felt like a Pac-5 title game.

"There's a lot of alumni out there. We support them and they support us," said Servite's Troy Niklas. "It's just a real big win for our community."

Friday, October 29, 2010

Foothill storms field after upset of Villa Park


The Century League just got interesting.

With Foothill's 18-14 upset over Villa Park, the Knights now stand on top of the Century League (by way of a tiebreaker). And if El Dorado can defeat El Modena Friday night, the Golden Hawks would then go to 3-1, tying them with Villa Park and Foothill.

But as far as tonight's game was concerned, Foothill showed a lot of courage.

The Knights were down 14-0 at halftime, and couldn't get anything going. Leave it to a 2-pt conversion to spark a team. Foothill caught Villa Park completely off the guard, and the Knights rolled from there.

"At the beginning of the season, we had to find our identity," said senior defensive end Josh Giglio. "After a loss to Brea Olinda, we had a heart check. Starting from there, we had a total culture change, hard practices, and no more messing around."

Foothill has won four games in a row, after losing four out of their first five games.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Lakers receieve rings, then defeat Ming

The Lakers received their championship rings from the ‘09-10 season on way to defeating the Houston Rockets 112-110.

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, but Steve Blake & Shannon Brown provided the spark off the bench.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Trojan Talk Episode 9: Can USC upset Oregon?


Michael Lev and I discuss USC's upcoming game against the monster that is Oregon.

Lev explains why playing the Ducks is the best thing that could've happened to USC. We also discuss the Pac-12 and the ramifications for USC, as we preview the second half of the season.

Monday, October 25, 2010

OCVarsity Top 10: Unbelievable tackle



Highlights include a jumping spear tackle, a perfectly placed water polo goal, a 3 TD game by a rushing QB, and a running back who runs over everybody in his way.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Highlights of a wild night at UFC 121



Cain Velasquez defeated Brock Lesnar to win the UFC heavyweight championship. He talks about what it means to be the first ever Mexican heavyweight champion.

Also, Tito Ortiz lost via unanimous decision to his apprentice Mark Hamill. Hear Ortiz's thoughts on the match, and find out how much left he has in the tank.

Diego Sanchez and Paulo Thiago won the Fight of the Night honor. Sanchez won via unanimous decision, as he electrified the Honda Center audience with a thundering slam.

Finally, Jake Shields was successful in his UFC debut, winning a split decision over Martin Kampmann.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Sonora remains undefeated in victory over Sunny Hills



Get ready for a showdown La Habra.

For the first time since 1975, the Sonora Raiders are 7-0, and they are bringing new found swag into the Highlanders lair next Friday night.

I'd advise getting your tickets ASAP, and getting to the game early.

“I’m sure it’s gonna be a big game," said Sonora head coach Paul Chiotti. "The whole city will come out and get excited."

Baba Eko, who had two touchdownss in Sonora's 35-14 victory over the Lancers, was clearly geeked about playing the Highlanders next week.

"It’s gonna be a big game," Eko said. "I think everyone’s gonna be here. I can’t wait for it.”

I just hope Willy Wonka doesn't show up for next week's game. Watch the video above to see how he crashed the homecoming halftime ceremony.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Los Alamitos impressive in shut out win over Newport Harbor



Los Alamitos impressed me.

That was the first time I saw Los Al live, and they were good, really good.

Fully healthy, the Griffins will be a tough out in the Sunset League.

The defense is anchored by hard hitter Andrew Faraimo, who had a huge spear of a tackle that will definitely be top 10 worthy! Linebacker Aaron Davis was all over the gridiron as well, gang tackling with the rest of his team.

Meanwhile, the offense just got scarier with the return of Nick Richardson. He was used as a decoy tonight for 5'6" Cody Paul, who was as electrifying as those youtube clips would lead you to believe.

The Griffins had a two game losing streak earlier this month, and quarterback Dylan Lagarde owned it.

"It was because of me," Lagarde said. "I wasn't stepping up, not completing my passes, and turning the ball over."

Lagarde was picked off once by Newport, but he completed a bomb to Richard Turner when he had to, which opened up the running game.

But Newport Harbor's head coach Jeff Brinkley wasn't satisfied with the Sailors 31-0 shut out loss.

"We didn't stop them, and we didn't move the ball," Brinkley said. "Obviously, it was more important to them tonight than it was to us."

Los Alamitos looks like they have all the tools to give Edison a run for their money in the Sunset League.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

UFC's Ortiz apologizes for deaf "soft head" comment


Tito Ortiz apologizes for the comments he made in regards to deaf fighter Matt Hamill.

Also, Martin Kampmann calls Jake Shields' recent fights "boring."

And Cain Velasquez responds to Brock Lesnar's insult to Velasquez's Mexican heritage.

The UFC 121 open workouts were conducted at the UFC gym in Rosemead.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

UFC stars ready to invade Anaheim



The UFC 121 press conference featured Brock Lesnar with a new beard, Tito Ortiz fighting in his backyard, Matt Hamill wanting to beat his teacher & Cain Velasquez hoping to become UFC's first heavyweight Mexican champion.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Trojan Talk Episode 8: USC pass their midterms?


Time to hand out the midseason awards! We should've came up with a name for it for our award show. Oh well, cheap one dollar foam grades will have to do!

Michael Lev and I grade the Trojans' offense, defense, special teams, and coaching. We also name our offensive and defensive MVP's, and the most improved player.

‘What’s Bruin’ (10/19): Did UCLA pass midseason review?



Midterm time! Scott M. Reid and I give our our mid-season grades to the offense, defense, special teams, and coaching staff. We also reveal our offensive and defensive MVP’s, as well as our most improved player.

We also preview the second half of the season, including this Thursday’s match-up. Does UCLA have enough to topple the mighty Ducks of Oregon?

Monday, October 18, 2010

OCVarsity Top 10 (10/18): Greatest leaping touchdown ever!



Highlights include the best leaping touchdown you'll ever see (courtesy of Dana Hills' Chris Kearney), an amazing one handed catch, defensive backs making plays that would make Darrelle Revis blush, great lead blockers, and an unforgettable water polo save a goal keeper made with his face!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Matt Barkley ties school record with 5 TD, dominating Cal


USC picked up their most complete game victory of the season, dominating Cal 48-14.

The Trojans’ defense blanketed Bears running back Shane Vareen.

Matt Barkley threw for five touchdowns, finding Robert Woods and Ronald Johnson for two touchdown passes a piece.

Welch emotional after Santa Margarita victory



Ten days after cancer surgery, Santa Margarita head coach Harry Welch led his Eagles to a victory over Orange Lutheran, 27-15.

As Welch addressed his team, it was hard not to get emotional.

He apologized to his team for the distraction his cancer has caused. But told his team he loved them, the “boys of fall” he called them, named after the Kenny Chesney song.

Welch welled up with pride and tears. He commended his team for handling themselves with class, in what was Santa Margarita’s biggest win in years.

He talked about how his quarterback Adam Young fought through an injury, and played with such courage.

He’s a lot like his coach.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Diving touchdown! Wittek leads Monarchs to thrilling Trinity league win



The Trinity League just got a whole lot tougher.

As if powerhouses Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, and Servite weren't enough. Here comes the other guys.

JSerra is 5-0, and ranked #9 in the county . St. John Bosco was ranked 11th in the state coming into this game. And Santa Margarita is 4-1, while ranked 4th in the county.

Meanwhile, Mater Dei has awakened from their 0-2 nightmare, Orange Lutheran is a respectable 3-2, and Servite may be the best team in the state.

Good luck to coaches Bruce Rollinson, Jim Kunau, Troy Thomas, Jason Negro, Harry Welch, and Jim Hartigan. Lots of sleepless nights are ahead of you.

As far as Mater Dei defeating St. John Bosco was concerned, Max Wittek made the big plays when he had to, and Victor Blackwell was there to receive them. The combo continues to be one of the deadliest the county has ever seen, and only stands to get better as the season progresses. Scary thought isn't it?

Mater Dei faces Orange Lutheran next week. The Lancers know Blackwell and Wittek well.

Blackwell torched OLu with a Mater Dei record 257 receiving yards and three touchdowns last year. But it's Orange Lutheran that has defeated Mater Dei five straight.

I'm sure it'll be just another night in the Trinity League.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Lamb is cooking for UCLA



The Bruins are ready to improve on their disappointing record (14-18)from last year. Freshman Matt Carlino and Joshua Smith are ready to make impacts, but perhaps no freshman is more NCAA ready than Tyler Lamb.

Lamb, the 2009 county player of the year, is ready provide a powerful punch to a team that features no seniors. Lamb is also joined by fellow Mater Dei players David and Travis Wear, who will be redshirting this year beause of transfer rules.

Interviews with head coach Ben Howland, Lamb, Tyler Honeycutt, Malcolm Lee, and others.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Trojan Talk: USC dealt another deflating loss



USC loses to Stanford the same way they did last week, by a last second field goal. Topics discussed are clock mis-management, Matt Barkley, Robert Woods, and more.

What's Bruin: UCLA suspensions



(This show was taped before UCLA released their statement in regards to Josh Smith and Morrell Presley)

Topics discussed: UCLA suspensions heading into the Oregon game, the Cal debacle, Josh Smith returning punts, and more.

Monday, October 11, 2010

OCVarsity Top 10 (10/11): Community reaches out to Buena Park



Highlights include a leaping quarterback touchdown, a 6-goal effort in boys water polo, a fireball service ace in girls volleyball, and Buena Park receiving help from the community.

Thanks to Cox 3's Sportzone for the footage. Catch the show on Cox channel 3 Fridays at 11:00 pm.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Mission Viejo looks unstoppable



Mission Viejo has the best offense in the South Coast league, Orange County, and probably the whole state of California.

But it's their defense teams should be worried about.

Playing without their USC commit superstar Tre Madden for a third consecutive week, the Diablos were able to stifle yet another opponent.

Redlands quarterback Austin Decoud was pressured all night. The defensive highlight of the night was supplied by Mitch Melugin, who sacked Decoud out of his shoes. Dude nearly took his head off.

Defensive back Doug Ruggles didn't shy from the spotlight. He made a spectacular play to pick off Decoud that I'm sure we'll be seeing in the OCVarsity Top 10 (cheap plug).

Oh you didn't know, Mission Viejo's offense isn't bad ether.

If you thought Allan Bridgford was a great QB at Mission, well his little bro Alex is just as good. The junior hooked up with his favorite wide out Bryan Keller for some monster gainage. Keller had 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Dallas Kessman was on it too. He had 150 yards rushing while scoring twice. If Mission didn't lose him to injury last year, they might've went all the way.

All along I've said that Servite is the team to beat in the OC, and while I still believe that to be the man, you have to beat the man, Mission Viejo is the perfect opponent to knock the king off his throne.

Friars vs. Diablos. Forget Mater Dei and Servite, that would be the real holy war.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Father jumps into pool, after son choked underwater



Zack Kamai of Irvine alleges that he was choked by a Corona del Mar player in a boys water polo match. Kamai's father Marold jumped into the water to help his son. Zack eventually came back into the game, but said his windpipe was displaced.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

OC Auto Show's Lamborghini worth $485,000



The Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 Superveloce is the most expensive car at the OC Auto Show. The one on display is priced at $485,545.

Jonny Lieberman of Motortrend gives a tour of one of the most powerful cars in the world.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Who's tougher? UFC's Ortiz or Ducks' Parros

UFC's Tito Ortiz squares off with Anaheim Ducks player George Parros in a game of Wii boxing. Tuesday Fight Night benefited local charities, as Ducks fans competed with their favorite players.

What's Bruin: UCLA on a roll

We had a ton to talk about on ‘What’s Bruin’ today. Why was the Washington State game so close? Were the Bruins looking ahead to Cal?

And speaking of those Golden Bears, will the Bruins be able to contain the explosive Shane Vereen? We also answer a great defensive line question from bruwin5231. All this and more!


Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Trojan Talk Episode 6: Losing streak for USC?

Deja blues! The Trojans are coming off yet another heart-breaking loss to Washington. You can imagine there's a lot that Michael Lev and I talked about on the show.

Topics include Lane Kiffin's clock management, Dillon Baxter, defensive schemes, and more. We also answer questions from our reader Fan.

Monday, October 4, 2010

OCVarsity Top 10 (10/4): 100-yard TD run & crazy stiff arm



Highlights include a stiff arm that nearly decapitates the opposing team, a 100-yard run for a touchdown, a Leaping touchdown score, some freak plays and more!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Washington kicks USC out of the game, again


The Trojans Pac-10 opener ended in deja vu. For the second straight year, Washington defeated USC with a game-winning field goal. USC was led by Allen Bradford (223 Yds, 2 TD), but the Trojans ultimately fell to the Huskies 32-31.

Interviews with Marc Tyler, Jake Locker, and the hero of the night Erik Folk.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Mater Dei is officially back



Whoever those imposters were that wore the Mater Dei unis in losses to Carson and Centennial better tell the real Mater Dei that they're sorry.

After being taken down from the O.C. top 10 for the first time in over 20 years, Mater Dei responded by spanking an unbeaten (4-0) San Clemente team 42-14. The key thing to take out of that game, was the Monarchs defense. The Tritons were averaging 38.5 ppg at the time.

And after tonight, I think we can all officially say that Mater Dei is back.

The Monarchs shut down another high-power county offense in Edison, 27-7. The Chargers could barely convert a first down in the first half. If it wasn't for a roughing the kicker penalty against Mater Dei, Edison probably would have never scored.

Mater Dei put pressure on their former player Chase Favreau all night long. His first pass attempt of the game was picked off by Freddie Mora, and it all went downhill from there.

And as far as the offensive side of the ball, well Max Wittek proved that has other receivers besides Victor Blackwell.

He connected with Josh Cook on one of the most athletic touchdowns you'll see this year. Wittek also threw a 10-yard TD strike to Glen Raphael. The USC commit finished with 175 yards and even ran one in for a score.

In the immortal words of Mark Twain: Reports of Mater Dei's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Tustin runs through Pacifica, rainbows, and lightning!



There are a couple of things that are a given in the O.C. prep scene. One of them is that a Tustin football game isn't going to last very long.

The Tillers hate passing the ball. Their run dominant double-wing offense hates quarterbacks. So it's no surprise to see Tustin run the ball for 348 total yards.

Imagine what the Tillers would've done if they saw Pacifica's banner before the game. Anthony Wilkerson would have flown down from Stanford and dropped ten scores on 'em.

All kidding aside, this game was tight for most of the way. Diego Mendoza (3 TD) and Tyler Siudzinski (2 TD) were touchdown machines, but Dominque Parker impressed me the most with his power runs.

Gotta mention Pacifica's wide out Trent Langham, who scored three touchdowns. He's got great height at 6'3" and he won every jump ball with the Tustin defense.

Finally, if you're a fan of the double rainbows guy, then you're gonna love the video above. And if you're a fan of 6'1" 270 pound lineman catching fumbles in mid-air and running for dear life, than this is the greatest video you will ever watch.