Lakers defense stifles Knicks

The Lakers held the Knicks to only 31 percent shooting, cruising to a 99-82 victory. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, while the bench added 40 points as well.

Tough Knocks - The Final episode

In episode 18 of Tough Knocks, Edison and Santa Margarita recap their respective seasons in the final show of the series.

The Peel would like to thank both teams for participating in the premiere series of Tough Knocks Football.

Video by Rod Veal and Jonathan Khamis, for OCVarsity.com.

Bulls stun Lakers in Christmas collapse

The Lakers lost a late lead to the Chicago Bulls, as reigning MVP Derrick Rose floated home a dagger with four seconds left in the game. Kobe Bryant attempted to go 1-on-3 in the final seconds, but was blocked at the buzzer, as the Bulls took the NBA opener 88-87.

The Lakers bench provided a much needed boost without the suspended Andrew Bynum, outscoring the Bulls bench 29-18.

Andrew Goudelock, in his Lakers debut, nailed two three-pointers while Josh McRoberts had eight rebounds and two blocks to go along with his six points.

Video by Jonathan Khamis, for OCRegister.com.

Who owns Los Angeles: Lakers or Clippers?

Lakers beat writer Kevin Ding and Clippers beat writer Dan Woike breakdown both teams. Who will finish with the better record and is Dwight Howard coming to L.A.?

Tough Knocks – Santa Margarita: State champs

In Episode 17, Santa Margarita plays their toughest game of the season as the Eagles face San Jose’s Bellarmine in the CIF State Division I bowl game.

2011 All-County Offense

Highlights of the 2011 selections including an interview with the offensive player of the year Conner Manning.

2011 All-County Defense

Highlights of the 2011 selections including an interview with the defensive player of the year Aaron Porter.

2011 coach of the year: Myron Miller

Tustin head coach Myron Miller discusses the Tillers' road to the Southwest championship game, and winning his second coach of the year award.

Stanton's 6 TD leads Santa Margarita to state championship

Johnny Stanton's six touchdowns tied a state bowl record as his Eagles defeated Bellarmine 42-37 in the Division I state bowl game.

Tough Knocks - Santa Margarita: We are the champions!

Episode 16 - The Santa Margarita Eagles battle the formidable San Clemente Tritons in CIF Pac-5 championship game at Angels Stadium.

Video by Rod Veal and Jonathan Khamis, for OCVarsity.com.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Can Santa Margarita win state?

Steve Fryer and Carlos Arias travel to Santa Margarita Catholic high school to preview the Eagles Division I CIF state bowl game against Bellarmine of San Jose.

OCVarsity Top 10: Unbelievable catch in championship game

Highlights include an amazing catch in the Pac-5 championship, a touchdown record broken, a no-look pass, and a crazy scissors kick goal in soccer.

Tustin roars back, stunning El Toro for Southwest championship

Tustin defeated El Toro 35-28 to capture the CIF Southwest Division championship. The Tillers shut out the Chargers in the 2nd & 3rd qtrs. while intercepting Connor Manning twice.

Santa Margarita defeats San Clemente for Pac-5 championship

The Eagles took advantage of the Tritons mistakes during a 9:56 4th quarter drive to capture the Pac-5 championship 27-13. Ryan Wolpin ran for two touchdowns while Johnny Stanton had 2 TDs.

CdM wins championship after Beckman goes for two

Corona del Mar defeated Beckman 14-13 to win the CIF Southern Division championship. The Patriots failed to convert a two-point conversion, paving the way for the Sea Kings first championship since 1989.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Championship preview from Angel Stadium

Steve Fryer, Carlos Arias and Dan Albano visit Angel Stadium to preview the CIF-SS championships this weekend:

• Who will win the Pac-5 championship between Santa Margarita and San Clemente?
• Can Tustin find a way to slow down El Toro in the Southwest title game?
• Can Beckman finally win their elusive Southern division championship against Corona del Mar.

Also, interviews with players and coaches from the CIF-SS luncheon on Monday.

OCVarsity Top 10: County record smashed

Highlights include a player smashing the county record in passing yards, tennis and cross country championships, a fumble returned for a touchdown, and an epic performance in the playoffs.

Some highlights used for the OCVarsity Top 10 were provided by the “SportZone” from Cox channel 3. You can catch a new episode Monday night at 7:30 p.m.

San Clemente dominates Tesoro, advances to Pac-5 final

In a South Coast League rematch, San Clemente defeated Tesoro 51-16, behind Christian Tober's 3 touchdowns. The Tritons advance to the Pac-5 championship game.

OCVarsity Top 10: Championship celebrations

Highlights include championship celebrations in girls volleyball and boys water polo, an upset in football, and epic touchdown runs.

Some highlights used for the OCVarsity Top 10 were provided by the “SportZone” from Cox channel 3 which you can catch live every Friday night at 11 p.m.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Can Tesoro continue upset trail?

Steve Fryer, Carlos Arias and Dan Albano visit Estancia high school to preview the CIF semifinals:

• Will La Habra’s quest to 5-peat end at the hands of El Toro and Conner Manning?
• Can Santa Margarita knock off Mission Viejo?
• How will Tesoro play in a rematch against San Clemente?
• Can Estancia make it to their first championship game in school history?

Also, interviews with Estancia head coach Mike Bargas, running back Robert Murtha, and offensive lineman Ozzy Magana.

Tough Knocks - Edison: Heartbreak

In Episode 13 of “Tough Knocks,” Edison gets ready to face Tesoro in the first round of the Pac-5 playoffs, but are eventually upset by the Titans 16-14.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Second-round playoff preview from El Toro

Steve Fryer, Carlos Arias and Damian Calhoun visit El Toro high school to preview the second round of the CIF playoffs.

• Can Santa Margarita take down Long Beach Poly?
• Will Yorba Linda provide a tough test for El Toro?
• Does Woodbridge have the edge over Estancia?
• Do the St. John Bosco Braves have enough for San Clemente?

Also, interviews with El Toro head coach, Conner Manning, Jacob Furnari, and Cody White.

OCVarsity Top 10: Player rushes for 324 yards

Highlights include a running back rushing for 324 yards, a water polo championship celebration, a blocked punt, a safety, and more!

OCVarsity Gridiron: First-round playoff preview from La Habra

Steve Fryer, Carlos Arias and Dan Albano visit La Habra high school to preview the first round of the CIF playoffs.

• Who emerges from the Pac-5?
• Can La Habra 5-Peat?
• Will Beckman finally win an elusive championship?

Also, interviews with La Habra head coach Frank Mazzotta, running back Aaron Porter, and wide receiver Brett Bartalone.

OCVarsity Top 10: Stunning last-second TD wins game

Highlights include a stunning last-second TD to win a game, a successful two-point conversion in OT, cross country, water polo, and more!

64 seconds later, a new UFC champion crowned

Junior dos Santos only needed 64 seconds to take down Cain Velasquez and capture the UFC heavyweight championship. Dos Santos also won a knockout of the night bonus making him $65,000 richer.

In other bouts, Benson Henderson defeated Clay Guida in the fight of the night, while Ricardo Lamas won submission of the night after an arm triangle choke in the second round.

Servite outlasts Santa Margarita in classic

Another epic Trinity League clash went down to the wire, as the Friars went for two, and converted, defeating the Eagles 43-42.

Tough Knocks - Edison: Battle for the Bell

In Episode 11 of Tough Knocks, Edison plays Fountain Valley in hopes of claiming the bell for the seventh year in a row.

OCVarsity Gridiron: League championships on the line

Steve Fryer, Dan Albano, and Carlos Arias travel to Rancho Alamitos to preview the biggest matchups heading into Week 10:

• Who will take the Trinity title between Servite and Santa Margarita?
• Can Tesoro upset San Clemente?
• Does Beckman have enough for CDM?
• Who will take the Garden Grove league as undefeated Rancho Alamitos and Los Amigos?

Also, interviews with Rancho Alamitos head coach Mike Enright, quarterback Lincoln Faletoi, and running back Brett Hurley.

OCVarsity Top 10: Unbelievable trick play

The OCVarsity.com Top 10 highlights features a trick play that had everybody fooled, a wacky interception turned into a touchdown, an epic touchdown run, an interesting volleyball service ace, a brother to brother goal in boys water polo, and more!

Some highlights used for the OCVarsity Top 10 were provided by the “SportZone” from Cox channel 3 which you can catch live every Friday night at 11 p.m.

Servite defeats Mater Dei in thriller

Servite needed every one of their 21 consecutive points to hold off Mater Dei. The Monarchs had a chance to tie the game with two seconds left, but the Friars escaped and defeated Mater Dei 35-28.

Cypress breaks Yorba Linda's undefeated streak

Despite Cypress being outgained by Yorba Linda, the Centurions made all the big defensive plays in crunch time, giving the Mustangs their first loss of the season 14-10.

Tough Knocks - Edison: Undefeated rivals meet

Episode 10 - The Chargers face Huntington Beach, with both teams undefeated in Sunset League play. Also, O Line coach and four-time Super Bowl champion Jesse Sapolu is profiled.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Mater Dei vs. Servite preview

Steve Fryer, Carlos Arias, and Dan Albano travel to Mater Dei to preview the best matchups that Week 8 has to offer:

• The Holy War commences Friday night between Mater Dei and Servite. Who has the edge?
• Mission Viejo takes on San Clemente in a South County clash.
• Will Los Alamitos miss the playoffs in a battle against Huntington Beach?

Also, interviews with Mater Dei head coach Bruce Rollinson, quarterback Ryan McMahon, and tight end Josh Cook.

OCVarsity Top 10: Amazing leaping touchdown

The Halloween edition of the OCVarsity Top 10 features frighteningly good highlights of a leaping touchdown, a game-winning field goal, a behind-the-back water polo goal, and more!

Mission Viejo holds off San Clemente

The Diablos held off a furious 4th quarter rally from the Tritons, defeating their South Coast League rival 29-21. Buzzy Yokoyama returned and scored 2 TD.

Tough Knocks - Edison: Staying on top

Episode 9 - Even with injuries, Edison dominates Marina as the Chargers inch closer to the playoffs.

Tough Knocks - Santa Margarita: Back to basics

Episode 9 - Santa Margarita deals with their first loss of the year, as the Eagles prepare for a Trinity League showdown against Orange Lutheran.

OCVarsity Gridiron: San Clemente prepares for Mission Viejo

Steve Fryer, Carlos Arias, and Dan Albano travel to San Clemente to preview the best matchups that Week 8 has to offer:

• The Tritons haven't defeated the Diablos since 1999, is this the year?
• Can St. John Bosco defeat Servite?
• Will Huntington Beach upset Edison?

Interviews with Travis Wilson, Kyle Murphy, and coach John Hamro.

OCVarsity Top 10: Historic 4th quarter comeback

The OCVarsity.com Top 10 highlights include a historic 4th quarter comeback, a game-winning field goal, a photo-finish in cross country, volleyball, water polo, and more!

Some highlights used for the OCVarsity Top 10 were provided by “Sportzone,” which you can catch every Friday night on Cox channel 3.

Santa Margarita bounces back, defeating Orange Lutheran

Santa Margarita bounced back after last week’s lackluster performance to defeat Orange Lutheran 31-10.

The Eagles’ Johny Stanton was outstanding, throwing for 164 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Ryan Wolpin also contributed with 105 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Orange Lutheran’s loss drops the Lancers to 0-2 in the Trinity League, as they await Mater Dei in what Lancers coach Jim Kunau called a “do or die” game.

Los Alamitos shuts down Fountain Valley

The Griffins behind the spectacular Cody Paul (182 yards rushing, TD) shut out Fountain Valley 28-0. Los Al QB Dylan Lagarde threw 3 TDs. Interviews with Paul, Kyle Roberts, and John Barnes.

Tough Knocks – Edison: League of their own

Episode 8 - After a tough loss and a bye week, Edison starts to get healthy. The Chargers hope to bounce back against Los Alamitos in their first Sunset League game.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Big league matchups for Week 7

Steve Fryer, Dan Albano, and Carlos Arias visit Villa Park to preview the biggest matchups heading into Week 7:

• Will the loser of Santa Margarita and and Orange Lutheran miss the playoffs?
• Does Villa Park stay undefeated after facing Foothill?
• Who bounces back in South Coast league as Trabuco Hills takes on Tesoro?

Also, interviews with Villa Park head coach Dusan Ancich and linebacker Meki Tafuna.

OCVarsity Top 10: Record-breaking 100-yard INT TD

Highlights include a record-breaking 100 yard-interception return for a touchdown, two big time plays from a receiver, a beast mode touchdown run, volleyball, water polo, and more!

Some highlights used for the OCVarsity Top 10 were provided by “Sportzone,” which you can catch every Friday night on Cox channel 3.

Servite defense stuffs Orange Lutheran

Butch Pauu and his Friars made life tough for Orange Lutheran. Servite held O Lu to only two points late into the 4th qtr, before defeating them 21-8. Cody Pittman found Ainslie Johnson for two big play TDs.

Tough Knocks - Edison: Shaking off a tough loss

In episode 7 of “Tough Knocks,” Edison’s players and coaches deal with their tough last-second loss to Mater Dei. Chase Favreau and Sedric Hill recap their emotions after losing to their former teammates.

During a bye week for the Chargers, they go hard in the weight room and begin preparing for their big game this week against Sunset League rival Los Alamitos.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Can Orange Lutheran take down Servite?

Steve Fryer and Carlos Arias break down the best matchups in Week 6 from Orange Lutheran high school.

• Will San Clemente prove to be too much for Trabuco Hills?
• Who takes the ‘Sunset Showdown’ between Edison and Los Alamitos?
• Can Mater Dei continue their roll against Santa Margarita?
• Is Orange Lutheran for real, and can they break their recent 0-7 streak vs. Servite?

Also, interviews with O Lu head coach Jim Kunau, quarterback Conner Sullivan, linebacker Deion Williams, and tight end Christo Kourtzidis.

Blog and videos for Cal Life

Check out this blog I wrote for California Life:

http://www.californialifehd.com/blog/?p=1952

It's about video games and I mixed in a Duck Hunt reference or two, so if you're a fan of virtual guns, than that blog is for you.

There are also two videos you can check out here.

One of them is of a boy who saved his mom, but was run over in the process. The other is a story about a 16-year-old professional video gamer.

OCVarsity Top 10: Photo finish race and epic touchdown

Highlights include an amazing tackle-defying touchdown, a photo finish of a race in cross country, a massive volleyball spike, and more!

Some highlights used for the OCVarsity Top 10 were provided by “Sportzone,” which you can catch every Friday night on Cox channel 3.

For more sports videos, follow me on twitter and facebook.

Beckman outlasts Estancia

A defensive minded game saw Beckman outlast Estancia 12-10.

Highlights include a punt that nearly decapitated the cheer squad, the crowd reacting to the New York Yankees loss, and an earth shattering tackle.

Interviews with Estancia head coach Mike Bargas, and Beckman quarterback Cameron Biedgoly.

Tough Knocks: Edison learns the hard way

In Episode 6 of “Tough Knocks,” Edison, a newcomer to the “Tough Knocks” program, gets ready to take on nonleague rival Mater Dei. Two former Monarchs, Chase Favreau and Sedric Hill who are now at Edison, are excited to take on their former teammates and to avenge a loss to Mater Dei in 2010.

After trailing Mater Dei at the half, Edison storms back to take the lead. But a game-winning TD by the Monarchs on the last play of the game leaves the Chargers in tears.

Tough Knocks: Against all odds

In Episode 6 of “Tough Knocks,” Santa Margarita has to deal with a couple of key injuries after a big win over Carson. One of the injured players, Konner Kafentzis, goes into the details of how he received his concussion.

The Eagles manage to build up a big lead against another O.C. Top 10 team, Los Alamitos, in a thrilling Week 4 game. However, a mistake-filled fourth quarter by the Eagles disappoints head coach Harry Welch, who is trying to get his team ready for league play.

Guest anchoring "SportZone" this Friday

Yours truly will be guest anchoring “SportZone” on Cox channel 3 in south Orange County. You can catch the live show Friday night at 11 p.m.

OCVarsity Gridiron legend Dan Albano will also make an appearance, analyzing the best games from Friday night.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Can Yorba Linda upset Tustin?

Can Yorba Linda upset Tustin? Does Garden Grove have enough to beat El Toro? Will Cypress stay strong against Western? Also, interviews with Yorba Linda head coach and players.

OCVarsity Top 10: Game-winning TD and record broken

Highlights include two last-second touchdowns, a kicking record broken, cross country, water polo, volleyball, and more.

Some highlights used for the OCVarsity Top 10 were provided by “Sportzone,” which you can catch every Friday night on Cox channel 3.

Click here to view last week’s edition of the OCVarsity Top 10.

Santa Margarita grounds-and-pounds Los Alamitos

“I think we were waiting for the game to be over,” Santa Margarita head coach Harry Welch said. “I love my team, but I’m not an exceptionally proud father right now.”

“We made mistakes that we normally don’t make. I’m not very happy.”

Santa Margarita won this game 38-27 by the way.

The Eagles led by as many as 24 points after a Ryan Wolpin touchdown run in the 4th quarter, but that’s when things changed for the stars of the “Tough Knocks” show.

Los Alamitos marched down the field and scored on a 7-yard Cody Paul touchdown run, and after Eagles quarterback Johnny Stanton fumbled the ball away to the Griffins, Los Al QB Dylan Lagarde threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Roberts.

It was a sloppy fourth quarter from the No. 3 ranked team in the county.

“We made a lot of mistakes,” running back Ryan Wolpin said. “We didn’t fully have it together in the second half, but we basically squeezed by.”

“Out second half wasn’t great,” quarterback Johnny Stanton said. “My fourth quarter wasn’t good at all. I had two fumbles and it almost cost us the game.”

Santa Margarita finishes off a perfect non-league schedule going 5-0. The Eagles enter a bye week, before visiting Mater Dei to kick off Trinity league play.

OCVarsity Gridiron: Los Alamitos faces first true test

Steve Fryer and Dan Albano break down the biggest games heading into Week 4:

• Will Santa Margarita providea first true test for Los Alamitos?
• Can Edison drop Mater Dei to 0-4?
• Does La Habra have enough to finally beat a Trinity League opponent in St. John Bosco?
• Should Mater Dei still be included in the Top 10 with an 0-3 record?

OCVarsity Top 10: Diver makes Olympic trials

The OCVarsity Top 10 counts down the best highlights from the previous week in O.C. prep sports.

Highlights include a wild touchdown run, a blocked field goal turned into a touchdown, an epic volleyball rally, a local diver qualifies for the Olympic trials, a football blooper and more!

Video by Jonathan Khamis, OCVarsity.com

Servite regains swagger, defeating Edison

Some Servite players believed that the reason they were sluggish in last week's 24-16 victory over La Habra was because they overlooked the Highlanders, while bracing for the upcoming challenge with No .6 ranked Edison.

There was nothing sluggish about Servite's performance Friday night. The Friars went on the road and decisively imposed their will, defeating the Chargers 27-14.

"We knew last week that we didn't come out and play Servite football," Friars' QB Cody Pittman said. "This week we came in and practiced hard. That's what made the big difference."

The Chargers were held to only 48 yards rushing, but injuries to Edison's running backs really hampered their attack.

Edison quarterback Chase Favreau faced pressure all night, especially from Servite's Brendan Johnson, who had two sacks. Favreau was intercepted twice, including a dagger of an interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter by Daniel Tejeda.

"In the past we all looked to the guys who played before us," Tejeda said. "The Karlton Dennis', Jordan Jones. We just wanted to come out here and represent."

Cody Pittman continued his stellar play, throwing for two touchdowns, while rushing for 63 yards.

Servite hits the road in a big way next week. The Friars will face nationally ranked Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas. It's yet another tough non-league opponent for Servite.

"I truly believe that scheduling the hardest teams will prepare us for league," Tejada said. "When we get to the playoffs, with all of the teams that we're facing now, it will help us out in the end."

All-Access: Los Alamitos dominates University of L.A.

Take an all-access look inside Los Alamitos' dominating 56-0 victory over University of Los Angeles.

Los Al's head coach John Barnes is mic'd up, as he leads his team to a fourth straight victory.

Interviews with John Barnes, quarterback Dylan Lagarde, and running back Cody Paul.