El Cajon, Ca. – The Grossmont College football team has played in 17 post-season games in the past ten years, more than any other in California. Last year, first year head coach Mike Jordan and his new staff got a good start on keeping up the tradition by winning the Foothill Conference and going two games into the playoffs. PHOTO: Adam Herrod
Can the Griffins repeat their 2006 performance this year, after losing six all-conference players from last year's squad, including the loss of five starters from the #1 scoring defense in the country? Without a doubt, Coach Jordan says yes!
Arch rival Chaffey College and last year's #2 scoring defense, Victor Valley, might have something to say about conference bragging rights. Last year, Victor Valley held Grossmont to only 213 total yards of offense during regular season play, losing at home 7-16 against the Griffins, but going on the lose again to Grossmont 7-49 in post season play in the Southern California Bowl. "Chaffey always gives us a good game," says Jordan, who also admits that "we have lots of work to do." Both teams will be gunning for the men of G-House, ranked 6th in the J.C. Grid-Wire pre-season predictions.
If the Griffins prevail over conference competitors as predicted by coach Jordan, will the Foothill championship be a stepping stone for the Southern Cal and California State championships later in the season? Besides the aforementioned conference challenges, there are those pesky little pre-conference matchups with cross-town offensive powerhouse Palomar, J.C Grid-Wire's #16 pick, and last year's California champs El Camino, the projected #1 Junior College Football team for 2007.
Will this year's Griffins be able to handle such a schedule? "I like our chances going into every game," says coach Jordan. You could detect prudence in the coach's comments, but no lack of confidence in his players or coaches.
The casual observer might think that losses from last year's stellar defense would handicap the 2007-model defense, but that didn't seem to bother the 2006 Griffin defense when they lost five all-conference defenders from the 2005 National Championship team and then proceeded to choke the opposition to an average of only 5.6 points per game in the regular season. Last year, Grossmont was the stingiest scoring defense in the nation.
Jordan is not worried.
Great teams don't rebuild, they just reload, and that is exactly what coach Jordan claims to have accomplished so far for 2007. "This is probably the best freshman class I have ever seen," enthuses coach Jordan, adding that "we have lots of returning sophomores in key leadership positions on both sides of the ball." ...not to mention a host of key transfers.
Jordan and his now-experienced coaching staff do indeed appear to have plenty of material to work with. Earlier in the summer, the defensive backfield was considered a potential vulnerability. As the season draws closer, the questions seem to have been answered by unexpected retentions and recruiting. DB Abraham Muheize (5-11, 205) provided a big boost by his decision to pass on a transfer to Montana State and return home to Grossmont for 2007.
Muheize will be joined in the defensive backfield by Adam Herrod (5-11, 190; PHOTO ABOVE) and San Diego South all-Star DB, Luis Villavicenzio (5-11, 180). Herrod was impressive at the Scout.com combine as a wide receiver – who better to anticipate the moves of his former compadres on the other side of the ball? Villavicencio is a true "shutdown corner," according to Mike Hastings, Luis' high school and all-Star coach. "He moves well in space and has incredible body control off his feet," says Hastings. It helps to have 4.3 speed in the 40.
Fresh meat comes to the linebacker corps all the way from Fulton County, Georgia, where Kayman Sutton (6-1, 200) led his Creekside High playoff team in tackles and earned 4A all-State recognition two years in a row. Sutton is joined by Placera's Brian Ray (6-1, 210).
The new linebackers will play behind one of the most experienced and successful junior college defensive lines in college football, led by returning all-Foothill Conference DL Matt Moss (6-4, 270), already committed to Texas A&M for 2008. He is joined by DL Valentino Tofaeono (6-2, 360) who wowed the scouts at the Citrus combine with his quickness - at 360 pounds?!? DL Ryan Glazer (6-3, 290) returns to add to last year's 60 tackles and 6 sacks. Glazer is committed to the University of Kansas for next season. DE Magnum Mauga (6-0, 265) returns to the lineup after taking a medical redshirt in 2006 for a torn ACL. Mauga looks forward to terrorizing El Camino on opening day, the way he did two years ago in Grossmont's semi-final victory over the Warriors on their way to the 2005 championship.
Grossmont has traditionally fielded excellent special teams, and this year will be no exception, especially with the new rule for kickoffs to start from the 30 yard line. Special teams coordinator Dave Jordan is blessed with a bevy of first rate kickers, punters, snappers and athletes to work with, and work with them he does! Asked why the Griffins lavish attention on special teams in practice, head coach Mike Jordan responds that "kicking is a third of the game," then goes on to praise his dad Dave, saying "everything he does is done very well."
Special teams talent includes the gifted veteran Brett Hasse, who excels at all three specialist kicking positions and would be an automatic starter as place kicker, if not for a challenge from Alcorn State bounce back Jonathan Williams (5-10, 185), who earned post season all-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors last year as a place kicker for the Braves. The two are in a neck-and-neck race to replace last year's all-Foothill Conference place kicker Jared Ballman, who's now starting at Washington. Williams apparently has the lead as far as kick off duties are concerned. His deep kick offs will be well covered by the fast and experienced Grossmont coverage team, and the same level of athletic talent and experience will serve the return teams as well. Martin House leads in the competition to punt for the Griffins, and San Diego State Bounce back Pat Oberg (6-3, 210) comes in to compete for the long snapper position.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Griffins' O-line may be the most impressive of all. "Both lines are D-I," says Jordan, matter-of-factly. Returning veteran and future Louisville Cardinal C.J. Millenbah (6-4,360) is joined in the trenches by returning center Dan Rios (6-0, 290), University of Alabama-Birmingham bounce back Keavis Watkins (6-6, 350), yet another alumnus of Creekside high, and a bounce back from Oregon, Landis Provancha (6-5, 275). Provancha was a multiple sport athlete (wrestling, track) at Sprague HS in Salem, Oregon, where he led his team to the state championship in 2004 and made the football all-State roster as a senior in 2005. Veteran TE Kyle Marsom (6-3, 240) return from 2006, when he snagged 5 receptions for 61 yards.
A pair of electric speedsters lead the 2007 Griffin offensive backfield. Arizona bounce back and 2005 all-CIF running back Garen Demery (5-8, 175) is a scoring threat on any given down. Together with Serra's highly touted Chris Daniels (5-9, 180), the duo rushed for more than a combined 4,300 yards during their final high school campaigns. They are joined by Kayman Sutton's twin brother, running back Kimbi (6-1, 200).
At wide receiver, El Camino College donates greyshirt WR Ken Fields to the Grossmont transfer roster. Helix High's own Chris Smith (6-3, 200), and El Cajon Valley returner Jeremy Young (5-10, 195) provide the Griffs with plenty of additional offensive targets. Young made 9 catches for 107 yards and a TD in 2006.
Despite the return of successful quarterback John Soli (6-1, 190), there is healthy competition at quarterback for 2007. Sophomore Soli led last year's all-conference team, but is being pressed hard by veterans Dan Lewis (6-2, 200) of Tigard, Oregon, and 2005 returnee Blake Sutton (6-4, 205), who laid off in 2006. Sutton was 24 of 43 for 520 yards passing and 7 TDs with only 2 interceptions as Reilly Murphy's backup on the 2005 Griffin National Championship team. Newcomers Matt Jarvis, Andrew Ruiz and Brandon Fricke are in the mix and raising the stakes even higher.
Whoever wins the starting quarterback position at will have plenty of protection up front and lots of offensive weapons in the air and on the ground. This year's Grossmont offense looks to offer the traditional balanced Griffins attack and may be better than last year's squad.
Grossmont's offense may have to carry more of the load this year, as the defense faces early season offensive threats, first against the potent and equally balanced El Camino, and then against the perennially powerful Palomar offense, which may struggle, with the loss of All-American QB Tyler Lorenzen to University of Connecticut. The Comets won the last intra-county contest in 2002 by a single point, and they always seems to come up with offensive talent and productivity.
El Camino may be the only junior college in the nation with big men equal to Grossmont's own on either side of the ball. The results of the September 1 showdown between these powerhouse teams loaded with talent will not make or break either team's season, but it might give us a preview of the Southern California Championship. No matter who wins, the contest between the 2005 #1 and the 2006 #1 is sure to be entertaining.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
San Bernardino Valley Preview
Wolverines will rely on local heroes at quarterback, receiver
By OBREY BROWN
The Press-Enterprise
SAN BERNARDINO - Area football fans probably would remember the magical night in November 2005 when Redlands East Valley High toppled a talent-laden Colton team with the Citrus Belt League championship at stake.
Colton's quarterback that season, Brad Sorensen, went on to gain all-conference honors at San Bernardino Valley College last year before heading off to his Mormon mission.
It was Mike Stadler who relieved REV's injured starter, Ronnie Fouch (now at Washington), and finished off Sorensen's Yellowjackets with a late touchdown and two-point conversion pass.
Story continues below
Stan Lim / The Press-Enterprise
Coach Pat Meech is overseeing a program that had to undergo an offseason investigation that turned up only minor infractions.
It's a small world: Stadler replaces Sorensen as SBVC's starting quarterback in 2007. That makes five different Wolverines starting quarterbacks over the past five seasons.
"It helps that Mike has a real good corps of receivers," SBVC coach Patrick Meech said.
The receiving corps is led by Sylvester Burel, a REV product who caught 36 passes last season. A large contingent of receivers from campuses such as San Bernardino San Gorgonio, San Bernardino, Covina Charter Oak and San Bernardino Arroyo Valley has shown up ready to be targets for Stadler.
Off the field, there was news big enough to keep SBVC coaches from operating on all cylinders last winter.
For openers, a campus investigation was launched into the football program. Eventually, Foothill Conference officials oversaw a school-led investigation that turned up minor infractions. It may have played a part in a slow offseason.
"It hurt a little bit recruiting-wise, I think," Meech said.
The investigation came during the time when a former assistant coach was headed for Compton College, taking a few Wolverines players along. One of those, running back Erin Madden, who scored 12 touchdowns in 2006, was arrested in Torrance in connection with a burglary that took place in that area.
"He was a (heck) of a player," Meech said. "He would've been a definite All-American candidate if he'd have stayed."
Left unsaid was, perhaps, the idea that if there had been no investigation, Meech might have been given a chance to talk Madden into staying at SBVC.
"With that investigation hanging over us, who knows what would've happened if we had that chance?" Meech said.
More than 70 players have turned out for the 2007 season, including the team's third-best tackler, linebacker DeMorris Brooks, a second-team all-conference player off a 5-5 team in 2007.
Defensively, the charge could be led by linebacker Ricky Borden, a Moreno Valley Valley View product who spent a season at NAIA Eastern Oregon, where he was an all-conference player two seasons ago.
It was a decade ago that SBVC played in its most recent winning bowl game. On that team was center Ernie Madrigal, who had been coaching at Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World High. Madrigal has joined the Wolverines coaching staff in 2007.
SBVC got off to a 2-0 start in 2006 before jumping into conference play against the best two teams, Grossmont and Victor Valley, teams with 9-1 records. While SBVC opens Foothill Conference play against Grossmont, the Wolverines won't play against Victor Valley until the final week of the season.
SBVC's 2-0 start fell quickly to 2-2 and the season disintegrated after that. Meech is back with a new squad and new personnel in place.
It all starts at quarterback. Stadler, he said, "is composed and he understands our offense. I like what he's given us so far."
SBVC kicks off its season against Palomar -- a matchup that hasn't occurred in 27 years -- on Saturday at Escondido High.
By OBREY BROWN
The Press-Enterprise
SAN BERNARDINO - Area football fans probably would remember the magical night in November 2005 when Redlands East Valley High toppled a talent-laden Colton team with the Citrus Belt League championship at stake.
Colton's quarterback that season, Brad Sorensen, went on to gain all-conference honors at San Bernardino Valley College last year before heading off to his Mormon mission.
It was Mike Stadler who relieved REV's injured starter, Ronnie Fouch (now at Washington), and finished off Sorensen's Yellowjackets with a late touchdown and two-point conversion pass.
Story continues below
Stan Lim / The Press-Enterprise
Coach Pat Meech is overseeing a program that had to undergo an offseason investigation that turned up only minor infractions.
It's a small world: Stadler replaces Sorensen as SBVC's starting quarterback in 2007. That makes five different Wolverines starting quarterbacks over the past five seasons.
"It helps that Mike has a real good corps of receivers," SBVC coach Patrick Meech said.
The receiving corps is led by Sylvester Burel, a REV product who caught 36 passes last season. A large contingent of receivers from campuses such as San Bernardino San Gorgonio, San Bernardino, Covina Charter Oak and San Bernardino Arroyo Valley has shown up ready to be targets for Stadler.
Off the field, there was news big enough to keep SBVC coaches from operating on all cylinders last winter.
For openers, a campus investigation was launched into the football program. Eventually, Foothill Conference officials oversaw a school-led investigation that turned up minor infractions. It may have played a part in a slow offseason.
"It hurt a little bit recruiting-wise, I think," Meech said.
The investigation came during the time when a former assistant coach was headed for Compton College, taking a few Wolverines players along. One of those, running back Erin Madden, who scored 12 touchdowns in 2006, was arrested in Torrance in connection with a burglary that took place in that area.
"He was a (heck) of a player," Meech said. "He would've been a definite All-American candidate if he'd have stayed."
Left unsaid was, perhaps, the idea that if there had been no investigation, Meech might have been given a chance to talk Madden into staying at SBVC.
"With that investigation hanging over us, who knows what would've happened if we had that chance?" Meech said.
More than 70 players have turned out for the 2007 season, including the team's third-best tackler, linebacker DeMorris Brooks, a second-team all-conference player off a 5-5 team in 2007.
Defensively, the charge could be led by linebacker Ricky Borden, a Moreno Valley Valley View product who spent a season at NAIA Eastern Oregon, where he was an all-conference player two seasons ago.
It was a decade ago that SBVC played in its most recent winning bowl game. On that team was center Ernie Madrigal, who had been coaching at Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World High. Madrigal has joined the Wolverines coaching staff in 2007.
SBVC got off to a 2-0 start in 2006 before jumping into conference play against the best two teams, Grossmont and Victor Valley, teams with 9-1 records. While SBVC opens Foothill Conference play against Grossmont, the Wolverines won't play against Victor Valley until the final week of the season.
SBVC's 2-0 start fell quickly to 2-2 and the season disintegrated after that. Meech is back with a new squad and new personnel in place.
It all starts at quarterback. Stadler, he said, "is composed and he understands our offense. I like what he's given us so far."
SBVC kicks off its season against Palomar -- a matchup that hasn't occurred in 27 years -- on Saturday at Escondido High.
College of the Desert Preview
COD seeks gridiron resurrection
COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The Roadrunners' coach sees improvements at every position after a 1-9 year.
By ED CASTRO
The Press-Enterprise
PALM DESERT - College of the Desert football coach Dean Dowty got a late start last season.
Hired well into the offseason, Dowty had little time to recruit players or assemble a coaching staff. And he did what he could during summer practices.
His first season as COD's head coach resulted in a less-than-satisfying 1-9 record.
But he expects his 2007 team to be much better and as different from the 2006 squad as "night and day."
"It was extremely difficult," Dowty said of last season. "I've never been through anything like that before in my life."
Dowty said having a full offseason makes the biggest difference.
Story continues below
Ramon Mena Owens / The Press-Enterprise
Returning sophomore Brent Rausch is one of three quarterbacks competing for the starting job at College of the Desert.
"This season we have had a good offseason of weight training. We had very good spring practices and we've had a year to work with a solid core of returnees," Dowty said. "And we did a real good job of recruiting."
Dowty said COD is bigger and stronger at every position.
"I'm extremely optimistic about the talent we have," Dowty said. "Talent-wise, we are about two levels higher than what we had last year."
The Roadrunners' strength on offense centers on their receivers. Sophomore returnee Quade Soffel (Palm Springs) will be a possession receiver, while deep threats include Mesa State, Colo., transfer Dominic Allen (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and Edgar Thiler (6-2, 195), from Florida.
"If a defense plays tight on us, they will get run by," Dowty said.
The quarterback job, however, may switch hands early in the season. COD has three competitors for the job -- sophomore returnee Brent Rausch (Palm Springs Desert Chapel), freshman Jacoby Mitchell (Moreno Valley Canyon Springs) and freshman Derrick McGowan, a 2006 Yucca Valley graduate who enrolled in the spring.
Dowty said Rausch took the early lead with a strong offseason. Mitchell, however, is making a strong run with his mobility. McGowan, who threw for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns two years ago at Yucca Valley, remains in contention.
The 6-4, 220-pound Rausch, who led Desert Chapel to CIF 8-man titles in 2004 and 2005, got the start for COD's scrimmage against Northern Arizona.
"I feel having been here a year has really been important for me," Rausch said. "I feel like I am a better quarterback."
COD's backfield will feature former Riverside King fullback David Thomas (6-2, 250), South Carolina's Queston Clement (6-0, 237) and Deshon Daniels, a 5-10, 185-pounder who rushed for 1,540 yards and 29 touchdowns for Miami Southridge.
"We have some real skilled athletes," Dowty said. "Deshon is very elusive."
The offensive line will feature returnee Mike Cronshagen, a 315-pound sophomore out of Palm Springs, and Moreno Valley freshman Eli Maufau.
Defensively, COD's coaching staff was optimistic about the potential of defensive linemen Lonnell Rice and Floyd Wafer (Moreno Valley) and linebackers Jared Shipley (La Quinta) and sophomore Draye Ersery.
Rice is a 6-6, 290-pound sophomore out of Moreno Valley Vista del Lago.
"I think the defense is going in the right direction right now," Rice said.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The Roadrunners' coach sees improvements at every position after a 1-9 year.
By ED CASTRO
The Press-Enterprise
PALM DESERT - College of the Desert football coach Dean Dowty got a late start last season.
Hired well into the offseason, Dowty had little time to recruit players or assemble a coaching staff. And he did what he could during summer practices.
His first season as COD's head coach resulted in a less-than-satisfying 1-9 record.
But he expects his 2007 team to be much better and as different from the 2006 squad as "night and day."
"It was extremely difficult," Dowty said of last season. "I've never been through anything like that before in my life."
Dowty said having a full offseason makes the biggest difference.
Story continues below
Ramon Mena Owens / The Press-Enterprise
Returning sophomore Brent Rausch is one of three quarterbacks competing for the starting job at College of the Desert.
"This season we have had a good offseason of weight training. We had very good spring practices and we've had a year to work with a solid core of returnees," Dowty said. "And we did a real good job of recruiting."
Dowty said COD is bigger and stronger at every position.
"I'm extremely optimistic about the talent we have," Dowty said. "Talent-wise, we are about two levels higher than what we had last year."
The Roadrunners' strength on offense centers on their receivers. Sophomore returnee Quade Soffel (Palm Springs) will be a possession receiver, while deep threats include Mesa State, Colo., transfer Dominic Allen (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and Edgar Thiler (6-2, 195), from Florida.
"If a defense plays tight on us, they will get run by," Dowty said.
The quarterback job, however, may switch hands early in the season. COD has three competitors for the job -- sophomore returnee Brent Rausch (Palm Springs Desert Chapel), freshman Jacoby Mitchell (Moreno Valley Canyon Springs) and freshman Derrick McGowan, a 2006 Yucca Valley graduate who enrolled in the spring.
Dowty said Rausch took the early lead with a strong offseason. Mitchell, however, is making a strong run with his mobility. McGowan, who threw for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns two years ago at Yucca Valley, remains in contention.
The 6-4, 220-pound Rausch, who led Desert Chapel to CIF 8-man titles in 2004 and 2005, got the start for COD's scrimmage against Northern Arizona.
"I feel having been here a year has really been important for me," Rausch said. "I feel like I am a better quarterback."
COD's backfield will feature former Riverside King fullback David Thomas (6-2, 250), South Carolina's Queston Clement (6-0, 237) and Deshon Daniels, a 5-10, 185-pounder who rushed for 1,540 yards and 29 touchdowns for Miami Southridge.
"We have some real skilled athletes," Dowty said. "Deshon is very elusive."
The offensive line will feature returnee Mike Cronshagen, a 315-pound sophomore out of Palm Springs, and Moreno Valley freshman Eli Maufau.
Defensively, COD's coaching staff was optimistic about the potential of defensive linemen Lonnell Rice and Floyd Wafer (Moreno Valley) and linebackers Jared Shipley (La Quinta) and sophomore Draye Ersery.
Rice is a 6-6, 290-pound sophomore out of Moreno Valley Vista del Lago.
"I think the defense is going in the right direction right now," Rice said.
Mt. San Jaicnto College Preview
Everything's new for Mt. San Jacinto football team
By ED CASTRO
The Press-Enterprise
SAN JACINTO - Mt. San Jacinto College's football program is starting from scratch this season. It has a new coach who brings a new system and inherits a roster packed with first-year players.
Casey Mazzotta took over in May, replacing Ed Carberry, who left for the head coaching spot at San Diego Southwestern College.
Mazzotta is the sixth head coach in MSJC history.
"I think we will be OK," said Mazzotta, who spent six seasons as Fullerton College's defensive coordinator. "But we are not real deep. We've got some athletes, but we just don't have the depth."
MSJC has 15 returning players, one of whom was a full-time starter.
"We have so few sophomores on the team," Mazzotta said. "Even our sophomores are like first-year players because they are learning a brand new system. We are still doing a lot of thinking."
MSJC traveled to Cerritos College last week for a dual scrimmage with Glendale College and the host Falcons.
"It confirmed quite a few things for us," Mazzotta said. "It was a test for some of the guys. Some confirmed they were ready to get playing time. For others it confirmed they were not as ready."
Mazzotta didn't come to MSJC empty-handed. He brought quarterback Colin Wigley, a redshirt freshman last season at Fullerton.
Wigley, out of Newport Beach Corona del Mar, fits the description of the type of player Mazzotta needs right now.
"He wasn't blessed with great athletic ability out of high school but really worked to be the athlete he is right now," Mazzotta said.
Wigley was a 6-foot-1, 165-pounder out of high school. Today he fits a 6-3, 195-pound frame.
"I got in the weight room and really worked hard," he said.
MSJC's offense will feature running back Mark Tinahui, who produced 2,384 yards in total offense and 28 touchdowns last season at Menifee Paloma Valley; and Riverside Notre Dame offensive lineman Chris Caballero.
Caballero, who helped anchor a line that produced 4,258 yards in total offense last season, chose MSJC after meeting with Mazzotta.
"At first I didn't know what to think about the school because there would be a new coach," Caballero said. "But after meeting with him I know we are going to do well. I've never met a coach like him before."
Of the returning players, only defensive back Pulu Otukolo (6-0, 202, South Carolina) and linebacker Frank Harris (Lake Elsinore Temescal Canyon) received playing time.
But Mazzotta did say MSJC's defense looked solid during the scrimmage. The defense will also feature first-year linebacker Sean Borden (6-2, 220, Moreno Valley Valley View), defensive tackle Vincent Mauo (6-2, 290, Hawaii), and sophomore cornerback Marcus Bruce (Los Angeles Paramount).
"Our front seven, it stuck out a bit," Mazzotta said. "We have to stop the run. That's what we will work on."
By ED CASTRO
The Press-Enterprise
SAN JACINTO - Mt. San Jacinto College's football program is starting from scratch this season. It has a new coach who brings a new system and inherits a roster packed with first-year players.
Casey Mazzotta took over in May, replacing Ed Carberry, who left for the head coaching spot at San Diego Southwestern College.
Mazzotta is the sixth head coach in MSJC history.
"I think we will be OK," said Mazzotta, who spent six seasons as Fullerton College's defensive coordinator. "But we are not real deep. We've got some athletes, but we just don't have the depth."
MSJC has 15 returning players, one of whom was a full-time starter.
"We have so few sophomores on the team," Mazzotta said. "Even our sophomores are like first-year players because they are learning a brand new system. We are still doing a lot of thinking."
MSJC traveled to Cerritos College last week for a dual scrimmage with Glendale College and the host Falcons.
"It confirmed quite a few things for us," Mazzotta said. "It was a test for some of the guys. Some confirmed they were ready to get playing time. For others it confirmed they were not as ready."
Mazzotta didn't come to MSJC empty-handed. He brought quarterback Colin Wigley, a redshirt freshman last season at Fullerton.
Wigley, out of Newport Beach Corona del Mar, fits the description of the type of player Mazzotta needs right now.
"He wasn't blessed with great athletic ability out of high school but really worked to be the athlete he is right now," Mazzotta said.
Wigley was a 6-foot-1, 165-pounder out of high school. Today he fits a 6-3, 195-pound frame.
"I got in the weight room and really worked hard," he said.
MSJC's offense will feature running back Mark Tinahui, who produced 2,384 yards in total offense and 28 touchdowns last season at Menifee Paloma Valley; and Riverside Notre Dame offensive lineman Chris Caballero.
Caballero, who helped anchor a line that produced 4,258 yards in total offense last season, chose MSJC after meeting with Mazzotta.
"At first I didn't know what to think about the school because there would be a new coach," Caballero said. "But after meeting with him I know we are going to do well. I've never met a coach like him before."
Of the returning players, only defensive back Pulu Otukolo (6-0, 202, South Carolina) and linebacker Frank Harris (Lake Elsinore Temescal Canyon) received playing time.
But Mazzotta did say MSJC's defense looked solid during the scrimmage. The defense will also feature first-year linebacker Sean Borden (6-2, 220, Moreno Valley Valley View), defensive tackle Vincent Mauo (6-2, 290, Hawaii), and sophomore cornerback Marcus Bruce (Los Angeles Paramount).
"Our front seven, it stuck out a bit," Mazzotta said. "We have to stop the run. That's what we will work on."
Friday, August 24, 2007
JAGUARS TRAINING STAFF GETS IN PRSEASON FORM FOR THE SCRIMMAGE
The finest medical team in California Community College takes a break after taping prior to the Fullerton Scrimmage.
JAGUAR FOOTBALL SCRIMMAGE WITH FULLERTON ENDS AS A SUCCESS
Sophomore QB DREW WESTLING (ALISO NIGUEL HS/UNIV. OF TULSA) threw two touch down passes to fellow sophomore KEVIN PIKE (HILLTOP HS) to pace the JAG'S in their pre-season scrimmage against FULLERTON COLLEGE in Orange County on Thursday. All offensive groups scored touchdowns for SOUTHWESTERN. Freshman SHELDON GALLOWAY (CLAIREMONT HS) and DEVIAN CARTER (MT. MIGUEL HS) each scored addtional TD's for a total of 4 td's.
The DEFENSE came out strong with 8 sacks on the afternoon as well as numerous tackles for loss. The first defense was aggressive and played hard. Sophomore DE TORY ROBINSON (MT. MIGUEL HS) 6'5, 275 lbs showed great hustle and applied most of the pressure on the QB. Freshman corner TAELOR WORRELL (EL CAPITAN HS) put a strong showing for the starting position in the secondary.
Our first game of the season it this Saturday, August 31st, at 5:00 pm aginst perenial power Riverside Community College
GO JAG'S
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT COLLEGE FOOTBALL FROM COACH ERIC SANCHEZ
Here are some facts that I compiled for my presentation for tomorrow interesting facts!!!!!
In California there are 22 four year colleges and universities that offer football as an intercollegiate sport
7 of those schools are division I-A
4 of those schools are division I-AA
1 of those schools is division II
9 of those schools are division III
1 of those schools is NAIA
12 of those schools offer what is generally called a football scholarship.
In the United States it gets a lot better though:
In the United States there are a total of 710 college football programs from Division 1 Division 1-AA Division 2 Division 3 & NAIA
Divsion III having the most @ 239
Division I-A @ 132
Division I-AA @117
Division II @ 129
NAIA 93
Here is where it gets deep!!!
Since division III does not offer a football scholarships and not counting the non scholarship pioneer league that USD is now competeing in 463 of the 710 football playing 4 year school offer football scholarships
Just some facts i researched. So 463 schools are looking for good talent each year to compete for championships.
--
Eric Sanchez
Defensive Line Coach/ Placement Coordinator
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE
In California there are 22 four year colleges and universities that offer football as an intercollegiate sport
7 of those schools are division I-A
4 of those schools are division I-AA
1 of those schools is division II
9 of those schools are division III
1 of those schools is NAIA
12 of those schools offer what is generally called a football scholarship.
In the United States it gets a lot better though:
In the United States there are a total of 710 college football programs from Division 1 Division 1-AA Division 2 Division 3 & NAIA
Divsion III having the most @ 239
Division I-A @ 132
Division I-AA @117
Division II @ 129
NAIA 93
Here is where it gets deep!!!
Since division III does not offer a football scholarships and not counting the non scholarship pioneer league that USD is now competeing in 463 of the 710 football playing 4 year school offer football scholarships
Just some facts i researched. So 463 schools are looking for good talent each year to compete for championships.
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Eric Sanchez
Defensive Line Coach/ Placement Coordinator
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE
Sunday, August 19, 2007
SCHOOL BEGINS ON MONDAY AUGUST 20TH
The JAG'S will open school for the fall semester Monday the 20th. All players MUST be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units to participate in Intercollegiate Athletics.
GO JAG'S
GO JAG'S
SCRIMMAGE AT FULLERTON COLLEGE THURSDAY AUGUST 23rd.
The JAG'S travel to FULLERTON COLLEGE on THURSDAY for a scimmage to be held at Fullerton HS District Stadium. For directions to Fullerton go on line to our web site. The scrimmage will begin at 3:30 pm.
GO JAG'S
GO JAG'S
INTER SQUAD SCRIMAMGE BREAKDOWN.
007 INTER SQUAD SCRIMAMGE:
Off to a good start on both sides of the ball, the JAGUARS battled it out at DeVore Stadium this past Friday night in a full contact scrimmage. We had the opportunity to work numerous key "situations" in offense, defense and the kicking game.
With numerous weeks to pass and play pass defense, the big question was the running game on both sides of the ball. Four RB's had good games... projected starter KENSLOW SMITH (HELIX HS) ran the ball well inside on the "Zone" play. He is an aggressive "one cut" running back that knows the Goal Line is straight ahead. Fellow freshman AJ VINES (HORIZON HS) has been physical since we put pads on. He has size to run between the tackles and has been punishing tacklers. Freshman JOSE DURAN (HILLTOP HS) was a big surprise scoring on a zone play to his left. He ran with a good pad level and was aggressive cutting.
Up on the line, red shirt freshman guard PHILLIP YANDALL (LEONE HS, SAMOA) is one of the most improved players on the team. He has the at 6'3 290 lbs and is extremely agile for a big man. He did a great job drive blocking the down lineman. True freshman JOSE BAEZ (EASTLAKE HS) started the scrimamge at center. Working in his first live setting snapping shot gun snaps performed well and go the ball there. BAEZ is one of the strongest players on the team with a bench press over 400 lbs. Sophomore Center / Guard BRIAN McINNISH (HILLTOP HS) 6'5 280 lbs. got extensive work at the tackle position.
On the defensive line our two sophomore ends, LJ BROWN (FLORIDA) 6'5 285lbs and TORY ROBINSON (MT. MIGUEL HS) 6'5 280 lbs. both played well. BROWN intercepted a screen pass and ran it back for a TD. ALEX OUJI (BONITA VISTA HS) played his best so far.
In the kicking game, sophomore kicker ANDREW MORALES (MARIAN CATHOLIC HS) and freshman MARCUS FLORES (GROSSMONT HS) both kicked the ball well. In the 2007 season, the kickoff will move back to the 30 yard line to increase kick off returns. Kicking from the 30, FLORES put the ball on the goal line, a 70 yard kick. MORALES finished off the scrimmage with a 35 yard field goal.
In the secondary, freshman corner LORENZO FLOYD (DAYTONA BEACH HS( intercepted his 5th pass in the last four practices. In a jump ball setting he came down with the ball while competing with his roommate CURTIS MITCHELL (also from FLORIDA).
The JAGUARS will travel to FULLERTON COLLEGE (the actual site is Fullerton HS District Stadium) this Thursday for a final "tune up" scrimmage on THURSDAY. The scrimmage will begin at 3:30 pm.
GO JAG'S
Off to a good start on both sides of the ball, the JAGUARS battled it out at DeVore Stadium this past Friday night in a full contact scrimmage. We had the opportunity to work numerous key "situations" in offense, defense and the kicking game.
With numerous weeks to pass and play pass defense, the big question was the running game on both sides of the ball. Four RB's had good games... projected starter KENSLOW SMITH (HELIX HS) ran the ball well inside on the "Zone" play. He is an aggressive "one cut" running back that knows the Goal Line is straight ahead. Fellow freshman AJ VINES (HORIZON HS) has been physical since we put pads on. He has size to run between the tackles and has been punishing tacklers. Freshman JOSE DURAN (HILLTOP HS) was a big surprise scoring on a zone play to his left. He ran with a good pad level and was aggressive cutting.
Up on the line, red shirt freshman guard PHILLIP YANDALL (LEONE HS, SAMOA) is one of the most improved players on the team. He has the at 6'3 290 lbs and is extremely agile for a big man. He did a great job drive blocking the down lineman. True freshman JOSE BAEZ (EASTLAKE HS) started the scrimamge at center. Working in his first live setting snapping shot gun snaps performed well and go the ball there. BAEZ is one of the strongest players on the team with a bench press over 400 lbs. Sophomore Center / Guard BRIAN McINNISH (HILLTOP HS) 6'5 280 lbs. got extensive work at the tackle position.
On the defensive line our two sophomore ends, LJ BROWN (FLORIDA) 6'5 285lbs and TORY ROBINSON (MT. MIGUEL HS) 6'5 280 lbs. both played well. BROWN intercepted a screen pass and ran it back for a TD. ALEX OUJI (BONITA VISTA HS) played his best so far.
In the kicking game, sophomore kicker ANDREW MORALES (MARIAN CATHOLIC HS) and freshman MARCUS FLORES (GROSSMONT HS) both kicked the ball well. In the 2007 season, the kickoff will move back to the 30 yard line to increase kick off returns. Kicking from the 30, FLORES put the ball on the goal line, a 70 yard kick. MORALES finished off the scrimmage with a 35 yard field goal.
In the secondary, freshman corner LORENZO FLOYD (DAYTONA BEACH HS( intercepted his 5th pass in the last four practices. In a jump ball setting he came down with the ball while competing with his roommate CURTIS MITCHELL (also from FLORIDA).
The JAGUARS will travel to FULLERTON COLLEGE (the actual site is Fullerton HS District Stadium) this Thursday for a final "tune up" scrimmage on THURSDAY. The scrimmage will begin at 3:30 pm.
GO JAG'S
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
HITTING GETS GOING AT SOUTHWESTERN FALL CAMP
The first two days of hitting have been intense. We finished the first day of contact with the "BIG 8". Two live series of full go hitting. Standouts so far in camp have been:
JARED RUIZ... NT (defensive line) from HELIX HS. The Defensive Player of the Year in the Grossmont South League has stepped up on the college level. Well schooled in high school, Ruiz has excellent technique and a great motor. At 6'2, 290 lbs. he has the size to play inside.
ROBERT WILLIAMS... ILB OTAY RANCH HS. A physical run stopper that has developed a nose for the ball in the passing game. Williams has drawn raves from LB coach Jess Barragan.
LORENZO FLOYD... DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA. Lorenzo has been a great surprise having intercepted four passes in the past three day... one for a Touch Down. Ren has shown excellent change of direction skills and drive on the ball.
GO JAG'S!
JARED RUIZ... NT (defensive line) from HELIX HS. The Defensive Player of the Year in the Grossmont South League has stepped up on the college level. Well schooled in high school, Ruiz has excellent technique and a great motor. At 6'2, 290 lbs. he has the size to play inside.
ROBERT WILLIAMS... ILB OTAY RANCH HS. A physical run stopper that has developed a nose for the ball in the passing game. Williams has drawn raves from LB coach Jess Barragan.
LORENZO FLOYD... DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA. Lorenzo has been a great surprise having intercepted four passes in the past three day... one for a Touch Down. Ren has shown excellent change of direction skills and drive on the ball.
GO JAG'S!
VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE IS READY TO REPEAT THEIR SUCCESS IN 2007
VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE
Success has translated into better numbers in the High Desert as Rams coach Dave Hoover welcomed 80 prospects, about 20 more than is typical in most seasons.
Hoover chalks that up to his team's 9-1 showing, the best in school history. The Rams finished second in the conference to perennial foe Grossmont, then got a first-round playoff rematch, which it lost.
Hoover normally brings in a large faction of players from out of state schools because locals haven't wanted to stay close to home. But this year he said he has turned away between 20 and 25 out-of-staters because of renewed interest from the locals.
"We're starting to get some of the local kids back and that is nice because it sure solves a lot of headaches," Hoover said. "I would like to think we're an attractive option. We have a good mix across the board."
Hoover said his team will be extremely young, having fielded a veteran squad last season.
Among those vying for the quarterback spot are Chris Hunter (Barstow), Jeff Foreman (Granite Hills), Shane Bell (a standout at Granite Hills two years ago who is back in the area after serving a Mormon mission) and 6-foot-3, 245-pounder Larry Congress of New Orleans.
Success has translated into better numbers in the High Desert as Rams coach Dave Hoover welcomed 80 prospects, about 20 more than is typical in most seasons.
Hoover chalks that up to his team's 9-1 showing, the best in school history. The Rams finished second in the conference to perennial foe Grossmont, then got a first-round playoff rematch, which it lost.
Hoover normally brings in a large faction of players from out of state schools because locals haven't wanted to stay close to home. But this year he said he has turned away between 20 and 25 out-of-staters because of renewed interest from the locals.
"We're starting to get some of the local kids back and that is nice because it sure solves a lot of headaches," Hoover said. "I would like to think we're an attractive option. We have a good mix across the board."
Hoover said his team will be extremely young, having fielded a veteran squad last season.
Among those vying for the quarterback spot are Chris Hunter (Barstow), Jeff Foreman (Granite Hills), Shane Bell (a standout at Granite Hills two years ago who is back in the area after serving a Mormon mission) and 6-foot-3, 245-pounder Larry Congress of New Orleans.
SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE OPENS FALL 2007 CAMP
SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE
San Bernardino Valley College is down a bit with about 75 players on hand. Coach Pat Meech said he lost a handful of kids he hoped would stay close to home.
"This year we had a lot of kids that chose to go away to Division II schools even though they only had partial scholarships. And they could have done that after they left here if that's what they wanted to do," said Meech, whose squad improved modestly to 5-5 in 2006. "You never get everyone you want but there were some we really thought we had."
Meech has had some change on his staff after his offensive coordinator took a head job at another junior college. Steve Swaim and Rick Lucore are sharing duties there but Meech said the transition has been a smooth one thus far.
"We're all on the same page so it has been pretty seemless," he said.
Meech said sophomore Mike Stadler is the leading candidate for the quarterback spot but is being pushed by Norte Vista's Javon Askins.
Other standouts in the early going are linebacker Ben Pomee (Aquinas), defensive back Jamal Smith (Kaiser), wide receiver Sylvester Burel (Redlands East Valley) and tight end Keith Myers, a converted basketball player.
The biggest area of concern for Meech is depth on the offensive line.
San Bernardino Valley College is down a bit with about 75 players on hand. Coach Pat Meech said he lost a handful of kids he hoped would stay close to home.
"This year we had a lot of kids that chose to go away to Division II schools even though they only had partial scholarships. And they could have done that after they left here if that's what they wanted to do," said Meech, whose squad improved modestly to 5-5 in 2006. "You never get everyone you want but there were some we really thought we had."
Meech has had some change on his staff after his offensive coordinator took a head job at another junior college. Steve Swaim and Rick Lucore are sharing duties there but Meech said the transition has been a smooth one thus far.
"We're all on the same page so it has been pretty seemless," he said.
Meech said sophomore Mike Stadler is the leading candidate for the quarterback spot but is being pushed by Norte Vista's Javon Askins.
Other standouts in the early going are linebacker Ben Pomee (Aquinas), defensive back Jamal Smith (Kaiser), wide receiver Sylvester Burel (Redlands East Valley) and tight end Keith Myers, a converted basketball player.
The biggest area of concern for Meech is depth on the offensive line.
CHAFFEY GETS READY FOR 2007
CHAFFEY COLLEGE FOOTBALL
"The biggest thing is getting kids used to banging around with the pads again. They haven't had any contact in a while," Chaffey coach Carl Beach said. "We have been working on plays since January or February so it's all about executing and working out the kinks."
Chaffey, which is coming off a 7-3 campaign, had 93 players show up, which is about normal according to Beach. The Panthers are thinnest on the defensive line, which has always been one of the team's strong suits.
Seven players are vying for the starting quarterback spot but Beach hopes to narrow that down to three soon.
Beach also singled out the showing of linebacker Devon Thomas and returning sophomore cornerback Dennis Gilleylin.
The school altered its calendar so Beach has
"The biggest thing is getting kids used to banging around with the pads again. They haven't had any contact in a while," Chaffey coach Carl Beach said. "We have been working on plays since January or February so it's all about executing and working out the kinks."
Chaffey, which is coming off a 7-3 campaign, had 93 players show up, which is about normal according to Beach. The Panthers are thinnest on the defensive line, which has always been one of the team's strong suits.
Seven players are vying for the starting quarterback spot but Beach hopes to narrow that down to three soon.
Beach also singled out the showing of linebacker Devon Thomas and returning sophomore cornerback Dennis Gilleylin.
The school altered its calendar so Beach has
Sunday, August 12, 2007
FIRST WEEK OF CONTACT TO BEGIN. INTERSQUAD SCRIMMAGE SET FOR FRIDAY THE 17th. 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Having completed the mandatory 3 "NON CONTACT" practices the JAG'S will be ready to play "real football". Contact begins with Monday's evening practice in DeVore Stadium. Included in the practice will be LIVE 7 on 7 and two series of what we call "THE BIG EIGHT". Eight live plays scripted to take advantage of the opportunity to see how specific players perform.
On Friday August 17th, the JAG'S will hold their first full squad scrimmage, parents and fans are welcome to attend. After a half an hour of practice work, the squad will run a "controled" scrimmage.
GO JAG'S
On Friday August 17th, the JAG'S will hold their first full squad scrimmage, parents and fans are welcome to attend. After a half an hour of practice work, the squad will run a "controled" scrimmage.
GO JAG'S
Friday, August 10, 2007
JAGUAR FOOTBALL IS UNDER WAY
The football season is going strong at SOUTHWESTERN after the first two days of fall camp. With 95 players out for football this fall the JAGS have solid depth at all positions. The battle for the starting positions will begin in earnst on Monday when we break out all the pads and go full speed.
In the two competitive periods of todays practice: Blitz Period (a scripted period where the defense attacks the offense with multiple stunts) and Third and Long, the defense was the dominant group. Two corners came up big in the Long Yardage period: CHRIS SIDDENS (OTAY RANCH HS) had an interception as well as LORENZO FLOYD (DAYTONA BEACH HS, FLORIDA). That was FLOYD's third interception in the last 3 practices (one for a TD).
Sophomore offensive lineman MARCUS LOVE (MT. MIGUEL HS) has had two solid practices and is improving quickly. We will hold an intersquad scrimmage on August 18th from 6:00 - 8:00 at night in DeVore Stadium.
GO JAGS
In the two competitive periods of todays practice: Blitz Period (a scripted period where the defense attacks the offense with multiple stunts) and Third and Long, the defense was the dominant group. Two corners came up big in the Long Yardage period: CHRIS SIDDENS (OTAY RANCH HS) had an interception as well as LORENZO FLOYD (DAYTONA BEACH HS, FLORIDA). That was FLOYD's third interception in the last 3 practices (one for a TD).
Sophomore offensive lineman MARCUS LOVE (MT. MIGUEL HS) has had two solid practices and is improving quickly. We will hold an intersquad scrimmage on August 18th from 6:00 - 8:00 at night in DeVore Stadium.
GO JAGS
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