SWC 14 – GROSSMONT 34
The JAG’S stormed out to a 14-10 halftime lead behind the play of our vastly improved defense. The front line of sophomore DE’s TORY ROBINSON (Mt. MIGUEL HS – 6’5 270) and LJ BROWN (STRANHAN HS/FLORIDA 6’5 280) anchored the defense against the run for our best effort this season. Freshman Free Safety TYLER ZANOLLI (ALISO NIGUEL HS/ORANGE COUNTY 6’3 180, former University of Utah walk on) intercepted two passes and stepped out of bounds on a third in the back of the end zone. He also delivered several big hits defending the middle of the field.
The scoring was a HELIX HS connection. Freshman safety DERRICK PERRAULT (HELIX HS) scooped and ran a fumble recovery 80 yards for a TD while his former high school team mate KENSLOW SMITH (HELIX HS) scored his 5 TD of the season coming off a 3 TD performance this past week.
Freshman place kicker ABEL PEREZ (CASTLE PARK HS) had two of his four kickoffs sail out of the endzone… an 80 YARD KICK!
In two of the three games we have been in the lead at half time… we have to learn how to close people out….
We have made great strides in our development and will continue next week at home against Chaffey College at 5:00 in DeVore Stadium.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK PASADENA GAME
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
KENSLOW SMITH (HELIX HS). Kenslow led the way scoring 3 TD's and catching 9 passes out of the back field against Pasadena. His tough inside running on the GOAL LINE was the key.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
MIKE JOHNSON (NEW SEMYRNA HS. Mike bounced back from a tough first game to dominate the inside run game. He was outstanding one on one against a very aggressive Pasadena center.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
MARCUS FLORES (GROSSMONT HS) Marcus averaged 48 yards on 3 punts with two inside the 10 yard line... one of his punts went so high that the return man fumbled on the 5 yard line and it led directly to a score. He also handled the kickoff duties on the day.
KENSLOW SMITH (HELIX HS). Kenslow led the way scoring 3 TD's and catching 9 passes out of the back field against Pasadena. His tough inside running on the GOAL LINE was the key.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
MIKE JOHNSON (NEW SEMYRNA HS. Mike bounced back from a tough first game to dominate the inside run game. He was outstanding one on one against a very aggressive Pasadena center.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
MARCUS FLORES (GROSSMONT HS) Marcus averaged 48 yards on 3 punts with two inside the 10 yard line... one of his punts went so high that the return man fumbled on the 5 yard line and it led directly to a score. He also handled the kickoff duties on the day.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK FROM RIVERSIDE GAME
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
KEVIN PIKE (HILLTOP H.S.) Kevin led the way with 7 receptions and a Touchdown including the first two passes of the 2007 season. An excellent route runner with great potential for the next level.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
CHRIS SIDDENS (OTAY RANCH HS)Chris had a couple of key pass breakups early in the game and was a force in defending the run. The former OTAY RANCH QB is a two year starter at corner for the JAG'S.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
ABEL PEREZ (CASTLE PARK HS). Abel dominated the game both kicking and punting. With his ability to kick off into the endzone (6 yards deep) from the 30 yard line, time and time again he forced RCC to drive the ball the length of the field.
GREAT JOB! GO JAG'S
KEVIN PIKE (HILLTOP H.S.) Kevin led the way with 7 receptions and a Touchdown including the first two passes of the 2007 season. An excellent route runner with great potential for the next level.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
CHRIS SIDDENS (OTAY RANCH HS)Chris had a couple of key pass breakups early in the game and was a force in defending the run. The former OTAY RANCH QB is a two year starter at corner for the JAG'S.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
ABEL PEREZ (CASTLE PARK HS). Abel dominated the game both kicking and punting. With his ability to kick off into the endzone (6 yards deep) from the 30 yard line, time and time again he forced RCC to drive the ball the length of the field.
GREAT JOB! GO JAG'S
SAN DIEGO MESA PREVIEW IS IN
San Diego Mesa head coach Matt Kofler and his Olympians squad got off to a good start last weekend with a 48 - 27 victory over Santa Monica and he was gracious enough to speak to JCFootball.com about some of the top players on his roster. Read on to see who Kofler thinks could have an outstanding season and move on to the next level with a solid 2007 season...
QB Robert Sagarian (pictured) – "Robert is 6-3, 195 and is just now starting to come into his own. He's got great arm strength and he's really smart. He can make plays with his arm or his legs. He's a great leader and quarterback."
OT David Norman – "He's 6-6, 285 and he was a full qualifier out of high school. He'll have three to play two when he leaves. He's an excellent athlete and he's smart with great feet. We flip our tackles, but generally he's our left tackle. He's also on of our captains."
OG T.J. Kamfornik – "He's a natural guard or center. He's got a great frame. He's 6-3, 285 and he's a San Diego kid who transferred to us from Indiana State. He's strong and he's got lots of room to grow. He's going to be a good one for us this fall."
RB Corey Thompson – "He's a big back (6-0, 220), but he's got great speed. He's strong and fast and he's got great vision. He's going to be a good one for us. He's a bounceback from Weber State so he'll need to get his AA degree before he leaves, but he'll have three to play three when he's done."
RB Zay Shepherd – "He'll split time with Corey, but he's a hard runner and really fast with great moves in the open field. He led San Diego county in rushing when he was in high school so you can see he's a really good player. He'll have two to play two when he finishes up this year."
WR Tobias Cox – "He's a big receiver for us. We actually have quite a few receivers that are going to be big playmakers for us. He's 6-3, 190 and he might even be bigger than that. He's a tremendous athlete and he's got great hands and runs really well."
TE/WR Theo Sharp – "He's got a big body (6-4, 220) and he's just a great looking athlete. He can play tight end, wide receiver and slot and that's where we line him up. He can do anything you want him to do. In our game he had eight catches and two touchdowns because he was such a mismatch physically. He can also block really well."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DT/DE Jordan Topp – "He's goes 6-4, 270 and he was a full-qualifier out of high school so he'll have four to play three after this fall. He's really athletic and very tough. Just to give you an idea of his athleticism, he intercepted a pass and ran it back 60 yards for a touchdown. He ran run really well. He could play almost anywhere along the line really, but we use him inside."
LB Tony Epenesa – "We play him on the outside. He's got great instincts and he's really fast and he's got great toughness. He's also got a good frame (6-1, 225) and he can run really well."
LB Micah Madlock – "He's our other outside guy and he's an ideal strongside player because he can run and cover really well, but he could play weakside as well because of his instincts and toughness. We really like him a lot."
CB Xavier Weathersby – "When you talk about a tough and physical corner, (Xavier) is really an ideal guy out wide. He can do it all – play zone, play bump and run – he's adept at everything he does back there. He's 5-11, 180 and he runs pretty well as well."
S Guy Riccardulli – "He's our defensive captain so he's a really good leader. He's 5-11, 195, but he really hits and makes excellent decisions. He's got great instincts and he's a really hard hitter who just goes after guys. He's also a punt and kick returner."
S Winn McElony – "He's our big safety. He's 6-1, 210 and he really hits hard. As you can see, we have two really good safeties and we feel comfortable with them doing anything back there. Winn can play the run or come up and cover guys too and then run with them. He's a specimen."
Other Mesa players to keep an eye on: CB Jonathan Shoate; CB Elzie Gatson; WR Brett Sanders
QB Robert Sagarian (pictured) – "Robert is 6-3, 195 and is just now starting to come into his own. He's got great arm strength and he's really smart. He can make plays with his arm or his legs. He's a great leader and quarterback."
OT David Norman – "He's 6-6, 285 and he was a full qualifier out of high school. He'll have three to play two when he leaves. He's an excellent athlete and he's smart with great feet. We flip our tackles, but generally he's our left tackle. He's also on of our captains."
OG T.J. Kamfornik – "He's a natural guard or center. He's got a great frame. He's 6-3, 285 and he's a San Diego kid who transferred to us from Indiana State. He's strong and he's got lots of room to grow. He's going to be a good one for us this fall."
RB Corey Thompson – "He's a big back (6-0, 220), but he's got great speed. He's strong and fast and he's got great vision. He's going to be a good one for us. He's a bounceback from Weber State so he'll need to get his AA degree before he leaves, but he'll have three to play three when he's done."
RB Zay Shepherd – "He'll split time with Corey, but he's a hard runner and really fast with great moves in the open field. He led San Diego county in rushing when he was in high school so you can see he's a really good player. He'll have two to play two when he finishes up this year."
WR Tobias Cox – "He's a big receiver for us. We actually have quite a few receivers that are going to be big playmakers for us. He's 6-3, 190 and he might even be bigger than that. He's a tremendous athlete and he's got great hands and runs really well."
TE/WR Theo Sharp – "He's got a big body (6-4, 220) and he's just a great looking athlete. He can play tight end, wide receiver and slot and that's where we line him up. He can do anything you want him to do. In our game he had eight catches and two touchdowns because he was such a mismatch physically. He can also block really well."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DT/DE Jordan Topp – "He's goes 6-4, 270 and he was a full-qualifier out of high school so he'll have four to play three after this fall. He's really athletic and very tough. Just to give you an idea of his athleticism, he intercepted a pass and ran it back 60 yards for a touchdown. He ran run really well. He could play almost anywhere along the line really, but we use him inside."
LB Tony Epenesa – "We play him on the outside. He's got great instincts and he's really fast and he's got great toughness. He's also got a good frame (6-1, 225) and he can run really well."
LB Micah Madlock – "He's our other outside guy and he's an ideal strongside player because he can run and cover really well, but he could play weakside as well because of his instincts and toughness. We really like him a lot."
CB Xavier Weathersby – "When you talk about a tough and physical corner, (Xavier) is really an ideal guy out wide. He can do it all – play zone, play bump and run – he's adept at everything he does back there. He's 5-11, 180 and he runs pretty well as well."
S Guy Riccardulli – "He's our defensive captain so he's a really good leader. He's 5-11, 195, but he really hits and makes excellent decisions. He's got great instincts and he's a really hard hitter who just goes after guys. He's also a punt and kick returner."
S Winn McElony – "He's our big safety. He's 6-1, 210 and he really hits hard. As you can see, we have two really good safeties and we feel comfortable with them doing anything back there. Winn can play the run or come up and cover guys too and then run with them. He's a specimen."
Other Mesa players to keep an eye on: CB Jonathan Shoate; CB Elzie Gatson; WR Brett Sanders
Monday, September 10, 2007
JAG'S ARE OFF TO A SLOW START... FALL TO PASADENA
Currently we lead all conference teams with 29 penalties for a two game average of 135 yards in penalties a game.
This past weekend we traveled to Pasadena City College and lost 53-27... The word for PCC was FAST... they went out to a 35-7 half time lead... we came back and scored two TD's in the third quarter and one more in the fourth. Defensively we actually played better than in game one... we did a good job against the run, the DL improved and shut down the inside run... the perimeter players are another story.
Offensively we struggled early... 4 interceptions on the day... 1 TD passing and 3 rushing. We also had a 100 yard kickoff return for a TD called back by a clip... We also dropped a TD pass on the goal line and then missed the ensuing FG. That's two more TD's and a score of 53-42...
We lead the Foothill Conference in numerous categories... Total Offense, Passing Offense, Punting, Kickoff Returns and PENALTIES. Forward we go!
GO JAG'S
This past weekend we traveled to Pasadena City College and lost 53-27... The word for PCC was FAST... they went out to a 35-7 half time lead... we came back and scored two TD's in the third quarter and one more in the fourth. Defensively we actually played better than in game one... we did a good job against the run, the DL improved and shut down the inside run... the perimeter players are another story.
Offensively we struggled early... 4 interceptions on the day... 1 TD passing and 3 rushing. We also had a 100 yard kickoff return for a TD called back by a clip... We also dropped a TD pass on the goal line and then missed the ensuing FG. That's two more TD's and a score of 53-42...
We lead the Foothill Conference in numerous categories... Total Offense, Passing Offense, Punting, Kickoff Returns and PENALTIES. Forward we go!
GO JAG'S
Sunday, September 2, 2007
JAGUARS DROP HOME OPENER 34-28
The Jaguars exploded for 28 first half points against a tough RCC defense and went into intermission with a comfortable half time lead 28-7. The heat, numerous penalties and a relentless running attack by RCC proved to be fatal for the JAG'S as the Tigers scored to take the lead 34-28 with under five minutes to play in the game.
The JAG'S had two chances to win the game in the end, driving the first time to the Tiger 30 yard line and turning the ball over on downs. The defense stiffend and forced an RCC punt. With 1:30 remaining, the JAG'S had one more chance. After a big catch by freshman wide out SHELDON GALLOWAY (CLAIREMONT HS) and a roughing the passer penalty by RCC set the JAG'S in position for a final Hail Mary attempt. The ball went off the finger tips of sophomore receiver LARRY DANIEL (OTAY RANCH HS).
Offensively the JAG'S opened the season and game with a 3 play 60 yard TD drive with two big catches by sophomore KEVIN PIKE (HILLTOP HS) and a final catch and run by GALLOWAY for the score. Freshman RB KENSLOW SMITH (HELIX HS) had an exceptional game with a TD run and 4 big catches on the night. His blocking was outstanding. Also catching TD passes from sophomore QB DREW WESTLING, 21 for 42 for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns(ALISO NIGUEL HS/UNIV OF TULSA) were sophomores DANIEL (OTAY RANCH HS) and PIKE (HILLTOP HS).
The JAG special teams were exciting with great kickoffs by freshman ABLE PEREZ (CASTLE PARK HS). Our kick coverage team stopped RCC inside the 20 yard line twice and the deep kick by PEREZ force a touch back. All from the new kickoff point the 30 yard line.
Our game this week will be a Pasadena City College... a 1:00 pm game time.
GO JAG'S
The JAG'S had two chances to win the game in the end, driving the first time to the Tiger 30 yard line and turning the ball over on downs. The defense stiffend and forced an RCC punt. With 1:30 remaining, the JAG'S had one more chance. After a big catch by freshman wide out SHELDON GALLOWAY (CLAIREMONT HS) and a roughing the passer penalty by RCC set the JAG'S in position for a final Hail Mary attempt. The ball went off the finger tips of sophomore receiver LARRY DANIEL (OTAY RANCH HS).
Offensively the JAG'S opened the season and game with a 3 play 60 yard TD drive with two big catches by sophomore KEVIN PIKE (HILLTOP HS) and a final catch and run by GALLOWAY for the score. Freshman RB KENSLOW SMITH (HELIX HS) had an exceptional game with a TD run and 4 big catches on the night. His blocking was outstanding. Also catching TD passes from sophomore QB DREW WESTLING, 21 for 42 for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns(ALISO NIGUEL HS/UNIV OF TULSA) were sophomores DANIEL (OTAY RANCH HS) and PIKE (HILLTOP HS).
The JAG special teams were exciting with great kickoffs by freshman ABLE PEREZ (CASTLE PARK HS). Our kick coverage team stopped RCC inside the 20 yard line twice and the deep kick by PEREZ force a touch back. All from the new kickoff point the 30 yard line.
Our game this week will be a Pasadena City College... a 1:00 pm game time.
GO JAG'S
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Grossmont College Preview
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
