November 2008 Archives

VALENCIA - With Saugus supposedly only at half strength because of standout running back Ryan Zirbel's ankle injury, Desi Rodriguez took over..

The senior quarterback rushed for 254 yards and three touchdowns on 38 carries, and he completed 8 of 11 passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard score to Mario Lara with 2:33 remaining Friday in a 35-28 victory over Thousand Oaks in the Southern Section Northern Division quarterfinals at College of the Canyons.

"I feel good but I'm exhausted," Rodriguez said.

Through 12 games, Rodriguez has rushed for 1,721 yards and 20 touchdowns, and he has passed for 1,527 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Zirbel, who has scored 75 career touchdowns, hobbled his way to 58 yards on 15 carries.

Saugus (9-3) advances to the semifinals for only the third time in the school's 32-year history. The Centurions play at top-seeded St. Bonaventure of Ventura (11-1) on Friday.

"Desi is a heck of an athlete," said Thousand Oaks John Lister, who rushed for 211 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries. "We knew what would happen. You can say you're going to stop him, but actually stopping him is another thing."

Lister was a force but carried just six times in the second half, and his last carry was a disaster: Down by seven with just over two minutes remaining, Thousand Oaks (10-2) called a reverse, and Lister fumbled away an attempted handoff to receiver Curtis Dempster, and Saugus' Daniel Cordova recovered.

"I'm hurting. This game meant a lot to me," Lister said. "The people on this team are my friends, and we'll never get to experience this again."

Saugus has never reached a championship game, but the Centurions are only one victory away from achieving the milestone.

"I'm excited that we get to play another game," Saugus coach Jason Bornn said. "We knew it wasn't going to be easy. I give Thousand Oaks all the respect. I knew they'd come out with a great game plan, and they did."

Lara's winning touchdown reception was especially dramatic because he entered with just 10 catches and had to pull a defender with him into the end zone.

"Mario comes up big in clutch situations," Rodriguez said.

Said Lara: "It was a great pass from Desi. He was on fire all night. I just saw the goal line, stretched out and hoped for the best."

Bornn was emotional afterward.

"This game was just like real life. Sometimes when you want something bad enough you have to fight for it and go out and take it," Bornn said. "That's what we did tonight."

Thousand Oaks led by seven on sophomore Ricky Minyard's 66-yard run, but Saugus scored three of the game's final four touchdowns on runs of 1 and 7 yards by Rodriguez and Rodriguez's 24-yard touchdown to Lara.

Lister scored Thousand Oaks' first touchdown on a 7-yard run. The Lancers also scored on two Ian Shultis touchdown passes, a 24 yarder to Robert Mullaney and a 38-yarder to Dempster.

Lister finished the season with 2,328 yards and 29 touchdowns.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Saugus 35, Thousand Oaks 28

Thousand Oaks 7-7-7-7-28
Saugus 7-7-14-7- 35

S-DePew 4 pass from Rodriguez (Padron kick)
TO-Lister 7 run (Bateman kick)
S-Rodriguez 7 run (Padron kick)
TO-Mullaney 24 pass from Shultis (Bateman kick)
TO-Minyard 66 run (Bateman kick)
S-Rodriguez 1 run (Padron kick)
S-Rodriguez 7 run (Padron kick)
TO-Dempster 38 pass from Shultis (Bateman kick)
S-Lara 24 pass from Rodriguez (Padron kick)

STATS
Rushing: TO: Lister 20-211; S: Rodriguez 38-254

Passing: TO: Shultis 9-10-141; S: Rodriguez 8-11-81

Receiving: T.O. Dempter 4-70; S: DePew 4-31

Good game here, lots of big plays and jarring hits.

The score is 14-14 at the half. Saugus' Desi Rodriguez has passed for one touchdown and thrown for another. Thousand Oaks has scored on a 7-yard run by John Lister and a 24-yard scoring pass to Robert Mullaney.

Also, last I heard Valencia is leading Westlake 34-6.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Here in Santa Clarita, Saugus is leading Thousand Oaks 7-0 after one quarter, scoring on Desi Rodriguez's 7-yard pass to Kollin Depew. Meantime, word has it Valencia is leading Westlake 14-6.

Good start for the Foothill League in the Northern quartefinals ...

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

It's a chilly night here in Santa Clarita, as Saugus plays host to Thousand Oaks tonight at College of the Canyons in a Northern quaterfinal that nobody seems to be able to predict who'll win.

Half think Saugus will win, the rest think Thousand Oaks. Me? I dunno, but my eyes are blue so I'll go with Saugus by one point.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

In rain, sleet or snow - in this case, rain - D.J. Morgan delivers for Taft High of Woodland Hills.

The USC-bound junior put on a show Wednesday despite wet, muddy conditions, rushing for 176 yards and four touchdowns on 23 carries and adding 62 yards receiving in a 40-17 victory over visiting San Fernando in the City Section quarterfinals.

The last of Morgan's touchdowns was a 50-yard run, and it was truly an exceptional play. On a delayed handoff, Morgan found himself surrounded in the backfield by several oncoming defenders who nearly pulled him down before Morgan bounced away, cut to his left and outsprinted everyone to the end zone to give the Toreadors a 24-point lead.

Taft (11-1) plays at San Pedro (10-1) in the semifinals on Dec. 5. The championship game is Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Coliseum.

"This is a good moment, and we're going to enjoy it," Morgan said. "But this is not our ultimate goal. Hopefully, we'll win the next round, then get to championship and win that, too."

With rain streaming down for much of the evening and the field transgressing into a mud pit, Morgan did not flinch, steadily wearing down the Tigers.

Morgan has rushed for 1,820 yards, caught 30 passes for 550 yards and scored 33 touchdowns.

The victory was Taft's seventh and in a row and broke a six-game winning streak by San Fernando (8-4), hoping to qualify for an upper-division semifinal for the first time since 1988 - a 30-year dry spell.

Taft scored two touchdowns in the third quarter on Kalen Booker's 85-yard kick return and Morgan's 4-yard run to make it 27-10. Morgan's touchdown was set up by Devin Bailey's 29-yard reception.

Booker added a 66-yard interception return.

Goodall completed 6 of 9 for 127 yards, and Reynolds completed 6 of 15 for 160 yards and scored on an 11-yard run in the final minute.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

SF 3-7-0-7-17
Taft 7-7-13-13-40

SF-FG Luna 33
T-Morgan 1 run (Bernal kick)
T-Morgan 19 run (Bernal kick)
SF-Dorsey 30 pass from Reynolds (Luna kick)
T-Booker 85 yard kick return (kick failed)
T-Morgan 4 run (Bernal kick)
T-Morgan 50 run (Bernal kick)
T-Davie 1 run (kick failed)
SF-Reynolds 11 run (Luna kick)

STATS

Passing:
SF Reynolds 6-15-1-160; T: Goodall 6-9-1-127
Rushing
SF Lopez 16-87; SF: Morgan 23-176
Receiving
SF Jones 4-114; T Morgan 3-62

It rained on and off during the first half, as both teams were slipping and sliding a bit in the mud.

D.J. Morgan scored two touchowns on runs of 1 and 19 yards to help Taft to a 14-10 halftime lead.

San Fernando had the game's biggest play on its first series, as Rashaad Reynolds passed 78 yards to L.J. Jones to set up a 33-yard field goal by Eduardo Luna.

After Morgan's two touchdown runs extended the lead to 14-3, San Fernando struck back on a Joshua Dorsey's 30-yard touchdown, as Reynolds took advantage of a blown coverage and found Dorsey wide open on a post.

With less than a minute remaining in the first half, Taft was in position to score again. But Bam Goodall was intercepted by Reynolds to end the threat.

Morgan has rushed for 86 yards in the first half.

Whoops, Taft's Kalen Booker just returned the second half kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown, and now it'[s 20-10 Taft.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

It's Taft leading visiting San Fernando 7-3 after one quarter in muddy conditions, as Taft has scored on a 1-yard run by D.J. Morgan.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

There are a few puddles, a little mud and a on-and-off drizzle here at Taft High, where the Toreadors face San Fernando in the City quarterfinals in just in a few minutes, but it could be a lot worse.

There's a chance a storm could be coming -- the news said a thunderstorm is moving through L.A. County from the south to the north -- so let's hope it doesn't get too swampy because that's what will happen if the skies really open.

The winner meets San Pedro or Venice in the semifinals a week from Friday, and the championship game is Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Coliseum.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Notre Dame coach Kevin Rooney is shooting for his 250th career victory against Orange Lutheran on Friday in the Pac-5 quarterfinals at Santa Ana Bowl.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

SOUTHERN SECTION QUARTERFINALS

All games 7:30 Friday unless indicated

PAC-5

Notre Dame (11-0) vs. Orange Lutheran (9-2) at Santa Ana Bowl

WESTERN

Beverly Hills (8-3) at Palmdale (10-1)

Quartz Hill (10-1) vs Lynwood (8-2-1) at Lynwood Middle School

Alemany (10-1) at Culver City (8-3)

NORTHERN

Thousand Oaks (10-1) vs. Saugus (8-3) at COC, 7 p.m.

Valencia (9-2) at Westlake (7-4), 7 p.m.

Moorpark (10-1) at Atascadero (9-2)

SOUTHEAST

Crescenta Valley (9-2) at Charter Oak (10-0-1), 7 p.m.

West Covina (9-2) vs. Burbank (6-5) at Burroughs

NORTHWEST

Pioneer Valley (9-2) at Oaks Christian (11-0), 7 p.m.

Harvard-Westlake (8-2-1) at Morro Bay (7-4), 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

All games 7:30 p.m.

MID-VALLEY

Paraclete (8-3) vs. Northview (9-2) at Covina District Field

NORTHEAST

Linfield (9-2) vs. Bell-Jeff (8-3) at Burroughs HS

St. Genevieve (9-2) at Riverside Christian (10-1)

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

DAILY NEWS GAME OF THE WEEK

PAC-5 QUARTERFINALS

Notre Dame (11-0) vs. Orange Lutheran (9-2) at Santa Ana Bowl, Friday 7:30 p.m.

What's at stake: The winner advances to the Pac-5 semifinals on Sat., Dec. 6 against the Mater Dei-Tesoro winner. If Notre Dame advances, the Knights would play at home against Tesoro or at Mater Dei, which has won a pregame coin flip.

What's the key: If Notre Dame's Ryan Kasdorf is his usual self, it could be a long night for Orange Lutheran. He has completed a remarkable 71 percent of his passes for 3,163 yards and 36 TDs - averaging 19.5 yards per completion. He has also rushed for 557 yards and five TDs.

Who to watch for: Notre Dame: QB Ryan Kasdorf, RB Kenny Boggs, WR James Flynn, OL Ben Gottschalk, LBs Jordan Barrett, Ace Ward and Tom Drachkovitch; Orange Lutheran: QB Bobby Wheatley, WR Scotty Williams; RB Kyle Dravis; LB Mike Arakelian, DL Asuega Kapono, DBs Davonte Anderson and Terrence Brown.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Since a 44-17 nonleague loss in October to state power Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, Alemany of Mission Hills has won five in a row while allowing 14.8 points heading into Friday's Western quarterfinal at Culver City.

A key has been the continued improvement of defensive linemen Ian Rodriguez and K.C. Obi.

"Ian Rodriguez is as good a defensive tackle as anyone I've had - at Hart or wherever," coach Dean Herrington said.

In a 47-7 first-round victory over Highland of Palmdale, Obi totaled 16 tackles (13 in the first half) and two sacks.

In the meantime, Malcolm Marable has rushed for 1,520 yards and scored 23 touchdowns, and school administrators are scrambling to figure out if Marable is closing in on the school rushing record - the problem being Alemany's collection of statistics was destroyed by an earthquake in 1994, Herrington said.

Second-seeded Alemany has never qualified for a section final.

"We can do it this year if we keep playing the way we've been playing. We just have to play hard," receiver/defensive back Nick Cook said. "I'm happy with the way we're playing. We just need to take it one game at a time."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Malcolm Jones, a star running back/linebacker for Oaks Christian of Westlake Village who has missed two football games because of a shoulder injury, has been downgraded from probable to doubtful for Friday's 7:30 Northwest Division quarterfinal against visiting Pioneer Valley of Santa Maria.

"Malcolm practiced without pads on Monday and Tuesday. He'll probable suit up but I don't think we'll use him unless we really need him to win the game," coach Bill Redell said.

In nine games, Jones, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound junior, has rushed for 1,216 yards, averaging 10.2 yards per carry while scoring 27 touchdowns. He also has 33 tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

San Fernando quarterback Rashaad Reynolds received his first scholarship offer Monday from North Dakota. But Reynolds, who is being looked at by Pacific-10 schools, wants to hold out.

"North Dakota is a Div. I-AA program. I'm looking to go DI," Reynolds said.

Meantime, Reynolds is busy with the City Championship football playoffs - the visiting Tigers play at Taft at 7 tonight in the quaterfinals - but he has vowed to juggle four sports this school year - football, basketball, wrestling and track.

"The only conflict would be wrestling and basketball, and both coaches are cool with it," Reynolds said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Patric Carlson, a Taft of Woodland Hills receiver, has the longest hair among local football players.

"It goes all the way down his back," said his mother, Sylvia. "His favorite player is Troy Polamalu, who hasn't cut his hair since 2000."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

NERVOUS? WHO ME?

Ryan Meier has twice come through in the final seconds for El Camino Real of Woodland Hills. The junior quarterback scored the game-winning two-point conversion in a 29-28 nonleague victory over Canoga Park earlier this season, then scored the winning touchdown Thursday on a 4-yard run in overtime in a 35-28 upset at Marshall of L.A. in the first round of the City Invitational.

"Honestly, I was a little nervous. I mean, it's the last play, fourth down, overtime," Meier said. "The play was actually a pass, but I had to tuck it away and run around two guys who almost tackled me."

The Conquistadores (7-4) look to parlay the momentum Wednesday at Roosevelt of L.A. (9-2).

El Camino Real's Rashon Harper has rushed for 1,558 yards and 16 touchdowns. Other key players include linebackers Jerrald Hines, Logan Bates and Reggie Luckett.

"If we come together and play our game, I'm sure we can close in on a win," Harper said.

ARLETA REMAINS TEAM TO BEAT

With its first senior class, top-seeded Arleta (11-0) has won by an average of 35.8 points heading into Wednesday's Invitational quarterfinal against visiting Huntington Park.

A year ago, Arleta coach Jeff Engilman said he isn't happy unless he goes 10-0, and the coach had a sneaking suspicion that was a real possibility this season.

"I don't know any coach that doesn't like going 10-0," Engilman said. "We knew we had several close games but that if we stayed healthy we could run the board."

Engilman said he would like Arleta to move up to the Championship Division next season but that the decision was not only in his hands.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

CITY SECTION QUARTERFINALS

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

San Fernando (8-3) at Taft (10-1) - With experienced, athletic QBs and breakaway RBs, both teams are similar, so this should be a good one.

San Fernando QB Rashaad Reynolds in a three-year starter and one of the Valley's most versatile and athletic players. Daniel Lopez has rushed for 1,293 yards.

Taft counters with second-year QB Bam Goodall and USC-bound junior RB D.J. Morgan, who has scored 27 TDs.

Birmingham (6-5) at Narbonne (10-1) - After winning two consecutive City titles and four over the past six years, Birmingham, led by QB Morey Croson, RB Trajuan Briggs, OL Timote Tonga and WR De'Von Flournoy, is the underdog against the top-seeded Gauchos.

Birmingham eliminated Narbonne in 2005 and 2004.

Narbonne S Byron Moore, who had two INTs Thursday in an opening win over Washington, has committed to USC but took an official visit to Notre Dame this past weekend. He has also been offered by UCLA and others. QB Josh Morten is among the best in the City. He completed 14 of 21 for 161 yards and one TD and ran for a 61-yard TD last week.

INVITATIONAL DIVISION

Huntington Park (6-4) at Arleta (11-0) - Top-seeded Arleta, coached by Jeff Engilman, has won 14 of 15 dating back to last season.

El Camino Real at Roosevelt - El Camino Real, led by explosive RB Rashon Harper, is coming off a 35-28 overtime upset over Marshall of L.A.

-- Gerry Gittelson

************************************************************************************************

Viewpoint tournament for boys and girls Dec. 1-6

BOYS tourney GIRLS tourney

12/1 12/1

Rolling Hills Prep vs. LA Adventist 4:30 Faith Baptist vs. Malibu 3:00

Viewpoint vs. AGBU 7:30 Providence vs. Carpinteria 6:00

Milken vs. St. Genevieve 9:00

12/2

SOCES vs. LA Adventist 3:00 12/2

N.P. Adventist vs. Faith Baptist 6:00 Village Christian vs. Viewpoint 4:30

Rolling Hills Prep vs. Sierra Canyon 9:00 Providence vs. St. Genevieve 7:30

12/3 12/3

Viewpoint vs. Faith Baptist 3:00 Faith Baptist vs. Viewpoint 4:30

AGBU vs. NP Adventist 6:00 Village Christian vs. Malibu 9:00

Sierra vs. SOCES 7:30

12/4

12/4 Milken vs. Carpinteria 4:30

Sierra Canyon vs. LA Adventist 3:00

Viewpoint vs. NP Adventist 6:00 12/5

SOCES vs. Rolling Hills Prep 7:30 Providence vs. Milken 3:00

Carpinteria vs. St. Genevieve 4:30

12/5 Malibu vs. Viewpoint 6:00

Faith Baptist vs. AGBU 9:00 Faith Baptist vs. Village Christian 7:30

Kevin Cummings, a receiver/defensive back from Crespi, has committed to San Diego State.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Congrats to Oaks Christian TE/DL Christopher Coyle, who has been selected to participate in the annual U.S. Army Bowl in San Antonio -- the nation's most prestigious all-star game.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Because of a scheduling conflict, the Mid-Valley quarterfinal between Paraclete and Northview of Covina has been switched from Friday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Covina District Stadium.

"It doesn't bother me. I really don't mind," Paraclete coach Norm Dahlia said. "Obviously, we can go out Friday and scout other games. I am going to watch San Dimas-Rosemead, and we have someone else going to one of the other games."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Just checked the weather report for the City Section quarterfinal Wednesday between San Fernando and host Taft, and the forecast in Woodland Hills calls for a 50 percent chance of rain and 47-degree temperatures.

In other words, could be a mud bowl, because as you should know, Taft is old-school -- no artificial turf.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

SOUTHERN SECTION
Div. I
Teams
Crescenta Valley (Michelle Callister, Carlotta Pham, Claudia Pham, Anneke Kakebeen, Megan Doeding, Eliza Collison, Yumeng Wei)

Div. II
Teams
Saugus (Kaylin Mahoney, Amber Murakami, Anne Randall, Stephanie Bulder, Brianna Jauregui, Keri Molt, Courtney Wilson, Karis Frankian)
Individuals
Liberty Miller, Simi Valley
Jenny Mallen, Newbury Park

Div. III
Teams
Oak Park (Melissa Skiba, Kaycee Holcomb, Jessica Reints, Brittany Stalzer, Candace Matsunaga, Sarah Kiner, Lindsay Courtney)
Agoura (Katie Klezek, Sara De Luca, Shelby Soledar, Kelley Klezek, Alexandra Smith, Natasha Blonsky, Logan Bedell)

Div. IV
Teams
La Reina (Sarah Pearson, Rachel Brajkovich, Mary Thompson, Tara Blanchard, Meghan Murphy, Katie Kavetsky, McKenzie O'Malley)
Oaks Christian(Emily Flud, Fallon Cislo, Tina Boskovich, Catherine Price, Brittani Gardella)
Flintridge Sacred Heart (Andrea Kropp, Erin Hartwig, Emily Brown, Stephanie Vargas, Katy Tyler, Paige Conti, Alissa Chan)
Individuals
Melissa Bauer, Paraclete
Camille Chapus, Harvard-Westlake

Div. V
Teams
Flintridge Prep (Elise Partos, Dot Silverman, Crystal Bong, Maya Castellanos, Ellen Kim, Alex Hubert, )
Individuals
Nicki Maslan, Viewpoint

CITY SECTION
Teams
Reseda (Araceli Zainos, Jetzabel Velazquez, Yanet Urciaga, Michelle Vasquez, Natalie Wollaston, Janelly De La Puente, Andrea Monzon)
Northridge Academy (Laura Arguello, Yuliana Miranda, Karly Haley, Denea Bartley, Karen Turcios, Samantha Pena, Fatima Cotto)
Individuals
Alexandria Fortuna, Monroe
Vainayaki Sivaji, North Hollywood

SOUTHERN SECTION
Div. I
Teams
Royal (Travis Edwards, Sean Davidson, Paul Jesson, Korey Yoakum, Robert Davis, Sean Upson, Scott Weir)
Individuals
Zack Torres, Crescenta Valley
Pedro Zaragoza, Lancaster
Western Nelson, Burroughs

Div. II
Teams
Thousand Oaks (Asher Lober, Sean Gildea, Kevin Joerger, Andrew Snyder, Donald Morrow, Hans Weidman, Spencer Woodworth)
Loyola (Elias Gedyon, J.P. Slater, Andres Diaz, Pablo Ruiz, Noel Mollinedo, Philip Kostelnik, John Eggers)
Westlake (Garret Drogosch, Sam DeMello, Scott McAfee, Jonathan Miller, Marcus Lam, Tim Witwer, Tim Snyder)
Individuals
Heyden Wooff, Camarillo

Div. III
Teams
Oak Park (James Goldstein, Gareth Morl, Omar Levy, Blake Minasian, Matt Shiney, Aaron Kurland, Adam Kinberg)
Golden Valley (Seth Totten, Jonny Tapia, Danny Carrillo, Luc Schutz, Gabe Vasquez, Elie Boutros, Andrew Valenzuela)

Div. IV
Teams
L.A. Baptist (John Gilbertson, John Hudson, Joey Burke, John Herr, Matt Redondo, Christian Holmes, Cody Phillips)
Harvard-Westlake (David Abergel, Kevin On, Michael Richardson, Chris Cheng, Elijah Lowenstein, Hank Adelmann, Charles Stigler)
Individuals
Charlie Petrie, Oaks Christian
Hunter Hays, Oaks Christian

Div. V
Teams
Flintridge Prep (Conner Verreaux, Jason Bunn, Kevin Heintz, Paul Weitekamp, Jesse Redding, Taylor Beith, James Lyon)
Individuals
Eddie Mezian, Holy Martyrs

CITY SECTION
Teams
Monroe (Jorge Mendez, Esteban Olmos, Edgar Garcia, Jesus Garzon, Jesus Reyes, Jordon Cordon, Eduardo Gonzalez)
Granada Hills (Javert Solorzano, Joshua Solorzano, Derrick Isomake, Sumit Misra, Kevin Joyce, Chris Umoye, Nicholas Havai)
Northridge Academy (Angel Pena, Alan Castro, Mark Hernandez, Roman Gonzalez, Eduardo Molina, Angel Garcia, David Rodriquez)
Individuals
Brett Schmitt, El Camino Real
Rico Gutierrez, Birmingham

ON THE RUN

Two of the area's top running backs go head to head Friday when Saugus, led by Ryan Zirbel, takes on visiting Thousand Oaks, led by John Lister, in a Northern quarterfinal at College of the Canyons.

Zirbel has rushed for 1,594 yards and scored 24 touchdowns, and Lister has rushed for 2,127 yards and scored 28 touchdowns.

Zirbel left with nine minutes remaining Friday because of a sprained ankle after rushing for 205 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a 29-17 victory over Righetti of Santa Maria. He'll be fine, Saugus coach Jason Bornn said.

"Ryan will be ready to go. When you're a high-performance machine, you recover a lot faster," Bornn said. "He's built for speed."

Lister is coming off the game of his life, rushing for 325 yards on 39 carries and scoring five touchdowns in a 49-28 victory over Santa Barbara.

"Thousand Oaks has a Mack truck at tailback, and they're athletic across the board," Bornn said. "It's going to be a fun game and a great way to spend the Friday after Thanksgiving."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

For the first time in coach Mike Herrington's 20 years at Hart of Newhall, the Indians have failed to advance to the section quarterfinals or further after losing 34-21 at Atascadero on Friday in the first round of the Northern playoffs.

Herrington has won six titles at Hart, including five over a six-year period from 1998 to 2003, but the Indians finished just 5-6 this season - Herrington's first losing season, including one year at Bellflower prior to arriving at Hart.

Thanksgiving practice has been a ritual at Hart, as a growing group of former teammates and out-of-town friends gather to say hello every year.

But not this season.

"I'm kind of numb. ... It's disappointing" Herrington said. "We had a disappointing season, but we're going to come back and work hard and see what happens."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Because of traffic (or perhaps a late start), Locke of L.A. didn't arrive at Taft of Woodland Hills until a couple of minutes before kickoff Thursday in the first round of the City Championship playoffs.

The start was delayed 15 minutes as the Locke players scrambled to get ready, and it was no surprise the visitors made an early careless mistake, fumbling away the football on the second play of the game.

Nick Bruce recovered, and Taft soon scored on D.J. Morgan's 21-yard touchdown in a 16-8 victory.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

All-American prospect Malcolm Jones, a junior running back/linebacker for Oaks Christian of Westlake Village who has missed two games because of a shoulder injury, is probable Friday against visiting Pioneer Valley of Santa Maria in a Northwest quarterfinal.

"I anticipate Malcolm playing this week, but it's not for sure," Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said. "He's been cleared. It's dependent on him and his pain tolerance."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

UNSUNG HERO
Trevor Smyth, LB, Valencia - Smyth, a sophomore, returned a fumble 69 yards for a TD and returned another fumble to the 2 in a 42-14 victory over Ventura.

TOP PERFORMANCES

Ryan Zirbel, RB, Saugus - Zirbel rushed for 205 yards - his fourth 200-yard performance of the season -- in 16 carries, scoring on a 58-yard run and a 27-yard reception in a 29-17 victory over Righetti.

John Lister, RB, Thousand Oaks - Lister rushed for a career-high 325 yards on 39 carries and scored five TDs in a 49-28 victory over Santa Barbara.
James Flynn, WR, Notre Dame - Flynn had four receptions for 125 yards and three touchdowns of 48, 40 and 27 yards in a 42-0 victory over Compton.

James Flynn, WR, Notre Dame - Flynn had four receptions for 125 yards and three touchdowns of 48, 40 and 27 yards in a 42-0 victory over Compton.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Notre Dame coach Kevin Rooney has confirmed the Notre Dame-Orange Lutheran, scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m., is at Santa Ana Bowl.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

CITY SECTION QUARTERFINALS

Wednesday 7 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

Birmingham (6-5) at Narbonne (9-1) - Two-time City champion Birmingham looking to knock off top seed

San Fernando (8-3) at Taft (10-1) - Taft RB D.J. Morgan is ready to run wild

INVITATIONAL DIVISION

Huntington Park (7-4) at Arleta (11-0) - Top-seed Arleta winning by average of 35.8 points

El Camino Real (7-4) at Roosevelt (9-2) - ECR QB Ryan Meier is Mr. Clutch

SOUTHERN SECTION

All games Friday, 7:30 p.m.

PAC-5

Notre Dame (11-0) vs. Orange Lutheran (9-2) at Santa Ana Bowl - Hey Orange Lutheran, good luck stopping The Machine

NORTHERN

Thousand Oaks (10-1) at Saugus (8-3) - You can bet this one will come down to the final moments

Valencia (9-2) at Westlake (7-4) - Westlake will look to pass as much as possible

Moorpark (10-1) at Atascadero (9-2) - Moorpark wants to make sure long trip is worthwhile

WESTERN

Beverly Hills (8-3) at Palmdale (10-1) - Palmdale looking to be on money vs. rich kids

Quartz Hill (10-1) vs Lynwood (8-2-1) at Lynwood Middle School - Quartz Hill on brink of best season in a decade

Alemany (10-1) at Culver City (8-3) - Another step in Alemany's bid for first-ever championship berth

SOUTHEAST

Crescenta Valley (9-2) at Charter Oak (10-0-1) - Falcons looking to upset No. 1 seed
West Covina (9-2) at Burbank (6-5) - Burbank will play like it has nothing to lose

NORTHWEST

Pioneer Valley (9-2) at Oaks Christian (11-0) - Pioneer Valley should expect long ride home to Santa Maria

Harvard-Westlake (8-2-1) at Morro Bay (7-4) - QB Sean Berman and RB TeRhon O'Neal should be too much for hosts

MID-VALLEY

Paraclete (8-3) at Northview (9-2) - Paraclete seeking its ninth victory in row after 0-3 start

Linfield Christian (9-2) at Bell-Jeff (8-3) - Bell-Jeff has allowed just 11.4 points per game

St. Genevieve (9-2) vs. Riverside Christian (10-1) - St. Genevieve is riding high, but this will be a tough one

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

1. Notre Dame (11-0) - QB Ryan Kasdorf: 3,164 yards passing, 36 TDs
2. Oaks Christian (11-0) - Star RB/LB Malcolm Jones (shoulder) is probable
3. Saugus (8-3) - Showdown vs. Thousand Oaks should be a doozy
4. Alemany (10-1) - Best defensive team in Western Division
5. Moorpark (10-1) - Only loss was 17-14 defeat to mighty Notre Dame in Week 2
6. Valencia (9-2) - Sophomore LB Trevor Smyth coming off monster game
7. Thousand Oaks (10-1) - RB John Lister (2,117 yards) has carried 30 times or more three games in row
8. Palmdale (10-1) - After 52 years without title, "We're about due," coach Jeff Williams said
9. Taft (10-1) - Must improve after wobbly 16-8 victory over lightly regarded Locke
10. Birmingham (6-5) - Has chip on its shoulder for being seeded ninth
11. Westlake (7-4) - Without injured QB Ben Conlin, knocked off undefeated Oxnard in first round
12. Crespi (6-4) - Season is over after failing to make playoffs
13. Quartz Hill (10-1) - Out to prove seven-game winning streak isn't all luck
14. San Fernando (8-3) - Hoping to upset Taft in its own house in City quarters
15. Newbury Park (7-4) - Hung tough for awhile in 38-14 loss to national power St. Bonaventure
16. Hart (5-6) - Eliminated before Thanksgiving for first time in 20 years
17. Harvard-Westlake (8-2-1) - A dangerous breakaway threat in RB TeRhon O'Neal
18. Arleta (11-0) - Looking to steamroll way through City Invitational
19. Crescenta Valley (9-2) - Faces top-seed Charter Oak in Southeast quarterfinal
20. Burbank (6-5) - Wow! First playoff win in more than 50 years

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

State power Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks saw something different Friday against visiting Compton - a grind-it-out double-wing offense intent on keeping Notre Dame's wide-open passing offense off the field.

It worked. For one quarter, that is.

Notre Dame broke a scoreless tie by scoring four touchdowns in the second quarter in a 42-0 football victory in the first round of Pac-5 Division playoffs.

"I was impressed. Compton runs a complicated offense," Notre Dame defensive back Tyler Thomas said. "It took a little while to figure out how adjust and how to stop it. It was a good game. We came out and executed."

Notre Dame (11-0) plays at Fountain Valley (8-3) or at Orange Lutheran (9-2) in the quarterfinals next Friday.

Notre Dame's Ryan Kasdorf continued his torrid passing. The 6-foot-3 junior completed 13 of 18 for 234 yards and four touchdowns, including scoring passes of 40, 58 and 27 yards to James Flynn. Leading by 42 points, Kasdorf called it a night late in the third quarter as the Knights cleared their bench.

"We came out and played for the win, but it just didn't work out that way," Compton defensive back James Randall said. "That quarterback for Notre Dame was pretty good."

Playing against a tough schedule, Kasdorf has passed for a school-record 3,164 yards and 36 touchdowns. Flynn caught four passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns. He has 48 receptions for 1,115 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Notre Dame, averaging nearly 500 yards, has scored five touchdowns or more in 10 consecutive games.

Compton penetrated the red zone three times but had nothing to show for it, as Notre Dame, led by linebacker Tom Drachkovitch, was able to bear down on defense when necessary.

Over a four-play span in the second quarter, Kasdorf hit Flynn for touchdowns of 40 and 48 yards to make it 14-0. On Notre Dame's next possession beginning on Compton's 45, Kasdorf connected with Thomas on a 44-yard pass to the 1, followed by Kenny Boggs' 1-yard scoring run, and the rout was on.

Thomas later scored on a 6-yard reception.

Boggs rushed for 104 yards on 14 carries and scored two touchdowns.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Notre Dame 42, Compton 0

Compton 0-0-0-0-0
Notre Dame 0-28-14-0-42

ND-Flynn 40 pass from Kasdorf (Lluis kick)
ND-Flynn 48 pass from Kasdorf (Lluis kick) (((fix this was 58 yards)))
ND-Boggs 1 run (Lluis kick)
ND-Flynn 27 pass from Kasdorf (Lluis kick)
ND-Thomas 6 pass from Kasdorf (Lluis kick)
ND-Boggs 7 run (Lluis kick)

STATS:
Rushing:
C: Walker 12-53; ND: Boggs 14-104
Passing
C: Maluia 5-11-52; ND: Kasdorf 13-18-234
Receiving
C: Dill 1-36; ND: Flynn 4-125
R: ND 10-1; C 7-3

On the eve of its Western State Bowl matchup against Antelope Valley, several members of College of the Canyons football team were selected to the WSC All-Conference team. The Cougars also swept the conference's top three awards as Garett Tujague was named Coach of the Year, record-setting receiver Hayo Carpenter was selected Offensive Player of the Year and Marquise Jackson was named Defensive Player of the Year.

The Cougars host Antelope Valley Saturday night at 7 p.m. in a rematch of the season opener, which COC won 54-14.

In just his second season, Tujague led COC to a perfect 10-0 regular season. The Cougars have the top ranked offense, averaging 550 yards per game. The Cougars also have the No. 1 defense in the state, allowing 245 yards a game.

Carpenter, who earlier this year verbally committed to the University of Minnesota, led COC with 79 receptions for 1,354 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is COC all-time leading receiver with 159 receptions for 2,758 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Jackson becomes the second freshman in COC history to earn one of the conference's top honors. The former Birmingham of Lake Balboa leads the Cougars with 10 1/2 sacks and 15 tackes for losses.
Teammate Fred Winborn, who was also earned All-Conference honors, was the named Offensive Player of the Year last season, becoming the first freshman awarded the honor.
Winborn, who became the first player to rush for 1,000 yards in two straight seasons, is COC's all-time leading rusher with 2,585 yards and 38 touchdowns.
Despite missing two games, the former Grant of Van Nuys star rushed for 1,061 yards and 17 touchdowns in eight games.

Also earning All-WSC First Team offense honors were kicker Ricky Drake (45 of 50 extra points, 7 of 13 field goals), lineman Joe Evinger and Shawn Johnson, receiver Jovan Leacock (25 receptions for 431 yards and 3 TD's), quarterback Brad McClellan (104 of 161 passing for 1,629 yards, 12 TD's).

Earning second team offense honors were running back Sean Quinn, receiver Nate Jones and lineman Joe Thompson.

First Team Defense selections were Aaron Fisher (18 tackles), Joey Guarascio (20 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks), Jonathan Hollins (39 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks) and Eric Wells (62 tackles, 3 sacks).

Second team selections were sophomores Nick Tepea (32 tackles, 3 1/2 tackles for loss) and Dejuan Yates (12 tackles).

It's halftime, and Notre Dame is really rolling, as Ryan Kasdorf has completed 10 of 14 passes for 225 yards and three TDs of 48, 40 and 27 yards -- all to James Flynn.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

There is just over three minutes remaining in the first half, and Notre Dame leads Compton 21-0 in a Pac-5 playoff game at Notre Dame.

Ryan Kasdorf has thrown touchdowns passes of 40 and 48 yards to James Flynn, and Kenny Boggs scored on a 1-yard touchdown run.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

James McConico, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 16 TDs for Compton, is questionable tonight at Notre Dame in the first round of the Pac-5 playoffs.

"It's going to be a game-time decision," Compton coach Calvin Bryant was saying just a moment ago.

McConico is recovering a concussion suffered last week in a loss to Lakewood.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

I'm expecting a good game tonight, not sure why because Notre Dame has been killing everyone, but for some reason I think Compton might score a little bit tonight or at least make some big plays against the heavily favored Knights.

But if you're asking me to make an official prediction, I see Ryan Kasdorf throwing for 300 yards or so and Notre Dame winning by four touchdowns, maybe more. And that's not exactly going out on a limb ...

We shall see.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Check out Wendy McNeal's excellent story in the Signal on Nate Sparks, a Canyon kicker who is battling cancer.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

According to the master schedule in the City Section for boys basketball, Birmingham of Lake Balboa is hosting Eagle Rock friday night in one of the earliest starts ever to a season.

However, the first allowable game for City school is no supposed to be until Monday Nov. 24.

It could be a scrimmage that somehow ended up on the master schedule but Birmingham coach Jarvis Turner said it was a real game when contacted on his cell phone Thursday night.

More to come on this....

You can add another name to Taft of Woodland Hills' impressive list of college basketball players.

Terran Carter, a 6'6 forward, signed with Cal St. Northridge wednesday night.

Carter, who averaged close to 10 points per game last season and is a monster on the glass, said, "I am really happy to have it all locked up. It is close to home too."

Carter joins Justin Hawkins, who signed with UNLV last week, as a formidable duo hoping to lead Taft back to the City Section championship game.

Michael Williams, a sharp-shooting 3-point specialist, could be the third player to sign for the Toreadors but might wait until the spring period to do so.

Taft also sent three players to college from last years squad.

Larry Drew is at North Carolina, Eugene Phelps is at Long Beach St. and Bryce Smith walked-on at San Diego St.

For Taft High of Woodland Hills, everything about its first-round playoff game Thursday against visiting Locke of L.A. felt like a loss except for the final score.

Taft, clearly the more skilled and fundamentally sound team, survived 16-8 and could breathe easy only when a pass from Locke's Lamonta Green fell incomplete in the end zone with no time remaining, as the Toreadors nearly blew a 16-point lead before a small crowd of perhaps 400.

Third-seeded Taft (10-1) prevailed to face Dorsey of L.A.///San Fernando in the quarterfinals Wednesday, but just barely.

"This was way closer than it should have been," Taft linebacker Nick Bruce said. "We had a bad week of practice, everyone was afraid something like this would happen, and that's exactly what happened."

Taft committed 13 penalties for 83 yards and blew three first-half opportunities in the red zone.

Looking at Taft's expressions after the game, you would have thought the Toreadors lost. For sure, Taft did not look anything like the team that defeated two-time City champion Birmingham of Lake Balboa 34-22 one week earlier to clinch the West Valley League title.

"Way too close for comfort," Taft coach Matt Kerstetter said. "As much as we warned them about a letdown after beating their rival, the didn't manage to carry things over. It was a very sloppy game on our part."

At least Taft played good defense when it had to, limiting Locke to 211 yards - 68 on a touchdown pass from Green to Kileon Cooper with less than three minutes remaining.

Taft's D.J. Morgan rushed for 191 yards on 31 carries and scored on runs of 21 and 2 yards. Morgan has rushed for 1,638 yards - 257 shy of Jerry Brown's 1993 school single-season record of 1,895 -- and scored 29 touchdowns

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Locke - 0-0-0-8-8
Taft 7-2-7-0-16

T-Morgan 21 run (Bernal kick)
T-Safety, punt snapped out of end zone
T-Morgan 2 run (Bernal kick)
L-Cooper 68 pass from Green (Johnson pass from Green)

STATS
Passing
L: Green 10-21-3-143; T: Goodall 8-12-0-40
Rushing
L: Johnson 14-40 ; T: Morgan 31-194
Receiving
L: White 5-33; T: Bruce 4-49

Boring game. Taft is ahead 16-0 over Locke, and there are only a couple of hundred or so spectators on this typical Thursday-night City game.

Whoops, Locke just scored on a 68-yard pass play, and now it's 16-6 with 10:50 remaining with Locke readying for a two-point conversion attempt. Timeout, Taft. Could get a bit interesting, after all. Stay tuned ....

gerry,gittelson@dailynews.com

Taft has looked better but leads 9-0 at halftime -- but it should be a lot more.

After D.J. Morgan scored on a 21-yard run on Taft's first possession, Taft penetrated the red zone three times but came up empty.

Taft first drove 86 yards on 12 plays to the 10, but Abraham Bernal missed a 30-yard field goal.

Taft then recorded a safety on an errant punt snap, and Morgan returned the ensuing free kick 44 yards to 25. But Locke came through with a goal-line stand, stopping Jamal Davie for no gain on fourth down at the 1, and the Toreadors turned the ball over on downs.

Taft had one more chance in the final minute of the half but ran out of time when quarterback Bam Goodall's 23-yard run to the 2 ended the half.

Morgan had 129 rushing through two quarters but not much to show for it.

For sure, Morgan was running hard. On one short gain, he trucked Locke defensive lineman Sean Rivers, a 6-foot-3, 290-pounder who got up slowly.

It's well before kickoff here at Taft High, as the Toreadors (9-1) prepare to face Locke (5-5) in the first round of City Championship playoffs beginning at 7 p.m.

Taft is favored but has a concern about Locke's size, as the visitors have a group of 300-pound linemen.

"They've got some big boys," Taft coach Matt Kerstetter was saying a few moments ago.

Not much of a working area here -- don't think I can make it into the 3-person press box -- so I'll update when I can.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

GAME OF THE WEEK

STREAMED LIVE at DAILYNEWS.COM

Compton (7-2) at Notre Dame (10-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday

What's at stake: The winner advances to face either Orange Lutheran or Fountain Valley on Nov. 28 in the quarterfinals.

What's the key: Notre Dame simply needs to do what it always does; score lots of points. Powered by QB Ryan Kasdorf (32 TD passes) and his coterie of top WRs led by speedster James Flynn, Notre Dame averages 40 points and nearly 500 yards. Compton needs to regroup after losing its final two games of the regular season. The visitors need to sustain long drives to keep Notre Dame's offense off the field.

Who to watch for: Notre Dame: QB Ryan Kasdorf, RB Kenny Boggs, WRs James Flynn and Chris McNeill, OL Ben Gottschalk, LB Jordan Barrett, DB Tom Drachkovitch, PK Brandon Lluis, LS JoshGoossen-Brown; Compton: DBs Jerry Maluia Chris Metcalf; LB James Randle; RBs Curry Williams and James McConico; DL Justin Brown.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Another school hyped about the playoffs is St. Genevieve of Panorama City (8-2), seeking its first playoff win of the decade tonight at 7 against visiting Twin Pines (5-5) in Northeast action at Poly High in Sun Valley.

"We're real pumped up. It's the first playoff game in a really long time," St. Genevieve quarterback Chris Navarro said. "All week, it's all everyone in the school is talking about - the playoffs and winning a CIF championship. There's never been an environment here like this."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Compton (7-2) is back-peddling into its Pac-5 opener Friday at top-seeded Notre Dame, as the visiting Tarbabes have lost their past two games - 40-13 to Long Beach Poly, then 41-13 to Lakewood in the finale.

But with five starters who've received Division I offers, including USC-bound safety Chris Metcalf, Compton believes it has a puncher's chance tonight against the Knights, ranked No. 1 in the nation by Maxpreps.

"We just need to execute our plays and be able to move the ball. Just play solid," Compton coach Calvin Bryant said. "We know what Notre Dame is all about. They're explosive. We're going to go out and play and see what it's like to play the best. We're just excited and ready to go."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

The schools are both 52 years old and have never won a Southern Section football title, but that could very well change, as top-ranked Palmdale and second-seeded Alemany of Mission Hills begin their quests Friday for a Western Division championship.

Palmdale (9-1) opens against visiting Redondo (5-5), and Alemany (9-1) plays host to Highland of Palmdale (3-7), both beginning at 7:30 p.m.

"It would be a great accomplishment for our guys but there's a long way to go," Alemany coach Dean Herrington said. "I would have to say Palmdale is the favorite because there aren't too many teams with their athleticism. But there are other teams, too - Culver City, St. Francis."

For the first time in his career dating back to coaching stints at College of the Canyons, Occidental College and Hart High of Newhall and his playing days as a Hart quarterback in the early 1980s, Herrington is focusing on a running offense instead of a wide-open passing game.

It's working, too, as Malcolm Marable has rushed for 1,370 yards.

Alemany has never even been to a final - Palmdale has twice finished as a runner-up -- so there is a buzz and excitement at Alemany.

Palmdale, led by athletic quarterback Brandon Mims, is more balanced. The Falcons are 37-1 over their past 38 Golden League games, and this season they've won the past seven in a row by an average of nearly 35 points.

"Fifty-two years? It's about due," Palmdale coach Jeff Williams said. "The odds are in our favor every year now."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Daily News: You're 5-foot-6, 165 pounds, which means you're usually the smallest player on the field. Any thoughts about that?

Kenny Boggs: It doesn't bother me at all. I may be small, but in my heart I can compete with anyone out there, no matter what size they are.

DN: But you squat 500 pounds - the most on the team. How did you get so strong?

KB: Just coaching and weight training during the offseason and the summer. We all compete to see who can squat the most.

DN: It must be great playing with quarterback Ryan Kasdorf. He's having such a great season.

KB: Yes, it's such a great help. It helps so much because there isn't any pressure on any one player. I never played with a quarterback who was this good.

DN: Have you ever visualized scoring a long touchdown, and then it happened?

KB: Actually, yes. Right before the Saugus game, I told everyone at dinner that I wanted a long touchdown on the first play, and sure enough I broke a long one.

DN: OK. The playoffs are about to start. Can Notre Dame win this whole thing or what?

KB: Well, I feel like we have a great chance to win it all if we play to our full ability.

DN: What happened to Crespi?

KB: It's shocking because all season long we've been hearing about Crespi winning it all, so it's shocking that they didn't make the playoffs.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

First round Friday, 7:30 p.m.

PAC-5

Top four seeds: 1, Long Beach Poly; 2, Notre Dame; 3, Tesoro; 4, Servite

Local: Notre Dame

Sleeper: Loyola

Our pick: Notre Dame

Players to watch: Ryan Kasdorf, QB, Notre Dame; George Daily-Lyles, LB, Long Beach Poly; James Flynn, WR, Notre Dame

Comments: Notre Dame lost to Long Beach Poly 31-21 in the 2006 Pac-5 quarterfinals. Several current starters were on that team, including LBs Jordan Barrett and Ace Ward. ... Notre Dame's James Flynn (44 receptions, 990 yards, 10 TDs) is averaging 22.5 yards per catch.

WESTERN

Top four seeds: 1, Palmdale; 2, Alemany; 3, Quartz Hill, 4, Mira Costa

Locals: Alemany, Palmdale, Chaminade, Eastside, Highland, Quartz Hill, St. Francis

Sleeper: Beverly Hills

Our pick: Alemany

Players to watch: Walter Woods, LB, Palmdale; Malcolm Marable, RB, Alemany; Christian Thomas, TE, Highland

COMMENTS: Alemany has passed less frequently as expected, partly because of RB Malcolm Marable, who has rushed for nearly 1,400 yards. The Warriors are seeking their first section title. ... Palmdale has won seven in a row since a 35-24 to Valencia in which the Falcons allowed two second-half kick returns for TDs. ... Highland junior TE Christian Thomas has been offered by USC.

NORTHERN

Top four seeds: 1, St. Bonaventure; 2, Moorpark; 3, Oxnard, 4, Thousand Oaks

Locals: Camarillo, Hart, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Saugus, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, Westlake

Sleeper: Saugus

Our pick: St. Bonaventure

Players to watch: Patrick Hall, RB/LB, St. Bonaventure; John Lister, RB, Thousand Oaks; Ryan Zirbel, RB, Saugus

COMMENTS: Defending section titlest/CIF State Div. III Bowl champion St. Bonaventure's nonleague victories include wins over playoff teams Atascadero and Jordan of L.A. The Seraphs also defeated Crespi of Encino and lost to Long Beach Poly. ... Saugus QB Desi Rodriguez and RB Ryan Zirbel have both rushed for more than 1,300 yards, as the Centurions average 40.5 points. ... Hart qualified by winning its final two games, as coach Mike Herrington has made the playoffs for the 20th time in his 20-year career.

SOUTHEAST

Top four seeds: 1, Charter Oak; 2, Santa Fe; 3, Muir; 4, Rowland

Locals: Burbank, Burroughs, Crescenta Valley

Sleeper: Rowland

Our pick: Charter Oak

COMMENTS: Burroughs, led by RB Dominique Barnes (1,872 yards, 27 TDs), has scored 54 points or more three games in a row and four times over the past five. ... Burbank, tied for fourth in the Pacific League, qualified by winning a three-way coin flip. ... Muir's only loss was a 43-13 defeat to Oaks Christian in Week 2.

Players to watch: Dominique Barnes, RB, Burroughs; Sebastian Valenzuela, OL, Burroughs; Karsen Reedy, QB, Crescenta Valley

NORTHWEST

Top four seeds: 1, Oaks Christian; 2, Serra; 3, St. Joseph; 4, North Torrance

Locals: Harvard-Westlake, Oaks Christian

Sleeper: Harvard-Westlake

Our pick: Oaks Christian

Players to watch: Malcolm Jones, RB, Oaks Christian; Nick Montana, QB, Oaks Christian; TeRhon O'Neal, RB, Harvard-Westlake

Comments: Oaks Christian has won the five section titles in a row. The Lions are hoping standout RB Malcolm Jones returns soon after missing one game because of a shoulder injury. ... Harvard-Westlake QB Sean Berman, coached privately by passing guru Steve Clarkson, is being recruited by several Ivy League universities.

MID-VALLEY

Top four seeds: 1, Monrovia; 2, Azusa; 3, Northview; 4, San Dimas

Local: L.A. Baptist, Paraclete

Sleeper: Rosemead

Our pick: San Dimas

Players to watch: Nico Barbone, RB/LB, San Dimas; Tra Sumler, RB, Rosemead; Todd Davis, LB, Paraclete

Comments: A year ago, Paraclete won its first 12 games before falling in the section semifinals. This season, the Spirits lost their first three games but have rebounded to win their last seven. ... Paraclete's key defensive players are LBs Kyle Swanson and Todd Davis, who started the season as a DL.

EAST VALLEY

Top four seeds: 1, St. Margaret's; 2, Brentwood; 3, Aquinas; 4, Santa Paula

Local: Campbell Hall

Sleeper: Fillmore

Our pick: St. Margaret's

Players to watch: Chasen Smith, OL, St. Margaret's; John Murayama, RB, St. Margaret's; Logan Markely, LB, Campbell Hall

Comments: St. Margaret's has won 38 in a row, 24 under former Canyon coach Harry Welch, who arrived in 2007. The Tartans have won by an average of 45 points, and five times a running clock has been used in the second half. ... Campbell Hall gave St. Margaret's one of its closest games, losing 37-0 in Week 4.

NORTHEAST

Top four seeds: 1, Saddleback Valley Christian; 2, Boron; 3, Linfield Christian; 4, Riverside Christian.

Locals: Bell-Jeff, Flintridge Prep, St. Genevieve,

Sleeper: Rio Hondo Prep

Our pick: Riverside Christian

Players to watch: Josh Squirrell, DL, Saddleback Valley Christian; Rico Marmolejo, RB, St. Genevieve; Jon Harris, RB, Riverside Christian

COMMENTS: Saddleback Valley Christian DL Josh Squirrell has 18 sacks. ... St. Genevieve, led by QB Chris Navarro and RB Rico Marmolejo, has a winning record for the first time since 1993.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

FIVE BURNING QUESTIONS

1. Can Notre Dame make it all the way to Anaheim Stadium for the Pac-5 final - and win it?

Yes. With a remarkable offense that averages more than 40 points and nearly 500 yards per game (and against strong competition), Notre Dame is like a steamroller. Quarterback Ryan Kasdorf, a junior, is having an All-American type year, completing 71 percent of his passes for 2,950 yards and 32 touchdowns. No opponent has been able to stop Kasdorf, and it's doubtful anyone will - except maybe top-seeded Long Beach Poly, and it's a good bet the teams will meet in the final. While Long Beach Poly prides itself on defense, the Knights are strong defensively, too. Both are undefeated, and if they meet in the final, don't be surprised if 20,000 show up.

2. Is it time to write off Birmingham?

No. Birmingham has won two City titles in a row and four of the past six, and even though the Patriots are just 5-5 this year and are forced to open the City Championship playoffs on the road at Garfield of L.A., you've got to respect a program coming off what might have been the most dominant championship season in City history.

3. What will be the historical significance if Oaks Christian wins its sixth consecutive Southern Section championship.

Well, it's never been done before in the Southern Section's 94-year history, so that has to count for something. The record of five consecutive section titles is shared by Oaks Christian and Paraclete (1997 to 2001). If top-seeded Oaks Christian pulls off another Northwest Division title, that would give the Lions 25 consecutive playoff victories, counting its 2006 CIF Div. III Bowl championship.

4. Does anyone in the Northern Division have a chance to knock off mighty St. Bonaventure?

No. Defending Northern/CIF State Div. III champion St. Bonaventure is just too strong, and, with the Foothill League down this season, there is not another juggernaut among the 15 remaining tournament entries. Second-seeded Moorpark plays tough defense but would have difficulty scoring on the Seraphs. Third-seeded Oxnard hasn't faced a decent opponent all season and would be in shock if and when the Yellowjackets ever get their shot. Fourth-seeded Thousand Oaks, like the rest of the field, simply is not in the same class.

5. How happy would Alemany be to win the Western Division championship?

Delirious. Principal Frank Ferry, a Alemany alum who has called football success "central to a school's identity," is doing everything possible to build a private-school football dynasty like Concord De La Salle, Mater Dei or Oaks Christian - hiring away head coach Dean Herrington from College of the Canyons and Herrington's brother, defensive coordinator Rick, from Hart. Except for one loss to high-powered Notre Dame, the Warriors have been perfect this season, and there's good reason to believe second-seeded Alemany can go all the way in the relatively soft Western Division.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Montclair Prep didn't exactly light the world on fire after returning from 11-man to eight-man football the past two years -- the Mounties lost by 52 points Saturday at Avalon in the first round of the playoffs and finished 4-5 -- but, nevertheless, the Mounties are returning to 11-man football this coming season.

"It's official. We're going to be in the Alpha League," longtime coach George Giannini said. "We're actively trying to get more students, and we think going back to 11-man football will help a lot."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Lots of recruting news circulating out of Oaks Christian in Westlake Village, as receiver/defensive back Brian Owusu has committed to Harvard and running back Jordan Morrison has committed to Brown.

Also, kicker Andrew Bierschenk is expected to commit soon to either Princeton or Cornell -- which would give the Lions three Ivy League commits. Not bad.

One last bit of news: Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said running back/linebacker Malcolm Jones, who has missed one game because of a separated shoulder, should be back next week, providing the five-time section champion Lions advance past the first round of the Southern Section Northwest Division playoffs.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

Top four seeds: 1, Narbonne; 2, San Pedro; 3, Taft; 4, Crenshaw

Locals Birmingham, San Fernando, Sylmar, Taft

Sleeper: Birmingham

Our pick: Narbonne

Players to watch: D.J. Morgan, RB, Taft; De'Von Flournoy, WR, Birmingham; Gianni Washington, DL, Sylmar

Comments: Taft junior all-purpose back D.J. Morgan has rushed for 1,447 yards, caught 25 passes for 494 yards and scored 27 TDs. He has committed to USC. ... Birmingham QB Morey Croson is the son of head coach Ed Croson. The Patriots' top WR is De'Von Flournoy, who has committed to USC.

INVITATIONAL DIVISION

Top four seeds: 1, Arleta; 2, Roosevelt; 3, Franklin; 4, Fairfax

Locals: Arleta, Canoga Park, Cleveland, El Camino Real, Reseda,

Sleeper: Fairfax

Our pick: Arleta

Players to watch: Bryan Choto, QB, Arleta; Albert Sandoval, WR, Arleta; Rashon Harper, RB, El Camino Real

Comments: Arleta (10-0), coached by former Sylmar coach Jeff Engilman, has won by an average of 35.9 points, and every victory has been by 17 points or more. ... Canoga Park depends heavily on sophomore RB Tim Wilson, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

It's the dream matchup everyone would love to see - Long Beach Poly vs. Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks - and, as expected, the two state powers have drawn the top seeds for the Southern Section Pac-5 playoffs beginning on Friday.

Led by quarterback Ryan Kasdorf, Notre Dame prides itself on a fast and furious no-huddle passing offense, averaging more than 40 points. Meanwhile, top-seeded Long Beach Poly (10-0), loaded with top prospects on defense, has allowed just 7.1 points.

Both need to win three games to meet in the Pac-5 championship at Anaheim Stadium in December, so in the meantime there will be lots of one-game-at-a-time talk, but what a showdown this could be.

"Our main goal was to make it the playoffs and to win the CIF championship, and as long as we keep our heads in the game I think we'll be fine," Notre Dame running back Kenny Boggs said. "Long Beach Poly? It would be exciting to play those guys."

Boggs well knows that several of Notre Dame's top seniors such as linebackers Jordan Barrett, Tom Drachkovitch and Ace Ward and receiver James Flynn were part of Notre Dame's 2006 Pac-5 quarterfinalist team that was eliminated by Long Beach Poly.

"That's why we kind of want to play Long Beach Poly," Boggs said. "I'm satisfied being the No. 2 seed but anything can happen in the playoffs no matter who you are. I'm confident we can do a lot in these playoffs. I think we'll be fine."

Notre Dame opens against visiting Compton (7-2), while Long Beach Poly opens against visiting Bishop Amat of La Puente (7-3).

In the Northern Division, St. Bonaventure of Ventura (9-1) is seeded No. 1, opening against visiting Newbury Park (7-3) at Ventura College. Second-seeded Moorpark (9-1) plays host to Camarillo (5-5).

In the Western Division, Palmdale (9-1) is seeded No. 1 and Alemany of Mission Hills (9-1) is seeded No. 2.

Oaks Christian of Westlake Village (10-0), seeded No. 1 in the Northwest Division, is going for its sixth consecutive section title.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
First round Friday, 7:30 p.m.

PAC-5
Bishop Amat (7-3) at Long Beach Poly (10-0)
San Clemente (8-2) at Esperanza (7-3)
Loyola (6-4) at Mission Viejo (9-1)
Lakewood (4-6) at Servite (7-3)
Los Alamitos (8-2) at Tesoro (10-0)
Long Beach Jordan (7-3) at Mater Dei (7-3)
Orange Lutheran (8-2) at Fountain Valley (7-3)
Compton (7-2) at Notre Dame (10-0)

WESTERN
Redondo (5-5) at Palmdale (9-1)
Chaminade (2-8) at Beverly Hills (7-3)
Santa Monica (8-2) at Warren (7-3)
Eastside (6-3-1) at Mira Costa (7-3)
St. Francis (6-4) at Quartz Hill (9-1)
Peninsula (5-5) at Lynwood (7-2-1)
Downey (5-5) at Culver City (7-3)
Highland (3-7) at Alemany (9-1)

NORTHERN
Newbury Park (7-3) at St. Bonaventure (9-1)
Oxnard Pacifica (8-2) at Paso Robles (8-2)
Righetti (6-4) at Saugus (7-3)
Santa Barbara (4-6) at Thousand Oaks (9-1)
Westlake (6-4) at Oxnard (10-0)
Ventura (6-4) at Valencia (8-2)
Hart (5-5) at Atascadero (8-2)
Camarillo (5-5) at Moorpark (9-1)

SOUTHEAST
Bell Gardens (5-5) at Charter Oak (9-0-1)
California (8-2) at Crescenta Valley (8-2)
San Gabriel (5-5) at La Serna (9-1)
Burroughs (7-3) at Rowland (8-2)
Diamond Ranch (4-6) at #3 Muir (9-1)
South Hills (8-2) at Schurr (7-3)
Bonita (7-3) at West Covina (8-2)
Burbank (5-5) at Santa Fe (9-1)

NORTHWEST
South Torrance (5-5) at Oaks Christian (10-0)
Cathedral (8-2) at Pioneer Valley (8-2)
Bishop Montgomery (3-7) at Harvard-Westlake (7-2-1)
Morro Bay (6-4) at North Torrance (9-1)
Cantwell-Sacred Heart (6-4) at St. Joseph (9-1)
El Segundo (8-2) at Santa Clara (9-1)
Carpinteria (4-6) at Verbum Dei (5-5)
Templeton (5-5) at Serra (10-0)

MID-VALLEY
El Monte (5-5) at Monrovia (8-2)
Duarte (5-5) at L.A. Baptist (6-4)
Cerritos Valley Christian (7-3) at Rosemead (8-2)
Sierra Vista (4-6) at San Dimas (9-1)
Workman (5-4) at Northview (8-2)
San Marino (8-2) at Paraclete (7-3)
Arroyo (3-7) at Temple City (5-4-1)
Covina (4-6) at Azusa (9-1)

EAST VALLEY
Campbell Hall (5-5) at St. Margaret's (10-0)
Yucca Valley (6-4) at Bishop (5-4)
Ontario Christian (5-5) at Maranatha (9-1)
Big Bear (6-3-1) at Santa Paula (8-2)
Kern Valley (5-5) at Aquinas (9-1)
Brethren Christian (4-6) at Twentynine Palms (7-3)
Desert (7-3) at Fillmore (8-2)
Arrowhead Christian (6-4) at Brentwood (9-1)

NORTHEAST
Mojave (5-5) at Saddleback Valley Christian (10-0)
Webb (4-5) at Silver Valley (6-4)
Twin Pines (5-5) at St. Genevieve (8-2)
Flintridge Prep (3-6) at Riverside Christian (9-1)
Mammoth (3-7) at Linfield Christian (8-2)
Bell-Jeff (7-3) at Fairmont Prep (8-2)
St. Anthony (5-5) at Rio Hondo Prep (6-3)
Animo Leadership (4-6) at Boron (9-1)

Former Taft of Woodland Hills standout Larry Drew, Jr. made his debut for North Carolina Saturday in a nonconference game against visiting Penn.

Drew came off the bench as the back-up to point guard Ty Lawson.

Drew played 12 minutes, had one point, three rebounds, two assists and two turnovers. he did not attempt a shot from the field.

1. Notre Dame (10-0) - Ranked No. 1 in nation by Maxpreps
2. Oaks Christian (10-0) - Outscored Tri-Valley league competition by 53.6 points
3. Saugus (7-3) - Foothill League champs hoping for preferential playoff seed
4. Alemany (9-1) - RB Malcolm Marable: 1,380 yards, 19 TDs
5. Moorpark (9-1) - Registered third shutout in 35-0 win over Westlake
6. Valencia (8-2) - Not bad after going 2-8 two years ago
7. Thousand Oaks (9-1) - Proved it could win close game with 27-26 win over N.P.
8. Palmdale (9-1) - Been a long time since Falcons have faced tough opponent
9. Taft (9-1) - Still celebrating 34-22 comeback victory over nemesis Birmingham
10. Crespi (6-4) - Perhaps the most disappointing season in Celts' long history
11. Birmingham (5-5) - Defense let team down in crucial loss to Taft
12. Westlake (6-4) - Stumbled badly in 35-0 loss to Moorpark
13. Newbury Park (7-3) - Sneaks into playoffs as fourth-place team
14. Hart (5-5) - Coach Herrington, in 20th season, has advanced to quarters or better every year
15. Quartz Hill (9-1) - Hard to gauge but could be a dangerous factor in playoffs
16. St. Francis (6-4) - Must pray for at-large berth after shocking loss to Chaminade
17. Canyon (6-4) - Failed to make playoffs for second year in row
18. Harvard-Westlake (7-2-1) - How will H.W. ever get by Serra and Oaks Christian in playoffs?
19. Agoura (5-5) - RB Lucky Radley surpasses 1,000 yards
20. Arleta (10-0) - Too bad Invitational entry won't be tested in Championship division

By finishing 10-0, state power Oaks Christian of Westlake Village is 97--9 all-time, a winning percentage of .915. The Lions, who undoubtedly will be seeded No. 1 in the Northwest Division playoffs, have won five consecutive Southern Section titles. ...

Burbank (5-5), tied for the fourth in the Pacific League, won a coin flip to qualify for the league's last playoff spot over Glendale and Arcadia. ...

Burroughs of Burbank offensive lineman Sebastian Valenzuela, listed at 6-foot-2, 327 pounds, is remarkably agile for his size, partly because he has a soccer background, having played futbol and not football until he was 13 years old.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

After winning two consecutive City Section championships and four over the past six seasons, Birmingham of Lake Balboa (5-5) is a bit miffed about being seeded ninth this season - and being forced to open the playoffs on the road Thursday at Garfield of L.A.

Birmingham played a much more difficult schedule than most City teams, and its only loss to a City opponent was a 34-22 defeat to third-seeded Taft this past Thursday. San Fernando, seeded sixth, was among the teams awarded favorable treatment over Birmingham, mostly because the Tigers won the Valley Mission League title despite lighter nonleague competition.

"We played within a minute of Taft, and I kept telling everyone that (at the seeding meeting Saturday)," Croson said. "We played the No. 1 team in the nation (Notre Dame) and scored 27 points on them. Who has San Fernando played? They lost to Littlerock. Do you give that same weight as losing to Notre Dame?"

But Croson and his players have resigned themselves not to complain further, he said.

"It doesn't matter. We'll play whoever they've got," Croson said. "We're OK with playing Garfield on the road. If they want us to play (top-seeded) Narbonne in the first round, let's go. We're going to give it our best."

CITY SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFFS
First round, Thursday 7 p.m.
Washington (5-5) at Narbonne (9-1) - Top-seeded Narbonne could see two-time champ Birmingham in second round
Birmingham (5-5) at Garfield (6-4) - Rematch of opening 29-28 win by Garfield
Fremont (6-4) vs. Jordan (6-4) at TBA - Jordan QB/DL James Boyd is a man among boys
Banning (4-6) at Crenshaw (7-2) - Fourth-seeded Crenshaw's team speed should be the difference
Locke (5-4) at Taft (9-1) - Third-seeded Taft coming off emotional 34-22 comeback victory over Birmingham
Dorsey (7-3) at San Fernando (7-3) - Sixth-seeded San Fernando should be stoked with its position
Carson (5-5) at Venice (5-5) - Both are happy to be granted a new season
Sylmar (7-3) at San Pedro (9-1) - Sylmar shooting for a big upset over No. 2 Pirates

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

What a shock Crespi High of Encino, for most of the year ranked among the top prep football teams in California, won't be going to playoffs after losing all three Serra League games - including a 14-13 loss to Loyola or L.A. on Friday that put a thud to the Celts' season.

"I'm definitely bummed out. I wasn't able to get the job done for the team," said quarterback Bryan Bennett, a returning starter who led Crespi to the 2007 Pac-5 Division final. "It hurts, but now we'll work hard for next year, hit the weight room, get faster and all that."

Bennett conceded the vibe was different this season - and not in a good way.
"We've got to come together as a team. I think we lacked a little intensity compared to last year," Bennett said.

Crespi will have no excuses next season. The Celts return most of their top players, including Bennett, running backs Brad Lattanzio and Rhasheed Johnson, offensive linemen Hroniss Grasu, Mike Mitchell and Ben Loth, tight end Pierce Richardson, receiver/defensive backs Kevin Williams and Blake Stanton and defensive lineman Reggie Coates.

Meanwhile, as big a shock as Crespi not making the playoffs was Chaminade of West Hills managing to sneak in. The Eagles (2-8) had lost eight in a row, six by two touchdowns or more, before pulling out a 39-34 victory Friday at St. Francis of La Canada, then winning a post-game coin flip for the Mission League's second and final Western Division playoff spot.

Chaminade's Tim Rowley caught five passes for 110 yards and touchdowns of 11 and 89 yards.

"I feel like we have new life, that luck is finally turning our way," Rowley said. "It was a long losing streak, but we never gave up. The team has finally pulled together, and I think we can keep it going."

Added kicker Matt Goudis: "I think it's great. I'm excited for the whole team. We definitely have a lot more energy now."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Following its 54-7 Prep League loss Friday night to Rio Hondo Prep of Arcadia, Flintridge Prep of La Canada Flintridge won't have much time to regroup before taking the field at 8 a.m. today at Pasadena Poly.

The Rebels (3-6, 3-2) finished in a three-way tie for second with Chadwick of Rancho Palos Verdes (6-4, 3-2) and Webb of Claremont (4-5, 3-2), forcing the league to use a California tiebreaker to determine its Nos. 2 and 3 entries behind Rio Hondo Prep (6-3, 4-1) for the Southern Section Northeast Division playoffs, which will be determined Sunday.

Chadwick, which defeated Viewpoint of Calabasas 31-0, played its way into the tiebreaker Friday after Webb defeated Pasadena Poly 15-0 on Thursday and Flintridge Prep lost Friday.

During the regular season, Flintridge Prep defeated both Chadwick (14-13) and Webb (21-6), but a 28-14 loss to Pasadena Poly, combined with the setback to Rio Hondo Prep, put the Rebels in danger of not making the playoffs should it not defeat at least one team in today's tiebreaker. Webb defeated Chadwick 6-0 during their regular-season meeting.

The first team to defeat both opponents under the tiebreaker format -- which gives each team possession at the opponent's 25-yard line and four downs to advance the ball, similar to the overtime rule -- will qualify for the playoffs as the league's No. 2 entry. The winner between the remaining two teams will secure the league's No. 3 entry.

Since Chadwick is the only team of the three to boast a record of at least .500, the Dolphins could petition for an at-large berth if they don't advance out of the tiebreaker. But as a result of their sub-.500 records, Flintridge Prep and Webb must qualify through the tiebreaker in order to compete in the postseason.

Pressure? What pressure?

With the Serra League championship on the line, Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks dominated once again Friday, capping a perfect regular season with a 56-21 victory over visiting Bishop Amat of La Puente.

Ryan Kasdorf completed 17 of 20 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns, and he rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown on seven carries to carry the Knights (10-0, 5-0).

Kasdorf has had a remarkable junior season. He has completed 148 of 205 - a 72.2 percent completion rate - for 2,931 yards and 32 touchdowns. He has also rushed for more than 500 yards and scored five touchdowns.

Notre Dame, ranked No. 1 in the nation by Maxpreps, should be among the top seeds in the Pac-5 playoffs beginning next Friday.

The Knights amassed 414 yards - which is actually slightly below their average.

Chris McNeill totaled nine catches for 147 yards, and he scored three touchdowns on receptions of 10 and 25 yards and a 41-yard interception return.

"It feels good to win the league title. It's something we've been working for all year," McNeill said. "I think this team has really come together. We want to show what we can do tonight and come out with a lot of intensity so we can be ready for the playoffs."

Bishop Amat (7-3, 1-2), coached by former Paraclete of Lancaster coach Steve Hagerty, finished third in the four-team league and is hoping to qualify for the Pac-5's one at-large berth.

For now, the Lancers are in recovery mode.

"We just faced a really good football team," Hagerty said. "They have it rolling, and we were just happy to be in a game like this."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Chaminade of West Hills, a major disappointment all season long, saved its season friday night with a victory against St. Francis of La Canada-Flintridge.

The Eagles (2-8, 1-2) then won a coin flip and be the No. 2 representative from the Mission League.

Chaminade defeated St. Francis 39-34 in the regular-season finale Friday night, then secured the Mission League's No. 2 entry in the Western Division playoffs by winning a three-way coin flip with St. Francis and St. Paul following the game.

Alemany won the league title with a 33-13 victory over St. Paul, which finished tied with Chaminade and St. Francis at 1-2 in league.

St. Francis, which defeated St. Paul 15-14, has the advantage in petitioning for an at-large berth for the Western Division playoffs. The pairings will be released Sunday.

Be sure to catch the football playoff seeding show at 11 a.m. Sunday live at www.dailynews.com/preps

Not much of a surprise here, as Notre Dame and its prolific quarterback Ryan Kasdorf are doing a number on Bishop Amat, as the Knights lead 28-7 at halftime.

Kasdorf completed his first 10 passes, and through two quarters he is 11 of 13 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Chris McNeill and Kenny Boggs have both scored twice for Notre Dame, which trailed 7-0.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Here we are at Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks for the final game of the season against Bishop Amat, and the Serra League title is on the line.

Notre Dame, led by quarterback Ryan Kasdorf, is 9-0, 2-0 -- and ranked No. 1 in the nation by Maxpreps -- and upset-minded Bishop Amat is 7-2, 1-1.

Here's a scoop from my learned collegue Fred Robeldo from the San Gabriel Tribune: Bishop Amat quarterback Jerry McClanahan is benched for the first half because he was late to a meeting this morning.

Oh, and if there are any coin flips necessary tonight -- could happen, based on what goes down with Crespi-Loyola down the way on Ventura Boulevard -- the festivities are slated for late tonight at a nearby El Torito.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Here we are at Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks for the final game of the season against Bishop Amat, and the Serra League title is on the line.

Notre Dame, led by quarterback Ryan Kasdorf, is 9-0, 2-0 -- and ranked No. 1 in the nation by Maxpreps -- and upset-minded Bishop Amat is 7-2, 1-1.

Here's a scoop from my learned collegue Fred Robeldo from the San Gabriel Tribune: Bishop Amat quarterback Jerry McClanahan is benched for the first half because he was late to a meeting this morning.

Oh, and if there are any coin flips necessary tonight -- could happen, based on what goes down with Crespi-Loyola down the way on Ventura Boulevard -- the festivities are slated for late tonight at a nearby El Torito.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

So dominant for so many years, Birmingham High of Lake Balboa found out what it's like on the other side Thursday, surrendering three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 34-22 loss to visiting Taft that cost the two-time City champion Patriots the West Valley League football title.

D.J. Morgan scored on a 65-yard pass from Bam Goodall with just over a minute remaining for the go-ahead touchdown, and Oliver Johnson followed with a 51-yard interception return to rub Birmingham's nose in it.

"We were behind, and I just knew we had to score," Morgan said. "I feel good, but it's just a regular-season win. Our goal is to win the City championship, and we still need to get better."

Taft intercepted Morey Croson three times over the final five minutes.

"I just knew we had it in our hearts to do this," Johnson said.

The victory snapped a five-game winning streak for Birmingham (5-5, 4-1), which has won four City titles over the past six seasons but has not been the same this year after graduating most of its key players, including City Player of the Year Milton Knox, the City's all-time leading rusher and scorer.

Taft (9-1, 5-0) should be a top-four seed when playoff pairings are announced Saturday. Birmingham is still in the picture, but this year instead of being the top seed as usual, the Patriots must fight their way from the bottom.

"We just need to stay together and to stay strong," Birmingham lineman Timote Tonga said. "That's all we've got to do - just stay together and believe we'll see Taft again."

Morgan, a junior who has committed to USC, rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries and caught three passes for 99 yards, including the 65-yard touchdown.

Birmingham's Trajuan Briggs rushed for 123 yards on 18 carries and scored on three touchdowns and two two-point conversions.

Taft totaled 305 yards and Birmingham finished with 295.

It's anyone's game here at Birmingham, as Trajuan Briggs has scored twice for Birmingham and D.J. Morgan has scored twice for Taft -- all four on short runs.

The West Valley League title is on the line. Lots of big hits, not many big plays. Stay tuned.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Not much offense here at Birmingham High, where the host Patriots are trailing Taft 7-6 at halftime, the teams combining for 188 yards (Birmingham 99, Taft 89).

Taft scored on a 9-yard run by D.J. Morgan, and Birmingham scored on a 6-yard run by Trajuan Briggs.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

It's a great rivalry tonight, Birmingham against visiting Taft, and the West Valley League title is on the line. Birmingham is 5-4, 4-0 and Taft is 8-1, 4-0, with the playoffs beginning next Thursday.

Unseasonably warm night, full moon, so anything is possible.

No score, two minutes remaining in the first ...

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Heading into the final game of the regular season, Notre Dame is ranked No. 1 in the nation by Maxpreps -- a one spot move from last week. BTW, Long Beach Poly is No. 3.

gerry,gittelson@dailynews.com

The Pierce College mens basketball team opened up its season over the weekend at the Los Angeles City College tournament.

The Brahmas went 1-2, beating L.A. Harbor and losing to San Bernardino Valley and East L.A.

Pierce came home on Wednesday night for its home opener but lost to L.A. City, 69-66.

Former Cleveland of Reseda guard Corey Duncan scored 11 points and former Ribet Academy of Los Angeles guard Bertrand Kamga had 11 assists.

Viewpoint of Calabasas will host a boys basketball tournament Dec. 29-Jan. 3

The tournament will feature 12 teams, mostly all small schools

Here is the team list. The schedule will be released later this month.

Here are the 12 teams
Viewpoint
St. Monica
SOCES
St. Genevieve
Hillcrest Christian/Granada Hills
L.A. Baptist
Marshall Fundamental
Malibu
Western Christian
Pasadena Poly
Bosco Tech
Rolling Hills Prep

Hart infielder Cade Kreuter has signed with USC despite being relegated to the JV team as a junior last season because of transfer restrictions after arriving from Valencia. Hart is his third school after beginning at West Ranch.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

With 28 scholarship offers, it all came down to one Wednesday for Keegan Hornbuckle, as the 6-foot-6 forward from Campbell Hall signed with Colorado on the first day of the early signing period.

"I feel good now that I could finally make it official," Hornbuckle said. "I look forward to finishing out the high school season and going to Colorado next year. I just really like the team and the coaching staff.

Hornbuckle is the fifth Campbell Hall player over the past four years to sign with a D-I university.

"Keegan blew up and from a mid-major recruit to a high-major recruit," Campbell Hall coach Terry Kelly said. "He's one of the more athletic kids I've seen."

Keegan is the third Hornbuckle brother to sign a D-I scholarship, following Mike (Pepperdine) and Matt (Santa Clara. now at Moorpark JC), both of whom attended Oaks Christian.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Eagle Rock High football coach Johnny Lopez, still feeling the
effects of being physically assaulted at practice last week, plans to
return to work Wednesday.

Lopez was hospitalized last Thursday after allegedly being speared in
the back by an unidentifed former player. Reportedly, the player
put on a helmet and hit Lopez when the coach was not looking, then
ran away and climbed the school fence -- while Eagle Rock's players
looked on and reportedly did nothing to help.

"I'm a little sore but I'm all right," said Lopez, 47. "What am I going to say? It happened, but there isn't anything I can do about it now. I've never experienced anything like this before, but I've just got to roll with the punches."

Lopez said he is cooperating with the police and expects the attacker to be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, though it is not clear if anyone has been arrested.

Attempts to obtain information about the incident from the Northeast Division of the Los Angeles Police Department have been unsuccessful.

"I had never seen the (attacker) in my life but the cops know who he is," said Lopez, who is in his first season at Eagle Rock. "The last I heard, the police are looking for him but I don't know if they've caught him. ... I will press charges."

The alleged suspect was a starting linebacker for Eagle Rock last season, according to sources.

In the aftermath, Eagle Rock forfeited its game this past Friday at Belmont. The Eagles (3-6) finish the regular season Friday at 7 p.m. at Franklin (7-2).

Lopez said he plans to return as coach next season.

"I'm not going anywhere," he said. "You can get mad, and I am mad, but I can't do anything about it. If I think too much about it, it'll just get you sick. I'll let the police and God handle it."

Eagle Rock offensive coordinator Ken Shaw, who also works security at the school, said he wished he could have arrived at practice three minutes earlier Thursday to prevent the attack.

"It was a very cowardly thing to do," Shaw said. "It puts a big shame on our school and a big shame on our football program. But Johnny Lopez is a tough guy."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Basketball practice has begun at Campbell Hall of North Hollywood, as the Vikings - minus graduated All-American Jrue Holiday (now at UCLA) - are hoping to win their fourth Southern Section championship and fourth state title over five seasons.

With four experienced players returning, including returning standouts Keegan Hornbuckle, Austin McBroom and James Johnson, there remains one starting spot open. Among those competing is sophomore K.J. Smith, half brother of returning Taft of Woodland Hills standout Justin Hawkins.

"K.J. is going to be phenomenal," Campbell Hall coach Terry Kelly said. f

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

After winning consecutive Southern Section Northern Division football championships in 2005 and 2006 - along with the 2006 CIF State Div. I Bowl championship - it looks like Canyon won't make the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

With no at-large spots in the Northern Division playoffs, Canyon (5-4, 2-2 in the Foothill League) must not only defeat first-place Saugus (6-3, 4-0) on Friday but hope Golden Valley (3-6, 0-4), which has never come within 21 points of a league victory in the school's three years in the league, defeats Hart (4-5, 2-2), which has qualified for the playoffs 24 years in a row.

"Our chances are pretty slim and none," second-year coach Chris Varner said.

In the meantime, Canyon quarterback Jordan Adamczyk has passed for 2,333 yards and 23 touchdowns, including four 300-yard performances and 16 touchdowns over the past six weeks.

"Jordan is by far the best quarterback in the (Santa Clarita) Valley. He's done really well," Varner said. "He's been contacted by Fresno State, Kansas State, Boise State, Idaho State and SDSU, and if one of them doesn't give him a scholarship, they're crazy.

"And you couldn't ask for a better kid - no attitude malfunctions, nothing like that. Just a straight shooter."

Zena Edosomwan is a promising freshman boys' basketball player at Harvard-Westlake of Studio City, a 6-foot-5, 200-pounder who is a slam-dunk jumper. However, the plan is to bring Edosomwan along slowly by placing him on the frosh team this coming season.

"Generally, we like to keep the freshmen together," varsity coach Greg Hilliard said. "Zena is big and strong and good fundamentally, but he just needs to adjust to the speed of the game."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

With the early signing period looming, L.A. Baptist softball player Jazmin Rodriguez has committed to Long Island, where she'll join her friend Bianca Mejia, a former El Camino Real standout.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Crespi running back Jeremiah McKibbons has committed to Army.

He has rushed for 833 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in eight games for the Celts, who are faced with a must-win situation Friday in the season finale vs. Loyola if they want to remain eligible for the Pac-5 playoffs.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Burbank High will host the 40th annual "Bulldog Classic" December 1-6.

Here is the schedule.

Monday Dec. 1
Mark Keppel vs. Arcadia, 3:30 p.m.
San Marino vs. LaSalle, 5 p.m.
Roosevelt vs. Burbank, 6:30 p.m.
Glendale vs. View Park Prep, 8 p.m.

Tuesday Dec. 2
Royal vs. San Marino, 3:30 p.m.
Arcadia vs. Agoura, 5 p.m.
University vs. Glendale, 6:30 p.m.
Renaissance Academy vs. Roosevelt, 8 p.m.

Wednesday Dec. 3
View Park Prep vs. University, 3:30 p.m.
Agoura vs. Mark Keppel, 5 p.m.
Renaissance Academy vs. Burbank, 6:30 p.m.
LaSalle vs. Royal, 8 p.m.

The tournament continues through Saturday. The championship game is slated for 6 p.m. Saturday Dec. 6

This could one of the bigger events in boys basketball over the past several years.

The War on the Floor Extravaganza is scheduled for January 24, 2009 at Santa Monica City College.

Here is the schedule.

Two UCLA recruits will be playing. Sylmar's Tyler Honeycutt and Modesto Christian's Reeves Nelson. Also, Campbell Hall of North Hollywood features Colorado-commit Keegan Hornbuckle. Montclair Prep has Daymond Cowlah, who has been offered by Loyola of Maryland and Twenty-nine Palms has top grid-hoop star Montreal Harris.

SYLMAR VS. CLEVELAND 6:15 P.M.
CAMPBELL HALL VS. MOD. CHRISTIAN 8 P.M.
GRANITE HILLS VS. RENAISSANCE ACAD. 1 P.M.
BRENTWOOD VS. VAN NUYS 11:30 A.M.
PACIFIC HILLS VS. PRICE 4:00 P.M.
MONTCLAIR PREP VS. 29 PALMS 2:30 P.M.

For more information on this event, contact Bort Escoto at bort@icommnetwork.net

Apparently the David Shepard-Dykes experiment at Taft is over.

The guard from Oxnard, who transferred to Taft before the school year started is on the move again.

Shepard-Dykes is moving to Texas according to coach Derrick Taylor.

The point guard position is now up for grabs. Maybe freshman Landon Drew will step to the forefront.

Taft open the season December 1 at the Westchester of Los Angeles tournament

Infielder Alex DeLeon of El Camino Real has committed to Kansas, picking the Jayhawks over Nevada.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Westchester High School is hosting a boys basketball tournament Dec. 1-6.

Three teams from the area are participating.

Defending City Section champion Taft of woodland Hills, Birmingham of Lake Balboa and Arleta.

Here is the first-round schedule.

Taft vs. Westchester JV, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Inglewood vs. Birmingham, Dec. 1 at 3 p.m.
Washington vs. Arleta, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
King-Drew vs. Leuzinger, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m.

Gardena vs. Westchester, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Windward vs. Morningside, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.
Dominguez vs. Carson, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
Hawthorne vs. Bishop Montgomery, Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Canyon of Canyon Country is hosting it's ninth annual boys basketball tournament December 10-13.

Here is the schedule for the first day.

Wed. Dec. 10
Kennedy vs. Highland, 3 p.m.
Lancaster vs. Newbury Park, 4:30 p.m.
Valencia vs. Grant, 6 p.m.
Poly vs. Canyon, 7:30 p.m.

Games continue Dec. 11, Dec. 12 and Dec. 13.

The championship game is scheduled for Saturday dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

Notre Dame leads 27-0 against Loyola of Los Angeles at Glendale High

Ryan Kasdorf has completed 12 of 15 passes for 197 yards including three touchdowns and has rushed for another touchdown.

Notre Dame leads 27-0 against Loyola of Los Angeles at Glendale High

Ryan Kasdorf has completed 12 of 15 passes for 197 yards including three touchdowns and has rushed for another touchdown.

Antelope Valley picked a perfect time for its first victory of the season Friday, christening its refurbished football stadium by defeating Lancaster 32-10 - which means second-year coach Brett Pape will not be the first in Antelope Valley history to finish winless.

"It's a big weight lifted off our shoulders. I feel good," Pape said. "A lot of people were calling and trying to figure out if Antelope Valley had ever gone winless. I went back like 50 years, talked to some people, and couldn't find one, and the consensus was it has never happened. You hear that kind of talk, and nobody wants to be the first."

Palmdale coach Jeff Williams can relate. He has gone winless twice, including his first season in 1991.

"The two times I went 0-10, I actually did my best coaching back then," Williams said. "When you have a small talent pool with kids who have no football background, believe me, that's when you do your best coaching."

In preparation Friday, a special campus "football assembly" was conducted during fourth period, as the band played the school fight song. A large crowd of well-wishers showed up for the kickoff, including former longtime coach Brent Newcomb - "he stood about 20 feet away from me all night," Pape said - along with former players such as Lee D'Errico, a linebacker on Antelope Valley's first section-championship team in 1976, and Peter Holt, a former kicker who played at San Diego State and traveled across the country for the game.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

BIG NIGHT FOR SAUGUS

Saugus defeated host Valencia 31-24 on Friday to clinch the Foothill League championship - the first league title in 27 years for the Centurions since winning the Golden League championship in 1981.

Naturally, coach Jason Bornn was showered with Gatorade after the game, as Saugus fans stormed the field and celebrated like it was the Super Bowl.

"I didn't like the Gatorade much. I would have rather it had been water because Gatorade gets all sticky," Bornn said. "I ruined a pair of shoes, but it was worth it."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Malcolm Jones, a star running back and linebacker who has scored 27 touchdowns for Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, is scheduled to miss two to three weeks after separating his shoulder Friday in a 49-6 victory over Santa Clara.

"It's disappointing," Jones said. "The doctor told me it's a grade-three separation from where the bone connects."

Jones, a 6-foot, 215-pound junior, was injured late in the third quarter after totaling 156 yards on 10 carries and two receptions for 67 yards. He scored on runs of 60 and 50 yards and a 48-yard reception - all in the first half as Oaks Christian built a 22-point lead. Jones was also in on about 10 tackles.

Jordan Morrison is slated to replace Jones at running back.

"I think it actually hurts us more defensively than offensively," Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said. "Jordan is a talented guy. We have to keep winning until we get Malcolm back."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Former Saugus cross country standout Katie Dunn helped Glendale Community College move another step closer to defending its state title Friday, finishing fourth in 18 minutes, 3.99 seconds to lead the Vaqueros to a victory with 68 points at the Southern California regional final at Kern County Soccer Park in Bakersfield.

Thanks to information obtained from Saugus assistant Kathryn Nelson -- who was in attendance supporting Dunn -- it was learned that a wrong turn from defending state champion Crystal Reed of Orange Coast in the first mile led to a 27th-place finish on the 5-kilometer course in 19:01.32, resulting in a third-place finish for Orange Coast (79) behind Southwestern (77).

It appears the three teams will battle it out for state supremacy Nov. 22 at Woodward Park in Fresno, as Glendale ran three seconds faster as a team than Orange Coast and eight seconds ahead of Southwestern.

Orange Coast's Cassie Mitchell won the race in 17:48.99 and Andrea Guerra took eighth in 18:26.34. But Glendale placed three runners in front of Orange Coast's third and all five scoring runners in front of Orange Coast's fourth and Southwestern's fifth to repeat as Southern California champion.

Justina Sadauskaite took sixth (18:21.06), Brigette Fernandez was 15th (18:47.02), Rosa Del Toro placed 20th (18:51.87) and Angie Gonzalez finished 26th (19:00.76) for the Vaqueros, who had a 56-second margin between their Nos. 1 and 5 runners, compared to 1:15 for Orange Coast and 1:23 for Southwestern.

Moorpark's Madelyn Stoltz (18:48) placed 18th, helping the Raiders finish 12th. COC took 16th.

In the men's race, Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta graduate Nathan Sellers took second in the 4-mile competition in 20:06.43, trailing El Camino's Steven Calise (20:04.47).

College of the Canyons' Stephen Kent was 14th (20:31.13) and Valley College's Andrew Salg (20:39.95), who won the Southern California preview meet Oct. 3 in 20:21.80, finished 19th.

Glendale finished 10th in the team competition, enough to advance to the state meet. COC took 15th, Valley was 18th and Antelope Valley finished 28th.

Before the Saugus High football team defeated Valencia 31-24 Friday night to secure at least a share of the Foothill League title, the Centurions girls' cross country team achieved another impressive feat by ascending to the No. 1 ranking according to Harrier Magazine, marking the first time in program history Saugus has occupied the top spot in Marc Bloom's Super 25 national poll.

Saugus was enjoying its fourth week -- second in its current stint -- as the nation's top-ranked team according to Mile Split Network, but Harrier Magazine is considered the primary source when it comes to recognizing the top runners and programs throughout the country.

Saugus and Fayetteville-Manlius of New York had traded off occupying the top spot in the Mile Split Network top 15, but two-time Nike national champion had been ahead of the Centurions since season's outset in the Harrier poll.

Saugus actually started at No. 3 in the Harrier Magazine rankings, also trailing New York's Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, which is now ranked No. 11.

But in Bloom's fourth installment of the Harrier poll, he couldn't ignore Saugus' record-setting performance Oct. 25 at the Mt. SAC Invitational, where the Centurions lowered their course record to 88 minutes, 18 seconds on the 2.95-mile layout.

The last area girls' cross country team to finish the season ranked No. 1 nationally by Harrier Magazine was Agoura in 1991. The same year, the Hart of Newhall boys' cross country team also finished as the top-ranked team in the nation.

Both Saugus cross country teams won varsity titles at Thursday's Foothill championship meet. A victory Nov. 14 by the Centurions football team over Canyon would secure the league title outright.

There was a thought Oaks Christian High might finally be in for a challenge Friday against Santa Clara of Oxnard, riding a 18-game winning streak and featuring Notre Dame-bound running back Cierre Wood.

Didn't happen.

Oaks Christian defeated the visiting Saints 49-6 before a standing-room only crowd and a Fox Sports Net television audience.

Wood broke off a couple of nice runs on the first series but was held in check, finishing with 119 yards in 23 carries, including just 45 yards over his final 16 carries, and he did not score a touchdown.

And just as he predicted, Oaks Christian's Malcolm Jones outperformed Wood. The junior rushed for 156 yards on 10 carries, caught two passes for 64 yards, and scored three long touchdowns before calling in a night in the third quarter after injuring his right shoulder.

With one game remaining, the victory clinched the Tri-Valley League championship, but Oaks Christian (9-0, 4-0) has bigger plans. The Lions almost surely will enter the Northwest Division playoffs undefeated, and they're shooting for their sixth consecutive Southern Section championship and perhaps a second CIF State Div. III Bowl appearance after winning it in 2006.

Oaks Christian amassed 467 yards and has yet to be held to fewer than 34 points in a game.

Nick Montana completed 9 of 16 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, and he scored on a 9-yard run.

Any UCLA fans out there?

You won't want to miss this one.

Windward of Los Angeles and Sylmar will play a scrimmage in boys baskeball Tuesday Nov. 25 at Sylmar at 7 p.m..

Windward features UCLA-commit Anthony Stover, a 6-foot-9 forward who can block shots with the best of them.

Sylmar features athletic wing and UCLA-commit Tyler Honeycutt.

It should be a great head to head match-up of two future college stars

It took a while, but once Oaks Christian got into groove, it was quite impressive, as the Lions lead 28-6 at the half.

After spotting Santa Clara a 3-0 lead, Jones scored on 60-yard run. Two snaps later, Montana hit Brian Owusu on a 56-yard touchdown pass, soon followed by Jones' 50-yard touchdown run, then a 48-yard touchown pass from Montana to Jones.

Through two quarters, Jones rushed 121 yards on seven carries, caught two passes for 64 yards, and scored three touchdowns - all of 48 yards or longer - as Oaks led by 22 points.

Meantime, Jones' counterpart, Cierre Wood, was held in check. He broke off a few nice runs in the first quarter but was limited to 33 yards over his final nine carries of the first half, totaling 90 yards on 14 carries at the half.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Well, here I am ready for the Oaks Christian-Santa Clara, and i'm pumped. We're on the Santa Clara side at a press table, and FSN Prime Ticket is here, too.

It's two undefeated teams and two great running backs -- Oaks Chrisitan's Malcolm Jones vs. Santa Clara's Cierre Wood -- and the place is already nearly packed.

I'll update when I can.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Eagle Rock has cancelled its game at Belmont in Los Angeles tonight after Eagle Rock coach Johnny Lopez was allegedly assaulted from behind Thursday by a former player who, according to reports, speared Lopez with a helmet in the back, then jumped the fence as Eagle Rock's players looked on.

"Someone hit him with a helmet, a former defensive lineman who was hanging out with us," said senior lineman Nick Obregon, who witnessed the event but wished not to reveal the ex-player's name. "Everyone was antagonizing (the former player), saying he wasn't down to do it, and that they would pay him five bucks to hit (Lopez) with his helmet. Coach (Lopez) went down for about 10 seconds. He didn't even chase him, just reached for his radio."

Obregon said Lopez was taken to the hospital.

Practice had just been cancelled Thursday because not enough players dressed, according to sources.

Eagle Rock principal Salvador Velasco announced through the school intercom system that tonight's game was cancelled "due to not enough practice," McKay said.

Lopez and Velasco were not available for comment today.

"The kids were upset when they heard the annoucement," said Mike McKay, an Eagle Rock teacher and former assistant coach. "If I was Belmont, I would be ticked off. There's a lot of frustration, and people have done some dumb things."

Belmont head coach Robert Levy was not available.

Belmont assistant John Cunino said: "I'd rather not comment. It's not my place."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

2008 Winter Slam Jam Boys Basketball Tournament
December 8 thru 13 at Malibu High

Pool A: Sierra Canyon, Canoga Park, St. Genevieve
Pool B: Los Angeles, Blair, Downtown Business
Pool C: L.A.C.E.S., Bell-Jeff, Panorama
Pool D: Malibu, Hillcrest Chr., Cornerstone Chr.

Monday Dec. 8
3 p.m. Los Angeles vs. Downtown Business
4:30 p.m. Bell-Jeff vs. Panorama
6 p.m. Sierra Canyon vs. Canoga Park
7:30 p.m. Hillcrest Chr. vs. Malibu

Tuesday Dec. 9
2:30 p.m. Los Angeles vs. Blair
4 p.m. St. Genevieve vs. Sierra Canyon
7 p.m. L.A.C.E.S. vs. Bell-Jeff
8:30 p.m. Malibu vs. Cornerstone Chr.

Wednesday Dec. 10
3 p.m. Blair vs. Downtown Business
4:30 p.m. Cornerstone Chr. vs. Hillcrest Chr.
6 p.m. St. Genevieve vs. Canoga Park
7:30 p.m. L.A.C.E.S. vs. Panorama

Thursday Dec. 11
3 p.m. Pool C #3 vs. Pool D #3
4:30 p.m. Pool A #3 vs. Pool B #3
6 p.m. Pool C #2 vs. Pool D #2
7:30 p.m. Pool A #2 vs. Pool B #2

Friday Dec. 12
2:30 p.m. T.B.A.
7 p.m. Pool A #1 vs. Pool B #1
8:30 p.m. Pool C #1 vs. Pool D #1

Saturday Dec. 13
12 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
3 p.m.
4:30 p.m. Third Place Game, Friday 7 p.m. loser vs. Friday 8:30 p.m. loser
6 p.m. Championship Game, Friday 7 p.m. winner vs. Friday 8:30 p.m. winner

Kaylin Mahoney continued to find comfort Thursday in knowing her teammates were right on her heels.

It didn't sound like the ideal approach to winning a Foothill League title, but the Saugus sophomore enjoyed the challenge presented by teammates Brianna Jauregui and Anne Randall, who both finished within six seconds of the top-ranked runner in the state in Div. II, but couldn't prevent Mahoney from capturing the league title in 17 minutes, 36 seconds.

"I tried. I really tried my best. I was right there, but I just couldn't catch her," said Jauregui, who covered the 3-mile layout in 17:39, a 40-second improvement from her last race Sept. 25 at Castaic Lake. "I got it in my head when my brother (Brandon) won (the boys' varsity race) that I could do it. But I'll have to try again next time."

Mahoney, Jauregui and Randall ran together in the lead pack for most of the race, before Mahoney created the necessary separation in the final half-mile.

"I was running right with her, but she just pulled away on that final hill," said Randall, who clocked 17:42. "But I just have to remind myself that didn't even break 19 minutes last time I raced here, so I can't be too unhappy."

Mahoney, who dropped 30 seconds from her mark at the first league meet, won her seventh race this year, despite another strong challenge from her teammates.

"We train like that together all the time, so I feel like I'm in a good place when I'm running with them," Mahoney said. "It's important that I defend my spot as No. 1 runner on the team, but I like it better when I'm running with them because it's really all about the team and what we want to accomplish as a group."

Aside from intense training, good coaching and effective recovery methods, another main reason for Saugus' success is the Centurions' ability to derive motivation from any situation.

That drive was on display again Thursday at the Foothill League championship meet on the 3-mile course at Castaic Lake when the Centurions accomplished something they had never before achieved in program history by sweeping the top seven spots -- hence, the entire all-league roster -- in the girls' varsity race, led by Kaylin Mahoney's victory in 17 minutes, 36 seconds.

"That was our goal coming in. We had to prove to everyone that we have improved," Mahoney said. "With the postseason and nationals coming up, we had to let everybody around the nation know that we've stepped up and we're ready to run against the best teams in the country. The coaches and us had a long pep talk (Wednesday) to get us pumped up about (the postseason), so finishing 1 through 7 was something we had to do (Thursday)."

In doing so, they lowered an already impressive mark of 92:36 from the first league meet Sept. 25 to an incredible 89:01, setting the stage for a memorable next month at Mt. SAC, Woodward Park and the Nike Cross Nationals in Oregon.

"It was a good day," said a modest Saugus coach Rene Paragas. "The thing is we ran hard at the first league meet, so to drop that much time is very encouraging."

Words like "amazing", "incredible" and "scary" were the ones being used by the Saugus runners to describe their performance, which featured Anne Randall dropping 1:27 from the first league meet, Stephanie Bulder 1:16, Keri Molt 53 seconds, Brianna Jauregui 40 seconds, Courtney Wilson 25 seconds, Amber Murakami 23 seconds and Mahoney 30.

After no Saugus runners broke 18 minutes Sept. 25, Jauregui (17:39) and Randall (17:42) both joined Mahoney in eclipsing the barrier Thursday, with Bulder (18:01) and Molt (18:03) right on the cusp, giving Saugus an astounding 27-second gap between its scoring runners. And Murakami's sixth-place effort of 18:05 might have been the most impressive of them all, considering she lost her footing in the first mile and was tripped up by another runner, causing her to be knocked down for the second time in a race this season.

Murakami completed the run with bruised and bloody knees, which were attended to by her father Stan following the race.

"I'll probably be hobbling around for a couple of days, but I'll be OK," Murakami said. "I guess I'm getting pretty good at how fast I get up after being knocked down."

Courtney Wilson (18:22), who surged to a fourth-place effort at the second league meet Oct. 6 at Central Park, gradually pulled away from West Ranch's Bailey Miller to create an 18-second gap over the talented junior by the time she crossed the finish line, securing Saugus' sweep of the top seven spots.

Here's a recap of the team and individual champions from Thursday's Foothill League championship meet at Castaic Lake

GIRLS' FROSH/SOPH

Individual: Danielle Hernando, Saugus (19:13)
Team: Saugus 15 points

GIRLS' JUNIOR VARSITY

Individual: Natalie Malone, Saugus (20:09)
Team: Saugus 26 points

GIRLS' VARSITY

Individual: Kaylin Mahoney, Saugus (17:36)
Team: Saugus 15 points

BOYS' FROSH/SOPH

Individual: James Snow, Canyon (17:04)
Team: Saugus 31 points

BOYS' JUNIOR VARSITY

Individual: Zach McGraw, Saugus (16:57)
Team: Canyon 37 points

BOYS' VARSITY

Individual: Brandon Jauregui, Saugus (15:21)
Team: Saugus 34 points

Watching the conclusion of Thursday's boys' varsity race at the Foothill League championship meet at Castaic Lake evoked memories of the Oct. 11 showdown at the Clovis Invitational between Foothill of Bakersfield's Chris Schwartz, Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta's Zack Torres and Buchanan of Clovis' Jonathan Sanchez, as all three runners made a mad dash to the finish to end up separated by a second in the boys' sweepstakes race.

With 400 meters to go it appeared to be Brandon Jauregui's race to lose, but that was before the Saugus senior nearly turned into the middle strip of the parking lot, instead of the home stretch, almost costing him the victory.

Golden Valley's Seth Totten, who nearly collided as he made the turn with Brianna Jauregui -- Brandon's twin -- as she cheered on her brother, never backed down and caught up with Jauregui with less than 50 meters to go, before they battled stride for stride to the finish.

Although it was too close to call with the naked eye, Jauregui's time was 15:21.17 to Totten's 15:21.51 in a race no one deserved to lose.

"He ran the best race he's run all year, give him credit," Totten said. "I don't think I could've run any faster. If he beat me, it was by a half-step, if that. I thought about the dive, but I've got more races ahead of me. If it were (grass or dirt instead of concrete), I would've done it in a second."

Jauregui said afterward he felt like most of the race was a blur, but did acknowledge his near mishap at the end almost cost him a title in the final league race of his career.

"I still don't even know what happened," Jauregui said. "I did think I (cost) myself coming off that hill. To tell you the truth, I don't know where that (kick) came from."

When Totten pulled even with Jauregui, who sat out workouts Tuesday and Wednesday to rest a sore ankle, the Saugus senior dug down deep to produce one of the more memorable stretch runs of his career.

"Most guys wouldn't be able to do that," Saugus coach Rene Paragas said. "I don't know how you find it in you with 40 meters to go to be able to kick again like that. That was just incredible."

Jauregui's victory produced a 21-second PR at Castaic. Along with the support of Alec Nelson (third, 15:42), Joey Eledge (seventh, 16:17), Kevin Heinemann (11th, 16:37) and Logan Smith (12th, 16:39), the Centurions won their third straight title with 34 points.

As for Totten, who was the catalyst for Golden Valley qualifying for the Div. III prelims, he says he'll use Thursday's outcome for inspiration throughout the postseason.

"It just motivates me to work even harder," Totten said.

Danielle Hernando ran around the track a few times Monday at Saugus. She didn't run particularly fast, but she did run free from pain.

In fact, it was the first time she had run in 16 days after a leg injury had resigned the sophomore standout to riding a bicycle the previous week.

She thought it would be one of her final workouts of the season. That was until Saugus coach Rene Paragas approached her and told her what the rest of the week would hold.

"I want you to run two miles (Tuesday) and three miles Wednesday because you're going to run (in the league meet) on Thursday," Paragas said.

Competing for the first time since the Oct. 16 Foothill League meet, Hernando was one of the surprise success stories of Thursday's championship at Castaic Lake, winning the girls' frosh/soph title in 19 minutes, 13 seconds to lead Saugus' sweep of the top nine spots and 13 of the top 14.

"Usually, I like to take it out fast, but Paragas told me to run conservative the first mile, because your mind tells you you're in shape, but your body really isn't in shape," Hernando said. "So I started out in the second line instead of the first and allowed myself to follow, but the start felt kind of slow. When I saw Karis (Frankian) and Katie (Shirley) take off, I knew I couldn't let them get that far ahead."

With less than a mile to go, Hernando pulled in front and never looked back. Despite teammates Shirley (19:15), Nicole Penick (19:25), Karis Frankian (19:26) and Alex Hampton (19:31) all being within striking distance, Hernando managed to hold them off to record her second major victory of the season, following the sophomore race Oct. 4 at the Staub/Barnes Invitational at Crescenta Valley Park.

"I wasn't feeling tired, so I felt like I needed to go because I was getting anxious," Hernando said. "At first, I was scared I made move too early, but when I went up the first hill I felt good and I just wanted to hold on from there. Then, coming up that last hill, I heard Katie behind me and I guess I got a second wind or something because I was able to stay ahead of her."

Hernando's victory helped Saugus sweep the three girls' races, with fellow sophomore Kaylin Mahoney winning the varsity title in 17:36 and Natalie Malone capturing the JV championship in 20:09. She'll continue to train in hopes of running Nov. 15 at Mt. SAC at the Div. II prelims.

One of the best stories of the high school cross country season added another chapter Thursday as Golden Valley finished third in the boys' varsity race at the Foothill League championship meet at Castaic Lake, securing second place overall and a berth in the Southern Section Div. III prelims Nov. 15 at Mt. SAC.

After helping build one of the area's strongest programs with their father, Mark, at Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta, brothers Rob and Chris Evans have taken Golden Valley from the bottom half of the league to the top half of the Div. III rankings in less than two years, with their eyes on qualifying for the state meet Nov. 29 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

The second-place finish is the best for any Golden Valley athletic team in school history.

"It was a phenomenal day for our program," Chris said. "(Thursday) showed the strength of our team and our commitment to running as a pack. It was an incredible performance by these guys."

Golden Valley had taken third by a one-point margin behind Valencia in each of the first two league meets. But despite Hart's second-place finish, Golden Valley's 74 points were enough to distance the Grizzlies -- who received strong efforts from Luc Schutz and Elie Boutros -- from Canyon (87) and Valencia (92). As a result, Golden Valley finished with 12 points in the team competition, trailing Saugus (20), but finishing ahead of Hart (10) and Valencia (10).

"This is the completion of the journey that started for us in Mammoth," Rob Evans said. "Outside of the nine of us (runners and coaches), at that point, nobody else believed we could be here right now."

Although there was plenty of elation and celebration in the Golden Valley camp Thursday, the joy was tempered by a couple of close calls. Seth Totten's narrow defeat to Brandon Jauregui by 34-hundredths of a second, combined with Danny Carillo being disqualified for apparently cutting off Valencia's Falco DiGiallonardo as they raced shoulder to shoulder toward the finish had the Evans brothers and the Grizzlies runners frustrated at first, but at the end of the day it only added more motivation for Golden Valley as it prepares for the division prelims in nine days.

"Our new mantra is unfinished business," Chris said.

Although Canyon missed advancing to the Southern Section Div. II prelims following a fourth-place finish in the boys' varsity race Thursday at the Foothill League championship meet at Castaic Lake, the season will continue Nov. 15 for Cowboys standouts Anthony Pizzo and Thomas McGuan.

Pizzo and McGuan stayed with the lead pack for the first two miles, before slightly falling off the pace late in the race, but both Canyon runners managed to finish strong enough to take fourth (15:52) and fifth (15:58), resulting in individual qualifying berths for the prelims at Mt. SAC.

Despite a third-place finish in the girls' varsity race, Canyon will compete in the Div. II prelims Nov. 15, looking to advance to the division final Nov. 22. Hayley Parkinson (18:41) finished ninth and Alyssa Selve (18:45) was 11th for the Cowboys, who had 78 points to West Ranch's 69.

One of the best performances Thursday at the Foothill League finals at Lake Castaic was turned in by the Hart of Newhall boys' team, which elevated from a pair of fifth-place finishes in the two regular-season meets to take second with 70 points behind three-time champion Saugus (34).

Led by Konrad Antoniuk's sixth-place finish (16:16) and Sam Peckham's ninth-place effort (16:22), the Indians -- who had all five scoring runners in the top 20 -- managed to finish ahead of Golden Valley (74), Canyon (87) and Valencia (92) to move into a third-place tie in the overall standings with Vikings with 10 points.

Hart's performance had Indians athletic director Linda Peckham and coach Larry David checking and double-checking their math to make sure the results were accurate, but the end result was Hart advancing to the Southern Section Div. II prelims based the better finish at the league finals, offsetting a pair of second-place results from Valencia during the regular season.

One of the area's most impressive RBs is Notre Dame's Kenny Boggs, who is just 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds but has scored 13 TDs, including several long breakaways.

"Kenny is very strong. He squats more than 500 pounds, and his legs never stop moving," QB Ryan Kasdorf said. "He's a very strong runner."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Over the past three games, Valencia RB Jordan Thompson has scored 13 of his 19 TDs - four against Hart last week, five against Golden Valley and four against Canyon.

"Jordan is hogging up all the touchdowns," QB Dominick Solley joked.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Antelope Valley plays its first home game in 18 games tonight against Lancaster, as ongoing stadium construction finally has been completed.

"I feel good for the seniors. It's the first home game they've ever played," Antelope Valley coach Brett Pape said.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

When facing a tough running back, St. Genevieve prepares by covering its scout-team running backs in Vaseline during practice.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Notre Dame plays Loyola on Saturday at Glendale High in one of Southland's oldest parochial school rivalries, starting in 1950. Loyola leads the series 30-11, including 14 in a row from 1974 to 1987, though Notre Dame has won two in a row since the rivalry resumed in 2006.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Kyle Hooper, a returning senior right-hander at Saugus, committed Tuesday to UC Irvine.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

It is safe to say Dushon Carter wasn't expecting to be thrown into the spotlight so soon.

After all, the wiry point guard transferred to Renaissance Academy of La Canada thinking he would be one of a handful of talented players.

However, things changed drastically over the summer when the Wildcats lost five players. Justin Cook graduated and four players transferred out including 6'10 center Anthony Stover, a UCLA commit.

Carter is now one of the main cogs along with Maranatha of Sierra Madre transfer Derrick Simms, trying to keep Renaissance afloat.

"I was down a little when I found out a lot of the guys were leaving," Carter said. "But then I thought this is good for me. I need to handle adversity and be a leader."

Carter and Simms will be counted on to help the Wildcats after some impressive playoff runs the last several years including a run all the way to the Division V state championship game last season.

"This is a good challenge for me and will help build my confidence," Carter said. "I will be scoring more."

In honor of the $11 I may or may not have to pay this afternoon at Lake Castaic for the Foothill League final, here are 11 league championship storylines to watch for on one of the busiest days of the high school cross country season:

1. Foothill boys: Rumors have been swirling around the Santa Clarita Valley all week about who might -- or might not -- be running for Valencia, which could make the team battle with Saugus one to watch. With Brandon Jauregui and Alec Nelson leading the way for the Centurions, along with one of the league's most improved athletes in Joey Eledge as Saugus' No. 3 runner, the two-time champions are going to be tough to beat, no matter who lines up against them. Valencia, Golden Valley or Canyon could all finish second, depending on which scoring quintet puts it all together in the final mile. It will also be very interesting to see if Golden Valley's Seth Totten can follow up wins at the Santa Clarita Valley Invitational and at the Mt. SAC Invitational and knock off Jauregui and Nelson, who split victories the first two league meets.

2. Marmonte girls: Simi Valley survived battles against Royal of Simi Valley, Newbury Park and Agoura in regular-season dual meets, then defeated the formidable trio again Friday at the Ventura County Championships in Ojai. But today's meet at Agoura High is when it counts the most and the Pioneers will need another strong performance to capture the first league title in program history. Simi Valley's Liberty Miller is a big favorite to repeat as champion, but it will be the depth behind her that determines whether the Pioneers can win one of the most balanced leagues in Marmonte history, which also features an up-and-coming Thousand Oaks team.

3. Tri-Valley girls: La Reina of Thousand Oaks finished behind rival Oak Park at both regular-season meets and again Friday at the Ventura County Championships. But the Regents' team time at the Lake Casitas Course was six seconds faster than Oak Park, and in a smaller field, the strength up front of Sarah Pearson, Rachel Brajkovich and Tara Blanchard might be enough for La Reina to overcome a likely first-place finish by Eagles junior Melissa Skiba. It will be interesting to see how Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, the defending Div. IV state champion, positions itself at Fillmore High for another dynamic late-season surge.

4. Foothill girls: Just because Saugus has won the first two league meets in dominant fashion doesn't mean the Centurions aren't motivated for today's competition at Lake Castaic. After sweeping the top six spots Oct. 16, Saugus will try to place all seven runners in front of West Ranch and Canyon, which means the Centurions are going to need another exceptional effort from senior Courtney Wilson, who delivered with a fourth-place effort at Central Park. Canyon has continued to build momentum since the second league meet and could knock off West Ranch and finish runner-up behind Saugus, providing the Cowboys' depth can offset West Ranch leaders Bailey Miller and Jennifer Owen.

5. Pacific boys: Even on Arcadia's home course, Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta's Zack Torres should be able to run away from Apaches standouts Renaud Poizat and Ammar Moussa. The question is will enough of his teammates be able to keep up with the blistering pace to move the Falcons ahead of Burroughs of Burbank and in position to challenge Arcadia for the title.

6. Marmonte boys: Thousand Oaks ran in a pedestrian pack Friday at the Ventura County Championships and still won convincingly over Royal of Simi Valley. The Lancers should establish a much faster pace today at Agoura, but with Travis Edwards back in the Royal lineup, expect a strong effort from the Highlanders in an attempt to build momentum for the Southern Section Div. I prelims. Westlake's Garrett Drogosch, Simi Valley's Steven Semler and Calabasas' Lewis Durand have all been running well lately and should be in the lead pack with the Royal and Thousand Oaks runners entering the final mile.

Ryan Santhon, Taft's top returning baseball player, is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery Wednesday, so the left-hander probably will miss his senior season.

"He won't pitch. Maybe he can play designated," head coach Scott Osder said. "He's a great high school player, a great kid, good student and one of the hardest workers on the team."

Santon finished 6-7 with a 2.79 ERA last season, leading Taft to its first upper division playoff appearance in 10 years.

gerry,.gittelson@dailynews.com

Cantwell Sacred-Heart of Mary High of Montebello is hosting the "Cardinal Classic" boys basketball tournament Dec. 15-20.

Schedules won't be released until around Thanksgiving but here is a list of team entered in the tournament.

Gafield
Bell
Huntington Park
Roosevelt
Aquinas
Pioneer
Whittier
Los Angeles HS
Hamilton HS
Bravo
Van Nuys
North Hollywood
Morningside
Viewpoint
Salesian
St. Paul
Cantwell
St. Bernard
Animo-South L.A.
John Glen
Firebuagh
Antelope Vally Christian
Artesia
South El Monte

ESPN Rise released its regional rankings for boys basketball. Two area teams are in the West top 20.

West Region Top 20
(Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming)
1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 35-1
2. Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 32-1
3. Fairfax (Los Angeles) 27-6
4. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) 28-4
5. Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) 32-4
6. Rainier Beach (Seattle) 29-1
7. Taft (Woodland Hills, Calif.) 27-4
8. Westchester (Los Angeles) 29-5
9. St. Mary's (Phoenix) 21-11
10. McClymonds (Oakland, Calif.) 32-0
11. San Diego High (San Diego) 23-5
12. Etiwanda (Calif.) 31-3
13. Lone Peak (Highland, Utah) 23-2
14. Sacramento High (Sacramento, Calif.) 30-4
15. Martin Luther King (Riverside, Calif.) 32-3
16. Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.) 31-5
17. Franklin (Seattle) 24-3
18. Jefferson (Portland, Ore.) 24-1 19. Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.) 29-5
20. Rocklin (Calif.) 30-3

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
RK. LW SCHOOL (LEAGUE) W/L RESULT NEXT
1. 1. St. Margaret's (Academy) 8-0 def. Brethren Christian, 70-6 Capistrano Valley Christ.
2. 2. Maranatha (Alpha) 8-0 def. Campbell Hall, 49-21 Calvary Chapel/Downey
3. 3. Brentwood (Alpha) 7-1 def. Marshall, 50-7 Kilpatrick
4. 4. Twentynine Palms (De Anza) 7-2 def. Yucca Valley, 29-13 Big Bear
5. 5. Aquinas (Christian) 7-1 def. Western Christian, 45-7 @ Ontario Christian
6. 7. Desert (High Desert) 7-2 def. Rosamond, 28-16 Bye
7. 8. Santa Paula (Frontier) 6-2 def. Fillmore, 34-14 @ Malibu
8. 10. Big Bear (De Anza) 5-2-1 def. Desert Mirage, 43-27 @ Twentynine Palms
9. 6. Fillmore (Frontier) 7-2 lost to Santa Paula, 14-34 Grace Brethren
10. UR Frazier Mountain (High Desert) 4-4 def. Malibu, 18-17 Bishop Union
Others Receiving Votes: Malibu (Frontier), 6-2; Ontario Christian (Christian), 4-4; Yucca Valley (De Anza), 4-4.

MID-VALLEY DIVISION
RK. LW SCHOOL (LEAGUE) W/L RESULT NEXT
1. 1. San Dimas (Valle Vista) 8-0 def. Baldwin Park, 56-46 @ Northview
2. 3. Monrovia (Rio Hondo) 6-2 def. La Canada, 10-7 @ Blair
3. 4. Azusa (Montview) 7-1 Bye @ Workman
4. 5. San Marino (Rio Hondo) 8-0 def. Blair, 49-0 @ Temple City
5. 6. Northview (Valle Vista) 6-2 def. Ganesha, 38-7 San Dimas
6. 7. Rosemead (Mission Valley), 6-2 def. El Monte, 42-7 Gabrielino
7. 8. Paraclete (Olympic) 6-3 def. Village Christian, 17-6 Bye
8. UR Los Angeles Baptist (Olympic) 5-4 def. Valley Christian/Cerritos, 49-27 Village Christian
9. 2. Valley Christian/Cerritos (Olympic) 6-2 lost to Los Angeles Baptist, 27-49 Village Christian
10. UR Temple City (Rio Hondo) 4-4 def. South Pasadena, 42-15 San Marino
Others Receiving Votes: Workman (Montview), 5-3; Pomona (Valle Vista), 5-3; Whittier Christian (Olympic), 3-5.

NORTHEAST DIVISION
RK. LW SCHOOL (LEAGUE) W/L RESULT NEXT
1. 1. Saddleback Vly Chr (San Joaquin) 8-0 def. Bloomington Christian, 29-8 Ribet Academy
2. 3. Boron (Desert Mountain) 7-1 Bye Mammoth
3. 4. Linfield Christian (Big Sky) 6-2 def. Riverside Christian, 21-20 Calvary Murrieta
4. 2. Riverside Christian (Big Sky) 7-1 lost to Linfield Christian, 20-21 Hamilton
5. 5. St. Genevieve (Santa Fe) 6-2 Bye Salesian
6. 6. Bell Jeff (Santa Fe) 6-2 def. Salesian, 18-6 St. Anthony
7. 7. Fairmont Prep (San Joaquin) 6-2 def. Twin Pines, 49-12 Animo Leadership
8. 8. Rio Hondo Prep (Prep) 4-3 def. Viewpoint, 53-0 Webb
9. 10. Chadwick (Prep) 5-3 def. Poly/Pasadena, 10-6 @ Flintridge Prep
10. UR St. Anthony (Santa Fe) 5-3 def. St. Monica, 21-7 @ Bell-Jeff
Others Receiving Votes: Silver Valley (Desert Mountain), 5-3; Calvary Murrieta (Big Sky), 3-4-1.

NORTHERN DIVISION
RK. LW SCHOOL (LEAGUE) W/L RESULT NEXT
1. 1. St. Bonaventure (Channel) 7-1 def. Santa Barbara, 51-21 @ Dos Pueblos
2. 2. Moorpark (Marmonte) 7-1 def. Agoura, 17-6 @ Calabasas
3. 3. Oxnard (Pacific View) 8-0 def. Rio Mesa, 42-3 Channel Islands
4. 4. Thousand Oaks (Marmonte) 7-1 def. Royal, 21-7 Westlake
5. 5. Valencia/Valencia (Foothill) 7-1 def. Hart, 38-7 Saugus
6. 6. Westlake (Marmonte) 6-2 def. Simi Valley, 34-10 @ Thousand Oaks
7. 7. Paso Robles (PAC-7) 7-1 def. Arroyo Grande, 34-0 San Luis Obispo
8. 8. Saugus (Foothill) 5-3 def. Golden Valley, 42-7 @ Valencia/Valencia
9. 9. Atascadero (PAC-7) 6-2 def. Lompoc, 35-0 @ Arroyo Grande
10. 10. Newbury Park (Marmonte) 6-2 def. Calabasas, 35-0 @ Simi Valley
Others Receiving Votes: Pacifica/Oxnard (Pacific View), 7-1.

NORTHWEST DIVISION
RK. LW SCHOOL (LEAGUE) W/L RESULT NEXT
1. 1. Oaks Christian (Tri-Valley) 8-0 def. Oak Park, 54-0 Santa Clara
2. 2. Serra (Del Rey) 8-0 def. St. Bernard, 56-0 Bishop Montgomery
3. 3. Santa Clara (Tri-Valley) 8-0 def. Bishop Diego, 42-10 @ Oaks Christian
4. 4. North Torrance (Pioneer) 8-0 def. El Segundo, 21-17 South Torrance
5. 5. Cathedral (Del Rey) 8-0 def. Bosco Tech, 36-17 @ Harvard/Westlake
6. 7. St. Joseph/SM (Los Padres) 7-1 def. Morro Bay, 34-0 Santa Ynez
7. 8. Pioneer Valley (Los Padres) 7-1 def. Santa Maria, 37-6 Templeton
8. 6. El Segundo (Pioneer) 6-2 lost to North Torrance, 17-21 Lawndale
9. 10. Harvard/Westlake (Del Rey) 5-2-1 def. Verbum Dei, 24-0 Cathedral
10. UR South Torrance (Pioneer) 5-3 def. Centennial/Compton, 44-20 @ North Torrance
Others Receiving Votes: Torrance (Pioneer), 5-3; Bishop Montgomery (Camino Real), 4-4.

PAC-5 DIVISION
RK. LW SCHOOL (LEAGUE) W/L RESULT NEXT
1. 1. Long Beach Poly (Moore) 8-0 def. Cabrillo/Long Beach, 45-0 Compton
2. 5. Notre Dame/SO (Serra) 8-0 def. Crespi, 37-17 @ Loyola
3. 8. Tesoro (South Coast) 8-0 def. Capistrano Valley, 42-0 Aliso Niguel
4. 2. Orange Lutheran (Trinity) 6-2 lost to Servite, 10-14 Santa Margarita
5. 3. Los Alamitos (Sunset) 7-1 lost to Fountain Valley, 14-21 (OT) @ Esperanza
6. 6. Edison (Sunset) 6-2 def. Marina, 55-14 @ Fountain Valley
7. 7. Mater Dei (Trinity) 6-2 def. Santa Margarita, 57-28 St. John Bosco
8. 9. St. John Bosco (Trinity) 7-1 def. JSerra, 33-6 @ Mater Dei
9. 10. Mission Viejo (South Coast) 7-1 def. San Clemente, 42-37 @ Dana Hills
10T. 4. Crespi (Serra) 6-2 lost to Notre Dame/S.O., 17-37 @ Bishop Amat
10T. UR Servite (Trinity) 5-3 def. Orange Lutheran, 14-10 @ JSerra
Others Receiving Votes: Compton (Moore), 7-0; Jordan (Moore), 6-2.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
RK. LW SCHOOL (LEAGUE) W/L RESULT NEXT
1. 1. South Hills (San Antonio) 7-1 def. Walnut, 41-17 Rowland
2. 2. Charter Oak (Miramonte) 7-0-1 Bye Los Altos
3. 4. Santa Fe (Del Rio) 7-1 def. California, 21-20 Pioneer
4. 5. Muir (Pacific) 7-1 def. Crescenta Valley, 32-6 Hoover
5. 3. California (Del Rio) 7-1 lost to Santa Fe, 20-21 @ La Serna
6. 6. La Serna (Del Rio) 8-0 def. El Rancho, 35-12 California
7. 8. Rowland (San Antonio) 7-1 def. Nogales, 28-7 @ South Hills
8. 9. West Covina (San Antonio) 6-2 Bye @ Nogales
9. 10. Bonita (Miramonte) 6-2 def. Wilson/Hacienda Heights, 54-14 @ Walnut
10. 7. Crescenta Valley (Pacific) 6-2 lost to Muir, 6-32 Pasadena
Others Receiving Votes: Scurr (Almont), 5-3; Burroughs/Burbank (Pacific), 5-3; Diamond Ranch (Miramonte), 2-6.

WESTERN DIVISION
RK. LW SCHOOL (LEAGUE) W/L RESULT NEXT
1. 1. Palmdale (Golden) 7-1 def. Eastside, 40-6 Highland
2. 2. Alemany (Mission) 7-1 def. Chaminade, 37-17 @ St. Francis
3. 3. Quartz Hill (Golden) 7-1 def. Antelope Valley, 41-14 Littlerock
4. 5. Warren (San Gabriel Valley) 6-2 def. Gahr, 39-21 @ Downey
5. 6. St. Francis (Mission) 6-2 def. St. Paul, 15-14 (2 OT) Alemany
6. 8. Mira Costa (Bay) 5-3 def. Peninsula, 28-6 Leuzinger
7. 4. Santa Monica (Ocean) 6-2 lost to Culver City, 28-35 @ Inglewood
8. UR Lynwood (San Gabriel Valley) 5-2-1 def. Downey, 35-0 @ Dominguez
9. 7. St. Paul (Mission) 3-5 lost to St. Francis, 14-15 (2 OT) @ Chaminade
10. UR Beverly Hills (Ocean) 6-2 def. Inglewood, 28-27 Morningside
Others Receiving Votes: Leuzinger (Bay), 5-3; Littlertock (Golden), 5-3; Eastside (Golden), 4-3-1; Inglewood (Ocean), 4-4; Culver City (Ocean), 4-4.

This LINK lets you see all past Blogs on one page -- very useful:

http://www.insidesocal.com/prepsports/archives.html

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

College of the Canyons receiver Hayo Carpenter, a top JC recuit who played high school football at Burroughs of Ridgecrest, has committed to Minnesota.

gerry,gittelson@dailynews.com

The headline is a bit of a tongue twister, but it's true. Jack Pollon -- oh, I guess it's Jacob to most of ya' all -- went undefeated in Friday's Peerless Pronogniscation, rather amazing (tho we dont know the results for Saturday yet).

Pollon, ironically struggling not to finish LAST, got every game right (even the Crespi-Notre Dame game). So congrats to him.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com