Los Angeles Sports Journal 2008 Football Preview

Los Angeles

Volume 2, Issue 1 – August 2008 www.SportsJournalLA.com

SPORTS JOURNAL UCLA’S HEAD COACH RICK NEUHEISEL

USC’S HEAD COACH PETE CARROLL

WESTSIDE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

With PAC-10, Junior College and High School Coverage Inside

Los Angeles

SPORTS JOURNAL www.SportsJournalLA.com 1431 Ocean Ave, Suite 1100 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 656-3000 PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ed Gonzalez

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CONTENTS

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Well Ahead Of The Rest Of The Pack

Junior College

Training Minority Football Coaches

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A Weekend At The Urban Football Coaches Association Minority Clinic

On The Sidelines

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An Interview With UCLA's Defensive Coordinator Dwayne Walker

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Pac-10 Conference

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW:

A Dominating Defense Still Has USC

29

With Venice Rebuilding Westchester & Others Look To Deny The Gondo’s Their Eiighth Straight Title

Ocean League

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27

Conference Realignment Should Help Santa Monica And West Los Angeles Out Of Their Losing Ways

Western League

DESIGN EDITOR Cain Beltran STAFF WRITERS JR Medina, Jeremy Meyer, Stephen Silberkraus STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Neill Hayward

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 – SEPTEMBER 2008 www.SportsJournalla.com

FEAUTERS:

COPY EDITOR Brian Ankangel

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Even With A Pair Of Deadly Arms Gone, Culver City And Santa Monica Are Still The Teams To Beat.

Local College & High School Football Schedule 34

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Zachary Fields, Alex Frieske, Dennis Freeman, Jeni Jeffery, Matt O’Neill, Matt Osias, Donny Parsons CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Richard Cly, Chuck Green, Joshua Huber, Jeni Jeffery, Ken Matthews, Mary Lou Marvin, Gregory McLemore, Peter Switzer, Samantha Yarofsky AD SALES Janine Adams, Chason Smith COPYRIGHT 2008 DIRTY EGG MEDIA/ SENSE MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED The Los Angeles Sports Journal and its logo are registered trademarks of DIRTY EGG MEDIA. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without the written approval of the publisher is prohibited. The Los Angeles Sports Journal reserves the right to publish, edit, rewrite, reuse, or refuse any materials submitted.

IN THE CLASSROOM:

Arizona State head coach Dennis Erickson teaching a

workshop on the spread offense.

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Training Football Coaches

A W eekend A t T he U r ban F o o t b al l C oach es A s s o c iati o n ’ s M i nor i t y C li ni c

BY: ED GONZALEZ

“I

’ve been trying to get him down here for the last couple of years,” Robert Taylor, president of the Urban Football Coaches Association, jokingly vents upon seeing Arizona State head coach Dennis Erickson enter the hotel lobby. Ever year since leaving the NFL, Taylor has asked Erickson to come to Los Angeles to speak at his annual minority football clinic. Though that task was always easier said than done. “I know him. Its not like he’s a stranger. But every time we invite him, he’s changing jobs,” Taylor laughed. As the two coaches greet each other, slowly surrounding them among the travelers at the LAX Westin is a growing crowd of football coaches. Ranging from pop warner to high schools, all of them are preparing to head back to the classroom for a little training. Over the course of this weekend, there will be no large crowds, no intense rivalries, or any referees and fans to speak of. Instead, this small community will grab a pen and paper and listen to workshops being run by the best professional and college coaches. The speakers are notable names such as San Diego Chargers’ Wayne Nunnelly teaching defensive line technique; Dallas Cowboys’ Brian Stewart focusing on the organization of their defensive staffs, along with Kansas State head coach Ron Prince highlighting offensive line drills. Though UCLA’s Dwayne Walker and Erickson draw the most attention during the weekend.

Workshop speaker Don Pellum, linebacker coach at the University of Oregon emphasizes the importance of the clinic. “The tough thing about coaching is that in other sectors, it’s all about helping people, but in coaching you don’t. You’re doing that, and I’m doing this. So you don’t talk, and ideas aren’t shared. So the concept of coming to learn and the opportunity to share is what gets me here,” explains Pellum. HOW IT GOT STARTED Back in 1991, minority head football coaches led only four out of 108 teams that played at the NCAA I-A level. As one of the first black coaches at Santa Monica College, Taylor knew of the lack of opportunities and skills that made it difficult to move up in the coaching world. So when Taylor got a call about putting together a forum to educate inner city coaches, from Bob Owens, a coach with the Sacramento Surge of the World Football League, he jumped at the offer. “There just weren’t that many of us around back then.” Taylor recalled. The following year, the newly created Urban Football Coaches Association held its first minority clinic in a lecture hall at Santa Monica College. There was a sense of optimism about the event as flyers were mailed and phones calls were made, but things weren’t looking good. The group had initially hoped that thirty to forty

WAYNE NUNNELY

DEWAYNE WALKER PHOTOS: NEILL HAYWARD/LA SPORTS JOURNAL

people from the local area schools would attend. However, the result was less then they could have ever expected. “Only seven coaches from the city showed up.” recalled Taylor about the tough beginnings. “We made just enough money to have dinner at the Warehouse [Restaurant] in Marina [Del Rey] with the speakers.” TEACHING THE BASICS Back to the present, things are a little different. More than fifty coaches pack into the small conference where the clinic is being held. Taylor is now entering his twelve year as head coach at Santa Monica College, has help from two longtime friends, Ron Mimms from Fremont High and Bishop Amat’s Ken Blackburn. The three of them work to get the impressive list of speakers by holding the workshops during recruiting season when most of the coaches are on the road. “We meet so many college coaches when they’re recruiting our students, and they enjoy that fact that they can return the favor by helping out our younger coaches,” says Mims. While the clinic major focus is on football fundamentals, the small setting also allowed the local coaches to engage in conversations with the presenters. Lyndon Cleghorne, head coach of a Pop Warner team in Upland learned this first hand.

During last year’s clinic, Cleghorne had spoken with Prince and his staff about offensive line techniques that he could incorporate with the twelve year-olds that he coached, and had the rare chance to follow-up with him over the course of the weekend. “The environment that coach Taylor put together here allows that to happen,” Cleghorne explains about the intimate atmosphere. “I’ve learned so much just from the management, not so much the X’s and O’s, but just how they manage things.” Ron Prince was more than happy to take the time discuss the matter. “This is a chance for a lot of coaches to have someone one-on-one and not be intimated to raise their hands,” said Prince. “ The speakers feel that they can also share more [as well].” As the weekend unfolds, the purpose of the clinic is still evident. Of the more than 800 college teams that play in NCAA, NAIA, and at the Junior College levels, a minority leads in less than five percent. While admitting that the ratio is still shockingly low, Erickson chooses to focuses on the positive impact that the clinic provides with the networking opportunities and the camaraderie within the coaching community. “This is a great job, but its tough. You’re in a unique group. You spend a lot of time together and learn from each other.”

BEHIND THE NUMBERS: Minority Head Coaches Still A Rarity In College Football

It was 1979 when Willie Jeffries became the first minority head football coach at the Division I-A level with Wichita State. In the nearly 30 years since then, there have been only 26 men to follow in his footsteps. This ratio is startling when you conWillie Jeffries sider that more than half of PHOTO: SC DEPT. OF all college football players EDUCATION are minorities, according the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports at the University of Central Florida. Exculding historical black colleges and universites, these are the current ratios of minority coaches in college football. NCAA Division I-A NCAA Division I-AA NCAA Division II NCAA Division III NAIA NJCAA California Community Colleges

13 of 72 (18.1%)

Total

39 of 803 (4.9%)



8 of 121 (6.6%) 5 of 100 (5%) 4 of 120 (3.3%) 4 of 232 (1.7%) 3 of 90 (3.3) 1 of 68 (1.5%)

E H T N O . . . S E N I L SIDE r

alke W e n y a W e D With UCLA’s

Pasadena native DeWayne Walker enters his third season as defensive coordinator for the UCLA Bruins. During his tenure the boys from Westwood have put together one of the best defensives in the PAC-10 Conference. We had a chance to talk to him this spring at the Urban Football Coaches Association Minority Football Clinic about his thoughts on the coaching profession as well as the upcoming season.

DEWAYNE WALKER BIO: (DOB: 12/03/1960; PASADENA,CA)

COACHING CAREER: 2006-PRES: UCLA DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR 2004-2005: WASHINGTON REDSKINS SECONDARY 2002-2003: NEW YORK GIANTS SECONDARY 2001: USC TROJANS SECONDARY 1998-2000: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS SECONDARY 1996-1997: CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS SECONDARY 1995: OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS SECONDARY 1994: BYU COUGARS SECONDARY 1993: UTAH STATE AGGIES DEFENSIVE BACKS 1988-92: MT SAN ANTONIO MOUNTIES DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/SECONDARY

PLAYING CAREER: PROFESSIONAL 1985 1984 1982

ARIZONA OUTLAWS (USFL) OAKLAND INVADERS (USFL) EDMONTON ESKIMOS (CFL)

COLLEGE

1980-1981: MINNESOTA CORNERBACK 1978-1979: PASADENA CITY COLLEGE CORNERBACK

Sports Journal: How important was in to get defensive tackle Brigham Harvell back for his fifth year of eligibility?

rell was fired and also coached the team in the Las Vegas Bowl. What experience did you gain from it?

DeWayne Walker: Big time. Anytime you get a chance to get a good player back, especially at that position. You got to be able to stop the run not only in the PAC-10, but [also] in college football. So that was big for us.

DW: A lot. When they let Karl go, he was a friend and a hell of a good football coach. It was mentioned ‘Dwayne, you may be the interim coach,’ and when they tell you that you are the interim, there were a lot of things that went on. But I was happy that the staff rallied around me and it gave me a chance to go through it. If I ever get a chance, I’ve got a pretty good idea of what is expected.

SJ: How was Harvell’s knee holding up during spring practice? DW: Really well, he had a solid spring. [Harvell] and Brian Price did a very good job, so we’re optimistic at that position. SJ: Reggie Carter moved over from weak-side to middle linebacker, how is he dealing with the new leadership position? DW: Reggie is always been a guy that leads by example. We’re going to continue to work with him in the leadership [role]. We put a lot on our middle linebacker. That’s why Christian Taylor was so valuable last year. cause he was like a coach on the field. But once we get ready to play Tennessee, I think Reggie will be fine. SJ: Pat Cowan and Ben Olsen were both injured within minutes of each other during the spring. Does that put extra pressure on the defense knowing that the offense will be adjusting to a new quarterback in Kevin Craft? DW: We don’t really worry about that. We’re defensive coaches. We’re being paid to stop offenses from scoring. Obviously offense, defense, and special teams play a role, but we’re paid to stop the offense so that’s been our focus is on. SJ: You interviewed for the UCLA job after Dor-

SJ: You’ve coached at both the college level and the NFL. What are major differences at each level? DW: In pro football that’s all you. In college football, you got to really be more organize, just because the time you spend with the players. What they can do and what they can’t do. But giving them enough of a chance to be successful. It’s really just the time that you can put into just straight football. The speed of the game and the skill of the players obviously speak for themselves. SJ: How difficult is it to recruit in the LA area, especially with USC so dominate? DW: The one thing that people don’t understand is that we recruit different players. At UCLA, are academic requirements are far different from USC. I know a lot of people are always saying ‘ Wow, look at all the players that SC is getting.’ Well, we can’t let all those players in school. There are a small percentage of those guys that we can let into school. Therefore, we have to look at you’re more true student-athlete type players and then try to make them fit in what we’re trying to do. Sometimes I think it’s discouraging to hear the comparison in terms of recruiting between USC and UCLA, when the requirements are total different.

DOMINATING DEFENSE:

All-American LB Rey Maualuga looks to put USC back into the national championship game.

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PAC-10 CONFERENCE PREVIEW

A Dominating Defense Still Has USC Well Ahead Of The Rest Of The Pack BY: JR MEDINA

B

ack in the mid 80’s, Bruce Springsteen’s sang about a former star high school athletic who longs to relive the memories of his prior great-

ness. Oh, how the coaches in the PAC-10 wished that song was about Pete Carroll and the rest of the USC Trojans looking back on those “Glory Days”. But until one of the other nine teams rise up and knock the mighty Men of Troy off their throne, don’t look for that to happen anytime soon. Look at the facts. The last time the USC did not finish on top of the conference, Tyrone Willingham was actually winning games at Stanford and Rick Neuheisel was doing the same up at Washington. Needless to say, that was ages ago. If things go right for this team they can easily be back in the national title hunt. For that to happen though, the Trojans will have to end a recent habit of falling asleep once a year and losing a conference game that should not even be competitive. (2007: Stanford, 2006: Oregon State). The biggest test of the year will come early as they host the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sept. 13, in what should be one of the marquee games of the season. One thing you can count on is another BCS game for this team, as they will roll through a not so tough Pac-10. Over at UCLA, the five-year Karl Dorell era was

mercifully put to an end after a 6-7 season and Athletic Director Dan Guerrero once again turns the program to an alumnus in former QB Rick Neuheisel, who previous had the top job at Washington and Colorado. The first recruit that Neuheisel was able to sign was not a player, but the Bruins scored a coup by getting Norm Chow to come back to the Southland to take over at Offensive Coordinator. The excitement generated by Chow hire quickly turned into horror as injured prone quarterbacks Ben Olsen and Patrick Cowan went down within minutes of each other during the spring. So the Bruins turn the transfer and JUCO All-American QB Kevin Craft to run the west coast offense. Craft does have Division I experience as he started five games as a redshirt freshman at San Diego State. The most pressing concern for UCLA is that Craft may have had a better offensive line at Mt. San Antonio College than he will have in front of him this season. With only two returnees and virtually no depth, will place even more pressure for Craft to perform immediately. The Bruins will be competitive, but not this year. If Neuheisel can manage to take this squad to a bowl game, then he’s worth every penny of his salary. Other PAC-10 coaches might not be happy with

BACK IN ACTION:

RB Khalil Bell returns from reconstructive knee injury to lead the ucla offense.

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Dennis Erickson’s return to the conference as ARIZONA STATE won 10 games along with a piece of the conference title in his first season in Tempe. The offense is explosive as QB Rudy Carpenter returns for his senior season. Chris McGaha and Michael Jones are back as a dynamite duo at wide receiver. Arizona State returns seven starters on defense. DE’s Dexter Davis and Luis Vasquez will scare many quarterbacks throughout the season. Lack of experience in the secondary is a major weakness. Erickson jokingly has stated that he made not have come to the Valley of the Sun had he looked at the schedule beyond the 2007 season as the Sun Devils trade last year game against Colorado for a marquee match versus Georgia. It will take near perfect season to walk away with a conference title, as Erickson does not have the all the components needed to challenge USC this year. OREGON had a dream of a season on its hands, rising up to the now infamous #2 ranking before Dennis Dixon torn his ACL. Three straight loses later, then beautiful dream turned into just another year in Eugene. This year’s Oregon defense is underrated, which will work to the benefit of the Ducks. DE Nick Reed returns as one of the best lineman in the conference, and DB’s Patrick Chung and Jarius Byrd are one of the best pairs in the nation Oregon would be ranked higher if not for the uncertainty at quarterback. Nick Costa was the best of the replacement for Dixon, but is coming off of knee surgery. Junior college transfer LaGarette Blount will help take the pressure of Costa early at running back. The defense should keep them in games, and they have enough weapons on offense to put up enough numbers to feed on the weaker teams in the PAC- 10. If injuries infect the Ducks like it did last season, then this team could fall down near the bottom of the conference. CALIFORNIA’s 2007 season was the tale of two teams. The first team started strong by winning their first five games of 2007. Then the #2 ranking curse took hold turned the Golden Bears into an anchor as they lost six out of their next seven before defeating Air Force in the Armed Services Bowl. Even though the defense looks like it will be good, we really think that the offense is going to struggle putting points on the board. Senior QB Nate Longshore still tend to make freshman mistakes and carries last

2008 RANKINGS 1. USC 2. ARIZONA STATE 3. OREGON 4. CALIFORNIA 5. OREGON STATE 6. UCLA 7. ARIZONA 8. WASHINGTON 9. STANFORD 10. WASHINGTON STATE year’s letdown on his shoulders. The running game will be questionable as the Golden Bears lost most of their backfield either to the NFL or they simply left campus. Plus the special teams unit doesn’t look great as returning place kicker Jordan Kay only made 65% of his field goals, and the team lost punter Andrew Larson as well. OREGON STATE’s 19 victories is the highest two-year win total in school history, and only second best to USC during that period. The Beavers have come a long way since head coach Mike Riley was hailed in his first stint in Corvallis after leading Oregon State to a 5-6 season a decade ago before leaving for the NFL. The offense will improve as injured starters WR Sammie Stroughter, QB Sean Canfield, and G Jeremy Perry are back on the field this season. Redshirt freshman Ryan McCants has already been compared to Steven Jackson, and should be one of the leaders in the backfield. Expect a drop off in the eight-ranked defense in the nation as the Beavers play both Penn State and USC in the first month of the season. The only thing hotter than the desert heat in ARIZONA is the seat that head coach Mike Stoops is on. Since proclaiming upon his hire five years ago that the Wildcats will “win and win quickly”, it has been anything but that in Tucson with Stoops going 17-29 without a winning season or postseason appearance. That should change this year as a weak non-conference schedule against Idaho, Toledo, and New Mexico to start the 2008 season,

could have them at an early 3-0 record, and halfway to bowl eligibility before conference play starts. While past Wildcat teams has combined a stellar defense with an offense that was almost non-existent. The reverse is true this season with QB Willie Tuitama back behind center along with his deadly option in WR Mike Thomas and TE Rob Gronkowski. The defense won’t need to pitch shutouts in years past, but rather stay close is shootouts. 2008 is also a make-or-break year for WASHINGTON’s Tyronne Willingham. Going 11-25 over three seasons He will be depending heavily on the arm and legs of QB Jake Locker. The PAC-10 Freshman of the Year was as good as the hype, there problem is there isn’t much of a supporting cast to help him out. Ed Dontatell comes from the NFL to take over a defense that must improve after allowing a school-worst 446 yards a game. With only three returning starters on that side of the ball, it could be a long season. The Huskies are a year or two away from being a force in the PAC-10, as they have a load of young talent and should have almost their whole team coming back. If new Washington Athletic Director Scott Woodward can manage as much patience as Notre Dame has given to Charlie Weis, Willingham might even be around to see it. What does Jim Harbaugh have up his sleeve on the farm in 2008? No one expected STANFORD to have the kind of season that they had last year. Improving from a 1-11 to 4-8 was a surprise in itself, however wins over USC at the Coliseum and Cal in the Big Game help restore creditability to a down program. The Cardinal should be stronger team this season, but the hesitancy of Harbaugh to name returning starting QB Travita Pritchard to run the offense during summer practices, gives some pause of Stanford’s ability to move out of the bottom half of the conference. Fans in Palo Alto, should expect an upset or two throughout the year, but Harbaugh does not have the talent yet to get them to the next level. Changes are underway in Pullman as WASHINGTON STATE’s new Head Coach Paul Wulff makes the ninety-mile trek from Cheney where he produced seven winning seasons and two Big Sky Titles during his eight-year run at Eastern Washington. A no-huddle spread offense will be exciting to watch. However, the Cougars should experience growing pains as Wulff brings a change in both the offense and defense systems.

USC

PRESEASON PAC–10 RANKING

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TROJANS

4-YEAR WIN TOTAL 13 11 11 12

LAST YEAR: 11-2 (7-2 PAC-10), Tied - 1st Place

OFFENSE: The biggest question on offense was

answered during spring practice when Mark Sanchez was named the starter over Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain. The junior played well in the three QB MARK SANCHEZ starts for the injured John David Booty by throwing seven touchdowns in 2007. PHOTO: DENNIS WIERZBICKI/CAL SPORTS MEDIA However, Sanchez possesses the stronlots of interest from NFL scouts. gest arm of any USC quarterback since Carroll should have the best secondCarson Palmer, he will need to develop more patience to cut down on his high ary of his tenure at USC. There are six players with previous starting experiinterception ratio. The offense only brings back four ence , so expect opposing quarterbacks starters, and only one is on the offen- to have nightmares on trying to figure sive line. Guard Jeff Byers will see a out how to arrack this group. whole new crowd of faces, but there is The safety combination of Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison is top notch, plenty of talent surrounding him. and don’t be surprised if they both At wide receiver Patrick Turner and Vidal HaONCE YOU GET THE NOD, YOUR zelton are back though MENTALITY TOTALLY CHANGES. the most exciting receiver during the spring IT’S LIKE A HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHTwas Arkansas transfer ER—YOU WIN THE TITLE AND THAT’S Damian Williams. In the backfield, the IT, YOU DON’T WANT TO LOOK BACK Trojans will through out AND YOU DON’T WANT TO CHANGE.” the many talented tailUSC QUARTERBACK MARK SANCHEZ backs that they stockON WINNING THE STARTING JOB pile with leading rusher Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight, and C.J. Gable. don’t end up All-Americans next year. If this team struggles it might be at the opposite corner spot of senior Cary DEFENSE: This defense will once again be Harris and on the defensive line. overpowering this season, even with Though the line might not be what it the loss of DT Sedrick Ellis and LB Keith was as PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year Sedrick Ellis is gone. Senior DT Rivers in the first round of the draft. MLB Rey Maualuga will lead the de- Fili Moala is a beast up front, and DE fense with 79 tackles and six sacks. Kyle Moore is able to disrupt quarterWhile OLB Brian Cushing is has drawn backs.

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2008 SCHEDULE Date Opponent ‘07 Score 8/30 9/13 9/25 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8 11/15 11/29 12/6



at Virginia OHIO ST at Oregon St* 24-3 OREGON* 17-24 ARIZONA ST* 44-24 at Washington St* 47-14 at Arizona* 20-13 WASHINGTON* 27-24 CALIFORNIA* 24-17 at Stanford* 23-24 NOTRE DAME 38-0 at UCLA* 24-7

* PAC-10 Conference Game

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE (5) QB RB FB WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT K KR

6 13 31 1 7 80 71 53 61 74 56 18 8

DE DE DT DT LB LB LB CB CB SS FS P PR

84 93 75 44 10 58 43 6 24 4 2 44 4

Mark Sanchez (Jr.) Stafon Johnson (Jr.) Stanley Havili (So.) Patrick Turner (Sr.) Vidal Hazelton (Jr.) Anthony McCoy (Jr.) Charles Brown (Jr.) Jeff Byers (Sr.) Kristofer O’Dowd (Jr.) Zack Heberer (So.) Alex Parsons (Jr.) David Buehler (Sr.) Ronald Johnson (So.)

DEFENSE (6) Klye Moore (Sr.) Everson Griffen (Sr.) Fili Moala (Sr.) Christian Tupou (So.) Brian Cushing (Sr.) Rey Maualuga (Sr.) Kaluka Maiava (Sr.) Cary Harris (Sr.) Shareece Wright (Jr.) Kevin Ellison (Sr.) Taylor Mays (Jr.) Greg Woidneck (Sr.) Joe McKnight (So.)

RETURNING STARTERS IN BOLD

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UCLA

PRESEASON PAC–10 RANKING

#

BRUINS

6

4-YEAR WIN TOTAL

LAST YEAR: 6-7 (5-4 PAC-10), Tied - 4th Place

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OFFENSE:

The team has just five returning starters from a year ago, and on top of that they will be without their top two quarterbacks Patrick Cowan and Ben Olsen went down with injuries during spring practice. LB REGGIE CARTER This leaves Kevin Craft as the first junior college transfer to start a season opener for PHOTO: JOHN PYLE/CAL SPORTS MEDIA UCLA since actor Mark Harmon came from LA Pierce and led the Bruins to an upset of Bruce Davis who was drafted by the Steelers. Nebraska in 1972. While Kraft does have Division I experi- The Bruins should be set at defensive ence, he will have to adjust early as the tackle with sophomore Brian Price leading Bruins start the season against a tough Ten- the way and Brian Harwelll regaining a year of eligibility. The team might end up using nessee squad. With question marks at quarterback, ex- a number of defensive ends as they have pect running back Kahlil Bell to get plenty of some great young talent in Datone Jones carries and has the potential to be one the and Damien Holmes pushing for playing top backs in the PAC-10 if his knee holds up time. after having surgery. The receiving talent I DO THINK THERE IS REASON FOR gets a little better as MarOPTIMISM...KEVIN [CRAFT] AND cus Everett should be a solid weapon along with 6’4 CHRIS FORCIER ARE ON THE VERGE freshman Nelson Rosario. OF BLOSSOMING INTO GOOD PLAY The offensive line is a huge concern, with only ERS. I REALLY DO BELIEVE THAT.” UCLA HEAD COACH RICK NEUHEISEL two starters returning, and ON HIS QUARTERBACK SITUATION the other eight linemen on the roster having never played a snap. On the offensive line, Micah Reed moves At linebacker the team will count on Regover from guard to center as defensive line- gie Carter to be a force as he moves from man Darius Savage switch sides of the ball weak-side to the middle spot this year. and takes over at guard. The mainstay on The secondary lost three starters, but the line will be returning left tackle Micah do have a strong base to build around in Kia who will help protect Kraft’s blind side. cornerback Alterraun Verner, the team’s top returning tackler. DEFENSE: The remainder of the backfield is full of Just five starters return from last years question marks as opposing quarterbacks solid defense, as they will need to find should be able to work downfield against someone to fill in the shoes of All-American this inexperienced group.

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2008 SCHEDULE Date Opponent ‘07 Score 9/1 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/8 11/15 11/28 12/6



TENNESSEE at BYU 27-17 ARIZONA* 27-34 FRESNO ST WASHINGTON ST* 7-27 at Oregon* 16-0 STANFORD* 45-17 at California* 30-21 OREGON ST* 40-14 at Washington* 44-31 at Arizona St* 20-24 USC* 7-24

* PAC-10 Conference Game

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE (5) QB RB FB WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT K KR

3 36 31 9 19 86 73 77 58 66 72 15 13

DE DE DT DT LB LB LB CB CB FS SS P PR

55 56 93 92 53 51 54 22 1 27 25 17 4

Kevin Craft (Jr.) Kahlil Bell (Sr.) Trevor Theriot (Jr.) Marcus Everett (Sr.) Dominique Johnson (So.) Logan Paulsen (Sr.) Micah Kia (Jr.) Darius Savage (So.) Micah Reed (Sr.) Scott Glicksberg (Sr.) Sean Sheller (So.) Kai Forbath (So.) Michael Norris (Sr.)

DEFENSE (6) Korey Bosworth (Jr.) Tom Blake (Jr.) Brigham Harwell (Sr.) Brian Price (So.) Joshua Edwards (Sr.) Reggie Carter (Jr.) Kyle Bosworth (Sr.) Michael Norris (Sr.) Alterraun Verner (Jr.) Aaron Ware (Jr.) Bret Lockett (Sr.) Aaron Perez (Sr.) Terrence Austin (Jr.)

RETURNING STARTERS IN BOLD

ARIZONA STATE

PRESEASON PAC–10 RANKING

#

SUN DEVILS

4-YEAR WIN TOTAL

LAST YEAR: 10-3 (7-2 PAC-10), Tied - 1st Place

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OFFENSE: The Sun Devils are loaded with skill

position talent, beginning with quarterback Rudy Carpenter. The ASU signal caller is coming off a season where he finished second in the league in passing QB RUDY CARPENTER efficiency and he welcomes back three of his top four receivers to a lethal passPHOTO: MAX SIMBRON/CAL SPORTS MEDIA ing game. points that all you need. After giving up The question on this unit is the offen52 points to Texas in the bowl game there sive line which returns only two starters, is no question that the unit will have to but that could be an upgrade after the be stronger if they want to have a shot at line yielded 55 sacks last season. If this making a run at USC for he Pac-10 title. year’s unit can provide Carpenter with The staff wants to put more pressure better protection, the result could be the on the quarterback and should be able to top offense in the league. do so with the tandem of defensive ends At receiver this team is pretty set with Dexter Davis and Luis Vasquez who comreturning starters Chris McGaha, Michael bined for 15 sacks and 25 tackles for loss Jones, and Kyle Williams, but the guy you might want to keep your eye on WE’RE GOING TO BE YOUNG, BUT is sophomore Kerry TayA LITTLE MORE ATHLETIC. WE’RE lor. For the running attack GOING TO THROW THE BALL...OUR look for the Sun Devils STRENGTH IS WITH RUDY [CARPENto go with another shot TER] AT QUARTERBACK.” at running back by-comHEAD COACH DENNIS ERICKSON mittee, with the heaviest ON HIS OFFENSE loads being put on senior Keegan Herring who rushed for 815 yards. last season. The kicking game is virtually automat The linebacker core did lose MLB ic with Lou Garza Award winner Thomas James Robert in the draft, but should be Weber back after making 24-of-25 field just fine with juniors Gerald Mumns and goals last year. Mike Nixon. The secondary has its bright spots with a star in the making at corner in sophoDEFENSE: more Omar Bolden and a strong safety in While defense isn’t this teams stronsenior Troy Nolan who had 6 interceptions gest point, it is getting better and with last season. Overall this defense should an offense that can put up plenty of be just as good as last year’s squad.

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9

04

2008 SCHEDULE Date Opponent ‘07 Score 8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 10/4 10/11 10/25 11/1 11/8 11/15 11/28 12/6



N. ARIZONA STANFORD* 41-3 UNLV GEORGIA at California* 31-20 at USC * 24-44 OREGON* 23-35 at Oregon St* 44-32 at Washington* 44-20 WASHINGTON ST* 23-20 UCLA* 24-20 at Arizona* 20-17

* PAC-10 Conference Game

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE (8) QB 12 RB 24 WR 1 WR 5 WR 13 TE 80 LT 59 LG 67 C 56 RG 63 RT 75 K 28 KR 13

Rudy Carpenter (Sr.) Keggan Herring (Sr.) Michael Jones (Sr.) Kyle Williams (Jr.) Chris McGaha (Jr.) Dane Gutherie (Sr.) Jon Hargis (So.) Shawn Lauvao (Jr.) Thomas Altieri (Jr.) Paul Fanaika (Sr.) Richard Tuitu’u (Jr.) Thomas Weber (So.) Chris McGaha (Jr.)

DEFENSE (7) DE 97 DE 58 DT 99 DT 90 LB 44 LB 47 LB 2 CB 32 CB 5 FS 14 SS 22 P 28 PR 13

Luis Vasquez (Sr.) Dexter Davis (Jr.) Jonathan English (So.) David Smith (Sr.) Travis Goethel (Jr.) Gerald Munns (Jr.) Ryan McFoy (Jr.) Omar Bolton (So.) Terell Carr (Jr.) Troy Nolan (Sr.) Rodney Cox (Sr.) Thomas Weber (So.) Kyle Williams (Jr.)

RETURNING STARTERS IN BOLD

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17

PRESEASON PAC–10 RANKING

OREGON

#

DUCKS

4-YEAR WIN TOTAL

LAST YEAR: 9-4 (5-4 PAC-10), Tied - 4th Place

9

OFFENSE: The Ducks major question heading

into the season is which quarterback will earn the starting nod on opening day. The leader currently appears to be sophomore Nathan Costa, who was injured in spring DE NICK REED football, but if healthy he is the best fit for the spread offense. Justin Roper, who is PHOTO: JOHN GREEN/CAL SPORTS MEDIA coming off knee surgery, should provide come back to play one more year of cola stable backup if needed. lege football. Chung led the team in tack The running back stable is loaded led by Jeremiah Johnson, a veteran who is les with 117 tackles last season. coming off an ACL tear, but has averaged The team will be returning both corover six yards per carry in his career. ners Walter Thurmond III and Jairus Byrd Keep an eye on junior college transfer who should help the team improve on its LaGarrette Blount, a pounding runner 86th ranked pass defense. who looked impressive in spring work- Senior DE Nick Reed who led the Pac 10 in sacks with 12 and will anchor the outs. defensive line. The team will have two se Senior Jaison Williams and his 844 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns I THINK NATE (COSTA) IS DOING will be the go to target at A GOOD JOB. IF YOU WATCH HIM I wide receiver, but don’t be surprised to see more THINK NATE HAS SOME QUICKNESS. HE passes head in the direc- RUNS REALLY WELL, I THINK HE SURtion of junior tight end Ed PRISES SOME OF PEOPLE OUT THERE.” Dickson, as he should be HEAD COACH MIKE BELLOTTI one of the best at that poON HIS STARTING QUARTERBACK sition in the Pac 10. The offensive line looks like it will be a solid unit in 2008, as they return two niors stepping in at the tackle positions, starters in T Fenuki Tupou and C Max Un- and they will probably go a long way in ger. how this team performs on this side of the ball. At linebacker the team is pretty set as DEFENSE: In a big turn of events look for Oregon’s you will have returning starter John Bacon defense to be the strength of this team, and junior Kevin Garret on the outside. as they are returning seven starters. A big Where things get interesting is if senior boost to the defense came when leading John Bacon can hold off sophomore Casey tackler SS Patrick Chung decided to bring Mathews in the middle, either way the future is bright with Mathews.

“

18

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3

7

07

06

10 5

05

04

2008 SCHEDULE Date Opponent ‘07 Score 8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/25 11/1 11/8 11/15 11/29



WASHINGTON* 55-34 UTAH ST at Purdue BOISE ST at Washington St* 53-7 at USC* 24-17 UCLA* 0-16 at Arizona St* 35-23 at California* 24-31 STANFORD* 55-31 ARIZONA* 24-34 at Oregon St* 31-38

* PAC-10 Conference Game

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE (5) QB 7 RB 24 WR 4 WR 23 WR 18 TE 83 LT 57 LG 68 C 60 RG 71 RT 78 K 85 KR 22

Nate Costa (So.) Jeremiah Johnson (Sr.) Jaison Williams (Sr.) Jeff Maehl (So.) Jamere Holland (Jr.) Ed Dickson (Jr.) Fenuki Tupou (Sr.) C.E. Kaiser (So.) Max Unger (Sr.) Mark Lewis (Sr.) Jacob Hucko (Sr.) Matt Evensen (Sr.) Andre Crenshaw (Jr.)

DEFENSE (6) DE 49 Nick Reed (Sr.) DE 39 Will Tukuafu (Jr.) DT 30 Justin Thompson (Jr.) DT 97 Cole Linehan (Sr.) LB 25 Kevin Garrett (Jr.) LB 55 Casey Matthews (So.) LB 13 Jerome Boyd (So.) CB 32 Jairus Byrd (Jr.) CB 6 Walter Thurmond (Jr.) FS 2 T.J. Ward (Jr.) SS 15 Patrick Chung (Sr.) P 80 Josh Syria (Sr.) PR 89 Aaron Pflugrad (So.)

RETURNING STARTERS IN BOLD

#4

#5

PRESEASON PAC-10 RANKING

PRESEASON PAC-10 RANKING

GOLDEN BEARS

OREGON ST BEAVERS

LAST YEAR: 7-6 (3-6 PAC-10), Tied - 7th Place

LAST YEAR: 9-4 (6-3 PAC-10), 3rd Place

CALIFORNIA

OFFENSE: A frustrated Jeff Tedford,

LB WORRELL WILLIAMS

following his teams late season collapse declared every PHOTO: JOHN GREEN/CAL SPORTS MEDIA position open in an effort to create a more competitive squad. The Golden Bears will have two options at QB with returning starter senior Nate Longshore and sophomore Kevin Riley. There is no clear-cut winner, as Riley’s play in the Armed Forces Bowl has the coaches thinking he might be the right guy. Longshore will get first shot, but will have to play well to keep his job. The running game has no heir either, as they lost Justin Forsett to the draft and James Montgomery transferred. Sophomore Jahvid Best is left to do the bulk of the running and he is coming off a serious hip injury. The receiving game might struggle, as the team doesn’t have a proven player who has really seen the field. The one bright spot for the offense should be the line, as it returns three starters, including All2008 SCHEDULE American C Alex Mack, and T Date Opponent ‘07 Score Mike Tepper moves over from 8/30 MICHIGAN ST 9/6 at Washington St* 20-17 the right to the left side.

DEFENSE:

9/13 9/27 10/4 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8 11/15 11/22 12/6

at Maryland COLORADO ST ARIZONA ST* at Arizona* UCLA* OREGON* at USC* at Oregon St* STANFORD* WASHINGTON*

34-28 20-31 45-27 21-30 31-24 17-24 28-31 13-20 23-37

The defense returns seven starters from last year’s team, and the only big loss was FS DeCoud Thomas. Cal is loaded * PAC-10 Conference Game with talent at linebacker and will switch to a 3-4 at times to take advantage of the personal. Watch for defensive end Rulon Davis to make a big name for himself, as he had three sacks in just six games last season. Worrell Williams 105 tackles led a trio of seniors at linebacker designed to cause chaos next season, and when they play the 3-4 look for Junior Eddie Young to join in on the fun. FS Thomas DeCoud is off to the NFL, but the Golden Bears are still solid with SS Bernard Hicks and corner Syd’Quan Thompson anchoring the secondary. Look for sophomores Chris Conte to step in at corner while Marcus Ezeff plays the other safety spot. If the team improves its open field tackling from last year this defense could be one of the best in the conference.

OFFENSE: With seven starters re-

WR SAMMIE STROUGHTER

turning on offense, this unit should be able to put up PHOTO: MAX SIMBRON/CAL SPORTS MEDIA some impressive numbers this season. Sean Canfield was slated to return at quarterback, but because of injury it looks like local favorite Lyle Moevao (El Camino College) will be the guy taking the snaps to open the season. Moevao did see some playing time last season, but their numbers need to improve as they combined to throw 21 interceptions versus 11 touchdown in 2007. Whoever ends up at quarterback should have no trouble finding targets as Sammie Stroughter is a big time player and the team has young talent in sophomores Darrell Catchings and James Rodgers, and solid veteran talent in seniors Shane Morales and Chris Johnson. The Beavers are high on redshirt freshman Ryan McCants at running back, but have some solid back up options in junior college transfer Jeremy Francis and true freshman Jaquizz Rodgers. There are 2008 SCHEDULE three returning starters on the Date Opponent ‘07 Score line and the team only needs to 8/30 at Stanford* 23-6 9/6 at Penn St find a center and right tackle.

DEFENSE:

9/13 9/25 10/2 10/11 10/18 11/1 11/8 11/15 11/22 11/29

HAWAI’I USC* 3-24 at Utah* 24-7 WASHINGTON ST* 52-17 at Washington* 29-23 ARIZONA ST* 32-44 at UCLA* 14-40 CALIFORNIA* 31-28 at Arizona* 31-16 OREGON* 31-31

This unit produced the best rush defense in the country last season, but all four starters on the line are gone. The team * PAC-10 Conference Game hopes that because it used a deep rotation that they will be able to produce another solid unit here. Pass rushing specialist Victor Butler will get a shot at one of the end spots along with junior college transfer Simi Kuli. Pernnell Booth if healthy could be a solid defensive tackle, but missed most of spring with an ankle injury. All three starting linebackers are gone, but Bryant Cornell and Keaton Kristick should step in nicely, and there are a number of others vying for the other starting spot. The secondary should improve on its 72nd ranked pass defense, as it returns three starters including both corners from last season in Brandon Hughes and Keenan Lewis. Al Afalava should be a force at safety and it looks like senior Bryan Payton will get a shot at holding onto the other starting spot.

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19

#7

PRESEASON PAC-10 RANKING

WASHINGTON

LAST YEAR: 5-7 (4-5 PAC-10), 6th Place

LAST YEAR: 4-9 (2-7 PAC-10), 10th Place

time in years the offense will likely be the strength of this team as they return all but their starting left tackle from a year ago. Quarterback Willie Tuitama loves the team’s move to a pass happy offense as he threw for almost 3,700 yards and a league leading 28 TD’s last season. Expect his numbers to get even better in 2008, as he has Mike Thomas looks to cause havoc on PAC-10 defenses once again as he put away 83 catches last season and 11 TD’s. Sophomore TE Rob Gronkowski, who we think will have a break out year. Sophomore Nic Grigsby who had 704 rushing yards for a team that doesn’t run that often will hold down the WILLIE TUITAMA running game. The line should be solid as well, as they have three guys PHOTO: ARIZONA ATHLETICS who have been starting for two or more years 2008 SCHEDULE now. Date Opponent

DEFENSE:

SANTA MONICA (310) 395-9220

PRESEASON PAC-10 RANKING

ARIZONA WILDCATS OFFENSE: For the first

111 BROADWAY @ OCEAN AVENUE

#8

8/30 IDAHO 9/6 TOLEDO 9/13 at New Mexico* 9/20 at UCLA* 10/4 WASHINGTON* 10/11 at Stanford* 10/18 CALIFORNIA* 10/25 USC* 11/8 at Washington St* 11/15 at Oregon* 11/22 OREGON ST* 12/6 ARIZONA ST* * PAC-10 Conference

While the offense is likely going to put up some solid numbers, the defense is going to give up its fair share as well. Only three starters return to a defense that ranked 53rd a year ago. The front seven isn’t that strong and could have trouble stopping the run, but might be able to use its speed to get after the opposing team’s quarterback. Former fullback Earl Mitchell will make an attempt at moving to defensive tackle, but is only 265lbs. Ronnie Palmer is the only returning linebacker who had 83 tackles last season, but will need to play a much bigger role this year. Even with the loss of corners Antoine Carson and Wilrey Fontenot the team isn’t going to worry just yet. Junior Devin Ross can be a big time player and senior Marquis Hundley takes over at the other corner spot. The team does return both starting safeties in Cam Nelson and Nate Ness, who had five interceptions last season, while not start until halfway through the season.

20

HUSKIES

OFFENSE: Sophomore

quarterback Jake Locker looks like he is going to be the real deal, and might be the reason this team returns to a bowl game in the near future. Not only can he do it with the arm, as he threw for 2,062 yards and 14 touchdowns, he rushed for 986 yards and 13 more touchdowns. The team will have to do some work at filling the holes at running back and wide receiver, as they talent they have is untested. It looks as though sophomore Brandon Johnson will get first crack at running back and many believe he has what it takes to be the next 1,000-yard rusher. At receiver the team is young as well, and the team is hopJAKE LOCKER ing that freshman Chris Polk can be a big PHOTO: UW ATHLETICS time playmaker, as he turned down an offer from USC to play for 2008 SCHEDULE the Huskies. Date Opponent The line should be 9/5 LSU 9/12 IDAHO a solid unit this sea9/19 USC* son, as it returns three 9/26 at Stanford* 10/3 at Notre Dame starters from a year 10/10 ARIZONA* ago. They would have 10/17 at Arizona St* returned four, but 2nd 10/24 OREGON* 11/7 at UCLA* team All-Pac 10 center 11/14 at Oregon St* Juan Garcia is likely 11/28 WASHINGTON ST* 12/5 CALIFORNIA* out for the season. * PAC-10 Conference Game

DEFENSE:

The defense is returning six starters, but is weak up front as they are only bringing back defensive end Daniel Te’o-Nesheim. No other lineman on the team has more than two tackles, and they are really hoping that sophomore Cameron Elisara can be a force at the tackle spot. The team has two of its three returning starters at linebacker, but there won’t be anyone taking last years leading tackler E.J. Savannah who snuffed out 111 tackles. The secondary is full of young talent as well, as it looks like freshman Quinton Richardson could make a run at a starting corner spot. At safety more young talent is causing problems for the old guys, as sophomore Victor Aiyewa could take the strong safety spot from senior Darin Harris.

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#9

PRESEASON PAC-10 RANKING

STANFORD CARDINAL LAST YEAR: 4-8 (3-6 PAC-10), Tied - 7th Place OFFENSE: Senior Tavita

Pritchard is expected to be the starter at the beginning of the season, but that doesn’t mean he has the job locked down. Harbaugh isn’t against the idea of possibly starting junior Alex Loukas or Michigan transfer Jason Forcier. The team should be locked and loaded at running back as senior Anthony Kimble and junior Toby Gerhart should be able to combine for at least a 1,000 yards next season. Especially with the line the team has coming back. They have three returning starters and four seniors that could lead a more power running team than it has been in the past. The fact that the team doesn’t have a TAVITA PRITCHARD proven threat at wide receiver will likely hurt the chances of them PHOTO: STANFORD ATHLETICS throwing the ball a lot. As it looks now sopho2008 SCHEDULE more Doug Baldwin and Date Opponent 8/28 OREGON ST* junior Richard Sharman 9/6 at Arizona St* will likely be the start9/13 at TCU ers, but expect to see 9/20 SAN JOSE ST 9/27 at Washington* some action from soph10/4 Notre Dame omore Ryan Whalen as 10/11 ARIZONA* 10/18 at UCLA* well.

DEFENSE:

11/1 WASHINGTON ST* 11/8 at Oregon* 11/15 USC* 11/22 at California* * PAC-10 Conference Game

The defense has nine returning starters, but this is a unit that was 98th overall and it’s hard to imagine them getting that much better. It will be even harder as they lost defensive coordinator Scott Schafer to Michigan. The defensive line will likely be the best unit on this side of the ball, as they return senior starters and will likely stick in junior Brain Bulcke at the open tackle spot. The linebacker core has all three starters coming back, and expect sophomore Clinton Snyder to get after the quarterback again as he tallied 8 sacks as a freshman. The secondary has plenty of veteran talent, but is that talent good enough to keep up with the high scoring team in the PAC-10.They were 107th against the pass a year ago; so don’t expect a big change here. SS Bo McNall led the team in with 114 tackles.

# 10 PRESEASON PAC-10 RANKING WASHINGTON STATE

COUGARS

LAST YEAR: 5-7 (3-6 PAC-10), Tied - 7th Place OFFENSE: Wulff could

cause some problems early with his no-huddle scheme, but a lot will count on the arm of Gary Rodgers who has spent most of his career watching Alex Brink, who ended up setting numerous school passing records. Rodgers will have a solid target to throw to in Brandon Gibson who has All-Pac 10 talent. On top of that there are two youngsters in sophomores Daniel Blackledge and Jeshua Anderson who should be ready to step in and share the spotlight at receiver. Last year starter at running back Dwight Tardy and backup Chris Ivory both missed spring ball, but it looks like Tardy should be ready to go by the start of the season. The BRANDON GIBSON team has a trio of solid tight ends on this team, PHOTO: WSU ATHLETICS and it looks like senior Devin Frischknecht will be the opening day 2008 SCHEDULE starter. The line should Date Opponent 8/30 OKLAHOMA ST improve as they return 9/6 CALIFORNIA* 4 starters. 9/13 at Baylor

DEFENSE:

9/20 PORTLAND ST 9/27 OREGON* 10/4 at UCLA* 10/11 at Oregon St* 10/18 USC* 11/1 at Stanford* 11/8 ARIZONA* 11/15 at Arizona St* 11/22 WASHINGTON* * PAC-10 Conference Game

A year after sticking only to a 3-4 defense, Wulff is bringing back the 4-3. With 4 returning starters at linebacker from a year ago, junior Andy Mattingly will move to defensive end to help the process go a little smoother. Up front it looks like the team will be set at ends with Mattingly and junior Kevin Kooyman who has the talent, but was held back last year due to injury. Senior A’I Ahmu will return to hold down one of the tackle spots, along fellow seniors Matt Eichelberger and Andy Roof. The linebacker group of Cory Evans, Greg Trent, and Kendrick Dunn are all talented, but aren’t the best in pass coverage. That’s a bad thing when you really don’t know what to expect from your secondary. It looks like safety Alfonso Jackson and cornerback Chima Nwachukwu will swap positions in 2008, and its unclear if junior Devin Giles will be able to return after missing most of spring due to academics.

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21

24-HOUR ARMED RESPONSE ALARM SERVICES SPECIAL EVENT SECRUITY CALL GATES PRIVATE SECRUITY TODAY (310) 454-7741

WR SAM RODGERS

JUNIOR COLLEGE PREVIEW Conference Realignment Should Help Santa Monica And West Los Angeles Out Of Their Losing Ways BY STEPHEN SILBERKRAUS For the third time in as many seasons, the Southern California Junior Colleges have shuffled the conferences in another effort to create parity. So gone is the old Foothill, Mission and Western State football conferences replaced with a newly created Southern California Football Association and its two-tiered National and American conferences. While the first and second place teams for each division in the top-tier National Conference are guaranteed a playoff

PHOTO: JOSH HUBER/LA SPORTS JOURNAL

spot. As for local colleges in the lower American Conference, there is only one path to the postseason, win the division. That should give some hope for both Santa Monica and West Los Angeles as the Pacific Division only features one team (Antelope Valley) that finished above the .500 mark in 2007. SANTA MONICA head coach Robert Taylor has noticed a difference in approach during the summer as opposed to the squad that finished 2-8 last year. The Corsairs will to have to improve on the offense that produced only 260 yards a game, second-worst in the old Western State Conference. Last season, QB Lagman Nausouf was the first freshman to start a season opener for Santa Monica in Taylor’s 12 years as head coach, but was benched after completing only 41% of his passes. Nausouf will have weapons to throw to with all-conference and leading receiver Josh Martin returning with his 421 yards and Edwin Reed. Unlike past years, the strength of the offense will be in the backfield as sophomore running backs Cedric Hayes (416 yards) and Daron Bartholomew both return. While defense has been the strength of

the team for the last couple of years and this season should not be any different. LB Charles Hackett is impressive and All-Conference DE Jamal Bernard returns to the Corsair line after sitting out the 2007 season to focus on academics. Up in the hills of Culver City, WEST LOS ANGELES is once again in rebuilding mode, as they start with their third head coach in as many seasons. Marguet Miller takes over an Oilier program from Craig Austin and is looking to bring some stability to the program after having success as a coordinator at Pasadena and Mt. San Antonio College. However, the new coach understands the difficulty of turning around a program that has averaged one win a year for the last three seasons. But the realignment does bring hope to the West Los Angeles faithful. “With the new conference, we could win every game by three or lose it by three.” stated Miller. Freshman QB Ryan Rosenvall will take charge in the Oilers new no-huddle spread offense. The change in offense will help Sophomore WR Sam Rodgers, who returns as a team leader after catching 42 passes in 2007. WR Monroe Ross will also be in the mix as well.

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW

WESTERN LEAGUE

With Venice Rebuilding, Westchester And Others Look To Deny The Gondo’s Their 8th Straight League Title

OCEAN LEAGUE

Even with a pair of deadly arms gone, cul-

ver city and santa monica are still the teams to beat

BY: JEREMY MEYER

BY: JR MEDINA

ast season, VENICE was one of the best teams in Los Angeles with aspirations for their first city title in school history. Yet a quarterfinal home playoff loss to Dorsey ended those hopes. Now the pieces of the offense juggernaut, QB Richard Ragland, LA City Offensive Player of the Year RB Curtis McNeal, and All-City WR Jerry Johnson are all gone. Still Venice remains the team to beat in the Western League, though it may be the toughest coaching effort for Angelo Gasca to get his eighth straight league title. Chris Clark takes over the spread offense at QB for the Gondoliers. The senior saw limited action in 2007, completing 8 of 13 passes in leading Venice to a 17-13 victory over Hamilton in his only start. The heart of the team is RB/S J.C. McConico. The threeyear starter averaged more than six yards a carry last season to go along with a team-high five interceptions on defense. All-City candidate Jonathon McNeal may be one of the fastest players at linebacker that Venice has had in recent years. After finishing the regular season 6-4 and being seeded 13th out of 16 teams in the Invitational playoffs, UNIVERSITY turned heads with a run that took the Wildcats to the championship game at the Coliseum. Head coach E.C. Robinson knows that this year’s squad is not going be able to sneak up on teams after having their deepest playoff run since 1986. However, their success motivated 80 students to sign up for spring weight lighting class, more than double the number than in 2007. Junior RB Tyrone Jerman has the tough job of replacing Travis Rawls and Trayon Harris in the wishbone. Also, Kristian Byrd comes back as the main threat at wide receiver. However, the strength of the offense is the line that returns every starter except one.

ULVER CITY dominated the Ocean League on its way to a second straight conference title and an undefeated regular season. But hopes for a sectional championship got derailed on in Sante Fe Springs with an excruciating 32-26 double-overtime lose to St. Paul in the quarterfinals. Most teams would have a tough time replacing a quarterback as strong as three-year starter Darius Banks. During his time in charge of the offense, Banks threw for more than 9,000 yards as the Centaurs went 27-6-1. Yet Culver City will have good presence in the pocket with junior QB Marquel Carter. In the two games he saw action against Gardena and Hawthorne, Carter completed 75% of his passes. Head Coach Tom Saltzer concern is whom will Carter throw the ball to. Rahkeem Holland is the only receiver who had a reception from last year and that was only three catches for 19 yards. Both Zach Davis and Cruz Cueva were expected to contribute are not playing this season. Davis, the team’s second-leading receiver in 2007, is sitting out to focus on academics. On the other hand, Cueva will miss action due to complications from a broken finger he suffered prior to the summer. On defense, LB Victor Burnett is the top returnee with 149 tackles. Charles Jefferson plays along side Burnett at linebacker to strong safety. After narrowly missing the postseason in 2006, due to a weak non-conference opponents, the SANTA MONICA took on tougher schedule and returned to the playoffs before losing in the first round to old Bay League rival Palos Verdes. Building on that success, head coach Zach Cuda believes that this year’s squad might be even stronger. The one person the Vikings will miss is the arm of QB Ryan Katz who passed for 1,860 yards and 20 touchdowns and has

L

SEE WESTERN LEAGUE PREVIEW, PG 31

C

moved on to Oregon State.

SEE OCEAN LEAGUE PREVIEW, PG 33

CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND:

University’s Travis Rawls (Top) dives into the end zone for one of his three touchdowns that

University to the LA City Invitational Championship Game for first time in 21 years sent

PHOTO: KEN MATTHEWS/LA SPORTS JOURNAL

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25

WESTERN LEAGUE PREVIEW

CON’T FROM PAGE 28: On the other side of the ball, third-

year starter and All-Western League CB Chazz Myles leads an improved defense. Injuries derailed hopes of resurrecting a struggling WESTCHESTER’s program last year. A frustrated first-year head coach Adrian Ivory watched as five of his starters were sidelined as the Comets dropped four straight in the middle of season. Westchester recovered by ending their season by winning two of their final three conference games to finish 4-6 and qualified for the city playoffs. Now that his team is healthy, look for Westchester to challenge for the Western League title in Ivory’s second season. Herman Edwards is back at quarterback after missing most of last season due to a knee injury. The Comets have a strong duo in the backfield as Chris Jacobs moves back to running after being named All-City at quarterback, and the speed of junior Andre Buford should cause havoc for opponents. Senior Kalin Collins height (6’3) and good hands make him the top target at receiver for the Comets. Two players that Westchester will depend on are FS Matthew Bahar and LB Raymond Cleveland. Bahar led the Western League with 94 tackles and Cleveland was named All-City Second Team after collecting an amazing 23 sacks in only 11 games. FAIRFAX tried to relive the glory from their 2004 Invitational Championship. With victories against Wilson, and South East in the first two rounds of the Invitational Playoffs gave hope to the Lion faithful. However, the heavy rain help stall the offense in the semifinals as they fell to eventual champion Garfield 7-0. A repeat run will be hard to come by as Fairfax was hard hit by graduation. New quarterback Vincent Gamez moves over from wide receiver and one of the most athletic players on the squad. RB Matt Bowen he may be only a sophomore, but he is big and fast and will

be an asset to the team to take some of the early heat off their quarterback. The Lions returns almost their entire offensive line and this veteran group will help Gamez adjust into his new role. Two players to watch are Victor Barboza and Aaron Thomas. Defensively the strength of the Lions is the linebacker group lead by Jamiare Ingram at outside linebacker. H A M I LT O N head coach Kelvin Moore has enough confidence in this year’s team to move up from the VENICE’S J.C. Invitational to the City division. Last year’s was known as a team of streaks. After losing the opener to Washington, the Yankees won three in a row, then proceeded to lose the next four, before closing out the regular season with two victories and qualified for the playoffs. With only five seniors on the team, the Yankees expect great things in 2009. However, Moore got to survive through the brutal schedule of 2008 with non-conference games against city powerhouses Washington, Narbonne, and Dorsey first. Seniors Chad Foster and Ryan Harper provide a one-two punch at running back. Reggie Mitchell is the new quarterback and has a receiver with goods hands in senior WR Peter Bowie, along with Aaron Rodgers, son of former NFL player Sam Rodgers. In the secondary Connor Willhem is an aggressive hitter, who likes his whereabouts to be felt. Karl Buchannan will hold down the front line and Ryan Harper will help over at linebacker The lack of depth is a concern for the Yankees, as any amount of significant in-

McCONICO PHOTO: ANTHONY WATSON /MAXPREPS

jury will most likely end their chances for a successful season. Off the field issues doomed PALISADES in 2007. With the school not naming a head coach until the middle of the summer, Kelly Loftus missed the opportunity to work with his team throughout the spring. To make matters worse, the delay in the new turf field forced the Dolphins on the road until the season finale against Venice. Needless to say, 2008 should be different. The Dolphins with an unusual seven home games, could see the boys in blue hit the .500 mark for the first time in eight years. QB Conner Preston takes over the offensive for the Dolphins, and the biggest difference from last season is Preston along with WR’s Loren Artis and Joseph Hyman, is the trio spent the summer on the same passing league team getting used to each other tendencies. Senior S Khalid Stevens is the star in the secondary that has attracted interest for Division I schools such as Nebraska.

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27

OCEAN LEAGUE PREVIEW

CON’T FROM PAGE 28:

Junior QB Garret Safron will lead the Vikings offense after playing most of last season on the junior varsity team. Santa Monica will change its offense from the spread to the I-formation to utilize the dual threat with returning running backs Vince Lawrence and Christian Ross, who are both capable of putting up large numbers. Lawrence, a two-year starter, ran for three straight 100-yard games before being injured just prior to conference play. Ross immediately took over the starting role by rushing for 183 yards against Los Alamitos and finished 2007 with 885 yards, in only six starts. The offensive linemen were young last season. That’s not the case anymore, with All-Ocean League T Amar Pal anchoring the line. Max Klein and guards Nick Rimicci, an eight-game starter, round out the rest of the line. A key loss on defense is All-Ocean League LB Max Monbouquette, who made 20 tackles in one game and consistently lived up to his all-league status. Across town, BEVERLY HILLS comes off a 2007 season with a losing record for the first time in three years. However, strong conference play left the Normans in a tie for second place in the Ocean League and a trip to the playoffs. Though they failed to advance past the first round losing a heart breaker to Redondo by a single point. Coach Carter Paysinger does have an advantage over his conference rivals as Beverly Hills’s does bring back their quarterback in second year starter Dex Lucci. The senior, who threw for 1275 yards in ten games, does have a top target in Erik Muzar, the team’s second leading receiver with 41 receptions last year. TE Joseph Yoon three catches are the only other returning receiver threat to have caught a pass. The Normans will miss RB Ramon Judkins 113 yards a game as he moves on to San Diego State. Taking over in the backfield is Junior Kenny Bassett who ran for an impressive seven and a half yards every time he touched the ball. Senior Caylin Hauptmann (6-3, 295),

will hold down the fort on the offensive line and was selected by the Los Angeles Times as one of the best in the Southern Section. Daniel Kim returns to start on the defensive line. David Saedi is Beverly Hills’ only returning starting linebacker. INGLEWOOD cost themselves a shot at the playoffs after a bench clearing brawl in the season finale against rival Morningside resulted in a dual forfeit and knocking the Sentinels out of a threeway tie for second BEVERLY HILLS’ KENNY BASSETT place. Defenses will PHOTO: ANTHONY WATSON/ MAXPREPS have their hands full with return of one of the top high attention from college recruiters, though school receivers in the nation in senior more for his defense. The defense may prove to be the Shaquelle Evans. Like the rest of the conference, Ingle- stronger unit of the team as the Monwood is inexperienced at quarterback archs welcome back a wealth of senior as sophomore Joseph Gray and Junior leadership and experience. LB Magana is Brandon Summer will split time under a force, having amassed a team-high 67 tackles last season with seven sacks. Dual center. RB Crosby Lanham is elevated to threat defensive back Joshua Smith is one starter after backing up Freeman last of the team’s top players. It has been a long time since HAWseason. Strength of the defense will be in the THORNE walked off the field with a vicsecondary, as Morrison will be joined by tory. In fact, the last time that happen on junior varsity MVP Kyle Evans at corner- Oct. 28, 2006, almost two years ago. Yet the junior varsity team tied for first back. MORNINGSIDE could be the dark in legaue and that movement of the talent should help end their losing streak. horse in the Ocean League this year. One of the biggest challenges the Campos will begin the season as the Monarchs have to overcome is the loss Cougars’ signal-caller. In the backfield, of all-league QB Harvey. Taking over two-way player Ellison will get the bulk of for Harvey is sophomore Isaac Charles, the carries after backing up last season. who was the junior varsity quarterback The defense suffered two huge losses to graduation. Yet it has the pieces to last season. Helping to ease the load is talented replace them. Campos and Ellison will RB Umoh. Last season, Umoh rushed provide experience and leadership in the secondary. On the line, the Cougars for 278 yards on 43 carries with 5 TDs. Another option is senior wide receiver welcome back DT Tomasi Naeata and DE Joshua Smith, who has begun to draw Taniela Lolohea. LOS ANGELES SPORTS JOURNAL l www.Sportsjournalla.com

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LOCAL WESTSIDE College and High SCHOOL SPORTS SCHEUDLE BEVERLY HILLS S.6 MARSHFIELD (MA) S.12 @ Jordan (Long Beach) S.19 SANTA BARBARA S.26 WEST RANCH (Valencia) O.10 @ Desert Hot Springs O.17 HAWTHORNE* O.24 @ Santa Monica* O.31 @ Inglewood* N.7 MORNINGSIDE* N.14 @ Culver City* * Ocean League Game

BRENTWOOD S.12 @ St. Anthony S.19 RIO HONDO PREP S.26 @ St. Bernard O.4 POLY (Pasadena) O.10 @ Salesian O.18 CAMPBELL HALL* O.23 @ Calvary Chapel* O.31 MARSHALL* N.8 KILPATRICK* N.14 MARANATHA* * Alpha League Game

CULVER CITY S.12 @ St. Bernard S.19 PENINSULA S.26 GARDENA O.3 @ Crenshaw O.10 @ Redondo O.17 INGLEWOOD* O.24 @ Morningside* O.31 @ Santa Monica* N.7 HAWTHORNE* N.14 BEVERLY HILLS* * Ocean League Game

FAIRFAX S.12 S.19 S.26 O.3 O.10 O.17 O.24 O.30 N.7 N.14

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LOCKE @ LINCOLN WILSON @ Marshall ALEMANY @ Palisades* @ Hamilton* WESTCHESTER* @ Venice* UNIVERSITY*

* Western League Game

HAMILTON S.12 S.19 S.26 O.3 O.10 O.17 O.24 O.30 N.7 N.14 * Western

WASHINGTON @ Narbonne SANTEE BERNSTEIN @ Dorsey VENICE* FAIRFAX* @ University* @ Westchester* PALISADES* League Game

LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN S.13 @ Thacher (Ojai) S.19 @ Maricopa S.27 @ LA Lutheran O.3 @ Southlands Christian O.11 @ Big Pine O.17 @ Hillcrest Christian O.25 @ Rolling Hills Prep* N.1 @ Windward* N.7 PRICE* * Harbor League Game

MALIBU S.12 S.20 S.27 O.3 O.10 O.17 O.23 N.1 N.7 N.14 * Frontier

@ Channel Islands BELLARMINEJEFFERSON @ St Genevieve VIEWPOINT @ Flintridge Prep @ Grace Brethren* FILLMORE* FRAZIER MOUNTAIN* SANTA PAULA* @ Villanova Prep* League Game

PALISADES S.12 S.19 S.26 O.3 O.10 O.17 O.24 O.30 N.7

HOLLYWOOD SANTA MONICA PALOS VERDES GRANADA HILLS RESEDA FAIRFAX* @ Westchester* @ Venice* UNIVERSITY*

N.14 @ Hamilton* * Western League Game

SAINT BERNARD S.12 S.19 S.26 O.3 O.11 O.18 O.24 O.31 N.7 N.14 * Del Rey

CULVER CITY @ Valley Christian BRENTWOOD EL SEGUNDO @ Verbum Dei @ HarvardWestlake* CATHEDRAL* SERRA* @ Bosco Tech* MARY STAR OF THE SEA* League Game

SAINT MONICA S.13 S.20 S.26 O.3 O.11 O.17 O.24 O.31 N.7 * Sante Fe

MARY STAR OF THE SEA @ Amino (Inglewood) @ Laguna Beach CHADWICK VILLANOVA PREP BELLARMINEJEFFERSON* ST GENEVIEVE* @ St. Anthony* @ Salesian* League Game

SANTA MONICA S.12 @ Leuzinger (Lawndale) S.19 @ Palisades S.26 @ Venice O.3 @ Jordan (Long Beach) O.10 CAPISTRANO VALLEY O.17 @ Morningside* O.24 BEVERLY HILLS* O.31 CULVER CITY* N.7 @ Inglewood* N.14 HAWTHORNE* * Ocean League Game

SANTA MONICA

LOS ANGELES SPORTS JOURNAL l www.Sportsjournalla.com

COLLEGE

VENICE

S.6 @ Orange Coast S.13 @ Cerritos S.20 @ Bakersfield S.27 LA VALLEY* O.4 @ Antelope Valley* O.18 SANTA BARBARA* O.25 WEST LA* N.1 @ East LA* N.8 LA SOUTHWEST* N.15 @ LA Pierce* * American Conference Game

S.5 SAN FERNANDO S.12 @ Taft S.19 MUIR (Pasadena) S.26 SANTA MONICA O.3 CAPISTRANO VALLEY O.17 @ Hamilton* O.24 @ University* O.30 PALISADES* N.7 FAIRFAX* N.14 @ Westchester* * Western League Game

UCLA S.1 S.13 S.20 S.27 O.4 O.11 O.18 O.25 N.8 N.15 N.28 D.6 * PAC-10

TENNESSEE @ BYU ARIZONA* FRESNO ST WASHINGTON ST* @ Oregon* STANFORD* @ California* OREGON ST* @ Washington* @ Arizona St* USC* Conference Game

UNIVERSITY S.12 S.19 S.26 O.3 O.10 O.17 O.24 O.30 N.7 N.14 * Western

MARSHALL @ Washington LOS ANGELES @ Fremont @ Cleveland WESTCHESTER* VENICE* HAMILTON* @ Palisades* @ Fairfax* League Game

USC A.30 S.13 S.25 O.4 O.11 O.18 O.25 N.1 N.8 N.15 N.29 D.6 * PAC-10

@ Virginia OHIO ST @ Oregon St* OREGON* ARIZONA ST* @ Washington St* @ Arizona* WASHINGTON* CALIFORNIA* at Stanford* NOTRE DAME at UCLA* Conference Game

WESTCHESTER S.12 S.19 S.26 O.3 O.10 O.17 O.24 O.30 N.7 N.14 * Western

MANUAL ARTS TAFT WASHINGTON @ Narbonne @ Valencia @ University* PALISADES* @ Fairfax* HAMILTON* VENICE* League Game

WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE S.6 GLENDALE S.13 MOORPARK S.27 @ Long Beach O.4 @ LA Valley* O.11 LA PIERCE* O.18 ANTELOPE VALLEY* O.25 @ Santa Monica* N.1 @ Santa Barbara* N.8 EAST LA* N.15 @ LA Southwest* * American Conference Game

WINDWARD S.13 @ Laguna Blanca S.20 CAL LUTHERAN S.27 FULTON PREP O.4 JOSHUA SPRINGS O.11 MONTCLAIR PREP O.18 HILLCREST CHRISTIAN O.25 PRICE* N.1 LIGHTHOUSE* N.8 @ Rolling Hills Prep* * Harbor League Game