By Ed Piper, Jr.
Walk around the new home side concession stand at Edwards Stadium and you can view the new Wall of Honor, with coaches' names etched into the cement wall.
Howard Frank, a founding member of the La Jolla High School Foundation and father of Viking baseball player/head coach Gary Frank, says the idea sprang from a conversation with Principal Dr. Chuck Podhorsky a year ago.
In 1925--three years after the school opened--Clarence Johnson coached both varsity basketball and baseball. Record-holders for number of years coached include Chuck Boyer, the boys cross country coach for 35 years as well as boys track coach for a measly 29 years, and Gene Edwards, who the stadium is named after. Edwards was head football coach for 29 years.
"Over the years," says Frank, "there have been 27 sports played at La Jolla. We went back and looked at who coached each (varsity) team each year. The criteria (for the wall) included having to be a varsity coach for five years."
The etching isn't completely finished, with the contracted worker to return in the next two weeks to clean up some letters that didn't come out clearly. Included with the old-timers are some recognizable names for newbies, such as Gary Frank, Ryan Lindenblatt in wrestling, Kristin Jones in women's soccer, and Greg Volger--now a baseball coach--listed under boys volleyball.
The elder Frank says a dedication ceremony is scheduled Oct. 14, as part of Homecoming. At that time, Athletic Director Paula Conway has said a ribbon-cutting will take place for the newly renovated facilities, including the turf field, press box, trainer's room, weight room, locker rooms, and coaches' offices, in addition to the softball field.
The new tennis resurfacing, with a spectator's pavilion on the south side of the courts behind the new buildings also in the plans, will be dedicated the same evening, according to Frank.
"We found 27 coaches that have coached a varsity sport for 10 or more years, eight with 15 or more years, and seven with 10 years or more," says the statistically-astute Frank.
He pointed out that women's sports weren't sanctioned by CIF until 1974, two years after Title IX decreed that institutions must provide equal opportunities for girls as well as boys. Soccer, then much later lacrosse have been sanctioned as official CIF sports. Sand volleyball would appear to be the next sport to receive official recognition.
In 1937, Frank says, Percy Allen, Bob Allen's father, served as baseball coach while being principal of La Jolla High. There were few walk-on (non-campus teacher) coaches in earlier days. Bob Allen, now an assistant baseball coach, was long-time head baseball coach and athletic director.
The committee of Sandy Erickson, Class of 1962 and founder of the Alumni Association, Rick Eveleth, Class of 1964 and former teacher, basketball coach, and athletic director--the latter two for 27 years--and Frank has not yet been able to document who coached Viking baseball in 1922 and 1923. Of course, if LJHS opened in Fall 1922, there wouldn't have been a school team in 1922, since baseball is a spring sport.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Sunday, September 18, 2016
LJ FB: Bull Run
Daniel McColl would be scary to have to face head-on.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Bull Run.
Looking at La Jolla's big Daniel McColl running the football, one thinks of that phrase. He's just going to bull his way forward with the ball.
With the Vikings facing second-and-goal from the four-yard line in their game against Coronado Sept. 16, they turned to their human earthmover.
"I feel the earth move under my feet
I feel the sky tumbling, a-tumbling down" - Carole King
He got half the four yards. He did the hardest part. Then someone else took it the rest of the way on a subsequent play.
Bull Run, or Manassas, is actually the name of a battle site in the Civil War. But that's where Daniel makes his stand. And with the other parts of La Jolla's offense--quarterback Cole Dimich, for one--enjoying success in moving the ball forward in their game in week four on the ground, maybe that's where Matt Morrison's offense is more and more going to take its stand.
Alex Dockery is the "hardest working man in show business"--er, football--to steal James Brown's self-appointed nickname. He does some of the hard yardage his team needs, just like McColl. He's not as big, so Friday against Coronado he was feeling some of his old groove and juking left and right to pick up some real estate.
Stay with what works for you--Bull Run. Sprinkle some Dimich passes in, for good flavoring.
LJ FB 16, Coronado 6
Tanner Watson's TD catch
was called back on a penalty
in the second quarter.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Senior running back Alex Dockery plunged over from one yard out, and Jesse Pacleb snagged an errant pass by Coronado at the six-yard line to run it in for the score, all in the second quarter, to provide La Jolla's margin of victory over the visiting Islanders Fri., Sept. 16, 16-6.
Goofy-footer Kenny Hayden added a 20-yard field goal at the end of the third quarter as the Vikings stopped a two-game loss streak and evened their record on the season at 2-2.
"We're asking our players to play four quarters," said La Jolla coach Matt Morrison before the game. His team provided that, not in a pretty fashion, but enough to hold off a Coronado threat in the final quarter to secure the win.
The Vikings had a touchdown on a spectacular catch by receiver Tanner Watson over his defender in the end zone called back on a penalty just prior to Pacleb's grab.
Dockery's score completed a 15-play drive by La Jolla that took about six minutes spread over the end of the first quarter to 9:21 of the second quarter. On the drive, senior Cole Dimich showed particular effectiveness on six quarterback keepers. Morrison, calling the plays, mixed them up with two runs by Daniel McColl--one of them off a botched snap that bounced off Dimich and McColl grabbed--and passes to Sola Hope, Watson, Dockery, and McColl.
Pacleb's defensive touchdown startled everyone. Defensive end Andrew Mitchell had Islander quarterback Briley Knight in his clutches in the end zone when Knight, in desperation, flung the ball into the air in an ill-directed attempt to get rid of it. The ball arched toward Pacleb, surprised and delighted at his free gift at the six-yard line. Jesse caught it and ran the six yards for the defensive TD.
That came less than a minute after Tanner's TD was annulled, and put the host team up 13-0. Coronado was able to score just before the half on a flea flicker that Knight tossed downfield to receiver Joe Byrne, catching La Jolla flat-footed, on a 55-yard pass play.
Besides Dimich's effective runs, totaling 63 yards on 16 attempts on the night, Mitchell and Watson had their best games receiving to date. The much-improved Andrew, gaining bulk and speed over the offseason, had five catches for 65 yards to lead Viking receivers. Tanner, who spent spring football and summer passing league recuperating from an injury, totaled five receptions for 56 yards.
Dimich was 15 for 24 passing and 148 yards, for 211 total yards.
McColl continued his consistency in contributing on offense, carrying 13 times for 48 physical yards. On defense, Daniel was a demon with two interceptions and four solo tackles in preliminary statistics. Dockery was a hard worker with 11 rushes for 35 yards. Hope added a pair of receptions for 13 yards.
Defensive end Ross Martin recorded a sack and was credited with three solo tackles in incomplete statistics.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Light
Daniel McColl in the gloaming last week,
Sept. 9, Week 3 of the football season.
Sept. 9, Week 3 of the football season.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Light is a wondrous thing.
"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."
One of the ways I track light as a photographer is noticing how much light there is and where it's coming from at sports events.
Last week, early in La Jolla's home football game against Country Day, I was caught off guard by the sun shining right at me on the home (east) sideline.
I had been busy getting pregame comments and checking on the roster for the visiting Torreys, and assorted other things.
Then, as the national anthem was to be played (it didn't work--after several aborted tries, the home fans starting singing it a cappella), I hustled to face the Viking players to get some great face shots as they observed the flag.
Suddenly, the opening kick was over and I was shooting the first offensive series. The sun, though descending over the visitors stands on the east side of the field, was blasting straight at me!
That is not a good position for shooting good, clear action shots.
I decided to go with it, instead of packing up my stuff and running around the end of the field to the other sideline to shoot photos.
It would only be for a while.
I also thought, photos taken into the sun do have a quality of their own and can be quite dramatic.
Look at the one of Daniel McColl carrying the ball above: The light is a golden glow. Daniel is silhouetted as he rushes forward into the Country Day defense.
Not bad for art. But posting it on my website, I didn't take to it. Sitting alongside clear action photos taken later in the game (without the gloaming look), it just wasn't an action shot that was easy to see.
Thinking ahead to tonight's game, again at home, I realize I will probably have a little less sun at the start of the game against Coronado. One more week has passed. It's September 16. We're starting to lose that abundance of sun that we had when we were in the full flow of Daylight Saving Time (no "s" in "Saving").
By October, it's going to be colder out on the gridiron. And games will start, and end, with the sun completely down. By then, I will miss the light we do have--at least at the start of games--in the early part of the schedule.
Week 4: That means how many weekly games we are into the football schedule. It's also a way to measure light.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Prep FB: The other Cole
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Viking fans aren't going to be thrilled about this, but Braxton "Cole" Burmeister of Country Day is about to break the all-time San Diego Section CIF record for total yards.
The 6'1", 220-pound quarterback, who terrorized La Jolla Sept. 9 in a 42-23 win on the Vikings' hallowed new turf at Edwards Field, sits at 10,215 total offensive yards, after passing for four touchdowns against LJHS, according to LJCDS Athletic Director Jeff Hutzler.
The present record is held by Dillon Baxter, who played at Mission Bay from 2006 to 2009, with 10,230 yards.
Burmeister's total breaks down into 8,055 yards passing, 2,165 yards rushing, and -5 yards receiving.
In contrast, Baxter, who also pounded La Jolla in a non-memorable game (from the hosts' standpoint) as a senior on the old turf with six TD's, piled up 1,685 yards receiving, in addition to monumental totals in passing and receiving: 5,539 on the ground, 3,006 in the air.
Viking fans aren't going to be thrilled about this, but Braxton "Cole" Burmeister of Country Day is about to break the all-time San Diego Section CIF record for total yards.
The 6'1", 220-pound quarterback, who terrorized La Jolla Sept. 9 in a 42-23 win on the Vikings' hallowed new turf at Edwards Field, sits at 10,215 total offensive yards, after passing for four touchdowns against LJHS, according to LJCDS Athletic Director Jeff Hutzler.
The present record is held by Dillon Baxter, who played at Mission Bay from 2006 to 2009, with 10,230 yards.
Burmeister's total breaks down into 8,055 yards passing, 2,165 yards rushing, and -5 yards receiving.
In contrast, Baxter, who also pounded La Jolla in a non-memorable game (from the hosts' standpoint) as a senior on the old turf with six TD's, piled up 1,685 yards receiving, in addition to monumental totals in passing and receiving: 5,539 on the ground, 3,006 in the air.
Monday, September 12, 2016
LJ Cheer: Working hard
The Viking cheerleaders perform a stunt
during halftime at Blastoff
Sept. 2. It was the cheerleaders'
first time performing on the new field.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
The La Jolla High Cheer squad performed a cheer at halftime of the home football game against Country Day Fri., Sept. 9. The previous week, at halftime of Blastoff, advisor Cindee Russell's varsity team played a mock Powder Puff football game, then did a routine--all as part of their halftime performance.
The cheer squad, with returning veterans and newcomers alike, include Sabrina Gutierrez, Sally Chen, Diana Dominguez, Kayla Sabo, Hailey Ramos, Natalie Valle, Angelique Pacleb, and Julia Munson.
They were all working hard to engender enthusiasm in the crowd against the Torreys, as well as handling concession stand duties on the visitors' side for the first time. That's a method of fund-raising. Russell, herself, patronized the concessions to support her squad by buying nachos for her daughter and herself.
The squad is filled out by Allison Brown, Gisselle Martinez, Grecia Mondragon, Sophie McCormick, Sydney Ochoa, Raven Tafoya, and Nancy Terrazas.
The junior varsity also worked the snack bar to raise funds for the cheer program.
Russell said that the new performance team, made up of members of the cheer squad who will compete against other schools in routines with stunts, will start up later this school year.
LJ FB: QB whisperer
Cole Dimich throwing on the run against LJCD's
Casey Mariucci, who showed him how it was
done with many of his own receptions on the
offensive end from Torrey QB Braxton Burmeister.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
When I was a senior in high school, I was having a good season--a very good season--in basketball.
One area that could be tightened up was my free throw shooting. I was potentially a 70 or 80 percent free thrower, which is solid.
A schoolmate, Dave Goethel--a left-handed pitcher in youth baseball--took it upon himself to point out to me that I needed to concentrate better on my shots from the charity stripe.
He went even further than that: At lunch, on the outside basketball courts at Camarillo High School, he instructed me to take a few shots. He was very specific in what he told me to do.
Little did I know that in a future life he would be a golf pro who would instruct others in that sport.
Anyway, Dave was my first personal coach. Unpaid. He volunteered himself. And his targeted pointers made a difference in my results at the free throw line.
My greatest moment was sinking four free throws in overtime in a three-overtime upset of vaunted Santa Barbara High, which featured future Laker Don Ford, a 6'8" monster who averaged 28 points a game. We held him to, I think, 14 points, which was a major reason we, a lowly fifth-place Scorpions squad, upset the former team of Jamaal Wilkes, who the year before led Santa Barbara, with his teammate Ford, to the semis of the CIF Southern Section's 4A championships, the highest level.
All of this is to say that the Vikings' quarterback, Cole Dimich, through three games seems like he may have a concentration issue, as well.
His passing is effective at times, but he just seems to be missing by that much in many of his throws. Occasionally, he'll throw a wobbler. But most of the time he throws a good ball.
Cole, an athletic young man who also starts in left field for Coach Gary Frank's baseball team, can throw on the run. He runs with the ball well, as shown by his rushing touchdowns in the season opener against Montgomery and in a disappointing loss before a home crowd to Country Day Sept. 9.
Dimich has his Dave Goethel in the person of Matt Morrison, his head coach, who was a quarterback in his playing days at Francis Parker. (Morrison had his own QB whisperer, his father John, who was his head coach at the private school.)
Morrison seems patient, he talks calmly to his players, and he is trying everything at his disposal to spring the Vikings' offense from the doldrums it has experienced the first three games of the Morrison era at La Jolla.
Another thing in Dimich's favor is his coach believes in him. Otherwise, he wouldn't be letting him throw 40 times in the game against the Torreys. The 6-foot, 180-pound senior completed 19 of them, many after the game was decided. He should be completing more than half of them.
In prior games, Dimich was 10 for 22 against the Aztecs, suffering first-game jitters and starting sluggishly, then 12 for 27 in a Blastoff loss in the home opener Sept. 2 against Hilltop.
After leading 21-7 in the third quarter against the Lancers and falling behind, the quarterback was unable to lead the Viking offense in a comeback. La Jolla lost narrowly, 24-21.
Jump-starting the offense is a key to the Vikings' success the rest of the season for more reasons than one. First, they need to successfully be able to march down the field on drives and finish, which they have only sporadically been able to do. That depends a lot on Dimich's leadership of the offense.
He needs to eliminate his errors, too, like having more self-assurance and not dropping the ball.
And second, with an opposing quarterback like Country Day's Braxton "Cole" Burmeister just chomping at the bit to get the ball again and direct his team on another drive, La Jolla's offensive unit needs to hold onto the ball and use up minutes--just to keep the ball away from the opponent.
I think Morrison can have the same effect on his quarterback that Dave Goethel had on his pupil back in the day.
It may be only a matter of clearing out all the mental distractions and getting Dimich to focus on each pass and ensuring it goes to the intended receiver.
Putting the ball in spots--we may see the Viking Cole click any time now.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
LJ g VB: Madeleine Gates and UCLA
Former Viking star Madeleine Gates (16) sets up
the block in the middle in game four of
USD's 3-1 upset of 7th-ranked UCLA.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Madeleine Gates, 2016 graduate of La Jolla High, played a trio or so of points in the third game and finished the fourth game at middle hitter-blocker for UCLA as the Bruins, ranked number seven in the nation, dropped a 3-1 volleyball match to host USD Sat., Sept. 10. The Toreros are ranked 15th in the NCAA.
A large home crowd in Jenny Craig Pavilion focused on an aroused USD team's upset win over the visiting Bruins, while Gates, as a soon-to-be freshman, stood on the sidelines with teammates for most of the tournament encounter.
When she was called in for spot duty to spell 6'5" starter Jennie Frager, the 6'3" former Viking had been idle since warm-ups for an hour and a half. But Madeleine made no errors, and got an even longer stint in the following game as her team was losing three straight--through no fault of Gates--after clinching the opening game.
In the fourth game, she served multiple times, once hitting the net with the ball dropping over on the USD side. She looked active, aware, and not at all awed by her surroundings or her circumstances as a member of the highly-ranked UCLA program under Coach Michael Sealy without having even attended a class on campus yet until the fall semester begins next Mon., Sept. 19.
Madeleine Gates, here in
warm-ups, is a fairly
complete player.
Many have been the lifestyle changes Gates has already made from June, relocating to Westwood from San Diego and entering a new volleyball program--which she committed to two years ago, in the fall of her junior year at La Jolla High--in the new role of part-time substitute, after having starred for the Vikings as a dominant All-CIF presence in the middle.
None of the sets were to Madeleine in her few points of playing time against one of her hometown's universities, she serving as more the foil while sets went to her established teammates, including Claire Felix, 6'6" and solid in contrast to Frager's thin physique.
In fact, Frager, a senior who played at Torrey Pines High, is all that apparently stands between Gates and a starting position. Upon the former Falcon's graduation next year, the La Jolla product would seem to be the heir apparent to the middle hitter-blocker position in Sealy's program. Felix, like Frager, is a senior, so assuming they both graduate from the program next year, there will be quite a changing of the guard for Gates and other Bruin players.
UCLA has a heralded women's volleyball history, and Sealy likewise has a distinguished career, both as a player for the Bruins and as their coach since 2010.
The Bruins, besides currently being ranked seventh in the latest AVCA coaches poll, own four NCAA titles and six national titles overall, including the AIAW, the precursor in women's college sports to the NCAA. The four NCAA championships place UCLA second with Nebraska behind only Penn State with seven titles.
UCLA has also been to 11 Final Fours.
Meanwhile, Sealy was an All-American for the Bruins in 1991, 1992, and 1993, the last when he was co-MVP as UCLA copped its third NCAA title and second in a row.
In his second year as coach of his alma mater in 2011, he led UCLA to its first national title since he was a player. He was named AVCA Coach of the Year. So the coach has been a part of three of his school's four NCAA championships.
Sealy assisted under Coach Dave Shoji at the University of Hawaii. Shoji is a member of the Hall of Fame.
LJ FB 23, LJCD 42
Receiver Tanner Watson takes a pass from Cole
Dimich the last two yards as the Vikings led
Country Day briefly, 7-6. (Photo by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
La Jolla's football team mixed it up early with visiting Country Day, but Torrey quarterback Braxton Burmeister, an Arizona commit, completed six touchdown passes and visiting LJCDS had its way with the Vikings, 42-23, in a local rivalry non-league game Fri., Sept. 9.
The Vikings, playing their second game on their new field, even led briefly through the end of the first quarter, 7-6, and the beginning of the second quarter, 10-6. Quarterback Cole Dimich connected with Tanner Watson for a TD, then Kenny Hayden left-footed a 24-yard field goal.
The black and red defense harried the burly 6'1", 220-pound Burmeister in the first half, with defensive end Ross Martin sacking the quarterback on back-to-back plays to end the opening period.
But shortly Country Day's productive offense got into a rhythm, with the future Wildcat throwing to his favorite targets, Brendan Goring and Casey Mariucci. LJCDS pulled away to a 25-10 halftime leading, expanding that to 31-10 early in the third quarter to disappoint the modest Viking home crowd, many of whom left early.
Cole Burmeister, as he is familiarly known, finished 19 for 27 passing and 384 yards.
"La Jolla has beaten us the last couple of years," said Athletic Director Jeff Hutzler of LJCDS, the quarterback's first high school coach when he was a freshman. "It is Country Day's first win ever over La Jolla."
After surrendering a 62-yard TD pass to Goring on the second play of the game, the Viking defense recovered to put pressure on the Torrey offense through the end of the first quarter, which ended with the hosts leading, 7-6.
After Dimich found Watson for the score, the "D" registered a sack of Burmeister on the Torreys' second possession on third-and-nine, forcing Country Day to punt.
LJHS's offense went three-and-out. Then the defense forced Country Day into two penalties before Martin's sacks placed the Torreys back on their own 10 on fourth-and-43. Coach Tyler Hales had to punt again to start the second quarter.
When Burmeister threw to 5'4" Jaden Dir for a 50-yard pass-and-run TD with 6:12 left in the half, the Vikings only trailing 12-10, it looked like the two teams might continue alternating scoring strikes.
But the Torrey engine began whirring, and the La Jolla defense was spent. The Torrey QB connected with the 6'3" Mariucci over the middle three minutes later, then found the tiny but fleet Dir again for a 47-yard TD pass play, and La Jolla found itself down by 15 points.
LJHS coach Matt Morrison's troops weren't able to open the second half with a burst, unlike the two previous weeks, and soon fell behind 42-10 by the end of the third quarter. A smaller crowd attended the game Friday after a huge Blastoff crowd watched the Vikings' thrilling 24-21 loss to Hilltop a week before.
La Jolla is now 1-2, with the next game again at home against Coronado. Country Day is 2-1.
While Country Day put subs in, Morrison stayed with his starters through the fourth quarter. Dimich faked a handoff to Daniel McColl, then sneaked in on the left side for a score with 5:37 left.
Senior Alex Dockery, who carried nine times for 53 yards in the middle quarters, rushed over the middle from the 13 for another TD with three and a half minutes left to make the score respectable, 42-23.
Dimich was 13 for 32 and 146 yards passing in partial statistics. He completed passes to at least seven different receivers as Morrison tried multiple weapons in the offense.
Friday, September 9, 2016
LJ FB: Morrison on Week 2
By Ed Piper, Jr.
After the long Labor Day Weekend, La Jolla coach Matt Morrison had some thoughts on his football team's narrow 24-21 loss to Hilltop, in which the Vikings led at one point, 21-7.
"Friday was quite the roller coaster ride," said Morrison, after coaching in his first Blastoff and in the first game on the new field. "It was an exciting night for the entire community to be in the new stadium.
"The kids were pumped, and I thought we had a great crowd. It is awesome to see so many alumni come back as well. That is the kind of environment we want to have at each of our home games."
Specifically on his team's performance, coming one week after a big win over Montgomery, the first-year coach said, "We played well in spurts, but had difficulty sustaining it and we were ultimately far too inconsistent in all three phases.
"You have to give Hilltop credit for capitalizing on our mistakes. Bottom line is that when you are as careless with the ball as we were Friday and tackle as poorly as we did, you're going to have a hard time beating any quality opponent."
After the long Labor Day Weekend, La Jolla coach Matt Morrison had some thoughts on his football team's narrow 24-21 loss to Hilltop, in which the Vikings led at one point, 21-7.
"Friday was quite the roller coaster ride," said Morrison, after coaching in his first Blastoff and in the first game on the new field. "It was an exciting night for the entire community to be in the new stadium.
"The kids were pumped, and I thought we had a great crowd. It is awesome to see so many alumni come back as well. That is the kind of environment we want to have at each of our home games."
Specifically on his team's performance, coming one week after a big win over Montgomery, the first-year coach said, "We played well in spurts, but had difficulty sustaining it and we were ultimately far too inconsistent in all three phases.
"You have to give Hilltop credit for capitalizing on our mistakes. Bottom line is that when you are as careless with the ball as we were Friday and tackle as poorly as we did, you're going to have a hard time beating any quality opponent."
Monday, September 5, 2016
LJ sports: News and notes
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Odds-and-ends from Viking World:
Carlton O'Neal, now a sophomore at Occidental College in Eagle Rock (Glendale), was at his brother Johnathan's football game Fri., Sept. 2. The quick receiver, who was All-League for the Vikings two years ago and one of quarterback Collin Rugg's favorite targets in the middle, is playing football for the Tigers with former Viking Anthony Stanley, a linebacker.
Paula Conway, LJHS Athletic Director, was spotted at Costco Wednesday prior to Blastoff buying two shopping carts of bottled water and flavored drinks. When asked what they were for, the former coach responded, "For the concession stand" at Blastoff.
Running back Alex Dockery approached a reporter on the sidelines after his exciting 50-yard TD run from the midfield marker to start the third quarter. It put La Jolla up, 21-7. "I was running for my life," the pumped-up senior said, still inflated after the TD.
Field hockey coach Lisa Griffiths' due date of Oct. 19 is edging closer. As she has said, her Vikings play highly-ranked Scripps Ranch the day before.
Joaquim Cruz, a national sports hero in his native Brazil whose son Kevin played basketball for La Jolla, was chosen by Brazilian Olympic officials to represent his country in the closing ceremonies in Rio last month. Cruz owns a gold medal and a silver in Olympic competition in the sprints.
This senior season has to mean a lot to Patricio Castillejos, a member of the Viking football team. Last year, in a preseason scrimmage, the 5'8", 140-pound receiver and defensive back tore his ACL and missed the entire season. I can still remember his downcast look as the Vikings' season approached and he was awaiting official word on the injury. Now Patricio's head is up and he's competing in his final year of high school.
Odds-and-ends from Viking World:
Carlton O'Neal, now a sophomore at Occidental College in Eagle Rock (Glendale), was at his brother Johnathan's football game Fri., Sept. 2. The quick receiver, who was All-League for the Vikings two years ago and one of quarterback Collin Rugg's favorite targets in the middle, is playing football for the Tigers with former Viking Anthony Stanley, a linebacker.
Paula Conway, LJHS Athletic Director, was spotted at Costco Wednesday prior to Blastoff buying two shopping carts of bottled water and flavored drinks. When asked what they were for, the former coach responded, "For the concession stand" at Blastoff.
Running back Alex Dockery approached a reporter on the sidelines after his exciting 50-yard TD run from the midfield marker to start the third quarter. It put La Jolla up, 21-7. "I was running for my life," the pumped-up senior said, still inflated after the TD.
Field hockey coach Lisa Griffiths' due date of Oct. 19 is edging closer. As she has said, her Vikings play highly-ranked Scripps Ranch the day before.
Joaquim Cruz, a national sports hero in his native Brazil whose son Kevin played basketball for La Jolla, was chosen by Brazilian Olympic officials to represent his country in the closing ceremonies in Rio last month. Cruz owns a gold medal and a silver in Olympic competition in the sprints.
This senior season has to mean a lot to Patricio Castillejos, a member of the Viking football team. Last year, in a preseason scrimmage, the 5'8", 140-pound receiver and defensive back tore his ACL and missed the entire season. I can still remember his downcast look as the Vikings' season approached and he was awaiting official word on the injury. Now Patricio's head is up and he's competing in his final year of high school.
LJ FB: Warhawk be gone
By Ed Piper, Jr.
My chiropractor is the team chiropractor for Madison's football team. I used to dread going in for treatments to hear the latest news on the Warhawk team, known for attracting players of immense talent but sometimes questionable behavior off the field.
Finally, with fall 2016, it's Warhawk be gone. La Jolla, enjoying the fruits of Power Ranking realignment, no longer has to play Rick Jackson's team.
What a relief. (And I don't see my chiropractor that often anymore.)
Although you'd talk to coaches and they would always say what a great challenge they looked forward in playing Madison (which had a state title stripped after their quarterback was declared an ineligibile transfer from Arizona), as a spectator it was always a grind to watch the score mount to 53-0 or so and watch the Vikings deflate.
Now, this City League configuration looks more to La Jolla's--and this writer's--liking. University City should be tough. Patrick Henry had a big win, then lost in week two. Mater Dei, not a league opponent though on Matt Morrison's schedule, is always a football power.
Hoover, sadly, is weak after enjoying some success under previous coaches. Serra, formerly a regular opponent of the Vikings, has been inconsistent over the years.
Which all adds up to a preleague and league schedule that looks handle-able for the red and black.
It's a fact that fans, meaning the La Jolla students, like a winner. Friday's Blastoff game against Hilltop was a thriller, with a lead of 21-7 early in the third quarter after a deficit early in the game of 7-0.
It matters to pundits and highly competitive observers what a team's strength of schedule is. But really, with a new program and new momentum, enthusiasm around the program gets built by wins on the field. And those wins don't really matter who the opponent is.
The more times the cheerleading squad gets to sprint to the goal line after touchdowns and build their formation, the more cheering goes on.
In the 2000's La Jolla would come to Homecoming on its schedule and have to face a powerhouse team, sometimes playing gamely, sometimes not, and the event being ruined by a big loss.
Now, at least the Bird Rock boys will have a chance to not only have a cool Blastoff, which Friday was, but also an equally cool Homecoming come October. And no Madison in sight to ruin the fun.
Hear-hear to "competitive equity".
My chiropractor is the team chiropractor for Madison's football team. I used to dread going in for treatments to hear the latest news on the Warhawk team, known for attracting players of immense talent but sometimes questionable behavior off the field.
Finally, with fall 2016, it's Warhawk be gone. La Jolla, enjoying the fruits of Power Ranking realignment, no longer has to play Rick Jackson's team.
What a relief. (And I don't see my chiropractor that often anymore.)
Although you'd talk to coaches and they would always say what a great challenge they looked forward in playing Madison (which had a state title stripped after their quarterback was declared an ineligibile transfer from Arizona), as a spectator it was always a grind to watch the score mount to 53-0 or so and watch the Vikings deflate.
Now, this City League configuration looks more to La Jolla's--and this writer's--liking. University City should be tough. Patrick Henry had a big win, then lost in week two. Mater Dei, not a league opponent though on Matt Morrison's schedule, is always a football power.
Hoover, sadly, is weak after enjoying some success under previous coaches. Serra, formerly a regular opponent of the Vikings, has been inconsistent over the years.
Which all adds up to a preleague and league schedule that looks handle-able for the red and black.
It's a fact that fans, meaning the La Jolla students, like a winner. Friday's Blastoff game against Hilltop was a thriller, with a lead of 21-7 early in the third quarter after a deficit early in the game of 7-0.
It matters to pundits and highly competitive observers what a team's strength of schedule is. But really, with a new program and new momentum, enthusiasm around the program gets built by wins on the field. And those wins don't really matter who the opponent is.
The more times the cheerleading squad gets to sprint to the goal line after touchdowns and build their formation, the more cheering goes on.
In the 2000's La Jolla would come to Homecoming on its schedule and have to face a powerhouse team, sometimes playing gamely, sometimes not, and the event being ruined by a big loss.
Now, at least the Bird Rock boys will have a chance to not only have a cool Blastoff, which Friday was, but also an equally cool Homecoming come October. And no Madison in sight to ruin the fun.
Hear-hear to "competitive equity".
LJ FB: Hammel on fire on defense
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Strong safety Nick Hammel had a breakout game for La Jolla in the 24-21 Blastoff loss to Hilltop.
From the opening series, the 6'2", 190-pounder made an impact. On Alex Tejeda's second completed pass to David Corona--two names, among others, that would be announced all night and would plague the Vikings--Hammel recovered the fumble.
On Hilltop's third possession, the Lancers leading 7-0, Hammel made a stop on wide receiver Gus Ferreira on La Jolla's 48 after a pass complete for four yards on first down.
Hammel really made his presence known on the same series, sacking the agile Tejeda as the Lancers went for it on fourth-and-four from the Viking 47.
This came right after teammate Aldahi Enciso just about intercepted Tejeda on third down, but dropped it before he came to earth (or turf).
Nick's dad, working the chain gang on the enemy sideline, was enjoying his son's spectacular play. "Last game there just weren't the opportunities," he said between downs. "This time there are."
Late in the second quarter, the game tied 7-7, Hammel went explosive. On first-and-10 from Hilltop's 24, Tejeda cut loose with a pass. Hammel, from his strong safety position, eyed the angle and intercepted the pass, running in for the TD and a 14-7 lead after Kenny Hayden's PAT.
He could have said, "I'm back," a short time later when he threw running back Angel Pineda for a loss of nine yards on another first down, this one from the Hilltop 19. The half sounded a short time later.
It was great to see the level-headed Hammel, one of La Jolla's many talented returning seniors, enjoy a spectacular game on defense.
Strong safety Nick Hammel had a breakout game for La Jolla in the 24-21 Blastoff loss to Hilltop.
From the opening series, the 6'2", 190-pounder made an impact. On Alex Tejeda's second completed pass to David Corona--two names, among others, that would be announced all night and would plague the Vikings--Hammel recovered the fumble.
On Hilltop's third possession, the Lancers leading 7-0, Hammel made a stop on wide receiver Gus Ferreira on La Jolla's 48 after a pass complete for four yards on first down.
Hammel really made his presence known on the same series, sacking the agile Tejeda as the Lancers went for it on fourth-and-four from the Viking 47.
This came right after teammate Aldahi Enciso just about intercepted Tejeda on third down, but dropped it before he came to earth (or turf).
Nick's dad, working the chain gang on the enemy sideline, was enjoying his son's spectacular play. "Last game there just weren't the opportunities," he said between downs. "This time there are."
Late in the second quarter, the game tied 7-7, Hammel went explosive. On first-and-10 from Hilltop's 24, Tejeda cut loose with a pass. Hammel, from his strong safety position, eyed the angle and intercepted the pass, running in for the TD and a 14-7 lead after Kenny Hayden's PAT.
He could have said, "I'm back," a short time later when he threw running back Angel Pineda for a loss of nine yards on another first down, this one from the Hilltop 19. The half sounded a short time later.
It was great to see the level-headed Hammel, one of La Jolla's many talented returning seniors, enjoy a spectacular game on defense.
Blastoff
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Everything seemed to be a success at Blastoff: The new field was beautiful, the new concession stand on the home side had a long line of eager customers most of the game, the Viking cheerleaders under Cindee Russell performed a routine at halftime that included a stunt flip of the flyer high atop the formation.
A win by the home football team would have made things a little nicer, but still, their performance and close loss, 24-21, spoke volumes for a new era.
Question: Where was the talented La Jolla High band? They have been making big noise for the last two years. Even playing a riff after every Viking basket at a home basketball team last winter.
You have to love the new facilities. Anthony Sarain's successful softball team already enjoyed last spring in their new digs, with a new surface--even though the other one wasn't worn out--and new, ample-size dugouts (but missing gates to keep foul balls from killing players on the bench!)
The press box looks like a palace. Media is close to my heart (though I walk the sidelines all game), so I'm glad the folks that used to stand on the top of the smaller press box predecessor to film games have room inside.
The painters and stripers did a fabulous job lining the new track. It isn't wider, just newer. And the new surface is brought up to the level of the old curbs, so there is no step-up to the field anymore. That's the trend these days.
However, a visit to the new men's room after the game yielded the fact that the hand dryer doesn't work. Hardly puts out a breath. That'll have to be fixed, or replaced. I asked a mom with her child in the adjacent women's room, and similar. Her hand dryer no workee well.
Here's cheers to Paula Conway, who was recognized for all her efforts with a bouquet before the coin flip. She has done a marvelous job in the renovation of facilities.
As her reward, Paula was seen chasing misbehaving kids around the uncompleted visitor's side concession stand. All in a school adminstrator's job. She says we'll have a ribbon-cutting at Homecoming, once all the facilities (weight room, trainer's room, locker rooms, and coaches' offices) are done.
Everything seemed to be a success at Blastoff: The new field was beautiful, the new concession stand on the home side had a long line of eager customers most of the game, the Viking cheerleaders under Cindee Russell performed a routine at halftime that included a stunt flip of the flyer high atop the formation.
A win by the home football team would have made things a little nicer, but still, their performance and close loss, 24-21, spoke volumes for a new era.
Question: Where was the talented La Jolla High band? They have been making big noise for the last two years. Even playing a riff after every Viking basket at a home basketball team last winter.
You have to love the new facilities. Anthony Sarain's successful softball team already enjoyed last spring in their new digs, with a new surface--even though the other one wasn't worn out--and new, ample-size dugouts (but missing gates to keep foul balls from killing players on the bench!)
The press box looks like a palace. Media is close to my heart (though I walk the sidelines all game), so I'm glad the folks that used to stand on the top of the smaller press box predecessor to film games have room inside.
The painters and stripers did a fabulous job lining the new track. It isn't wider, just newer. And the new surface is brought up to the level of the old curbs, so there is no step-up to the field anymore. That's the trend these days.
However, a visit to the new men's room after the game yielded the fact that the hand dryer doesn't work. Hardly puts out a breath. That'll have to be fixed, or replaced. I asked a mom with her child in the adjacent women's room, and similar. Her hand dryer no workee well.
Here's cheers to Paula Conway, who was recognized for all her efforts with a bouquet before the coin flip. She has done a marvelous job in the renovation of facilities.
As her reward, Paula was seen chasing misbehaving kids around the uncompleted visitor's side concession stand. All in a school adminstrator's job. She says we'll have a ribbon-cutting at Homecoming, once all the facilities (weight room, trainer's room, locker rooms, and coaches' offices) are done.
LJ FB: All systems go?
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Folks, we have ourselves a football season.
Despite La Jolla's loss, 24-21, to visiting Hilltop at Blastoff Fri., Sept. 2, new coach Matt Morrison's Vikings were competitive and, in fact, led by as much as 21-7 in the second half.
It was hard to tell how good the squad really was after meeting a weak Montgomery Aztec team in the season opener and thrashing them, 43-0.
But now we know the Vikings can play football and are going to make a go of it after playing a proficient Lancer team, which had capable third-year starter Alex Tejeda at quarterback.
Whereas in the opener La Jolla's penalties and other errors could be attributed to first-game jitters, fumbles by Vikings QB Cole Dimich and running back/receiver Daniel McColl in the second game looked like a lack of self-assurance (in the former case) and a lack of taking care of the ball (in the latter).
Dimich, the 6-foot, 180-pound senior, showed some of his athleticism on several quarterback keepers, carrying 10 times for 32 yards, including his six-yard TD run.
Still, back at the end of January the LJHS football program had no head coach, and Daniel's father, assistant coach John McColl, was making sure in the interim that returning players would be lifting weights and carrying on some kind of offseason workouts--in view of the late notice that the previous tenure would not continue after three years.
Morrison wasn't brought on board until interviews concluded a month or more later. With his full-time commitment as an elementary school teacher at Blessed Sacrament, he wasn't able to hold spring workouts until an abnormally late end of May and beginning of June.
Hopefully, we have a keeper this time around.
"I think Matt plans to be around for a long time," said his father John, his former coach and mentor at Francis Parker. You get the idea this could really work out for the long run.
The younger Morrison was All-CIF his junior and senior years as quarterback for his father's team. "Matt will tell you he wasn't the most mobile quarterback," said his father, taking a breath at halftime, resting on the trainer's table. His son's present team was leading Hilltop 14-7 at that point. "He had four surgeries his freshman year, two on each knee. So he was more like the person who hands off to the running backs to run the offense."
His father seems as modest about his son's accomplishments as the son is.
The tricky part is that Matt, though teaching full-time, has a Master's degree but no teaching credential, a prerequisite if he is ever going to be hired on campus at LJHS so that he can be a resident coach and continue to build the program.
When I talked with an amiable Olympian High assistant coach during a summer passing league tournament at Southwestern College this summer, one of his first questions was, "Is the new coach on campus?" That's a key for sustaining the momentum that has already been built in Morrison's six or so months heading the program.
It's pure Newtonian physics. Matter is conserved. Matter doesn't increase or disappear, but changes form. So with the youthful and committed Morrison juggling his full-time teaching position at one campus and trying to run a new football program at another, you see that going on successfully for a few years.
But then the pure energy needed to make the drive each day--17.9 miles, according to Google Maps-- keep up the relationships with the players and assistant coach, and do the administrative details that have to be taken care of with Athletic Director Paula Conway and Principal Chuck Podhorsky, the object kept in the air starts to fall to earth.
The kids are certainly responding. Hopefully, the adults will do their part to make it all happen.
Folks, we have ourselves a football season.
Despite La Jolla's loss, 24-21, to visiting Hilltop at Blastoff Fri., Sept. 2, new coach Matt Morrison's Vikings were competitive and, in fact, led by as much as 21-7 in the second half.
It was hard to tell how good the squad really was after meeting a weak Montgomery Aztec team in the season opener and thrashing them, 43-0.
But now we know the Vikings can play football and are going to make a go of it after playing a proficient Lancer team, which had capable third-year starter Alex Tejeda at quarterback.
Whereas in the opener La Jolla's penalties and other errors could be attributed to first-game jitters, fumbles by Vikings QB Cole Dimich and running back/receiver Daniel McColl in the second game looked like a lack of self-assurance (in the former case) and a lack of taking care of the ball (in the latter).
Dimich, the 6-foot, 180-pound senior, showed some of his athleticism on several quarterback keepers, carrying 10 times for 32 yards, including his six-yard TD run.
Still, back at the end of January the LJHS football program had no head coach, and Daniel's father, assistant coach John McColl, was making sure in the interim that returning players would be lifting weights and carrying on some kind of offseason workouts--in view of the late notice that the previous tenure would not continue after three years.
Morrison wasn't brought on board until interviews concluded a month or more later. With his full-time commitment as an elementary school teacher at Blessed Sacrament, he wasn't able to hold spring workouts until an abnormally late end of May and beginning of June.
Hopefully, we have a keeper this time around.
"I think Matt plans to be around for a long time," said his father John, his former coach and mentor at Francis Parker. You get the idea this could really work out for the long run.
The younger Morrison was All-CIF his junior and senior years as quarterback for his father's team. "Matt will tell you he wasn't the most mobile quarterback," said his father, taking a breath at halftime, resting on the trainer's table. His son's present team was leading Hilltop 14-7 at that point. "He had four surgeries his freshman year, two on each knee. So he was more like the person who hands off to the running backs to run the offense."
His father seems as modest about his son's accomplishments as the son is.
The tricky part is that Matt, though teaching full-time, has a Master's degree but no teaching credential, a prerequisite if he is ever going to be hired on campus at LJHS so that he can be a resident coach and continue to build the program.
When I talked with an amiable Olympian High assistant coach during a summer passing league tournament at Southwestern College this summer, one of his first questions was, "Is the new coach on campus?" That's a key for sustaining the momentum that has already been built in Morrison's six or so months heading the program.
It's pure Newtonian physics. Matter is conserved. Matter doesn't increase or disappear, but changes form. So with the youthful and committed Morrison juggling his full-time teaching position at one campus and trying to run a new football program at another, you see that going on successfully for a few years.
But then the pure energy needed to make the drive each day--17.9 miles, according to Google Maps-- keep up the relationships with the players and assistant coach, and do the administrative details that have to be taken care of with Athletic Director Paula Conway and Principal Chuck Podhorsky, the object kept in the air starts to fall to earth.
The kids are certainly responding. Hopefully, the adults will do their part to make it all happen.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
LJ FB 21, Hilltop 24 - Blastoff
Viking QB Cole Dimich scores to open the second
quarter, but La Jolla fell 24-21 to Hilltop
on the brand new Edwards Field surface.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Seemingly in command and cruising with a 21-7 lead early in the third quarter before a large crowd at Blastoff, La Jolla's football team gave up a field goal, then a rushing touchdown by Hilltop nemesis Domonic Esparza, yet still led 21-16 with a quarter and a half to go.
Debuting at home on their sparkling new playing surface under a new coach, the Vikings then fumbled the ball twice--once recovering--and punted on five straight possessions, allowing the Lancers to put the dagger in on a passing TD with seven minutes remaining to fall 24-21 and send the faithful home broken-hearted.
Coach Matt Morrison's squad was entertaining, coming off a big win in week one. But it committed five turnovers and missed several opportunities to come back in the initial contest on a renovated Edwards Field.
The killer near the end was an unsportsmanlike penalty when La Jolla's defense had Lancers quarterback Alex Tejeda trapped in a third-and-27 on their own 38. Even after Hilltop false-started on the ensuing fourth-and-four, the visitors were able to punt and prevent their hosts from scoring in the final two and a half minutes.
In the second quarter, Viking quarterback Cole Dimich romped untouched over the goal line on a quarterback keeper to tie the score 7-7 opening the period. The senior held the ball up in his right hand as he scored on the option fake, fooling Hilltop's defense.
Nick Hammel, who filled a highlight reel with defensive gems from his strong safety position on the left side, then copped a Tejeda aerial and ran it back to end the quarter with La Jolla leading 14-7.
Running back Alex Dockery scampered 50 yards down the left sideline on the first possession of the second half for a 21-7 advantage. In a beautiful arching path from the center of the field, the 5'8" senior turned on the jets and eluded a defender in front of the Viking bench to put La Jolla ahead.
"Dock" finished with 78 yards rushing on 11 carries to lead the LJHS ground attack.
But it was all for naught, as the hosts proceeded to fumble multiple times and were inefficient with possessions down the stretch.
Dimich was 11 for 28 passing for 120 yards, with two interceptions and no passing TD's.
The senior helmsman spread the ball primarily among three receivers, with Johnathan O'Neal grabbing three passes for 46 yards, fellow junior Sola Hope five for 40 yards, and Dockery a pair for 27 yards.
Dockery had 105 total yards offense between his rushing and receptions.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
LJ FB: Week 2 preview
By Ed Piper, Jr.
Hilltop defensive coordinator Kurt Gritts views his football team's 38-6 win over Castle Park in week one as comparable to La Jolla's 43-0 shutout of Montgomery--a win over a weak opponent.
"We run a spread offense from the shotgun, so we're somewhat similar to La Jolla," said Gritts, looking ahead to Friday's game.
"(We know) what we've seen on film" about the Vikings. "They beat heck out of Montgomery. Montgomery's line didn't block. They'll battle Castle Park for the bottom (down here)."
One of Gritts' defensive leaders is middle linebacker Domonic Esparza. "He fills the hole pretty good, makes tackles," says his coach.
"Our 'D' is not too bad. Our team speed is pretty good."
Hilltop runs a 5-2 defense, "a little different from what (La Jolla) has seen," said the defensive coordinator.
On the offensive side, quarterback Alex Tejeda is a three-year starter. "He throws the ball very well. His vision and speed are good."
Regarding the potential dual distractions of La Jolla playing its first game on its new surface and the home opener being Blastoff, Gritts said, "We've talked a little about it being the first game on the new field. Get through the first quarter, and..."
Hilltop (1-0) is ranked fifth in Division 3 by MaxPreps. La Jolla is ranked 13th. Hoover, a City League opponent, is ranked 16th. La Jolla has a particularly weak strength of schedule rating, -34.8, meaning its scheduled opponents are easier than many other teams.
The Lancers play in the Metro League South Bay. Head coach is Drew Westling. Their strength of schedule ranking is -6.7.
Among teams in the newly constituted City League, Patrick Henry and University City won their openers, as did La Jolla. Serra and Hoover lost.
Hilltop defensive coordinator Kurt Gritts views his football team's 38-6 win over Castle Park in week one as comparable to La Jolla's 43-0 shutout of Montgomery--a win over a weak opponent.
"We run a spread offense from the shotgun, so we're somewhat similar to La Jolla," said Gritts, looking ahead to Friday's game.
"(We know) what we've seen on film" about the Vikings. "They beat heck out of Montgomery. Montgomery's line didn't block. They'll battle Castle Park for the bottom (down here)."
One of Gritts' defensive leaders is middle linebacker Domonic Esparza. "He fills the hole pretty good, makes tackles," says his coach.
"Our 'D' is not too bad. Our team speed is pretty good."
Hilltop runs a 5-2 defense, "a little different from what (La Jolla) has seen," said the defensive coordinator.
On the offensive side, quarterback Alex Tejeda is a three-year starter. "He throws the ball very well. His vision and speed are good."
Regarding the potential dual distractions of La Jolla playing its first game on its new surface and the home opener being Blastoff, Gritts said, "We've talked a little about it being the first game on the new field. Get through the first quarter, and..."
Hilltop (1-0) is ranked fifth in Division 3 by MaxPreps. La Jolla is ranked 13th. Hoover, a City League opponent, is ranked 16th. La Jolla has a particularly weak strength of schedule rating, -34.8, meaning its scheduled opponents are easier than many other teams.
The Lancers play in the Metro League South Bay. Head coach is Drew Westling. Their strength of schedule ranking is -6.7.
Among teams in the newly constituted City League, Patrick Henry and University City won their openers, as did La Jolla. Serra and Hoover lost.
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