Photo: Zach Cavanagh. Rick went in and played a heck of a football game, Lester said. Its a good thing though weve had more Ws than Ls, he said. Smith snuck behind coverage to pull in a 31-yard pass in the end zone for a touchdown and a 28-6 lead. Smith punctuated the possession with a 6-yard TD run and ran in the 2-point conversion after a penalty by San Juan Hills. El Modena HS Varsity Football. Casa de Tortuga Is Just Simply Crawling With Tortoises: 450 of Them. Edison running back Kaleaph Carter is among Southern Californias most promising sophomores, but he will run into difficulty against fine Vanguard linemen Don Gibson (6-3, 255) and Allen Ennis (6-1, 220), as well as linebackers Ross Bauer, Joe Scagliotti and Pepe Jezek. Why did we give up 129 yards? (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena wide receiver Sam Astor celebrates making a touchdown catch against Villa Park in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills fans cheer as their team takes the field before the start of the game against El Modena in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. And a loss for The Ted and Bob Show, which can now only be seen in reruns. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith (5) almost breaks away from San Juan Hills defensive back Isaiah Bennett who pushes him out of bounds in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. WR/DB Coach Orange Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students in all academic programs and school activities. Both touchdowns were thrown to senior Omarjaye Black for 68 yards and 19 yards. His career record at El Modena was 157-58-8. When I went to El Modena, we were always considered the underdogs, even though we had won the CIF (Southern Conference title in 1978), Frasco said. But, after an inspirational post-game talk, which Cuccia attended, Brown said the players were remotivated to win a Southern Section championship--something no Whittier Christian team had done. Dont get the DP Times delivered to your home? For the team with the broken-armed quarterback, the mascot that waddles, the set of identical triplets on the line and a 20-pound disadvantage at nearly every position, Sept. 29th still marks the best of the good times. OCDA alleges that he initiated the 10-hour standoff with police while armed in . There also was tailback Kerwin Bell, perhaps the best ever to grace Orange Countys playing fields. The Vanguards finished with 209 yards rushing mostly behind left tackle Grant Walker, left guard Roman Lira, center Anthony Lopez, right guard Michael Anaya and Washington-committed right tackle Elishah Jackett. El Modena had possession, and Frasco was scrambling near his teams end zone. It was a sensitive situation.. El Modena had to string together a 13-play drive to get back in front, 17-14, and the Dolphins responded on the next drive to tie the score, 17-17, on a 34-yard field goal by senior Kian Afrookhteh. --In 1981, when it was announced that El Modena would be playing Edison, which was accused of recruiting players from outside the district: Its in our contract that after Edison gets 40 points, theyve got to play all kids from Huntington Beach., --On the prospect of facing long-time friend Ted Mullen, coach at rival Foothill High, in the 1983 Southern Conference final: Id just as soon see someone else over there besides Teds ugly face., --On Foothills Joe Walshe, who had a mustache and weighed 270 pounds when he starred at defensive end for the Knights in 1983: Hes a helluva football player, which he ought to be considering hes 35.. Passed Coach Course. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park cheerleaders wait for the game against El Modena to begin in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Coming into this program when we did, in four years, to say that we flipped around a program, I cant really put words to that.. You cant put words to how I feel. Key to the game--Much will depend on the effectiveness of the El Modena defense, particularly the Vanguards untested secondary. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer) Villa Park quarterback Vince Lagatta, left, rolls out of the pocket as he is chased and taken down by El Modena defensive . When you had a quality quarterback like Frasco, you probably ignored some of the back-ups.. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @ZachCav and follow our sports coverage on Twitter @SouthOCSports. High School Sports. A native of East Lyme, Conn., and a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, he began writing for The Times in 1981. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith tries to get by Villa Park cornerback Mark Meagher for more yardage in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. We hadnt beaten them since 2007.. 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Dana Point Trolley Information & Route Map, Dana Wharf Whale Report: Gray Whale Migration Sees Early Northbound, Late Southbound Traffic, Local Singer-Songwriter Ava August Releases Latest Single, City Launches 2nd Whale Tail Scavenger Hunt, Kneeboards and Stampedes: Local surfers shine in a weekend of wild surf contests up and down the Golden State. But if there was any pressure, it was self-made. Its not easy to sever something thats been important to you for so long, but I know that on the weekends, when everyone else is out playing, were here 10 hours Saturday and 10 hours Sunday, watching film and eating Jack-in-The-Box hotdogs, Lester said. La Veta High School (Colo.): 24-12-2 (1956-59), Salido High School (Colo.): 15-6 (1960-61), Duarte High School (Calif.): 17-10 (1963-66). Snitzler surrendered to police about 8:45 p.m., Amat said. The thing was, they wanted Bob to continue coaching, but they also realized that (his years of coaching) were numbered. I dont know if you can ask for any more. ASA College Brooklyn, NY (2017) Gardening Stuff & Plant cuttings Exchange Feb 11th Irvine Great Park. OCDA alleges that he initiated the 10-hour standoff with police while armed in one of the school's classrooms in April, when he was being investigated for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17- year-old student. Snitzler was employed as an assistant varsity football coach during the time he was alleged to have been involved with the student. "I think we're good," Mitchell said. Not that it was any ill will toward me--I dont think it was. It was a sobering experience. Honestly, I think Im more happy than sad. People around here expect results, and they expect them quick. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills quarterback Michael Butter Tollefson, left, scrambles as he is chased out of the pocket by an El Modena defender in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. The reason is that Charger quarterback Mike Angelovic has the advantage of two of the countys better returning receivers, wide receiver Rick Justice (44 passes for 902 yards last season) and tight end Ken Griggs (14 receptions for 226 yards). When he finally resigned in October, it was a big disappointment for the kids, most of them were seniors. During his first year as the OC, the Trailblazers averaged 421 yards of total offense, including nearly 300 ypg in the air, and 31.4 ppg. It seemed like Kerwin Bell scored four or five touchdowns, Frasco recalled. @bills_kelly. The first year I was varsity coach, he was still teaching on campus, so I could go to him for help and he welcomed it. The stress never seemed to affect Lester, though. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena wide receiver Blake Armstrong, left, reaches for the goal line to score a touchdown as he is grabbed by San Juan Hills defensive back Isaiah Bennett, right, in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Though Lester listed stress as a reason for retiring, most perceive him as one of the countys most easygoing, relaxed coaches. Early in the third quarter Hitchens recovered at Villa Park fumble at the Spartans 26 and returned it to the 5. Its tough love (to get ready for league and CIF).. When will the Stallions get their first victory? I was pretty sure that all of the basketball parents wanted Bill to come back. We were so damn scared of them. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), The San Juan Hills dance team gives a preview of the halftime show before the start of the game against El Modena in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. He was honored as a Jim Staunton Champion for Character by the CIF-Southern Section in 2017. . He won Associated Press Sports Editors awards for game-story writing in 2001, feature-story writing in 2017 and breaking news in 2019. Their opponents took a combined record of 20-2 into Friday. On Wednesday, the district attorney's office filed additional charges against Snitzler related to his alleged sexual relationship with a minor including unlawful sexual intercourse and child annoyance. . Varsity assistant at Orange HS 1 year with Dick Hill 1997. 8 games started at WR. But the coaches told us, Theyre the same age as you. I wasnt sure, but I had a pretty good idea it was busted, he said. If they remember it at all, the Chargers recall how hot and oppressive it felt as their bus pulled into Orange, and how tiny the visitors quarters at Fred Kelly seemed. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith, left, runs along the sideline for more yardage as he is chased by San Juan Hills defensive back Isaiah Bennett on a pass play in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. He returned to watch the game with his arm in a sling. . I will focus on technique and being efficient in and out of breaks. Brown, who coached the Heralds freshman and junior varsity squads for 11 years, said when he took the job, he believed that most of the loyalties of the team and their parents were still with Cuccia. @dhhs_athletics @hdendiu pic.twitter.com/I3WMFdMhOk. The awe-inspiring Edison team was led by Frank Seurer, later a professional quarterback for the Los Angeles Express and the son of the former Denver Bronco of the same name. Ledesma rallied the Vanguards with less than two minutes to go, and he won the unwinnable game on a nine-yard pass to wide receiver Scott Buehler with 50 seconds left. El Modena dominated the first half, yards-wise, 201 yards of offense to Villa Parks 61, but had a lead of only 7-3 at halftime. Over in the Goliath camp, members of the former No. This will be a hard-fought game, and Edison should emerge victorious by a point. Owen Smith rushed for 161 yards and a score, and Mayson Hitchens rushed for two scores and added three sacks as the Vanguards (5-0) defeated their second consecutive Top-25 opponent. I didnt tell anyone for a while. Sign In School Page; Team Page . Yet, some witnesses still claim that it was the most exciting game they had ever seen. Already have an account? Smith rushed for 20 and 12 yards on his first two carries, the first two plays from scrimmage of the game. Lester had a kind of empty feeling. The Vanguards back-up quarterback, Rick Ledesma, had never thrown a pass in a varsity game. (Gibbons said his removal stemmed from incidents during a San Luis Obispo baseball tournament last spring in which three Ocean View players were suspended for violating team rules). With all that hard work I was able to play with the Bills and learn from top guys like Stefan diggs and Gabe Davis. In his 20 years at El Modena, Lester has had just two losing seasons, in 1969 (2-6-1) and 1973 (3-5-1). We knew he was a skilled kid, but we really hadnt worked with him. It has also been harder and harder to lose. . I am married with 3 children & 1 grandchild. He also was his usual disruptive self on defense at linebacker. Chief among them was senior quarterback Bo Kelly, who completed 18 of 32 passes for 327 yards and two touchdowns. I was in way over my head. I want to do some of the things I havent done in 30 years, such as hunt in the fall, take a full summer off, not excrete so much stomach acid in the fall . In March, Snitzler was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with the student, according to Rackauckas. Scouting Report Steve was honored as Champion for Character by the CIF-Southern Section. In that time, Errion led Corona del Mar to three Southern Section championship games, of which the school won two. Black caught three passes for 84 yards. Reach Another Level with a Private Utah Football Coach. For less than the cost of a couple of cups of coffee a month, become an Insider member and continue to get Local News You Can Use from the only independently owned, dedicated local news organization in South Orange County. No one wins the Sunset League three times in a row. Both teams made mistakes on offense in the. Lester began his coaching career at La Veta High in Colorado in 1956, where he spent four seasons before moving to Colorados Salido High for two years. The Stallions have again played a strong schedule. I have a passion for playing the WR position and you will get the very best from me. Hes been like a second father to me., Said Lukenbill, an assistant: This is the end of an era and a lot of good times. So far under Barrett the Seahawks are 12-4 overall and lead the Sunset League with a 4-1 record. All League 1st Team DB (2005) Dolphins are eliminated in first playoff appearance since 2013 in Division 5 opener. Ledesma fumbled on the two-point conversion attempt, but Adams recovered in the end zone for a 22-21 lead. During his first year as the OC, the Trailblazers averaged 421 yards of total offense, including nearly 300 ypg in the air, and 31.4 ppg. I just tried to hide it.. Dana Hills needed a stop to win its first playoff game since 2009, but El Modena needed just four plays to earn the win. Sign up here. El Modena HS Varsity Football. We sat down every day during our office period and bounced things off each other. . Guess scored on a weaving-through-the-middle run of 28 yards to stretch the advantage to 21-6 early in the fourth quarter. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena quarterback Xzavior Guess (9) finds his way through the San Juan Hills defense in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Then he could stand the growing pain no more. At Whittier Christian, basketball Coach Bob Brown replaced Bill Cuccia last year after Cuccia resigned. Coach Esperanza also attended the clinic to learn more about the game of football! 866-495-5172. In that sense, my first year was tough.. El Modenas Mayson Hitchens, left, gets through the San Juan Hills defense to score a touchdown in the first quarter in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. November 5, 2021 12:21AM . 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McWhinney, who two weeks ago was hired to replace Jerry Howell as football coach at Foothill High School, accepted his first head coaching job 20 years ago at El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera. Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF-SS Playoff Game in 8 Years. Back then the CIF-SS divisions were still geographic and league-based, and the Dolphins played in the tough Pac-5 Division. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Offensive tackle Bob Korb is an engineer, and fullback Jose Gill is a criminal investigator. Dan Albano has been a high school sports writer at The Orange County Register since 1993. Marty McWhinney knows what its like to come in on the heels of a legend. Assistant Coach Mendoza, Joe Assistant Coach Kulda, Greg Assistant Coach Tafua, Steve . 25 Feb 2023 01:23:28 [email protected]. But in Backstroms first season, the Vanguards failed to advance to the Southern Section playoffs. ORANGE El Modena was dominant in the trenches and cruised to a 38-0 win over Santa Ana in a nonleague football game Thursday at El Modena High. He also had two receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. I mean, he won the Sunset League in 1985, 86 and 87. El Modena ran the ball 51 times to gain a total of 273 yards, but Dana Hills made them earn every yard on lengthy drives. El Modenas game-opening possession ended when the Vanguards failed to convert on fourth-and-2 at the Villa Park 40 when Smith was tackled by Eddie Rodriguez for a 1-yard loss. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), An El Modena cheerleader entertains the crowd with a series of flips before the start of the game against Villa Park in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Steve's first byline appeared in the Register in 1979. Smith, a senior who also is El Modenas leading rusher, on Thursday rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The Chargers also had tight end Mark Boyer, who went on to play at USC and is now employed by the Indianapolis Colts; linebacker Ray Malavasi, son of the former Ram coach, and tight end Duaine Jackson, another subsequent USC starter. He said, I expect results and then well talk (about having a job at the end of the season). Nobody imagined the talented quarterback would have his arm broken from a second-quarter tackle and be lost for the rest of the season. 2018 Varsity assistant at El Modena HS. You have to give the other team credit for that.. It was this kind of stress that Lester acknowledged as the main reason he decided to resign Tuesday, after compiling a 157-58-8 record and winning three Southern Conference championships in two decades at the school. I played HS football in the toughest league in CA, the trinity league at Servite HS. Guess moved around and outside of the pocket before throwing to the open Astor at the back of the end zone for a 7-3 lead with 5:39 to go in the second quarter. Zach Cavanagh CIF-SS Division 5 first round. Varsity Football Chris Dunham Oct 7 Coach Mitchell giving the refs a pregame pep talk!! Jack made it very easy for me because we had worked together (at Corona del Mar) for 11 years, Orris said. Before the 1985 season began, Bob Lester, El Modena High School football coach, promised himself that this would be a kick-back kind of year--that he wasnt going to get too excited on Friday nights, and that he wasnt going to lose any sleep worrying about what play to call on third and short. The Vanguards opened a 22-0 lead late in the third quarter on a 27-yard TD pass from Xzavior Guess to Blake Armstrong on a fourth-and-7. El Modena went on an 11-play, 71-yard scoring drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Smith to give the Vanguards a 15-14 lead entering the half.