The Santa Margarita Eagles (1-1) traveled to Brea Olinda High School to take on the Orange Lutheran Lancers (1-1). The Eagles come into the game ranked #9 in Orange County, #10 in Division I, and #41 in Southern California. The Lancers enter the game ranked #5 in Orange County, #1 in Division VI, and #16 in Southern California according to CaliforniaPreps.com. Second year coach Mike Jacot leads Santa Margarita which opened the season with a win over #45 St. Paul before falling to City Section power #20 Dorsey last week. Orange Lutheran is led by coach Jim Kunau and opened the season losing to DI power Mater Dei (#9 in Southern California) before rebounding by thumping Long Beach Millikan last week. A good OC battle in week three.

The Lancers rotated QBs Blake Lucas and Aaron Corp throughout the game. Lucas is more of the running, option QB while Corp is the drop back passing QB. Both are trying to replace one of OC’s top QBs Seth Blackamore who was injured before the opening game of the season. Orange Lutheran took the opening kick and drove to the Santa Margarita 30 behind the running of Lucas, RB Donny Lee, and FB Pat Roxas. Speedy Lee capped off the drive with a 32-yard scamper to give Orange Lutheran a quick 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The remainder of the first half would see no more scoring. Santa Margarita did challenge in the 2nd quarter when the Eagles drove to the Orange Lutheran 35-yard line. QB Jon Daniels, RB Omar Villamar, RB John Angelo and RB Russell Hoeflich helped move the Eagle offense. However, the drive stalled when Daniels pass was incomplete. Orange Lutheran defensive back Brandon Rohr was blanketing the intended receiver. The first half ended with the Lancers up 7-0.

The third quarter was a repeat of the second quarter with the teams moving between the 20’s, but no more points were scored. Santa Margarita did block a Lancer punt to set them up in good field position at the Orange Lutheran 41-yard line. The drive stalled as penalties and a tough Lancer defense stopped the Eagles. The 4th quarter began with a Lancer drive down the heart of the Eagle defense capped off by an 8-yard run by QB Lucas. The extra point was missed giving the Lancers a 13-0 lead. Orange Lutheran wasn’t done. On the next Eagle drive, lineman Eric Augustine pulled the ball away from the Eagle running back and rumbled 44 yards for a touchdown to wrap up the game. The 2-point conversion was no good, but Orange Lutheran was now ahead 19-0. Santa Margarita did put together a nice drive at the end of the game moving all the way down to the Lancer 4. A field goal try was no good, which ended the Eagles chances of scoring.

Santa Margarita 0 – 0 – 0 – 0 = 0

Orange Lutheran 7 – 0 – 0 – 12 = 19

OL – Lee 32 yard run (Olson kick)

OL – Lucas 8 yard run (kick missed)

OL – Augustine 44 yard fumble return (run failed)

Orange Lutheran – QBs Blake Lucas and Aaron Corp have improved from the Mater Dei game. Lucas gained over 100 yards rushing. FB Pat Roxas is a stud on both sides of the ball. WR/DB Brandon Rohr had some very good plays. DL Eric Augustine was a man among boys out there. Mike Williams was very solid on defense. RB Donny Lee is very quick and gives you a nice contrast to Roxas.

Santa Margarita – QB Jon Daniels completed over half his passes but was under pressure all night. RBs Omar Villamar, John Angelo and Russel Hoeflich all had their moments. Hoeflich played well on defense. LB Colby Rodgers was impressive.

Orange Lutheran’s solid defense will keep the Lancers in all games. The lack of Blackamore has minimized the explosiveness of the Lancer offense and the deep ball was absent. The personality of the team has changed without Blackamore to be more of a ball control team. Blackamore could light you up with the deep pass or the QB scramble for big yards. Lucas and Corp don’t have that talent (yet). The Lancers are big and physical and will be a force in the DVI playoffs.

Santa Margarita is physically a very small DI team that will struggle with the Serra powers (Mater Dei, Loyola). The team is primarily juniors and it shows on the offensive side of the ball. The Eagles couldn’t sustain any offense. The line on both sides of the ball is way down from the Eagle teams of several years ago and the playmaker from last year, Michael Angelo, has graduated. The Eagles will struggle to make the DI playoffs.

Kai Forbath’s 31-yard field goal with 22.6 seconds remaining lifted Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks to a dramatic 17-15 win over host Palmdale Friday night. The Knights, ranked #1 by the Daily News in this week’s regional poll and #4 on CaliforniaPreps.com’s top 100, needed Forbath’s kick to pull out the win after Palmdale rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit to take a 1-point lead with just under 6 minutes remaining. But when Notre Dame got the ball back, they went on a 14-play drive that not only culminated with Forbath’s winning kick, but also used up most of the remaining time on the clock.

Notre Dame came away with the win, but it wasn’t easy. Palmdale rallied from the halftime deficit behind the passing of Rodney Trimm, who threw for 125 of his 175 yards and both his touchdowns in the second half. Trimm connected with Tyreace House on a 5-yard scoring pass with 5:55 remaining to close the gap to 14-13, and on the conversion House took the handoff around the left side, diving into the corner of the end zone for the two points that gave the Falcons their only lead of the game. And after Forbath’s field goal, Palmdale had one final chance but very little time. And on their third play of that final drive, Notre Dame’s Shane Horton intercepted Trimm’s final pass attempt as time ran out, guaranteeing Notre Dame the win.

Early on, the game settled into the type of tough defensive battle that figured to favor Notre Dame. And for a half, it did favor the Knights, who built a 14-0 halftime lead. Cary Harris finished a 14-play, 75-yard drive on the second play of the second quarter with a 5-yard TD run to put Notre Dame ahead. And on the Knights’ next possession, Garrett Green hit Roy Parris on near the left sideline, and the speedy receiver sped past the Palmdale secondary for a 42-yard scoring play. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame defense allowed Palmdale just a pair of first downs on their first three possessions. And things got a little embarrassing for Palmdale when a return man collided with the goal post in his own end trying to field one of Forbath’s kickoffs.

On their final drive of the half, Palmdale gave a preview of things to come, even though it didn’t result in any points for the home squad. Trimm connected on passes of 9 yards to James Mims, 26 yards to Kwincy Edwards and then 15 yards to Mims again to get the Falcons to the Notre Dame 31. With the half about to run out, on came Palmdale kicker Benjamin Royce to try a 48-yard field goal. But the kick never had a chance as Notre Dame’s Rodney Glass burst through and blocked the field goal, keeping it 14-0. Still, Palmdale had moved the ball and picked up a pair of first downs and 50 yards of offense, 10 more than they had totaled on their first three possessions.

To begin the second half, Palmdale took the kickoff but was soon forced to punt. Then came their first break as Notre Dame’s Lawrence Chew fumbled on the Knights’ first play from scrimmage of the half. Edwards recovered at the Notre Dame 43. Following a defensive holding penalty, Trimm connected on a pass of 9 yards to Brandon McLaughlin and then a pass of 15 yards to Mims. Two plays later, he threw a 7-yard scoring pass to Dominic Blood to get the Falcons on the board.

When Notre Dame got the ball back, they got a pair of first downs before having to punt. But Palmdale return man House fumbled Forbath’s punt and the Knights recovered at the Falcon 7, giving them a chance to restore their 2-score lead. Moments later, however, that threat was stopped when Edwards intercepted a Green pass in the end zone to give Palmdale the ball once again. Palmdale eventually had to punt, but the interception and a 23-yard run by Blood meant Notre Dame got the ball back at their own 27 rather than deep in Palmdale territory.

The Knights got one first down on a 13-yard run by Green, but moments later faced a 3rd and 5. Green rolled to his right and threw towards Andrew Jones near the sideline. Jones appeared to be open, but just as the ball arrived so did Palmdale’s Edwards, who laid an absolutely devastating hit on the receiver. Jones showed his toughness by getting right back on his feet, but Notre Dame was forced to punt.

And the hit seemed to energize the Falcons, who took over on their own 12-yard line. A 5-yard run by Blood helped Palmdale get a first down, and then Trimm hooked up with Mims for a 43-yard pass that got the ball to the Notre Dame 19. The Knights’ Anthony Santa Croce threatened to end the drive when he knocked the ball out of Trimm’s hands, but Palmdale recovered at the 26. On the next play, Trimm threw to Mims for 6 yards, and then a pass interference penalty took the ball to the 10. Then came a 5-yard pass to Blood to get the ball to the 5. And on the next play, Trimm connected with House for the Falcons’ second touchdown of the night. And House’s 2-point conversion made it 15-14 as the packed Palmdale side of the stands stood and cheered.

However, nearly 6 minutes remained on the clock, and that turned out to be more than enough time for the top-ranked Knights. A 14-yard pass from Green to Harris got things started, and another pass to Harris eventually got the ball across midfield. As time kept winding down, Notre Dame continued to drive the ball into Falcon territory. Four more handoffs to Harris netted 18 more yards and got the ball to the Palmdale 14. On came Forbath for the game-winning field goal attempt and, despite Palmdale trying to ice him by calling a timeout, he had no trouble making the field goal and saving the game for the Knights.

For Notre Dame, QB Green rushed for a team-best 83 yards and also threw for 105 yards on 7 of 15 passing. Harris added 80 yards and scored a touchdown rushing, and was the Knights’ leading receiver with 3 catches for 33 yards. Forbath not only kicked the winning field goal, but he averaged 46.7 yards on 3 punts. Santa Croce registered both of Notre Dame’s sacks.

Trimm led Palmdale’s comeback with 175 yards passing on 16 of 21 for the night. His only interception came on the last play of the game, a desperation heave as time ran out. Blood led Falcon rushers with 63 yards on 14 carries, and he also had 4 catches for 21 yards and a TD. Mims led all receivers with 6 catches for 98 yards. And Edwards – well he ran once for 24 yards, caught 2 passes for 26 yards, recovered a fumble, made an interception and made the hit of the night on defense. He also returned a punt for 14 yards, and may have dented a goal post.

With the win, Notre Dame moves to 3-0 entering a pair of games against Santa Clarita teams Saugus and Valencia, currently the #2-ranked team in the Daily News region and #8 in the CaliforniaPreps.com. poll. Palmdale falls to 1-2 and will face Dominguez next week.

Friday, September 24, 2004 at Jim Riewer Field, Palmdale

1st Quarter: No Scoring

2nd Quarter: ND – Harris 5 yd run (Forbath kick) 11:49 (7-0)

ND – Paras 42 yd pass from Green (Forbath kick) 6:44 (14-0)

3rd Quarter: P – Blood 7 yd pass from Trimm (Royce kick) 7:02 (14-7)

4th Quarter: P – House 5 yd pass from Trimm (House run) 5:55 (14-15)

ND – FG Forbath 31 yds 0:22.6 (17-15)

First Downs: Palmdale 12 (4 run, 6 pass, 2 pen), Notre Dame 17 (11 run, 6 pass)

Rushes-Yds: Palmdale 24-92, Notre Dame 39-206

Passing Yds: Palmdale 175, Note Dame 105

Comp-Att-Int: Palmdale 16-23-1, Notre Dame 7-15-1

Return Yds: Palmdale 18, Notre Dame 5

Sacks-Yds: Palmdale 1-4, Notre Dame 2-14

Fumbles-Lost: Palmdale 4-1, Notre Dame 1-1

Penalties-Yds: Palmdale 7-52, Notre Dame 6-55

Time of Possession: Palmdale 22:49, Notre Dame 25:11

Rushing: Palmdale 7-Blood 7-63, 9-Edwards 1-24, 1-Trimm 8-4, 22-House 1-1;

Notre Dame 6-Green 15-83, 7-Harris 16-80, 21-Glass 5-25, 32-Chew 3-8

Passing: Palmdale 1-Trimm 16-21-1-175, 2 TDs; team 0-2-0-0;

Notre Dame 6-Green 7-15-1-105, 1 TD

Receiving: Palmdale 16-Mims 6-98, 7-Blood 4-21, 22-House 3-21, 9-Edwards 2-26, 4-McLaughlin 1-9;

Notre Dame 7-Harris 3-35, 11-A.Jones 2-23, 80-Paras 1-42, 10-Celes 1-5

Punters: Palmdale 8-Royce 5-39.0 avg; Notre Dame 25-Forbath 3-46.7 avg

Interceptions-Ret Yds: Palmdale 9-Edwards 1-6; Notre Dame 1-Horton 1-6

Fumble Rec-Ret Yds: Palmdale 9-Edwards 1-0; Notre Dame ??? 1-0

Kick Returns: Palmdale 21-Maddox 1-(-2); Notre Dame none

Punt Returns: Palmdale 9-Edwards 1-14, 22-House 1-0; Notre Dame 11-A.Jones 2-(-1)

Missed Field Goal: Palmdale 8-Royce 41 yds (blocked by 21-Glass)

Notes: This was a rematch of the 2003 D-III Final, which Notre Dame also won; Notre Dame handed Palmdale its only 2 losses of 2003. Palmdale’s 1st TD followed the fumble recovery. After House fumbled a punt (ND recovered – not sure who), ND had the ball at the Falcon 7 but on the next play Edwards made the interception in the end zone. Edwards also put the hit of the night on A. Jones on a 3rd-down pass in the 4th quarter. Jones popped right back up but when Palmdale got the ball they drove for the go-ahead TD + conversion. ND rebounded with a 14-play drive that set up the game-winning FG and chewed most of the remaining time off the clock. Horton’s interception ended Palmdale’s last drive on the last play of the game.

The Lompoc Braves and the Arroyo Grande Eagles were set to renew an old rivalry that spans over 30 years as former Northern League rivals. On a foggy night at Huyak Stadium, there were sure to be fireworks in this game. Both teams were playing for Central Coast bragging rights. Lompoc entered the game defeating 2 other Pac-5 teams (Paso Robles Bearcats, Righetti Warriors) and were poised to take on the Eagles in a highly anticipated matchup. The Eagles were the last team to beat the Braves last year. But without starting QB Kyle Pollack in the lineup due to disciplinary reasons, the Eagles offense couldn’t get much going during the game. The Braves on the other hand, took it to the Eagles in the 2nd half as Boo Jackson, Joseph Scott, and Jakob Sims lead the attack to sweep the Pac-5 teams with a final score of 32-16.

First quarter the Eagles scored first on a 36 yard field goal from Joe Cozby to put the Eagles up 3-0. Early in the 2nd Quarter the Braves would take possession of the ball but then be forced to punt. Following the punt, a dead ball penalty would be charged to the Eagles putting the Eagles at the 6-yard line. Next play, Gibby Escobedo would sweep to the left and get hit in the endzone giving the Braves a safety making the score 3-2. On the kickoff, Sam Ruiz for the Braves would mishandle the ball but then pick it up and run all the way down to the Eagle 22 yard line. Then it would be FB Jakob Sims would would take it to the endzone on 3 running plays making the score 9-3 Braves.

The next 2 Eagle scores would come from K Cozby. With 2:03 left in the 2nd, Cozby would hit a 38 yarder and then a 44 yarder with :09 seconds left to tie it up 9-9.

But the 2nd half would belong to the Braves. Coming out receiving the kickoff in the 3rd the Braves would start out at the 21. A Pass Int. call would be charged to the Eagles moving the Braves to the 36. FB Sims would take it 17 yards to the Eagle 47. Next play, Jackson would be ran out of the pocket and then charged with an Intentional Grounding call moving the Braves back to the 36. Next play, Jackson on the keeper ran to the outside and then pitched out to RB Scott. Scott took it down the sideline and up the middle of the field for 64 yards and the touchdown putting the Braves up 17-9 after the 2-point conversion.

With 1:28 to go in the 3rd the Braves were on the move again. Starting out at the 45, Sims and Scott moved the Braves to the Eagle 43. Jackson added a 14-yard run to the 39. Then Jackson would go to the air and find TE Frankie Osegueda for 14 yards to the 25. 3 Plays later, Jackson on the keeper went 21 yards to the 1-yard line. From there Tommy Hayes would cap off the drive for the TD and put the Braves up 24-9.

The Eagles would finally get back on the board once more. The Eagles would start out at their own 33. An interference call would be charged to the Braves moving the Eagles to the Lompoc 39. Then Escobedo would get the call and drive to the 29 as a dead ball personal foul moved the Eagles back to the 44, but a 1st down. Next play, QB Andrew Romero dropped back for a pass which was caught by WR Wallen. But Wallen couldn’t hang on and the ball came up in the air and Keilah Crichton for the Braves took it back for a TD. But another interference call brought it back to the Eagles with a 1st down at the Brave 29. 4 plays later from the 7, RB Andrew Hirsch would take it in for the Eagles for the 24-16 score.

Next the Eagles attempted the onside kick. The Braves would recover the kickoff and start out at their own 47. Scott would get a big 21-yard run to the Eagle 32. Then Sims added a 5 yarder to the 28. Then Ruiz would get the carry from the 19 down to the 4-yard line. Next play Jackson would be run out of bounds at the 8-yard line. But Jackson would come right back to Ruiz on an 8 yard TD pass to put the Braves up 32-16 after the 2 point conversion.

Game Facts and Stats: The Lompoc Braves have now improved to 4-0 and sweeping the Pac-5. The Braves ranked #1 in DX have now won 13 straight games and racked up 285 yards on the ground against a stingy Eagle defense. The Braves were lead by Joseph Scott with 102 yards and a TD. Boo Jackson ran for 84 yards and had 45 yards passing. Jakob Sims added 74 yards and a TD. Next week the Braves will open up League play in the LPL vs. Nipomo High and improve to 4-0.

The Arroyo Grande Eagles had somewhat of a shakeup. QB Andrew Romero took the helm this week and the offense was off its game. Andrew Hirsch had 65 yards and a TD. Gibby Escobedo had 52 yards on 10 carries. Joe Cozby did the scoring for the Eagles in the 1st half with field goals of 36, 38 and 44 yards. The Eagles slip to 3-1 on the season and will be at home to take on state ranked Palma High of Salinas.

Montclair Prep high school of Van Nuys continued its remarkable turnaround from a season ago with an impressive 32-6 victory over Saint Monica high school of Santa Monica at Saint Bernard high school in Playa Del Rey Friday night.

Running back Ethan Edwards rushed for a game high 236 yards on 28 carries including touchdown runs of 31, 33 and 7 yards to lead Montclair Prep. Edwards now has 808 yards rushing on the young season helping Montclair Prep improve to 3-0 after a disastrous 0-10 campaign last year under Lance Fauria.

Edwards got Montclair Prep going early with his 31 and 33-yard touchdown runs giving the Mounties a 12-0 lead in the first quarter. Teammate Marlon Yates got in on the action with a 10-yard touchdown pass to freshman Patrick Jameson and a 9-yard rushing touchdown. Montclair Prep went into the locker room at halftime with a 26-6 lead.

The defense was stellar again for the Mounties thanks in part to Berry Hollie and Brenden Nakamine. Both players had key tackles at the line of scrimmage for Montclair Prep and big George Murphy got it going as well in the second half.

The defense held St. Monica to only 27 yards rushing on 27 carries for a one-yard per carry average.

St. Monica fared a little better in the air completing 10 of 17 passes for 110 yards and a 31-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell Smith to Collin Williamson.

Junior Adrian Urquidez, Yates, David Viscovich and Noah Stangby combined to rush for 99 yards on 18 carries for Montclair Prep. The Mounties finished with 334 total yards rushing on 47 carries.

Montclair Prep has outscored its three opponents 98-33 and looks to be a force again in division 12 under legendary coach George Giannini.

Montclair Prep will take on Glendale high school next Friday, then have its homecoming game October 9 at Valley College against defending division 12 champion Village Christian before traveling to Santa Maria to take on Saint Joseph high school.

Cleveland of Reseda improved to 3-0 on the young season with an impressive 50-0 drubbing of visiting Canoga Park on Thursday night at Verity Field on the campus of Cleveland high school in Reseda.

Senior tailback Julius Killings rushed for 104 yards on only eight carries including three first half touchdowns to send Cleveland into the locker room at halftime leading 44-0. Crespi of Encino transfer Cornorris Atkins had another great all around game for his new team.

Atkins rushed for a game high 105 yards on 11 carries, had an interception to end the game, returned punts and scored a touchdown on a 59-yard running play from the line of scrimmage. As well, Atkins played great in the secondary on defense for Cleveland.

The defense was stellar again as well under the wings of assistant coach Clint Cieslik. Canoga Park was held scoreless for the second time this season and gained only 98 yards total offense. Mason Powell had a 65-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and Ahmad Paden had a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown and recovered a fumble.

De’von Hall stepped in at quarterback for the injured Jeremy Obando and completed 2 of 3 passes including a beautiful 46-yard pass to Powell. Powell nearly scored on the play but fumbled the ball out of the end zone after losing control at the two-yard line. Hall also had an interception on defense from his middle linebacker spot.

Cleveland outgained Canoga Park 353-98 and shut out its second opponent in a row. Cleveland has outscored Reseda and Canoga Park 72-0 in the last seven days. Not bad at all for a team with maybe 25 players on its roster!!!!!

Cleveland now travels to Hollywood for a 3:00 pm game next Friday and then comes home for a showdown with Monroe of North Hills before starting West Valley league play October 22. Hollywood has the states longest losing streak at 35 games and counting.

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For more stats go to MaxPreps.com. Click here.

Zach Schafer rushed for 108 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead Saugus to a 31-13 win over visiting Crescenta Valley Thursday night at College of the Canyons. The win gives the Centurions a 3-0 record, surpassing their win totals for the 2002 and 2003 seasons when they went 2-8 each season.

Schafer scored on runs of 5 and 2 yards in the first quarter, and QB Zach Summers hooked up with Tom Oates on a 54-yd TD pass to build a 21-0 lead in the first quarter while the Saugus defense held C.V. without a first down in the quarter. Jeff Jalapan kicked a 38-yd field goal late in the second quarter to push the lead to 24-0. And Saugus had a chance to extend their lead further after a fumble recovery by Josh Davis, but Crescenta Valley’s Gabriel Balderrama intercepted a Summers pass at his own 8-yard line to end that threat just before halftime.

Crescenta Valley scored a pair of TDs in the second half on scoring passes by Phillip Salazar, who finished with 170 yds on 10 of 27. Salazar’s first scoring strike was a 53-yarder to Balderrama early in the third quarter. But Saugus responded with a 10-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 31-yd TD run by Schafer to re-establish their 24-point lead. Salazar’s second TD, a 13-yd toss to Chris Stroh with 5:31 left in the game, made it 31-13. C.V. then tried for a 2-point conversion to close the gap to 16, but Stroh was stopped by Mike Newcomb in the backfield to keep it a 3-score game.

Saugus’ first touchdown came after a 25-yard punt return by Ryan Purdy got the ball to the C.V. 13-yard line. Two plays later, Schafer took it in to give Saugus a lead it would hold the rest of the night. Following a three-and-out by C.V., Saugus extended their lead on a 9-play, 59-yard drive that ended on Schafer’s 2-yard run. Then came another three-and-out by Crescenta Valley. On the next play, Summers threw to Oates for the Centurions’ third score to make it 21-0.

When Crescenta Valley got the ball back, they embarked on a 10-play drive that got the ball to the Saugus 8-yard line. However, on 4th and 2 at the 8, Salazar’s pass fell incomplete, giving the ball back to the Centurions, who then held the ball for the next 4:49. That 14-play drive moved the ball to the Falcon 21 and ended with Jalapan’s 38-yard field goal. That made it 24-0, and Crescenta Valley never really threatened in the second half. Newcomb’s stop on the Falcons’ final touchdown maintained an 18-point lead, and on the ensuing kickoff Saugus’ T.J. Gregg recovered Crescenta Valley’s onsides kickoff attempt, ending any doubt about the game’s outcome.

Schafer led all rushers with the 108 yards. And Summers, playing the entire game for the first time this season, finished 9 of 17 passing for 134 yds and a TD. The other Saugus QB, Travis Babin, suffered a knee injury last week vs. Pasadena and did not play. For Crescenta Valley, Salazar passed for 170 yds and 2 TDs, and rushed for 59 yds on 16 carries (74 yds on 13 carries if the sacks are subtracted out). Balderrama had a very strong game with 6 catches for 123 yds and a touchdown, plus an interception on defense. Stroh had 4 catches for 47 yds and a score.

Thursday, September 23, 2004 at Cougar Stadium (COC), Valencia

1st Quarter: S – Schafer 5 yd run (Jalapan kick) 6:39 (7-0)

S – Schafer 2 yd run (Jalapan kick) 1:36 (14-0)

S – Oates 54 yd pass from Summers (Jalapan kick) 0:05 (21-0)

2nd Quarter: S – FG Jalapan 38 yds 0:41 (24-0)

3rd Quarter: CV – Balderrama 53 yd pass from Salazar (Marrero kick) 9:32 (24-7)

S – Schafer 31 yd run (Jalapan kick) 4:45 (31-7)

4th Quarter: CV – Stroh 13 yd pass from Salazar (run failed) 5:31 (31-13)

First Downs: Saugus 18 (12 run, 6 pass), Crescenta Valley 11 (2 run, 8 pass, 1 pen)

Rushes-Yds: Saugus 41-187, Crescenta Valley 25-63

Passing Yds: Saugus 134, Crescenta Valley 170

Comp-Att-Int: Saugus 9-17-1, Crescenta Valley 10-27-0

Return Yds: Saugus 82, Crescenta Valley 81

Sacks-Yds: Saugus 3-15, Crescenta Valley 2-20

Fumbles-Lost: Saugus 1-1, Crescenta Valley 1-1

Penalties-Yds: Saugus 6-54, Crescenta Valley 7-43

Time of Possession: Saugus 27:19, Crescenta Valley 20:41

Rushing: Saugus 20-Schafer 14-108, 3-Summers 14-32, 12-Hudson 8-28, 1-Purdy 5-19, Crescenta Valley 9-Salazar 16-59, 1-Balderrama 1-9, 3-Avanesian 2-8, 20-Stroh 4-(-1), 6-Dormond 1-(-10), team 1-(-2)

Passing: Saugus 3-Summers 9-17-1-134, 1 TD; Crescenta Valley 9-Salazar 10-27-0-134, 2 TDs

Receiving: Saugus 40-Monson 3-22, 14-McCorkle 2-30, 43-Oates 1-54, 1-Purdy 1-17,

20-Schafer 1-8, 7-J.Kurowski 1-7; Crescenta Valley 1-Balderrama 6-123, 10-Stroh 4-47

Punters: Saugus 99-K.Kurowski 4-34.0 avg; Crescenta Valley 3-Avanesian 6-34.5 avg

Kick Returns: Saugus 43-Oates 2-33, 50-Gregg 1-0; C.V. 1-Balderrama 1-23, 6-Dormond 1-23

Punt Returns: Saugus 1-Purdy 4-49; Crescenta Valley 6-Dormond 1-32

Interceptions-Ret Yds: Saugus none; Crescenta Valley 1-Balderrama 1-0

Fumble Rec-Ret Yds: Saugus 47-Davis 1-0; Crescenta Valley 5-Jackson 1-3

Notes: Saugus is now 3-0, their 3 wins surpassing their total for 2002 or 2003 (they were 2-8 each year). Crescenta Valley falls to 0-3. Purdy’s 25-yd punt return to the 13 set up Saugus’ first TD. Saugus jumped to the 21-0 lead while the defense held C.V. without a first down in the first half. Newcomb stuffed Stroh on C.V.’s 2-point conversion after their second TD. Gregg recovered an onsides kick after C.V.’s second touchdown.

Westlake won the toss and deferred. Hart got a 19-yard return by Leigh and started at the 23: run by Casselbury (“RC”) for 7, incomplete, pass [from under center] to Surratt about 10 yards or so down the left sideline and in the parlance of the young – he took it 70 yards to the house. The PAT missed and it was 6-0 Hart at 11:03.

Westlake got about a 20-yard return on the kickoff and started at the 22: run by Rapoport (all runs, except by the QB, were by Rapoport) for 3, pass for 3, pass for 8, run for 3, run for1, incomplete and punt.

Hart got 9 yards on the return by Wolfe and started at the 29: inc, run by Lyon for 21 [out of the shotgun], pass to Surratt for 19, pass to Wolfe for 1, inc (dropped), pass to Surratt for 4, run by Lyon for 16, pass to Surratt for 5, inc (drop) [Hart was at the Westlake 5 at this point], SACK (# 1) for -7 followed by a 29-yard field goal. Hart 9-0 at 3:39.

Westlake got a big boost from a 42-yard return out to the Hart 48 but went nowhere: inc, run for 2, a SACK for -2 (the only one of the night) and punt.

Wolfe fair caught the ball and Hart started the 19: pass to Wolfe for 25, run by RC for 6, run by Lyon for 9 [flushed], a 10 yard penalty for holding, inc, SACK (# 2 and a fumble recovered by Hart), pass to Surratt for 13 [END OF QUARTER], punt.

Westlake got no return on the punt and started at the 17: run for 3, inc (over the middle, tipped and almost intercepted), inc, punt (close to a block, close to a roughing call!).

Hart started at the 44: inc (Leigh got nailed on a hot route right as the ball got to him), inc. Then the bizarre play of the game: Lyon started in the shotgun, took the snap and dropped back a little more. He tried to pass but the rushers tipped the ball up into the air and the center caught it [knock it down! Knock it down!]. He ran around with it for a while but eventually was tackled for an 18-yard loss [knock it down!]. Hart punted.

Westlake started at the 32: run for 3, run for 5, run for 4, pass for 8, pass for 6, run for 2, inc., QB run for 6 and, on fourth down at the Hart 34, run for 0 and Hart took over on downs.

Hart: draw to RC for 18 [under center], run by RC for 2 [under center], pass to Wolfe for 17 [under center], pass to Leigh for 9 [under center], pass to Yudin for -4 [under center], inc (knocked down) [shotgun], and on 4th down at the 24, inc.

Westlake: run for 1, pass for -1, inc and punt.

Hart got no return and started at the 30: draw by RC for 47 [under center], run by Lyon for 2, inc (knock down #2), SACK (#3) for -13 and inc (tipped pass #3) on 4th down at the 33.

Westlake: run for 2, run for 0, run for 8, run for 0. HALF TIME.

Hart’s defense was terrific, giving up no long plays other than 1 fairly long kickoff return. At halftime, Westlake was 5 for 11 and 24 yards passing and 37 yards rushing on 17 attempts. 60 yards of offense in a half is pretty anemic but I understand that Westlake struggled even more last week.

Hart’s first half offense was sometimes spectacular followed by some very inconsistent play. In the first half Lyon was 11 for 20, 140 yards and 1 TD (including the center’s 18 yard loss). A pattern is starting to emerge in the Hart passing: its incredibly streaky – several really briskly executed plays followed by a few poorly thrown balls, drops, imprecise routes, fouled up blocking assignments, etc. Improved consistency is going to be an important factor for Hart. Hart’s first half rushing was solid: 103 yards on 12 carries and that includes the 3 sacks.

Second half.

Westlake got about a 20 yard return and started at the 23: run (fumble) for -1, run for 10 (the first double digit yardage from scrimmage), run for 3, run for -1, penalty (don’t know what it was) for -5, run for 5 and then an INT by Surratt. He made a nice return but a really terrible call on Casselbury for a hit in the back moved the ball back to the Hart 47.

Hart: SACK (#4) for -2, penalty for delay, inc., SACK (#5) for -7 and then a very short punt following a bad snap. (Note the streakiness: every play was kind of stinky in this series; not only does it bring Hart down, it really invigorates the opposition. The next series is great evidence of that problem.)

Westlake started at the WL 47: pass for 35, run/fumble for 0, run by the QB after he was flushed for 12 and the TD. 9-7 Hart at 5:36 in the third.

Now we see the other side of the Hart streaky side. Hart started at the 35 as the ball was kicked out of bounds: run by RC [under center] for 9, sneak by Lyon for 4, run by RC on a pitch [under center] for -4, a spectacular run by Lyon for 30 yards after he was flushed out of the pocket. Best block: kudos to the back judge. Next play was another great run by RC for 26 yards and the TD. What a display of balance and agility! Hart 16-7 at 3:20. Note that the entire series was running – 65 yards in 5 plays.

Westlake started at the 23: pass for 8, pass for 10, run for 4 (sweep – one of the few times WL went outside the tackles), run for -2, inc (knocked down) and punt.

Hart started at the 13: a pass to RC was nullified by a holding, run by RC for 0 [QUARTER], pass to Wolfe for 19, pass to Surratt for 9, sneak by Lyon for 2, run by RC for 9, run by RC for 4, pass to Surratt for 48 and a TD. Hart 22-9 (PAT pass was no good) at 9:17.

Westlake started at the 27: Inc, inc, penalty (?) and INT by Hetman.

Hart started at the WL 21: pass to Wolfe for 12, run by Lyon for 4, inc (knock down), inc and 22-yard FG. Hart 25-7 at 7:17.

Westlake started at the 26: inc, run for 8, run for 0, run for 1.

Hart took over on downs at the 35: pass to Wolfe for 9, penalty illegal shift, run by Toledo by 4 [at this point both RC and guard Dusty Green were out of the game. Both appeared to be injured. Any one with the story on that?], shuffle/shuttle/shovel pass to Toledo for 27 yards and a TD. Hart 32-7 at 4:00.

Westlake: pass for 3, pass for 9, pass for 11 (as one might guess, Hart was subbing in some of the second stringers at this point, while the DBs were starters, some of the linemen were subs giving the WL QB more time), pass for 7, run for 6, run for 0, pass for 32, run by the QB, once again around the left for 7 yards and a TD. 32-14. Hart took a knee after the kickoff and it was over.

I had Lyon at 17 of 29 for 256 yards and 3 TDs and most importantly no INTs. Surratt had 7 receptions for 160 yards and two TDs. Wolfe had 83 yards on 6 passes. Toledo had the other TD reception on a 27-yard shuffle pass. Best/worst catch of the night: the center caught a deflected pass and managed to get an 18-yard loss before being dragged down (now which way is it to the goal?).

The line had some trouble protecting Lyon once again. Most of the problems come from the right or on a delay up the middle. Bet there's gonna be some discussion about that. Lyon got sacked 5 times but also turned in some really nice runs (net 52 yards on 13 carries and that includes 37 negative yards on the sacks). There were times when Lyon was a little off the mark but the receivers also flat dropped a few again. Lyon had 4 or 5 passes deflected as well -- a combination of a couple of tall d-ends and a low release point.

The Hart defense was generally in control of the game. In the first half, Westlake had 39 yards rushing on 17 carries -- barely 2 yards a play. The Warriors passed 11 times and completed 5 for 24 yards in the first half and of course zero points.

The Westlake QB finished at 13 of 25 for 139 yards and 2 INTs. The tailback had 69 yards on 27 carries and the quarterback had 23 yards on 4 carries and scored both TDs on broken plays (flushed), running to the left. The Westlake numbers are a little deceiving in that over 50 of the passing yards and about a dozen of the rushing yards game on the last came on the last drive with under 4 minutes to play when a portion of the Hart defense was populated by second team players.

Things looked better in some respects for Hart but there are still a number of kinks to work out. I think the main problems are: (1) poor co-ordination of blocking assignments on offense, (2) continued weak special teams play [tonight: two missed PATs and a couple of stinko punts] and (3) lack of emotion.

Some comments: First, the defense is getting more consistent and are proving really tough against the run. Every once in awhile it seems like the pass defense loses some concentration.

The Hart offense sometimes looks absolutely spectacular and then looks like a bunch of JV players. The problem is that its not just one problem, its sometimes several, and sometimes several at the same time.

The offensive line has some trouble picking up blitzes. The right side seems unusually vulnerable. A second problem that showed up last week and a little bit more last night was that the defense sometimes delays a little bit, allows the blockers to commit and then blitzes someone, usually right up the middle. It seems like the center may be a little quick to commit to a block. In any event, this creates additional problems because the QB now has problems stepping into the pocket and/or stepping into his throw because the defense is in his face (when all goes well Lyon steps into the pocket very well).

The receivers have to latch onto the ball better. There are just too many drops by kids who have terrific hands. Some of the passing is a little dangerous. A couple of the tosses to the outside were dangerously close to rushing linemen or backers. Lyon has to work on a quicker release, keeping the ball higher and throwing it from a higher, more overhand position as opposed to what appears to be a bit of a sidearm throwing motion. No one ought to be knocking down passes by a 6'5" QB.

The big improvement this week: Lyon’s running was terrific. He’s really pretty fast once he gets rolling. It’s another dimension that the opponent now has to worry about. I liked the idea that Hart did not run hardly any plays with an empty backfield and also ran a lot from under center which, I think, greatly aids the running game.

The kicking game is still a little on the anemic side. The Hart punter got off a nice punt but he also had a very weak one too. The bad snap certainly didn’t help. Punt returns were better in the sense there were no screwups. Kickoffs surprise me. I thought that Christiansen would have remained the kicker and would be booting it to the endzone. He is not kicking. The PAT thing needs to improve to: 1 miss in each game which in turn invited failed running/passing PATs.

My last beef is with the level of energy. Seems like too many are too laid back too often. Get fired up!

The “no turnovers” was a terrific improvement from last week. Hope the kids keep that up.

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