Subscribe today. Dana Hills needed a stop to win its first playoff game since 2009, but El Modena needed just four plays to earn the win. Zach Cavanagh is the sports editor for Picket Fence Media. He also was his usual disruptive self on defense at linebacker. 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. High School Sports. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills wide receiver Jon Jack Shigo hangs onto a pass to make the reception against El Modena in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. 435-652-7628. Steve Barrett, Ocean Views baseball coach, knows the feeling. At Mission Viejo, Mike Rush took over last season for Bill Crow, who had coached football at Mission Viejo for 18 years, including the last eight years as head coach. 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). Player Rating i 247Sports. Basically, I was the young guy coming in and I dont think they wanted to hurt the future. You could tell that they wanted to be good at this, and it was something that meant something to them. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena quarterback Xzavior Guess, center, sprints through a hole in the Villa Park defense in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Before the game, Lester had grimly predicted, "We don't. Grew up in Orange. Reach Another Level with a Private Utah Football Coach. When Bob asked me if I would take over, I had no intention of being the head coach, Backstrom said. 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. TOUCHDOWN: Dana Hills strikes back. El Modena got the games only first-half touchdown on an 11-yard pass from Guess to Sam Astor. Smith rushed for 20 and 12 yards on his first two carries, the first two plays from scrimmage of the game. I walked on at BYU and learned the WR position my whole time there transitioning from QB to WR. Villa Park running back Ethan Fraser is stopped cold by El Modenas Brodie Hitchens, left, Mayson Hitchens, top center, and Esteban Choucair, right, in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. The Dolphins were assessed nine penalties for 125 total yards. Adams completed his final six passes to finish with 68 yards passing and a touchdown. For some African Americans,they inspire outrage; for others, a new sense of empowerment. In other words, dont go out and mess up a good program.. El Modena ended that streak by defeating the Spartans 28-13 on Thursday night at El Modena High. El Modena Varsity Football (2021 - 2022) | Blast Athletics All League 1st Team WR (2006) Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. (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. Trying to steady his left arm, Frasco led the Vanguards down the field. Shoutout to Coach Mitchell for presenting and sharing his insights at the 2023 Los Angeles Football Coaching Clinic! In his eight years coaching at Ocean View, Gibbons led the Seahawks to three Sunset League championships since 1985, and guided the team at least as far as the Southern Section quarterfinals every year since 1983. Santa Ana College (2007) After El Modernas 14 play drive, Kelly hits Chambers for 56 yards and Black on this 19 yard TD pass. 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. Head Freshmen coach at Orange HS 1998. City News Service contributed to this report. Its a tough act to follow.. A native of East Lyme, Conn., and a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, he began writing for The Times in 1981. And he wouldnt wish the experience on anyone. El Modena (11-0) advances to next week's second round against Friday's Bishop Diego-Vista Murrieta winner, while Pasadena, which started the season with a 15-14 loss to La Serna, ends the way. 2022-23 NCAA Guide For College Bound Student-Athlete (PDF), 2020-21 NCAA International Student-Athlete Guide, 2021-22 Equity in Athletics Report (EADA), Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), TicketSmarter - Official Ticket Resale Partner, 2021 Trailblazer Football Tailgate Information. El Modena High School (Orange, CA) Varsity Football - MaxPreps.com Its a good thing though weve had more Ws than Ls, he said. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena quarterback Xzavior Guess, left, pushes San Juan Hills defensive back Ryan Haghani away as he takes the ball for a gain in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. The Vanguards begin North Hills League play Oct. 13 against El Dorado. The drama at the school, located at 3900 block of E. Spring St., unfolded at 11 a.m. on April 23 when the Snitzler's brother -- who was inside the school with him -- called Orange police, Orange Sgt. It has been 30 years in the business and the time has come where I dont need it anymore, said Lester, El Modenas only football coach. That lasted about a minute and a half, Lester said. Read customer reviews and train with Neil P. 100% money back guarantee. Although Edison built a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, the El Modena defense held the formidable Bell to just 10 yards rushing on six carries in the first half. Gardening Stuff & Plant cuttings Exchange Feb 11th Irvine Great Park. Jen Amat told City News Service. Villa Park got points on its first possession. If we didnt, I think theyd be calling for my neck. 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. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith, center, muscles his way into the end zone to score against San Juan Hills in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Doug Rozsa, an El Modena linebacker, the student body president and one of the Rozsa triplets, remembers fellow students telling him their team would be lucky to score at all against the countrys third-ranked team. Varsity Football (2021 - 2022) Team Record (8 - 5, 0 - 3) Roster (91) . CIF-SS Division 5 first round. puts a smile on my face. 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. I am married with 3 children & 1 grandchild. kelly.bills@dixie.edu. Ledesma completed 6 of 11 passes for 139 yards in the second half against the Chargers. Support Local Journalism (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), A El Modena cheerleader takes a selfie as she is held up by fellow cheerleaders before the game against Villa Park in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. The Vanguards took their opening possession 56 yards on seven plays for a score. We always had something to prove.. El Modena senior running back Owen . It turned out to be one of those storybook seasons, really, Brown said. The Vanguards went on a scouting mission to watch Edison play a talented Canyon team the previous week. Orange County Varsity Coach Charged For 10-Hour Police Standoff While attending Vanguard University, Brandon also started his coaching career as an assistant football coach at El Modena High School in 2014. Located in an unincorporated area between Tustin and Orange,. Steve also is in the Southern California Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, and was the first journalist to receive the Contribution to Education award from the Orange County Department of Education. 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. . Menu Join Team. Sign In School Page; Team Page Schedule Roster Videos/Photos . The pressure was so enormous . The Vanguards won their first Southern Conference championship in 1978 when they defeated Pacifica, 20-6, and they won back-to-back titles in 1983 (10-7 over Foothill) and 1984 (26-0 over Esperanza). Marty McWhinney knows what its like to come in on the heels of a legend. There also was tailback Kerwin Bell, perhaps the best ever to grace Orange Countys playing fields. But in Backstroms first season, the Vanguards failed to advance to the Southern Section playoffs. However, with wins over rival Aliso Niguel, dominance of Pacific Valley League opponents and a strong showing in the Pacific Hills League, Dana Hills pushed up to Division 5. El Modena beats Villa Park in football for the first time in 15 years Steve Clark is the tight ends coach for BYU, while son Jamison is a member of the Utah Tech football staff. Im serious. ORANGE - El Modena coaches tried the "it's just another game" approach to Thursday's football contest against Villa Park. Speaking of bad luck, the El Modena Vanguards--or the Ducks as their colorful coach prefers--actually had to absorb the majority of it. We knew he was a skilled kid, but we really hadnt worked with him. In that time, Crow had won a Central Conference title, and finished runner-up once as well. Gardening Stuff & Plant cuttings Exchange Feb 11th Irvine Great Park.]. (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. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park quarterback Vince Lagatta, left, gets rid of the ball as El Modena defensive tackle Shane Whitehill, center, and outside linebacker Kyle Medel close in during the first quarter of a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Of course, youd like to tweak a play here and try to figure out how you couldve won it, but youve got to give the other team a lot of credit for winning it. 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. Jack made it very easy for me because we had worked together (at Corona del Mar) for 11 years, Orris said. Honestly, I think Im more happy than sad. I didnt think wed be dominating like this, but we knew this was a special group of guys.. I think everyone understood the situation, he said. 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 writes a weekly column on the county high school sports scene and also covers games and writes features. ORANGE El Modena coaches tried the its just another game approach to Thursdays football contest against Villa Park. Athletics - El Modena High School El Modena High School Athletic Director: Ed Drzanek EMHS Athletics Showcase Message EMHS Athletics Showcase Message Loading. Team talk with a humble, two-way baller @HitchensMayson of 5-0 @elmodenafb @ElmoHSAthletics @OrangeUnifiedCA @OSmith_5 @elishah_jackett @ocvarsity @SteveFryer pic.twitter.com/XgrWOXB4Ar, Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) September 24, 2022. Varsity Football (2019 - 2020) Team Record (5 - 6, 1 - 2) Roster (57) . The Dolphins battled. I think if there was a time that people might have second-guessed me, that couldve been it.. High school baseball and softball: Friday's scores Football Coach in Provo, UT | Neil P. | CoachUp Elishah Jackett, El Modena, Offensive Tackle - 247Sports Smith help set up the score with a 43-yard run to the San Juan Hills 30. 26-year-old Michael James Snitzler, a Santa Ana resident, is a former El Modena High School varsity football coach. El Modena football escapes with win over Pasadena in Division 3 playoffs You hate to lose, San Juan Hills coach Robert Frith said before the game of the schedule. by Dana Point Times. It was a sobering experience. The Vanguards went to their ground game to toil through a 14-play, 91-yard, seven-minute drive to retake the lead, 10-7, in the second quarter, but not for long. @bokellyy @omarjayeblack1 @OwenCha16498928, Dana Hills leads El Modena, 14-10, 2:40 2Q. 2014 Varsity assistant at Orange HS. I was pretty sure that all of the basketball parents wanted Bill to come back. Offensive tackle Bob Korb is an engineer, and fullback Jose Gill is a criminal investigator. 866-495-5172. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, Californias snowpack is approaching an all-time record, with more on the way. El Modena coach Matt Mitchell considered San Juan Hills (0-6) his teams first challenge so far but his team easily passed. Time kept rolling and the half ended. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. In overtime, Dana Hills got hit with one more holding penalty to stall their one extra possession. To them, it was noteworthy only because it was the second-to-last time they lost a game for three seasons. Jackson Keays's Football Recruiting Profile - NCSASports.org 1-ranked football team in California, the Edison Chargers, dont care to remember that particular game. Ive learned from some of your favorite players and taught some of them some things I do well at the WR position. Dana Hills football. But if there was any pressure, it was self-made. Played football at S.A. College. 13 in the Orange County Top 25. The only problem I was feeling was that we always expected so much success at El Modena, Backstrom said. I just knew they favored Bill to come back.. Dan is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, where he worked at The Daily Titan as a news reporter, sports reporter, managing editor and opinion editor. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park wide receiver Josh Wilcox is hit by El Modenas Brodie Hitchens forcing a fumble that Wilcox is able to recover in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Brown said the season hit a low point when Orange Lutheran--a longtime rival--defeated Whittier Christian for the second time. Villa Park struggled to establish an offensive flow and wounding up using two quarterbacks. Steve Fryer covers high school sports at the Orange County Register. Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF-SS Playoff Game in 8 Years. He compiles the Hot 150 list of football players to watch in Orange County before each season. . No one wins the Sunset League three times in a row. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena wide receiver Blake Armstrong, left, fights off Villa Park wide receiver Isaiah Moraldo in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. (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 tackle Esteban Choucair, (55) in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. . (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. 1, Santa Margarita girls, Portola boys race to titles at Capistrano Valley swimming relays, Disneyland quietly removes controversial lyric from new parade soundtrack, Fannie Mae halts financing for 6,102 condos in Laguna Woods, Tax filing deadline moves to mid-October for most Californians, 2 arrested in Anaheim on suspicion of possessing $463,000 in stolen merchandise, Baram and Tioumentsev win World Junior title hours after their coach, Todd Sand, suffers heart attack, Lake Forest woman filed restraining order against daughter 8 years before being killed in their home, California weighs $360,000 in reparations to eligible Black residents, Taco Mesita opens flagship location in Old Town Tustin, OC Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday, March 5, Lake Forest man convicted of killing stepmom with pickaxe, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. David Melendez #64 OG Dylan Leslie Coaches View All Michael Myers Offensive Line Sean Fryer Coach Videos Elmo goes into Victory formation and will win the first round of the Playoffs 15-14 over Pasadena! While the ride through the 2021 season was fun, getting off the train this early hurt for a stellar senior class that led the Dolphins to this spot. Fall Sports - El Modena High School 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. . The key was holding Kerwin Bell, Frasco said. Casa de Tortuga Is Just Simply Crawling With Tortoises: 450 of Them. I didnt tell anyone for a while. Varsity assistant at Orange HS 1 year with Dick Hill 1997. El Modena Football on Twitter: "Shoutout to Coach Mitchell for He dodged out to the 20-yard line, where he was hit by an Edison safety. He was in the inaugural class inducted into the Santa Ana Unified School District Sports Hall of Fame. This is exactly the type of training we were looking for. Kelly finds Black on a screen, Black finds blockers and sprints 68 yards to the end zone. Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Coaches Contact List - Click Here UPDATED PHYSICALS INFORMATION 2022-2023: INFORMATION ON PHYSICALS Physical Examination Form Health History Form The Spartans start Crestview League games at Yorba Linda on Oct. 14. El Modena HS Varsity Football. 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. Add Video. Varsity Football Chris Dunham Oct 22 Elmo warming up for Brea-Olinda! 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. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith turns the corner and sprints up field against San Juan Hills in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. All League 1st Team DB (2005) . Barrett replaced former Seahawk Coach Bill Gibbons after Gibbons was fired last June. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena wide receiver Blake Armstrong, center, has the pass roll off of his fingertips in the end zone for an incomplete pass as San Juan Hills defensive back Rylan Schafer, left, and defensive back Dylan Wersching, right, apply pressure in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. @bills_kelly. I have no industry certifications but I love the game of football especially the WR position. He always has been the type to joke around at practice, and hes always been a hit with the media, often providing reporters with funny one-liners. Both are nonleague games. Thirteen members of that Edison team received football scholarships. El Modena football makes statement by sprinting past San Juan Hills Under those circumstances, I accepted. He put in just as many hours on the weekends, just as much work, and just as much worry. @dhhs_athletics pic.twitter.com/dsg4t9Eerl. Coach Esperanza also attended the clinic to learn more about the game of football! El Modena Varsity Football (2022 - 2023) | Blast Athletics Its not the game that Lester is leaving. So far under Barrett the Seahawks are 12-4 overall and lead the Sunset League with a 4-1 record. We just shot ourselves in the foot a little too often, Henney said, didnt have enough time to get our playmakers the ball in certain occasions. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena wide receiver Blake Armstrong signals a touchdown along with the referee after scoring on a pass play against San Juan Hills in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. It was a team yearning to be coached, Henney said. El Modena sophomore quarterback Xzavior Guess completed 12 of 16 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Bios | El Modena Varsity Football (2022 - 2023) | Blast Athletics Dana Hills (8-3) broke through some barriers for the program this season. Our defense played well tonight, said El Modena coach Matt Mitchell. Black caught three passes for 84 yards. 2019-current Freshman assistant football coach at El Modena HS. In the second half, cornerback Eddie Martinez chipped in an interception to help the Vanguards defense. Guess scored on a weaving-through-the-middle run of 28 yards to stretch the advantage to 21-6 early in the fourth quarter. Adams 6-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Leftwich with 2:29 remaining in the game completed the scoring. At Kansas in 1980, he was named the Big Eight Conference newcomer of the year as a freshman. . View career profiles, stats, photos and video highlights. El Modena HS Varsity Football. And he still yells at me if I do something wrong, and still pats me on the back when I do something right.. With all that hard work I was able to play with the Bills and learn from top guys like Stefan diggs and Gabe Davis. By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 877-845-6272. Personalized, one-on-one instruction is the secret to improved skills and increased confidence. Then he could stand the growing pain no more. Steve's first byline appeared in the Register in 1979. When you talk about legends, as coaches, were all legends in our own minds.. In the second half, it was the defenses that reigned. ASA College Brooklyn, NY (2017) Lester, who said he will remain at the school for at least three more years as a physical education teacher, was hired the same year that Mullen was named athletic director at El Modena. 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. You cant put words to how I feel. Athletics - El Modena High School Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF . Choucair and linebacker Owen Smith, who were both All-CIF selections last season, and linebackers Brodie Hitchens and Kyle Medel and lineman Davian Ceballos were among the many contributors to another fine defensive effort by the Vanguards. Steve Clark, right, and his son Jamison pose prior to a BYU football game. This season, with the CIF-SS system now being based on calpreps.coms computer power rankings, Dana Hills opened with a rating that wouldve put them in Division 13 at the end of the year. If you lost here, it wouldnt be accepted. Police found a gun inside the school, she said. The Vanguard disaster occurred early in the second quarter. Get new customers and drive traffic to your business. Dana Hills defense stepped up to force a grinding game from El Modena, but despite a field goal on the Dolphins overtime possession, the Vanguards found the end zone to capture the win, 23-20, in a CIF-SS Division 5 first round game on Thursday, Nov. 4. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO El Modena and San Juan Hills each carried questions into their clash of teams ranked in the Orange County Top 25. The Vanguards stingy defense almost recorded the shutout but San Juan Hills Sullivan Land scored on a 6-yard TD run with 55 seconds left in the fourth. @bokellyy @omarjayeblack1, Dana Hills leads El Modena, 7-3, 6:37 1Q, CIF-SS D5. Email at zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com. Three weeks later, the Heralds won the 2-AA title. 15 Offers 4 Visits 0 Coach Visits. It was fun to be a part of this.. El Modena 11, Placentia Valencia 1. Early in the third quarter Hitchens recovered at Villa Park fumble at the Spartans 26 and returned it to the 5. BYU vs. Utah Tech: Father and son coaches on opposite sidelines Last week, El Modena beat La Habra 43-6. Picket Fence Media is a proud member of the SoCal Media Network. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), The Villa Park drum major salutes during the playing of the National Anthem before the start of the game against El Modena in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. The Stallions have again played a strong schedule. A strong Vanguard team in 1978 had lost its only game of the season to Edison. None of the 6,500 people who sat transfixed in Fred Kelly Stadium will ever forget it, either. "I didn't think we'd be. El Modena quarterback Xzavior Guess, center, sprints through a hole in the Villa Park defense in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. 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. I will focus on technique and being efficient in and out of breaks. (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. He turned a program that once had problems having a winning season into a program that was a big winner. The rivalry wont be the same without him. In that sense, my first year was tough.. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills fans get ready for the game against El Modena in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. One of the Captains of 1989 CIF Finalist team with Tom Meiss as head coach. The pair worked together for three years before Mullen left to coach at Villa Park. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Kelly Bills - Football Coach - Utah Tech University Athletics Two days following the April 23 standoff, Snitzler was charged with possessing a firearm in a school zone, discharging or attempting to discharge a firearm in a gun-free school zone -- all of which are felonies -- and possession of ammunition on school property, a misdemeanor, according to Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.