Thursday Football Game of the Week Santa Margarita and Los Alamitos



Story by L.T.Willis





Santa Margarita and Los Alamitos at Veterans Stadium. All Photos by
T.G. Sports' 'Eric Wade & EW/GEMS Images.





Our Thursday night game of the week feature the Santa Margarita Eagles and the Los Alamitos Griffins at  Veterans Field. It didn't take long for the fireworks to start with just 13 seconds into the game the Griffins struck first as Cody Paul broke free and scored on a  72 yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead. The Eagles responded with a 65yard drive of their own and Johnny Stanton scored on a 1 yard run to tie the game 7-7. The Griffins answer back as Lagarde connected with Josh Caiquo for  61 yard touch down pass to take a 14-7.The Eagles again march the field and with 2:47 left in the first quarter running back Ryan Wolpin scored on a 5 yard run to the game at 14-14. The Eagles held and got the ball back in with good field position and with 57 seconds left Johnny Stanton  on a keeper ran for 52 yards and scored and now the Eagles leads 21-14 at the end of the first quarter.

Santa Margarita's Johnny
Stanton ties the game
at 7-7.



Los Alamitos' Cody Paul breaks free
for the first score of the game with a
72 yard touchdown run and
a 7-0 lead.







    



Santa Margarita's Ryan Wolpin ties the game 14-14.



Los Alamitos QB Dylan Lagarde
threw a 61 yard touchdown pass
to Josh Caiquo to take
a 14-7 lead.



                                                                                                  







The Griffins defense in the second quarter were showing signs that they could slow down the Eagles offense as both teams went back and forth, but it wasn't until 2:38 left in the 2nd quarter the Eagles drove the field and Johnny Stanton scored on a 3 yard run to make the score 28-14 at the half. In the first half the Eagles massive offensive line were just simply over powering the Griffins  and their own offensive just couldn't generate any more points in the first half. In the 3rd quarter the Eagles' John McGrory kicked a 27 yard field goal and the score was now 31-14.The Eagles pined the Griffins deep inside their own 10 yard line when the Eagles' defensive back Reid Andrew intercepted the ball and gave his offensive great field position.

The Griffins defense were making plays to get their team back into the game.

The Griffins QB Dylan Lagarde trying to keep them in the game
trailing 38-27 late into the fourth quarter.

Late in the 4th quarter the Griffins got back on the score board when Cody Paul powered in for a 5 yard run and now the Griffins trailed 38-21 with 4:44 left on the clock. Moments later after the Griffins kicked off to the Eagles they got another brake as Eagles' quarterback Johnny Stanton fumble and the Griffins recovered inside the 10 yard line. A couple of plays later The Griffins scored again on a 7 yard touchdown pass from Kyle Roberts and now the score was 38-27.You knew a onside kick was coming and the Eagles recovered it and ran the clock out as Stanton took a knee. Ryan Wolpin had a career night as he carried the ball 37 times and 206 yards and 2 touchdowns. Johnny Stanton had 156 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.You can check out highlights from the game plus post game interviews. All photos and videos were by T.G.Sports Eric Wade and EW/GEMS Images.

                                                                                 



City Section Game of the Week Santa Margarita Out Muscles Carson 39-21

Story by L.T.Willis 





Carson offense on the move against Santa Margarita.All photos
by Eric Wade EW/GEMS Images.

  

The Santa Margarita Eagles came into town to play the Carson Colts in Carson and what started out to be a very good football game. As i look at both teams offensive and defensive lines i knew this game was going to be about speed versus power. Carson's speed came from Darreus Rogers,Roger Jones and Kendall Sparks. Carson got on the score board first in the first quarter when Roger Jones scored on a second and goal and the point after was good to take a 7-0 lead with 5:37 left. The Eagles bounce back with a score of their own in the when Ryan Wolpin scored from about 10 yards out to tie the score 7-7. The Colts defense held but the Eagles had a great punt to pin the Colts inside their 10 yard line. The first gamble of the game pinned deep inside their own 6 yard line facing a fourth and long with 1:07 left in the quarter, Carson went to a fake punt by Jordan Lasley pick up 19 yards on the play to give the Colts more breathing room.

Santa Margarita's Bryan Wolpin scores.



Carson's Roger Jones scored his second touchdown of the game.





In the second quarter the Colts got on the board again with a 2 yard run from Rogers Jones to take a 13-7 lead on the Eagles. The Eagles offense started to click as their quarterback Johnny Stanton ran for 45 yards on a keeper that would spark their offense. A few plays later the Eagles' Johnny Stanton ran it in and now the Eagles lead 14-13 at the end of the first half. In the third quarter The Colts was on the move and and scored with a four yard quarterback keeper from Kevin McMahon and a 2 point conversion and Carson was back in front 21-14.The Eagles struck back as Johnny Stanton fake a dive hand off and no one on Carson's defense saw Cory Mendoza streaking down the sideline for a 33 yard touchdown reception and a 2 point conversion the Eagles took a 22-21 lead with 2:20 left in third quarter.



Carson's Kevin McMahon scores on a quarterback keeper.





The Eagles defense recovers the fumble by Carson.



In the fourth quarter this is where the size factor really showed as Santa Margarita defensive line was getting penetration and the speed of Carson couldn't break free and generate any type of offensive movement. On the other side of the ball the Eagles huge offensive line began their attack as they begin to pound Carson with a running game and march down the field to get down to Carson's five yard line, Eagles Johnny Stanton scored and now Carson trailed 29-21. Carson just couldn't seem to get their passing or running game going and moments later Carson's Kevin Mc Mahon fumble the ball and the Eagles recovered on the thirteen yard line of Carson. Carson's defense stepped and held the Eagles to just a field goal and trailed 32-21 with 5:07 left in the fourth quarter. Carson still unable to move the ball had to punt the ball back to Santa Margarita and the Eagles offense drove down the field for their finals score as Johnny Stanton scored again on a 10 yard run to make the score 39-21.



Johnny Stanton scores the final touchdown for Santa Margarita.



The Santa Margarita Eagles offensive and defensive line was the difference in the fourth quarter as they defeated Carson Colts 39-21. This was a great measuring stick for both teams to see where both of them are really at as a football program. Both coaches have a lot of respect for each other programs . You can check out all the video highlights and post game interviews from Santa Margarita's head coach Harry Welch and Carson's head coach Elijah Asante. All photos and videos are by T.G.Sports' Eric Wade and EW/Gems Images.

 

City Section Football Review Game of the Week Garfield @ Dorsey

Story by L.T.Willis



Dorsey Dons' Reginald Bell has their offense on the move. All
photos by Eric Wade EW/GEMS Images.



Our game of the week was right on the money as we travel to Jackie Robinson Stadium to watch the Dorsey Dons battle the Garfield Bulldogs and believe me folks  the fans on both side got their money worth. The Dons behind their talented quarterback Reginald Bell was working his magic against the bulldogs as he scored on a 18 yard touchdown run in the first quarter to give the Dons a 7-0 lead.  Later in the first quarter Dons' Jeremiah Allison caught a 9 yard touchdown pass from Bell to take a 14-0 lead.The Bulldogs showed they can play with the best of them got on the board in the first quarter with a 54 yard touchdown pass from Nicky Peralta to running back Lance Fernandez to cut the league to 14-7.



Garfield's quarterback # 6 Nicky Peralta has great protection from
his offensive line against Dorsey.



Reginald Bell was at it again as the he scored on a 10 yard run and the Dorsey ended the first half leading Garfield 20-7. In the 3rd quarter Dorsey was on the attack again as another player got in the action  Max Lyon scored on a 11 yard run to give Dorsey a commanding lead of 26-7. Well this what we love about Friday night football games you never know what's going to happen. With 1:36 left in the 3rd quarter the Bulldogs struck back with a one yard run from fullback Larry Ravelo and the Bulldogs trailed 26-13.

Garfield's fullback Larry Ravelo one yard touchdown .



Garfield's defense clamping down on Dorsey's offense.



Now Dorsey was in a dog fight as the Bulldogs defense begin to clamp down on the Dons' offense as they couldn't generate any offense at all. Early in the 3rd quarter with 7:22 on the clock Garfield's quarterback Nicky Peralta struck again on a 21 yard touchdown pass to tide end Jaime Leija to cut Dorsey lead to 26-20. The Bulldogs were really fired up as once again the Don's offense couldn't scored again. Now Garfield was on the move with a chance to win the game  with 26 seconds left in the game the Bulldogs' Jonathan Valles scored with a one yard run and the scored was tied 26-26. The Bulldogs had a chance to win the game but the extra point conversion was no good and the Dons knew they dodge a bullet as the game was going into overtime.

Dorsey's wingback Jaydon Mickens finish the night 10 carries
for 63 yards and a 12 yard touchdown run in overtime to win
the game for Dorsey 32 Garfield 26.

The Dons offense came to life in the overtime quarter and before you knew it the where on a the move once again as the offensive line began to take charge pounding the football against the bulldogs. Several plays later  Dorsey's wingback Jaydon Mickens busted free to score on a 12 yard touchdown run and the Dorsey Dons defeated the Garfield Bulldogs in overtime 32-26. There is a knew rivalry  in the city section  between the Dons and the Bulldogs and the one thing i loved about both teams is that they showed great sportsmanship at the end of the game and both teams and coaches have a great respect for each other.



Dorsey and Garfield showing sportsmanship
after hard fought game.



This Friday our game of the week will be Santa Margarita @ Carson at 7:00pm so come on out and join us.

Season Final Reflection of the Sparks' Season

Story by L.T.Willis





Sparks' 2011 WNBA Draft Party @ the ESPN Zone photos
by Eric Wade /EW GEM Images.





Sparks  drafted  4 Time Big Ten Player of the Year
Jantel Lavender from Ohio State.



This is my reflections of the Los Angeles Sparks' season that had some great memories for me and i would like to share them with you. It started at the 2011 WNBA Draft Party at the ESPN Zone where Sparks' fans came out in full force to show their love and their support for their team. The excitement of the night was that Sparks' had just drafted Jantel Lavender from Ohio State 4 Time Big Ten Player of The Year. As i spoke to hear on the phone i can remember the excitement in hear voice how she felt that she will be playing with Tina Thompson, Candace Parker and here new team mates on the Sparks.



Joe "Jellybean" Bryant



The other excitement was that Joe Bryant was back with us for a second time and you could tell that this would be a very interesting season as it unfold for us. Now media day  for the Sparks is where we take off on on this journey and nobody was more important to us then Ben Alkaly and Patrick Hayes who made media day for the Sparks a joy to be part of. Media day is where the real fun began as we get a chance to really talk with players one on one about the up coming season in the WNBA.





Ben Alkaly

 

Patrick Hayes

Let's start with one of the most kindest person you will ever meet off court Ebony Hoffman ,but when she is on the floor she is a monster to handle because of her range to shoot 3 pointers as well as taking  defenders of the dribble. This was Ebony first season with the Sparks and proved to be valuable during the season. Another player who was on the team for the first time was Jenna O'Hea who was always smiling on and off the court proved also that she can  play in the WNBA. A very good defender and deadly from 3 point range. Another pleasant surprise was Kristi Toliver who provided the Sparks' offense with another weapon from 3 point range and helped the Sparks be the best 3 point shooting team in the WNBA. The moment everyone waited for was the return of Candace Parker after being hurt last season what kind of shape would she be in this season.




Candace Parker.



Ebony Hoffman





 

  

       





Jenna O'Hea











Kristi Toliver.



Tina Thompson,Candace Parker,DeLisha
Milton-Jones & Larry Barnett.



   











Candace Parker one of the most exciting players in the WNBA return this season ready to prove to everyone that she is the real deal. Now just like Chick Hearns was to the Lakers there is guy i call the real Charlie of Charlie's Angels the voice of the Sparks Larry Barnett who just like Chick call the game just the way it is and will not show favoritism if the Sparks' players are not playing their a game. This season there were so many different heroes on the Sparks team that really didn't surprise me as i have watch them played and with a few more years of seasoning they will shine. Natasha Lacy point guard for the Sparks with her speed and quickness and a good defender will be a star in this league was one of the main reason that the Sparks held on to defeat Seattle in their

preseason opener  71-66 at Cal State Dominguez back on May 25,2011.





Natasha Lacy photo by Mercy Sanchez.





The Los Angeles Sparks home opener against the Minnesota Lynx and their number one draft pick Maya Moore came into town and the Staple Center was buzzing with excitement in the air.The fans that attended surely got their money worth as the Sparks battle the Lynx. The night was special because this was the 15th  Season Anniversary of the WNBA and many were on hand to see the queen of the WNBA Candace Parker welcome what most people say is the new princess of the league Maya Moore. The home opener had the feel of a WNBA playoff game as the 2 time champions Sparks were  aiming for a 3rd title this seasons.

Maya Moore photo by Lawrence Enge.



Sparks' Candace Parker & Lynx's
Maya Moore.















The Sparks season seem to be heading in the right direction with a home opener victory over Minnesota 82-74 and with Tina Thompson the WNBA leading scorer and the return of Candace Parker, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Ebony Hoffman. Jantel Lavender the Sparks' draft pick and new players on the team and the return of Joe Bryant  as part of the coaching staff  with Jennifer Gillom the season look bright  for the Sparks until the road trip to New York. Candace Parker went down with a knee injury and this where we saw some players had to grow up before their time and step up and be leaders. When Candace went down Jantel Lavender showed when she got playing time she could deliver as one of her best game she played against the Phoenix Mercury scored 25 points and 10 rebounds.





Jantel Lavender.



Tina Thompson









Ebony Hoffman & Jantel Lavender.









Tina Thompson showed leadership this season  with style and class as Candace went down she was more vocal and led by her action on the basketball court. Another leader on the team was DeLisha Milton Jones who had big games all season long a proved she could be a factor when called upon. A lot was ask of players some who never played together  before, some who had had to adjust from being a starter to coming off the bench. Then a coaching change during the season as Joe Bryant become the head coach and the superstar of the league would be out for about six weeks no one could have imagine that this would happen.



Ebony Hoffman



DeLisha Milton Jones.



                                              



What i enjoyed the most about the season is to watch families have a great time at the game even if the the Sparks win or lose and several of those reason is watching the Old School Girls showing that  if you don't use it you will lose it as they performed their dance moves on the floor during time outs that have everyone grooving to their smooth moves even  yours truly was busted several times having a good time while covering the game. There are so many things to keep your busy at the game you just can't help yourself. The Dj has the crowd pump up with music that every one can enjoy and what is a game with out the Sparks kids showing off their hip hop moves and putting the fans in a  screaming frenzy for free Sparks' t-shirts with Mc Call Hall leading the way.



The Sparks' Old School Girls.







The Sparks' Kids.



Inspiring Women's Night.



The Sparks have been doing a fabulous job giving back to events like the 3rd Annual

Community Outreach Girls High School Basketball Tournament raising clothes for the homeless and other outreach programs. The Sparks donated ticket vouchers for all the teams and coaches who supported the event a chance to come to one of the remaining home games left in the season. The tournament was held August 9-13 at Serra High School in Gardena, Locke High School, Van Nuys High School and Birmingham High School.  The Sparks are not just about basketball, but giving back to the fans and the community by supporting programs such as Living Healthy Lifestyle and being Tobacco Free.One of these events were held at Sun Valley Poly High School were the students had a chance to hang out with the Sparks' players and coaches during practice drills and a light scrimmage that  gave the fans something to cheer about. Another event was the Inspiring Women's Night at the Staple Center honoring women who have been a major factor and help give back to the community. 

3rd Annual Community Outreach Gold Division Champion
Lynwood High School & T.G.Sports L.T. Willis.

Now  as i come to the end of my stroll down memory lane i can't help wonder who had the best time at the games the kids, parents or the celebrities who attended the games.

The Sparks have been a first class organization that this season has made it  a season we will all truly treasure because the one thing that i can truly say they made sure that each night you attended a Sparks' game you would be in for a treat. The Sparks' fans are truly the most loyal fans you can find anywhere in the WNBA.





Rosie Grier.



Jack Black.






My final statement about this season is that Sparks' President Mike Levy kept his word when he told me that he wanted to put the Sparks back on the map. No one could had told me that there would be a coaching change during the season, that the best player in the WNBA Candace Parker would be out for 6-8 weeks during one of the most brutal road schedules in the WNBA. To ask Joe Bryant to take over a team who was under a different system with Jennifer Gillom , a team with so many new faces and weather the storm until Candace returns,  trying to find a line up of players that could make a run for you and having players that were starters now coming off the bench. This team showed that despite everything that has happen this season they handle it with class and style. We saw younger players grow before our eyes when giving playing time they would deliver. Tina Thompson, DeLisha Milton- Jones and Ticha Penicheiro did all they could do to help their younger teammates  grow over night. This was a learning season not just for the coaches and players, but for the entire Sparks' organization and staff. You all have done a wonderful job this season and it was a honor for Nick Hamilton, Eric Wade, Nick Koza, Lawrence Enge and myself to be part of the Sparks' Family.

Sparks' President Mike Levy & Jack Black photo
by Lawrence Enge.







Nick Hamilton



Eric Wade & Nick Koza

                                           

Howard Hewitt & L.T. Willis













                                                





College Football Review USC Defeats Syracuse 38-17

 Story by L.T.Willis

USC's Matt Barkley was 26-39 for 324 yards with 5 touchdown
passes to 5 different receivers against Syracuse.Photos by
Eric Wade GEMS Images.

The USC Trojans improved their record  to 3-0 after defeating Syracuse 39-17 in front of a crowd of 65,873 at the Los Angeles Coliseum last Saturday. What was impressive is how much time USC's Matt Barkley had to look down field and connect with 5 different receivers. Matt Barkley finish the day passing 26-39 and 5 touchdowns.  USC had been known for selecting big time receivers and are deep in that positions. Mostly because of a high school  that seems to be breeding top notch receivers Gardena Serra. George Farmer, Robert Woods and Marquis Lee have been striking fear in the PAC 12 so far this season.






USC # 9 Marquis Lee & # 2 Robert
Woods both scored touchdowns.



USC #2 Robert Woods scores
a touchdown for the Trojans.



 









The Trojans 's Robert Woods  finish with 8 catches 82 yards and one touchdown, Marquis Lee had 2 catches for 63 yards and one touchdown, Rhett Ellison had 5 catches for 31 yards and one touchdown, Xavier Grimble had 2 catches for 17 yards and one touchdown and Randall Telfer had 1 catch for 44 yards and one touchdown. The Trojans who also have victories over Minnesota 19-17 and Utah 32-14 now must travel to Arizona this Saturday to play the Arizona State.



USC defense most continue to make plays if the
Trojans are to have a winning season in 2011.



The Trojans defense so far has proven when they needed big plays at the end of the game they provided just that. Defensive end  Kennard Devon has shown that he has the quickness to rundown any quarterback in college football. Some people feel that Arizona State will challenge the Trojans for the PAC 12 South Title but keep your eyes on Utah. All photos, video highlights and post game interviews are by T.G.Sports' Eric Wade and EW/Gems Images.