USC Chances of Beating Stanford Slipped Away



Story by L.T.Willis

USC's #7 Matt Barkley waiting for a play from the sideline. All photos are
by Eric Wade/T.G. Sports.



Another sold out  crowd at the Los Angeles Coliseum witness one of the most exciting rivalries in college football being display  between USC and Stanford not in the first half, but the second half went to a new level of scoring. USC trailed Stanford in the first half 10-6 before things really started to heat up in the third period. USC's Curtis McNeal broke free for a 61 yard touchdown run and now USC took the lead 13-10. Curtis McNeal wasn't finish yet as he broke free for a 25 yard touchdown  with 10:33 left in the third and now the Trojans lead  20-10. Stanford wasn't going to just lay down as Andrew Luck march his team down the field and found Ryan Hewitt open on a  five yard touchdown catch and now trailed USC 17-20.




USC's #22 Curtis McNeal breaks free for a 25 yard
touchdown run.



Stanford's #12 Andrew Luck scores on a 2 yard touchdown run.

Late in the third quarter Stanford's defense did it's job and got the Cardinals the ball with 1:22 left took the lead over the Trojans on a 2 yard run by Andrew Luck and now the score was 24-20 Stanford. Early in the fourth quarter the Trojans regain the lead when Marqise Lee caught a 28 yard touchdown pass from Matt Barkley and the extra point was good and Stanford now trailed 27-24. Stanford got the ball and again march down the field, but USC's defense held them to just a field goal by Eric Whitaker from 29 yards out tied the game 27-27. On the next series for Stanford Andrew Luck was picked off by USC's Nickell Robey who took it to the house to score and now USC led 34-24.



 USC's #9 Marqise Lee
scores and now the
Trojans led 27-24.

USC's #21 Nickell Robey picks off
Stanford's Andrew Luck and

takes it to the house.







The drive of the games was with under a minute left in the game and the Cardinals trailing the Trojans defense got pressure on Luck again and force him to pass earlier than he wanted to a caught a break on a pass play that was incomplete to Ty Montgomery the contact between the first defender cause the Stanford receiver to lose his balance and T.J. McDonald from the Trojans was already coming full speed was flag for a personal foul a hit into the head area. However after several reviews of the play it was not a hit in the head area but it was a hit in the shoulder area and this gave Stanford new life. With 32 seconds left in the game Stanford's Stepfan Taylor tied the game 34-34 and sent the game into overtime.

Stanford's #33 Stepfan Taylor scores and ties the game 34-34 to force the
game into overtime.



USC's #2 Robert Woods ties the game in the first overtime period 41-41.



The overtime fireworks started with Stanford getting the ball and scored  first on a one yard run by Jeremy Stewart and the Cardinals lead 41-34. USC tied the game with a 15 yard touchdown catch by Robert Woods and we are heading into the second over time period tied 41-41. Now in the second overtime period the Trojans got the ball first and Randall Telfer scored from 12 yards out and now the Trojans led 48-41. Stanford bounce back when Levine Toilolo scored on a 11 yard touchdown catch and tied the game 48-48.





USC's #82 Randall Telfer dives in to score and now the Trojans led 48-41.

Stanford's #33 Stepfan Taylor scores in the third overtime and
now the Cardinals led 56-48. 



Stanford got the ball to start the third overtime period and took the lead with a five yard touchdown run from Stepfan Taylor and the two point conversion by Coby Fleener and the Cardinals led 56-48. The Trojans  their next series drove down to Stanford's four yard line and the unthinkable happen on the very next play Trojans' Curtis McNeal  fumble the ball after  Cardinals' Terrence Stephens pulled the ball out and Stan Tarpley recovered the ball and USC chance of beating Stanford slipped away.

USC's #22 Curtis McNeal tried to tie the score 56-56 in the third overtime
period but fumble the ball.



Stanford recovered the fumble and the Cardinals beat the Trojans 56-48
in the third overtime period.

The only thing i didn't understand before we went to overtime is when USC had the ball with a ten point lead why didn't they really put more pressure on Andrew Luck that got them the lead, and second with only seconds left in the fourth period why didn't USC just go to a quick out pattern and if it wasn't there just throw the ball out of bounds and you still have time on the clock to try for a field goal. Can't blame the officials for losing the game and  you had a ten point lead and calling plays for you. It was one heck of a game and to have the buzz back at the Los Angeles Coliseum was even more awesome. Pictures and video was by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW/Gems Images. You can check out the post game interviews with USC's Lane Kiffin, Nickell Robey and Matt Barkley.









City Section Football Review Dorsey Spoils Fremont Home Coming

Story by L.T.Willis

Coliseum League  Fremont hosting Dorsey for their Home Coming. All
photos are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.



The Dorsey Dons travel over to Fremont with one thing on their mind and that's to make it to the city section division one championship and let no team get into their way. It was a great night for high school football with in my opion one of the best fields in the city and also being home coming and Alumni Night many former players and students was in attendance for the game. Dorsey began their attempt to spoil Fremont's Home Coming Night with 10:37 in the first quarter Michael Roberts scored to take a 7-0 lead in the game.

Dorsey's Rashard Clark races to the end zone for touchdown.



Fremont's # 3 Eddie Flores drops back to pass.

Dorsey wasn't about to slow down either as moments later they scored again on Kevin Page touchdown and the score was now 14-0 as you could tell in they were scoring this could be a long night for Fremont. After Fremont went three and out they punted to Dorsey and before you knew Dorsey's Jaydon Mickens return the punt for a touchdown to push the score up to 21-0 with 4:59 remaining in the first quarter. In the second quarter Dorsey defense so far with their speed on defense Fremont just couldn't get anything going on offense and their defense just couldn't make stops.

Dorsey's running game set up their passing game against Fremont.



Fremont's quarterback Eddie Flores recovers his own fumble.



The Dorsey Dons wasn't letting up as they continue to their attack on offense they scored another touchdown when Max Lyons scored with 8:51 left in the second quarter and  now the score was 28-0 and yet the Fremont fans were still cheering their team on as you should do regardless of the score in a game. The second quarter wasn't over yet and Dorsey put up more points as Rashard Clark got into the scoring with a touchdown to make the score 35-0. Dorsey punted the ball and pinned Fremont deep within their own 20 yard line and moments later Dorsey's Michael Roberts made a diving interception to set Dorsey with great field position.

Dorsey's offensive line gave their running backs great blocking in the game.

Dorsey had the ball on Fremont's 21 yard line after the interception  and  a few plays later they scored  again as Rashard Clark scored his second touchdown of the second quarter and the two punt conversion by Max Lyons Dorsey lead 43-0 at the half. Fremont got on the board in the third quarter to make the score 43-6 and that was the final score of the game. Dorsey's Reginald Bell was 8of 9 for 156 yards and 4 touchdowns on the night. Next up for Dorsey the Coliseum League Title will be up for grabs as they travel to Crenshaw to battle the the back to back city champs as our Thursday Night Game of the Week. Coach Paul Knox has a lot of respect for Crenshaw as he told me the road to city championship has to go thru to Crenshaw. You can check out Dorsey's head football coach Paul Knox halftime interview. All photos and video highlights and post game footage is by  Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW/Gems Images.



2011 Pac-12 Men's Basketball Media Day



Story by L.T.Willis

USC's  Kevin O'Neal and Maurice Jones. All

photos are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

 The Pac-12 Men's Basketball Media Day was a great event that gave writers and reporters to talk with coaches and players from the Pac-12 Conference. As i was sitting in the front row i was having flash back of  last year 2010 Pac 10 Women's/Men's Basketball Tournament  how exciting the games were and could we be heading into another big tournament down the road. I don't know who are how all the teams are pick in what order they will finish in the this year Pac 12 conference, but i do know one thing about basketball it always comes down to teams being healthy. Basketball is so unpredictable because how teams match ups are so different from team to team. You have seen a team with a big lineup get out rebound by a team with a smaller line up. The best news of the day was a coach i met last year at the Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament was Cal's Mike Montgomery a very classy guy and a great sense of humor announce that he was cancer free and i was glad to hear that coming from him.

Cal's Mike Montgomery and Jorge Gutierrez.



UCLA's Ben Howland and Lazeric Jones.

Pac 12 Commissioner Larry Scott has done a remarkable job making this conference that has taken the lead on how to bring excitement to college sports with a vision that  includes greater coverage of the Pac 12 in all sports. Not because i  live here in California but this conference has always been disrespected by some of the other conference, and the BCS. Finally someone standing up for the Pac-12 and putting other conferences on notice there will be no more disrespect to this conference. UCLA head coach Ben Holland as far as his program goes this year he is really focus on rebounding and being tougher inside this season and admitted that the last couple of years his team have been out rebounded in the NCAA tournament and must fix that if  UCLA is going to make it further.







Utah's Larry Krystkowiak.



Oregon State's Craig Robinson.



 

 















Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak  said something that i never thought about about Utah joining the Pac- 12 conference. Before moving to the conference we would look about twenty players from Texas and maybe five players from California. Now our thought process is different we will look at twenty players from California and maybe five from Texas. This is another great reason why having Colorado and Utah join the conference look at how many more kids may have a chance to get a scholarship and a college education. The other good news is that Pauley Pavilion is getting remodel and UCLA will be playing there games at the Sports Arena. Ben Holland  was ask about playing in USC's backyard and he even had to laugh about that showing he has a sense of humor.




USC's Maurice Jones.

Utah's David Foster.











One thing for sure about this year Pac-12 Conference teams a lot of players are going have to grow up and develop a lot faster if their teams are going to have a chance to make it to the Pac-12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Youngmen like USC's Maurice Jones and Utah's David Foster are ask to lead their teams this season as leaders and are up to the challenge. Oregon State's coach Craig Robinson feels this year team has more of a solid foundation were they will be able to really compete this year with the improvement of players coming back this year. This should be a fun season in the Pac-12 and i can't wait. Video footage and photos of the Pac-12 Media Day are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW/Gems Images. You can hear what USC's Kevin O'Neal, UCLA's Ben Howland , Oregon State's Craig Robinson and Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott had to say.

 

City Section Game of The Week Carson @ Narbonne

Story by L.T.Willis

Both Narbonne and Carson gave the fans their money worth. All photos
by Eric Wade.



If there was ever going to be the top ten high school football games of the year the Narbonne and Carson  game would have to be my number #1 pick to start  my list. The Marine League Title in this writers opion will be who survives between Narbonne, Carson and San Pedro. Well Narbonne and Carson fans were treated to a classic game between  cross town rivals that had the feeling of a playoff game .Carson set the tone of the game when Narbonne kicked off to start the game and Carson's Tony Ingram electrified the crowd with a 83 yard kick off return for touchdown. The Carson  crowd went crazy as the fans and players were cheering for their teams. Carson's defense was fired up and so far  Narbonne offense couldn't get going. Carson got on the board again when kicker Edgardo Angel kicked a field goal and Carson led 10-0 with 4:33 left in the first quarter.

Carson's Kameron Walker had a good night against
Narbonne running the football.



Narbonne finally got on the board when Narbonne's quarterback Troy Williams connected with Antoine Anderson on a 23yard touch down pass and the 2 point conversion was good and now Narbonne trailed 10-8. Now in the second quarter it  Narbonne got back on the board again as Troy Williams connected with  A.J. Richardson on a  26 yard post and the Gauchos took the lead after the 2 point conversion 16-10. Watching both team it seems like who would have the ball last would probably win the game and Carson's Darreus Rogers with no time left in the game at the end of the second quarter scored on a 3 yard touch down pass and Carson went into the halftime with a 17-16 lead.

Narbonne's tackle Joshua Tanuvasa leads the way for
team mate A.J.Richardson.



The way things were going this look like a shoot out was in the makings as in the third quarter Narbonne was on the move when Carson's Daniel Cortez picked off Troy Williams and took it to the house and Carson now led 24-16. Narbonne responded with a 14 yard touchdown catch from A.J.Richardson and the two point conversion was good and tied the game 24-24 and the shoot out was on. The defensive play of the game came when Narbonne's Bruce Hicks made a diving interception of Carson's quarterback Kevin McMahon pass and the Gauchos had the ball on the Colt's 22 yard line. Several plays later the Gaucho's running back Johnell Jackson ran in from 8 yards out and now The Gauchos had the lead 31-24.

Carson's Kevin Mc Mahon on a quarterback keeper dives into the end zone
and scores and the Colts trailed 38-37 with 1:08 left in the game.

Carson wasn't done yet scoring as the Colts drove down the field and Kevin Mc Mahon connected with Kameron Walker who made a she string catch on the the right side of the end zone and tied the game 31-31 with 6:02 left in the fourth quarter. Narbonne got the ball back and their offense drove down the field and six plays later Troy Williams scored from 4 yards out and now the Gauchos led 38-31. The Narbonne fans were going crazy after the score and the Gauchos were really fired up. Carson wasn't done as the Colts were putting on a drive themselves that had the Narbonne sideline on pins and needles including me thinking over time. Carson's quarterback Kevin McMahon connected with Darreus Rogers who made a great one hand catch and was knock out of bounds at the one yard line. On the very next play Mc Mahon  with 1:08 left in the fourth dove over into the end zone and now the score was 38-37 and everyone including me was saying overtime. On the extra point conversion the snap got away from the place holder  and Narbonne held on and beat  Carson 38-37. All photos and video highlights and post game interviews are by T.G.Sports' Eric Wade and EW/Gems Images.

 

Thursday Night Game of The Week Santa Margarita and Mater Dei

Story by L.T.Willis

Santa Margarita and Mater Dei Trinity League Opener.
All Photos by Eric Wade.



Our Thursday Night Game of the Week between Santa Margarita and Mater Dei  turn out to be just what we expected the game of the week at Santa Ana Stadium. The weather was so nice for a football game i had flash back of being in Hawaii wearing a short sleeve shirt in October to a football game. Mater Dei was pinned inside their 20 yard line to start the game and several plays later Mater Dei's Ryan McMahon ran in from 3 yard out  and the Monarchs lead 7-0 in the first quarter. Santa Margarita had a bye week and it showed early in the game as their offense just couldn't get any type of rhythm going.



Mater Dei's #17  Josh Cook scores on a 9 yard touchdown pass.





Mater Dei's #23 Lavon Wright used speed and power running the
football against Santa Margarita.





 The Monarch struck again as  Ryan McMahon connect with Josh cook on a 9 yard touchdown pass to take a 13-0 lead  and the Santa Margarita fans seem to be in shock.

The Eagles had several chances in the second quarter to score points but turnovers cause them to give the ball back to the Monarchs' offense. You could tell that the Eagles were in a funk as Johnny Stanton and Ryan Wolpin just couldn't get free for big plays as they have done all season long. However when your offense isn't clicking for you you have to turn to your defense to make plays for you to help you get back in the game.



Santa Margarita's #7 Conner O'Brien intercepted a pass and ran
it back for a 47 yard touchdown.





Santa Margarita's Chris Frost comes up with a fumble recovery.



 In the second half the Eagles got on the board as their defense step up big as Conner O'Brien intercepted the ball and took it to the house from 47 yards out and now the Eagles  were fired up as now they only trailed 13-7. The defense was still in high gear after the interception by O'Brien on the very next series for Mater Dei they fumble the ball and Santa Margarita's Chris Frost recovered it giving the Eagles new life. Moments later the Eagles were on the moved and drove down to the Monarchs' 2 yard line and Ryan Wolpin leap over into the end zone and the extra point was good and now the Eagles lead 14-13.

The Eagles' #3 Carlos Spinosi intercepted a touchdown pass in the
end zone against the Monarchs.

Mater Dei's #25 J.C.Genova made some big plays against Santa
Margarita.

In the fourth quarter Mater Dei drove from their on 30 yard line all the the way to Santa Margarita's 11 yard line the Eagles put pressure on Ryan McMahon as he scramble his pass was intercepted in the end zone by the Eagles' Carlos Spinosi to save a sure touchdown. The Monarchs' defense step up big as it force the Eagles to go 3 and out on the their next series. What would be the game winning drive for the Monarch Ryan McMahon connected with Jameson Fields for a 28 yard gain and a big first down. Moments later J.C. Genova scored from 4 yard out with 4:13 in the fourth quarter and the 2 point conversion  was good and Mater Dei defeated Santa Margarita 21-14. Both teams defense made plays after play to give both teams a chance to win the game. All photos and video highlights and post game interviews are by T.G. Sports' Eric Wade and EW/Gems Images.





City Section Thursday Night Game of the Week Bishop Amat @ Venice

Story by L.T.Willis

Bishop Amat and Venice High  had everyone on their feet as the
game down to who would have the ball last. All Photos are by

Eric Wade.



Our Thursday Night Game of the Week between Bishop Amat and Venice had everything a football fan could want in a football game. There were  spectacular catches, break away runs, defensive stops  and gutsy play calling on fourth down plays to keep drives on both sides alive. Bishop Amat got on the board first on a 17 yard  reverse play by  Adam Sanchez to take a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Venice got a drive going and march the down field with 3:06 left in the first quarter Lamar Moody scored on a one yard run to tie the game 7-7. Lamar Moody wasn't done yet as the Gondoliers went down the field again  with 10:47 into the second quarter scored on a first and goal from one yard out to take 14-7 lead.

Bishop Amat's  # 1Adam Sanchez scores on a 17 yard reverse.

Venice's #9 Gabriel Marks turns the corner on the left side of the
field and scored on a 89 yard touch down run.

Venice defense held Bishop Amat and had great field position for the next drive as Gabe Marks got in the end zone on a 89 yard scamper down the left side of the field  and now Venice had the lead 21-7 with 4:23 left in the second quarter. Bishop Amat defense return the favor by clamping down on Venice offense and they got the ball back in great field position and put together a drive of their own. The Lancers began to feed the ball to Jalen Moore and you could see that this could be a long night for the Gondoliers if they didn't contain him. Moore with his speed and power put his head down and ran over defenders to score on a five yard run and now Bishop Amat trailed 21-14  at the half.

Bishop Amat's  # 28 Jalen Moore had a big night against Venice



Now in the third quarter Bishop Amat defense were really getting fired up as they were really starting to take control of the game from a defensive stand that Venice offense was just having 3 and out series and momentum had really swung with 9:22 into the third Adam Sanchez scored on a 48 yard touchdown run and tied the game 21-21. Both teams defense for a moment showed a bend but don't break during the third quarter as  both team couldn't score. Let's pick it up in the fourth quarter Venice on the moved when Bishop Amat's Rio Ruiz intercepted the ball  and gave the Lancers great field position. The Gondoliers dodge a bullet as their defense gave up only a 24 yard field goal by Alex Gutierrez and now the lead was 24-21 Lancers.

Venice's #7 Alexander Diamont connected with Gabe Marks on a
65 yard slant pass for a touch down.

Bishop Amat's Jalen Moore was on a mission with his hard running and punishing defenders after each of his run  powered into the end zone from one yard out and now the score was 31-21 with 7:48 left into the fourth.Venice showed great character as they wasn't even faze and never stop fighting when just in a blink of a eye  Venice's quarterback Alexander Diamont hit Gabe Marks on a 65 yard slant for a touchdown and trailed Bishop Amat 31-28. This game seem to be who has the ball last would win this game as both sides were giving it their all. Jalen Moore wanted the ball and put his team on his shoulder once again scored with 2:11 left into the fourth scored from one yard out again for the Lancers and the lead was now 38-28. Venice still had their secret weapon and big strike player Gabe Marks busted free for a 25 yard touchdown pass from Daimont and now the score was 38-35 with 1:19 left into the game. Venice tried a onside kick but Bishop Amat recovered the ball and pick up a  first down by Jalen Moore and ran the clock out in a very exciting game. You can check out all of the video highlights and  post game interviews.



City Section Game of the Week Narbonne and Serra



Story by L.T.Willis



The Narbonne Gauchos hosting the Serra Cavaliers. All Photos by T.G.
Sports' Eric Wade & EW GEMS Images.



Two very young teams hooked up for Friday night showdown in Harbor City Narbonne and Gardena Serra. You could tell by the crowd that many remember last year game between these two teams Serra beat Narbonne by 26 points as i was walking towards the field you could hear their fans saying payback. Narbonne didn't take long to get on the scoreboard as The Gaucho's quarterback Troy Williams  connected with A.J. Richardson for a  71 yard touch down pass and the 2 point conversion was good and lead 8-0 with 5:09 left in the first quarter. The Gauchos were at it again as Try Williams delivered another strike to Antoine Anderson  a 76 yard touchdown pass to increase their lead to 14-0.

Narbonne's # 3 Troy Williams threw a 71 yard touchdown pass to A.J.
Richardson and  a 76 yard touchdown pass to Antoine Anderson to
take a 14-0 lead on Serra in the first quarter.

Serra had to rely on kicker Eddie Garcia to kick a 42 yard field goal to get them on the board and trailed 14-3.Another offensive drive was hampered by penalties and Garcia had to kick a 26 yard field goal to cut the lead to 14-6.Late in the second quarter Serra scored again with a touchdown run by Thomas Brown, but the 2 point conversion failed and Serra now trailed 14-12. Narbonne answered back late in the second quarter with 1:59 remaining Troy Williams found Kevian Applewhite on a 55 yard slant pass and the Gauchos now had a halftime lead of 20-12.

Serra's defense stepping up big  and kept Narbonne out of
their end zone several times was huge.



Troy Williams connects
with Kevian Applewhite
on a 55 yard slant pass
for a touchdown.



Serra's QB Jalen Green picks up a big first down late in the
third quarter that allow team mate Ronnie Vaughn to tie
the game up 20-20.

Both Serra and Narbonne showed how both teams were really young as both teams had many chances to take control of the game but penalties were hurting both teams especially in the third quarter. Narbonne had golden chances to put Serra aways as they were inside Serra's 20 yard line and came away empty especially by a big sack by Serra's defense. Serra scored again with 4:49 left in the third when running back Ronnie Vaughn scored on a 16 yard run to the tie the game 20-20. There were a couple of turnovers committed by both teams during the game and none was more obvious than when Narbonne was driving inside Serra's 10 yard line in the fourth quarter when Troy Williams was hit and fumble the ball and it seem that Serra had new life. Serra again lost a great chance to get back in the game as several mistakes on the drive  forced them to punt the ball back to Narbonne.



Narbonne's left tackle Alanta Toussant
makes a great block to spring free
Troy Williams down the left side
and score a touchdown



Troy Williams scored  on a 21
yard touchdown run.



  

Narbonne march down the field and a few moments later Troy Williams got a great block and ran down the sideline and scored on a 21 yard touchdown run and a 26-20 lead with them. Well now it was Serra turn to see if they could answer they march down the field and this is really where lack of experience really showed. There was a running play down the left side and the running back was trying to get more yards instead of just getting what he could and step out of bounds. Serra had to hurry up to the line and Jalen Green had to spike the ball on second down  to stop the clock. The Gauchos defense really clamped down and it seem like a Serra receiver was open  on fourth down when  Narbonne defender tipped the ball and it seem like the ball was going to the open receiver for Serra and what would have surely would even tied the game or win the game for Serra when  Steven Russell intercepted the ball after it was tip and that was the play of the game as Narbonne defeated Serra 26-20.You can check out all the highlights and post game interviews. All photos are by T.G.Sports Eric Wade and EW/GEMS Images.