Baylor Beats UCLA 49-26 in The Holiday Bowl

Story by L.T.Willis

Baylor's #8 Martin Glasco had a big night against UCLA in the Holiday Bowl.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Holiday Bowl held in San Diego at Qualcomm Stadium produce a one sided game as Baylor ( 8-5) beat UCLA (9-5) 49-26 as Bruins fans couldn't believe what they were seeing. Baylor's defense which is rank as one of the worst out of 120 college teams, kept the Bruins offense out of the end zone, and in check for most of the night. By half time the UCLA Bruins trailed Baylor 35-10, as the Bruins offense couldn't get going.

Baylor scored it's first touchdown on the night when Martin Glasco scored from 4 yards out to make the score 7-0 with 8:01 in the first quarter. About four minutes later Baylor's quarterback Nick Florence  found Antwan Goodley for a 8 yard touchdown pass to make the score 14-0. The second quarter also for the Bruins defense wasn't good for them as Baylor scored again on a 55 yard touchdown pass from Nick Florence to Tevin Reese and now the score was 21-0.

UCLA's quarterback #17 Brett Hundley was being
harass by Baylor's defense all night. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Bruins offensive line had problems giving Hundley time to set up, manage to connect with Joesph Fauria for a 22 yard touchdown pass with 6:21 left in the second, and now trail 21-7. Baylor responded with another score of their own as Martin Glasco scored on a 26 yard touchdown run, to increase the Bears lead to 28-7 with 4:36 left in the second quarter. The Baylor Bears were just having their way with the UCLA Bruins defense.

The Bears got another score late in the second quarter with 1:58 left as Lache Seastrunk rumble from 43 yards out to scored, and now the Bruins were down 35-7. The Bruins could only mustard up a 30 yard field goal from Ka'imi Farbairn with 7 seconds left in the second quarter, and now the Bruins at half was looking at a score of 35-10, and the Bruin's fans were in shock how Baylor had man handle them in the first half.

The Bruins' #23 Johnathan Franklin was held in check by Baylor's defense.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Baylor defense was doing something that were not suppose to be good at on defense, and that's stopping the run, was keeping one of the best running backs in college football under control Johnathan Franklin.`In the third quarter the Bruins had to settle for a 40 yard field goal from Ka'imi Farbairn to make the score 35-13. With 1:52 seconds left in the third quarter Martin Glasco scored from 1 yard out to push their lead up to 42-13 over the Bruins.

The Bruins offense showed up again in the fourth quarter with 12:25 after Hundley  found Shaquelle Evans for a 24 yard touchdown pass and the Bruins now trailed 42-19. The Bears answer back with a 1 yard touchdown run from their quarterback Nick Florence at 7:46 mark in the fourth quarter, and would be the Bears last score of the night led 49-19.

The Bruins' #1 Shaquelle Evans scored on a
24 yard touchdown pass from Brett Hundley.
Photo by Eric Wade/ T.G.Sports.

With no time remaining on the clock, the Bruins got one more score on the board when Hundley connected with Logan Sweet from 34 yards and that would be the final score of the game as the Baylor Bears  defeated the UCLA Bruins 49-26. There will be many questions ask. The play calling from the Bruins down big kicking a field goal instead of going for a touchdown. What are you going to do about the offensive line  that didn't give Brett Hundley time to set up,still had a good night.

Brett Hundley finish the night was 26/50 for 329 yards and 3 touchdowns, but i must give credit when credit is due, his number one weapon shut down Johnathan Franklin, being harass all night didn't throw an interceptions all night. Baylor's Nick Florence had a solid night was 10/13 for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran the the ball 18 times for 61 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground.

Baylor's quarterback #11 Nick Florence. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The work horses for Baylor was running back Martin Glasco carried the ball 21 times for 100 yards and 3 touchdowns and Lache Seastrunk carried the ball 16 times for 139 yards and 1 touchdown. You can see more photos from this game on our website at www.tgsportstv.com. Click on Photo Gallery 2 and scroll down to Holiday Bowl Baylor @ UCLA. All photos were by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

Duke Rolls Past USC 75-60

Story by Brett Shapoff

USC's #23 Brianna Barrett. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

The early game on Saturday, at the Women of Troy Classic, showed why the Duke Blue Devils are ranked #4 in the nation, as they won handily, 75-60, over their tournament host, the Trojans of USC.

A well-balanced Duke offense had all of their starting five in double figures, led by exceptional floor-leader, Chelsea Gray’s 18 points. The Blue Devils won their 10^th game in row, while the Trojans dropped their 5^th straight.

Duke was fundamentally-sound in every aspect of its game, and it showed in their patience, as they just wore-down USC by games end. The ladies from Durham, NC, played well defensively, causing 20 USC turnovers, which led to them scoring 21 points.

USC head coach, Michael Cooper, noted his team’s performance, “I thought we played extremely well against the No. 4 team in the country.”

USC's #10Kate Oliver playing great defense
against Duke's #12 Chelsea Gray. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

USC kept it close, more or less, throughout most of the first half, and were led by Cassie Harberts who had 9 points, Kate Oliver’s 6 points, and Alexyz Vaioletama’s 5 points, at the intermission. In the second half, though, the Blue Devils just wore down USC with their balance scoring attack and depth - off the bench.

Aside from Gray’s 18 points, Duke was paced by Tricia Liston’s 14 points, Elizabeth Williams adding 13 points, Haley Peters 12 points, and Alexis Jones 11 points. The Blue Devil women hit on 8-12 from beyond the arc, as compared to only 2-14, from USC. The Ladies of Troy were led by Cassie Harbert’s 17 points, Kate Oliver’s 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Alexyz Vaioletama’s 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Duke head coach, Joanne P. McCallie, said this about, Chelsea Gary, her teams leading scorer: “Chelsea, I think, is the best point guard in the country. She is because she does everything. That productivity day in and day out is something she takes a lot of pride in."

Duke's #12 Chelsea Gray scored 18 points against USC
defense. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

For the game, the Blue Devils converted 13-16 from the line, while USC was a horrid 50% (10-20) from the foul stripe. USC did manage to out rebound Duke (44-36), and Coach Cooper liked that aspect of their game: “To out rebound them 44-36 shows not only that we’re headed in the right direction, but that we can control the paint.”

USC was behind by double figures for nearly the entire second half and could not close the gap closer than a 9-pt deficit. Duke was able to control the tempo throughout the second half, and either caused a Trojan turnover when necessary, or a hit a big shot to keep in command until the horn sounded.

This was a good test for the Trojans to assess their strength and weaknesses. The Trojans are off for a few days for Christmas break, and will host Vanderbilt on December 29. After that, conference play begins January 4, 2013, in Corvallis, OR, against Oregon State.

UC Davis Long Balls Helps Defeat USC 78-69

Story by L.T.Willis

UC Davis's #13 Cortney French and USC's #23 Brianna Barrett.
Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Last night USC (3-6) didn't improve their record after letting UC Davis ( 4-4) come into the Galen Center, and shoot the lights out behind the 3 point arc, and beat them 78-69. UC Davis's Cortney French in the first half was on fire shooting 3 of 5 from 3 point range, along with Sydnee Fipps 2 of 2 from 3 point range. Despite the great shooting from way out, USC's defense keep them close in the first half from being blown out.

The Lady Trojans had a size difference over The Aggies, yet didn't establish any type of post game, and relied on jump shoots to keep them in the game. The Trojans were trying to aggressive as point guard Brianna Barrett was forcing the action, attacking the rim, and forward Kate Oliver was getting some easy put backs.

USC's #14 Ariya Crook. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

The Aggies were 7 for 15 from 3 point range 46.7%, while the Trojans shot 3 for 9 from 3 point range 33.3% yet trail at the half  34-31 due to the turnovers that were committed by the Aggies late in the first half, the score could have been a lost worst for Trojans. In the second half the Trojans continue to stay in a zone, and their rotation to the out side perimeter shooters for the Aggies, they continue to make them pay from outside.

UC Davis had to build a 17 point lead with 10:58 left in the second half, before USC finally decided to go man to man to get back in the game, after the damage was being done by the Aggies' Courtney French was 5 for 9 from 3 point range, Blair Shinoda was 3 for 4 from 3 point range, and Sydnee Fipps was 3 for 3 from 3 point range, was too much for USC to over come.

USC's #00 Christina Marinacci hustling for a loose ball.
 Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

The Trojans defense after going man to man was forcing the Aggies to drive more to basket, instead of shooting from the outside, was going to free throw line, but begin to miss their free throws, allow to the Trojans to creep back, but poor ball decisions and miss layups and shots, The Trojans had a chance to steal the game back, but just didn't play smart, and  UC Davis held on to beat USC 86-69.

The Aggies  were 7 for 11 from 3 point range 63.6% in the second half was the key to their victory, as the Trojans allow too much outside shooting, and the game slipped away. The Trojans shot 4 for 12 from 3 point range 33.3%. The Trojans' Ariya Crook led the way with 18 points, Cassie Harberts and  Brianna Barrett both had 10 points, and Kate Oliver and Kiki Alofaituli finish with 8 points.

The Aggies'  Sydnee Fipps had 22 points, Cortney French 20 points, Blair Shinoda 13 points and Celia Marfone finish with 10 points. Other key factors of the game The Aggies' bench out score the Trojans 29 to 13, and second chance points 19 to 9.

UC Irvine Topples USC 61-54

Story by Brett Shapoff

USC's #13 Bryan Chass. Photo by Leon Bennett/
T.G.Sports.

After cruising to a lop-sided victory a few nights earlier against UC Riverside, perhaps, the Men of Troy over-looked the Anteaters Thursday night at the Galen Center, where UCI (UC Irvine) led from beginning to end, and beat USC 61-54, for their first win in 29 years against the Trojans.

The Trojans seemed to be out of focus from the start, and never got into gear to make this as close as the score indicated. Coach Kevin O’Neill’s Trojans may have been looking ahead to their long flight on Friday to Athens, Georgia, for Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs, because the smaller, quicker Anteaters, baffled the taller Trojans all night.

Irvine’s main threat, Daman Starring, constantly was a thorn in the Trojan’s side, as he continually hit 3-pointers whenever USC was within striking distance. Starring paved the way for the Anteaters with 23 points, going 5-6 from beyond the arc. His teammates, Adam Folker pitched in 12 points, while Michael Wilder had 9 points and collected 7 rebounds.

The Anteaters head coach, Russell Turner, commented, "It really does feel good to be rewarded with a win against another tough defensive team. I have a real smart team and I'm very proud of how we played tonight with a lot of poise. We have a bunch of guys who can all play.”

The Trojans got down early and were never able to claw their way back against the smaller team forty miles down (south) I-5. It was 15-9 UCI after 5:30 in the first half, 31-22 UCI with 3:00 remaining in the first half, and 37-25 UCI at halftime.

The Trojans played a bit more enthusiastically in the second half, but not enough to overcome their 12-point halftime deficit. They got down early and it hurt them. Trojan head coach, Kevin O’Neill, acknowledged UCI’s effort, by saying, "[The Anteaters] played great. They deserved to win."  

Overall, for the game, UCI had five more field goals than the Trojans, including, five more 3-pointers. Although the Trojans out-rebounded UCI 34-28, the Anteaters put up ten more shots than USC, which gave the Trojans this rebounding edge.

Similar to the Trojans play against the Minnesota Golden Gophers a few weeks ago, Coach O’Neill played a combination of man-to-man and zone defense to shake things against the more patient UCI squad, but to no avail, as Coach Turner’s Anteaters methodically worked each and every possession for the best possible shot.

USC closed to within 57-52 with 4:00 remaining in the game, but could not get over the hump. Irvine’s well-coached unit hit two free throws on their next possession to push the lead back to seven, and this seven point cushion remained until the horn sounded.

A long night for the Trojans…

Serra Beats Oakdale 42-15 for Second State Title

Story by L.T.Willis

Serra's #21Marques Rodgers. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Gardena Serra (14-2) finish the season as the CIF Division II State Champs after beating Oakdale (14-2) 42-15 for their second state title since 2009. Serra offensive weapons took their offense to new heights in the championship game  at the Home Depot Center in Carson. When Serra's quarterback Jalen Rose plays mistake free football, Serra normally comes out on top with a victory, and the fire works started early for the Cavaliers. Marques Rodgers started the scoring frenzy with a 27 yard rushing touchdown to give Serra a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Marques Rodgers was just warming up when he broke for a 57 yard touchdown run and before you knew it, Oakdale was down 14-0. The Mustangs so far didn't have a answer  for stopping Serra running game, and Marques Rodgers wouldn't be denied his third touchdown of the night, which came with seconds left in the first quarter, scored on a 1 yard touchdown run and now Serra led 21-0.

While Serra's defense was keeping Oakdale scoreless, another weapon for Serra Adoree' Jackson lit up the score board with a 50 yard touchdown pass from Jalen Rose late in the second quarter to increase their lead to 28-0. At this point of the game Serra was just doing anything they wanted to do on offense, and Oakdale had no answer on how to stop them.

The half time score was 35-0 after Adoree' Jackson scored again from 27 yards out and the Serra fans were already celebrating their second football championship. A very impressive first half that sent a message that Serra was back and would be a team for next season to recon with, and a defense that prove they can play with best of them.

Serra's #18 Adoree' Jackson. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

The third quarter wasn't any better for the Mustangs, after forcing the Cavaliers into a fourth and thirty one, Adoree' Jackson scored from 78 yards on a fake punt, and now Serra led Oakdale 42-0. The Mustangs finally got on the board under a minute in the third quarter after a 3 yard run from Nikk Ryan, and the two point conversion by Spencer Thomas was good, now trail 42-8.

Oakdale got on the board one more time after a 2 yard touchdown run by Marcus Northcutt, as Serra went on to beat Oakdale in the CIF Division II Championship Game 42-15. Marques Rodgers finish the night with 389 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jalen Green was 7 of 13 for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

Granite Bay Takes Springs Out of Long Beach Poly Steps

Story by Nick Hamilton

Long Beach Poly's quarterback  #2 Eban Jackson II.
Photo by Eric Wade/EW Gems.

After a disappointing 1-3 start earlier in the season, the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits somehow turned it around and went on an impressive winning streak that guided them back to the CIF Division 1 state championship.

However Long Beach Poly couldn't overcome five record turnovers and were defeated by the Granite Bay 21-20 in the Division 1 CIF State Championship at Home Depot Center. 

Poly had a solid 7-3 heading into to halftime thanks to a wide open Gerald Wicks who caught a lateral pass from Thomas Tucker who caught the pitch from Eban Jackson. Wicks sprinted down the sideline for the score.
Dylan Keeney had two interceptions, including a 29-yard return for a touchdown that gave Granite Bay a 14-7 lead at the beginning of the third quarter.

After being down 14-7 to Granite Bay, Long Beach Poly allowed themselves an opportunity to win the game and take the title. John Smith caught a spectacular 30 yard pass near the end of the third quarter that tied the score 14-14.

Granite Bay's #32 Taft Partridge. Photo by William Johnson.

In the fourth quarter Manusamoa Lu'uga gave Poly the 20-14 lead after an extra point that was no good. With less than four minutes left in the game, that extra point miss would prove to be costly down the stretch. Granite Bay would put together a carefully executed 76 yard drive down field in the rain. In the red zone Granite Bay continued to pound the ball all the way down to the three yard line. As time continued to wind down, John Cooley punched in the end zone for the touchdown. The extra point was good by Granite Bay as they took the lead 21-20. 

Granite Bay would hold on for the victory and capture the Division 1 State Championship in front of a crowd with over 7,000 in attendance. "Defense is the story tonight," Caraway said. "They got all those great picks."

Poly quarterback Eban Jackson at one point was a perfect 4/4 for 100 yards, and finished 6/10 for 141 yards, two touchdowns and two costly interceptions. Manusamoa Lu'uga finished with 104 yards rushing on the night. 

 Before Friday night's game, Poly won 11 straight games against difficult opponents like Mission Viejo, St. John Bosco and Mater Dei. 

Granite Bay's defense shut down Poly's running game in the fourth quarter and forced them to use their passing game where they also capitalized on turnovers.

Starting in 2015, CIF Executive Director Roger Blake announced that the State Bowl games would rotate between Northern and Southern California sites.

For more photos from this game go to www.tgsportstv.com, click on the Prep/JC Gallery and scroll down to Division I  State Bowl Granite Bay @ Long Beach Poly.

Corona Centennial Beats Narbonne 41-34 In A Regional Playoff Thriller

 Story by L.T.Willis

Centennial #2 Austin Renker scores from the first touchdown
against Narbonne.Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.





When Narbonne (14-0) and Corona Centennial (14-1) met for the first time in the State Cif Regional Playoffs, no one could ever have imagine what was going to happen in the first half . Corona Centennial scored 20 points in the first half against a team that was suppose to have one of the best defense in the state. The Huskies scored first with 1:17 left in the first quarter on 2 yard touchdown run  by Austin Renker. The Gauchos miss a chance to get on the board after missing a 13 yard field goal.

The Huskies' second score of the night came with 9:22 in the second quarter when Tre Austin scored on a 19 yard touchdown pass from Huskies' quarterback Robert Webber.The third score of the night came with 5:01 still in the second quarter, when Webber connected with Barry Ware on a 13 yard touchdown pass, and now the Huskies led he Gauchos 21-0. Narbonne finally got on the board with a touchdown catch from Jon'tae Roberson from 41 yards out with 3:01 in the second quarter.

The Huskies #88 Barry Ware had 2 touchdowns on the night against
the Gauchos. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.



Centennial responded with a score with 31 seconds left in the first half with another touchdown catch from Barry Ware to push their lead to 27-8 at the half. Coach Douglas at the half put everyone out the locker room except for the starters, and gave them a gut check speech, and challenge them to step up to the challenge that stands before them." If we going to lose, we are going to go out swinging,"we have come to far, and we are not going to just lay down and get our rear end kick like this.

The Gauchos #16 Jon'tae Roberson scores on a 41 yard touchdown
pass from Troy Williams. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports







One of the biggest plays of the game happen in the third quarter when the Huskies fumble at the two yard line of the Gauchos, and the Gauchos recovered the ball. The defense made a stop that they had to have, other wise that might have been the nail in the coffin for Narbonne.. The Gauchos march down the field on a 98 yard drive to have A.J. Richards score, and now trail the Huskies 15-27 with 6:25 left in the third.

The Gauchos defense had the Huskies backed up deep in their own side of the field, and was force to punt, and moments later Troy Williams on the punt return with some fancy moves, got into the end zone from 27 yards out, and now the score was Huskies 27-22 with 1;30 left in the third quarter.

The Gauchos # 3 Troy Williams takes a punt return
27 yards out to score to trail 27-22. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.



The Huskies as they have done all night answer back with a score of their own when Webber found Ryan Pascarella from four yards out and push the Huskies lead to 34-22 with 9:48 left in the game. The Gauchos defense allow Pascarella to pick up a big first down after a fourth and sixteen to catch a 21 yard pass from Webber before he scored his touchdown.

The Huskies #4 Ryan Pascarella touchdown made the score 34-22
late in the fourth quarter.Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.



The Gauchos still had some gas left in the tank, had another impressive drive as it seems that neither of the defenses could stop each other from scoring in the second half, as the Gauchos got another score from Jon'tae Roberson with 5:24 left in the fourth, now trail the Huskies 34-28. The Gauchos defense held the Huskies on a big fourth down, and gave the ball back to Troy Williams and their offense.

The Gauchos #2 Marquis Lomax is pumped up
after a big defensive stop by their defense. Photo
by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.



 The Huskies defense just like the Gauchos defense continue to bend, but not break, allow the Gauchos to have another drive, leading to another score by one of their main weapons, A.J. Richards with 1:09 left in the game, straight arm a Huskies defender scored from eight yards out to tied the game 34-34. On that same play Richard injured his leg, and what a blow that was to the Gauchos, because he was the only place kicker holder on the team.

The Gauchos #11 A.J.Richards scored on his second touchdown
of the night to tie the score 34-34. Photo By Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.



Richards got hurt on the same play and that was bad news for the Gauchos, because he was the only place kicker holder on the team, and coach Douglas called a time out to think things over. After the the time out, Troy tried to score going around the right side, but the Huskies' defense came up big, and kept him from scoring on the two point conversion. The Huskies' fans went crazy, as they knew that they really dodge a bullet.

The Gauchos sideline after the miss two point conversion, you could tell that really took something out of them, instead of having a one point lead to fight for, now your defense was ask to get one more stop for the offense, or take the game into over time. The defense had did their job on a big fourth down, until a dead ball personal foul was called against the Gauchos, kept the Huskies drive alive.

The Huskies #1 Tre Watson scores from 14 yards to seal the victory
for Centennial 41-34 over Narbonne. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Huskies did something that no teams did all year against the Gauchos defense, scored 41 points and defeated the Gauchos 41-34. The Huskies Tre Watson said," that we were very fortunate to win this game tonight, and i was glad that i had a chance to help my team win this game, and i'm am so excited to have a opportunity to have another game next week."Barry Ware said, This game was one of the best games he ever played in, against a team like Narbonne, Ahh man this is a great feeling for us to battle a team like Narbonne.

The Huskies quarterback Robert Webber had a great night as he was 20 of 39 for 316 yards and 4 touchdowns, and his counter part Troy Williams finish the night 28 of 37 for 367 yards and 3 touchdowns, also carried the ball 11 times for 105 yards and i touchdown. The Huskies (14-1) will play next  Saturday against Del La Salle(14-0) for the Cif State Bowl Open Division. All photos are by Eric Wade/ T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

Minnesota Beats USC 71-57

Story by Brett Shapoff

Trojans' #21 Aaron Fuller attempts a left hand floater. Photo by Leon Bennett/
T.G.Sports.

The 14^th ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers cruised to an easy 71-57 victory last night before a small, unenthusiastic crowd of 3,271, at the Galen Center. This win was very significant for Minnesota coach Tubby Smith, as it was his 500^th collegiate career win. For USC, it was their fifth straight loss.

From the outset, the Golden Gophers jumped all-over a lack-luster, slower-moving, Trojan squad that did not even have a point until guard, Jio Fontan, made a hoop 3:34 into the game. Coach Smith’s team was up 13-4 before the fans realized the Trojans were in for a long night.

Minnesota's #1 Andre Hollins pushing the ball up court. Photo by
Leon Bennett/T.G.Sports.

With 8:28 remaining in the first-half, the Golden Gophers had built a 27-12 lead by playing a more patient-oriented game than the Trojans. In addition, Minnesota’s fundamentally-sound plan of attack wreaked havoc for USC not only in the first half, but also, for the entire game. Trojan coach, Kevin O’Neal, remarked, “We never put any real pressure on them at all. We got much better in the second half and played harder.”

The half-time score was 38-26 in favor of Minnesota and that 12-point margin stayed, more or less, the same for the remainder of game. The Trojans did play better in the second half, but not well enough to ever get close enough to mount a threat. 

Trojans' #22 Byron Wesley. Photo by Leon Bennett/

T.G.Sports.

By game’s end, a well-balanced scoring attack, for the Golden Gophers, included four players in double figures, while the Trojans only had two in Byron Wesley (13 points) and the big-man, Omar Oraby (15 points). Minnesota’s three-guard platoon of Andre Hollins (14 points), Joe Coleman (10 points), and Austin Hollins (8 points), along with Rodney Williams (13 points) and Trevor Mbakwe (12 points), contributed to a balanced attack.

Throughout much of the game, Coach O’Neal switched back-and-forth between man-to-man and zone, but Minnesota was extremely patient in working for the best shot possible in every possession. The Golden Gophers hit the three-pointer when needed, or worked the ball inside for an easy lay-up or dunk. Overall, their patience allowed them to dictate the pace of the game.

Minnesota controlling the boards were one of the main reason they defeated
the Trojans 71-57. Photo by Leon Bennett.

Coach Smith acknowledged his milestone victory by saying, “It was good to do it with this group. There’s always a challenge with any group, but this group is a committed group, and they have great chemistry, so it’s fun to the coach them.”

The Trojans three-point shooting was a horrid 1-11, while the Golden Gophers made 6-19, a difference of 15 points. USC was out-rebounded by a smaller Minnesota front-line 40-32.

USC Guard, Jio Fontan, had an off-shooting night going 2-9 from the field, including, 0-3 from beyond the arc. He picked up four assists, as did Chass Bryan. The Trojans got ten rebounds from forward, Dewayne Dedmond.

USC will have to re-group after this fifth straight loss. Coach O’Neal firmly stated, “We're going to play different guys, and that’s what we're going to do. We're going to play guys who play with energy and who play with force and who play team basketball.''

Chaminade Comes Up Short Against Serra 30-28

Story By L.T.Willis

Serra's #20 Malik Roberson had a big night against Chaminade. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Chaminade (12-1) and Serra (12-2) tangle for a second time, a game that both teams won't forget for a very long time. What was at stake a Western Division Championship, and chance for a spot in the new state bowl playoff games, and to qualify for a state bowl championship game on Dec 14 or 15 at the Home Depot Center in Carson. In most cases the second meeting of teams playing each other again, gives one team a advantage. The difference in this game came down to no turnovers by Serra's quarterback Jalen Rose.

Serra got on the score board first when a fake punt by Adoree' Jackson went 43 yards for a touchdown with 6:32 in the first quarter. Minutes later Chaminade responded with a score off their own when Terrell Newby scored on a 24 yard touchdown run to tie the game 7-7 with 3:38 left in the first quarter. Newby is one of the fastest running you will ever see, and is a very physical back for his size.

Chaminade's #34 Terrell Newby. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

The second quarter it was like a prize fight, both teams trying to deliver blows that would send the other team buckling to their knees,and when Serra's Dwight Williams intercepted a pass from Brad Kaaya and scored from 46 yards out to give Serra a 14-7 lead with 10:04 left in the second quarter, the first left hook punch was thrown. You could tell that change the the momentum of the game as Chaminade's offense was starting to establish a passing and  running game.

Both defense were trying to clamped down on each other offense, but in football special teams are important in championship games, and Chaminade's specials teams delivered a counter punch when Donovan Lee went 78 yards for touchdown on a punt return with 7:02 left in the second quarter tied the score  14-14, that seem to give Chaminade new life as their fans went crazy, and Serra fans could not believe what they just saw from the looks on their faces.

Chaminade's #21 Donovan Lee went 78 yards for
a touchdown on a punt return against Serra.
Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Early in the third quarter Serra regain the lead after Dwight Williams intercepted another pass and Serra's Ryan Dobson kicked a 38 yard field goal to give the Cavaliers a 17-14 lead. The Eagles  came back and re took the lead on a 29 yard touchdown run from from Terrell Newby, after going 64 yards for the score, and now led 21-17 with 5:10 left on the clock. The scoring wasn't just over yet, when Malik Roberson scored from nine yards out help the Cavaliers regain the lead 24-21 with 3:33 left in the third quarter on six plays going 60 yards.

Both teams defense was trying to clamp down late in the fourth quarter and it seem like which team would come up with the biggest play, and who had the football last, might win the Western Division Championship. The biggest play for Serra's defense came with 8:51 in the fourth, stopping Terrell Newby by inches on a fourth and five on the Cavaliers 27 yard line. Serra got the ball back and drove down the field. The biggest play for Jalen Rose on the night, Serra already in field goal range, converted a a fourth and three on the six yard line. Moments later Malik Roberson scored from three yards out and Serra now led 30-21 with 2:27 left in the game.

Serra's quarterback #3 Jalen Rose was making plays all
night using his ability to scramble. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Chaminade got the ball back and drove to Serra' forty four yard line, when Eagles' quarterback Brad Kaaya connected with Elijah Dunston on a crossing route for a 44 yard touchdown pass after miss tackles by Serra's defenders, now trail the Cavaliers 30-28 with 58 seconds left in the game. Serra look stun and couldn't believe what just happen, and too make things worst, got a personal foul penalty on the same play, which gave Chaminade great field position on the on side kick.

With the penalty the Eagles were already deep into Serra's side of the field, and just about in field goal range, and  a chance to come back and win the the second meeting between both teams. The Eagles recovered the kick, but the officials rule that the ball didn't go ten yards, and Serra got the ball back, ran a few plays to run out the clock, and won the Western Division Title 30-28.

Serra and Chaminade have the greatest respect for each other, showing
great sportsmanship after the game.

Terrell Newby after the game said,"there was a lot of the small things we didn't do well on offense, or defense not picking up first down on good drives, and not making enough big plays to win the game." Serra is the a good team and they made the plays to win the game."I ask Terrell when he goes back into the locker room what will you tell the guys now that you are a senior?" Next season learn from this game and come back stronger next season."

Jalen Rose after the game told me," I'm very happy that we won the game by doing the little small things that i didn't do in our first meeting." I learn from that game that i have to be smart with the football and let the game come to me." I am very proud of my team mates and coaches, who have always encourage me when i am having a bad game or struggling just keep playing."

Jalen Rose from  Serra played a smart game by making sure he didn't turn the ball over and put the October 5th Mission League game behind him, and made plays that kept drives going. Jalen had 114 yards rushing the ball and was 5 for 14 passing the ball, but did the small things to help his team win the game. Malik Roberson carried the ball 22 times for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns.

 Dwight Williams had 2 interception and ran back one for a touchdown. Chaminade's Terrell Newby carried the ball 28 time for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. For more photos from this game go our website at www.tgsportstv.com, click on the Prep/JC Gallery and scroll down to Championship, Chaminade @ Serra. All photos are by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.