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Support Local Journalism Incredible. Zach Cavanagh is the sports editor for Picket Fence Media. "I think we're good," Mitchell said. When Edisons Dino Bell fumbled the kick-off, El Modena simply held on to the ball for the victory. I dont know if you can ask for any more. (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 . Sophomore Nate Lewis started but was replaced during the game by junior Cooper Adams. The Vanguards stuck to the ground and rushed in a five-yard touchdown to take the game, 23-20. When I went to El Modena, we were always considered the underdogs, even though we had won the CIF (Southern Conference title in 1978), Frasco said. Their opponents took a combined record of 20-2 into Friday. We were terrified going into practice that week. Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF-SS Playoff Game in 8 Years. @bokellyy @omarjayeblack1, Dana Hills leads El Modena, 7-3, 6:37 1Q, CIF-SS D5. El Monte 17, Rio Hondo Prep 7. (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. 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. . Picket Fence Media is a proud member of the SoCal Media Network. To them, it was noteworthy only because it was the second-to-last time they lost a game for three seasons. Already a member? 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. And he still yells at me if I do something wrong, and still pats me on the back when I do something right.. Ask Bob Lester, Vanguard coach. 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. Gardening Stuff & Plant cuttings Exchange Feb 11th Irvine Great Park.]. @dhhs_athletics pic.twitter.com/dsg4t9Eerl. Before the 1985 season began, Bob Lester, El Modena High School football coach, promised himself that this would be a kick-back kind of year--that he wasnt going to get too excited on Friday nights, and that he wasnt going to lose any sleep worrying about what play to call on third and short. The records--Edison (8-3), El Modena (13-1). Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. In his 14 years at El Rancho, Johnson had led the school to five Southern Section championship games, winning three. Neil P. - I'm a coach that believes in technique and knowledge which allows one to go out and dominate. 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. 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. Hes had such a good thing going with the parents and the players, its tough to see him leave.. A native of East Lyme, Conn., and a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, he began writing for The Times in 1981. We sat down every day during our office period and bounced things off each other. We always had something to prove.. 3920 E. Spring Street, Orange, CA 92869 714-997-6331, For questions regarding the El Modena Football Program and getting signed up, please contact Head Varsity Coach Matt Mitchell at, For questions regarding the El Modena Football Freshman team, please contact Freshman Head Coach Chris Esperanzaat, For questions regarding the El Modena Football Boosters and to join our weekly mailing list, please contact Football Boosters President Linda Manionat. It was like we had to battle to get respect from other teams. Doug Rozsa remembers that El Modena had been selected to finish fourth in the Century League in 1979. Dana Hills football. This will be a hard-fought game, and Edison should emerge victorious by a point. Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. 2018 Varsity assistant at El Modena HS. He writes a weekly column on the county high school sports scene and also covers games and writes features. The first year I was varsity coach, he was still teaching on campus, so I could go to him for help and he welcomed it. Bill was a very popular coach here with the kids and the parents, Brown said. Smith rushed for 20 and 12 yards on his first two carries, the first two plays from scrimmage of the game. With all that hard work I was able to play with the Bills and learn from top guys like Stefan diggs and Gabe Davis. Photo: Zach Cavanagh. We were so damn scared of them. In his 20 years at El Modena, Lester has had just two losing seasons, in 1969 (2-6-1) and 1973 (3-5-1). El Modena stuck to its running attack, and in the past that mightve gotten Dana Hills, but the Dolphins met the challenge. (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. That makes a big difference, I think.. The Vanguards are ranked No. Advertise with us. If you lost here, it wouldnt be accepted. (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. He compiles the Hot 150 list of football players to watch in Orange County before each season. The Chargers destroyed Canyon, 43-14. 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). I hated going to play at El Modena; I just never liked the place . Its a tough act to follow.. Twitter. For some African Americans,they inspire outrage; for others, a new sense of empowerment. When the defense came on the field, he exited for the hospital, where X-rays revealed he had broken his forearm. Scouting Report Bill Gibbons is like a living legend around here, he said. Some people thought it was funny that Lester would even have the audacity to mention winning. Linebacker Weston Port contributed to two sacks to help lead the Stallions defense. (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. 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. by Dana Point Times. Bob is kind of a classic guy, and his resignation is a loss for Orange County football.. Coach Biagini, Matthew Coach Garcia, Richard Coach Contact 600 W Santa Ana Blvd Ste 705 Santa Ana, CA 92701 (929) 322-4007 [email protected] . 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. Its not the game that Lester is leaving. The thing was, they wanted Bob to continue coaching, but they also realized that (his years of coaching) were numbered. Lester had great rapport with his assistant coaches and players. Its my last high school football game. 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. Key to the game--Much will depend on the effectiveness of the El Modena defense, particularly the Vanguards untested secondary. (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. El Modena Captains getting ready for the coin toss against Yorba Linda! Dana Hills offense got stuck thanks to a physical El Modena pass rush, which forced holding calls against the Dolphins and long down-and-distances late. Basically, I was the young guy coming in and I dont think they wanted to hurt the future. High School El Modena City Orange, CA; Class 2023; Watch Highlights. I remember it as if it were yesterday. Mullen eventually made it to Foothill, where the Knight-Vanguard rivalry in the Century League and in the playoffs evolved as one of the countys best. Ledesma completed 6 of 11 passes for 139 yards in the second half against the Chargers. Dolphins take over on the 31, 17-17, 1:14 to go. TOUCHDOWN: Dana Hills strikes back. Their four losses are to teams that entered this week with a combined 17-5 record. I was pretty sure that all of the basketball parents wanted Bill to come back. Lester began his coaching career at La Veta High in Colorado in 1956, where he spent four seasons before moving to Colorados Salido High for two years. El Modena also lost two championship games in overtime, the first in 1980 to Lynwood (14-13), and the second in 1981 to Foothill (21-14). Dana Hills led 14-10. In the first quarter, Kellys first touchdown pass to Black was a 68-yard screen pass that put the Dolphins ahead, 7-3, four plays after El Modenas opening field goal. Varsity Football Last week, El Modena beat La Habra 43-6. No receivers were available. Entering his 20th season as the Vanguards coach, Lester, 55, figured he would delegate most of the workload to his fine group of assistants, oversee the operation, and try to relax and enjoy football for a change. If we didnt, I think theyd be calling for my neck. Shane Whitehill II CO 25'II El Modena football II 3.6 gpa II DT, TE II 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. DP Times Daily Find trainers in your area You could tell that they wanted to be good at this, and it was something that meant something to them. Back then the CIF-SS divisions were still geographic and league-based, and the Dolphins played in the tough Pac-5 Division. Went to Orange HS. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park cheerleaders wait for the game against El Modena to begin in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Hell admit that, by all rights, his team should not have had a remote hope of winning the game. None of the 6,500 people who sat transfixed in Fred Kelly Stadium will ever forget it, either. Varsity Football Chris Dunham Oct 7 Varsity Football Linda Slajer Oct 2 Varsity Football Linda Slajer Oct 2 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. Marty McWhinney knows what its like to come in on the heels of a legend. OCDA alleges that he initiated the 10-hour standoff with police while armed in . Some coaches, especially those who had been on the staff for a long time before accepting the head coaching job, say replacing a very successful coach was not much of a problem at all. El Modena HS Football Program. 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. (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. But Rush, who had been an assistant to Crow for 10 years, said the pressure was minimal, if any. Frasco had never broken a bone in his life, but as soon as he got to his feet, he feared he had experienced the first. @bokellyy @omarjayeblack1 @OwenCha16498928, Dana Hills leads El Modena, 14-10, 2:40 2Q. Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach. When he finally resigned in October, it was a big disappointment for the kids, most of them were seniors. 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. Why did two drives stall? Im tired of that.. 26-year-old Michael James Snitzler, a Santa Ana resident, is a former El Modena High School varsity football coach. 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. In overtime, Dana Hills got hit with one more holding penalty to stall their one extra possession. It was a sensitive situation.. Former El Modena High School coach Michael James Snitzler, 26, was charged Wednesday with misdemeanor unlawful sexual intercourse and child annoyance following investigating by Orange police . Zach is a multiple California Journalism Award winner and has covered sports in Orange County since 2013. Not that it was any ill will toward me--I dont think it was. If they remember it at all, the Chargers recall how hot and oppressive it felt as their bus pulled into Orange, and how tiny the visitors quarters at Fred Kelly seemed. He always made me feel like I was part of the decision making, and kind of groomed me for the job, I think. If it did, he masked it well with his sense of humor. I think everyone understood the situation, he said. But the coaches told us, Theyre the same age as you. We worked really hard for this game, said El Modena senior defensive tackle Esteban Choucair. Steve Clark, right, and his son Jamison pose prior to a BYU football game. Zach Cavanagh Especially because the Diablos finished last season 12-1 overall. . The only problem I was feeling was that we always expected so much success at El Modena, Backstrom said. A client should expect nothing but excellence from me. Before the game, Lester had grimly predicted, "We don't. 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. Steve Clark is the tight ends coach for BYU, while son Jamison is a member of the Utah Tech football staff. Hes great! When the Dolphins last sniffed playoff contention in 2019, they were fighting for a spot in Division 12. Go in there and do a job. . November 5, 2021 12:21AM . Hitchens, a running back/linebacker, capped the march with a 12-yard touchdown run with 7:49 left in the period. Smith punctuated the possession with a 6-yard TD run and ran in the 2-point conversion after a penalty by San Juan Hills. We keep preaching get to the ball and play as a team and thats what we did tonight.. 2 years Defensive Back, Punt Returner, Kick Returner. The pressure was so enormous . 21 San Juan Hills at San Juan Hills High. There was pain, and it was just kind of flopping around. I talked to all the other assistant coaches, and they said if I would take the job, then they would stay on at least three more years. Going forward, this Dolphin team may have changed the path of the Dana Hills football program. Football Recruiting / California / Orange, CA / El Modena High School / Jackson Keays. I would like to get away from football film forever. CLICK HERE FOR THE EL MODENA FOOTBALL BLAST PAGE. El Modena improved its record to 6-0 while Villa Park dropped to 2-4. Father and son will be on opposite sidelines when the two teams meet next Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability. No. Personalized, one-on-one instruction is the secret to improved skills and increased confidence. 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. With the final seconds ticking down in the half, El Modena connected a swing pass that looked destined for the end zone, but Dendiu stonewalled the Vanguard receiver at the 1-yard line. Frasco attended Weber State for a year before transferring to Santa Ana College and then on to San Jose State. It seemed like Kerwin Bell scored four or five touchdowns, Frasco recalled. El Modena never led Edison until 4:52 remained and flanker Kurt Adams scored on a nine-yard run. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), The San Juan Hills dance team gives a preview of the halftime show before the start of the game against El Modena in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. kelly.bills@dixie.edu. He returned to watch the game with his arm in a sling. 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. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Guess rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. I love our kids and the time we had together was really a lot of fun.. Varsity Football Chris Dunham Nov 3 Shane Whitehill continues to rack up sacks with another one to force Pasadena to Punt! (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. Sign In School Page; Team Page . In the second half, it was the defenses that reigned. Snitzler is currently in custody being held in lieu of $30,000 bail. On Wednesday, the district attorney's office filed additional charges against Snitzler related to his alleged sexual relationship with a minor including unlawful sexual intercourse and child annoyance. @bills_kelly. Barrett said the success has made the transition much easier. Guess scored on a weaving-through-the-middle run of 28 yards to stretch the advantage to 21-6 early in the fourth quarter. Coaches Contact List - Click Here UPDATED PHYSICALS INFORMATION 2022-2023: INFORMATION ON PHYSICALS Physical Examination Form Health History Form 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. Dont get the DP Times delivered to your home? (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. . (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modenas Mayson Hitchens, left, runs past Villa Parks Carter Christie after catching a pass to set up a El Modena touchdown in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. 4TH DOWN: Dana Hills stops the El Modena drive on this Hayden Dendiu breakup. 2019-current Freshman assistant football coach at El Modena HS. You cant put words to how I feel. The Dolphins were assessed nine penalties for 125 total yards. Orange Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students in all academic programs and school activities. Dan's passion for water sports has earned him the nickname, Aqua Dan, in the newsroom and taken him to multiple U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and many USA water polo events as a reporter. Adams 6-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Leftwich with 2:29 remaining in the game completed the scoring. El Modenas defense did its part by holding the Stallions to 83 yards offense in the first half, most of which came on the final 1:30 on the arm of Tollefson. Menu Join Team. Theyve been playing hard and together as a group. Nothing cures more ills than success . 14 El Modena answered its question emphatically Friday night with a well-rounded 29-6 victory against No. There also was tailback Kerwin Bell, perhaps the best ever to grace Orange Countys playing fields. I dont like to lose, and it gets to the point where you tend to dwell on the negative. During football season, he partners with Steve Fryer and Jonathan Khamis on OCVarsity's Gridiron Show and hosts a weekly podcast on Trinity League football. Located in an unincorporated area between Tustin and Orange,. 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. Jack made it very easy for me because we had worked together (at Corona del Mar) for 11 years, Orris said. 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). I just knew they favored Bill to come back.. By contrast, only one El Modena player went on to play football at a four-year school. Speaking of bad luck, the El Modena Vanguards--or the Ducks as their colorful coach prefers--actually had to absorb the majority of it. Thirteen members of that Edison team received football scholarships. CoachUp now makes private football coaching affordable and convenient for athletes of all ages and skill levels. He was honored as a Jim Staunton Champion for Character by the CIF-Southern Section in 2017. Villa Park has a nonleague game next week against Canyon, on Friday, Oct. 7 at El Modena. Varsity assistant at Orange HS 1 year with Dick Hill 1997. Dolphins are eliminated in first playoff appearance since 2013 in Division 5 opener. Nobody imagined the talented quarterback would have his arm broken from a second-quarter tackle and be lost for the rest of the season. Dana Hills remained in front thanks to an enormous defensive play by Dendiu. In his first season, Henney got this Dolphins' program to set its sights higher and showed that it belonged . Guess moved around and outside of the pocket before throwing to the open Astor at the back of the end zone for a 7-3 lead with 5:39 to go in the second quarter. New era of football begins at Mater Dei under coach Frank McManus. A week ago last Monday, Jamison's wife, Savannah . Email. All League 1st Team DB (2005) 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. And a loss for The Ted and Bob Show, which can now only be seen in reruns. And he wouldnt wish the experience on anyone. 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. CIF-SS D5. Next week, El Modena plays Foothill in a nonleague game on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Tustin High. McWhinney, then only 25, took over for his former high school coach, Ernie Johnson. Kelly finds Black on a screen, Black finds blockers and sprints 68 yards to the end zone. Mike DiGiovanna has been covering Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Times since 1995 and spent 19 years as the Angels beat writer and two seasons on the Dodgers. Runs Sex Offender screening on every coach, Ensures high quality coaches with verified reviews, Offers 24/7 support and helpful Athlete Advisors, Easy payments via credit card, no need for cash, Provides convenient scheduling with calendar integration, Enables automated reminders before training sessions, Captures post-session feedback directly from your coach. Lester, who had been the coach since the school opened in 1966, won three Southern Section titles in that time and lost two others in overtime.