Los Alamitos had been struggling with some key injuries and had played its way into a must-win situation. The Griffins have gotten the needed wins and are very much alive for a playoff spot as they head into the final week of the regular season. Los Alamitos was in control early and never let Huntington Beach into the game as they defeated the Oilers, 56-10, in a Sunset League game on Thursday at Long Beach Veteran’s Stadium. Behind a solid performance by the offensive line, quarterback Jack Telenko was able to throw for 254 yards and four touchdowns, as well as run for two more.
Cypress girl wins scream contest
Leilani Ngo-Harris, 8, of Cypress won first place in the Scream Contest during the 18th Annual Trick or Treat Festival on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Harris was among 15 contestants to compete in the seven to 12 year old division for the 5th Annual I Scream for Ice Cream Contest presented by Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlours. She won a trophy and a $60 zoo party from Farrell’s.
Cerritos College professors discuss women and STEM at AAUW meeting
Three women professors from Cerritos College came to the Oct. 15 meeting of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) at Cerritos Park East. The professors came to discuss their experiences with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs in their own lives and at Cerritos College. The three professors were STEM Division Biology professors Dr. Scottie Henderson, Ph.D. in zoology, and Michelle Stieber, Ph.D. in biology, and Janet McLarty-Schroeder, physics, astronomy and astrobiology professor. Nursing professor Patty Riedel was actually a fourth professor from Cerritos who introduced the three panel members and served as moderator. Riedel provided pages of statistics in 2013 that showed a decline in math and science education in elementary, secondary and higher education in America. The statistics also showed the importance of STEM education for students to compete for jobs today nationally and internationally. With all the negative statistics in mind, AAUW members asked for positive information from the professors on how to improve STEM education and how to encourage students to continue their education and learn about higher levels of math and science. Professor Stieber said that she tries to help rebuild confidence in her students so that they will not give up. She said that some students may not ready for the tough academic environment at a college or university. She teaches classes in cell and molecular biology, genetics and also biology for non- majors in biology. Dr. Henderson, who was named Scottie by her father after the character in Star Trek, said that family support was very important for students to continue their STEM studies. Her parents encouraged her to continue her studies. She considers herself fortunate to have mentors who worked with her and advised her to apply for regent’s scholarship, master’s and Ph.D. programs. She appreciated the advice she received and mentors her students now. Dr. Henderson also has a degree in marine biology and has taught classes from intertidal field ecology to developmental biology. Professor McLarty-Schroeder has been teaching at Cerritos College since 1999. She teaches astronomy (stars and galaxies, solar system, astrobiology, ASTR Lab) and physics. She has taught math and physical sciences for students as well as for teachers. She said that students need “hands on experiences” in science classes and that students need qualified teachers in math starting in elementary school. She also said that teachers themselves need lots of training to implement the core curriculum. Professor McLarty-Schroeder received some help for her graduate degrees with tuition scholarships. She has bachelor’s degrees in both physics and astronomy and a master’s in planetary science. She is currently teaching solar system astronomy and astrobiology at Cerritos College. She said that students at Cerritos College can go to any professor to ask for help. Co-program vice president Nancy Kawamura said that many of the students who applied for the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW’s Local Scholarships in the past have commented on how helpful the professors at Cerritos College were.
Griffins maintain focus in win over Barons
The Los Alamitos High girls volleyball team has struggled with consistency at times this year. But the Griffins had little trouble staying on task as they defeated Fountain Valley, 25-17, 25-16, 25-16 on Thursday at Fountain Valley High. Los Alamitos improved to 4-3 in league play with the win and are looking maintain their momentum as they close out league play. The Griffins can lock up third place in the league with a strong finish in their final three games. Griffin coach Dave Huber said the team has struggled to maintain focus in some key league, which has led to some struggles. In the win over Fountain Valley, the Griffins kept their composure despite some pressure by Fountain Valley and a loud Baron crowd. “We were just trying to have real consistent energy and focus, more than anything else,” Huber said. The three sets were tight early, but the Griffins controlled the latter part of each to complete the three-set sweep. After dropping the first two sets, the Barons battled to avoid the sweep, taking a 14-12 lead and grabbing some momentum. But the Griffins regrouped and went on an 8-0 run to regain the lead and control of the set. Hannah Wehring had a block for a point to cut the Baron lead to 14-13. Kelsey Cunningham followed that with an ace serve off a dig attempt to tie the set at 14-14. Mackenzie Smith had a kill off a block and Cunningham had another ace that gave the Griffins a 16-14 lead. After a couple of Baron kill attempts went wide, Natalie Rojes has a solo block for a point that pushed the Griffin lead to 19-14. The Barons finally broke the run with a kill off a block that cut the Griffin lead to 20-15, but Los Alamitos ran off four more consecutive points to get to match point at 24-15. Setter Julia Patterson won a jump ball over the net to put the Griffins up 23-15 and Sarah Tui had a kill to give the Griffins the 24-15 lead. A Baron tap attempt went wide for the match-clinching point. Huber said the team needs to maintain its energy to fuel a late season surge. “If that [energy] can be more consistent, then the level of play will be too,” Huber said. The Griffins hosted Newport Harbor on Tuesday and will play at league-leading Huntington Beach on Thursday, Oct. 29. The Griffins will close out the season on Nov. 3, at home against Marina. The Griffins will honor their seniors during the match against Marina.
Wings, Wheels, Rotors & Expo returns
When a helicopter appreciation event and a small car show were combined over a decade ago, the basis for the Wings, Wheels, Rotors and Expo was formed.
There was a good turnout for the inaugural event, but even the organizers at the time could not have predicted the size to which WWR&E would eventually grow. This year marks the 14th year of the event and when the 2015 WWR&E opens to the public on Oct. 25 at 9 a.m., more than 30,000 visitors are expected to converge on the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
In August 2001, the Los Alamitos Chamber and Ford West held a Mustang car show which included a couple World War II era, P-51 Mustang fighter planes. The event proved successful on the JFTB.
Combined with the Helicopter Appreciation Day in April 2000, the two separate events became the nucleus of Wings Wheels and Rotors. The Chamber of Commerce, with Connie Pedenko, Mary Ann Senske, Chris Barnes and the JFTB started planning a larger, varied event and the first WWRE occurred in the fall of 2002 on the day the Angels won the World Series.
The first event had approximately 100 cars, a dozen helicopters, some military aircraft and a couple dozen vendors but again a good turnout of visitors and great feedback was encouraging for the future of WWRE. The event has grown to include hundreds of cars, planes, helicopters and military vehicles. Hundreds of vendors also bring a variety of goods and food and entertainment is abundant all throughout the day.
Visitors will get to get an up close view of various types of aircraft and even see the inside of a jumbo military C-17 cargo plane.
“I highly encourage everyone to come out to the base and participate in this wonderful family-friendly event,” said retired JFTB Commander, Lt. Col Susan Russell.
The kids corner returns with activities and crafts for youths. Marching bands will parade through the event and almost continual entertainment will be offered at the stage area.
The event also helps military families by raising money for those in need. In 2011, the event earned $ 22,000 for the base Morale Welfare Recreation Fund for troops and families who work at the base.
Hundreds of volunteers plan, almost year round to keep this event going and each year, thousands more volunteer hours and required just to staff the event for the day. Students from Los Alamitos High can be found volunteering at the Kids Corner booth.
For more information about Wings Wheels & Rotors, visit www.WWRExpo.net. The Joint Forces Training Base is located in Los Alamitos at 11200 Lexington Drive. Photo ID for adults is required to enter the base.
Griffins stifled by Barons in loss
The Los Alamitos football team has left itself with no margin for error heading into the final three weeks of the season. Which is trouble for a team that Head Coach John Barnes said has hurt itself with mistakes in recent weeks.
Key turnovers and penalties stood out after the Griffins could not keep pace with Fountain Valley and fell to the Barons, 20-7, in Sunset League game on Thursday at Long Beach Veteran’s stadium. The loss dropped the Griffins to 0-2 in league and 2-5 overall.
“We’ve been a mistake prone team that last four weeks,” Barnes said after the loss.
The Griffins were unable to contain the run game of the Barons, as quarterback Chad Olberding led Fountain Valley with 147 yards and a touchdown. The Griffins had 214 passing yards from Jack Telenko, with 152 of those yards going to receiver Holden Edmondson. But the Griffins struggled to run against the Baron defense and key turnovers killed Griffin drives.
After falling behind 14-7 late in the second quarter, the Griffins had a big punt return well into Fountain Valley territory, but a personal foul penalty put the ball back near midfield. A pass from Telenko to Edmondson set the Griffins up at the Baron 39 yard line, but two plays later another personal foul penalty moved the ball back to midfield and the Griffin drive sputtered.
The Griffins received the second half kickoff, but could do little with it. Fountain Valley (5-2, 2-0) responded on the ensuing drive to add a field goal and push their lead to 17-7. On its ensuing drive the Griffins moved the ball to midfield and a big pass would have set them up in scoring position, but the Griffins fumbled and Fountain Valley recovered at their own 20 yard line. Rhythm
Los Alamitos defense kept the Baron offense out of the end zone, but Fountain Valley was able to add another field goal. The Griffins drove two more times for potential scores, but Fountain Valley had interceptions to kill both drives.
Fountain Valley had taken a 7-0 lead at 5:13 of the first quarter on a 10-yard run up the middle by George Sykes. The Griffins responded with 78-yard drive that tied the score at 7-7. Schuyler Whitehead opened the drive with a 14- yard run and two plays later added a nine-yard run to the 49 yard line.
Telenko connected with Edmondson on an 11-yard completion that moved the ball to the Baron 40 yard line. A Baron penalty and a five-yard run by Whitehead moved the ball to the 30 yard line. After a seven-yard loss, Telenko found Dylan Laurent, who had gotten behind the defense for a wide-open 37-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
The loss puts the Griffins a must-win-out situation if they hope to earn a playoff spot. Fountain Valley and Edison are both atop the standings at 2-0, while Huntington Beach and Newport Harbor are both 1-1. The Griffins will play at Newport Harbor on Friday at 7 p.m.
A few miles left for Griffins’ runners
With the season nearing its twilight, the runners of Los Alamitos Cross Country are not so much moving through monotony as they are continuing a groove and gathering momentum. Each practice is met with effort, and each starting line shines with as much hype and opportunity as it does morning dew. The athletes’ dedication has been spectacular especially considering the individual rewards often amount to watching a sunrise during a team run before school or finishing a race seconds faster than the week prior.
In the case of the boys’ varsity team, their unified dedication has stemmed from their collective youth. For some perspective, at the Orange County Championship Boys’ Varsity race, the Griffins lined up two juniors, four sophomores, and a freshman. Their team score beat scores of 11 other teams. Optimism for the future has spurred team leader (and sophomore) Brandon Bandley, top juniors Isaac Banez, Andrew Stumpf, and Luke Deal and the rest of the crew to continue to improve.
The varsity girls of Los Alamitos remain in tough competition with Edison and Fountain Valley at the top of Sunset League. At Preview, the Griffins finished third and comfortably within CIF Prelims qualification. The varsity core of juniors Sarah Enyart, Nicole Bliss, Malia Rivers, and Aspynn Carr along with sophomores Bronsyn Ledgard, Delaney Sanacore, and Delaney Falsken have brought focus to every practice as they try to chase down the two teams at the top of the league and later have a successful CIF Prelims in mid-November.
Both of Los Alamitos’ JV teams finished third in the six-team league at Preview as well. One highlight of the meet was seeing junior Kenneth Jones win the JV race by a nine-second margin. Meanwhile, the consistent junior Brian Street was second, for the junior varsity Griffins on that day but first on the team at the Central Park Invitational. The junior varsity girls are led by junior Lauren Fitzgerald and sophomore Victoria , followed by a large group of exciting sophomores that have run faster times as the season has progressed.
Meanwhile, the freshman/sophomore teams have shown some of the strongest performances for Los Al this season. At Sunset League Preview, the frosh/soph boys finished in second. The steady improvements of sophomores Dean Yacoubian, Jared Berryman, Sam Turley, Brad Hartwyk, and Kevin Miller as well as freshmen Harrison Smith, Nick Van Meter, and excellent early-season arrival Kaleb Yemaneberhane give the Griffins a deep team to aim for first place in frosh/soph once finals rolls around. The achievement will be made more difficult with sophomore Jacob Taylor (4th overall in Preview’s frosh/soph race), sophomore Ryan Watts, and freshman Klaus Quinonez (3rd overall in Preview’s frosh/soph race) earning spots in the varsity race at Finals. Amazingly, Klaus finished first on the team (16:47) in his first varsity race at Central Park Invitational, afterward giving heartfelt hugs to his proudest supporter and father, Gus Quinonez.
At the top of the freshman class on the girls’ side, stellar racer Milani Rivers has secured her spot on varsity for League Finals after finishing fifth on the team (19:30) in her first varsity race at Orange County Championships. In previous weeks, she cruised to first place overall in the Sunset League Preview frosh/soph race and led the freshmen to second place as a team at Central Park Invitational. On the other hand, the female sophomore team has been the Griffins’ best all season, culminating in a first place team finish at Central Park Invitational. Naturally, when the freshmen and sophomores combine for frosh/soph races, the results heavily favor Los Alamitos. The frosh/soph girls dominated preview with a one-two-three finish (freshmen Milani Rivers, Amber DeMarco, and Victoria Hansen) as well as seventh and eighth places (sophomores Annie Bliss and Lauren Kussler). Sophomore Sophia Craig did not race at Preview but was second overall in the Central Park Invitational sophomore race. Craig (20:10) and DeMarco (19:51) led the girls’ frosh/soph to 5th place in Orange County and look to continue dominance of Sunset League at Finals.
Over 120 Griffins will race at Central Park for Sunset League Finals on Halloween morning. Community members are encouraged to come out to cheer on the team.
Color Guard is going for gold
The award winning Los Alamitos High School Color Guard will be competing at the international scale next year.
For the very first time they will be competing in the prestigious Winter Guard International Championships in Dayton, Ohio. This is quite the accomplishment, but along with the national recognition comes the ever present task of raising enough money to get there.
So between now and April, 2016, when not practicing and doing homework, every Color Guard member will be out in the community raising money. Everyone is encouraged to help, and thr opportunity is coming up soon.
Stop by their Bake Sale booth at the upcoming Wings, Wheels, Rotors and Expo at the Joint Forces Training Base on Sunday, Oct. 25 and show them how proud Los Al is of them. After all, these students do represent Los Alamitos High School and the community.
For additional information or to make a donation please contact losalguard@gmail.com.
New LATV-3 program: Civil War Days
The American Civil War produced its veterans too. And whether one sees the conflict through the prism of a struggle to free the slaves and hold the Union together or a war of Northern aggression against sovereign Southern states, the valor and honor displayed on both sides is often recreated in so called Civil War reenactments that recreate the fields of battle as a tribute to both sides to an astonishing degree of historical accuracy. LATV cameras and producer John Underwood captured one such series of reenactments recently at Central Park in Huntington Beach. The “you are there” first person accounts of the soldiers in the field are revealing and thought provoking. See LATV schedule for program times and dates.
Los Al Youth Center to host Haunted House
Encounter scary movie characters at this year’s mini haunted house hosted by The Youth Center at the Seal Beach Centennial Celebration on Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Main Street in Seal Beach. With the theme “Movies Come Alive,” they offer this year’s event for free or for a donation of any amount.
“It’s going to be a tiny haunted house but we are going to make it cool,” said The Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “We are inviting all our traditional haunted house lovers to come to the Centennial Carnival and enjoy it with us. Those who are brave enough will meet scary movie characters from the Living Dead, Clownhouse, Chucky Child’s Play, Nightmare On Elm Street and Saw.”
Volunteers are still needed to scare guests, but it promises not to be too frightening. As in years past, a secret word is given out which can be used at any point of the adventure, and the notorious monsters will turn into the sweetest volunteers, according to Lumme. The booth is recommended for children 5 years old and up. Their traditional larger haunted house was cancelled this year due to not enough volunteers.
“We want to continue to bring this fun, spooky tradition to the community again,” said Lumme. “People should come to the haunted house, as it’s become a holiday tradition within the community. We want them to come and be a part of this year’s event.”
In past, The Youth Center brought their haunted house to the community for a nominal fee compared with local amusement park’s Halloween experiences. But this year, The Youth Center is offering the experience for free. Families are welcome to make donations of any amount to support local kids’ scholarships for their summer camps.
“Every penny counts and goes towards helping a child have a bright summer,” said Lumme. “Last year, we were able to send 34 children on scholarships to our summer camps. We are right here in the local community helping local children.”
If somebody doesn’t wish to go through the mini haunted house, but would still like to support local children going to camp on scholarship, they can contact The Youth Center to make donations in any amount online at www.theyouthcenter.org or call Program and Operations Manager Julie Rubin at 562-493-4043.
Cypress Boys & Girls Club gala fundraiser set for November
“Keeping Kids on Track” is the theme of the Nov. 6 Boys & Girls Club of Cypress fundraiser dinner and auction generously supported by the presenting sponsor, the Los Alamitos Race Course. The evening includes dinner, live and silent auctions, and a thrilling night of live-action horse racing.
The gala dinner and auction event will raise funds to provide $130,000 in scholarships for children from economically disadvantaged families to attend the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress. Funds will also be raised to provide scholarships to the children of active military personnel so they can attend the club at no cost.
Individual tickets to the event are $75 and available sponsorships range in price from $250 to $5,000. The event committee is being chaired by Cypress residents Shelly Bailey and Kim Erickson. The reigning Miss California, Bree Morse, will be attending the event. Last year more than 350 people attended and this year’s event is expected to sell out quickly.
The club is grateful to the following people and businesses who are helping to sponsor this year’s event:
$10,000 Presenting Sponsor: Los Alamitos Race Course
$5,000 Build the Future Sponsors: Andy Lachina, Southern California Edison, Barton Place
$2,500 Change A Life Sponsors: Joe and Dr. Terrisa Ha, Valley Vista Services of Orange County, United Health Care, In N Out, Charles and Karen Williams, Dr. Cecilia Chu,. David and Ginger Osman, ATT
$1500 Be A Mentor Sponsor: Sidepath,
$1000 Make a Difference Sponsors: La Palma Hospital, Union Bank, Hal Wood and Centerstone Communities, Jeff Peterson and Collectible Supplies, Randy and Juli Humphreys, Jon and Bonnie Peat, David and Deni Frias, Mabel’s Table, Doug and Shelly Bailey, Cypress Rotary Club, Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Lori Morrison and Morrison Tire Inc., and Ms. Anne Hertz
$500 Keep Kids on Track Sponsors: Guy and Sheri Whitney, Tom and Stacy Berry, Chief of Police Rod Cox, City Manager Peter Grant
$250 Open the Door Sponsors: Anna Piercy, CMB Lab, Rob and Nancy Johnson, Cablecom, Val Mallari and Air Technology Laboratory, Fit Therapy by Kristin Osbon, Eric Hertz and Elyse Bender, Slater Builders Inc., Supervisor Don Knabe, Fernando Mendoza, Cypress School District Superintendent Anne Silavs, Candi Kern, Caretech, Yamada Health and Rehabilitation.
Please contact the Executive Director, Anne Hertz at 714-527-2697 x201 or ahertz@bgccypress.org if you would like join these community leaders as a sponsor or donor to make a difference in the lives of local children. Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be mailed to Boys & Girls Club of Cypress at 10161 Moody Street, Cypress CA 90630.
About the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress
For nearly 40 years the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress has been at the forefront of youth development, working with people of all economic, ethnic, social and family circumstances, with special concern for those who are disadvantaged. The club provides children with a safe place to grow and learn, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, and life enhancing programs. Today, more than 1,100 youth between the ages of 5 and 17 participate in the programs provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress. The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress is open from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily and accommodates early release schedules for the Cypress School District and other select districts. Transportation is provided from all schools in the Cypress School District, Lexington Junior High, Los Alamitos Elementary and McAuliffe Middle School. They provide daily homework help as well as high-quality enrichment and recreational programs to youth of all ages.The club also hosts a variety of family activity nights and partners with many youth and family organizations in the community.
This school year the club is serving 15 percent more children than it was this same time last year and transportation needs for local schools has increased by 25 percent. Many of these children are unable to pay the already low fee of $140 per month. The club is counting on a successful fundraising event and the support of individuals and businesses in the community so that no child is ever turned away for inability to pay.
If it was not for the club, many children would be home alone. Instead, they are able to attend the Club and participate in activities that help them to succeed in school, adopt healthy lifestyles and demonstrate good character and citizenship.
For more information or to register your child visit www.boysandgirlsclubofcypress.com, stop by the Club at 10161 Moody St, in Cypress or call at 714-527-2697.
Rotary’s September Student of the Month
Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach recognized September Student of the Month at its meeting on Sept. 15 at The Eagle’s Nest. Los Alamitos High School student Brooke Everett was nominated by her instructor David Thomlinson.
Dr. Sherry Kropp, Superintendent of LAUSD and Rotary member introduced Thomlinson, who spoke about the many reasons he nominated Brooke. Brooke attended the luncheon with her mother Nancy, brother Garrett, uncle Han and aunt Cherle. Club President Dr. Milt Houghton presented the certificate to Brooke.
Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach meets at The Eagle’s Nest on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at noon, varies locations on the fourth and fifth Tuesdays of the month. Visitors are welcome. For more information, visit online at losalsealbeachrotary.org.
Rotary International is an international service organization working to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 34,282 clubs and more than1.2 million members worldwide.
Pacifica fights back to defeat Cypress
There were mistakes on both sides of the ball, but the Pacifica Mariners were able to recover from theirs a little better and eventually put away Cypress, 35-10, in an Empire League football game on Thursday at Bolsa Grande High. It was the league opener for both teams.
The Mariners (5-1, 1-0) were once again led by quarterback Nick Garcia, who threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Garcia also rushed for 81 yards. Matt Moslenko had 146 receiving yards, with two touchdowns, including a 55-yarder that capped the Mariner’s scoring and gave them a 35-7 lead with 3:12 left in the third quarter.
“We’re happy with the win, but we definitely have some things to clean up,” said Pacifica coach Vinnie Lopez.
Of concern for Lopez, was what he felt was a sloppy start to the game, particularly after his team looked so sharp in their win over Westminster the week before. The Mariners had jumped out to a 21-0 lead, but helped the Centurions (2-4, 0-1) gain some momentum just before the half. Cypress was able to drive for a touchdown with just 2 seconds left in the half, aided by two 15-yard penalties on Pacifica.
The drive ended with quarterback Alex Ashcroft connecting with Benny Morales for a 15-yard touchdown that cut the Mariner lead to 21-7 at halftime. But the Centurions were unable to capitalize on the momentum, as they received the second half kickoff but went three-and-out with punt.
Pacifica took control as a long pass completion from Garcia to Moslenko set the mariners up at the Cypress 1 yard line. Trent Hunter finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 28-7.
Isaiah Parra had 48 rushing yards for the Centurions and Ashcraft added 30 more yards, but the Cypress offense could not find a consistent rhythm. Cypress coach Rick Feldman said that the Centurions are too young and inexperienced to overcome the key mistakes they are making.
“We just can’t come out slow and make the mistakes that we made,” said Feldman.
One specific mistake was on the opening kickoff, Feldman noted. The Centurions made a good kick that Pacifica was unable to field cleanly. However, Pacifca senior receiver Mathew Estrada was able to pick the ball up off the ground, and find a gap in the coverage to return in 81 yards for a touchdown, that gave the Mariners a quick 7-0 lead.
Pacifica will try to improve to 2-0 in league play with a game against Kennedy on Friday at Western High. Cypress will also try to sharpen its play, with a road game at Tustin on Thursday.
“I think our effort is there, our guys play hard,” Feldman said.
Griffins lose defensive battle to Edison
Los Alamitos’ defense kept them in the game, but the Griffins would come up short, in a 17-14 loss to Edison in their Sunset League Football opener on Thursday at Huntington Beach High.
Los Alamitos struggled to move the ball through the air, but its ground game allowed them to keep pace with Edison, who answered the Griffins’ game-opening score with 17 unanswered points. Los Alamitos’ two touchdowns were both set up by fumble recoveries that gave them the ball in Edison territory.
The Griffins would finish with 113 rushing yards by Schuyler Whitehead and 56 from Gonzalez. Quarterback Jack Telenko rushed for the Griffins’ first touchdown that gave them a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. After Edison battled back to take a 17-7 lead, the Griffin defense forced another fumble that led to R.J. Gonzalez’s two-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Edison’s starting quarterback Grant Lowary left the game in the first quarter with an injury, but backup Griffin O’Connor filled in to throw for 197 yards and a touchdown. O’Connor also ran for another score.
The Griffins host a hot Fountain Valley team that is coming off a 51-20 win over Newport Harbor, on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Long Beach Veteran’s Stadium.
Kennedy holds off Pacifica in three
Three sets were battles most of the way, but it was Kennedy High that finished stronger in all three to grab the win from Pacifica, 25-21, 25-17, 25-21, in an Empire League girls volleyball match on Tuesday Oct. 6, at Kennedy High.
Like the first two sets, the third was close through the first half. The set was tied 11-11 when Kennedy went on a 10-3 run to take control of the set, 21-14. Junior middle blocker Alex Ennis had a kill off a back-row dig attempt, then followed that with an ace serve to give the Fighting Irish a 19-13 lead.
A long serve by Pacifica made gave Kennedy a 20-14 lead, and Angelica Rippee and Melanie Vazquez teamed up on a block to push the lead to 21-14. But Pacifica battled back. Junior opposite hitter Taylor Togia had a big kill off a block to start a 4-0 run by the Mariners.
“We battled, we just needed to finish and we couldn’t when we needed to,” said Pacifica assistant coach Paulina Akiona.
Later, Kennedy missed on a cross-court lob shot and cross-court kill attempt that both went wide to cut their lead to 22-21. But the fighting Irish regained control with a kill by junior middle blocker Breanna Robinson that gave Kennedy a 23-21 lead. Pacifica would misfire on its next two attempts to close out the match for Kennedy.
The first set was also tied at 17-17, before the Fighting Irish finished on an 8-0 run to close out the set. Pacifca had several miscues down the stretch that led to easy points for Kennedy. Pacifica was without two key seniors who were unavailable for the match. Despite the loss, Akiona said the players should be able to take the experience into what could be a very competitive league battle.
“I think the girls are really going to take that as a lesson … that they need to want it more than the other team does,” Akiona said.
Cypress won the league last year at 8-3, with Pacifica and Western one game behind the Centurions at 7-2. Kennedy was fourth, but with a few key returners and plenty of young talent. Kennedy coach Billie Bixby said this team is in a position to compete for the league title.
“We have tremendous potential, the talent is there, they work very hard, we’re expecting big things,” said Kennedy coach Billie Bixby.
Kennedy will host Tustin on Oct. 15, and then host Valencia on Oct. 20. Both matches are at 4:30 p.m.
Cypress College Swap Meet brings the city business
The Cypress College Swap Meet has been bringing the city of Cypress a wide array of business for decades now, and continues to be a traditional SoCal focal point for many of California’s top merchants and vendors. Various citizens from a wide array of backgrounds all converge on the Chargers’ campus to purchase, trade, and sell a plethora of consumer goods ranging from fresh produce, to clothing, to electronics.
The bustling of excited and enthusiastic costumers fill the marketplace as everyone is off to purchase antique furniture, shoes, or hunting equipment.
Pacifica overcomes mistakes to defeat Cypress
There were mistakes on both sides of the ball, but the Pacifica Mariners were able to recover from their mistakes a little better and eventually put away Cypress, 35-10, in an Empire League football game on Thursday at Bolsa Grande High. It was the league opener for both teams.
The Mariners (5-1, 1-0) were once again led by quarterback Nick Garcia, who threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Garcia also rushed for 81 yards. Matt Moslenko had 146 receiving yards, with two touchdowns, including a 55-yarder that capped the Mariner’s scoring and gave them a 35-7 lead with 3:12 left in the third quarter.
“We’re happy with the win, but we definitely have some things to clean up,” Pacifica coach Vinnie Lopez said. Of concern for Lopez, was what he felt was a sloppy start to the game, particularly after his team looked so sharp in their win over Westminster the week before. The Mariners had jumped out to a 21-0 lead, but helped the Centurions (2-4, 0-1) gain some momentum just before the half.
Cypress was able to drive for a touchdown with just 2 seconds left in the half, aided by two 15-yard penalties on Pacifica. The drive ended with quarterback Alex Ashcroft connecting with Benny Morales for a 15-yard touchdown that cut the Mariner lead to 21-7 at halftime. But the Centurions were unable to capitalize on the momentum, as they received the second half kickoff but went three-and-out with punt. Pacifica took control as a long pass completion from Garcia to Moslenko set the mariners up at the Cypress 1 yard line.
Trent Hunter finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 28-7. Isaiah Parra had 48 rushing yards for the Centurions and Ashcraft added 30 more yards, but the Cypress offense could not find a consistent rhythm. Cypress coach Rick Feldman said that the Centurions are too young and inexperienced to overcome the key mistakes they are making.
“We just can’t come out slow and make the mistakes that we made,” Feldman said. One specific mistake was on the opening kickoff, Feldman noted. The Centurions made a good kick that Pacifica was unable to field cleanly. However, Pacifcasenior receiver Mathew Estrada was able to pick the ball up off the ground, and find a gap in the coverage to return in 81 yards for a touchdown, that gave the Mariners a quick 7-0 lead.
Pacifica will try to improve to 2-0 in league play with a game against Kennedy on Friday at Western High. Cypress will also try to sharpen its play, with a road game at Tustin on Thursday. “I think our effort is there, our guys play hard,” Feldman said.
Cypress serves up wins against Valencia
Cypress Girls Volleyball chocked up three wins against Valencia High at Cypress’ 5th Annual Dig Pink Game on Thursday, Oct. 8. Valencia came into the match unbeaten in the Empire League. Cypress took the first set, dropped the second two sets, and won the last two in a hotly contested match. Cypress Varsity is now tied for first place in the Empire League, entering into the third week of season play.
The Cypress junior and freshman-sophomore teams also beat Valencia, 2-0, in straight sets. The Cypress girls junior varsity volleyball team is in first place in league play, with an unbeaten record. The Centurions’ frosh-soph squad is currently tied for first place in Empire League play as well.
The annual Dig Pink game is played to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. The Dig Pink game was played at Cypress, and the girls wore their Dig Pink jerseys specially made for this occasion. There was an opportunity drawing for a variety of prizes, including a 40” TV and Microsoft Tablet. The money raised will be donated to a breast cancer awareness organization.
Griffins show potential during loss
Despite a loss at home last week, the Los Alamitos girls volleyball team is showing signs that they are heading into Sunset League play on track to make a run at the title and a strong CIF playoff spot.
The Griffins were edged out in four sets by Mater Dei, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22, in a nonleague match on Sept. 29 at Los Alamitos High. The Griffins didn’t do themselves any favors in the first set as several passing and communication errors contributed to easy points for Mater Dei. The Griffins were sharper in set two and led most of the way in the early going. They took a 17-11 lead before the Monarchs rallied to close the gap to 17-14.
The Griffins (11-8) were able to hold the lead despite some runs by Mater Dei. Mackenzie Smith had an ace serve on the back line that pushed the Griffin lead to 20-16. Mater Dei (7-2) later closed the lead to 22-20 on a double block, but Griffin senior outside hitter Sarah Tuioti-Mariner responded with a kill off a dig attempt that hit the roof.
A net violation on Los Al and a kill attempt by the Monarchs that went long gave the Griffins a 24-21 lead and the set eventually ended on a net violation by Mater Dei. A pivotal third set stayed close early on, eventually settling at an 11-11 tie before the Griffins would make a run to take a 17-13 lead. But Mater Dei fought back to tie the set at 18-18.
Tuioti-Mariner ended the run with consecutive kills off blocks to give the Griffins a 20-18 lead. Tuioti-Mariner led the Griffins with 15 kills.
When senior setter Julia Patterson dropped an ace serve on the back line, the Griffins led 22-19, forcing a Mater Dei timeout. The break worked as the Monarchs cut the lead to 22-21 before Griffin senior Taylor Cochrane tapped a one-time shot to the open court off a Mater Dei overpass, which gave the Griffins a 23-21 lead. But Mater Dei would close the set with a 4-0 run to grab the game and a 2-1 lead in the match. The Monarchs were able to close out the match in the fourth game. Despite occasional struggles, Griffins coach Dave Huber said the Griffins are moving in the right direction.
“The girls have shown flashes of really good volleyball this year, but have struggled with consistency. We have a group that works hard each day and I am confident they will get things straightened out as we head into league play,” Huber said.
Los Alamitos opened Sunset League play on Tuesday (Oct. 6) and will play a key road match on Thursday, Oct. 8 at Newport Harbor at 5:45 p.m. They will host Huntington Beach on Monday Oct. 12.
Late Narbonne rally defeats Los Al
The Los Alamitos High football team enters Sunset League play this week on a three-game losing streak, but certainly not lacking the ability to turn things around and defend its league title.
Last week’s loss came at the hands of defending LA City Section Division 1 champion Narbonne, which rallied in the fourth quarter to hand the Griffins a 35-28 loss at Long Beach Veteran’s Stadium. The Griffins came out strong and kept the explosive Gauchos offense at bay through the first half and looked to have the game in their control.
“We played real good D tonight … we wanted to slow the game down a little tonight and we did,” Griffins Head Coach John Barnes said.
Los Alamitos (2-3) held the Gaucho offense scoreless in the first half, but Narbonne returned a punt 86 yards in the first quarter to keep from being shutout at halftime. While the Griffin defense was staunch in the first half, the offense contributed with two scores to take a 14-6 lead at halftime.
Quarterback Jack Telenko passed for 270 yards and ran for 38 more to lead the Griffin offense. He connected with Schuyler Whitehead for a 17-yard touchdown late in the first quarter that gave the Griffins a 7-6 lead. Late in the second Telenko capped a 69-yard touchdown drive with a five yard touchdown run that gave the Griffins a 14-6 halftime lead.
The two teams would trade touchdowns in the third (Narbonne adding a two-point conversion) to make it 21-14 Los Alamitos. But the fourth quarter would belong to Narbonne. A 96-yard scoring drive would tie the score at 21-21, aided by a questionable personal foul penalty on Los Alamitos.
On Los Alamitos’ ensuing possession, however, there was little question that Narbonne linebacker Lawson made a great interception to set the Gauchos up at the Griffin eight yard line. The Gauchos capitalized with a touchdown to take a 28-21 lead and would add another before the Griffins could regain their footing. They did manage to put together a late scoring drive, capped with a three-yard touchdown pass from Telenko to Holden Edmondson with :43 seconds remaining. The drive was aided by a big-play pass completion from Telenko to Jacob Gasser.
However, the Griffins’ onside kick attempt was grabbed by Narbonne to end the game. The Griffins open league play against Edison, on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Huntington Beach High. Despite their recent losses, Barnes is confident his team is ready.
“We’ll be fine,” Barnes said.