Ledesma rallied the Vanguards with less than two minutes to go, and he won the unwinnable game on a nine-yard pass to wide receiver Scott Buehler with 50 seconds left. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills quarterback Michael Butter Tollefson, left, scrambles as he is chased out of the pocket by an El Modena defender in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. El Modenas players approached it differently. At least with having the others there, it wasnt like bringing in an entirely new program. Bill Gibbons is like a living legend around here, he said. In overtime, Dana Hills got hit with one more holding penalty to stall their one extra possession. Prep Wednesday : Coaches Who Replace Living Legends Can Find Themselves The Vanguards ran for 280 yards and four . When you had a quality quarterback like Frasco, you probably ignored some of the back-ups.. Hell admit that, by all rights, his team should not have had a remote hope of winning the game. Sign in here. Go in there and do a job. . Incredible. He also was his usual disruptive self on defense at linebacker. In that time, Crow had won a Central Conference title, and finished runner-up once as well. Our coaches our dedicated! El Dorado dropped to 6-2 overall. In that time, Errion led Corona del Mar to three Southern Section championship games, of which the school won two. 1, Santa Margarita girls, Portola boys race to titles at Capistrano Valley swimming relays, Disneyland quietly removes controversial lyric from new parade soundtrack, Fannie Mae halts financing for 6,102 condos in Laguna Woods, Tax filing deadline moves to mid-October for most Californians, 2 arrested in Anaheim on suspicion of possessing $463,000 in stolen merchandise, Baram and Tioumentsev win World Junior title hours after their coach, Todd Sand, suffers heart attack, Lake Forest woman filed restraining order against daughter 8 years before being killed in their home, California weighs $360,000 in reparations to eligible Black residents, Taco Mesita opens flagship location in Old Town Tustin, OC Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday, March 5, Lake Forest man convicted of killing stepmom with pickaxe, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. He turned a program that once had problems having a winning season into a program that was a big winner. In the second quarter, El Modena drove 55 yards on nine plays for another touchdown. I hated going to play at El Modena; I just never liked the place . @dhhs_athletics @tonyhenney pic.twitter.com/EkBPyGIPnA, South OC Sports (@SouthOCsports) November 5, 2021, I thought we fought like a team that belonged, Dana Hills coach Tony Henney said. 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. So far under Barrett the Seahawks are 12-4 overall and lead the Sunset League with a 4-1 record. Football Coach in Provo, UT | Neil P. | CoachUp Steve's first byline appeared in the Register in 1979. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Over in the Goliath camp, members of the former No. That was a big disappointment because the kids had really wanted to win league and losing to them twice was a major setback toward the goal, Brown said. Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Barrett replaced former Seahawk Coach Bill Gibbons after Gibbons was fired last June. McWhinney, then only 25, took over for his former high school coach, Ernie Johnson. El Modena HS Varsity Football. 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. The only problem I was feeling was that we always expected so much success at El Modena, Backstrom said. Frasco had been such a fine quarterback the year before, and we knew he would be such a great one that we wanted to work with him. Steve also is in the Southern California Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, and was the first journalist to receive the Contribution to Education award from the Orange County Department of Education. @bokellyy @omarjayeblack1, Dana Hills leads El Modena, 7-3, 6:37 1Q, CIF-SS D5. The play set up another El Modena touchdown. El Modena football makes statement by sprinting, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), El Modena football makes statement by sprinting past San Juan Hills, Ryan Schoonmaker named football coach at Santa Ana, Frank McManus prepared himself for Mater Dei football coaching opportunity, Foothill girls water polo edges Orange Lutheran to win first CIF SoCal Regional title, Former Trabuco Hills football coach Jim Barnett, a three-time CIF champion, dies at age 76, Orange football loses another standout player in QB Hype Grand, Saturdays OC schedule for the basketball, soccer CIF SoCal Regional playoffs, Marina girls basketball earns its revenge against Gahr, advances to regional semifinals, Orange County girls water polo Top 10: Orange Lutheran finishes No. Of course, youd like to tweak a play here and try to figure out how you couldve won it, but youve got to give the other team a lot of credit for winning it. He always has been the type to joke around at practice, and hes always been a hit with the media, often providing reporters with funny one-liners. Last week, El Modena beat La Habra 43-6. Key to the game--Much will depend on the effectiveness of the El Modena defense, particularly the Vanguards untested secondary. I just knew they favored Bill to come back.. A client should expect nothing but excellence from me. It seemed like Kerwin Bell scored four or five touchdowns, Frasco recalled. After spending 11 years as his assistant, Bill Backstrom replaced Bob Lester as El Modena football coach in 1985. Its not the game that Lester is leaving. He also had two receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. College basketball: So whats the deal with Oregons new floor? (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park quarterback Vince Lagatta, left, gets rid of the ball as El Modena defensive tackle Shane Whitehill, center, and outside linebacker Kyle Medel close in during the first quarter of a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Senior Hayden Dendiu made his second of two huge defensive stops to break up an El Modena pass on fourth down in the final minute of regulation. Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF-SS Playoff Game in 8 Years. When the Dolphins last sniffed playoff contention in 2019, they were fighting for a spot in Division 12. The Chargers destroyed Canyon, 43-14. If it did, he masked it well with his sense of humor. The thing was, they wanted Bob to continue coaching, but they also realized that (his years of coaching) were numbered. SCHEDULE Welcome to El Modena Football For questions regarding the El Modena Football Program and getting signed up, please contact Head Varsity Coach Matt Mitchell at mjmitch@orangeusd.org For questions regarding the El Modena Football Freshman team, please contact Freshman Head Coach Chris Esperanza at esperanzachris@att.net His brother, Dave, an all-county offensive guard and the senior class president, said, It was comparable to the Raiders playing somebody like the New Orlean Saints.. Ledesma completed 6 of 11 passes for 139 yards in the second half against the Chargers. There also was tailback Kerwin Bell, perhaps the best ever to grace Orange Countys playing fields. Its my last high school football game. The Spartans start Crestview League games at Yorba Linda on Oct. 14. Nobody imagined the talented quarterback would have his arm broken from a second-quarter tackle and be lost for the rest of the season. Subscribe today. When will the Stallions get their first victory? (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena quarterback Xzavior Guess changes direction to get away from San Juan Hills defenders in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), A El Modena cheerleader takes a selfie as she is held up by fellow cheerleaders before the game against Villa Park in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. And he still yells at me if I do something wrong, and still pats me on the back when I do something right.. Also many years as a Head Wrestling coach of boys and girls. Steve also writes a weekly column that covers pro and college sports, and other topics. 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. View career profiles, stats, photos and video highlights. He was in the inaugural class inducted into the Santa Ana Unified School District Sports Hall of Fame. Read customer reviews and train with Neil P. 100% money back guarantee. While the program needs to increase its numbers and Henney wants to see improvement in the weight room, Henney also hopes those leading Dolphins of the future take their cues from these Class of 2022 seniors. The Dolphins got to their first CIF-SS playoff game in eight years by posting their best regular-season record since 2009 the last year Dana Hills won a playoff game. El Modena HS Football Program. Personalized, one-on-one instruction is the secret to improved skills and increased confidence. El Monte 17, Rio Hondo Prep 7. Athletics - El Modena High School El Modena High School Athletic Director: Ed Drzanek EMHS Athletics Showcase Message EMHS Athletics Showcase Message Loading. DP Times Daily I have a passion for playing the WR position and you will get the very best from me. He then spent a year as a graduate assistant at Colorados Adams State College before moving to Duarte High to become head coach in 1963. Its a tough act to follow.. I just tried to hide it.. Frasco attended Weber State for a year before transferring to Santa Ana College and then on to San Jose State. 2022-23 NCAA Guide For College Bound Student-Athlete (PDF), 2020-21 NCAA International Student-Athlete Guide, 2021-22 Equity in Athletics Report (EADA), Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), TicketSmarter - Official Ticket Resale Partner, 2021 Trailblazer Football Tailgate Information. Bell did get back in stride in the second half, finishing with two touchdowns and a total of 134 yards rushing. . Dont get the DP Times delivered to your home? El Modena football makes statement by sprinting past San Juan Hills Varsity Football Chris Dunham Oct 7 Varsity Football Linda Slajer Oct 2 Varsity Football Linda Slajer Oct 2 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. By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The awe-inspiring Edison team was led by Frank Seurer, later a professional quarterback for the Los Angeles Express and the son of the former Denver Bronco of the same name. 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. El Modena had to string together a 13-play drive to get back in front, 17-14, and the Dolphins responded on the next drive to tie the score, 17-17, on a 34-yard field goal by senior Kian Afrookhteh. Gardening Stuff & Plant cuttings Exchange Feb 11th Irvine Great Park.]. @dhhs_athletics pic.twitter.com/dsg4t9Eerl. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer). The Vanguards stuck to the ground and rushed in a five-yard touchdown to take the game, 23-20. 13 in the Orange County Top 25. (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. Jack Elsner, El Modena principal, said that he wont name a replacement until January. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith, left, runs along the sideline for more yardage as he is chased by San Juan Hills defensive back Isaiah Bennett on a pass play in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. I walked on at BYU and learned the WR position my whole time there transitioning from QB to WR. . After that, Ledesma came on (during the remainder of the season) and became one of the finest quarterbacks we ever had.. We keep preaching get to the ball and play as a team and thats what we did tonight.. None of the 6,500 people who sat transfixed in Fred Kelly Stadium will ever forget it, either. When he finally resigned in October, it was a big disappointment for the kids, most of them were seniors. I think were good, Mitchell said. The Stallions have again played a strong schedule. 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. Reach Another Level with a Private Utah Football Coach. Jen Amat told City News Service. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith, center, pushes past the Villa Park defense for a big gain in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. El Modena beats Villa Park in football for the first time in 15 years 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). Advertising Dana Hills (8-3) broke through some barriers for the program this season. I want to do some of the things I havent done in 30 years, such as hunt in the fall, take a full summer off, not excrete so much stomach acid in the fall . In that sense, my first year was tough.. But the coaches told us, Theyre the same age as you. . The key was holding Kerwin Bell, Frasco said. Subscribe now. El Modena Football on Twitter: "Shoutout to Coach Mitchell for That wealth of knowledge, thats what I miss the most, though he still comes over and talks to us sometimes. By contrast, only one El Modena player went on to play football at a four-year school. 4TH DOWN: Dana Hills stops the El Modena drive on this Hayden Dendiu breakup. 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. Speaking of bad luck, the El Modena Vanguards--or the Ducks as their colorful coach prefers--actually had to absorb the majority of it. Father and son will be on opposite sidelines when the two teams meet next Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mark that as the first major accomplishment in the Henneys tenure as head coach. In the second half, cornerback Eddie Martinez chipped in an interception to help the Vanguards defense. Both are nonleague games. The Vanguards are ranked No. Steve was honored as Champion for Character by the CIF-Southern Section. Menu Join Team. kelly.bills@dixie.edu. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills wide receiver Jon Jack Shigo hangs onto a pass to make the reception against El Modena in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. With all that hard work I was able to play with the Bills and learn from top guys like Stefan diggs and Gabe Davis. Dana Hills football. 8 games started at WR. Dan is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, where he worked at The Daily Titan as a news reporter, sports reporter, managing editor and opinion editor. 877-845-6272. Lewis appeared to be dealing with a leg injury after the contest. Many county coaches side with Backstrom in that replacing a successful coach isnt too difficult--especially when the former coach helps when he can. 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. For the team with the broken-armed quarterback, the mascot that waddles, the set of identical triplets on the line and a 20-pound disadvantage at nearly every position, Sept. 29th still marks the best of the good times. El Modena football overpowers El Dorado to stay undefeated 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. San Juan Hills entered 0-5 for the second consecutive season. Our defense played well tonight, said El Modena coach Matt Mitchell. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith (5) almost breaks away from San Juan Hills defensive back Isaiah Bennett who pushes him out of bounds in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. 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. Smith, a senior who also is El Modenas leading rusher, on Thursday rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. 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. Nowadays, when players from the 1979 El Modena High School football team get together to recall a little of their glory days, that is the night that springs to mind. Coming into this program when we did, in four years, to say that we flipped around a program, I cant really put words to that.. Jackson Keays's Football Recruiting Profile - NCSASports.org 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). Player Rating i 247Sports. One of the Captains of 1989 CIF Finalist team with Tom Meiss as head coach. It was a team yearning to be coached, Henney said. Sign In School Page; Team Page Schedule Roster Videos/Photos . Two plays later Smith scored on a 1-yard run around right end for a 14-3 lead. Orange County Varsity Coach Charged For 10-Hour Police Standoff