2018 Varsity assistant at El Modena HS. Their four losses are to teams that entered this week with a combined 17-5 record. Back then the CIF-SS divisions were still geographic and league-based, and the Dolphins played in the tough Pac-5 Division. 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. 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. 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. Smith punctuated the possession with a 6-yard TD run and ran in the 2-point conversion after a penalty by San Juan Hills. Villa Park struggled to establish an offensive flow and wounding up using two quarterbacks. It was just a high school football game played six seasons ago. Sign In School Page; Team Page . I didnt tell anyone for a while. Offensive tackle Bob Korb is an engineer, and fullback Jose Gill is a criminal investigator. We always had something to prove.. Key to the game--Much will depend on the effectiveness of the El Modena defense, particularly the Vanguards untested secondary. That lasted about a minute and a half, Lester said. The Vanguards have 1139 players on their Football all-time roster. After El Modena, Edison won 34 of its next 35 games, setting the record for the second-longest winning streak in Southern Section history at 32. If it did, he masked it well with his sense of humor. I also think theyre going to take away the passion that Bo, Omar, Hayden, Jagger (Wiesen) play with, Henney said, and try and continue that to start a real tradition of having competitive football program at Dana Hills.. November 5, 2021 12:21AM . The Vanguards begin North Hills League play Oct. 13 against El Dorado. Varsity Football Chris Dunham Nov 3 Shane Whitehill continues to rack up sacks with another one to force Pasadena to Punt! Its my last high school football game. Los Angeles, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78. City News Service contributed to this report. I dont think it wasnt until the fourth of fifth game of the season that I could actually smile.. Ask Bob Lester, Vanguard 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. Three years ago, Paul Orris replaced Jack Errion, who retired after 11 years as Corona del Mars basketball coach. Our coaches our dedicated! It seemed like Kerwin Bell scored four or five touchdowns, Frasco recalled. Many county coaches side with Backstrom in that replacing a successful coach isnt too difficult--especially when the former coach helps when he can. Snitzler was employed as an assistant varsity football coach during the time he was alleged to have been involved with the student. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park wide receiver Josh Wilcox is hit by El Modenas Brodie Hitchens forcing a fumble that Wilcox is able to recover in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Dana Hills needed a stop to win its first playoff game since 2009, but El Modena needed just four plays to earn the win. El Modena's players approached it differently. El Modena HS Football Program. They scored 49 points in a win over Foothill on Saturday, Oct. 8. Head Coach Myers, Michael Offensive Line Mitchell, Joe Assistant Coach Mendoza, Joe . I hate to see it go, but you know it has to happen. Zach Cavanagh is the sports editor for Picket Fence Media. (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. No one was hurt. We were so damn scared of them. 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. On the Dolphins ensuing possession, Kelly extended and found senior Owen Chambers deep on a 56-yard pass, and on the next play, Kelly fired it up the middle to Black on a 19-yard touchdown pass. Going forward, this Dolphin team may have changed the path of the Dana Hills football program. El Modenas players approached it differently. Although Edison built a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, the El Modena defense held the formidable Bell to just 10 yards rushing on six carries in the first half. While attending Vanguard University, Brandon also started his coaching career as an assistant football coach at El Modena High School in 2014. Why did two drives stall? Im tired of that.. Barrett said the success has made the transition much easier. 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Varsity Football Chris Dunham Oct 7 Coach Mitchell giving the refs a pregame pep talk!! 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 . (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills fans watch fireworks before the start of the game against El Modena in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. There was just an incredible amount of pressure (to win), McWhinney said. At Whittier Christian, basketball Coach Bob Brown replaced Bill Cuccia last year after Cuccia resigned. By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Its a tough act to follow.. (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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. El Modena coach Matt Mitchell considered San Juan Hills (0-6) his teams first challenge so far but his team easily passed. 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. Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park tight end Jeremiah Leftwich, left, reaches for the goal line to score a touchdown over El Modenas Ryan Holzgang in non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. But the coaches told us, Theyre the same age as you. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer). The Vanguards finished with 209 yards rushing mostly behind left tackle Grant Walker, left guard Roman Lira, center Anthony Lopez, right guard Michael Anaya and Washington-committed right tackle Elishah Jackett. . 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. In the end, the ultimate responsibility comes back to me, Lester said. That was all either team would manage in the second half. Yet, some witnesses still claim that it was the most exciting game they had ever seen. Foothill and El Modena have been going at it for about 35 years now, and the series is even, 17 wins apiece with three ties. Ledesma completed 6 of 11 passes for 139 yards in the second half against the Chargers. A client should expect nothing but excellence from me. @dhhs_athletics @hdendiu pic.twitter.com/I3WMFdMhOk. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena wide receiver Blake Armstrong, left, celebrates his touchdown against San Juan Hills with wide receiver Sam Astor (11) in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF-SS Playoff Game in 8 Years. 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. Coach is willing to travel up to 50 miles, Qualified Private Coach Ive learned from some of your favorite players and taught some of them some things I do well at the WR position. The Vanguards Mayson Hitchens had two catches for 44 yards, one of them a reception of a short pass over the middle that he turned into a 38-yard gain by bowling over three defenders. Neil P. - I'm a coach that believes in technique and knowledge which allows one to go out and dominate. He was in the inaugural class inducted into the Santa Ana Unified School District Sports Hall of Fame. Youre going to be bummed out. The Spartans, who are No. If you are fast, sweet but technique and knowledge will help you win all the time. Villa Park got points on its first possession. In the second half, it was the defenses that reigned. Support Local Journalism We just shot ourselves in the foot a little too often, Henney said, didnt have enough time to get our playmakers the ball in certain occasions. Im serious. Phone. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills fans cheer as their team takes the field before the start of the game against El Modena in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. 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. But, after an inspirational post-game talk, which Cuccia attended, Brown said the players were remotivated to win a Southern Section championship--something no Whittier Christian team had done. It was a different scenario than Ive been in. In the second half, cornerback Eddie Martinez chipped in an interception to help the Vanguards defense. Casa de Tortuga Is Just Simply Crawling With Tortoises: 450 of Them. Smith snuck behind coverage to pull in a 31-yard pass in the end zone for a touchdown and a 28-6 lead. Adams completed his final six passes to finish with 68 yards passing and a touchdown. Bob is kind of a classic guy, and his resignation is a loss for Orange County football.. FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA A north Orange County former varsity football coach faced multiple charges Wednesday regarding his start of a police standoff, while armed, in an El Modena High School classroom according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. El Modenas game-opening possession ended when the Vanguards failed to convert on fourth-and-2 at the Villa Park 40 when Smith was tackled by Eddie Rodriguez for a 1-yard loss. El Modena 11, Placentia Valencia 1. That makes a big difference, I think.. @ElModenaHS @emfb_mitchell @cespybaseball . I have a passion for playing the WR position and you will get the very best from me. El Dorado dropped to 6-2 overall. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. In March, Snitzler was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with the student, according to Rackauckas. 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. El Modena never led Edison until 4:52 remained and flanker Kurt Adams scored on a nine-yard run. Every time he talks, he makes me feel so good . (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), The Villa Park drum major salutes during the playing of the National Anthem before the start of the game against El Modena in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith tries to get by Villa Park cornerback Mark Meagher for more yardage in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. The Vanguards are ranked No. In overtime, Dana Hills got hit with one more holding penalty to stall their one extra possession. The pressure was so enormous . (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. Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. 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. A week ago last Monday, Jamison's wife, Savannah . 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Armstrong ran a wheel route and scored with 15 seconds left in the period. Head Freshmen coach at Orange HS 1998. The thing was, they wanted Bob to continue coaching, but they also realized that (his years of coaching) were numbered. Dana Hills remained in front thanks to an enormous defensive play by Dendiu. ASA College Brooklyn, NY (2017) Shoutout to Coach Mitchell for presenting and sharing his insights at the 2023 Los Angeles Football Coaching Clinic! Theyve been playing hard and together as a group. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. In his first season, Henney got this Dolphins program to set its sights higher and showed that it belonged with teams of El Modenas caliber. Other coaches surely envy his staff, which includes 20-year assistants Glenn Lukenbill and Bob Radford, 18-year assistant Dale Arambel, 12-year assistants Pete Parker and Bill Backstrom, and 5-year assistant Al Clinton. El Modena outscored its previous four opponents a combined 160-9 and stuck to that script from the start. 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. The drama at the school, located at 3900 block of E. Spring St., unfolded at 11 a.m. on April 23 when the Snitzler's brother -- who was inside the school with him -- called Orange police, Orange Sgt. Bell did get back in stride in the second half, finishing with two touchdowns and a total of 134 yards rushing. I hated going to play at El Modena; I just never liked the place . (Gibbons said his removal stemmed from incidents during a San Luis Obispo baseball tournament last spring in which three Ocean View players were suspended for violating team rules). It has been 30 years in the business and the time has come where I dont need it anymore, said Lester, El Modenas only football coach. Menu Join Team. 2000-2002 Varsity assistant coach at La Quinta with Guy Gardner. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO El Modena and San Juan Hills each carried questions into their clash of teams ranked in the Orange County Top 25. Assistant Coach Mendoza, Joe Assistant Coach Kulda, Greg Assistant Coach Tafua, Steve . Hes had such a good thing going with the parents and the players, its tough to see him leave.. Their opponents took a combined record of 20-2 into Friday. The Vanguards stuck to the ground and rushed in a five-yard touchdown to take the game, 23-20. "I think we're good," Mitchell said. Passed Coach Course. 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. @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. Ive probably spent literally years watching film.. I wasnt sure, but I had a pretty good idea it was busted, he said. It was Kelly and the Dolphins quick-strike offense that put Dana Hills in control in the first half, 14-10. Thirteen members of that Edison team received football scholarships. I remember it as if it were yesterday. Steve Clark, right, and his son Jamison pose prior to a BYU football game. When the Dolphins last sniffed playoff contention in 2019, they were fighting for a spot in Division 12. Basically, I was the young guy coming in and I dont think they wanted to hurt the future. September 29, 1979, was a strange kind of Saturday night in Orange. 866-495-5172. Reach Another Level with a Private Utah Football Coach. Get new customers and drive traffic to your business. 2 years Defensive Back, Punt Returner, Kick Returner. . I dont know if you can ask for any more. 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. He specializes in football and all the aquatics but covers many different sports. The charges Snitzler is facing could result in a more than 10-year prison sentence, according to Rackauckas. His next scheduled court appearance is May 12 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. 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. He put in just as many hours on the weekends, just as much work, and just as much worry. Its a good thing though weve had more Ws than Ls, he said. 26-year-old Michael James Snitzler, a Santa Ana resident, is a former El Modena High School varsity football coach. 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. The key was holding Kerwin Bell, Frasco said. Incredible. Dana Hills football. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. For some African Americans,they inspire outrage; for others, a new sense of empowerment. I think everyone understood the situation, he said. Dan Albano has been a high school sports writer at The Orange County Register since 1993. I am married with 3 children & 1 grandchild. El Modena HS Varsity Football. By 2017, the El Modena football program was . 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. El Modena (11-0) advances to next week's second round against Friday's Bishop Diego-Vista Murrieta winner, while Pasadena, which started the season with a 15-14 loss to La Serna, ends the way. There was pain, and it was just kind of flopping around. El Modena sophomore quarterback Xzavior Guess completed 12 of 16 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. 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. Collecting Controversy : The curios and figurines of a racist past are hot properties. (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. Especially because the Diablos finished last season 12-1 overall. Father and son will be on opposite sidelines when the two teams meet next Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium. 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.