Brown said the season hit a low point when Orange Lutheran--a longtime rival--defeated Whittier Christian for the second time. Get important news and updates delivered straight to your inbox. . 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. Going forward, this Dolphin team may have changed the path of the Dana Hills football program. We were terrified going into practice that week. Fall Sports - El Modena High School 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 . 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. El Modena outscored its previous four opponents a combined 160-9 and stuck to that script from the start. All of the ribbing that went on between the coaches before their games became known as The Ted and Bob Show., The aura surrounding our game and the fun of the challenge will be a little lost for us, Mullen said. He dodged out to the 20-yard line, where he was hit by an Edison safety. TOUCHDOWN: Dana Hills responds lightning fast. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! 2015-2017 Varsity assistant at Garden Grove HS. Kelly Bills - Football Coach - Utah Tech University Athletics CIF-SS D5. ; Tomatomania 2023: Roger's Gardens, Corona del Mar, Joyful Flowers: Ikebana Show 2023: Sherman Gardens, Corona del Mar, Art & Frame Warehouse Sale - Village Gallery, Annual California Cool Art Auction, Benefit & Bash 2023: Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, 'Holi By The Sea' Festival Of Colors 2023: Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 9th and March 14th at The Boardwalk, Body Found In Santa Ana River Thursday After Heavy Rains: Report, Before & After Photos Show CA's Snowpack, Reservoirs After Storms, The Poop On Free-Range Cats And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk], Fountain Valley Area Pets Waiting To Be Adopted: Meet Sheeba, Scooby, Shiela & More. El Dorado dropped to 6-2 overall. Edison running back Kaleaph Carter is among Southern Californias most promising sophomores, but he will run into difficulty against fine Vanguard linemen Don Gibson (6-3, 255) and Allen Ennis (6-1, 220), as well as linebackers Ross Bauer, Joe Scagliotti and Pepe Jezek. Hes great! Its not the game that Lester is leaving. ORANGE El Modena was dominant in the trenches and cruised to a 38-0 win over Santa Ana in a nonleague football game Thursday at El Modena High. Fit to Be Tied - Los Angeles Times I am married with 3 children & 1 grandchild. Varsity Football (2019 - 2020) Team Record (5 - 6, 1 - 2) Roster (57) . Smith rushed for 20 and 12 yards on his first two carries, the first two plays from scrimmage of the game. Marty McWhinney knows what its like to come in on the heels of a legend. 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. I dont think it wasnt until the fourth of fifth game of the season that I could actually smile.. El Modena beats Villa Park in football for the, 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 beats Villa Park in football for the first time in 15 years, 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. Dolphins are eliminated in first playoff appearance since 2013 in Division 5 opener. It was this kind of stress that Lester acknowledged as the main reason he decided to resign Tuesday, after compiling a 157-58-8 record and winning three Southern Conference championships in two decades at the school. Ledesma completed 6 of 11 passes for 139 yards in the second half against the Chargers. I would like to get away from football film forever. But the coaches told us, Theyre the same age as you. Located in an unincorporated area between Tustin and Orange,. I will focus on technique and being efficient in and out of breaks. But Rush, who had been an assistant to Crow for 10 years, said the pressure was minimal, if any. Early in the third quarter Hitchens recovered at Villa Park fumble at the Spartans 26 and returned it to the 5. Went to Orange HS. The season, which ended with last weeks 14-13 loss to Santa Ana in the Southern Conference semifinals, had every ounce of stress that his previous 19 at El Modena had. Why did we give up 129 yards? 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. Ledesma fumbled on the two-point conversion attempt, but Adams recovered in the end zone for a 22-21 lead. People around here expect results, and they expect them quick. If it did, he masked it well with his sense of humor. "I think we're good," Mitchell said. Played football at S.A. College. 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 wasn't going to get too excited on. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park cheer during the game against El Modena in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. However, with wins over rival Aliso Niguel, dominance of Pacific Valley League opponents and a strong showing in the Pacific Hills League, Dana Hills pushed up to Division 5. 1-ranked football team in California, the Edison Chargers, dont care to remember that particular game. He returned to watch the game with his arm in a sling. 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. High school baseball and softball: Friday's scores Its not that it hasnt been a marvelous experience--it certainly has--but Im getting more selfish with my time. @bills_kelly. 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). Picket Fence Media is a proud member of the SoCal Media Network. El Modena senior running back Owen . 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. Advertise with us. El Monte 17, Rio Hondo Prep 7. Many county coaches side with Backstrom in that replacing a successful coach isnt too difficult--especially when the former coach helps when he can. Doug Rozsa remembers that El Modena had been selected to finish fourth in the Century League in 1979. You could tell that they wanted to be good at this, and it was something that meant something to them. The Vanguards stuck to the ground and rushed in a five-yard touchdown to take the game, 23-20. 877-845-6272. El Modena Captains getting ready for the coin toss against Yorba Linda! Athletics - El Modena High School Steve's first byline appeared in the Register in 1979. Villa Park running back Ethan Fraser is stopped cold by El Modenas Brodie Hitchens, left, Mayson Hitchens, top center, and Esteban Choucair, right, in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. In nine years, Cuccias teams won seven Olympic League championships, compiled a 180-49 overall record and reached the Southern Section final three times. Its a good thing though weve had more Ws than Ls, he said. The Vanguards took their opening possession 56 yards on seven plays for a score. (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. 866-495-5172. Lesters career coaching record is 213-86-10, for a winning percentage of .706. Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF-SS Playoff Game in 8 Years. 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. El Modena sophomore quarterback Xzavior Guess completed 12 of 16 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Menu Join Team. El Modena's players approached it differently. (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. 26-year-old Michael James Snitzler, a Santa Ana resident, is a former El Modena High School varsity football coach. 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. It was like we had to battle to get respect from other teams. Already have an account? He writes a weekly column on the county high school sports scene and also covers games and writes features. Head Freshmen coach at Orange HS 1998. 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. Its a tough act to follow.. ASA College Brooklyn, NY (2017) Read customer reviews and train with Neil P. 100% money back guarantee. Kelly finds Black on a screen, Black finds blockers and sprints 68 yards to the end zone. After spending 11 years as his assistant, Bill Backstrom replaced Bob Lester as El Modena football coach in 1985. It has also been harder and harder to lose. (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. He compiles the Hot 150 list of football players to watch in Orange County before each season. Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF Youre going to be bummed out. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena wide receiver Blake Armstrong signals a touchdown along with the referee after scoring on a pass play against San Juan Hills in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Snitzler was employed as an assistant varsity football coach during the time he was alleged to have been involved with the student. . @ElModenaHS @emfb_mitchell @cespybaseball . In the second half, it was the defenses that reigned. In other words, dont go out and mess up a good program.. Barrett replaced former Seahawk Coach Bill Gibbons after Gibbons was fired last June. Sign In School Page; Team Page . 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. Scouting Report 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. (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. High School El Modena City Orange, CA; Class 2023; Watch Highlights. 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. He also writes about high school football recruiting, including The Register's annual FAB 15 teams that list the top high school football players in the Western U.S. before National Signing Day. Next week, El Modena plays Foothill in a nonleague game on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Tustin High. The pressure was so enormous . Linebacker Weston Port contributed to two sacks to help lead the Stallions defense. If we hadnt had a winning season, Im sure there might have been complaints, Rush said. 2018 Varsity assistant at El Modena HS. 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. The Dolphins were assessed nine penalties for 125 total yards. 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. 26-year-old Michael James Snitzler, a Santa Ana resident, is a former El Modena High School varsity football coach. Jen Amat told City News Service. They scored 49 points in a win over Foothill on Saturday, Oct. 8. 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. The key was holding Kerwin Bell, Frasco said. Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. But Backstrom said he never heard any grumbling from the players, their parents or the administration. 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.