Smith snuck behind coverage to pull in a 31-yard pass in the end zone for a touchdown and a 28-6 lead. Support Local Journalism Football Recruiting / California / Orange, CA / El Modena High School / Jackson Keays. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith, center, muscles his way into the end zone to score against San Juan Hills in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. It was just a high school football game played six seasons ago. You could tell that they wanted to be good at this, and it was something that meant something to them. 877-845-6272. 15 Offers 4 Visits 0 Coach Visits. El Modena senior running back Owen . DP Times Daily Kelly Bills is in his second season as Dixie State's offensive coordinator. Coach is willing to travel up to 50 miles, Qualified Private Coach San Juan Hills entered 0-5 for the second consecutive season. It turned out to be one of those storybook seasons, really, Brown said. But the coaches told us, Theyre the same age as you. In other words, dont go out and mess up a good program.. Even the principal here (John Meyers) called me in and said he expected to have a winning season. Nothing cures more ills than success . Both teams made mistakes on offense in the. Its my last high school football game. El Modena High School Orange, CA Coach Bios Michael Myers Offensive Line Sean Fryer Coach (714) 454-3331 stfryer@gmail.com El Modena Head Girls Lacrosse Richard Garcia Coach 1 (714) 875-9121 ragarcia@orangeusd.org El Modena Freshman coach 10th season Samuel Sepulveda Coach (714) 724-3373 sam.sepulveda11@gmail.com Aaron Shahrestani Coach El Modena sophomore quarterback Xzavior Guess completed 12 of 16 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. The shorthand lingo of the Fred Kelly Stadium scoreboard described it thus: El Modena 28, Edison 27. Quarterback Michael Tollefson powered the drive with his running and finished with 63 yards on the ground. 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Key to the game--Much will depend on the effectiveness of the El Modena defense, particularly the Vanguards untested secondary. 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. 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. To them, it was noteworthy only because it was the second-to-last time they lost a game for three seasons. College basketball: So whats the deal with Oregons new floor? Menu Join Team. El Segundo 4, Torrance 2. . Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Dolphins take over on the 31, 17-17, 1:14 to go. . 14 El Modena answered its question emphatically Friday night with a well-rounded 29-6 victory against No. El Modenas Mayson Hitchens, left, gets through the San Juan Hills defense to score a touchdown in the first quarter in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Head Coach Myers, Michael Offensive Line Mitchell, Joe Assistant Coach Mendoza, Joe . You hate to lose, San Juan Hills coach Robert Frith said before the game of the schedule. Jack made it very easy for me because we had worked together (at Corona del Mar) for 11 years, Orris said. Dana Hills Football Pushes to Overtime at El Modena, Falls in First CIF-SS Playoff Game in 8 Years. TOUCHDOWN: Dana Hills responds lightning fast. Their four losses are to teams that entered this week with a combined 17-5 record. 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. Orange Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students in all academic programs and school activities. We sat down every day during our office period and bounced things off each other. (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. No receivers were available. View career profiles, stats, photos and video highlights. I think everyone understood the situation, he said. Read customer reviews and train with Neil P. 100% money back guarantee. 2019-current Freshman assistant football coach at El Modena HS. Steve's first byline appeared in the Register in 1979. Last week, El Modena beat La Habra 43-6. But Rush, who had been an assistant to Crow for 10 years, said the pressure was minimal, if any. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park quarterback Vince Lagatta, left, rolls out of the pocket as he is chased and taken down by El Modena defensive tackle Esteban Choucair, (55) in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Menu Join Team. 13 in the Orange County Top 25. Its a good thing though weve had more Ws than Ls, he said. In February, Snitzler was accused of meeting the student and communicating with the victim via text messages. That makes a big difference, I think.. 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. It was a team yearning to be coached, Henney said. In 2015, Dan received the Bud Dwyer Jr. media award from the Southern California High School Football Coaches Association. . by Dana Point Times. Zach is a multiple California Journalism Award winner and has covered sports in Orange County since 2013. @bokellyy @omarjayeblack1, Dana Hills leads El Modena, 7-3, 6:37 1Q, CIF-SS D5. A week ago last Monday, Jamison's wife, Savannah . 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. It has also been harder and harder to lose. Police found a gun inside the school, she said. 15 in this weeks county rankings, have played a challenging schedule. We hadnt beaten them since 2007.. El Modena HS Varsity Football. @bills_kelly. For less than the cost of a couple of cups of coffee a month, become an Insider member and continue to get Local News You Can Use from the only independently owned, dedicated local news organization in South Orange County. 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 Both touchdowns were thrown to senior Omarjaye Black for 68 yards and 19 yards. 4TH DOWN: Dana Hills stops the El Modena drive on this Hayden Dendiu breakup. Barrett said the success has made the transition much easier. Not that it was any ill will toward me--I dont think it was. (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. 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. I have a passion for playing the WR position and you will get the very best from me. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), San Juan Hills quarterback Michael Butter Tollefson looks to fire a pass against El Modena in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @ZachCav and follow our sports coverage on Twitter @SouthOCSports. A strong Vanguard team in 1978 had lost its only game of the season to Edison. 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. Already have an account? CLICK HERE FOR THE EL MODENA FOOTBALL BLAST PAGE. Two days following the April 23 standoff, Snitzler was charged with possessing a firearm in a school zone, discharging or attempting to discharge a firearm in a gun-free school zone -- all of which are felonies -- and possession of ammunition on school property, a misdemeanor, according to Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability. We knew he was a skilled kid, but we really hadnt worked with him. When Edisons Dino Bell fumbled the kick-off, El Modena simply held on to the ball for the victory. Advertising Gardening Stuff & Plant cuttings Exchange Feb 11th Irvine Great Park. That lasted about a minute and a half, Lester said. . Santiago HS (Garden Grove) (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. Our defense played well tonight, said El Modena coach Matt Mitchell. Orange Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students in all academic programs and school activities. WR/DB Coach Im serious. In March, Snitzler was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with the student, according to Rackauckas. And he wouldnt wish the experience on anyone. September 29, 1979, was a strange kind of Saturday night in Orange. Advertise with us. 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. This coach has passed an identification, basic background, and sex offender check. 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. The pair worked together for three years before Mullen left to coach at Villa Park. (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. Get new customers and drive traffic to your business. Bill was a very popular coach here with the kids and the parents, Brown said. If we didnt, I think theyd be calling for my neck. Find trainers in your area Smith, a senior who also is El Modenas leading rusher, on Thursday rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. 1-ranked football team in California, the Edison Chargers, dont care to remember that particular game. This coach is unavailable to take clients at this time. Linebacker Weston Port contributed to two sacks to help lead the Stallions defense. I think were good, Mitchell said. (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. Barrett replaced former Seahawk Coach Bill Gibbons after Gibbons was fired last June. 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. 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. The Chargers destroyed Canyon, 43-14. Its tough love (to get ready for league and CIF).. Dana Hills needed a stop to win its first playoff game since 2009, but El Modena needed just four plays to earn the win. Both are nonleague games. Armstrong ran a wheel route and scored with 15 seconds left in the period. Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Best coffee city in the world? 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. 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. I will focus on technique and being efficient in and out of breaks. OCDA alleges that he initiated the 10-hour standoff with police while armed in . Frasco attended Weber State for a year before transferring to Santa Ana College and then on to San Jose State. He won Associated Press Sports Editors awards for game-story writing in 2001, feature-story writing in 2017 and breaking news in 2019. I dont think it wasnt until the fourth of fifth game of the season that I could actually smile.. I wasnt sure, but I had a pretty good idea it was busted, he said. Villa Park got points on its first possession. Lester had a kind of empty feeling. The Vanguards back-up quarterback, Rick Ledesma, had never thrown a pass in a varsity game. By 2017, the El Modena football program was . Assistant Coach Mendoza, Joe Assistant Coach Kulda, Greg Assistant Coach Tafua, Steve . Adams 6-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Leftwich with 2:29 remaining in the game completed the scoring. . Personalized, one-on-one instruction is the secret to improved skills and increased confidence. Trying to steady his left arm, Frasco led the Vanguards down the field. El Modena HS Varsity Football. Subscribe today. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Im a coach that believes in technique and knowledge which allows one to go out and dominate. Passed Coach Course. Every time he talks, he makes me feel so good . Sophomore Nate Lewis started but was replaced during the game by junior Cooper Adams. El Modena quarterback Xzavior Guess, center, sprints through a hole in the Villa Park defense in a non-league football game in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Doug Rozsa remembers that El Modena had been selected to finish fourth in the Century League in 1979. It seemed like Kerwin Bell scored four or five touchdowns, Frasco recalled. He turned a program that once had problems having a winning season into a program that was a big winner. Neil P. - I'm a coach that believes in technique and knowledge which allows one to go out and dominate. 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. Ive learned from some of your favorite players and taught some of them some things I do well at the WR position. All League 1st Team WR (2006) Honestly, I think Im more happy than sad. I didnt tell anyone for a while. In that sense, my first year was tough.. There was just an incredible amount of pressure (to win), McWhinney said. 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. They have outscored their opponents 217-28. Dana Hills (8-3) broke through some barriers for the program this season. Sign In School Page; Team Page . In the end, the ultimate responsibility comes back to me, Lester said. 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McWhinney, who two weeks ago was hired to replace Jerry Howell as football coach at Foothill High School, accepted his first head coaching job 20 years ago at El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera. 2014 Varsity assistant at Orange HS. The transition, they say, was surprisingly smooth because they shared many of the same philosophies and strategies as the former coach. There was pain, and it was just kind of flopping around. Lester had great rapport with his assistant coaches and players. 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. Guess rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. 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. Perhaps, running back Jim Torok paid him the ultimate compliment in 1981, when he said: Hes the best. In the second half, it was the defenses that reigned. No one wins the Sunset League three times in a row. Many county coaches side with Backstrom in that replacing a successful coach isnt too difficult--especially when the former coach helps when he can. He writes a weekly column on the county high school sports scene and also covers games and writes features. The Vanguards are ranked No. Dan Albano has been a high school sports writer at The Orange County Register since 1993. 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. 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. OCDA alleges that he initiated the 10-hour standoff with police while armed in one of the school's classrooms in April, when he was being investigated for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17- year-old student. 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). Its all the work that goes into it--the two-a-day practices in the summer, the endless hours in the film room--and the worry that comes with the pressure of maintaining one of Orange Countys most powerful programs.