Going forward, this Dolphin team may have changed the path of the Dana Hills football program. 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. Basically, I was the young guy coming in and I dont think they wanted to hurt the future. Add Video. He dodged out to the 20-yard line, where he was hit by an Edison safety. Bill was a very popular coach here with the kids and the parents, Brown said. Coach Esperanza also attended the clinic to learn more about the game of football! It was a team yearning to be coached, Henney said. @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. Player Rating i 247Sports. I will focus on technique and being efficient in and out of breaks. The Vanguards are ranked No. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park cheerleaders wait for the game against El Modena to begin in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. 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. El Modenas defense did its part by holding the Stallions to 83 yards offense in the first half, most of which came on the final 1:30 on the arm of Tollefson. They scored 49 points in a win over Foothill on Saturday, Oct. 8. They have outscored their opponents 217-28. 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.. No. But Backstrom said he never heard any grumbling from the players, their parents or the administration. But at the end of the day, (the schedule) is good for us. TOUCHDOWN: Dana Hills strikes back. Already have an account? Went to Orange HS. If it did, he masked it well with his sense of humor. Head Freshmen coach at Orange HS 1998. It Was the Best of Times, It Was El Modena Time Brown said the season hit a low point when Orange Lutheran--a longtime rival--defeated Whittier Christian for the second time. Mark that as the first major accomplishment in the Henney's tenure as head coach. If winning was unlikely, winning in the absence of Frasco was unthinkable. 2 years Defensive Back, Punt Returner, Kick Returner. El Modena beats Villa Park in football for the first time in 15 years Sign in here. All-Time Roster - El Modena Vanguards Football (Orange, CA) - MaxPreps.com (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer). Police found a gun inside the school, she said. 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. Hes great! 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.. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena wide receiver Blake Armstrong, left, reaches for the goal line to score a touchdown as he is grabbed by San Juan Hills defensive back Isaiah Bennett, right, in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Located in an unincorporated area between Tustin and Orange,. The shorthand lingo of the Fred Kelly Stadium scoreboard described it thus: El Modena 28, Edison 27. 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. Advertising Doug Rozsa, an El Modena linebacker, the student body president and one of the Rozsa triplets, remembers fellow students telling him their team would be lucky to score at all against the countrys third-ranked team. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. (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. After spending 11 years as his assistant, Bill Backstrom replaced Bob Lester as El Modena football coach in 1985. 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. Get new customers and drive traffic to your business. Steve does concert reviews for the Register, too, when time permits. In other words, dont go out and mess up a good program.. His career record at El Modena was 157-58-8. Ive learned from some of your favorite players and taught some of them some things I do well at the WR position. Find trainers in your area Villa Park struggled to establish an offensive flow and wounding up using two quarterbacks. It has also been harder and harder to lose. Football Recruiting / California / Orange, CA / El Modena High School / Jackson Keays. Villa Park has a nonleague game next week against Canyon, on Friday, Oct. 7 at El Modena. . Frasco attended Weber State for a year before transferring to Santa Ana College and then on to San Jose State. Im serious. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. 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. Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach. El Modena went on an 11-play, 71-yard scoring drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Smith to give the Vanguards a 15-14 lead entering the half. Zach is a multiple California Journalism Award winner and has covered sports in Orange County since 2013. El Modena football makes statement by sprinting past San Juan Hills 14 El Modena answered its question emphatically Friday night with a well-rounded 29-6 victory against No. Los Angeles, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, With Marcus Morris sidelined, Clippers look to stabilize lineup and rotations, With their playoff lives at stake, Darvin Ham challenges Lakers effort and urgency, Lakers playoff hopes take another hit after comeback fades vs. Minnesota, Ducks strike with a pair of late power-play goals to defeat Canadiens, With Norman Powell out, Clippers are edged at Sacramento for fifth loss in a row. Chief among them was senior quarterback Bo Kelly, who completed 18 of 32 passes for 327 yards and two touchdowns. I just tried to hide it.. 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. Snitzler is currently in custody being held in lieu of $30,000 bail. El Modena beats Villa Park in football for the first time in 15 years (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. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO El Modena and San Juan Hills each carried questions into their clash of teams ranked in the Orange County Top 25. Thirteen members of that Edison team received football scholarships. 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. I just knew they favored Bill to come back.. Steve also writes a weekly column that covers pro and college sports, and other topics. We knew he was a skilled kid, but we really hadnt worked with him. OCDA alleges that he initiated the 10-hour standoff with police while armed in . Bill Gibbons is like a living legend around here, he said. 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Steve Fryer covers high school sports at the Orange County Register. Bob is kind of a classic guy, and his resignation is a loss for Orange County football.. Many county coaches side with Backstrom in that replacing a successful coach isnt too difficult--especially when the former coach helps when he can. 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. 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. You could tell that they wanted to be good at this, and it was something that meant something to them. After El Modernas 14 play drive, Kelly hits Chambers for 56 yards and Black on this 19 yard TD pass. We worked really hard for this game, said El Modena senior defensive tackle Esteban Choucair. @dhhs_athletics pic.twitter.com/tIf1Y24Bwn, When you play your heart out and you have hopes for a ring, youre going to feel down and everything, Kelly said. Support Local Journalism (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. 2014 Varsity assistant at Orange HS. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Lester, who had been the coach since the school opened in 1966, won three Southern Section titles in that time and lost two others in overtime. 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 was in way over my head. No receivers were available. Barrett replaced former Seahawk Coach Bill Gibbons after Gibbons was fired last June. Subscriptions Football Coach in Provo, UT | Neil P. | CoachUp Lesters career coaching record is 213-86-10, for a winning percentage of .706. Blake Califf kicked a 39-yard field goal to put the Spartans on top 3-0 midway through the first quarter. 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. I have a passion for playing the WR position and you will get the very best from me. 15 in this weeks county rankings, have played a challenging schedule. September 29, 1979, was a strange kind of Saturday night in Orange. 4TH DOWN: Dana Hills stops the El Modena drive on this Hayden Dendiu breakup. Under those circumstances, I accepted. Afrookhteh knocked through a 26-yard field goal to put Dana Hills ahead, 20-17. Fall Sports - El Modena High School The Spartans, who are No. It really opened our eyes. Yet, some witnesses still claim that it was the most exciting game they had ever seen. Phone. 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. 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. The records--Edison (8-3), El Modena (13-1). That wealth of knowledge, thats what I miss the most, though he still comes over and talks to us sometimes. "I didn't think we'd be. Speaking of bad luck, the El Modena Vanguards--or the Ducks as their colorful coach prefers--actually had to absorb the majority of it. He put in just as many hours on the weekends, just as much work, and just as much worry. . Brandon Camarillo - History Teacher - LinkedIn (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), Villa Park cheer during the game against El Modena in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. McWhinney, then only 25, took over for his former high school coach, Ernie Johnson. In his 14 years at El Rancho, Johnson had led the school to five Southern Section championship games, winning three. Orange Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students in all academic programs and school activities. When the Dolphins last sniffed playoff contention in 2019, they were fighting for a spot in Division 12. The pressure was so enormous . The Vanguards begin North Hills League play Oct. 13 against El Dorado. The Chargers also had tight end Mark Boyer, who went on to play at USC and is now employed by the Indianapolis Colts; linebacker Ray Malavasi, son of the former Ram coach, and tight end Duaine Jackson, another subsequent USC starter. After spending 11 years as his assistant, Bill Backstrom replaced Bob Lester as El Modena football coach in 1985. If you are fast, sweet but technique and knowledge will help you win all the time. Santa Ana College (2007) (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. The Vanguards took their opening possession 56 yards on seven plays for a score. But the pass play failed on the conversion. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), El Modena running back Owen Smith turns the corner and sprints up field against San Juan Hills in a non-league football game in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23, 2022. Coach Biagini, Matthew Coach Garcia, Richard Coach Contact 600 W Santa Ana Blvd Ste 705 Santa Ana, CA 92701 (929) 322-4007 [email protected] . After that, Ledesma came on (during the remainder of the season) and became one of the finest quarterbacks we ever had.. 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. 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. None of the 6,500 people who sat transfixed in Fred Kelly Stadium will ever forget it, either. 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. The Dolphins were assessed nine penalties for 125 total yards. Dana Hills offense got stuck thanks to a physical El Modena pass rush, which forced holding calls against the Dolphins and long down-and-distances late. In nine years, Cuccias teams won seven Olympic League championships, compiled a 180-49 overall record and reached the Southern Section final three times. 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. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. . If you lost here, it wouldnt be accepted. 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. Elishah Jackett, El Modena, Offensive Tackle - 247Sports "We worked. Read customer reviews and train with Neil P. 100% money back guarantee. Bell carried the Chargers 53 yards on seven carries, and Edison was in front, 27-22, three minutes later when Seurer ran the ball in from the one. Youre going to be bummed out. He was in the inaugural class inducted into the Santa Ana Unified School District Sports Hall of Fame. 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. Former El Modena High School coach Michael James Snitzler, 26, was charged Wednesday with misdemeanor unlawful sexual intercourse and child annoyance following investigating by Orange police . 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. 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. Guess rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Email at zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com. Next week, El Modena plays Foothill in a nonleague game on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Tustin High. Assistant Coach Mendoza, Joe Assistant Coach Kulda, Greg Assistant Coach Tafua, Steve . To them, it was noteworthy only because it was the second-to-last time they lost a game for three seasons. (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. I played HS football in the toughest league in CA, the trinity league at Servite HS. So far under Barrett the Seahawks are 12-4 overall and lead the Sunset League with a 4-1 record. kelly.bills@dixie.edu. 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). Subscribe today. 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 takes on Villa Park while San Juan Hills plays at Tesoro. A week ago last Monday, Jamison's wife, Savannah . It was just a high school football game played six seasons ago. Why did two drives stall? Im tired of that.. Rick went in and played a heck of a football game, Lester said. ; 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. 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. El Modena improved its record to 6-0 while Villa Park dropped to 2-4. (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. @bokellyy @omarjayeblack1, Dana Hills leads El Modena, 7-3, 6:37 1Q, CIF-SS D5. Smith rushed for 20 and 12 yards on his first two carries, the first two plays from scrimmage of the game. Then he could stand the growing pain no more. . Dana Hills led 14-10. Jack Elsner, El Modena principal, said that he wont name a replacement until January. Los Angeles, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78. Some people thought it was funny that Lester would even have the audacity to mention winning. Its my last high school football game. Late interception ends Pasadena's upset bid in first round of the CIF (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer), An El Modena cheerleader entertains the crowd with a series of flips before the start of the game against Villa Park in Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Team talk with a humble, two-way baller @HitchensMayson of 5-0 @elmodenafb @ElmoHSAthletics @OrangeUnifiedCA @OSmith_5 @elishah_jackett @ocvarsity @SteveFryer pic.twitter.com/XgrWOXB4Ar, Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) September 24, 2022. The Dolphins battled. 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. 15 Offers 4 Visits 0 Coach Visits. El Modena also lost two championship games in overtime, the first in 1980 to Lynwood (14-13), and the second in 1981 to Foothill (21-14). Hitchens, a running back/linebacker, capped the march with a 12-yard touchdown run with 7:49 left in the period. Personalized, one-on-one instruction is the secret to improved skills and increased confidence. The charges Snitzler is facing could result in a more than 10-year prison sentence, according to Rackauckas. @ElModenaHS @emfb_mitchell @cespybaseball . The Vanguard disaster occurred early in the second quarter. At least with having the others there, it wasnt like bringing in an entirely new program. Dana Hills football. 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 remember it as if it were yesterday. (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. Three years ago, Paul Orris replaced Jack Errion, who retired after 11 years as Corona del Mars basketball coach. He also had two receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. @dhhs_athletics @hdendiu pic.twitter.com/I3WMFdMhOk. Our defense played well tonight, said El Modena coach Matt Mitchell. We will be working the core, dynamic warm ups and then depended on how the client moves different tools for their tool box. Smith punctuated the possession with a 6-yard TD run and ran in the 2-point conversion after a penalty by San Juan Hills. El Modena never led Edison until 4:52 remained and flanker Kurt Adams scored on a nine-yard run. Advertise with us. The Vanguards opened a 22-0 lead late in the third quarter on a 27-yard TD pass from Xzavior Guess to Blake Armstrong on a fourth-and-7.