Cathedral has the air game covered

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August 23, 2019

KH2A4473 — Cathedral receiver Chad Johnson Jr on way to the endzone for a touchdown against Banning on Friday August 23, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Wilmington, CA – The Phantom were in true from the start haunting the lonely roads while the Pilots were left out to sea. When the final horn born the Cathedral Phantom were victorious 21 – 6 over the Banning Pilots.

Cathedral were lead by two clear superstar receiver Chad Johnson Jr. who pulled in two touchdowns on 11 catches for 189 yards.

Lucas Lenhoff back to pass during the Cathedral vs Banning on Friday August 23, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Sophomore sensation Lucas Lenhoff at quarterback through all three touchdowns for 384 yards with a 63% completion rate.

Banning was able to answer on touchdown behind the legs of quarterback Jack Otto who picked up more than fair share of first downs. They just couldn’t put it all together for a complete drive.

“We had perfect play calls, wide open receivers and open holes,” said Otto, “but it just came down to execution,”

Jack Otto with zone read during the Cathedral vs Banning on Friday August 23, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Banning will be competitive this year in the Marine league, but we will still have to wait and see if they can close out games for victories.

Junior Asontt Williams had 114 yards receiving that included a 91-yard touchdown with 5 receptions. The receiving core for Cathedral will have plenty of opportunities to make big plays.

This was a great test for both teams for week zero, while now having live game film to work and get better for the season.

Banning Pilots (0-1) will host St Paul Swordsmen (1-0) next Thursday August 29.

The Cathedral Phantoms (1-0) will travel to Cajon Cowboys (0-1) on Saturday August 31 in Moorpark.

GAME PHOTOS CLICK

HSFB James Logan vs Los Osos prepare for opener

By

Manny Nunez

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August 23, 2019

Inland Empire – Los Osos is buried with talent from other schools in the Inland Empire. With Upland and Rancho Cucamonga dominating the territory, the Grizzlies are considered a hidden gem, even if they have their challenges in the Baseline league, they do have some consistency returning with their starting quarterback Donovan Smith.

Head coach Alex Piece knows his team, but he will have his work cut out for him as he is the only returning coach in the entire Baseline league. That could be an advantage, but with so many non-league games that could be enough time for each team to get ready. In any case, Pierce will embrace the two-way game, having a handful of his players play both sides of the ball.

James Logan knows what to expect and is avoiding to be lost in a mix of high end talent as well. Just before their trip to Southern California, they held scrimmages against Pittsburgh and De La Salle, looking for their true identity.

Both teams do look forward to the challenge as they get ready for the 2019 campaign. Kickoff is set for 7PM. The game can be seen on the NFHS Network.

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/bn-productions/gam60d7ccc2ed

Huntington Beach want to start strong with Interstate test from Nevada

By

Manny Nunez

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August 23, 2019

Huntington Beach – Huntington Beach couldn’t stay healthy all of last season. Quarterback Brady Gardner went out late in the year with a knee injury, and running back Brandon Ferrin tore his ACL. That led to an early exit losing to St. Margaret’s in the first round of the CIF Playoffs last year. Oilers Brett Brown is stressing this season that their offense needs to come alive in a very competitive Sunset League.

The Oilers will find their niche as they host Green Valley from Henderson, Nevada this Friday night. Noah Hawthorne and Maaliek Duncan are both returning after a dominant 2018 campaign combining for over 1600 yards on the ground. Offense will be a plenty for the Gators, but Huntington Beach have a strong linebacker core that could put out the flame keeping the Oilers in command.

Huntington Beach will look for tonight to be a crucial game to see where they stand. They don’t see hefty competition until October 3^rd when they host Corona Del Mar. A win could raise some eyebrows as their season begins in Division 7.

Kickoff is set for 7PM. The game can be seen on the NFHS Network.

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/bn-productions/gamf6e57778ab

LA Sparks eyeing playoff push with win over Fever

By

Manny Nunez

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August 22, 2019

WNBA: AUG 22 Indiana Fever at Los Angeles Sparks — WNBA 2019 Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center on Sunday August 22, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA – With a handful of games to go, the Los Angeles Sparks have a small grasp of the number four seed in the WNBA playoffs. That would institute a first round bye and guarantee a home contest with a chance to move on to the semifinals. Indiana came to Staples Center amidst the Sparks 10-2 home record, second best in the league. A second quarter surge only allowing the Fever to score 9 points and failing to make a three pointer up until the final quarter gave Los Angeles another comfortable 98-65 win that keeps hold of their four seed for now.

“Everything worked tonight,” Candace Parker said. “It was a lot of fun to be a part of this game and build a cohesive unit. Our offense surged and defensively we put ourselves in a prime position to control the game.”

With Riquna Williams returning for the Sparks after a 10 game suspension, this gave the Sparks a full roster for the first time all season. Her presence on the court seems like they have been uplifted with a much more spread out offense. An 11-3 run with Williams’s three at the end of the half was much more than what the Sparks had seemed like they were missing, even if they have been dominant at home.

“With Williams back, we noticed a huge change in our team,” Candace Parker said. “We are still trying to figure ourselves out, but it is nice to have a complete team for once and give everyone a chance to play and dominate.”

Six Sparks players finished in double figures and all but one player was on the court for at least ten minutes. The Sparks also improved to 11-2 at home, winning also their tenth straight at Staples Center.

It is hard to think ahead to the middle of September, but Los Angeles can arguably be the team to beat, even if they would finish at the number three or four seed. Of course while the Sparks are aiming for the top spot, currently three games back, as well as two games back from the two seed, they certainly know that stealing a road win in this league during the playoffs gives the team the upper hand. In fact, all but two teams have a losing record when on the road this year. With a potential semifinal or final preview against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, Los Angeles may notice the intensity level rise a notch.

“We have to treat Sunday like its just a regular game,” Chiney Ogwumike said. “We still have a handful of games left to go, and every game does matter at this point. We just can’t let our guard down.”

Rivalry Week Tempest – DC United vs New York Redbulls

By

Matthew Haney

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August 21, 2019

MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Seattle Sounders FC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium APR 29 — MLS 2018: Los Angeles at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on April 29, 2018. Jevone Moore

Washington, DC—Rain brewed on and off over Audi Field and set the tone for a storm within it. The first half of the Atlantic Cup unfolded with a player from each team sent off. DC United’s Wayne Rooney received a straight red card for hands to the face. In first half stoppage time, Amro Tarek received his second yellow card for tackling Paul Arriola from behind and was sent off for the Red Bulls.

The game began with Red Bulls in the DC United half. Scattered DC defending and a failed clearance yielded the first NY goal. Kaku buried a rebound in the left corner in just the 6^thminute.

United Coach Ben Olsen voiced his frustration with the lethargic start—“we didn’t show up for about 10, 15 minutes…I’m not sure how we didn’t understand what it was going to take to get through those early minutes against them.”

In a jolting turn, Wayne Rooney received a red card in the 24^th. On a New York corner, he turned, lunging with his arms while eyes watched the ball, and hit the face of Cristian Cásseres Jr. Referee Ismail Elfath issued the red card for hands to the face.

Later in the first half, Elfath deemed a handball in the Red Bulls penalty area by Rece Buckmaster inadvertent, drawing derision from the nearby supporters’ section. In the second half he awarded a Red Bulls penalty kick for a trip in the box on Michael Murillo, making fans irate.

Running vertically through the box, Murillo fell to the ground after Titi Rodriguez clipped his trailing heel. Elfath immediately pointed to the spot. After a booth review the penalty stood. Daniel Royer converted to make the score 2-1.

Discussion of MLS refereeing and VAR became a topic again. Olsen commented “he doesn’t need to blow the whistle. VAR’s there. Wait, and then you can decide after that. But he gets himself in trouble because he blows the whistle.”

The IFAB Laws state VAR can be used for a “penalty kick incorrectly awarded,” but there was not enough evidence of a ‘clear and obvious error’ to overturn the decision. Had the whistle not been blown, the question would be whether the severity of infraction warranted a penalty kick.

This questioning of refereeing and VAR has occurred throughout MLS media this year, particularly regarding reversal of ‘clear and obvious errors’ and allowing plays to continue before whistling a stoppage. Olsen elaborated in this case, “second yellow, dive, or PK? Big, big moment in the game, and I thought he got it wrong.”

DC United’s play improved after Rooney’s ejection, and the 10-on-10 second half provided more open play from both teams. Ola Kamara, in his second match for DC, curled in a superb left-bending cross around Luis Robles into the upper 90 in the 55^th.

But minutes later the penalty kick put New York ahead for good. Multiple late chances for DC fell short, and New York closed out the match 2-1 to take this turbulent iteration of the Atlantic Cup.

Next, DC travel to Philadelphia to take on the Union Saturday, August 24 at 7:30 PM ET. NY plays NYCFC the same day at 7:00 PM ET at Yankee Stadium.

Wheeler hits new record, Fever fall short against Liberty

By

Chris Tulley

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August 20, 2019

WNBA Basketball 2019: Connecticut Suns vs Indiana Fever JUL 14 — WNBA 2019: Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on July, 14, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

INDIANAPOLIS – The home team trailed the New York Liberty for most of Wednesday game, losing 76-82. Guard Teaira McCowan hit a new high with 24 points, and center Erica Wheeler set a new record.

The All-Star game MVP in her 100^th Fever game, Wheeler broke Tamika Catchings 2005 single-season record 143 assists.

Indiana and New York both have 9-18 records this season. The Fever started the game slowly, while the Liberty capitalized on the situation. In the first quarter, NY outscored Indiana 28-13.

Head coach Pokey Chapman saw the error, and intends to respond, saying “You can’t give up 28 points in [the first] quarter … You give an entire squad that is hunting the same win that you are hunting that momentum.”

Indiana’s mid game did improve, scoring 25 to NY’s 15. Their third quarter was just as strong, bringing the game to a 61 point tie halfway through the final quarter. Natalie Achonwa hit the free throws to tie the game, Achonwa going 11/3/3.

McCowan’s fourth quarter kept the Fever close, ending the game with a season high 24/8/1.

“I just knew I had to come out aggressive McCowan said after the home loss. “I knew my teammates were going to find me and look to get it into me. I knew I had to get the foul, score, or both.”

Indiana snapped a three-game win streak at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and ended a three-game win streak against the Liberty.

Chapman praised McCowan’s night. “Teaira McCowan changes the game. Throw to her, play through her, and play off of her. There’s a reason two of their post players were in foul trouble. There’s a reason Candice [Dupree] got open shots. So, when we get there, don’t have four to six possessions where she doesn’t touch it.”

Indiana will visit the Los Angeles Sparks Thursday, at Staples Center Downtown Los Angeles.

Alemany Warriors drop the hammer on Jordan (Utah)

By

Stephen Morales

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August 17, 2019

KH2A4351 — 2019 High School Football: Miller Moss back to pass during the Jordan Beetdiggers (Utah) vs Alemany Warriors at Alemany High School on August 16, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

2019 High School Football: DJ Justice on his way to endzone during the Jordan Beetdiggers (Utah) vs Alemany Warriors at Alemany High School on August 16, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Mission Hills, CA – As Friday Night Lights kicked off for the 2019 season, the Jordan Beetdiggers from Utah came to the San Fernando Valley to face the Alemany Warriors. While penalties ruled the day in the season opener the Warriors were the team to take advantage and ended up with a 62 to 38 opening win.

Alemany took the opening kickoff and was helped by some penalties and a 4th down conversion. Miller Moss found Deounce Caldwell for the opening touchdown early in the first quarter.

Jordan took its first possession down the field in a sustained drive before the Warriors came up with a big sack and forced the Beetdigger punt but the Jordan special teams came up with a big play after an Alemany muffed punt giving the Beetdiggers first and goal. The Warriors stood tall at the goaline until 4th down as Kadius Fuimaono found Kyle Wakley for the tying touchdown.

Alemany came right back as Moss found DJ Justice for a 40 yard bomb and another touchdown but missed the extra point. An onside kick gave Alemany back the ball and Moss went deep to Caldwell on the first play for 37 yards and another score.

2019 High School Football: Jordan Beetdiggers (Utah) vs Alemany Warriors at Alemany High School on August 16, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Jordan held the ball to start the 2nd quarter but the drive stalled as the Warriors recorded a 4th down sack to take possession. A big run by Demario Strong took the ball near the red zone but more penalties took the ball back close to midfield and Alemany wound up with another turnover on downs. Jordan opened with a nice pass play that was wiped out by another personal foul which was returned after a roughing the passer penalty. A big pass to Nate Hanson took the Beetdiggers into the redzone. Fuimaono found Hene Bloomfield in the endzone to get Jordan within one score.

Jaylin Smith took the kickoff for a 90+ yard return and another touchdown for Alemany. After Jordan punted Alemany struck in two plays as Moss found Kevin Green Jr for 41 yards and the Warriors went up three scores. Alemany took the 34 to 14 lead to the half.

2019 High School Football: Manaia Tulaga running during the Jordan Beetdiggers (Utah) vs Alemany Warriors at Alemany High School on August 16, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Jordan received the second half kickoff and was finally able to put together a time consuming drive helped by another Alemany personal foul. The drive was stuffed on a big Warrior sack by Corey Neal but the Beetdiggers were able to convert a long fourth down play. RJ Jones ended the drive with a clean interception of Fuimaono and the Warriors got the ball at the 5:57 mark for the first time in the 2nd half.

Miller Moss picked up where he left off and DJ Justice took a screen pass, got a block and took it 80 yards to the house for his 2nd touchdown and Alemany went up 41 to 14 on a drive that took just over twenty seconds. Jordan finally responded with a sustained drive and Manaia Tulaga ran into the endzone ending the scoreless drought as Jordan got back to within three scores. Alemany responded on the first play as Strong ran for 61 yards and another touchdown as Alemany again struck in less then one minute. After a three and out for Jordan, the Warriors blocked the punt and took the ball immediately in the red zone and turned the ball over on downs as the third quarter ended. Moss would finish with five touchdown passes.

2019 High School Football: Kadius Fuimaono handing off during the Jordan Beetdiggers (Utah) vs Alemany Warriors at Alemany High School on August 16, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Jordan held the ball to start the final quarter and gave it back on a punt in less than a minute. The first drive of the quarter for Alemany was all on the ground led by Floyd Chalk who ended with a 16 yard run for a touchdown and a 55-21 Alemany lead. The Beetdiggers showed some heart going back down the field and Fuimaono found Wakley for his second touchdown of the night and Jordan again got to within four scores halfway through the 4th. Alemany put in the subs on its next drive and backup quarterback Ja Shawn Todd added the exclamation point with a 32 yard run and a 62 to 28 lead. Jordan never gave up and responded with a 35 yard run from Hanson to make it 62 to 36. Alemany ran the clock out for the win.

Game Photos Click Here

Alemany Warriors prepare a week early for a strong 2019

By

Manny Nunez

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August 16, 2019

Oct 30, 2015 Alemany Jarrin Pierce (3) running after a catch on Serra during a game played at Serra High in Gardena, Ca. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360) File Photo

Mission Hills, CA – Bishop Alemany has had its rollercoaster ride since the division realignment in 2017. However, with Casey Clausen taking over the program, he carried his team to a 6-4 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the division 2 playoffs. Even without qualifying to be one of the top 24 teams this upcoming season, Clausen’s troops have a legitimate argument to be a contender in a very revamped division 3 that have the likes of Moorpark, Cajon, and Cathedral.

This will also be a great test for Junior quarterback Miller Moss, working with sophomore wide receiver Kevin Green Jr. working out all the kinks. Many of their starters are also returning, meaning these first few games of the year could be a test for them getting ready to play in a very competitive Mission League.

The Jordan Beetidiggers are making the trip from Utah and see what the Southern Section is all about. Ranked 16^th in the state according to the Daily Herald, their true focus will be replacing a chunk of their offense losing running back Jake Shaver and receiver Ethan Boilingbroke. Both combined for 2000 all purpose yards. Quarterback Hunter Smeltzer will be under center for the 2019 season, and he will see a tough Alemany defense that could get his team ready after moving up divisions this season.

Kickoff is set for 7PM. You can catch the game on the NFHS Network.

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/bn-productions/gam4e5ed5e3d4

Sparks win fifth straight with comeback over Chicago

By

Eric Ramos

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August 11, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks trailed the Chicago Sky 79-75 with 1:25 remaining in the game when Chelsea Gray knocked down a three to make it a one-point game. After Chicago’s Cheyenne Parker made a shot, Gray hit a pull-up jumper to cut the lead, 81-80.

After a shot-clock violation by the Sky, Gray hit a pair of free throws to give the Sparks an 82-81 lead with 29 seconds left in the game. Chicago missed a three and Gray grabbed the rebound, passed it to Nneka Ogwumike who put the game away with a layup.

Los Angeles came back to erase a 16-point deficit and defeat visiting Chicago, 84-81, Sunday at the Staples Center.

“I was able to get open looks down the stretch,” Gray said. “We showed a lot of heart, effort and grit. We were going through highs and lows throughout the game.”

The Sparks (15-8) are on a five-game winning streak and have won eight straight at home. Gray finished with 26 points, including seven in the final minute and a half. Ogwumike had 17 points and 13 rebounds while Maria Vadeeva added 12 points off the bench.

Chicago jumped out to an early 14-4 lead in the first quarter. The Sparks were able to close the gap but still trailed 27-15 after the first quarter. Chicago led by as many as 14 in the second quarter and headed to halftime with a 44-39 lead.

After a rough first half, the Sparks stormed back in the third quarter, cutting the lead 53-52, on Ogwumike’s 16-foot jumper. Los Angeles took their first lead in the fourth quarter after Vardeeva converted a three-point play.

“You want to learn from wins,” Candace Parker said. “We came out and were able to battle back. We came out sluggish. Credit to Chicago, they did a good job of jumping on us, especially in the first quarter.”

Los Angeles next two games with be on the road against Dallas on Wednesday and Chicago on Friday.

Sparks 3-0 in four game homestand

By

Manny Nunez

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August 8, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks game after game always have praised about their defense. But in their last three home games, their offense has been their key component to some big wins. A spread offense combined with 22 assists gave the Sparks another big win over Phoenix 84-74 and have now gone 3-0 in their four game homestand.

The Sparks never trailed and dominated from the start, practically catching the Mercury off guard throughout the contest. As the Sparks started the game on a 9-2 run, the Mercury lost grip of the game allowing another 8-0 run that even had Diana Taurasi expressing herself from the bench. Inactive in the contest, she picked up a technical foul in the process. Matters got worse for the Mercury through the third quarter, eventually trailing by as many as 22 as the Sparks dominated from all sides of the court.

Candace Parker had her best outing of the year picking up 12 points with 11 rebounds and six assists. On a special night honouring her college coach Pat Summit from University of Tennessee.

“I think a lot of people came out here and understood Pat Summit for the wins and her legacy at Tennessee as being the winningest coach and national championships, but I wanted people to understand the who,” said Parker, “The who is one of the hardest workers I have ever met in my entire life. I remember she was on me about not working hard and I wanted to beat her to the gym and I got there at 4:30 and she was already in her office.”

Brittney Griner and Leilani Mitchell combined for 46 of the team’s 74 points. However, the rest of the team only managed to finished 6-for-35 that dragged the Phoenix offense down.

The Sparks have done all this without Riquna Williams, who is now more than halfway through her 10 game league suspension, as well as Chiney Ogwumike . A 5-1 record without Williams and a perfect 3-0 in the absence of Chiney has put the Sparks in an odd position, wondering if they could be one of the more nerve wrecking teams in the league as the season comes closer to the end. With Chicago coming to town to close out the four game homestand, a perfect 4-0 against playoff opponents could put the Sparks back in the drivers seat to bring talks of being the team to beat.