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The Road to Redemption at 103rd Rose Bowl

By
Jevone Moore
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January 1, 2016 Pasadena, CA. Rose Bowl Pre-Game ambience, and Art at the Rose Bowl game, Pasadena, CA. on January 1, 2016. (Absolute Mandatory Credit: Jevone Moore )

Pasadena, CA – Two traditional powerhouse were knocked down and now are back to compete in 103rd Rose Bowl Game on January 2.

The USC Trojans from the PAC-12 will face off against the BIG TEN Penn State Nittany Lions for the Roses.

The NCAA hit both of these programs hard for different offensives, and they both withstood that knockout blow like a champ.

Penn State was hit with a $60 Million Sanction, a four-year football postseason ban and had to vacated all wins dating back to 1998.

They lost 10 scholarships initially, then 20 total scholarships each year for four years during the probation that was to last 2012-2017

USC penalties included the loss of 30 football scholarships over three years and vacating 14 victories in which Bush played from December 2004 through the 2005 season.

Based on good behavior the Penn State Bowl ban was lifted and scholarship were returned for 2015-2016 season after three years.

“It feels good, something positive which is exactly what team needed,” said Maddie DePascale Penn State Jr. major in Communication Sciences and Disorders “the season been stressfully but very rewarding.”

Now USC had to serve they full sentence from NCAA before regaining form resenting the PAC-12 in the Rose Bowl.

“I have a great love for the University of Southern California, and I very much regret the turn that this matter has taken, not only for USC, but for the fans and players, ” Bush said in a statement.

One of these teams will be able to add a Rose Bowl victory to their record and continue on the Road to Redemption.

Andy Phillips and Joe Williams lead Utah to Foster Farms Bowl Win

By
Michael Wilson, Jr.
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Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) rolling out the pocket fending of Indiana Dawson Fletcher (29) at the Foster Farms Bowl: Utah Utes vs Indiana Hoosiers Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Santa Clara, CA – Andy Phillips kicked four field goals, including the game winner, and Joe WIlliams ran for a bowl-game record of 222 yards, to lead the Utah Utes to a 26-24 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2016 Foster Farms Bowl.

Williams’ decision to come back from retirement continued to pay huge dividends for Utah, as he once again had a monster game and finished his college career on a high note.

Named the Offensive MVP for the game, Williams gave the offense just enough of a spark, despite a fourth quarter fumble and feeling under the weather.

After the game the newly-married Williams stated that he had had “added motivation” for this game after his wife reminded him that “this is your last ride.”  Williams said that he had to “go out there like [Michael] Jordan did in ’97 with the flu game,” and help lead his team to victory.

Early on though, it seemed like Utah would end its season with a third straight loss. Forty-seven seconds into the game, the Hoosiers led 7-0, after WR Kyle Fulks fumbled the opening kickoff. 

Utah, however, regained its composure and showed why it had been ranked in the Top-25 for most of the season.  After getting on the board with an Andy Phillips field goal, RE/DE Pita Taumoepenu forced a Hoosiers’ fumble on the next possession.  

The Hoosiers, however, made it a game despite committing 4 turnovers.

Down 17-7 early in the second, the Hoosiers managed to pull even with at the half, when backup QB Zander Diamond found WR Nick Westbrook for a 39-yard touchdown reception. 

Even after Utah pulled ahead 26-24 with 1:24 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Hoosiers still had a chance to win the game.  But penalties, dropped passes, a missed field goal and costly turnovers in the second half proved to be too much in the end. 

Newly minted Hoosiers Head Coach Tom Allen admitted that turnovers – which plagued Indiana all season – came back to haunt his team. The mistakes overshadowed a solid performance by his defense and special teams, which forced three Utah turnovers.

After the game, Coach Allen vowed to continue working to clean up the sloppy play in advance of the

2017 season opener, when the Hoosiers host the Ohio State Buckeyes.

On the other hand, Utah (9-4) can now celebrate its fourth straight season with a bowl game victory and carry some momentum into the 2017 season.

Minnesota leaps past Washington State

By
Eric Ramos
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December 27, 2016 San Diego, CA National Funding Bowl Bowl: Minnesota vs Washington St. at Qualcomm Stadium on December 27, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Minnesota trailed 6-3 when Washington State defensive back Marcellus Pippins tipped a Mitch Leidner pass straight to running back Shannon Brooks for a 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Minnesota’s defense held on to beat Washington State, 17-12, in the Holiday Bowl on Tuesday.

“I usually end up on the wrong side of those,” Leidner said. “We were getting heated and I thought I would let it rip and let it be Shannon’s ball or nobody’s ball, but that guy played a good play and tipped it into Shannon’s hands for me.”

 

Washington State could not get rolling on offense as the Gophers’ defense stifled the Cougars wide receivers. Minnesota defense didn’t give up any big plays while forcing the Cougars to  throw the ball underneath.

 

“You’ve got to tackle well in space, and that credit goes to the kids,” Minnesota coach Tracy Claeys said. “We got them to dump the ball off in space and our guys ran and tackled extremely well.”

 

The Cougars took a 6-3 lead into halftime after 26 and 41-yard field goals by Erik Powell.

 

“I didn’t think we played well offensively at all,” Washington State coach Mike Leach said. “ I didn’t think we were mentally tough as far as allowing ourselves to get discouraged and, you know, we unraveled.”

 

Minnesota running back Rodney Smith added a 9-yard touchdown run to give the Gophers a 17-6 lead with 2:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. Smith finished with 77 yards on 17 carries.

 

Luke Falk hit wide receiver Kyle Sweets for an 8-yard touchdown with 19 seconds left in the game.

 

Minnesota ends the season with a record of 9-4. This is the first time the Gophers have won nine games in one season since 2003.

 

“We relish ’em all,” Claeys said on the bowl win. “It’s a great thing for everybody associated with the University of Minnesota.”

Eric Scott road to redemption

By
Jevone Moore
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CIF State Division 2A Regional High School Football Los Angeles High Romans vs Sierra Canyon Trailblazers game action at Granada Hills High on December 10, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – The Nevada Wolf Pack football program added a great recruiter, passionate let’s get to work, high football IQ  and an outside receiver coach Eric Scott Tuesday, December 22.

Scott coming off winning his second Los Angeles City Championship Title with the Los Angeles Romans in three years. The Romans exploded on the scene in 2014 once he took over.

Success has always followed Scott everywhere he has coached. Being able to relate to the players on a real level growing up in South Los Angeles himself.

“Eric is an up and coming talent in this profession,” said Karl Dorrell former UCLA football coach. “He has a great sense of evaluating talent and developing skill players to reach their potential.”

Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is a step away from the big leagues, some would argue that it is big leagues.

Back 2007 Scott was an assistant coach with UCLA,  coaching receivers before having a brush with the law that didn’t result in charges but bad press was enough.

From then to now the high school level had been Scott playground.

Coaching History

             Crenshaw High School – Assistant Coach 1999 – 2006

              UCLA – Assistant Coach 2007

              Compton Centennial – Head Coach 2008, 2009

              Los Angeles High School Head Coach 2014 – 2016

              Nevada Assistant Coach 2016 –

Scott coming out of Crenshaw High School was recruited by Yale, Harvard and other Ivy’s league schools. He picked Northwestern back in 1993 before transferring to UCLA and earning his BA.

Currently Scott is in the last stage of USC Business Graduate School degree program.

Nevada will open the 2017 season at Northwestern for Scott’s college re-debut in Evanston, IL. Lookout Mountain West Conference the WolfPack is coming.

The City Section now will be void of a great coach but gain a familiar pair of eyes on their top stars for future scholarships.   

 

BYU flying to a win

By
Jevone Moore
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December 17, 2016 San Diego, CA Poinsettia Bowl: BYU Cougars vs Wyoming Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium on December 21, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

San Diego, CA – A late interception secured the BYU Cougars a victory over the Wyoming Cowboys 24-21 in a rainy Poinsettia Bowl Wednesday night.

Wyoming picked up one first down on their last possession 1:44 left on clock down by three points and a chance to tie or win the game.

Josh Allen on the next play threw late across the middle only to be intercepted by BYU defensive back Kia Nacua.

“right when I saw him break from the pocket I looked back towards the tight end and saw him start working my way and I almost overran the ball because I was so excited,” said Nacua ”

The wet conditions in the game caused problems for both teams with the ball bouncing around. The last bounce fell the cougars way.

BYU running back Jamaal Williams who was named the Offensive MVP punished the Wyoming defense for 210 yards and a touchdown.

Williams kept running hard all game, coach Kalani Sitake fed him the ball for 26 carries and it paid off.

“It brought back a bunch of memories from my freshman year,” said Williams “It felt like almost the same because I scored (touchdown) in both of them,”

These seniors for BYU won the Poinsettia Bowl as freshman in 2012 over San Diego State.

Even though BYU never trailed in the game the Wyoming comeback attempt definitely made the defense dig in their heels.

Allen who threw for 207 yards and his only two touchdowns came in the fourth quarter. That’s when the rain finally let up so balls were dryer but field was still wet.

Harvey Langi of BYU was named the Defense MVP with 16 tackles in the game. Langi fills in anywhere in the front seven to give the Cougars a spark.

‘It was so fun just being there,” Langi said “I get to play football and that’s what I love doing.”

The Poinsettia Bowl made a great start and finish for the BYU seniors and for the program going forward following coach Sitake.

Donnel Pumphrey runs wild in Vegas

By
Jevone Moore
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December 17, 2016 Las Vegas, NV. Dakota Turner (41), Calvin Munson (54) showing off their Las Vegas Bowl Champs hats after the 25th LAS VEGAS Bowl Houston Cougars vs San Diego State Aztecs at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore Full Image 360)
Dakota Turner (41), Calvin Munson (54) showing off their Las Vegas Bowl Champs hats after the defeating Houston Cougars at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore Full Image 360)

Las Vegas, NV – The new NCAA career rushing yards record holder Donnel Pumphrey was the MVP of the Las Vegas Bowl for the San Diego State Aztecs  who defeated Houston 34-10.

How fitting for Pumphrey who’s from Las Vegas to play his last college game, and break an NCAA record in his backyard.

“I’m honestly blessed to be around these guys right here and just to experience all this with my teammates and my family and my friends – it’s amazing.” said Pumphrey “This is where it all started. Just to end my college career here,”

Houston started the game with fire power behind Heisman hopeful quarterback Greg Ward Jr. who lead his team to a 10-0 start in the first quarter.

Ward Jr. threw for 229 yards with a rushing 12 yard rushing touchdown completing 25 of 34 passes with 4 crucial interceptions.

San Diego State defense were the unsung heroes of the Vegas Bowl creating turnovers that turned the game around in the second half.

“when intercept the ball it completely eliminates the momentum they have, it completely changes the momentum to the other side.” Rocky Long San Diego State coach.

With the momentum on San Diego State side they scored 28 unanswered points to run away with the game.

“I thought we really struggled in the first quarter with their quickness and their front seven.” said Long

Warrior (Safety) Kameron Kelly intercepted Ward Jr. two times in the second half that really ignited the team.

Pumphrey need 108 yards before the game started to break Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne record from 1999.

The offensive line took on the challenge with pride to get Pumphrey the record.

“It definitely wasn’t easy.” said Pumphrey  “our defense, they did great, so it was easier for us to have the ball in our hands and able to keep running the ball.”

So the great story book ending the San Diego State Aztecs win the 25th Las Vegas Bowl with the home town hero Pumphrey.

Los Angeles High Fall Short of CIF State

By
Jevone Moore
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CIF State Division 2A Regional High School Football Los Angeles High Romans vs Sierra Canyon Trailblazers game action at Granada Hills High on December 10, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Granada Hills, CA, – Experience pays off for Sierra Canyon Trailblazers who defeated the Los Angeles Romans 21-6 in a defensive battle at John Elway Stadium Saturday night.

 

Sometimes it pays to do something a second time, for Sierra Canyon who pulled from last year one point heart break away from playing in the state final as their inner power.

 

“Feels good I’m so proud of these kids,” said Jon Ellinghouse Sierra Canyon head coach “We worked through some adversity, but we had a great mindset this year.”

 

Sierra Canyon never trailed in this game after scoring in the first quarter on a short field after a questionable personal foul from a big hit on the punt returner. Leo Gomez hauled in a 13 yard touchdown pass from Johnathan Hawkins.

 

This game was a true defensive battle with few breaks along the way, the score was 7-6 going into the fourth quarter. These two teams lived up to the hype for three quarters.

 

By the fourth quarter the fans, players, and coaches boiling point was reached due to lack of calls by the officials throughout the game.  But in any game bad calls, no calls are bound to happen due to human error and lack of instant replay.

 

“There’s no reason to be crying or holding your head down sometime extenuating circumstances that we can’t control,” said Eric Scott LA High head coach “Our Job is to play football and you guys did that ….. there are whole lot of teams that didn’t get to play tonight.”

 

As in life you always have two outcomes you win or have opportunity to learn (teachable moments), we just don’t always teach like coach Scott did..

 

Sierra Canyon running back Bobby Cole was slowed down but kept grinding to the end. Cole broke through in the fourth quarter with a 3 yard touchdown and the breathing room they needed 14-6 in fourth quarter 9:45 left in the game.

 

“O-Line (offensive line) really got after it today,” said Cole ” Came out and established dominance.”

 

Now Sierra Canyon will have week to rest up and heal their wounds and be ready to play at Hornets Stadium in Sacramento CA verses Serra (San Mateo, CA) at noon.

More Game Photos

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Narbonne Slow Start Kills The Streak

By
Eric Ramos
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CIF State Division 1AA Regional High School Football Narbonne Gauchos vs Cathedral Catholic Dons game action at Manchester Stadium on December 9, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

San Diego, CA – Narbonne erased a 21-point deficit on Jalen Chatman’s 14-yard touchdown pass to Tyronne Marshall with just under three minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Cathedral Catholic responded with sophomore Shawn Poma’s fourth touchdown of the game to help the Dons with a 35-28 win over Narbonne in the CIF State Regional playoff on Friday night.

The Gauchos had one last shot to tie the game from the Dons 17-yard line but Chatman was sacked on the final play of the game.

“We thought we had them (Narbonne),” Cathedral Catholic coach Sean Doyle said. “They stepped their defense up and brought it down to the wire.”

Poma put the Dons on the board first with a 12-yard touchdown run for an early 7-0 lead. Chatman hit Tre Walker on a wide-receiver screen for a 7-yard touchdown to even the score in the second quarter.

The Dons capped a 9-play, 78-yard drive with Poma’s second touchdown of the game to give Cathedral Catholic a 14-7 lead with 3:04 remaining in the second quarter.

Poma rushed for 174 yards on 26 carries and four touchdowns to lead the Dons.

“I give all the credit to my offensive line,” Poma said. “I got saw the hole and hit it.”

The defending state champion Gauchos had two punts partially blocked, which led to back-to-back touchdowns for the Dons and a 28-7 lead in the third quarter.

Narbonne rallied back with Chatman’s 5-yard touchdown run and Kameron Denmark’s touchdown run from a yard out to pull within 28-21 with 10:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Chatman completed 30 of 45 passes for 294 yards with two touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown. Cathedral Catholic quarterback Tate Hayes, the son of former NFL Hall of Famer Michael Haynes, threw for 143 yards and a touchdown.

Poma’s 25-yard touchdown run with 1:01 left in the fourth quarter gave the Dons a 35-28 lead and set the stage for the dramatic finish.

CIF State Division 1AA Regional High School Football Narbonne Gauchos vs Cathedral Catholic Dons game action at Manchester Stadium on December 9, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Cathedral QB Tate Hayes diving for extra yards during the CIF State Division 1AA Regional High School Football Narbonne Gauchos vs Cathedral Catholic Dons game action at Manchester Stadium on December 9, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

“He has unreal balance and speed,” Doyle said on Poma’s four touchdown performance. “He’s a stud.”

The City Section Division I champion Narbonne Gauchos end the season 14-1.

Los Angeles too much for Hawkins

By
Eric Ramos
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High School Football Los Angeles Romans vs Augustus Hawkins game action at El Camino College Murdock Stadium on December 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The L.A Romans scored 22 unanswered points in the second quarter. The defense held Hawkins scoreless in the second half to lead the Romans to 36-6 win in the CIF L.A. City Section Division II final at Murdock Stadium on Saturday.

Hawkins had four turnovers in the second half and never was able to get its high-powered  offense on track.

“Our defense has been playing well all year long,” L.A. coach Eric Scott said. “It feels good to get over the hump after losing in last years final.”

Eric Fuller Jr.’s 46-yard catch-and-run sets up Greg Johnson’s 2-yard touchdown run to give Hawkins a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter. On the ensuing drive, Christopher Dormer scores on a 12-yard touchdown run to even the score, 6-6, with 4:15 remaining in the first quarter.

After a tough 21-yard catch by Berdale Robins, L.A. quarterback Isaiah Johnson scored on the 1-yard keeper to give the Romans a 14-6 lead in the second quarter.

“Everything was clicking for us,” Johnson said. “They (Hawkins) quit after the first quarter.”

Patrick Willis Jr. intercepted the pass by Dylan Lemle and returned it to the Hawks 15-yard line. L.A. capitalized on the turnover with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Javon Mitchell, extending the lead, 20-6.

Johnson wasn’t done as he hit Robins in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown to give the Romans a 28-6 lead with 49 seconds left in the first half.

“This year we wanted to build up our defense and focus more on it,” Scott said. “This playoff run we only gave up 12 points. It payed off.”

L.A. running back Christopher Dormer put the game out of reach with a 12-yard touchdown run to extend the lead, 36-6, with 2:43 left in the fourth quarter.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Scott said. “We have been working to get back to this game since last December.”

Narbonne Outlast Dorsey’s Advances

By
Eric Ramos
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High School Football Dorsey Dons vs Narbonne Gauchos game action at El Camino College Murdock Stadium on December 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Dorsey quarterback Jerman Gotoy dropped back to pass, scrambled right and hit a streaking Jordan Wood for a 31-yard touchdown to cut the Gauchos lead, 29-27.

Narbonne answered with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal a 42-34 win over Dorsey in the CIF L.A. City Section Division I final at Murdock Stadium on Saturday night.

Narbonne wins its third straight title and fifth in six years.

“We had to get back in a rhythm on offense,” Narbonne coach Manuel Douglas said. “We came out tight but was able to get going and get a score on defense.”

Jalen Chatman led the Gauchos with 316 yards and five touchdowns.

Chatman threw back-to-back touchdowns to Stephon Robinson in the first quarter to give Narbonne a 14-0 lead.

Gotoy gets Dorsey on the board with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Smalls. After Narbonne forces a punt, Tre Walker hauls in a spectacular 18-yard touchdown catch to give the Gauchos a 22-7 lead with 6:21 left in the second quarter.

“I just tried to make all my reads and execute,” Chatman said. “We stayed focused and finished the game.”

Chatman threw his fourth touchdown of the first half when he hit Walker for a 34-yard touchdown. Narbonne led 29-7 at halftime.

Dorsey capped a 16-play drive with Smalls’ 15-yard touchdown reception to cut the Narbonne lead, 29-14.

Jarell Mickens’ 12-yard touchdown catch trimmed the Gauchos lead, 29-21, on the first play of the fourth quarter. Woods’ 31-yard touchdown reception pulled the Dons within two points with 9:38 remaining in the fourth quarter.

“I thought we were gonna pull out the win,” Gotoy said. “Everybody played well and it was very competitive. Their front eight on defense are excellent.”

Narbonne doesn’t waste any time as they march down the field on the ensuing drive. Chatman finds Robinson for a 33-yard touchdown to give the Gauchos a 36-27 lead with 7:43 left in the fourth quarter.

The Gauchos sealed the win when Gotoy fumbled in his own end zone and Domininc Peterson fell on the ball for a touchdown.

Walker finished with 10 receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

“We had to earn it, that’s for sure,” Douglas said. “It should’ve been a blowout but in the end we got the W.”

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