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Hayes Pullard Football Camp

Hayes Pullard Campers show off their skills. Photo by Jevone Moore
Hayes Pullard Campers show off their skills. Photo by Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, Ca – Some talk about it and some do it, Hayes Pullard one of newest Linebackers drafted by Cleveland Browns has 1st Annual Free Football Camp. Live at his old stopping grounds the nice turf of Crenshaw High School with a full field of campers and coaches. It’s such a great feeling to see our African American young men giving back to community that first gave to them.

The camp was open for all kids ages 5-17 for first 300 kids free. The parents were allowed to stay and watch their kids from the stands. They had lunch provided for all the campers with hydration stations with Body Armor sports drink.  Each kid received a  camp T-Shirt with the number 10 on the back, and word “GUSTO” Hayes said, “Grind Until Success Triumphs Odds!”

Camper Marcus Higgs digging during RB cone drills. Photo by Jevone Moore
Camper Marcus Higgs  during RB cone drills. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Athletes were divided into groups based on their position and age. They learned new skills, to improve their current athletic abilities, and were coached on the importance of leadership, teamwork, and education. The running backs had Silas Redd Washington Redskins, wide receivers had Robert Woods Buffalo Bills, Marquise Lee Jacksonville Jaguars, Paul Richardson Seattle Seahawks, defensive backs had Dion Bailey Seattle Seahawks, quarterbacks got tips from current Trojans Cody Kessler and host of others great football minds.

Pullard was USC Trojans leading tackler last year with 95 tackles and 53 solo tackles before being drafted by Cleveland Browns. As he prepares for his first training camp coming up in few weeks some would ask why host a camp now, “I’m doing two things I love Football and give back to my community.” Some might wonder why you having this camp before you played a down in NFL, “I made up in my mind if I got drafted by any team I was going to do a camp for the kids.”

Campers are all ears before their next rotation. Photo by Jevone Moore
Campers are all ears before their next rotation. Photo by Jevone Moore

These camps, and moments the College / Pro athletes share with the youth is so huge. I know all of us had the special moment when words of encouragement gave us something to hold onto and make us grind. Today at this Hayes Pullard 1st Annual Football Camp had the next Pac-12 All American, High School Football champion and more.

Next up will be Browns Training Camp, Hayes said, “I went to USC to fulfill my father’s dream. I got my degree to fulfill my mother’s dream. And now I’m writing this letter to you to fulfill my dream.” (quote from open letter to NFL)

Atlanta Gets The Last Run

Los Angeles, Ca – The loudest game of year for the LA Sparks was a tough lost to Atlanta Dream 76-72 at Staples Center. The earlier 12:30pm game time to allows for city of Los Angeles day camps from all over the city to bring their campers to cheer and see an exciting WNBA basketball. The campers were screaming, laughing, eating, and have spirited fun watching the Sparks.

This loss against the dream was a game of runs, and Sparks had the first run 17-0 in first half capped off with Kristi Tolver three pointer. Jantel Lavender recorded her eighth double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Sparks . Nneka Ogwumike had solid game but not her best finishing with 19 points, and 6 rebounds.

The Dream were lead by veteran Angel McCoughtry with 22 points and her last baskets seemed to be the best giving her team 76-72 victory from free throw line where she lived today going 12-13. Aneika Henry finished 16 points and  15-5 run late in fourth quarter that was enough to give Dream the second win in a row.

The Sparks team has continued to gel this season and just needs to come out ahead more often than not to build up some wins. They will have few days off before hosting Phoenix Mercury Tuesday Night July 21st at 8pm.

LA Kiss Shock Spokane

La Kiss Owners Photo by William "Jaye" Johnson
LA Kiss Defenders Rayshaun Kizer (7) & Josh Victorian (6) converge on the receiver. Photo by William "Jaye" Johnson
LA Kiss Defenders Rayshaun Kizer (7) & Josh Victorian (6) converge on the receiver. Photo by William “Jaye” Johnson

Anaheim, Ca – LA Kiss had the Honda Center rocking with a 34-28 victory over the Spokane Shock. The Kiss came out ready to fight and punched the Shock earlier taking a 28-0 lead into halftime. Both sides of the ball came ready to play and show folks they are still alive in AFL playoff wildcard hunt.

KISS quarterback Danny Southwick connected with receivers Tom Gilson, Donovan Morgan, Tyrone Goard, and DeMarco Sampson for touchdowns. Southwick completed 21-of-31 passes for 214 yards and four touchdowns.  Sampson led receivers with a team high 6 catches for 60 yards, & Myles Mason was handed ball for the only rushing touchdown.

Shock benched quarterback Warren Smith in second half after completed 8-of-19 pass attempts for 101 yards, and one interception. The first half shutout was enough to have head coach Andy Olsen bring in backup QB  Arvell Nelson. Nelson was somewhat effective finishing with 10-of-20 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns (1 Rushing).  The Shock defense had scoop score fumble on 3 yard line but wasn’t enough to stop this determined LA Kiss team.

 

LA KISS Lineman / Running Back Myles Mason had 1 rushing touchdown. Photo by William "Jaye" Johnson
LA KISS Lineman / Running Back Myles Mason had 1 rushing touchdown. Photo by William “Jaye” Johnson

Rayshaun Kizer was all over field tonight for the Kiss with 11 tackels to led his team & nine were solo tackles. Kizer in his fifth year in AFL now 3rd all time with 59 interceptions in this league history. The front line add pressure that gave the Kiss secondary little more help. This was just great team performance.  On special teams they kept Anthony Amos for Shock in check only allowing him 14.8 average on kickoff return yards.

Now with only four games remaining two at home and two on the road, each gave is vital to getting in that wild card game and making the playoffs for 1st appearance. So next Saturday July 18th at 7pm PST the LA Kiss will host the Las Vegas Outlaws.

Art Walk – Divine 9 Black Greek Art

Divine 9 Black Greek Art Show
Divine 9 Black Greek Art Show

The Crocker Club presented The Divine 9 Black Greek Art Show that was hosted by Damn Good Nu Dynasty, of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Delta Gamma & Nu Delta Chapters. The Divine 9 themed art from Divine 9 artists was on display during The Downtown Art Walk. 

The Downtown Art Walk is a free, self-guided, public art phenomenon that brings together art lovers and community friends to the ever evolving Downtown Los Angeles. With exciting and unique offerings around every corner, Downtown celebrates the arts each and every month on the 2nd Thursday. Please refer to your calendar for specific dates. Hours vary by gallery, but can typically range from Noon – 10PM.

The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Frat. Inc. All Photos by Jevone Moore
The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Frat. Inc. All Photos by Jevone Moore

The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. displayed its art at Upscale event to commence directly with downtown LA art walk. Folks wore their perspective paraphernalia to represent their organizations. They had open mic from 6-8 with performances from Poets Ezekiel Azomwu and Dominic “Nerd” McDonald as well as live performances from two of LA’s best up and coming artists, Prince Kofi and Larisse Epps. It was a great way to bring all 9 together and allow for other Art enthusiasts to be exposed to our art.

 

Many of The Downtown Art Walk activities take shape in and around the galleries predominantly on Spring and Main streets between 2nd and 9th streets. However, there was a plethora of art related events and openings, activities, and special programming that take place all over Downtown. For your next visit if you are true art buyer and fan, arriving early offers a more relaxing stroll through the different galleries and art exhibits. As the evening progresses, more visitors descend on the area to meet up with friends and savor the local experience. Visitors and local Downtowners can often be found patronizing the outcropping of local shopping, dining and entertainment establishments that have created the thriving, vibrant community.

It just goes to show you that you don’t have to create the wheel, just find the one that fits you and give it a whirl. What will you align yourself with next to allow for extraordinaire event?

Pac 12 Earlier Outlook California & Stanford

California & Stanford

Pac 12 North –  These teams always have to bring the A game being the two North teams that always play both USC & UCLA each year. Stanford has a hiccup last year coming off four straight BCS bowls for the Cardinal. Stanford routed Maryland 45-21 in Foster Farms Bowl. The Cal Bears came up two games short from being bowl eligible, but QB Jared Goff will be back this year.

QB Jarod Goff spotting a target. Photo by Jevone Moore
QB Jarod Goff spotting a target. Photo by Jevone Moore

2015-2016

California

Head Coach Sonny Dykes now enters his third year at the helm with 6-18 record during his first 2 years.

The Bears return 16 starters from last year team 8 Offensive, 7 Defensive , & punter. Players to watch QB Jared Goff threw 3,973 yards, 35 touchdowns and is already third on Cal’s all time passing list. RB Daniel Lasco now a senior ready to show NFL what he can do between hashes. WR Bryce Treggs found away to snag 52 catches in a crowded talented group of wideouts. RG Jordan Rigsbee an ironman starting every game since his freshman year for total of 36 starts. LB Michael Barton led defensive with 80 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss alongside Hardy Nickerson Jr. with 69 tackles and 7 sacks. New comers WR Carlos Strickland 6-5, 205 and DB Malik Psalms had 86 tackles in senior year at Ayala HS, CA.

The Bears will rely on Goff’s air attack to get team off to a fast start in games and hope that teams will change their game plan to catch up. Cal’s road schedule will turn any team into Vets after its all over. This year will be a big step in the Bears program moving up and being back in a bowl game at end of season. Prediction: 3rd Pac 12 North, Sun Bowl.

They were Carson Colts teammates now -Cal Bears WR Bryce Treggs (L) & Stanford SS Kodi Whitfield. Photo Courtesy of  Euradell White
They were Carson Colts teammates now -Cal Bears WR Bryce Treggs (L) & Stanford SS Kodi Whitfield. Photo Courtesy of Euradell White

 

Stanford

Head Coach David Shaw back for fifth year in Palo Alto with 42-12 record in his first 4 years.

The Cardinal’s return just 13 starters from last year team 9 Offensive, 4 Defensive. Players to watch QB Kevin Hogan a fifth year senior coming off being Foster Farms game MVP. TE Austin Hooper who had 40 catches with 499 yards and consistent mismatch against safeties. S Kodi Whitfield who will be full time on defensive after converting from WR. SS Zach Hoffpauir who fills in well in the box or deep in coverage to be voice on the field. New Comers will be national recruited DB Ben Edwards (Florida), DB Justin Reid (Louisiana)  and Quenton Meeks (California) 6-2 CB.

Coach Shaw leading his team on to field at 100th Rose Bowl. Photo by Jevone Moore
Coach Shaw leading his team on to field at 100th Rose Bowl. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Cardinal fans have been spoiled on the farm with success, this year should be back to normal. While most teams would panic with the lack of defensive returners but the Stanford returners are all seniors and will provide enough stability to shadow their youth. Prediction: 2nd Pac 12 North, Holiday Bowl.

Next Outlook will be Pac 12 North, Oregon & Oregon State.

No Time To Waste Time

“Teach us to  realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”

Psalms 90:12

Make sure you use your time wisely…Don’t spend time worrying about things that you have no control over.

Life is much too precious to major in the minors…

Don’t spend extra time trying to help others who don’t want to be helped…

Learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward!

Realize that to someone, you are the best thing since sliced bread, and they want, need, and will take heed to your advice!

Live with no regrets., and simply make better choices!

You don’t have time to waste time!

Enjoy the journey..

Pac 12 Earlier Outlook – Colorado & Utah

Pac-12 Football Media Day
Pac-12 Football Media Day

Colorado & Utah

Pac 12 South – The Newest teams to be added to Pac 12, are still proving that they belong and can handle the competition week in and week out . They have been in conference for four season thus far, last year was huge for Utah having their first nine win season with a 45-10 dismantling of Colorado State in Las Vegas Bowl. Colorado will have a goal this year to rack up some conference wins and build from there.

Chidobe Awuzie with the Hammer. Photo by Jevone Moore
Chidobe Awuzie with the Hammer. Photo by Jevone Moore

2015-2016

Colorado

Head Coach Mike MacIntyre is poised and ready for third season with the Buffaloes. He has record of 6-18 in his first 2 seasons.

The Buffaloes return 13 starters from last year team 5 Offensive, 8 Defensive & 32 underclassmen on its midseason two-deep last season. This should help with having few more guys with experience to step up. Players to watch QB Sefo Liufau 3,200 yards, 28 touchdowns pretty impressive stats. WR Nelson Spruce was Liufau main target having 1,198 yards, 12 touchdowns and is senior that will provide leadership on the field. CB Ken Crawley had few injuries but is primed to have breakout senior season. DT Josh Tupou is one of 34 players on the initial watch list for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. LB Addison Gillam will use his 6-3, 225 frame to bring pressure on the edges when called upon. New Comers will be their eight of 19 signees that were linemen, this will soon pay dividends winning game upfront.

QB Sefo Liufau following his blocking. Photo by Jevone Moore
QB Sefo Liufau following his blocking. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Buffaloes will have the opportunity to rack up some earlier non conference wins verse UMass, & Nicholls State. They also have the luxury of having home field advantage against Oregon, Stanford, & USC. In the end Liufau & Spruce will have some fun playing catch during the games nonetheless. Prediction: 6th in Pac 12 South.

Coach Whittingham on the sideline. Photo by Jevone Moore
Coach Whittingham on the sideline. Photo by Jevone Moore

 

Utah

Head Coach Kyle Whittingham a veteran entering his 11 season with the Utes, 85-43 record in 10 years.

The Utes return 18 starters from last year team 7 Offensive, 9 Defensive, kicker & punter. Players to watch QB Travis Wilson who was held out last year due to leg injury has the arm and experience to lead this team. RB Devontae Booker back for his senior season had 1,512 yards and on Heisman Trophy candidate.  DE Hunter Dimick will not have to share the spotlight with last year counterpart who went to NFL. He was among NCAA best with 14.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season. LB Jared Norris who had 116 tackles last year and will have Utes will have all senior class at LB. CB Dominique Hatfield is now full time defender after converting from WR earlier last year, this Crenshaw HS loves playing in Los Angeles on the road. New Comers trio of JUCO (Junior College) transfer WR Deniko Carter 6-4, WR Kyle Fulks, & RB Joseph Williams. Normally these type players if scouted right can come right and fill a void faster than most freshman for quick jolt.

Dominique Hatfield giving a salute after 30-28 win at Ucla.
Dominique Hatfield giving a salute after 30-28 win at Ucla. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Utes have set a road that can make them well known if they give Harbaugh’s Michigan their first loss to start the season. The rest of season is nicely laid out to obtain few more wins if their youthfulness doesn’t slow them down. Prediction: 5th in Pac 12 South, Cactus Bowl.

Next Pac 12 Outlook will be Pac 12 North, California & Stanford.

Pac 12 Earlier Outlook Washington & Washington State

Washington & Washington State

Pac 12 North – The Northwest can be nasty late in the year, if play either team at home pray for no snow. Last season Washington lost 30-22 to the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Tempe at the Cactus Bowl. Washington State fell few games short of being bowl eligible with a lot of youth stepping into starting rolls. Both programs are looking for that next All American to step up from among the ranks this season.

Washington Head Coach Chris Petersen Pondering over a question at Pac 12 Media day 2014. Photo by Jevone Moore
Washington Head Coach Chris Petersen Pondering over a question at Pac 12 Media day 2014. Photo by Jevone Moore

2015-2016

Washington

Head Coach Chris Peterson enters his second season with the big boys of Pac 12 with a record of 8-6 thus far. Most hope that the bumpy road is behind him for year two.

The Huskies return 12 starters from last year team 5 Offensive, 5 Defensive, kicker & punter. Players to watch WR Jaydon Mickens from Dorsey HS (Los Angeles) who finished last year with 145 career receptions, good for sixth in UW history to start the year. WR Donte Pettis will have opportunity to try outshine his freshman spectacular season. SS Budda Baker who started every game as true freshman is labeled a star in the making, he’s leading Huskies tackler with 80. They will miss the playmaker John Ross III who out for the season with a leg injury. New comer QB Jake Browning from Folsom in Calif. turned down Alabama to enroll earlier and become a Huskies. The Huskies ended up signing six of the top eight prospects from the state of Washington in 2015.

The Huskies will be young upfront on both sides of ball filling the voids left by seniors. If they can give little time for the QB to hit their playmakers they will play .500 ball. Prediction 5th in Pac 12 North, Maybe Poinsettia Bowl if Navy/Army not bowl eligible.

 

WSU Coach Mike Leach, "Yes we are going to Air it Out!" Photo by Jevone Moore
WSU Coach Mike Leach, “Yes we are going to Air it Out!” Photo by Jevone Moore

Washington State

Head Coach Mike Leach now approaching his fourth season after straying from Lubbock Tx with record of 12-25 in three seasons. He will be handing the controls of his “Air Raid” offensive to new QB sophomore Luke Falk.

The Cougars return 14 starters from last year team 7 Offensive, 6 Defensive, & kicker. Players to watch RB Gerard Wicks from Long Beach Poly whose durability will allow for few more running plays called. WR River Cracraft had solid season with 66 receptions, 771 yards,  8 touchdowns & added to Biletnikoff Award Watch List. My sleeper pick to shine this year in that deep WR core is Zaire Andre of Inglewood HS. His raw natural ability and versatility will shine on gameday. LB Jeremiah Allison will add leadership to the you defensive with his 78 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, & 3.5 sacks at WIL LB spot. New comer SS Shalom Luani who was Cal JC Defensive player of the year, who comes down hard on the run that will make teams think twice.

WR Zaire Andre off for a Touchdown at Inglewood HS. Photo by Jevone Moore
WR Zaire Andre off for a Touchdown at Inglewood HS. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Washington State Cougars are youthful but have done some strategic JUCO recruiting along with top defensive signings that will allow for few more wins this year. If they can start the season off with non conference wins they could be bowling now. Prediction: 4th in Pac 12 North, Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl.

 

Tomorrow Outlook will be Pac 12 South,  Colorado & Utah,

Pac 12 Earlier Outlook – Arizona & Arizona State

Arizona & Arizona State

Pac 12 South – The Desert can be a very tricky place to play depending on the weather and the time of year. Both Arizona & Arizona State play in college towns with great student fans support. Last season both teams reached a post season bowl, Boise State made a late defensive stand to hold off Arizona 38-30 in the Fiesta Bowl. While Arizona State outlasts Duke in Sun Bowl 36-31.

QB Anu Solomon back to pass verse Ucla. Photo by Jevone Moore
QB Anu Solomon back to pass verse Ucla. Photo by Jevone Moore

2015-2016

Arizona

Head Coach Rich Rodriguez is back for his fourth season at the helm in Tucson with a record of 26-14 in 3 seasons.

The Wildcats return 14 starters from last year team 6 offensive, 6 defensive, punter & kicker. Players to watch QB Anu Solomon who lead the nation’s freshman with 3,793 passing yards. RB Nick Wilson emerged as true freshman as their primary back rushing for 1,375 yards and 16 touchdowns. WR Cayleb Jones a former five-star recruit had 73 catches, 1,019 yards, 9 touchdowns. This trio of players will allow for Arizona to be a strong threat.  On Defensive LB Scoby Wright had one of the greatest defensive season in school history 163 tackles, 29 for loss, 14 sacks & 6 forced fumbles. Safety Will Parks will be the leader of the secondary that is rebuilding itself looking toward converted WR Davonte’ Neal to turn into ball hog. New comers will add depth on offensive line with #8 ranked recruiting class in the conference.

Head Coach Rich Rodriguez at Media Day 2015. Photo by Jevone Moore
Head Coach Rich Rodriguez at Media Day 2014. Photo by Jevone Moore

This is still a rising program that will hope to hang in games late and then steal a few wins while they continue to mature as a program. Prediction: 4th in Pac 12 South, Sun Bowl.

Arizona State

2014 NCAA Pac-12 Football Media Day
ASU Alternative Fire Ball Helmet. Photo by Jevone Moore

 

Head Coach Todd Graham is back for his fourth season in Tempe with a record of 28-12 in 3 seasons.

The Sun Devils return 17 starters from last year team 6 offensive, 9 defensive, punter & kicker. Players to watch WR D.J. Foster who moved from RB to allow from him to shred defensives more in open space. QB Mike Bercovici is a senior will be starter with some veteran leadership and top wins defeating Stanford & USC will called on due to injury.  ASU expects this offensive to be in top 20 in scoring in nation like his past three teams did. On Defensive with the 9 returners, and maybe Graham top linebacker crew. In the secondary flashes of greatness from Corner Lloyd Carrington and Jordan Simone that could be both all conference selections. Just as its hot in Tempe so does the pocket for opposing QB, expect more blitz and pressure because multiple players can handle zero (man to man) coverage. Sun Devils incoming freshman will have some time watch and grow so the program will be greatly impacted in near future. One local recruit athlete Stanley Norman will look to be a star quick from Serra High School / Culver City HS.

Stanley Norman 2015-16 incoming Freshman from Serra High School. Photo by Jevone Moore
Stanley Norman 2015-16 incoming Freshman from Serra High School. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Sun Devils have posted back to back 10 win seasons but they will find out quickly that the Pac 12 is tough place to play. Starting off with USC, then UCLA to open their conference schedule make it journey to rise to the top. Prediction: 3rd in Pac 12 South, Foster Farms Bowl.

Stay Tune Next Outlook will be Pac 12 North, Washington & Washington State.

Sparks Let The Mercury Rise

Nneka Ogwumike rising high for the jump shot. Photo by Jevone Moore
Nneka Ogwumike rising high for the jump shot. Photo by Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, Ca – The Los Angeles Sparks let the Phoenix Mercury steal a 94-91 victory at home. Even with all five Sparks starters scoring in double figures it wasn’t enough. Today’s game went into overtime after being  tied 85 at end of regulation. In the extra period the Mercury Leilani Mitchell hit game wining 3 pointer with 3.9 seconds on the clock.

This Spark team has began to gel and knowing their sets on both side of the ball to play a complete game. The Sparks held a four point lead at half with theirlast game hero Kristi Toliver hitting her first two 3 pointers finishing with 16 points, and 8 assist. The team captain Nneka Ogwumike played a solid game being a force in the paint and active on both sides of court with 26 points and 19 rebounds. Erin Phillips was called on to be more of a scorer in the flow of the game, adding 20 points, and 5 assist.

Nneka Oqwumike getting after loose ball. Photo by Jevone Moore
Nneka Oqwumike getting after loose ball. Photo by Jevone Moore

Phoenix kept within striking distance all game only allowing the Sparks to have a max 6 point lead. The lead changed 18 times during the course of the game. The big three for Phoenix were DeWanna Bonner 22 points, Candice Dupree 21, and Brittney Griner 19 points. There were plenty of high lights but one stands out for a WNBA game which was in first quarter a big Dunk by Griner.

Phoenix Brittney Griner on turn around jumper. Photo by Jevone Moore
Phoenix Brittney Griner on turn around jumper. Photo by Jevone Moore

Both teams kept the intensity all game finishing 47% shooting for Sparks while Phoenix was little more efficient at 51% from field and 57% behind the arc. They both are still playing without their teams All Stars so far this season Candace Parker & Diana Taurasi. If these teams continue to play this well we might see this match up in first round of the playoffs at the end of the season.

Next up for the LA Sparks will travel to play San Antonio Stars on Wednesday July 8th at 5pm PST.

For more game photos click here Sparks vs Mercury