Sport: Football Position: Running back Height: 5’6″ Class: 2011 School: Poway High School Poway, CA
Chris Verne rushed for three touchdowns in his squad’s 50-7 win over Westview. Verne, a senior running back for the Titans rushed for a total of 189 yards on 15 carries, helping his team to another league victory. Poway’s 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the Palomar League. To view Chris’s complete SportsForce profile click here –http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/chris-verne-football-2011
Scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com
Stress is a part of life that everyone has to deal with, including student athletes. We all get to a point where we feel we have too much on our plate and don’t know what to do. The important thing is to not let it overcome you.Read on for a few tips to help you when your life feels stressful.
1. Do stress relieving activities
When you feel stressed, it can be very helpful to just take a few minutes time out to do an activity that calms you. Some ideas for stress relieving activities include taking slow, deep breaths, thinking calm thoughts, repeatedly tensing up and releasing your muscles, and exercising. Such activities help take your mind off of your situation for a few moments and will let you recollect your thoughts.
2. Talk it out with friends or family
Bottling up your stress and emotions can be very detrimental. Talking out problems with a close friend or family member is very helpful when coping with stress. You should always have at least a few trusted loved ones that you can talk to for support and help during stressful times.
3. Make time to have fun and relax
Sometimes it is very easy to get caught up in all the different aspects of your life. While it is important to stay on top of your game in academics, sports, etc., it is equally important to take some time out to do things you love to do. This can include socializing with friends and family, playing sports and games for recreation, reading, music, art, and whatever else you can think of that you enjoy doing.
4. Don’t procrastinate
This is one of the easiest ways to become stressed. When you wait until the last minute to complete a project or activity, the time crunch you face causes a great amount of stress. It will be so much easier and stress-relieving if you complete assignments in small doses over an extended period of time.
5. Be realistic with how much you can handle
Sometimes we take on too much of a workload to prove to ourselves and others what we are capable of. By taking on too many projects, not only do you become overly-stressed, but each project will not be as thorough because you have to concentrate on so many other things. You should pick and choose projects that you want to do the most. It is okay to say no sometimes.
There are simple health strategies you can implement to develop unstoppable energylevels while simultaneously increasing your overall health. Unfortunately, many athletes are quick to reach for energy fixes that are often “crash and burn,” such as gas station energy drinks, soda, coffee, or sugary foods. While these choices will adversely affect your health and performance, the six points below will help you to create higher energylevels in a healthy and sustainable way and enable you to get more from your training and competitions.
1. Hydrate ~ Filtered water is important to every function of the human body. A 5% drop in body fluids will cause a 25-30% loss of energy in most athletes. Even mild dehydration can slow our metabolism, so rehydration can also support weight loss.
2. Rebound ~ Jumping on a mini-trampoline for 10-15 minutes daily is easy, low-weight bearing, and the benefits are wide-ranging. Also, like jogging, this is one of the most efficient and effective ways to improve fitness as it is great for the lymphatic system, tones muscle, rebuilds cells (slows aging), burns fat, increases metabolism, strengthens the heart and greatly increases energy.
3. Breath Deep ~ This is a great way to fully utilize your physiology and energylevels. When you take the time to breath deeply into your stomach, you fill your blood stream with wonderful acid fighting oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, cleansing the body of acid waste and harmful by-products.
4. Green Foods ~ Green foods should be a cornerstone of your diet to maximize energylevels. Chlorophyll is miraculous and has so many health benefits such as cleansing the body, fighting infection, promoting circulatory health, as well as the health of the digestive, immune, and detoxification systems. Also, the health of our red blood cells is critical and eating or drinking chlorophyll increases the quality AND quantity of your red blood cells.
5. High Quality Nutritional Supplements ~ Vitamin and mineral supplements build up your natural immune system and build up your natural antioxidant defense system. With supplements, you are able to optimize your energylevels and maximize your bodies defense against chronic degenerative disease.
6. Essential Fatty Acids ~ EFA’s are called essential because the body requires them to function, yet it cannot manufacture them. These “omega oils” increase metabolic rate, energylevels, and stamina. Also, increased metabolic rate means we burn more calories. Some of the best sources of these “good fats” are avocado, fish, nuts, olive oil, UDO’s oil, and flax seed.
Health is energy, which is a metabolic state that you create by exercising, breathing properly and putting the right things in your body. Ensure that your body is getting what it needs by continually refining the ways you create energy so that you can have a positive impact on your athletic performance and health today, AND for the rest of your life.
Senior running back, Diego Rodriguez has had a stellar season after coming off of reconstructive knee surgery for a season ending injury during his junior year. So far this season Rodriguez has rushed for more than 1,000 yards. Rodriguez had a standout performance against Mar Vista which included two TDs. Rodriguez had an 88-yard touchdown off a kickoff return as well as a 50-yard touchdown in his team’s win.
The reality is most of us won’t be recruited by the college sport powerhouses like Duke and USC. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on your aspirations of playing sports in college and beyond. There are many reasons why the NCAA Division II and III schools, as well as the NAIA schools, could end up being the perfect fit for you.
These Schools Get More Exposure Than You Think
These divisions may not get the same amount of spotlight as the Division I schools, but they definitely still grab the attention of the all the media outlets. Games from all these divisions are covered by sources like ESPN and CBS College Sports. These divisions also get some big name sponsors like Russell Athletic and US Bank. The coverage from such media outlets is a great way professional scouts are exposed to athletes in these divisions.
You Could be the Next Scottie Pippen
That’s right; THE Scottie Pippen did not play basketball for a Duke-caliber college program. Pippen actually was a walk-on recruit at a school in the NAIA division, the University of Central Arkansas. He wasn’t offered any scholarships and even contemplated whether he wanted to continue playing ball at the college level, but with the hard-work and dedication he put into his sport, he ended up becoming a two-time All-American college player and was the number 5 pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. And now, of course, Pippen is known for being a six-time NBA world champion and just recently being inducted into the basketball hall of fame.
The Fun Continues
The main reason we all play sports: to have fun. So why should you stop just because you didn’t get recruited by some Division I powerhouse? Most athletes who play for NAIA or Division II and III schools play solely to keep having a good time. Playing for a school in one of these divisions could prove to be one of the best experiences of your life. As long as you are still having fun with something, you should continue pursuing it as long as you can.
LA MESA–Realigned, renamed and redesigned this year, the Grossmont Hills league is one of the toughest in the CIF-San Diego Section. For the front-runners Helix and Steele Canyon, the path to the league title just got a little bit tougher.
Behind a rugged defense which sacked quarterback Frank Foster nine times, the Grossmont Foothillers gutted out a 13-7 win over the rival Valhalla Norsemen from El Cajon in the 619 Preps Game of the Week, getting a leg up as the brutal league schedule begins.
“We’ve got the only league in San Diego county with three Top-25 teams,” said head coach Ron Murphy of the ‘Hillers, “We’re chasing Helix and Steele Canyon. Tonight we were chasing Valhalla and we caught them.”
Postgame video interviews: Grossmont senior LB Michael Davis-Tucker and head coach Ron Murphy:
In a contest featuring contrasting styles, Grossmont (6-0, 1-0) won with a patient zone-read ground game and a defense which repeatedly disrupted Valhalla’s precision passing attack. While Foster finished 15-for-24 for 187 yards and a touchdown, he was constantly under pressure and took six of his nine sacks in the second half.
“Our defensive coordinator Brad Burton believes in bringing the pressure, “said Murphy, “we felt our best approach was not to sit back, but to try and attack them.”
Offensively, the Hillers were carried as usual by East County rushing leader Desean Waters. The senior running back-turned-QB delivered his most balanced performance of the season, rushing 27 times for 125 yards and a touchdown, while completing 7-of-13 passes for 125 yards.
Waters closed out the game with five straight carries for 46 yards, freezing out the Valhalla offense for the final 2:48 of the game.
“The orders were: only Desean touches the ball at the end of the game,” said Murphy, “Desean does not turn the ball over, he carries our offense, and leads us to victory.”
Both defenses could point to goal line stands which helped define the slugfest under misty skies on the Grossmont High campus. The Hillers were turned aside on their first drive after a ten play march, with Waters stuffed on fourth and goal from the 3 yard line.
After a scoreless first quarter, Valhalla (3-3, 0-1) finally punctured the scoreboard with 4:20 left in the opening half, as Foster’s rainbow pass into double coverage was hauled down by star junior receiver Devon Haston (7 receptions, 118 yards) in the end zone for a 30 yard touchdown.
The Hillers found their rhythm on an 11-play drive to close out the half, with the big play a Waters pass to junior wideout Lawson Medeiros (3 receptions, 82 yards). Standout kicker Jordan Reece booted a 32 yard field goal to end the drive and send Grossmont into halftime trailing 7-3.
Michael Davis-Tucker’s sack in the opening drive of the third quarter set the tone for a second half in which Foster was constantly under duress. The Hillers blitzed early and often, sending multiple linebackers and sometimes a safety or cornerback to take advantage of Valhalla’s five and seven-step QB drops.
“We’ve been putting in extra time at practice and just did our thing,” said the senior linebacker.
Facing a fourth-and-ten from the Grossmont 44 yard line early in the third quarter, Norsemen head coach Steve Sutton gambled on a fake punt only to see Brandon Steed’s pass knocked down incomplete. The Hillers answered with Reece’s second field goal of the game, this one from 43 yards away to make it a 7-6 game.
Special teams then helped turn the game in Grossmont’s favor. On Valhalla’s next possession, a third-down sack by Michael’s brother Ryan Davis-Tucker forced the Norsemen to punt from their own 22. Steed’s punt was shanked and only traveled 24 yards, giving the Hillers a short field to work with.
Waters capitalized with the help of senior tailback Tony Abuka, who took advantage of the Valhalla defense overplaying Waters, taking a pitch to the left for a 22-yard gain which set up the Hillers on the 2-yard line. Waters took it in from there with 3:35 left in the third quarter to post the final score of 13-7.
The Hillers would be tested one more time defensively before taking control. The third quarter ended with Foster hooking up with Haston again, this time on a 48 yard gainer all the way to the Grossmont seven yard line.
Valhalla got down to the one-yard line on fourth down and elected to go for it. The Norsemen tried an option run to the left, but sophomore reserve tailback Martin Mokou was stuffed for a three yard loss to cap the goal line stand.
From there, the Norsemen were playing the rest of the game “behind the sticks”, as the Hillers sacked Foster on three of his final eight pass attempts and forced an intentional grounding penalty on another.
While Valhalla’s playoff hopes are still very much alive at 3-3, their league dreams appear to be dashed against the rocks, particularly with Helix and Steele Canyon yet to come on the schedule. Both East County powers are waiting for the Hillers as well, but with six straight wins under their belt, Grossmont might be up for the challenge.
Sport: Football Position: Running Back Class: 2011 School: San Pasqual High School Escondido, CA
Caden Lockwood was a pivotal player in his team’s defeat of rival, Orange Glen. Lockwood had 24 carries throughout the rivalry game, for a total of 145 yards. Lockwood scored on a 37 yard and 1 yard rush to add two touchdowns to the teams tally. San Pasqual edged out Orange Glen 37-29. To view Caden’s complete SportsForce profile click here –http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/caden-lockwood-football-2011
Scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com
It’s been said that leaders are born, not made, but this could not be any farther from the truth. While some people are born with effective leadership skills, many people are not and need help to develop those skills. Leadership is an important skill all student-athletes should possess. For this reason, I have listed five tips to help improve on your leadership skills.
1. Be optimistic
After losing a big game or having a hard practice, it’s easy to be hard on yourself and others. But by being pessimistic you aren’t helping anyone and may be actually bringing the whole team down. Keep high spirits and share your optimism with the whole team; it will motivate others to keep being positive.
2. Offer to help out your teammates
If you notice a fellow teammate is struggling at some position or skill, don’t discourage or belittle them; offer to help. By spending a little extra time to help your peers, you will show how much you care about the team and you will motivate others to help out too.
3. Show your dedication
Effective leaders show their dedication in a number of ways. Go to practice early and stay after to improve on your skills and to help others. Push yourself to practice at 110% every time. Ask your coaches for constructive criticism and what you can work on outside of practice. Doing such things will prove your dedication and will also rub off on others.
4. Take responsibility for your actions
No one is perfect. We all will have our bad days and make mistakes. When you make a mistake, whether in school, practice, or a game, take responsibility for it. Then express how you plan to avoid that mistake again, whether by practicing more or concentrating more at that skill or position. Your teammates and coaches will admire your honesty and dedication.
5. Make the team your priority
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to be the best player you can for personal benefits. However, leaders show that their main focus is the team as a whole, not just individual statistics. Leaders will take their skills and incorporate them so they fit well with the team.
Sport: Football Position: Quarterback Height: 6’3″ Class: 2011 School: Vista High School Vista, CA
The undefeated Vista Panthers are off to an amazing start this season with the help of senior QB, Christian Gallardi. Gallardi had a standout performance in his team’s game against Great Oak. Vista rolled over Great Oak 30-6 with Gallardi throwing for two touchdowns. Gallardi completed 18 of 26 passes for 322 yards. To view Christian’s complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/christian-gallardi-football-2011
Scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com
The “Battle for the Claymore Sword” had been a one-sided affair for 22 years. Then, last season, Mount Miguel finally defeated their East County rivals from Helix 44-21, taking possession of the perpetual plaque with crossed swords which had gathered dust in the Highlanders’ trophy case.
Attention Helix High custodial staff: you can clear the old space for it once again.
Brandon Lewis threw for three of his four touchdown passes after halftime, and the Highlanders’ defense suffocated Mount Miguel’s first team offense completely in a 37-7 win at a packed Matador Stadium in Spring Valley.
Leaning on the strong running of junior tailback Darien Hancock (20 carries, 124 yards, 31-yard receiving TD), Helix’s zone-read offense wore down Mount Miguel’s stubborn defense, then forced the Matadors to commit a safety down into the box.
The result was lots of space outside for the Helix passing game, and Lewis took advantage. He was 6-for-6 for 122 yards and three touchdowns after halftime, using good protection to find his favorite targets Jimmy Pruitt (4 receptions, 61 yards, TD) and Sam Meredith (4 receptions, 37 yards, TD).
Lewis finished the game 13-for-17 for 182 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.
Video postgame interview: Brandon Lewis
The real story was a Helix defense which is going to submit its name right next to Cathedral Catholic and Vista as the best in San Diego Section. For the fourth time in five games, the Helix first-team defensive unit did not allow a point to be scored against them. Led by Meredith, a hybrid tight end/defensive lineman who is being recruited by SDSU, BYU and Stanford, the Highlanders held Mount Miguel to 129 total yards, including just 20 rushing yards.
Mount Miguel star tailback Derrick Dunn, who came into the night with four 100+ yard rushing games and ten touchdowns in five games, struggled to get into positive yardage all night, finishing with ten carries for six yards and a touchdown.
The Highlanders pose as a team with the Claymore Sword
Helix set the tone for the game in the first quarter with a bruising 14 play drive, chewing up over eight minutes of the clock. Hancock carried nine times on the drive for 53 of the 59 yards gained, as the Scotties ground their way to the Matadors’ 17 yard line. The result of the march was a Jake Reed 32 yard field goal for a 3-0 lead on the first play of the second quarter.
With Mount Miguel going three-and-out on their final four possessions of the first half, Helix would have plenty of time to find their way offensively. Lewis capped a 10 play, 62 yard drive with a fourth down, 3 yard touchdown pass to Meredith at the 4:04 mark of the second quarter, putting the Highlanders ahead 10-0. They would hold the lead into halftime, along with a yardage advantage of 146-42.
It was just a preview of the carnage to come, as Mount Miguel committed to stopping Hancock in the second half, and Helix took advantage. A screen to Meredith for 25 yards jump-started the opening drive of the third quarter, which finished with Lewis hitting a wide open Pruitt for a 10-yard slant pass touchdown and a 17-0 lead.
After another three-and-out courtesy of the Helix defense, Lewis came out firing. He arced a 25 yard pass to reserve wideout Romello Carbuccia, then hit Hancock underneath the defense for a 31-yard catch-and-run screen pass touchdown. 24-0 Helix.
Four plays later, it was 31-0. Mount Miguel quarterback Ernest Williams (6-for-13, 37 yards) was sacked on the next series, with Meredith recovering his fumble. On the next play, Lewis took advantage of good protection to fire a slant over the middle for Cameron Lee. The junior wideout caught the pass in stride and took it right up the middle of the field for Lewis’ third touchdown target in six throws.
Second team Helix running back Michael Atkins was the beneficiary of an exhausted Matadors defense in the fourth quarter, rushing eight times for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Mount Miguel finally scored with 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, but only after the backup Helix long snapper rolled a ground ball out to his punter on fourth and long, setting up the Matadors on the four yard line. Dunn took it in for a 37-7 score.
On the next play, Helix crouched in victory formation but somehow four Matadors players managed to perfectly time the snap and jump over the top of the line, forcing a fumble. Mount Miguel recovered, a rare and incredible play that seemed wasted on a 30-point game. It indeed was wasted, as the Matadors worked behind backup QB Dee’Jay Nolen (6-for-13, 72 yards, INT) for a few extra yards but no more points.
