FB: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[wildcat11]

2009 CLU Preview as posted on their athletic website:

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Now going on three years under Head Coach Ben McEnroe the Kingsmen football squad has accumulated a 12-6 mark and a share of the conference title in 2007. Now a hungry Cal Lutheran squad hopes to achieve the only thing that has eluded them-an NCAA postseason berth.

Offensive Line
After a horde of injuries to the offensive line last season and the team's rushing game failing to reach the 1,000-yard mark over the past two seasons, special measures have been taken to help the quality and quantity at this position.

"Depth issues have been addressed with the addition of transfers Chris Doukakis (El Segundo, Calif./El Segundo HS) and Marc Valdez (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon Country HS). Both have earned starting jobs in camp and provide collegiate experience and toughness," commented McEnroe, a former all-SCIAC offensive lineman for the Kingsmen.

Three of the five starters in 2009 are returning from last year's squad including the left side of the offensive line. This trio is highlighted by starting left tackle Matt Rosen (Phoenix, Ariz./Brophy Prep) who was named all-SCIAC first team in 2007 and second team in 2008.

The six-foot-two, 340 pound Jeffrey Wurts (Los Angeles, Calif./Westlake HS) will start at left guard after appearing in two games last season. At right guard will be Giovanni Lapp (Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad HS) who played in six games as a freshman gaining valuable experience heading into his sophomore campaign.

Freshman Jordan Austin (Bakersfield, Calif./Highland HS) is leading the freshman group and may see action in his first season of collegiate football.

Running Back
The ground game will feature a trio of running backs headlined by senior transfer Brian Stuart (Van Nuys, Calif./College of the Canyons). Senior Antoine Adams (Palmdale, Calif./Quartz Hill HS), the team's leading rusher in 2008 and sophomore Bobby Rodrigues (Glendale, Ariz./Brophy Prep) round out this group of talented members in the backfield.

"All will see significant action and can be used together in certain packages," said third-year Head Coach Ben McEnroe.

Quarterback
Senior quarterback Jericho Toilolo (San Diego, Calif./Helix HS) will enter his third-year as the full-time starter. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes in each of the past two seasons to just 10 total interceptions. The nimble QB poses a threat on the ground as well having rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Wide Receiver
A familiar face behind center will look out and see some new targets to throw at in 2009. With the graduation of wide outs Danny Hernandez and Jesse Matlock also goes the receiving end of 15 of Toilolo's 22 touchdown tosses.

Moving up the depth charts will be senior Chris Hammond (Camarillo, Calif./Irvine HS) and junior Christian Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS). This duo combined for 40 catches, four touchdowns and nearly 600 yards of receiving yardage. Adams out of the CLU backfield has the next highest total catches of returners with six.

The main candidates in a battle for the third starting wide out spot will include junior Jake Speckhard (Prescott, Ariz./Estrella Foothills HS), along with newcomers Matt O'Brien (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande HS) and Eric Rogers (Duarte, Calif./Charter Oak HS).

"(All) have had strong training camp performances and will see significant playing time," said a confident Coach McEnroe.  "O'Brien is a former quarterback and excellent route-runner; Rogers is a tall target and impressive leaper that can cover a lot of ground quickly; Speckhard has been here two years and knows our system."

Tight End
Sophomore Jake Lins (Moorpark, Calif./Moorpark HS) will likely get the starting nod to begin the season. Last year the top two on the depth chart will not return securing nine catches for 89 yards and a score combined. The position was mostly used in a blocking role to help protect the offensive line and quarterback Toilolo, who was sacked 36 times in '08.

CLU has just three at the position on its roster of 100-plus players including sophomore returner Britt Briscoe (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon) and freshman Hunter Horn (Lancaster, Calif./Quartz Hill HS).

Defensive Line
Senior Sawyer Merrill (Scottsdale, Ariz./Desert Mountain HS) was a first team all-SCIAC selection recording 34 tackles and six sacks in 2008 and will be a mainstay this year.

Alexander Moe (Oslo, Norway/Heltberg) will begin his junior season as the starter in the middle of the Cal Lutheran three-man front. Last season he appeared in five games making four tackles.

To his outside along with Merrill he will see junior Jordan Barta (Beaverton, Ore./Southridge HS) to his side. The junior played in eight games last season recording 22 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries including a 12-yard touchdown scoop.

The CLU coaching staff has many options to go to at defensive line with a talented group of newcomers battling for playing time and trying to fill the shoes of 2008 SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year and all-American Jose Calderon who graduated in May.

"Two freshman defensive linemen have been very impressive. Rian Younker (Pasadena, Calif./St. Francis HS) can play every position along the defensive front and is expected to help absorb the loss of (Calderon). Nose guard J.J. Gallagher (Reno, Nev./Bishop Manogue HS) is a pleasant surprise, having played mostly offensive line in high school and will likely see time on the line," said Coach McEnroe.



Linebacker

All-SCIAC second team pick Roland Jenkins (Oakland, Calif./St. Mary's College HS) returns his team-leading 61 tackles from last season to go along with 4.5 sacks.

The CLU coaching staff are looking forward to what transfer Matt Allen (Agoura Hills, Calif./Trinity (CT) College) will start alongside Jenkins. "(He) has stepped in to the starting inside linebacker spot and made an immediate impact. Matt provides great speed and intensity at a position that was a question mark," commented McEnroe.

Allen will try to fill the void of Clayton Cardenas who wrapped up 61 tackles including seven for a loss and also provided solid pass coverage grabbing an interception and four pass breakups last season.

Sophomores Michael Azhocar (Chula Vista, Calif./Otay Ranch HS) and J.T. Duncan (San Diego, Calif./Westview HS) will back up this linebacking duo to start the year.

Defensive Backs
Preseason all-American Victor Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS) returns for his senior campaign after having an impressive junior season and earning one four all-SCIAC first team awards by a CLU defensive player. Lurking in the passing zones he recorded five interceptions, including three in one game, along with six pass breakups and 11 passes defended to lead the team.

Other than Edwards, opposing quarterbacks will attempt to pass through a host of incoming Kingsmen new to the program.

"Freshman J.D. Austin (Corona, Calif./Centennial HS) has earned a starting cornerback job with an impressive camp.  With one of our returning corners suffering a minor injury prior to the start of practice, freshman Patrick Knox (Thousand Oaks, Calif/Thousand Oaks HS) has impressed and earned a starting job at the other corner spot," stated McEnroe.

Derek Wilson (Ventura, Calif.) will also start the season amongst the defensive backfield.

Safeties
Free safety Garrett Redd (Scottsdale, Ariz./Pinnacle HS) and strong safety Eric Lopes (Lake Havasu, Ariz./Lake Havasu HS) are a pair of CLU upperclassmen who combined to start eight of nine games together as the last line of defense.

Freshmen Broc Galbreth (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva HS) and B.J. Scott Jr. (Surprise, Ariz./Willow Canyon HS) will back up the safety positions.

Special Teams
In his first season with the Kingsmen football team kicker Jackson Damron (Carpinteria, Calif./Carpinteria HS) booted 17-of-23 field goals and earned all-American recognition in 2008 and preseason notoriety in 2009. He booted a long of 49 yards, made his first 10 attempts and was 14-for-17 from inside 40 yards.

On kickoffs he booted seven for touchbacks and averaged over 61 yards per kick.

Junior Josh Oosterhof (LaConner, Wash./LaConner HS) will again serve as the CLU punter after putting 11 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line and averaging 38.5 yards per attempt.

Freshman Michael Marusa (Simi Valley, Calif./Chaminade HS) will start the year as the team's long snapper.

Schedule
Cal Lutheran will face the same nine opponents during the regular season as it has for the past three years. The Kingsmen will face its two out-of-state rivals to begin the 2009 campaign on the road against Willamette (OR) University on September 12 and at home hosting Pacific Lutheran (WA) University September 19.

After a perfect regular season, an 11-1 mark overall and a No. 8 D3Football.com preseason ranking in 2009, the Bearcats dropped their season opener 24-17 at Concordia-Moorhead (MN) and fell out of the top-25.

CLU will have four home games without any coming on consecutive weeks. Following its bye week against the Lutes the Kingsmen open conference play with Whittier College on October 3 at Mount Clef Stadium.

After a pair of SCIAC contest CLU will travel to Chapman University on October 24 in the team's final non-conference match-up. It will be the first of three straight road games including last year's SCIAC champions and currently ranked No. 22 Occidental College on Halloween night at 7 p.m. and the University of La Verne on November 7.

The team's home and season finale will be against the University of Redlands on November 14.

Thanks

[MonroviaCat]

2009 CLU Preview as posted on their athletic website:

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Now going on three years under Head Coach Ben McEnroe the Kingsmen football squad has accumulated a 12-6 mark and a share of the conference title in 2007. Now a hungry Cal Lutheran squad hopes to achieve the only thing that has eluded them-an NCAA postseason berth.

Offensive Line
After a horde of injuries to the offensive line last season and the team's rushing game failing to reach the 1,000-yard mark over the past two seasons, special measures have been taken to help the quality and quantity at this position.

"Depth issues have been addressed with the addition of transfers Chris Doukakis (El Segundo, Calif./El Segundo HS) and Marc Valdez (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon Country HS). Both have earned starting jobs in camp and provide collegiate experience and toughness," commented McEnroe, a former all-SCIAC offensive lineman for the Kingsmen.

Three of the five starters in 2009 are returning from last year's squad including the left side of the offensive line. This trio is highlighted by starting left tackle Matt Rosen (Phoenix, Ariz./Brophy Prep) who was named all-SCIAC first team in 2007 and second team in 2008.

The six-foot-two, 340 pound Jeffrey Wurts (Los Angeles, Calif./Westlake HS) will start at left guard after appearing in two games last season. At right guard will be Giovanni Lapp (Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad HS) who played in six games as a freshman gaining valuable experience heading into his sophomore campaign.

Freshman Jordan Austin (Bakersfield, Calif./Highland HS) is leading the freshman group and may see action in his first season of collegiate football.

Running Back
The ground game will feature a trio of running backs headlined by senior transfer Brian Stuart (Van Nuys, Calif./College of the Canyons). Senior Antoine Adams (Palmdale, Calif./Quartz Hill HS), the team's leading rusher in 2008 and sophomore Bobby Rodrigues (Glendale, Ariz./Brophy Prep) round out this group of talented members in the backfield.

"All will see significant action and can be used together in certain packages," said third-year Head Coach Ben McEnroe.

Quarterback
Senior quarterback Jericho Toilolo (San Diego, Calif./Helix HS) will enter his third-year as the full-time starter. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes in each of the past two seasons to just 10 total interceptions. The nimble QB poses a threat on the ground as well having rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Wide Receiver
A familiar face behind center will look out and see some new targets to throw at in 2009. With the graduation of wide outs Danny Hernandez and Jesse Matlock also goes the receiving end of 15 of Toilolo's 22 touchdown tosses.

Moving up the depth charts will be senior Chris Hammond (Camarillo, Calif./Irvine HS) and junior Christian Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS). This duo combined for 40 catches, four touchdowns and nearly 600 yards of receiving yardage. Adams out of the CLU backfield has the next highest total catches of returners with six.

The main candidates in a battle for the third starting wide out spot will include junior Jake Speckhard (Prescott, Ariz./Estrella Foothills HS), along with newcomers Matt O'Brien (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande HS) and Eric Rogers (Duarte, Calif./Charter Oak HS).

"(All) have had strong training camp performances and will see significant playing time," said a confident Coach McEnroe.  "O'Brien is a former quarterback and excellent route-runner; Rogers is a tall target and impressive leaper that can cover a lot of ground quickly; Speckhard has been here two years and knows our system."

Tight End
Sophomore Jake Lins (Moorpark, Calif./Moorpark HS) will likely get the starting nod to begin the season. Last year the top two on the depth chart will not return securing nine catches for 89 yards and a score combined. The position was mostly used in a blocking role to help protect the offensive line and quarterback Toilolo, who was sacked 36 times in '08.

CLU has just three at the position on its roster of 100-plus players including sophomore returner Britt Briscoe (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon) and freshman Hunter Horn (Lancaster, Calif./Quartz Hill HS).

Defensive Line
Senior Sawyer Merrill (Scottsdale, Ariz./Desert Mountain HS) was a first team all-SCIAC selection recording 34 tackles and six sacks in 2008 and will be a mainstay this year.

Alexander Moe (Oslo, Norway/Heltberg) will begin his junior season as the starter in the middle of the Cal Lutheran three-man front. Last season he appeared in five games making four tackles.

To his outside along with Merrill he will see junior Jordan Barta (Beaverton, Ore./Southridge HS) to his side. The junior played in eight games last season recording 22 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries including a 12-yard touchdown scoop.

The CLU coaching staff has many options to go to at defensive line with a talented group of newcomers battling for playing time and trying to fill the shoes of 2008 SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year and all-American Jose Calderon who graduated in May.

"Two freshman defensive linemen have been very impressive. Rian Younker (Pasadena, Calif./St. Francis HS) can play every position along the defensive front and is expected to help absorb the loss of (Calderon). Nose guard J.J. Gallagher (Reno, Nev./Bishop Manogue HS) is a pleasant surprise, having played mostly offensive line in high school and will likely see time on the line," said Coach McEnroe.



Linebacker

All-SCIAC second team pick Roland Jenkins (Oakland, Calif./St. Mary's College HS) returns his team-leading 61 tackles from last season to go along with 4.5 sacks.

The CLU coaching staff are looking forward to what transfer Matt Allen (Agoura Hills, Calif./Trinity (CT) College) will start alongside Jenkins. "(He) has stepped in to the starting inside linebacker spot and made an immediate impact. Matt provides great speed and intensity at a position that was a question mark," commented McEnroe.

Allen will try to fill the void of Clayton Cardenas who wrapped up 61 tackles including seven for a loss and also provided solid pass coverage grabbing an interception and four pass breakups last season.

Sophomores Michael Azhocar (Chula Vista, Calif./Otay Ranch HS) and J.T. Duncan (San Diego, Calif./Westview HS) will back up this linebacking duo to start the year.

Defensive Backs
Preseason all-American Victor Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS) returns for his senior campaign after having an impressive junior season and earning one four all-SCIAC first team awards by a CLU defensive player. Lurking in the passing zones he recorded five interceptions, including three in one game, along with six pass breakups and 11 passes defended to lead the team.

Other than Edwards, opposing quarterbacks will attempt to pass through a host of incoming Kingsmen new to the program.

"Freshman J.D. Austin (Corona, Calif./Centennial HS) has earned a starting cornerback job with an impressive camp.  With one of our returning corners suffering a minor injury prior to the start of practice, freshman Patrick Knox (Thousand Oaks, Calif/Thousand Oaks HS) has impressed and earned a starting job at the other corner spot," stated McEnroe.

Derek Wilson (Ventura, Calif.) will also start the season amongst the defensive backfield.

Safeties
Free safety Garrett Redd (Scottsdale, Ariz./Pinnacle HS) and strong safety Eric Lopes (Lake Havasu, Ariz./Lake Havasu HS) are a pair of CLU upperclassmen who combined to start eight of nine games together as the last line of defense.

Freshmen Broc Galbreth (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva HS) and B.J. Scott Jr. (Surprise, Ariz./Willow Canyon HS) will back up the safety positions.

Special Teams
In his first season with the Kingsmen football team kicker Jackson Damron (Carpinteria, Calif./Carpinteria HS) booted 17-of-23 field goals and earned all-American recognition in 2008 and preseason notoriety in 2009. He booted a long of 49 yards, made his first 10 attempts and was 14-for-17 from inside 40 yards.

On kickoffs he booted seven for touchbacks and averaged over 61 yards per kick.

Junior Josh Oosterhof (LaConner, Wash./LaConner HS) will again serve as the CLU punter after putting 11 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line and averaging 38.5 yards per attempt.

Freshman Michael Marusa (Simi Valley, Calif./Chaminade HS) will start the year as the team's long snapper.

Schedule
Cal Lutheran will face the same nine opponents during the regular season as it has for the past three years. The Kingsmen will face its two out-of-state rivals to begin the 2009 campaign on the road against Willamette (OR) University on September 12 and at home hosting Pacific Lutheran (WA) University September 19.

After a perfect regular season, an 11-1 mark overall and a No. 8 D3Football.com preseason ranking in 2009, the Bearcats dropped their season opener 24-17 at Concordia-Moorhead (MN) and fell out of the top-25.

CLU will have four home games without any coming on consecutive weeks. Following its bye week against the Lutes the Kingsmen open conference play with Whittier College on October 3 at Mount Clef Stadium.

After a pair of SCIAC contest CLU will travel to Chapman University on October 24 in the team's final non-conference match-up. It will be the first of three straight road games including last year's SCIAC champions and currently ranked No. 22 Occidental College on Halloween night at 7 p.m. and the University of La Verne on November 7.

The team's home and season finale will be against the University of Redlands on November 14.

Thanks

informative

[labart96]

The FY longsnapper is the kid of one of my co-workers.  I imagine the CLU family will welcome them with open arms.  Way to go Michael!

[RFB]

http://www.goredlands.com/sports/fball/2009-10/news/09_06_09_FB_Season_Preview

Redlands preview is up. No roster yet though.

[coco]

2009 CLU Preview as posted on their athletic website:

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Now going on three years under Head Coach Ben McEnroe the Kingsmen football squad has accumulated a 12-6 mark and a share of the conference title in 2007. Now a hungry Cal Lutheran squad hopes to achieve the only thing that has eluded them-an NCAA postseason berth.

Offensive Line
After a horde of injuries to the offensive line last season and the team's rushing game failing to reach the 1,000-yard mark over the past two seasons, special measures have been taken to help the quality and quantity at this position.

"Depth issues have been addressed with the addition of transfers Chris Doukakis (El Segundo, Calif./El Segundo HS) and Marc Valdez (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon Country HS). Both have earned starting jobs in camp and provide collegiate experience and toughness," commented McEnroe, a former all-SCIAC offensive lineman for the Kingsmen.

Three of the five starters in 2009 are returning from last year's squad including the left side of the offensive line. This trio is highlighted by starting left tackle Matt Rosen (Phoenix, Ariz./Brophy Prep) who was named all-SCIAC first team in 2007 and second team in 2008.

The six-foot-two, 340 pound Jeffrey Wurts (Los Angeles, Calif./Westlake HS) will start at left guard after appearing in two games last season. At right guard will be Giovanni Lapp (Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad HS) who played in six games as a freshman gaining valuable experience heading into his sophomore campaign.

Freshman Jordan Austin (Bakersfield, Calif./Highland HS) is leading the freshman group and may see action in his first season of collegiate football.

Running Back
The ground game will feature a trio of running backs headlined by senior transfer Brian Stuart (Van Nuys, Calif./College of the Canyons). Senior Antoine Adams (Palmdale, Calif./Quartz Hill HS), the team's leading rusher in 2008 and sophomore Bobby Rodrigues (Glendale, Ariz./Brophy Prep) round out this group of talented members in the backfield.

"All will see significant action and can be used together in certain packages," said third-year Head Coach Ben McEnroe.

Quarterback
Senior quarterback Jericho Toilolo (San Diego, Calif./Helix HS) will enter his third-year as the full-time starter. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes in each of the past two seasons to just 10 total interceptions. The nimble QB poses a threat on the ground as well having rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Wide Receiver
A familiar face behind center will look out and see some new targets to throw at in 2009. With the graduation of wide outs Danny Hernandez and Jesse Matlock also goes the receiving end of 15 of Toilolo's 22 touchdown tosses.

Moving up the depth charts will be senior Chris Hammond (Camarillo, Calif./Irvine HS) and junior Christian Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS). This duo combined for 40 catches, four touchdowns and nearly 600 yards of receiving yardage. Adams out of the CLU backfield has the next highest total catches of returners with six.

The main candidates in a battle for the third starting wide out spot will include junior Jake Speckhard (Prescott, Ariz./Estrella Foothills HS), along with newcomers Matt O'Brien (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande HS) and Eric Rogers (Duarte, Calif./Charter Oak HS).

"(All) have had strong training camp performances and will see significant playing time," said a confident Coach McEnroe.  "O'Brien is a former quarterback and excellent route-runner; Rogers is a tall target and impressive leaper that can cover a lot of ground quickly; Speckhard has been here two years and knows our system."

Tight End
Sophomore Jake Lins (Moorpark, Calif./Moorpark HS) will likely get the starting nod to begin the season. Last year the top two on the depth chart will not return securing nine catches for 89 yards and a score combined. The position was mostly used in a blocking role to help protect the offensive line and quarterback Toilolo, who was sacked 36 times in '08.

CLU has just three at the position on its roster of 100-plus players including sophomore returner Britt Briscoe (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon) and freshman Hunter Horn (Lancaster, Calif./Quartz Hill HS).

Defensive Line
Senior Sawyer Merrill (Scottsdale, Ariz./Desert Mountain HS) was a first team all-SCIAC selection recording 34 tackles and six sacks in 2008 and will be a mainstay this year.

Alexander Moe (Oslo, Norway/Heltberg) will begin his junior season as the starter in the middle of the Cal Lutheran three-man front. Last season he appeared in five games making four tackles.

To his outside along with Merrill he will see junior Jordan Barta (Beaverton, Ore./Southridge HS) to his side. The junior played in eight games last season recording 22 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries including a 12-yard touchdown scoop.

The CLU coaching staff has many options to go to at defensive line with a talented group of newcomers battling for playing time and trying to fill the shoes of 2008 SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year and all-American Jose Calderon who graduated in May.

"Two freshman defensive linemen have been very impressive. Rian Younker (Pasadena, Calif./St. Francis HS) can play every position along the defensive front and is expected to help absorb the loss of (Calderon). Nose guard J.J. Gallagher (Reno, Nev./Bishop Manogue HS) is a pleasant surprise, having played mostly offensive line in high school and will likely see time on the line," said Coach McEnroe.



Linebacker

All-SCIAC second team pick Roland Jenkins (Oakland, Calif./St. Mary's College HS) returns his team-leading 61 tackles from last season to go along with 4.5 sacks.

The CLU coaching staff are looking forward to what transfer Matt Allen (Agoura Hills, Calif./Trinity (CT) College) will start alongside Jenkins. "(He) has stepped in to the starting inside linebacker spot and made an immediate impact. Matt provides great speed and intensity at a position that was a question mark," commented McEnroe.

Allen will try to fill the void of Clayton Cardenas who wrapped up 61 tackles including seven for a loss and also provided solid pass coverage grabbing an interception and four pass breakups last season.

Sophomores Michael Azhocar (Chula Vista, Calif./Otay Ranch HS) and J.T. Duncan (San Diego, Calif./Westview HS) will back up this linebacking duo to start the year.

Defensive Backs
Preseason all-American Victor Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS) returns for his senior campaign after having an impressive junior season and earning one four all-SCIAC first team awards by a CLU defensive player. Lurking in the passing zones he recorded five interceptions, including three in one game, along with six pass breakups and 11 passes defended to lead the team.

Other than Edwards, opposing quarterbacks will attempt to pass through a host of incoming Kingsmen new to the program.

"Freshman J.D. Austin (Corona, Calif./Centennial HS) has earned a starting cornerback job with an impressive camp.  With one of our returning corners suffering a minor injury prior to the start of practice, freshman Patrick Knox (Thousand Oaks, Calif/Thousand Oaks HS) has impressed and earned a starting job at the other corner spot," stated McEnroe.

Derek Wilson (Ventura, Calif.) will also start the season amongst the defensive backfield.

Safeties
Free safety Garrett Redd (Scottsdale, Ariz./Pinnacle HS) and strong safety Eric Lopes (Lake Havasu, Ariz./Lake Havasu HS) are a pair of CLU upperclassmen who combined to start eight of nine games together as the last line of defense.

Freshmen Broc Galbreth (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva HS) and B.J. Scott Jr. (Surprise, Ariz./Willow Canyon HS) will back up the safety positions.

Special Teams
In his first season with the Kingsmen football team kicker Jackson Damron (Carpinteria, Calif./Carpinteria HS) booted 17-of-23 field goals and earned all-American recognition in 2008 and preseason notoriety in 2009. He booted a long of 49 yards, made his first 10 attempts and was 14-for-17 from inside 40 yards.

On kickoffs he booted seven for touchbacks and averaged over 61 yards per kick.

Junior Josh Oosterhof (LaConner, Wash./LaConner HS) will again serve as the CLU punter after putting 11 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line and averaging 38.5 yards per attempt.

Freshman Michael Marusa (Simi Valley, Calif./Chaminade HS) will start the year as the team's long snapper.

Schedule
Cal Lutheran will face the same nine opponents during the regular season as it has for the past three years. The Kingsmen will face its two out-of-state rivals to begin the 2009 campaign on the road against Willamette (OR) University on September 12 and at home hosting Pacific Lutheran (WA) University September 19.

After a perfect regular season, an 11-1 mark overall and a No. 8 D3Football.com preseason ranking in 2009, the Bearcats dropped their season opener 24-17 at Concordia-Moorhead (MN) and fell out of the top-25.

CLU will have four home games without any coming on consecutive weeks. Following its bye week against the Lutes the Kingsmen open conference play with Whittier College on October 3 at Mount Clef Stadium.

After a pair of SCIAC contest CLU will travel to Chapman University on October 24 in the team's final non-conference match-up. It will be the first of three straight road games including last year's SCIAC champions and currently ranked No. 22 Occidental College on Halloween night at 7 p.m. and the University of La Verne on November 7.

The team's home and season finale will be against the University of Redlands on November 14.

Long.

[D O.C.]

No kidding Long.

That's the strategy OB initiated to pass the NWC in pages on the way to catch the MIAC. This is the season he teaches the kids to add large pictures of their stadium and pets to their posts.

[coco]

Aren't all the pages 15 posts long, regardless of the length of the individual posts?

[Gray Fox]

No kidding Long.

That's the strategy OB initiated to pass the NWC in pages on the way to catch the MIAC. This is the season he teaches the kids to add large pictures of their stadium and pets to their posts.

No kidding.  I hope the long snapper mentioned above does as well.

[OxyBob]

No kidding Long.

Of course, it wouldn't be so long if the Linfield posters didn't repost it by appending it to their brilliant commentary:

"Thanks."
"Informative."
"Long."

Please make that     The Killer Krill     so many have choked on it in the past.

Great, eaten by plankton.

OxyBob

[Gig Harbor Cat]

2009 CLU Preview as posted on their athletic website:

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Now going on three years under Head Coach Ben McEnroe the Kingsmen football squad has accumulated a 12-6 mark and a share of the conference title in 2007. Now a hungry Cal Lutheran squad hopes to achieve the only thing that has eluded them-an NCAA postseason berth.

Offensive Line
After a horde of injuries to the offensive line last season and the team's rushing game failing to reach the 1,000-yard mark over the past two seasons, special measures have been taken to help the quality and quantity at this position.

"Depth issues have been addressed with the addition of transfers Chris Doukakis (El Segundo, Calif./El Segundo HS) and Marc Valdez (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon Country HS). Both have earned starting jobs in camp and provide collegiate experience and toughness," commented McEnroe, a former all-SCIAC offensive lineman for the Kingsmen.

Three of the five starters in 2009 are returning from last year's squad including the left side of the offensive line. This trio is highlighted by starting left tackle Matt Rosen (Phoenix, Ariz./Brophy Prep) who was named all-SCIAC first team in 2007 and second team in 2008.

The six-foot-two, 340 pound Jeffrey Wurts (Los Angeles, Calif./Westlake HS) will start at left guard after appearing in two games last season. At right guard will be Giovanni Lapp (Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad HS) who played in six games as a freshman gaining valuable experience heading into his sophomore campaign.

Freshman Jordan Austin (Bakersfield, Calif./Highland HS) is leading the freshman group and may see action in his first season of collegiate football.

Running Back
The ground game will feature a trio of running backs headlined by senior transfer Brian Stuart (Van Nuys, Calif./College of the Canyons). Senior Antoine Adams (Palmdale, Calif./Quartz Hill HS), the team's leading rusher in 2008 and sophomore Bobby Rodrigues (Glendale, Ariz./Brophy Prep) round out this group of talented members in the backfield.

"All will see significant action and can be used together in certain packages," said third-year Head Coach Ben McEnroe.

Quarterback
Senior quarterback Jericho Toilolo (San Diego, Calif./Helix HS) will enter his third-year as the full-time starter. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes in each of the past two seasons to just 10 total interceptions. The nimble QB poses a threat on the ground as well having rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Wide Receiver
A familiar face behind center will look out and see some new targets to throw at in 2009. With the graduation of wide outs Danny Hernandez and Jesse Matlock also goes the receiving end of 15 of Toilolo's 22 touchdown tosses.

Moving up the depth charts will be senior Chris Hammond (Camarillo, Calif./Irvine HS) and junior Christian Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS). This duo combined for 40 catches, four touchdowns and nearly 600 yards of receiving yardage. Adams out of the CLU backfield has the next highest total catches of returners with six.

The main candidates in a battle for the third starting wide out spot will include junior Jake Speckhard (Prescott, Ariz./Estrella Foothills HS), along with newcomers Matt O'Brien (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande HS) and Eric Rogers (Duarte, Calif./Charter Oak HS).

"(All) have had strong training camp performances and will see significant playing time," said a confident Coach McEnroe.  "O'Brien is a former quarterback and excellent route-runner; Rogers is a tall target and impressive leaper that can cover a lot of ground quickly; Speckhard has been here two years and knows our system."

Tight End
Sophomore Jake Lins (Moorpark, Calif./Moorpark HS) will likely get the starting nod to begin the season. Last year the top two on the depth chart will not return securing nine catches for 89 yards and a score combined. The position was mostly used in a blocking role to help protect the offensive line and quarterback Toilolo, who was sacked 36 times in '08.

CLU has just three at the position on its roster of 100-plus players including sophomore returner Britt Briscoe (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon) and freshman Hunter Horn (Lancaster, Calif./Quartz Hill HS).

Defensive Line
Senior Sawyer Merrill (Scottsdale, Ariz./Desert Mountain HS) was a first team all-SCIAC selection recording 34 tackles and six sacks in 2008 and will be a mainstay this year.

Alexander Moe (Oslo, Norway/Heltberg) will begin his junior season as the starter in the middle of the Cal Lutheran three-man front. Last season he appeared in five games making four tackles.

To his outside along with Merrill he will see junior Jordan Barta (Beaverton, Ore./Southridge HS) to his side. The junior played in eight games last season recording 22 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries including a 12-yard touchdown scoop.

The CLU coaching staff has many options to go to at defensive line with a talented group of newcomers battling for playing time and trying to fill the shoes of 2008 SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year and all-American Jose Calderon who graduated in May.

"Two freshman defensive linemen have been very impressive. Rian Younker (Pasadena, Calif./St. Francis HS) can play every position along the defensive front and is expected to help absorb the loss of (Calderon). Nose guard J.J. Gallagher (Reno, Nev./Bishop Manogue HS) is a pleasant surprise, having played mostly offensive line in high school and will likely see time on the line," said Coach McEnroe.



Linebacker

All-SCIAC second team pick Roland Jenkins (Oakland, Calif./St. Mary's College HS) returns his team-leading 61 tackles from last season to go along with 4.5 sacks.

The CLU coaching staff are looking forward to what transfer Matt Allen (Agoura Hills, Calif./Trinity (CT) College) will start alongside Jenkins. "(He) has stepped in to the starting inside linebacker spot and made an immediate impact. Matt provides great speed and intensity at a position that was a question mark," commented McEnroe.

Allen will try to fill the void of Clayton Cardenas who wrapped up 61 tackles including seven for a loss and also provided solid pass coverage grabbing an interception and four pass breakups last season.

Sophomores Michael Azhocar (Chula Vista, Calif./Otay Ranch HS) and J.T. Duncan (San Diego, Calif./Westview HS) will back up this linebacking duo to start the year.

Defensive Backs
Preseason all-American Victor Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS) returns for his senior campaign after having an impressive junior season and earning one four all-SCIAC first team awards by a CLU defensive player. Lurking in the passing zones he recorded five interceptions, including three in one game, along with six pass breakups and 11 passes defended to lead the team.

Other than Edwards, opposing quarterbacks will attempt to pass through a host of incoming Kingsmen new to the program.

"Freshman J.D. Austin (Corona, Calif./Centennial HS) has earned a starting cornerback job with an impressive camp.  With one of our returning corners suffering a minor injury prior to the start of practice, freshman Patrick Knox (Thousand Oaks, Calif/Thousand Oaks HS) has impressed and earned a starting job at the other corner spot," stated McEnroe.

Derek Wilson (Ventura, Calif.) will also start the season amongst the defensive backfield.

Safeties
Free safety Garrett Redd (Scottsdale, Ariz./Pinnacle HS) and strong safety Eric Lopes (Lake Havasu, Ariz./Lake Havasu HS) are a pair of CLU upperclassmen who combined to start eight of nine games together as the last line of defense.

Freshmen Broc Galbreth (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva HS) and B.J. Scott Jr. (Surprise, Ariz./Willow Canyon HS) will back up the safety positions.

Special Teams
In his first season with the Kingsmen football team kicker Jackson Damron (Carpinteria, Calif./Carpinteria HS) booted 17-of-23 field goals and earned all-American recognition in 2008 and preseason notoriety in 2009. He booted a long of 49 yards, made his first 10 attempts and was 14-for-17 from inside 40 yards.

On kickoffs he booted seven for touchbacks and averaged over 61 yards per kick.

Junior Josh Oosterhof (LaConner, Wash./LaConner HS) will again serve as the CLU punter after putting 11 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line and averaging 38.5 yards per attempt.

Freshman Michael Marusa (Simi Valley, Calif./Chaminade HS) will start the year as the team's long snapper.

Schedule
Cal Lutheran will face the same nine opponents during the regular season as it has for the past three years. The Kingsmen will face its two out-of-state rivals to begin the 2009 campaign on the road against Willamette (OR) University on September 12 and at home hosting Pacific Lutheran (WA) University September 19.

After a perfect regular season, an 11-1 mark overall and a No. 8 D3Football.com preseason ranking in 2009, the Bearcats dropped their season opener 24-17 at Concordia-Moorhead (MN) and fell out of the top-25.

CLU will have four home games without any coming on consecutive weeks. Following its bye week against the Lutes the Kingsmen open conference play with Whittier College on October 3 at Mount Clef Stadium.

After a pair of SCIAC contest CLU will travel to Chapman University on October 24 in the team's final non-conference match-up. It will be the first of three straight road games including last year's SCIAC champions and currently ranked No. 22 Occidental College on Halloween night at 7 p.m. and the University of La Verne on November 7.

The team's home and season finale will be against the University of Redlands on November 14.

Good to Know.

[bluenote]

2009 CLU Preview as posted on their athletic website:

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Now going on three years under Head Coach Ben McEnroe the Kingsmen football squad has accumulated a 12-6 mark and a share of the conference title in 2007. Now a hungry Cal Lutheran squad hopes to achieve the only thing that has eluded them-an NCAA postseason berth.

Offensive Line
After a horde of injuries to the offensive line last season and the team's rushing game failing to reach the 1,000-yard mark over the past two seasons, special measures have been taken to help the quality and quantity at this position.

"Depth issues have been addressed with the addition of transfers Chris Doukakis (El Segundo, Calif./El Segundo HS) and Marc Valdez (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon Country HS). Both have earned starting jobs in camp and provide collegiate experience and toughness," commented McEnroe, a former all-SCIAC offensive lineman for the Kingsmen.

Three of the five starters in 2009 are returning from last year's squad including the left side of the offensive line. This trio is highlighted by starting left tackle Matt Rosen (Phoenix, Ariz./Brophy Prep) who was named all-SCIAC first team in 2007 and second team in 2008.

The six-foot-two, 340 pound Jeffrey Wurts (Los Angeles, Calif./Westlake HS) will start at left guard after appearing in two games last season. At right guard will be Giovanni Lapp (Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad HS) who played in six games as a freshman gaining valuable experience heading into his sophomore campaign.

Freshman Jordan Austin (Bakersfield, Calif./Highland HS) is leading the freshman group and may see action in his first season of collegiate football.

Running Back
The ground game will feature a trio of running backs headlined by senior transfer Brian Stuart (Van Nuys, Calif./College of the Canyons). Senior Antoine Adams (Palmdale, Calif./Quartz Hill HS), the team's leading rusher in 2008 and sophomore Bobby Rodrigues (Glendale, Ariz./Brophy Prep) round out this group of talented members in the backfield.

"All will see significant action and can be used together in certain packages," said third-year Head Coach Ben McEnroe.

Quarterback
Senior quarterback Jericho Toilolo (San Diego, Calif./Helix HS) will enter his third-year as the full-time starter. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes in each of the past two seasons to just 10 total interceptions. The nimble QB poses a threat on the ground as well having rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Wide Receiver
A familiar face behind center will look out and see some new targets to throw at in 2009. With the graduation of wide outs Danny Hernandez and Jesse Matlock also goes the receiving end of 15 of Toilolo's 22 touchdown tosses.

Moving up the depth charts will be senior Chris Hammond (Camarillo, Calif./Irvine HS) and junior Christian Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS). This duo combined for 40 catches, four touchdowns and nearly 600 yards of receiving yardage. Adams out of the CLU backfield has the next highest total catches of returners with six.

The main candidates in a battle for the third starting wide out spot will include junior Jake Speckhard (Prescott, Ariz./Estrella Foothills HS), along with newcomers Matt O'Brien (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande HS) and Eric Rogers (Duarte, Calif./Charter Oak HS).

"(All) have had strong training camp performances and will see significant playing time," said a confident Coach McEnroe.  "O'Brien is a former quarterback and excellent route-runner; Rogers is a tall target and impressive leaper that can cover a lot of ground quickly; Speckhard has been here two years and knows our system."

Tight End
Sophomore Jake Lins (Moorpark, Calif./Moorpark HS) will likely get the starting nod to begin the season. Last year the top two on the depth chart will not return securing nine catches for 89 yards and a score combined. The position was mostly used in a blocking role to help protect the offensive line and quarterback Toilolo, who was sacked 36 times in '08.

CLU has just three at the position on its roster of 100-plus players including sophomore returner Britt Briscoe (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon) and freshman Hunter Horn (Lancaster, Calif./Quartz Hill HS).

Defensive Line
Senior Sawyer Merrill (Scottsdale, Ariz./Desert Mountain HS) was a first team all-SCIAC selection recording 34 tackles and six sacks in 2008 and will be a mainstay this year.

Alexander Moe (Oslo, Norway/Heltberg) will begin his junior season as the starter in the middle of the Cal Lutheran three-man front. Last season he appeared in five games making four tackles.

To his outside along with Merrill he will see junior Jordan Barta (Beaverton, Ore./Southridge HS) to his side. The junior played in eight games last season recording 22 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries including a 12-yard touchdown scoop.

The CLU coaching staff has many options to go to at defensive line with a talented group of newcomers battling for playing time and trying to fill the shoes of 2008 SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year and all-American Jose Calderon who graduated in May.

"Two freshman defensive linemen have been very impressive. Rian Younker (Pasadena, Calif./St. Francis HS) can play every position along the defensive front and is expected to help absorb the loss of (Calderon). Nose guard J.J. Gallagher (Reno, Nev./Bishop Manogue HS) is a pleasant surprise, having played mostly offensive line in high school and will likely see time on the line," said Coach McEnroe.



Linebacker

All-SCIAC second team pick Roland Jenkins (Oakland, Calif./St. Mary's College HS) returns his team-leading 61 tackles from last season to go along with 4.5 sacks.

The CLU coaching staff are looking forward to what transfer Matt Allen (Agoura Hills, Calif./Trinity (CT) College) will start alongside Jenkins. "(He) has stepped in to the starting inside linebacker spot and made an immediate impact. Matt provides great speed and intensity at a position that was a question mark," commented McEnroe.

Allen will try to fill the void of Clayton Cardenas who wrapped up 61 tackles including seven for a loss and also provided solid pass coverage grabbing an interception and four pass breakups last season.

Sophomores Michael Azhocar (Chula Vista, Calif./Otay Ranch HS) and J.T. Duncan (San Diego, Calif./Westview HS) will back up this linebacking duo to start the year.

Defensive Backs
Preseason all-American Victor Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS) returns for his senior campaign after having an impressive junior season and earning one four all-SCIAC first team awards by a CLU defensive player. Lurking in the passing zones he recorded five interceptions, including three in one game, along with six pass breakups and 11 passes defended to lead the team.

Other than Edwards, opposing quarterbacks will attempt to pass through a host of incoming Kingsmen new to the program.

"Freshman J.D. Austin (Corona, Calif./Centennial HS) has earned a starting cornerback job with an impressive camp.  With one of our returning corners suffering a minor injury prior to the start of practice, freshman Patrick Knox (Thousand Oaks, Calif/Thousand Oaks HS) has impressed and earned a starting job at the other corner spot," stated McEnroe.

Derek Wilson (Ventura, Calif.) will also start the season amongst the defensive backfield.

Safeties
Free safety Garrett Redd (Scottsdale, Ariz./Pinnacle HS) and strong safety Eric Lopes (Lake Havasu, Ariz./Lake Havasu HS) are a pair of CLU upperclassmen who combined to start eight of nine games together as the last line of defense.

Freshmen Broc Galbreth (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva HS) and B.J. Scott Jr. (Surprise, Ariz./Willow Canyon HS) will back up the safety positions.

Special Teams
In his first season with the Kingsmen football team kicker Jackson Damron (Carpinteria, Calif./Carpinteria HS) booted 17-of-23 field goals and earned all-American recognition in 2008 and preseason notoriety in 2009. He booted a long of 49 yards, made his first 10 attempts and was 14-for-17 from inside 40 yards.

On kickoffs he booted seven for touchbacks and averaged over 61 yards per kick.

Junior Josh Oosterhof (LaConner, Wash./LaConner HS) will again serve as the CLU punter after putting 11 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line and averaging 38.5 yards per attempt.

Freshman Michael Marusa (Simi Valley, Calif./Chaminade HS) will start the year as the team's long snapper.

Schedule
Cal Lutheran will face the same nine opponents during the regular season as it has for the past three years. The Kingsmen will face its two out-of-state rivals to begin the 2009 campaign on the road against Willamette (OR) University on September 12 and at home hosting Pacific Lutheran (WA) University September 19.

After a perfect regular season, an 11-1 mark overall and a No. 8 D3Football.com preseason ranking in 2009, the Bearcats dropped their season opener 24-17 at Concordia-Moorhead (MN) and fell out of the top-25.

CLU will have four home games without any coming on consecutive weeks. Following its bye week against the Lutes the Kingsmen open conference play with Whittier College on October 3 at Mount Clef Stadium.

After a pair of SCIAC contest CLU will travel to Chapman University on October 24 in the team's final non-conference match-up. It will be the first of three straight road games including last year's SCIAC champions and currently ranked No. 22 Occidental College on Halloween night at 7 p.m. and the University of La Verne on November 7.

The team's home and season finale will be against the University of Redlands on November 14.

Thanks

informative

decent

[D O.C.]

2009 CLU Preview as posted on their athletic website:

Quote
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Now going on three years under Head Coach Ben McEnroe the Kingsmen football squad has accumulated a 12-6 mark and a share of the conference title in 2007. Now a hungry Cal Lutheran squad hopes to achieve the only thing that has eluded them-an NCAA postseason berth.

Offensive Line
After a horde of injuries to the offensive line last season and the team's rushing game failing to reach the 1,000-yard mark over the past two seasons, special measures have been taken to help the quality and quantity at this position.

"Depth issues have been addressed with the addition of transfers Chris Doukakis (El Segundo, Calif./El Segundo HS) and Marc Valdez (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon Country HS). Both have earned starting jobs in camp and provide collegiate experience and toughness," commented McEnroe, a former all-SCIAC offensive lineman for the Kingsmen.

Three of the five starters in 2009 are returning from last year's squad including the left side of the offensive line. This trio is highlighted by starting left tackle Matt Rosen (Phoenix, Ariz./Brophy Prep) who was named all-SCIAC first team in 2007 and second team in 2008.

The six-foot-two, 340 pound Jeffrey Wurts (Los Angeles, Calif./Westlake HS) will start at left guard after appearing in two games last season. At right guard will be Giovanni Lapp (Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad HS) who played in six games as a freshman gaining valuable experience heading into his sophomore campaign.

Freshman Jordan Austin (Bakersfield, Calif./Highland HS) is leading the freshman group and may see action in his first season of collegiate football.

Running Back
The ground game will feature a trio of running backs headlined by senior transfer Brian Stuart (Van Nuys, Calif./College of the Canyons). Senior Antoine Adams (Palmdale, Calif./Quartz Hill HS), the team's leading rusher in 2008 and sophomore Bobby Rodrigues (Glendale, Ariz./Brophy Prep) round out this group of talented members in the backfield.

"All will see significant action and can be used together in certain packages," said third-year Head Coach Ben McEnroe.

Quarterback
Senior quarterback Jericho Toilolo (San Diego, Calif./Helix HS) will enter his third-year as the full-time starter. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes in each of the past two seasons to just 10 total interceptions. The nimble QB poses a threat on the ground as well having rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Wide Receiver
A familiar face behind center will look out and see some new targets to throw at in 2009. With the graduation of wide outs Danny Hernandez and Jesse Matlock also goes the receiving end of 15 of Toilolo's 22 touchdown tosses.

Moving up the depth charts will be senior Chris Hammond (Camarillo, Calif./Irvine HS) and junior Christian Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS). This duo combined for 40 catches, four touchdowns and nearly 600 yards of receiving yardage. Adams out of the CLU backfield has the next highest total catches of returners with six.

The main candidates in a battle for the third starting wide out spot will include junior Jake Speckhard (Prescott, Ariz./Estrella Foothills HS), along with newcomers Matt O'Brien (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande HS) and Eric Rogers (Duarte, Calif./Charter Oak HS).

"(All) have had strong training camp performances and will see significant playing time," said a confident Coach McEnroe.  "O'Brien is a former quarterback and excellent route-runner; Rogers is a tall target and impressive leaper that can cover a lot of ground quickly; Speckhard has been here two years and knows our system."

Tight End
Sophomore Jake Lins (Moorpark, Calif./Moorpark HS) will likely get the starting nod to begin the season. Last year the top two on the depth chart will not return securing nine catches for 89 yards and a score combined. The position was mostly used in a blocking role to help protect the offensive line and quarterback Toilolo, who was sacked 36 times in '08.

CLU has just three at the position on its roster of 100-plus players including sophomore returner Britt Briscoe (Canyon Country, Calif./Canyon) and freshman Hunter Horn (Lancaster, Calif./Quartz Hill HS).

Defensive Line
Senior Sawyer Merrill (Scottsdale, Ariz./Desert Mountain HS) was a first team all-SCIAC selection recording 34 tackles and six sacks in 2008 and will be a mainstay this year.

Alexander Moe (Oslo, Norway/Heltberg) will begin his junior season as the starter in the middle of the Cal Lutheran three-man front. Last season he appeared in five games making four tackles.

To his outside along with Merrill he will see junior Jordan Barta (Beaverton, Ore./Southridge HS) to his side. The junior played in eight games last season recording 22 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries including a 12-yard touchdown scoop.

The CLU coaching staff has many options to go to at defensive line with a talented group of newcomers battling for playing time and trying to fill the shoes of 2008 SCIAC Defensive Player of the Year and all-American Jose Calderon who graduated in May.

"Two freshman defensive linemen have been very impressive. Rian Younker (Pasadena, Calif./St. Francis HS) can play every position along the defensive front and is expected to help absorb the loss of (Calderon). Nose guard J.J. Gallagher (Reno, Nev./Bishop Manogue HS) is a pleasant surprise, having played mostly offensive line in high school and will likely see time on the line," said Coach McEnroe.



Linebacker

All-SCIAC second team pick Roland Jenkins (Oakland, Calif./St. Mary's College HS) returns his team-leading 61 tackles from last season to go along with 4.5 sacks.

The CLU coaching staff are looking forward to what transfer Matt Allen (Agoura Hills, Calif./Trinity (CT) College) will start alongside Jenkins. "(He) has stepped in to the starting inside linebacker spot and made an immediate impact. Matt provides great speed and intensity at a position that was a question mark," commented McEnroe.

Allen will try to fill the void of Clayton Cardenas who wrapped up 61 tackles including seven for a loss and also provided solid pass coverage grabbing an interception and four pass breakups last season.

Sophomores Michael Azhocar (Chula Vista, Calif./Otay Ranch HS) and J.T. Duncan (San Diego, Calif./Westview HS) will back up this linebacking duo to start the year.

Defensive Backs
Preseason all-American Victor Edwards (Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek HS) returns for his senior campaign after having an impressive junior season and earning one four all-SCIAC first team awards by a CLU defensive player. Lurking in the passing zones he recorded five interceptions, including three in one game, along with six pass breakups and 11 passes defended to lead the team.

Other than Edwards, opposing quarterbacks will attempt to pass through a host of incoming Kingsmen new to the program.

"Freshman J.D. Austin (Corona, Calif./Centennial HS) has earned a starting cornerback job with an impressive camp.  With one of our returning corners suffering a minor injury prior to the start of practice, freshman Patrick Knox (Thousand Oaks, Calif/Thousand Oaks HS) has impressed and earned a starting job at the other corner spot," stated McEnroe.

Derek Wilson (Ventura, Calif.) will also start the season amongst the defensive backfield.

Safeties
Free safety Garrett Redd (Scottsdale, Ariz./Pinnacle HS) and strong safety Eric Lopes (Lake Havasu, Ariz./Lake Havasu HS) are a pair of CLU upperclassmen who combined to start eight of nine games together as the last line of defense.

Freshmen Broc Galbreth (Albuquerque, NM/La Cueva HS) and B.J. Scott Jr. (Surprise, Ariz./Willow Canyon HS) will back up the safety positions.

Special Teams
In his first season with the Kingsmen football team kicker Jackson Damron (Carpinteria, Calif./Carpinteria HS) booted 17-of-23 field goals and earned all-American recognition in 2008 and preseason notoriety in 2009. He booted a long of 49 yards, made his first 10 attempts and was 14-for-17 from inside 40 yards.

On kickoffs he booted seven for touchbacks and averaged over 61 yards per kick.

Junior Josh Oosterhof (LaConner, Wash./LaConner HS) will again serve as the CLU punter after putting 11 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line and averaging 38.5 yards per attempt.

Freshman Michael Marusa (Simi Valley, Calif./Chaminade HS) will start the year as the team's long snapper.

Schedule
Cal Lutheran will face the same nine opponents during the regular season as it has for the past three years. The Kingsmen will face its two out-of-state rivals to begin the 2009 campaign on the road against Willamette (OR) University on September 12 and at home hosting Pacific Lutheran (WA) University September 19.

After a perfect regular season, an 11-1 mark overall and a No. 8 D3Football.com preseason ranking in 2009, the Bearcats dropped their season opener 24-17 at Concordia-Moorhead (MN) and fell out of the top-25.

CLU will have four home games without any coming on consecutive weeks. Following its bye week against the Lutes the Kingsmen open conference play with Whittier College on October 3 at Mount Clef Stadium.

After a pair of SCIAC contest CLU will travel to Chapman University on October 24 in the team's final non-conference match-up. It will be the first of three straight road games including last year's SCIAC champions and currently ranked No. 22 Occidental College on Halloween night at 7 p.m. and the University of La Verne on November 7.

The team's home and season finale will be against the University of Redlands on November 14.

Hmmm...

[OxyBob]

Article about Redlands QB Dan Selway from the San Bernardino Sun:

Selway eager to make comeback

University of Redlands quarterback Dan Selway knew he should have just fallen on the loose ball in the backfield, but his competitive instinct told him to pick it up and make something happen.

It was the first play of the fourth quarter in the second game of the 2008 season, against Whitworth (Wash.), and a defensive lineman landed on his left foot. Selway finished out the series but when the pain didn't subside he knew there was a problem.

A week later he had surgery to have a pin inserted to help mend a broken foot.

It was a team that veteran coach Mike Maynard thought was one of his best in more than two decades directing the program. The Bulldogs had six of nine games at home, including the ones against their toughest foes. And they had a defense that eventually finished the season ranked second nationally.

But the reigning SCIAC Offensive Player of the Year was on crutches. Selway still served as team captain. He hobbled to midfield for the coin toss, cheered on his teammates and was a valuable mentor for his understudy Steve Smith.

But it wasn't the same.
...

The Bulldogs finished a still- solid 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the SCIAC but that was only good enough for third place in the conference to Occidental and Cal Lutheran, the two teams to whom they lost.

Selway, in his sixth year with the program, is hoping to close out his career on a better note. He and the 2009 Bulldogs open a new season on Saturday, hosting East Texas Baptist (0-1) in a 5p.m. showdown at Ted Runner Stadium, kicking off the school's 100th season.

Athletes have 10 semesters to play their four years and Selway, who also repeated his sophomore year because of a concussion, is exhausting that eligibility. A lot of athletes in the SCIAC move on to academic or job ventures if they suffer such a severe injury that late in their career.

But Selway, whose father also played at Redlands, never thought of not coming back.

"I love playing football here and I wasn't going to end it that way," he said. "It's like having unfinished business."

Selway was coming off a breakthrough season which made having to sit that much more difficult. As a junior in 2007 he threw for 2,429 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was on that same pace last year with 489 and five touchdowns before being injured.

The Villa Park native spent much of the winter rehabbing with a trainer and opted not to play basketball as he has in the past just so he could focus on returning to football healthy.

He has passed the mental hurdle that comes with returning from a serious injury.

"I went through all the spring drills and didn't hold back in any way," he said. "I'm confident it's completely healed and I really don't think about it much any more."

Those around him see a steadfast determination to make up for lost time.
...

Maynard's task now is to find a delicate balance between giving Selway the green light to let loose with his ability to scramble - a vital part of the offense - and telling him to play it safe.

Selway also did the punting, but the emergence last year of Wes Norris means he won't have that responsibility any longer.

Led by Selway, the the Bulldogs should be fighting the usual opponents for SCIAC bragging rights again this season. Occidental is ranked No. 22 by D3Football and managed a 17-0 win in its season opener against Menlo.

The Bulldogs qualified for the playoffs in 2007 but lost a first-round game to St. John's (Minn.). Selway played just the first quarter of that game after injuring his shoulder in the regular-season finale. So this is his last opportunity to leave his mark.

"I can't think about what could have been," he said. "I'm just ready to go out there and do the best I can to make things happen for us this year. "

OxyBob

[OxyBob]

Here's something you don't see every day: An article about Pomona football, courtesy of the San Bernardino Sun:

Sagehens figure to be competitive

Jacob Caron remembers what it was like when the football team at Pomona-Pitzer was competitive. His father, Roger, had just come in as head coach. The Sagehens had a superstar at quarterback in Jack Ramirez, and Caron was running around the sidelines as a ballboy.

Now he's between the lines and trying to help the Sagehens, still coached by his dad, back to prominence.

They open the 2009 season Saturday with a 1 p.m. nonconference game at Puget Sound. The Sagehens are coming off back-to-back 2-7 seasons, but there's optimism surrounding the program this season. Not only is Caron back, so are 10 other offensive starters, including the entire offensive line.
...

Jacob was thrown into the fire right away. After playing his last two years of high school football at Cheshire Academy, the Claremont resident stepped in as Sagehens starter as a freshman.

His rookie season was one of trial by error. He threw for 1,659 yards and seven touchdowns but also had 15 interceptions. Some of that was the subpar personnel around him, and some was the result of his own inexperience.

Last season he started to come into his own. He threw for 2,503 yards - which broke the single-season yardage mark held by Ramirez - threw for 14 touchdowns and cut the interceptions down to 11.

Those numbers weren't just piled up against lesser foes either. He threw for 507 against SCIAC champion Occidental, which broke the school record for yardage in a single game, also previously held by Ramirez.

There was a game in which he rushed for five touchdowns and threw for two others. He earned first-team All-SCIAC honors, a noteworthy accolade given the record of his team.

The comparison to Ramirez, who was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame last winter and now lives in Pasadena, is natural.
...

This summer Caron worked harder than ever, looking to build on his success. He added 15 pounds to his 6-foot-4 frame, hoping that it will help him better absorb the punishment that one takes at that position. He also used yoga, to help with flexibility.

And he spent considerable time working out with his wide receivers - longtime friend R.J. Maki and Colin Regan, who had to redshirt last year because of a knee injury.
...

As a show of solidarity, many are sporting full beards despite the warm weather.

"We're not shaving until we win," Caron said with a chuckle. "Hopefully it won't be much longer."

Both Jacob and Roger concede that it will be difficult to dethrone the traditional juggernauts - Occidental, Redlands and Cal Lutheran. But they say that finishing with a winning record is a realistic goal.

Even that would be a significant achievement, since rigid academic standards have made it difficult for the Sagehens to contend with the top teams on the playing field.

Numbers are also a problem. Most teams carry 80 to 100 players, but the Sagehens typically have half that many.

"No doubt, there were guys on the teams we had then that would never get into this school now," Caron said.

"That's just the way it is. It's always going to be something we have to overcome."
...

OxyBob

[Pat Coleman]

I actually think the long, long, long excerpts of stories from newspapers still cross the line over what they would consider copyright infringement. Even though you do link to them, the long excerpts eliminate the need for people to go to the story, which harms the copyright holder.

Let's try keeping the excerpts to three paragraphs and see how that goes. Thanks.