A Look at the Area's Best Returning Players

• THE ACORN NEWSPAPERS PRESENTS •

2018 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

A LOOK AT THE AREA’S BEST RETURNING PLAYERS GGREATREAT EEXPECTATIONSXPECTATIONS

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FROM THE EDITOR LET US LIGHT THE WAY nder the glow of the Friday night lights, tales of greatness are written. We’ve witnessed them ourselves. Still, let’s never forget these are just kids playing a game. U The modern high school sport scarcely resembles its early days, when baseball was still America’s pastime and players donned leather helmets. Yet the fi eld remains populated by the same type of individuals who have always been drawn to the gridiron: gritty, tough, fearless, maybe a bit crazy. “Don’t fl inch, don’t foul, hit the line hard,” is good advice for life, President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote. That remains true to this day. The rise of college and professional football to national prominence has had an incredible effect on the high school game, and not for the better. An increasing number of programs have bowed to the pressure to succeed, sacrifi cing tradition (and the rules) for a chance at winning. But the players and coaches we speak to each summer for our annual Pigskin Preview give us reason to hope. They remind us that, with all of the sport’s imperfections, it still has much to offer student-athletes and, of course, fans. Frequently it’s the adults in the room (we’re talking to you, parents) who are giving football a bad name. Too many see the sport as a means to an end rather than a singular opportunity for their sons and daughters to make TABLE OF CONTENTS memories and learn lessons that last a lifetime. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to see your child win a scholarship, but when it becomes the driving 4-10, 14-20 TEAM SPOTLIGHTS force behind every decision, something’s wrong. Comprehensive outlooks for every team in the Acorn coverage area As journalists, it’s our job to prop these kids up; it’s up to their parents and coaches to keep them grounded. The growing sense of entitlement some 11-13 GREAT EXPECTATIONS players bring with them to practice is cause for concern. Football has always Five dynamic returning superstars prepare for their encores been a sport for underdogs, for those willing to fi ght for every yard. When we treat these teenagers like superstars we do them no favors. Let’s remind 21 POWER POLL them that respect is earned, not given, and that their lives will go on long after the game has passed them by. How do the local squads stack up in a hyper-competitive landscape For now, let us all bask in the glow that is football (and keep this handy guide to light the way). But let’s never stop working to make sure this game 23 COMPLETE SCHEDULES we love doesn’t go dark. —Kyle Jorrey Your one-stop-shop for this year’s matchups Published by: J. Bee Publishing, LTD 30423 Canwood St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 On the cover: Top, from left: Simi Valley’s Sean Weber, Westlake’s Kamren • Phone: (805) 484-1949 • Office/Sales Fax: (818) 706-8468 Fabiculanan, Moorpark’s Drake London, Camarillo’s Drew Carter and Calabasas’ THE Keithan Gooden Jr. Bottom: Oak Park’s Gianni Smith, Thousand Oaks’ Ryan Shihabi, • Editorial Fax: (805) 484-2313 •E-mail: [email protected] Camarillo’s James McNamara and Oaks Christian’s Zach Charbonnet. Acorn • Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri. •Closed Legal Holidays

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COUPON Full Class Schedule Available on our Website: FREE www.thrivedancecenter.com TRIAL CLASS 3623 Old Conejo Road #100, Newbury Park New Students Only With this Coupon. Expires 10-15-18 (805) 375-9988 PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAGE 3 KUDOS TO THE KIDS Appreciate the players who make high school football the greatest game in America By Eliav Appelbaum Calabasas receiver Mycah Pittman, who committed to the University of Oregon, is [email protected] the best athlete in his family. At least that’s what his dad, Michael Pittman, told us back in 2015. Michael played running back in the NFL and helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Look over yonder. That football player’s tougher win Super Bowl XXXVII; his oldest son, also Michael, is a starting receiver at USC. than a snot otter chewing on glass in a dusty saloon Moorpark QB Blake Sturgill threw for 36 touchdowns and more than 3,100 yards as in Tombstone, Ariz. a sophomore last year. For an encore, he’ll teach squirrels how to dance the Charleston. Over the hills and far away, you can’t miss fl ashy Blake Kytlica of Rio Mesa drizzles tackling fuel over bowls of shredded wheat. dudes with more moves than a snake charmer coaxing Grace Brethren’s Stanley Ta’ufo’ou and David Jay Toia, both USC commits, also a cabal of cobras into comas. move continents for the Justice League. Oak Park is the only place in California Take a closer look. Appreciate the high school where the backup quarterback (Cole McCreary) and third-stringer (Gianni Smith) are football players who are talented, athletic, scrappy, as beloved as the starting quarterback (Cam Fouts). Zach Charbonnet, a 2,000-yard cerebral, mean, crazy, calm, slow, fast and fearless. running back, will continue racking up miles for Oaks Christian and eventually, the Everyone who takes the fi eld earns my respect. Adults Michigan Wolverines. Andrew Lichtenstein, a Thousand Oaks linebacker, will scrap disappoint me all the time, but kids don’t. to wear the Green Helmet on Friday nights. This edition of the Acorn’s Pigskin Preview, our seventh, is an ode to the top return- Let’s deliver a special shout-out to special teams specialists, long snappers Jesse ing players. They proved they could play, and they’re back, ready to dazzle again. Vasquez of Oaks Christian and Matthew Rhodes of Calabasas, and kicker/punter Dylan I can’t wait to see Moorpark’s Drake London, Westlake’s Kamren Fabiculanan, Cala- Orr of Newbury Park. basas’ Keithan Gooden Jr., Camarillo’s Drew Carter and Simi Valley’s Sean Weber—fi ve Football is a bad word in some parts of the country, and in other places it’s a religion. superstars who graciously grace the cover—make extraordinary plays this fall. It disappoints and exhilarates. It is a game seeped in nostalgia, but there’s always the They’re not the only unknown legends local football fans need to know about. thrill that we’re about to see something new. It is a game that unites and divides, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, a defensive end for Oaks Christian, is an amalgamation of somehow we’re all united in the disorder. Lawrence Taylor, The Rock and the Kool-Aid Man. He busts through brick walls as “It’s the greatest game in America,” said Fabiculanan, a Westlake senior. if they were made of Keith Sweat’s silk jammies. He’s the No. 1 prospect in the U.S., The high school players who take the fi eld every Friday night are the reason why. and the Milky Way. Appelbaum is the Acorn’s sports editor. — RELEAGUING ROULETTE — SUPER-TROLL MARMONTE CAMINO CANYON SHUFFLE LEAGUE LEAGUE LEAGUE Leagues change every year. That’s life. But the CALABASAS BISHOP DIEGO AGOURA current landscape makes less sense than a Screaming NEWBURY PARK CAMARILLO OAK PARK Viking in a David Lynch fever dream. At right, we’ve OAKS CHRISTIAN GRACE BRETHREN ROYAL broken down the leagues for your consumption. Oaks Christian, Calabasas, Agoura, Grace Brethren and ST. BONAVENTURE MOORPARK SIMI VALLEY Rio Mesa (of the Pacifi c View League) are defending WESTLAKE THOUSAND OAKS champs who all face tougher obstacles this season.

25 36 CI always strives to be a campus of MAJORS MINORS innovation and inclusion, supporting TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE student success. Students benefit CREDENTIALS OR AUTHORIZATIONS INNOVATE from internships and volunteer 6 GRADUATE opportunities. They are challenged DEGREES to grow as leaders, experience new Ed.D countries and cultures, serve and EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP enhance our communities through their talents and hard work, and 83% EDUCATE RECEIVE participate in making their education FINANCIAL AID have real-world value. 6,200+ STUDENTS

SUCCEED GO.CSUCI.EDU CSU Channel Islands ad x 8” 5 col. (10.125”) Full-color em [email protected] Pigskin ad 2016 The Acorn 2016 17, Due: Aug PAGE 4 PIGSKIN PREVIEW CANYON LEAGUE PLAYER AGOURA TO WATCH Bolts want to light up foes during run to a three-peat

HEAD COACH: Kamran Salem (third season) 2017 RESULTS: 6-5 (3-0 in league) CIF-SS first round

By Eliav Appelbaum [email protected] BEN TENE When Tene’s biography gets Kamran Salem didn’t spend written, the fi ery, 6-foot-1, his summer submerged in a fi lm 205-pound senior wants to room, watching every play in the be known for three things: history of North American foot- He’s hardworking, a good ball on repeat until his eyes turned athlete and a good student. into bloodshot marshmallows. Tene, who sports a 3.7 GPA, He escaped the noise by read- spent his summer hitting the ing and refl ecting on a book, “In- gym and interning at Century sideOut Coaching: How Sports 21 Peak real estate. The Can Transform Lives,” an inspira- outside linebacker missed tional tome by former NFL player seven games in 2017, but no Joe Ehrmann. returning Charger registered What did Salem learn? more tackles for loss. Agoura “Winning is important, but it’s can’t bring home a third all about the kids and developing straight Canyon League MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers them,” the coach said. title without Tene having a This Agoura skipper has won RAMBO—Agoura senior Nico Della Ripa had 57 receptions for 1,102 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. monster season. two Canyon League titles in his fi rst two years, but a three-peat touchdowns, with 70 tackles on dent-athlete. He’s a wrestler and would be a monumental achieve- defense last fall. He’s arguably the lacrosse player who’s one rank PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE ment. Quarterback Spencer Lin, most athletic player in the Canyon. away from earning Eagle Scout. QB 2 Trent Butler 5-11, 190, JR. the league’s MVP, graduated and Jacobee Taylor, a junior trans- Jonathan Cariste will throw RB 4 Jake Boolootian 5-9, 165, JR. moved on to Cal Lutheran. Da- fer from Lancaster, will be eli- his weight around in the trenches. WR 10 Max Lopez 5-11, 172, SO. vid Doane, a defensive end who gible to play Sept. 26. He’ll add The returning starter at right WR 7 Riley Staley 6-1, 160, SR. racked up 16 sacks and 99 tackles athleticism at wide receiver and guard also lines up at nose tackle. WR 22 Nico Della Ripa 5-10, 178, SR. for the Bolts in 2017, transferred cornerback. “We have to stick together,” WR 88 Gil Levi 5-11, 186, SR. to Calabasas. Entering fall camp, Ben Tene, a senior linebacker, said Cariste, who throws the shot LT 52 David Kempton 6-0, 201, JR. the Chargers hadn’t settled on a plays with energy and passion. put for the track and fi eld team. LG 75 Ethan Klausner 5-9, 231, SR. starting quarterback between Trent After missing seven games last Gil Levi is another top returner. C 56 Sepehr Gharaei 5-11, 245, SR. Butler and Riley Staley. Butler season with an injury, Tene is The senior, who also plays RG 71 Jonathan Cariste 6-1, 290, SR. gets the nod for the fi rst game. poised to lead Agoura’s defense. basketball, starts at slot receiv- RT 54 Max Thorne 6-2, 275, JR. Rambo now has to get his “I’m excited to see the prog- er and outside linebacker. He hands dirty. ress of all the work we’ve put in,” notched 10 tackles and one inter- PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE Nico Della Ripa, known as said Tene, a defensive midfi elder ception against Thousand Oaks; DE 57 Jackson Harn 6-2, 195, SR. Rambo in the gleam of Frank in lacrosse. “We’re trying to make he also had 82 receiving yards DT 71 Jonathan Cariste 6-1, 290, SR. Greminger Stadium, is a third- this a powerhouse.” and two touchdowns in a playoff DT 54 Max Thorne 6-2, 275, JR. year varsity starter at slot receiver David Kempton, a two-way opening loss to Cypress last year. LB 4 Jake Boolootian 5-9, 165, JR. and safety who doesn’t believe in starter at left tackle and middle Winning league will be dif- LB 9 Baden Kearns 6-2, 185, SR. rebuilding projects. linebacker, said he’s looking for- fi cult, but it’s not all the Chargers LB 8 Ben Tene 6-2, 215, SR. “We need to get everyone on ward to one game in particular, have in mind. LB 88 Gil Levi 5-11, 186, SR. track, working together,” he said. on Oct. 19. “We’re not going to under- “We’ll get there.” “Simi,” he said. “They got estimate anyone,” Levi said. CB 35 Matthew Thatcher 5-10, 135, JR. Della Ripa, an All-Marmonte a lot better. It’s going to be a “We can do a lot better this year. CB 5 Jackson Messick 5-8, 152, SR. League baseball player, had 57 good game.” We’re trying to win CIF. That’s S 3 James Lockmann 6-0, 173, SR. receptions for 1,102 yards and 13 Kempton is a versatile stu- our main goal.” S 22 Nico Della Ripa 5-10, 178, SR. Hungry?

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MARMONTE LEAGUE PLAYER ALABASA TO WATCH NFL-ladenC coaching staff directs explosiveS Coyotes

HEAD COACH: Chris Claiborne (first season) 2017 RESULTS: 10-2 (3-0 in league) CIF-SS quarterfinals JOHNNY WILLIAMS By Eliav Appelbaum [email protected] Williams is a renaissance man. The senior running back/slot Chris Claiborne played eight receiver is an honors student years in the NFL. He was an with a 4.0 GPA. He excels in All-American and Butkus Award lacrosse and track and fi eld, winner at USC. and he’s scooped up football What does he need to fuel his offers from Brown, Army and ego? the University of San Diego. Nothing. After gaining 30 pounds of “I’m not concerned about my muscle, he’s up to 185 and record,” said Claiborne, the fi rst- ready to take punishment while year head coach at Calabasas. moving the chains. Here’s a “Let’s get these kids exposure. I fun fact: His father, John Garry want to get my kids to college.” Williams, the voice of the Fox Still, there is a sense of urgency, football robot, “Cleatus,” and a Lakers announcer in the purpose and focus at Calabasas. MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers Under the previous regime, prac- 1990s, will call Coyote home tice went for about an hour, and STRENGTH AND SPEED—Calabasas wide receiver Mycah Pittman delivers a textbook stiff arm on a Dorsey defender games this season. music blared from Keith Ritchie before scoring a touchdown last season. Pittman has verbally committed to play at the University of Oregon. Stadium/Coachella Northwest. Practices now go three hours and Fresno State. Harry Hobson, a and I’m running better routes with PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE the speakers are silent. charismatic tight end/defensive Coach Conway,” said White, who QB 5 Jaden Casey 6-1, 185, JR. “Don’t walk on the field!” lineman, is the Australian Jim notched a 3.4 GPA last semester. RB 21 Johnny Williams 5-11, 185, SR. Claiborne bellowed to lollygag- McMahon. Matthew Rhodes, “I’m learning technique from (de- FB 26 Bren Coffman 6-1, 215, JR. ging Coyotes between plays. a senior, is one of the top long fensive coordinator) Eric King. WR 4 Mycah Pittman 6-0, 185, SR. One thing is loud and clear: snappers in California. (Offensive coordinator) Mike WR 1 Johnny Wilson 6-5, 215, JR. This team is loaded with athletic, Williams, a multisport stand- Jones’ offense is crazy. I’ve never TE 10 Connor Beautrow 6-2, 215, SR. talented skill-position players on out who also competes in lacrosse seen anything like it.” LT 71 Theo Sulunga 6-2, 265, SO. both sides of the ball. and track and fi eld, can’t wait for Narcisse, a junior receiver/de- LG 70 Delantie Peterson 6-3, 290, SR. Mycah Pittman, an Oregon opening kickoff. fensive back, is an honors student C 56 Nick Kinch 5-10, 210, JR. commit, and Johnny Wilson, who “New coaches, new players. with a 4.2 GPA. The Coyote said RG 54 Campbell McHarg 6-3, 250, SO. has multiple Division I offers, We’re better, faster, stronger,” he pool workouts have helped with RT 53 Matthew Rhodes 6-2, 250, SR. form arguably the best receiv- said. “We’re understanding the his explosiveness. ing duo in the nation. Pittman’s game more. We’re learning more. He said Calabasas must be PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE father won a Super Bowl with the We’re ready for the season.” prepared to grind during a dif- DE 46 Eliaz Scott 6-4, 220, SR. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his Justin White and Lamont Nar- fi cult schedule, which includes DE 19 Robert Rogero 6-3, 200, SR. brother stars at receiver for USC. cisse are playmakers seeking their a home showdown against Oaks Wilson (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) fi rst college scholarship offers. Christian on Oct. 19. DT 55 David Doane 6-3, 250, SR. has distinguished himself as the White, a senior cornerback/re- “Everyone has to be mentally DT 50 Arturo Corral 5-11, 230, JR. best red-zone threat in the region. ceiver, spent two years at Folsom prepared—I know I am. I know MLB 26 Bren Coffman 6-1, 215, JR. Cornerback Keithan Gooden High before transferring to Cala- my guys are,” Narcisse said. “It’s OLB 19 Zach Shadorf 6-2, 190, JR. Jr., running back Johnny Williams basas. He praised his coaches, going to be a battle this year. I like OLB 10 Connor Beautrow 6-2, 215, SR. and safety/slot receiver Andrew including receivers coach Curtis the close games. How are you CB 17 Keithan Gooden Jr. 5-11, 170, SR. Allen are also D-I bound. Quar- Conway, one of the best wideouts going to adjust to adversity. If CB 3 Justin White 5-10, 165, SR. terback Jaden Casey, a returning in Chicago Bears history. you’re tired or down, how are you SS 7 Andrew Allen 5-10, 170, SR. starter, verbally committed to “I’m faster from running track, going to come back and win?” FS 8 Jared Hopper 6-3, 215, SR. PAGE 6 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

CAMINO LEAGUE PLAYER CAMARILL0 TO WATCH Pieces in place for Scorpions to make postseason run

HEAD COACH: Jack Willard (fifth season) 2017 RESULTS: 5-6 (1-2 in league) CIF-SS first round JACK HOLDEN By Eliav Appelbaum [email protected] Holden’s father, Kurt, spent a quarter century as a pilot in the Air Force and Air National Every season—through the Guard. Now Jack Holden fl ies good, bad, ugly, thrilling and around the football fi eld. A occasionally monotonous—the 6-foot-1, 180-pound strong Scorpions want to be known for safety and wide receiver, one thing: Effort. Holden has multiple offers “We’re going to show up and to play college ball, but his play hard all the time,” head dream is to play in the Ivy coach Jack Willard said. “That’s League. The honors student our identity.” with a 4.34 GPA hails The urgency to win, however, from football royalty: His has been raised to DEFCON 1. grandfather and two uncles “We need to be good this year. all played at USC, and Kurt It’s not even an option,” said Jack Holden suited up at Air Force. Holden, a senior wide receiver MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers The younger Holden has and strong safety. “There’s no CALLING THE SHOTS—Camarillo junior quarterback James McNamara threw for 1,695 yards last season. Camarillo aiming high. excuses at this point.” Camarillo, which nearly defeated powerhouses Oaks CIF championship in 1997. Dan James McNamara, a junior, Christian and Westlake last sea- DiNapoli, a longtime Moorpark started a playoff game as a fresh- PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE son, return almost every starter assistant, is coaching safeties for man and all 11 games last fall at QB 17 James McNamara 6-0, 170, JR. and impact player from 2017. the Scorpions. They complement quarterback. RB 43 Jesse Valenzuela 5-7, 150, JR. The team has also assembled an offensive coordinator Teohua “He’s dramatically improved,” WR 11 Jack Holden 6-1, 180, SR. all-star coaching staff around Sanchez, one of the most brilliant Willard said of McNamara. “He’s WR 8 Mason Brown 5-8, 150, SR. Willard, one that we at the Acorn and creative offensive gurus in unfl appable. Nothing seems to WR 1 Carter Alexander 5-10, 175, JR. consider the best in Ventura the area not named Sean McVay. bother him.” TE 87 Damien Najar 6-2, 195, JR. County. Holden, a third-year starter, Running back Jesse Valen- LT 57 Spencer Davis 6-0, 220, JR. The Scorpions are legitimate praised the team’s new leadership. zuela (1,048 rushing yards and LG 51 Sam Watson 5-9, 225, JR. contenders to capture Camino “I love (Wilford’s) system,” 18 total touchdowns last year), C 54 Tristan Arenzana 6-0, 243, JR. League and CIF-Southern Section Holden said. “It’s a whole new outside linebacker/running back RG 65 Cameron Foster 6-0, 284, SR. Division 4 titles, but they know scheme. He’s given me, as a Izaiah Lazaro, offensive lineman RT 63 DJ Diaz 6-1, 235, JR. glory won’t be easy to achieve. safety, freedom to make calls and Cameron Foster, receiver/corner- “We’re going to have to keep run around.” back Mason Brown, defensive PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE working, stay focused and watch Carson Anderson, a senior lineman Curtis White and free DE 99 Alec Ceja 5-10, 195, SR. a ton of fi lm,” said Drew Carter, outside linebacker, fullback and safety Grady Liddell are among DT 44 Curtis White 5-9, 185, SR. slot receiver, is also in his third the top returners. Alejandra Gon- a senior inside linebacker who’s DE 9 Spencer Moore 6-2, 185, JR. also a catcher for the baseball year as a starter. zalez, a senior who stars on ILB 36 Drew Carter 6-0, 180, SR. team. “Hopefully, it’s going to be a defense for the Camarillo girls’ ILB 10 Ryan Lythgoe 5-11, 185, JR. Ron Wilford, who helped good year fi nishing games and soccer team, is a kicker to watch. OLB 22 Carson Anderson 5-11, 190, SR. Moorpark reach a CIF title game playing as a team,” Anderson Camarillo is ready to play last year as its defensive coordi- said. “We’ve lost in the last three hard. There’s no stopping now. OLB 27 Izaiah Lazaro 5-7, 140, SR. nator, is now calling shots for the seconds, the last three minutes, the “It’s about effort,” Holden CB Mason Brown Devin Norman Camarillo defense. Wilford was last quarter, the last half. We have said. “We want people to come CB Sam Varney Matthew Miller Moorpark’s head coach when to play with full intensity and full out and say, ‘Man, those guys SS 11 Jack Holden 6-1, 180, SR. the Musketeers won their only effort for a full 48 minutes.” play hard.’” FS 6 Grady Liddell 6-0, 185, JR. COME SEE OUR NEW DESIGN CENTER! • Bar B Que Islands • Fountains • FireMagic BBQ’s • El Dorado Stone • Natural Stone • Pots • Pizza Ovens • PreFab FirePits from El Dorado and more FREE 15% $100 off* Local Delivery* Military Discount* Purchase of With purchase of With Military ID $1000 or more $500 or more * Must show ad upon beginning of sale. One discount per customer. Discounts apply before taxes. Not valid with any other offer.

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HEAD COACH: Josh Henderson (ninth season) 2017 RESULTS: 13-3 (3-0 in league) CIF-SS Div. 8 champs AVERY COOK By Jonathan Andrade [email protected] There’s no slowing down Cook—not even in practice. Teammate Justin Skidmore The private-school Lancers said the senior tight end are coming off a CIF-Southern BATTLE-TESTED—Grace Brethren’s Josh Henderson and linebacker plays with Section Division 8 championship unrelenting energy. “That season. They played in a state runs with the ball against Rio Mesa last season. might be annoying, but it’s bowl game for the ﬁ rst time in making the whole team program history. They were the Henderson is a senior linebacker and running back. better,” Skidmore said. “He’s toast of Simi Valley. not going to let up.” Cook Grace Brethren, however, was missed all of his junior season rarely challenged in 2017. That after undergoing a knee won’t be the case this fall. The surgery for an injury that also Lancers moved to Division 4 sidelined him as a sophomore. and currently occupy space in a Cook is (finally) healthy revamped Camino League along- this season. The 6-foot-4, side Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, 245-pound beast is ready to Moorpark and Bishop Diego. annoy Grace Brethren’s foes. “Never been here, never done MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers that,” head coach Josh Henderson “We’ll have a big impact,” touchdowns on 261 carries last said. “Even though we’re CIF Vega said. “We’ll be the smash- season, will shoulder a larger load champs, we know we’re stepping mouth football team we’ve al- this year after the departure of star PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE into a higher level that we’ve nev- ways been.” Seven McGee, another 1,000-yard QB 2 Mike Zele 5-11, 170, SO. er competed at. It’s a challenge, The Lancers will get help back who transferred out of state. RB 6 Lontrelle Diggs 5-8, 225, SR. but it’s also an opportunity.” blocking from Avery Cook, a Danny Whitt, a senior, Payton WR 4 Kai Tinker 5-10, 185, SR. Grace Brethren’s greatest 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end. “White Lighting” Gourley, a junior, WR 12 Troy Hothan 5-9, 180, SR. strength lies in its powerful de- “We hit the weight room hard and the younger Henderson will WR 25 Danny Whitt 5-8, 180, SR. fensive front. this year,” Cook said. “We’re also earn carries in the backﬁ eld. TE 88 Avery Cook 6-4, 245, SR. Stanley Ta’ufo’ou, a senior ready to move some people this Diggs, a powerful runner in LT 65 Garrett Klock 6-2, 265, SR. committed to USC, and Josh Hen- year.” the mold of Earl Campbell, said LG 60 Sebastian Vega 5-8, 240, SR. derson, a junior and the coach’s The line will buy time for re- he’s worked hard this offseason C 66 Bryce Albaugh 6-2, 225, SR. son, are linebackers who will give turning starting quarterback Mike to reinvent himself as a more RG 75 JP Cardillo 6-3, 280, SR. opponents nightmares. Zele, a sophomore who threw for explosive, crafty back. RT 77 David Jay Toia 6-3, 305, SO. Justin Skidmore, 6-foot-4, 1,873 yards, 22 touchdowns and “The past few years I was the 200-pound senior linebacker who eight interceptions in 16 games same type of runner,” Diggs said. PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE notched a team-high 172 tackles as a freshman. “I’m trying to develop more skills DE 56 Soane Toia 5-11, 265, JR. last year, is also back. Don’t be surprised if Zele as a running back.” DE 54 Cesar Perez 5-11, 220, JR. Grace Brethren is deep in the hurts defenses more with his feet The Lancers are confident. DT 55 Danny Valenzuela 6-2, 245, JR. trenches. Brothers David Jay Toia, in 2018. They’ve gone 34-6 the last three MLB 42 Stanley Ta’ufo’ou 6-3, 245, SR. a sophomore defensive tackle/ “You’ll see us put him in a seasons, but can they keep win- MLB 44 Josh Henderson 6-2, 200, JR. right tackle committed to USC, position to make more plays this ning against tougher foes? OLB 40 Justin Skidmore 6-4, 200, SR. and Soane Toia, a junior defensive year,” the coach said of the QB. “It’s going to be harder than OLB 30 Cooper Robertson 5-11, 190, SO. end, bolster the line. Sebastian “He responds really well when last year,” Vega said. “We’re CB 12 Troy Hothan 5-9, 180, SR. Vega, a four-year starter and he’s under the gun. He plays his playing some great high schools. CB 34 Payton Gourley 5-10, 175, JR. captain, and JP Cardillo, a return- best in a critical moment.” There probably won’t be any ing senior guard with agility and Lontrelle Diggs, who racked shutouts this year. We’re not in SS 8 Isac Garcia 6-1, 175, SO. speed, lead the offensive line. up 1,742 rushing yards and 29 that division anymore.” FS 4 Kai Tinker 5-10, 185, SR. Grace Brethren Jr/Sr High School 40 years of Honoring Christ 1978-2018

Grace Brethren Schools provides a distinctly Christian education to students from age 2 through 12th grade Exceptional Academics, Championship Athletics, Award-Winning Fine Arts Learn more at gracebrethrenschools.com PAGE 8 PIGSKIN PREVIEW CAMINO LEAGUE PLAYER MOORPARK TO WATCH Get ready for shake ’n’ bake with Blake and Drake

HEAD COACH: Ryan Huisenga (second season) 2017 RESULTS: 11-3 (2-1 in league) CIF-SS Division 5 final IAN MEIER By Eliav Appelbaum [email protected] Meier led the Musketeers in tackles (65) and sacks (eight) at outside linebacker last Blake Sturgill is a new man. year. This fall, the 6-foot-1, Moorpark’s junior quarter- 180-pound senior will line back, who lost 20 pounds in the up at safety, and he’ll pick up offseason, is confi dent orchestrat- more carries at running back. ing the offense. He’s comfortable The Musketeer, who played running with the ball a la Elroy three years of rugby, has the “Crazy Legs” Hirsch instead of speed, strength and instincts sitting in the pocket like Sitting to fly around the ball like Bull sequestering a sitting duck. a fl y from Jeff Goldblum’s By every algorithm in statisti- laboratory. “He’s an cian Nate Silver’s vault, Sturgill unbelievable football player,” is good. head coach Ryan Huisenga “We’re going to focus on try- said. Meier enjoys surfing ing to improve every week and get MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers and snowboarding, but he was back to the CIF fi nals,” the QB said. THE GREAT ESCAPE—Moorpark quarterback Blake Sturgill breaks a tackle by Paraclete’s Sam Di Silvestri during built to play football. After catching opponents off the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 championship game at MHS last season. guard all season long, the Muske- teers stumbled 49-28 to Paraclete want him to cut down on his 15 Alec Powell, a senior running in the Division 5 championship interceptions from a year ago. They back and linebacker, enters the PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE game. This fall, Moorpark will certainly like his 3,167 passing season as the primary option in QB 4 Blake Sturgill 6-2, 205, JR. navigate a revamped Camino yards and 36 touchdowns, however. the offensive backfi eld. RB 7 Alec Powell 6-0, 190, SR. League and Division 3 circuit. London spent much of July Jaeger Hoffmann, a senior WR 2 Drake London 6-5, 205, SR. The Paraclete loss still stings. playing in basketball tourna- linebacker, has picked up offers WR 14 Noah Cronquist 5-9, 170, SR. “It motivates us to go back ments. He returned to fall camp from the University of Idaho and WR 16 Jake Mateko 6-2, 180, SR. and win it all this year,” said Ian with less rust than Iron Man. Central Washington. His father, WR 1 Hunter Milton 5-10, 165, JR. Dave, won a 1991 NCAA na- Meier, a senior safety and running “It’s only a matter of time LT 79 Jonah Monheim 6-5, 280, JR. back. before everything clicks again,” tional title with the University of LG Blake Lilly Nicholas Wade Musketeer fans can tune the London said. “I’ve already ful- Washington, and later played in C 54 Conner Farris 5-11, 210, SR. fi lled my personal goal to get to the NFL with the Chicago Bears channel to the Blake and Drake RG 51 Jonny Angeles 6-4, 260, SO. Show, co-starring the quarter- college for free. Now I’m playing and Pittsburgh Steelers. RT 66 Tyler Clarke 6-4, 270, SR. back—already introduced—and the game for the love of it.” “He’s really matured into a Drake London, a wide receiver Tyler Clarke, a third-year leader,” head coach Ryan Huis- PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE enga said of Hoffmann. who’s taking his diverse talents starter at right tackle, bolsters the DE 80 Dillon Cochran 6-2, 210, JR. to USC on a joint football and offensive line. The senior honors Noah Cronquist and Jake DE 88 Brandon Vogel 6-3, 225, SR. basketball scholarship next year. student (he had a 4.3 GPA last Mateko are senior receivers who DT 3 Ryan Hatch 5-10, 210, SR. Neil deGrasse Tyson is still semester) has picked up scholar- will try to stretch the fi eld. searching the cosmos for a better ship offers from New Mexico, Moorpark will play six home DT 43 Anthony Gomez 5-7, 225, JR. high school football duo. Navy, Air Force, Portland State games during the regular season, LB 33 Jaeger Hoffmann 6-3, 190, SR. “I’m hyped to get back out there and Stetson since May. which suits the Big Green Ma- LB 48 Jett Alldredge 6-2, 190, SO. to compete with him,” Sturgill said Joaquin Sandoval, a third-year chine perfectly. LB 5 Garrett Wilder 6-0, 180, SR. of London. “Last year was fun, but starter, is a talented senior de- “We have a really good local DB 42 Joaquin Sandoval 5-10, 170, SR. this year will be more fun.” fensive back. He’s an intelligent community supporting our team,” DB 9 Ashton Benner 5-11, 180, JR. Moorpark will open up the play- player who meticulously prepares Clarke said. “It’ll be great playing DB 22 Ethan Gomez 5-10, 150, JR. book for Sturgill, but the coaches his body and mind for action. at home in front of our fans.” S 6 Ian Meier 6-1, 180, SR. PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAGE 9 MARMONTE LEAGUE PLAYER NEWBURY PARK TO WATCH Black Cat Attack will trek into unknown territory

HEAD COACH: Jason Klein (third season) RECORD 2017: 5-6 (1-2 in league) CIF-SS first round BEN GULBRANSON By Cameron Kiszla [email protected] Gulbranson has already made a big-time commitment to Newbury Park head coach play at Cal, where he wants Jason Klein received some of the to be productive both on and worst news any coach, parent or off the field. Head coach teammate can get: former Panther Jason Klein said the junior player Jack Stroud died after quarterback will be a good getting hit by a train July 4 in his fit for the Golden Bears. native Canada. Jack was 15. “Coaches like his footwork. The Panthers will wear No. They like his smarts. He’s 70 stickers on their helmets to a really sharp kid,” Klein honor the fallen lineman. Stroud’s said. In the classroom, the classmates are planning more Panther sports a 4.42 GPA and tributes, but the players are still notched a 1350 on the SAT. working through some of the pain. He’s thinking about following “There’s a lot of sadness. in the footsteps of his father, a There’s a lot of questioning of MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers doctor, and wants to pursue a degree in the health sciences. why. There’s some anger. Every RETURNING STARTER—Newbury Park’s Blake Roper, who stars at linebacker, runs with the ball at fall camp. emotion you can think of, it’s all there,” Klein said. Christian Middleton, a size, and I think it’s going to be a As the season opener sophomore who earned multiple great year for them.” PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE approaches, Stroud’s friends starts at cornerback his freshman If the line can give him time, QB 11 Ben Gulbranson 6-3, 210, JR. and teammates are bonding year, will add starting running Gulbranson can make defenses RB 21 Christian Middleton 5-10, 160, SO. over that shared pain, said Joel back duties to his resume. pay. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound WR 17 Braden Handy 5-11, 151, SR. Valdez, a senior starter on both Middleton, a sprinter for the quarterback has the arm strength WR 8 Jacob Ziegler 6-0, 162, SR. the offensive and defensive lines. track and field team who also to make any throw asked of him. WR 4 Bret Schuyler 6-2, 165, SR. “It pulls on your heartstrings,” plays varsity basketball, expects He’ll also be throwing the pigskin TE 15 Kyle Stanback 6-7, 264, SR. he said. “It’s very solemn news to have a breakout season in to four senior receivers: Braden OL 52 Joel Valdez 6-1, 230, SR. to hear, but it defi nitely brought football this fall. Handy, Jacob Ziegler, Christian OL 63 Bryan Flores 5-6, 231, SR. us closer, and in a way, it made Ben Gulbranson, a junior Sisneros-Mills and Bret Schuyler. OL 76 Charles Stelzmiller 6-1, 230, SR. our chemistry stronger with quarterback, committed to Cal this Gulbranson said that quartet OL 56 Jake Hewig 6-2, 195, SR. each other.” summer before starting a single has working hard by running OL 58 Karim Jamaleddine 5-8, 215, JR. Eight starters return for the game of varsity football. He takes routes after practice. Black Cat Attack. Valdez, listed over for the ultra-talented but oft- Handy, who is 5-foot-11 and PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, is injured Cameron Rising, now at 151 pounds, spent some time DE 15 Kyle Stanback 6-7, 264, SR. the lone returning starter on the the University of Texas. at quarterback last year when DE 52 Joel Valdez 6-1, 230, SR. offensive line. Gulbranson appeared in Rising was nursing injuries. DT 77 Robbie Ward 5-7, 188, SR. “We have new guys, defi nitely two games last season. He said Handy, a standout golfer, has DT 76 Charles Stelzmiller 6-1, 230, SR. different talent, but we’re getting the offensive line is up to the been helping Gulbranson LB 43 Blake Roper 6-1, 210, SR. used to each other . . . It’s something challenge after performing well develop his raw talent. LB 6 Conor Biron 6-0, 160, SR. that really will help us this year. at the Los Angeles Rams’ lineman “We have a solid group of CB 21 Christian Middelton 5-10, 160, SO. You’re going to see (that chemistry) tournament this summer. receivers and obviously, Ben’s CB 2 Soren Brown 5-9, 140, JR. on the fi eld,” Valdez said. “They were just shredding it up going to kill it,” Handy said. “I FS 7 James Tubb 6-2, 161, SO. The offensive line must protect in all the drills,” he said. “They’ve think our team is going to be a lot SS 4 Bret Schuyler 6-2, 165, SR. a young backfi eld. got really sneaky athleticism and better than people think.” SS 25 Grant Hoffman 5-11, 156, SR. PAGE 10 PIGSKIN PREVIEW CANYON LEAGUE PLAYER OAK PARK TO WATCH Time ripe for Eagles to ‘put it all together’

HEAD COACH: Casey Webb (third season) 2017 RESULTS: 3-6 (0-3 in league) Fourth in Canyon

By Eliav Appelbaum ALEX JONES [email protected] Jones enters this season without Cole McCreary was the guy any varsity experience. Now last season. the sophomore will try to Now he’s the guy behind the become the top target for guy . . . but he’s still the guy. starting quarterback Cam McCreary started six games at Fouts, a Westlake transfer. quarterback for Oak Park in 2017 Jones had nine touchdowns, before an injury sidelined him for including a pick six, as a the entire Canyon League slate. freshman on the junior varsity The Eagles went 0-3. squad in 2017. The 6-foot-2, The senior was set to start un- 150-pounder receiver oozes der center again this fall but that potential. Head coach Casey changed when quarterback Cam Webb said the youngster has Fouts transferred in. Fouts, previ- the talent to play Division I ously at Westlake and before that football. Jones’ dream is to Oaks Christian, has been named the suit up for the Fighting Irish starter, but that doesn’t mean Mc- BOBBY CURTIS/Acorn Newspapers of Notre Dame. “But I’ll play Creary is suddenly goose schmaltz. THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN SHOES—Oak Park’s Cole McCreary runs with the ball against Nordhoff last season. anywhere,” he said. “He’s not an afterthought,” McCreary started at quarterback in 2017, but he’ll line up at receiver and strong safety this fall. head coach Casey Webb said of McCreary. “He’s probably the who plays basketball and sprints backer, said the Eagles will more PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE most vital player on our team for the track and fi eld team, has than make up for their lack of size QB 7 Cam Fouts 5-11, 170, SR. because he does it all.” been playing varsity football with pinpoint fundamentals and RB 5 Connor Vlassis 6-0, 190, SR. McCreary will start at receiver since his freshman year. His textbook tackling. FB 4 Wyatt Piurkowsky 6-0, 165, SR. and strong safety, and he’ll line up father, Erik Holcomb, played at “We’re ready to play,” he said. WR 13 Alex Jones 6-2, 150, SO. Westlake and UCLA. “We’re excited.” occasionally at quarterback. WR 22 Michael Holcomb 5-11, 160, JR. Smith notched starts at QB for Piurkowsky, whose father He’s not the guy at QB. WR 8 Cole McCreary 6-1, 170, SR. So what? Oak Park in 2017 and will also Steve played center at Harvard play linebacker. University, will get help stopping LT 71 Justin Leggett 6-1, 230, SR. “It doesn’t bother me,” Mc- LG 72 Jacob Sease 5-9, 195, SR. Jones, a sophomore, is still opposing offenses from defensive Creary said. “Anything that can C 62 Joe Coulter 6-2, 230, JR. fi lling out his 6-foot-2, 150-pound lineman Luka Sarac. help the team win games, that’s RG 75 Will Preston 5-11, 225, SR. all I want to do. If it helps us win frame. Coaches expect him to Connor Vlassis, a suffocating RT 65 Dylan Rodgers 6-1, 185, SR. games, I’m all for it.” have an immediate impact. wing defender for Oak Park’s An honors student with a 4.2 “Football is always the one basketball squad, is a senior run- PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE thing I’ve always wanted to do ning back and linebacker. GPA, McCreary is taking three DE 25 Luka Sarac 6-0, 185, JR. AP classes this year. He wants in my life,” Jones said. “There’s Dylan Rodgers, a right tackle, DE 16 Jason Mania 6-2, 175, SR. to help the Eagles win their fi rst nothing better than football to and Justin Leggett, a left tackle, NG 56 Jacob Moss 5-10, 195, SR. Canyon crown with a senior core me.” bolster the offensive line. that went 9-1 as sophomores in After getting pushed around The Eagles are ready to soar. ILB 4 Wyatt Piurkowsky 6-0, 165, SR. junior varsity. much of last season, Oak Park And if they’re not, they better start ILB Gianni Smith Connor Vlassis The quarterback will have is looking to push back in 2018. fl apping their wings. OLB 22 Michael Holcomb 5-11, 160, JR. multiple talented targets from That’s where Wyatt Piurkowsky “Every year, we got the play- OLB 3 Matt Mori 5-6, 160, JR. which to choose from, including comes in. ers, we got the talent, we got the CB 6 Ryan Kokenis 5-8, 140, SO. wide receivers Michael Holcomb, Piurkowsky, a 6-foot, coaching,” Webb said. “We just CB 23 Connor Ingalls 5-7, 160, JR. Gianni Smith and Alex Jones. 165-pound senior fullback and need to stay healthy and put it S 11 Reed Harrington 6-1, 170, JR. Holcomb, an honors student returning all-league middle line- all together.” S 8 Cole McCreary 6-1, 170, SR. The A-TEAM APPELBAUM805|484|1949 x. 306 [email protected] @EliavAppelbaum

ANdrade805|484|1949 x. 305 [email protected] @J_Andrade_ WHEN YOU WANT PREP SPORTS COVERAGE, CALL THE ACORN A-TEAM PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAGE 11 GGREATREAT EEXPECTATIONSXPECTATIONS ONE IMPRESSIVE SEASON DESERVES ANOTHER By Jonathan Andrade & Eliav Appelbaum Photography by Michael Coons hese stars aren’t on the radar. Expectations are great for Drake They overpowered the radar—and sonar, London of Moorpark, Kamren T jumbotron and any other hyperbolic Fabiculanan of Westlake, Keithan contraption—a long time ago. Gooden Jr. of Calabasas, Drew Carter Five local high school football luminaries are of Camarillo and Sean Weber of Simi Valley. the stars of tomorrow living large today. They These ﬁ ve players established themselves as feel the crowd roar, the bass of the P.A., the earth stars in 2017. This season they’re determined rumbling beneath their feet—and they’re ready to exceed expectations and cement themselves to leap onto the stage once more for an encore. as Acorn legends. Let the games begin.

CAN’T CATCH US— Calabasas cornerback/ running back Keithan Gooden Jr., at far right, and Moorpark wide receiver Drake London, running with the ball, are primed for monster senior seasons. PAGE 12 PIGSKIN PREVIEW PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAGE 13

Drake London, Moorpark Musketeers Kamren Fabiculanan, Westlake Warriors for 180 yards and another score, tying for During the offseason, the 6-foot, 180-pound Carter most total touchdowns (12) with Mycah improved his bench press from 205 pounds to 250, In the age of the specialist, Drake London is the obliterator. Fabiculanan snared a Ventura County-leading eight interceptions during his sopho- Pittman, a receiver who committed to and he’s squatting 380 pounds, up from 350. Stand in his way and he will outrun you while laughing all the way to the end zone. more season at St. Bonaventure in 2016. Oregon. The Scorpion, who plays catcher on the baseball Doubt him and he’ll throw down a monster jam in your face and put your wretched mug Word traveled fast the kid could play. ‘Hard work gets you So far only three colleges have rolled team during the spring, aspires to play linebacker in on a carton of expired soy milk. He plucked an interception, a pick six, against Sierra Canyon in the 2017 season out the red carpet with scholarship offers places. Things aren’t college like his father, Clint, a Camarillo assistant He doesn’t need to spend 12 months shuffl ing from one skills camp opener for Westlake after transferring. Few quarterbacks dared challenge the Warrior for Gooden. coach and former inside linebacker at the University to another to dominate in football. He’s not spending every waking after that dazzling display of talent. just going to get What’s everyone else waiting for? of Pacifi c. Drew wears No. 36, the same number his minute hoisting jumpers in an empty, poorly lit gymnasium while For his senior season, the Camarillo native will shift from cornerback to safety, a Gooden, born and raised in South dad donned for the UOP Tigers. Morgan Freeman narrates from a chariot of stratocumulus clouds. position he’s expected to play in college for the University of Washington. Surrounded handed to you.’ Central Los Angeles, is an athletically While the Scorpion has yet to receive any “I can still compete with the best even if I’m not doing it full time,” by defensive playmakers for the Marmonte League powerhouse, the Tribe fans are Gooden Jr. gifted, mature, fundamentally sound scholarship offers, he’s not letting that affect his Carter London said. expecting a monster senior season from Fabiculanan. — Sean Weber player who keeps the Calabasas offense mindset heading into his final prep season. The Musketeer, who earned a scholarship to play football and The goals are simple. Simi Valley linebacker running smoothly. He’s not exceptionally fl ashy. He just “I think I just have to go out and have a very solid senior season,” basketball at USC, committed on his father Dwan’s birthday. Dwan “We’re looking forward to the playoffs and winning a state gets the job done. he said. “I think the rest will follow.” played football at Hueneme and Oxnard high schools. Drake’s mom, title,” Fabiculanan said. “Everybody knows the receivers (Pittman and Johnny Cindi, played soccer at Rio Mesa. A rangy, confi dent, athletic 6-foot-2, 185-pound playmaker, Wilson),” Gooden said. “Having two guys that are unstop- Like the hip-hop star of the same name, Drake London isn’t afraid to “Kam” will do anything to win. He’ll play cornerback, nickelback London pable like that, (opponents) have to fi gure out a way to stop them. It opens things Sean Weber, Simi Valley get “In His Feelings.” He’s outspoken about his love for his supportive and outside linebacker. He’d sell souvenir bobbleheads of head up. Somebody else has to make a play.” Sean Weber, 18, did it all for Simi Valley last year. family, including his sister, Makayla, a 2014 MHS grad and working model. coach Tim Kirksey to the kids in the hall if it would help the cause. Gooden is that selfl ess guy, methodically making play after play after play. The linebacker led the Pioneer defense with a team-high 90 tackles, including nine “They mean everything to me,” he said. “They sacrifi ce their time. They got me to The Warrior grew up dreaming about playing at USC or UCLA, The Coyote is determined to continue using reps at practice and touches in games for loss of yards. He nabbed an interception against rival Royal. He caught passes practices and games. This is how I can repay them—by getting a free education doing but the siren song of Washington lured him to the Emerald City. to sharpen his skills before embarking on his college career. against Camarillo and Oak Park. Featured in the backfi eld near the goal line, he rushed what I love.” “It just felt like home,” said Fabiculanan, who committed on “Facing those guys at practice makes me a better DB and makes me a better for a team-high fi ve touchdowns. London, who held his own at quarterback as a freshman, always thought he’d be the day of his March 28 visit. receiver,” Gooden said. “Once I get to the next level, I’ll already be used to it.” The senior’s starting spot wasn’t guaranteed this fall, however. carrying the pigskin in football; in fact, for four years of youth ball, he was a running Fabiculanan’s brother AJ is a sophomore cornerback on the Fabiculanan Simi Valley marches forward with its third head coach in three back. He was 5-foot-7 in eighth grade, but he sprouted to 6-foot-1 by the end of his junior varsity team. His older brother, Justin, a Westlake grad, years. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Pioneer had to earn his place on freshman year. coaches defensive backs at WHS. His sister, Kailani, competed on soccer and track Drew Carter, Camarillo Scorpions head coach Jim Benkert’s defense. He didn’t complain, he just got These days, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound wide receiver is as imposing as Wilt the Stilt, and fi eld teams at Newbury Park. His father, Alex, played football while his mother, Drew Carter is not sure he’ll ever get accustomed to all the questions from re- it done. more majestic than Bryce Canyon at dusk. He’s Fred Astaire in cleats. Kathy, ran for the track and fi eld team at Channel Islands. porters. Camarillo’s star senior middle linebacker shrugs his shoulders and patiently “He knew who I was the fi rst day,” Weber said of his new coach. Last fall, his fi rst on varsity, he corralled 51 receptions for 1,032 yards and 11 touch- Recent Westlake transfer DeGabriel Floyd, a linebacker and Texas commit, is the answers. “I kind of liked it because I didn’t have a set spot when he fi rst downs while helping the Musketeers reach the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 title big tuna on campus, but make no mistake: Fabiculanan is the heart and soul of West- “I’ve been getting a little more used to it,” he said. “I came into high school think- came. It meant I had to work harder. I think it’s making me a better game. He registered one carry for 3 yards on the ground. lake’s defense. ing I’d just try to do my best. I wasn’t really expecting all this newspaper stuff.” football player. Yup, he’s not a running back. “I want to be a leader here,” Fabiculanan said, “and make the team better.” The 17-year-old racked up a team-high 115 tackles (including 16 for a loss), “Hard work gets you places. Things aren’t just going to get He’s the obliterator. 5.5 sacks and two interceptions as a junior. He also blocked a fi eld goal in a loss Weber handed to you.” He will not stop scoring touchdowns, soaring for buckets on the hardwood and Keithan Gooden Jr., Calabasas Coyotes against Moorpark and earned a safety in a blowout win versus Ventura. Weber, who plays second base and third base on the baseball making the extraordinary look ordinary. One of the most imposing two-sport super- It’s not easy being underrated at Calabasas, a hub for superstars, but Gooden is just “I feel like I have some of the best instincts in the county,” Carter said. “I make diamond, took last spring off to focus on football. He hit the weight room daily, working stars in Acorn country, and in the U.S., wants to help Moorpark win a championship that. He’s ludicrously, shockingly underrated. my reads fast, trust my reads and go. I also play with speed. I’m not going to over- primarily on leg strength. He can squat 405 pounds. this season. Gooden, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back and cornerback who delights in power a tackle who is twice my size. I have to get there before he gets me.” This fall, Weber wants to garner more attention from college scouts the only way he “We have to go out there, play hard and have the right mindset,” London said. “I shutting down receivers on defense, led Calabasas with 106 carries for 633 yards and Camarillo head coach Jack Willard is president of the Drew Carter Fan Club. knows how: Putting on a show on Friday nights. don’t really have any personal goals. I want to go out and help my team win.” 11 touchdowns for a team that averaged 37 points per game. He also caught 22 passes “He’s a play-hard, enthusiastic guy who loves playing football,” Willard said. “It’s going to be a big year,” he said. PAGE 14 PIGSKIN PREVIEW MARMONTE LEAGUE PLAYER TO WATCH OLionsAKS want to prove C theyHRISTIA belong among SoCal’s Nbest

HEAD COACH: Charles Collins (first season) 2017 RESULTS: 12-3 (3-0 in league) CIF-SS Div. 2 champs

By Jonathan Andrade REESE SILOFAU [email protected] The 6-foot-2, 285-pound defensive tackle shed 15 Oaks Christian doesn’t practice pounds while training at like a team that just won a CIF- Proactive Sports Performance Southern Section championship. in the offseason. After helping At a July training session, the Oaks Christian win a section Lions’ fi eld goal unit was going championship in 2017, Silofau through extra point attempts is lean and mean and ready to before a majority of coaches dominate in the trenches again. had even reached the fi eld. Star He plugs the A-gaps and forces running back and safety Zach opposing running backs to Charbonnet barked out orders on take costly detours. The Lion, the sideline, making sure players who has scholarship offers in the next group were ready. from BYU and Ohio, is hungry There’s no time to reminisce for revenge in the season about the good times—compla- opener against Chaminade. cency isn’t an option for Oaks, BOBBY CURTIS/Acorn Newspapers “We’d like to come out and which has been moved up to prove ourselves,” Silofau said. CIF’s Division 1. Powerhouses RUNNING THE SHOW—Oak Christian’s Zach Charbonnet runs for a touchdown during the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 championship win against Valencia last season. Charbonnet committed to the University of Michigan. like St. John Bosco, Corona Cen- tennial and Mater Dei await them Four of fi ve starters are back, and in a two-back scheme. in the playoffs. they added senior transfer Cal The crown jewel is Thibodeaux, PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE “We’re not on that fool’s Frank, an undeniable Division I ESPN’s No. 1 high school pros- QB 14 Josh Calvert 6-3, 235, SR. Kool-Aid,” fi rst-year head coach prospect, at left tackle. pect in the nation. The defensive RB 24 Zach Charbonnet 6-1, 225, SR. Charles Collins said. “We’re “He’ll take that spot and shine end transformed an unspectacular WR 11 Bryce Farrell 5-11, 170, JR. looking to do better.” out there,” starting center Luca defense into a juggernaut, record- WR 25 Sebastian Macaluso 6-1, 183, SR. Since the sudden departure of Barretto said of the 6-foot-7, ing 20 sacks, 99 tackles and three WR 13 Ty Shamblin 6-0, 175, JR. head coach Jim Benkert (now at 285-pound Frank. forced fumbles. TE 32 Charlie Newman 6-4, 215, JR. Simi Valley) in February, there’s Frank, who is required to Foes will also have to account LT 78 Kekoa Pele-Allen 6-2, 275, SO. a stronger emphasis on player sit out the fi rst four games per for Oaks Christian’s aerial assault LG 74 Jonathan Batiste 6-2, 275, SR. development instead of scheme, transfer rules, makes a very as well. Bryce Farrell, a Stanford C 67 Luca Barretto 6-2, 280, SR. said Collins, an assistant who was good line great. commit, leads a receiving core RG 73 Reese Silofau 6-2, 285, SR. promoted to the top job in March. The big men will once again that includes Sebastian Macaluso RT 71 Victor Benitez 6-1, 280, JR. “(Kayvon Thibodeaux) was work to open gaps for Charbon- and Ty Shamblin, two track good last year but he wasn’t as net, who racked up 2,049 rushing sprinters with blinding speed. PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE technical with his hands as he yards and 23 touchdowns as a Josh Calvert, the team’s star DE 8 Kayvon Thibodeaux 6-5, 230, SR. needed to be,” Collins said. “Our junior. Another season like that middle linebacker, kept his start- DE 81 Ryan Franke 6-4, 220, SR. and the Michigan commit will go offensive line was good last year, ing quarterback gig. Tripp Mitch- DT 73 Reese Silofau 6-2, 285, SR. but we weren’t as good with our down among Oaks running back ell, a senior journeyman who DT 44 Jack Lenthall 6-2, 215, SR. lateral quickness.” greats Aaron Ware, Marc Tyler spent time at Calabasas and MLB 14 Josh Calvert 6-3, 235, SR. Jonathan Batiste, a senior left and Malcolm Jones. Alemany, is the backup QB. OLB 28 Mister Williams 6-0, 220, JR. guard, said players have noticed Collins said Oaks Christian The Lions say they aren’t afraid OLB 5 Dylan Devito 6-1, 220, JR. the difference. has a secret weapon in Mister of any team on their schedule. “I feel like we’ve made mas- Williams, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound “Moving up is a good chal- CB 29 Michael Jackson 6-2, 180, SR. sive leaps forward,” he said. junior linebacker who will earn lenge,” Collins said. “It’s one CB 3 Ezekial Bishop 6-0, 180, SR. The Lions boast the brawniest carries. Fans could see Charbon- that’s welcome. We want to see SS 24 Zach Charbonnet 6-1, 225, SR. offensive line in Acorn country. net and Williams line up together how good we are.” FS 27 Nate Lenthall 5-10, 185, SR.

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HEAD COACH: Jim Bittner (fifth season) 2017 RESULTS: 12-1 (3-0 in league) CIF-SS Div. 8 semifinals BLAKE KYTLICA By Eliav Appelbaum [email protected] Somebody give this kid some respect. Kytlica led the 12-1 Spartans in tackles Gabriel Gambala can’t escape last year with 126 and he the pressure. still didn’t get a spot on the It has nothing to do with trying All-Pacifi c View League fi rst to defend the Pacifi c View League team. Now that the 5-foot-11, title, going 10-0 in the regular 205-pound inside linebacker season, reaching the CIF-South- and running back is bigger, ern Section playoff semifi nals or stronger and faster, there’s replicating any other part of Rio nothing preventing Kytlica Mesa’s glorious 2017 season. from being an All-CIF Gambala’s three older sis- candidate. His older brother, ters—Samantha (Boise State), Al- Michael, a former Rio Mesa exandria (Cal State Dominguez) linebacker/running back, was and Sierra (Ottawa University in a two-time team MVP. Blake Arizona)—earned college soccer MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers is motivated to continue scholarships. The Spartan wants BUILD YOUR OWN LEGACY—Rio Mesa quarterback Anthony Johnston throws the ball during fall camp. Johnston, fortifying his own legacy. sports to help him earn a free a transfer from nearby Channel Islands, replaces graduated star Austin Maciel under center. education, too. “I’m trying,” he said with a Rio Mesa will try to create last season at Channel Islands. He laugh. “We’re all competitive— their own identity on the fi eld. must trust his linemen. PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE that’s how we were raised. I’m “I’m really determined to win “We all have to do our job and QB 4 Anthony Johnston 5-9, 160, JR. trying to get there, get somewhere this year,” Kytlica said. “I’m re- protect our quarterback,” Tejada- RB 34 Moses Marisco 5-9, 190, SR. else.” ally excited for capping off my Sanchez said. WR 1 CJ Lewis 6-3, 205, JR. The junior—who also plays senior year and going out on a Moses Marisco, Don Spence WR 3 Gabriel Gambala 5-11, 179, JR. basketball and sprints for the huge bang with my team.” and Kytlica form a three-headed WR 43 Ethan Feciuch 6-0, 175, JR. track and fi eld team—is a two- Steven Tejada-Sanchez is a dragon at running back. TE 11 Justin Cabrera 6-0, 180, SR. way football starter at wide re- third-year varsity starter who Justin Cabrera, a senior defen- LT 62 Steven Tejada-Sanchez 5-11, 280, SR. ceiver and free safety preparing moves bodies in the trenches. sive end/tight end, is a fast, strong LG 54 Eliceo Aguayo 5-10, 265, JR. for his fi rst full varsity campaign. The senior left guard wrestled and tough player. C 68 Gafoa Pulu 6-0, 265, SR. At this moment, he can’t as a freshman and threw the shot Zachary Belanger, a senior RG 51 Christian Cook 5-10, 210, JR. worry about the past or the future, put last year, but football is his kicker/punter, chips in along the RT 73 Chris Dal Pozzo 6-1, 285, SR. and neither can the Spartans, who best sport. defensive line. have replaced almost every starter “I just like the hitting and the Rio Mesa will play two games PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE from last season’s lineup. strategy,” he said. before school starts Aug. 29. The DE 63 Angel Chavez 5-11, 205, SR. “Everyone’s going to remem- Chris Dal Pozzo, a senior right Spartans aren’t happy about that, DE 11 Justin Cabrera 6-0, 180, SR. ber last year,” Gambala said, “but tackle who played two years of but they’re ready for the next DT 60 Angel Serrano 5-9, 182, SO. we have to keep moving and keep high school baseball, is another challenge. No pressure. DT Chris Dal Pozzo Christian Cook going.” centerpiece on the Spartan line. “Football is a grind, week by LB 22 Blake Kytlica 5-11, 205, SR. Blake Kytlica, a senior line- He knows exactly how to gain week, day by day,” head coach LB 20 Don Spence 5-10, 170, SR. backer and running back who led leverage on an opponent. Jim Bittner said. “We’ll do the LB 34 Moses Marisco 5-9, 190, SR. the Spartans with 126 tackles last “Stay low,” Dal Pozzo said. best we can and try to get bet- CB 23 Lorenzo Sanchez 5-9, 165, SR. fall, agreed. “You have to be tougher than the ter every week so we can put CB 44 Kekona Tinajero 5-10, 145, SO. “It’s a new team,” Kytlica said. guy across from you.” ourselves in position to go after “We all have to work together. We Anthony Johnston, the pro- league, and ultimately, go after SS 43 Ethan Feciuch 6-0, 175, JR. have to fi ght until the end.” jected starter at quarterback, spent CIF.” FS 3 Gabriel Gambala 5-11, 179, JR. R.J. Frank Academy of Marine Science & Engineering Oxnard Middle School Academies Haydock Academy of DISCOVER Arts & Sciences Fremont Academy of Building • Growing • Expressing Environmental Science and Innovative Design

All 3 schools participate in the STEAM program. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) program is designed to foster innovation that comes with combining the mindset of a scientist with that of an artist or designer. Students utilize engineering concepts and advanced technology to solve real world problems, in the process developing creative thinking skills and a passion for learning while building core knowledge and having fun.

frank.oxnardsd.org • 805-385-1536 haydock.oxnardsd.org • 805-385-1545 fremont.oxnardsd.org • 805-385-1539 Schedule your school tour today! PAGE 16 PIGSKIN PREVIEW CANYON LEAGUE PLAYER ROYAL TO WATCH Highlanders fighting to take back the spotlight from rival

HEAD COACH: Matthew Lewis (third season) 2017 RESULTS: 6-5 (2-1 in league) CIF-SS first round COLIN MITCHELL By Cameron Kiszla [email protected] Mitchell, a 6-foot-2, 167-pound star wide receiver It’s not often a comic book and safety, is a senior leader supervillain strolls into town. for the Highlanders. He’s also “I tell everybody that they a standout on the baseball hired Thanos across the street,” diamond, where he pitches quipped Matthew Lewis, Royal’s and patrols the outfield. head coach, referencing the Mar- Mitchell said he wants to vel character. play sports while pursuing a Jim Benkert, who’s racked up business degree in college, more than 250 wins at Westlake although he’s not sure which and Oaks Christian, has landed at sport he’ll play at the next crosstown rival Simi Valley. level. “I love them both,” he The coaching change adds said. Mitchell has heard from heat to a red-hot rivalry, and the football programs at UNLV stakes couldn’t be higher when it and San Diego State, and he’s comes to the battle for the James MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers hoping to hear from collegiate Tutino Memorial Trophy. RUNNING DOWN A DREAM—Royal’s John Moore tackles Simi Valley’s Riley Hunt during last year’s crosstown baseball coaches in the spring. Lewis said he’s excited to rivalry game (won by Royal). The Highlanders return nine defensive starters from a team that made the postseason. square off against the legendary play caller. Get ready for Garry starters on offense, but the squad “We’re basically training PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE Kasparov versus Deep Blue, with lost quarterback Ezekiel Savage, those three as if any of them could QB 22 Ryan Flora 5-10, 210, SR. X’s and O’s instead of bishops who transferred to Reseda. play at any time,” Lewis said. RB 2 Gabe Landless 5-10, 178, JR. and pawns. Fall camp featured a three- The competition has added WR 9 Colin Mitchell 6-2, 167, SR. “Football in this valley got way race for the starting quarter- to the intensity of fall practice, WR 1 Nick Torres 6-2, 175, JR. back gig. players said. better that day,” Lewis said of WR 6 Adama Fall 6-3, 180, JR. Ryan Flora, who guided last “They’re all fighting, get- Benkert’s hiring. WR 16 Jason Walker 5-10, 130, JR. Highlander players say they year’s junior varsity squad, is pro- ting better each day,” said Colin LT 59 Malachi Ae 6-7, 265, JR. aren’t fazed by the splashy arrival. jected to start the season opener. A Mitchell, a wide receiver and LG 50 Ramon Rangel 5-9, 270, JR. Sean Hoover, a senior line- 5-foot-10, 210-pound senior, he safety. “It feels good that they’re C 62 Jared Beavers 5-11, 220, SR. backer who will anchor a defense has the size and speed to run over playing their hardest, trying to get RG 78 Kaden Gibson 5-10, 200, JR. with nine returning starters, said he and slip by defenders. better and fi ghting for that spot. RT 54 Jordan Hanson 6-3, 200, JR. expects a good game come Oct. 26. Jonathan Villafaña, who Nothing gets handed out.” “Simi is Simi to us, always,” backed up Savage last year, pro- If they don’t succeed at fi rst, PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE Hoover said. “We don’t care vides depth. Villafaña is smaller— Flora, Villafaña and Wolf all said DE 54 Jordan Hanson 6-3, 200, JR. if they have Cam Newton as a he’s 5-foot-7 and 146 pounds—but they’ll support whoever starts . . . DE 50 Ramon Rangel 5-9, 270, JR. quarterback.” Lewis said he’s a more refi ned but they still plan to try, try again Royal broke Simi Valley’s passer with a stronger grasp of the to nab the top job. DT 99 Darian Stricker 6-3, 193, SR. three-game winning streak in the playbook’s intricacies. “The whole season, I’m going DT 77 Kyle Lavallee 6-2, 245, JR. rivalry last year en route to a 6-5 Tanner Wolf, the lone sopho- to try to get that starting spot,” Flora MLB 31 Aiden Carrillo 5-6, 180, SR. record and a postseason appear- more on varsity, will push the two said, “and support whoever gets it.” OLB 38 Drake Evans 5-10, 170, SR. ance. The Highlanders lost to Rio seniors for the job. The 6-foot-2, If Royal maintains that level OLB 12 Sean Hoover 6-0, 170, SR. Mesa in an opening round playoff 160-pound quarterback transferred of camaraderie all season long, CB 8 John Moore 6-2, 170, SR. game and are looking forward to from Oaks Christian in search of don’t be shocked to see the High- CB 6 Adama Fall 6-3, 180, JR. building on that success. more playing time. He’s an intel- landers turn into the Avengers SS 21 Trevor Santos 5-10, 160, SR. The Highlanders return fi ve ligent player with a strong arm. come October. FS 9 Colin Mitchell 6-2, 167, SR. “To Love THE EVENT: Once again our festival will feature gourmet foods from 50 of the nest restaurants in Simi Valley, Moorpark, ousand Oaks and San Fernando Valley; ne wine from California wineries; beer from well-known breweries; desserts from the nest bakeries and dessert establishments. During dinner we will be entertained by one of America's most requested “Frank Sinatra” impersonators Vaughn Suponatime. A er dinner there will also be a concert and dancing provided by the very popular “Ronny & e Classics”, who will be playing all your favorite oldies from the 50’s through 80’s. e evening will also include a fabulous silent auction and a large opportunity drawing of prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500!

St. Rose of Lima Christian Services and St. Rose of Lima Parish & Grade School have been serving the poor, the needy and less fortunate in Simi Valley and surrounding communities for over 50 years. All the proceeds from our "Simi Valley Dream Cuisine" will help support this invaluable service to the less fortunate in Simi Valley, ousand Oaks, and Moorpark areas, as well as the students of St. Rose of Lima School. PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAGE 17 CANYON LEAGUE PLAYER SIMI VALLEY TO WATCH Pioneers banking on big bang from Benkert

HEAD COACH: Jim Benkert (first season) 2017 RESULTS: 2-7 (1-2 in league) Third in Canyon RILEY HUNT By Jonathan Andrade [email protected] Hunt joined the football team late after a long track and The Pioneers are almost un- field season in the spring. recognizable. One of the best hurdlers Simi Valley renovated its in Ventura County wasted locker room, upgraded helmets no time impressing head with new decals and completely coach Jim Benkert on the overhauled the coaching staff, gridiron. “Coming late from now headed by Jim Benkert, the track, I knew I’d have to winningest head coach in Ventura try harder,” Hunt said. The County football history. 6-foot, 175-pound senior New leadership and slick equip- wide receiver led Simi Valley ment are nice, but there’s swag- in receptions, receiving yards ger that makes Simi Valley—a and receiving touchdowns last team that’s averaged less than 3 year. Hunt, who tacked on nearly 15 pounds of muscle, wins a season over its 71-year RICHARD GILLARD/Acorn Newspapers history—a legitimate Camino plans on making a bigger League and CIF-Southern Sec- PICK SIX—Simi Valley linebacker Jake Sebring cruises into the end zone after intercepting a pass during the Pioneers’ impact this fall. tion Division 10 title contender. 27-21 win against Channel Islands last season. Sebring was the team’s third-leading tackler last year with 66 stops. “The culture is a lot different,” Sterling was allowed to Carson Gerberick, a senior, has receiver Riley Hunt said. “Every- accompany Benkert to Simi without shifted from the line to receiver. At PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE thing’s about winning and changing sitting out any games because his 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, he’s a target QB 16 Blake Adams 6-1, 180, JR. our mindset. Everything we do, we father, Lance, is an assistant coach no quarterback can miss. RB 28 Jackson Sterling 5-11, 195, SR. have a championship mindset.” at SVHS. Simi Valley’s offensive line WR 80 Riley Hunt 6-0, 175, SR. That’s the Benkert effect. Sterling and Griffi th have al- is deep. Benkert said he’s been WR 87 Carson Gerberick 6-5, 240, SR. Last fall, in Benkert’s third ready landed in the starting lineup. impressed by senior left tackle WR 85 Jacob Hodges 5-8, 165, SR. season at Oaks Christian, the coach Applegate will challenge incum- Trevor Thomas, undersized at WR 6 Joey Vacca 5-10, 165, SR. guided the Lions to a CIF-Southern bent junior starter Blake Adams, 5-foot-11, 200 pounds. The coach LT 64 Trevor Thomas 5-11, 210, SR. Section Division 2 title. It was the who threw for 1,112 yards, six named Thomas a captain. LG 56 Brandon Simpson 6-1, 295, SR. fi fth section title of his storied ca- touchdowns and 10 interceptions “I don’t think I’ve ever had C 75 Hunter McClure 5-10, 235, SR. reer; he won four rings at Westlake. in seven appearances last fall, for a 200-pound tackle, but he can The Pioneers are willing to RG 51 Sammy Barakat 6-2, 275, SR. playing time. move,” the coach said. RT 53 Ruben Olmedo 6-2, 260, SR. do anything to get a taste of that The new faces on campus will Thomas said he believes this success after fi nishing 2-7 last help solidify a Simi team that also is the year fortunes will change PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE year, which included a loss to returns several talented players, for Simi Valley. DE 52 Christian Cavaliere 5-11, 200, SR. crosstown rival Royal. including linebackers Sean Weber, “I think we’re going to be “We’re tired of losing,” line- DE 39 Tim Ilano 5-11, 220 SR. David Quadri and Sebring. pleasantly surprised when we get DT 54 Anthony Carias 5-10, 230, JR. backer Jake Sebring said. Senior defensive ends Christian to the season,” he said. DT 63 Damian Hartz 6-0, 250, JR. Benkert’s arrival has already Cavaliere and Tim Ilano team up Simi opens at home against MLB 21 Sean Weber 5-11, 200, SR. produced transfers: Jack Apple- with junior defensive tackles Da- Lompoc, a team that went 11-1 OLB 45 Jake Sebring 6-1, 195, SR. gate, a sophomore quarterback, mian Hartz and Anthony Carias in last year. The old Pioneers may and Kadyn Griffi th, a sophomore the trenches. have gone in as underdogs. OLB 44 David Quadri 5-11, 200, SR. cornerback, left Alemany. Jack- Ian Roca and Chase Ham- Not this team. Not this year. CB 7 Daniel Miller 6-2, 170, SR. son Sterling, a senior running rick, both seniors, patrol the “Lompoc’s (Division 3),” CB 2 Kadyn Griffith 5-7, 160, SO. back, followed the coach from skies at strong safety and free Sebring said, “but I think we can SS 20 Ian Roca 5-7, 170, SR. Oaks Christian. safety, respectively. win.” FS 24 Chase Hamrick 6-0, 185, SR. and to Serve”

is year our honorees are Deacon Brian and Sherry Clements. For 20 years they have been actively involved in ministry to the incarcerated and their families. In their name we will make a donation to “Get-on-the- Bus”. is wonderful program brings children and their caregivers from throughout the State of California to visit their mothers and fathers in prison.

EVENT TICKETS: $65 per person or $650 for reserved table of 10. Tickets for this all inclusive event may be purchased online at: www.svdream.com or by calling Rick Ostrich at: 805-490-8529. PAGEPAGE 1818 FALL 2017 PIGSKINPIGSKIN PREVIEW PREVIEW CAMINO LEAGUE PLAYER THOUSAND OAKS TO WATCH Versatile, tough Lancers embrace underdog role

HEAD COACH: Chris Casillas (first season) 2017 RECORD: 2-8 (0-3 in league) Fourth place in Camino

By Eliav Appelbaum HUDSON VOLK [email protected] The quarterback is the face of every football team. Volk Thousand Oaks will not trot out must be that guiding light the most physically imposing team for T.O. The 6-foot-5 QB in 2018, but these Lancers will be has a bazooka for an arm, tough. They actually want to be the which he also uses to deliver toughest squad in the region, even strikes as a pitcher for the with two players sporting “man baseball team. Volk was thrust buns” at a recent practice. into a starting role when the “I want people to know—win, incumbent moved out of lose or draw—that when they town. The Lancers will count play T.O. High School, they’ll on the newcomer to embrace think, ‘Wow, that was a tough a vocal leadership role. “I love game,’” said fi rst-year head coach his attention to detail, I love Chris Casillas, a 1994 graduate his competitiveness,” head of the school. “Football is not a coach Chris Casillas said. “I gentlemen’s sport.” MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers always look for a quarterback The Lancer roster is loaded ‘I WANT TO BREAK FREE’—Thousand Oaks senior Colton Ledford, a third-year varsity veteran, is expected to to be a leader.” with multisport athletes, including start at receiver and cornerback this fall. T.O. has been reenergized by the hiring of a former Lancer as head coach. starting quarterback Hudson Volk (baseball), receiver/cornerback football and baseball at Westlake. started coaching with the Thousand Colton Ledford (baseball), free Cervantes will protect Volk’s Oaks Titans youth football team. PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE safety/receiver/QB Dylan Cain blind side at left tackle. Vasquez is a two-way starter QB 12 Hudson Volk 6-5, 200, SR. (basketball), receiver/defensive “We’re not the biggest offen- at wide receiver and cornerback. RB 24 Michael Crockett 5-9, 170, SR. back Andrew Berg (lacrosse), left sive line. But as long as we work Casillas actually coached Vasquez, WR 6 Colton Ledford 5-10, 145, SR. tackle Andrew Cervantes (basket- together and communicate, it’ll now 17, when the Lancer was WR 8 Dylan Cain 6-1, 180, SR. ball and track and fi eld), left guard come together,” said Cervantes, 9 and running wild with the Ti- WR 31 Ryan Vasquez 5-11, 160, SR. Daniel McDonald (baseball) and an honors student who notched tans. Vasquez, who has gained 30 WR 13 Paul Worthy 5-9, 170, SR. right tackle Will Metz (baseball). a 4.2 GPA last year. “My biggest pounds of muscle, is looking to LT 58 Andrew Cervantes 6-1, 210, SR. In the era of the one-sport spe- job is to make sure (Volk) does have a breakout senior season. LG 70 Daniel McDonald 5-11, 210, SR. cialist, T.O. actually promotes and not get hurt.” “We’re a hardworking, very C 53 Nathan Todd 6-1, 230, SR. encourages kids to play for more Cain will be a two-way starter tough football team,” Vasquez RG 63 Justin Morris 5-10, 275, SR. than one team. this fall. The senior was a vocal said. “We’re not going to give up. RT 66 Will Metz 6-1, 200, JR. “The grass isn’t greener on the leader during the transition pe- We’re going to play every fourth other side, it’s greener in Thousand riod between former head coach quarter with all our heart.” PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE Oaks,” Casillas said with a smile. Mike Leibin’s resignation and Ledford is the only three-year DE 44 Garrett Juels 5-8, 175, SR. Just ask Volk. Casillas’ hiring. varsity starter on the squad. The DE 35 Jack Bowen 5-10, 180, SR. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound gifted receiver will be starting on “We’re all forced to step up NG 43 Chris Blanco 5-8, 210, SR. passer was born in Texas and defense, at cornerback, for the and work a lot harder,” Cain ILB 25 Trevor Howarth 5-9, 180, SR. raised in St. Louis. He moved to fi rst time. He wants to continue said. “Everyone has to fill a ILB 20 Joey Terharutyunyan 5-9, 180, SR. the Conejo Valley in 2017. role, and everyone matters to playing football and baseball at OLB 10 Sammy Croasdale 5-9, 185, SR. “I love it out here,” he said. our ultimate success.” Ventura College. OLB 22 Andrew Lichtenstein 5-11, 170, SR. “The beach is right over those Cain, an honors student, Thousand Oaks—man buns CB 31 Ryan Vasquez 5-11, 160, SR. mountains.” coached his younger brother Lu- and all—is ready to embrace its Volk will start under center for cas’ fl ag football team to two Super underdog role. CB 6 Colton Ledford 5-10, 145, SR. the fi rst time in his varsity career. Bowl championships. He and team- “Everyone’s ready to work,” SS 11 Jacob Gosser 6-2, 155, SR. His father, Matt Volk, played mate Ryan Vasquez also recently Ledford said. FS 8 Dylan Cain 6-1, 180, SR.

CONEJO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Located in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park & Westlake Village WELCOME TO THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR World Class Academics Engaging Student Activities Safe Schools

Small On-site child class sizes: care at elem. 21 to 1 campuses from (Grades K-3) 7am to 6pm (based on availability)

In the Conejo Valley Unified School District,we believe ALL students deserve an exceptional educational experience filled with opportunity and choices. Doing things, “The Conejo Way,” ensures ideal academic outcomes for our students as we use teamwork, relationship-building, and trust to together lead the way into a bright future. Districtwide Highlights: Elementary Highlights: Middle School Highlights: High School Highlights: National Blue Ribbon Schools GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) Block Class Scheduling Offerings County & State Science Fair Finalists California Gold Ribbon Schools Makerspace Rooms - for STEAM enrichment Diverse language class options such as CIF Division and State Champions California Distinguished Schools Service Learning to promote global Chinese Academic Support Centers Premier Music Education citizenship Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Center for Advanced Studies & Research Student Leadership Opportunities Target Time: Small Group Student Outdoor Education - Environment Initiatives CTE (Career Technical Education) Pathways Student access to state-of-the-art Instruction WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Peer Diploma Program & IB World School technology devices TK (Transitional Kindergarten) Mentoring Program EThOS Entrepreneurship Academy

SCHOOL TOURS AVAILABLE - LEARN MORE ABOUT CONEJO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOLS: www.EnrollCVUSD.com (805) 497-9511-9511 WWW.CONEJOUSD.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/CONEJOVALLEYUNIFIEDSCHOOLDISTRICT @CONEJOVALLEYUSD PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAGE 19 MARMONTE LEAGUE PLAYER WESTLAKE TO WATCH Warriors have all the right pieces to contend for CIF crown

SPEEDSTER—Westlake receiver Carson Kuhl tries HEAD COACH: to elude Oaks Christian’s Tim Kirksey Robert Fletcher last (second season) season. Kuhl is also a 2017 RESULTS: star lacrosse player with 9-3 (2-1 in league) the Warriors. CIF second round ROB VARELA Acorn Newspapers By Jonathan Andrade DEGABRIEL FLOYD [email protected] A ferocious outside linebacker committed to Tim Kirksey’s tired of all the Texas, Floyd is a 6-foot-3, transfer talk. 240-pound tornado of trouble Westlake brought in seven for opponents. Off the fi eld, transfers, but Kirksey, the head he’s soft-spoken like Kawhi coach, said every school had play- Leonard. That’s OK—he ers come and go. Westlake, after doesn’t have to hype himself all, lost six players via transfer. up. The senior’s play on the With the offseason game of mu- fi eld speaks for itself. Floyd sical chairs paused for the moment, said Westlake Village is a Kirksey said he’s interested to see perfect fi t for him. “It’s real this team form a cohesive bond. calm,” he said. “That’s the “I just want to see these guys type of dude I am. I just like compete at a high level for each sitting, keeping to myself other,” the coach said. and hanging out by myself.” The second-year skipper said high-profi le newcomer DeGabriel Floyd, a linebacker committed lacrosse. He tallied 71 tackles, pounds, completed 67 percent of to Texas, has settled in nicely. three interceptions and two fumble his passes for 958 yards, six touch- PROJECTED STARTERS: OFFENSE The 6-foot-3, 240-pound man- recoveries as a junior. downs and three interceptions in QB 12 Marco Siderman 6-2, 200, JR. child bounced from St. Monica to Kamren Fabiculanan, a star 2017.The gunslinger said he’s glad RB 8 Nate Davis 5-10, 215, SR. Hawkins to Golden Valley before defensive back, has committed to be back home at Westlake. WR 3 Carson Kuhl 5-10, 155, JR. deciding Westlake will suffi ce for to Washington. He contributes at “All my friends are here,” WR 13 Terrell Vaughn 5-7, 170, SR. his fi nal prep season. cornerback, safety and receiver. Siderman said. WR 2 Jason Heller 5-8, 180, SR. Will Floyd adjust to life under Carson Kuhl, Tyler Enderle The Warriors are confident TE 81 Stone Martin 6-3, 235, SR. a microscope at Westlake? and Jason Heller are dynamic they will end Oaks Christian’s LT 59 Caleb Blinn 6-5, 240, JR. “You kind of get concerned receivers. Westlake added trans- Marmonte League dominance at LG 56 Omar Mejia 5-10, 220, JR. about whether or not he can fi t fers Terrell Vaughn, a senior re- three straight league titles. This C 58 Nick Villari 5-9, 185, SR. into our culture,” Kirksey said. ceiver, and senior tight end Stone team also has the talent to make a RG 78 Trevor Terry 6-2, 300, SO. “Watching that transformation Martin, who will start Week 0 in run to state. RT 51 Ricky Munoz 6-4, 285, JR. has been one of the more special place of an injured Seth Figgins. “That’s all we want: state and things I’ve gotten a chance to see Vaughn and Martin both played Oaks Christian,” Lyman said. PROJECTED STARTERS: DEFENSE in coaching.” at Newbury Park last fall. Figgins Love them or hate them, the DE 54 Colby Downard 6-3, 215, SR. Floyd adds a physical element has multiple scholarship offers, Warriors have long played with DE 55 Ryan Downard 6-3, 210, SR. to a defense that returns multiple including one from USC. a mix of homegrown kids and DT 72 Victory Vaka 6-3, 325, SO. standout players, including senior The receivers will make life transfers. This year’s team says DT 39 Elijah Taylor 6-0, 195, SR. middle linebackers Michael Wood easier easy for junior quarterback the Warriors are united as one. MLB 16 Michael Wood 6-1, 200, SR. and Cameron Jasmin. Marco Siderman, who transferred “A lot of people think that OLB 1 DeGabriel Floyd 6-3, 245, SR. Victory Vaka, a 6-foot-3, back to Westlake after winning a teams that get a bunch of new kids OLB 44 Cameron Jasmin 5-10, 210, SR. 320-pound sophomore, is a wall ring in one season at Oaks Chris- really aren’t connected,” Roberg CB 24 Kamren Fabiculanan 6-2, 185, SR. at defensive tackle. Vaka started tian. Siderman beat out Patrick said. “With this team, we don’t as a freshman on varsity. Roberg, another former Oaks QB, even call the kids who came in CB 6 Kyle Valestrino 6-0, 180, SR Will Lyman, a senior, is a play- for the starting job. transfers. They’re not a transfer to SS 7 Pete Tello 5-10, 190, SR. making safety who also excels in Siderman, who is 6-foot-2, 200 us. They’re a part of our team.” FS 4 Will Lyman 6-2, 185, SR.

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27AT3xxS PAGE 20 PIGSKIN PREVIEW BEST OF THE REST A QUICK LOOK AT OTHER AREA TEAMS

By Jonathan Andrade [email protected]

Humboldt State University recently announced the Lumberjacks, who started playing football in 1924, will shutter their program at the end of this season. Chalk it up as another loss for the sport; but football is alive and well in Acorn country. Beacon Hill Classical Academy in Camarillo will compete in its fi rst season of 8-man football. Newbury Park Adventist’s fl ag football program is still going strong. Here’s a closer look at the other teams in the area: Chaminade, St. Bonaventure, Malibu, Viewpoint and Hillcrest Christian. CHAMINADE Chaminade has 13 players from last year’s group playing college football. While the Eagles lack depth at offensive line, Chaminade remains a Southern California powerhouse. “Our goal is to win the Mission League again and make a deep (playoff) run,” head coach Ed Croson said. “We know what we’re up against once we get into playoffs, but, you know, we’re up against them all year long.” RICHARD GILLARD/Acorn Newspapers Chaminade, which went 9-2 and won TURN THE PAGE—Viewpoint High’s defense, left, battles Brentwood last fall. The Patriots’ kick off this season at 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at Fillmore. a Mission title in 2017, has games against Oaks Christian, man air traffi c. Louie Thrall, a senior receiver and Paraclete, Mission Kai Rojas, a returning starter at quar- four-year starter, is the focal point of the HILLCREST CHRISTIAN Hills, Folsom and terback, is one of Ventura County’s best offense. Sophomore quarterback Jake Hillcrest Christian is the defending St. John Bosco. football-basketball players not named Friedman opens the year as the starter. Omega League champion, but the land- “We put as big Drake London. Rojas, a senior, is also the Friedman will work behind a skilled of- scape looks different now. of a challenge out punter, free safety and kick returner. fensive line that includes senior Eddie Lighthouse Christian is the only other in front of them as Cheyne Caldwell, a 6-foot-1, Godoy and sophomore Riley Banducci. team returning to the Omega. Westmark we can,” Croson 190-pound senior, Dane Kapler, a junior and son of Phila- and Bell-Jeff closed their programs. The said. “We’re trying starts at running delphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler, league added Calvary Baptist, Cornerstone to teach our kids to back. starts at running back. Christian of Wildomar, Crossroads Chris- fight through ad- Giovanni Esca- tian and Beacon Hill Classical Academy, a versity and solve Blake Antzoulatos milla, a senior of- VIEWPOINT fi rst-year program problems.” fensive guard and The Patriots did not enjoy 2017. They out of Camarillo. The Eagles will lean on their defense, defensive tackle, is cancelled one game and forfeited another, “It’s going to led by senior middle linebacker Blake a player to watch. and their head coach resigned in the middle be a lot tougher Antzoulatos, a Simi Valley native who’s “This year, I of the season. than the league’s committed to Cal. Senior safeties Michael feel like the plan Patrick Skahan, who played football at ever been,” sec- Erhart, an Oregon State commit, and Chris is to start winning Yale, is Viewpoint’s new head coach. He ond-year head Rankins, who has a plethora of Division games again,” Kai Rojas shared interim duties with Brendan Smith coach Christian I offers, bolster the secondary with senior Henney said. “I last year; Smith is the team’s defensive Dearborn said. cornerback Jalen Fisher. Erhart calls West- think we’re in a coordinator. “We’re really lake Village home. situation to really surprise some people.” Skahan said he’s looking forward to looking forward Senior quarterback Ryan Stevens re- a football season to being a part of Bryan Salgado turns to lead the offense. Jonathan Thomas, MALIBU with fewer off- that.” a senior, is a Division I prospect who starts The Sharks were one win away from fi eld distractions. Hillcrest Christian, which has grown at running back. reaching the postseason last year. “There’s a lot from 13 to 22 players, held spring foot- Head coach Terry Shorten said Malibu, of hope and a lot of ball practice for the fi rst time in program ST. BONAVENTURE which finished 6-4 overall, 1-2 in the pride in what these history this offseason. Seventeen Saints For second-year head coach Tony Frontier League, has the talent to make a guys are doing,” showed up to the fi rst day of summer Henney and the Seraphs, a 3-7 overall playoff push this fall. Skahan said of the camp. record just won’t cut it. “We have a great core group of se- 32 players on the Bryan Salgado, the league MVP in “We obviously had a down year last niors this year who are very talented,” the roster. “They’re 2017, is a senior who can play running year,” Henney said. “We’re making a lot of fourth-year head coach said. “I think we’re working hard.” back, tight end, defensive end and line- strides to get competitive again. . . . We’re going to be a very strong team in the Tri- Viewpoint wel- Niko Candido backer. just trying to improve the program again Valley League this year.” comes Sierra Can- “We can put him wherever we need him and get it back to where the St. Bonaven- While Malibu will take on new league yon to the Gold Coast League, which also and he adapts pretty well,” Dearborn said. ture faithful can be proud.” adversaries at Hueneme, Nordhoff and includes powerhouse Paraclete. John Overby, a junior quarterback and St. Bonnie return a majority of their Santa Paula, the Sharks will also face “I feel like we can defi nitely get out linebacker, and Aiden Silver, a senior defense. familiar foes Santa Clara, Carpinteria and there and compete with Campbell Hall and receiver and running back, are back and Russell Henderson, a senior, is a fero- Fillmore. Brentwood,” Skahan said. healthy. Overby suffered a season-ending cious outside linebacker. Jason Henderson, Daniel Rafeedie, a junior, is a third- Niko Candido, a junior, is a returning broken hand in the second game last year. Russell’s brother, is a talented sophomore year starting linebacker. Liam Moore, a quarterback. He’ll throw to senior receivers Silver missed his entire junior season with who earned playing time at defensive sophomore linebacker, bolsters a defense Evan Pearlman, Aiden Rodriguez and Dan- a broken kneecap. tackle as a freshman. that also features senior cornerbacks Max iel Cashdan, a 6-foot-7 basketball player. Juvon Eze, a senior center and nose Ryeon Morales, a junior cornerback Gordon and Eric Truschke. The Patriots rely on senior linemen guard, stands out at 6-foot-1, 275 pounds. and returning starter, and Gavin Blanks, a “Defensively, we’ll be very good,” James Kasaba, Michael Rhodes, Campbell “Even in 11-man, that’s a big kid,” senior cornerback transfer from Ventura, Shorten said. Beatie and Jack Watanabe up front. Dearborn said. PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAGE 21 FOURTH & GOAL 2018 MUST-WATCH GAMES NEW SHERIFFS IN TOWN Rio Mesa at Camarillo on Aug. 17 ■ There’s no excuse for Scorpion and Spartan faithful to miss this year’s opener. Oxnard Unifi ed High School District students don’t Head coaches have to worry about homework: School starts play musical Aug. 29. Fans can rejoice and kick up their play musical sandy feet while enjoying this summer clash chairs in between rivals in the Black and Blue Bowl. Acorn country Oaks Christian vs. Eastside Catholic on Sept. 1 at Cathedral Catholic 3. ■ No one said fans will have to commute to catch one of the best games of the year. Oaks Christian will make the 145-mile trek to Cathedral Catholic to face Eastside Catholic, a team from Sammamish, Wash., at noon on a Saturday as part of the sixth annual Honor Bowl. Fans can avoid the traffi c while watching the interstate action on Facebook Live from the comfort of their homes. 1. Calabasas at Valencia on Sept. 21 ■ These two teams put up a combined 128 points in an epic shootout full of touchdown celebrations last fall. The Coyotes won that slugfest 65-63 at home. This year, the laser show takes place in Santa Clarita. Leave early 2. for the 7 p.m. kickoff. No one wants to miss this rematch. 4. Moorpark vs. Grace Brethren on Oct. 5 at Moorpark College ■ Two nearby powers will battle it out on the gridiron at Moorpark College. Grace Brethren’s coming off a Division 8 championship season. Moorpark marched to the Division 5 title game last fall. With many familiar faces back, the 1. Thousand Oaks High: Chris Casillas, a 1994 Thousand Oaks graduate, 3. Simi Valley High: Jim Benkert, former Westlake and Oaks Christian Camino League kicks off with a doozy. was an assistant on the Lancer staff the past 11 years. skipper, won a CIF title, the fifth of his career, at Oaks last fall.

2. Oaks Christian High: Charles Collins, a former receiver on the now- 4. Calabasas High: Chris Claiborne, a former USC and NFL linebacker, Simi Valley at Royal on Oct. 26 defunct Cal State Northridge football team, steps into the head coaching coached at Long Beach Poly the past two years. He’s also assisted at ■ Simi Valley. Royal. It’s the longest and most role after serving as offensive coordinator for the Lions last season. Calabasas and Oaks Christian. storied rivalry in Acorn country. ’Nuff said. —Jonathan Andrade THE ACORN POWER POLL 1. OAKS CHRISTIAN 6. GRACE BRETHREN Kayvon Thibodeaux is the best high The Lancers will have a tough time replicating their success from 2017, school player in the country for a which included a section title victory and an appearance in a state bowl reason. In the ultimate team game, no game. Grace Brethren jumped into the considerably more rugged Camino individual made a bigger impact than Thibodeaux, League. It’s all about defense for this team, but QB Mike Zele is a year who helped Oaks Christian capture the CIF- older and wiser, and we expect him to be more than a caretaker of the offense. Southern Section Division 2 championship last year. Almost everyone is back from the 2017 squad, 7. NEWBURY PARK but now the Lions roam the Division 1 jungle. Only Welcome to the real world, Ben Gulbranson. The junior QB with zero starts chawbacons would count out these big cats. under his belt will lead the Panthers against Marmonte League juggernauts this fall. Dylan Orr, a kicker/punter, is a special teams player to keep an eye 2. CALABASAS on. Big loss no one’s talking about: Acorn MVP and cornerback/receiver The Coyotes are stocked with more all- Carson Falsken, a North Carolina State baseball commit, is no longer playing football. stars than the Plastic Ono Band. Mycah Pittman (pictured bottom right). Johnny Wilson. 8. SIMI VALLEY Keithan Gooden Jr. Larry Turner. Jaden Casey. Simi Valley is the preseason “winner” for most improved in Ventura Johnny Williams. First-year head coach Chris County. Opposing coaches have told us that the Pioneers should win the Claiborne, a former NFL standout, and his pro- Division 10 title this year. Sean Weber, Jake Sebring and David Quadri laden staff will try to keep everyone happy. We can’t are experienced, stout linebackers. Carson Gerberick is the X-factor: If he MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers wait to see Calabasas vs. Oaks Christian on Oct. 19. can ﬁ nd a consistent role, then look out. Simi will get better as the season progresses. 3. WESTLAKE 9. AGOURA No local school welcomes more high-proﬁ le ringers than Westlake, Chargers have won two headlined by linebacker/Texas commit DeGabriel Floyd. This is Floyd’s straight Canyon League titles, fourth school in four years. QB Marco Siderman will throw to many but the Bolts will be challenged talented targets, including Carson Kuhl, Jason Heller, Seth Figgins and by improved squads at Simi Stone Martin. Warriors can win a Division 2 title if the defense—led by Floyd—dazzles. Valley and Oak Park. Agoura has good size on the line, starting with David Kempton, a 4. MOORPARK Boy Scout and multisport athlete. Nico Della The Musketeers snuck up on foes last year en route to the Division 5 title Ripa is arguably the best athlete in the league. game. They won’t surprise anybody this fall. Wide receiver Drake London, who intends to play football and basketball at USC, is one of the most 10. OAK PARK exciting and talented players in the area (see cover story). Quarterback The Eagles rave about new Blake Sturgill is stupendous, but he must cut down on his interceptions. starting QB Cam Fouts’ positivity and leadership qualities. He’ll 5. CAMARILLO throw the pigskin to a bevy of Everyone knows about the championship-caliber coaching staff, but the playmakers, including Cole Scorpions can play. It’s hard to rattle QB James McNamara (pictured McCreary, Michael Holcomb, Alex Jones and above). Running back Jesse Valenzuela is coming off a 1,000-yard season. Gianni Smith. A lack of depth could hurt Oak Drew Carter, Jack Holden, Carson Anderson and Grady Liddell are tough Park once league rolls around in October. and talented. There’s a lot to like here. Scorpions will contend for league, CIF glory. —Eliav Appelbaum

MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers Please note, teams outside the Acorn coverage area were not considered for this poll (e.g. St. Bonaventure). PAGE 22 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

PRO MINUTE PuntersPunters areare people,people, tootoo GETTING OUR KICKS WITH RAMS’ ALL-PRO PUNTER

By Kyle Jorrey It’s all about personality. Well, that and being able to comes up in conversations. [email protected] kick an oblong ball 12 stories high and land it in a 5-foot My next-door neighbor has radius from 50 yards out. a couple kids, and I’ll show No fi gure in the National Football League better defi nes up and they’ll go throw on orget the punky QBs. Punters this new brand of high-profi le punter than Thousand Oaks’ their Rams’ shirts and come are in, baby. own Johnny Hekker. The Rams All-Pro, who moved to T.O. outside. They have a lot of in 2016 when the franchise made its leap from St. Louis to pride about it, which is really Don’t agree? How else to explain Los Angeles, is the kind of player PR executives dream about. cool to see. FF When he’s not cutting videos with the guys from Dude KJ: So where would a former Colts coffi n-corner specialist Perfect (who caught him on camera in a “Punters are People fan fi nd you in the commu- Pat McAfee scoring a hit show on Too” shirt kicking a ball from a rooftop 75 yards away into nity? Where are the places a tiny kids’ pool), he’s jumping on Reddit to do an AMA you show up to most? satellite radio? Or current Bronco/ with fans, posting goofy pictures on Instagram or crack- JH: A lot of food es- former Raider punter Marquette King ing up his 45,000 Twitter followers by saying his Madden tablishments—I like to eat. 19 character resembled Mose Schrute and clowning on The Whole Foods market garnering thousands of YouTube views defensive coordinator Wade Phillips for challenging him (on Moorpark Road), we’ll to a round of Fortnite. go in there and grab a salad after breaking into the But he’s not just in social media for the laughs. or something. The Conejo JOHNNY HEKKER Donkey Dance after a Hekker is apt to share a photo of a missing dog in Creek Dog Park, we love to Simi Valley (as he did on Twitter in January 2018) or run around there. Wildwood Park, another great spot close particularly well-placed to promote a local charity like the Boys & Girls Club to the house. or his favorite nonprofi t, Special Olympics. Grizzled We love Karma Indian (Cuisine), love their curry, it’s boot against Denver football purists—the kind who think the NFL’s new really good; my wife is just an absolute addict to a place, JOi in 2016? player-safety rules are soft—might look at Hekker and (Cafe), in Westlake. We eat there probably once a week. We wonder if these extracurriculars are a distraction. If they have our spots, but we’re always open to new suggestions. are, the Seattle-area native certainly isn’t showing it. KJ: Have you had a chance to check out any of local Now entering his seventh NFL season, Hekker, high school football teams yet? 28, has consistently ranked in the top fi ve among JH: I haven’t been to a game yet, but I know high school NFL punters in average distance, hang time and kicks football is really special, and there’s some top-tier programs inside the 20. In 2016—in what some have called the in the area. I think we’ve got a No. 1 player in the nation at greatest punting season ever by any player—Hekker Oaks Christian. It’s something I’m aware of and would love stood out on a bad team to get more involved in. My wife, when we drive by and see with few bright spots. the lights on, she says, “Is there a game tonight? We should He landed a league- check one out.” It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m sure it will. best 51 kicks inside KJ: There’s been a lot of speculation locally about the his opponents’ 20 and Rams’ long-term plans, whether they’ll build a permanent ranked fi fth in average practice facility somewhere in the area or whether the (47.8), nailing one punt team will build something closer to the future stadium in that registered 78 yards. Inglewood. What are your thoughts? In a game against rival Seattle that summed up JH: Me, personally, I would defi nitely like to see it close, the Rams’ lousy 2016 campaign—a 24-3 defeat—Hek- just for the sake of not having to move. I really enjoy where ker turned human highlight reel, knocking his four punts an we’re at, and the community is great, the ease of travel is average of 54 yards, including one thundering boot that went nice. I think the Conejo Valley has been a great home to us, for 66. During last year’s turnaround season, Hekker com- and the people of Thousand Oaks and Westlake, the whole pleted his ninth pass—a record among active punters—as surrounding area, have been so welcoming, it would be the 6-foot-5 former prep QB has proven himself one of the great to see us stay long term. most adept in the league at delivering on trick plays. KJ: You really seem to have embraced social media. Based on the impact the Rams’ arrival has had on the What advice would you give to younger players about Acorn country sports scene (the team is practicing at Cal Lu- using the platform? How can they avoid some of the pitfalls theran University in T.O. and has its headquarters in Agoura other athletes have fallen into? Hills) we’ve decided this year to set aside some space in the JH: Social media is a tool and you’ve got to know how Pigskin Preview for one of our favorite local pros. to use it, the appropriate times to use it and when it’s best Here’s our interview with Hekker: to let cooler heads prevail. . . . There’s been a lot of times Kyle Jorrey: Congratulations on the birth of your fi rst in my career when I wanted to type something mean out child, Jett (who was born in February of this year). How to someone or say something crazy, but I know once you did becoming a father affect your offseason regimen? hit send, it’s usually forever. If you hit delete people can Johnny Hekker: A lot less golf, that’s for sure. I was screenshot. To young cats out there, be mindful and be trying to be home more often, be there so I can fl ip-fl op aware of what you’re representing because your opinions with my wife from time to time and look after the baby and thoughts might change in a few years, and if you don’t so she can get some “her-time” in. . . . That’s been our go back and erase it (laughs), it lives forever. rhythm this offseason, and it’s been really nice, it really KJ: You weren’t heavily recruited out of high school. You worked out for us. We’ve been able to spend a lot of went undrafted out of Oregon State. Now you’re a four-time quality time together, which is one of the advantages of Pro Bowler and considered one of the best punters in the (Jett) being born in the offseason. game. What advice do you have for players out there who KJ: Let’s talk about you living locally here in Ventura feel they’re being overlooked? How did you keep believing County. Are you in T.O. year-round? in yourself when others didn’t? JH: My wife (Makayla) and I have a home up in the JH: I always say it’s one thing for someone to overlook Seattle area that we go to for a good portion of the offsea- you, but you can’t underestimate yourself. You’ve just got to son, but this offseason, having a young baby, we wanted to have that belief that you can get better and improve and get to stay down here, spend a little more time. He was born up where you want to be. . . . I think being a walk-on in college, in the Seattle area, but as soon as we had a chance to get being an undrafted guy in the NFL, there were times when him back down, to get him acclimated, we did. I had doubt. I had conversations with people around me to KJ: Have you made friends with the neighbors? Do see if this was really for me, and I’ve just stuck with it and they know they have a Ram living next door? prayed through it all and have come out, fortunately, where JH: We’re defi nitely part of the neighborhood. It’s not I’m at, thanks to God and his plan for my life. You’ve got to work hard, and if you do, everything will fall into place. Photos courtesy of Los Angeles Rams anything where I’m driving around with a bullhorn, but it PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAGE 23

• THE ACORN NEWSPAPERS PRESENT • 2018 GRIDIRON SCHEDULE

AGOURA CALABASAS CAMARILLO GRACE BRETHEREN MOORPARK 8/17 CHANNEL ISLANDS 8/24 J SERRA 8/17 RIO MESA 8/17 ANTELOPE VALLEY 8/24 BURBANK 8/24 @ SAUGUS * 8/31 LAWNDALE 8/24 @ BUENA 8/24 @ GRANADA HILLS 8/31 @ NOTRE DAME 8/31 TAFT 9/7 @ LA HABRA 8/31 ROYAL 8/31 ST. MARGARET’S 9/8 HIGLEY

9/7 EL CAMINO REAL 9/14 RANCHO CUCAMONGA 9/7 @ OXNARD 9/7 @ RIO MESA 9/14 WESTLAKE 9/14 @ BIRMINGHAM 9/21 @ VALENCIA 9/14 @ VENTURA 9/14 @ SIERRA CANYON 9/21 SIMI VALLEY 9/21 @ ST. ANTHONY 9/28 @ WESTLAKE 9/28 LAKEWOOD 9/21 @ WESTLAKE 9/28 THOUSAND OAKS 9/28 ST. GENEVIEVE 10/5 @ SIERRA CANYON 10/5 BISHOP DIEGO 9/29 @ BISHOP DIEGO 10/5 @ GRACE BRETHREN 10/12 ROYAL 10/12 @ NEWBURY PARK 10/12 @ MOORPARK 10/5 MOORPARK 10/12 CAMARILLO 10/19 @ SIMI VALLEY 10/19 OAKS CHRISTIAN 10/19 THOUSAND OAKS 10/12 @ THOUSAND OAKS 10/19 @ BISHOP DIEGO* 10/26 @ OAK PARK 10/26 ST. BONAVENTURE 10/26 @ GRACE BRETHREN 10/26 CAMARILLO 10/26 @ NEWBURY PARK * At College of the Canyons * Home games at Moorpark College * At Santa Barbara City College NEWBURY PARK OAK PARK OAKS CHRISTIAN RIO MESA ROYAL 8/24 @ THOUSAND OAKS 8/17 @ PENINSULA 8/16 CHAMINADE 8/17 @ CAMARILLO 8/17 APACHE JUNCTION 8/31 @ PACIFICA 8/24 @ RIGHETTI 8/24 EDISON 8/24 ROYAL 8/24 @ RIO MESA 9/7 VENTURA 8/31 @ NORDHOFF 9/1 EASTSIDE CATHOLIC* 8/31 @ CABRILLO 8/31 @ CAMARILLO 9/14 VENICE 9/7 CHANNEL ISLANDS 9/7 ALEMANY 9/7 GRACE BRETHREN 9/7 WEST RANCH 9/21 @ PALOS VERDES 9/14 @ WEST RANCH 9/14 MURRIETA VALLEY 9/14 @ CHATSWORTH 9/14 THOUSAND OAKS 9/28 ST. BONAVENTURE 9/28 VIEWPOINT* 9/21 @ BAKERSFIELD CHR. 9/28 VENTURA 9/21 @ CANYON 10/5 @ OAKS CHRISTIAN 10/5 BRENTWOOD 10/5 NEWBURY PARK 10/5 BUENA 9/28 ATASCADERO 10/12 CALABASAS 10/12 @ SIMI VALLEY 10/12 ST. BONAVENTURE 10/12 @ OXNARD 10/12 @ AGOURA 10/19 @ WESTLAKE 10/19 ROYAL 10/19 @ CALABASAS 10/19 PACIFICA 10/19 @ OAK PARK 10/26 MOORPARK 10/26 AGOURA 10/26 WESTLAKE 10/26 CHANNEL ISLANDS 10/26 SIMI VALLEY * At Calabasas High School * At Cathedral Catholic SIMI VALLEY ST. BONAVENTURE THOUSAND OAKS VIEWPOINT WESTLAKE 8/17 LOMPOC 8/17 @ EL CAMINO REAL 8/17 LA SERNA 8/17 @ FILLMORE 8/17 @ SIERRA CANYON* 8/24 ST. GENEVIEVE 8/24 BISHOP DIEGO 8/24 NEWBURY PARK 8/24 @ MALIBU 8/24 @ MISSION HILLS 8/31 @ THOUSAND OAKS 8/31 @ HIGHLAND 8/31 SIMI VALLEY 8/31 ST. MONICA 8/31 OXNARD 9/7 @ TAFT 9/7 SANTA BARBARA 9/7 @ SAUGUS* 9/7 @ CARPINTERIA 9/7 ST. FRANCIS 9/14 CANYON 9/14 @ HART* 9/14 @ ROYAL 9/14 MORRO BAY 9/14 @ MOORPARK 9/21 @ MOORPARK 9/21 @ RANCHO CHRISTIAN 9/21 PACIFICA 9/28 OAK PARK 9/21 GRACE BRETHREN 9/28 @ MARY STAR 9/28 @ NEWBURY PARK 9/28 @ MOORPARK 10/5 POLYTECHNIC 9/28 CALABASAS 10/12 OAK PARK 10/5 WESTLAKE 10/12 GRACE BRETHREN 10/13 @ CAMPBELL HALL 10/5 @ ST. BONAVENTURE 10/19 AGOURA 10/12 OAKS CHRISTIAN 10/19 @ CAMARILLO 10/19 IMMANUEL 10/19 NEWBURY PARK 10/26 @ ROYAL 10/26 @ CALABASAS 10/26 BISHOP DIEGO 10/26 BRENTWOOD 10/26 @ OAKS CHRISTIAN * At College of the Canyons * At College of the Canyons * Game locations vary * At Granada Hills High

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Pass valid for 7 consecutive days. Offer expires 9/30/18. Must be a first-time guest. Must be18 years or older or accompanied by an adult. Must have valid local ID. Other restrictions may apply. PAGE 24 PIGSKIN PREVIEW Simi Valley Schools: Where competition breeds character

In Simi Valley, our athletes go from here to anywhere

At Simi Valley Schools, we are extremely proud of all of our student athletes. Royal High School and Simi Valley High School each offers up to two dozen sports in which to participate, including baseball, basketball, ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL competition cheer, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, www.rhs.simivalleyusd.org wrestling, and of course, football. 1402 Royal Avenue Our schools consistently produce student athletes who graduate to competitive play in the NCAA, often 805.306.4875 with scholarships in hand. Our coaches and athletes adhere to a strict code of ethics, which calls on them to foster and maintain quality character on and off the playing fields and courts.

It’s not just about sports. Our high schools also offer the most Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes in the county. We work hard to ensure that every student passing through our schools achieves their goals, whether they are heading to college, university, trade school or the military. We have many schools that are California Gold Ribbon winners and National Blue Ribbon winners, along with numerous other awards and acknowledgements.

To learn more about our programs, visit our website, www.SimiValleyUSD.org, or visit one of our schools. All of our friendly, knowledgeable staff is available to answer questions and give school tours for interested families. Just call the school you're interested in and ask. SIMI VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Simi Valley Schools: From here to anywhere. www.svhs.simivalleyusd.org 4500 Cochran Street 805.577.1400

101 West Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065 805.306.4500 www.SimiValleyUSD.org