PREP NOTEBOOK: Tournament of Champions…
PREP NOTEBOOK: Tournament of Champions participants search for passing grade
July 10, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
Today's Tournament of Champions at Santa Fe High school is an exercise in timing and execution for what football affectionately refers to as the "skilled position" players – quarterbacks throwing the ball to guys who can catch, and the secondary players who can defend.
Beyond that, the tournament is more a matter of players of different sizes and strengths from a variety of areas getting together for a day of friendly and spirited competition.
There also is a program for linemen only that involves nine events with rewards for displays of strength, agility and quickness.
"Going in, we don't know what to expect," California coach Jim Arnold said. "We'll be looking at some things, but it's not real football, so we won't be too excited or disappointed with the outcome."
Arnold said the Condors have been progressing in several areas this summer, citing running back Terris Jones, quarterbacks Adam Contreras and Eddie Artiga, and wide receiver Christian Hernandez.
"TJ (Jones) is our main guy" Arnold said of the senior running back. "He's such a good athlete. He can run the ball, catch the ball and he's one of the league's best defensive backs. We know we've got to get the ball into his hands as often as possible in as many ways as possible."
"Both quarterbacks are throwing the ball well," Arnold said. "The senior (Artiga) has a bit of an advantage because he has a year of varsity experience, and the junior (Contreras) has been doing very well."
Arnold called Hernandez a "talented receiver," then added, "after that, we have four solid guys, not necessarily standouts, but very solid players."
The passing and lineman competitions begin at 9 a.m.
WCHS replacements
Whittier Christian High School has named interim replacements for its athletic director and football coach openings.
Heralds girls volleyball coach Shawn Hunter takes over as athletic director while continuing to coach the volleyball team. Sergio Gradilla becomes the head football coach. They replace Jon Caffrey, who handled both positions before resigning to become the head football coach at Sunny Hills High School.
Ancich football camp
St. Paul football coach Marijon Ancich's youth football camp for boys and girls ages 6-14 is scheduled July 17-19. The registration fee is $60 for individuals ($45 per player attending as part of a team) and includes a camp T-shirt and lunch Saturday and Sunday. Team and family discounts are available.
The camp is geared toward building football fundamentals, with participants receiving instruction in individual and team techniques for both offense and defense. Included are sessions on flexibility, speed, agility and quickness.
For more information, go to www.ancichyouthfootballcamp.webs.com
roger.murray@sgvn.com
(562) 698-0955, Ext. 3046