CHANCE IN THE SPOTLIGHT LOWER-LEVEL PLAYERS PLAYING WITH BIG BOYS.Byline: Ross Siler Staff Writer PALMDALE - For the rest of his life, Palmdale High quarterback Jack Tatroe can tell the story of how he entered last Friday's Southern Section first-round playoff game Noun 1. playoff game - one game in the series of games constituting a playoff game - a single play of a sport or other contest; "the game lasted two hours" playoff - any final competition to determine a championship in the fourth quarter and helped lead his team to victory. Except Tatroe might leave out the final score from the Falcons' 47-0 thrashing thrashing: see threshing. Excessive paging in a virtual memory computer. If programs are not written to run in a virtual memory environment, the operating system may spend excessive amounts of time swapping program pages in and out of the disk. of Pasadena. As a late-season call-up to the Palmdale varsity, Tatroe was asked to do little more than hand off the ball and run out the clock. But it was a memorable moment for Tatroe, as well as the 12 other players promoted from the school's junior varsity junior varsity n. Abbr. JV A high-school or college team that competes in interschool sports on the level below varsity. Noun 1. and freshman teams for the postseason. ``It finally hit me in the second quarter when it was 28-0,'' said Tatroe, who was the Falcons' junior varsity quarterback this season. ``I was like, `Man, I'm going to get in.' It was a totally different experience being out there. It was just unbelievable.'' Tatroe ended up splitting time in the fourth quarter with freshman quarterback Rodney Trimm. By setting foot on the field, though, Tatroe helped highlight the role played by area junior varsity and freshman players promoted to the varsity just in time for the playoffs. The coaching staffs at Paraclete and Antelope Valley This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley - both of which will join Palmdale in playing a second-round playoff game tonight - promoted 10 and 14 players, respectively, for the postseason. Each newcomer has had two extra weeks of practice, along with an introduction to varsity life. ``They got four more days of practice last week and four more this week,'' Antelope Valley coach Brent Newcomb said. ``That's almost like spring practice. You just want them to rub shoulders with the guys who have been there before in your program.'' With 25 graduating seniors on this year's team, Palmdale coach Jeff Williams For the poker player, see . For the physician, see . For the astronaut, see . Jeff Williams (born June 6, 1972 in Canberra) is an Australian-born, left-handed pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers baseball team. added it was almost a matter of necessity to call up players to start building for next season. The fact nearly all the newcomers had a taste of playoff action bodes well for the future, Williams said. ``For those kids next year, it won't be a total shock for them to come in and move up to varsity,'' Williams said. ``They'll have the three or four weeks here for the seniors to mentor them. It helps keep the cycle going.'' There are some unintentional benefits as well. Paraclete coach Jeff Cortez said his practice last week was among the most spirited of the season because of the underclassmen called up. All the newcomers to the Paraclete varsity wear white jerseys in practice - in contrast to the varsity red - and are eager to make an impression. ``It got pretty fierce last year,'' Cortez said. ``Nobody wants to get outshined by some sophomore.'' The reward for the Palmdale players was simply being promoted to varsity; the majority never expected to play last Friday. But nearly every one of them had a story to tell Monday after practice, where they returned to their usual job of manning spots on the scout team's offense and defense. Junior free safety Babatunde Babalola grinned while lamenting not being able to make a tackle. Freshman running back Kamar Jackson spoke of coming within one tackle of breaking a touchdown run. And freshman tight end Kevin Smith talked about the thrill of playing special teams alongside his older brother, Donte. ``This is my type of game,'' said Kevin Smith, who proudly leveled a tackler heading for his brother in the fourth quarter. ``I like the hype, the hitting, everything.'' On the other side, Paraclete's Zack Anderson didn't have such an enjoyable time on his first varsity play. An onside kick onside kick n. Football A kickoff in which the ball carries just far enough, at least ten yards, to be recovered legally by the kicking team. sailed past the sophomore to start the Spirits' 44-7 victory over LaSalle. But Anderson played well at long snapper In American football, the term long snapper refers to a player who is a specialized center during punts, field goals, and extra point attempts. His job is to snap the ball as quickly and accurately as possible. and echoed the sentiment that this month's experience would serve him well. ``It's going to get me prepared pretty well for next year,'' Anderson said. ``I'm going to be used to getting hit by varsity guys. Brian Wilson's probably the hardest-hitting guy on this team. He's getting me ready.'' Left unspoken is the knowledge that if their teams go on to win the Southern Section championship, the newcomers would receive a ring as reward. The four Palmdale players answered in unison with a ``Yes'' when asked whether they thought about winning a ring, though it is largely out of their control. In the most telling comment, however, Tatroe said he will not be rooting for another blowout this week. Even if one would give him and his former junior varsity teammates a second chance at playoff glory, the junior has a far simpler goal for tonight's game. ``I just hope we come out on top,'' Tatroe said. ``I don't really care if I get in. I'd like to get in, but if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. I just want us to win while I'm here.'' TODAY'S GAMES Arcadia (10-1) at Antelope Valley (9-2), 7:30 p.m. --Player to watch: Michael Howe Michael Howe was a bushranger in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). Howe was born at Pontefract, Yorkshire, England, in 1787. He served two years on a merchant vessel at Hull before deserting to join the navy as a seaman. , Arcadia, RB. The senior broke five tackles in turning a simple screen pass into a game- winning 70-yard touchdown with 35 seconds left last week for the Apaches. Howe has rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. --Key stat: 9. Consecutive games won by Arcadia to open the season, a streak that ended with a 49-28 upset loss to Crescenta Valley The Crescenta Valley is a small inland valley in Los Angeles County, California. Its name derives from its crescent-like shape, with the convex portion facing roughly northeast and the concave portion southwest. of La Crescenta in Week 10. Arcadia then needed to rally last week to get past Beverly Hills Beverly Hills, city (1990 pop. 31,971), Los Angeles co., S Calif., completely surrounded by the city of Los Angeles; inc. 1914. The largely residential city is home to many motion-picture and television personalities. in the first round. --Why Arcadia will win: The Apaches finally got the monkey off their backs after losing in the first round the past three years. Senior quarterback Brian Ziska, the younger brother Wiki is aware of the following uses of "'Younger Brother":
--Why Antelope Valley will win: The Antelopes are the first option team Arcadia has seen all season and will be difficult to stop on only a week's preparation. Even after nursing a sore groin all week, A.V. quarterback Johnny Walker should be the best player on the field tonight. The cold and windy conditions also will favor the Antelopes. --Last week: Arcadia 26, Beverly Hills 23; Antelope Valley 26, Lynwood 15. --Perspective: One fact that doesn't bode bode 1 v. bod·ed, bod·ing, bodes v.tr. 1. To be an omen of: heavy seas that boded trouble for small craft. 2. well for Arcadia: The 15 points scored by Lynwood last week was just the third-highest total allowed by the Antelopes' defense all season. Antelope Valley reached the quarterfinals last year before falling 38-9 to Hart of Newhall, since promoted to Division II. Arcadia coach John Dimalante said A.V.'s backfield combination of Walker, Kreig Peters and Sean Wallace is the strongest his team has seen this season. --Outlook: After losing to Palmdale and squeaking squeak v. squeaked, squeak·ing, squeaks v.intr. 1. To give forth a short, shrill cry or sound. 2. Slang To turn informer. v.tr. by Lynwood, A.V. should end its streak of subpar sub·par adj. 1. Not measuring up to traditional standards of performance, value, or production. 2. Below par in a hole, round, or game of golf. performances tonight. Playing at home, the Antelopes will wear down Arcadia and set their sights on either Mira Costa or St. Paul St. Paul as a missionary he fearlessly confronts the “perils of waters, of robbers, in the city, in the wilderness.” [N.T.: II Cor. 11:26] See : Bravery in the next round. Dominguez of Compton (7-4) At Palmdale (10-1), 7:30 p.m. --Player to watch: Justin Shaw, Palmdale, WR. It will be speed against speed tonight when Shaw lines up opposite Dominguez's defensive backs. Shaw was Palmdale's leading receiver last week against Pasadena, catching a 37-yard touchdown pass on the Falcons' first possession and finishing with three receptions for 68 yards. --Key stat: 26. Number of fumbles Dominguez coach Willie Donerson said senior quarterback Tim Simmons has committed in the six games since he took over as starter for Anthony Wheat, who was lost to a knee injury. Curiously enough, Simmons had no fumbles last week despite playing with the section-mandated Spalding balls that coaches believe are harder to handle. --Why Dominguez will win: The Dons had to scrap their spread offense after the loss of Wheat and now are running a modified wing-T, with a pair of brothers at running back, sophomore Darryll Crummie crum·mie n. Scots A cow, especially one with crooked horns. [From Scots crumb, crooked, from Middle English; see crumpet.] and senior Willie Crummie. Dominguez was able to weather two trick plays A trick play, also known as a gadget play, is a play in American football that uses deception and unorthodox strategies to fool the opposing team. Trick plays are highly risky, usually with a large potential for a loss of yards or turnover, but the payoff is often high with to start last week's game and win convincingly. --Why Palmdale will win: Donerson calls the Falcons the best team he has seen this season, and Palmdale's confidence is at an all-time high after beating Antelope Valley and Pasadena. Senior quarterback Jacob McCravey threw for more than 200 yards last week and has played well in five consecutive games. --Last week: Dominguez 41, St. Francis of La Canada 21; Palmdale 47, Pasadena 0. --Perspective: This is the eighth playoff game the Dons will play in the Antelope Valley during the 17 years Donerson has been head coach. Palmdale coach Jeff Williams hosted a college scout at practice this week who wanted to see senior defensive lineman Trenton Gunn, who dominated two weeks ago against Antelope Valley. Palmdale was able to get all but two players into last week's rout of Pasadena. --Outlook: A rematch REMATCH Cardiology Clinical trials–Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance Therapy as an alternative in Congestive Heart failure–related to use of a portable, electric left ventricular-assist system–LVAS–eg, HeartMate® against Notre Dame Notre Dame IPA: [nɔtʁ dam] is French for Our Lady, referring to the Virgin Mary. In the United States of America, Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, whom Palmdale upset in last year's playoffs, looms in the next round if the Falcons can advance tonight. They should, although the final score won't be nearly as lopsided lop·sid·ed adj. 1. Heavier, larger, or higher on one side than on the other. 2. Sagging or leaning to one side. 3. as last week against Pasadena. Paraclete (8-3) at Beaumont (10-1), 7:30 p.m. --Player to watch: Jared Nelson, Paraclete, RB. The junior broke free on a 98-yard touchdown in the first quarter last week and finished with 137 yards in his first playoff game. Beaumont's multiple-set defense, however, is ranked second in Riverside County and is allowing an average of only seven points a game. It will not allow Nelson such an easy evening. --Key stat: 7. Number of Beaumont players who have rushed for more than 300 yards this season. Junior running back Chris Alfina is approaching 800 yards as the team's leading rusher, but coach Gary Harvey prefers a balanced attack more than showcasing one player. Beaumont is averaging 266 yards a game on the ground. --Why Paraclete will win: The Spirits have a 21-game playoff winning streak Noun 1. winning streak - a streak of wins streak, run - an unbroken series of events; "had a streak of bad luck"; "Nicklaus had a run of birdies" and five Southern Section championships to their credit. Paraclete played a much tougher nonleague schedule than Beaumont and topped Montclair Prep of Van Nuys, which beat Beaumont 19-3 in Week 2. --Why Beaumont will win: The Cougars haven't allowed more than a touchdown in six weeks and are out to prove a point after missing the playoffs the past two years. Beaumont also plays an improvised im·pro·vise v. im·pro·vised, im·pro·vis·ing, im·pro·vis·es v.tr. 1. To invent, compose, or perform with little or no preparation. 2. double-wing offense, with the tight ends lining up almost as wide receivers, that is unorthodox and tough to stop. --Last week: Paraclete 44, LaSalle of Pasadena 0; Beaumont 21, Santa Paula Santa Paula (săn`tə pôl`ə), city (1990 pop. 25,062), Ventura co., S Calif., on the Santa Clara River in a fertile valley that yields citrus fruits, avocados, vegetables, flowers, nursery products, and walnuts; laid out 1875, inc. 8. --Perspective: Beaumont starting quarterback Joey Walling is also on a junior national ice hockey ice hockey: see hockey, ice. ice hockey Game played on an ice rink by two teams of six players on skates. The object is to drive a puck (a small, hard rubber disk) into the opponents' goal with a hockey stick, thus scoring one point. team, which forces him to miss practice twice a week, Harvey said. Walling is in his third year on the varsity football team but converted to quarterback this season after playing at safety. Paraclete will be making its second 100-mile bus ride in three weeks with today's trip to the Inland Empire In·land Empire A region of the northwest United States between the Cascade Range and the Rocky Mountains, comprising eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Farming, lumbering, and mining are important to the area. . Paraclete senior tight end/linebacker Brian Wilson will miss tonight's game after being ejected from last week's game. --Outlook: The question on everyone's mind is whether Paraclete's championship streak will come to an end tonight. Not only are the Spirits making a long trip, they also are facing one of the Southern Section's best defenses. If Paraclete wins, it will come late in the fourth quarter. Also: --Brentwood of Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. (9-2) at Mojave (8-2), 7:30 p.m.: Brentwood coach Patrick Brown ranked Mojave at the top of Division XII before the season, and now he will face the Mustangs in the quarterfinals. Brentwood is coming off a 36-26 upset of Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Montebello. Senior quarterback Nick Henry has thrown for 1,908 yards and 29 touchdowns this season for Brentwood. But the Eagles have not seen a back like Mojave's Ron Downing, who rushed for two more touchdowns last week, giving him 17 on the season. --Desert (11-0) vs. L.A. Baptist of North Hills (6-4) at Alemany High of Mission Hills, 7 p.m.: A week after scoring 61 points against Salesian of Los Angeles, Desert will bring its offensive show to the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. . Jason Napoleon will be hard-pressed to top his performance against Salesian, in which the senior scored five touchdowns and ran for 178 yards. L.A. Baptist is led by seniors R.J. Johnson at quarterback and John Pearson John Pearson could refer to:
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CAPTION(S): 7 photos, 3 boxes Photo: (1) WALKER (2) SHAW (3) NELSON (4) DOWNING (5) NAPOLEON (6) PETERS (7) WALLACE Box: (1) TODAY'S GAMES (see text) (2) STATS (3) GAME DAY |
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