Josh Ouellette
By Josh Ouellette
I am going to take a note out of Bill Plaschke’s book and applaud Brigham Young University for holding up its school’s conduct code. Brandon Davies should’ve known the rulebook he signed when he decided to play for the Cougars.
In a collegiate sports world where internal rules are broken on a daily basis, Brigham Young took a stand. I can appreciate this even more going to a private Christian University where a similar conduct code is in place. A code, which I know is broken by athletes and non-athletes on a daily basis.
That being said I can see the ridiculousness in having such rules at a college level. In a perfect world these issues wouldn’t be relevant. But our world isn’t perfect in the least. Strict rule, like the ones afflicting Davies now are getting out dated and have ruined BYU’s legitimate shot at being a title contender this year.
Also in college sports, Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel has been banned for two games and fined for 250,000 dollars, by his school. Why? Because he knew that his players had sold their memorabilia.
Five of his players, including Terrelle Pryor and Dan Herron, have already been banned for five games for their NCAA rules violations. I think it’s safe to say Ohio State won’t be vying for a National Championship spot this year.
The NFL lockout is still eminent. The contact info for Saile Ramirez and I is posted on the midvalleysports.com site for all the possible UFL coaches reading this story. We were both All-CIF players. Just saying.
Yesterday I interviewed Rosemead Head Coach Matt Koffler about the upcoming season. Here’s the dish on his Panthers.
Rosemead HC Matt Koffler
JJ: You guys are losing a great running back in Matt Fergoso to graduation, who are the top candidates to take over that role on the team?
CK: Matt Eddy, our back up to Fergoso will be our leading candidate, along with Andrew Gibson. We also have a few guys who will be sophomores next year that we’ll take a look at. But mainly I think it will be Matt Eddy and Andrew Gibson that can solidify that role and do a good job at it.
JJ: Rosemead seems to always be able to produce great 1,000 plus yard running backs, what’s the secret?
CK: We go hard in practice on both sides to prepare ourselves the best that we can. In order to win ball games you need to be able to run the ball and on the flip side you need to stop that run. Really for us it’s about finding guys to be able to get five yards a carry and I think we have the guys that can do that.
JJ: In order to run the ball well again next season you’re obviously going to need a solid offensive line. How are you looking in that aspect of your team?
CK: That’s where are concern going into this season is actually. We have two returners, one in Nelson Leon, 1st team All- Mission Valley League guy last year. Also we have Lupe Perez, a 6’3 250 pound guy. Those two will be or core guys on the line for us this season.
JJ: On the flip side of that you need to have a solid defense and defensive line also. How are things lining up for you there?
CK: Basically, we’re real excited about our whole defense. Minus (Matt) Fergoso we have everyone coming back this season. We’re anchored down low by Sal Chavarin and Derrick Montiel, who did a great job for us last year, and we have six or seven guys who can play up front. We’re real excited about the players we have defensive side of the ball.
JJ: Who are some opponents you are looking forward to facing next season?
Were looking forward to playing against Rowland again. They really took it too us last year in week two. So this year beating them would be a boost for us. In league you got two time defending champions Arroyo. If we can beat them we have a good shot at winning the league title. El Monte is also looking good. I think Arroyo and El Monte will be key games for us to win.
JJ: Talking about Arroyo, there are yet again returning the bulk of the players. How do you prepare for a team who has beaten you two years in a row?
It’s a matter of just lining up against them. Its’ all about containing Steve (Rivera) because he can get outside the pocket and hurt you, or he can hurt you inside of the pocket. If we can stop him I think we can do all right. It’s also important to not turn the ball over in a game like that. Last year we had two turnovers that turned into touchdowns for them, and we lost by 14 points. It’s not hard to do the math to see what hurt us. I think who can keep the ball the best will come out on top when we play.
JJ: Any last points you want readers to know about your team next year?
We think we have a solid defense coming back. If these kids can get what Coach Paramo is teaching them, I think we can have one of the best defensive sides of the ball that we’ve ever had.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Josh can be reached at josh@midvalleysports.com
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