Sports Monster ESPN 1230 Kern County Power Rankings Week 5

1.Frontier Titans (4-0)
When it comes to ‘Power Rankings’ the Titans are still fit for the top being a powerful team running through opponents, most recently a 40-0 thrashing of North in their SWYL opener. With a stable of running backs and QB Josh Legoreta efficiently throwing the football, this team will be hard to stop in the SWYL. Watch for a tough stretch in November against both Centennial and Stockdale to possibly decide the league title.

2. Stockdale Mustangs (3-1)
Starting to believe more and more that the Mustangs loss at the hands of the BHS Drillers a few weeks ago was nothing more than rotten special teams luck. The Mustangs have since won two games, including a road contest at Clovis and most recently a statement win 49-20 over Centennial. I don’t hear any complaint about Mike Snow’s Wing-T system outta Stockdale backers these days. The Mustangs give South their first true test this week.

3. Liberty Patriots (2-2)
I know, ‘how is a 2-2 team in the top 3?’ You’re wondering. Well it’s simple, Liberty’s schedule has been of course pretty brutal, couple that with the fact that their offense had a breakout night against BHS en route to their first win over the Drillers in 6 years. It looks like Tony Mills finally has an offensive groove going with receiver turned quarterback Dillon Meadows who was solid against BHS on Friday in the 27-20 win. Let’s not forget Cody Wong and Luis Vasquez lead one of the toughest defenses around.

4. South Rebels (4-0)
It’s been nice writing about South, I mean Jon Wren has done a heck of a job over there the last few seasons, I just hope I am singing their praises next week. Why? Because the Rebels get Stockdale this week. Not to take anything away from their wins over Foothill, Arvin and Golden Valley, but this is a step up in competition this week for the Rebels.

5. West Vikings (2-2)
Another 2-2 team in the top 10. But you have to give it to the Vikings for finally stepping up to stop the stampeding Ridgeview Wolfpack last week. West showed plenty of athleticism in that 42-35 win. More and more this looks like a season where offense is going to determine your success, the Vikings definitely have that, but they better shore the defense up before former West head coach Rich Cornford pillages this Friday night with his Frontier Titans. Good clash this week.

6. Delano Tigers (4-0)
What’s happening East Yosemite League!! In the top 10 again are the Delano Tigers after a 36-22 win over Golden West. They open EYL play Friday against Monache, always a tough contender. I’m circling October 30th on my calendar when Tulare Union comes to town, the Redskins hammered Chavez 58-0 and I think the battle for the EYL crown will come down to Delano and Tulare Union. Great stuff north of town.

7. Centennial Golden Hawks (3-1)
There’s no shame in losing to Stockdale, unless you’re Centennial. The Golden Hawks dug themselves a bit of a hole if they want to try to win the SWYL in it’s final year of existence. Cody Kessler and company are still a very viable contender in the league, and with Frontier looming for all teams, one loss could actually win league this season. Centennial looks to bounce back this week against Bakersfield High, a must-win non-league game for both teams.

8. Taft Wildcats (3-1)
Taft took a week off Friday. But I’m already looking forward to October 30th on the mountain. If Taft and Tehachapi both win the next few weeks, we’re looking at the game that could decide the SSL title. Taft continues non-league play against Porterville this week.

9. Tehachapi Warriors (3-1)
Like Taft, Tehachapi was off this passed Friday, they will open SSL play at Shafter on Friday. Steve Denman and the Warriors historically don’t play their best football in Shafter, but with the Generals suffering through a really down season at 1-4, THS should leave 1-0 in SSL play.

10. Wasco Tigers (4-1)
Wasco got a big ‘W’ this past week 35-28 over Corcoran. They get one more non-league test up at McClane (0-4) Friday night. The Tigers will open SSL play with a bang October 16th as they travel to defending champion Bakersfield Christian.

11. Bakersfield Drillers (2-2)
12.Ridgeview Wolfpack (3-1)
13.Garces Rams (2-2)
14. East (1-4) They Got a ‘W’!
15. For Rent…..Candidates please step up Friday Night!

Week 4 Power Rankings

SPORTS MONSTER ESPN 1230 WEEK 4 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK FOUR POWER RANKINGS

So we’re getting into week four, now the cream starts the rise, the others, well they start scouting JV for next season’s stars. Changes are once again in the air, and just as the autumn winds that have finally arrived, it’s about time to get serious about the season outlook for most squads.
Here are the Sports Monster ESPN 1230 Power Rankings for this Week, enjoy.

1. Frontier Titans (3-0)
What can you say; they’re 3-0 after going on the road to beat Exeter 20-14 in a game that matched the Titans jerseys (black and blue). With that win behind them and a perfect preseason now in the rear view, the Titans bring their show back home this week as they open SWYL play against North. The Stars are in for a battle.

2. Centennial Golden Hawks (3-0)
I can’t wait for the SWYL showdown between our #1 and #2 teams after watching the Golden Hawks last week dismantle East 56-13. Too bad I have to wait until November 13th to make that happen, but when it does, it will be for the SWYL title, mark my words. Centennial was strong last week; some issue with penalties that still need to be fixed in a hurry before this week’s matchup with Stockdale. The Mustangs can take control of the SWYL with a win, while Centennial looks to remain unbeaten before next week’s non-league battle with BHS.

3. Ridgeview Wolfpack (4-0)
Yes, the Pack holds down the 3 spot this week. Another victory, this time at home over Madera South 31-3 makes Dennis Manning’s squad unbeaten heading into SWYL play. Call this the ‘Manning Reunion Tour’ but he’ll get to face another one of his former schools this week as the Pack host West. While Ridgeview has been tough to stop in the preseason, it’s time they back up their rankings and record against some stiff SWYL foes, and Chad Grider and West are just that.

4. South Rebels (3-0)
Talked with someone this week that said, Jon Wren has ‘Rebel Pride’ back at South High School. The Rebels are 3-0; yes the Rebels are 3-0. Coach Wren has this talented team not only beating teams but crushing them, having defeated their first three opponents by a combined score of 155-20. The Rebels can play. They’ll sneak in one final non-league opponent this week as they take on Foothill and no doubt roll into SWYL play a perfect 4-0.

5. Bakersfield Drillers (2-1)
Yeah the team that once held the top spot here in the only rankings that matter has slipped to number-five. No big deal, a Driller loss at Buchanan last week was a disappointment for Driller Nation sure, but the fact that the offense put 41 points on the road is encouraging. Let’s not forget however the fact they gave up 56 points might be cause for defensive alarm. But BHS is back in town this week and will open SEYL play at Liberty, in a game that no doubt will decide the SEYL crown, even if in week 1 of league play.

6. Taft Wildcats (3-1)
After that Week 0 loss at Templeton 24-21, Taft has been on a mission. I keep them in the top ten this week after a 34-21 win over Coalinga last Friday. Taft has a week off to prepare for Porterville but mark your calendars for that October 30th game at Tehachapi; this could be the SSL title game.

7. Stockdale Mustangs (2-1)
Following a disappointing loss to BHS, the Mustangs rebounded on the road at Clovis 47-22. Look for the Mustangs to be nice and tuned up this week as they take on Centennial in a huge SWYL battle, reminiscent of the ‘old days’ when these two teams regularly were in this position.

8. Delano Tigers (3-0)
Making their debut in the top 10, the Delano Tigers. After Delano counterpart Chavez finally got burned 7-6 by Golden Valley after playing with fire the last couple weeks and Wasco falling to Lindsay, the spot was open for Delano to march right in. A 49-7 drubbing of Hanford West last week has folks talking about this Delano squad. Look for a big matchup this week against Golden West.
9. Liberty Patriots (1-2)
Sure they have a losing record, but you’ll be hard pressed to find another school that’s had a tougher preseason schedule than Tony Mills’ Patriots. It doesn’t get any easier this week as they host BHS in the aforementioned title game for the SEYL. I know I’m calling this one early, but I just don’t see it in the SEYL this season passed this week.
10. Tehachapi Warriors (2-1)
Losing to Frontier woke the Warriors up a bit as they forced three early turnovers to jump on Burroughs last week before hanging on for a 42-34 win on the mountain. It’s getting chilly by the way, meaning the Tehachapi home-field advantage will start to kick in, starting this week as they host Rosamond.

11. Cesar Chavez (3-1)
12. Wasco (2-1)
13. West (1-2)
14. North (1-2)
15. Bakersfield Christian (2-1)

Week 3 Kern County Football Power Rankings

KERN COUNTY POWER RANKINGS WEEK 3

Frontier Titans (2-0)
Rich Cornford didn’t shy away from tough competition in the first couple weeks of the season and that showed again Friday night when the Frontier Titans went to Tehachapi and beat the defending Division III champions 43-14. Its rare Tehachapi loses a game that big at home, but credit Cornford and his squad for the W and the top spot in this week’s rankings.

2. Bakersfield Drillers (2-0)
There’s only one reason the Drillers slipped from the top spot this week, turnovers. Coughing the ball up five times against Stockdale Friday night was an increase in turnovers from a week before when they struggled with the same problem against Canyon. Credit the Drillers with an amazing 32-31 come from behind win on Friday, but as their schedule gets tougher, like when the head to Buchanan this week, five turnovers will get you in the ‘L’ column, quickly.

3. Ridgeview Wolf Pack (3-0)
The Pack slip a notch this week, just because Frontier was so impressive, but Dennis Manning is now 3-0 as the Ridgeview head coach, as Ridgeview beat his former team Foothill 29-3 Friday. Not a perfect showing for Ridgeview, and they’ll show some mistakes from time to time, but a 3-0 Wolfpack is nothing short of a miracle and the futility that program has dealt with in the past few seasons.

4. Centennial Golden Hawks (2-0)
First it was a win on the road at Redwood in week one, now it’s a win against neighboring Liberty 10-6 in the Freedom Bowl, a game Centennial has been dominated in during recent meetings. While 10-6 isn’t a win you’ll hang on the refrigerator, its proof that junior QB Cody Kessler can win the big game. Centennial gets East this week, we’ll see if the defense is up to the challenge of controlling the Blades’ pro-style attack.

5. South Rebels (2-0)
Don’t look now, but South can score some points. 48 against Golden Valley in a week one win, and 48 more in a week 2 victory over Mira Monte. While the Lions are in just their first season of varsity play, the M-O for South remained the same, running the ball with a variety of weapons and passing efficiently when needed. Lots of talent on this South squad who will be looking for 3-0 this week at Arvin.

6. Taft Wildcats (2-0)
The Wildcats get a bump after beating a legitimate team in Exeter 30-13 on Friday. Not only that but the Wildcats look even more like a South Sequoia League contender thanks to their running game which is anchored by Cody Shirreffs who rushed for 241 yards and two TDs on 33 carries. Taft gets a hungry 0-2 Coalinga team this week.

7. Stockdale Mustangs (1-1)
Stockdale moved up a spot despite the one-point loss to BHS. I like the Mustangs Wing-T attack, it’s balanced, it’s well-polished and it’s effective. Unfortunately one special teams miscue and some defensive breakdowns cost them the game Friday against the Drillers. These two teams could meet again in the playoffs and I’m sure the notes Stockdale took on beating the BHS defense with their running game will come in handy. Look for Stockdale to rebound this week at Clovis, another good Division I measuring stick game.

8. Wasco Tigers (3-0)
Didn’t think much about the Tigers’ win over McFarland a week ago or their lopsided beating of Kennedy in Week 0 but I’ll give them credit for a hard fought 34-14 win over Porterville. Plus you know I love me some small-schools, putting another in the top-ten makes me smile!

9. Cesar Chavez (3-0)
The Titans are 3-0, they’ve come to Bakersfield twice to beat Mira Monte and Highland in that stretch. After a 19-14 win over Highland the Titans have a lot to gain with Golden Valley coming to Delano this week. QB Ernesto Marquez and RB Peter Markham lead a balanced offensive attack while the Chavez defense turned Highland away with a late INT to remain unbeaten.

10. Tehachapi Warriors (2-1)
Sure they got whipped by Frontier, but the Titans are no joke, and Tehachapi is not shying away from teams from larger cities in bigger divisions either. Credit the Warriors and Steve Denman for scheduling tough early games out of the section and the division. Tehachapi has a tough test with Burroughs of Ridgecrest this week but I think they get back on track and improve to 3-1 before the start of SSL play.

11. Garces
12.Independence
13.Liberty
14. Delano
15.West

Sports Monster Power Rankings Week 2

SPORTS MONSTER ESPN 1230, KERN COUNTY POWER RANKINGS

Welcome to the first of several Sports Monster ESPN 1230 Kern County High School Football Power Rankings.

We took into consideration leagues, divisions, school sizes and more and ranked the top 15 programs in and out of the greater Bakersfield Area.

Enjoy.

1. Bakersfield Drillers
--After just one game (a 43-7 drubbing of Southern Section Canyon) the Drillers will compare themselves to local competition when rival Stockdale comes to Griffith Field on Friday night. Canyon may be experiencing a down year, but down or not, a Central Section win over the Southern Section scores points in my book.

2. Ridgeview Wolfpack
--I know what you’re thinking, “he’s nuts!” But with two wins now under their belts, the Dennis Manning led Wolfpack improved upon their week one struggles against upstart Independence to take it to the SEYL’s Highland Scots 35-7. Ridgeview might slip in these rankings as other schools win more games, but for now, they gotta be near the top with a 2-0 record.

3. Tehachapi Warriors
--Save the “Tehachapi Homer” emails. Like the Wolfpack, the Warriors are 2-0. They first went down to Santa Ana Segerstrom, endured a holiday weekend marathon bus ride and won 21-20. They then turned around to go to Garces and while fighting through some more struggles, managed to outscore the Rams 23-0 in the second half to win 26-3. Homer or not, they’ve won two tough games on the road to start the season. They’ll be tested Friday Night against Frontier on the mountain.

4. Frontier Titans
--61-0 over a Southern Section squad (Antelope Valley). I like it. The Titans opened their first home game in their new stadium with a bang. Rich Cornford might be building something out there at Frontier. He’ll get a big test on the road at aforementioned Tehachapi this week. But credit to Frontier for defending their home field in their first opportunity.

5. Centennial Golden Hawks
-The best thing about having a sophomore QB last season…he became a junior. Brian Nixon told me that Cody Kessler would be the real deal, he wasn’t fibbing. After going to Redwood, a traditionally tough game and a place where Centennial has struggled and winning 45-20, Kessler is living up to the preseason hype even noticed by Sports Illustrated who recently compared him as one of the top multi-sport athletes in the country. Thanks to the exposure lent to the football/basketball athlete given by Syracuse’s Greg Paulus.
Kessler has a big time arm and is the perfect guy to run the Centennial spread. Look for a great game against Liberty this week.

6. Liberty Patriots
--I’m not a fan of “moral victories” especially when they are at the expense of real ones. The Patriots might feel better about barely losing at top-ranked Clovis West two weeks ago, but it’s about time Liberty win for real up there, but that will have to wait until the playoffs.
Tony Mills has a solid group, but they’ll need to step up big Friday night in the ‘Freedom Bowl’ against Centennial to avoid dropping to 0-2. But talk about a tough schedule, big props for going to Clovis West and returning for Centennial.

7. South Rebels
--I love the fact that I get to list Ridgeview and South in these rankings. I don’t know how long either will last but I am impressed with Jon Wren’s philosophy he’s been building for a few seasons at South, and the end results of late.
A 21-0 win over Golden Valley is nice for that program. Throw in some extremely talented athletes with size and speed and South looks like they might shock some people in the SWYL this year.

8. Stockdale Mustangs
--The only reason Mike Snow and company are this low is I’m not sure if they are that good or their Week 1 opponent East was that bad. Big time credit to the Mustangs who seem to be accepting coach Snow’s Wing-T style just fine these days putting up 48 in a 48-0 win over East last Friday. Can’t wait for the clash with BHS this Friday night. Could be an offensive explosion for both teams.

9.West Vikings
--0-1 to start the season but El Diamante is no joke. Will get the chance to even up this week against East.

10. Bakersfield Christian
--Why are the Eagles after 0-1 West, because BCHS hasn’t played anybody. Sorry, but I can’t believe the team that is the defending Valley champions (I don’t care how many players you lost) is playing the likes of hapless Avenal and first year varsity Kennedy of Delano. Competition and a chance to move up in these rankings presents itself this week against Central Valley Christian and next week against Maranatha of Pasadena.

Others:
11-Wasco (2-0)
12. Delano (1-0)
13-Taft (1-0)
14- North (1-1)
15-Cesar Chavez (2-0)

Another Name, Another Gift, Another Curse

The New York Times first reported, then the rest of the sports world went crazy as we learned, to no real surprise that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, both then teammates, tested positive for steroids in 2003. Another pair of names linked to the "list" once believed to be anonymous until the Feds got involved.
I feel for the players a little here considering they were told these tests were just for "measuring" the need for a testing policy, but in the end all the guilty parties knew they were guilty, yet still refuse to come clean. You've had your shot, not take it like a man.
Manny Ramirez might in fact become the first player in baseball history to have the results of two failed performance enhancing drug tests released in the same season. First it was the HCG back in March, now the 2003 results come popping up. Can't say I feel for Manny, after A-Rod every player on the '03 list knew eventually they would be outed, and he didn't take the chance to come clean. For Manny it could be another case of his self-centered foolishness telling him he can get through anything. Good luck with that, even MannyWood has it's detractors now.
Onto David Ortiz, who's surprised here? The guy goes from averaging 40-50 HRs a season from 2003-2007, now he's got 13 going into August. Can't say we didn't see this coming. I can tell he's not on anything now, but during those two Red Sox runs to the title, it was a different story.
As much as this harms Ortiz, it takes away from the magical Red Sox run of 2003, their first World Series title that lifted "The Curse of the Bambino." Now, 6 years and another championship later, the curse has returned, this time in the form of a list that says their two biggest stars were cheats...I think the Yankees will have a field day with this one.
It really is a shame. I recently watched an excellent HBO special about Ted Williams, what a natural hitter he was, a perfectionist, a two-time war hero and man who dedicated his life to baseball and the art of hitting. Despite not winning a World Series, Ted was revered as a legend in Boston until his passing in 2002. I wonder what Teddy Ballgame thinks today as he spins in his cryogenic tomb in Arizona.
A shame for the Red Sox, another shame for baseball, another gift for sports talk radio. I enjoy these days and I loathe them. What makes my job easier as a professional, makes my heart heavier as a baseball fan.
I always have and always will love the game of baseball, it's just a damn shame that every memory I have over the last 20 years, now contains a mental asterisk.

Taking this Seriously...

I chuckled when I learned Bakersfield Jam owner Stan Ellis wanted select members of the media and season ticket holders to 'vote' for the new head coach of his NBA D League team. Then I was honored when I found out I had the only radio vote, now I'm acting like I'm hiring someone to run my own company.
I received all the resumes, the bio information and my official ballot. At first I thought it kinda gimmicky, then I came to the realization after talking to Stan, the team will really weigh my vote heavily. As Stan put it "we wanted to take all the knowledge the media who covers this stuff has and put it to use." He also went on to say "then if it doesn't work out, I can blame you!" Very funny, but very true.
I always wondered what the process was like when a GM or owner had to hire a head coach, what they looked for, what they were seeking...now I sort of know.
I have a packet of resumes on my desk, a computer running with background info and history up in another window of some of the candidates. I sort my favorites like I used to sort baseball cards, then I resort and sort again. I'm looking at everything from coaching experience to success, franchises they've worked for and what those teams were like when they were there. Regional location is important as well, a coach closer to Bakersfield might be a little happier considering his family isn't so far away. I don't think whoever gets this job is going to be relocating the fam to Bakersfield on the salary they're going to be paid. Absence may make the heart grow fonder but I want whoever is coaching to be worried about his offensive system and not about missing his daughter's dance recital.
The pressure is on, I want whoever I select to not only get the job but be successful as well. Then again they could be a complete train wreck, and I won't be asked to vote again.
The list is down to 10 candidate now that one has dropped out and accepted another job, I guess my vote just got easier. Oh wait, I gotta re sort now, my top five just got shifted.

Clipper Nation Comes to the 661

Credit Jam owner Stan Ellis...he had us all going thinking he had secured an NBA D League affiliation with the Los Angeles Lakers. But in the end he actually agreed to a new affiliation with the Los Angeles Clippers, LA's other team and perpetual lottery participant.
The NBA D League announced the affiliations on Monday with the Jam V. 2.0, landing the Clippers along with renewing their commitment with the Golden State Warriors who for all intents and purposes has been a great parent club sending several players this way from the Bay Area of the last few seasons.
The Clippers though are new to this affiliation game. While being associated with the now defunct Anaheim Arsenal, the Clips didn't use their minor league team last season but promise to make Bakersfield a temporary home for their future stars.
While it's not the Lakers, the Clippers and Warriors have the possibility of adding lots of flair to the new Jam this season. While we won't be seeing Clippers #1 draft pick Blake Griffin anytime soon, I wouldn't be surprised to see Warriors #1 pick Stephon Curry spending at least a few games at the Jam-Nasium, given head coach Don Nelson's policy of not giving rookies a ton of playing time.
The Clippers however are the team that owner Stan Ellis told me has the potential to eventually be the sole parent club for the Jam under a new NBA-Hybrid model that see's NBA franchises controlling their D-League teams like an MLB club controls their AAA farm team.
If you ask me, the concept of a "minor league" team for the Clippers is an oxy-moron, given the fact the Clippers have historically played like a minor league team in the NBA, but that's in the past right? The Clippers would tell you so, Head Coach and GM Mike Dunleavy would sure hope so for his sake.
While the Clippers try to usher in a new era on the floor with Griffin and company, off the court they're trying to usher in a new era as well as a parent club in the NBA D League. Let's hope for everyone's sake that fans can actually tell the difference between the Bakersfield Jam and the "Big" club. It may be 2 hours by car to Los Angeles, but the talent level may be much closer.
By the way, the Jam are in the market for a new coach, can you see this want ad: "Wanted: Head Coach for Minor League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers," could be a tough sell, even in this economy.