The Calhoun Final Four: Tustin vs. La Habra
December 9th, 2008, 8:49 pm · 54 Comments · posted by Damian Calhoun, OCVarsity.com since 2004
SOUTHWEST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Tustin (9-4) vs. La Habra (11-2)
Saturday, 2 p.m., at Angel Stadium
Outlook: With Ronnie Hillman, Joshua Quezada, Anthony Wilkerson and Ameer Webb on the field, this is likely to resemble a track meet.
In fact, at the rate that Tustin is scoring, La Habra might be hard-pressed to keep up. Tustin has scored 188 points in its three playoff games. Wilkerson has rushed for 639 yards in those three games.
La Habra gave up a ton of yards, 469 to be exact, in its semifinal game against Trabuco Hills. The Highlanders allowed 217 rushing. That’s not a good sign, especially when you have to face Double Wing T.
One thing that La Habra will have going for it will be the passing game, led by quarterback Randall Nygren. The Highlanders have struggled with the pass in previous games, so the key could be Nygren.
Then again, teams have been so far behind the Tillers in recent weeks that they have had to start passing by the second quarter. Nygren has completed 58.6 percent of his passes (112 of 191) for 1,645 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Quezada rushed for 207 yards last week and Hillman posted 120. They have combined for 2,672 rushing yards this season. Can this duo be stopped?
Wilkerson and Webb have combined for 3,190 yards. Can they be stopped?
This is going to be a wild game.
MORE OF THE CALHOUN FOUR:
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TUSTIN WILL SMASH ON LA HABRA! NO BODY CAN STOP THE TILLER'S OFFENSE BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THE TILLER'S O LINE DESTROYS PEOPLE. THERE IS NO TEAM THAT CAN STAND A CHANCE AGAINST THE TILLER'S OFFENCE, AND THERE IS NO TEAM THAT THE TILLER'S O LINE CANT MOVE OFF THE BALL
What happened with El Dorado.
I LOVE IT TALK SMACK TUSTIN IF YOU CANT BE STOPPED WHY DO YOU HAVE FOUR LOSES YOU DILDO SO GO TALK THAT SPIT SOME WHERE ELSE YOU CORN FEED HOMO
The one thing that Tustin forgets is that La Habra has the best coach. In every game that La Habra had a problem the coach made the adjustments and got the win. Yes Tustin May be big but the La Habra defense is very quick. Yes Trabuco could move against La Habra but could not score. The game will be decided within the 20 yard line.
"What happened with El Dorado." - zach
Kane Wilson.
Took a while for the defense to adjust to him & that offense. We did shut them out in the 2nd half. And their defense made some big stops in the 2nd half. If I remember correctly, they stopped 3 to 4 4th & short conversions.
@ big dee.
Chill out. No need for the offensive name callings.
"But you are participating in a community that is intended for all of our users and we prohibit profanity, vulgarity, racial, sexual and homophobic remarks, threats, harassment and personal attacks."
a lost is a lost no? so there shouldnt be an excuses for losing to eldo, la habra had trouble picking up kane wilson too, but adjusted quickly and ended up coming out with a W. same is going to happen this weekend. tustin will get going but as soon as LH's DB's and D Line pick up on it, they will hit overdrive and we all know what happens when that happens. and when la habra hits...la habra hits...ask #9 for TH. he found out the hard way...twice.
im really excited for this game. its getting hyped beyond belief.
How many points did Tustin score against Orange Lutheran? I guess they can be stopped! Doesn't Western run the double wing offense also? Ask Western if Coach Mazzota & La Habra had any success in shutting down that offense all the way to a CIF Championship!
La Habra is use to playing against good backs. They handled Derrick Coleman like no other team which wasn't an easy task considering Troy's offense was mult-talented with both a run & pass option. They also easily handled Michael Allain of Fullerton. With a one dimensional offense like Tustin they've got to control the line of scrimmage. If they can push La Habra off the ball they've got a chance. If not, Tustin will be controlled.
For me the lack of a passing game will hurt the big Tustin offense and the inclusion of a passing attack that La Habra will use with their capable tight end #83 and a good wide out #80 (Ghandour and Gonzales) will be the difference Joshua and Ronnie will do their thing as usual and look for Joe Caseyt to have a big game at middle linebacker and as Craig Says La Habra has shown they come up big against good running attacks so La Habra wins but it should be very interesting what Coach Miller comes up with Good Luck to both squads.
How many points did they score against O-Lu? Are you kidding? La Habra never came out successful against Pac-5 either. In fact, how many points did those Pac-5 teams score on La Habra? How many points did O-Lu score? You handled Allain of Fullerton? Heck, Canyon handled him pretty good too. Get out of the bubble!
Looking forward to a great game, injury-free, relentless effort from Tustin & La Habra. GO TILLERS!
TUSTIN 35
LA HABRA 21
here's the difference: Tustin plays almost all (I think close to 10) of their players both ways. Unfortunately it will take it's toll this week. Plus, La Habra seems to be a team of destiny as witnessed by their fortuitous breaks on fumble recoveries the last 2 games.
playing both ways does take a toll on a team Tustin. However, they're well-conditioned. When Coach Miller was at Costa Mesa before he came to Tustin, he won a CIF title with just 18 players. 18!!! And think about it for a second: these kids are 17/18 years-young. At that age, they have tons of energy and stamina.
TUSTIN 35
LA HABRA 21
Listen Wily if you are implying that La Habra got "Lucky" with the fumbles you are mistaken, their hard hitting dont give up in a play mentality 'CAUSED' both fumbles and they 'RECOVERED' BOTH' fumbles also their is noi such thing a a team of destiny the better team will win and its gonna be very close due the fact you got 2 great teams going head to head like i predicted earlier La Habra 31 Tustin 28.
no matter who wins ,it is amazing the lack of knowledge of the english language??? open a book...
i agree with timmer.....read a bit wont you?
craig....are u really comparing a pac-5 olu defense to yours? i highly doubt there is a comparison. and im sure la habra would not fare very well against olu. and how are you going to compare the offense schemes of western and tustin? its like comparing tesoros overall team to la habra.....never. and please stop bringing up the past, derrick coleman is now a bruin and la habras past players are working minimum wage jobs around the area.
tk....what good is la habras speed when anthony wilkerson and ameer webb are running over your 5'9 170 lb linebackers and backs. theres no way you can keep arguing about la habras dominance. they have struggled their last 2 games and found a way to win it....props for that, but if you compare teams played against tustin has done better against similar opponents. so stop being condescending to others thoughts and being a lethargic devil.
sigep15 - How discriminating your comments are. Do you even know past players from La Habra? They may not be playing football, but some (most) are earning a great education (unlike you) in top college's, UCLA being one of them. Thanks to their outstanding high school GPA's. Don't make such comments when you don't even know the facts. And if you agree with timmer, why don't you try reading your entry.
Timmer
I understand your point. Most people don't know where to place ,commas when they use them either.
I think this might be alot more of a defensive battle than you all think. These two teams are huge up front and Tustin can run with La Habra's recievers and runningbacks. La Habra has not been as lethal in the air as they would like to be, plus La Habra probably wont have the speed advantage they usually enjoy.
I have much confidence in La Habra's ability to stop the double wing. However, if La Habra doesn't sit in a 4-3 and run their defense, it will be a long night. I would really be suprised, though, if Mazzota gets out of his defense.
P.S. anybody that thinks La Habra is small is smoking crack.
Let's keep it to football sigep15, your comment about LH players working minimum wage jobs is completely inappropriate and untrue. For all the worthwhile comments there has to be someone like you, what a shame.
"yeah right", I see where you're coming from on that one. Tustin usually adjusts to any opposing defensive alignment, when it comes to blocking it. It should be a fun game, and will definitely come down to the battle in the trenches. And Tustin loves that "smashmouth" style of football; especially in the trenches.
siget15 unless im mistaken our only true common opponent this year is eldo.we won you lost what happened.end of story!!!!
highlanderfan....I agree with you. Lets keep this discussion clean and about Saturday's game. Lets show some sportsmanship folks.
TUSTIN 35
LA HABRA 21
It's amazing to read these comments from those down in the OC about these two teams who will no doubt settle it between the lines. As a fan of LH from over 400 miles away, I can't help but think that much of this game will be who is more mentally capable of overcoming. These past two weeks LH, led by Nygren, Hillman, Q, and the entire D, have defeated the defending Champion and runner-up in a division higher than a year ago. They have the physical ability to hang with any team, whether Pac-5 or not, but one thing that I've noticed is there strength to stay focused mentally, especially when it was critical. There is much to be said about the 'bend, don't break' defenses, they win. I'm traveling over 400 miles to see this game, and I know I wont be disappointed. Go Highlanders.
traveling 400 miles to this game?!...That's cool, and should be a nice roadtrip. It's gonna be a longer ride back home though.
TUSITN 35
LA HABRA 21
The long rides home, and I've done probably over 10,000 miles, with both victories and defeats to discuss, are not a problem because they allow for the entire game to be revisited. The hard ones are driving the 10 miles back from where the defeat took place. It's those 'so close, but yet, so far' trips that hurt the most. I think you're score is a little too large for this contest. If you recall, in the past two games LH D has only allowed a total of 3 offensive TD's against the #1 seed from Century and #2 from Sea View. The only other TD was a pick six, and right after that, Nygren got right back behind center and lead two scoring drives, against your #1 seed. From what I can tell, Tustin has made it to the final by defeating two #3 seeds, one which was a upset victory in the first round. LH has only given up a total of 36 points this entire playoffs, to say they will allow 35 in one game is far-reaching. And Hillman, Q, and Nygren each have scored multiple times in each game, so it will be something if a 'Tiller' can stop the Lightning, Thunder, and Rain of LH's offensive arsenal. As witnessed in the previous games, we already know what the defense is capable of doing on any given day. Yes, THIS GAME!! If you don't love this game, you don't love High School Football. Keep it safe and give it your all, not many get this opportunity. Go Highlanders !!!
My Sons team faced both of these teams, we beat tustin but lost to La Habra. I never thought I would say this.....but I gotta go for Tustin. They are a century league team as we are, so it would be cool to have a century league team take it three years in a row. Good luck to both teams, it's gonna be some game!!!
BTW, does anyone know when they announce all league? I couldn't remember if it was in January last year?
Thanks
who is home team?
First Tuesday of January sounds about right.
Rancho7fan: "I think you’re score is a little too large for this contest."
TUSTIN 35
LA HABRA 21
To all the La Habra fans you have got the easy part done by taking smack. Now lets see if they can back it up on Saturday.
anthony wilkerson nuff said...
Christmas comes early for high school football fans. Tustin and La Habra are playing their best football of the season. Unlike college, these two outstanding teams had to battle in the playoffs to reach the championship at the Big A. Congratulations to the coaches, boosters, fans, and especially players for all their hard work. The Tillers and Highlanders are blessed to be playing in this game and we should consider it an honor to get to see it.
I think JustSpeakingTheTruth is wearing size 22 shoes. Why else would (s)he make so many Bozo remarks? Words critical of the coach are acceptable, he is an adult and can take the heat. The reasons cited are groundless. This is football, you are supposed to score points. As many as you can. Bozo is one of those clowns that wants a trophy for everyone, run on the field between downs to wipe noses, and hover at the party to make sure everyone gets the exact same size piece of cake.
It is out of hand to make disparaging remarks and sarcastic insults against a player. Ronnie Hillman is a fine football player, a natural leader, and he has a personality that garners respect from kids and adults alike. All these players are children, and as such it is our responsibility as a community to protect our children. I demand JustSpeakingTheTruth withdraw his/her comments and refrain from such despicible behavior.
The Tillers have plowed down the field to many touchdowns in their run for the play-off. They are going to find the Highlanders a tough row to hoe because the Clan defense is probably the fiercest they have faced this season. I see no problem defending the double wing offense. La Habra will just break those wings off and give them to the Scottish Bagpiper mascot to cook up in his Christmas haggis. We have seen week after week La Habra offense make great second efforts to gain yardage and keep play alive a lot longer than most folks in stands thought was possible. The boys playing defense have this same drive to stay on task until the whistle blows. I have seen some outstanding defensive plays this year.
Great coaching has made all these boys better players. One thing I've noticed is that every player has been doing their job on the field. I have not seen anyone on the La Habra squad standing there, “watching the game.”
I will be there cheering on the Highlanders, and will show appreciation for good plays turned in by Tustin. Play well guys, and let your talents shine.
highlander fan,
you're holier than thou diatribe was annoying. La Habra fans are generally annoying.
Hillman is not "a natural leader," if he was, he'd actually try when he doesn't have the ball in his hands. The kid is going to play D1 football next year, he had better get used to scrutiny, which is, in fact good for him and will make him a better player.
Now I only saw the kid early on, but everything just speaking the truth said was right on from what I saw. When he has the ball, Hillman is super, if not he's below average and even a bit of a baby. I've never seen him stick his nose in there and hit somebody, then comeback for more. If he can do that, I'm rooting for him to do so, but from what I've seen, Quezada is a far better football player and if we were picking teams I'd take #2 first.
P.S.
La Habra hasn't seen backs this good since Coleman and Wilkerson is better than he was.
big dee,
You're a slow learner.
What does "dee" stand for? Dumb or Dumber?
Marcus Jay or MJB23, which ever, if you read the note correctly, I never predicted a score, I was pointing out that you thinking that Tustin will score 35 in this game when LH has only allowed 36 in all the playoffs was far-reaching. This game is going to be close and no way will LH lose by two TD's, as you've written each time. LH has shown the tenacity to overcome two great teams in successive weeks, so I give them the edge in readiness in the time of difficulty. Tustin better not take them for granted because they came from a lower division last year, these boys have battled the big boys for 4-years so they know how to play with even Pac-5 level schools. It's the preparation in the early season that makes a great team in the end, and I can assure you, LH is prepared. This may no doubt go down as one the better games ever in this division, but it will come down to who wants it more, and which defense will arrive. GO HIGHLANDERS !!!
LA HABRA SUCKS!! i always go to there games and they always seem to get lucky!! idk how we made it all the way to the finals.. i have absolutly no confidence in them they will get crushed by TUSTIN!!!!GO TILLERS!!!!
I'm pretty sure you're NOT La Habra's Finest. Ignorance, you gotta love it.
How much for tickets??
rather see this game then the tesoro game
I totally concur with ClanPride on this one. I think you should change your blog name to save yourself. If you really go THERE to THEIR games, then you would really know that THERE is a big difference between getting lucky and being talented and being able to overcome situations and come out victorious. That's how they've made it to the finals; talent, commitment, drive, and determination. The keys to the making of a champion. The great thing about young men playing this game is that it really doesn't matter whether anyone has confidence in them because it only matters that they have it in each other, which is the basis of ClanPride. They will play as a team, tackle as a team, score as a team, and WIN as a team. And when they do win, don't jump on their bandwagon, because obviously even seeing is not believing for you. I've never seen a game in person, but I truly believe that this team can win. Now all I have to hope is that THEY, THE TEAM on the field in blue and white believe it as well. GO HIGHLANDERS !!!
La Habra's Finest and big dee must be related.
Actually I think this person really longs to be a La Habra fan, they're probably Tustin's Dumbest.
Rancho7fan...."I was pointing out that you thinking that Tustin will score 35 in this game when LH has only allowed 36 in all the playoffs was far-reaching. This game is going to be close and no way will LH lose by two TD’s, as you’ve written each time."
blah blah blah!!!
TUSTIN 35
LA HABRA 21
Wow, I had to read that response three times to understand what you were trying to say. It was hard to interpret 'blah, blah, blah', but then I realized you have just cut and pasted what I had already stated. No matter, it wont be up to us. And I'm certain that both teams are glad for that, huh? There's something to be said about a continuous CIF Championship caliber team, and one that takes over 10 years to get back to the big one. Some are predicting over 100 points, but that would indicate that neither of these teams have a defense. This game will be decide by less than 6 points, and it will be a great game.
correction....ill be at the game wearing my sigep letters, approach me if you want. peace.
Wear your letters, who really cares. Now you know how it feels to be considered something you're not. sigep15 says:"derrick coleman is now a bruin and la habras past players are working minimum wage jobs around the area." CLANPRIDE - look for those letters.
I love it! All this trash-talk's really funny - and entertaining. It's all in good fun though, because we have something to get excited about this coming weekend. And not really think about how the American economy's in the toilet...make that TWO toilets! hahahahahhahaha.
Best wishes to The Tillers, and looking forward to a great and competitive game from LH.
I think both teams need to shut it and do the talking on the field. I may be a fan of Tustin, but it does us no good to waste our energy here. So once again, show what your mouth so easily says through your actions. Anyways, I think both teams are decent teams seeing as you both are in the finals, so why trash on each other, please this is why our society is so jacked up. Let's just compete like the athletes you are, and have some class. It is called a football game, not a trash-talking game. SO peace and see yall Saturday at 2pm; that's when the real talking will get done.
Here, here, Marcus and Tillerfan, I totally agree. This is a great sport, and competition. Some of these guys will be competing against each other for years to come, and some may even become teammates somewhere. They have put in tremendous effort since last summer, and this will be the culmination of football for many of these young men. My hat goes off to each of them because I have experienced the 'hanging up of the cleats' myself, and it's really a tough experience. Passion, it's what drives even us 'bench players' to get into the spirit of the game. But it's wisdom that hopefully keeps our emotions in check and know that 'this is just a game', and in the end, both sides will be full of enough emotions. I look forward to seeing a great game and I hope to see both the Tillers and Highlanders leaving it on the field and then parting with the class and friendship which is High School Football. As a Highlander fan, I stand with Tillerfan and say 'Peace to all', and let's cheer for those guys and show them that we as 'bench players' have class as well. Time to get ready for the best road trip in years. This is Rancho7fan signing off...
Rancho7fan says it very well time to shut down the dicussions and let the 2 best teams in Southwest decide it on the field congrdulations to both squads for the past 6 to 7 months it comes down to the game and for all you seniors stop and smell the roses you deserve it good luck be safe and may the best team win.
Well, great game Tustin & LH! The 1st half was an awesome slug-fest and the best half of football I've seen all year. Tustin's offense dominates and clicks on all cylinders - IF IT DOES NOT TURNOVER THE BALL. Wilkerson's fumble at the la habra 15 KILLED TUSTIN'S momentum. IF Tustin DOESN'T FUMBLE on that drive - and we score - the game might've turned out differently. And in the end, several of our key players that go both-ways got hurt and burned out. (Amer Webb's ankle & Wilkerson's knee).
hats-off and congrats to la habra.
Tustin will be next year....
correction: Tustin will be back next year.