OC Varsity » esperanza

Football: Another coin flip coming up in the Sunset?

STEVE FRYER, ocvarsity.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:13:01 +0000

Last year, there was a five-way tie for first with these teams at 3-2: Edison; Esperanza; Fountain Valley; Los Alamitos and Newport Harbor.

A series of coin flips took Edison and Newport Harbor out of the playoffs (and Newport Harbor had won its final three games, including victories over Esperanza and Los Alamitos, both of which made the playoffs via those coin flips).

This season, Edison and Fountain Valley are going to the playoffs; both are 3-0 in league. Tied at 1-2 are Esperanza, Los Alamitos and Newport Harbor.

If Newport wins its final two games, against Marina and Esperanza, that should put Newport in that final third playoff berth at 3-2. Esperanza would then finish, at best, 2-3. Los Alamitos plays Esperanza and Fountain Valley; that third league loss just might come against Fountain Valley, thus keeping Los Alamitos out of the No. 3 position.

A mix of certain results could lead to a coin flip, but I think it is going to be determined on the field.

There is one at-large berth in the Pac-5 Division. The early projection here is that at-large berth is going to the No. 4 team in the Sunset League, and that might just be Los Alamitos.

Teams have to finish .500 or better to be considered for an at-large berth. Los Al likely will finish 7-3, and get that at-large berth.

Girls volleyball: No. 9 Esperanza sweeps Dana Hills

Chris Tobolski, OCVarsity.com — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:51:40 +0000

Sarah Dean, right, dives for the ball. Paul Rodriguez, The Register

What happened: The Aztecs opened up their final week of nonleague play with a convincing victory over Dana Hills, 25-18, 25-14, 25-19, Tuesday night at Dana Hills.

Records: Esperanza 11-4; Dana Hills 6-8

Quick Analysis: Dana Hills was overmatched by Esperanza's hitters, notably Chelsee Arnitz. She finished with 11 kills. Dana Holt had 29 assists. The Dolphins are a solid defensive club, led by libero Sarah Dean, but can struggle to find looks on offense.

Player of the Game: Dana Holt. The Aztecs setter was nails all night. She missed two sets, and one I'm not sure wasn't the hitter who got there late (I had a bad angle). She even had a couple of aces.

Dandy in defeat: Sarah Dean. Passing must run in the family. Sarah's brother, Josh, is the Dolphins quarterback. It's even money who passes more accurately, but a testament to the Dolphins offensive line, Sarah definitely spends more time on the ground. Just a junior, she's one to keep an eye on.

More from the girls volleyball blog:

Football video: Esperanza runs past LA Jordan

Damian Dottore, OCVarsity — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:15:10 +0000

Esperanza rebounded from a disappointing performance in its season opener last week to cruise past L.A. Jordan on Thursday night. Read the story.

Check out the highlights from Bradford Stadium and hear what Esperanza coach Greg Kemp said afterward.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Football: Anaylsis from Esperanza-Santiago

Chris Tobolski, OCVarsity.com — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:59:38 +0000

I have a vision in my mind of the Esperanza coaching staff watching film this morning with Bob Marley playing in the background.

Everything is gonna be alright, Everything is gonna be alright

I didn't ask first-year Aztecs coach Greg Kemp if he was a Marley fan after his team opened the season with a 35-3 thumping at the hands of Santiago of Corona.

As for me, I feel everything is gonna be alright with Esperanza, despite Friday's dismal performance.

First off, Santiago is a good squad. Its only question entering the game was how would a entirely new offensive line play. Other than that, Santiago returns playmakers on both sides of the ball, and they showed their speed against the Aztecs.

As for Esperanza, it got derailed by two consecutive bad plays in the second quarter that seemed to unnerve the Aztecs and they couldn't recover.

After cutting the deficit to 7-3, the Aztecs produced a stop, but fumbled the punt and Santiago took over. On the first play, the Sharks struck for a 47-yard touchdown to go up 14-3. The Aztecs then fumbled their first play from scrimmage on the ensuing drive.

Here's why I think everything is going to be alright with Esperanza:

1) Turnovers are something the team can control. I would bet on the Aztecs not having four turnovers in another game this season.

2) Defense will learn assignments. On the 3 passing touchdowns allowed, the Aztecs secondary was nowhere in sight. The 47-yard bomb came on a blown coverage where the receiver was behind the whole secondary. These are also kinks that can be worked out.

3) Tackling will get better. I don't keep stats for missed tackles, and lucky for the Aztecs I don't. Kemp pointed to that as perhaps the biggest factor for the Aztecs woes. If I had to guess, I would say Esperanza missed 25 tackles.

4) Offense will get in sync. The Aztecs will find their rhythm as soon as they learn to hang onto the ball. They had a few chances in the passing game Friday, but the balls were overthrown. Again, this is a fixable issue.

In conclusion, most of what happened or didn't happen against Santiago is in the Aztecs hands. Knowing that program, it will go to work on those areas and we'll see a different team in the next couple of weeks.

More from the football blog:

Boys volleyball: 2010 preview and storylines

Chris Tobolski, OCVarsity.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Hudson Glover (13) will play a key role for San Clemente in 2010. Paul Bersebach, The Register

The unknown. That's what 2009 produced.

Mater Dei in the Division I final. The county's top 2 teams out by the quarterfinals. Santa Margarita winning the Trinity League title.

No one saw these coming when the season began this year.

So what's in store for 2010? We're here to take a peak at it.

Possible top 10 for 2010

1. Esperanza - Aztecs biggest losses are senior middle blocker and senior libero. Team's depth should be deep enough to overcome losses. Aztecs reached quarterfinals of CIF-SS Division I playoffs, and return arguably the county's best setter.

2. Santa Margarita - Eagles lose their top gunner from this season in Tanner Jansen. Yet the Eagles were one of the youngest teams in the county this year and won the Trinity League title.

3. Newport Harbor - Sailors watch some senior talent leave, but return one of the county's top hitters in Cody Caldwell. Sailors defensive abilities usually have them atop the county no matter what the lineup looks like.

4. Orange Lutheran - Lancers graduate their all-world player in Maurice Torres. However, Lutheran has enough junior talent returning to be among the best teams in the county next season.

5. Laguna Beach - Breakers are loaded with underclassmen, including senior to be Travis Woloson and junior to be Robbie McKnight.

6. Edison - Chargers could be a surprise team in 2010. Like every other team, they lose contributing seniors but have talented juniors.

7. Mater Dei - No team loses the talent of the senior-laden Monarchs, who have 8 key seniors leaving. The cupboards aren't dry, however, and Monarchs will find way to play top 10 caliber volleyball with new lineup.

8. San Clemente - Tritons lose their big trio that was together since their sophomore season. Tritons are used to losing talent and finding more in the program. They will be among the top teams in the county next year still.

9. Mission Viejo - Diablos were the team most affected by injuries this season. They return senior to be Spencer Rowe, who may be the early candidate for player of the year honors. Watch out for this group who went unnoticed in 2009.

10. Huntington Beach - Oilers are losing their setter and libero, both of who played in the county all star game. Oilers are on of the those teams who lose talent and still remain competitive and a top 10 team the next year. The trend figures to continue.

Top 5 Storylines of 2010

5. Rolling out the new stars

This year was loaded with graduating senior talent, including Connor Hughes, Maurice Torres, Tanner Jansen and Dane Worley. Whose the next line of big hitters to emerge? It's one thing we'll be watching for come 2010. Mission Viejo's Spencer Rowe, Newport Harbor's Cody Caldwell, Corona del Mar's Weston Nielson and Laguna Beach's Travis Woloson are among the early replacements.

4. Will Santa Margarita play Orange County Championships next year?

At the time of the tournament this year, the Eagles were the only top 10 county team not to participate in the tournament. It worked out well in the end, as they won the Trinity League title. It'll be interesting to see what decision they make this year.

3. Will San Clemente finally be knocked from its throne?

Tritons have won 8 consecutive South Coast League title, including an undefeated run this year. However, it's core group is leaving. Does it open the door for teams like Dana Hills and Mission Viejo, and even Aliso Niguel, to derail the champs in 2010?

2. What will happen to Mater Dei?

The Monarchs reached their third CIF final in school history this year, and won the the Southern Regional Championships. However, they lose just about everyone from that squad. Can the Monarchs rebuild quickly enough to put it together again next season, or is it going to take longer than that?

1. All hail Esperanza

The Aztecs coaches and players may or may not like this distinction, but who will be better than them next year? Aztecs are loaded with junior talent, and had arguably the best season of any team save Mater Dei. Esperanza won the Division I title in 2007, and could be chasing another one this year.

More from the boys volleyball blog:

Boys volleyball: Costa Mesa falls in quarterfinals, plus more scores

Chris Tobolski, OCVarsity.com — Sat, 23 May 2009 05:35:19 +0000

Westlake 3, Costa Mesa 1: Visiting Westlake ended the Mustangs’ improbable season in four-games 25-20, 25-20, 26-28, 25-18, in the CIF-SS Division II quarterfinals Friday night. Costa Mesa finished the season 17-6 and tied for second place in the Orange Coast League. This after winning five games last season, including one league game, and bringing in their seventh coach in seven seasons – Garry Currier.

Currier came over from Connelly, where he won a CIF championship last year.

“I had high expectations coming here,” he said. “I’m the new coach and I’m staying. I want to bring a new tradition to the school.”

Mater Dei 3, Santa Barbara 1: Connor Hughes led the way for the Monarchs as they became jus the third team to defeat the Dons this season 26-24, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20 in the CIF-SS Division I quarterfinals. Mater Dei is the only county team alive in the division.

The Monarchs won the pre-determined coin flip and will host Mira Costa in Wednesday’s semifinals.

“Games 1 and 2 could have gone either way,” Monarchs coach Jimmy Munoz said. “Games 3 and 4 we settled into our groove.”

Mira Costa 3, Esperanza 1: The Aztecs split the first two games before falling in four games 25-21, 25-27, 25-19, 25-13 to the No. 2 seed in the CIF-SS Division I quarterfinals at Esperanza High. The Aztecs finish the year 21-6 after going 7-13 last season. Chris Hartig had a team-high 14 kills.

Laguna Beach 3, Agoura 1: The Breakers overcame a slow start and rallied for the four-game victory 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-21 in the CIF-SS Division II quarterfinals. Laguna Beach is the No. 1 seed and advances to its first semifinals since 2004.

Cooper Gwaltney had a team-high 15 kills. Seth Morris and Travis Woloson each had 13 kills. Woloson also had 23 assists. Robbie McKnight had 30 assists and 14 digs.

St. Margaret's 3, Cantwell Sacred Heart 0: The Tartans swept their CIF-SS Division V quarterfinals match 25-13, 25-21, 29-27. Harley Frost had 12 kills and Woody Quinn added 11.

Loyola 3, Orange Lutheran 0: The Cubs swept the Lancers in their rematch.

More from the boys volleyball blog:

Boys volleyball: CIF playoffs Division I quartefinals outlook

Chris Tobolski, OCVarsity.com — Fri, 22 May 2009 07:30:21 +0000

The playoffs continue Friday. Only a handful of county teams remain in contention.

Here's look at Division I:

Teams remaining: 8

County teams alive: 3 (Orange Lutheran, Mater Dei, Esperanza)

Quarterfinal times: Friday, 7 pm (unless noted below)

Brackets: Top Half - *Loyola-Orange Lutheran; *St. John Bosco-Long Beach Wilson (Thurs. 5pm); Botom Half - Santa Barbara-*Mater Dei; Mira Costa-*Esperanza

Outlook

Loyola-Orange Lutheran

The Lancers are the only team to defeat Loyola in match play this year, and it came at the Cubs place. They face the challenge of repeating that task. Confidence won't be an issue. Having done it once already, combined with having a match point against Mira Costa ealier this year shows Orange Lutheran can play with and beat the big boys in Division I. Loyola looked vulnerable last round, being pushed to give games by Dana Hills before prevailing 23-21 in the decisive game.

Mater Dei-Santa Barbara

Mater Dei received a big lift by winning the coin flip and avoiding the travel headache. The Monarchs are playing great volleyball in the postseason. They are going to need to take it up to the next notch in order to advance against the Dons. Santa Barbara has lost to both Mira Costa and Loyola in five games and haven't lost to anyone else. They won't be intimidated by the situation.

Esperanza-Mira Costa

A team stacked with juniors, the Aztecs are playing with house money. They are home and can become the second team to defeat Mira Costa this season. There's no pressure on Esperanza, which is going to gain tons of valuable experience for next season from this match.

More from the boys volleyball blog:

Softball playoffs: Esperanza stuns top-ranked Mater Dei

CARLOS ARIAS — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:10:13 +0000

Esperanza put together a four-run rally in the second inning and went on to stun top-ranked Mater Dei, 5-2, in the first round of the CIF-SS Division I softball playoffs on Thursday at Thornton Park.

The Aztecs needed an at-large berth to get into the playoffs after finishing fourth in Sunset League and they needed a 6-4 wild-card victory over Roosevelt on Tuesday just to get into the main draw.

Esperanza (18-13-2) moves on to the second round where it will play host to third-ranked El Modena on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. The Monarchs finished the season 20-5-1.

The Aztecs got eight hits off Mater Dei's freshman ace Bri Matthews. Trea Steele led the way, going 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs. Brittany Virgoe went 2 for 3 with an RBI and Kailyn Johnson went 2 for 3 with a run scored.

(More softball playoff results to come on OCVarsity.)

Boys volleyball: Esperanza-Santa Margarita postgame analysis

Chris Tobolski, OCVarsity.com — Wed, 20 May 2009 08:15:23 +0000

It was simple. Esperanza was too good Tuesday night, defeating Santa Margarita in four games 25-22, 21-25, 25-21, 25-18.

The Aztecs host Mira Costa in the quarterfinals Friday night.

Home court advantage is a good place to start with this one. The Aztecs used it in a major way. I didn't get the impression it bothered Santa Margarita as much as Esperanza just feed off the crowd noise.

"We definitely used the energy, passion and fire to our advantage," Brain Warnecke said. "It was a big win for us."

The Breakdown:

Game 1 (Esperanza 25-22)

Esperanza held a slight lead until Santa Margarita grabbed a 10-9 advantage. It was the last the Eagles would hold in the game. Esperanza built a 19-16 margin. The Aztecs defense was spectacular. The Eagles ended up missing six serves in the set, including on game point as Esperanza won 25-22. Ryan Baine was playing outstanding for the Eagles, keeping his team close. But Santa Margarita couldn't match Esperanza's energy level in the opening game, and that was a key factor.

Game 2 (Santa Margarita 25-21)

Santa Margarita had an ugly start, falling behind 7-3 and forcing coach Jeff Uhrig to call an early timeout. The Eagles responded and took a 10-9 lead. The Eagles continued to struggle with their serves, but libero Michael McMahon was not one of them. He had three big aces in the game. Tanner Jansen began getting more looks and the energy began to shift toward Santa Margarita. The game was tied at 14 before the Eagles went in front 17-14. They led 21-20 before closing the game on a 4-1 run.

Game 3 (Esperanza 25-21)

Esperanza began to take control of the match, and it started early in Game 3. The Eagles led 3-2 but wouldn't hold a lead the rest of the game. The Aztecs led 15-10 and 20-16. Esperanza received improved hitting all the way around compared to Game 2, and their balanced attack began to take its toll. By this point the Eagles were only getting contributions from the outside and the Aztecs defense began covering the down the line shot much better. The Aztecs were also returning serve well, allowing them to keep the defense guessing where the set was going.

Game 4 (Esperanza 25-18)

The score remained tight early and was tied at 7. The Aztecs used a 5-1 run to gain control of the game and didn't look back. Esperanza's middles Josh Dohrman and Chris Dreim took over, getting their hands on balls and sending others down. The Eagles just had no way of slowing the Aztecs attack down.

Stat of the match: Esperanza had five players in double figure kills. Josh Dohrman 19 kills. Chris Hartig 13 kills. Chris Dreim 11 kills. Kevin Smith 11 kills. Tyler Russie 10 kills.

"We have five good attackers," Aztecs coach Isaac Owens said. "We have a good setter. We have a good libero. We aren't weak in one spot."

Player of the match: Brett Anderson. The Aztecs junior setter finished with 45 assists, but it was his leadership as much as his play that stuck out. He was instrumental in keeping his teammates cool on a few calls that went against his team. He also set unbelievable, keeping the defense guessing where the ball was going.

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Boys volleyball: Esperanza beats Santa Margarita

Chris Tobolski, OCVarsity.com — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:36:40 +0000

Aztecs win Game 4, 25-18, and win the match.

Update 6

Esperanza first to 20, in front 20-15.

Update 5

Timeout Esperanza. The Aztecs are ahead 18-13, but it looks like Aztecs coach Isaac Owens wants to make sure his team is on the same page to close this one out.

Update 4

The Aztecs are rolling, leading 16-10.

Update 3

Time out Santa Margarita. Esperanza has built a 12-8 lead and has the home crowd rocking with excitement. Middles Josh Dohrman and Chris Dreim are playing unreal right now for the Aztecs.

Update 2

Eagles have tied the match at 7.

Update 1

Josh Dohrman has 2 blocks and a winner and Esperanza lead early 6-3.

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