Foothill League boys volleyball: League leaders

Everyone knew what was at stake. The players and coaches from both teams knew. The crowd knew. Valencia boys volleyball was just one Foothill League win away from tying the all-time California record of 96 consecutive league wins. Standing in the way was Hart, which was also unbeaten this year in league play coming into the match. But once it got going and the initial nerves wore off, it was just another volleyball match. And ...

Foothill League baseball: Saugus bucks losing streak

The hard-fought wins can often be the most rewarding ones. That's especially the case for Saugus baseball, which had been struggling in Foothill League play prior to spring break. Equipped with a renewed sense of urgency, the Centurions escaped with a 4-3 win over Canyon and snapped a four-game league losing skid on Wednesday at Saugus High School. It also ended a two-game league winning streak for the Cowboys. It appeared Saugus (7-10, 2-4) had ...

Foothill League boys tennis: Centurions rally on the court

Saugus was caught by surprise, but managed to find its stride before it was too late. The Centurions pulled off a come-from-behind 11-7 win over Hart on Tuesday at Saugus High after falling behind 7-2 early on. The comeback began when Saugus' No. 3 doubles team of Kevin Okimoto and Josh Hill rallied from a 4-1 deficit to win a set 7-5 over Hart's Tommy LeBat and Cody Berlioz. That sparked a streak of nine ...

Foothill League boys tennis: Valencia too strong up top

When it came down to a couple of sets, the boys tennis team with more firepower at the top of the lineup held the advantage.

Prep tennis: A friendly match

Everyone knows it's a part of sports. It's that awkward moment between athletes when they have to shake hands or display some sort of respect for one another right after competing. Emotions can run high. Tempers can flare. Most times it's a quick, obligatory exchange before the athletes or coaches go their separate ways. But not with West Ranch junior tennis player Baron Von Kessler. He's become known for being one of the most competitive ...

Around the SCV: Hart soccer coach steps down

When Fausto Arana took over the Hart boys soccer program in 2008, he knew it would take a couple of years to create a winning team.

All-SCV Boys Soccer POY Uriel Rodriguez: Dual Returns

It wasn't just Hart that had a comeback season. Uriel Rodriguez did too, and it was no coincidence. Hart finished dead last in the Foothill League a year ago and Rodriguez didn't even play. The senior returned for a final season with the Indians and ended up leading his team to its best finish in nearly 30 years. Turns out it was a good decision to play after deciding to sit out his junior year ...

Valencia's Broc Oppler: Never down and out

His ability alone is impressive to watch on the court. He brings a certain level of passion to the game that isn't often attained at this level of volleyball. For Valencia outside hitter Broc Oppler, it isn't just about putting the ball down for a kill. It's about the power, the celebration and the impact it has on the game. Already, the 18-year-old senior has racked up a team-high 32 kills in two league games. ...

COC notebook: The grind begins early

The dog days of the spring season are here. This is where the character of teams are tested, but this week, COC sports appeared to have passed. As baseball slowly crawls back into contention in the Western State Conference after a rough start to the season, softball maintains a strong showing on its side. The track and field teams got into the mix as well with commendable showings in the second conference meet of the ...

Around the SCV: G.V. football wins in class

Golden Valley is trying to boost its football program in every possible way. That includes academics. One of the team's captains in 2010, senior linebacker Sean Tate, received the award for most improved GPA at the National Football Foundation banquet for the San Fernando Valley Chapter in Studio City on Tuesday. Early in his senior year, Tate checked in with a 3.83 GPA, far above his sophomore-year mark of 1.83. His schoolwork took a turn ...

Foothill League baseball: Vikings outshoot Cents

Valencia baseball wanted to make sure it didn't see a drop-off performance after a dramatic nine-inning win on Wednesday.

Foothill golf: ’Cats top the field

Last week, the golf course wasn't even playable due to damage from heavy rain. This week, the course was just plain difficult. The conditions weren't enough to bother West Ranch's depth, as it once again came out victorious with a team score of 393 in the second Foothill League boys golf match of the season on Thursday at Valencia Country Club. Thursday's match was originally scheduled for March 21, but was postponed due to rain. ...

Foothill League boys volleyball: Scared straight

Valencia boys volleyball knows it has a target on its back against Foothill League opponents.

Foothill League baseball: Grizzlies even it out

In the past two games, Golden Valley baseball has committed itself to taking a more relaxed, free-swinging approach offensively.

Foothill League boys volleyball: On the level

Golden Valley boys volleyball has come a long way in a few weeks. Since the beginning of the season, the team has devoted much of its energy into staying level-headed in adverse situations. The experienced group took another step in that process, overcoming early errors to beat Saugus 3-0 in Tuesday's Foothill League opener for both teams at Golden Valley High School. The Grizzlies won the games 25-22, 25-19 and 25-17, but trailed for much ...

Canyon track and field's Devin Baldwin: Endless tenacity

Foothill League girls track and field preview: Turnover effects

Foothill League boys track and field preview: Separation time