"now don't sleep on Simi"
...FOR THOUGHT.
"Ain't no way #7"
The Star's picks
By Loren Ledin Friday, August 24, 2007
MARMONTE LEAGUE
1. Newbury Park
2. Westlake
3. Moorpark
4. Thousand Oaks
5. Agoura
6. Royal
7. Simi Valley
One of these seasons, the Pioneers will indeed make the leap to elite league contender. Senior running back Langston Jackson is already one of the region's top players. If youngsters develop along the offensive and defensive line, then this could be Team Surprise.
8. Calabasas
2007 Ventura County Star "PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS!
"OUR PICK IS SIMI VALLEY"
"calling the Star...you made a mistake in your rankings"
"Simi has a whole new attitude, man"
"Simi Valley!" 
"1st down, 1 yd. line, Simi!"
"Stop and recognize...it's a new team!" 
"they weren't there in 2002!" 
"Refs, this doesn't look like the Simi of last year"
"I don't get it????
"Simi looks good this year!"
Bobby, Simi is coming back too!"
"Look Oprah, Simi's got a new QB"
"Let me introduce you to my little friends" 
we know football, we like Simi" 
"Jackson , of course!"
"Jackson , of course!"
"Simi bites back!" 
"It's cool, just win baby!"
"We pick Simi to have the best year ever" 
"...Accenuate the positive"
The Opponents:
Seven are serious Marmonte League contenders
By Loren Ledin Friday, August 24, 2007
The Star's picks
If only the Marmonte League's football chase could be set to DVD, then there would be room for all the alternative endings.
How about the one where Newbury Park High, eight years removed from its last league crown, rides the mixed-bag experience accrued last year to the title and an extended run in postseason?
Or, maybe, the finish has Moorpark High overcoming the transfer of the star running back. Or Westlake High picking up where it left off in 2006.
Perhaps the new coach leads Thousand Oaks High to a storybook championship, or Calabasas High to its first victory since 2002.
Then again, Agoura High might deliver its first league title, or Simi Valley High and Royal High could each turn into Team Surprise.
To select just one appropriate finale? Even those with up-close-and-personal knowledge find themselves at a loss.
"It's awfully hard to pick a favorite," says Westlake coach Jim Benkert. "Maybe Newbury Park, maybe Thousand Oaks. I think we're there. So is Moorpark. Really, we've got any one of seven teams who can make the playoffs. And I mean no disrespect to Calabasas. I know they will work hard to build up that program."
Truth is, the Marmonte race is harder to predict than a demolition derby.
The league winner each of the last three seasons has been aided by good health, good chemistry or a breakout offensive player.
In 2004 it was Royal. A year later, it was Moorpark. Last season, Westlake rebounded from two disappointing seasons to capture a league crown.
Newbury Park coach George Hurley notes it requires talent and attitude to finish first.
"You have to learn how to win," said Hurley, entering his 18th season with the Panthers. "We've got the talent, but it takes the right attitude to win the close games and to know how to close out games. That's the next step we have to take."
Last season, Newbury Park finished 4-6 overall and 3-4 in league. The experience could be a boon for this campaign.
As usual, the league features more subplots than a soap opera.
As opposed to past seasons, the quarterback position is in flux.
Only three teams return established starters, which translates to an edge for Newbury Park and Colby Cameron, Moorpark and Adam Barry and Agoura and Doug Shumway. A year ago, Cameron threw for 2,398 yards and 23 touchdowns; Barry threw for 1,553 and 16 TDs; and Shumway finished with 1,429 yards and 11 TDs. 
League teams will move up and down the competitive ladder as their quarterbacks are decided.
Royal coach Gene Uebelhardt, for one, said he won't decide between junior Trevor Shubert and sophomore Brian Blechen until the final pre-league game.
"A good quarterback will impact the game, and I think we've got two of those guys," said Uebelhardt.
Offensive standouts have become the road to a league title and an extended run in postseason. The league features a number of those types.
Besides the three quarterbacks, running backs John Lister of Thousand Oaks and Langston Jackson of Simi Valley can be difference-makers. Lister, as a sophomore, rushed for 1,191 yards and nine touchdowns. Jackson, a junior a year ago, finished with 988 yards.
Westlake has two seniors who can change games. Running back Cooper Shockley rushed for 767 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Wide receiver Curtis Peterson caught 58 passes 748 yards and six touchdowns.
Moorpark must acclimate to the loss of standout running back Darrell Scott, who chose to transfer to St. Bonaventure.
A key factor in Moorpark's two consecutive appearances to CIF-SS championship games, Scott rushed for 3,194 yards last season while scoring 46 touchdowns.
Coach Tim Lins said his program has moved on.
"That's way behind us," he said. A pair of first-year head coaches will impact their programs. Mike Leibin, the former defensive coordinator from Westlake, has taken over at Thousand Oaks. Lance Martin, a former assistant at Royal, has taken on the challenge of Calabasas and stopping the program's 42-game losing streak.
"We're starting from scratch," said Martin. "We're teaching them how to practice, how to compete."
_2007 Ventura County Star
#4 Langston Jackson
#8/#4 Langston Jackson, JR Highlights
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 205
Position:
RB, P
Year:
Class of 2008
2008 Scout.com HS Football Rankings (full list):
Pos: RB
Scout.com Player Evaluation:
STRENGTHS
Power
Tackle-Breaking Ability
Toughness
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Breakaway Speed
Jackson is a strong-runner, who is tough to bring down and shows good ability to break tackles. The kind of ball-carrier who would be good in short yardage situations and could take the wear-and-tear of being an every-down runner. Doesn't blow you away with his speed, but has above-average speed.
Biography:
Rushed for 988 yards on 200 carries and scored 10 touchdowns, including 231 yards against Burbank in 2006. Averaged 38 yards a punt.
Jackson plans NW visit 
By Garrett Rudolph, HuskyDigest.com Staff Writer – Rivals.com
Langston Jackson already has an offer on the table from Utah, and could be on the verge of getting his first offers from the Pac-10. Washington, Oregon and California are the biggest schools paying attention to him, while Fresno State and UNLV have also shown some interest.
"Coaches can't call me right now, because it's during a recruiting dead period, but they've said they'd get back in touch with me when it ends."
He has hopes of receiving a couple offers when he takes unofficial visits to Washington and Oregon. He doesn't have specific dates set, but he is aiming for some time in August.
He says the most important factors in a school are the city and the coaching staff. "Location is not important, but I want to go somewhere that has a good city environment, and somewhere I have some chemistry with the coaches."
On the football field, Jackson is a big, powerful running back, at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds and runs a 4.64 forty. "I'm hard working. I never quit, that's the kind of player I am. I went to a camp in Ventura. I stacked up real good against the competition, and Cal's coaches were there."
He considers Cal to be his ideal school, but doesn't know if they'll offer him.
He's been starting at Simi Valley High School, Calif. since he was a sophomore, and he's set lofty goals for his senior season. "I want to rush for 2,000 yards and help my team make it to the playoffs. We haven't been to the playoffs in a while, so it's time to change things up."
In 2006, as a junior, he ran for 988 yards and scored ten touchdowns, including a massive performance against Burbank, when he racked up 231 yards.
MARMONTE LEAGUE PREVIEW
Marmonte League a picture of parity
BY GERRY GITTELSON Staff WriterInside SOCAL
Article Launched:08/29/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
MOORPARK - Ask every Marmonte League football coach which teams figure to compete for the league title, and you'll get eight different opinions.
That's how much parity exists this season, as nearly every team has a legitimate chance t
o finish first, with the exception of Calabasas, which has lost 42 games in a row.
All this unpredictability was caused by All-America running back Darrell Scott's shocking transfer from Moorpark to Channel League power St. Bonaventure of Ventura.
After rushing for 3,194 yards and scoring 46 touchdowns to carry Moorpark (11-3 in 2006) to the Northwest Division final, Scott has remained low-key about why he decided to leave.
With 66 players Moorpark must move forward.
"We're going to be fighting and battling to be in the mix," coach Tim Lins said.
The plan is to pass the football more often, and returning quarterback Adam Barry (1,553 yards, 16TDs) is primed for a breakout season.
"Adam looks fantastic. I'm very pleased with his effort and leadership," Lins said. "He's an underrated quarterback."
Moorpark's other top players include tight end/defensive end Casey Blum, who has been offered scholarships by Colorado State and Idaho State, along with receiver Ryan Murry and running back Garrett Meadows.
Westlake (12-1), Newbury Park (4-6), Thousand Oaks (7-4) and Agoura (6-4) have all made significant improvements, while Royal (5-6) and Simi Valley (3-7) feature enough skill-position talent to have more than just a puncher's chance.
Defending league champion Westlake showcases the Daily News' No. 1 kicker, Jordan Mannisto, who totaled 13 field goals last year - two of 50 yards or longer. Other key players include quarterback Nick Owens, receiver Curtis Peterson, running back Cooper Shockley, defensive back Justin Lilley, defensive lineman Tommy Doupe, tight end Chris Biggs and offensive lineman Tommy Stuart.
Newbury Park, which hasn't won a league title in eight years, is as talented as anyone, led by quarterback Colby Cameron (2,398yards, 23 TDs), offensive linemen Tim Ketaily and Jack Knauer, 6-foot-5 receiver Danny Diefenthaler, linebacker Ron Tatham (100tackles) and cornerback Justin Edwards.
The Panthers also are high on running back Chris Brown, a fast junior who is the nephew of alum Patrick Reddick, a star receiver during Newbury Park's glory days.
Thousand Oaks has a dependable returning running back in junior John Lister (1,191 yards, 16receptions, 10 TDs), a former Little Leaguer who played on the Conejo Valley team in the 2004 World Series final in Williamsport, Pa. Other contributors figure to be offensive lineman Jordan Allred and defensive lineman Dereck Jester, a junior who is perhaps the league's purest athlete.
Agoura, benefiting from an oversized offensive line that includes blue-chip junior Kevin Graf, needs a big season from quarterback Doug Shumway and fullback/linebacker Matt McGinnis to keep pace.
Royal, boosted by tight end Mike Cooper and returning offensive linemen Matt Andreolli and Brad Dade, should be strong upfront, and crosstown rival Simi Valley returns top running back Langston Jackson (988 yards, 10TDs).
The first order of business at Calabasas is to break its 42-game losing streak, and perhaps new coach Lance Martin can breathe new life into the program.
Calabasas' last victory was in the eighth week of 2002.
on the roster - including promising sophomore Austin Edmondson, who is ready to step in for Scott at running back - gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
ScoutTV: Langston Jackson Highlights
Langston Jackson
By Brandon Huffman
West Recruiting Analyst Posted Aug 28, 2007
By Garrett Rudolph, HuskyDigest.com Staff Writer – Rivals.com
Langston Jackson already has an offer on the table from Utah, and could be on the verge of getting his first offers from the Pac-10. Washington, Oregon and California are the biggest schools paying attention to him, while Fresno State and UNLV have also shown some interest.
"Coaches can't call me right now, because it's during a recruiting dead period, but they've said they'd get back in touch with me when it ends."
He has hopes of receiving a couple offers when he takes unofficial visits to Washington and Oregon. He doesn't have specific dates set, but he is aiming for some time in August.
He says the most important factors in a school are the city and the coaching staff. "Location is not important, but I want to go somewhere that has a good city environment, and somewhere I have some chemistry with the coaches."
On the football field, Jackson is a big, powerful running back, at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds and runs a 4.64 forty. "I'm hard working. I never quit, that's the kind of player I am. I went to a camp in Ventura. I stacked up real good against the competition, and Cal's coaches were there."
He considers Cal to be his ideal school, but doesn't know if they'll offer him.
He's been starting at Simi Valley High School, Calif. since he was a sophomore, and he's set lofty goals for his senior season. "I want to rush for 2,000 yards and help my team make it to the playoffs. We haven't been to the playoffs in a while, so it's time to change things up."
In 2006, as a junior, he ran for 988 yards and scored ten touchdowns, including a massive performance against Burbank, when he racked up 231 yards.
MARMONTE LEAGUE PREVIEWMarmonte League a picture of parity
BY GERRY GITTELSON Staff WriterInside SOCAL
Article Launched:08/29/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
MOORPARK - Ask every Marmonte League football coach which teams figure to compete for the league title, and you'll get eight different opinions.
That's how much parity exists this season, as nearly every team has a legitimate chance t
o finish first, with the exception of Calabasas, which has lost 42 games in a row.All this unpredictability was caused by All-America running back Darrell Scott's shocking transfer from Moorpark to Channel League power St. Bonaventure of Ventura.
After rushing for 3,194 yards and scoring 46 touchdowns to carry Moorpark (11-3 in 2006) to the Northwest Division final, Scott has remained low-key about why he decided to leave.
With 66 players Moorpark must move forward.
"We're going to be fighting and battling to be in the mix," coach Tim Lins said.
The plan is to pass the football more often, and returning quarterback Adam Barry (1,553 yards, 16TDs) is primed for a breakout season.
"Adam looks fantastic. I'm very pleased with his effort and leadership," Lins said. "He's an underrated quarterback."
Moorpark's other top players include tight end/defensive end Casey Blum, who has been offered scholarships by Colorado State and Idaho State, along with receiver Ryan Murry and running back Garrett Meadows.
Westlake (12-1), Newbury Park (4-6), Thousand Oaks (7-4) and Agoura (6-4) have all made significant improvements, while Royal (5-6) and Simi Valley (3-7) feature enough skill-position talent to have more than just a puncher's chance.
Defending league champion Westlake showcases the Daily News' No. 1 kicker, Jordan Mannisto, who totaled 13 field goals last year - two of 50 yards or longer. Other key players include quarterback Nick Owens, receiver Curtis Peterson, running back Cooper Shockley, defensive back Justin Lilley, defensive lineman Tommy Doupe, tight end Chris Biggs and offensive lineman Tommy Stuart.
Newbury Park, which hasn't won a league title in eight years, is as talented as anyone, led by quarterback Colby Cameron (2,398yards, 23 TDs), offensive linemen Tim Ketaily and Jack Knauer, 6-foot-5 receiver Danny Diefenthaler, linebacker Ron Tatham (100tackles) and cornerback Justin Edwards.
The Panthers also are high on running back Chris Brown, a fast junior who is the nephew of alum Patrick Reddick, a star receiver during Newbury Park's glory days.
Thousand Oaks has a dependable returning running back in junior John Lister (1,191 yards, 16receptions, 10 TDs), a former Little Leaguer who played on the Conejo Valley team in the 2004 World Series final in Williamsport, Pa. Other contributors figure to be offensive lineman Jordan Allred and defensive lineman Dereck Jester, a junior who is perhaps the league's purest athlete.
Agoura, benefiting from an oversized offensive line that includes blue-chip junior Kevin Graf, needs a big season from quarterback Doug Shumway and fullback/linebacker Matt McGinnis to keep pace.
Royal, boosted by tight end Mike Cooper and returning offensive linemen Matt Andreolli and Brad Dade, should be strong upfront, and crosstown rival Simi Valley returns top running back Langston Jackson (988 yards, 10TDs).
The first order of business at Calabasas is to break its 42-game losing streak, and perhaps new coach Lance Martin can breathe new life into the program.
Calabasas' last victory was in the eighth week of 2002.
on the roster - including promising sophomore Austin Edmondson, who is ready to step in for Scott at running back - gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
(661) 257-5218
ScoutTV: Langston Jackson Highlights
Langston Jackson
By Brandon Huffman
West Recruiting Analyst Posted Aug 28, 2007
Simi Valley (Calif.) running back Langston Jackson is a (6-1, 205), is a nice, powerful runner, and he's seen here in action during his 2006 junior season...
Simi Valley (Calif.) running back Langston Jackson did it all for the Pioneers last year.
At 6-foot-1, 205-pounds, Jackson rushed for 988 yards on 200 carries and scored 10 touchdowns, including 231 yards against Burbank. He also averaged 38 yards a punt.
Jackson is a strong-runner, who is tough to bring down and shows good ability to break tackles. The kind of ball-carrier who would be good in short yardage situations and could take the wear-and-tear of being an every-down runner. He doesn't blow you away with his speed, but has above-average speed.
Nevada, Portland State, San Jose State and Utah have all offered Jackson, while he also likes Fresno State, Washington and California.
#4 Langston Jackson Highlights-- Watch Video
Simi Valley (Calif.) running back Langston Jackson did it all for the Pioneers last year.
At 6-foot-1, 205-pounds, Jackson rushed for 988 yards on 200 carries and scored 10 touchdowns, including 231 yards against Burbank. He also averaged 38 yards a punt.
Jackson is a strong-runner, who is tough to bring down and shows good ability to break tackles. The kind of ball-carrier who would be good in short yardage situations and could take the wear-and-tear of being an every-down runner. He doesn't blow you away with his speed, but has above-average speed.
Nevada, Portland State, San Jose State and Utah have all offered Jackson, while he also likes Fresno State, Washington and California.
#4 Langston Jackson Highlights-- Watch Video
The Star's picks
Sunday, August 26, 2007
1. Rio Mesa
2. Oxnard
3. Camarillo
4. Pacifica
A strong offensive line and a talented quarterback in Vince Moraga have the Tritons thinking about a first appearance in CIF playoffs. Pacifica's fortunes could be decided by its defense.
5. Hueneme
6. Channel Islands
— Bob Buttitta
_2007 Ventura County Star
Buena (3-7, 0-5 a year ago) will look for a breakthrough year with a senior class that is the first to play its entire career with Berenson as the Bulldogs head coach.
"I know we're a little young defensively," said Berenson, whose early preseason projection had just four seniors starting on defense, "but this group of kids is different than any group of kids I've had at Buena. These kids were my first class coming in, so they understand the expectations and understand what I want from them. They know what is acceptable and what's not acceptable. And they're understanding what it takes to try to win football games, and what attitude and effort will lose you football games."
Buena came close to a breakthrough last year, seeing three close league games slip away after winning three times in the pre-season. "We just couldn't hold on at the end," says Berenson. "And I just think that came from inexperience at some positions."
This year, the Bulldogs will try to draw experience from players including tailback Vince McCowan, a second-team fullback last year; sophomore tight end Tyler Perry, who started eight games as a freshman, and tackle James Nelson. On defense, two senior defensive backs — cornerback Dakota Lovejoy and free safety Anthony Pelupessy — will try to lead the younger players around them.
Pacifica
Nickname: Tritons
Coach: Donnie Rea (Third year)
2006 record, league finish: 5-5, fourth in league.
2006 playoffs: Missed
Top returning players: WR, Daniel Torres, TE, Tony Segura, LB, Hakeem Hasan, LB, Corey McElliott, QB, Vince Moraga, K, Tony Vega.
Promising newcomers: LB, AJ Guzman, LB Rene Moreno, WR, Andrew Rivera, OL, Andrew Curiel.
Outlook: With starting quarterback Vince Moraga back, the Tritons should be strong on offense. If the defense can come around, Pacifica could make a run.
Quote: "We have more good players than in the past and could be a good team." — Donnie Rea
TENTATIVE STARTING LINE-UP
Offense
Pos. Starter Yr. Ht. Wt.
WR Andrew Rivera Jr. 6-0 170
QB Vince Moraga Jr. 5-10 160
RB Frankie Estanol So. 5-8 160
FB Richard Ramirez Sr. 5-9 205
OL Abel Magana Sr. 5-11 215
OL Hareem Hasan Sr. 5-11 220
OL Corey McElliott Sr. 5-10 220
OL Arturo Alonso Jr. 6-0 275
OL Andrew Coriel Jr. 6-2 240
TE Tony Segura Sr. 6-2 200
WR Daniel Torres Sr. 5-11 170
K Antonio Vega Sr.. 5-9 170
Defense
Pos. Starter Yr. Ht. Wt.
DB Andrew Rivera Jr. 6-0 170
DL Mark Sitafine Sr. 6-1 265
DL Jose Ramos Jr. 6-2 275
DL Ruben Espino Jr. 5-10 235
LB Marcus Sandoval Sr. 5-9 185
LB Rene Moreno Jr. 5-10 200
LB AJ Guzman Sr. 5-10 215
LB Abel Magana Sr. 5-11 215
DB Steve Everett Sr. 6-0 175
DB Tony Segura Sr. 6-2 200
DB Gabriel San Pedro Sr. 5-8 150
DB Andrew Rivera Jr. 6-0 170
K Antonio Vega Sr.. 5-9 170
RECORD BOOK
2006 5-5 2005 2-8
2004 2-8 2003 4-6
2002 0-10
Sunday, August 26, 2007
1. Rio Mesa
2. Oxnard
3. Camarillo
4. Pacifica
A strong offensive line and a talented quarterback in Vince Moraga have the Tritons thinking about a first appearance in CIF playoffs. Pacifica's fortunes could be decided by its defense.
5. Hueneme
6. Channel Islands
— Bob Buttitta
_2007 Ventura County Star
Buena (3-7, 0-5 a year ago) will look for a breakthrough year with a senior class that is the first to play its entire career with Berenson as the Bulldogs head coach.
"I know we're a little young defensively," said Berenson, whose early preseason projection had just four seniors starting on defense, "but this group of kids is different than any group of kids I've had at Buena. These kids were my first class coming in, so they understand the expectations and understand what I want from them. They know what is acceptable and what's not acceptable. And they're understanding what it takes to try to win football games, and what attitude and effort will lose you football games."
Buena came close to a breakthrough last year, seeing three close league games slip away after winning three times in the pre-season. "We just couldn't hold on at the end," says Berenson. "And I just think that came from inexperience at some positions."
This year, the Bulldogs will try to draw experience from players including tailback Vince McCowan, a second-team fullback last year; sophomore tight end Tyler Perry, who started eight games as a freshman, and tackle James Nelson. On defense, two senior defensive backs — cornerback Dakota Lovejoy and free safety Anthony Pelupessy — will try to lead the younger players around them.
Pacifica
Nickname: Tritons
Coach: Donnie Rea (Third year)
2006 record, league finish: 5-5, fourth in league.
2006 playoffs: Missed
Top returning players: WR, Daniel Torres, TE, Tony Segura, LB, Hakeem Hasan, LB, Corey McElliott, QB, Vince Moraga, K, Tony Vega.
Promising newcomers: LB, AJ Guzman, LB Rene Moreno, WR, Andrew Rivera, OL, Andrew Curiel.
Outlook: With starting quarterback Vince Moraga back, the Tritons should be strong on offense. If the defense can come around, Pacifica could make a run.
Quote: "We have more good players than in the past and could be a good team." — Donnie Rea
TENTATIVE STARTING LINE-UP
Offense
Pos. Starter Yr. Ht. Wt.
WR Andrew Rivera Jr. 6-0 170
QB Vince Moraga Jr. 5-10 160
RB Frankie Estanol So. 5-8 160
FB Richard Ramirez Sr. 5-9 205
OL Abel Magana Sr. 5-11 215
OL Hareem Hasan Sr. 5-11 220
OL Corey McElliott Sr. 5-10 220
OL Arturo Alonso Jr. 6-0 275
OL Andrew Coriel Jr. 6-2 240
TE Tony Segura Sr. 6-2 200
WR Daniel Torres Sr. 5-11 170
K Antonio Vega Sr.. 5-9 170
Defense
Pos. Starter Yr. Ht. Wt.
DB Andrew Rivera Jr. 6-0 170
DL Mark Sitafine Sr. 6-1 265
DL Jose Ramos Jr. 6-2 275
DL Ruben Espino Jr. 5-10 235
LB Marcus Sandoval Sr. 5-9 185
LB Rene Moreno Jr. 5-10 200
LB AJ Guzman Sr. 5-10 215
LB Abel Magana Sr. 5-11 215
DB Steve Everett Sr. 6-0 175
DB Tony Segura Sr. 6-2 200
DB Gabriel San Pedro Sr. 5-8 150
DB Andrew Rivera Jr. 6-0 170
K Antonio Vega Sr.. 5-9 170
RECORD BOOK
2006 5-5 2005 2-8
2004 2-8 2003 4-6
2002 0-10
