Latest news with #BattleattheBeach
Los Angeles Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
CdM surprises, Edison tunes up passing game in Battle at the Beach
Corona del Mar was a clear underdog when Edison's prestigious Battle at the Beach seven-on-seven passing tournament kicked off Saturday morning. 'Bottom three,' estimated star receiver Dorsett Stecker. By day's end, the Sea Kings were a cause célèbre within a 20-team field featuring Bellflower St. John Bosco, Mission Viejo and three CIF State champions, making a galvanizing run to the top-tier Gold Bracket semifinals through triumphs over San Diego powerhouse Lincoln and Trinity League stalwart Servite, followed by a fight to the finish with champion Mission Viejo. 'Clear as day,' senior quarterback Brady Annett noted, 'Our guys can play with anyone.' The achievement means only so much — the correlation to actual football is tenuous — but it sends CdM, the only entrant who missed last year's playoffs, into preseason camp at the end of the month riding a significant high. 'It's definitely a huge confidence-booster, beating all those great teams,' said Stecker, who caught more than a dozen touchdown throws from Annett to lead the Sea Kings to a 4-2 record in a series of 30-minute, running-clock, no-rush, all-pass encounters. 'Everyone gave us a challenge. And when we get the film, I think everyone's going to be, 'We know who we are now.' 'Before, we didn't really know who we were. But now we know, for sure.' Corona del Mar took strides in its passing game, with Annett building rapport with a corps of receivers led by Stecker, Garrett James and rising 'route technician' David Soto — JJ Haley, too, although he was limited by a shoulder sprain — and that's the primary point of seven-on-seven football. Winning isn't the real reward. 'It's not football,' said CdM coach Kevin Hettig, whose team battled injuries most of last season. 'It's something different, right? For the receivers, it's really good work in avoiding [opposing defenders], because every defender does a really good job of getting hands on [receivers] in seven-on-seven. 'It's really good to kind of clean up timing and route repetition and mechanics. But other than that, it is a different game than real football.' Edison, coming off CIF Southern Section Division 3 and CIF State Division 1-A championships, was disappointed by its 2-3 run, taking tight losses against Santa Margarita and Gold Bracket runner-up San Marcos Mission Hills, another San Diego Section power, in pool play and Inglewood in the Silver Bracket quarterfinals. 'I feel like we could have been better,' Edison coach Jeff Grady said. 'We played hard, we just came up short. It just came down to details, I think, across the board. So there are some things we've got to tighten up. A great learning experience, and we'll move on from it.' Mission Viejo beat Mission Hills, 23-6, in the Gold final. Santa Margarita won the Silver title with a 23-0 romp over Long Beach Millikan. Corona del Mar stunned Lincoln, last year's Division 1-AA Bowl titlist, claiming the tiebreaker — one play, longest gain wins — on closely-covered Stecker's leaping, 24-yard sideline reception. The victory was bittersweet: Hornets receiver Braylen Ross suffered a potentially serious neck injury, halting the game for nearly a half-hour. The Sea Kings stayed close to Mission Hills through most of the semifinal but couldn't stop Penn State-bound quarterback Troy Huhn, who generated four touchdowns on his last nine throws. There was buzz around Stecker, who caught 54 passes for 726 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior, as he repeatedly made tough catches for first downs and scores. Annett, whose development has accelerated following labrum surgery last December, called him 'a machine.' 'I had something to prove today,' said the 5-foot-10 Stecker, who has offers from UNLV and San Jose State. 'I'm very under-recruited. Everyone says my size, that I'm not tall enough. But I keep working and keep proving people wrong, so that's what I do.' Hettig calls Stecker a 'Swiss Army knife' and says he's 'going to be a legend.' 'That kid works so hard. He puts so much into it,' Hettig said. 'As he's become a better leader, he's becoming a better player on top of it. He can play anywhere and do just about anything on the football field.' Edison looked good on defense, led by senior linebacker Caden Lo, conceding no more than 14 points in any game until Inglewood's 19-12 victory ended its afternoon. The Chargers topped 12 points just twice, in wins over Bakersfield Liberty and Simi Valley, as returning quarterback Sam Thomson worked on his connections with deep-threat Ayden DeGiacomo, a fellow junior often in the slot, and senior two-way standout Teo Hampton, who missed most of last season with a broken shoulder. 'I still have to work on my timing and my connection with these new receivers, being on the same page,' said Thomson, who'll also be throwing to juniors Brennan Vares and McKennon Pierce and senior Noah Roberts, who have two varsity receptions among them. 'I feel like we've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.' Hampton, who didn't catch a pass last year, will be critical following All-CIF receivers Jake Minter and Carson Schmidt's graduations. 'Teo's a dog,' Thomson said. 'He's probably our best [press-coverage] corner, and he can get up and make some big body catches.' Last year's success fuels confidence but doesn't mean much. So many key figures from that team are gone, including Southern Section Division 3 Players of the Year Julius Gillick, now at Fresno State after rushing for 2,488 yards and 37 touchdowns, and linebacker Matt Lopez. 'We have to understand this is a totally different team,' Grady said. 'You can't lean on what happened last year. Last year's last year. ... This team hasn't done much. We've got to play to a standard and be the best version of us we can be.'
Los Angeles Times
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Quarterback Luke Fahey of Mission Viejo is separating himself
Luke Fahey looked right, then passed left. He looked left, then passed right. Defensive backs told to read a quarterback's eyes might have trouble with Fahey, Mission Viejo's senior quarterback and Ohio State commit whose instincts, strong arm and decision making are separating him from others in the class of 2026. Then there's something called character. For the last two years, he agreed to share playing time with Draiden Trudeau. Others might have bailed. Not Fahey. 'I feel God has a plan for everybody,' he said. 'That was my journey. Of course, everyone wants to be a full-time starter, but that was a good thing for me. There was a lot of adversity during those two years. I learned so much from Drai, and he pushed me to be an even better quarterback and better leader.' Anyone watching Fahey on Saturday at Edison's seven on seven passing tournament were getting a glimpse of a 6-foot-1 quarterback in an obvious comfort zone calling his own plays and showing chemistry with a new group of receivers (Vance Spafford was missing because of illness). It's no wonder that Ohio State and coach Ryan Day identified him and made him a recruiting priority. 'It was a big decision,' Fahey said. 'For me, it was a no brainer. It was a dream of mine to be at a place like that since I was a little kid. I told myself when I got the opportunity I'd take full advantage of it and maximize my opportunity. The coaches are amazing, the people there are even better. One thing that stood out they showed me a picture of their practice. I think 18 of 22 were in the NFL or got drafted. It speaks volumes to their program and my goal is to be a draft pick one day and make it to the NFL.' Despite missing Spafford and star defensive back Jeron Jones, the Diablos went 7-0 and defeated Mission Hills in the final. The toughest game was a 26-25 win over Cathedral in the semifinals on a winning touchdown catch by Davonte Curtis. It's been quite a summer for Mission Viejo, which also won its own passing tournament over Mater Dei. As the summer passing season nears conclusion and official football practice begins at the end of this month, Saturday's Battle at the Beach is always a good opportunity to see teams and players making progress. Santa Margarita, under new coach Carson Palmer and new quarterback Trace Johnson, a transfer from Florida, will have lots of weapons this fall. The Eagles lost to Long Beach Millikan in the championship game of the Silver Division final. USC commit Trent Mosley, who didn't play because of an injury, said of the new coaching staff, 'It's real good. I'm excited for the season.' His brother Grant, is an impressive sophomore receiver. St. John Bosco clearly is one of most talented teams in regard to skill-position players, sending in wave after wave of top defensive backs and receivers. The Braves were young at those positions last season, so all it's going to take is strong line play to combine with the skill-position talent to make another run at Trinity League rival Mater Dei. After going 4-0 in the morning session, the Braves lost to Mission Hills in the quarterfinals. JSerra, which lost its starting quarterback, Ryan Hopkins, to Mater Dei, has a capable replacement in junior Koa Smith-Mayall, who missed all of last season recovering from a knee injury. He's only 5 feet 10 but has a powerful arm and considers himself a dual threat quarterback. 'I guess everyone outside of JSerra thought we'd be in trouble, but I knew I'd be ready,' he said. Cathedral made it to the semifinals behind quarterback Jaden Jefferson, who will be aided by an improved offensive line this fall. One of the most impressive quarterbacks was Troy Huhn of Mission Hills, a Penn State commit who got his team in the final with a win over Corona del Mar, which was a surprise team behind quarterback Brady Annett and receiver Dorsett Stecker. Finally, let's not end the summer without knowing the answer to the question: Why did Fahey stay for four years at Mission Viejo? 'It speaks to what my dad and mom have preached to me since I was a little kid,' he said. 'That you can't up and leave. Loyalty is one of the biggest things in my family. I'm going to stay true to those who stay true to me.' 'Amazing,' Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson says. In other tournaments on Saturday, Tustin defeated Bishop Amat in the final of the Clash in the Canyons tournament in Azusa. Mira Costa won the Culver City tournament. San Juan Hills won the Ocean View tournament over Downey. Quarterback Timmy Herr didn't throw an interception in two games and relied on receivers Luke Frith, Ryan Matheson and Dean Kolasinski.
Los Angeles Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Edison passing tournament is set for Saturday
For fans, parents and sportswriters,Edison's seven-on-seven passing tournament, known as the Battle at the Beach, on Saturday is a key moment in the summer passing season, leading to the start of official football practice at the end of the month. It's not about wins and losses on Saturday but seeing which teams and players have made progress in the offseason and getting a first look at transfer students to see how they might fit in. It's also a sensitive time for coaches trying to keep players happy so they don't transfer to another school just as the season is about to begin. The opportunity to see top skill-position players performing for their teams before pads come on next month is always the attraction of the well-run Edison tournament. The 9 a.m. games offer perhaps the best matchups of the day: Edison vs. Santa Margarita, Cathedral vs. St. John Bosco and Servite vs. Mission Viejo. One of those teams almost certainly will be crowned champion by the end of the day. Edison coach Jeff Grady understands players are fresh and focused at the start of a long day, so that's the time you learn the most about a team. Mission Viejo, having beaten Mater Dei to win its own tournament last month, gets the favorite's role behind quarterback Luke Fahey, an Ohio State commit. Santa Margarita will receive lots of attention in its first appearance since Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer was named head coach. There will be lots of focus on quarterbacks, from St. John Bosco's Koa Malau'ulu to Palos Verdes' Ryan Rakowski. Coaches invited to this event know their players are expected to act classy with no fights. The officials use the event to get into shape for the season ahead and try out new officials. Players get to high-five their friends after intense competitions knowing they're still friends, win or lose. No one wins an 11-man championship based on seven-on-seven success (linemen are important), but there are so many good receivers and defensive backs in this tournament that it's always entertaining to watch and check out if any new players are ready to make an impact.
Buzz Feed
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
29 Random Summery Products You Need In Your Life
A pack of reusable poop-shaped water balloons to take your next Battle at the Beach to a whole 'nother level. Because these have magnets that ensure a quick and easy seal, you can use them over and over! And it makes refilling them a breeze. I'm pooping — I mean, I'm rooting for you! A cute sand remover bag because you love the beach, in theory, but in practice? You hate getting sand all over your body. This talc-free and reef-friendly bag easily removes sand and leaves you feeling clean. A slim stainless steel can cooler for keeping your White Claw cold while you yap away at your BBQ guests. Seven "long story shorts" later and your drink is still cold. That's because this triple-insulated cooler can keep cans cool for up to 12 hours! A pack of 10 DEET-free mosquito-repellent bracelets that use essential oils to keep bloodsuckers away. Some reviewers suggest wearing one on your wrist and one on your ankle if you're in mosquito-dense areas. A pack of bug-bite patches designed with bug-magnet-y kids in mind. These patches contain hydrocolloid, aloe, and witch hazel to help with itchiness (but let's be real, they really just help make sure your little ones don't scratch themselves raw 😬). A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop because it's finally appropriate weather for a cold treat, but your regular-degular spoons just can't get you the scoops you deserve. This helpful gadget heats up to 158 degrees, making digging into a fresh carton of Van Leeuwen an easy task. All you have to do is grip the handle to activate heating — no pesky buttons! A 6-foot inflatable beer pong table — when Marco Polo and chicken fighting have lost their luster, bring this bad boy out and test your hand-eye floating. This comes with three pong balls to get you started (but you might as well get a few more)! This can also be used as a floating lounge. But maybe only for the winner. A frizz-taming pre-braid priming foam that'll nourish your hair with all the coconut oil and shea butter in its formula. It also strengthens hair and provides grip for an easier time braiding. And if you sleep in those braids, you'll likely wake up with waves as beautiful as those that crash on the shore. A gentle K-beauty SPF 50 sunscreen stick since it offers a matte finish and sebum control; its formula contains plant-based Sebum Control P Complex (a blend of pine leaf, evening primrose, and pueraria), which helps to suppress the excess activity of sebaceous glands and absorb oil. And not only does it moisturize skin, but it can also double as a pore-blurring primer! A set of boho-chic hair tie bracelets because they're so cute, they can absolutely pass as jewelry! These are designed to not damage your hair OR hurt your wrists, which can't be said of the basic hair ties you've been using that low-key cut off blood circulation. A pair of leakproof "wet bags" — OK, I'm gonna hold your hand while I say this: All those summers you spent carting around waterlogged swimsuits on beach days, getting everything in your beach bag have to happen like that. These have heat-sealed seams and can also be used to store diapers, soiled bibs, and more. A lightly tinted SPF 30 lip oil that'll help keep your smackers protected from UVA/UVB light while also giving them a little shimmering goodness. Made with argan, castor, and sunflower seed oils, antioxidants, and vitamin E, your smoochers will not only be moisturized but also protected against free radicals. A pack of four "Beverage Buddee" can covers so you can enjoy a refreshing La Croix on your front porch without worrying about dirt, dust, and bugs finding their way inside. Reviewers even use these when they're at the beach to prevent sand from drifting into their canned bevs. A scrunchie/towel hybrid if you like air-drying your wet hair but hate to have a bunch of water dripping all over you. A patio umbrella light to provide some much-needed lighting when the sun sets but your fam is in the middle of an intense Uno game. It has three brightness modes depending on what ~vibe~ you're trying to create. A pair of à la mode boxer-style shorts that are, like, a big-number percent cheaper than the $98 Reformation versions (sorry, I'm bad at math). You'll likely wanna live in these cuz they're so cute and comfy. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Get them in several colors? Absolutely! An inflatable sunbathing lounger, because the beach isn't the only place on the planet where you can get a tan. And since it has two drink holders, you can stay hydrated with your Owala and have a little fun with a tumbler full of margarita. So grab your sunscreen, adjust the removable pillow, and get that oh-so-sacred vitamin D. Plus, it can also be used as a floatie if you've got a pool! A cooling Naturium gel body wash if after a long day out in the sun, your body is begging for a system reset. Formulated with mandelic acid, fermented sugar cane, and menthyl lactate, this refreshing soap works to fight and prevent odors while providing a gentle, cooling feeling post-shower. A surprisingly chic, stadium-approved clear purse perfect for all those summer concerts and music festivals on your calendar that are hosted by pretty strict venues with pretty strict bag guidelines. This cutie features leather binding and a gold-colored chain strap. Because you can still look hawt while carrying around hand sanitizer and butt wipes (you simply can't trust those porta-potties). An insulated cup with a built-in stadium horn called "The LoudCup" so you can cheer on your favorite teams without losing your voice for once. As soon as you're done taking a sip, just turn the tumbler around and blow into the noisemaker! A moisturizing Sally Hansen instant cuticle remover to help your hands recover from the wintry cold and its dry air. You might miss your chance to say goodbye to your excess cuticles since this works in 15 seconds! This fast-drying formula contains soothing and conditioning aloe and chamomile. You'll wanna become a hand model after using this, and who could blame you? A pretty and practical bike cup holder if your favored mode of transportation in the summer is your bicycle. Oh, and not only can this hold your water bottle, but it also has a cellphone holder, so your iPhone doesn't go flying from your pocket while you are zooming down city streets. And a handwoven plastic wicker bike basket because — hello — it's absolutely darling! But, in all seriousness, it'll also come in real handy on your many summer errands; it can handle a few grocery bags, a small pup, your water bottle, and more! A lightweight cotton dog collar whose summery print might just add an extra bit of pep to your pup's step! An inflatable beach pillow that won't get blown away by the wind! This soft and durable pillow wicks away water and sheds sand, so you can lie comfortably by the shore. A trendy trucker hat with a mesh back to help keep you cool on all your outdoor adventures. It's also got a sweatband because it knows you hate to get sweat in your eyes when you're trying to concentrate on breathing while hiking. A set of stackable starfish-shaped sand cup holders so you don't have to fight to keep your bottle of water upright in the sand. It's also great for holding your phone, sunscreen, or keys — anything you don't want getting lost or covered in sand. An inflatable floating flamingo pool light that'll make swimming at night an even more fun affair! This solar-powered light can shine bright for up to eight hours. A lightweight 3-in-1 backpack, insulated cooler, and chair if your summer calendar is full of hiking, camping, or fishing! With lots of pockets for storage, this backpack will help you organize your outdoor equipment. And! It folds open to a chair that can hold up to 400 pounds.
Los Angeles Times
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Mission Viejo, Mater Dei could meet in seven-on-seven passing tournament
Saturday is one of those busy days in summer passing competitions for fans to get a sneak peek of the high school football season. Mission Viejo is hosting a seven-on-seven passing tournament that includes Mater Dei, which will then take its mandatory two-week dead period immediately after the tournament. A matchup of Mission Viejo and quarterback Luke Fahey against Mater Dei's outstanding defensive backs will be something that's likely to take place. Santa Margarita has pulled out from participating in the Mission Viejo tournament and will be replaced by Schurr, which won a tournament earlier this month. There's also an eight-team passing tournament at St. John Bosco featuring the Braves, Servite and Gardena Serra, among others. Salinas pulled out and has been replaced by La Sierra in Riverside. Simi Valley, Redondo Union and Baldwin Park are also hosting tournaments this weekend. After Saturday, the next big day for passing tournaments is July 12, featuring Huntington Beach Edison's Battle at the Beach, along with tournaments at Ocean View and Huntington Beach.
