Silence stirs some memories

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Quiet night in the Inland Empire, at least until somebody calls me back. Thought I’d throw out a personal ‘best-of list’ from over the years. Feel free to add your own.

Best game I watched in person: Tustin vs. Santa Margarita at Cal State Fullerton, 1997. The legendary Carson Palmer vs. DeShaun Foster shootout for a Southern Section title. ‘Nuff said.

Game I wish I’d seen: El Toro vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium, 1987. Bret Johnson throws a desperate pass down the sideline in pouring rain (that’s why I didn’t go) and the ball somehow slips through the grasp of 6-foot-7 defensive back Bobby Joyce and into the hands of Adam Brass for the game-winning touchdown.

Best quarterback: Carson? Close. Matt Leinart? Closer. Jimmy Clausen? Way off. Nope, the toughest, fastest, most accurate quarterback I’ve seen to this day is Jaret Wright, Katella High School, 1993. Too bad he was even better with a two-seamer.

Best receiver: I’m reaching way back again for this one. Scott Miller, El Toro, 1985-86. This guy came down with everything, well, except for that Monday Night Football game, when Dan Marino yelled at him.

Best running back: DeShaun was good, but too many games against Santa Ana. Stafon Johnson of Dorsey could bob and weave as good as anybody, but he mostly played quarterback his senior year. Damon Sweazy of El Toro....OK, enough with the Chargers.

Nope, the best ballcarrier I can remember is Toby Gerhart of Norco, who displayed a mix of power, agility and speed en route to setting the state career rushing record.

Tomorrow, I’ll let you know which concession stands make the all-time best nacho cheese sauce and who has the cleanest ketchup dispensers.

- Dan Arritt