HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

William Muller, a freshman wide receiver at Crespi, is the youngest of 11 children ranging in age from 14 to 30and the last of his six brothers to play high school football.

Dominic, Joseph and Alex were top players at St. Genevieve. Patrick and Robert played at Crespi.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this,” William said.

Sophomore Matthew Caires, a Crespi kicker and defensive end, had a summer adventure story to tell. He went on a 90-mile hike carrying a 60-pound backpack at scout camp and came within 25 feet of being struck by lightning.

When he called home and his father asked if he was having fun, Caires replied, “Other than a kid being mauled by a bear in another camp, a burro falling off a cliff and almost getting hit by lightning, yes.”

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Air Culpepper is about to be unleashed at Chaminade, where first-year Coach Bill Culpepper has put in his wide-open passing offense that worked so well last year in Texas.

“We’re going to throw quite a bit,” Culpepper said.

Culpepper isn’t shy about letting young players prove themselves. The passing attack will rely on sophomore quarterback Erik Vose and three young receivers--freshman Marcus Everett, sophomore Gerred Link and junior Josh Jones.

Culpepper has hired Ryan Dritz, former Westlake linebacker, as defensive coordinator.

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In an intrasquad scrimmage Friday, Taft’s first-string offense was unstoppable. Quarterback Ricky Clausen kept throwing touchdown passes to receivers Chris Morgan and Steve Smith.

Smith, a sophomore, made a diving catch of a 40-yard lob from Clausen. He has been making those kind of catches all summer.

Clausen, who has committed to Louisiana State, seemed at ease running Taft’s offense even though he’s a transfer from Alemany.