Bill Redell shows off team’s prowess at luncheon
Bill Redell used to be the chief executive of an insurance company, so the Westlake Village Oaks Christian football coach knows how to make a presentation that impresses people.
That was the case in his brief appearance at the Southern Section luncheon in Long Beach, where players and coaches gathered to honor the teams participating in this weekend’s championship games.
Most schools brought three players and invited three administrators. Not Redell. He showed up with his six already-committed Division-I prospects -- Nick Montana (Washington), Alani Fua ( Brigham Young), Zac Stout (Brigham Young), Cassius Marsh (Louisiana State), Malcolm Jones ( UCLA) and Erik Kohler (Washington).
There were oohs and ahhs around the room.
Oaks Christian (13-0) will play Gardena Serra (13-0) for the Northwest Division championship on Friday at a site to be announced. The Lions are seeking their seventh consecutive title. And they are full of star power.
But Serra has its own stars, such as USC-bound receiver Robert Woods.
A kicking sensation
Not since Chris Sailer was an All-American kicker for Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in 1994 has there been a kicker-punter influencing games quite like junior Jake Van Ginkel of Upland.
He has made 16 field goals, put 43 balls into the end zone for touchbacks and is averaging 40 yards a punt. But even more valuable is his ability to help his team’s defense with punts trapping opponents deep in their own territory.
“It’s amazing how many balls he’s gotten inside the 10-yard line,” Upland Coach Tim Salter said.
Upland (11-2) will play Rancho Cucamonga Los Osos (9-4) on Friday at Citrus College for the Central Division title.
Crespi reunion
At the end of the luncheon, the many ex-Crespi coaches gathered to take a photo. There was Redell, Troy Thomas (Servite), Tim Lins (Moorpark), Jim Benkert (Westlake) and Harry Welch (St. Margaret’s).
Hot team
Temecula Chaparral (10-3) remains the underdog to unbeaten Vista Murrieta (13-0) when the two teams play for the Inland Division championship on Friday at Vista Murrieta.
But everyone has to be impressed with Chaparral’s playoff performances. First, the unseeded Pumas upset unbeaten Redlands East Valley, 14-7, the No. 1 seed. Then they knocked off defending champion Corona Centennial, 43-35, in overtime.
There’s no doubt that having two veteran players the caliber of senior quarterback Mitch Glasmann and senior running back Jonathan Diaz has helped.
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