By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 31, 2008
On paper, it may appear as if defending boys champion Andrew Quallio of Zama American and 2006 girls winner Nadine Mulvany of Nile C. Kinnick are the runners to beat in Monday's Far East Cross Country 3.1-mile individual races.
But if history is a good teacher and if this year's field appears to be the deepest in years, don't count on them as a mortal hammer lock just yet. No fewer than eight boys and 10 girls who finished in last year's top 20 are back and primed for a shot at gold-medal honors.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 28, 2008
Want to know the biggest reason whyRobert D. Edgren'sFantastic Four 2.0 and Osan American's Four (+) Horsemen have enjoyed their success so far?
Look no further than the five guys up front responsible for plowing the road for them.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 28, 2008
Week 9 Top Ten
The Top Ten teams in the Stars and Stripes' 2008 Far East high school football ratings, with records through Oct. 25, points and last week’s rating, as compiled by Dave Ornauer of Stars and Stripes sports. Ratings are based on teams' win-loss records, quality of wins, strength of roster, schedule and leagues, point differential and team and individual statistics. Maximum rating is 500 points:
Record Pts Pvs
1.Kadena(Okinawa) 4-0 464 1
2. Simon Sanchez (Guam) 7-1 432 3
3.Father Duenas Memorial (Guam) 6-1420 4
4.Robert D. Edgren 6-2416 6
5. Yokota (Japan) 6-2 412 2
(tie) Seoul American 4-1 412 5
7. American School In Japan 4-2 388 7
8. George Washington (Guam) 5-2 384 8
9.Kubasaki (Okinawa) 2-4 356 9
10. Osan American (South Korea) 3-3 344 10
(tie) Guam High 4-4 344 --
Week 9 grid honors
Osan American-Matt Brownell 98 yards, 14 carries. Will Rapoza 96 yards, 14 carries.
Robert D. Edgren-Johnell Alexander 236 all-purpose yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception (200 yards, 2 touchdowns, 26 carries; 40 yards, 2 returns; minus-4 yards, 1 catch).
Yokota-Derick Seward 270 all-purpose yards, 2 touchdowns (189 yards, 1 touchdown, 22 carries; 32 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 catches; 49 yards, 2 returns). Andy Silva 44 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 catches; 1 fumble recovery). DeEric Harvin 191 all-purpose yards, 2 touchdowns (13-for-20, 171 yards, 2 touchdowns; 5 yards, 8 carries; 15 yards, 2 returns).
Guam High-D’Andre Weaver 146 yards, 3 touchdowns, 17 carries. Nick Lang 8 tackles.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 24, 2008
Musings and mutterings just a week before the Far East high school football playoffs kick off:
-- Re: Robert D. Edgren 20, Yokota 18: I'll fly 984 miles from Okinawa to Tokyo and "Shin" 360 miles from Tokyo to Misawa for games like that any time. Wow! That had a little bit of everything, a first-half shootout followed by a second-half defensive struggle, broken up only by that 16-yard four-tackles-broken pile-driving touchdown run by Ja'maal (got it right this time!) Dennis. Trickeration, courtesy of that shovel pass from DeEric Harvin to Derick Seward for Yokota's first touchdown. A spine-tingling scatback duel, Seward vs. Johnell Alexander (the Eagles back won out with 200 yards). And the"ye oldeskool"swinging gate formation, which Yokota has been unveiling from time to time since the Dick Dameron coaching days in the 1990s.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 23, 2008
Disappointment could have reigned last Nov. 5 at Kadena Air Base's Banyan Tree Golf Course, when Kadena's Brant Casteel and Chasity Cordova each placed second in their respective Far East meet 3.1-mile individual races.
But not a word of regret uttered either of them. They're team runners, and after defending their respective island titles and remaining unbeaten in Okinawa Activities Council competition in Wednesday's district finals at Kadena, they once more have their eyes on Far East's biggest prize.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 22, 2008
Picture this: ADODDS-Japan high school volleyball team faces one of its Kanto Plain rivals on a Tuesday night.At the same time, the DODDS-Pacific Far East High School Journalism Conference is taking place 40 miles away at the New Sanno Armed Forces Centre in Tokyo.
A senior and co-captain of the volleyball team also happens to serve as a school yearbook editor, creating a situation of divided responsibility and loyalty, wanting to help her team win, but at the same time hoping the yearbook can win a top-three prize for the school's trophy case.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 22, 2008
Week 8 Top Ten
The Top Ten teams in the Stars and Stripes' 2008 Far East high school football ratings, with records through Oct. 18, points and last week’s rating, as compiled by Dave Ornauer of Stars and Stripes sports. Ratings are based on teams' win-loss records, quality of wins, strength of roster, schedule and leagues, point differential and team and individual statistics. Maximum rating is 500 points:
Record Pts Pvs
1.Kadena(Okinawa) 4-0 464 1
2. Yokota (Japan) 6-1 432 2
3. Simon Sanchez (Guam) 6-1 428 3
4.Father Duenas Memorial (Guam) 6-1420 4
5. Seoul American 4-1 412 5
6.Robert D. Edgren 5-2408 6
7. American School In Japan 4-2 388 7
8. George Washington (Guam) 5-2 384 8
9.Kubasaki (Okinawa) 2-4 356 9
10. Osan American (South Korea) 2-3 336 10
(tie) Daegu American (South Korea) 2-4 336 --
Week 8 grid honors
Robert D. Edgren-Johnell Alexander 100 yards, 15 carries, 1 touchdown; 70 yards, 2 catches, 2 touchdowns. Zach Davis 3-for-6, 90 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Nile C. Kinnick-Jon Bollinger 9-for-20, 107 yards; 57 yards, 8 carries.
American School In Japan-Joey Benus 2 blocked punts, one to set up a touchdown, one he took to the end zone for a touchdown.
Zama American-Emmanuel Sloan 125 yards, 1 touchdown, 19 carries.
Kubasaki-Josh Bales 2 touchdown runs.
Daegu American-Thomas Smith 8-for-13, 130 yards; 93 yards, 1 touchdown, 9 carries.
Seoul American-Trinadai Stansel 135 yards, 14 carries; 69-yard interception-return touchdown. Wayne Witherspoon 8 tackles, 1 fumble recovery.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 18, 2008
Just when you think Andrew Quallio has reached his peak, he eclipses yet another long-standing milestone.
The Zama American senior on Saturday became only the second runner to break the 15-minute barrier on the 2.9-mile Tama Hills Recreation Center cross-country course -- and he demolished the old record by 23 seconds.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 18, 2008
-- Johnell Alexander could have every reason to style, pound his chest and throw his arms in the air for every one of his 12 touchdowns this season. But you won't see a hint of that in the Robert D. Edgren Eagles senior, who is within three of scoring more times thanEdgren's entire Fantastic Four did last season. "He's an incredibly humble kid," coach Chris Waite said of Alexander. "He's one of those example kids, a leader. He plays both ways, never wants to leave the field and gives the same effort on both defense and offense."
-- Nile C. Kinnick, which fell to Edgren 19-6 at home on Friday, will certainly work on center exchanges with the quarterback out of the shotgun during practice for its homecoming vs. Zama this coming Friday. That bit of difficulty caused four turnovers, which ultimately doomed the Red Devils. Other than that, another sparkling performance by Jon Bollinger (9-for-20, 107 yards, 57 yards on eight carries).
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 18, 2008
Musing and mutterings re: the Korea gridiron from afar as we edge closer and closer to playoff time:
-- Seoul American, which won its sixth straight DODDS-Korea football title, may finally be turning the corner in terms of ball control. In their 24-0 shutout Saturday of Osan American at Falcon Field, the Falcons turned the ball over not once. When they had chances to score, they took them. A returned fumble for a touchdown by Daegu's Chris Ford doomed Seoul last week to a 14-8 loss. What a difference taking care of the ball makes.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 16, 2008
As the Far East football playoffs approach, coaches are facing difficult personnel decisions they'd just as soon not have to make.
Almost all the teams have as many as two regular-season games left. Two league titles remain to be clinched. All the while, these teams must walk a tightrope, between shielding players from injury and yet wanting them to play at full tilt.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 15, 2008
Few need reminding that purse strings are being pulled as tightly as engine fan belts as the economic situation tumbles around the world.
Thus far, it's not had an effect on DODDS-Pacific Far East Activities Council's calendar of tournaments and other activities. But one person keeping sharp watch on the situation, FEAC chair Don Hobbs, says he could be asked at any time to trim activities as a cost-cutting method.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 15, 2008
Week 7 Top Ten
The Top Ten teams in the Stars and Stripes' 2008 Far East high school football ratings, with records through Oct. 13, points and last week’s rating, as compiled by Dave Ornauer of Stars and Stripes sports. Ratings are based on teams' win-loss records, quality of wins, strength of roster, schedule and leagues, point differential and team and individual statistics. Maximum rating is 500 points:
Record Pts Pvs
1.Kadena(Okinawa) 4-0 464 1
2. Yokota (Japan) 6-1 432 3
3. Simon Sanchez (Guam) 5-1 424 4
4.Father Duenas Memorial (Guam) 6-1420 5
5. Seoul American 3-1 408 2
6.Robert D. Edgren 4-2404 7
7. American School In Japan 3-2 384 6
8. George Washington (Guam) 4-2 380 8
9.Kubasaki (Okinawa) 1-4 352 9
10. Osan American (South Korea) 2-2 348 10
Week 7 grid honors
Kadena-Stan Schrock 124 all-purpose yards, 2 touchdowns (52 yards, 1 touchdown, 6 carries); 2-for-2, 37 yards, 1 touchdown; 15 yards, 1 catch; 10 yards, 1 return). Brandon Harris 94 all-purpose yards.
Robert D. Edgren-Johnell Alexander 150 yards, 2 touchdowns, 18 carries. Drew Holder 1 touchdown run, 1 touchdown catch.
Nile C. Kinnick-Jon Bollinger 103 yards total offense, 2 touchdowns (4-for-8, 30 yards, 1 touchdown; 73 yards, 1 touchdown, 11 carries).
Yokota-DeEric Harvin 208 yards total offense, 4 touchdowns (10-for-13, 171 yards, 3 touchdowns; 37 yards, 1 touchdown, 10 carries). Derick “Rookie” Seward 204 all-purpose yards, 1 touchdown (53 yards, 6 carries; 20 yards, 1 catch; 131 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 returns); 1 interception. Rainey Daley 113 all-purpose yards (44 yards, 10 carries; 39 yards, 3 catches; 30-yard kick return). Andy Silva 109 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 catches; 1 interception.
Daegu American-Antoine Feagin 102 yards total offense, 1 touchdown (6-for-9, 55 yards; 47 yards, 1 touchdown, 5 carries). Frank Wright 12 tackles.
Seoul American-Trinadai Stansel 173 yards, 1 touchdown, 13 carries).
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 11, 2008
Reaction around the Korean peninsula after the Daegu American at Seoul American game was pretty much the way one would react if hit across the temple by an Ernie Banks signature model Louisville Slugger:
After coming to, you might be tempted to say, "What?", "You're kidding," "How did that happen?" and "Geez, Halloween's early this year." At least those were someof the statements that rattled through the cell phone.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 11, 2008
Musings and mutterings from Week 7 GameNight Friday as we edge ever closer to the Far East playoffs:
-- What used to be an offense that relied on big plays is now becoming a methodical, well-oiled machine. Defending Class AA champion Kadena, inits 28-0 shutout at Kubasaki, engineered drives of 60 yards on nine plays in 4 minutes, 2 seconds, and 65 yards on 12 plays in 7:40 on its first two possessions. "We've been waiting for that," coach Sergio Mendoza said. That to go with a defense and special teams that once more pinned the Dragons deep.Against Kadena this season, Kubasaki began 26 of its 41 possessions at the 20 or inside it.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 9, 2008
It could be argued that Osan American's Saturday mid-day football clash with the Singapore Falcons All-Stars is just what the doctor ordered for the host Cougars: a worth-its-weight-in-gold opportunity to get used to venturing into uncharted territory, seeing teams, offenses and defenses that they've not seen. Important preparation in case Osan reaches the Class A championship game Nov. 1 at Robert D. Edgren, third Class A title berth in four years.
It could also be argued that Osan would be better served by taking the weekend off, getting people healthy and avoid the risk of unnecessary injury prior to the Cougars' Oct. 24 matchup with Daegu American to decide that coveted Class A title-game berth.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 9, 2008
Decisions, decisions. Brittany Evans never had a problem playing volleyball and running cross country in middle school while living on Guam.
But when she transferred to Nile C. Kinnick in Japan, she had to make a difficult choice, one or the other. Last year, it was volleyball, but this year, she’s followed in the footsteps of her brother Matt, a former Far East champion, on the cross country courses.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 8, 2008
Week 6 Top Ten
The Top Ten teams in the Stars and Stripes' 2008 Far East high school football ratings, with records through Oct. 4, points and last week’s rating, as compiled by Dave Ornauer of Stars and Stripes sports. Ratings are based on teams' win-loss records, quality of wins, strength of roster, schedule and leagues, point differential and team and individual statistics. Maximum rating is 500 points:
Record Pts Pvs
1.Kadena(Okinawa) 3-0 460 1
2. Seoul American 3-0 432 3
3. Yokota (Japan) 5-1 428 4
4. Simon Sanchez (Guam) 5-1 424 5
5.Father Duenas Memorial (Guam) 5-1416 2
6. American School In Japan 3-1 404 6
7.Robert D. Edgren 3-2396 7
8. George Washington (Guam) 4-2 380 9
9.Kubasaki (Okinawa) 1-3 364 8
10. Osan American (South Korea) 1-2 340 --
Week 6 grid honors
Osan American-Will Rapoza 112 yards, 14 carries; 3 interceptions.
Daegu American-Chris Ford 135 yards, 1 touchdown, 12 carries. Frank Wright 10 tackles.
Nile C. Kinnick-David Tyree 129 yards, 2 touchdowns, 21 carries.
Yokota-DeEric Harvin 293 all-purpose yards, 3 touchdowns (7-for-11, 179 yards, 3 touchdowns; 14 yards, 3 carries; 100 yards, 5 returns); 3 interceptions. Derick “Rookie” Seward 236 all-purpose yards, 2 touchdowns (191 yards, 2 touchdowns, 23 carries; 45 yards, 2 returns). Andy Silva 100 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 catches; 7½ tackles. Andrew Conkling 8½ tackles, 2 sacks.
Zama American-Michael Spencer 111 yards, 1 touchdown, 18 carries.
Guam High-Aaron Cosey 5-for-10, 97 yards. Jacob Wright 11 tackles.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 6, 2008
All:
A gentle reminder that SportsBlog Nation is also known as THE "No-Hate Zone" for a reason.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 4, 2008
What we learned Friday, a night when two champions were crowned and a crucial series for a Class A title game berth was extended to the last week of the regular season:
-- So Osan American lost its starting quarterback and doesn't have the speed and quickness of its Daegu and Seoul counterparts? Easy answer: Play to your strength. Mike Gilliam off-tackle left. Jesse Crockett off-tackle right. Occasional keeper by backup QB Adonte' Murry. Three yards and a cloud of ... field turf? And a healthy dosage of defense (four interceptions doesn't hurt, a three-pack by Will Rapoza alone). Reminds me much of 1995 Zama American and J.W. Smith, and a playbook that seemingly consisted of two plays, good enough to beat league champion Nile C. Kinnick 7-0 in the season finale. First time in the four-season history of the Far East playoffs that the Osan-Daegu season series comes down to a third game.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 1, 2008
The "Little Big Three" of Osan American continue to play like giants on the volleyball court.
Led by senior setters Celine Baldevia and Laura Vega and junior outside hitter Nicole Sparks, the Cougars pulled off their first victory over Seoul American in seven seasons, downing the Falcons 24-26, 25-16, 25-17, 16-25, 15-9 at Cougars Gym.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 1, 2008
Hey, anybody get a quick look at Nile C. Kinnick's girls volleyball team's overall record? Their Kanto Plain Association of Secondary Schools record?
Led by middle blockers Mary Niemeyer and Camille Kawamoto and setter Marina Nakayama, the Red Devilsare off to the best start in school history at 13-0 and 7-0, their latest victory coming Tuesday at Seisen International in five sets.
By Dave Ornauer
Published: October 1, 2008
One quarterbacked Kadena to a Far East Class AA football championship last November, is back as an assistant coach, plans on enlisting in the Air Force in January and intends to return to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, as an airman.
The other quarterbacked the Kadena Buccaneers to two Rising Sun Bowl berths back in the old Okinawa Activities Council split-squad days. After injuring a knee at Tyler Community College in Texas, he enlisted in the Air Force and finds himself back at Kadena, a skills-positions assistant and an Air Force two-striper.
