Upcoming Match-up: Blackhawks @ Trojans

When the season schedule was finalized, the Trojans knew immediatly that if there was one game on there that would test their strength and potentially define their season. The Inglewood Blackhawks, who lost in the 2007 LCFL West championship game, have always been recognized as a powerhouse team. Looking at their history, they have earned that right.



This season, the Trojans have demonstrated their resolve as they have played three of the tougher teams within their division. Having been battle tested for three straight weeks now, the Trojans look to continue to build on the successes of the past weeks, and utilize parts of their offense and defense that they have yet to use in any of their game thus far.



So, the Trojans will take the field Saturday at Ribet Academy for the 3pm kickoff looking to define their strength in the LCFL. We would like to see all Trojan Fans out there in full force to help cheer your team to victory!



The Trojans come into this match-up 3-0 on the season, and currently ranked #2 in the LCFL and #26 in the nation. The Blackhawks are 3-0 as well, and are ranked #4 in the LCFL and #14 in the nation.



See you all at the game! And remember, $2 for parking, $7 admission to the game, and concessions will be open, so bring and appitiete!



FIGHT ON!

Power Rankings & Playoff Picture: Week 3

As we have all seen in the pros, whether it be Football, Basketball or any other sport, there are weekly rankings of all the teams in the league. This season the LCFL West has decided to post this list on a weekly basis as well. And while the league website is being updated, we will post this information weekly in an attempt to keep you all informed.



Since this is the Valley Trojans website and Blog, these posts will be focused on the team, as you can imagine. But, it is our goal to promote the league as a whole as well and there for we will post the entire LCFL West Power Rankings along with the entire LCFL West Playoff picture. As for the National Power Rankings, you can visit the NAFL website to view the top 50 teams in the country.



The LCFL West Power Rankings, as well as the NAFL's, are strictly mathematical formulas that calculate a number and when sorted, provide the rankings. There is no opinion added to either ranking. The LCFL's takes into number of games played (games), Wins, Losses, Ties, Home/Away (H/A), margins of victory greater than 21 points (21), Own record (OwnR), Opponents record (OppR), and each teams Opponents-Opponents record (OpOpR). The points awarded vary for each. Below are this week’s Power Rankings and you will be able to see how it all breaks down.

As for the NAFL Power Rankings, they account for Wins, Losses, Ties, and point’s differential over the course of the season. For the complete list, please click here for the NAFL.org website.



Now, the playoff picture is based on the games played up to this week, and the positions are as if the season had ended that week. It is a long season and anything can happen throughout the course of it; so use this to see how well your team is doing. As the season nears its end, the race for the playoffs should be interesting, especially with the new format for the 2008 season.



The new format goes like this... There are four division, North, West, South, and East. The North and West are paired up as one conference, and the South and East make up the other. The winners of each division are automatically in the playoffs, and have a first round bye. The next four best overall records on each conference are then in as well. There is a tie breaker in place if needed as well. So, we will have 12 teams make the playoffs in total; 6 per conference. See the below chart to see how the seeding looks.

With all that said, the Valley Trojans are currently the #2 team in the LCFL Power Rankings, and are #26 in the NAFL National Rankings. It has been a great start to the season and the Trojans are looking to win the North Division and solidify a spot in the playoffs as they are off to a 3-0 start, all of which are division wins as well!



Special thanks go out to Ken Harsha of the Foothill Firehawks for all his hard work he does for the league, and for making/maintaining the LCFL West Power Rankings!

Game Recap: Trojans Vs. SLO Panthers

Eagle Rock, CA - Saturday, July 26th, 2008 - The Valley Trojans improved to 3-0 on the season Saturday after defeating the San Luis Obispo Panthers 31-7. The Trojans played very well on both sides of the ball as the defense was stingy (as usual), and the offense seemed unstoppable.



Wide Receiver Fred Alexander (#8) had a break out game, amassing 189 yards on 8 receptions, and scoring three touchdowns. The aerial assault, lead by Quarterback, Mike Carlstrom, was firing on all cylinders and gained 241 yards. Ole Olson, came into the game in the third quarter at Quarterback, and added another 69 yards to the air attack giving the Trojans 310 yards in the air on the day. The offense took advantage of the defense throughout the contest, and even with the usual suspects not gaining big yardage, everyone played a big role in the overall success. Anthony Celestine made another great catch as he tip-toed the sidelines, Marquis Powell was about half a step from making what was a 29 yard gain, into a 70 yard TD; and Brandon Wright occupied the middle of the field holding Safeties and Linebackers at home.

The Running game sought out some success as Running Back Donald Carpenter bull-dozed his way into the end zone in third quarter. Carpenter finished the day with 9 carries, 21 yards and a TD. Running Back Joe Prado added some huge sparks to the running game, and the offense in general, with 5 carries, for 29 yards. Adding to the rushing totals, Olson rushed for 22 yards as he scampered out of the pocket and made plays with his feet.



As for the defense... well, they played the way that they play all the time, stingy! It was not until late in the fourth quarter that they Panthers were able to score. The Trojans defense kept a very solid Panther passing attack at bay for the majority of the game. Cornerback, Rob Harris, intercepted 2 passes and was one block short of taking one to the house! Both Harris, and Cornerback, Billy Payne, played lock down coverage all game. Last week’s defensive stand out, Chad Johnson, was at it again as he pressured the Quarterback all game; as well as a huge stripped ball on the kickoff coverage, that he recovered as well. These were all parts of a defensive unit that play extremely hard and very well together.



But, there is one man this week that dominated the field and the stat sheets! Nick Skophammer, the massive Defensive End, slash Defensive Tackle, caused mayhem for the Panthers offense. Skophammer finished the day with 8 tackles, 5 of them were sacks!



The Trojans advance to 3-0 in league play, but more importantly, they are now 3-0 in division play. The season is still young, but the playoffs are always in mind, and winning the division is the key to getting into the playoffs, and getting a first round bye.



The next game will be a home game as well, and possibly the toughest on the schedule as the Inglewood Blackhawks come to town. Stay tuned for the preview on this match up, as it will pin two of the top teams in the LCFL North/West conference in a head to head battle.



Notable Stats:



Offensive:



Mike Carlstrom (QB #17) - 11/18, 241 Yards, 3 TD's

Fred Alexander (WR #8) - 8 Rec, 189 Yards, 3 TD's



Defensive:



Nick Skophammer (DE #96) - 8 Tackles, 5 Sacks

Rob Harris (CB #2) - 4 Tackles, 2 Int's

Edwin Flores (DE# 94) - 4 Tackles, 1 Sack

Game Recap: Valley Trojans @ California Longhorns

"Battle for the Valley": A Tale of Two Half’s



July 19th, 2008, Reseda, CA - For the past two seasons, the Valley Trojans have had their way versus cross-town rival California Longhorns. The Trojans were out keep hold of their reign over the San Fernando Valley, but the Longhorns had other ideas!



The first half of the game could not have gone much worse for the Trojans. The offense spent very limited time on the field, and the three or four series that they did have, were all three and out or turnovers. On the other hand, the Longhorns played a great half as their offense seemed to run all over the Trojans defense. The Horns took a 12-0 lead going into the half, and the Trojans appeared to have no answers for them!



But, there is a reason that both halves are played! The Trojans came out in the second half, and still looked to be flat on offense. But, mid way into the third quarter, the defense would provide a huge spark as they shut off the Longhorns offense and forced a punt. Andre Moore (DB #3) returned the punt to mid field after an electrifying return that was set up by a few huge blocks, and that was all that the Trojans needed to finally wake up and plays football!



On the very next play, the Trojans offense came out with one mission; Take a shot down field. Mission Accomplished! Mike Carlstrom (QB #17), in a recurring theme with the Trojans, hit Anthony Celestine (WR #4) on a 45 yard bomb! Celestine made a very difficult over the shoulder catch in the end zone for the Touchdown. With the Chris Guardado (K #14) extra point, the score was 12-7 and the Trojans new it was not their game to take over!



And why not? With the defense back to their true form, the Longhorns would not have another real shot at scoring in this game! The most notable spark that changed the defense was change in defensive personnel, as head coach and defensive coordinator David Perez, sent first year player Chad Johnson (DB #9) into the game. Johnson, one of the fastest players on the field, used this speed to get into the backfield and wreck havoc! Johnson tallied 6 tackles in the last quarter and a half of play, most in the backfield, as he stuffed the run, and hurried the pass attempts! This new energy brought the entire defensive play to level not seen yet in this game. And the Trojans fed on this!



The Trojans were still down early in the fourth quarter, but after what amounted to be about a 15 play drive, the Trojans offense would punch the ball into the end zone when Carlstrom called his own number and powered straight ahead for the score. The two point conversion was no good, but the Trojans now lead 13-12 with about 8 minutes left in the game.



The Longhorns final attempt to come back ended in four plays, and the Trojans offense would run the remaining six minutes off the clock for the victory.



The Trojans now await their September 13th meeting with the California Dolphins to play the final part of the "Battle for the Valley" championship! But, first things first, the Trojans are now 2-0 in league play, and 2-0 in division play as they head into this week’s battle with yet another division opponent, the San Luis Obispo Panthers. Come out and support the Trojans as it is a home game at Ribet Academy, game preview coming soon.



Notable Stats:



Offensive:

Mike Carlstrom (QB #17) - 12/16, 146 yards, 1 TD, 2 Car, 1 Yard, 1 Rushing TD

Anthony Celestine (WR #4) - 6 Rec, 110 yards, 1 TD



Defensive:

Chad Johnson (DB #9) - 6 Tackles, 1 Blocked Punt, 1 Forced Fumble

Bryant Barrientos (LB #0) - 6 Tackles

Marcus Kelly (DB #5) - 5 Tackles, 1 Int

Nick Skophammer (DE #96) - 4 Tackles, 1 Sack

Upcoming Match-up: Trojans @ Longhorns

2008 "Battle for the Valley" - Trojans Vs. Longhorns



For three seasons now, the San Fernando Valley has been inhabited by three Minor League Football teams; the Valley Trojans, California Longhorns and California Dolphins. These three battle it out in a three way contest for the title of "Valley Champions"! It is with great pride that the Trojans have owned this title since it started. But, with every new season comes new challenges. Opponents grow stronger and look to avenge previous year’s losses as everyone shoots for the top!



The Trojans know that this week’s opponent is looking to strike back from the past two seasons defeats, and that the Longhorns will be ready! For the second season in a row the game will be played at the home of the Longhorns, but with such close proximity between the two teams, it is hard to call it a home field advantage!



The new look Trojans are coming out to prove that last week’s success was not a fluke and that they belong on top of the LCFL North division. The Longhorns are coming off of a close loss to the Inglewood Blackhawks and look to turn around their fortunes this week! This is yet another division game, so the playoff impact is huge for both teams... not to mention the rivalry!



The game will be played at:

Reseda High School

18230 Kittridge St.

Reseda, CA 91335 [map] 

When: Saturday, July 19th, 2008



Kickoff time: 5:00 PM

Game Recap: Bakersfield Panthers at Valley Trojans

Saturday, July 12th, 2008, Eagle Rock, CA - The anticipation of the 2008 season has been great. The Valley Trojans have used the spring to get ready it; including playing two well put together team in the pre-season. With a 1-1 record to show for those games, the Trojans have worked on the holes that were exposed, and built upon the successes. And it was now time to take the field in season play, against a division opponent, the Bakersfield Panthers. Usually, you do not have playoff implications in week one, but since each division winner gets and automatic bid to the playoffs, that is precisely what was in store.



The weather was near perfect. The Trojans were unveiling their new home at Ribet Academy, and wanted to open up with a bang! For the fans that traveled to San Diego and Las Vegas, to watch the pre-season games, were in for a pleasant surprise as the Trojans took to the field to warm up. Due to long travel in the pre-season games, the Trojans only suited about 25 players in each game. But, on this day, the team was out in full force with close to fifty players. The home crowd was piled in as well, as the bleachers would eventually fill up as the game kicked off. The Panthers on the other hand were experiencing the same traveling issues the Trojans were faced with before, as they only had about twenty-five players suited for action. But we all know that the number of players does not mean you will win or lose the game! And the Panthers were out to prove that point!



The Trojans would receive the ball to open the game. And in their first offensive series were forced to go three and out, as they failed to complete a third and short play. But, the Trojans defense is force in and of itself, so little was to be worried about at this point. The defense would hold, and force a fourth down that the Panthers would attempt to convert; the attempt was unsuccessful, and the Trojans offense would take over with great field position getting the ball on the Panthers 30 yard line. Two plays later, Mike Carlstrom (QB #17) would hit a wide open Fred Alexander (WR #8) on a post route for the touchdown. Chris Guardado (K #14) would make the extra point making the score 7-0.



The following drive, the Panthers would be forced into a fourth and long situation again, but would opt to punt the ball this time. The snap went off the punters hands, and rolled around as he tried to get on it, but as the defense got to him, they knock it loose again, and Marcus Kelly (SS #5) would scoop it up and take it a few yards to the end zone for another TD. With the XP made, the score was 14-0.

The defense of the Trojans would yet again get the ball back to the offense on the next drive; and again, with great field position. This time, Carlstrom would hit Anthony Celestine (WR #4) on a quick slant. Celestine would do the rest as he spun out of two tackles and sprinted 19 yards to the end zone. The score would go up to 21-0 with the XP. Now with 7:30 left in the first quarter, the Panthers were backed into a hole. But, their luck would change slightly as the Trojans offense would go cold for the entire second quarter. In four straight series, the Trojans offense would fumble the ball away to the Panthers. And, on the fourth, it was in the end zone. The Panthers would recover it and get on the board. The XP was no good, putting the score at 21-6.



During the four turnovers, the Panthers would have the ball in great field position, once at the ten yard line. They drove it down to the two on the first play. Then a defensive penalty made it the one yard line. With their backs against the wall, the Trojans defense did what they do so well... buckle down and makes plays! And with the Panthers QB #25, this was not the easiest of tasks. When facing a QB that can run the ball as well as him, you need discipline! And with the ball at the one, it seemed inevitable that we would find a way into the end zone. It was second and goal from the one, the ball was handed off to the RB, but he was met by a host of Trojans in the back field and dropped for a lost. On third and three, the Panthers were called for holding, so they were pushed ten yards back. Now, on third and goal from the thirteen, the Nathan Bosinger would get into the back field and sack the QB for an 8 yard loss, making it fourth and twenty-one. The Panthers decided to go for it. The QB dropped back, was flushed to the left, and then decided his best option was to run it. He had some day light, but was met at the ten yard line by a host of defenders. The defense was pushed to the limits, and came out victorious!



In the second half, the Trojans would add more points when Carlstrom hit Brandon Wright (TE #18) in the end zone. Carlstrom was flushed from the pocket, and running to his right when he located Wright who broke off his route to come back inside and find a whole in the defense for the thirteen yard TD. The XP was no good, and the score was now 27-6.



Cesar Parra (QB #12) would come into the game and on his first pass attempt; he hit Celestine on a streak route for thirty-seven yards. Celestine made another one of his patented high flying, acrobatic catches, as he leaped over the defender and caught the ball before the he had a chance to intercept it. Celestine would land at the five yard line, and the Trojans offense was poised to score again. On first down, the RB was stuffed and could only gain a yard. On second down, Parra would throw for Powell in the end zone, but a Panthers defender would jump the pass and intercept it. With no one in front of him, it was a foot race. Powell almost tracked him down, but could not and he would score. The two point conversion was no good, and the score was now 27-12.



Parra would make up for the pick however. He hit Marquis Powell (WR #6) on an out route. Powell broke a tackle, and then out ran the rest of the defense to thirty-seven yards to the end zone. The XP was good, and the score was now 34-12.



The Panthers would add one more score late in the game to make if 34-18, as the two point conversion attempt was no good again.



It was a hard fought game, and mistakes on both sides lead to points for the other. But, in the end, the Trojans would take the win! Now, with a 1-0 record, they prepare for the next week. And, if you have been following the team for the previous two seasons, then you will understand the importance of the upcoming match up with the California Longhorns. Not only a fellow "Valley" team, they are one of the three teams in the "Battle for the Valley" with the Trojans, and they are also another division opponent! Stay tuned for the game preview on this one!



Notable Stats:



Offensive:

Mike Carlstrom (QB #17) - 7-12, 97 yards, 3TD's

Anthony Celestine (WR #4) - 3 Rec, 79 yards, 1 TD

Marquis Powell (WR #6) - 2 Rec, 41 yards, 1 TD

Fred Alexander (WR #8) - 2 Rec, 38 yards, 1 TD

Brandon Wright (TE #18) - 2 Rec, 22 yards, 1 TD



Defensive:

Nathan Bosinger (LB #44) - 6 Tackles, 3 Sacks

Julian Mims (LB/DL #57) - 3 Sacks

Marcus Kelly (SS #5) - 3 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Fum Rec, 1 TD

Upcoming Match-up: Bakersfield Panthers @ Valley Trojans

The 2008 LCFL West regular season kicks off this Saturday July 12th. This season should prove to be the most competitive yet, as the league has grown to 26 teams in its short four season existence. Every season has proven to be better than the last, and with all of the new blood joining the league, 2008 should set the bar!

As for our Valley Trojans, they will be starting the season off at their new home; Ribet Academy in Eagle Rock, CA. The opponent, Bakersfield Panthers. The Trojans and Panthers have yet to play each other in the previous two seasons, but that does not mean that this game has no meaning! The Trojans have moved into the North Division of the LCFL West. This is a Division that the Panthers have been in since their inception, and one that they have played favorite in as well! 

So, with week one comes big playoff implications already as the teams that win their division get an automatic bid to the playoffs! The Trojans and the Panthers do not want to start off their season with a loss, especially a division loss! So, look for both teams to come out and play hard in the scorching heat of the San Fernando Valley. The game time is set for 2:00 pm, so be sure to drink lots of water when you come out, and bring an umbrella to protect yourselves from the sun! 

Concessions will be open for drinks and snacks as no outside food will be allowed into the stadium.

When: July 12th, 2008 - 2:00 pm kickoff

Where:Ribet Academy, 2911 San Fernando Road, Glendale, CA [map]

See you all there! 

FIGHT ON!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY from the VALLEY TROJANS

The Valley Trojans would like to wish everyone a safe and fun 4th of July! 

In honor of the holiday, there will be no practice this Saturday! We hope that all of our players enjoy the weekend with the family and loved ones!

We will be back to practice as usual on Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 in FULL GEAR at the Northridge Recreation Center. Practice starts at 8:00 pm. There is also a group of players that meet before practice to run speed training and conditioning drills, we encourage everyone to attend this. Next game is Saturday, July 12th... this is the season opener!

Again, have a FUN and SAFE weekend!

FIGHT ON!