Panel backs open division for football
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
Advisory committee's recommendation could lead to state championship matchup of best teams from Southern and Northern California, regardless of enrollment.
The CIF state football advisory committee has recommended the creation of an open division for state championship bowl games, which could lead to the best team in Southern California, regardless of enrollment, taking on the best team in Northern California this fall.
"They felt it would create a real marquee event," said Emmy Zack, CIF spokeswoman.
The advisory committee, made up of coaches and administrators, is just one of several committees expected to make recommendations on how the bowl games should be structured.
There will be five championship divisions next December -- up from three the previous two years -- but how their participants will be selected and where the games will be played must still be determined.
Two years ago, an open division would have enabled Concord De La Salle to face Westlake Village Oaks Christian. It will be up to the CIF executive committee to make a final decision this spring.
The bowl games are scheduled to take place the weekend of Dec. 19-20.
--Eric Sondheimer
College Commitments
Encino Crespi's Mark Watley, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound defensive back, went on a recruiting visit to Arizona last weekend and committed, Coach Jeremiah Ross
Watley, who is a sprinter on the Celts' track team, had 110 tackles and two interceptions as a senior.
--Eric Sondheimer
Coaching Changes
Former Ventura Buena girls' volleyball coach Jack Richards has been named the Ventura St. Bonaventure girls' volleyball coach.
Richards, a sergeant and public information officer with the Ventura Police Department, takes over for Mike Christ, who guided the Seraphs to a 10-8-1 record last fall.
Richards compiled a 122-64 record in 10 seasons at Buena, though the team went 2-6 in Channel League play in 2007.
--Austin Knoblauch
