'Claremont' football makes a successful comeback

Though there are several football teams that have "Claremont" affixed to their team title within the city, the Claremont High School varsity football team and the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps football squads both had memorable seasons.

After 6 seasons of non-winning records, the CHS Wolfpack made the most it could in its first season in the Sierra League. Before dropping a close 28-21 defeat to Roosevelt last Friday, the Pack had recorded a 7-3 record throughout the season. With a strong aerial arsenal captained by senior quarterback Daniel Kessler (3490 passing yards, 37 TDs), this year's Claremont team was one of the most exciting in years.

The Stags of C-M-S had an equally impressive season by going 7-2 overall this fall. C-M-S defeated rival Pomona-Pitzer in a 31-30 overtime thriller on November 13th to clinch one of its successful seasons in memory with longtime coach Steve Retzlaff at the helm. Retzlaff became the team's interim head coach after former longtime head coach Rick Candaele retired this past summer.

The Stags played a smashmouth style of football that featured quarterback Peter Kimmey as the team's leading rusher (645 rushing yards, 14 TDs) and 2119 team rushing yards overall. C-M-S owned the first quarter throughout the season, outscoring its opponents, 73-27.

I had the privilege of seeing both teams in action this season and neither team disappointed. CHS blew out Ayala during its Homecoming game last month and C-M-S was solid in its tough overtime win over the Sagehens. Both teams show promise for the future but while the Stags will have Kimmey returning next year, Kessler will be graduating this coming June.

Congratulations to both the Wolfpack and the Stags on an incredible 2010 season. We're looking forward to next year.

Stags, Sagehens never disappoint

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the latest game in the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps/Pomona-Pitzer football rivalry at Merritt Field and it was well worth attending.

After a slow start of what seemed to be destined a low-scoring game, things picked up over the course of the game to the point where 4 quarters was just not enough for the 2 teams. At the end of regulation, both teams were tied at 24-24.

After C-M-S scored courtesy of Peter Kimmey's 11-yard touchdown run in overtime, Chet Corcos kicked his 4th extra point of the afternoon. Who would've known that the extra point would make the difference as after Pomona-Pitzer quarterback Jacob Caron hooked up with Robert Maki for a 6-yard touchdown reception, a failed 2-point conversion gave the Stags the win, 31-30.

Congratulations to both teams on an awesome game. Look for full coverage of Saturday's game in Wednesday's edition of the COURIER.

So much sports to see, so little time

It's slated to be a busy weekend for Claremont sports with plenty of events coming up in the next 48 hours.

Tonight, Claremont will look to clinch the Sierra League division in a tough road game against Damien at 7 p.m. Can the Wolfpack make one of the biggest splashes ever in the league by winning the title in just its first year? Dick Larson Stadium is your destination to check it out.

Also for tonight, the SCIAC Men's Water Polo Tournament begins today at Haldeman Pool at Pomona College. There will be matches taking place through 7 p.m. today, 7 p.m. tomorrow and the championship will be played at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Saturday kicks off with Claremont High School's participation in the CIF-SS Cross Country Prelims at Mt. SAC. The meet will kick off at 7:45 a.m. with both Claremont varsity boys and varsity girls competing in Division 2 action.

In local AYSO Soccer action, Padua Park, La Puerta Park, Griffith Park, Jaeger Park and Padua Park will all host youth soccer matches beginning at 8 p.m. The season will conclude next weekend.

As for me, I will be attending the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps vs Pomona-Pitzer football game that will kick off at 1 p.m. at Pomona-Pitzer's home field. Bragging rights will be on the line in one of the most unique rivalry games that literally split up the 5 undergraduate Claremont Colleges. If the atmosphere is anything like the basketball games I've attended in years past, this should prove exciting. Expect full coverage of the game for Wednesday's paper.

Have a safe weekend.