Pep Bloggy Blog

Baby Watch!

2010-01-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

Baby Watch!
Condorstown is bracing for its newest arrival: another baby for Head Coach Marty Raymond and his wonderful wife Jessica.
Having a baby is an amazing moment that you will always cherish...but Marty is in a real pickle.
The baby is due January 26th, and not only do the Condors have a trip to Alaska the following week, but Mary was recently selected to coach in the ECHL All-Star game in Ontario the week before.
If you do the math, the little Raymond baby has a small window for its birth.
If the baby comes on time...no problem...but if the baby is early or late, Raymond has a situation on his hands.
As a father of two girls, I know the stress and anxiety that goes with "waiting" for the baby, but try doing it if you're hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home!
So if Marty is missing from the Condors bench anytime soon, just remember.....Baby Watch!

The Beard is NOT Weird

2010-01-04T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've been on vacation the last nine days, and I heard something that cracked me up while on my break from work: "A beard is a commitment."

Naturally I grew a beard while on vacation, as I normally do, and loved every minute of it.

After 10 days of growing out the beard, it was time to shave it off for work, and a funny thing happened; I liked my beard!

Sure, it wasn't the thickest or gnarliest hockey beard you could find, but it was mine and I thought it was cool. I became attached to my thin, little beard and it was tough to shave it off....literally and figuratively.

My beard was a commitment and I hated to see it go. But it didn't go down without a fight, it was a real battle to shave off my glorious beard and 10 magical days together.

You know what I'm doing on my next vacation....Long Live the Beard!

Riding Dirty at Bakersfield Speedway

2009-10-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

I've scored game winning goals.....won field goal kicking contests...hit three straight 3-pointers against the "Harlem Clowns" in a charity game....and for the first time ever, I had a chance to dirt race at Bakersfield Speedway as part of Kevin Harvick's homecoming.

I played a lot of sports growing up....baseball, soccer, basketball, and even ran track, but never had I raced.

Now that I've had a chance to get behind the wheel, I have a new appreciation for the drivers. I've always believed racing is a sport, and I'm a big fan...now I know how difficult racing really is!

On top of making my dirt racing debut Thursday night, I also had the only rear wheel car.
My inexperience on the track, plus trying to steer a rear wheel car added up to a last place finish for me in the Celebrity Race. Not just last....I also spun out and nearly caused a big wreck.

My crew chief, and owner of the car, Brian Daves was great. He gave me great tips and was very supportive; too bad I was terrible racing on dirt.

But it was fun, and it was cool to hang out with Kevin Harvick a little bit. It's almost surreal to see a Daytona 500 champion walking around the pits in his Nextel Cup fires suit, and blending in just like a normal driver.....if a normal driver had an entourage following him around with cameras in his face.

Harvick raced teams in the Youth Series and finished runner-up to Dakota Schweitzer in the Main Event.

Harvick didn't win, and neither did I.

From Diapers to Cheerleading....

2009-10-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Buckle in for another installment from Pep Bloggy Blog.

I have to lead off with the fine folks in Taft. They've really stepped up their game in Yardline sign making! They had Karl and I as babies wearing diapers (a play off of the Yardline T-shirts which you can buy on the Yardline website: Kiss the Baby!) and then as Cheerleaders...Wow!! I think I know who the culprit is-Justina!

Roll like a Troll! That's just one of the sayings I find myself repeating around the office and at home. If you've got a "line" you'd like me to say on the air during my hilites, hit me back on my blog.

We run the gamut on Pep Bloggy Blog....let's go from high school football to baseball. Are the Dodgers seriously going to stumble into the playoffs?? What happened to Mannywood?
I'm a Mets fan so my baseball season ended months ago.

Why is Robert Swift not with an NBA team right now? Training camps have tipped off and there's no sign of Big Rob. I hope the dude doesn't pop up playing for some random team in Turkey. I think Swift still has some game despite numerous injuries, and there's gotta be a spot for him in the NBA.

The Condors season is right around the corner....lots of new faces on the ice in Condorstown. They're going to be young and scrappy.

And a quick shout out to my wife Tara who makes the best cookies in the world. She whipped up a big batch of her chocolate chips for the Yardline crew.

Now ya' heard.

Get Your Popcorn Ready!

2009-09-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

Get your popcorn ready Kern County! The 23 Yardline is back and better than ever!

It's about 11:13 pm on a Wednesday night, and I"m just minutes away from doing my sportscast on the news, but I wanted to share a couple quick notes with Yardline Nation.

We're happy to team up with the U.S. Army once again to bring you the all-star voting for the U.S. Army Arena Bowl. The kids love it, and we're proud to be a part of it.

Something new and exciting this season is the David Carr MVP award. The Stockdale product and current NY Giants quarterback will be passing out a one-thousand dollar scholarship and a BIG trophy to Kern County's top high school football player, exclusively on the 23 Yardline this season. How awesome is that!

Be sure to look for our camera guys at high school games across the Valley. They'll be wearing Yardline t-shirts, which you can also buy on the yardline website. Join the Yardline Nation!

And let's not forget the Yardline Extra Points on the Yardline website. Myself and Karl will be posting "random videos" that go way, way, way beyond just football and give you an inside look at our lives and our sense of humor.

Long live Yardline Nation!

I'm back Kern County....

2009-08-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

After a brief hiatus from the world of blogging, I'm back Kern County!!!

I'm here to contribute my random thoughts and experiences, and maybe a little about sports along the way.

A few tidbits to get back in the swing of things:

-Went to the X-games to watch Sherri Cruse race to a 4th place finish in the Women's Moto-X Final. Met her boyfriend Travis Pastrana who's a super cool dude, but you probably already know that.

-At a recent Fresno State football practice, I caught up with a bunch Kern County players including QB Derek Carr who in my eyes looked to be the frontrunner for the starting job. I also had a nice chat with the Ryan Mathews's mom. Did you know Ryan was big in Moto-X? I 'm glad he chose to focus on football.

-Speaking of Fresno State....David Carr enjoyed a solid preseason game with the Giants the other night. I'm predicting he'll be the QB for the 49ers next season....that's just me wishing out loud.
Ohhh....stay tuned to the Yardline this season for big, mammoth, intergalatic news regarding David and Kern County's favorite high school football show.

-First Yardline set for September 12th. Set your social calendars accordingly.

-I've tried to relax this summer and catch my breath before football season hits. A friend of mine bought me a pillow a while back that reads: "This Marriage has been put on hold for football season." Just ask my wife, she'll tell you all about it.

-We did have some fun this summer: Went to Disneyland, the Santa Barbara Zoo, watched movies, lots of bike rides, lots of coloring, swim class with my daughter, and building forts.

-I'm battling a pretty gnarly cold right now...any home remedies for sneezing, headache, and runny nose?

That's about it Kern County...check back often on the latest.

I leave you with this: I found an old "picture" in my office that shows one football player tackling another. It reads: "Some people dream of success, while other people live to crush those dreams."

Which one are you?

Cavs and Snubs....

2009-02-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

First off, congratulations to Trey Johnson for earning a job in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The dude dominates the D-League. He's now joining Lebron James and his best friend Mo Williams.

Johnson, along with Derrick Byars, earned spots in the D-League All-Star game February 14th in Phoenix. Johnson and Byars are both very deserving of this honor, but how is Nick Lewis not in the All-Star game?

Lewis dumps in double-doubles every night and is the emmotional leader on the floor.

If Johnson ends up sticking with the Cavs...I think Lewis should have his spot in the All-Star game!

Pep's 2009 Predictions

2009-01-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

While many folks are making 2009 New Year's resolutions, I decided to be bold and make 2009 Predictions! Some of my predictions will happen, others will not. Ethier way I guarantee ALL my predictions zero percent of the time. So here we go...

-At least two more players from the Jam will be called up to the NBA this season. I predict Nick Lewis will be the first to go.

-The Condors will rally down the stretch and make the playoffs. This isn't quite the stretch considering Fresno folded and Bakersfield is automatically in the playoffs with the current format.

-David Carr will be a starting quarterback in the NFL next season and not with the Giants. I'm see DC wearing a Vikings or Bears jersey in 2009.

-Derek Carr will lead Fresno State to a WAC title as a true freshman, and Ryan Matthews will be a serious contender for the Heisman trophy.

-The CSUB Men's Basketball team will defeat Oregon St. and Stanford on the road.

-The Lady Runners will make the NIT Tournament.

-Tehachapi wins 3 straight D III Valley Titles. Steve Denman gets even better with time.

-Kevin Harvick wins the Nextel Cup Title, and teammate Casey Mears makes it into the Chase for the Championship.

-Oklahoma City Thunder center Robert Swift decides to grow out his hair again and join a heavy metal band. This following eight straight seasons as an All-Star for the Kings.

-Stockdale baseball player KC Hobson decides to use a wooden bat, and still hits .700 this year.

-The Blaze gets a new ballpark and names it "Pep Park" because of my commitment and passion for local baseball. Plus "Pep Park" sounds cool.

-Mike Piazza returns to Bakersfield to be a player/coach for the Blaze.

Well, that's about all my predictions for now. I'll keep you posted if any of them actually happen.
Just remember, ALL my predictions are zero percent guaranteed.

Me...Model??

2008-10-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

Modeling is easy, right??? Just walk, smile, and call it good.

Well I had a chance to model on Thursday, and it wasn't easy at all. Maybe it was the crowd full of ladies watching your every step or taking orders in a chaotic environment; but modeling was actually tough.

It was a new experience for me. Despite my incredible good looks, you'll be shocked to know that I've never modeled before. Yeah, it's true.

I did the modeling for a great cause: Links for Life. It's a group that is leading the charge in the fight against breast cancer as well as education about the disease. I was sincerely honored to even play a small part in the event.

Who knows, maybe it even kicked off my modeling career?

Big Talking Bakersfield Boys

2008-10-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Something about being from Bakersfield makes you feel ten feet tall and bulletproof!

Of course I'm talking about Nascar Star Kevin Harvick, and Sack Master Joey Porter.

J-Peezy and Happy can talk a BIG game, but they back it up. They're two of the best in their respective sports. Having met them both, I can say firsthand that Happy and Peezy are both fun-loving, easy going dudes who love what they do.....just don't get on their bad side.

Peezy is back "Pro Bowl" form with the Dolphins. He's also speaking his mind a lot, but that's nothing new. I think Peezy plays even better when he talks some smack before the game. He always backs it up!

As for Happy, he recently "defended" his turf against Carl Edwards that resulted in a scuffle in his garage at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. Flipper flipped out after Happy criticized his "driving style" at Talladega.

I think it's great we have local athletes who aren't shy about sharing their feelings, and keep it real....it's the Bakersfield way!

Yardline is so Bonesaw!

2008-10-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the 23-Yardline this season. I personally think it's better than ever! Karl and I try to have a lot of fun on the show, in large part because of you guys. High School football is fun!!

Everything about Friday Nights is awesome...from the Bonesaw at Centennial to Blade Man at East...and oh yeah, the games are great too! The BHS vs. Liberty and Centennial vs. Stockdale games were unbelievable in week-four!

I think this could really be an incredible year for high school football in Kern County. It got me thinking about what I like about prep pigskin...so here's a short list:

The 23 Yardline super heroes: Blade Man and the Hurricane
Awesome Mascots like Danny Driller at BHS and the Mad Scotsman at Lighthouse Christian.
The Bonesaw at Centennial may be my favorite thing of all!
Bakersfield Christian taking on Oaks in Week Zero.
The US Army Arena Bowl: what a way to showcase the top seniors in Kern County!!!
Stockdale's "college like" atmosphere at their games.
A wide open SEYL and SWYL this year...it should make for some interesting games!
Derek Carr playing at Bakersfield Christiain: a rad dude and a great quarterback.
Golden Valley practice: all the bulldogs wanna be on Pep Talk- that's cool with me!
Russell at Ridgeview: the #1 ballboy in the Valley!
Games starting on time at 7:30: games that start late drive me crazy!
Jessica from Shafter who called and said I have always supported the Generals: that's true!
Joey Porter who really jumped on board with the Yardline this season to help us out.

That's the short list, I could go on and on.....
What do you like about Friday Nights and local football??
Hit me back here on the blog!!
See ya on the sidelines...

David Carr in Silver and Black?

2008-09-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

I'm going way out on a limb on this one....but hold on, just listen.
I think David Carr will be the quarterback of the Raiders next season!

Here's why: In my humble opinion Jamarcus Russell is not the answer; he'll be okay at best.
Plus, David's deal with the Giants is only for one year, so he'll available next season. Plus, Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin and Carr were at Fresno State together, so the two dudes already know each other really well!

I'm just saying it could happen...it probably won't, but it makes sense to me. I think David would do great in Oakland. The toughest part of his Sunday would be avoiding the crazy fans in the Black Hole!

Life's a Garden!

2008-07-30T23:48:00.000-07:00

When a baseball players hits a homerun, I like to say he's going yard or doing yard work.

So now to spice it up, I've added the phrase: "Life's a Garden...Dig It!"

I'm wondering, does anyone know what movie the phrase "Life's a Garden...Dig It" is from?

This movie is one of my all-time favorites!!!

Here's a hint- David Spade plays the main character......

Billy's Run to Beijing!

2008-07-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

20 Seconds....
Doesn't sound like a whole of time...but to Billy Nelson, it sound like an eternity!
20 seconds is what separtes Taft's Billy Nelson from the top runners in the world in the 3-thousand meter steeplechase at the Beijing Olympics.
In a recent phone call, Nelson said he's focusing on making the Finals in his event....and once you're in the Finals, anything can happen!
Billy said quote, " It would be out of my mind to get the gold."
Well, I think Billy has a shot.
Nelson posted the second fastest time in the US Olympic Trials to punch his ticket to the Summer Games.
If you watched the Trials...Billy has a BIG TIME kick at the end of his races....
If he hangs around with the leaders, he has a shot to earn a spot on the podium!

Me??? Mayor of Bakersfield?

2008-07-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

Do I have any political background? No.

Is there a Brigade fan and her family who seriously wants me to run for mayor of Bakersfield? Yes.

I'm as shocked as you! She approached me after the Brigade's game Saturday Night, and asked if I'd ever considered running for mayor.

"Uhhhhh.....no," I think was my exact reply. I asked her if she was serious, and she said absolutely. She claims EVERYONE likes me. I know for fact that's not true, but I went along with it!! Her husband walked up and said he thought I would do great! Sounds to me they've actually been thinking about this!

Even the couple's daughter said she'd vote for me, even though the daughter was clearly under 18 years old, but didn't need me to point out she wasn't old enought to vote yet.
She insisted she would make her dad vote for me!

I guess that's 3 votes in the bag already! Is there a grass-roots effort to put me in office? I don't think so. I will say I'm very patriotic, and feel it's everyone's necessary right to vote in all elections. I always do.

If anything, this Brigade Fan (I wish I got her name!) got me thinking....what would I do as the Mayor of Bakersfield??

Let me remind you I have no background in politics, nor have I done any homework in these matters. This is all off the cuff, as I sit here at my computer in the Sports Den at ABC-23.

First-off...what's with driving here?? Am I the only one who finds it difficult to get from one part of town to the other. I've lived here long enough to get around just fine, but I'm constantly thinking there's gotta be an easier way. Are more highways the answer?? Speaking on highways- don't get me started on Rosedale Highway. I won't go off on it, but I will say it definitely needs an over-pass for the railroad crossing.

Second: We need a new baseball stadium. "Historic" Sam Lynn is just plain old, and the Blaze need a new home; that's no secret. CSUB just started a Division I baseball program, yet the Runners don't have a home either. Last I heard, there was NO discussions for a new ballpark for either team. If I was Mayor, I pledge to bring Bakersfield a new ballpark!!!

Third: We need to do something about the poor air quality in Kern County. Has anyone seen the movie "Bio Dome starring Pauley Shore?" Enough said.

Fourth: I'd bring back the Blitz and name Eric Mahanke Head Coach.

Fifth: I'd draw up some city ordinance so trains would not be allowed to blow their whistles in the middle of the night through residential areas. Not only is it annoying to hear trains if you're sleep, but my dog Bear (Husky mix) howls like a wolf at every train!!!

Sixth: I'd put a movie theatre and more restaurants in the Northwest for my own selfish reasons.

Seventh: A City this size needs more post offices.

Eighth: Every Friday would be an "optional" work day. Family time is more important than working. It sounds great to me, but would Bakersfield go bankrupt?? I might have think about this one.

Ninth: I'm not sure what to do about annoying neighbors, but I'm working on it.

Tenth: Finally, I'd change the city motto. Instead of "Bakersfield, Life as it Should be."
I like "Bakersfield, Life as it Could be with Pep as Mayor."

That's all I got....simply off the top of my head.

I'll take any suggestions!

Let the Campaign Begin!

Qualifying Offers in Condorstown

2008-07-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

Fans...I'm here to tell you don't freak out!!!

Just because some "fan favorites" weren't given qualifying offers by the Condors, doesn't mean the team won't bring them back.

Qualifying offers simply mean that the Condors have their ECHL rights...if those 5 players (Mark Derlago, Tim Konsorada, Jay Langager, Jason Goulet, and Chris Kaufman) choose to play in the ECHL this season, it has to be with the Condors. Unless, the Condors trade their rights to them....but you know what I mean.

Those 5 can only play for the Condors IF they stay in the ECHL. That's a BIG if!! Konsorada has already inked a deal with a team in Norway, and he may not be the only one going over seas. Brett Lutes was not offered qualifying deal, and he has bolted for Germany.

Just remember, those fan favorite names like Sean Venedam, Andrew Ianiero, Scotty Balan, Kevin Truelson, and others are still on the Condors radar- even though they didn't receive qualifying offers.

Revenge of the Nerds

2008-06-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

The Condors held a media luncheon on Wednesday to announce 3 player signings, including Forward Dale Reinhardt.

We all know Head Coach Marty Raymond has a great sense of humor, and it showed at the luncheon when talking about Dale.

First off he said he received a ton of emails from fans saying he would be an idiot if he didn't re-sign Dale for the 2008-2009 campaign. Well, Marty's no idiot and Dale's returning to Condorstown.

What was even more hilarious is the story when Dale arrived in Bakersfield.
Marty said he picked him up at the airport, drove him over to practice, and introduced him to the guys.

Solely on their first impression, Marty said some of the guys thought Dale was kind of a geek. If you remember, the Condors were struggling down the stretch to secure a playoff birth, and they were in desperate need of a "spark." Was this geek the "spark" the team was looking for??

Maybe it was the way he talked, the clothes he wore, or his small stature, but Dale quickly shedded the "geek image" and went from nerd to hero in no time. Dale not only scored 5 goals and 2 assists in just 9 games, but he also recorded a hat trick on March 28th with his family in attendance.
Not too bad for a Geek!

If Dale's a Geek, I wanna be a geek too!!!

J-Peezy's Boot Camp!

2008-06-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

NFL Star and Bakersfield Native Joey Porter's boot camp was a HUGE success on Saturday!!

It was hot, but a lot of fun!!!

As soon as I rolled up on the football field at Foothill High School (peezy's alma mater), I hear a booming voice yell, "Yo, Pep, what's happen?" It was the star of the show himself, Joey Porter.

"What up Peezy," I hollered back. He looked like he was ready to do some gardening in his big, straw hat. I don't blame him for wearing it; it was well over 100-degrees. I would have also worn a straw hat, if I had a one.

Watch Interview With J-Peezy:

After following in Peezy's footsteps around for a couple drills and video taping the action, I ventured off to see what the other NFL stars were up to.

You can't miss Dolphins Linebacker Channing Crowder or Steelers Linebacker Clark Haggans.

Both those dudes have just one speed: full throttle!!! These guys were yelling, bouncing around, cutting jokes, and just having a ball despite the heat.

Among the many things I heard Crowder say at the camp, I had two favorites. At one point he told the kids that if his team won a particular drill, they'd all get donuts!! Then he told some other campers not be so "compassionate" with the football. It had me laughing at least!!

Ricky Williams was at Boot Camp. Sorry....no Ricky Williams jokes. He was very low-key, but good with the kids.

I think my favorite part of Boot Camp is the push-ups....Peezy was barking "Give me 5" throughout the camp....and the NFL players did the up-downs too!
It's called Boot Camp for a reason!

I don't think the 300 kids in attendance minded one bit that it's not Easy with J-Peezy!

No Love for the Lakers

2008-06-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

I meant to write this blog last night, moments after the Celtics captured the NBA title, but I was too busy doing an Irish jig and celebrating the Lakers loss.
I'm sorry Lakersfield, but I can't stand the Lakers.
I grew up in Northern California, so that's my excuse.
I had no choice but to be a Kings fan.
In fact, if anyone's interested...I'm going to have some T-shirts printed that read: "Sacramento Kings: 2002 NBA Champions!"
We all know the 2002 Western Conference Finals were fixed so the Lakers would win.
That's been my battle-cry the last 6 seasons!

Boot Camp is Back!

2008-06-03T00:12:00.000-07:00

Summer in Bakersfield just isn't complete without Joey Porter's Boot Camp!
After a one-year hiatus, the NFL Star and Bakersfield Native will be hosting his 3rd Annual youth football clinic at his alma mater Foothill High School on June 21st.
The kids who attend Boot Camp learn football from the best. I love just being around the players at camp....they have just as much fun as the kids!! They're just big kids at heart who love the game and love giving back.

Abracadabra....It's Magic!

2008-06-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

"Affiliation" has been the hot topic this offseason for the Condors and Jam.
The Condors joined forces with the Ducks...and the Jam has now dropped the Sacramento Kings to team up with the Orlando Magic.
Orlando? Why Orlando? As a BIG TIME Kings fan, take it from me that Sactown doesn't use the D-league, in fact them and the Knicks are the only two NBA franchises to be against the D-league.
The Magic is more than 3-thousand miles away...but they do use the D-league, and that's what counts!
The Golden State Warriors are the other NBA affiliate for the Jam; which is a PERFECT fit especially with Scott Roth at the helm.

The Garces Hurricane Rules!

2007-11-15T00:03:00.000-08:00

I've gotta send a shout-out to the Garces volleyball fans: The HURRICANE!!!
Last Thursday, I went to Garces to shoot the Lady Rams playoff volleyball game.
I had bareldy stepped inside the gym, and THE HURRICANE starts chanting my name "Pep Fernandez.....Pep Fernandez....Pep Fernandez!"
The entire student body was shouting my name; that was pretty cool!
So a BIG thanks to my homeys in THE HURRICANE- you guys rule!

The "Tradition Rich" get Richer

2007-11-14T23:17:00.000-08:00

The BC Football team has won 4 national titles in its history; the last coming in 19-88.
I have a feeling 2007 could mark the Renegades next championsihp.
The Gades own a 10 and oh record heading into Saturday's Golden Empire Bowl against the College of the Desert.
I just happened to check out the College of the Desert Football website, and found this gem: "Over thirty years of competition with a winning record, a small school that no one wants to play!"
I'm pretty sure BC doesn't mind playing this so-called "small school." They also mention on the website that the Desert Roadrunners have a "rich tradition" of beating LARGER schools.
I hate to burst Desert's bubble, but tradition begins and ends with BC.
When you think about it...BC's tradition is unparalleled in the state.
I think the Renegades have the "rich tradition."
Expect the rich to get richer when BC battles Desert in the Golden Empire Bowl this Saturday.
I'll be honest, I don't know a whole lot about Desert, but here's what I do know: BC is playing good football right now, and the only team that could beat them, is themselves.
If the Renegades can limit the turn-overs, and eliminate the mental mistakes; the season should end with the school's 5th national championship.

The Tale of the Tailbacks!

2007-10-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

This week's Yardline on-line question of the week is a good one!!!
As I write this on Thursday evening...Foothill's Eric Jones is running away with the title with nearly one-thousand votes.
You could make an argument for all six running backs on this list that they deserve to be the best; but there's also a couple guys NOT included on this list.
The 23 Yardline Panel of Experts gave us their 6 best running backs based on what they are doing THIS SEASON! Not last year...not next year....NOW.
I think the biggest name missing from the list is Centennial's Zander Fabbri. He's been sidelined for a couple games, and he's not the featured back for the Goldenhawks this season. Last year, Fabbri was a monster, but we're not going by last year...we're going by this year's stats.
Liberty's Anthony Vasquez could also make a case. In fact, I think his Mom already did. We received an email here at the station from a "Debra" who said Anthony deserves to be on the list. I also got a letter (with no name or return address, what's up with that?) pleading that Anthony is the BEST back. I agree, Anthony's a good running back, but our yardline experts pointed out that Anthony is 18th in rushing yards this season.
If Tehachapi had just one running back, the Warriors would definitely have someone on this list.
Tehachapi runs by committee....they've got three different dudes: Josh Strauss, Kelly Lorenz, and Adam Mullen with more than 500 yards on the ground. Put them together, and you've got the leading rusher in the County!
I think McFarland's Stevie Robinson and Frazier Mountain's Tony Lenz deserve mentioning.
They're both having great seasons!
There's my tale of the tailbacks....Be sure to watch Yardline Saturday Night as we crown Kern County's Top Running Back!

The Lakers, Robert Swift, and Me

2007-10-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

It was Lakersfield last night!
As most you know, the Lakers were in town on Thursday night taking on Robert Swift and the Sonics- that meant my work day started early!
I was at the Sonics Shootaround at 10 am...only to hang around and do nothing.
The Sonics media folks said I could not videotape practice, and that I couldn't even watch; seriously! They put up a big, black curtain and closed it tight so nobody, including myself, could peak in and watch the Sonics Practice.
What's so top secret about the Sonics?
What did the Sonics think I was going to do....call Kobe up on his cell and give him the scoop on the Sonics game plan?
I guess its the team policy- so fine, I can live with that. If that's the way it is, then I'll roll with the punches.
After arriving at Sonics shootaround at 10 am, and standing around for an hour and a half...I finally get the chance to interview Robert Swift.
Same nice kid that I remember at BHS....just with a long, red ponytail, tons of tatoos, and about 60 extra pounds.
So I knock out the interview with Swift.
Later, it's time to go LIVE from the Vault at 5 and 6...everything went normal, aside from Ronny Turiaf eating a piece of cantaloupe during warm-ups, and giving my photographer Evan a bite of it! That was hilarious!
Finally, it's game-time...a good size crowd watched Kobe take over and lead the Lakers to a 20-point victory.
Swift played well; plus he' still recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee.
The only thing that struck me as odd is that at one point during the game, fans booed Big Rob!
How can you boo a hometown superstar? Jealous?
I guess if your a Laker fan in Kern County, you'll boo anybody that's not wearing the Purple and Gold.
Welcome to Lakersfield!

P.S.
I'm a big-time Sacramento Kings fan!
I'd Boo the Lakers, not Big Rob!

The Quarterback Question!

2007-10-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

Wow!
This week's Yardline on-line fan poll question is out of control!!
Fans have flooded the website, casting their votes for the Top Quarterback in Kern County!
Wasco's Ross Wymer and Bakersfield Christian's Jake Peterson are running away from the pack; both have more than one-thousand votes each!!! Unbelievable!
I didn't know the quarterback question was such a hot topic.
Feel free to use my blog to argue and make a case for your favorite quarterback; just keep it clean!
Did our 23 Yardline panel of experts exclude any quarterbacks that belong on the list?
I can think of Taft's Dalton Botts and Delano's Rene Gonzalez off the top of my head.
I'm sure there's a couple more worthy to be on that list.
Be sure to watch Saturday's Yardline for the results!
Let the debate begin, and may the best quarterback win!

My trip to Lakerland!

2007-10-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Let me give you a "behind the scenes" account of Lakers Media Day.
First let me say I got "car sick" on the way down to El Segundo, so not throwing up on Kobe Bryant was half the battle.
Media Day was chaos: ESPN, Fox Sports, TV, Radio, and newspaper reporters jockeying for position to interview players and get a great sound byte.
Obviously the BIGGEST story-line was would the star of the Lake Show be a "no show" for Media Day...low and behold, Kobe was actually there! After demanding to be traded this summer, Kobe was at the Lakers practice facility; and he even appeared Happy.
Happy- even though the Lakers did NOT make any big off-season moves to improve the team, which Kobe demanded.
Happy- even though the Lakers have exited the playoffs in the first round the last two seasons.
Happy- even though Kwame Brown IS STILL a Laker (In case you don't know, Kwame's hasn't played very well...could this be his breakout season??)
Happy- even though Kevin Garnett IS NOT a Laker, but a Celtic now.
Happy- because the Lakers did add veteran and fan favorite Derek Fisher.
Happy- because the team is in Hawaii for training camp.
Happy- because Pep Fernandez did not throw up on him!

Home Sweet Home

2007-09-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

There's no place like home...and that also applies for High School Football teams.
In this week's Yardline "on-line" fan poll we're asking fans to vote on which school has the best 12th Man- the loudest, rowdiest, and biggest home crowd in the Valley.
We've got 3 random choices: Garces, Delano, and Taft.
Now I've been to many of the local schools, and there's definitely some "hostile environments."
Sure- high school football games are basically a place for teens to hang out, and many of them couldn't even tell you who's playing, but some of these students are fanatical about their school.
I know North (the Firm), Centennial (Code Red, I think? Or is it the Red Zone), Stockdale (Mustange Maniacs, is that right??), and Garces (The Hurricane- or is that just for basketball), have loud and proud fans and make it difficult for opposing teams.
So it's time for the 12th Man to be recognized!
Go on-line and vote...it's your Yardline duty!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!

2007-09-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

Surely everyone watches ABC 23 News, and I'm sure nobody misses the sports segment!
But in case you did, I've got a funny story to pass along.
And remember...I did this story on the air during the news at 6 and 11 on Wednesday.
Earlier that day I interviewed Condors Head Coach Marty Raymond on the team's latest additions, and apparently it's "getting ugly" in Condorstown.
Coach Raymond made a hilarious comment that a female fan emailed him saying she thought some of the new players will be good on the ice, but they're not very "good lookin'!"
Correct me if I'm wrong, but hockey players aren't' suppose to have teeth; and they're encouraged to grow beards, funky mustaches, and mullets!
Okay- maybe that's a little over the top, but Coach Raymond is right....He's not in the business of hiring models, he's here to win a Championship!
Sorry to disappoint the female fans in Condorstown this season!
It might be ugly out there on the ice....but look on the bright side, the team is loaded with talent and this could be a championship season!
That looks good to me!

Will the Blitz be back?

2007-09-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

After a 6-year run in Bakersfield...is the Blitz calling it quits??
Financial struggles have forced the team to evaluate their future: fold, move, or play next season.
That's their 3 choices.
It makes me wonder why the community hasn't stepped up to the plate for the Blitz??
Isn't Bakersfield a "football town?"
Could it be an "arena football town?"
With owners such as Paul Press pouring their guts out to make this team succeed in Bakersfield, it's dis-heartening to see it come to this.
I moved to Bakersfield 4 years ago...and I became a Blitz fan from the moment I moved here.
I connected with players like Eric Mahanke, Nick Onaindia, Nathan Munson, Ben McCombs, and Chad Elliott.
The AF2 "wants" a team in Bakersfield, now the local community has to "want" a team in Bakersfield!

Fan signs, and story ideas!!!

2007-09-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

What's up Kern County...it's your boy Pep.
I wanted to make a quick reminder that we STRONGLY encourage fans to make yardline posters! Not only will you definitely be on TV and beccome a famous local celebrity, but we'll also post your picture on the yardline website: so you can also be famous all around the world! Any reference to Pep and Bryce on your signs will certainly get you even more airtime on the Yardline!
Also- if you have a story idea you'd like to pitch, whether it's High School Football related or not (anything sports related is good), just go ahead a leave a message on my blog.
That's all I got for now...time to go do laundry!

Undefeated Teams!

2007-09-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Heading into week-3 of the HS Football season- we've still got a number of "unbeaten" teams.
In this week's 23 Yardline "on-line" fan poll, we're asking people to vote who they think will go undefeated this season...the yardline "fan poll" gives you three options- Tehachapi, Centennial, or BHS.
This week in my blog, I'd like to hear fans and players from the different schools to make their case on why they'll go undefeated!!!!
How about you "unbeaten" schools not on the list; such as East, Taft, Bakersfield Christian, Delano, and Golden Valley.
I'd like to get your takes too!!!
You can get the "final results" of the fan poll this Saturday on the 23 Yardline...the show kicks off around 8:30 pm: Don't Miss It!
Seriously...you better watch!
Let the "undefeated team" debate begin!!!

Sports Junkie!

2007-09-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

How many of you catch yourself humming or singing the same song in your head all day long?
I think we can all raise our hands to that one.
For me today, it's the theme song to "Jakers! The adventures of Piggly Winks."
It's a cartoon about a little Pig in Ireland- I won't bore you with the details, but here's my point.
I catch myself watching more cartoons than sports lately! I blame it on my 18-month old daughter Alana.
The living room TV used to be tuned into ESPN on a regular basis, now it's Disney or Sprout.
Instead of driving to work thinking about who's in the net for the Condors tonight, I'm singing a Wiggles song!
That's BIG for me, because I'm a sports junkie!
I watch ESPN news all the time to get all the hilites from the all the games; I'm the same guy who opens the newspaper and goes straight to the box scores to see how many 3-pointers Mike Bibby hoisted up last night against the Lakers.
Things change when you have kids!
My wife Tara and I always have a good laugh each night when we ask each other, "So, what random song did you have stuck in your head today?"
I guess it's hard to avoid these "toddler" songs and TV shows when you're a proud Dad....
I LOVE sports......but being a Dad always comes first!

Here's what we know...

2007-09-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Week-one of the high school football season is in the books...
Here's what I learned...
-BHS is good; really good! The Drillers numbers are down (about 35 guys or so on the team), but the guys they have on the team can play. They beat state powerhouse Grant of Sacramento 28-21; keeping their hopes of a state title alive.
-Liberty wearing "all red" against clovis west was a good look...and speaking of uniforms, I noticed Delano's uniforms match BYU's!
-Mountain Ball is Back! The Tehachapi Warriors are winning again thanks to a heavy dose of defense, and a strong running attack...and look out, Ehren Ochsenrider can throw too, so watch out SSL!
- Who's the top runningback in the Kern County? East's Andre Smith is making his case with a big game against stockdale that resulted in an overtime victory.
-And finally...all the Yardline camera guys (including myself) know it's dangerous to shoot games on the sidelines, and last Friday was no exception.
Our fine photographer Geoff got "jacked up" at the Highland game, when the Scots quarterback was hit out of bounds, and straight into Geoff. It was a pretty bad hit, but the video was great!
Don't worry...Geoff and the camera are doing just fine!
One more note season premiere of the 23 Yardline is also in the books....and now on-line!
You can watch all the yardline episodes at turnto23.com, just click "Yardline" in the red box on the left-hand side of your screen.
See ya on the sidelines....

That's Hot!

2007-08-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

High School Football is heating up...literally!
I've been studying the weather with our very own Lloyd Lindsay Young inside the ABC-23 weather lab, and LLY is predicting at temperature of 105 degrees at kick-off this Friday for week one of the season!
That's Hot!!!!
According to LLY, Friday's temperature should set a new record.
For me personally, I don't mind the heat....but then again, I'm not the one wearing a helment and pads, and running around out there.
Prepare for some "heated" battles this friday on the high school gridiron.

CSUB Division One Debut

2007-08-23T22:25:00.000-07:00

How about facing the Kansas Jayhawks in your first Division One match!
The CSUB volleyballers D-one debut pits them against this Big-12 power on Friday August 24th...and things don't get any easier throughout the season.
Oregon...Arizona...Texas; just to name a few of CSUB's opponents this season on the volleyball court. WOW....that's brutal!! Especially for a school's first "full" division one schedule.
But don't count out the ladies just yet...CSUB has plenty of talent, and head coach John Price has instilled confidence in his club.
Don't be surprised if the lady runners pull off more than a couple upsets this season!

Renegade Football!

2007-08-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

I just got back from B.C.'s scrimmage with the College of the Sequoias.
It's a good tune-up for the real thing: September first against Reedley.
Prized quarterback Jacob Bower (transferred to BC from BYU) proved he has a BIG arm connecting on several deep passes. Raul Reyes, Dustin Powell, and Joe Maldonado are among others vying for the QB job.
The defense also made a number of nice plays.
After such a great season in '06...the renegades have set the bar high!

Football Fridays!

2007-08-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for some football??

Ready or not, football season is here! Pads popping...helmets hitting...coaches screaming! What's not to love? But I think what I love the most is that EVERY team says they have what it takes to win a league, valley, or even state title! It's that time of the year when each of the schools have taken on this "bring it on" enthusiasm. I have already visited 8 different high school training camps, and I plan on visiting more in the coming days. What they all share is their optimistic outlook on the season. Some of the "sound bites" from my interviews with coaches and players are awesome: "This is our year!"...or how about "We should be the team to beat!"... or even "this could be a very special season."

That's what I love about high school football training camps; every school feels like they have a shot at winning a championship.

10 weeks from now, that will all change as teams jockey for playoff positioning.

But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves...right now all the teams are title contenders! Week zero kicks off this Friday with a number of games.
Let the title runs begin!
See ya on the sidelines....