By Eric Terrazas
Staff Writer
www.411whittier.com

WHITTIER – La Serna High School’s Frankie Palmer has put together a stellar career since taking over as the Lancers starting quarterback two seasons ago.

Palmer has helped guide La Serna to the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division championship game the last two seasons. La Serna, however, fell short in both title matches – losing to West Covina in 2011 and to Downey last year.

Now in his senior season, Palmer and the Lancers are looking to climb that final hurdle.

“We hope the third time is the charm,” Palmer said. “We want to get that ring – that’s our motivation this year. We just got to keep working hard and look to jell as a team. First, we got to take it game by game.”

After posting a 3-2 record during nonleague play, La Serna has started its Del Rio League slate in impressive fashion. The Lancers opened their league schedule Oct. 11 with a 35-14 win over archrival California.

They then delivered a dominating performance Oct. 18 against Santa Fe. Palmer helped lead the way for the Lancers, completing 13 of 18 attempts for 179 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-0 triumph.

“It feels great to start off league like that, especially against our rival like Cal High,” Palmer said. “We’ve been off and on but when we play together, we play good. We haven’t played our best football yet.”

La Serna (5-2 overall, 2-0 league) will seek to maintain its momentum Oct. 24 against Pioneer (3-4, 0-2). Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at California High.

Palmer is once again posting impressive numbers, throwing for 1,264 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has thrown only four interceptions while completing 90 of 148 attempts.

Palmer has also played a key role in the Lancers’ ground attack, rushing for 393 yards and three scores on 61 carries.

When he prepares for a game, Palmer thinks of some of the things he wants to accomplish.

“I just try to visualize some great plays I want to make or have made in the past,” Palmer said. “I listen to pump-up music to get ready for the game.”

Palmer hopes to continue his football career after high school.

“I want to play football at the next level,” said Palmer, who is considering Azusa Pacific University, UC San Diego, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Davis.

Palmer said he is leaning toward studying business or economics in college.

“My brother went through that and could help me along the way,” Palmer said of studying business and economics.

When he is not playing football or doing homework, Palmer said he likes to spend time with friends and travel to the lake.

“I like to hang out with my friends and go to the lake a lot,” he said. “I like to go wakeboarding, fishing and jet skiing.”
@411whittierspts

Get ‘Fit for Life’

Whittier’s 5K “Fit for Life” Run/Walk, presented by the Whittier Community Foundation and the Whittier Host Lions Club, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

The event will start with the “Children’s Creepy Crawly,” a timed half-mile dash, at 7:30 a.m., followed by the “Spooktacular,” 5K run/walk at 8 a.m.

For more information, call 562-567-9400.

Soccer for toddlers

Youngsters ages 18 months to 3 years old can register for the city of Whittier’s Soccer Starter: The Beginning program.

Through the use of games and activities, children develop basic motor skills needed to play organized soccer. The program focuses on the foot-eye coordination needed to kick stationary and moving objects. Parents participate with their child to develop improved balance, strength and patience.

Two classes are offered at Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.: 4 to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 24 to Nov. 21, and 9 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 29 to Nov. 26. The fee is $47 for residents and $52 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Adult softball

Open registration is under way for Whittier Adult Softball.

The registration deadline is at 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25. Teams will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until each league is full. Payment and completed applications must be submitted at time of registration.

The $490 fee includes games, balls and awards. Play will start on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Leagues play at York Field, 9119 Santa Fe Springs Road in Whittier.

For more information, call 562-567-9430.

El Rancho legend to be honored

Legendary El Rancho High School football coach Ernie Johnson, who died Sept. 15 at the age of 87, will be honored by the school at two upcoming events.

Johnson will be remembered at halftime of El Rancho’s Del Rio League contest against Santa Fe on Friday, Nov. 1. A memorial is also scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at El Rancho’s gym. Several of Johnson’s former players are scheduled to speak.

Johnson coached the Dons from 1956 to 1968, posting an overall record of 108-31-5 and leading El Rancho to three CIF crowns.

For more information, call 562-801-5300.

Beginning skateboarding

Children ages 6 to 17 can register for a beginning skateboarding class that is scheduled from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays from Nov. 2 to 30, at Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave.

Participants must wear helmet, elbow and knee pads, and bring their own skateboard. The fee is $107 for residents and $122 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Youth wrestling

The city of Whittier offers a youth wrestling class for youngsters ages 5 to 18.

The Saturday program is slated from Nov. 9 to Dec. 14, at Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Ave. Children ages 5 to 12 will participate from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by youngsters ages 13 to 18, who will wrestle from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The fee for both programs is $59 for residents and $69 for nonresidents.

For more information, call 562-567-9430 or visit www.WhittierRec.com.

Martial arts

East Whittier YMCA Impact Martial Arts program offers several classes at 15740 Starbuck St. in Whittier.

Classes are available for all ages and levels of experience. Impact Martial Arts and Fitness is staffed by professional and experienced instructors who have dedicated their lives to sharing the power of martial arts with the community.

For class times and more information, call 562-943-7241.

Tae kwon do

Uptown Whittier YMCA, 12510 Hadley St. in Whittier, offers tae kwon do classes for ages 3 to adult.

Instructors place strong emphasis on self-discipline and building self-esteem. They will teach how to use strength effectively, maintain cardiovascular fitness, improve flexibility and coordination, as well as tone the muscular system.

For class times and more information, call 562-907-6530.

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

www.411whittier.com

La Serna High School’s offense came alive in the second quarter, scoring 21 points that helped lift the Lancers to a 37-0 Del Rio League victory over Santa Fe on Oct. 18 at Whittier College.

Senior quarterback Frankie Palmer led the way for the Lancers’ offense, throwing for three touchdowns while completing 13 of 18 attempts for 179 yards.

After grabbing a 3-0 lead, La Serna started its second-quarter surge on special teams, blocking a Santa Fe punt. Tony Ceron then recovered the ball and returned it for a touchdown that gave the Lancers a 10-0 lead.

The Lancers (5-2 overall, 2-0 league) seized control by scoring touchdowns on their next three drives.

Palmer’s first scoring toss came on a 42-yard throw to Matthew Rosales, which came with 5 minutes, 9 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Palmer then closed the first-half scoring by finding D’Andre Sanchez for a 9-yard score, which gave La Serna a 24-0 lead going into halftime.

Picking up where it left off in the third quarter, La Serna put together an 11-play, 80-yard drive that culminated with Palmer’s 7-yard scoring throw to Sanchez. Sanchez’s second touchdown came with a minute remaining in the third quarter.

Junior running back Bryce Oliver closed the game’s scoring with an 8-yard rushing touchdown that occurred with 9:50 left in regulation.

Senior outside linebacker Luis Camacho led a stellar La Serna defensive effort by posting eight tackles and three sacks.

Santa Fe, with the defeat, falls to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in league play. The Chiefs next take on Whittier on Friday, Oct. 25 at El Rancho High. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

La Serna will look to maintain its momentum Thursday, Oct. 24 against Pioneer. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at California High.

In other Del Rio League action from last week:

El Rancho 62, Pioneer 21

Dons senior quarterback Ryan Araujo paced an explosive offensive performance, accounting for five touchdowns in a win over the Titans.

Araujo rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing for 174 yards and two scores. He connected on 12 of 18 attempts.

The Oct. 18 triumph allowed El Rancho (4-3, 2-0) to maintain a share of first place with La Serna. The Dons next travel to California High for a Oct. 25 game scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Pioneer (3-4, 0-2) will face a staunch test against La Serna.

California 16, Whittier 14

The Condors (3-4, 1-1) posted their first league victory of the season by besting the Cardinals in a tightly contested match.

Whittier quarterback Jared Reza, a senior, completed 6 of 7 attempts for 99 yards and a score. Cardinals junior running back Eddie Orta rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries.

California next hosts El Rancho while Whittier (3-4, 0-2) will face Santa Fe.

MISSION LEAGUE

St. Paul 31, Harvard-Westlake 23

St. Paul emerged with its first victory of the season Oct. 18 by turning in a winning performance on the road.

Junior running back Alfred Delgado played a key role in the Swordsmen’s triumph, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown while hauling in three receptions for 39 yards.

The Swordsmen (1-6, 1-1) will seek to stay in the winning column Oct. 25 at Chaminade (5-2, 1-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE

Whittier Christian 41, Village Christian 21

The visiting Heralds (4-3, 1-1) snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating league rival Village Christian Oct. 17 at Occidental College.

Sophomore running back Nick Watase paced the Whittier Christian offense by rushing for 238 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Senior running back David Fischer added 41 yards and two scores.

Senior kicker Derek Brush made all four of his fieldgoal attempts by connecting from 24, 35, 41 and 26 yards.

Senior linebacker Jack Huitt helped lead the Heralds defense by making seven solo tackles and a safety.

Whittier Christian continues league play Oct. 25 with a 7 p.m. home game against Heritage Christian (3-4, 0-1) at Whittier College.

@411whittierspts

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

www.411whittier.com

La Serna

Defending Del Rio League champion La Serna opened the first full week of league play the same way it ended last year’s schedule – with a victory over archrival California.

The Lancers, who captured the 2012 Del Rio crown with a thrilling 20-17 win over the Condors in the last week of the regular season, did not need late-game dramatics this time around.

Led by senior quarterback Frankie Palmer and a tough defense, La Serna came away with a 35-14 victory over California on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013.

Palmer paced the Lancers’ offense by completing 15 of 23 attempts for 187 yards and three touchdowns.

Bryce Oliver and Ruben Rios provided a superb 1-2 punch for the Lancers’ ground attack, each rushing for more than 100 yards.

Oliver ran for 105 yards and one score on seven carries while Rios finished with 104 yards and a score on 12 carries.

The Lancers (4-2 overall, 1-0 league) next face Santa Fe on Friday, Oct. 18 at Whittier College. California (2-4, 0-1) will also be in action this Friday, taking on Whittier. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Here is a brief round-up of other Del Rio League action from last week:

El Rancho 17, Whittier 3

The Dons (3-3, 1-0) started their league slate on a promising note by coming away with a road victory against the Cardinals.

El Rancho senior quarterback Ryan Araujo played a key role, throwing for 104 yards and rushing for 39 yards and one touchdown. Senior running back Aaron Escareno added 83 yards rushing on 15 carries.

El Rancho next hosts Pioneer at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. The Cardinals (3-3, 0-1) will take on California.

Santa Fe 49, Pioneer 15

Junior quarterback Christian Lara led the way for the Chiefs (4-2, 1-0), throwing for 276 yards and three touchdowns while running for 141 yards and another two scores.

All three of Lara’s scoring throws went to senior wide receiver Brandon Takata, who finished with four receptions and 185 yards.

The Chiefs will face La Serna in what promises to be a major test on Friday, Oct 18. Pioneer (3-3, 0-1) will look to rebound against El Rancho.

MISSION LEAGUE

St. Francis 63, St. Paul 18

The struggles continued for the host Swordsmen, who dropped their league opener to the Golden Knights (6-0, 1-0).

St. Paul, which falls to 0-6 overall and 0-1 in league play, continues league play Oct. 18 at Harvard-Westlake (4-2, 0-1). Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE

Cerritos Valley Christian 35, Whittier Christian 27

Defending league champion Whittier Christian was stunned by visiting Valley Chrisitan in the league opener for both teams.

It marked the third consecutive defeat for the Heralds (3-3, 0-1), who started the season 3-0. Valley Christian improved to 2-4 and 1-0.

Senior quarterback Ryan Esslinger led the Heralds offense, passing for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Noah Evans was Esslinger’s primary target, hauling in nine receptions for 107 yards and a score. It marked the fourth 100-yard receiving game for Evans this season.

The Heralds will look to get back into the win column this Thursday against Village Christian. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Occidental College.

eterrazas72@msn.com

@411whittierspts