Y Kids Klub

The East Whittier YMCA, 15740 Starbuck St. in Whittier, offers a “Y Kids Klub” for children ages 6 to 13.

The program offers a variety of activities such as board games, sports and exercise.

For more information, call 562-943-7241.

Youth adventure center

Uptown Whittier YMCA, 12510 Hadley St. in Whittier, offers a youth adventure center for youngsters and family members ages 6 to 13. All children ages 6 to 9 must be checked in by an adult.

Featured activities include table tennis, computer games and a 20-foot high rock-climbing wall.

The hours are from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call 562-907-6530.

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.

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.

Chair fitness for seniors

Chair fitness encourages health and fitness for active people or those whose physical condition, restricted mobility, or age limits their participation in conventional forms of exercise.

The free ongoing class, open to ages 55 and over, requires no registration. Sessions are scheduled from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Parnell Park Activity Center, 15390 Lambert Road, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Whittier Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St. Both classes are slated for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. No class is scheduled for Nov. 11, Nov. 29, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2014.

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

Swim instruction

Monthly swim lesson sessions are available at both the Uptown Whittier YMCA, 12510 Hadley St., and the East Whittier YMCA, 15740 Starbuck St.

Four-week sessions are available during afternoons and evenings Monday through Thursday, and on Saturday mornings.

For a schedule and more information, call the Uptown Whittier YMCA at 562-907-6530 or the East Whittier YMCA at 562-943-7241.

Tai chi for seniors

Ongoing tai chi classes are open to ages 55 and over.

The Whittier Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St., offers a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday session while Parnell Park Activity Center, 15390 Lambert Road, hosts a Friday class.

The fee for each session is $3.

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

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

411whittier.com

WHITTIER – La Serna High School launched its postseason journey on a very impressive note on Friday, Nov. 15 as it posted a dominating 55-7 victory over Burbank’s Burroughs High School in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division.

The Del Rio League champion Lancers, who hosted the game at California High, took control instantly by scoring 27 points in the first quarter. With the win, La Serna (9-2) advances to a second-round matchup at Dimaond Bar (7-4), which defeated defending CIF-SS Southeast Division champion Downey 63-29 in its first-round match. The kickoff for the Friday, Nov. 22 game is tentatively scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Senior quarterback Frankie Palmer gave the Lancers a quick 7-0 lead when he scored on a 61-yard run that came on La Serna’s opening possession.

After senior defensive lineman Aaron Gomez recovered a Burroughs fumble at the Indians’ 6-yard line, the Lancers went right back to work and grabbed a 14-0 advantage on junior running back Bryce Oliver’s 1-yard touchdown run.

La Serna kept up its dominating surge and went on to take a 41-0 lead by scoring on its first six possessions.

Palmer then put La Serna ahead 21-0 when he threw a 6-yard scoring pass to senior wide receiver D’Andre Sanchez. Junior running back Kevin Ramos followed with a 1-yard touchdown run, which closed the first-quarter scoring.

After Palmer’s 31-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Curtis Ashton, the Lancers defense delivered when senior defensive back Johnny Salazar intercepted a Burroughs pass and returned it 48 yards to the Indians’ 18-yard line.

Palmer then made Burroughs pay by scoring on a 18-yard run on a first-down play, which ended the first-half scoring.

Sophomore running back Anthony Garcia’s 32-yard run and junior running back Cameron James’ 6-yard run provided the second-half scoring for the Lancers.

Palmer completed eight of 13 attempts for 125 yards and two scores, and also rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns on only three carries.

Following is a roundup of other CIF-SS Southeast Division games that featured area teams:

SANTA FE 31, DIAMOND RANCH 28

Santa Fe (7-4), the Del Rio League’s third-place team, pulled off a big upset by stunning Hacienda League champion Diamond Ranch (9-2) on Friday, Nov. 15.

The victorious Chiefs will face Burbank in a second-round game scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22 at Downey High. Burbank (9-2), the Pacific League’s second-place team, is coming off a 49-14 first-round win over Mayfair.

Chiefs junior quarterback Christian Lara accounted for four touchdowns, completing 22 of 30 attempts for 264 yards and three touchdowns and also running for 62 yards and a score.

DOMINGUEZ 41, EL RANCHO 0

El Rancho’s 2013 football season ended with a first-round defeat at Dominguez (8-3) on Friday, Nov. 15.

The Dons, who took second place in the Del Rio League, finished with an overall record of 6-5.

@411whittierspts

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By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

411whittier.com

PICO RIVERA – On a night it honored its senior players and remembered its legendary former coach, El Rancho High School turned in one of its best performances on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013.

The host Dons, lifted by a dominating second-half showing, delivered a 45-13 Del Rio League victory over Santa Fe. After trailing 13-10 at halftime, El Rancho scored 35 unanswered points in the second half. Three of the Dons’ five second-half touchdowns were produced by the defense.

El Rancho, which improved to 6-3 overall and 4-0 in league play, will next play La Serna (7-2, 4-0) on Thursday, Nov. 7 at California High School. The winner of the 7 p.m. game will capture the Del Rio League crown.

Before the game, a ceremony honoring longtime El Rancho coaching great Ernie Johnson took place. Johnson, who died in September, posted a record of 108-31-5 while coaching the Dons from 1956 to 1968. Johnson’s widow, Vicki, was present at the ceremony.

The El Rancho defense helped fuel the second-half surge by recovering a Santa Fe fumble at the Chiefs’ 40-yard line. The Dons quickly took advantage as senior quarterback Ryan Araujo scored on a 15-yard run that gave El Rancho a 17-13 lead.

After forcing Santa Fe to punt, El Rancho took possession at its 9-yard line and put together an impressive 17-play, 91-yard drive that culminated with senior running back Aaron Escareno’s 3-yard scoring run.

The Dons’ defense, armed with a 24-13 advantage, would then put the game away by scoring the game’s last three touchdowns.

El Rancho senior defensive back Andy Alaniz started the onslaught when he intercepted Santa Fe quarterback Christian Lara’s pass and returned it 37 yards for a score.

Araujo followed by returning an interception 57 yards for a touchdown, giving the Dons a 38-13 lead with 11 minutes, 16 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Junior defensive back Robert Robledo closed the game’s scoring when he returned a Santa Fe fumble 60 yards for a score.

After the teams traded field goals, Robledo put the Dons ahead 10-3 when he scored on a 96-yard kickoff return during the first quarter.

The Chiefs then grabbed a 13-10 lead in the second quarter. After Lara’s 68-yard scoring pass to Andrew Takata, Alex Moreno made a 35-yard field goal with 1:32 remaining before halftime.

Santa Fe (5-4, 2-2) will look to rebound against California (4-5, 2-2) in the Friday, Nov. 8 regular season finale for both teams. Sole possession of third-place, along with an automatic CIF-Southern Section playoff berth, is at stake. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

In other Del Rio League action:

La Serna 56, Whittier 7

The Lancers maintained a share of first place by dominating the Cardinals (3-6, 0-4).

Senior quarterback Frankie Palmer helped lead the way for La Serna, completing 10 of 13 attempts for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Palmer also contributed with his legs, running for 112 yards and a score on nine carries.

La Serna will look to capture its second consecutive league crown Thursday against El Rancho.

Whittier closes its regular season against Pioneer (3-6, 0-4) on Friday, Nov. 8. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at California High.

California 27, Pioneer 6

The Condors kept their playoff hopes alive by delivering a win Oct. 31 over Pioneer. California closes its regular season Friday against Santa Fe.

MISSION LEAGUE

Cathedral 39, St. Paul 14

A disappointing season continued for St. Paul (1-8, 1-3), which dropped a Nov. 1 home game against the Phantoms (6-3, 1-3).

The Swordsmen will conclude their regular season Friday, Nov. 8 against first-place Serra (9-0, 4-0). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE

Maranatha 34, Whittier Christian 24

Whittier Christian’s title hopes were dashed when it fell at first-place Maranatha (7-2, 3-0).

The Nov. 1 game closed league play for the Heralds (5-4, 2-2), who will finish the regular season Friday, Nov. 8 with a 7 p.m. nonleague game against Cerritos (2-7) at Whittier College.

@411whittierspts

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.

Adult basketball

The Uptown Whittier YMCA, 12510 Hadley St. in Whittier, offers a Sunday afternoon 5-on-5 men’s basketball league.

The league is scheduled to start on Sunday, Nov. 17.

For more information, call 562-907-6530.

Swim instruction

Monthly swim lesson sessions are available at both the Uptown Whittier YMCA, 12510 Hadley St., and the East Whittier YMCA, 15740 Starbuck St.

Four-week sessions are available during afternoons and evenings Monday through Thursday, and on Saturday mornings.

For a schedule and more information, call the Uptown Whittier YMCA at 562-907-6530 or the East Whittier YMCA at 562-943-7241.

Tai Chi for seniors

Ongoing Tai Chi classes are open to ages 55 and over.

The Whittier Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St., offers a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday session while Parnell Park Activity Center, 15390 Lambert Road, hosts a Friday class.

The fee for each session is $3.

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

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.

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.

Chair fitness for seniors

Chair fitness encourages health and fitness for active people or those whose physical condition, restricted mobility, or age limits their participation in conventional forms of exercise.

The free ongoing class, open to ages 55 and over, requires no registration. Sessions are scheduled from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Parnell Park Activity Center, 15390 Lambert Road, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Whittier Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St. Both classes are slated for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. No class is scheduled for Nov. 11, Nov. 29, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2014.

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

El Rancho defeated California 22-15 during Oct. 25 Del Rio League action

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By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

www.411whittier.com

WHITTIER – El Rancho High School’s offense came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points en route to a 22-15 Del Rio League victory Oct. 25 at California High.

The Dons, trailing 12-7, grabbed the lead when senior quarterback Ryan Araujo scored on a 1-yard run with 6 minutes, 38 seconds remaining in regulation. Araujo then gave El Rancho a 15-12 advantage when he successfully scampered for a two-point conversion.

After Condors senior kicker Eric Amezquita’s game-tying 31-yard field goal, the Dons responded with the eventual game-winning drive that culminated with Araujo’s 55-yard scoring pass to senior wide receiver Javier Carillo. Carillo’s touchdown came with 2:22 left.

El Rancho then secured the win by stopping the Condors on a fourth down at California’s 22-yard line.

The Dons (5-3 overall , 3-0 league), with Friday’s triumph, maintain a share of first place in the Del Rio.

El Rancho senior running back Aaron Escareno played a major role, rushing for 121 yards and a score on 22 carries. Escareno’s touchdown came on a 10-yard run that put the Dons on the board after the Condors raced out to a 9-0 lead.

Araujo finished with 124 yards passing while completing 10 of 20 attempts.

Amezquita connected on three field goals (47, 24 and 31 yards) for the Condors (3-5, 1-2), who will look to rebound Thursday, Oct. 31 against Pioneer (3-5, 0-3). Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at California High. The Condors will be the road team.

El Rancho will look to stay undefeated in league play as it hosts Santa Fe (5-3, 2-1) at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1.

Here is a look at other Del Rio League action from last week:

LA SERNA 62, PIONEER 7

The defending league champion Lancers (6-2, 3-0) continued their impressive roll by delivering a dominating perfromance Oct. 24 against the Titans.

The junior running back trio of Kevin Ramos, Ruben Rios and Bryce Oliver accounted for a major part of the La Serna offense. Ramos ran for 71 yards and a touchdown on four carries.

Rios and Oliver, who rushed for 59 and 52 yards respectively, also each added a rushing score.

Lancers senior quarterback Frankie Palmer turned in an efficent performance, completing 7 of 9 attempts for 134 yards and one touchdown. Senior wide receiver Matthew Rosales finished with three receptions for 68 yards and a score.

The Lancers will next host Whittier (3-5, 0-3) at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 at California High.

SANTA FE 24, WHITTIER 21

Santa Fe remained on the inside track for a CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division postseason berth by besting the Cardinals on Oct. 25.

Senior wide receiver Brandon Takata paced the victorious Chiefs’ offensive attack, hauling in four receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns.

Whittier senior running back Gerry Pantoja scored two touchdowns – one rushing and one receiving. Pantoja, who ran for 31 yards on eight carries, made one reception for 40 yards.

Cardinals junior running back Eddie Orta finished with 83 rushing yards on 18 carries.

MISSION LEAGUE

CHAMINADE 64, ST. PAUL 13

After recording its first victory of the season last week against Harvard-Westlake, the Swordsmen fell on the short end against a talented Chaminade squad.

The Oct. 25 defeat drops St. Paul (1-7, 1-2) into fourth place in the league standings behind third-place Chaminade (6-2, 2-1). Serra (8-0, 3-0) and St. Francis (8-0, 3-0) are locked in a first-place tie.

St. Paul will host Cathedral (5-3, 0-3) on Friday, Nov. 1. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE

WHITTIER CHRISTIAN 41, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN 34

Whittier Christian (5-3, 2-1) extended its winning streak to two games by turning in an impressive offensive performance Oct. 25 at Whittier College.

Sophomore running back Nick Watase led the Heralds offense by rushing for 323 yards and two touchdowns. Senior quarterback Ryan Esslinger also played a key role, completing 20 of 30 attempts for 188 yards and three scores.

The Heralds will face a huge test on Friday, Nov. 1 as they travel to Maranatha (6-2, 2-0) for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

@411whittierspts

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 a 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.

Chair fitness for seniors

Chair fitness encourages health and fitness for active people or those whose physical condition, restricted mobility, or age, limits their participation in conventional forms of exercise.

The free ongoing class, open to ages 55 and over, requires no registration. Sessions are scheduled from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Parnell Park Activity Center, 15390 Lambert Road, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Whittier Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St. Both classes are slated for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. No class is scheduled for Nov. 11, Nov. 29, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2014.

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

Tai Chi for seniors

Ongoing Tai Chi classes are open to ages 55 and over.

The Whittier Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St., offers a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday session while the Parnell Park Activity Center, 15390 Lambert Road, hosts a Friday class.

The fee for each session is $3.

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

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.

Martial arts

The 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 information, call 562-943-7241.

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