Serra gridders have high hopes with strong Spring-Summer showing
Serra quarterback Nicolas Johnson prepares to throw to a receiver in Saturday’s Los Angeles Chargers 11-on-11 Pass Football Invitational. (Photo by Joe Snyder) By Joe Snyder Over the past couple of months, Serra High’s football team participated in several Spring-Summer passing and other football fundamental events and head coach Scott Altenberg is seeking to bring […]
Serra quarterback Nicolas Johnson prepares to throw to a receiver in Saturday’s Los Angeles Chargers 11-on-11 Pass Football Invitational. (Photo by Joe Snyder)
By Joe Snyder
Over the past couple of months, Serra High’s football team participated in several Spring-Summer passing and other football fundamental events and head coach Scott Altenberg is seeking to bring back contention for CIF-Southern Section and CIF-State crowns this fall.
The Cavaliers strength appears to be on defense, behind senior tackle Khary Wilder, a four-star recruit who already committed to Big 10 power Ohio State University. Fourth-year starting defensive lineman Daylon Reed is expecting a big season, along with University of North Carolina commit cornerback Marcellous Williams. Incoming junior cornerback-running back Wesley Ace is also getting a lot of Major Division I college offers, according to Altenberg. Also back is Mission League Defensive Player of the Year DeVohn Mosely, Jr., a safety on defense and a running back on offense.
Gone is quarterback Jimmy Butler, who is still undecided on his college decisions, and junior Nickolas Johnson appears to be favored as the starter. Sophomore Malik Tunai, though, could be one to watch. Both had some good passing games, including last Saturday’s Los Angeles Chargers 11-on-11 Classic at the Chargers Training Center in El Segundo.
Wide receivers Duvay Williams and Hakeem Crawford are key returning starters.
“We’re young at parts,” Altenberg said. “For us, we have a lot of guys back on defense. Offensively, Butler is gone and we are young.”
At the Chargers Invitational, Serra won two of three games with wins over Murrieta Valley and Agoura and a loss to Palos Verdes, last season’s CIF-Southern Section Division V and CIF-State Division IIA champion.
In a thrilling finale against Agoura, Duvay Williams caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Tunai to give the Cavaliers a 30-24 win. That was his second of two TDs in the game, with his other being 50 yards from Johnson. Brian Bose and Hakeem Crawford also scored touchdowns for Serra.
The Cavaliers begin the 2025 season against Palos Verdes, led by returning junior quarterback Ryan Rakowski, on Aug. 22 at El Camino College. Game time is 7 p.m. The Sea Kings figure to be in a close race with Inglewood, Lawndale Leuzinger, Culver City and Manhattan Beach Mira Costa for the prestigious Bay League title. Despite only a third-place finish in the rigorous Bay last season, P.V. defeated Santa Ana Foothill for the Southern Section Division V crown and Twelve Bridges from the Sacramento area for its first state championship.
The Cavaliers will be in a 7-on-7 passing tournament at Palos Verdes High Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., before another highly regarded classic at powerhouse St. John Bosco in Bellflower on June 28 before ending that summer and going into the dead period before opening practice on July 28.
Serra continues to have a tough schedule. After visiting CIF-Los Angeles City Section school Hamilton High in the Palms District on Aug. 29, the Cavaliers have their first home game against Los Alamitos on Sept. 5. From there, Serra plays three consecutive road games at Orange Lutheran on Sept. 12, Oaks Christian in Westlake Village on Sept. 19 before opening the Mission League in what will be an early league showdown at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth on Oct. 3. The Cavaliers, then, have their homecoming game against L.A. Loyola on Oct. 10 and have two more home league games against West Hills Chaminade on Oct. 17 and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Oct. 24. On Halloween (Oct. 31), Serra closes league at Bishop Amat in La Puente. All games start at 7 p.m.
__________________
Former Serra star Smith on a hitting tear
The Dodgers ended up winning two of three from San Francisco, losing the first game, 6-2, on Friday before coming back with wins of 11-5 on Saturday and 5-4 on Sunday.
Among the Giant players at Dodger Stadium was former Serra High standout player Dominic Smith. Smith went 2-for-3 including a two-run home run in the first game on Friday. He went 1-for-3, drove in a run and scored once on Saturday. Right now, according to sources, he’s hitting .343 this year for the Giants. He is 12-for-35 with seven runs batted in.
In his 12-year career, Smith is currently hitting .247 with 485 hits, including 64 home runs.
Before being traded to the Giants by the Cincinnati Reds earlier this season, Smith played for the New York Mets, Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox. He was drafted out of Serra High in the first round by the Mets in 2013. He was the 11th overall pick. He led the Cavaliers to their only CIF-Southern Section baseball title, winning the Division III championship over Manhattan Beach Mira Costa 12 years ago at Dodger Stadium. He hit a homer over the stadium fence, one of the few high school baseballers to do so.
Correction from last week’s South Bay All-Star Softball Game: It was Carson pitcher Gaselkle Pantoja; not Pantija. Sorry for the spelling error.
In that game, the American and National teams battled to a 5-5 tie on June 4 at Torrance High.
Torrance also had girls’ beach volleyball pair Kiana Greer and Anisa Olivas land on the Daily Breeze all-South Bay second-team, named last week.
Pair of the Year went to Redondo sisters Addison and Avery Junk, who were very influential in keying the Sea Hawks to the CIF-Southern Section Division I championship with an inspiring 3-2 win over powerful rival, Manhattan Beach Mira Costa on May 3 at Long Beach City College.
They won the decisive split set match to help the Sea Hawks win their first CIF title in the brief three-year history of beach volleyball in the CIF. Mira Costa won the previous two crowns over Redondo in 2023 and 2024.
Head coach Mark Pa’aluhi was Coach of the Year for the Sea Hawks.
Also making all-area second-team were Libby Matsik and Spencer Clark of South Torrance.
Greer, meanwhile, was also CIF-Southern Section Division II shot put champion and finished fifth in the CIF-State Meet on May 31 at Buchanan High in Clovis.
Kooralifecom Marks Record-Breaking Coverage at Club World Cup
Kooralife.com solidifies its position as Morocco’s top football news outlet with unprecedented engagement during the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025. Digital Visionary Leads Football News Revolution Kooralife.com, Morocco’s leading football-focused sports media platform, has achieved unprecedented reach and engagement during the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025, cementing its position as the nation’s number […]
Kooralife.com solidifies its position as Morocco’s top football news outlet with unprecedented engagement during the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025.
Digital Visionary Leads Football News Revolution
Kooralife.com, Morocco’s leading football-focused sports media platform, has achieved unprecedented reach and engagement during the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025, cementing its position as the nation’s number one source for soccer coverage. Under the editorial leadership of Chakir, the platform delivered record-breaking performance in audience engagement, content output, and digital influence—outpacing every other Moroccan media outlet during the global tournament.
Founded with the mission to provide in-depth and real-time football coverage, Kooralife.com has grown from a modest sports blog into a nationally recognized digital powerhouse. Today, it ranks as the second-largest sports news site in Morocco and the largest in the country dedicated exclusively to football, with over 4.6 million followers across social media platforms.
Leadership Driving Change
The platform’s transformation can be traced directly to Chakir’s vision and editorial strategy. His approach combines rapid news delivery, data-informed content planning, and a deep understanding of what resonates with football fans, particularly younger audiences.
By emphasizing live updates, analytical match reports, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, Chakir has shaped Kooralife.com into a destination for both passionate Moroccan supporters and global football followers. His focus on multi-platform publishing ensures that coverage is optimized for Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, meeting fans where they spend their time.
Record-Breaking Tournament Performance
Kooralife.com’s dominance was most visible during the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025. The platform achieved:
78 million total reach
20 million video views
3 million fan interactions
140 news posts and 96 videos across platforms
This performance made Kooralife.com the top-performing Moroccan media outlet during the event, consistently leading online football discussions and driving unmatched engagement.
A Content Strategy That Connects
Kooralife.com’s editorial success is rooted in a dual commitment to credible journalism and digital virality. The team produces exclusive interviews, in-depth features, and real-time coverage, while ensuring that content is packaged for high shareability.
Unlike general sports outlets, Kooralife.com maintains a singular focus on football, which allows for more specialized reporting and rapid updates. This specialization, combined with a strong social media presence, gives the platform a competitive edge in delivering stories that are both timely and relevant.
Outperforming the Competition
During major football events, Kooralife.com consistently delivers faster updates, more comprehensive coverage, and stronger fan engagement than its competitors. The ability to integrate text, video, and interactive content in a fast-paced publishing cycle has made it the preferred digital destination for Moroccan football fans.
Chakir’s editorial leadership has fostered a culture of responsiveness and innovation, ensuring that the platform remains ahead of trends while staying anchored in journalistic integrity.
Inspiring a New Generation of Moroccan Media
Beyond its success as a business, Kooralife.com represents a Moroccan media success story. Built without the backing of legacy media, it has shown that independent digital outlets can compete—and lead—on a national and regional scale.
Chakir’s journey from editor of a small sports blog to head of Morocco’s largest football-focused digital community has inspired young journalists, content creators, and media entrepreneurs to pursue innovative paths in sports coverage.
About Kooralife.com
Kooralife.com is Morocco’s premier football-focused sports news platform, delivering 24/7 coverage of both domestic and international soccer. Known for its in-depth reports, live match updates, exclusive insights, and strong social media engagement, Kooralife.com reaches millions of football fans in Morocco and beyond. With over 4.6 million followers across platforms, it is the most influential digital football brand in the country.
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Binary News Network and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact contact@binarynewsnetwork.com
Sleeper Promo Code WTOP: Claim $10 Fantasy Bonus for MLB, NFL Picks
Photo Credit: Craig Dudek Photo Credit: Craig Dudek This article contains references to products from our advertisers and/or partners, and… Photo Credit: Craig Dudek Photo Credit: Craig Dudek This article contains references to products from our advertisers and/or partners, and we may receive compensation when you click on links to products and services Use the […]
Photo Credit: Craig Dudek Photo Credit: Craig Dudek This article contains references to products from our advertisers and/or partners, and…
Photo Credit: Craig Dudek
Photo Credit: Craig Dudek
This article contains references to products from our advertisers and/or partners, and we may receive compensation when you click on links to products and services
Use the Sleeper promo code WTOP to make picks on baseball, football and other sports. Register here to activate the best welcome offer and get a bonus for this week.
The Sleeper promo code provides new users with a 100% deposit match. Score a $100 bonus and begin with a free pick. The total for Logan Webb has been dropped down to 0.5 outs, making this an easy option for your first entry.
There are also two multiplier boosts available on Monday. Take Yoshinobu Yamamoto to record over 7.5 strikeouts at 2.15X and Shohei Ohtani to have over 2.5 hits + runs + RBI as 2.00X.
Click here to apply the Sleeper promo code WTOP. Get up to a $100 bonus with a 100% deposit match and start with a free pick.
Sleeper Promo Code WTOP for MLB Monday
Sleeper Promo Code
WTOP
New User Offer
100% Deposit Match Up to $100
In-App Promos
Picks on Sale, Entry Boosts, Multiplier Boosts (Available for MLB, the WNBA, PGA, UFC, NFL, More)
Terms and Conditions
18+ and Present in Participating States
Bonus Last Verified On
August 11, 2025
Information Confirmed By
WTOP
The free pick and multiplier boosts can be combined with markets from other MLB games. Find options on Monday for the Phillies vs. Reds, Twins vs. Yankees, Tigers vs. White Sox, Pirates vs. Brewers, Diamondbacks vs. Rangers, Red Sox vs. Astros, Dodgers vs. Angels, Padres vs. Giants and Rays vs. Athletics.
The number of picks in your entry will determine your potential winnings. There are markets for home runs, singles, strikeouts, stolen bases, doubles, earned runs and more. Create a max entry for a chance at the largest payout or choose to flex an entry and still get some winnings if only one leg is incorrect.
It’s a great way to make home run predictions. Cal Raleigh still leads MLB with 45 homers this season, followed by Kyle Schwarber and Ohtani at 41.
Claim $100 Bonus with the Sleeper Promo Code
Sleeper has multiple features for sports fans. Follow along with stats using live game casts, connect with friends to chat about picks and conduct research before entering contests. First, complete these simple steps to lock-in the latest welcome offer.
Register here to use the Sleeper promo code WTOP.
Fill in your name, email and other account info to verify your identity.
Make a deposit up to $100 with an accepted payment method, like a debit card or online banking.
Your entire deposit will be matched with a bonus. The “My Picks” tab will display your active and completed entries.
Make Picks on the NFL Season
It has been adding markets for NFL preseason games, as well has having totals for the season. Take this time to make predictions on Cam Ward, Ashton Jeanty, Shedeur Sanders and other rookies. For example, you can take Ward to record over or under 3,174.5 passing yards this season.
Your bonus can be used for other sports this week. Sleeper has options for WNBA games, tennis and the UFC. Check the promotions tab each day for new picks on sale, entry boosts and multiplier boosts.
Follow the links above to use the Sleeper promo code WTOP. New users can score a $100 bonus with a 100% deposit match.
Disney’s $960M Trading Volume Ranks 86th as Streaming Overhaul and Sports Expansion Fuel Investor Optimism
– Disney’s $960M trading volume ranked 86th as streaming reforms and sports expansion drove investor optimism. – Integration of Disney+ and Hulu into a unified app aims to cut costs, boost ads, and retain subscribers amid 1% Q3 growth. – ESPN+ relaunch with NFL Network acquisition secures exclusive sports content, differentiating Disney from Netflix’s subscriber […]
Water polo players briefly leave the pool after shots fired near Under-20 World Cup game in Brazil | Sports
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian police said Monday there were no injuries after shots were fired near an Under-20 World Cup women’s water polo game between China and Canada in the city of Salvador. China won 12-8 on Sunday — the opening day of the tournament — but footage showed the game being briefly interrupted […]
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian police said Monday there were no injuries after shots were fired near an Under-20 World Cup women’s water polo game between China and Canada in the city of Salvador.
China won 12-8 on Sunday — the opening day of the tournament — but footage showed the game being briefly interrupted as players got out of the pool, laid down and took cover by a small barrier after hearing gunshots outside the water polo venue in the Pituba neighborhood. China led Canada 3-2 at the time.
“The match stopped for about a minute. Our team saw that the police was taking care of it,” Marco Antônio Lemos, head of the Bahia state water sports federation, said in a statement.
Police said the cause of the shots was a confrontation with an alleged local thief who was outside the venue and tried to escape. No more details were given.
Spectators were told about the incident after the game had resumed.
Brazil is hosting the 16-team tournament for the first time.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Soccer Opens 2025 Season at Long Beach State, Pepperdine
Story Links
Coming off of its first-ever Big West regular season title, Hawai’i will open its 2025 season with a nonconference match at Long Beach State on Thursday at 4 p.m. HT. Following Thursday’s season opener, the Rainbow Wahine will head up the California Coast to take on Pepperdine Sunday at […]
Coming off of its first-ever Big West regular season title, Hawai’i will open its 2025 season with a nonconference match at Long Beach State on Thursday at 4 p.m. HT.
Following Thursday’s season opener, the Rainbow Wahine will head up the California Coast to take on Pepperdine Sunday at 9 a.m. HT. UH trails the all time series against both schools (3-10-4 vs. LBSU, 0-6-1 vs. PEP) but won the last meeting against The Beach with a 1-0 victory in the regular season finale last year.
HAWAI’I (12-8-1, 8-1-1 Big West) at Long Beach State (6-9-3, 3-5-2 Big West) // Pepperdine (12-4-5, 6-1-3 WCC)
2024 Big West Midfielder of the Year Nalani Damacion finished tied for third nationally and first among all freshmen with seven game-winning goals. Her seven game-winners were also the most by any NCAA freshman since 2015 (Cece Kizer, Ole Miss).
REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS!
Hawai’i is coming off of a magical 2024 season in which it captured the program’s first ever Big West regular season title. The Rainbow Wahine dominated the Big West regular season, going 8-1-1 and setting a school record for conference wins while finishing with 25 points – the most by a Big West school since 2016. The regular season title gave UH the right to host the semifinals and finals of the Big West Championship, however, the ‘Bows saw their historic season come to an end with a semifinal loss to CSU Bakersfield.
» Set a school record with a nine-match unbeaten streak that ran from Sept. 12-Oct. 20.
» Seven match winning streak was the longest in a single season and tied the overall program record.
» Outscored teams 12-6 in 10 league games, with all eight wins coming by one goal.
» First Big West team to start 5-0 in conference play since 2010 (UC Irvine).
RAISING THE EXPECTATIONS
The Rainbow Wahine enter the 2025 season with lofty expectations following last year’s conference regular season title. UH was picked first in the Big West Preseason Coaches Poll, marking the first time since 2008 that the program has been tabbed as a preseason conference favorite. It’s also the first time since Hawai’i joined the Big West that it has been picked to finish atop the conference. Additionally, Amber Gilbert and Nalani Damacion each earned Preseason All-Big West recognition.
FAB FRESHMEN TO SUPER SOPHOMORES
A huge key to last season’s Big West regular season title run was the contributions UH got from a number of freshmen. The Rainbow Wahine’s group of eight sophomores combined for three Big West All-Freshman honors and eight conference player of the week recognitions a year ago as freshmen and will be counted on to play key roles again in 2025.
» Kennedy Justin earned Big West Goalkeeper of the Year honors last year as a redshirt freshman.
» Justin became the first freshman ever to claim that honor and matched a school single-season record for goalkeeper wins with a record of 11-8-1.
» Nalani Damacion was named Big West Midfielder of the Year after leading the team with seven goals.
» Damacion became the first freshman ever to claim the honor.
» All seven of Damacion’s goals were game-winner, ranking third nationally and first among freshmen.
» Alice Davidson earned Big West All-Freshman honors after finishing with four assists (T-1st on team).
» UH earned six total Big West Freshman of the Week honors (Damacion: 5x; Laule’a Ah Mook Sang: 1x)
RAINBOW RELOAD
The Rainbow Wahine will welcome in a talented group of eight newcomers to compliment their deep pool of returnees. UH brings in three players out of the transfer portal while adding five freshmen to the mix in 2025. Defenders Rikako Hayami and Solala Nasu will fill some key roles on the back line while three-year Division I goalkeeper Julia Ortega gives UH depth in the net. Isabella Kaemmerer, Karissa Kira, Saira Johal, Montana Longcrier and Sophia Nygaard make up the group of five incoming true freshmen.
» Hayami spent the 2024 season at Arizona and previously was an NJCAA All-American in 2023.
» Nasu returns home after spending freshman season at South Dakota State; was the three-time HHSAA State Tournament Most Outstanding Player from 2022-24.
» Ortega has totaled 137 saves in 29 career starts in goal at Southern Utah and Arizona State.
» Kaemmerer and Kira were high school and club teammates, winning an ECNL U17 national title in 2024.
Liv Ekponé – Track and Field Coach – Texas A&M Athletics
Olivia Ekponé made her return to Aggieland to join head coach Pat Henry’s staff at the start of the 2024/25 season. Since landing back in College Station, she took on the role of athletics assistant for the Maroon & White, helping in multitude of roles for the track & field program. Assisting on the track, she […]
Olivia Ekponé made her return to Aggieland to join head coach Pat Henry’s staff at the start of the 2024/25 season. Since landing back in College Station, she took on the role of athletics assistant for the Maroon & White, helping in multitude of roles for the track & field program.
Assisting on the track, she aids both Coach Pat Henry and Coach Kurt Henry with the decorated 400m and sprint groups for practice and meet day preparation. Her experience as an athlete helped those groups, as she contributed to the men’s programs fifth NCAA Outdoor National Title and first SEC Indoor Championship during the 2025 season.
Her groups on the men’s side accounted for 10 points at the NCAA outdoor championships and eight points at the indoor championships. Collecting honors throughout the season, Ekponé’s squads tacked on 13 All-America accolades and three conference medals. The women’s team also saw success through her leadership, with 19 All-America honors and three league medals.
As an athlete, Ekponé was a four-year letterwinner and 12-time All-American for the Maroon & White. She played a key role in securing the women’s team’s fourth NCAA outdoor championship in 2014 and the program’s first SEC outdoor team title in 2013. She also anchored the women’s 4x100m relay team to a national title at the 2014 outdoor meet, winning the final in 42.80. Her outstanding performances won her SEC Runner of the Year honors in 2014, and helped guide the team to another trio of top-three program finishes during her time as a student-athlete.
She also etched her name in the Aggie history books, as Ekponé remains the school-record holder in the women’s outdoor 200m with a time of 22.23, as well as ranking in the top-10 in both the indoor 60m (7.25) and outdoor 100m (11.11).
Following her graduation, Ekponé stayed in the track & field world, as she worked for MileSplit and FloTrack in a sports media roll covering athletes from the youth to professional levels.