VALLEY CENTER JAGUARS VS. LA JOLLA VIKINGS

Quite often, in the C.I.F. Playoffs, one bad inning can spell doom for a baseball team. Valley Center High School learned this lesson the hard way, in losing to the La Jolla Vikings, l6-8, in the Division III Finals last week.

In this case, it was the bottom half of the sixth inning that turned out to be a disaster for the Jaguars. Valley Center had no idea of what was about to unfold at Tony Gwynn Stadium as La Jolla came to bat, trailing, 8-7.

The Vikings responded by erupting for nine runs, to capture their first section title since 1993. Highlighting the rally was Jon Felfoldi's triple that drove in three runs.

Overall, Felfoldi was 1-for-3, on the day, with four runs batted in. The senior left-hander was also the winning pitcher for La Jolla, going six innings and striking out eleven.

By winning the Division III championship, the Vikings capped off a golden year for high school baseball teams competing in the area of town known as the Golden Triangle. So, if La Jolla isn't the toast of the town, they're at least the toast of the (Golden) Triangle.

Because of his brilliance on the mound and at the plate this season, Felfoldi has earned a baseball scholarship from San Diego State. But, don't get the impression that this Viking team was a one-man show.

Jack Boyl was one of this year's top pitchers, along with Felfoldi, while Alex Guitron and Travis Leleu were among the county leaders in batting average. Boyl, Ryan Martin, Steve Velazco, and Ryan Guidi will return to lead La Jolla's title defense next season.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Golden Triangle, are the University City Centurions. Despite losing to La Jolla in the Division III Quarterfinals, the Centurions still completed their most successful season in school history.

Pitcher Tony Saipe finishes his career as University City's all-time leader in appearances, innings pitched, and strikeouts, while first baseman Ryan Cohen also leaves school having established a new standard of his own. Cohen now owns the record for most hits in one season by a Centurion.

"They understand what it takes to get the job done," said University City Coach Colin Cann. "What we have here is outstanding chemistry."

The Centurions should be able to maintain that winning formula next season with the return of players such as Chris Barnes, Don Hollis, Greg First, Adrian Pimentel, and Norberto Alejo.

"Norberto is an extremely gifted outfielder," said Cann. "He has great work ethic."