Practice has been good this week. We have all mentally and physically prepared ourselves for this challenge versus Notre Dame this week. Last year we lost our first opening game versus Notre Dame since 2007 and then we lost in the 1st Round of playoffs to Culver City. It hurt our team badly. We want to seek redemption and put everything we have on the field tomorrow.

As I reflect back to the last 8 months I truly recognize the community that surrounds me. As we enter the season I can truly say that I am so fired up about the 2012 season, I can hardly wait to go out and enjoy some high school football. These past few months have given me the opportunity to work with some of the finest student-athletes and coaches in the CIF Southern and LA City sections.

As CLA expected, the UCLA Bruins and first-year head coach Jim L Mora named former Chandler (AZ) standout quarterback Brett Hundley the starter last week. The expectation is that Hundley’s dual threat ability will flourish in their new spread offense.

The redshirt freshman beat out returning quarterbacks Kevin Prince and Richard Brehaut to claim the starting nod. The insertion of Hundley will surely energize the fan base and provide the Bruins stability under center for the foreseeable future.

Preparation is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not you will succeed in achieving your goals.

Sports are competitive in nature, as is life. The games we play on the field or on the court require intense preparation. HS student-athletes are required to be prepared in order to contribute to their respective teams.

When one really recognizes how valuable they are, then and then only will they realize the impact they can make. As a coordinator for most of my 31 years of coaching I truly have learned to appreciate all my assistant coaches and the value that they bring.

Chris Hawkins is the truth. If you don't believe it, you can watch him lockdown receivers and breakup passes with his thumb in a cast. Better yet, take a close look at Hawkins as he explodes through his hips, in and out of a smooth backpedal. The 2013 USC commit is just as advertised.

Since its inception in 1999, ESPN Rise’s Elite 11 quarterback competition has provided an invaluable service in the development of highly touted high school prep athletes preparing for the college level.

Previous participants include Tim Tebow, Matt Leinart, Vince Young and Matthew Stafford, all currently in the NFL.

The 2012 installment of the Elite 11 competition took place in Southern California and was led by former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer. The primary goal of the camp is to draw out the maximum potential in each of the 25 signal callers.

Justin Dottery has a lot to prove in the upcoming 2012 HS football season. At 6'2" 247, the Locke HS Saints senior quarterback is poised to lead his team to battle in the Coliseum League.

Dottery credits his coaching staff for continuing to motivate the Locke team. The Saints have worked hard this off-season to improve and compete with the likes of Crenshaw, Dorsey, Cathedral and San Pedro to name a few teams on the 2012-2013 schedule.

"You get that much better and we've really improved that much," said Dottery in regards to the Locke off-season football program.

Football is in the air and it’s time to open the tool box.

Coaches, we've asked our players to be ready for the new season and before you know it will be knocking on our doorstep. Are we prepared for a season of change? Are we ready to get micro and create the best environment for our student athletes to create the best versions of themselves in the classroom and on the playing field? Today I open my toolbox and bring out the tools needed to create the optimal student-athlete.

In 2010, USC was dealt a hand of cards that would cause most players to immediately fold. The Trojans were hit with NCAA sanctions that sent recruits like Seantrel Henderson (OL) running for the hills. Henderson decommitted from USC and ended up with the University of Miami Hurricanes, where he was recently suspended from spring practice for a violation of team rules. The grass isn't always greener.