It is known throughout the world of sports that AEG wants to own an NFL franchise and build a state-of-the-art stadium in downtown Los Angeles. What has been widely ignored is the fact that either USC or UCLA will benefit directly from the presence of an NFL team in Los Angeles. AEG billionaire owner Philip Anschutz has his hands gripped tightly around the epicenter of downtown Los Angeles.

A few weeks ago, CLA readers got their first look at Gardena Serra colossal offensive lineman Emerald Faletuipapai and his plans to dominate the competition for the Cavaliers this upcoming season.

The next step in Faletuipapai’s preparation will take place at the Los Angeles Nike Football Training Camp at Cerritos College on Sunday.

The road trip to the state capitol proved worthwhile for Mater Dei High School as the boys and girls basketball teams took home the California State title. For California’s all-time winning head coach Gary Mcknight, it marked a record ninth state crown.

Tee Shepard is one of the top defensive back recruits in the country. Shepard enrolled early at Notre Dame and was expected to make an immediate impact in the Irish secondary next season. That all changed last week when Shepard left the program and returned home to Fresno.

It is unclear what actually led to Shepard’s departure at this time, although health concerns appear to be the primary factor. Shepard’s departure leaves the Irish secondary pretty thin.

Four teams have survived the madness and booked a trip to New Orleans for the 2012 NCAA Final Four. The first national semifinal will feature an in-state clash between bitter rivals Kentucky and Louisville. The nightcap will feature the Ohio State Buckeyes against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Louisville (4) vs. Florida (7)

Four teams booked trips to the Elite Eight Thursday night as March Madness resumed with Sweet Sixteen action. Tonight’s games featured matchups from the East and West Regions.

The first game on the slate featured top seed Syracuse and the feisty four seed Wisconsin Badgers. The game was hotly contested throughout and came down to the wire. Syracuse held on to win 64-63 after Badgers guard Jordan Taylor’s long jumper fell short in the waning moments. The Orange advance to the East Regional Final on Saturday.