Something to think about ...
For the football fanatics:
Here's a pre-preseason 2008 top 5 for area high school football programs:
1) LA HABRA
Defending Southeast Division champions graduate eight of their 10
All-CIF selections from their 13-0 season, but the other two, division
Offensive Player of the Year running back Ronald Hillman and safety
Randall Nygren, along with postseason honors candidate running back/defensive back Joshua Quezada,
are back for coach Frank Mazzotta to build around. Nygren is the likely
heir apparent at quarterback, and the Highlanders' unbeaten freshman and
junior varsity teams should provide some quality replacements. Add
Mazzotta's workplace environment and attitude and a well-entrenched
approach to the game's physical aspects (i.e. hitting), and it all puts
the familiar favorite's target on the Highlanders' backs.
2) ST. PAUL
The defending Western Division champions' only offensive position that
might have been questioned this season, quarterback, returns all of the
participants - starters Paul Lopez and Andrew Canales and backup Chris
Wilson, as well as Gabriel Encinas, who switched from QB to wide
receiver, and all of whom would probably start on most other area
programs, who will be a year older, wiser and more experienced and
playoff tested. Not a bad starting point. Replacing key lineman on both
sides of the ball will be paramount, but then, that was true this season,
and look how that turned out. The big plus defensively is the return of
coordinator Gilbert Jimenez.
3) SANTA FE
The Chiefs will have been smarting for nearly a year from a
disappointing 5-6 season that featured both promise and frustration,
and that should take care of any motivational concerns. QB is a question
mark, but Alex Flores should begin his junior season with the inside
track. Postseason honors candidate Aaron Turner returns at running back,
and while coach Jack Mahlstede's 2007 program lacked marquee linemen,
several of the returners have 2008 marquee potential. Santa Fe's junior
varsity and freshman programs were a combined 7-1 in league play, a
reminder that the Chiefs' player pool is never empty and rarely shallow.
4) PIONEER
Ronnie Palacios, arguably the area's best returning quarterback and
speedy running back Matt Botello give the Titans explosive potential on
offense. And coach Ramon Juarez says there is enough talent among
returning personnel and newcomers to perhaps open up the offense even
more than usual. Defensively, many of the players who received
considerable game time out of necessity as sophomores and by earning it
as juniors the past two seasons should be ready as seniors to make some
noise come league play.
5) LA SERNA
Thanks to the return of quarterback Ben Burke, the Lancers head a list
of at least three teams that could break into the Top 5 early on in
2008. A gifted runner and improving as a passer, he will shoulder much
of the offensive responsibility for gaining yards and scoring points.
Replacing graduated players is commonplace, but replacing the special
ones is critical. Coach Margarito Beltran has a challenge in finding
someone to fill the many shoes that were worn by Rudy Jordan, a standout
Running back, receiver, defensive back and return specialist.
Other teams to watch:
California - Defending Del Rio League champion was one of the season's
bright spots, but losses at too many key positions may preclude Condors
from making it back-to-back titles.
El Rancho - 2007's Cinderella team. New coach Gene Parsons led the Dons
back from 2006's 0-10 campaign to a respectable 5-6 record that included
a berth in the Southeast Division playoffs. Program
definitely on move in right direction, but may need more time to become
a true contender.
Whittier - Cardinals return one of the area's top three running backs in
Daniel Enriquez, which give them a leg up on most area teams. Finding
him a complementary support group will be the key.
Comments?
Please be specific, short and to the point ... and kind.
49 Comments
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About this blog
Roger Murray is the prep sports editor for the Whittier Daily News.
WAS TALKING TO A ORANGE LUTHRAN COACH LAST WEEK HE SAID THEY WERE TALKING TO A JV PLAYER FROM SANTA FE THAT THEY HAVE ALOT OF INTREST IN SAFTEY/RB BUT I DONT KNOW THIS KID JUSTIN HYMES ANYBODY KNOW IF HE EVEN GOES TO SANTA FE
Flores was above Fooks and Gaines on talent and above them at QB. The only reason they would have gotten playing time at QB was to give him a breather.
And his lil brother Alex was probably better than all of them but too bad he lacked size this year, but he is ready to take the reign this next upcoming year and lead SF back to glory. at least we can agree on that. Alex will probably pass up David in size and strength. you wait and see.the lil brothers are always smarter too bc they learn from the older bros mistakes
LB
I never said or implied that the kid that stepped in was as good as Flores. But merely stated that it’s a testament the LB coach to lose a player like Flores and still have one of the top backers this year. He and Flores would have made an awesome combo.
I don’t know where you get that Flores was also the starting QB at SF. At best he would have been an emergency QB behind Fooks, Encinas and probably Gaines. He might have been even lower on the totem poll than his little brother. Boy, were you way off on that statement!!!!
The kid who replaced Flores at LB at Santa Fe did have a good season and did earn honors....but he is no where near as good as Flores...he did a nice job trying to fill the shoes but he cant touch Flores talent and football awareness and leadership. If Flores would have stayed at SF they would have one of the areas best athletes and would have won the DRL, remember Flores was not only the starting LB but also the starting QB.
IMO, the SP transfers shouldn’t been seen that way. Coach Gonzalez seems to model his coaching style after SC’s Pete Carroll. Competition breeds success in athletics and success in life. Whether you’ve been at SP for all 4 years or are just transferring in you’ve got to come and bring it. The best players will play!
Ya, I’m sure Flores spent 3 years at SF not learning a thing only to miraculously land on SP’s doorstep and blossom into the defensive player of the year. Say what you want about Santa Fe but you don’t have the kind of consistence they have had over the years without something that might resemble a PROGRAM in which athletes are developed. The kid that stepped in to fill the void at backer after Flores left himself earned some top area honors as well. And if you look back over the years SF has always had some of the top linebackers which is a testament to that coach at SF so once again I’m sure Flores learned nothing.
How do you tell a kid that gave you blood, sweat and tears that they just aren’t cutting it and this kid from another school is coming over to help out as a one hit wonder? If everyone agreed with the SP postings then I guess the two boys over at ER would still be there getting rings as well. Sure today they might not have rings but IMO they have their pride and took a stand.
As athletes Haynes and Flores earned their rings but not as so called swordsmen. And spare the talk of earning respect. Sure they earned respect…..they were the missing pieces to the puzzles to get them rings.
Ask Flores who groomed him? He wont say Santa Fe did it. Never knew you guys on Orr Daydidnt even know how to break down film on tendencies of the opponent. Funny you claim you taught David anything just ask him and all your SF boys that are inquiring about transferring. Looks like the SFS Saints pipeline just landed on Greenleaf. Dont be surprised if some of your big time seniors to be end up at SP.
Big Chief Pigskin,
Are you bashing on Haynes and Flores??? They earned those rings just as much as the other Swordsmen, that was the reason they transferred there...and to say that they are not true swordsmen is a bash bc i believe St. Paul has a saying,"once a swordsmen always a swordsmen"...and besides St. Paul WOULD NOT have won the title without them...so they are much as part of that program as any four year player...in fact they have the hardware to prove it...CIF TITLE, BOTH WON CIF PLAYERS OF YEAR (Haynes on Offense and Flores on Defense), BOTH ALSO EARNED RESPECT FROM THEIR TEAMMATES AND PROGRAM, bc Haynes won MVP and Flores Defensive MVP at SP, which was voted on by the players...and that is only some of the awards the two SP stand-outs have received.
Anonymous
Take the blinder off and know your place! With the transfers you received over the summer you became the best team in D3. Servite (and Crespi) clearly gave you a taste of how you’d compare in D1. You posted a whopping ZERO points against both D1 teams!!!!
So enjoy your rings and at the ceremony I hope SP gives praise the deep and rich tradition of SP football. I hope they talk about how the staff groomed its two best players Hanynes and Flores over the years into the players they became this year……………….oh wait, they didn’t! To the young men that have worked their butts off side by side over the past four years and bonded as friends and teammates I wish my sincerest congratulations. To those true swordsmen wear your rings with PRIDE!!
St Paul Class of 83
"SP won a title in D3, while Servite is D1 and SMASHED you guys head to head 33 - 0. I dont know if Friar Fan watched you win a title or not but I'm pretty sure Fan watched the Friar's kick your butts!!!!!!"
Maybe so...but he's also invited to come and watch teh SP team receive their CHAMPIONSHIP rings.
Doesn't matter how you start it is how you finish.
St Paul Class of 83
SP won a title in D3, while Servite is D1 and SMASHED you guys head to head 33 - 0. I dont know if Friar Fan watched you win a title or not but I'm pretty sure Fan watched the Friar's kick your butts!!!!!!
Anonymous,
Nice blog loser, if you are going to put down St. Paul don't do it religously. Go after the system, coaches, alumni, or even the school. Have some value for our peoples faith!
Was St Paul an actual person? He didn’t happen to be the patron saint of transfer, did he?????
Why rely on tradition when you can recruit!!!!!!
Servite?
Last time I saw Friar fan he was in the stands watching St Paul win a title.
Nice season Servite but again, no titles.
How many remember way, way back , during the 1981-92 season when the mighty Swordsmen beat Servite TWICE in the season on the way to a 14-0 CIF /State Title and a #3 ranking in the nation.
Servite...ha, ha ha.....
Herman D:
There is no crying in football!!!! Schurr will be lucky to make the play-offs next year..
QUIT LIVING IN THE PAST!!
So what are the rumors on upcoming transfers? What is happening at La Mirada? Inquiring minds want to know.
Herminator:
See that is just what Im talking about. NO CLASS!!!
HERMAN D.
When did you learn to talk without permission??? Not bad for a Schurr Education but get off your high horse and "WIN WITH CLASS" Were you on the field? NO!!
QUIT LIVING IN THE PAST!!!!
ALL-CIF TEAMS came out and congrats to ST. PAULS Aubrey Haynes Offensive player of the year (tranfer for diamond bar) and David Flores Defensive player of the year (tranfer from Santa Fe)....analysis= so as much as SP says they would have won without transfers, this proves that there is no way they would have won, This proves that Flores and Haynes carried the team. Although they won as a team, they would not have gone that far without the areas two best football players.
stop writing jokes about ER winning DRL, they got better last year, but dont get ahead of yourself....
and insight, i checked for you and Flores is not 6'2'' yet...lol
Hey Santa Fe fans,
I like the fact you like to pump up your team, but unless you are La Habra, St. Paul, or Schurr High, you have to WIN a championship first in order to talk the talk. The one thing I rememeber from the CIF win in 2006 was the game was 2 minutes from being over and the Santa FE players were still talking crap to the Schurr players!!!!!SCOREBOARD!!! That is the problem right there. You have to learn to win with class and lose with dignity. Maybe thats why you have been to the Finals so many times and never won it!!!! Something to think about.
hsfootballfan,
Aaron Turner is 6,2 and 215 lbs with a sub 4.5? The program says 6,0 and 180 lbs. So he has grown 2 inches and gained 35 lbs? Who are you kidding? Is Flores also 6,2 and does he also weigh 215 lbs now?
do you realy want to know what will happen next year in the DRL? well ill tell you, everyone will count out sf and say that theyre gonna have another upsetting season and that the DRL will be up for grabs but thats not whats gonna happen cal will fall pioneer will be as good as they were this year la serna will have a slight lack of talent el rancho will be just as good whittier will be better and sf will be dominant, and if you wonder why i know sf will take the DRL and have a shot at the title then ill tell you that theyre entire o line and d line will return not to mention the future player of the year #45 Aaron turner they bring back big playmakers like nikolai crouch(36 te,de) adrian lopez(85 ss), and aaron black(7 cb,wr) expect to see some blow outs next year cause sf is gonna be the team that everyone least expects to win CIF ... IT WILL BE THIER YEAR! NO QUESTIONS ASKED!
are we stirring the pot now??
i think ER is going to be the TOP DAWGS in the DEL RIO! should we play a preseason like whittier??
Ummm,
Aaron Turner from SF will not only be the RB in the DRL he will be the best back in the area...the kid is 6'2'' 215lbs and runs a sub 4.5 40yd dash, and he runs for speed and power, and with Flores and QB next year full time, SF will throw the ball, and they have everyone on there Oline and Dline returning next year, and as we learned from SP this year, tough games are won in the trenches
i think santa fe high football team is going to be real good this year....but they might loose alot of good players from there J.V. players to SP....they got good runnerbacks from J.V. to Varsity..like that kid #6, he plays runnerback and free saftey and loves to hit i hear..you got this kid #24, he plays runningback, you got #4 the fullback of the team..and you got a full line that are big...but there not as strong as you want on varsity...but they will get the job done..but overall the team is young...its going to be a good one this year for santa fe high!
Its good to see ST Paul bak in the mix for tiles again. thanks allot to all the coaches especially Gil Jimenez. And yes St Paul will take on any challenge i want to see the back in Div 1 soon. GO SWORDSMEN!!!
Obviously none of those freshmen league titles the past 10 years has turned into a varsity league title.... That will change in the coming seasons.
have the all-cif teams been named yet
el rancho
What trash talk are you talking about. You asked how you can get some respect, and I gave you the answer.
How did last place in the del rio feel. Not as bad as going 0-10, at least whittier won 6 games this year in a tough league.
You still did not answer my ? about those league titles
I forgot to include this in my prior post.
Marcus Aldecoa is the best back in the league. It was a shame that he was hardly used the first 8 games this season.
Half of his 124 total carries were given to him during the final 3 games of the season. In a few games he got only 3 or 4 carries.
His stats the final 3 games of the season were
63 Carries for 412 Yards, an avg of 6.54 yards a carry.
Daniel Enriquez carried the rock at least 16 times in 8 out of 10 games.
Final 3 game stats are;
51 carries for 314 yards, an avg of 6.16 yards a carry.
Enriquez did get more yards and more carries this season and was allowed to carry the rock alot in most games. Marcus was only given that opportunity during the final 3 games of the season and he showed what he could do. I cant wait till next season to see Marcus run wild all over the del rio league.
We may only be returning about 9 or 10 starters, but about 10 kids got alot of playing time and contributed alot this season. Alot of people are really underestimating the talent ER has coming back.
littlered, I think trash talk to ER is reserved for teams that actually beat us... obviously not whittier. Where were you back in october??? You werent talking too big back then huh big guy. How did last place in the Del Rio league feel anyway??? If Roger Murray is bringing up Freshmen records then why cant I....
No 10 kids wont be up because our talent pool is no good, if our talent pool was no good 10 of them would be starting... they obviously will not be starting yet.
El Rancho has not shown Santa Fe lack of respect, we may have shown some hate, but we respect our opponents.
1 La Habra- Nygren will be better then Morales,Hillman and Quezada. This team could win another one.
2 Santa fe- Big line comming back, Turner will be better, Flores will be the starter. The defense will reload.
3 St. Paul- They will be #1 in no time. I hear kids are pounding on the door to get in, and if they get Tim Gilmore from Wilson they will be #1.
4 La Serna- good solid team both offensive and defensively.
5 Schurr- Again good solid team, but don't think they have the talent, that the others do.
6 Pioneer- This is there year. Make or brake. There JV and freshmen teams were the worst Ive seen in years. Could go down even more if you can stop there offense to many holes defensively.
7 El Rancho- The kids from pico are tough and you can never count them out. They have 4 starters on offense and 4 on defense comming back. They had a good size line last year, but those guys are gone. lets see who comes up.
8 Cal Hi- Losing to many players from last years team. don't know if they can replace them.
9 Whittier- Will have a great running game. If they can find a passing game, and the holes in the defense. They could move to # 4 or 5.
10 Montebello- who else is left.
remember this is early this will change.
elrancho
Must we win CIF to get some respect???
Funny you’d ask that question considering the lack of respect the Rancho and others have shown SF over the years.
elrancho
No doubt that at least 10 of them will be up on varsity next year. That’s how bad ER's talent pool to draw from is!!! Why don’t you guys just drop your lower level programs all together?
St. Paul Football Schedule 2008-2009
1. 9/5/2008 @ Servite TBA
2. 9/12/2008 Garfield H.S.
3. Bye week
4. 9/26/2008 Cantwell Sacred Heart Mary
5. 10/3/2008 @ St. John Bosco
6. 10/10/2008 @ Pioneer H.S.
7. 10/17/2008 Loyola H.S.
8. 10/24/2008 @ Notre Dame H.S.
9. 10/31/2008 St. Francis H.S.
10. 11/7/2008 @ Chaminade
11. 11/14/2008 @ Alemany
el rancho
You want respect drop Cerritos, beat Bell Gardens, beat Montebello by a big score, play someone better than Arroyo, St. Paul dropped ER because there taking your kids anyway.
Best 1-2 punch Daniel Enriquez, Alex Gonzales from Whittier.
What was the JV record
Of course your freshmen are good they have 20 guys every year from youth football. In the last 10 years how many freshmen league titles has ER won. That later became varsity league champs. Thats what I thought, stop bringing out freshmen records.
Hey Anonymous,
Did SP all ready take a 33-0 at the PIT this in week #1 from Servite. Week 1 is a tough week to play a power house like that.
Good luck in week #1 in 2008.
Friar Guy, I,m in the office everyday and Servite has not called The Highlanders yet. I guess your just trying to stir the pot. We just scheduled Los Alamitos week 4 and San Clemente week 5 (2 pac5 teams)Thats enough for us this year. I doubt seriously that Servite is trying to schedule La Habra. If you called you would know that La Habra has the 2008 season schedule full. Try to set something up for 2009 if you are so inclined. I think we can get out of our game 1.
A field goal away from a league title and we are not a contender??? Must we win CIF to get some respect???
ER returns alot of talent, including Marcus Aldecoa and Marcus Galan, probably will be the best 1-2 punch in the league. The only real position ER lacks for next year is at WR. That 1 on Santa Fe's 7-1 underclass record is thanks to ER who dominated Santa Fe on the freshmen level...
ER's 2006 9-1 DRL Champ Freshmen class is ready to make an impact as Juniors. Most of these kids were on varsity last year and didnt play JV. Look for Bryan Turner to explode.
ER 2007 7-2 DRL Co Champ freshmen class is very talented, I expect at least 10 of these kids to be on varsity and a handfull will be getting some playing time.
"Servite trying to schedule both SP and La Habra. Will the Highlanders accept the challenge? I know SP will."
SP already has. SP has an away game with servite in week 1.
Santa Fe looks very promising for next year, the JV squad was very talented with even alot of kids that were pulled up to Varsity if you ask around and talk to alot of alumni we feel that this team could be the one that could win it all BUT thats all on paper!!! they got to come out and want it which i think they do long ways off everybody Pioneer is agree up and coming FINALLY!! IF they could get the the involvement of the alumni and parents that the other schools get i think they would have better along time ago.
How about basketball and baseball sports fans.
Remember that reflects on another school year where players can be uneligible from grades or a coach could find time for something else.
I guess Murray was bored during the holidays.
DRLF
Servite trying to schedule both SP and La Habra. Will the Highlanders accept the challenge? I know SP will.
thank you !!
thank you 4 not putting the spartans on that list!cause know u just started their next run at the 08 CIF SOUTHEAST CONF. CHAMPIONSHIP. again no respect from the area like every year since 2004 when those big mammoths were at schurr and couldnt get it done ! NOW the SPARTANS r gonna use this and the lost to fullerton to lift harder run longer , study their plays every night and do WIT TO get back to the championship. and it dosent matter if coach D is gone because it is SPARTAN LAW one man goes down and the guy behind him comes in and does the same job if not an EVEN better job than that man.
THANX COACH D AND GOOD LUCK TO THE NEXT COACH OF THE SPARTANS TAKE THEM BACK WHERE THEY BELONG
GO BIG GREEN
Schedules can be found at www.highschoolsports.net
Schurr should be on that list... you have Pioneer on there??! Schurr is by far the better team there...
Yeah they are losing their coach, but they still have a Championship!
Santa Fe has to get better, if they play like they did this past season, look for it to be a long one...
Where can we get a look at teams 2008 football schedules?
What is the reason Schurr is not in your top 5? Pioneer? Santa Fe? No offense, but although Santa Fe has been in the playoffs every year, they have YET to win a CIF championship. Pioneer, yes they are up and coming but that is it, up and coming!!! Schurr has been to the semi-finals in the last 2 years, winning it all in 2006 when no one thought in either year they would be there. Just ask Westminister, La Habra, and Santa Fe. All Im saying is that how u establish yourself is how far you go in the playoffs. Whittier News, take note and show Schurr some love!!!