February 2008 Archives

The Matadores have a tremendous undertaking in the second of two area girls soccer championship games, going against juggernaut Mayfair.

Girls Soccer
Division III Championships

Unranked La Mirada (18-8-5) vs. No. 1 Mayfair (26-2-3)
at Warren High School, 8 p.m.

Initial Thoughts: Yikes! I know the championship game is supposed to be challenging but wow. It almost seems unfair to La Mirada, which had to pull off three different upsets to get here.

Why La Mirada will win -
Everybody loves an underdog and that's what La Mirada is. The Matadores are not the same team that lost twice to Mayfair 5-1 and are playing their best ball of the season. As has been seen throughout the playoffs, different Mats have stepped up with big plays during their postseason run. It's going to take a total team effort to win this game.

Why Mayfair will win -
Ultimately, the Monsoons just expect to reach the title game every year as this is their third straight visit. You can point to just about any position and Mayfair has strong talent. The Monsoons have been known to take it easy at times and relax but that's not likely in the championship game.

La Mirada X-Factor:
The Mats need to score early and hold onto a lead. They need to be able to put some pressure on Mayfair. If they fall behind, they can't give up either.

Mayfair X-Factor:
Talent. Whether it's crisp passes or laser goals, the Monsoons are just difficult to beat. They do have a lot of size on La Mirada and will likely win the war in the air.

The pick: I hope La Mirada proves me wrong, but Mayfair 4-1.

In the first of two local girls soccer championship games, La Serna looks to add its first title in school history.

Girls Soccer
Division IV Championships

No. 3 La Serna (25-3) vs. No. 4 Granite Hills (20-5-2)
at Downey High School, 4 p.m.

Initial Thoughts: Will anyone score in this game? The Cougars have posted eight shutouts over their last 10 games. La Serna has only given up three goals over the last 15 games.

Why La Serna will win -
The Lancers are a better all-around team. It's like the old saying goes, the best defense is a good offense. Despite back-to-back 1-0 wins, La Serna dominated both La Salle and Bishop Montgomery, last year's Division IV champion and runner-up, in the previous two rounds. La Serna is also one of the better passing teams in the division and will get plenty of good looks before the day is done.

Why Granite Hills will win -
There might not be a better coach in the division than Granite Hill's Mike Bradbury. The Cougars just missed reaching the divisional finals last year and return with another young but strong team. Granite Hills knocked off No. 1-ranked Serrano just to get to the title game. This was the same Serrano team that pasted them 4-0 earlier in the year. What I like about Granite Hills is that they're not afraid to take chances. And that's what it's going to take to win. Somebody is going to have to really challenge La Serna goalie Nicole Godinez.

La Serna X-Factor:
Just play your game and finish your opportunities The Lancers take an awful lot of shots for the number of goals they actually connect on.

Granite Hills X-Factor:
Lock-down defense. The Cougars smothered Serrano's big star Kauren Tarver, who was the focal point of the offense. Expect the same defense on Nicole Reed and Jordan Dolbin.

The pick: This was the toughest of all three but I'm going to go with La Serna, 2-1.

Okay Soccer Fans,

We've got a boys championship game. Here's my breakdown and the pick. I hope to see a large crowd out there tomorrow.

Boys Soccer

Division III Championships
No. 3 La Habra (25-4-1) vs. No. 1 Saddleback (25-2-1)
at Downey High School, 2 p.m.

Initial Thoughts: This is a great offensive matchup between two teams that score about three goals a game. The postseason run has been challenging for both teams as La Habra has won three one-goal games while Saddleback has clinched two.

Why La Habra will win -
Don't let the one-goal differential fool you, the Highlanders have been clearly in charge in three of their four playoff wins. They were up 3-0 over Nogales before the Nobles scored two cheap goals. The Highlanders also blasted Santa Ana Valley 4-1 in the quarterfinals and had solid control of a 2-1 win over El Rancho. Against Santa Maria in the second round, La Habra showed grit in coming back on the road for a 3-2 victory.

Why Saddleback will win -
The Roadrunners are 1 of 3 top seeds to advance to finals, showing that they can deal with the pressure. While the talk of offense is prevalent, this is a Saddleback defense that has posted 10 shutouts in its last 12 games and has not given up more than two goals in over a month.

La Habra X-Factor:
Defense. Pure and simple. If the Highlanders can hold Saddleback to two or fewer goals, they increase their chances at a win big time.

Saddleback X-Factor:
Cashing in opportunities. I guess this could apply for La Habra as well. However, Saddleback had quite a few solid looks against Santa Ynez and Fullerton, but only came away with 1-0 wins, albeit, against great defenses.

The pick: I'm rooting for La Habra but I'm going with Saddleback 3-2.

Four area high school soccer teams reached the CIF Southern Section playoff semifinals and three of them advanced to Saturday's championship finales.
It might have been all four had not two of the locals played each other in the semifinals.

In boys soccer, Division III, La Habra will play No. 1 seed Saddleback at 2 p.m. at Downey High school. The Highlanders advanced at the expense of Del Rio League champion El Rancho, defeating the Dons, 2-1, Tuesday.
In girls soccer, Division III, La Mirada will play a familiar opponent in Mayfair at 8 p.m. at Warren High School. La Mirada and Mayfair are members of the Suburban League. Mayfair defeated the Matadores twice in league play.
In Division IV, Del Rio League champion La Serna will take on Granite Hills at 4 p.m. at Downey High School. La Serna is the division's No. 3 seeded team . Granite Hills is the No. 4 seed.

Combined with Whittier Christian's game against Maranatha for the Division V-AA championship in girls basketball at 9:30 a.m. at The Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, dedicated local sports followers could make a day of it by attending all four events.

Whittier Christian's defending CIF champion girls basketball team will play Maranatha for this year's Division V-AA title at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at The Walter Pyramid in Long Beach.
The teams are members of the Alpha League, and have played twice this season. Whittier Christian won both games by scores of 41-34 and 37-24.
Admission ticket prices for the game are $9 for adults, $5 for students with I.D. and $5 for children.
Parking at The Pyramid is $5.

Two of the CIF Southern Section's most successful coaches over the past
two seasons have been selected to head the East and West teams for the
41st Annual 605 All-Star Football Classic.
The game is scheduled to be played Saturday, June 7th at Cerritos
College.
Long Beach Poly's Raul Lara will guide the East team. Lakewood High's
Thadd MacNeal will lead the West squad.
Lara's Jackrabbits won the CIF-SS Pac 5 Division championship in
December. It was Lara's third CIF-SS championship team in four years. He has
been the Jackrabbits' coach since 2001.
MacNeal just completed his second season at the Helm for the Lancers.
This season, Lakewood lost to Poly in Moore League play, 13-6, the
Jackrabbits' closest victory of the season.
MacNeal is 10-2 in Moore League play and his team has finished second to
Poly the past two years.
Schools represented on the East team are Artesia, California, Cerritos,
Cypress, Fullerton, Gahr, John Glenn, Kennedy, La Habra, La Mirada, La
Serna, LB Poly, Los Alamitos, Los Altos, Mayfair, Norwalk, Pioneer,
Santa Fe, St. John Bosco, St. Paul, Sonora, Whittier and Whittier
Christian.

West team players are from Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Long Beach
Cabrillo, Cantwell, Carson, Compton, Dominguez, Don Bosco Tech, Downey,
El Rancho, Garfield, Lakewood, Long Beach Jordan, Long Beach Wilson,
Lynwood, Millikan, Montebello, Paramount, Schurr, St. Anthony, South
Gate, Cerritos Valley Christian and Warren.

Just wondering: Is the June 7 date too early or late in the summer/ Or would it be better suited for an early August date?

Whittier Christian High School's girls basketball team and four
area soccer teams are still alive in the CIF Southern Section playoffs.
Whittier Christian defeated Villanova Prep, 48-30, Saturday night for
the opportunity to play for a second consecutive division championship.
The Heralds will face Alpha League mate Maranatha for the Division
V-AA title. The game will be played either Friday or Saturday at the
Walter Pyramid in Long Beach.
The day and time is expected to be announced Wednesday.

Soccer semifinals are scheduled Tuesday.
In girls action, La Mirada will host Santa Monica in Division III,
and La Serna will take on visiting Bishop Montgomery.
In a boys game matching two area teams, Del Rio League champion El
Rancho travels to play Freeway League champion La Habra.

Baseball and softball teams begin the season with nonleague action
Friday.

It's time to make your preseason predictions.

St. Paul High School, boys basketball.
Season record: 20-9.
Camino Real League: 7-3, second place
CIF Southern Section, Division IV-A:
First round - 70-56 over Whittier Christian
Second round - 75-46 over Flintridge Prep
Quarterfinals - 53-52 over Joel John Scholastic Academy
Next opponent: Semifinals, vs. Cerritos Valley Christian
Roster: Seniors - 1; Juniors - 8; Sophomores 3
Starters: Seniors - 0; Juniors 3; Sophomores 2
Nos./Names: 2 Dont'e Webb, 3 Willie Duff, 10 Jerome Orbita, 11 Steven
Saenz, 13 Edgar Rodriguez, 15 Jacob Garcia, 21 Hector Anaya, 22 Michael
Calderon, 31 Kevin Garcia, 33 Matthew Mata, 42 Paul Lopez, 44 Adrian
Flores.

Super stars: None.
Marquee players: None
Players 6-4 /taller: None

Who ARE these guys??

Nine boys teams, seven girls teams will continue to compete in the CIF-SS postseason tournament.

Tuesday's games:
Boys basketball:
Div.Girls I-AA: Dominguez at La Mirada.
Div. II-AA: La Habra at Murrieta Valley.
Div. III-AA: Campbell Hall at Montebello; Schurr at Oak Park.
Div. IV: St. Paul at Joel John School.
On paper at least, toughest test ahead: La Mirada hosting Division No.1 seed. Montebello, a close second with No. 1 seed Campbell Hall.
Most mysterious foe: Joel John School, listed in the CIFdirectory as a coed enrollment of 45 students and a member of the International League.

Boys soccer:
Div. III; Century at La Mirada; La Habra at Santa Maria; El Rancho at Walnut.
Div. IV: St. Margaret's at St. Paul.

Wednesday's games:
Girls basketball:
Div. III-AA: Marlborough at St. Paul.
Div. V-AA: Whittier Christian at La Reina.

Girls soccer:
Div. III: La Mirada at Garden Grove Pacifica.
Div. IV: California at Paloma Valley; Oxnard Pacifica at La Serna.

Girls water polo:
Div. III: Whittier vs. Ayala, (site to be determined, but possibly Chino Hills HS).
Div. VI: La Habra vs. Sunny Hills, at William J. Woolett Center, Irvine, 3:30 p.m.
NOTE: How tough is the Freeway League?
Three of the four semifinalists (No. 1 seed La Habra, No. 3 seed Sonora, and Sunny Hills) are from the league.

While I was taking in last Wednesday's boys basketball playoff game between Cal-Hi and South Hills, Condors football coach Jim Arnold, the reigning WDN Coach of the Year, dropped off this year's finalized Cal-Hi football schedule.

It seems that the Condors have lopped off a couple of easy teams in favor of some stiffer competition.

I spoke to Coach Arnold yesterday and he felt the Condors' preseason could stand to be a little more challenging, prompting him to make changes.

Check out Thursday's paper for more of Arnold's comments.

Anyway, here's the schedule. I thought it was interesting that both Arnold and Pioneer coach Ramon Juarez felt the need for a nonleague upgrade.

Basically, the Condors dropped Bassett and Buena Park in favor of La Mirada and Pacifica.

How do you think the Condors will fare this season? How does a coach walk the fine line of scheduling challenging squads without burning out his kids before league? When is a schedule too easy or too tough?

2007 Nonleague Schedule**
09/07 v. Rowland (8-3)
09/14 at El Monte (4-6)
09/21 v. Bassett (1-9)
09/28 at Schurr (10-4)
10/05 v. Buena Park (1-9)

Overall Record (24-31)

2008 Nonleague Schedule*
09/12 at Rowland (3-8) Friday, 7 p.m.
09/19 at La Mirada (4-7) Friday, 7 p.m.
09/25 v. Pacifica (10-3) Thursday, 7 p.m.
10/02 v. Schurr (8-5) Thursday, 7 p.m.
10/09 at El Monte (5-5) Thursday, 7 p.m.

Overall Record (30-28)

Bold Indicates Upper Division Opponent
* 2007 Records
** 2006 Records

Remaining Del Rio League Schedule

10/17 at El Rancho, Friday, 7 p.m.
10/23 v. Pioneer, Thursday, 7 p.m.
10/31 v. Santa Fe, Friday, 7 p.m.
11/07 at La Serna, Friday, 7 p.m.
11/14 v. Whittier, Friday, 7 p.m.

It happens every year at the start of the postseason. Family, friends, classmates and spectators will head down to a CIF playoff basketball game starting tonight and will be surprised with the prices.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is going to cost a few dollars to enter tonight's games.

It's $8 for adults and $5 for students (with high school ID's) and children (13 and under).

While I love high school basketball, like many of you do, it is sad that it would cost a family of four anywhere from $26-32 to go attend a game. I'm not sure how high prices promotes the game?

You've been warned.

It's only a proposal, at least for now, but the CIF Southern Section reportedly is being asked to separate private schools from public schools in the playoffs for all team sports.
The two major issues appear to be the funding and how its obtained on which high schools operate, and the public schools' resentment for the private schools' opportunities to recruit.

How about it?
Should the CIF-SS split its playoffs into private and public divisions?
If yes, why? And if no, why not?
Briefly, please, briefly.

Whittier High school senior Lauren Barron has made an oral commitment to attend UC Berkeley. She said she'll sign the official letter of intent in April.
A key member of two Cardinal CIF championship teams, Barron is a four-year starter and a two-time Daily News all-area selection.
This season, she leads the Cardinals in scoring and is one of the area's most versatile players.

Any info' out there concerning other water polo players who have committed or are planning to commit to colleges?

With the CIF's winter season sports beginning the stretch drive with playoffs in basketball, soccer, girls water polo and wrestling opening this week, the spring sports are pushing for some of the limelight.

Here's a list of area teams included in the preseason polls for baseball, softball and boys volleyball:

In baseball, Division III, defending Suburban League champion La Mirada is No. 3 and California is No. 6.
In Division V, defending champ Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary is No. 3 and St. Paul is No. 5.

In Softball, perennial Del Rio League contenders California and La Serna are ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, while in Division IV, St. Paul is No. 10.
Cantwell is No. 6 in Division VI.

Only one local program cracked a Top 10 ranking in boys volleyball, with La Serna at No. 6 in Division III, and Montebello among others receiving votes in the division.

Any idea which teams would comprise the Daily News area's top five in baseball and softball?
And why? (Briefly, please, briefly.)

Caption: La Serna's Jordan Dolbin kicks a shot during the Lancers game against San Luis Obispo in the semifinals of the North Orange County Classic girls soccer tournament at La Serna High School on Friday Dec. 28, 2007.

A total of nine area teams qualified to this week's CIF-Southern Section Divisional playoffs which start Wednesday with the wild-card rounds.

Division III

Saturday

Norco (12-4-5) at La Mirada (14-7-5), 3 p.m., First Round

Division IV

Saturday

Lompoc Cabrillo (10-8-6) at California (15-7-2), 3 p.m., First Round
Hesperia (13-8-3) at La Serna (21-3), 3 p.m., First Round
Santa Fe (17-6-3) at Ocean View (13-5-5), 3 p.m., First Round

Division V

Wednesday

Pomona (7-9-4) at Schurr (7-6-6), 3 p.m., Wild-card Round
Whittier Christian (8-11-4) at El Segundo (13-7-2), 3 p.m., Wild-card Round

Saturday

Montebello (9-7-5) at St. Bonaventure (15-4-2), 3 p.m., First Round

Division VI

Wednesday

Cantwell-Sacred Heart (3-7-1) at Duarte (11-6-2), 3 p.m., Wild-card Round

Saturday

St. Paul (8-9) at Animo Leadership (18-5-1), 3 p.m., First Round

Here is the entire bracket from Division I to VI.

Girls Soccer Pairings.pdf

Caption: Cal-Hi's Jefferson Hernandez, left, and El Rancho's Douglas Sorino, right, try to head the ball during Wednesday's game in Pico Rivera Feb. 6th. Cal-Hi led at the half 1-0 but ultimately fell 2-1. (SGVN/staff photo by Greg Andersen/SWSports)

A total of eight area teams qualified to this week's CIF-Southern Section Divisional playoffs which start Tuesday with the wild-card rounds.

Division I

Friday

Mater Dei (16-7-2) at Schurr (16-4-4), 3 p.m., First Round
Montebello (12-8-1) at Aliso Niguel (17-6-2), 3 p.m., First Round

Division III

Wednesday

La Serna (8-10-2) at Lynwood (12-7-3), 3 p.m., Wednesday, Wild-card Round

Friday

California (13-3-5) at Fullerton (17-5-1), 3 p.m., First Round
La Serna/Lynwood at La Mirada (14-5-3), 3 p.m., First Round
Westminster (10-8-3)/Nogales (10-12-2) at La Habra (20-2-2), 3 p.m., First Round
Norco (8-9-6) at El Rancho (16-4-3), 3 p.m., First Round

Division VI

Wednesday

Frazier Mountain (9-10-6) at St. Paul (9-11-2), 3 p.m., Wild-card Round

Here is the entire bracket from Division I to VI.

Boys Soccer Pairings.pdf

Caption: La Habra's Julia Pecina shoots for a goal as the Highlanders play Sonora in their girls water polo match at La Habra High School on Thursday, Feb. 7. Sonora beat La Habra 13-12 in overtime. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger/Sports)

Six area schools qualified for the CIF-Southern Section Divisional playoffs which begin this Tuesday.

Almont League champion Montebello (15-11) and Almont League No. 3 Schurr (7-7) are the area qualifiers in Division I, which begins first-round action on Wednesday.

The Del Rio League's three entries in Division III include league champion Whittier (15-7) along with runner-up El Rancho (22-7) and third-place La Serna (20-6). The Dons and Lancers open up wild-card play on Tuesday while Whittier sits back and waits till Thursday's first round.

Finally, in Division VI, Freeway League co-champion La Habra (18-11) received a Tuesday bye and will get started Thursday in the second round.

Here are the complete brackets from Division I to VI. Check out tomorrow's paper for more info.

GWP Pairings.pdf

Breaking News from the CIF-Southern Section Division III Wrestling Dual Meet Championships from Whittier High School.

Santa Fe High School's bid to win its second straight CIF-SS Division III Team Title and third in four years was halted by top-seeded West Covina South Hills High School, who defeated the Chiefs in a stunning fashion, 51-14.

Santa Fe's victories were posted by Dimitri Crouch (112 pounds, a 12-0 decision), Marcus Orona (119 pounds, a 3-2 decision), Daniel Couts (152 pounds, an 18-10 decision) and Nikolai Crouch (171 pounds, a 5-2 decision).

There will be more in tomorrow's paper.

Here are the final results from the tournament, posted here first.

Division III Final Results.pdf

Breaking News from the CIF-Southern Section Division III Wrestling Dual Meet Championships from Whittier High School.

Both top teams, No. 1-ranked South Hills (11-2) and No.2-ranked Santa Fe (8-0) have survived the first three rounds and will meet in the Divisional Finals today at 7 p.m. in a rematch of last year's final, won by Santa Fe 38-21.

Santa Fe enters ranked No. 2 in Division III by the CIF-Southern Section. However, thecaliforniawrestler.com has them ranked No. 6 in the Southern Section and 12th in the state.
South Hills enters ranked No. 1 in Division III by the CIF-Southern Section but thecaliforniawrestler.com has them ranked No. 8 in the Southern Section and No. 26 in state.

Breaking News from the CIF-Southern Section Division III Wrestling Dual Meet Championships from Whittier High School.

La Serna falls to undefeated Montclair in the first round by a score of 67-9.

The Lancers (6-3), the No. 2 seed from the Rio Hondo League surrendered pins on 9 of 14 matches to No. 5-ranked Montclair (19-0), the Mt. Baldy League champions.

La Serna wins were turned in by senior Jacob Powell, who won an 8-5 decision over Montclair's Lance Cisneros in the 145-pound bout, and by 103-pounder Jordan Vega, who pinned Minh Wong.

This was taken directly from the San Gabriel Valley Tribunes' website from Prep Sports Editor Fred Robledo, a friend of the paper.

I know how much the St. Paul community likes to keep up to date with what's going on with its arch rival.

"Breaking News: Bishop Amat hires Steve Hagerty to take over football program"

"Bishop Amat named Steve Hagerty as its next head football coach, succeeding coach Mark Verti, who resigned in January. Hagerty is a 1980 graduate of Bishop Amat, and later returned to the school as an assistant under former coach Mark Paredes. Hagerty left Amat to become the head coach at Paraclete High School, where he won three CIF-SS Divisional titles, then left in 2000 to become an assistant with Paredes at J.W. North High School. In 2002 Hagerty became the head coach at North after Paredes moved on, and led North to the CIF finals. He left North to become the head coach at Riverside Poly, where his children attended school. After four unsuccessful years at Poly (10-27-3), he resigned to become the offensive coordinator at Citrus Hill, who won the 2007 East Valley Division title.
There will be more in tomorrow's paper with reaction from coach Hagerty."

As national signing day has come and gone, several prep and junior college athletes declared where they will be playing this fall while others still wait and hope to catch on somewhere. And then there was this guy. Please don't do this.

Here's an article by the Reno Post Gazette's Chris Gabel, who has been following the story and provided a lot of background info. Thanks to ESPN for the video.

http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/PREPSPORTS/802070361/1018/SPORTS

Caption: Wrestling duel meet action between Cal High Condors and Santa Fe Chiefs. Match at Cal High, Thursday, January 10, 2008. (Photo by Chris Burt/ Correspondent/Sports)

Three local schools will take their dreams of a championship to the mat in this Saturday's CIF-Southern Section Dual Meet Wrestling Championships.

Santa Fe (5-0), defending Division III champion, opens up at 11:00 a.m. against Barstow (11-15), the No. 2 seed out of the Desert League. The Chiefs, also Del Rio League champion, are the No. 2 seed in Division III behind last year's runner up South Hills (8-2).

La Serna (6-2), the Del Rio's League No. 2 entry, tangles with Mt. Baldy League Champion Montclair (18-0), ranked No. 5 in the division.

Both squads do have one distinct advantage as the Division III Championships will be held at Whittier High School.

Schurr (9-3), the Almont League runner-up and ranked No. 6 in the latest CIF-SS Division V poll, takes on unranked De Anza League champion Yucca Valley (8-3) in the first round at San Gabriel High School, also at 11 a.m.

Weigh-in/Grooming begins at 9 a.m. with all first-round bouts starting at 11 a.m.

Here are the pairings from Division I to VI:

Wrestling.pdf

As of Wednesday morning, former California High School football coach Dusan Ancich hadn't signed a contract yet, and his hiring as a football coach at Villa Park High School still has to be approved by the school board, but observers close to the situation consider it just a formality.
In any case, when the process is completed, he will be the Spartans' co-head coach, along with current head coach Pat Mahoney, and not an assistant under Mahoney, as implied in initial releases concerning the hiring.
Ancich will take the reins solo when Mahoney retires after this season.

Caption: Schurr teammates celebrate as their game against Bell Gardens ends in a tie during their Almont League boys soccer title game at Bell Gardens High School on Tuesday February 5, 2008. Schurr and Bell Gardens tied with a score of 1-1, giving Schurr the edge for the Almont League Championship. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger/Sports)

Just about every area boys and girls soccer league race has been decided. Here are some updates on the squads and the latest rankings.

BOYS SOCCER

1. La Habra (20-2-2, 8-1)
Last Ranking: 2
League Standing: First in Freeway
CIF Ranking: No. 2 in Division III

I questioned the poise of the Highlanders; if they would be able to win in a hostile environment in a physical game. Then La Habra avenged its only Freeway League defeat of the season with a great 2-1 win over top-ranked Fullerton on the road Friday. Hope the team got used to that type of game because that's all they're going to get in the postseason.

2. El Rancho (15-4-3, 8-0-1)
Last Ranking: 1
League Standing: First in Del Rio
CIF Ranking: No. 10 in Division III

The Dons didn't do anything to lose the top spot. It was more of La Habra elevating its game to another level. However, it will be interesting to see how El Rancho handles today's big league contest against Cal-Hi having already clinched a league title. Will El Rancho remained undefeated in league?

3. Schurr (13-5-3, 5-0-3)
Last Ranking: 4
League Standing: First in Almont
CIF Ranking: NR in Division I

While the Spartans only picked up one win against fellow Almont League heavyweights Montebello and Bell Gardens, they remained unbeaten with three ties. Picking up a crucial tie at Bell Gardens on Tuesday was difficult and showed Schurr's resolve. There shouldn't been any let ups with easy games against San Gabriel and Keppel remaining.

4. La Mirada (14-5-3, 10-1-1)
Last Ranking: 3
League Standing: First in the Suburban League
CIF Ranking: No. 5 in Division III

While the huge win over Bellflower wasn't negated because of the tough loss to Norwalk, the defeat does now leave the back door open for the possibility of a Bellflower co-league championship. But let's get past that defeat. Congrats to the Mats on a great season and especially congrats to coach Philip Yovino. It wasn't too long ago that a league title seemed far-fetched.

5. Cal-Hi (13-2-5, 6-1-2)
Last Ranking: 5
League Standing: Second in Del Rio
CIF Ranking: NR in Division III

For consistency sake, the Condors could use a strong season finale against El Rancho as a buoy into the playoffs. Even coach Dave Rolfe will admit that his squad will play great one week and poorly the next. Will the Cal-Hi squad that tied La Mirada and La Habra earlier in the season emerge or the team that has struggled recently show up?

Still Alive in Playoff Hunt:
Montebello (11-7-1, 5-2-1), La Serna (8-10-2, 4-4-1), Santa Fe (6-7-2, 3-5-1), St. Paul (8-10-2, 7-2) and Whittier Christian (7-12-3, 4-3-2).

Caption: La Serna vs Cal Hi during action Thursday January 31st 2008 in Whittier. La Serna beat Cal Hi 6-0. (SGVN/staff photo by Greg Andersen/SWSports)

GIRLS SOCCER

1. La Serna (20-3, 9-0)
Last Ranking: 1
League Standing: First in Del Rio
CIF Ranking: No. 3 in Division IV

It's another 20-win season for the Lancers, who coasted to perhaps their easiest league title in quite some time. What has been most impressive and perhaps overlooked has been the stout defense, which has surrendered three goals in nine league games.

2. La Mirada (14-7-5, 9-2-1)
Last Ranking: 3
League Standing: Second in Suburban
CIF Ranking: NR in Division III

How did the Mats respond to their loss to league-leader Mayfair? Since that game La Mirada has won four straight games, including 4-1 season-finale victory over Norwalk on Tuesday. Coach Dennis Guerra is quietly confident with this bunch that is playing quite well and looks ready for a strong postseason run.

3. Cal-Hi (14-7-2, 7-2)
Last Ranking: 2
League Standing: Second in Del Rio
CIF Ranking: NR in Division IV

The Condors shook off a bad loss to La Serna with an impressive 3-1 win over Santa Fe to solidify their second place standing in the Del Rio League. The girls are playing well for co-coach Harvey Chun, who might retire after this season.

4. Santa Fe (16-6-3, 5-4)
Last Ranking: 4
Standing in League: Third in Del Rio
CIF Ranking: NR in Division IV

It's pretty simple for Santa Fe. When they score they win, when they don't they lose. The Chiefs have scored a grand total of one goal in their six loses this season. A solid defense can only take you so far.

5. Montebello (7-7-6, 4-2-4)
Last Ranking: 5
Standing in League: Second in Almont
CIF Ranking: NR in Division V

While the Oilers seem destined to make the playoffs, their play of late has not been too strong. Montebello had an inexplicable 2-2 tie against winless Alhambra on Tuesday. The Oilers will have to pick up their play before the postseason.

Still Alive in Playoff Hunt:
Whittier Christian 8-11-3, 3-4-2 and St. Paul 8-9, 5-2.

Agree or Disagree with the Rankings? Who's going to survive?

Standout running back Rudy Jordan, who helped Schurr High School win the Southeast Division football championship in 2006, then transferred to La Serna High School and played for the Lancers this past fall, has transferred back to Schurr.
While it is rumored Jordan's return to the Spartans was motivated by a desire to play baseball at Schurr, La Serna football coach Margarito Beltran doesn't think baseball had anything to do with the decision.
"It was his idea to go back," Beltran said. "I just think he wanted to graduate with his friends over there," Beltran said. "He has friends here, too, but I think he wanted to graduate with his class."
Beltran emphasized there are no hard feelings on his part nor hidden agendas in Jordan's actions.
"I'm happy for the kid, he's a great kid," Beltran said. "Everything (good) you've heard about him is true. An awesome kid."

Caption: New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is doused by his player Madison Hedgecock after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The Giants victory over the Patriots will surely go down as one of the biggest in sports history.

It got me thinking about some recent upsets (since 2001) and where they rank in the Whittier area.

Here's my order? Do you agree or disagree? Were some ranked too high or too low? What did I miss?

10. Undefeated Cantwell falls in the first round to visiting Brentwood in 2002 -

The Cardinals defense, which had posted five shutouts, had only allowed one opponent to score in double digits before losing to Brentwood, the third seed out of the Alpha League, 36-26.

9. El Rancho knocks off Cal-Hi in 2007 Del Rio League finale -

A Dons squad that was 0-10 a year earlier, defeated a supposedly superior Condors team, 13-6, in the final week to earn a playoff birth.

8. La Habra defeats Fullerton in the 2003 Division IX Semifinals -

The Highlanders were embarrassed 35-3 in the team's first meeting at Fullerton. So it was very surprising when La Habra knocked off an 11-1 Fullerton squad 14-6 en route to its second straight divisional title.

7. Mayfair upsets La Mirada 22-9 in the 2001 Division VI Championship Game -

The win was a stunning turnaround from a 28-0 La Mirada regular season win over Mayfair. The Matadores (11-1), who scored an average of 34 points a game during the postseason, were held to a season-low nine points.

6. Whittier Christian knocks off Whittier in 2006 regular season meeting 41-13 -

Okay, so maybe it doesn't seem like that much of an upset now. But remember this was a Division XIII team taking down a Division VII team handily.

5. La Serna knocks off unbeaten Rosemead in Division VII first round in 2005 -

This was a 10-0 Rosemead team that was talking about a Division VII championship. That was until, La Serna, which was expected to be blown out, instead dominated the host Panthers 21-6.

4. St. Paul knocks off undefeated Culver City in Division III quarterfinals, 32-26, in 2 OT's this past season.

There were missed extra points, blocked field goals and a surprise second-half appearance that went into one of the better games of the year.

3. Schurr holds off La Habra 9-7 in Division VII 2006 semifinal -

I know, I know, the Highlanders had a big injury during the game in losing quarterback Chris Morales, but it still was an impressive victory.

2. San Gabriel's 2003 Division VII Semifinal upset over Santa Fe -

An 11-1 Santa Fe football team had been beating up teams left and right before bowing to the unlikeliest of teams in the most unlikeliest of runs.

1. Schurr trumps Santa Fe 40-22 in the 2006 Division VII Championship Game -

Remember the talk about the 2006 Chiefs being the greatest team in school history. It took a historic upset from a Schurr squad that lost by 33 points in its season finale to end Santa Fe's run.

With a record of 11-14 a year ago and no senior leadership, it would have been reasonable to figure this a rebuilding year for St. Paul's boys basketball team.
The Swordsmen accepted the challenge, however, and Monday night clinched a berth in the CIF-SS postseason playoffs by finishing second in the Camino Real League.
Memories are hazy concerning the last time St. Paul finished second, but the trip to to the tournament is the first since 2002.
"“This has been a tremendous effort by these guys,” Coach Robert Miller said. “They have brought St. Paul (boys) basketball back to some measure of respect."

St. Paul High School linebacker David Flores has committed orally to attend Minnesota State University, Morehead, a member .
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior is expected to sign his letter of intent during ceremonies at St. Paul Wednesday.
Flores, who transferred from Santa Fe High School after his junior season, earned Daily News first team all-area honors and was named the CIF-Southern Section, Western Division Defensive Player of the Year.
He was a key contributor in the Swordsmen's winning the division championship.
The MSUM Dragons were 4-7 overall in 2007, including 4-6 in the 11-team Nothern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, a member in the NCAA's Division II.

Are there any other locals who are planning to commit Wednesday??

Former California High School football coach Dusan Ancich has been hired as an assistant at Villa Park with the intent of his becoming the Spartans' head coach in 2009.
Tom Fox, a former assistant athletic director at St. Paul High and now Villa Park's athletic director, said Ancich will work this coming season under current head coach Pat Mahoney and then assume the head coaching position when Mahoney retires following the 2008 season.