And the Titles Go To...

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?