A football top 5 (in no particular order?)
1. La Habra - Some big names are gone, Morales, Davis, Tornell, Puga, just to name a few, but weep not for the defending Southeast Division
champion Highlanders. The return of All-Area safety-turned-QB-prospect
Randall Nygren plus versatile running back/receiver Ronnie Hillman means coach Frank Mazzotta has a solid starting point to build around. And of course, programs that reach La Habra's level of consistent
efficiency don't have down years.
2. St. Paul - Defending Western Division champion Swordsmen definitely have a target on their backs but addition of impressive transfer running
back Darius Bratcher and a trio of talented quarterbacks to choose from should make things a bit easier for coach Pete Gonzales. The biggest test will be in rebuilding the defense that has become a cornerstone but
lost many key performers who contributed to a brilliant season on their
side of the ball.
3. La Mirada - Not much to show for last season, but there are some
quality remnants to work with this year for newly named co-head coaches
Mike Moschetti and Ollie Lynch. One close observer wouldn't go into detail but said, "There's good things happening there." Two of them might be returning QB Daniel Ponce de Leon and running back Devon Tracy. Another plus is the return to the sideline of A.D. Kim Brooks to oversee the project.
4. Santa Fe - The Chiefs took a beating on a couple of fronts last
season, both in and out of the arena. A lot of folks who had been waiting at least six years for a crack in the program's armor were quick to kick the big dog when Santa Fe finished under .500 in both league (2-3) and overall (5-6) for the first time since anyone could remember. However, with Aaron Turner, one of the area's top running backs, the Chiefs may feature a more conservative and efficient ground
game to take the pressure off which ever of the young quarterbacks (Alex , Flores, Cameron Oliver, Ryan Garcia?) is given the reins.
5. La Serna was on the verge of a break-through season a year ago until waylaid by California and then Pioneer in the last league game. The architect of an otherwise successful season was QB Ben Burke, and he's back to lead again. Burke's passing hopefully will help make up for the loss of leading rusher Rudy Jordan and his 1127 yards and 18 (overall) touchdowns. Graduated linebacker Nick Alvarez will be the Lancers' biggest defensive hole to fill.
Darius Bratcher, Andrew Canales, Paul Lopez, Webb should all make difference. I dont know about the defense. Any one know names?
St.Paul should do just fine. Luis Garcia #34 and Mario Obando #74(the only returning guys) should led the defense. The group of transfers wont hurt at all(it never does) They always end up helping out.
Go SP repeat!
Oh, for La Habra I forgot to mention,
Joe Casey MLB 6'1" 220
La Habra
On the defensive side of the ball, LH is returning some major role players....
Chaz Flores DT 6'3" 290
Jake Peppard DE 6'4" 225
David Arteaga SS 5'11" 190
These guys should anchor the Defense all year.
Rodger i didnt see Salerno in your mention of the LA MIRADA players is he not playing or do you know?
BROTHER-Roger love your response, we woulld like more of this fire; Bring it Brother I know you can!
So much for SP's trio of talented quarterbacks.
OLU 06: In recent seasons, a Santa Fe-Pioneer football contest most likely would have been one-sided. Pioneer coach Ramon Juarez and his staff are working hard in difficult circumstances to close the gap between the programs, and this might be the season the Titans make their biggest move in that direction. If I was a college recruiter with specific needs, perhaps I would lean toward the "loaded" three D-I contests you listed. But all four games have the potential to be exciting and entertaining. And considering the price of gas, the one closest to home might be the most feasible
So Rodger your telling me you would rather watch a SF PIONEER game over lets say MATER DEI SERVITE OR OLU EDISON MISSION V LOS AL come on !!!
JHE -- First, let it be emphasized that anything on this blog at this time concerning the upcoming football season is pure opinion-based conjecture, no matter who it's from. Hearsay and individual creativity far outweigh facts, somthing that is best kept in mind at all times. Guessing that Alex Flores is the heir apparent at quarterback, he brings an energy that can be infectious and a potential talent level that any team would be happy with. And if Cameron Oliver (not sure about that spelling) and/or Ryan Garcia have the ability to push him to greater achievements and make it a battle royale for the starting role, the offense has a good starting point. But as always, linemen hold the key to the future, both offensively and defensively. It would do prognosticators well to pay attention to what develops in those areas. Although anything is possible, hard to imagine the Chiefs' program having like seasons back-to-back after last year.
OLU 06: Your comment sounds considerably elitist. Why the hangup on what transpired the "last ...5 years?" Even if they had defeated D1, D2 or D3 teams during that time, it would have little bearing on what they can/will/will not do this season. And consider that a good football game can be played between evenly matched teams AT ANY LEVEL. As for your slight of the physically smaller athletes, realize that for most fans, boxing's smaller weight divisions often are considered much more exciting/preferred than the heavier weight classes.
Yo, yo, Cal Fan: The Condors have Top 5 potential, but it needs time to develop. No question about it: Game 2 (vs. La Mirada) will tell much about BOTH teams.
Yo, Joe: No question about Pioneer being a sleeper this season, or the abilities/capabilities of Palacios and Botello, and the Titans possessing the potential for "the most explosive offense." Should be exciting for the faithful. But can/will they play defense? Depth, or lack there off, and injuries will play huge in the depth-challenged program's grand scheme.
ROGER MURRAY; Seeing on how Santa Fe season went last year, and several key players on both side of the pill (football) are gone, you still pick them to perform very well this year why? Is there something your not saying,transfers, kids from JV, frosh? Aaron Turner by himself will make the team one dimensional, now he is a very good back but it's alot to ask.
Slugfest in the feather weight class give me a break the last time i seen any size from a drl team was a Cal high line who you going to slug it out with Pioneer.Not only has SF never won a ring they never will how many legit D1 D2 D3 teams have they beat in the last oh lets say 5 years?Now i know there what D6 or D7 BUT TOP NOTCH FOOTBALL THERE NOT!!!!
You leave out the league champs? That's cool, we like the underdog role. Game 2 @ La Mirada will be fun.Were quicker & more talented than last year. There are a couple holes to fill, but we will be fine. Thank God for football!
Why didnt you mention Pioneer in the top 5. They have probably the areas best QB in Ronnie Palacios, they have Matt Botello returing, 3 receivers returning and 4 starting lineman returing. They are going to have the most explosive offense next year.
so we hear that coach gonzalez is a football coach now why first get one sport right and then try another get real and i guess the kids do not even care for him and yes its first hand info.....
I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE DEFENDING DEL RIO LEAGUE CHAMPS ARE NOT ON THE LIST, IF YOU LOOK AT THE RECORDS OF THE UPCOMING JUNIORS AND SENIORS PAST SEASONS THE JUNIORS HAVE COMBINED RECORD OF 18-2 AND SENIORS HAVE A COMBINED RECORD OF 29-4. THEY HAVE A LOT OF RETURNERS AND DEPTH.
Stop all the hating on SF Will be back on top in no time.
You can count a slug fest with Santa Fe every fri nite, they have walked the walk, thier strength gives the Del Rio league the rep it has.....STFU Nut lvr
Why is SF rated so high because they have a decent back wow.They have nothing its time for a change at that school i dont think the players respond to coach M like they used to another 500 season at best.