It's early, but easy to tab La Habra as area's No. 1
Keeping in mind ranking high school football teams at this time of the year is foolhardy at best, here's an early, preseason ranking of the area's Top 5 high school teams:
1. La Habra: This one is easy. Coach Frank Mazzotta's got a good thing going, and despite losing key players like RB Ronnie Hillman (San Diego State) and QB Randall Nygren (Southern Utah University), for the Highlanders, each season seems to be more a matter of reloading than rebuilding.
From here on, you can just about take your pick:
2. Santa Fe: The Chiefs regained their Del Rio League title in 2008, and figure to be better this year with QB Alex Flores a year older, wiser and faster, WR Andrew Jackson a legitimate post-season honors candidate, and up-and-coming RB Jonathan Pineda showing the way.
3. La Mirada: No question the Matadores will throw the ball, most likely with QB Daniel Poncedeleon at the controls, but can they complement him with a ground game? A new attitude and enthusiasm overall are a big plus, but will they carry over to the field and be enough?
4. St. Paul: Another surprise here. Most observers expect the Swordsmen to struggle because of their very challenging schedule, but it would be foolish not to respect coach Marijon Ancich's return to the program. No team will play harder than will the Swordsmen, and being undersized on a weekly basis is nothing new for them.
5. Schurr: Although inexperienced at quarterback, nevertheless, still it is difficult to ignore the Spartans, who seem to be filling holes every preseason, then winning the Almont League title (six in a row, seven in eight years) and challenging in the CIF-SS' postseason tournament (2006 champion). They are 27-3 in league the past six seasons.
For the sake of argument, ranking the remainder of the area teams:
6. California, 7. La Serna, 8. Pioneer, 9. El Rancho, 10. Montebello, 11. Whittier, 12. Cantwell, 13. Whittier Christian.
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About this blog
Roger Murray is the prep sports editor for the Whittier Daily News.
What no love for the Montebello football team. Remember they have the old Saint Paul staff, just that should put them in the top ten. What do you think all of you out there.
I have left my contact details simply as i represent an institution who is always looking for bright individuals who also excel at sport. Discussing personal details on a public forum is not really the correct way to carry out negotiations. But, we are always looking at ways to maximise potential through sponsorship. If this has upset parents, i appologise, this was not intended. I will reply to e-mail correspondence from parents only.
Anonymous, not sure what type of info you are looking for. You can look at these websites and get contact info from them. Good luck.
www.lhhsfootball.com
www.lahabrahighschool.net
Anonymous said:
davehyde777@googlemail.com
There's something wrong with your blog. Why not contact La Habra. Because what is said in the dark is never any good. Sunshine is the great sanitizer.
davehyde777@googlemail.com
Guys, this is my contact e-mail address, appologies to the administrator of this blog, but i really need to talk to parents/people who are familiar with La Habra.
I just want to talk in private rather than presenting my questions/opinions on a public forum.
I appreciate anyone who mails me, i will get back to you!
To all,
If La Habra is located in Orange County, why don't you put them with the elite teams in the OC?
CLAN DAD, would it be possible to speak to you, is there any way of sharing email addresses, are you allowed to post a contact email address on here or is there another way to make contact with posters other than publically on here?
hey fool what do you mean about.......Not an American name though Elkington, it stands out, I think it’s Norwegian? Is there names that are American and some that are not? Please name the truly American NAMES!!!!
"Ridiculously High" was a compliment....I like ELK. He will probably end up at an Ivy League school. He told me he loves it at La Habra.
So, umm, thanks for the feedback gentlemen. Elkington, you think he has promise, academically and sports?
I have to admit I am hearing good things; character is an important trait when it comes to an individual who may go all the way? He must have a good strong family, back ground. Not an American name though Elkington, it stands out, I think it’s Norwegian?
Anyway, I will be watching him, keeping an eye on him, always worth taking a gamble on a sixteen year old that shows the maturity of a twenty six year old.
Hey Clan Dad-
Whats so "ridiculously" about a GPA of 4.8- it is possible....taking honors and AP classes...more kids should be inspired by him- he probably has great family unit and support- or he just is intellectually gifted! Good luck Kid...Credo For Life!!!!
Josh Elkington (the guys called him ELK) was and is one of my favorite friends of my son's. They (SP) still speak highly of him - hes the one that got away. I understood - he left only for academic reasons- he needed a more challenging program and if that GPA that Clan Dad states is correct- then his family made a great choice in transferring him to La Habra. Good luck and God Bless You Josh.
Anonymous, Josh Elkington (OL 5-10, 240) is doing great at La Habra. He is the starting center on the O-Line and is carrying a ridiculously high GPA, 4.8
St Paul #4?? Well they should enjoy it since #3 La Mirada will be beating them in the season opener. Good choice in picking La Habra #1 they are clearly the class in this area at this time! Good luck to all area teams!
Ok Murray here is my early picks
1. La Habra - Thats a no brainer.
It's close between 2-3
2. St. Paul - There record will not show it, but who else has to play the teams they do week in week out.
3. Santa Fe - The Del Rio is down and so is SF. QB is good, O Line is solid, RB'S ?, one big solid WR. DEF is not as good as in the past.
4. La Mirada - Has to be their break out year
5. California - They have beaten Schurr 2 years in a roll. One solid RB (Jones) comming back, their QB is a drop back type not like last years QB who could run on you. There O Line is not as big as last years and is inexpericed. DEF is good but a lot of holes to fill.
6. Schurr - Cal and La Serna would have won the Almont league the last two years. Two solid WR, Off and Def Line very weak. Alot of players going both ways.
7. Whittier - I know what everybodys thinking, but the other teams are in worse shape then Whittier. QB is better after last year. Big fast RB (Gonzalez) could be the best in league. Top WR is back. Def could be as good as last years.
8. El Rancho - Getting better but still aways to go. Solid QB (Perea), one solid WR, Off Line is slow. Def is getting better but is also slow and small.
9. La Serna - Lost too much from last years team. QB good arm but moves like a off tackle. RB runs hard but is small. Off Line small but solid, WR (Burke) is the real deal. Def Line and LB's need a lot of work.
10. Montebello - I hear form a good source, they are not very good. Lots of boys out, but don't have the players. Off and Def Line very weak.
11. Pioneer - Working hard in the offseason. But last year was to be there year. They lost alot from last year. QB (Del Villar) is solid but only player good enough to mention.
12. Cantwell
13. Whittier Christian
LOL Here we go again ... zzzzzz
Hey SP,
Don't be SP dumb on us. Murrey will do his school previews soon. Just like SP looking forward. A game isn't won until the teams hit the field. Half the time you guys think of yourself but you should.
Do you St. Paul people ever get tired of "TOOTING YOUR OWN HORNS?"
4 AND 6 LAST YEAR!!
Is this Josh Elkington lad any good? Do you think he will all the way?
This years crop of kids at ST.Paul are very hard working but not much talent or size wise for the next level. The crop next year, maybe some JC kids. But there's not a lot of kids too choose from. We'll have to increase our numbers the next few years in order to get back to those glory years.
A real good test comes early for LH when South Hills comes to town (week 2?). I totally expect a LH win, but will be interesting to see how the Huskies match up.
MURRAY WHY DONT YOU MENTION ANY OF OUR ATHLETES, WE HAVE A HUGE SENIOR CLASS, WITH GREAT PLAYERS I WONT MENTION THE NAMES , WHY DON'T YOU SEND A REPORTER TO PRACTICE AND BE AMAZED WITH THE TALENT WE HAVE. OH AND MENTION THEIR NAMES, THEY DESERVE THEIR NAMES IN THE PAPER.
THERE ONLY IN HIGH SCHOOL ONCE.
REMEMBER JOURNALSIM 101
WHO
WHAT
WHERE
WHEN
WHY
AND HOW
WHO THE NAMES OF THE PLAYERS
WHAT THEY HAVE GOING FOR THEMSELVES
WHERE THEY MIGHT BE PLAYING IN COLLEGE
WHEN NO WHEN
WHY THEY FEEL READY FOR THE SEASON
la habra beat 5 teams better than st paul last year..right pick picking them number 1 for now as the rest difficult to say but i know st paul aint in the top 5
1. La Habra: This one is easy……… Well if you are as smart as a box of rocks Murray, Roger Murray you spell “rebuilding” wrong. But what you totally failed at, is picking the lowlanders #1…. La harbra is scared to schedule SP. So no matter what the low L do, it wont count!!!!!!!!!!!!