October 2006 Archives

On Saturday morning, go to the Star-News website and watch video highlights of Friday's Rio Hondo League championship game. For those who've been sleeping the past two months, the defending champion Temple City Rams (7-1, 3-0) will be in M-Town on Friday to take on the Mid-Valley Division's top-ranked Monrovia Wildcats (7-1, 3-0).
So Folks, who's gonna be the player of the game?
RAMS
Riley Saxon
Dwight Broadnax
CATS
James Davis
Davis Potts

Name the defensive player having the best football season.
Darryl Carter (St. Francis)
Joshua Parish (South Pasadena)
Andrew Saldana (La Salle)
Mke Galvan (Rio Hondo Prep)
Drake Cathcart (Pasadena)
Albert Arnold (Monrovia)
Joe Reasner (Temple City)
Pat McGowan (San Marino)
I know I missed a few, so won't you fill me in ...

Monrovia retains No. 1 in the Mid-Valley, with Temple City staying at No. 3 heading into Friday's showdown.
Maranatha moved up to No. 4 in the Northeast. St. Francis moved up two spots to No. 3 in the Western. The Central Division with Muir won't be released until Tuesday.
For local CIF polls results, click below

NEWS FLASH
TUESDAY'S OUTCOME
Five Glendale High school football players, and three from Pasadena High have been suspended for one game following the brawl that halted last Friday’s game with 1:30 left and the Bulldogs comfortably ahead, 38-6.
Representatives from Glendale and Pasadena High Schools met on Tuesday to review video of Friday’s football game to determine which players would have to serve suspensions.
Jeron Abram, Alex Brown and David Leavell were the players suspended for PHS. They will sit out Friday’s huge game against Burroughs at Pasadena City College.
Bulldogs coach Kevin Mills accepted the outcome and was pleased that no member of his team was suspended for leaving the sidelines.
“The players suspended were the ones on the field and they have to pay for it,� said Mills. “People thought we had a bunch of guys leave our sidelines and rush in, but it was totally not true. That’s why we had to look at the video, to show what really happened.�
To read the original thread, click below

Keppel girls basketball coach Minnie Caluag abruptly resigned last week, notifying school officials by email that she is not returning for a fifth season.
Caluag, who has been a member of the Aztecs girls coaching staff for 15-years, was named the varsity head coach in 2002.
Caluag leaves without ever losing an Almont League game after leading the Aztecs to four straight undefeated Almont League titles.
In the last two years alone, the Aztecs established themselves as one of the area’s premiere programs, boasting a 47-14 record. They went 26-4 during the 2004-05 season, and were 21-10 last year.
Keppel athletic director Ish Perez said Caluag has not spoken to him directly. Caluag, a walk-on coach, resigned in an email and did not give specifics.
“We were all surprised,� said Perez. “We heard hints that she might resign, but we weren’t sure. There was a booster club meeting where she apparently told some people she was going to quit. But as administrators, we weren’t invited to the meeting."
Caluag didn't return several calls seeking comment.
Tan Ha, who was Caluag’s varsity assistant all four years, has been named the head coach.
Ha wouldn’t speculate on Caluag’s sudden departure.
“We’re all kind of in shock, especially with the season starting soon,� said Ha. Official practice for winter sports begin on Nov. 10. “I’ve been here for a while and will try to keep the program going. Hopefully, I can do a good job.�
Anyone that knows the inside scoop, feel free to post it.

Temple City (7-1, 3-0) at Monrovia (7-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
The game with no name is the biggest of the year. Mooney vs. Garrison. Davis vs. Broadnax. Potts vs. Saxon. It should be a thriller, it always is.
Chaminade (5-3, 1-0) at St. Francis (6-2, 1-0), 7:30 p .m.
The winner earns at least a share of the Mission League title, but don't fool yourself. The winner will win the title outright in the season finale.
South Pasadena (6-2, 1-2) at San Marino (5-3, 1-2), 7 p.m.
One of the area's truly great rivalries has a lot of meaning this season. The winner remains in the hunt for a playoff spot and the loser is eliminated. It's so close Calpreps is picking a 14-13 South Pas win. Too bad the computers don't have eyes, because the San Marino team that played Monrovia tough last week should be a slight favorite.
La Salle (3-5, 2-0) at Mary Star of the Sea (3-5, 2-1), 7 p.m.
The Lancers can clinch the Camino Real League title and continue their incredible turnaround after an 0-5 start. But be careful, two years ago the Lancers made this same trip with the league title on the line and lost.
Burroughs (7-1, 5-0) vs. Pasadena (5-3, 3-2) at PCC, 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs playoff hopes come down to finding a victory in at least one of their last two games, but even one victory won't guarantee a playoff berth, they'll need help. Two victories guarantee's them a spot, but that's too much to ask.
Muir (6-2, 4-1) at Arcadia (4-4, 3-2), 7 p.m.
This use to be a battle for the Pacific League title. Not anymore after Burroughs disposed of both Arcadia and Muir. The Mustangs need to win to keep their outside chance of a co-league title alive, and the Apaches have to win to clinch a playoff berth.

Nominations please ...

Monrovia 21, San Marino 7
Give San Marino a lot of credit, they gave the Mid-Valley Division's top-ranked Wildcats all they could handle. The Wildcats coaches felt fortunate to walk away with a two-touchdown victory, especially considering that the Titans failed to punch it in from a yard out early in the third quarter. The Wildcats running game left a lot to be desired, with Davis and Sparks failing to combine for a 100-yards. But David Potts had his best game of the season, and they can thank him for pulling it out.
Is it Halloween, or the infamous BigMLover in disguise?

A healthy Broadnax is a dangerous Broadnax

Temple City 31, La Canada 28
What more do you want, Broadnax carried 42 times for 205 yards and three touchdowns, and Peterson finished with 181 yards and three touchdowns. But the game ball goes to Rams coach Mike Mooney, who made a gutsy call.
With the Rams clinging to a 17-14 lead after the Spartans had built momentum by rallying from a 14-0 deficit, the Rams faced fourth-and-nine on the Spartans' 33 with 9:41 left. After burning two timeouts, Mooney put the game in QB Riley Saxons hands, and he delivered again, just like he did against South Pasadena. Saxon threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Andy Hebblethwaite - who was sandwiched between two defenders - for a touchdown and a 24-14 lead that proved to be the difference.
Get ready folks, the Rio Hondo League championship game is on.
Temple City (7-1, 3-0) at Monrovia (7-1, 3-0) next Friday for the big prize.
Click below for Friday night game.

THE ROLEDATOR .. ONE OF THE TOP PROSPECTS IN THE COUNTRY ... RIGHT HERE IN OUR BACKYARD

Our correspondent, Andrew Campa, follows the high school volleyball scene because he has nothing better to do with his afternoons. Not true, not true, he's become a true volleyball honk. But where are the bloggers? We've tried this before and for all of you that send me emails asking why we don't cover more volleyball, water polo, tennis or the other sports we term "minor" is because we're wondering if it's just more than the parents and participants that are interested.
So, once again, we hope to get a decent volleyball thread going. Andrew has put together another top ten, and with playoffs approaching, these are the real thing. So, weigh in, and I hope we get better responses when boys and girls soccer rolls around, because I'm a huge soccer follower, and I know this area loves soccer.
But will you like blogging about it? And for everyone, will boys and girls basketball be greeted with the same great response as football. I'm curious as heck to find out.
Click below

Thursday's games
San Marino at Monrovia, 7 p.m.
Blair at South Pasadena, 4 p.m.
Friday's games
La Canada at Temple City, 7 p.m.
Arcadia at Burroughs, 7 p.m.
Alemany at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.
Rosemead at Arroyo, 7 p.m.
Alhambra at Bell Gardens, 7 p.m.
Montebello at Keppel, 7 p.m.
Crescenta Valley at Muir, 7 p.m.
Pasadena at Glendale, 7 p.m.
San Gabriel at Schurr, 7 p.m.
Marshall vs. Whittier Christian at PCC, 7 p.m.
Bosco Tech vs. St. Bernard at St. Matthias HS, 7 p.m.
El Monte at Gabrielino, 7 p.m.
Saturday's games
Maranatha at Brentwood, 3 p.m.
Flintridge Prep vs. Rio Hondo Prep at at La Canada, 7 p.m.
Pasadena Poly at Webb (Claremont), 2:30 p.m.
Click below for predictions

Don't miss Thursday's Rio Hondo League doubleheader

Joshua Parish needs a strong outing against Vikings
Blair at South Pasadena 4 p.m.
Is South Pasadena ripe for the picking? After two devastating losses, can the Tigers bounce back against a stubborn Blair team that doesn't want to go 0-5 in the RHL for the second straight year?

You heard Big M say it, one of the best kickers in the nation, Sean Kelley.
San Marino at Monrovia 7 p.m.
We've been patting the Wildcats on the back so hard, they might need a massage before this one. Seriously, is anyone giving 5-2 San Marino a chance? We're close to Halloween. Let's put it this way, will we be watching a close game in the fourth quarter?
And coming Wednesday, the Star-News top ten....
But for our bloggers, you get it first.
1. Monrovia (6-1)
2. St. Francis (5-2)
3. Muir (5-2)
4. Arcadia (4-3)
5. Temple City (6-1)
6. La Canada (4-3)
7. Alhambra (4-2-1)
8. Rio Hondo Prep (6-0)
9. La Salle (3-5)
10. South Pasadena (5-2)

Three huge wins not enough to lift La Salle into Mid-Valley poll
Monrovia remains No. 1 in Mid-Valley. Muir drops to No. 7 in Central and St. Francis slips to No. 5 in Western.
Rio Hondo Prep stays No. 2 in the East Valley behind No. 1 Big Bear (Please, if this comes to fruition, RHPrep better win the con flip. Don't make me cover this game in the snow)
For all the local CIF poll results, click below

YOU KNOW WHO'S GOING TO WIN THIS ARGUMENT ...

In case you haven't noticed, there have been more games on Thursday's because of the referee shortage. The refs have a thankless job, and do the best they can. But complaints about the refs are a weekly occurance.
It sets up our next online question, which asks you to rate the referees.
How would you grade the referees performance?
Super
Good
Average
Below average
Unacceptable
The Poll will be up soon, but you can start weighing in now!

Nominations please ...

Burroughs 25, Muir 18
The Mustangs started off great, taking an 18-7 halftime lead. But Willie Youngblood couldn't play much in the second half with a quad injury, and the Mustangs couldn't stop Burroughs' Joe Wiggan. That guy was incredible, scoring all four of their touchdowns and finishing with 240 yards on 39 carries. Looks like the Pacific League title is leaving the San Gabriel Valley.

Temple City 30, San Marino 7
Broadnax is back, finishing with 214 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries. The Rio Hondo League is starting to shape up like everyone thought it would. The La Canada-Temple City game is on next week. After Peterson dropped 352 yards and three touchdowns on South Pas, what can the Rams do to stop him?
Click below for the rest of Friday nights results

CUBS TRADITION

I have received several emails and phone calls over the last several years about including Loyola in our coverage because its roster is filled with players from our area.
How true is this? If there are Loyola fans who visit our website or this blog, I want to hear from you. And to our faithful bloggers, should we invite them in?
As always, I need your input.

Thursday's games
Gabrielino at Rosemead, 7 p.m.
Arroyo at South El Monte, 7 p.m.
Friday's games
Burroughs at Muir, 7 p.m.
San Marino at Temple City, 7 p.m.
South Pasadena at La Canada, 7 p.m.
Blair vs. Monrovia at Pasadena CC, 7 p.m.
San Gabriel vs. Alhambra at Moor Field, 7 p.m.
Glendale at Arcadia, 7 p.m.
Hoover vs. Pasadena at Glendale, 7 p.m.
Bell Gardens at Keppel, 7 p.m.
Maranatha at Campbell Hall, 2 p.m.
Marshall at Brentwood, 3:15 p.m.
Bosco Tech at Serra, 7 p.m.
Webb at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday's games
Crespi at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.

Verbum Dei at La Salle, 1:30 p.m.

Flintridge Prep vs. Chadwick at Maranatha, 2 p.m.

Viewpoint at Pasadena Poly, 2 p.m.

FOR PREDICTIONS, CLICK BELOW

Pasadena City Council votes to allow lights at La Salle - with restrictions.
It's about time!

For full story, click below

BUT WHO'S DOING IT BEST?
This week's online questions ask's which area football coach is doing the best job this season?
Mike Mooney (Temple City)
D.R. Moreland (San Marino)
Ed Smith (South Pasadena)
Steve Garrison (Monrovia)
Ken Howard (Muir)
Jim Bonds (St. Francis)
Ken Drain (Rio Hondo Prep)
So far, Bonds and Moreland have the early lead.

5-1 TITANS STILL NOT RANKED
Monrovia stays No. 1 in the Mid-Valley Division with Temple City climbing to No. 3. South Pasadena at No. 6 and La Canada hangs on at No. 10.

CENTRAL DIVISION GAME OF THE WEEK
NO. 1 BURROUGHS AT NO. 3 MUIR

THIS IS KEN HOWARD TRYING TO COPE WITH THE OAKS CHRISTIAN DISASTER. LET'S HOPE HE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THIS FRIDAY AGAINST BURROUGHS.
FOR MONDAY'S CIF POLLS, CLICK HERE

This is a sad story. After 14 years, Crescenta Valley football coach Alan Eberhart abruptly resigned on Friday, one day after losing 59-10 to Burroughs in a Pacific League game.
I don't know all the circumstances that led to his resignation, but it's unfortunate that a coach of his stature felt it was necessary to step down before the season is over.
The school is apparently looking into allegations of a possible verbal and physical altercation after Thursday's game against Burroughs, the Glendale News-Press reported.
Eberhart explained his resignation to the News-Press.
"It was my decision to resign. I thought this was effecting my family, I thought this was effecting Falcon football," said Eberhat. "I just can't make everybody happy, I'm just tired of trying, it wore me out. It wasn't really one thing, my time ran out and I'm lucky enough to see it. If I'm going to get resistance, quite honestly, let somebody else deal with that. I didn't ever want to [argue] with anyone, I just wanted to coach the kids."
Assistant coaches Bill Irace and Gordy Warnock will take over the reigns the rest of the season.

Every Monday morning we sit down and discuss athlete of the week nominees for boys and girls that run in Wednesday's Star-News. Starting today and every Sunday, I'll post this thread so bloggers can weigh in. I would love to have your input as well. We welcome comments from all fall sports teams, Girls Volleyball, Cross Country, Water Polo, Football, etc..

Temple City 6, South Pasadena 0
If you would have told me that Riley Saxon would look like Joe Montana and march the Rams on an 84-yard game-winning drive with 2:20 left, I'd ask, what Rams? Oh yeah, with all our talk about Broadnax, everyone forgot about Riley Saxon. Okay, I forgot about Saxon. Watch what that game does for his confidence.

Monrovia 38, La Canada 0
What happened in this game? I'm still shaking my head looking at the score. Peterson rushed for 186 yards and they still get blown out? Nobody is beating this team. Not anyone in the Rio. Not anyone in the Mid-Valley Division.

San Marino 24, Blair 15
I know what you're thinking, IT WAS BLAIR, but we know this is a pretty good Vikings team. You have to start taking the Titans seriously. I know they opened the season with a loss to Gabrielino, but that was five wins ago. Can they beat Monrovia? Nooo. But mabye they can finish second
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OTHER RESULTS!

Thursday's games
Keppel at Schurr, 7 p.m.
Montebello vs. Alhambra at Moor Field, 7 p.m.
Friday's games
Temple City at South Pasadena, 7 p.m.
La Canada at Monrovia, 7 p.m.
St. Francis at Bishop Amat, 7:30 p.m.
Blair at San Marino, 7 p.m.
Burbank vs. Pasadena at Pasadena CC, 7 p.m.
Hoover at Arcadia, 7 p.m.
Muir at Glendale, 7 p.m.
La Salle at Cantwell-Sacred Heart, 7 p.m.
Bell Gardens at San Gabriel, 7 p.m.
Bosco Tech at Bishop Montgomery, 4 p.m.
Viewpoint at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m.
El Monte at Rosemead, 7 p.m.
Gabrielino at South El Monte, 7 p.m.
Saturday's games
Marshall at Maranatha, 2 p.m.
Chadwick at Pasadena Poly, 2 p.m.
Flintridge Prep at Webb (Claremont), 2:30 p.m.
CLICK BELOW FOR FULL PREDICTIONS

DAVID POTTS LEADS TOP-RANKED MONROVIA
FOUR RHL TEAMS IN MID-VALLEY'S TOP SIX

Mid-Valley Division
1. Monrovia, 2. Santa Clara, 3. South Pasadena, 4. Temple City, 5. Fillmore, 6. La Canada, 7. L.A. Baptist, 8. Cantwell Sacred Heart, 9. Bishop Diego, 10. Village Christian, (Where's San Marino).
Western Division
1. St. Francis, 2. Dominguez, 3. Culver City, 4. Chaminade, 5. Beverly Hills, 6. Palmdale, 7. Mira Costa, 8. West Torrance, 9. Inglewood, 10. Alemany
Central Division
1. Burroughs, 2. Rancho Verde, 3. Chaffey, 4. Muir, 5. Colton, 6. Canyon Springs, 7. Hemet, 8. Vista del Lago, 9. Colony, 10. Arcadia, 11. Pasadena
East Valley Division
1. Big Bear, 2. Rio Hondo Prep, 3. San Jacinto, 4. Rosamond, 5. Ontario Christian, 6. Pasadena Poly, 7. Chadwick, 8. Bishop Union, 9. 29 Palms, 10. Riverside Notre Dame.

GOLDEN BOYS

TOP FIVE SNEAK PREVIEW
1. St. Francis - 5-0 (No doubt about this. Knights have
played toughest schedule and remain undefeated).
2. Muir - 4-1 (Now that QB Lance Mitchell is growing into
his new position, the Mustangs are thriving).
3. Monrovia - 4-1 (I know it's a great year in the RHL,
but the Wildcats are head and shoulders above the rest).
4. Arcadia - 2-3 (I don't care what their record looks like,
they would beat everyone below on this list).
5. South Pasadena - 5-0 (They will get a chance to prove
they deserve lofty ranking Friday against Temple City).
Click below for No. 6-20

SURPRISE FRIDAY...
Muir Rolls, Arcadia upset, St. Francis stays undefeated and what can you say about San Marino except, take a bow.
THIS IS NOT A MISPRINT, UPSET OF THE WEEK, LA SALLE 21, TEMPLE CITY 14
Pioneer 14, Alhambra 14
(Moors had to rally in final six minutes to salvage tie)
San Marino 34, San Gabriel 12
(Wow, I'm shocked looking at it. The Titans defense is the real deal)
Burbank 42, Arcadia 14
(All of you who questioned Muir can now see how good Burbank is. Still, the lopsided score is a shocker)
Muir 49, Hoover 0
(This is what you expect the Mustangs to do)
Cantwell 38, Don Bosco Tech 7
(Tell you what, 6-0 Cantwell might be surprise of Mid-Valley Division)
Pasadena 47, Crescenta Valley 27
(Bulldogs won't go away quietly)
St. Francis 30, Saugus 27
(Knights find a way to stay undefeated)
Rosemead 28, Orange 27
(This too is a shocker)
South Pasadena 42, Keppel 6
(We've come to expect this from Tigers)
Harvard-Westlake 38, La Canada 14
(Another mild surprise considering Pasadena beat Harv-West. Maybe we're under-ranking the Bulldogs)
Beverly Hills 49, Blair 7
(Only RHL team with losing record, 2-3)
LA Baptist 49, Marshall 0
(Sorry guys, not your year)
SATURDAY SPECIAL
Rio Hondo Prep 37, Maranatha 0
(Once again, Kares leave no doubt)
La Salle 21, Temple City 14
(I can't believe I just typed it)
Pasadena Poly 47, Brentwood 26
(Next big small game, Poly vs. RH Prep, last game of league play)

Friday's games
Alhambra vs. Pioneer at Moor Field, 7 p.m. (One more time, Ruedaflores wins 100)
San Gabriel at San Marino, 7 p.m. (With two weeks rest, Mats should win)
Hoover at Muir, 7 p.m. (Muir in a romp)
South Pasadena at Keppel, 7 p.m. (Tigers cruise to fifth straight win)
Crescenta Valley vs. Pasadena at Glendale HS, 7 p.m. (Dogs need it and get it)
Burbank vs. Arcadia at Burroughs HS 7 p.m. (Apaches roll will continue)
Bosco Tech vs. Cantwell-Sacred Heart at St. Matthias HS, 7
p.m. (Undefeated Cantwell stays that way)
Blair at Beverly Hills, 7 p.m. (close, but 90210 wins it)
La Canada at Harvard-Westlake, 7 p.m. (Spartans win a close one)
Marshall vs. Los Angeles Baptist at Pasadena CC, 7 p.m. (New coach, same result)
Rosemead vs. Orange at El Modena HS, 7 p.m. (Can you say Panthers 0-5)
Saugus vs. St. Francis at College of Canyons, 7:30 p.m. (Knights finally beat this team on the road)
Saturday
Pasadena Poly at Brentwood, 2 p.m. (Take Poly, the small school nobody is talking about)
Rio Hondo Prep at Maranatha, 2 p.m. (Kares won't win by 50 like last year, but they will win)
Temple City at La Salle, 1:30 p.m. (With or without Broadnax, Rams win)

CIF rankings lift St. Francis over defending Div. III champ Dominguez

Western Division top five
1. St. Francis
2. Dominguez
3. Culver City
4. Mira Costa
5. Chaminade
For MId-Valley rankings and others, click below.

In no particular order, here are the almost mid-season candidates for Star-News player of the year, awarded each December.
Running backs
Lavelle Peterson ( La Canada)
James Davis ( Monrovia)
Dwight Broadnax (Temple City)
Willie Youngblood (Muir)

Quarterbacks
Luke Collis (St. Francis)
Michael Flynn (South Pasadena)
Tyron Crockom (Pasadena)

If there anyone that should be considered, lets hear it. And tell us who you like from this list and why?