SATURDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK ...

1996 Muir did not play Hart in the playoffs because dominguez won Division II. Burroughs not only scored the most on the Div. II Champs, but also held them to lowest point total for the Dons all year. Muir did not participate in the Div II playoffs.
Side note: Halftime score MV 3 JBHS 0 not bad for an at-large berth, before they self destructed. That MV QB was pretty good.

RHP Mom - I agree on one of your points - the smaller schools, RHP, Maranatha, etc should have more coverage, as for the dirty play comment, not to get into a spitting match, but RHP was not exactly "well behaved" during our match-up. As I said before, I am all for agression for the sake of the game, however, the "dirty play" I was referring to during the Campbell Hall game goes way beyond what is appropriate, legal, etc.

Losing to MV twice must have meant that Burroughs was the At-Large bid.

1996? Is that the year that Muir barely lost to Hart in the playoffs, maybe 14-7?

RHP Mom, yeah, Joe is a relative of mine, and my nephew also competed in the Kares youth football league in Covina. I love the Kare Youth program. But I can't let that influence my game coverage decisions. You have to understand, when we select games of the week or other higher profile games, we're looking at not just winning schools, but winning schools with large school populations, a large alumni following and where we feel we get our greatest readership coverage from. You'll notice, only three to four games we devote more space to. The others are relatively the same, and we almost always, have RH Prep games covered.
But we do hope to have better coverage of your regular season finale against Pasadena Poly.

Fred,
Arn't you related to Joe Robledo the boxer? If so, did you know that you have (in sort of a round-about way) a little cousin playing on Rio Hondo Prep. I'll give you a hint. Last week against Webb, he recovered a fumble and scored a touchdown. My coment/question to you is: "why is there no coverege of RHP in your paper?" This is the only team in the area with a 16 game win streak. That in itself should be news worthy. They have probably the highest scoring defense in the state and they are CIF Champions! All we seem to get is a small column on Saturday morning written by our own correspondant. I know that we have no BIG standout stars - but we have a TEAM! I know that I am just a mom, but I think that teams win championships not stars. Anyways, as to the Maranantha comments on playing "dirty". My son was grabbed by his shoulderpads during the game by one of the star players that he was covering and head-butted. He also complained about all of the "trash talking" by the players.
As for the Poly game: "What makes them better this year than the last 4. The RHP senior boys have beat them every year that we have played them since we were freshmen. I know that they have improved - but so have we! Hope to see you at one of our games soon!

Observant: OK, sounds more realistic and I can agree on a couple of things but not one. I do agree that I would like to see Monrovia play Burroughs, I think that would be an awesome game, and I do think Monrovia would hold there own with due respect in the pacific league. Colton would be a great game too.
Burroughs is the #1 team in the division for a reason. Burroughs could just have easily won their game with St. Francis (and been perfect 7-0) as they lost it. I would say they have learned from it, and have utilized it which is evident in the Muir game. (Which they came back and won, despite multiply fumbles in MUIR's terrority.)
The point on which I must disagree is even with a healthy awesome tailback as Youngblood, a great team will always beat a great player. Muir was undisiplined and it showed. You were there! It is hard for me to say the would "SMOKE" Burroughs the next time around.

Fred: here's a question for you to ponder...
Which team in the pacific league in the past ten years, could have done what Burroughs did in the foothill league?
Burroughs made the playoffs from 2001-2003 playing Mission Viejo twice! (You remember MV's QB back then!) Not to mention in 1996 Burroughs went 4-1 in the foothill league only losing to Hart in the league championship game.

I dont think that you have been very observant, because if you were no one has Burroughs on their top five in this Blog. You are a part of the San Fernando Valley. I do agree on one thing with you though I would definetly place Burroughs in the top 2 in this poll if I could. I saw Wiggins play and he is more comparable to one of Monrovia's backs (Davis) I really wish that Burroughs could play Monrovia this year but it impossible. I think that at the end of the year with everything said the teams that will rise to the top are going to be Monrovia, maybe Burroughs you may not want to play Colton in the playoffs If Muir does somehow get it together and their running stays healthy They will probably smoke you guys the next time around. It really is too bad that Monrovia does'nt play in the Pacific league, I think that they would more than hold their own.

Hey Youth Coach, you must be venting frustration after years of losing in the Foothill League. And don't overlook Arcadia this week

Observantcat: 1st, you obviously must not be observant to not have Burroughs on your top five. #1 in the division, #11 in the Daily News, and Wiggan WIPPED your Ponies. 2nd, To think that Monrovia would have beat either Burroughs or Muir is just plan stupid. 3rd, Who can stop Wiggan??? Even in the game Burroughs lost he had 150 yards and 2 TDs. final score StF. 24 JBHS 21. 4th. Monrovia has a high powered offense??? Then why are Burroughs AVG 47.5 pts a game in league and only giving up 8.5? Trust me Monrovia DOESN'T WANT Burroughs and many people don't. I don't blame them.
I was at the Burroughs, Muir game. Yeah they had bad refs. But it went both ways. How about the unsportsmanlike penalty on burroughs because the ref bumped into the coach who was clearly off the field on his own sidelines?!? How does Race play in a part of that? Fact remains Muir has no discipline, they couldn't do what no team has been able to do (STOP WIGGAN), and they were SHUTOUT in the 2nd Half. Refs can only make so many bad calls before getting ONE right.
So I guess observant you should get glasses or go to more games and pay attention. Because if you were obsevering the game, The title is going to the city of Burbank. And Wiggan TOOK it from YOUR top FIVE team.
P.S Burroughs left the FOOTHILL league to play better programs. HART, CANYON, VALENCIA, SAUGUS. Even you might have heard of them. Let's see how your top FIVE would fare in that league!?!

No matter what the outcome of the TC vs. LC gane. I t will definetely be a great game to watch. The strenght and agility of Lavelle Peterson is impressive. He is a specimen! He will more than likely be playing on Saturdays.But as has been mentioned before it takes 11 men to play the game. It is a team effort. The TC side is a well rounded multi-faected team with a great O and a good D. They have the edge and should be able to come out victorious on Thursday. I am looking forward to seeing the game. By the way both of these teams have been beaten by La Salle, with Broadnax and Petersen. This is not a disrispect but a fact. No matter the Rams have the edge over Spartans.

Man i dont know TC/LC its gonna be a show of the running backs with broadnax/peterson but i just think that. Mooney finds a way to win this one but it will be close because peterson is fast and can break tackles but i dont know how much is left of him after the last two league games i just dont know. but i'll say TC by very little like two or three

(Currently lamenting that I'll be out of town during the TC/LC match)

During the most recent CIF realignment. L S was moved to the Camino Del Rey Association from the Santa Fe League (boys) and Sunshine League (girls). L S requested and was rejected by the Catholic Athletic Association a request to change to the RHL. I don't know all the reasons that the L S request for movement was rejected. The most logical being that the CAA desires to maintain it's power base in the CIF by controling the largest group of schools in the SS. If they are disbursed into mixed leagues that somehow reduces there power. It's politics of some sort I think.

...and I agree with Fred that L S would have been extremely competitive in football, basketball, baseball and I might add dominated in t & f. ;o) Not to mention competitive in the other sports it contests. The girls would have fit in as well.

Remember that is why we left the foothill league in memory of Killing Burbank year after year.....Trust me Burbank does'nt want to face Monrovia again if they dont have to. Stick with the Mustangs, they might give you half the practice you need to keep up with a high powered offense.

BigM....I'm finally going to have to disagree with you on this one. I see it as a two man show. I see La Canada winning that one by 2 maybe three TD's....Just in going over some of the basics (TC vs. La Salle) (La Canada Vs. South Pas) I think that La Canada is on a much better path than TC...The defenses are pretty comparable but I see Peterson going straight to the end zone. I see Broadnax trying to find his way their but getting turned around in doing so. So the final score will be PETERSON 248 yards BROADNAX 125 yards.

La Canda by 14. Remember that Fred

Burbank Burroughs 48
Arcadia 14
We're going to build more trophy cases to hold all the new Pacific League trophies coming to the City of Burbank.
Monrovia has a decent team, but they'd have trouble getting past Burbank let alone Burbank Burroughs.

Temple City (-3)

TC has quietly become balanced:
TC is 2nd in total offense.
Saxon is 2nd in the league in passing yds.
Broadnax 2nd in rushing yds. and leads the league in total offense per game.
Hebblethwaite is the leader in receiving yds.

Mooney's balance along with superior game planning, play calling, and Friday night adjustments will be too much for the one-man show that is La Canada.

Jim M and everyone else that follows LC, knows I'm right... as much as they hate to admit it...

Okay smart people, help me out, Temple City or La Canada this week?

Is that Andrew Campa? Nice to see the Star-News' other voice finally weighing in -- and when he does, it's only to gloat. Don't worry Big M, I've got three weeks and the playoffs to pull even.
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Philly, we threw around ideas in an earlier thread about what it would be like if PHS, Muir and Arcadia joined the Rio Hondo League, with maybe Blair dropping out of the RHL to the Camino Real or Alpha, giving the RHL an eight team league. But there has been no real talk of it happening. Personally, I would like to see La Salle in the Rio Hondo Legue, they can step right in, especially in three major sports, football, basketball and baseball. I think they would be a better fit than Blair.
Blair, Marshall and Maranatha should be in the same league? It makes more sense from a competitive standpoint.
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New york

I like your commentary--especially the jab at Robledo in picking the wrong team in big games--that's why I rejoice in his pick in the RHP/Polytechnic game.

Hey Fred,

I saw something interesting in the above blog. Are you betting dinners with the esteemed BigMLover over who can more accurately pick area preps games? Wow, I guess I'm a little disappointed you didn't extend me such a proposition. Then again, by now you'd owe me about 7 dinners. Just in case you were unaware, you went 14-4 last week. I went a meager 16-2. All I can say is you're due Fred. You're overwhelmingly due.

Oh BigM, I'd get Fred's phone number if I were you. He's been known to take his time on paying back bets.

I'm surprised Jojo even knows who De La Salle is. Now I don't hold them on such a pedastal. Too bad.

jojo...

"The Cats just don't impress me."

You said the same thing before Monrovia slapped around Arcadia... and don't tell me they were hurt... so were the Cats.

You're a homer... I bet St. Francis and Burbank don't impress you either. You better get Oaks Christian on your schedule... or you won't respect any team that BEATS you.

jojo,
thank you captain obvious. everyone knows the rhl is weak thats why when everyone was saying league is open to all this year i said it wasnt and i think i was the only one that did say that. we all know monrovia/tc runs the rhl st. francis probably will beat monrovia maybe get muir and burbank, but i dunno know but burroughs just not sure bout that one but please jojo say stop saying the obvious we know the league is weak monrovia/tc/la canada need to go to the pacific league while hoover/glendale/cresenta valley go to rio hondo.
Fred do you think it could possibly happen where those teams can switch leagues and how would it happen what are the procedures

The Cats just don't impress me. The RHL is weak. That's all. St. Francis would walk on M-town, along with Muir, Burbank, and Burroughs.

La Salle vs Verbum Dei 36 to 35 LS wins.

Fred, after La Salle's legitimate victory over the Verbum Dei's Eagles, there is no way you can not rank them! The Eagles by the way can play and win against the best of ANY SGV team! They have more then one D1 player in their roster! SC scouts were at this game, not sure who they came to see but they got an eye full!

who did la salle play last week and wat was da score.

Ally to the al,
Are you kidding me. Barley beat arcadia give me a break it wasnt 23-21 it 27-13 that is not not barley. and Kevin hess he wouldnt have got finger on james davis and sparks would have ran him over come now ur giving this guy to much credit where it is not due. i mean he's not even a receiver or someone that can score points, a WEAK ARCADIA team..... please thats an excuse they could of won that one but they shut down. West coivna isnt as good.....u have somewhat of a point because i've talked to some alumni from there and they say the same thing. but compared to the other rio hondo league teams our schedule was somewhat the hardest. us and T.C. but i honestly dont think monrovia should be number one this week im saying #2 and lookin for the number one spot if St. francis loses again and we blow out san marino like we will on thursday. but really ally.... who would you put at number one honestly think about it before you type it cuz looks like ur pissin alot of people off already. you dont have a friend on this blog and ur facts are all off hahaha

but yeah i didnt see that blowout coming from la canada my goodness. i mean monrovia gave it to la canada they gave it to south pas does that mean south pas is gonna give the blowout to blair i dont think so hahaha. i still dont say that monrovia will beat muir or burroughs for that matter that guy wiggans looks pretty good stat wise. it would be a real good game between muir and monrovia but i feel that their speed would out weigh our speed and we do have alot of speed. but i think it would be kindof cool to have a interdivsion game between #1 in the midvalley division of monrovia and #1 burroughs that would be tight to see who would win that one. I dont want anyone predicting any outcomes on the monrovioa/tc game because lancer double u might of seen both tc and monrovia but it is a rival game and both teams put on their 'A' game for that one. i mean if it wasnt for saxon tc would look alot like la canada right as a one dimensional offense but its not the case we knew what to expect from la canada with tc we have to look for a somewhat of a balanced offense. i say somewhat because they still run the ball like 80% of the time. and all you arcadia fans if ur suppossedly all healthy and you wanna be taken for reals you better hope you guys take care of burroughs because they're lookin for real this. u better hope that kris robinson has more than one reception for 16yds. he'll need more than that to beat burroughs.

the game between tc/la canada will be the most interesting of the rio hondo league because i feel that they're the only ones that can put up an upset. i knew san marino couldnt get it done and if they come to monrovia with a lost. it will be hard to stop the cats at their house. it will be a real battle between the two backs PETERSON VS. BROADNAX Heavyweight 4quarter bout if that game is on friday i might go check that one out

New York I'm laughing, but you're probably right.

Freddy,

If you want the Pacific League title to stay in the West SGV, you should not jinx Arcadia by picking them to win. Your picks in big games tend to be a 180 from the result.

Fred

Yes give La Salle their due but maybe as an honorable mention this week and after a victory this week a solid position next. They appear to have righted their ship.

And a final comment on RHP/Poly match up. I don't think Poly has done anything more impressive that RHP. If one applies your way of thinking on this match up wouldn't you have picked Maranatha to beat RHP this year (I know you didn't).

Minuteman Fan

Campbell Hall is really down this year and I just don't think the players (and coaches) know what to do about it. If any player is kicking someone the coach needs to display some leadership and control by removing and disaplining him. CIF rules would have him out for the following game. While it may merely represent frustration it is wrong.

Anyone know if Peterson from LC is getting any looks from anywhere? What can I say except that I'm truly dissapointed in South Pas. This was probably the biggest game of the year and they just bowed down. And sadly I have to say it's pretty typical of South Pas teams to do that. We'll see if they can bounch back next week against Blair. Although this is a perfect opportunity to kick us while we're down. Too bad the Rio Hondo League doesn't get 4 bids anymore.

Hey jojo...

We haven't heard from you lately... but here you are, speaking poorly of Monrovia, instead of backing your Apaches (or Rams... you can't decide).

About your comment... Monrovia IS the De La Salle/Oaks Christian of the WSGV this year... I know that bothers you.

JoJo

Every team has good and bad years....I dont know what school you attend or attended but Monrovia has had much more good than bad seasons....As Far as those Private Schools are concern Good Scouting and good recruiting always has it's advantages. Back in the 70,s 80,s & the 90,s Bishop Amat was known for having the Best athletes Money can recruit and they were pretty much dominate over schools here in Cali...But for a public school Morovia deserves it's praise.... and so do some of the other schools around here, but I didnt attend those schools so talk to their Fans....

Observant-

I like your arguement about the Cats but just to get one thing straight Potts only threw 1 int in that game last year. I also think Monrovia will do a great job aginst Crespi, as long as the Cats play mistake free I think they will be victorious.

And stop comparing teams records and who will beat who. Give credit to Monrovia this low divison team can compete with upper divisions, Im not sayin that they can compete with Oaks Christian but teams like Muir and St. Francis whom both teams are in higher divisions, the Cats would give both teams a run for their money and just because monrovia is in a weaker div. dont mean they cant beat good teams. They were just 1 sec. away from beating the No. 1 ranked team in the west at that time!

Im sorry but I think Monrovia is Underrated!

Polls come out at 4 p.m., today, anyone think 3-5 La Salle will finally be ranked in Mid-Valley?

Transplant - I never said "everyone" plays dirty against us, however, when players choose to kick opposing players in the groin after the play is completed, that to me is dirty play, not to mention to blocks to the back and holding calls that never got called throughout the MHS-Campbell Hall game. I am all for agressive play to get the job done, which Maranatha continues to do without stooping to illegal physical contact.

Observant, some of your analysis is out of context. You talk like monrovia is like De La Salle and Oaks Christian.

Come back down to reality.

Your right fred...
I meant to make St. Francis #3 and move the others down one...Sometimes I loose my mind here at work.....My mistake..St. Fran.

Then and now and very different times. I have always looked at St. Francis as a very sound team but not the knock-out team that takes it too another level mid-way through the season. Just my Football prowess tells me a lot about certain teams. Monrovia has the confidence to go the extra distance as you witnessed in the La Canada Game. I would challenge you to go a little deeper and ask yourself if a team like Crespi would do the same thing to La Canada as did Monrovia. I think that some teams just reach their peak at some point. I'm probably one of the few people that have checked out all three top teams this season and I see a clear domimance and maturity in the Wildcats that I dont see in any of the other teams. It's hard to say who could do what against who, but using my common sense I would'nt bet on any of these teams at this point in the season have a real chance agaist a fired up team. Believe it or not I think we woke up La Canada to a point that they might give St. Francis a run for their money. Just like we did La Salle. You keep thinking that because Monrovia got a wake-up call from West Covina that they are overrated! but Remember that Last years monrovia team put up much better numbers to a much better Crespi team than did St. Francis. This year I would bet the farm that if there were a rematch that Monrovia would win decisevly. Potts threw 4 ints in that game which always seem to put the wildcats on the defensive. Sparks and Boggs outplayed their running backs but Garrison always played it safe with the field goal unit. All that to say I do give all of the top five schools their props but please give credit where credit is due. Maybe you are just not used to the style of the Cats....I know one of Crespi's coaches and last year we joked about them playing again and his response was that he hopes that never happens.

Observant, how can you keep St. Francis off your top five?
Both teams they lost to, Crespi and Bishop Amat, would defeat every team on your list. And remember, they beat a healthier Arcadia team more soundly than you Wildcats.

Fred
Here's my new List, As follows.
#1. Monrovia..(should have perhaps always been there)
#2. La Canada (I'd take him 2-1 over youngblood and Muir.
#3. Muir ( I think with a healthy youngblood St. Francis couldn't keep up.
#4. Temple City (Even though they lost to a good and Under ranked LaSalle team, they come playoff time things could change for the better.
#5. South Pasadena (I think that South Pasadena is going through their toughest part of their scheduale but would make moves in the other leagues around here.
These are my top 5, the rest could easily have the #6 spot. They are pretty much on the same page.

Finchamp, Did you say spot on! Reminds me of my English soccer buddies. I know history and every intangible suggests I should pick RH Prep in that final game, but I think it's finally Poly's turn. They played Prep tough last year and have nearly every player back. And they've been just as impressive, if not more impressive so far in Prep League play.
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Frank P.
You're absolutely right, Arcadia is the last hope (although Pasadena has an oustide shot). This is definitely a winnable game for the Apaches. I'll go so far as to say I'm thinking of predicting a win for them. Burroughs is probably overlooking Arcadia. If the Apaches can contain Wiggan, keep him to around 100 yards, they should be fine. The Mustangs were moving the ball until Youngblood got hurt, and his carries were limited. It's huge for the Pacific, because if Arcadia wins, there could be four teams at 5-1 with three to play.
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Worstknightmare
It would have been a better rivalry if Arroyo had won last week. I was pulling for the Knights to set this up and make it more special. BTW, in the future, I'm including Arroyo in our Star-News top ten poll (the next time they deserve to be in, which might be next season). But good luck on Friday and look for the two-minute drill on Wednesday, Campa and I are talking about this one.

Fred, I agree with the mention of Ealar. He has a great O coordinator and D Coordinator. That's a smart man.

Rosemead at Arroyo: Robledo forgot one thing...this is a HUGE rivalry game..anything can happen in a rivalry game like this. Plus, Rosemead hasnt beaten the knights at B.L Bergstrom since 1990! Think about it. Arroyo will take out all of its frustrations on Koffler and Paul Wilson this Friday Knight.

Next Online Poll:
Which High School has the best game announcer? I will put anybody up against Pat Wickhem of La Salle. He makes the game enjoyable without being a homer.

Fred, have you seen Arcadia play lately? Do you think they might have improved enough to take on Burroughs this Friday? We have to keep the Pacific League crown in the SGV!!! Arcadia is our final hope!

Well Fred I guess you got my goat, so now I gotta weigh in after sitting on the blog sidelines this week.

Your reference to the likely league championship game featuring Rio Hondo Prep and Pasadena Poly is spot on. Current momentum for both teams suggests that this is for the league title and definitely a Star News game of the week match-up.

Your pick of Poly as victor, supported by a September prediction, amuses me. I think your prognostications should get better as a season goes on. Even you have said it before, RHP wins in big games. Remember you chose Maranatha to beat RHP last year and you were 50 points off! Poly is coming to RHP under the lights on a Friday night. RHP is the only Prep League school to have a lighted home field (exception to Flintridge who occasionally plays at La Canada as they will RHP this Saturday)and trust me it's an advantage.

As for the coach doing the best job, how can anyone disagree with the La Salle coach, Gallagher? A great coach can often be best measured on how he deals with adversity and clearly La Salle has kept their composure no doubt to the credit of this coach.

I too am disappointed about the quality of referees we are seeing in the smaller school division. Men that understand this game should know the difference between a player being man-handled and held. RHP was likely penalized 200 yards in the game with Webb. Anything RHP did big on offense was called back--Hank Stram said it well--"over-officious jerks."

Lastly for the Maranatha faithful. I cheered when I saw your coverage on NBC on Friday including a 99 yard highlight--boy timing is everything. Hopefully schedules will allow me to see the Whittier Christain/Marantha game--it should be great.

Tom, we just had a coach of the year poll, and two names that should have been included for nomination are Murphy and La Salle's Ealar Gallagher.
Murphy's kept them going after a tough loss, and for La Salle to do what they're doing after starting 0-5 says a lot about the Lancers' coaching staff for keeping those guys believing.

Ally to all....You sound a bit sensitive (SWEET) you sure you're on the right blog. It was me not New York that commented on your pittiful Mustang pride on this blog. You are one of those people that think that the past carries more weight than the present. No one on this site ever said that Muir was'nt a great team, they just wanted you to know that they have been greater but just not this year. You sound like a guy with his panties bunched up his Ass. Get loose and keep up with the rest of us. Give credit where credit is due. I know if you could you would have stopped the referee's from throwing some of those penalty flags, but thats not probable. Fact is YOUR TEAM LOST. Get over it....They will win again I guarantee you....Save you pom pom for next year's team.

Freddy: Not sure if you’ll let my last post through. Who is Ally to the All? You might want to let him? her? know there are angry management classes available.
I just wanted to make one last comment. Maranatha football has gone through some major diversity the last couple of years and yet has bounced back to be a contender in their division. Three coaches in three years and the death of a star player this past spring and Joel Murphy has gained the respect of both his team and supporters. This is what makes a great program. We’ll talk after the Brentwood game unless Ally to the All has something to say
Later

Arroyo Alum, thanks for the comments, and what timing, just as a few bloggers are going at it. But lets remember it was the Tribune and Aram that got these blogs started, so lets give him most of the credit. But it has been good fun, and I feel it becoming more popular each week when I attend games. I wasn't keen on the idea of blogging when we started this fall, and now I find myself constantly releasing comments over the weekend between college and NFL football, and I love it. LIke I said, lots of fun and it's the bloggers participation that makes it happen.
Now, sorry to disappoint you but the Panthers are on a roll. And when you look at Rosemead's early losses, they have some value now. Remember when they lost to Northview? I thought that was a horrible defeat until Northview beat San Dimas 40-30 last week. Plus, the Knights losing last week to South El Monte doesn't give them the kind of mental momentum they need for a game like this.

FredJ, your blogs are getting pretty good. I'm getting tired of the Amat/Tribune blog, bunch of kids arguing back and forth. This seems to be better dialogoue. BTW, who's going to win this week, Arroyo or Rosemead?

Hey Ally to the Al, you might want to pull your head out of your "you know what". I've had a few post concerning Maranatha and some good talk with Freddy. I'm thinking you might be the "DAMN FOOL" Why don't you settle down and talk like a normal person. Chill out dude!!!
It's only high school football FOOL"
Later

Just a reminder to go easy on the personal attacks. It's fun to argue points and match wits, and we can do it without calling people stupid.

Ally, I won't call you stupid because I don't know you well enough, but you sure are ignorant.

1) Ignorant on blogs: The name of the poster is at the bottom, not at the top of each post.

2) Ignorant on your name, Ally to the All: Who are you forming an allegiance with? Certainly certainly not All, nor everybody.

3) Ignorant of good football: Keep pointing to how much slower the teams are that Muir loses to...Football is not a relay race.

4) Ignorant of games: Monrovia was not completely healthy in the Arcadia game, either. This is football. No team is ever completely healthy.

5) Ignorant of whom are you addressing. Know your place. Watch your mouth. Learn how to spell.

Come to think of it, you do sound pretty stupid.

We definately need to learn grammar, spelling, and commone courtesy on this blog...not to name any names though.

Anyone have a good question for our next online poll?

What can be done to solve the ref shortage?

New York

First off who said any thing about the Oaks Christian game??? & we look at that game as some kind of victory??? never have I ever said any thing like that... but just to let you know how STUPID!!! you sound, you just said "And I guarantee we (Monrovia) could score on Oaks Christian" you said that like that would be an accomplishment or some kind of victory...... & unlike Blair’s team Muirs 2nd & 3rd string played for 3 quarters against Glendale......... & muir has a waaaaaaaaay better passing game than La Canada & a way more athletic O-Line than they do... so if your insinuating that Monrovia would shut muirs running game down??? then you should be slapped in the face & then you should really consider taking your ass too New York.... & try to prove were the best team in Pasadena??? lol Monrovia fans are a joke!!! this is the (key word right hear) ONLY!!! year they will be decent!!! Muir has had a solid football team year after year after year.... so yeah talk all you want for now because when it's all said & done??? the Stangs will be the best overall team in the San Gabriel Valley... nuff said

Tom S

are you stupid foo??? you said West Covina played a close game with Mater Dei right???? well the score of that game was 10-28 so that means they lost by more than 2 TD's right???? but then you came right back & said the Monrovia vs. Arcadia was not a close game because Arcadia lost by 2 TD'S.... YOU DAMN FOOL!!! so therefore you need to get your on facts straight before you even think of saying something to me.... & it's a big difference between your opinion, & were you stand at an educational level STUPID!!!

Anyone have a good question for our next online poll?

Oh Tom, all I said is they might be too much for Maranatha. You know what it is, I can't get the Rio Hondo Prep game out of my mind. But the Minutemen are doing a good job of helping me forget of late.

Oh Fred, I’m disappointed with you. Let’s do the homework. On MaxPreps both teams are basically even in PF and PA. Yes, Cal Preps has Whittier Christian rated at 2.7 and Maranatha at -0.4, I’m sure based on strength of schedule but both teams have been winning games by similar margins. Let’s see how both teams do against Brentwood and then let’s discuss this final league game.
Regards

Monrovia is number one this week. They were the only ones in the top three to win this week. Let it all play out. The only ranking that counts is the one at the end of the season anyway.

Tom, no doubt the Alpha will come down to Maranatha and Whittier Christian, they're the class of the league and it sets up perfect too, at the end of the year.
But in talking to Roger Murray, the Whittier Preps editor, he speaks very highly of his team over there. They're crushing teams. They might be too much for Maranatha.

ally to the al, are you a girl??? wat kinda name is that to begin with?? foo you trashin west covina??? you said they were a bad team??? they played close with MATER DEI!!! DAMN FOOL! wat u talkin bout, they're not good!!??? u call arcadia losing to monrovia a close game???? losing by 2 TD's aint close!!! La Salle is horrible, after knockign off 2 unbeaten teams and Verb??? 3 staright wins is horrible??? La Canada without LV is = to blair??? SON ur embarrasing your school with the kind of education ur getin form there and u need to get ur facts straight before you start rippin teams again!

ally to the al, are you a girl??? wat kinda name is that to begin with?? foo you trashin west covina??? you said they were a bad team??? they played close with MATER DEI!!! DAMN FOOL! wat u talkin bout, they're not good!!??? u call arcadia losing to monrovia a close game???? losing by 2 TD's aint close!!! La Salle is horrible, after knockign off 2 unbeaten teams and Verb??? 3 staright wins is horrible??? La Canada without LV is = to blair??? SON ur embarrasing your school with the kind of education ur getin form there and u need to get ur facts straight before you start rippin teams again!

Hey Fred: Yes, the RHP vs Pasa Poly will be good but lets not foget the prediction I have already posted. "I predict the Alpha league championship will come down to Whittier Christian and Maranatha, two 8 and 1 overall, 4 and 0 league teams battling it out." Both teams still need to get by an always tough Brentwood squad but if so this should be the East-West San Gabriel Valley game of the week. This game also should get some recognition.
Tom

Alley to the Al.....
If you look at things the way you are looking at them then Blair and Muir would look like twins....So Muir got it's Ass whipped against Oaks Christian and you make it seem like some kind of victory just to have played them, (they played You) Lets look at the realistic comparisons. Muir vs. Glendale 49-6 Blair vs. Glendale 34-0 You guys might have a good intercity game going if blair is up for it. Face it Muir is not the Number 1 team in the West SGV, Maybe next year. If Monrovia could stop Lavelle from getting into the endzone they could definetly stop Youngblood. So for right now take number 3 as a compliment you still have the rest of the season to prove that you are the number one team in Pasadena.......If Monrovia had Muirs schedule we would have had to stop a couple of those games at half time. And I guarantee we could score on Oaks Christian. nuff said.

Game of the Week: Peterson vs. Mooney and Broadnax.

Fred,

I watched the Harvard-Princeton game live yesterday. The main difference between the top Ivy teams and Division I-A teams is an inch or two in height and a tick on the 40-yard dash. Oh yeah, and a few hundred points on the SATs. Don't mess with the Ancient 8. The Ivies are filled with All-CIF and All-State players from across the country. I'm sure RHP is mentally tough and does not fold under pressure.

Phashon, Harvard lost a ton of momentum late in the game against Princeton. Their DB made a monster hit, celebrated very little, and was flagged 15. Fred, perhaps the referree had already warned the player. Ticky calls suck, but they are controllable.

Refs across the country probably have a mandate to control on-field behavior. Last week U-Miami had a huge brawl. Dartmouth had a brawl last week as well with Lehigh or Lafayette. Teams need to tighten up and control this stuff before the playoffs roll around and the stakes are even higher.

Tom S, I made this prediction in September and I'm staying with it. Pasadena Poly will beat RH Prep on the final Friday and win the Prep League. Matter of fact, with so many leagues playing their final league games on Thursday, that could make the RHPrep-Poly game our Friday night game of the week. I hope it works out that way. They deserve the recognition.

to all you Monrovia fans.... just because St. Francis & Muir lost dose not mean they should move Monrovia to the number 1 spot in The Star-News top ten.... first off I have no clue how good Monrovia is... they have not played ANY BODY!!! they played weak teams threw out this whole season for example... Montclair- there record is 3-4 & those 3 wins have came over teams like San Dimas, Nogales, Don Lugo, & those 3 teams records combined is 7-14...... Duarte- o.k. o.k. they are 5-2 but don't let there record fool you they barley beat a horrible West Ranch team (a team that lost to Pasadena 20-42)........ Arcadia- Monrovia barley beat an unhealthy Arcadia team... which were missing two key players (Kevin Hess) & the final score was 13-27, & let's not forget Burbank BLEW!!! OUT!!! a healthy Arcadia (Kris Robinson got hurt right before the half & the game was at no point ever close), & that Muir team that you guy's say is just not good, beat that Burbank team THANK YOU!!!.... West Covina- this was the only decent team that Monrovia has & will play this season & they lost!!! they lost with 3 of west covina key players side lined... & there star running back sidelined until the fourth... & I hate to say this but West Covina is not even good this year..... La Salle- I don't even have to waste my time to break down how horrible this team is...... La Canada- the score was 38-0, but without Lavelle Peterson, La Canada would be no better than Blair.... Blair- Blair is Blair...... so you tell me why Monrovia should be number 1???? they've done NOTHING!!!!

Hey Fred: Let’s not forget the small schools in the Star News Top Ten. You got to give it to RHP and their continuing domination. You’ve also have to give consideration to Maranatha and Pasa Poly who both are making strong showings in their leagues.

La Canada vs Temple City because of the proximity, but I think Arcadia vs Burroughs has the most at stake.

I know Arcadia has been playing the Glendale schools the past two weeks but they have been playing very well and very physical, on offense anyway. At the beginning of the season I will admit that they were very young but I think will give Burroughs a real run for their money if they learn to protect the football (Burbank game). Hopefully Kris Robison is back this week and I hope the game is a good one.

BigM, did you say RHP could give St. Francis, Muir and Monrovia a game this year? You know, Princeton just knocked off Harvard to stay undefeatd at 6-0. Maybe you think they could give Michigan a game this year too.
Your good on most days BigM, but sometimes your silly too.
RHPrep is a monster, but they're still a small-school monster. They could beat more than half the football teams in our area, but they couldn't touch the top three or four. Wouldn't even be close.
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Yeah, Calpreps is more accurate than yours truly. So are horse racing handicappers that just pick chalk. Maybe my heart gets in the way, so be it, pick a restaurant and remember I'm living on a sportswriters salary.
A push huh?
Hmmm, only if we go head-to-head this week.

pashon,

I guess poor tackling and not being able to stop Wiggins and unable to convert on PATS is the refs' fault.

Phashon, I hear your frustration, but don't pull the race card. That has nothing to do with it. Let's just call it bad officiating. I was there. I couldn't believe some of the unsportsmanlike penalty calls agains Muir, especially the one you're talking about.
For those of you who didn't attend, that call changed the game.
Muir was leading 18-7 early in the third quarter and just got a big first down at midfield. Suddenly, before the snap, the backfield ref throws his flag and gives Muir an unsportsmanlike penalty because a player didn't have his clothes tucked in properly.
Muir eventually punted and never recovered.
What happened to refs simply going to a guy and saying, "tuck your shirt in, or fix your belt, I'd hate to have to whistle for something so trivial."
Seriously, imagine a ref throwing a flag like that in the middle of a USC-UCLA game, or an NFL game? I've never seen that happen, which is why these are high school refs and the other stripes are on the next level.
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Last year I was standing on the Temple City sidelines in a close game late in the fourth quarter (I think it was against Alhambra). Anyway, there was a ref more concerned with coaches being two-yards off the sideline than concentrating on the action. I remember him telling Mooney to push his guys back, and Mooney saying, "That's fine, but I've got a game to coach."
And sure enough, the ref called them for it, 15-yards. Again, I'd like to see a ref throw that flag in a college game. Can you imagine, Notre Dame's driving down the field against UCLA, and the Notre Dame sideline is getting excited and inching toward the sidelines. Suddenly, the ref throws a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct becuase there's an excited coach or player in his way.
C'mon refs, ease up and let the players decide the outcome.

Fred...

Learn to trust CalPreps. They are right more than not... your hometown bias (its due to knowledge of the local teams... not blind predjudice) is getting in the way of accepting that an outside entity may have a better formula for prognosticating.

I believe, like CalPreps, that Rio Hondo Prep (this year) could give the "powers" of the valley a game... maybe not back-to-back-to-back, but RHP would give StF, Muir or the Cats a tough fight for a one night.

BTW - Do you want to push our bet this week? You are already down one dinner. Maybe we'll put some built-in escalators...
1 win = In-n-Out
2 wins = Outback
3 or more = The Derby...

i am so mad about the MUIR game ! burroughs is slow and their QB is scary ! they should of kept blitzing ! MUIR's #24 was killing burroughs QB ! the refs were cheating bad. i have it all on tape and they need to send it to C.I.F ! they gave MUIR a 15 yard penalty because a player had his belt out after they got a first down. but, we all know if you have more blacks on the team and you play a team with more of the other color and it is a close game , some time's you have cheating refs like friday.

Who do you like for next Friday's game of the week? I've narrowed it down to four.
Alemany at St. Francis
Arcadia at Burroughs
La Canada at Temple City
Rosemead at Arroyo.
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I hear all of you, the San Gabriel Valley's top two took a big hit this week. I'm triying to keep it in perspective, Muir losing to the top-ranked team in the division, and St. Francis losing to the type of Catholic School powers they hope to be someday.
But lets look at who's hot right now.
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La Salle is a legitimate Mid-Valley Division contender. There's no doubt about that.
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La Canada proved they're going to be the most feared team in the Mid-Valley. Not because they're the best team, but because they're capable of beating the best on any given night because of the man, Lavelle Peterson. I'm so happy for him. Did you read his comments afterward, that "a weight has been lifted off my chest."
Relax Lavelle, you're the best running back in the SGV. I know they Eastside will argue for Harris at Baldwin Park, but my money's on you.
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The Star-News top ten?
I have to think about that. Where do you put 3-5 La Salle now? Does Monrovia go to No. 1 Where's La Canada on this list? How about Rosemead, who like La Salle, started 0-4 but has won their last three.
Yeah, Observant, I've got some soul-searching to do.
Bloggers, I need your help!

Wow! Crespi dominated St. Francis. All of the sudden all of the local powers can get a glimpse at how strong Monrovia's "lower division" (10) was the past few years.

Remember the dialog I had with some Knights fan a couple weeks ago when he said, "All we have to do is get by Amat, Crespi and Chaminade" as if that were just a trivial task...One game at a time guys.

That's a good lesson for anybody. Don't get caught up in the polls and the mid-season success. Focus on the little things and take the season one day at a time.

Monrovia, St. Francis and Muir still have good shots at winning their divisions. Just focus on the little things. Remember, it's easy to see the elephants coming but the mosquitoes will kill you.

Fred-

What are the rankings lookin like for the Star News and the Mid-Valley Div.??

You live, and die by your best players. When Josh Parish fumbles inside the 20 against TC (no clutch) and Michael Flynn runs around like a maniac with 30 seconds left in the half on the one yard line with an opportunity to make it a 13-7 game and get the ball back to start the second half, he fails.

No its not the coaching, and its not the o-line, its the big time players for SP flaking.

And the two hot shots chilled on the bench away from their team instead of helping their injured teammates.

No wonder South Pasadenas 0-2, no leadership.

Well, Well, Well,,,Fred, I think you have some soul searching to do this week. Muir, St. Francis both lost, I guess no one figured this one out. But that does make Monrovia seem like the consensus favorite to run the table for the remaining half of the season pending some unfortunate circumstances. I do see them as a legitemate #1 and I wish that Monrovia had a chance to play Crespi again this year. If you saw the game last year you would know why. Two touch downs called back Monrovia settled on field goals at every opportunity in the red zone. It made me wonder if they made Garrison an offer. But a loss is a loss. I think they would make crespi look like one of these Rio Hondo league games........The season is still young and I know how stubborn you can be so I wont make any predictions for you...I will let the games speak for themselves....by the way look at La Salle....who would have thought!

(I can't believe it was this close) The main reason for RHP-35 ,Webb-14 was because it was played without the 3 year starter Mike Galvan who has played 32 games without missing and didn't suit up because of a minor injury. Take out a key player on any team and the outcome will be affected.

What do people think about the arcadia v burroughs game next week?

Arcadia hasn't been healthly lately, but lets see how they will do as under dogs.

Fred, a little confused just looked at the score board on your site and it says la salle beat verbum dei 37-1 how does a high school team score 1 point?

minuteman fan-

How come everyone play dirty against you guys? Didn't someone say the say thing when Marantha played RHP. Hmmmm last time i checked this was football, not chess.

BOOOOOYAHHHH! thast 3 straight for La Salle and the run game is unstoppable! I don't see any reason why La Salle should not be ranked #2 in the Mid Valley Division. and how did akeem ayers do??? NO SACKS cause casey hilland ate him up@! i hope La Salle gets an RHL team in the playoffs so they can chew up the talk outa that league

The Maranatha - Campbell hall game was great one - Mark Love was at his outstanding best, and the MHS loyal traveled to support their team - including Code Red - the MHS student rooter group. Disappointing was the officiating, the Campbell Hall athletes play dirty, and while it was clearly seen by the spectators, the refs were blind. Congratulations on a well played game, Brentwood here we come.

One game a time, Anonymous. The season is long. We've only crossed the mid-point. 7 more weeks to go.

FredJ-

I was at the Monrovia game last night and i do know that Potts had a injured left wrist and a very sore right sholder from the LC game. Potts came out in warm-ups suited up and ready to go but i think because everything was going so good for the cats that Coach Garrison just decided to rest his starting QB.

When they came out from half time Potts was in only his jersey and shorts. and he took over the coaching job as he was relaying the plays in from the head-set.

It looks like Potts will be ready for next week as they play San Marino on Thursday.

But my hat is off the the Monrovia offense. I mean to score 33 pts. in the 1st qrt without your starting QB says alot! If Potts would have played in this one the score would have been a lot worse!

THERE IS NO STOPPING THIS TEAM IN THE MID-VALLEY DIV.

About Joe Wiggan... 1st yes we must credit the O-line. But second, have you ever seen Wiggan live? Then you NEED to go to one of his games. Ran for over 200 yards three times this year and carried the ball 39 times against Muir. That my friends is endurance that many backs don't have. in any league.

Well, did anyone make it to the Maranatha vs Campbell Hall game yesterday afternoon? I know Campbell Hall is not the same team that went to the CIF finals last year but a shutout victory, 30 to 0 for the Minutemen. This game even made it to the 11:00 KNBC Friday Night High School Football segment. They showed a few highlights including Mark Love’s 99 yard touchdown run. There’s a great East vs West San Gabriel Valley match up looming if the Minutemen get by an always-tough Brentwood team next week. As I’ve said before, I predict the Alpha league championship will come down to Whittier Christian and Maranatha, two 8 and 1overall, 4 and 0 league teams battling it out. Wow, that’s a game I won’t miss.

For fun, I went to Calpreps to ask for a projection for a Monrovia-St. Francis game, before St. Francis' game tonight.
On a neutral site, Calpreps predicted St. Francis 22, Monrovia 21.
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Still curious, I wanted to know what Calpreps thought of a Rio Hondo Prep - La Canada matchup, knowing there is no way in the world RH Prep could stop Lavelle Peterson.
Prediction, RH Prep 24, La Canada 17.
Guess Calpreps doesn't factor size into their computer equations.

Sorry Andy, my mistake, and I hope the Lancers can make it two out of three years today.
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Bud Man, not sure why Potts didn't play. I know his left hand was injured earlier in the week, but I'll have to ask Garrison about it. I certainly don't want to speculate. Maybe a blogger can help us out on that one.

Dear Fred,
You inaccurately reported that Verbum Dei football beat us 2 straight yrs, for your information, we beat them at home in 2004.
Andy Saldana #3
Sr. Captain, LSHS Football

Why didn't Pott's play for Monrovia? though it was encouraging seeing all the second stringers get some playing time in they may need them. I noticed some new faces in the middle on "D" in the second half looks like the coaching staff was taking the opportunity to do some position cross training, "SMART". Fred did we get a small preview on next years team of junior's and sophmores.

P.s.....TC next week will be your Wake-up Call. Like I said after the Monrovia game with La Canada, Peterson is going to have his way with the Rio hondo league defenses. If it's him VS. Broadnax I pick Peterson..by a large margin. I'm not going to say it will be a blowout but it will be a sound win for the spartans. It will be a running game for 4 quarters.

Remember the Arm tackling I mentioned about Muir?...That's exactly what killed them in the second half. They let the running back gain his confidence and it was over from there. This is why I think thatMonrovia would run cirlcle around Muir. Both running backs at monrovia have the Wiggins style of running and the back-ups aren't too far behind. If they could'nt stop him they could'nt stop Davis or Sparks. As far as St. Fran goes...They are a tough team but I really think that Monrovia's D is just as tough and the offense is even tougher. I know this is spoiled apples but I think that Monrovia could have beaten Crespi last year. For whatever the reason we could'nt do anything in the Red Zone but the coach choose to go for the field goal each and every time. There were a couple of touchdowns called back and the Interceptions killed us. This year we would take the C out of Crespi...

New York. You're right, you have to give it up to Burroughs' O-Line. I could have ran through some of the holes last night. But Wiggans was tough too. He's not the type you can just arm tackle.

Fred,
Was Joe Wiggan unstoppable or was his line dominating the defensive front so that Wiggan was not getting touched until he was past the linebackers? Just curious. Because if we are going to give credit where credit is due, don't forget about the hogs. Remember, a track team is not complete without the throwers.

Fan,
The three week road trip of Los Altos, Saugus and BA does not look as impressive anymore. Los Altos has now lost a couple straight, Saugus is the bottom team (oh yeah it's the ultra competitive Foothill League. Guess what, they are still the weak sister). BA is good, but you guys could not even beat them during a rebuilding year.

But calm down, Fred was speaking along the hypothetical that SF loses tonight. Does that make you nervous, Fan?

Fred,
You gotta be kiding me Monrovia jumping St. Francis? I would have loved to see Monrovia play that 3 week away trip. @Los Altos @Saugus @Bishop Amat? Dont think so. Also I would pay big bucks to see a St. Francis Monrovia game. So SF can show they are the BEST team in the area.

For Peterson to rush for 352 yards on South Pasadena is special. Because of him, you have to favor La Canada over Temple City next week.

Cats 33 Vikings 0... and the end of the 1st qtr!

David Potts didn't play... Monrovia scored a safety off a blocked punt and had a KO return for TD.

And the talk about who is the best PK needs to stop now... Sean Kelley kicked a 54yder tonight... and is 2nd in the nation in FGs made with six or less games total.

Gotta agree with the ObservantCat, I've seen both TC and Monrovia and Monrovia looks like they can run circles around TC...although I'm not making any predictions because you never know when you line 'em up on Friday Night.

Wow Observant, you're pretty fired up, and deserve to be.
The La Canada result amazes me. Not that they beat South Pas, but how easily they did it.
It makes Monrovia look like world beaters.
I'm not making any excuses for Muir. They self destructed. They blew an 18-7 halftime lead with backbreaking unsportsmanlike penalty calls at crucial times. But the simple truth is they couldn't stop Burroughs running back Joe Wiggan. He had 39 carries for 240 yards and four touchdowns. He was unstoppable.
But again, that was the top team in the Central Division. The Mustangs were disappointing, but you have to keep it in perspective, it's not like they lost to Crescenta Valley or some team like that.

geez...i feel really bad for keppel.

Well Monrovia fans, looks like you'll jump Muir to the No. 2 spot in the Star-News poll.
And if St. Francis loses a second straight one on Saturday, who knows, think you deserve the the top spot?

I told you Fred. LaCanada is much better than you think and Monrovia is a lot better than all of you think. I went to the Burroughs and Muir game tonight and I would put my last dollar on the fact that Monrovia could beat both of those teams. I'm not saying that Blair was anyway a factor in my perception of this team. I was told that Potts did'nt even play in that game and the score was 33-0 in the first quarter and the second string offense played the majority of the game. Hmmmmm I wonder if other teams could do that. No disrespect to John Muir but according to you Fred, you already had them jumping in front of St. Francis on your weekly poll, I guess that still puts Monrovia as your third place pick. I would hate to buy stock in your company.....But maybe the TC game may wake you up. My prediction is Monrovia 48 TC 7 and that 7 will come in the last quarter when everthing is over.