THE COUNTDOWN TO FRIDAY BEGINS ...

I was at the Rutgers game a couple weeks ago. A couple takeaways:

1) Jabu is awesome and will get his shot.

2) It was pretty cool watching Tony Soprano play with is own young son on the sideline.

New York, it looks like your boy at Rutgers should be starting. Teal has been unimpressive at Rutgers this year. Give Schiano a call and tell him to play that young kid!

I would say the comparisons of Lou to the great coaches is merited. His grasp of the game, based on an old school attitude of knock them on their buts, gets a little lost in todays game. In it's essence that is what the game is about. imposing your will over an opponent.

Haha. Is it directly from the Ara Parsegian archives? I'm also a big fan of Don Markham's double wing.

Honestly, you've gotta go with what your players can run. A couple years ago I coached a team that did not have much, on average. But our best player was the best player in league and one of the best in state. We made him our QB, safety, kick and punt returner. He never left the field. We had to get creative so he could exploit specific weaknesses of each opponent. Of course, having a kid as athletic and smart as this guy made our job easy. There is nothing like a stud player to make a coach look good! Now as a redshirt freshman he is the second team QB at Rutgers.

Well, if you ever do coach New York hit me up and I'll give you the old Single Wing playbook.

So would I. He reminds me of Woodey Hayes.

Lew looks like he's ready to hang em up these days New York...but if he did I'd volunteer to be on his staff.

It's too bad Stueck is not around the valley anymore. I wonder if he could breathe life into a program like Keppel. What do you guys think?

GoldenBear You know that's a fact about LC! Lou is something else, you can't say Lombardi,no one will ever match him, but it was certainly Lombardiesque.

haha, i heard that story. it reminds me of two years ago, gallagher called a power play to the left side 9 times on the LC sideline to score. Chris Laura with a broken shoulder ran it down LC's throats. I guess thats why they refused to play LS this year.

New York...I assure you Salesian doesn't. Particularly when they were discovered to have two 19+ year old ringers on the team. Not to mention the year before when Stueck got mad at halftime. He sent an off-tackle play in, we ran it. The play ends and Stueck walked out onto the field and just yelled "Run it again"...till we scored 10 plays later on that drive.

I still laugh when I think about that 1995 game against Salesian.

Coach Steuck is a great coach, not only his accomplishments at Loyola in the 50's and 60"s but also his stints at UCLA. what he did at La Salle is pretty amazing, where he started a program from nothing and built it into a contender with 2 years.Coach Manente was his Assistant and went on to coach when Lou left in 99. The winning tradition continues with Gallagher and with guys like DiFiori, Peterson and Desmond around him, expect the Lancers to be around leaugue finals for awhile and continue to play a tough schedule against caliber opponents. There was a lot of second thoughts about taking on opponents such as TC and M in preseason, but good lessons were learned and honed the team for league.

Manente was also one of my coaches. I took his History class, lets just say I rarely talked history in his class.

I've heard some crazy stories about Stueck. Manente (his successor) was just as interesting, I never had him as a coach, but i was around his final year, definately a curious character.

New York, let's just say that it was a mutual agreement between Lew and the Admin. that he needed a change of scenery. He was hired on at Verb as a temp. AD and teacher. Now he just teaches.

Why did he leave La Salle? Did you say he teaches at Verbum Dei?

New York,
Stueck was coach of the year in 95, I'm about 90% positive. And if you hit the history books, he won like 8 or 9 straight in the 50s and 60s with Loyola. Back then, the youngest coach to win a CIF title.

Hope South Pasadena wins Friday!Big rivalry with San Marino -- even though not all of South Pasadena's wins have been "pretty" -- I still think they are playing their hearts out with the small roster they have. Just make sure everyone stays healthy and unhurt. Hope the two players that were hurt in the South Pas game against La Canada are doing okay.

your probably right new york those teams of the 90's was no joke we were talkin bout them when i was in middle school. but why do you say CIF went on a which hunt after 1998????

8's,
Did Stueck get coach of the year in 1995 or 1996?

Philly,
That 21-0 to Santa Ynez is a joke. M-town crushed those guys by over 50 two years earlier in the semis. I don't think it would have happened if the CIF had not gone on their witch hunt after the 1998 season.

Thanks for the painful reminder HSFB Fan, Lancers went up 21-0 on Paraclete until Paraclete play faked them to death and threw deep the rest of the night. I believe the final was 42-28 Paraclete.

On a side note, the WORST officiating in the CIF occurs at Daniel's Field. Either way, Lancers just need to "sack up" and win.

well ray like I said in 2000 their was a tie between monrovia and south pas and their ws no game palyed the next morning trust. we won the coin toss and had to drive up all the way to santa ynez. it took so long we got their mid-way thru the 3nd quarter and it was already 21-0

Philly B.,

Nah, I graduated 2005.
I forgot the finer details but I remember Coach Mooney described how the tie breaker game would occur if several teams became tied back in the 2004 season where it almost came close I think.

Fred,

Mary Star is 2 - 1 in league. They beat St. Monica,Cantwell but lost big to Verb Saturday, 42-21. They punished them.

:o)

Ahh...rivalry week. As the hatred reaches its boiling point for Friday's SP-SM showdown...I can't wait! This is the season for both teams (it really is if you think about the playoff picture). I think SM has a great thing going and, although a SP alum and fan, I am proud of the spoiled, whiny, daddy's boys and their gutsy game against Monrovia. While SP forgot their was a game going on, listening to the roar of the semi's at LCHS's field (oh wait, that was Peterson), I think it was the wind trap that is LCHS that had them off their game. The second half of the Blair game was that tender reminder of their talent level and abilities. While it will be close, the SM Titans will be blinded by the sweaters tied around their shoulders and SP should retain the plaque.
In all seriousness (as serious as HS football can be), I think using Peterson's performance as a measuring stick for this game is a false premise. LC won because they had one answer, Peterson, and SP was reeling. SM has no one who can take over the game by himself. They rely on a balanced attack and team play. While some would say this would lead to a big win, I say it leads to SP being able to use their strengths (individual playmakers on both sides of the ball). The small SP line will not be overrun and the skill players from SP will make a difference in the fourth quarter (hopefully not a la the TC game). GO SOPAS! and in the end, I hope to see the victory symbol proudly waving back and forth during the alma mater. I can't wait to hear eye of the tiger this Friday and see Ed Smith and the boys come back to Diamond Ave. victorious.

If the eye of the tiger shows fear or doubt the animals in the jungle react adversely.

Meaning that the L S coaches must exude confidence in there team situation however tenuous it might be at Daniels Field with the 'bad grass, horrible refs and ribald crowd'. Good teams overcome all situations to win. This will be another test to see which is the true character of the team, the one that started 0 - 5 or the dynamo that is 3 - 0 in the last 3 games.

Like I say if you want respect, ranking, etc., 'Just Win Baby!'.

:o)

Here's the big rivalry that La Salle always needs to be ready for. Mary Star is never a clinch or an easy win.
I was there 2 years ago when we traveled to San Pedro to face the stars. Fred, you wrote that this was Gallagher's season, and not to worry.
But Daniels field tends to come up with surprises. Bad Grass, horrible refs, and a big crowd showing.
La Salle and Mary Star have had a big rivalry; and this year is more intense. Last year we beat MS on our home, and marystar wants pay back.
This is La Salle's Big Game. LS needs to focus, not get over confident, and take mary star seriously. Don't do what we did 2 years ago and take them lightly. Mary Star is always willing to show up and rumble.
Either way, go Lancers; beat the stars!

Coach Lou Steuck is alive and well. He still spends time teaching part time at Verb. I spent some time with him recently at the Verb/LS game and he is still his old self, full of vim! I like his view of football, whcih is very basic and I subscribe to it. If at the end of each play there are more guys from the other team on their butts, than yours, then you were succesfull and if you can do that every play, you will win the game.

San Marino is looking pretty good right now after a tough fight against Monrovia, but I feel like it's going to be a close dogfight.

Philly B, don't worry South Pas will get physical for this one. This is the game you think about during summer workouts and two-a-days.

Loyal Tiger, I feel there is a possibility that Garrison will sit some of his key players against South Pas. A few years back he sat Akil Harris against us and we still got spanked. It all depends on what goes down this Friday though. If they lose to TC I don't he's going to hold back on South Pas the next week.
I can't make any predictions on the SP vs. SM game because I might jinx it or something....you all know where my loyalties lie.

What do you think about ARROYO @ gabrielino game this Friday? Last week was Gabby's first win at new stadium... but can they handle the Knights? Dont think so. I expect Arroyos D to shut eagles out 28-0.

ray,
you most be old school because monorvia tied south pas i believe back in 2000 if im correct and their was no game played on saturday.

one,
yeah its a rivalry but i heard even though sp beat blair it was pretty ugly how they did it. and I think san marino is playin more physical. and i dont think they would let lc blow them out like that. one kid tore sp up like nothin. im pickig san marino regardless of the rivalry.

hsfbfan
jesse last time i checked is still at CAL. but i dont know if he's on the football team or not. i mean when desean jackson(long beach poly) committed to CAL that was the end to jesse's playing time basically. one of my frineds still talks to him, i think he might be on the jv team but dont quote me on it.

If I remember correctly, the RHL tiebreaker is basically a rematch game and its played on saturday morning at 7AM..

One, I've seen San Marino play Workman and Monrovia, and they impressed me both times. Coach Moreland had those guys believing they could beat Monrovia last week, and nearly pulled it off. I don't think South Pas has fully recovered from the Temple City loss, so I'm going with San Marino to squeak it out.

What are the chances of Monrovia winning this Friday then sitting out key players against SP, giving SP a chance to win and possibly move into a third place tie with LC?

My question is would LC not automatically go becuase it beat us, well destoryed us?

Would we play again? Coin FLip?

Im not sure if i understood RHL Coach's explanation...

Lancer 8, I can't believe that you brought up that La Salle 1995 team. They were a great team, but lost in the 1st around of CIF. It's amazing to see the wealth of knowledge of prep football in the SGV.

Off subject, Does anyone know what happened to Jesse Canada from Monrovia? What is he doing now...

Fred,

What are your thoughts on this Friday's rivalry between SP and SM?

Philly B,

You make a point, but you seem to be forgetting the KEY factor...It's a SP/SM rivalry...there is much more at stake than just an average game...in a way this game is the most important game of the season for these two teams...SP leads the bitter rivalry at 25-23-3. They've won the past three years, and they want to keep that plaque. All I'm saying is expect a fight to the finish.

RHL Coach,
I had a hunch that was the situation. The best part, I beleive, is that the tie breaker is played the Saturday (or Friday) after the final game!

Very true. Monrovia and Burroughs are two games where they should've executed and finished. They have a good assortment of talent, just bad luck. I don't see them missing the playoffs because Jon Dimalante is too good of a coach. If they could execute, they would be a great team. Execution is key to anything.

hsfbfan,
man u hit the target when it comes to arcadia season this year i wont be surprised if they miss the playoffs this year. i mean they cant finish the big games. period.

If there is a three way tie the teams meet at a nuetral site. 3 coins are flipped, the odd man out sits and waits as the other 2 play the california tie breaker game and the winner then plays the odd man out. the winner of that game goes in as the number three. The Rio Hondo league does not flip anyone out of the playoffs.

Big A,
Arcadia has the ability to win the Big game but they always seem to turnover the ball. Remember 3rd quarter of the monrovia game with arcadia up 7-6 (game on the line), and arcadia fumbles on the 1/2 yard line without contact and monrovia recovers the ball for a touchback. Thats what kind of season it has been for arcadia.

Chaminade will get SF by a field goal. They are good team. I remember Arcadia played them last year in the first round of CIF and lost 33-31, but lead most of the game. The week before that game Chaminade was beating Notre Dame but lost it in the final quarter.

88,
Garcia was great in Stueck's direct snap offense. Whatever happened to Stueck?

Apaches bounce back...

La Salle 43 Mary Star 12

Tbag7, you're right, I didn't factor that in. I'll ask and find out what happens in a 3-way tie. I think it is a coin-flip, but I'll check for sure tomorrow.

Fred ... it may not be true that the San Marino/South Pas loser will be eliminated after this week. Consider this possibility - San Marino, South Pas and La Canada would finish in a three way tie for third place at 2-3 if SP wins this week and SM beats La Canada next week (assuming the obvious that La Canada will beat Blair this week and SP will be trounced by Monrovia next week). Any idea what would happen under a 3-way tie scenario? Coin toss?

one,
"with a win over blair?" come on now one. who doesnt get a win over blair. yeah they put up more of a fight this year and it is a work in progress,but san marino in a way.... i cant believe im saying this but the way they played monrovia....i'll say it... their the most underated team in the league. and south pas is the most overrated coming into league. so what they held t.c. to only six. they were blown out by l.c. I dont see an upset in this one san marino 28 south pas 12. what do you think fred? do you smell upset in this game between the two schools???

Since you like history Fred...95 was the last time LS beat Mary Star on Daniel's Field (also with league on the line). That day a number of future all CIF-ers hit the field...Travis Ingrao, Ryan Garcia, Ralph Lazcano, David Taylor, Danny Sheridan. The Lancers won thanks to some tough D-Line play against Mary Stars all-CIF back Phil Trutanich who was held below 70 yards. It's been 10 years in the making...so expect Jimenez to dominate in the trenches so Bury and Baier can run free as the Lancer's clinch league.

South Pas will beat San Marino. They have their momentum back with the win against Blair and they want to keep that plaque...

I realize that the Pasadena Bulldogs are puppies compared to the Burbank Bulldogs, but I'm telling you -Burroughs might choke.

Okay burbanksports obviously you meant the Bulldogs. Reminds me of the saying "if if and buts were candy and nuts we'd all throw a party."

burbanksports

Seems a little early for you to be drinking!!! Are you talking about the Pasadena Bulldogs or Muir?

If Pasadena can throw the ball all over the field and come up with some defensive stops, they can upset Burroughs. The week before the Burbank vs Burroughs and both squads are looking ahead to next week. Fortunately, Burbank gets Glendale this week.

Hey UR Worstknightmare,

Congrats on the win over Rosemead. What can you say about Arroyo? They properly defended their home field.

Hey Fred, here are last week's picks in case you forget.

Calpreps- 15-2
Campa 15-2
Robledo 14-3.

You finished in third once again. But hey, at least you're getting closer.

im going to have to disagree with burbanksports and go St. Francis over by 3. it will definately be a close game at Friedman Field.

Chaminade by 7 over St. Francis.