November 2006 Archives

GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/preps/ci_4745185
Star-News preseason top ten
1. Westridge
2. Pasadena
3. Flintridge Sacred Heart
4. San Marino
5. La Salle
6. South Pasadena
7. La Canada
8. Arcadia
9. Monrovia
10. Alverno
BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/preps/ci_4753216
Star-News preseason tp ten
1. Marshall
2. Arcadia
3. St. Francis
4. San Marino
5. Bosco Tech
6. La Salle
7. Muir
8. La Canada
9. Pasadena Poly
10. Flintridge Prep

I would like to know if there is interest in blogging about girls and boys soccer? On Friday we will run our boys soccer preview and start a new thread. Throughout the winter I will post a boys and girls basketball and soccer blog weekly starting next week. Use that to write in and tell us about your game. Give us inside scoop and stuff we can discuss. Obviously, we can't be at all the games, there is way to much going on in the winter. But if you want to become your own sportswriter and write in and give us daily updates, it not only helps me stay on top of things, but it helps promote our area athletes.
Also:I know there are a lot avid photographers at games. If you would like one of your photos to lead our blog entries in any of the winter sports, send them to my personal email at fred.robledo@sgvn.com.

MID-VALLEY DIVISION SEMIFINAL
Bishop Diego at La Salle, 7 p.m.
Matt Kohorst had his best game of the season on Friday against Monrovia. Can he repeat that performance against Bishop Diego. And can Duarte, or anyone else stop Verbum Dei in other semifinal.
Quote from Rams coach Mike Mooney. "I feel like we just lost to the team (Verbum Dei) that's going to walk away with the title. Having seen everyone play and playing them up close, unless they fumble and stumble, the only team that can beat Verbum Dei is Verbum Dei."

NORTHEAST DIVISION SEMIFINAL
Maranatha vs. Brentwood at Clark Field in Long Beach
Big Question: Will Maranatha quarterback Alex Clash play? He suffered a sprained MCL in last week's 52-6 quarterfinal romp over Salesian. If not, the biggest game in Maranatha history will be turned over to sophomore Matt Schilz. And look at the Alpha League, three teams in the final four. This game is a rematch of Maranatha's thriling 31-28 victory over Brentwood on Oct. 28, in which the Minutemen won on a Kyle Delahooke 28-yard field goal

Vote for the most deserving players at these following positions for the 2006 All-Area team..
Here's an example of the 2005 Star-News All-Area team. Use this as a guideline.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Scott Stephens, St. Francis
COACH OF THE YEAR - Ken Howard, Muir
QB - Forrest Elder, Muir, Sr
RB - Sushi Tsai, Temple City, Sr.
RB - Audarrius Bailey, Arcadia, Sr.
WR - Tyler Roby, Muir, Sr.
WR - Alfred Varela, San Gabriel, Sr.
WR - Nick Sparks, La Canada, Sr
OL - Marco Mora, San Gabriel
OL - Brian Soumakian, Temple City, Jr.
OL - Andrew Roxas, St. Francis, Jr.
OL - Ian Hoffman, La Salle, Sr.
OL - Sean Wohlhueter, Monrovia, Sr.
AP - Scott Stephens, St. Francis, Sr.
K - Chris Clarizio, La Salle, Sr.

DEFENSE
DB - Devin Lopez, Alhambra
DB - Lance Mitchell, Muir
DB - Ray McDonough, St. Francis
SS - Deon Sumler, Rosemead
LB - David Hopkins, La Canada
LB - Jason Campos, Alhambra
LB - Gunnar Bundesmann, Arcadia
LB - David Chen, Arcadia
DL - Josh Casey, Rosemead
DL - Marquis Ross, Muir
DL - Alex Bonifer, St. Francis
ƒP - Jose Camarena, Rosemead

Start casting your votes for Star-News coach of the year.
This is going to be a tough call. The two most important factors are how you did in league and in the playoffs.

Who should be crowned the 2006 Star-News player of the year?
Start casting your votes and making your arguments.
Follow these simple guidelines.
Vote for the player you think was the most valuable to his team throughout the entire season and playoffs. How a player performed in league and in the playoffs are the two most import factors.

THE STAGE BELONGS TO LA SALLE AND MARANATHA
Historic night for both Pasadena Schools, which advance to semifinals for first time in school history.
Sad night for Rio Hondo League, Muir, Alhambra and Pasadena Poly.

FRIDAY'S QUARTERFINAL RESULTS
La Salle 35, Monrovia 28 (Lancers deserve to take a bow; Monrovia spoils what should have been a championship season.
Verbum Dei 50, Temple City 13 (The Camino Real, not the Rio Hondo, is the class of the Mid-Valley Division)
Duarte 41, Santa Clara 38 (Keep going Duarte, your story is just as remarkable as La Salle).
Maranatha 52, Salesian 6 (Still in shock by the final score. The Minutemen proved they can win a big one.)
Colony 42, Muir 7 (Couldn't dance on the edge forever)
Notre Dame 55, Pasadena Poly 22 (I hope this means Notre Dame beats 'SC tomorrow.)

Thanksgiving wishes
....That we can have an all area Mid-Valley Division final - Temple City or Duarte from the top half, against either La Salle or Monrovia from the bottom.
... That the Alhambra Moors can beat Santa Fe and advance to the Southeastern Division semifinals, giving coach Gil Ruedaflores his first trip to the semi's in what could be his last hurrah.
....That Muir's offense returns, and Willie Youngblood can keep drinking that pickle juice to get those legs ready for Friday.
....That Pasadena Poly can handle Notre Dame's WingT, and play with that same inspired effort that it took to beat Rio Hondo Prep
.....That Maranatha can reach the semifinals for the first time in school history by beating those big bad boys from Salesian.
.....That you all eat well, enjoy your family, get a good night of rest and get ready for Friday!

Tucker's Bulldogs have brought respect to West San Gabriel High School Basketball

Preseason Top Ten
1. Pasadena
2. La Salle
3. La Canada
4. Muir
5. Maranatha
6. Keppel
7. Marshall
8. Arcadia
9. Blair
10. Renaissance Academy

CIF-SS PLAYOFFS, QUARTERFINALS
Friday
Mid-Valley Division
Temple City vs. Verbum Dei at Centennial High, 7:30 p.m.
La Salle at Monrovia, 7 p.m.
Santa Clara at Duarte, 7:30 p.m.
Central Division
Colony at Muir, 7 p.m.
Southeast Division
Alhambra at Santa Fe, 7:30 p.m.
Northeast Division
Maranatha at Salesian, 7:30 p.m.
East Valley Division
Pasadena Poly vs. Riverside Notre Dame at Rubidoux High School, 7:30 p.m.
For predictions, click below

Walllace, Henderson and Morris headline the top-ranked Stangs

Girls Basketball Top Ten
1. Muir
2. La Canada
3. Monrovia
4. Keppel
5. Flintridge Prep
6. South Pasadena
7. San Marino
8. Rosemead
9. Rio Hondo Prep
10. Arcadia

MID-VALLEY DIVISION QUARTERFINALS
La Salle (6-5) at Monrovia (9-2), Friday at 7 p.m.

To get to the Final Four, here are the top four reasons why this is the biggest game in La Salle History
1. HISTORY: Since the football program started in 1992, they have never advanced to the CIF-SS Divisional semifinals.
2. RECOGNITION: The Lancers compete in the Camino Real League, facing teams like Verbum Dei, Mary Star, and others well outside the area. They also play too many Saturday afternoon games, and prior to this year, played in CIF-SS playoff games against teams that nobody outside La Salle was interested in.
3. OPPORTUNITY: The Lancers are in the Mid-Valley Division where local teams from the Rio Hondo and Montview teams compete in. If the Lancers can defeat the Wildcats, an area power on a prime-time Friday night game of the week, they not only will be in the semifinals, but think of what this could do for future recruiting. La Salle is an affordable private school in a beautiful area of Pasadena. A win over Monrovia could turn them into a Mid-Valley power for years to come. Heck, they might already be on their way
4. FUTURE - A couple years ago La Salle installed a state of the art artificial surface, and last week, played under Friday night lights for the first time in the history of the school. All that is left is a signature victory, and think of what it would mean to beat Temple City and Monrovia in the same year.
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Verbum Dei defensive end Akeem Ayers is being heavilly recruited by UCLA, and is looking to upset No. 1 Temple City on Friday

This is scary, Verbum Dei's last three scores
Verbum Dei 48, St. Monica 0
Verbum Dei 56, Cantwell Sacred Heart 0
Verbum dei 53, L.A. Bapitist 0
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In what could be his final year, Alhambra coach Gil Ruedaflores is hoping to advance to the semifinals for the first time in his 19-years at the school.
Alhambra is at Santa Fe on Friday in a Southeast Divisional quarterfinal.

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Not a bad start
In two years at Muir, coach Ken Howard is 18-5, owns a Pacific League championship, two quarterfinal appearances, and is trying to reach his first semifinal when the Mustangs (9-2) host Colony (9-2) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

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Maranatha quarterback Alex Clash, who hopes to lead the Minutemen over Salesian.

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Wake up the echoes...no, no, no, it's just Riverside Notre Dame that Pasadena Poly has to deal with on Friday. I'm going with my man Stephen Sherman to get it done.

Rams romp, beat Sierra Vista 51-12. Up next, Verbum Dei, a 53-0 winner over L.A. Baptist
ONLY SEVEN LOCALS REMAIN

Quarterfinals:
Mid-Valley
Temple City at Verbum Dei
Santa Clara at Duarte
La Salle at Monrovia
Central Division
Colony at Muir
Southeast
Alhambra at Santa Fe
Northeast
Maranatha at Salesian
East Valley
Pasadena Poly at Riverside Notre Dame
For Friday's results, click here

In his last seven games, Lavelle Peterson is averaging 276 yards, and has rushed for school records against Gabrielino (345), South Pasadena (354) and needed only 11 carries to rush for 382 yards against Blair. A local coach at the game told me that if they decided to play Peterson all four quarters, and there wasn't a running clock, he could have rushed for 1,000 yards against the Vikings.
So, the question is, will Peterson get his average of 276 yards against the Falcons? And can Duarte, the Montview League champion, become the first team from the Montview to win a playoff game since Duarte did it in 2001.

CIF-SS PLAYOFFS, FIRST ROUND
Friday
Mid-Valley Division
La Canada at Duarte, 7:30 p.m.
Azusa at Monrovia, 7 p.m.
Fillmore at La Salle, 7 p.m.
Sierra Vista at Temple City, 7:30 p.m.
Central Division
Paloma Valley at Muir, 7:30 p.m.

Arcadia at Colton, 7:30 p.m.
Southeast Division
Orange vs. Alhambra at Moor Field, 7:30 p.m.
Rosemead at Saddleback, 7:30 p.m.
Western Division
St. Francis at Culver City, 7:30 p.m.
East Valley Division
Aquinas at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m.
Northeast Division
Sage Hill vs. Maranatha at San Marino, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
East Valley Division
Vasquez at Pasadena Poly, 2 p.m.
For prediction, click below

Mid-Valley
Top-ranked Temple City (9-1) shouldn't have much of a problem with Sierra Vista (3-7) in the first round, but it gets interesting after that. Verbum Dei (6-4) could be next for the Rams if they defeat L.A. Baptist. Either way, it's a shaky second round game for the Rams.
Monrovia (8-2) also should have an easy time with Azusa (5-5) to open the playoffs, but who are they pulling for in the other game. Would you want to face La Salle (5-5) again? At least it would be at home. Or, would the 'Cats prefer to go on the road and play Fillmore, a team that was recently ranked No. 2 before losing their league finale? Either way, another scary second round game. I'm hoping it's Monrovia-La Salle. It would be much closer the second time around.
La Canada (6-4) gets Montview League champ Duarte (8-2). Can the Falcons handle a good running back. They're going to have to if they have any hopes of stopping Lavelle Peterson. The Spartans, like I've said from day one, are my sleeper. Peterson is the best player in the division, so it will be interesting to see how heavy coach Rich Wheeler leans on him.

Southeast
Does Rosemead, Alhambra and Arroyo have a chance of reaching the second round in a difficult division that includes Troy, Westminster, La Habra and Santa Fe.
Alhambra (6-3-1) probably has the best shot. They were impressive beating Schurr to earn a co-Almont League title in the finale, and they face an Orange team in a rebuilding year, and one that lost to Rosemead earlier in the season.
Rosemead (5-5) will have their hands full against Saddleback, a 6-4 team from the Golden West League. Remember what happened last year. Rosemead entered the playoffs with an undefeated record, and got bounced in the first round by La Serna.
Arroyo (5-5) doesn't figure to have much of a chance against La Habra (8-2), the No. 4 seed from the Freeway League, the most dominant league in the division. The Freeway league champion, Troy, is the top-seed in the Southeast.

Central
Muir was not seeded, so the 8-2 Mustangs have a tough opener. Paloma Valley (7-3) finished in a three-way tie for the Sunbelt, and is riding a three-game winning streak. The only loss Paloma Valley suffered in league was in overtime to 8-2 Hemet. However, without Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Dominguez and even St. Francis in the division, the Mustangs have a shot to advance to the quarters, and maybe semi's.
Arcadia (5-5) has the huge task of going to No. 2 seeded Colton (8-2), The San Andreas League champions only two losses came against teams with a combined record of 16-4, so the Apaches have their hands full trying to escape the first round.
Western
St. Francis (6-4) earned the at-large berth after losing four of their last five games. Did they deserve it? Absolutely given their strong preseason schedule. The Knights are facing Ocean league co-champ Culver City (8-1-1), which, has an amazing offense, but no defense. They lost 63-35 to St. Monica, and tied Beverly Hills, 56-56, in the league finale. So, don't sleep on the Knights.

Northeast
Maranatha is the Alpha's No. 2, facing Sage Hill, a 6-4 team from the Academy League. Sage Hill has a 31-13 loss to Western Christian, and also lost to the division's top-ranked St. Margaret's in their league finale, 42-21. The winner faces either Fairmont Prep (9-1) or the No. 4. seed Salesian (9-3) in the quarterfinals.

East Valley
I love how the East Valley shapes up. Could we actually see a repeat of the Prep League championship in the finals?
Rio Hondo Prep (8-1) is on the top half of the bracket, facing Aquinas (7-3) in the first round, with a possible semifinal showdown against top-ranked Big Bear (10-0).
Pasadena Poly (8-1) is the No. 4 seed, and watch out for their first round opponent, Vasquez, a free-lance team with a 6-2 record. Vasquez barely lost to Mary Star of the Sea, 28-27, which is a tough team from the Camino Real League, where La Salle plays.

Mooney, Garrison, Wheeler, Howard and Ruedaflores talk with us at Sunday's CIF-SS pairings draw.

http://lang.sgvtribune.com/multimedia/asps/111206_pas-preprally.asp

THE PAIRINGS ARE SET

Click on this link to access the CIF-SS pairings.
http://http://cifss.org/playoff.htm
Temple City earns top seed in Mid-Valley Division, with Monrovia No. 2.
Couple of notes, both Monrovia and Temple City won second round coin flips. That means the Rams will be at home in the second round if L.A. Baptist wins and on the road if Verbum Dei wins. If Monrovia and La Salle meet in the second round, Monrovia will host it.
On Sunday night visit, visit the Star-News prep sports page for webcast interviews and reactions with coaches from the CIF-SS office.
Friday's first round schedule.
MId-Valley
Sierra Vista at Temple City
La Canada at Duarte
Fillmore at La Salle
Azusa at Monrovia
Northeast
Sage Hill at Maranatha
East Valley
Aquinas at Rio Hondo Prep
Fasquez at Pasadena Poly
Southeast
Rosemead at Saddleback
Orange at Alhambra
Central
Paloma Valley at Muir
Arcadia at Colton
Western Division
St. Francis at Culver City

Nomination's please ...

Muir 21, Pasadena 6
The Bulldogs had their chances, but it's hard to win when your quarterback throws four interceptions, you fumble a fouth-down punt attempt that leads to a touchdown, and have another punt blocked in the endzone for a touchdown. Muir led 15-0 in the first six minutes, and never looked back. Mustangs running back Willie Youngblood still seemed bothered by a sore quadriceps, rushing only seven times for 33-yards.
The Mustangs defense looked sharp, but they need to get healthier if they want to make a playoff run.
Beezley Films is doing a documentary on the Turkey Tussle. Click on the link, it will show you what the rivalry means to the local schools.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OanKUZROSb4
THAT'S YOU KNOW WHO - SERGEANT MILLS

BUT ONCE AGAIN ...

ALSO ON THURSDAY NIGHT -- Monrovia clinches a playoff spot with a 16-7 win over South Pas; Alhambra gives coach Gil Ruedaflores only his second Almont League title in 19-years by defeating Schurr, 55-22, and Rosemead forces a three-way tie in the Mission Valley League with a 23-21 victory over South El Monte.
FRIDAY NIGHT'S RESULTS - Pasadena Poly thoroughly dominated Rio Hondo Prep, winning 20-0 and ending the Kares' 18-game winning streak. Whittier Christian defeated Maranatha to create a three-way tie in the Alpha league, and St. Francis lost to St. Paul, 21-9, and now must hope for a Western Division at-large playoff berth.

Who should win the Rio Hondo League MVP award?
The argument for Broadnax: in the Rio Hondo League championship game, he had his best performance of the season, rushing for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-24 win over Monrovia. In his next biggest RHL game, the Rams defeated La Canada, 31-28, and Broadnax had 215 yards and three touchdowns to outduel Peterson, who finished with 202 yards. Even though Broadnax missed two games to due injury (nonleague games), he has rushed for 1,474 yards, averages 6.30 yards per game, and 210 yards a game. He also has 15 touchdowns.
The argument for Peterson: He leads the area in rushing with 1,964 yards and 22 touchdowns. He's averaging 9.72 yards per carry and 218 yards per game behind a less talented offensive line. Peterson also has had three incredible eye-opening performances. He rushed for a school record 345 yards and five touchdowns against Gabrielino. He broke his own school record by rushing for 354 yards and three touchdowns against South Pasadena. And last week, broke his own school record for the second time, rushing for 382 yards and six touchdowns against Blair in a game where he rested most of the second half.

Thursday
Keppel at San Gabriel, 3:15 p.m.
Pasadena vs. Muir at Rose Bowl, 7 p.m.
South El Monte at Rosemead, 7 p.m.
Alhambra vs. Schurr at Moor Field, 7 p.m.
Monrovia at South Pasadena, 7 p.m.
San Marino at La Canada, 7 p.m.
Burbank at Burroughs, 7 p.m.
Arroyo at El Monte, 7 p.m.
Gabrielino at Mountain View, 7 p.m.
Blair at Temple City, 7 p.m.
Friday
Pasadena Poly at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m.
St. Francis at St. Paul, 7:30 p.m.
Whittier Christian vs. Maranatha at Whittier College, 7
p.m.
Crescenta Valley at Arcadia, 7 p.m.
Marshall vs. Calvary Chapel at Clark Field, 7 p.m.
St. Monica at La Salle, 1:30 p.m.
Bosco Tech vs. Cathedral at St. Matthias HS, 7 p.m.
Viewpoint vs. Flintridge Prep at Malibu, 7 p.m.
For predictions click below

Temple City moves to the top of the Mid-Valley Division, and of course La Salle and Duarte are nowhere to be found.
Maranatha moves to No. 2 in the Northeast and Rio Hondo Prep remains No. 2 in East Valley.
Muir moves up a notch to No. 5 in the Central, while St. Francis dropped to No. 6 in the Western.
But the poll you're all waiting for is the always accurate Star-News top ten.
1. Muir
2. St. Francis
3. Temple City
4. Monrovia
5. La Canada
6. Arcadia
7. South Pasadena
8. Rio Hondo Prep
9. Alhambra
10. La Salle
Next Five
11. Pasadena
12. San Marino
13. Pasadena Poly
14. Maranatha
15. Rosemead

For CIF polls, click below

PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Rio Hondo League
Temple City (8-1, 4-0) is the league champion and top entry.
If Monrovia (7-2, 3-1) defeats South Pasadena (7-2, 2-2), they're in as the No. 2 seed.
If South Pasadena (7-2, 2-2) defeats Monrovia and La Canada (5-4, 2-2) defeats San Marino (5-4, 1-3), there is a three-way tie for second place between Monrovia, South Pasadena and La Canada.
If that happens, a three-way coin flip will determine who finishes second. The odd-team in the coin flip automatically gets the second place entry. The two other teams would then play a 25-yard tiebreaker (just like in college) on Friday to determine the third place entry.
If Monrovia defeats South Pasadena and San Marino defeats La Canada, there would be a three-way tie for third between South Pasadena, La Canada and San Marino. In that scenario, all three teams would show up on Friday for a playoff. A coin flip determines which two teams play the first tiebreaker. The winner of the tiebreaker would then play the odd-team out from the coin flip in another tiebreaker to determine the league's third place entry.
MISSION LEAGUE
Chaminade (2-0) has clinched at least a share of the title and can win it outright against Crespi (0-2).
St. Francis (1-1) will be at St. Paul (1-1) on Friday for second place. The loser has to hope for an at-large berth in the Western Division since only two teams in the four-team Mission League are guaranteed playoff berths.
For other scenarios, click below

BREAKING NEWS
Before last night's Monrovia-Temple City game, Pasadena co-athletic director Bob Beran spoke to me about the possibility of next week's Turkey Tussle between Muir and Pasadena being moved to Pasadena City College on Thursday instead of playing in the Rose Bowl, where they have played every year since the 1950s.
Beran said they will discuss the possibility of moving the game at Monday's Pasadena City Council meeting, so I suggest that PHS and Muir folks storm down there and voice their opinions.
What a tragedy if they take this game away from the kids. They would be spoiling the best tradition this side of the Garfield-Roosevelt game. To those on the City Council, PLEASE DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN.

CITY COUNCIL UPDATE
a pre-Tussle scuffle over financing the expensive event was settled Monday night by the City Council, which voted to increase its support of the annual showdown between Muir and PHS to at least $39,000.
Translation: The City stepped up. Now it's up to the PUSD and both schools to continue to work with the City to make sure this game continues for years to come.
The game is on, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Nomination's please ...

Temple City 41, Monrovia 24
Dwight Broadnax went crazy, rushing for 300 yards and three touchdowns as the Rams overpowered the Mid-Valley Division's top-ranked 'Cats. When Wildcats players were walking off, they were already praying for a rematch. Who knows, we could see these two in the Mid-Valley title game for the sequel.

THREE OF THE FIVE HORNESMAN - THE PRIDE OF TC'S GREAT 0-LINE

Cary Smith, Danyang Zhao and Brian Soumakian
Click below for Friday's results.

Thursday
Blair vs. La Canada at Muir, 7 p.m.
Friday
Chaminade at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.
Temple City at Monrovia, 7 p.m.
Muir at Arcadia, 7 p.m.
South Pasadena at San Marino, 7 p.m.
Pasadena vs. Burroughs at PCC, 7 p.m.
San Gabriel at Montebello, 7 p.m.
La Salle vs. Mary Star at Daniels Field, 7 p.m.
Bosco Tech vs. Harvard-Westlake at St. Matthias, 7 p.m.
Arroyo at Gabrielino, 7 p.m.
Alhambra at Keppel, 7 p.m.
Rosemead at Mountain View, 7 p.m.
Saturday
Calvary Chapel at Maranatha, 2 p.m.
Campbell Hall at Marshall, 2 p.m.
Flintridge Prep at Pasadena Poly, 2 p.m.
Rio Hondo Prep at Chadwick, 2 p.m.
For predictions, click below