FOOTBALL: Alhambra, Pasadena on display in passing tournaments

Here is Scott Galetti's report from the Crescenta Valley passing tournament.

Alhambra sharp despite being shorthanded:
Alhambra is licking its chops as it prepares for the 2007 season.
The Moors dropped their first-round elimination game to Crescenta Valley with a JV quarterback and some players missing because of commitments to play in a baseball tournament.
But that won’t put a damper on the team’s excitement about the upcoming season.
Alhambra posted a 7-4-1 record in 2006 and finished in a three-way tie for the Almont League championship.
The Moors went into the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division playoffs at the league’s top team and advanced to the second round.
Running back Anthony Brown returns for his senior season.
Brown rushed for 1,058 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior.
He will have some big bodies to run behind.
“I think we’re going to be strong because we have one of the biggest lines we’ve had in years,” Alhambra assistant coach Steve Castro said.
Senior linebacker Robert Olivarez returns to lead the Moors defense and will vie for the quarterback spot.
“We just hope that he can go both ways,” Castro said.

Above: Alhambra's quick-footed Anthony Brown.

Bulldogs display quickness:
Pasadena earned wins over Saugus and Valencia to advance to the semifinals.
The Bulldogs did so with a quick, ball-hawking type defense that has Mills excited.
“Our defense is awesome because we have a lot of speed,” Pasadena coach Kevin Mills said.
Senior cornerback Tyron Crockom returns as one of the Bulldogs top players on defense along with senior cornerback/wide receiver Arness Ikner.
Crockom, who threw for 2,050 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, appeared comfortable in the seven-on-seven situation.