Can you feel it, "Hell Week" just a couple weeks away ...

The field lights are up at Minutemen Stadium and Friday night games are on !!!!!!

OK, so now you all know what we've got to deal with here in Dena. But sometimes you've just got to put delinquents in their place.

Dawgs House 07:

Bro, I understand what Mills is trying to do at HS, and I see that same attitude coming out in your posts. Listen, I don't care if you guys walk around with a Tony Montana bravado, because at the end of the day all it is is just TALK. As a matter of fact that's all you guys ever do is talk, talk, talk!!!

At least Muir, Arcadia, Monrovia, and SF chalk up a few W's now and then. In the past three years you guys are 8-22, and you haven't seen the playoffs in YEARS. Every year after we POP your terrible little team in the Bowl all we hear for the next 364 days is how much better you guys will be and how next year is YOUR year. You guys are better this year, but please don't get it twisted, you will get BLOWN OUT by Dominguez, and lose to Arcadia, Burroughs, and most definitely Muir.

Win something first, then come in and talk all you want. Until then tuck your little tail between your legs and get your team ready for some more disappointing L's. I swear you guys never learn.

dawg 07 makes it sound like phs is moving from the bulldogs to the PIRATES!!!

arr arr arr!! hahahhaha what a joke!

Hey Dawg '07
Thanks for the laugh. I do have to admire your blind devotion to your school. Maybe you should have been paying attention in English class though, because your grammar and spelling are terrible.

Burbank,
If a team can dominate the line and grind the clock, they will usually be in the game at the end.

Dawg 07,

You have too-much hatred within... there is no need to have a rational discussion with you. I wish the dogs well this season. And a little bit about my ol PHS days, we took the Pacific League Champs in 1987 and only lost to Muir 14-9...possibly the closes since the PHS win in 1996.

DAWG

Dawg 07,
You and all your hype crazy. We'll see if pasadena can beat an average West Ranch squad.

BTW, don't relate football to war because it's not.

I guess folks cant take a real dude spittin real sh@%! Well get over it. After years of losing the dawgs r back. and i dont care how any of ya'll feel. DAWG u must be from that ol HS attitude of losing. Well im tired of it and if u knew anything about Mills u would know this is the type of atitude he is trying to establish at HS. He has r kids ready to go to war at anytime with anybody and you cant come in the battle like some punk like we have been the passed few years. u heard him on that documentry-"we r coming for heads, i want there heads in my trophy case." just turn in ur dawg tags and stay in soft-@$$ monrovia chump. u aint no real dawg!

bigMlover, fire Mills? hell nah! if it wasnt for him we wouldnt be ready to take over the area like we about to do. I love his I-dont-give-a-dam atitude. its HS againgst the world. Call it street call it hood call it ghetto call it whatever u want but just be prepared to call us #1 when its all said and done. ARR ARR ARR!!!

BigM....
I don't know what to think about Burroughs. I'm not sure they could win the Pacific even if they went 3-0 in the pre-season. I don't know if they'll see any speed until they get into the league play. Burroughs can probably compete in the trenches with anybody, but go up top or get outside and they will have problems. That's why I like Muir and Pasadena. Around town people are saying Burroughs will make the playoffs and Burbank might win 4 games. I can see Burroughs making the playoffs, but I'm not sure how Burbank wins 4 games.

From the real "DAWG"

This post is for dawg house 07...

Please have some respect on the blog and represent PHS with some pride and honor. Is sad to see new bloggers like yourself talk trash about what you are going to do...dont talk about it, just play with respect and honor on the field of dreams.

GO DOGS
GO CATS

DAWG

burbanksports...

Burroughs first three games are brutal:
At Schurr
at Harvard-Westlake
vs St. Francis

If they go 2-1 in that stretch, they'll win the Pacific...

For the record...I love Bulldogs...just not in Pasadena...

D-House...generally speaking, bravado plays better AFTER you win. With the off-the-field distractions, on-the-sideline shananagins, and camouflaged coaching attire your program has become the laughing stock of the Valley. If you had any pride in your school, you and your ilk would ask for the resignation of Mills, or demand his dismissal.

Good luck to the boys on the field...they'll need it.

Dawgs house 07

I wont comment on the Muir Issues, they speak for themselves. But When in your history was the last time You guys Beat Monrovia?....exactly,Not in your lifetime. But speaking of football and records, You guys should get a deal going with blair and let the turkey tussel become a Muir and Monrovia Issue. It would definetaly be more exiting than watching you guys get the Bulldog Crap beat out of you year after year. On a more friedly note, maybe you should turn your life around and start talking to some of the Gang members that seem to have little or no direction because of Brotha's like yourself to look up to at PHS. Good luck with Dominguez last year they grabbed you guys by the tail and turned you into Chihuahaus......peace.

Dawg 07,

For starters...

Try doing something in the pacific league, like make the playoffs or try beating arcadia which you haven't done in 11 years. Sorry, I have no respect for dumb comments like yours.

Just to let u know bigMlover i'm a grown-@$$ man. And i don't give a damn what u or anyone says the dawgs is back. We gonna beat Dominguez go undefeated in league and beat Muir by at least 20. Promise u that. Yeah, and u Muir coaches know it to. and Monrovia, when have u guys ever won anything. Have u guys ever won CIF, ever! at least Muir has won 2 ships in the last 20 something yrs. ya'll is sorry, i hope we schedule ya'll and pop ya'll. And Stank Fan, u talkin all that head i cant wait to see that dum look on ur face when dem dawgs is runnin up and down that rose bowl turf. i dont care who u have or who u gettin we r gonna beat the dawg hell outta u. ARR ARR ARR!!!!!!!!

Thank you DAWG for the great input.

In responce to Burbanksport's question about posting a job position on the CIF website;

I think coaching positions should be posted on the CIF sites, Blogs, and the school's websites as well.

After coaching 14 years, most coaching positions were handed over by references from active coaches and from the coaching arena within the SGV. Maybe it would be a great idea for would be coaches to experience an interview process, which includes personality and reasoning questions in relation to child psychology and how to evaluate a negative situation and produce a valid solution. Coaching football is not all about how great you were as an athlete back in the days and not how loud you yell at the players, is mostly about learning the differences of how to teach the game and to promote the TEAM concept while in high school and after graduation in order to become positive productive members of society. Therefore, posting a position for a Head Coaching job is a great idea on all levels of methods.

DAWG

http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports_roster_detail&id=3268&cat_sport=39

Arcadia's Kevin Hess is with Cal Slo.

Question for DAWG & others-
If you were a school principal and you are looking for a coach (walk-on or with teaching), wouldn't you post the opening on the CIF website? I assume that each school district would require a posting on a district site as well?

I do like the new division, Big M. I have just one concern with that:

The danger of having such a regional division is that teams would not get a feel for how they measure against teams from out of the area. It would be further removed from an old-school state championship.

CIF should consider consolidating divisions and cutting down the number of each teams from each league that make the playoffs, or extending the playoffs one more round.

My brother resides in Miami FL and he states that all of the high schools within the region belong to a league and is based on the number of wins they produce year in and year out. They have so many high schools that some leagues only 4 teams per district and per number of students enrolled.

Maybe C.I.F. should get together with conferences from the east and discuss some changes.

Changes are always good for the players, the schools, the fans, and the community the high school represents.

DAWG

I like Big M's new Pacific. I'll have to send my new Verdugo League to CIF.

For the record...

The San Gabriel Valley Division (formerly the Southwest (VI))

Almont League (Schurr, Alhambra)
Miramonte League (Los Altos, Ch Oak)
San Antonio League (Rowland, W Cov, So Hills)
Suburban League (Mayfair, Bellfwr, La Mirada)
and the NEW Pacific League:
Arcadia
Muir
Pasadena
Monrovia
Temple City
Duarte

FWD to:
Dr. James Staunton
Commissioner of Athletics
CIF-SS
jims@cifss.org

For good measure...I'd like to see the Almont league added to the Southwest division in place of the Century league.

Let's see if Schurr and Alhambra vie for the SGV divisional crown every year!

"which three teams would make it to the playoffs and which three wouldn't?"

Stang Fan...

Teams would struggle every year in this league (even Muir)...that's the point of creating a WSGV super-league. Which ever teams come out and into the playoffs would have a much stronger presence than the batch of current reps now. When the the last time the Pacific had a rep in the championship game?...let alone win it.

And NY's advocation of this NEW Pacific league's insertion into the Southwest division is 100% right. The Pacific along with the Miramonte League (Los Altos, Ch Oak), the San Antonio League (Rowland, W. Cov, So Hills), and the Suburban League (Mayfair, Bellfwr, La Mirada) would make more sense than leaving the Sea View league in there from the OC.

Keep it regional...THAT would keep the dialog alive about who's the best in the valley!

I agree with the Arroyo issue. Pasadena Star should cover Arroyo. Forget SGV Tri, they only cover schools east of the 605.

DAWG

Hey Fred,

Is Arroyo in the coverage area this year? If so, they deserve to be on this list, wouldn't you say?

Posted by: Prep FB Realist | July 28, 2007 03:05 PM

Its all Knights this year! Cover them in the Star we get no love in the East Trib.

Posted by: Arroyo wants in the West! | August 1, 2007 08:58 PM

STOP IGNORING US!!
We tell you we want to hear more about the Knights, we ask why Arroyo isnt in this top ten list, which everybody knows they clearly should be, and yet we never even get a response... GIVE US WHAT WE WANT!! Cover ARROYO in the Star (WSGV) and give us the respect we deserve!

Lester Towns played for the NFL Panthers.

Lester and Treyvon Towns are cousins and grew up in Pasadena.

Chris Mac is seen by many in Pasadena since he joined the Ravens.

DAWG

DAWG is back!!!

What's up with the BITERS? There is only one DAWG for this Blog.

Lets talk football...

DAWG

ہ:

Monrovia could definitely compete in the Pacific regardless of facilities. Have you been to Muir, PHS, or Hoover? One word...horrible.

As far as Monrovia's weaker programs, well every school is weak in something. With Muir's current population at 1200, we constantly struggle in certain sports but you've got to just keep on moving. BTW, the Pacific doesn't have wrestling, if I'm not mistaken.

BigM:

Unfortunately, "Dawgs House" is more than likely an adult. For some reason, due to the YEARS of multiple losses that just keep piling up year after year after year, those guys on the east side of Pasadena rely on this type of faux-swagger in order to feel better about themselves. I know, I know, it's very sad. I guess that's what happens when you haven't made the playoffs in a decade.

BTW, with your proposed Pacific League, which three teams would make it to the playoffs and which three wouldn't? Some schools would be scrambling every single year to qualify for the post-season.

Dawgs House 07:

This is just becoming so old and tired. We hear this every year at parties, picnics, gatherings, barbershops, the grocery store, reunions, etc, etc, etc. Face it, you guys just aren't that good. Yes, you are improved and yes, you'll make the playoffs this year, but no you will not beat Muir, Arcadia, or Burroughs; and PHS beating Dominguez is as silly as Muir beating Oaks Christian (I hate writing that.) See you in November bro, when once again you will watch those boys in blue and gold rocking that bell back and forth all the way back to 1905 N. Lincoln.

Maranatha at 10? When will the Kares ever get the respect that they deserve. It's no doubt that they're the smallest (physically and in numbers) team in possibly the entire CIF-SS, but have they not proven time and time again that they can hang with the big dogs? I think a 50-0 whooping when RHP had a "rebuilding year" is proof enough, not to mention last year's result (another maranatha loss).

D-House...

Shouldn't you be running...or lifting...or popping pimples?

If you're a player, let your play do the talking.

If you're an adult...my goodness, act like one...

i know that Monrovia had an excellent undefeated freshman team last year. Does anyone know which of the players are going to be on Varsity this year?

dawgs house- well until then, pasadena sucks!!

hahahhaha!!!

beat dominguez? please!! beat west ranch first!!! DAWG!

The dawgs r back and better than ever. All of u sorry Monrovia and Muir fans ain't gonna be saying sh*# when them dawgs from Dena shock the world and stomp Dominguez at PCC. And when that happens we'll be the best team in the area. Then we'll go undefeated all the way to the Tussle and pop the hell out of those sorry Stangs. No one can touch r defense. I wish we could play Monrovia so we could shut yall up you guys r sorry as hell. F-muir and f-monrovia. The B-dawgs are back!

I don't think facilities would hold Monrovia back in the Pacific League. Look at the lousy fields we have in Burbank. Come soccer season-playing on the 5 freeway would be an improvement and probably less injuries. Of course we are supposed to be getting new state of the art fields soon, but knowing Burbank they'll come up short on money and have to use wood chips for the end zones.

ہ...

Don't under-estimate the 'Cats. They could compete favorably in football, baseball, wrestling, boys and girls soccer, girls basketball, and softball. That's a good chunk of teams. And...there is interest from some middle school parents to push for a boys volleyball team.

I agree that the fruits of the Measure M bond have yet to ripen...but why couldn't we get in and start swingin'?

New York & BigMlover,

i actually like the idea of monrovia moving to a restructured pacific league but the only problem for me is the facilities and student body wouldn't be able to adapt to the caliber of schools like muir and arcadia. MHS would need at least 4-6 years or whenever measure M is fully completed to get to that level. if the high school got it's piece of the $34 million bond in 1997 then maybe we'd be at that level but as the principal said,"measure M is not building for the present but for the future."

NY:

Camouflage? O-Cat's hero? That's funny as hell. LMAO!!

To all who dont know. If Santa Fe Jr. High was allowed to just become a High School It would have bought home several CIF crowns in football. Because of the Location of the School some of the Best of the Kids go to Duarte High. And for everyones information Chris McCallister did attend there and so did Lester Towns as well as some other well Known Pro Atheletes.

By the way, do once of the PHS captains have a cut-off t-shirt on his head in that picture? Can anybody tell if it's camouflage?

Stang Fan,
Good call on the antagonist/protagonist. I didn't catch that on my blackberry. I really doubt that you are O-Cats hero...

Stang Fan,

I used to live near Burbank Middle School, but that's not what I was referring to. I may have misunderstood the issue with Towns and McCalister, because I was certain that they went to Santa Fe Middle School. McCalister still has strong ties to Monrovia through church. I know that his dad was a big star at Blair right? (Blair Pair). So I would always consider Chris a Pasadena guy because of that anyway.

Look, I know Altadena produced A LOT of legite guys but, sadly, that trend is diminishing. I think more families are going the way of Jermaine Brooks (remember that name?) and moving east (San Bernardino) or North (Lancaster/Palmdale), but that's nothing new. I think Vegas will also have some powerhouses soon. I think Muir/NW will continue producing more skill players for a while, but Monrovia has a unique enrollment and therefore can easily fill a very balanced football roster. Balance is usually a good thing. Not to mention, we have about 600 more students than Muir does. We have definitely underachieved to date.

I definitely wish the leagues would realign. I don't know why CIF does not take a look at realigning the West SGV leagues. Leagues down in the bay area do it regularly. A few years back, the old Mt. Baldy and Baseline leagues realigned and put the tough teams into the baseline and the weaker into the Mt. Baldy. The tougher teams moved up a couple divisions and the weaker ones dropped. It was great for everybody.

I want this for selfish purposes: Monrovia football. We would be far better prepared for the playoffs if we were challenged every week, even if we were in a tougher division. I'm sure Muir would be as well. You can't tell me that playing Glendale and Hoover and lately CV does Muir any good other than letting the 2nd teamers get playing time.

So, we need that BigM proposed Pacific League, and we should compete in the same division as the Miramonte and San Antonio Leagues in the old Division 6, because the new Pacific League will be too strong for Mid-Valley.

O-Cat:

It's antagonist. But I know what you meant. And no way does Duarte win the Pacific last year...no way. The Crutchfields have admitted as much. BTW, bad JV teams usually equal bad varsity teams. Ironically, good JV teams don't always equal good varsity teams. They are a good indicator but they don't guarantee a thing. Ask Glendale who's JV team went 10-0 two years ago. With that said I don't care how good Monrovia's lower level is, they would be LUCKY to go 1-3 agianist Muir over the next 4 years.

NY:

Are you saying Chris Mac is a Monrovian? He grew up right around the corner from the projects in Pasadena and played for the Panthers. Trust me. And I'm not %100 about Lester Towns, but I'm almost certain he grew up his entire life in Dena too. With all the other arguments, we're just going in circles, but that story about Garrison is what coaching is all about. Good coach, but seemingly better guy.

The new leagues would be a great idea and would improve football in the area.

Pacific: (Big M Lover)

Muir
PHS
Arcadia
Monrovia
Temple City
Duarte

Verdugo: (Burbanksports)

Burbank
Burroughs
Glendale
Hoover
CV
La Canada

Rio Hondo:

SP
San Marino
San Gabriel
Gabrielino
Alhambra
Keppel (admittedly weak in football, but strong in other sports)

(Blair should just be closed down or simply focus their attention away from sports, which Mr. Boccia isn't fond of anyway.)

Glosta,
You have some great insight as well. You know, that Paso game in 1998 still haunts many of us. Going into the locker room up 24-14 to lose 28-24 still hurts. That is one of many game films I have broken down several times. A couple minor game-time adjustments would have made all the difference.

ہ,
Those sound like good problems to me. So we have to become stronger in the less popular sports. Okay. I hope you don't discourage your kids from making more money for the fear of paying higher income taxes.

ہ...

You're right about the depth of sports in the Pacific...and although Monrovia would initially struggle in the ones you mentioned (except maybe their water sports)...the sports that matter to the community as a whole...read "football"...Monrovia could more than hold its own. UCLA is credited with the title of the "Best Sports School in the Country" because it wins national championships in small sports. The alumni want to know when the next football or basketball championship is coming. I don't see the gymnastics program selling out Pauley...

understand that there are other sports that are played in the rio hondo league. sure monrovia will contend in football, softball, baseball, wrestling and track year in and year out(maybe X-country and soccer too) but that brings volleyball, tennis, basketball, golf, waterpolo and swim to the bottom of the league. a change to the pacific league will also make monrovia take upon at least 2 more sports: badminton and men's volleyball.

a league change can possible happen once the school finally spends that money to build the new gym, put in that turf in the field, fix the tennis court, and renovate the baseball and softball fields. with that, i'd like to see the school expand a little. the school's been overcrowding more and more every year and the auditorium can only hold 65-75% of the student body.

Maybe he ment any day but Friday.

Hey Insider...

Get the corn out of your ear...he said "any day of the week" not "we could beat them". I am not going to say that any game is a sure thing...

I agree with everyone in the fact that Monrovia has some of the best if not the best talent this year but it is really all about how they come together. and i do agree with the statement that Alhambra could beat Monrovia. But who is playing quarterback for the Moors?

Anon 6:29...

What leads you to believe such a ridiculous statement?

Alhambra would rock monrovia any day of the week. Period.

Fred..

I will disagree with you on your choice to put Alhambra in front of the Wildcats in your preseason or otherwise predictions. Although they consist of a two man team this year with their running back tandem, They are completly out of defensive athletes and will suffer a major onslaught with that in mind. Monrovia is much stronger in size and strength and much, much faster in speed. I dont think that Monrovia's lack of Varsity experience will be a factor againt teams like Alhambra. The TC vs. Alhambra Game might be interesting because of the 1Big Back Vs. the 2 Small Back scenario. But Monrovia has about 4-5 running backs at the school right now that could start over at Alhambra and become their main go to guys.

Duke...

You may be on to something...

What a clown that Glendale coach is.

Here is my ideal league:

RHL

Arroyo
Temple City
Rosemead
Monrovia
Alhambra
Gabrielino

All have similar enrollments and would make each other even more competitive. The geographic locations would work for each other. It would work for all sports as well. Defenitely something to think about!

Glou Coach,

I don't know the official title coach Hertel has at SP these days, other than head baseball coach. Maybe someone could enlighten us? I do know that after 2000 he took a more active role in play calling and offensive development, esp. the qb's (hence the recent string of decent SP qb's)... I remember that team...they were fun to watch. After a few really bad years, they brought SP back to credibility. I miss Paul's amazing catches...that guy had glue for hands, and Wharton's game breaking ability. I'd love to see SP give MHS a run for league this year. They have been close for the past five years or so, but could not win vs. either TC or MHS when it counted. I still think that if it wasn't raining during the 2003 TC game, SP would have won, and thus taken league. Maybe this will be the year...it's been a long drought (1987) since SP's last league title.

New York, O-Cat,
You know should have won at least one CIF title when Akil Harris was there. Did you guys lose twice to Paso Robles?
They were a legit team but Monrovia definitely had more talent then Paso Robles.

This would be my ideal RHL:

Temple City
Monrovia
San Marino
South Pasadena
La Salle
Rosemead

Remember last year when the Glendale HS Coach was talking smack saying he was going to go 10-0....right. Glendale and Hoover have not been good at Football for a LONG time. It's true that most of the Pop Warner players are from other areas, but I guess all the talent from those schools are swept up by Loyola? If I'm not mistaken Glendale and Hoover are both pretty competitive in other sports, besides football.

MHS's Years,

I have the same concerns. Not sure why that happens.

Re: the youth football in Glendale - those team are made up of kids from Pasadena, LA, Burbank and Eagle Rock. I bet 80 % of the kids don't even live in Glendale.

anon,
Are you serious - don't you know what has happened to one of the best cities in California over the last 25 years? just look at the names on the team and the names ot the coaches - they will be 0 - 10 again - might beat Hoover which has the same issue.

As a Glendale High alum - from the late 70s and early 80s - I can't imagine being placed in the RHL. We used to play Hart and Canyon in the Pacific League and playing teams from the RHL would be like playing a JV team. What the heck happened? BTW I am not sure Glendale doesn't finish last in the RHL today?

Any unbiased observer should agree that Monrovia will have by far the most talent in the Rio Hondo league for at least the next few years based on the Frosh/JV squads from the past two seasons. What concerns me is this is the same school that has had the most talent every year, yet the past four seasons have ended up:

2006 4-1 2nd place
2005 3-2 3rd place
2004 4-1 2nd place*
2003 - not sure about the league record, but missed the playoffs by finishing 4th

* technically MHS was co-champs in 2004, but lost the real title by losing the head to head battle with LC

2007 looks to be the year where superior talent will finally be turned into an undisputed RHL title.

Big M...
I like your ideas and I have to defer to all of you on the rivalries and current abilities. It's been many years since I played in the RHL. I go back to the days of Duarte and Bell Gardens in the RHL. If I remember correctly, Alhambra and San Gabriel were once in the same league as Arcadia, PHS and Muir? I recall some pretty good Alhambra vs PHS games at Moor Field as a youngster.
My idea of a Verdugo League might really benefit Burroughs for football, but other sports might be pretty competitive from year to year. Plus with a 6 team league it makes the battle for a playoff spot a little more interesting. This year the Pacific will only be a 4 team battle for playoff position anyway.

One more thing, neither Arcadia nor any other Pacific league team is or ever will be Monrovia's benchmark. No local team is. We have to continually challenge ourselves. We need to break the trend of playing down to our opponents because that crap catches up and it is impossible just to turn it on when needed.

BigM,
Your proposed leagues would be awesome. I'm not sure the Sherriff's department would like some of the matchups, but WTF. I'm tired of the best matchups not getting played because of crowd control issues. I wish Giulliani were in charge out there.

Stang Fan,

I don’t drink the Kool-Ade. I come up with my own opinions. I do like O-Cat’s insight, and I appreciate yours as well.

In my opinion, the best running back in Charter Oak history was Mikey Graham. That guy was always a stud, including his baseball days at West Altadena Little League.

Times change and so do neighborhoods and enrollments. Muir’s enrollment is now almost identical to Blair’s in almost every way.

Also, I do believe I was referring to Monrovia High School as having the richest talent base relative to any other public school in the Valley. Just because some key guys grow up in Altadena does not mean they attend Muir. You said so yourself. That said, there are plenty of dudes on our campus who should play football but choose not to. I’m really not sure why kids feel they need to specialize in baseball or basketball. Our student body has more potential than any other.

Number of D-1 scholarships is definitely not completely indicative of the caliber of talent on campus. A lot of our guys start off in a JC because of grades and just don’t stick with it. I don’t think our kids are well prepared for the tough road outside of high school.

Oh yeah, did Phalen Pounds live in NW? Maybe. But I know that Lester Towns and Chris McCallister were from my neighborhood? Thomas Herring. Ryan Ohara. Jason Martin. Those were three D-1 full-rides (USC and UofA) who all left Monrovia High School the same year. Two went to Muir.

Why hasn’t Monrovia won a D-10 Championship? Well, I don’t think Muir would have won a CIF championship the past five years in our divisions either? Can you guys beat Lompoc or Crespi? Because those are the two teams who dominated Division-10 the past five years. I try not to compare relative LOSSES, but I think Lompoc lost to Oaks Christian this year by only 40, and I doubt that all the starters were pulled in the second quarter. Crespi moved up to D-1 and beat St. Francis and Bishop Amat last year. Muir likely would have beaten La Salle last year, but they were tough. But would you have beaten Verbum Dei?

Don’t get me wrong, a lot of Monrovians are embarrassed about the way we tend to finish seasons. I don’t know what it will take to win a CIF title, but I have given it plenty of thought and have broken down plenty of game film. I have some thoughts on strategy.

Regarding Coach Garrison: He does the best he can. His heart is in the right place. Was Bill Cowher a bad coach because some very talented Steelers teams did not win a Superbowl for so long? Is Mike Martz a bad coach because his Rams lost to the Patriots. Is Coach Howard a bad coach because you guys almost lost to Arcadia last year and let Burroughs come from behind? This is Garrison’s 15th season as Monrovia’s head coach. He has seen a lot. Before he took over, we were in a pathetic state. That said, we really do need to start winning the RHL consistently and a CIF title once in a while. No good reason not to be. Also, I definitely think we should have won CIF once or twice so far on Garrison’s watch. We’ll get there eventually.

Only a couple people know this, but when I was just a poor kid, barely 18, and heading off to the cold Northeast for college, Coach Garrison bought me a London Fog over coat. I played for him all four years, but he did not have to do that. I probably wore that thing for 6 winters. He even called me once in a while to see how things were going so I would not be so homesick.

Ramsinsider

TC has had a good run and now the coach is running. If the league were to be set up like this next year, TC would be the Doormat of the league. But I give credit where credit is Due you got MHS twice but the future is OURs to claim.

I agree O-Cat, B-Sports...

Although that Verdugo League looks like a cakewalk for Burroughs, eh?

I would bring TC and Duarte in the Pacific...drop Alhambra to the RHL and leave Blair...like this:

Pacific League
Muir
Pasadena
Arcadia
Temple City
Monrovia
Duarte

Rio Hondo League
So Pasadena
San Marino
Blair
Alhambra
San Gabriel
Gabrielino

Now were talkin'. These leagues maintain the best rivalries in the valley!

Has everyone forgotten what TC has done in the past 2 years in League? 10-0 thats not a typo every year they are ranked low but they always figure a way to get back. They have a 13 game winning streak in the RHL. Beating Monrovia the past 2 out of 3 now thats comraderie.

Burbanksports

I like your suggestions and it really seems more and more realistic and more beneficial to each school to have the leagues set up where there is definately more of a power league. Although I would put Duarte in the place of Alhambra. I think they have been the most underrated team in the area. Last year they might have won the Pacific league

Here are my suggestions for new leagues:

Verdugo League
Burbank
Burroughs
CV
Glendale
Hoover
La Canada

Pacific League
Muir
Monrovia
PHS
Arcadia
Alhambra

Rio Hondo League
Temple City
San Gabriel
San Marino
South Pasadena
Gabrielino

Stang Fan...

You should ask President Bush if you could be his Campaign Manager for the 2008 US Presidency Along with BigA....We would probably wipe out terrorism and Kill all of the North Koreans all in the same year with you two abord.

But seriously...The only thing that has remaind consistent at John Muir is the Drum Corp...And yes Garrison has issues at MHS and that is a large part of the Blame for some of the terrible play calling at critacal times in a game that change the dynamics of our athletes, but overall I am in complete agreement with NY for his comments about the richness of talent that comes from a fairly small school in the Foothills of the WSGV. Every kid has a chance at MHS to prove him or herself in any sport and sustain their academic eligibility. I can bet that we may not have had as many D1 players chosen from our football program but we are not very far behind Muir, but I will guarantee you that we have had more Academic All American players than a lot of schools that comprise the racial mixture of students that MHS maintains. On another note I would bet the farm that in the next four years if Muir puts MHS on their schedule Monrovia could go 4-0 unless the team has a columbine situation. But Lets start from now and hope that both of our teams make it past the first rounds of CIF. Stang Fan you are MY personal Protaganist....but I still respect your opinions...peace out.

Sorry for the bad grammar..."Preview, Preview"

Gloucester...

I'm looking for competition...TC and Monrovia are perennial favorites in the RHL. I know both could compete in the Pacific. If that doesn't satisfy you...how 'bout dropping Blair (I don't remember the last time they were competitive in anything!) and picking up Arcadia. According to BigA's bawling they aren't far from completely falling apart due to their Asian woes (what a joke!).

Your stance, BigA, is an embarrassment to every Asian kid that strap it on and bleed for your team! You should apologize for your health of your camaraderie.

Say it ain't so Fred, say it ain't so. Anyhow, you were simply the best the last couple of years in covering our area, and I HATE to see you go to that pompous, overrated, clown-infested east side. But hey, they probably need someone like you to class-em-up a bit. Thanks for everything.

Wow, I sure have missed a lot in the time that I was gone.

O-Cat:

You and I know we will always disagree, naturally, but that line from the other topic where you said Muir's new legacy is players leaving to private schools was pretty damn funny and sad all at the same time. Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at. We would still beat yall though!!!!!

New York:

Bro, has O-Cat been serving as your ghost writer while you're out on vacation or something. I've always considered you to be the most level-headed, honest, and sensible blogger on here. Seriously. But then you hit us with this gem:

"[Monrovia's] The demographically richest and most well-rounded talent base in the SGV."

Uh.............o.k? How so? And if this is true, how come you guys can't win a D-10 championship? Is Garrison really THAT bad?

Look everybody in here knows that the best talent comes out of the NW section of Pasadena. Period. All the cats that got scholies out of Muir and PHS all live in the NW. Not to mention, as O-Cat did, the MANY kids that go to the numerous private schools and non-Pasadena public schools (Charter Oak, Diamond Ranch, SF, Alemany, Notre Dame, etc, etc, etc). Bottom line, the NW has sent more players to the league than ANY other area in the SGV.

With that said NY, I must admit your still "The Man" on this blog, but I just had to disagree.

Top FIVE:

1. Muir (I know, I know, I'm as biased as they come)

2. SF (I don't care what my boy Fred says, Muir would beat them.)
3. Arcadia (This team will be much improved, they will compete with and possibly beat SF and beat the Cats.)

4. Monrovia (Cat fans, if you guys beat Arcadia I will come on to the blog that night and type the words "I love PHS" 50 times.)

5. TC (I would have had Monrovia here, but the coaching change is somewhat of a concern.)

BigA,
I'll agree with you that most Asian parents won't let their kids play contact sports but that goes back to my theory about Asian parents not knowing what football is. From a outsider football looks dangerous and barbaric.

BigM,
You keep on proposing that TC and Monrovia move to the Pacific, but that would leave the RHL in the dust. Hoover and Glendale are HORRIBLE at football and would make the RHL a very week league. CIF would probably only give 2 playoff bids instead of 3.
Call me a traditionalist, but it's like when BC moved to the ACC and out of the Big East, and left them out to dry.
Also look at other sports. Monrovia B-Ball could probably hang but I think TC b-ball would struggle. Baseball, both teams would hold their own. Track I'm not sure, Muir has a big track tradition, anyone remember Obea Moore?

Bayou Vol,
That 98 team was nasty. Whorton at tailback, Stimpful at QB, Wilkens at Reciever along with Sandoval....not to mention the solid O-Line we had. We ended up losing to Mira Costa in the 2nd round who ended up moving up to D2 the next year. I also agree with you about Coach Hertel. He would come once a week in the late 90's. Has he given more of a time commitment to the Tigers more recently?

"Lucky for him BigA wasn't his coach"

What is that supposed to mean BigMLover? Huh?

Burbank can't be that bad! can they?

Hoover and Glendale relegated to the Rio Hondo...Monrovia and Temple City up to the Pacific. Now, that would be a league!

I'll take Hoover over Burbank this season.

Thanks, Bayou Vol...

I always wondered what happened to In-Soo...

Lucky for him BigA wasn't his coach...

Why are the Glendale teams (Hoover and Glendale) so bad. They used to regularly beat up on Burbank and match up head to head with Burroughs. What Happened - their youth football is pretty good.

Auddarius Bailey played running back for Arcadia High School...his brother is Aujarius

Adarrius Bailey brother who played for RB for John Muir,`Aujulius Bailey, and Jamal Havrey Monrovia, were arrested for the slaying of Tommie Evans of pasadena.

This is according to the pasadena star article posted today.

Sad

YOU ARE CORRECT BIG A!

"most asian parents would not let their kids play in a contact sport"

-PARENT OF FORMER APACHE PLAYER!

You mean their pair of RunningZBacks for Rosemead right? and dont be fooled by that 10-1 year 2 years ago. they had all sr's and didnt play any tough teams like the Northview, Los Altos, the'San Jose' team, or orange. They were playing cupcakes like san Marino, Gladstone, and Baldwin park. They tried to step up and got stepped on, they still won league because we have Mountain view, El Monte and Gabrielino in our league who combined for almost 7 wins, but whos counting. Its all Knights this year! Cover them in the Star we get no love in the East Trib.

Glou Coach...

I think the addition of COach Hertel has added a lot to the SP program since the late 1990's. They seem to have a winning record and compete year in and year out. They certainly don't have the talent base of Monrovia and TC. Also, they lack the youth league of LC. Going back to In-Soo...I remember the 1998 season vs. Hoover (it may have been Glendale) where he hurdled the defender who was waiting to make an open field tackle. Mind you, the defender was not diving for him, etc., he was standing there and In-Soo jumped vertically over him.. One of the best plays I have ever seen. He was an unbelievable athlete who's football ability was only part of the story. Too bad he had to serve in the S. Korean military as he was here on a student visa.

everyones always talking qb's, and wr's. but what about the linemen? who in sgv should we be watching? Don't get me wrong i love a high scoring game. but, nothing beats a sack or a great hit...

"most asian parents would not let their kids play in a contact sport"

No BigA, you're not a racist...just ignorant.

Football, unlike many other sports of skill, can be picked up (usually is) at the age of 14. It's a sport that rewards hustle...unlike golf. It's a sport that requires intelligence...unlike tennis. It's a sport that is riddled with examples of players overcoming supposed physical shortcomings...unlike track. Football is the greatest sport because it involves so many intangibles that can't be measured. My coach once said, "Give me players with a fire inside, a mind like a trap, a little spring in their step, and some sand in their pocket...and we've got something". I never heard Mooney complaining about the "plight" of Temple City...he just kept putting quality teams on the field...with Asian kids in key positions.

I'm glad you don't speak for Coach D. Nobody wants to hear about slow, small Asian-American Apaches...it's a stereotype...and a lie. Too many quality players to say otherwise.

Quit your bellyaching, BigA.

Any of you can't tell me that if Arcadia had 3800 kids...switch the % of caucasion to asian and you wouldn't get a big-time caliber high school. Give me a break. I'm sorry but most asian parents would not let their kids play in a contact sport, which is obviously why Arcadia's cross country, tennis, swim , and other non-contact sports are good.

I'm not being racist, I'm being realistic. Would anyone like to oppose me with that? Sure their have been some good asian players when you have 35 kids on your varsity squad with a school of almost 4000 kids...that is upsetting.

Glosta Coach,

The push for kids to attend Saturday school hurt our cause on the coaching staff, especially since our games were on Saturday.

BigM,
Where you a coach w/ Azusa?

SP Alum,
I agree with you on SP not being able to pull through, but I disagree with your statement about Coach Smith.
Did you play under him? I think he has done as good as you can with the lack of depth South Pas has for it's school size. It doesn't help that the area's best athletes are recruited away by private schools(that is every public schools problem) on top of that South Pas is a small town and only allows kids that live in town to attend SPHS. Not to mention the wimps who were great athletes that didn't pony up and strap on a helmet (Once again probably a problem at every school)

It just tells you how great our coaches of the past were like Ray Solari, who won CIF Championships against the likes of Mater Dei...

Alright, am I not allowed to joke around a bit? Anybody who earns the starting tailback role at Muir is legite, I know.

Anyway, I stand by my rankings.

Arcadia gets beaten like a red-headed step-child at the 'Cats den.

Saint Francis showed a lot of heart in beating Burroughs, Los Altos, and Saugus in nailbiters. Maybe if those 3 weeks didn't take so much out of them they would have been able to finish the Amat game. Then by the time they got to the Crespi game they were pretty beaten up and things only got worse after the 31 to 17 loss which lead to the disatrous finish. It will be fun watching them bounce back after a tough season like that

NY,

Are you saying that Youngblood as skinny legs? The dude has tree trunk legs.

Arcadia is coming to Monrovia to get a "W".

Arcadia 28
Monrovia 24

Willie Youngblood got hurt during the burroughs game. He took a cheap shot out of bounds and his leg went into a table.

I really appreciate the blind loyalty Arcadia fans on this blog demonstrate. However, I do get a kick out of hearing Arcadia getting lumped into this supposed top 3 of local teams... Give me a break. On any given year, Monrovia could beat Arcadia, Muir and St. Francis. Now, I will not say that Monrovia should be the number one team, but they should be ranked ahead of unproven Arcadia and Alhambra, both teams that he have beaten recently during other of our "rebuilding" years. I know, Monrovia is supposedly in a rebuilding year...An outsider may think that we are always in a rebuilding year. Truthfully, we have so much talent that we can simply reload and be just as dangerous from one year to another. We always have multiple tailbacks, LBs and even linemen. Last year's number 2 QB did not even come back, so we have our leader from last year's JV take over. I don't think Walker will have time to get the ball off against us and if he does, our ends will just swat it down.

Arcadia is coming to Monrovia and will get pasted.

I'll give Muir and St. Francis the preseason ranking above us, but I will give reason, not Fred's subjective views.

1) St Francis: Debth, off-season conditioning and a consistent playbook. (Muir, Monrovia and Arcadia can beat these guys)

2) *Muir: a proven senior returning at their focal position, tailback.

3) Monrovia: the demographically richest and most well-rounded talent base in the SGV. We can start from scratch every year and still win games.

4) Take your pick.

*If Muir's skinny-legged tailback gets banged up and starts cramping, it will be a disappointing season.

Fred, remind me of the impressive wins that St. Francis had last year. Didn't they lose to Crespi by a similar margin as Monrovia's "rebuilding" teams had lost to them?

Go back to sleep Annonymous! You bet on Arcadia last year against Monrovia and look what happend. You should just find you an Apache Blanket and put it over your knees and go to SLEEP. Every year teams are going to be different and that includes Pacific league teams as well. This is going to be a very defining year for all of the programs I bet we will see who the real super teams are around the fourth or fifth games of the season. I didn't personally make the Monrovia/Arcadia Game last year but when I saw the score I was in the Middle of the Carribean Sea and I just had to laugh at all of the Doubters that did'nt think the Wildcats had a chance not just against Arcadia, but the Whole Pacific league. Now that last year is over there is no surprise that Monrovia will have to step up to the plate with a completly new backfield and show why Monrovia is always in your top Five....

i think the arcadia team is a major sleeper team this year they are being ranked 3rd and 4th when realy they should be put up there with muir they have weapons on both sides of the ball coming back experienced recievers db's a whole lb core a center ancoring the o-line and a big rb to go behind it arcadia football is back

Sp can be a sleeper but probably wont

Troast is a much better pocket passer than flynn was but has limited mobility. The o-line is looking like a lot of starters are returning except that jesse savage is now playing TE with David Allen moved to running back so they have both Guard position to fill

But its the SP defense that will carry this team with there whole d-line coming back except one starter there whole lb core coming back except one starter and the defensive ends are looking pretty good

but itll come down to coaching and well, smith just isnt one.

So. Pasadena could be a major sleeper this year. Although they lost a lot of players to graduation they have filled every spot. The two main spots everyone thought were going to be weak were QB and RB/LB because Flynn and Parish left. David Allen is taking over for Josh Parish and has the potential to be very good at RB and is already an outstanding LB as he has been a potential college recruit and was second on the team in tackles last year behind parish with 104. People are saying that this Troast kid is supposed to be good at QB and is also said to be a potential college recruit so as far as Im concerned the team will be just fine not to mention that most the starting O line from last year is returning so this team has a pretty good chance in my opinion at the RHL title with a powerful offense and a very solid defense.

A Campa:
Yes, I’m sure Coach Murphy has a tough decision as to who will start at QB. I’d have to go with Clash but will be great to have Schilz ready to fill in. Yes, I expect big things from Mark Love this year especially with the veteran line he’ll have in front of him. I’m not sure who will step up and fill the shoes of Kyle as team leader.
I agree that the Whittier Christian game along with Brentwood will again be our two toughest league games we will face. As good as Camarillo was I think we beat ourselves as much as Whittier Christian beat us last year.
The St. Margaret’s game will be a good gauge as to where this team stands, but we need to get that win against RHP and get that monkey off our backs.

Frank P,
ST. Paul made the semi finals in 2003 and 06 while ST. Francis made the semi finals in 04 and 05. That is just the last 4 years and even though a semi final appearence is a lot different from a championship you still have to give them credit. Also SF went 3-0 in the Pacific league last year.

BigM,
I think you are referring to Eddie Shuai. He and Ming Hsu gave us hell in the mid-1990's. It just proves that great high school coaches (Maloney and Mooney at SMHS at the time) working with kids who are perfectionists can have a major impact on a high school football field.

That said, if we had lined up in a power-I we likely would have gone right over them 3-yards at a time, but nobody other than Mooney seems to understand that "boring" football can be winning football.

Freddy good job, these guys talked all that smack and you broke it down. I have no doubt that St. Francis, Muir and usually Arcadia are the three best teams every year regardless of records. These people need to wake up and be real!

FRED you know the bracket you just did? What if those games actually took place and a CIF Championship was at stake for it!!

Im pretty sure ST Francis and the league they are in will not be up for it but the rest of the Valley might! What if St Francis played in the Pacfic League? That would be awesome! Fred please help us make this happen!!

The Burbank Issue - I am not ready to crown either one of the Burbank schools king of the Pacific league. I need to see at least three years of results to have any kind of clue as to what type of program they will be. You gotta remember that both of the schools had their BEST teams in recent history playing against a decent Muir team with an injured stud RB and against quite possibly the WORST Arcadia team in the last 10 years. I read somewhere in the past that coach Sobiech (former Burbank HS HC) said he took pride in playing in the Foothills league and although they got their butts kicked, they knew they were playing the best teams and you gotta respect that. If Burbank goes the route I laid out earlier and pool some of the football talent in Burbank, I think that school will be in the upper echelon of the Pacific, kinda like Pasadena HS and Muir. It might even get like CV and Glendale/Hoover. Imagine the Burroughs line and RB Wiggins with #21 and #8 from Burbank HS. That team might do well in the Foothills League. Then you gotta ask yourself, why hadn't they done that before?
At the end of the day I really hope that at least one of those Burbank schools turn into a legitimate contender, obviously in the Pacific but also in the Central section.
I seem to spurt off to different points a lot today but I am excited. This brings me to the Pacific League and our Division alignment. I think they realign the divisions every two years. Right now in the Central Division, it makes no sense geographically. I know Arcadia got their butts kicked but Muir got a win the first round. So we know we can compete. However, how awesome wouldn't it be for the whole West SGV just to put us in a Division all our own? The Pacific, Rio Hondo, The league with Arroyo and the league with Alhambra in it! Fred as a newspaper writer do you have any pull in at least getting it out there to the CIF offices or calling coaches in the area and have them bring it up?

In regards to the Asian players, I hope not to come off bigoted or racist. The last thing I want people to quote me on is that the asian kids should stick to the Science Bowl team and not come out for football.

PRIVATE SCHOOL BACKERS - please give me the years of ST Paul/ST Francis semi finals appearances or at least past the first round. I know you guys keep track of stuff like that.

Hey Gloucester...

I remember Hwang. We faced him in the first round when I was at Azusa. He was a load!

And, in defense of your argument, didn't Mooney ride "Sushi" to a RHL title a few years back? And, didn't San Marino have a tough, squat DE in the mid-90s? I don't recall his name, but he was the king of line twists. I know Coach Ed at So Pas has worked with Asian kids for years...and he's done well enough to keep tenure in the RHL...second only to Garrison.

Frank P,
I want to argue your point about Asian Football players. Primarily because I was one a few years back.

As far as standouts Hines Ward is probably the best one I can think of, but he is half Korean/ half African American.

Dat Ngyun who use to play for the Cowboys was DIRTY at Texas A&M but injuries took him out.

When I played at South Pas,
I played with a kid named In-Soo Hwang. He wasn't a D1 prospect but he was 1st Team RHL and was a very productive FB. Led our team in rushing my Junior year.

Point being, Asian kids can be productive on the football field.

There are definitely plenty of Asian kids with football aspirations. The problem is many of these kids are 2nd Generation kids (They are the first generation to grow up in America) which means that their fathers aren't the best source of Football knowledge.
I had to learn everything I know about football by myself. I couldn't ask my Dad what a screen pass was or what the difference between a 3-4 and 4-4 is, or how to throw a football. Because he didn't know. Why should he know? They don't talk about Football in Korea.(Well now they do because of Hines Ward)

In spite of all of this I love football and I miss playing.

Anyways, all I am saying is you shouldn't categorize a High School's football program because the demographics of Asians has risen. 3rd generation kids are coming, and in the mean time you'll be surprised at how many Asian ballers there are out there.

todd golper is a GOD and don't you forget it!!!!! he will carry on the golper legacy this year and bring much pride to foothills middle school graduates.

ok frank p i know its late but SF or St. Paul have been in the semifinals each of the last four years. What do you mean SF is a bunch of degenerates?

Real, if Muir goes Mike Mooney on Arcadia and runs the ball all night, they'll beat Arcadia. Youngblood and ball control will win out. Muir gets into trouble when they open the playbook and out-think themselves. That's when you see the turnovers and flags. Whoever the Mustangs have a quarterback will be inexperienced, so they need to keep it simple.
If you're Arcadia, you want to see a lot of play action with Walker at QB. If he can tuck and run and move the chains, he's going to drive the Mustangs crazy.

Burbank, I've got one on my car

Nice analysis Fred. I stayed up tonight cause I knew you'd come through. Muir and Arcadia game is one to look for later on in the season. Muir's secondary will probably close out arcadia's receiver, but if arcadia can find a way to run the ball well then a few play action plays will do in muirs agressive secondary.

Burbanksports, alhambra over arcadia. No way, man. We were horrible last year, but believe me that not arcadia football. You'll see...I am done talking.

Hey Fred- does West Covina still give out those Happy Holidays from West Covina bumper stickers?

Good points Fred, but I'd take Rosemead over La Salle. I'd have Alhambra ahead of Arcadia to start based on respect for last season.

And here we go again, I was called a Muir, Monrovia and Alhambra graduate last year, and was rumored to have family in just about every other school.
For the record, I went to Edgewood High in West Covina, which is now a middle school. And no, I'm not related to Ruedaflores, though I'd be proud to call him family.

Observant, New York or anyone else who thinks these predictions are way off, lets see your top ten? I'm still waiting.

Look at it this way, if we had a preseason tournament of just the top eight teams ranked on this list, who would win it? Fill out your brackets.

TOP HALF
1. St. Francis vs. 8. La Salle
4. Alhambra vs. No. 5 Monrovia

BOTTOM HALF
3. Arcadia vs. No. 6 Pasadena
2. Muir vs. No. 7 Temple City

Anyone going to argue against St. Francis winning easily over La Salle?

Alhambra and Monrovia is a dogfight, but I like the more experienced Moors, coming off a 7-4-1 season. This is a rebuilding year for Monrovia isn't it?

Arcadia vs. PHS, another very close game, but I still like the Apaches to pull it out. The Bulldogs have the passing game, but the Dogs have had problems on defense against quality teams.

Muir vs. Temple City, The Mustangs are way to athletic. They would beat the Rams by a couple of touchdowns.

Semifinals.
St. Francis won't roll over Monrovia or Alhambra, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they did. If there was a betting line on this game, you really think either Monrovia or Alhambra would be favored? The size and depth of the Golden Knights would prevail. Remember, the Knights did beat Los Altos on the road last year, and lost on a last second controversial play at Bishop Amat. You can knock St. Francis overall record all you want, but name a school with more quality wins than the Knights? You can't.

Other Semi:
Muir vs. Arcadia ... It has been a great game the past few years, but I like the Mustangs because of Youngblood, their secondary and a defense that has been solid for two straight years. Remember, Youngblood was injured most of last season, and the Mustangs still finished second in the Pacific. As a sophomore he was spectacular, and there are Muir faithful comparing him to some of the former greats.

That leaves us with St. Francis vs. Muir - which is the match-up I've wanted to see since I started at the Star-News five years ago.

Argue all you want, but these are the best two teams in the WSGV. It may not appear that way while the Mustangs are getting whipped by the Oaks Christians of the world while St. Francis is playing a schedule where "Arcadia" is one of its weakest opponents. So, while everyone is 0-0, I'm keeping it real.

Campa- You're right about La Canada volleyball-I never think of them as WSGV. You'd better put Maranatha in your top 10-they looked good at Gabrielino. The Pacific should be competitive for Girls volleyball, but I'll take Burroughs. They have the skill, the talent and the depth, but do have one of their stars injured. Arcadia and PHS will be right there. Burbank has two very good sophomores, but no coach at present. Maybe they'll somehow surprise and get 4th, but CV should also be competitive. Hoover has potential and I have no idea about Glendale or Muir. My Pacific summary looks a little like something Fred would do.
We'd better get off the volleyball topic or there will be a mutiny from the bloggers.
I hope the Maranatha fans noticed I mentioned them.

Frank P, I think it's more like Burbank and Burroughs are in a league where they can compete now, espcially in football. They were both way overmatched in the Foothill League.
And Burbank, it might be true that the crowds might not be what they used to be, but Burbank and especially Burroughs always seemed to bring good crowds the five years I covered games at venerable Burroughs stadium.
The basketball games I covered when Muir traveled to Burroughs this past season also drew well and the fans were enthusiastic.

MHSFAN,

Man, I've heard the same things about Coach G. But, I didn't believe it, since you've said it, it must be true.

Frank P,

Arcadia will be a interesting story this coming year. I expect good things, but who really knows. We don't have a standout kid, but collectively we have great unit with just above average kids. There's alot of buzz in apache land about Troy Amhaz. He looks huge and is taking a different attitude this season. Picard looks like an ox. He's good for at least a sack a game.

Let's just hang loose and see what happens. I know Coach Dimlante will have them ready for SF. There's no doubt about that. Basically it's up to the kids and how bad they want it. They seem hungry, more hungry than last year group.

How was the Arcadia BBQ?

Your top 10 ranking is OK, especially with high school because everything is always changing. With regards to Coach Garrison's comment about his appreciation of La Salle's TEAM first approach....he cultivates the ME,ME,ME attitude by allowing certain "star players" to basically get away with any and everything and "punishing" other kids for slight infractions of the TEAM rules. Personally I would like to see a changing of the guard at MHS and get some new blood in the position. It's interesting that many people think Garrison is a great coach, but why hasn't he won CIF with all of the "talent" he's had? Maybe he should or administration should look for a change. Oh, I forgot, Garrison rules the school.

Tom S,

How's it going? Boy, you guys at Maranatha have an interesting predicament at QB. Do you go with experience (Clash) or with the comeback kid (Schilz)? I think Clash is the better QB but I'm also not sure he could have engineered those two gutty, mustard-packed comebacks against Brentwood last year. But with Love in the backfield, it may not matter.

I notice you mentioned that you only lost one D-lineman. Well, that was a pretty significant loss in Kyle Delahooke, MHS' do-everything player. He may only be one person, but he took up at least three positions.

I will also be interested to see if Vander Laan can equal his fantastic season of a year ago.

In my opinion, while Maranatha's biggest test may come against St. Margaret's, don't count out Whittier Christian. They return their starting QB and Esteban Camarillo's little brother Nick, who has looked great this summer. Even his coaches have said he may be better then his older brother.

In any case, I'm curious to get your thoughts on the QB ordeal.

Oh, Burbank

I know this is a football blog, but I had to comment on your statement - " Gabrielino is the best girls volleyball team in the WSGV."

I like the Eagles too, but I can think of at least five area teams that are better (FSHA, Mayfield, Westridge, Arcadia, La Cañada).

Maybe later I'll throw together my top 10 for volleyball.

Hey Burbank,

Haven't heard from you in a while... what's up.

You're right about those facilities at BHS. I covered the Pacific League swim finals two years ago at Burbank's brand new pool, the year before Burbank was set to join the Pacific League. It was the best school-based aquatic center I had seen. Parents from Arcadia and CV were asking about Burbank, and I just assumed from the facilities, that Burbank would be the team to beat this past season. Needless to say, the year did not go too well. Hopefully things will pick up for dawgs. One of my good buddies played ball at Burroughs, so I always like to razz him by cheering for Burbank.

Frank P- The majority of Burbank residents could care less about High School sports. Sad, but true. One night each year whenn Burbank and Burroughs meet in football you can find those who care about sports in Burbank, but take away the out of town folks and the kids and you're really only left with a small amount of people that really care. Burroughs is the school in town for athletics-always has been. As for the new facilities, we'll believe it when we see it. Burbank HS has one of the nicest/largest gyms around, but zero championship banners. The gym at Burroughs is also nice, but was shortchanged a little by budget mistakes. Typical Burbank.

i went to the end of summer bar b q at Arcadia on Friday and met some great fans. I just wanted to share some things about my conversations with the rest of you.

I think the Arcadia program is headed down a barren path.

The demographic change to Asian families is going to kill our program. The HS is about 3/4 Asian and the program is about 50%. Have we had any good football players who happen to be of Asian decent? Chinese, Japanese, Korean, even Philipino? I know about the Rocky Seto legacy, but I doubt any of the current players even know he played here! Does he even come back? I can see great opportunities for him here. He can talk to the asian kids about his experiences, i mean its a great story for every kid regardless of race but there aren't many asian kids walking around with football aspirations!

did he play for coach d? i dont see how that isn't a logical thing. maybe he just is TOO busy. Guess what? Dewayne Walker was out at the Bar B Q. Honestly i thought there would be a little more buzz about him but i guess the Arcadia people were showing a little class and letting the man and his family eat some freakin hot dogs without bothering him. Maybe it's because they have no clue who he is but the more i think about that, the more i am sure that is unlikely. to come to think about it, i saw him at a practice in the spring when i went to spy on practices.

well back to the state of our program. he get a lot of good kids siphoned out to private schools.
B.A. whatever,
St Francis, you and you're kids are degnerates but whatever
LA SALLE??!??!?! LA freakin SALLE?!?!?!

please tell me one thing that makes La Salle better than Arcadia! (not a rhetorical question)

so our pool of kids to choose from is already thin because of the demographics and every year we lose a couple to St Francis but now LA SALLE is putting their hands in our cookie jar. thats sad. how is that happening? i guess we just lost a qb this year. he is only a freshman but isnt that what they said about CHRIS RIX?

maybe its too much free time on my hands, maybe im jsut excited for football season to start, maybe im just sick of seeing all the negative press about sports right now...but im out

sorry my computer spazzed out.

We might have something interesting over in Burbank. Now that they are in a little more competitive of a league, the city might get a little more excited about football. Maybe we'll see kids or parents designate one HS as the football HS and build that program? I think it'll be Burroughs. Burbank just lost their head coach and replaced him with the former Glendale HC?! Is that a shocker to anyone else other than me? Also, I read in the paper that they've already got the ball rolling on better facilities for the sports programs. And since both teams play at Burroughs, I'm guessing the BIG money goes there. That would be awesome to make the Pacific more competitive in every sense. Not only will it make Burroughs a consistent winner but also make it a battle for the top spot. Now if we could only get CV to start playing football again, or any school in Glendale since it seems to be wide open there now, there would be four good programs in the league and maybe bring a little respectability back into the league in terms of getting our teams further in the playoffs.

observantcat- one, bishop amat is NOT in a rebuilding stage. they will never get back to their glory days. you werent the fat guy i had a "conversation" with at the arcadia bar b q about bishop amat were you?
ba's got a new coach, the demographic's there have changed as well and they let other teams take their spotlight. i mean they lose their kids to public schools. they aren't nor will they ever be again on the same level as the other private school powers such as Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran or even Loyola.

I would put them in the second tier private school like St. Francis and St. Paul. When was the last time either of the three schools won a CIF title? what about a finals appearance? what about a semi-finals appearance?

so lets clear up the whole B.A. mess. Unless you have some earth shattering info that is foreign to me.

on to the football, my guess for the pacific league would be

1. Muir/Burroughs
2. Burroughs/Muir
3. Arcadia
4. Pasadena/Burbank/C.V.

That four spot would also be for the last playoff spot so its extra special.

I believe Arcadia will be a step below Muir/Burroughs until they PROVE otherwise. Muir is losing a little steam, however, they were the one Pacific League school who represented and won their first round game so I have to give them their credit for that one. I really hope Muir gets a BIG year from Willie Youngblood. He's been as hyped/injured as anyone the West SGV seen but the kid does indeed have some talent. It would be good for the Muir and the West SGV to pop out another stud RB

football is just around the corner!

honestly, i think the west sgv only goes about five teams deep anyway. however, i understand the whole "community" or local scene.

it only makes sense to start off every year with st francis as top dog of the west sgv. they are the only legitimate private school in the west sgv and since they are the only ones who get to choose their talent, i have no problems with them being number one.

then you have the first tough decision with arcadia and muir. they can go #2 and #3 but which one goes first is always a good debate. i remember in 99 00 01 or so, muir, arcadia and crescenta valley would take turns beating up on each other and finish in a three way tie for third (i mean first)

then you have your rio hondo league representatives. usually they are Monrovia and Temple City. occasionally a la canada or even a so pasadena will sneak in there but the Cats and Rams usually are battling it out for the Rio Hondo Crown.

The fifth place spot is the one true wild card. Recently Pasadena HS has been the popular pick. However an Alhambra or Rosemead or another Rio Hondo League school sneaks in here.

usually the Arcadia/St. Francis tilt starts off the the west sgv football season. is there more on the line in any other week 1 game out there? when arcadia and st francis were in D-III together, they had some classics. i think there was a fumblerooski to end one game and a draw to end another. too bad arcadia lost both. have these teams ever played each other again in the same season a la the play offs?

in regards to the top area rb, i think you have to put troy ahmaz from arcadia on the list. i'm in no way saying that he is the best running back the west sgv's got but he's one of the better ones. if a first year starter in william do at TC is on the list, Ahmaz should be on there as well. I honestly think he'll be good for about 1500 yds this year. Two ways he can get this, Arcadia will have the most explosive offensive they've had in recent years and just go off on every one or the Apache Nation will be forced to watch the Troy Ahmaz show because the Kevan Walker experiment has failed and Arcadia only puts up 150 yds a game (all by Ahmaz)

I plan on being at Arcadia to watch practice on August 20th, or the week of.

Good Luck Apaches!

real hsbfan

That would be a whole other Blog. Everybody rebuilds from time to time, no matter if its a private school or not..look at Bishop Amat, prime example They certainly are not the super power they once were. If you have good athletes that can last for three years on Varsity then your chances are good that you may not have to rebuild as often. Fred has made some good predictions in the past but this year he is a rebuilding stage himself(:

Burbank Burroughs will be good this year. They had a good JV team with a powerful RB that will take over where Wiggan left off. Burbank should struggle, but no way hoover or glendale will beat them.

As for the top ten, it's just an estimate. Nothing to get hyped up about. St. Francis will be good again, as they are every year. There's never a rebuilding year at a private school that fields a 60+ team. Muir, Monrovia, and Arcadia will compete for that top stop all year. Alhambra will compete but they play a soft schedule, so they don't deserve a top stop unless they are 5-0 going into league.

Love it or hate, Fred J knows his stuff. Tell me were Fred has gone wrong with his rankings the passed 5 or 6 years?

Fred, Fred, Fred.....

Maybe you should have a few number ones instead of taking your cut and paste from last year. Every team on this list is in a rebuilding stage Expescially St. Francis. If they are your true number one then the rest of these teams should pack their bags early and not worry about the playoffs. Not that St. Francis cant win a game, but what you are saying is that they are coming in stacked with underclassmen. One freshman reciever is not going to do the trick. St. Francis has a so so defense at best this year and their line needs a complete overhaul. Now fred come on back up some of your predictions with names and stats.....I still like you though you have to face the most critism from all of us.

HIS NAME... IS CHASE RETTIG. and mike palffy is an excellent wideout... quality reporting fred... much excitement for the season.

fred you went to arcadia?

if so what year did you graduate?

Honestly Fred,
How can you rank Maranatha above the team (RHP) that you say is their hurtle for legitamacy?

Arcadia above Monrovia? All Monrovia needs is camaraderie, huh? Your Alma Mater at #2 and the Golden Boys that no local team is "CAPABLE" of beating at #1? Typical, typical, typical.

Well, you certainly have provided enough low hanging pieces of fruit to fuel a lively discussion until the pads have been on a couple weeks.

I almost forgot...Alhambra in the top 5? Is San Gabriel in this area?

Finchamp:
Aren’t most teams only an injury or two away from a disastrous season. Especially RHP since you’re drawing from such a small student body. The two pre season games that will tell a lot about Maranatha football is our second game against St. Margaret’s, the rematch of the CIF championship game and of course the fifth game against RHP.
Let’s see your preseason top 10

Finchamp, list your preseason top ten and we'll compare at the end of the season?

Fred

I'm not going to lose any sleep over preseason prognostications about Alhambra or Maranatha. For that matter they could be an injury or two away from a disastarous season. I'm simply exposing your flawed reasoning (in my opinion) for your early selections. It's perfect for the Rio guys however cuz they love it when the Minutemen come in all pumped up about themselves (and you help!). PP says it well.

I think so. Burroughs is capable of surprising some teams, but not Burbank. I think Muir, Arcadia and Pasadena have too much speed and more players capable of big plays. I look at Burbank's schedule and I'm not sure who they would be favored over except Glendale and Hoover. Burroughs might start slow, but they have some talent. I guess you never know though. Heavy rain, poor field conditions,etc.. could level the playing field.