August 2007 Archives

Monrovia's Marquise Williams crosses the goal line to score a first-quarter touchdown in Friday s 28-0 win over Montclair. (Greg Andersen/Staff Photographer)

Monrovia 28, Montclair 0
Monrovia's offense looked stale at times, but the Wildcats used a couple of turnovers to get going. Marquise Williams was about as elusive as a cat, slicing and dicing through the Montclair defense to the tune of 154 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. His running mate, Dwight Smith added 58 yards on seven carries, including a 41-yard touchdown run. Monrovia managed 209 yards in total offense. Matt Haggard, in his first start, was 4-of-12 for 42 yards. He also was sacked a couple of times and had five carries for minus-40 yards. Both teams had trouble keeping flags off the field as well. Monrovia was penalized six times for 54 yards, while the Cavaliers were flagged 10 times for 75 yards. If the Wildcats can give protection to Haggard and allow him to be more comfortable, this could be a solid team. The running game appears to already be on track.
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Harvard-Westlake 26, Pasadena 6
No, there were no late heroics by the Bulldogs as the Wolverines avenged a 34-33 loss in last year's opener. Before there are too many posts bashing the Bulldogs, let's not forget that Harvard-Westlake reached the Northwest Division semifinals a year ago where they lost to Oaks Christian. Remember them? The Wolverines entered this season ranked No. 3 in that Division behind Oaks Christian and Oak Park. What I'm trying to say is Pasadena lost to a quality team. It doesn't help the Bulldogs that defending Western Division champion and No. 1-ranked Dominguez comes to PCC this week. Bulldogs quarterback Tyron Crockom was held in check (7-of-17 for 40 yards), although he broke off a 33-yard touchdown run to account for the Bulldogs' only score. The jury is still out whether Pasadena will struggle all season or if Harvard-Westlake is just that much better.

San Gabriel 44, Walnut 14
Matadors' coach Keith Jones wasn't sure about his quarterback situation with sophomore Isaac Valdez and junior Michael Varela vying for the starting position. Valdez may have etched his name on the starting role after going 13-of-21 for 207 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. Javier Miranda caught seven passes for 148 yards and two TDs, while Martin Pena rushed for 101 yards and two more scores. After keeping some games close last season, the Matadors could be on the right track to success this year in the Almont League.

Pioneer 42, Gabrielino 6
The Eagles didn't quite land where they wanted to in this one. Steven Cuellar was 8-of-20 for 88 yards and an interception. He did throw a 48-yard touchdown to Andy Tholt.

Oaks Christian 49, Lompoc 14
I thought I'd throw this score. It appears that Muir may end up being fed to the Lions afterall. It doesn't appear the pickings are slim this season for the Lions. Chris Potter did his best Jimmy Clausen imitation. Potter was 5-of-8 for 101 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also ran for three more. Oh, by the way, it all came in the first half. Sophomre Malcom Jones added 152 yards rushing and a touchdown. The Lions set the CIF-Southern Section record with their 47th consecutive victory, passing Temple City and Canyon Country Canyon which both won 46 straight. Oaks is also tied with Cardinal Newman, the team it beat for the state title last year, for third on the all-time state list. Concord De La Salle won 151 in a row to lead the way.

Visit the Pasadena Star-News prep sports website and click on the scoreboard link for quarter-by-quarter updates of games all season long. And, by all means, feel free to share your thoughts on all the action.

http://lang.sgvtribune.com/preps/scoreboard/week0.asp#

Four players that can influence the outcome of a game are, left to right, Alhambra guard Jonathan Silva, Pasadena quarterback Tyron Crockom, Muir tailback Willie Youngblood and St. Francis wide receiver Dietrich Riley. (Photo by James Carbone)

Star-News' pre-season top ten
1. St. Francis
2. Muir
3. Alhambra
4. Arcadia
5. Monrovia
6. Pasadena
7. La Salle
8. Temple City
9. Rosemead
10. Rio Hondo Prep

Visit the Pasadena Star-News prep sports website and click on the scoreboard link for quarter-by-quarter updates of games each week, and of course, your thoughts on all the action afterward are always welcome.

Here is the Star-News' preseason top ten.

Anything goes in Almont
Alhambra again one of favorites

Kares, Panthers dreaming big, again

Ready for a feast
St. Francis, La Salle eager to get started

Muir to make title rush
Youngblood will anchor Mustangs

Wildcats, Rams again atop RHL class
Monrovia, Temple City expected to finish 1-2

Here is the first CIF-Southern Section football poll

Southeast Division
1. Troy, 2. Santa Fe, 3. Schurr, 4. La Serna, 5. California, 6. Westminster, 7. Bell Gardens, 8. Arroyo, 9. La Habra, 10. Alhambra.

Mid-Valley Division
1. Bishop Diego, 2. Santa Clara, 3. Verbum Dei, 4. La Salle, 5. Village Christian, 6. Cantwell Sacred Heart, 7. Temple City, 8. Duarte, 9. Fillmore, 10. Cerritos Valley Christian, Others, 12. Monrovia.

Central Division
1. Colony, 2. Colton, 3. Rancho Verde, 4. Cajon, 5. Moreno Valley, 6. Elsinore, 7.Chaffey, 8. Burbank Burroughs, 9. Canyon Springs, 10. San Gorgonio, Others, 13. Pasadena.

East Valley Division
1. Big Bear, 2. Notre Dame (Riverside), 3. Bisho, 4. Aquinas, 5. San Jacinto, 6. Citrus Hill, 7. Ontario Christian, 8. Rio Hondo Prep, 9. Frazier Mountain, 10. Pasadena Poly.

Northeast Division
1. St. Margaret's, 2. Maranatha, 3. Brentwood, 4. Saddleback Valley Christian, 5. Boron, 6. Salesian, 7. Mammoth, 8. Hamilton, 9. Bell-Jeff, 10. Calvary Chapel/Murrieta.

Former assistant now calling shots for Temple City

Randy Backus is no stranger to Temple City High School football. Only his role has changed.

To continue reading, click thread.

Fred Robledo likes to call it the high school Heisman, but we'll call it the Star-Newsman

As the season begins, which player will emerge as the area's best player?

The Star-Newsman

RECEIVERS
Dietrich Riley, St.Francis - This kid could be one of the best receivers in the San Gabriel Valley. It'll be fun to see what he can do with his tremendous talent.

Michael Harrison, Pasadena - Harrison has the speed to be one of the best receivers.

RUNNING BACKS
Willie Youngblood, Muir - Youngblood has a chance to end his high school career with a bang. He is a dangerous runner out of the backfield. He rushed for 1,439 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.

Anthony Brown, Alhambra - Brown is one of the most explosive players in the SGV. Amassed 1,058 yards and 15 TDs a year ago.

Dushine Smith - His name may be Shawn, be he told me he goes by Dushine. Smith is part of a potent duo in the Alhambra backfield. Had 1,301 yard and 17 touchdowns last season.

Will Do, Temple City - From what I've heard from many people, this guy will be about as easy to tackle as an oncoming car. He has the size and quickness to do wonders for a Rams team searching for the next Dwight Broadnax.

Mark Love, Maranatha - Led the Minutemen with 1,651 yards and 21 touchowns last season.

QUARTERBACKS
Tyron Crockom, Pasadena - Can throw the ball or tuck it away and run forever. Whether he can lead his team to the Pacific League championship or not will be the question.

Chase Rettig, La Salle - A talented sophomore with a big arm, Rettig could be a force in the area for the next three seasons.

Kevan Walker, Arcadia - He was one of the top wideouts in the area a year ago. Now Walker is the man throwing the rock. And over the course of the summer, he was throwing it well.

Austin Heyworth, St. Francis - Good things could be in store for this youngster with a powerful and accurate arm.

Other players in the running....
Reuben Thomas, Muir
Jonathan Troast, South Pasadena
Matt Haggard, Monrovia
Kevin Garcia, St. Francis
Matt Shilz, Maranatha
Alex Clash, Maranath
Morgan Hatch, Temple City
Trevor Finchamp, Rio Hondo Prep

Tough tests coming for Mustangs, Bulldogs.
Muir High School opens up its season on the road against CIF and state champion Oaks Christian on Sept. 7.
On the same night, Pasadena hosts CIF Southern Section champion Dominguez.

Question: Do either one of these teams have a chance for a victory? And how devastating would a blowout loss be?

Heavy Underdogs: The Mustangs will need a perfect effort to updend Oaks Christian.

We're still looking for correspondents to cover Friday night football games, as well as some Thursdays and Saturdays. We generally don't ask that you write too much, and in some cases will just ask that you call in the box score with a recap of the game. You will receive a press pass to cover the games from the sidelines or in the press box, and be paid a small fee for your time. If you're a journalism major or thinking about it, this is ideal. If you're a football junkie who can spell, this will be great for you also. To be considered, please send an email with your contact information to set up an interview. scott.galetti@sgvn.com

Week 0 prognostication time.
Time to put on our thinking hats, or simply guess. Let's have some fun and start making predicitons

Week 0
Friday, August 31
Montclair at Monrovia, 7 p.m. (Monrovia) Cal Preps: Monrovia 22-21
Pasadena at Harvard-Westlake, 7 p.m. (Pasadena won a close one last year, I pick 'em to do it again this year) Cal Preps: HW 35-17
San Gabriel at Walnut, 7 p.m. (Both teams struggled last year and need to start the year right, I'll say San Gabriel) Cal Preps: San Gabriel 22-21
Gabrielino at Pioneer, 7 p.m. (Judging by last year, I have to go with Pioneer) Cal Preps: Pioneer 31-7

Saturday, September 1
La Salle at Eagle Rock, 2 p.m. (Eagle Rock won big last season, La Salle should be good, but I'll go with Eagle Rock) Cal Preps: Eagle Rock 31-14

Let the games begin.
Football season is about to begin with a generous amount of early games.

Week 0
Friday, August 31
Gabrielino at Pioneer, 7 p.m.
Montclair at Monrovia, 7 p.m.
Pasadena at Harvard-Westlake, 7 p.m.
San Gabriel at Walnut, 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 1
La Salle at Eagle Rock, 2 p.m.

Week 1.
Thursday, September 6
Blair vs. Marshall at Muir, 7 p.m.

Friday, September 7
Bosco Tech at Salesian, 7 p.m.
Crescenta Valley at La Canada, 7 p.m.
Gabrielino at San Marino, 7 p.m.
Glendale vs. Alhambra at Moor Field, 7 p.m.
Monrovia at Duarte, 7 p.m.
Muir at Oaks Christian, 7 p.m.
Pasadena vs. Dominguez at Pasadena CC, 7 p.m.
Rosemead at Los Altos, 7:30 p.m.
South Pasadena at San Gabriel, 7 p.m.
St. Francis at Arcadia, 7 p.m.
Temple City at Arroyo, 7 p.m.
Workman at Keppel, 7 p.m.
La Salle at Huntington Park, 7 p.m.
Maranatha vs. Escondido Charter at Escondido, 7:30 p.m.
Rio Hondo Prep at Bakersfield Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 8
Campbell Hall at Poly, 2 p.m.
Flintridge Prep at Malibu, 2 p.m.

Kares pursuing another CIF championship
Rio Hondo Prep finished 8-2 in 2006 and was ousted in the first round of the CIF playoffs.
We caught up with the Kares as they prepare for the upcoming season.

A new Ram in Town
In his 13th season, Randy Backus began his first week as head coach at Temple City High School.

Question: Are the Rams talented enough to win a Rio Hondo League and CIF title this season? And how good can Will Do be?

SMITH PUTS MOORS FIRST

Alhambra High School running back Shawn Dushine Smith, who will team with Anthony Brown to form one of the most potent one-two punches in the Valley, rushed for 1,301 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. (Walt Mancini/Staff)

By Scott Galetti
Staff Writer
Article Launched: 08/23/2007 12:30:22 AM PDT

ALHAMBRA - The word "team" takes on a special meaning to Alhambra High School running back Shawn "Dushine" Smith. His actions, especially those befitting teammate Anthony Brown, show Smith as a selfless player willing to put the team first at the expense of personal numbers.
Rather than try to beat out Brown, Smith is comfortable sharing the stage.

San Gabriel looks to improve on 3-7 mark
San Gabriel High School is surrounded by strong teams in the Almont League, Alhambra, Bell Gardens and, of course, defending CIF champion Schurr.
We caught up with the Matadors to get their outlook for the upcoming season.

Muir bracing for a tough battle in league
Muir High school is hungry to prove its the best team in the Pacific League.
We had a chance to catch up with the Mustangs to get their thoughts.

As requested, an added Question: Can the Mustangs stay healthy and eligible, and make a serious run at a CIF title?

Longtime coach in Arizona with his wife:

Alhambra High School began its workouts in preparation of its season opener at home against Glendale on Sept. 7, but there was a major piece of the team missing.
Gil Ruedaflores, who is entering his 20th and, perhaps, final season at the helm of the Moors, did not attend opening day of practice.
Ruedaflores remained in Bullhead City, Ariz. after his wife Mary suffered what’s called Arterial Fibulation on Saturday.
“Fortunately, it was caught early enough to where she suffered no brain damage, but she does have a high heart rate. Normally, that’s a pre-cursor to some sort of stroke, but that didn’t happen,” Moors assistant coach Manny Ruedaflores said. “She’s stabilized now and everything’s fine. They’ll probably release here midweek and they’ll be coming back sometime this week.”
In the meantime, Ruedaflores’ son will serve as interim head coach and run the two-a-day workouts.
“Like I addressed the team, right now in our family, this is the best time of year. But, unfortunately, it’s not so good right now,” Manny Ruedaflores said. “My mom is kind of the rock of our family in terms of allowing us to be involved in the sport of football and keeping everyone together.
“For my interim family and our football family it’s a big loss for right now. The kids know they have to pick it up even more and we’re just working hard just like Coach would want us to work ... nothing changes.”

Question: Who is the top coach in the area?

Gil Ruedaflores (Alhambra).
Entering his 18th and, perhaps, his final season, Reudaflores has racked up 104 wins.

Jim Bonds (St. Francis).
Came from a program (Hart) where it was team first. That same approach has worked for him at St. Francis.

Jon Dimalante (Arcadia).
Owns 83 victories in 11 seasons.

Ken Howard (Muir).
Has 18 victories over his first two seasons.

Ealar Gallagher (La Salle).
Got his team off the floor and into the championship game a year ago.

Matt Koffler (Rosemead).
Knows what it takes to put a winner on the field.

Joel Murphy (Maranatha).
Most coaches would be quite happy with 11 wins in their first season.

Steve Garrison (Monrovia).
Has compiled 105 wins in 14 seasons.

Ken Drain (Rio Hondo Prep).
Owner of 55 wins in six seasons.

Keith Jones (San Gabriel).
Keeps the Matadors ready to play.

Feel free to chime in on others.

Game faces already on at Monrovia
When I arrived at Monrovia High School on Wednesday, it didn't take long to realize where I was. There was the gentle sound of coaches screaming out instructions and getting stern with players who didn't run drills the correct way. Yes, those were the sounds of a full-blown football practice. The only thing that was missing was pads as the Wildcats donned the helmets to begin workouts in preparation of their Aug. 31 game at home against Montclair.
The Wildcats are a younger group this season but, according to Steve Garrison are very deep.
Taking over the reigns at quarterback is senior Matt Haggard. His go-to guys will be seniors Daro Johnson and Fernando Gonzales. Marquise Williams, Dwight Smith and Brandon Golden should provide a solid nucleus in the backfield.
The quarterfinal loss to La Salle still stings some, but, for the most part, this is a new unit anxious to create its own identity.
Question: Do the Wildcats have what it takes to win the Rio Hondo League title and make a run at the Mid Valley Division championship this season?

A handful of teams have begun preseason workouts.
Under intense heat, the march to the football season began with teams taking the field for workouts. Next come the pads and, before you know it, Week 0 will be upon us.

Skipping along
The Pasadena Bulldogs hope experience and the return of Tyron Crockom at quarterback can produce a Pacific League title.

http://sgvtribune.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=314977

Former Golden Knights receiver working out with Muir:

Myles Campbell has left St. Francis High School and has reportedly enrolled at Muir High School. He is going through team workouts and will be part of the Mustangs pending CIF approval.

Question: How much better will the Mustangs be if Campbell is eligible to play?

Here's the deal, we're always looking for correspondents to cover Friday night football games. We generally don't ask that you write too much, and in some cases will just ask that you call in the box score with a recap of the game. You will receive a press pass to cover the games from the sidelines or in the press box, and be paid a small fee for your time. If you're a journalism major or thinking about it, this is ideal. If you're a football junkie who can spell, this will be great for you also. To be considered, please send an email with your contact information to set up an interview. scott.galetti@sgvn.com

Mustangs/Bulldogs rivalry to be featured:
According to Pasadena coach Kevin Mills, FSN will air a national spotlight on crosstown rivalries, including Muir and Pasadena. The tentative date is Sept. 13.

Question:
What is the biggest prep football rivalry out there, and why?

I was waiting for my picture to appear, but this is probably as good an opportunity to introduce myself as I'll ever have before we go full boar into the prep season.

I began my professional career as a radio/TV sportscaster/reporter/play-by-play announcer and covered all of the LA pro teams for over 12 seasons. I worked in the same capacity in Chicago, Dallas and Seattle as well spanning another four years.

When the last team I worked fulltime for (in Phoenix) as a broadcaster/media relations director went belly up, I got an opportunity to write for an LA-Area paper covering mainly preps for over 5 1/2 years before starting with the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group.

I was elated when I was moved over from the Tribune desk to Pasadena to work with Fred in January. Now I'm excited to be in charge of the prep scene after he moved back over to the other side of the 605.

And since Fred mentioned that he is an Edgewood grad, I'll add that I'm a West Covina grad. Now there was a good rivalry in the past. Now he and I can be rivals at our respective papers.

Prep sports is something I enjoy covering and I enjoy all sports. So expect to see more sports on the blog, including volleyball, soccer, etc.

All I ask is that we keep the blog clean and fun. It got a little out of whack during baseball season.

Thanks, and I look forward to carrying the torch left behind by Fred.

Football is almost here.
It seems like just yesterday when teams were sweating in the sun during passing leagues, but opening night is just around the corner. Here is a look at the first couple of weeks of the season.

Week 0
Friday, August 31
Gabrielino at Pioneer, 7 p.m.
Montclair at Monrovia, 7 p.m.
Pasadena at Harvard-Westlake, 7 p.m.
San Gabriel at Walnut, 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 1
La Salle at Eagle Rock, 2 p.m.

Week 1.
Friday, September 7
Blair vs. Marshall at Muir, 7 p.m.
Bosco Tech at Salesian, 7 p.m.
Crescenta Valley at La Canada, 7 p.m.
Gabrielino at San Marino, 7 p.m.
Glendale vs. Alhambra at Moor Field, 7 p.m.
Monrovia at Duarte, 7 p.m.
Muir at Oaks Christian, 7 p.m.
Pasadena vs. Dominguez at Pasadena CC, 7 p.m.
Rosemead at Los Altos, 7:30 p.m.
South Pasadena at San Gabriel, 7 p.m.
St. Francis at Arcadia, 7 p.m.
Temple City at Arroyo, 7 p.m.
Workman at Keppel, 7 p.m.
La Salle at Huntington Park, 7 p.m.
Maranatha vs. Escondido Charter at Escondido, 7:30 p.m.
Rio Hondo Prep at Bakersfield Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 8
Campbell Hall at Poly, 2 p.m.
Flintridge Prep at Malibu, 2 p.m.

Question: Who will be the king of the trenches this season?

Jonathan Silva (Alhambra) OL/DL.
A first-team All-Almont League selection a year.

Dan Scheper OL/DL, Alex Reitnouer, OL/DE (St. Francis).
Expected to be a force for the Golden Knights.

Der' Rel Hannah, OT, Joseph DeLeon, OL/DL (Muir).
Expected to open holes for Willie Youngblood.

Anthony Boykins, OL/DL, Kenny Phillips, OL/DL (Pasadena).
Young, but talented sophomores.

Matt Matsuda, OL/DL, Francisco Gomez, DE/OL, Ryan Lara, OL/DL (San Gabriel).
Matadors trying to fight off opponent's bulls.

Caz Wolter, DL, Greg Fisher, DL (Maranatha).
Top returning linemen for Minutemen.

Keep in mind, I didn't see any linemen this summer. They weren't at the passing leagues.

Feel free to chime in on others.

Thanks to Andrew Campa, here is a pre-season look at the girls volleyball scene.

Former Pasadena star Kimmee Roleder has moved onto USC, leaving the Bulldogs with a huge hole to fill.

1. Flintridge Sacred Heart, Division I-A
The Tologs finished 28-6 last season and were Mission League Co-champions along with Harvard-Westlake, who will return this season stacked. FSHA was bounced in the semifinals for the third year in a row, which is starting to look like some sort of a hex. CIF-SS Division I first team setter "Sam" Samantha Orlandini, a Star-News First Team Selection, returns as the Tologs' leader.

2. La CañadaDivision II-A
The Spartans went 9-1 in Rio Hondo League play and 15-11 overall, taking the league title again, and advanced to the Division II-A quarterfinals before getting eliminated by champion Pasadena. Four of Six Starters return, including senior middle blocker senior Kim McCutchan (10 kills a game) and senior opposite Becky Hummel.

3. Mayfield, Division IV-AA
The Cubs finished 16-8 last year and had impressive wins over Arcadia, Maranatha, Chadwick and Bishop Amat. Overall, Mayfield finished third in the Prep League and advanced to the Division IV-AA quarterfinals before being knocked off by divisional runner up Arrowhead Christian. The dynamic duo of sophomore right side hitter Rachel Aragon and junior Susan Carlson return along with junior setter Megan Sweeney. Carlson and Aragon, both won gold medals as junior national Olympians on the U.S. 13-and-under team

4. Arcadia, Division II-A
Since 1978, Apaches have clinched the Pacific League title every year except three: 1980, 1998, 2006. The Apaches went 15-8, 12-2 a year ago with their lone league losses to eventual division champion and league rival Pasadena. Middle Blocker Susie Clinton will get more action now with the graduation of outside hitter Sarah Oglesby. Her 6-0 frame will probably allow her to produce a better kill ratio then Oglesby.

5. Westridge, Division IV-AA
The Tigers had the greatest season in school history last year, finishing 28-2, with their only regular season loss coming against Pasadena in the Gladstone Tourney. Westridge defeated heavy favorite Arrowhead Christian in the Division IV-AA Championship game and advanced to the second round of the CIF-State playoffs. CIF-SS Division IV first-teamer, junior Carolyn McLaughlin (6-foot-0) returns. She averaged about nine kills and five blocks a
contest a year ago.
6. Pasadena
7. Gabrielino
8. La Salle
9. Maranatha
10. San Gabriel

Question: Who will be the top wide receiver this season?

Deitrich Riley, Kevin Garcia (St. Francis).
Help comprise a solid corps of receivers for Golden Knights. Riley looked quite impressive when I saw him at Hart High School.

Ryan Doeppel, Michael Palffy, (La Salle).
Both had solid summers for the Lancers.

Daro Johnson, (Monrovia).
Expected to lead Wildcats.

Ahmere Owens, Ruben Thomas, Marcus Graves, Marcus Thompson (Muir).
Owens led the Mustangs in receiving yards a year ago, but is vying for the QB spot. Thomas is also fighting for the starting signal-caller position, but is a natual at wideout. Graves and Thompson looked good when I saw them in Claremont.

Michael Harrison, Arness Ikner (Pasadena).
Could be recipients of many Tyron Crockom passes.

Eric Willm (Arcadia).
Ready to shine during his senior season.

Will Smiland, David Allen (South Pasadena).
Smiland showcased good hands during summer, while Allen is a good-sized target.

Andy Tholt (Gabrielino).
He may not get a lot of catches in the Eagles' run-oriented attack, but he has the talent.

Brian Kimbal (La Canada).
One of the few experienced skill position players for the Spartans.

Ian Campbell, Alex Clash (Maranatha).
Clash was the leading passer for the Minutemen a year ago.

Feel free to chime in on others.