FOOTBALL: Star-News Gazing - A look into the future, Week 10

Hi, That was a good post thank very much for sharing this info with me.

Philadelphia Eagles is a good team,I like it.

Philadelphia Eagles is a good team,I like it.

The recession wasn't caused by a political party. It was caused by us as Americans getting lazy and giving away everything our forefathers worked so hard for. Don't blame Obama OR Bush, blame yourself.

Jeremy,
The field at South Pas looks great! Go Tigers!

ScottG,
I see that you wrote in today's paper that if San Marino beats South Pasadena that they could get an at large bid. I was wondering if South Pasadena wins, could they receive an at large bid?

The Flintridge/Poly game ended 54-0

I don't know how the Flintridge Prep-Poly game ended but I was there for the first half and Prep ran up a 41-0 lead and threw the ball once. It was total domination. Poly is young but this one has to be tough to swallow.

The Stang Fan,

I just watched your boy David Lee Roth bring the house down in Nassau. I mean, Eddy, Alex and Wolfgang were awesome too, but PROPPS to JMHS for having such eclectic talent!!!

Congrats to Blair for turning their program around in two years...go Vikings!

SP-SM: The best game of the year. The players will be juiced, the crowd will be huge, the field pristine...and everyone goes home leaving a little bit of themselves at Roosevelt field. As a SP alum, this was the game that determined whether the season was a success or a failure. Even after going away to school at a major football factory (go Vols!...and now Geaux Tigers!), nothing beats the intense personal attachment that the SP-SM game has. The game is the source of some great memories for me and everyone who has been a part of this tradition either as a player, fan, parent, etc. I wish I could be there to hear "Eye of the Tiger" and hopefully sing the Alma Mater while emphatically raising the victory sign.
SP-SM is special and I'll be sorry to miss it this year...GO SO PAS!!!

ScottG,
That makes sense. Keep the great work!

That is my point. It isn't that the coaches are bad; they simply do not have a whole lot of athleticism to work with. My hunch is that the Burbank schools have better athletes. Perhaps CV does as well.

But if you go to an Arcadia home football game , you will never see a better marching band at halftime.

anonymous.
The one who wrote about the SAT scores.You are correct the SAT scores are better than anyone else.However this is a high school "SPORTS" blog. Obviously you don't know the difference.SAT scores don't have anything to do with the ability of coaches to coach, other than emphasizing academics come first. I gaurantee that AHS Football has only a handful of SAT achievers.Each year the school publishes and recognizes the athletic teams that reach at least a 3.0 GPA. I can't remember the Football team ever being on the list since its inception Its those 500 bandmembers and 42 cheerleader that raise the SAT scores,not the athletic teams.

PurdueAlum: That's what the stats I got off Calpreps stated. They're usually pretty much right on when it comes to that stuff.

Arcadia is still looking up at SM and LC's SAT scores.
And Keppel is right behind Arcadia with an 1100.

Some Pacific League SAT averages:
Arcadia 1189
CV 1126
Burbank 1038
Burroughs 1030
Hoover 1025

Just another reason not to be intimidated by Arcadia.

I meant to say "problem" only from a sports/athlete perspective. In the bigger life scheme, Arcadia's kids go on to the best colleges and professional programs.

hsfan-

If Arcadia can have 500 kids in the marching band, 42 cheerleaders but only 34 kids on the football team, how can that be the coach's fault? Of course , they have an API index rating that is through the ceiling. Is there a Pacific League team that can even come within 200 points of Arcadia's average SAT scores? Of course not and that is the problem.

finchamp -

There you go again pumping up Rio Hondo Prep and running down the other teams. Why don't you just let the boys do the talking on the field?

"Most highly over rated QB in SoCal"?? I bet when
Andy hears Trevor's dad thinks he is the most over rated QB in SoCal that will really rattle him.

Good form Finchamp - we can't wait to hear your opinion / evaluation of the kids on the team you (err - I mean Trevor) play next week.

WALKER PLAYED AGAINST BURROUGHS WITH A SPRAINED ANKLE...HE TORE TORE LIGAMENTS IN IT TRYING TO PLAY FOR HIS TEAM. HE'S NOT JUST "SITTING OUT"

Arcadia Sports Fans wake up.The AHS reputation is gone. Opponents do not fear them any more. Football- plays in weak Pacific league throw in a couple of non-league softies, go to CIF- one and out. Volleyball much the same. Its eay to win with talent.Very hard when the talent is sparse. That is when coaching comes into play.Look at boys x-country; a dedicated coach who motivates his runners,demands discipline and provides the leadership and direction to help his team succeed. Look what AHS has hired as coaches in recent years. Its incredible how the quality of coaching as gone down. The good ones they fire(Johb Meiers is the first to come to mind- a quality baseball coach) and hire people who have no clue what coaching is about. I have followed Girls basketball for many years as I once had a relative in the program.The program was slowly inproving the last couple of years, now look at the coaching staff. Its a joke starting with the varsity head coach.No one can figure out why he was hired.And don't forget the coach they hired this past summer; what a fiasco. Maybe politics is rearing its ugly head.I wouldn't doubt it.It just seems that Arcadia is not as interested in its sports programs as it once use to be.I'll keep rooting and hope someone sees the light.

Muir by 14.

"Stang 04,
FYI, the game is called the Baklava bowl. I am glad you have glendale over hoover. I was thinking the same. Hoover has no passing and running game, but they do have some what of a defense. Glendale should be able to run with ease and take home the Baklava. I am about to head out to the Galleria and pick up a new Cologne for the game and possibly a new wrinkle free shirt."
BMW- This has to be the post of the year. lol

Scott G,
You stated the following in today's paper, "Blair is averaging 28.5 points per game in league play, while allowing just seven points per game on defense." It shocked me when I saw this stat because I know San Marino scored 29 point on them and South Pasadena scored 21 last week. The fact is that Blair's D is actually allowing
21.5 point per game in league play. Beside this, great work!

Hopefully, Blair will pull it out. Coach Tip and that team definitely deserve it.
Hats off to them!

Kevan Walker of arcadia has had a disappointing 2nd half of the season. Now, he's sitting out for the biggest game of the year for the playoffs?

Blair hasn't been in a position for the league title for years. They're to fast and determined to win and LC isn't playing good ball. They would have to come out swinging and take an early lead in order to hang with the Vikings. Blair 38-7

WALKER IS NOT PLAYING TOMORROW NIGHT AGAINST CV!

GOODBYE APACHES. YOU HAD A GREAT RUN

Upset alert in LC tomorrow night, it's senior night.

I think of all the football stories in this area Blair has to be the best. When you consider where Blair has been to be on the verge of a RHL title is amazing. They should take care of LC with very little problem.

I have to agree that all the attention is on the Turkey Tussle, which I can’t complaint too much because it is an exciting game. However, Blair is playing on the same night and we should get some of attention as well! Just look at how far Blair has come.

BTW, my son was one of those kids who did not want to play for Blair, until he heard Coach Tip was at Blair….

GO VIKINGS!

FYI Observantcat TC's #21 is Alex Dunn.

Blair Fan,

I don't think the ranking you mention is what Blair really has been "after all season". They have been after each opponent each week.
The team has dispelled all "they are a fluke" rumors and deserve recognition for what has been accomplished there. Living in Pasadena, I have often heard kids saying how they would never want to play for Blair. Tip and his coaching staff hopefully have made a start in changing some of those preconceptions. Good luck in post-season play.

Alhambra high scool-just wanted to wish t.c.rams good luck and coach Backus your a trooper buddy-great job!!!

Actually, as bad as Glendale is, they tied La Canada and lost to South Pas by a field goal. So the bottom dwellers of the Pacific League can hang with the bottom dwellers of the Rio Hondo League this year.

The bottom PL teams are no match for Blair, TC and Monrovia. I think the top Pacific teams would hold their own against the top Rio Hondo League teams this year, however.

Who cares about Glendale...this is about Rio Hondo League; Glendale can't hang with the teams in RHL (Blair especially, M-Town, and TC). Sorry, maybe next year..

I don't think Galetti is any genius in picking Maranatha. Whittier Christian isn't as good as they've been in past years and Maranatha kids are solid and well coached. I'd pick Maranatha by 10 regardless of where the game is played.

Well the Blair Vikings quietly got what they've wanted all season a top five ranking in both the CIF and Starnews polls. Now can they live up to the #3 bill by taking the RHL championship against LC. While playing on the same night as the Turkey Tussle their game has gone unnoticed but just might be the biggest game the school has had in 20 years! Can the Vikes do it...stay tuned!

I agree with Scott on Maranatha/Whittier Christian. Maranatha lost their three top players (two of them QBs) at the beginning of the season. Love is back. And there may be a few other surprises in hand this week. Go show Calpreps a thing or two, Scott.

that TC coaching staff has been getting it done!

The offense looks pretty good if you elimenate a couple bad plays ie: ints.

The offensive line looks GREAT!! That wasn't all Do against SM or LC! The D Line shut down LC, which Monrovia's did not!

I'd say the win goes to the team who stays cool, but pounds the football.

TC by a hair!

A TC 3-peat requires Monrovia and Blair to lose, right?

I can almost taste a 3 peat! Do almost has 1000 yards rushing while missing 4 games. I love it. Keep it up Do. You hold TC down hahaha

O Cat,

My bad. I can see your point. I would say that Do is close to what Lavelle meant for LC last year but not at quite the same level of importance but still very essential to TC's success.

I look forward to another great night of RHL football. Lets all play our best to regain some of the pride that the RHL has lost this season.

Congratulations to Blair, TC and Monrovia for prevailing in this year’s RHL battles. We all recognize that winning a CIF championship requires the combination of ability, preparation and good fortune. I suspect all three of these teams have enough talent to make a long run towards the M-V title – here’s wishing each of you some good luck along the way while representing the RHL during the playoffs.

Re this week’s TC vs Monrovia match-up, some simple observations from a novice SM fan:

TC showed tremendous determination, toughness and physical strength during our game on both sides of the ball. Will Do appeared to be much more comfortable attacking the holes when taking the direct snap from center compared to taking a hand off from the QB.

Monrovia showed more talented skill position players and ran a much more diversified offense compared to TC. I may be wrong, but from the stands it appeared Monrovia did not demonstrate the same level of toughness or intensity as TC, and penalties/focus were an issue.

Since mistakes, penalties and intensity level are often huge factors in close games, I see TC as a slight favorite, but this has been an unpredictable year.

One thing is for sure, the players on these two teams, and especially Monrovia, show class and respect at all times for their opponents. That is not always a given (particularly for teams who have been at the top for a long time), and needs to be recognized.

Downey Calvary Chapel vs Marshall- (Marshall can’t catch a break. It's time for Eagles to schedule Glendale, Hoover and Keppel)
Pasadena vs. Muir- (Mustangs let loose in the Big House)
Crescenta Valley vs. Arcadia- (Arcadia stops the madness and makes the playoffs.)
Blair at La Canada- (League crown is just the beginning for the Vikings.)
Alhambra at Schurr- (The league title runs through Alhambra. Moors 1-2 punch should knockout Schurr.)
San Gabriel at Keppel- (SG romps, running clock)
Cantwell-Sacred Heart at La Salle- (This one is close but I like the Cantwell Cardinals.)
St. Paul at St. Francis- (The Knights are on a Mission. SF pulls this out.)
Gabrielino at Arroyo- (Should go Arroyo’s way)
Mountain View at Rosemead- (The Mead will pound them.)
Monrovia at Temple City- (TC is playing better and is at home. Do will get it done.)
San Marino at South Pasadena- (I still like San Marino. This one’s for pride. Go Titans.)

La Salle vs. Cantwell for Camino Real Title!!!

Well, I suppose that worked for Ara Parsegian...

new york,

single wing - old school "power" look. It is real clear what the intention is.

Deacon Blue--
Pleased to wear the hat--not very flattering but perfect adornment by any fan. Lest we forget that the root word in fanatic is fan.

P. Finchamp,

Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel!! I'll only make the trip if you wear that red-feathered hat/cap thingy you had on last year.

Small school fans--
Let me welcome you to RH Prep this Friday night to watch RHP wrap up the Prep League Championship against Chadwick of Palos Verdes. Chadwick may have the most highly (over)rated QB in S. Cal. in Andy Magee. He was featured in an L.A. Times article last week. Come watch RH Prep shut Chadwick down and prove that a preseason against strong opponents builds a team much better than a preseason against no names.

Goldenarm,

Does TC run a single-wing direct snap offense to DO? Was that essentially how he played QB against SM?

O-Cat,
I love the optimism. Keep it up.

The ongoing statements of "TC ain't what they used to be" ...I am not sure where that fits in. Dominating, overpowering - definitely not. But they have managed to poition themselves with a shot at some part of the RHL crown...and that is where and what it boils down to. Same can be said for Monrovia, many (including me)saw Monrovia as potentially having a huge year, blowing down opponents. It did not happen, others can explain why much better than I - but here they are Friday..coming to TC - and with 100% fire, no doubt.

TC is playing it's best ball of the season - things changed at SM in the 3rd quarter, those who saw that game know what I am talking about. It wasn't just Do, it was the whole team, the tone. Whether that - and good execution is enough to beat Monrovia...

Glendale should gets its first win in 2 years. It's the battle for 7th place in the Pacific League vs. Hoover. A ho-hum game by Pasadena standards but it's all we have in Glendale.

Ex-Falcon:

I'm with you on this one. I makes me wonder if Garrison or his Offensive coordinater have ever understood what they have. Dwight Smith could end up Better than Marquise Williams by next year if he gets the chance to carry the ball more. Both are good as a matter of fact I will go out on a limb and say that Besides Harris from Duarte, Youngblood From Muir, and Fuller from Blair, these guys are the best 1-2 punch out there with size and speed to match. The one thing that I can say is that the coaches are getting an earful from some of the Monrovia faithful and I do see some changes being made. The transition is pretty simple so I dont expect that these running backs will suffer any lapses on how to get the job done. They just need the plays that will let them execute their skills. Dwight reminds me of Hershel Walker and Marquise reminds me of Marcus Allen. But the Coach reminds me of Al Bundy..LoL

o-cat

Your coaches will kill you. that team should be 9-0 right now. YOU HAVE TO PUT PLAYERS IN A POSITION TO Succeed! if that staff has not figured that out yet what makes you think it will happen in 1 week? Put your best Athletes on the field. stop throw the dame ball. When you have two backs that probaly could start anywhere in the valley Right now. I want to play la puente more than any team. But i hope we get monrovia too! You should beat tc by two touchdown. Easy.

1) Monrovia over TC. In my opinion Monrovia is a much better team. They have a good running game behind Williams, and they're passing game seems to be pretty effective. TC doesn't seem like the team they used to be. Yea they are 3-1 but barely. They barely beat SP on a fluke kick return for a TD, and to me they only rely on Do to get the job done which won't work this week.

2)Blair over LC. Blair is too explosive and to fast for LC. Blair will come out firing because they have a shot a the RHL title so there is no way LC can pull this one off.

3)SP over SM. SP has the plaque four years in a row and will make it five. SP's offense is finally (sadly way to late) starting to gel. Troast has played very well in league play and I feel that he will dominate the SM secondary on route to a win.

O-cat
I understood your angle on the Lavelle comparison. Do has been a multi-year, multi-sport contributor for TC. Does anyone recall how the dude looked at outside LB last year? What a rock. He is running behind a different line than Broadnax had, so getreals comparison falls somewhat flat. Do put up some yds behind that line last year as well - in a sub, fill in role. His senior year, unfortunately, has come with injuries that have limited his playing time and effectiveness THIS SEASON. When healthy - 171 yds, 183 yds, etc. Basically, the kid is a winner - regardless of this Friday or this particular season.

As far as Ex-Falcon - I think you underestimate both TC and Monrovia - but lets hear the specifics..

No playoff preview from me...Friday first.

Ex-Falcon:

As we both know playoff time is very unpredictable. going into the playoffs will be the start of another season for some teams, others will have already played their best football. I think that haveing a rebuilding year for such teams as TC and Monrovia could prove my point going into next year. I wont use any excuses for the Duarte Game earlier this year, but what I will say is that if we ever meet up again it will be a whole different story. With everyone healthy and more aware of their assignments Good teams step up not down. We might just end up playing La Puente in the first round, and I bet we will take them out of their misery of having to play Duarte twice in a season. I'm not knocking D-rock but I think a Blair Duarte matchup would be a great game this year. Monrovia Duarte rematch would be even greater. But good luck anyway, hope to see you on top, like I said earlier in the season.

FEAR THE MEAD!!! WAR PANTHERS!!!

o-cat,
sorry but monrovia isnt going to win the championship. why to Inconsistent with a weak secondary. a good cocah would expose them. tc has only 1 player that they rely on. Blair has no subs a team with a big line can wear them down at the end of a game. No RHL team is going to win cif.

I am glad to see Pasadena shining this year in football. The Turkey Tussle should be a good one with Muir winning, the running and passing is too much. As for Blair, they deserve the credit, they have come so far in a few short years. Tip has turned the program around and was able to get some respect despite all of the haters and doubters. It seems like Blair is the gladiator that fights valiantly, but gets the thumbs-down regardless.

I guess we'll just wait for playoffs.

38-7 Blair over LC

To Getreal: I know that comparing him to LaVelle was a stretch, I was just trying to compare him to the importance of Peterson to his LaCanada Team. Do will have to carry his team from now on into the playoffs in order to even make any kind of statement. Last year TC had Broadnax, who was a real game breaker, I dont see Do as the real game breaker but he will be the heart and soul should TC continue to Win.

Goldenarm: I think that if you see Monrovia's runningbacks you would think that they were clones of Sparks and Davis, with one third the carries. These guys have yet to have a real breakout game mainly due to the offensive play calling. Either one of these guys could have a 200yrd night if we just stuck to the run. San Marino's D wasn't as much a factor than the 180yrds in penalties that Monrovia accumulated, minus the penalties Monrovia would have scored on several occasions, but given the play calling they chose to be conservative. Now on the other hand, Trawick from SM seemed to never know what hit him with the Monrovia D. I'm hoping that Monrovia puts it all together this week, with everyone healthy on both sides this should be a great game for teams that started out 1-5 in the preseason. I think that one of the RHL teams will win the Mid Valley Div. (Blair, Monrovia, or TC).

1) South Pas to beat San Marino by 7 behind the arm of the rio hondo leauge Johnathon Troast.

2) Do, Reisner to propel the Rams over the Cats for the third year straight.

3) LC to upset Blair, but i'm hoping for an Blair victory.

Observant Cat,

Whoa man! Lets not get carried away and compare William Do to Lavelle Peterson. LP accounted for 98% of LC's offense last year and Do's accomplishments are nowhere near Lavelle's. Not to say that Do isn't a good player. He has a real throwback style and is a good, hard runner. But still, he's no Lavelle in any aspect. I don't think the RHL will see a player like that for quite a long time.
As for next week, I see Mtown, SM, and Blair getting w's, but I wouldn't be willing to put money on any of those picks. I wouldn't rule out a couple upsets though. Good luck to everyone.

I think a lot of credit needs to go to the TC coaching staff. That team has been through a lot of adversity this year and they are still in position to win the RHL after a 1-5 start.

Also, everyone has Blair winning on Friday. Let’s not forget its Blair and they haven’t won anything until the end. La Canada is not a pushover & neither is Monrovia (TC).

Stang 04,
FYI, the game is called the Baklava bowl. I am glad you have glendale over hoover. I was thinking the same. Hoover has no passing and running game, but they do have some what of a defense. Glendale should be able to run with ease and take home the Baklava. I am about to head out to the Galleria and pick up a new Cologne for the game and possibly a new wrinkle free shirt.

Peace

Stang Fan,
CV has a very good chance to upset arcadia. They have been shaken up with injuries and have depth issue.

t.r.h

Pasaden Fans,

I'm really proud that Blair, Muir and Pasadena will all be champions of their leagues this year! Great year for Dena teams, I hope everyone has a great playoff run! Go BullDogs!

Thanks for the info Big Daddy. Kind of puts a damper on the game, but who knows.

Scott,

censorship "delay" button nailed me again...is it random or have comments gone profanity road on you again?

Philly B,
your observations on SM compliment them offhandly- being "unable to light up the scoreboard" on them - the reason is because they played good sound D, despite the disadvantage of foot speed. I agree with your view - since TC was thwarted by SM's D until the 3rd quarter - when things broke open. SM has taken repeated cheap shots from critics, but after seeing the team they fielded - those cheap shots were NOT warranted.

It is difficult to devise a defensive plan against Monrovia...besides the standard weapons, I would fear improvisation, like a scrambling QB or a short dump pass of desperation...in the hands of either RB. I am sure Backus has a plan, and I hope like hell it covers everything from Huntington Dr. to the 10 FWY. See you Friday.

Damn the year has flown by. Here are my picks for Week 10.

SG over Keppel (SG's subs will be in at the begining of the 2nd quarter.)

Alhambra over Schurr (The Moors are good, not nearly as good as their fans think, but nonetheless they're good. Look for them to beat the defending champs by 14.)

St. Paul over SF (Not that my opinion on SF means anything anymore, because as their season goes up and down so does my opinion of them. I've said in the past that they would finish 3-7 or 4-6 but then they play balls out and do something impressive to make me change my mind. Now they are at 4-5 and it looks like my earlier prediction is on target so I'm going to go ahead and stick to that. St. Paul wins a close, tough, hard fought game that comes down to the wire. Like the Pacific and Rio Hondo, the Mission is a wacky one this year.)

Rosemead over MV (blowout....)

Blair over LC (If not for a last second FG by SM, Blair could be looking a perfect regular season dead in the face. What Tip has done for Blair is hard to put into words, but as a Stang through and through I just want to give it up to Coach Tip and his staff. Congrats Blair! Enjoy the ride that is the playoffs, you guys have made Pasadena proud!)

SM over SP (SM will dominate the line of scrimmage and control the clock for the majority of the game and the Titans will beat their hated rivals.)

TC over Monrovia (Yet another wonderful rivalry game that always determines something major in the RHL. I look for the star of the game, Williams Do, to take over from start to finish and carry his Rams to a share of the RHL title, even though Blair is its true champ. Let's just say this....the green team will win.)

Arcadia over CV (I'm going to pick the Apaches in this one because they seem to have more talent at the skill positions than CV does. CV's line did impress me early on last game against the Stangs, so they can pose a problem for Arcadia, but after such a great start to the season I just don't see the Apaches throwing it all away. If I'm not mistaken, the winner of this game goes to the playoffs and the loser stays home--depending on whether or not Burroughs beats Burbank. THat should be enough for the Apaches to come out ballin'.)

MUIR over PHS (Sorry.....no surprise there. We've been reading and hearing about this one for a while now, and now we will all found out what is what. Yes the dogs have a nice passing game, but they are facing a team that is much more balanced on the offensive side of the ball and one that is very hungry and intelligent on the defensive side of the ball. PEople keep saying Muir has no line.....hunh? How do you figure that? An RB and the QB aren't worth jack**** without their line. And if you haven't noticed our RB and QB are BOTH having player-of-the-year type seasons. Our line has dominated EVERYONE in our league and they are the best line in the league. PERIOD!!! PHS's lack of a running game will hurt them big-time in this game, because the best thing to do when you play Muir is to keep their explosive offense off the field as much as possible and the dogs will NOT be able to do that. THe Tussle is here Stangs, let's do what we do best.....beat the hell out of them dogs. LET'S GO STANGS!!!!!!!!!!!)

It was so cool to see the famous "Blair Pair" of James McAlister and Kermit Johnson at the game last Friday, along with Charles Phillips and Jimmy Andrews. All of those Blair greats went on to start at major universities while gaining All-American honors. How many schools can say they had that many College All-American and NFL stars come back for homecoming. The Viking Pride is back and Blair could snag a Co-Championship this Thursday night against La Canada. Not bad after years and years of bad seasons. Best wishes Vikings you've done a great job of turning things around. See highlights at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o8NczEetBn0

Blair one win away from sharing the Rio Hondo League Crown although they will be the true league cahmps owning head to head GO VIKINGS!
South Pas Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8NczEetBn0

I cant wait for this fridays showdown between the cats and rams. after watching the game against the titans, our defense has improved. I do wish we could get a better pass rush with our interior lineman. But T.C. needs to watch out for #3 Solomon he was sacking the san marino qb a few times. He's fast and can get around a block by a tackle or running back. We have alot of standouts on defense it I agree that it should be a low scoring game. but I was disappointed in our offense on not lighting of the scoreboard against a titan team that is not faster than us. I still think that in this game against T.C. Dwight Smith needs to get more carries than williams. He likes to do too much dancing in the trenches and if he does that on friday the rams will shut him down easily. Smith runs like a big diesel truck and he can break tackles against those big boys from T.C. Haggard has to be on point like he has in past games. He has an accurate arm, he doesnt get sacked often so Im not worried about him being rushed out of the pocket. I want the offensive line to open up holes for our running back and let our speed shine friday night.
Congrats to blair on basically winning the league title. I dont expect an upset against La Canada. Tip is doing a great job down there

BMW:
lol that's the funniest post I have ever read, So I'll give you my prediction
35-7
Glendale get's it's first win

why isn't anyone talking about the battle for glendale bowl? hoover vs glendale.

O-cat
Welcome
Your "baby steps" comment is no low blow, but the truth. The Rams offense has at times appeared docile and stagnant, with drives stalling out well before the red zone. Reasons are many, but this scenario changed somewhat in the 2nd half of the SM game. Williams Do ripped 283 yds in the game, including the 2nd Offensive play, a 75 yd sweep down the left sideline. New wrinkles, a little more vision - and good execution...the Offense is much improved since the loss to Blair. The line is not of the Soumak-Smith stature, but they have gotten hard-headed and earned some respect. Daylight has become more frequent for Do and Escobedo.
It may end up being all about Defense anyway which is what I am seeing in my crystal ball.
Like we talked about back in July, the Cats have a solid load of speed and power. Had the matchup come early season - TC would have fallen. But the road to this game has brought the team to a point where they are tougher,smarter and playing together.
The Mooney era seems farther back than yesterday now.
You are right again, this is a different TC club. I am feeling the rivalry adrenalin already. TC 28 Cats 13

I just need to double check....this week's game is listed as being on Friday, but according to what the school info says, Blair's game against LC is on Thursday this week. Can someone tell me which one is right?

This could be a very interesting evening of Football. I'm thinking of a very Odd probability, (What if Blair Losses to LC) It could all come back to Monrovia Vs. TC for the Our right league Championship. So I think that both of these teams should keep this in mind. Although whoever wins will share the league championship.
Annonymous: I know that TC always brings their best against Monrovia but this year is a bit different than Last year. Monrovia's D has made great strides on improvment and I think that in order for TC to get in the endzone they must take baby steps.

Temple City will win Friday night against Monrovia because of one player: Joe Reasner.

This kid will have the best game of his career against the Cats and he will carry his team to victory. Don't get me wrong, the TC defensive line led by Becher has been impressive, and the secondary has come alive the past few games with #21 and Antjuan Roy making plays, but Reasner is the glue to this team on offense and defense.

He is Hatch's bail-out guy from his tight end position, and he constantly springs Do for big games with his downfield blocking. This kid just loves to play football, and his team will rally behind him.

TC 28 M-Town 20

What's Up GoldenArm:

I do have an opinion of the Game to come. My prediction is that Monrovia will Win By a margin of 14pts. That being said, here is my breakdown. I have'nt seen TC play as of yet but according to their stats I think that MHS has the upperhand even with the running game. I think that Garrison finally did something right this past week against San Marino and put in another runningback to help support the two that are already there. I was impressed with this kids speed and determination he has the mind set of your last years running back (Broadnax) It seem to wake up the other two backs as if to say if you dont perform to your best here's what could take your place. And the Most improved player yet this year is the QB Matt Haggard, although he has thrown 2 interceptions at critical moments in the past two games, I think that he is much more poised and has a real arsenal of weapons to choose from with devistating speed. TC would have to play an almost perfect game in order to overcome the talent that the Wildcats possess. The difference from last year to this year is the Defense led by Sophemore Josh Lowden, I think that if he focuses on William Do it could be a great O/D matchup. I have a good feeling about Monrovia going into the Playoffs after regrouping in the RHL. One of the most noteable things that I think is that this is a very young team and All of the skill positions will be coming back for a chance to improve next year along with a great JV team. I have tried to keep up with TC and what I am reading is that Do seems to be the new LaVelle Peterson of the Rio Hondo league, His team will have to play their hearts out at every position in order to control the game. Just a side note: Monrovias Coaching staff must stay with a good game plan in order to keep the momentum in order for the team to win with confidence. I think you will be impressed with the Backfield of Smith and Williams both Jrs and both are potentially future Sat. Morning runningbacks.

San Gabriels game vs. Keppel is on Friday, not Thursday.

Temple City will save the best for last.
Reasoner, Becher and D line will be ready - look for Hatch to have his finest game..the Rams season of adversity and change has readied them for this game.

O-cat,
where are you man? We talked this game up back in July? Curious what your thoughts are? Good luck Friday.

SM need to schedule tougher team pre RHL play. Beating up on MKHS is meaningless as we have found out.

Cantwell (3-0 league) vs La Salle (3-0 league) for Camino Real League title!!!

MUIR 57
PHS 21

go stangs !!!!!!!!!

It's Rivalry WEEK...

South Pas vs. San Marino, playing for pride...I guess there's a chance SM could sneak into the playoffs.
This is going to be close, but sadly I predict a San Marino win. For the same reasons I pointed out in the Blair game. Lack of depth on Defense will kill the Tigers as San Marino will pound the ball with Trawick. The plaque goes back to San Marino....boo

Monrovia vs. TC: This again is a tough one to call. It's hard to not to give TC a shot because last year they surprised everyone. I got to see Monrovia play and I was impressed with their D, and their speed at skill the skill positions.
I agree with NY, and give the edge to Monrovia in a low scoring game.

Blair over LC to win the RHL.

I'll take Monrovia in this one. I anticipate a low scoring game. TC will obviously pound with Do, but I think the 'Cats will have what it takes to score one more than TC does.

Scott FYI
Chadwick's best receiver broke his arm against Flintridge. They have no defense and Rio is all defense. Score will be 42 Rio-7 Chadwick. Too bad Rio would have liked to play the 100% healthy.