FOOTBALL: Spring football is almost here

sfhs92,

Thanks for sharing your insight. It sounds like you guys have been stuck at a bit of a crossroad for a while. I wonder what it will take to choose one road or the other.

New York,
Here are my thoughts on what is right and what is wrong at SF. The big problem with SF is all of the old timers who want SF to be like they where in the 60's and play in top divisions of CIF. Unfortunately our depth isnt like the depth at the top tier schools. SF needs to do like Crespi and Orange Lutheran did and play in divisions 10 and 11 and win some CIF titles and start attracting top talent to the school. That is the right way to do it or you can try and recruit your way to the top like Alemany is doing right now. Also at SF I think our boys are students first then atheletes, and the admissions office treats each candidate who applies like that. Recently though one of the Varsity coaches was named director of Admissions so lets see what happens in the next couple of years. Without a doubt SF has the best facilities in the area, that and the fact that in the last couple of years SF has sent kids to Pac-10 schools and with Riley's upcoming recruitment I think that will attract more top student atheletes. I am excited to see what happens with SF football in the next few years.

Stangs -
PLAY HARD AND BEAT DIAMOND RANCH.

Just read a little of Fred J's blog and you will see we are ALL inferior north of the 10 and west of the 605.,,,and also including both ElMo and south ElMo, who are rated in the pit of preseason rankings over there.

Wildcats
PLAY HARD AND BEAT BECKMAN

Have not seen the rest of the schedules, but similar best wishes to the rest of the SGV who travel that direction.

Huckster,

As I said, I can see you predicting us losing our first three preseason games...I personally don't think it'll happen, but I can see YOU saying that. I think we have a great shot vs. DR and a pretty good shot at both OC and Venice, but I honestly see us at 1-2 after the first three games.

But three losses in league?!?!?! And two of them to CV and the dogs?!?!?!?! You are HYSTERICAL!!!! Who does CV have? Sh**, who do the dogs have?

We don't have a line? Bro, three of our starters from last year are coming back. So how do you figure we don't have a line? No running back? Bro, Muir ALWAYS has a running back. Trust me, someone will definitely step up.

And no I haven't tricked myself into thinking ANYTHING. I just know that the dogs simply don't have what it takes to beat the Stangs, and they haven't in a loooooong time. Their intestinal fortitude is simply absent, especially in the fourth quarter....you know, kind of like last year's game.

sfhs92,

I've always been curious as to why Saint Francis doesn't do the little bit extra that it would take to be a CIF champion. What are your thoughts? Private schools have the flxibility to bring in the right coaches and right players if they want to. Oaks Christian did it. Time will tell whether or not Bishop Amat did it again. When will St Francis reclaim its glory and run the table?

Stang Fan,

Muir will lose all three preseason games and in league they will lose to C.V. in a shocker, Burroughs and of course PHS. The line and no true running back will be the Stangs down fall. You try and trick your self into thinking we won’t be a game, but I know you know better! Its that time and once again its on!

Stang Fan,

Muir will lose all three preseason games and in league they will lose to C.V. in a shocker, Burroughs and of course PHS. The line and no true running back will be the Stangs down fall. You try and trick your self into thinking we won’t be a game, but I know you know better! Its that time and once again its on!

Scott:

I quite aware of Riley and the transition from wide reciever to tailback. I have just noticed the blueprint for rankings every season for the past four has almost been ditto. My thoughts are maybe not followed by many, but watching high school football and seeing a great player on a so-so team doesn't always keep them great. Examples: Reed (TC) Peterson (La Canada) these were great individual players but Both Teams have had much better seasons without the one superstar. Who else at St. Francis is worth putting in the same sentence as Riley?....to cause them to be the biggest challenge in the area? Honestly even with the defectors from Monrovia we still have a great core group of true atheletes that can get the job done. Williams..RB Lowden...MLB Calver...OLB Boggs...FS....Carino..WR...All starters and the list could go on. I am not here to say that MHS would beat SF in a head up match, but I would put my money on MHS if that were the case. I know it's way to early to make a true #1 prediction but to just break out last years schematic never seems to work.

Much appreciated RHP83. Where did you find that?

Monrovia Varsity Schedule
All games at 7:00pm

9/5 @ Arcadia
9/12 DUARTE
9/19 @ Rosemead
9/26 BECKMAN
10/3 @ La Salle
Bye Week
10/17 TEMPLE CITY
10/24 @ South Pasadena
10/31 LA CANADA
11/7 @ Blair
11/14 SAN MARINO

Observantcat, Riley isn't a true running back. He was moved to running back last year because of injuries and his ability to make plays. He's a receiever, and one of if not the best in the area.

sfhs92:

It is fair to say that this years team should in fact be better than last years team, but my question is how good do you think this years team is overall?.....Could they beat Muir, Arcadia, Monrovia or even some of the other athletic schools in the area?...having seen St. Francis play, I would have never put them at the top of the Star News top ten year after year. Dietrich Riley is a great player, but if he were to go to John Muir or Monrovia he would not be the firt choice for RB he would be a hell of a addition at the recieving corp and in the defensive secondary. He like LaVelle Peterson are and were standouts in the LaCanada area as truly gifted athletes but when you face teams like Notre Dame Guys like that come a dime a dozen. Not that SF hasn't taken on these teams the best they can with what they have, I just think that if you went over to Muir and grabbed more of their true athletes I could truy seeing you and other justifying being on top of the SGV Star News. Other that that I think that if holding St. Fran as our best chance,,,this area is worse that I thought.

La Salle is actually in the Camino Real league (Verbum Dei, Cantwell, Mary Star, and now Bishop Montgomery). I think this is the third year playing TC and Monrovia, and they have played SM for a while. Seems like a Rio Hondo league team!!

I know La Salle's goal was to play a more "local" non-league schedule - it looks like this year they may have done it. Note also that Don Bosco was added.

GoTeamGo:

When did La Salle join the Rio Hondo League? They are playing TC, San Marino and Monrovia???

I like how they are scheduling local teams. This really helps to see which teams in the SGV are better, and ditto to SG about La Salle playing Maranatha.

Big A,

Not sure what your apology was for?

I did hear same as you, meaning Arcadia dropped TC, not the other way around. Personally, I liked our opponent (Arcadia) for multiple reasons.
By the way, TC will have several excellent pass receivers next year - I just hope we can put the ball in a catchable position.

Ocat before you spout off about SF at least know what you are talking about. I may not like what stang fan has to say but for the most part he is fairly accurate. SF wasnt a one man team last year and will not be a one man team this year. The thing that hurt SF was the loss of the QB and having an inexperienced backup. As far as not being able to win the pacific league a few years ago SF played phs, cv, arcadia, and burroughs, guess what they won all four games. The qb battle this offseason will be interesting, but the defense will keep the team in games while the offense gets its feet underneath them.

Wow, La Salle at Maranatha. I like it.

Huckster,

Here we go again....

Last year I said the Stangs would go 9-1 or 8-2 and you replied that I was crazy and that Muir would go 4-6. WHat happened? Oh yeah, we went 8-2.

This year I have predicted the same and you have responded with the same B.S., which of course means that I'll be right once again.

4-6? How do you figure? Which six teams are going to beat Muir? I could see you saying 7-3 or 6-4, but 4-6? The first three games against DR, OC, and Venice the Stangs will pull out at least one of those games, and hopefully two. In league the closest game will be against Burroughs, ALL of the other games shouldn't be too competitive.

So Huck, please name all six teams that will beat Muir and explain why? This ought to be funny.

Most coaches use their "bye week" just before league play starts. It gives players time to heal and to focus on the Big Prize (CIF Finals).

La Salle schedule:

9/5 - at Village Christian
9/12 - at Maranatha (Maranatha gets its wish!)
9/19 - San Marino
9/26 - at Don Bosco
10/3 - Monrovia
10/10 - Temple City
10/17 - Verbum Dei
10/24 - BYE
10/31 - at Mary Star
11/7 - at Cantwell SHM
11/14 - Bishop Montgomery

I agree - I wish schools would update their websites.

Goldenarm,

My apologies on the last response. My guess is that Coach Dimalante wants a bye-week during the year for his kids to get healthy in case of any sprained ankles/bumps & bruises, etc...

I really hope TC and Arcadia will happen again. Maybe in the next couple of years fans like us can push for the game.

Golden, when the CIF installed the Week 0 game, the rule was simple. Schools could play that game, forego a scrimmage and get a bye week somewhere during the season or play a traditional schedule. I think some coaches feel a week off during the season is ultimately better for the team than a scrimmage. There can be arguments made both ways such as the one you mentioned.

SG,
thanks for clearing things up.

If true, It seems weird Arcadia would not schedule a scrimmage...in my experiences ...you always wanted to get your kids face to face contact with faces they were NOT acquainted with, prior to games that count.
There were times finding a team to scrimmage was a problem, due to schedule conflicts, playing field or logistics crap...but we always found another team, another coach and made it happen.
I like TC's choice to scrimmage ElMo, they always have kids who like to pop, and that should open the pupils of the D/O line..that the real war is now upon us.

O-cat,
Has Maddox put together a full-tilt intro meeting yet?

As far as defectors, the ones who never get mentioned are those who decide NOT to return to fball...for a host of reasons. Sometimes I wonder if these kids realize this is their chance, maybe their last chance to play. To be part of it. Reasons I heard this year are some of the usual...Mom thinks it is too violent, I want to concentrate on bball, crappy grades...or the old loss of motivation to compete, now that "party time" seems more important.
We all know just one or two solid kids on the roster makes a difference..I'm talkin even role players, not impact players.

Goldenarm:

What's up Goldenarm?..
Monrovia will be facing Arcadia on Sept. 5th at Arcadia High school. As for the Rankings of San Gabriel Teams....It is really hard to pick an outright No.1 But for all who pay attention to real football you may have noticed a real drop in some of the schools around the area starting back as late as the Mid 90's. I like most of the Monrovia Faithful still think we have the Answer for not only a league title but a real good chance of taking it all. I will be less than honest to comment on the other teams in the area because I really dont know what or who any of them have that may step up to the plate. As far as St.Francis alway talking about the league they are in and how tough it is,,,They should get into another league if that be the case. I dont thing they would have any better chance at winning the Pacific league or the Rio Hondo league for that matter. The problem is just not having enough skill players year after year that can handle the load of some of the other private schools in their league. Riley is just one man and if hurt or single out (season over again).. Teams like John Muir have a good 5-6 back up running backs and if one of them get inspired, who knows where that can take them..look at 07 Blair!.... Monrovia has a great group year after year of great skill players to choose from and I think that is why they just might be the most feard team in the SGV for most outside teams to play against. Even with the defectors the Wildcats will still be a very tough team to contend with. The addition of Coach Maddox will probably give them a shot in the arm. The running back Marquise Williams is my choice of Best running Back of any of the schools on the SN top ten. This will be his year to really shine amongst all of the commotion. I think Monrovias only real uncertainty will be the Qb position....that remains a question mark for even the most dedicated Monrovia Fans. Nevertheless the Defense is going to be solid as nails and thats what ultimately wins big games. Good luck to all the teams in the SGVN....the always contraversial Observantcat!

To answer your question, since they play a Week 0 game, they don't play a scrimmage. I guess they get a bye week instead.

I have no idea why some of your posts get thrown out Goldenarm. I took care of it.

Glad to see football interest growing. Wouldn't it be great if the high schools provided information on their sites? I see several (Flintridge Prep, eg.) use highschoolsports.net for schedules but only a few have well-developed sites. Pasadena Poly's is ok, but some schools haven't been updated for years, it seems.

looks like the ol "blog comments under review" is back in town

That said...who DOES Arcadia scrimmage?

I tried the hssports site...I got zip on 08 fball schedule for TC. I understand it is basically the same as last year, Arroyo for kickoff...and La Salle just prior to the league opener, with the Mead, Moors and SG mixed in. Unofficial.

I think you can find all the schedules at www. highschoolsports.net.

Great stuff Campy. Who else do we have this season?

Yeah, Arcadia and Monrovia renewed the contract. They just moved the game up - from week 2 to week 0. It's a game, boys, not a scrimmage.

Monrovia is playing at Arcadia on Sept 5 for the season opener. My understanding is that is considered a zero week game and therefore precludes any kind of Arcadia scrimmage game

It is also a bid sad that TC and Arcadia will have no contact. TC and Arcadia used to be another rivalry. I suppose times change. El Monte is an interesting choice with Arroyo the following week. Is it time for TC to join the Mission Valley League with Rosemead, Arroyo and El Monte?

NY

I have not seen it on a schedule, but that was the word. My apologies in advance if the info proves bullsh%*. Maybe Big A could debunk.
TC / ELMO is on paper.

Goldenarm,
I really hope that's not the case. It took Coach Garrison 13 years to get Arcadia on the schedule. In fact I don't remember Monrovia playing Arcadia since 1989 until we played in 2006. I really thought Monrovia vs. Arcadia would turn into a great rivalry.

Scrimmage only NY

Maybe someone on the inside might know background...i just know TC is scrimmaging ElMo at ElMo and heard also Apaches vs Wildcats...not sure at who's house

Goldenarm,
Are you saying that Monrovia and Arcadia will scrimmage? What about a real game?

Well..the usual TC vs Arcadia scrimmage is not on the books this year...instead it is MONROVIA VS ARCADIA. Grab onto that one....

TC has got the tough characters from El Monte on Sept 5

Stang Fan,

You have to be out of your mind to think Muir will go 9-1! You don’t have a running back and your QB can’t pass efficiently. I know, I know the speed on the track team, but that doesn’t mean you will be great team because you have to effectively get these guys the ball. The offensive and defensive lines will be average at best! I think Muir will be 4-6!

PHS lost a lot of skill people but the young interior part of the team will be back and they came together at the last part of the season, the games are won in the trenches! Jaquan Hamilton at QB will make us a running team, but if he can have any success passing with efficiency we could have a great year. I think PHS will go 7-3!

I don’t know about Arcadia, but I still think Burroughs will be the team to beat in the Pacific and this is based on returning starters.

Stang Fan,

You have to be out of your mind to think Muir will go 9-1! You don’t have a running back and your QB can’t pass efficiently. I know, I know the speed on the track team, but that doesn’t mean you will be great team because you have to effectively get these guys the ball. The offensive and defensive lines will be average at best! I think Muir will be 4-6!

PHS lost a lot of skill people but the young interior part of the team will be back and they came together at the last part of the season, the games are won in the trenches! Jaquan Hamilton at QB will make us a running team, but if he can have any success passing with efficiency we could have a great year. I think PHS will go 7-3!

I don’t know about Arcadia, but I still think Burroughs will be the team to beat in the Pacific and this is based on returning starters.

So how does one find out about the new divisions in football.

Stang Fan,
If you feel that Muir will go 9-1, then I assume you feel pretty good about Muir going to the Finals, which technically is DEEP, but come out and say you think your team will go to the finals. Why not? It's very realistic given the realignment.

I anticipate Monrovia winning our new division within a couple years if all the expectations about Coach Maddox check out. Frankly, we're not in a very tough division anyway.

I can damn near sniff the season.

Top 10:

1. Muir- Returning some really good, fast talent this year and if I'm not mistaken they have three returning lineman coming back as well. Bingo at QB, Clipper and Dunlap at RB, and Campbell and Graves at WR...a lot of talent there. And yes, the rumors apparently are true, Tip Sanders is Muir's new strength and conditioning coach. That is HUGE!!! In another post I mentioned that Tip wasn't the best x's and o's guy but that man is a MONSTER in the weightroom. If we can finally get our hogs up to par...watch out. The defense has a few players to replace which will be a problem early on, hopefully some guys can step it up in their stead. Overall I see an 9-1 or 8-2 record and a DEEP push into the new playoff division.

2. SF- If you read my posts last year on SF, and sfhs92 can most certainly attest to this, I was pretty harsh on SF's chances. Mind you, they played THE most difficult schedule in the area, and I'm sure this year's schedule doesn't change much. Which is why I am predicting another 4-6 season with SF missing the playoffs for a second year in a row. Yes, Riley is a monster and a future D1 kid, however the school doesn't have too much beyond that. They most certainly have talent, but not the type of talent that matches up well with the teams they play. Stack the box vs. SF and they're done. Their D will keep them in games but ultimately they will come up on the short end of the stick.

3. Monrovia- Something tells me Maddox is going to do some really good things at M-town. Their exodus of talent will definitely hurt them early on, but come league they will run the table.

4. La Salle- This may be a little high for some, but with a QB like Rettig and a coach like Peterson you've got to like their chances.

5. Arcadia- Don't know what their schedule is but they will do no better than third in the Pacific. They lose a lot of good talent. Golper will be the focus and do well, but he will experience what Riley will at SF.

6. TC- I trust Goldenarm's opinion

7. Pasadena- It could get really bad for them this year with all of the talent they lost.

8. San Gabriel- We know they can pass

9. Alhambra- I'm sure they'll compete.

10. San Marino- The Mike Mooney factor.

I don't know enough to give you a good answer. At LC each level plays what it wants. There is no program if you will. The Varsity will have all new coaches on both sides of the ball so who knows what they will do.

Matt,

Is that strange stacked up defense (looks like a tweaked 4-4) a staple at LC?
The D line gaps were funky...sometimes it seemed to work, but other times no one was home...and easy yardage was made.

Thanks for clearing that up Viking Fan.

I wish coach Parks tons of LUCK at Blair HS.

DAWWGER

DAWWGER - Kishon is Tip's grandson.

Goldenarm
If you have to eat it I will buy you something to help wash it down.

Scott,
I think the PSN should implement an official countdown until kickoff.

Matt,
Appreciate your feedback and you very well could be right - by no means did I take the coaching situation into my prediction, it is based primarily on JV talent and performance...never a consistent indicator for Friday night success. However, I am going to hold fast with the prediction - and eat it later if need be.

Golden, that's a very good question. I think St. Francis should be mentioned along with La Salle. Muir has some very good players returning and Arcadia always has to be mentioned. I'm sure there are other sleepers with talent coming up from lower levels, but it's too early to tell.

Goldenarm
I don't think your RHL projections for LC are going to prove accurate. TO emerge and challange you need a leader for that to happen. Same head coach, same results.

SG,

what area school has the has the best core of Varsity returnees?

DAWWGER,
I knew the venom from that Gila Monster bite on the groin would resurface again..who knows, you may prove more accurate than delirious this time around

RHL - Several months ago I picked La Canada to emerge and challenge for the RHL crown this year. I am sticking to that one.
Big A as usual has his facts in line - TC's strong point will be defense without doubt - teams will not be pounding the Rams for 45 points a game in 08. They have a core of hard-nosed strong kids - witness the headbanging 7-6 win over Monrovia JV last year. Couple that with the Wildcat steamroller of the TC varsity - you have the usual recipe of another great rivalry game this year.
Mooney's reported increased involvement at SM can only mean that some of the outcomes on close games will begin to fall to SM. Now with time to evaluate and determine direction (and already add former assistants to the SM staff)beware the unquestioned fball knowledge and leadership of MM...in my opinion one of the premier fball coaches in the SGV, either or any side of the SGV that is.
Monrovia - if Maddox can quickly put his defensive structure in place and roll in a group of assistants to compliment...no telling where it could lead. The man has landed himself a dream job.
Blair- I fear there may be a loss of discipline, organization and cohesiveness in the wake of Tip's departure. Blair would unbelievably benefit from stability. Hopefully I am wrong - as I know a couple Blair kids and want to see them compete strongly this year.
SP - I know zip on South Pas.

As far as Muir, what a year for speed merchants..including the 4x100 relay team...which Stang Fan has said at least 3 members are set to play fball...I plan to catch a Muir game early on.
Also want to see Golper, especially after catching him at the Nike Combine...the man will represent the SGV well at the next level.

Kishon is Tip's grandson. Amazing arm I must say as I played against him.

DAWWGER,

I forgot. Hopefully for Blair he doesn't leave, but if so, that hurts big-time!

BIG-A;

I believe the STAR Freshmen QB for Blair's varsity was coach Tip Sander's son. Is he staying @ Blair?

I LOVED my psychology classes while I was in school several years ago.

Wow, great responces regarding my top 10. I knew by leaving the BEST out of my list, I would get some positive feedback from Stang Fan, Big-A, sfhs92, and many other anons.

Once again...I will post my top 10 once I'm back in SOCAL next week. I'm CODE-6 out here in AZ following Top ranked (Nationwide) Hamilton HS (CHandler, AZ) and other 5A schools in the EAST Phoenix valley.

I appreciate all of the SGV updates.

I hold my ground on MONROVIA.

DAWWGER

I was just "Tipped" off that Muir recently hired a new strength & conditioning coach. Whoa Nellie!!!!!

How in the world do you leave out Arcadia, St. Francis, and Muir DAWWGER?

My top ten:

1. St. Francis - Riley will be a monster this year. They do have to replace a completely new line but with a good amount of talent there I'm sure they can get the job done.

2. Muir - Returners Chris Dunlap, Reuben Thomas and Marcus Graves will tear it up next year with all that speed. Good luck trying to contain Dunlap and Thomas.

3. Monrovia - With the lower level success, the talent to win is obviously there. Maddox seems to be a very good up and coming coach which could turn Monrovia into the monster it used to be.

4. Arcadia - With UCLA-committed linebacker Todd Golper leading the way they still have a lot to prove. They lose a bunch of seniors, including 3 on their impressive offensive line.

5. Pasadena - 3 returning starters on the offensive line that were juniors/sophomores. Crockham will be a HUGE loss but Pasadena will have the talent to get back on its feet. It may take 3 games into the year but they will be full of steam towards the end of the year.

6. La Salle - Chase Rettig will lead the Lancers to an even better season. With 2500 yards passing as a sophomore, Rettig will only continue to get better. Hopefully, the new head coach can bring in some talent to protect their young star.

7. Blair - Talent and speed. Although Devin Fuller is gone, Blair started a freshman at quarterback. If there is any continuity to what Sanders did at Blair, they could be a force in the RHL.

8. Temple City - Randy Backus will have his boys ready to go. His defense should be stout as well as his offensive line. I don't really know too much about what they having coming back.

9 and 10 are out of my mind. One could put SG or Alhambra here but I just don't know enough about any other programs at this moment to list anyone else.

Its tough to bet against historic trends: Muir and SF at # 1&2 (either order).
Coach Maddox may be able to outscheme anybody...but so can Bill Belichek and his first assignment with the Cleveland Browns was not impressive. Without Mr Kraft's system, who knows...Monrovia is usually loaded (whether the best athletes on campus play sports or not). Good luck to Maddox and our boys. Time will tell. Eventually Monrovia will consistently compete for the #1 spot.

La Salle has a lot of potential upside. With a long-time local guy at the helm, if the admissions office cooperates LaSalle could be great.

Philly B.
Not jumping the GUN. Stepping up to the challenge and putting on the work shoes will take place at Monrovia. Spending the last two seasons with the lower levels and seeing their maturity growth will elevate the hunger of the team and with a NEW coach, comes great expections from the players and staff.

sfhs92;

You are right about the SUN here in Arizona...last night about 9PM, it was about 80 degrees. I typed the list from 2-10 too fast. I was at work and did not have enough time to evaluate the schools by logical and reasoning thougt. This is why I predicted the list by mid-season. I have been keeping up with AZ schools for now.

Thanks DAWG for the wake-up call of the HEAT.

GO LAKERS!!!

DAWWGER

DAWWGER
Lets not jump the gun on Monrovia. I know we will have the talent because we always do. But losing a couple of starting running backs to other schools(Smith and Golden) will be alot to replace, I think we will be good. But with the hiring of Maddox theres alot of questions to be answered. I mean will blair have alot returners for next season. And I think you're giving San Marino too much credit because for the past couple of seasons San Marino has been real good in pre-league but couldnt beat the big dogs of the rio dondo league. Im looking at Muir holding the down the number one spot in the area with monrovia and T.C at 2&3 and the rest..... I'll reserve my comment or predictions on that till later

Dawwgger that arizona sun must be getting to you bro. You left the two best teams in the valley off of your list St Francis and Muir.

1. Monrovia
2. Blair
3. Maranatha
4. Temple City
5. San Marino
6. South Pasadena
7. Pasadena
8. Burbank B.
9. San Gabriel
10. Alhambra

Monrovia has great talent coming up with a record of 19-1 in the lower levels. There are several hidden weapons that will make their debut and shock many fans.

As far as #2 thru 10, they're just predicitions by mid-season.

DAWWGER