FOOTBALL: Who are the area's top returning players?
Although the West San Gabriel Valley lost some talented players to graduation, there are many waiting in the wings to take over as the area's best.
Question: Who do you think are the top players in the area? Here's a sample list.
Todd Golper, fullback/tight end/linebacker: Arcadia: There's been enough said about this kid to write a book. He should be right up there as the area's top player.
Above: Arcadia's Todd Golper.
Dietrich Riley, wide receiver/running back/defensive back, St. Francis: A wide receiver, turned running back due to injuries last season, Riley has about as much natural talent and ability as anyone I've seen in the area. Look for a breakout season out of him.
Above: Dietrich Riley, right.
Mitchell Crockom, wide receiver/defensive back, Alhambra: This kid is going to be a headliner as long as he stays healthy. He appears to be a man among boys, and he's only a junior.
Above: Ablhambra's Mitchell Crockom.
Reuben Thomas, quarterback/defensive back/corner, Muir: Thomas has a good arm and plenty of speed. As he goes, so will the Mustangs.
Above: Muir's Reuben Thomas.
Marquise Williams, running back, Monrovia: Injuries were the only thing holding this kid down last year because opposing defenses sure weren't able to. Great size and speed.
Above: Monrovia's Marquise Williams.
Tra' Sumler, running back/linebacker, Rosemead: A kid with speed and natural talent. Look for Sumler to enjoy a solid 2008 campaign.
Above: Rosemead's Tra' Sumler.
Angel Alejandre, quarterback, Rosemead: Alejandre hopes to pick up where he left off last season and lead the Panthers to a Mission Valley League title.
Above: Rosemead's Angel Alejandre.
Isaac Valdez, quarterback, San Gabriel: Valdez didn't know he was going to be the starter until just before the opener against Walnut. He never relinquished the position and had an outstanding year. Look for more big things out of Valdez this season.
Above: San Gabriel's Isaac Valdez.
Francisco Villalobos, offensive line/linebacker, San Gabriel: Villalobos was a monster on defense last season for the Matadors. Expect more of the same out of him this year.
Above: San Gabriels' Francisco Villalobos, left.
Danny Beckwith, quarterback/defensive back, Maranatha: The kid can throw, and throw on the money, and he's a solid defender at defensive back.
Above: Maranatha quarterback Danny Beckwith.
Myles Campbell, wide receiver/defensive back, Muir: Here's another kid with great speed and skills. Watch out for a big senior season.
J'Quan Hamilton, running back Pasadena: Hamilton was one of those guys who just did what he was asked to do last season and is capable of producing big yards this season.
DaVante La Flora, wide receiver/safety, Pasadena: A kid with great hands and speed. Should be the leader of the Bulldogs receiver corps.
Morgan Hatch, quarterback/defensive back, Temple City: Developed into solid quarterback last season.
Chase Rettig, quarterback, La Salle: Has a solid arm and good leadership skills. If the new crop of receivers step right in and play well, Rettig will be just fine.
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
Goldenarm:
I think the biggest suprise is going to be the Monrovia D. We are only missing 4 of of starting players from last year. As far as offense, we will field the much faster running game, I am still not quite sure about the passing game, but from what I know the players are ready. Size wise I feel Monrovia can hold there own. Remember Canyon?...they didn't field a player over 6'2 but Man were they quick and disciplined...
O-cat,
your week zero game (or whatever they call it)against Arcadia will be an immediate test for Mr. Maddox and crew.
Based solely on the Apaches skill people present Friday, obviously M-town is going to have foot speed advantages in key areas...(remember Mr. 4.6 in the middle was not there on Friday)Unless some large fresh beef has migrated to M-town, get ready for a couple mobile, large and aggressive characters trying to harass your backfield. Primarily bull rushers but agile enough to rip/swim when needed...in my opinion they looked better on the defensive side of the ball versus offensive....but hey, it is still June, that could easily change in 60 some days.
Goldenarm:
Unfortunately not. If you hear of any of the latest news please keep us informed. But in other news, I guess we can put the rumors to rest about Thropay coming back to MSH, I heard he is killing the passing league over at Bishop Amat. They have quite a few recruiters circling his camp. Especially USC Trojans......
O-cat, M-towners...
How did the Wildcats look against West Co and the rest of the teams??
Anybody get a chance to check it out?
Goldenarm,
Thanks for the report! Sounds as if both sides did well respectively. It's good to hear Arcadia has size. That will be another year of an O-line that can hopefully pave the way for another 1300 yard rusher like Troy Ahmaz.
Hopefully TC can challenge Monrovia for the RHL title this year. TC v. Monrovia is always a fantastic game to watch.
Big A,
I caught most of the show yesterday. The teams spent a majority of time doing one on ones, rather than the actual 7 on 7 format....which is fine by me.
You are right no Golper, but the red men covered well and both sides showed some glints of possibility in the wide out position. There were a lot of drops as you might expect. As far as DB's I was most impressed by a stocky Asian kid from Arcadia, very good field sense and great close on soft throws. Good single coverage skillls. TC has a handful of returnees in the defensive backfield...and these kids took some heat last year. This year they will be a better group.
Apache/Ram linemen were going nose to nose in the end zone. ARC HAS SIZE! The beast of the group was a big kid wearing 71 for the Apaches...he will be terrorizing some QB's this year. Arc has a couple 6'3, 6,4 large bodies on board. I have no clue as far as names. Nonetheless, defensively TC was rarely blocked to stalemate circumstance. No doubt the coaches on both sides got an eyeful. Too me, that is the value of these happenings.
Any word on how Arcadia did without Golper?
Dan,
Let me know how it goes. I can't get there in time.
As far as Arcadia, the Apaches and TC are passing the ball today (Thurs) at TC. Somebody said 4pm...not sure on the exact start time.
New York, Observantcat, and any other Monrovia posters, Monrovia will be at West Covina tomorrow [Thursday june 26] in a scheduled four way vs West Co, Alta Loma, and one other team.
Its at 5:00 pm it should be interesting as Coach Maddox will face his former team.
Anyone know how Arcadia's team is looking this year? By position?
NY:
That is where the challenge may lie. On the negative note, we lost most of our interior line, but on a positive note, the replacements from the JV squad seem to be more athletic and aggressive. So only time will tell if these guys gel for their offensive weapons. Looking forward to see more of them during the season.
O-Cat,
Any word on our offensive and defensive lines? That typically determines how well a team will do in the end.
Goldenarm:
I guess my comment on the upcoming freshman team is what I was trying to elude to. They have some great players that went to the Pop Warner Super Bowl..Even though it is called the Duarte-Hawks It breeds some of the best athletes from the Monrovia side of the tracks....and I think that this is the time to take advantage off all of the players that get misdirected by local high school recruiters, ieAmat,LaSalle, etc....Most of these guys have made a commitment to stay together and see how great they could be.
O-cat
I think the freshman factor is not hugely crucial either way...M-town has plenty of solid kids already in house and ready to rock and roll. Lest not forget the JV squad which steamrollered most of the RHL and kicked butt in preleague. Williams is back to long stride his way to some serious yardage and you've got a core of good "D" people returning...just the peeps Maddox will know how to utilize to full potential.
When does M-town have some passing league appearances??
Sounds like what you know is better than what you don't know -
Even with the glamour of going to a bigger program, give the kid credit for what is probably the right decision at a personal level - playing in the community you grew up in with your friends, in front of people who have watched you grow up.
New York:
I think this new coach is already on the ball. My sources have told me that He pretty much has calmed alot of things down already and that some of the players who were skeptical of their new environment are now very dedicated to this guys plans. Throplay had to look at the bigger picture and His family knows that at Bishop Amat is still a growing program even with all of their new coaching staff. At Monrovia this kid will be in familliar territory and that The great Fresman squad that will be arriving at Monrovia this year will probably bring him back into the greatness that he had on the Pop Warner level. Most of the new guys were a very big reason that he became the QB that he is now. I know of two running Backs on that team that could probably start on a lot of varsity teams out there right now. So with this in mind This kids future will just get brighter and brighter..ps..his little brother isn't so bad either.
I hope to see Hatch have a great year for TC. He had some passes sail on him last year, but he has a strong arm and is definitely no wuss. Physically he is not your prototype QB, although he is a much better athlete than some may believe. In front of him will be some determined characters.
TC will need his experience and calm with the young line-up they bring next season.
For Thropay's own personal and character development, I hope he and his family are able to commit to making things work at one school. I've seen kids bounce around before and it definitely takes a toll on their long-term development.
I've heard the same rumor on Thropay, but as far as I know, that's all it is, a rumor.
Scott Galletti : I think muir vs. st.francis will be a nice game tomorrow!
Scott Galletti:
Just rumor, but can you look into the fact that Josiah Thropay is checking back into Monrovia High. I heard that Brooks is going to be attending Arcadia, I dont know what position he will be playing since tight end seems to already be sewn up with duct tape. But some more good news for the Wildcats alum. The Freshman class could have some of players come up to varsity and actually start at some very key positions.
muir vs st. francis passing league game @ st.francis @ 4pm other teams will be there also .....
I really wish we could have had a La Salle vs San Gabriel game. It would be great to see Valdez and Rettig on the same field.
isaac valdez is the best qb in the area in my opinion. he is a great athlete, throw great on the move and is a amazing leader. he might not b the tallest or can throw the ball 80 yards but he gets the job done. Im not taking anything away from Rettig. but Isaac Valdez is the guy i would gow tih
It has been reported that UCLA offered Dietrich Riley over the weekend.
haha
Hey GA, thats how they toughen up the boys @ the 'Mead, atleast they took out the thorns and thistles that would prick you while doing bear crawls.
FEAR THE 'MEAD!!!WAR PANTHERS!!!
Any Passing League updates/scores?
GA-
B2G is at Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks. It has big-time talent. They only invite 65 kids(5QB,10RB,10WR,5TE,15LB,10CB,10S)
The Sunday finale is called the "A" Game and gets a lot of hype. Golper is also doing Sunday and Tuesday at the UCLA 3 day camp (participating but also helping to recruit other guys). I think Dietrich Riley is also going to the UCLA Camp.
ANYONE SEE MUIR / LA SALLE...and have some observations to share??
Dad of 3,
Once again - thx for the valuable info, I wanted to see Golper, guess I 'll wait until the M-town game ...kinda a bummer. The kid is having one busy off-season.
Is the B2G camp local?
GA-
Just an FYI-Golper is scheduled for the B2G camp next Thurs - Sun, so he probably wont be there for the Arcadia- TC passing league game
Pasdena Bulldog House of Pancake O-Line will be stronger and better!!!
Two of the best players in So Cal are from the SGV. Riley from St Francis and Rettig from La Salle are truly remarkable players/athletes. Who is best? It greatly depends on who has the best 10 other guys around them in their perspective leagues.
How have teams been doing the passing leagues thus far? Any word/scores?
Rams / Apaches next Friday at TC
FEAR THE MEAD ! But somebody ask them to water their field! I drove by yesterday, the sucker must be solid granite, because the grass (or short cactus) is yellow -brown. Maybe that is the Mead's secret, rows of 3/4 inch tall turf cactus on top of porous concrete.
todd golpers incredible
Passing League La Salle vs. Muir 3:00 tomorrow at La Salle
!!! FEAR THE 'MEAD!!! !!! WAR PANTHERS!!!
just an FYI, there are some great passing league tournaments comming up soon, with the Bonita tourmant and with the santa calrita valley's, Saugus "under the lights" tournamet being one of them.
So if ya like high school ball there is some exciting stuff comming our way.
this should explain how the best player is:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/2008/06/football-sophom.html
j5-
If you mean Ron Powlus I believe it. Clarkson students Clausen and Crist headed to ND, and Rettig seems to be the heir apparent in the current Clarkson QB stable behind Matt Barkley. At the Super 7 camp Rettig looked bigger(6'4" 200Lb.) and faster than last year and showcased the strongest arm of anyone on the field including the D1 participants. No doubt his stats will double that of his SG Valley contemporaries but we'll have to see if those stats translate to W's for La Salle. If they don't, it's tough to label him the best in the area.
i have heard muir is in the same playoff bracket as alot of area teams? i wanted to know if this is true ? does anyone no
The Lakers are taking the title next year with Bynum back. I'm calling it now.
Lafootball,
This blog is for the West San Gabriel Valley. I think you want to head over to Fred's blog for the East San Gabriel Valley.
How good is La Salle new coach? Any word on him?
what about gabriel rodatre from los altos? he is a fast physical player who could really shine.
J5-
Whom does Chase have offers from? I know he was at the Debartolo camp when UCLA offered Brehaut and is highly touted in the 2010 class but was unaware that he actually has received offers already.
Josh Lowden, Marquise Williams, Kendal Boggs, and Danny Cardera from Monrovia High school are the top returning players.
Chase Rettig is by far the best QB in the area...arm strength, knowledge of the game, footwork, and leadership skills set this kid higher than any other QB in the area. Just ask Ron Paules or any of the PAC-10 schools that already have made offers to him