Muir: (Diamond Ranch) don't impress me at all
In today's sports section (front page, bottom right corner) ... I've gotten some positive feedback on the story and some, well, you knew negative feedback was also coming ...
It looks like Muir has provided bulletin board material for Diamond Ranch and with that in mind here is the first of many polls to come so have your say on this one.
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By Miguel A. Melendez
Staff Writer
PASADENA -- Being a high school football coach can sometimes mean not being a coach at all.
The logistics of running a program can become too tedious at times and even overwhelming for others.
Is the right equipment in stock? Is the field ready to go? Have the kids filled out and turned in all the necessary paperwork?
All of which are things every coach wants taken care of, preferably before the start of fall camp.
And as September approaches and the smell of the freshly cut grass roams campus, that can only mean one thing: getting back to the business of, well, coaching.
While some high school teams opened fall camp last week and others open next week, most opened Monday in preparation for their first game under the lights, which is just a few weeks away.
"It's been a long wait," Muir football coach Ken Howard said. "I've been trying to keep myself busy here (in the office) but now we can finally get out on the field and get a feel for how we're going to do this season."
And if the Mustangs' first practice is an early indication on how the season will shape up then look for Muir to do some serious damage in the Pacific League and in the Southeast Division come CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
"I'm very surprised at how things are shaping up," Howard said after his team's first drill run, "but it's a pleasant surprise."
The Mustangs last season
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finished 7-0 in league and 8-3 overall. They were led by Willie Youngblood, who amassed 1,000 yards rushing but is now graduated.
During spring practices it appeared Muir wouldn't have a true running back this season, but look for senior Chris Dunlap to get most of the carries while Tramel Clipper, a starting cornerback, plays backup.
While most teams tend to stay hush about real expectations this season, Howard did not shy away from what he expects: a monstrous season.
"It looks real good for us," Howard said as the team wrapped up the morning practice. "A lot of teams need to watch out for us."
Those teams are Diamond Ranch, which Muir will face in Week 0, and in Week 2 there's perennial powerhouse Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, a team that boasts a core of players whose fathers need no introduction; their names alone speak volumes.
Joe Montana.
Wayne Gretzky.
Will Smith.
All three have sons who are playing with Oaks Christian and will draw a lot of media attention, especially from the entertainment side.
But nothing seems to faze Howard and the Mustangs.
"We're not worried about anybody," Howard said. "They (Diamond Ranch) don't impress me at all.
"I'm more concerned about California (of Whittier), a team we'll see in the playoffs and don't know much about."
Muir will rely on star quarterback Reuben Thomas, a two-year starter who is mobile, has a strong arm and can be a true threat on the ground.
Thomas took control as soon as he got on the field and immediately knew his role: a leader on the field who is vocal.
"Knowing that he's excited about getting to work is a blessing," Howard said.
A lot of schools will get their taste of what's coming as they open camp. St. Francis, Arcadia and San Gabriel are others who opened camp Monday.
Alhambra, Temple City and Blair are still in their dead period and open camp sometime next week, while La Salle, Maranatha and Monrovia opened camp earlier than most.
Maranatha had a unique camp experience. The Minutemen had a week-long stay on campus, where they practiced, ate, showered and slept. Sleeping bags and inflatable beds littered the classroom and office building that once served as an actual dormitory.
The pads will come on later this week for most schools, meaning coaches will get a better look at how their teams will fare this season.
If nothing else, the start of camp certainly felt long overdue.
miguel.melendez@sgvn.com
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About this blog
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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. |
What happen to the AJAX D-RANCH??? We did our thing today.. we played hard and in the end we seen who was the better team.. which is the Muir Mustangs...
What happen to the AJAX D-RANCH??? We did our thing today.. we played hard and in the end we seen who was the better team.. which is the Muir Mustangs...
Mitchell Garner...
Speaking of South Hills, don't two (that I know of) players - Geoffrey Vaughns and Miles Bevel - come from this area??? They played for some La Canada junior league team I think(???)...
NY
Seeing this and other games is a problem for me too. I wish there were more Thurs games scheduled in pre-league. Obviously you can't be two places at once Friday at 7pm.
On Sept 5 we scrimmage ElMo, last I heard at 5pm. This is cool because immediately afterward I can drive up and catch the Monrovia/Arcadia game at 7pm. This is a rare Friday night double feature though.
As far as TC expectations, if we flame out, it will NOT be because the kids did not dedicate the weight room hours and sweat. Strength growth did happen. Height growth did not, we are mostly a sub-6ft group of little raptors on Defense. If that defense gels (and I think it will)TC will have a good season.
NY - you should get yourself in the stands for the headbanger RHL opener of TC / Monrovia. 2 defensive coaches square off. And hell no, I have no prediction of outcome.
I would love to attend this game. I really think that Muir and Diamond Ranch could generate a great rivalry. Both teams draw significant talent. DR has good skills and I hear good line play. In fact, USC's starting Right Tackle, Charles Brown, went to Diamond Ranch. If DR has any more guys like him, I hope Muir's linemen are ready to go. As a Westsider, I will support the Stangs on this one.
WHO THE HELL IS #7 FOR THE LIL A** PONIES? KID IF I WAS YOU I WILL LET THE GROWN MEN HANDEL THIS NO ONE HAS HEARD OF YOU SON!!!
DRANCH-28
PONIES- 6
I thought Garner #7 was a senior last year. The kid is tough. If he had more exposer last year, as in the internet recruiting sites, there would be more buzz about him.
I see you my boy i strongly agree that 50 to 0 muir is a correct score for our 1st game.... as well i play for John Muir #7 and we will show up this game and most of the bloggers will be fooled. Honestly we will blow the doors off D.R. We want it the win to much to let some jokes win it.
Now for C.O and S.H will see yall in Playoffs.
typo
MUIR 50....DR 0.....WE PUT IN SO MUCH WORK THIS SUMMER AND WE FEEL THAT THE GAME IAINT EVEN GONNA BE CLOSE...DR DNT HAVE THE HEART TO KEEP UP WITH US...WE WANT IT SOO MUCH MORE...JUST IN CASE YOU DNT KNOW...IM THE STARTING QB SO I KNOW 1ST HAND....LONG NIGHT 4 DR FANS....WERE OUT TO SEND A MESSAGE...IT WASENT A TIPO.......50.....0
A Stang supporter may need to do some damage control on the SGV board. Somebody just blogged under the alias of Reuben Thomas/Bingo. I doubt it is legit.
Stang Fan, you say to me "blah, balh, blah, blah" and I feel you, but we on yawls A$$'s! You can have you head held up high, but we gone pop you guys this year and I'm going to talk so much smack that it will be a shame! The Dogs is ready! I can't wait! Boy, I'm excited again! LET'S GO DOGS!!!!!!
Goldenarm,
The most satisfying "smack," in my opinion, is having a commanding lead at the end of the fourth quarter, driving inside your opponents five yard line between the tackles and then taking a knee to run out the clock inside the five.
Stanfan,
Sadly, Muir, FoHi and IKE are all shadows of their former selves. So is Bishop Amat. That same year we were talking about, Fontana lost at Bishop Amat in the CIF semis and then Amat went on to win the one and only "Reebok Bowl" when they beat Sylmar from the City Section. At the time Amat was the only team in California to ever go 15-0. Muir lost to Esperanza in the the D2 semis. Slightly different competition than the current division.
1992 was a good year for local football: San Marino was in the CIF finals, Duarte was in the CIF Finals, Muir in the Semis, Bishop Amat ranked nationally, etc.
Goldenarm,
The most satisfying "smack," in my opinion, is having a commanding lead at the end of the fourth quarter, driving inside your opponents five yard line between the tackles and then taking a knee to run out the clock inside the five.
Stanfan,
Sadly, Muir, FoHi and IKE are all shadows of their former selves. So is Bishop Amat. That same year we were talking about, Fontana lost at Bishop Amat in the CIF semis and then Amat went on to win the one and only "Reebok Bowl" when they beat Sylmar from the City Section. At the time Amat was the only team in California to ever go 15-0. Muir lost to Esperanza in the the D2 semis. Slightly different competition than the current division.
1992 was a good year for local football: San Marino was in the CIF finals, Duarte was in the CIF Finals, Muir in the Semis, Bishop Amat ranked nationally, etc.
The worst smack talk is post game - with the victor talking serious crap to a just beaten opponent. In my opinion ALL coaches should crush this, and do set by setting an example.
In the handshake line show some class. Go insane in the locker room, chant wild on the bus, but don't heap verbal insult on a team or player following a loss. (a book could be written on this)
It is tough to do sometimes, especially if trash was talked pre-game. However, hopefully some "stand up" and respect actions will be taken away as life lessons by our kids... from this great game of football.
Here's the thing...NEVER give your opponent anything to use as EXTRA motivation. If Howard really isn't impressed with DR, well,I wish he would've just kept it to himself. I do enjoy a little smack talk, but I'd rather it be left to us has-beens here on this blog.
I am not impressed by many teams in our new division, but I wouldn't include DR on that list.
GA,
Great line about etiquette!!! And I hope we can bring some excitement back as well...Stang Nation appreciates the support.
Huckster,
blah, blah, blah, blah.........
NY,
Again, your knowledge of WSGV high school football, past and present, NEVER fails to amaze me. I used to love watching those classic battles with former major powerhouses like Fohi and Eisenhower.
PacLeague,
GCC has Peterson, Youngblood, AND Wiggan!!! DAMN!!! That is GREAT competition and a hell of a load for any opponent. Talk about wearing out a defense. BTW, Peterson should be the starter.
sfhs92,
Trust me...I know how you feel about Lance. I've felt that way with SO MANY of our athletes. But for what it's worth, Lance is a Stang through and through. I believe he comes from a Muir family. And I SOOOO miss those days of Muir sending multiple kids to D1 every year.
Big A,
Muir beat Arcadia by 22. But it felt like 40 because the score was 50-14 when Arcadia "threw in the towel" and moved K-Walk to WR and the "biggest kid to ever wear #1" at QB (btw, I loved that kid).
Miguel,
See what you did!!! Lol... 24-21 in favor of DR???? No faith in your westside boys? You know something we don't?
Btw, you'll soon learn the PSN routine of Top 10 lists. As I predict every year, SF will be ranked #1 at the start of the season with Muir at #2, and the two will be switched at the end of the year. It's gone like that for the last three years...ask Fred. I shouldn't complain though, because we all know..."it ain't how you start, it's how you finish!"
LET'S GO STANGS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe Coach Howard said that! Typical of these Muir people! I hope Muir is undefeated until Nov. 15 and around about 4:30pm of that day, those bums should have an "L" in the loss column. Muir is not as good as everyone is putting them to be, but the season will tell all! I really think, once they move Bingo to WR the offense will be lethargic with no running game. I know their logic, with all the good athletes and their team speed it should be a go, but they don't have a QB like the Dog's had last year, so I suspect they will run into trouble when the games become tight. Dunlap is no running back that can take control of a game and I know they're hoping he will be, time will tell. I'm relentless!!!! GO PASADENA BULLDOGS!!!!!!
I can't believe Coach Howard said that! Typical of these Muir people! I hope Muir is undefeated until Nov. 15 and around about 4:30pm of that day, those bums should have an "L" in the loss column. Muir is not as good as everyone is putting them to be, but the season will tell all! I really think, once they move Bingo to WR the offense will be lethargic with no running game. I know their logic, with all the good athletes and their team speed it should be a go, but they don't have a QB like the Dog's had last year, so I suspect they will run into trouble when the games become tight. Dunlap is no running back that can take control of a game and I know they're hoping he will be, time will tell. I'm relentless!!!! GO PASADENA BULLDOGS!!!!!!
Hey SFHS92,
That game was actually in 1992! My point is that Muir always plays top teams (win or lose). I think Muir finally put Monrovia on the schedule in 2000, once we had gone to the finals three years in a row. I won't argue that Muir is as deep as they were in the late 80's or early 90's, but they still put together a tumultuous pre-season. I just don't know why the Golden Knights and Mustangs don't square off!
Peterson is at Glendale College now. They have a few good running backs. Willie Youngblood, Joe Wiggan and Peterson... should be good competition.
SFhs92,
You mean Lance Mitchell, huh? I think he was always a pasadena kid. But, yeah, he was at SF for 9th grade.
There was a Muir TE that went to Wisconsin from class of 06. I wonder how he did. What happened to La Valle Peterson. I don't see him on the Utah roster.
New York that game you are talking about is at least 10 years old. Thats back when Muir used to send multiple players to DI schools on a yearly basis. I dont believe anyone off of last years team signed, and the last DI player from Muir just happened to come from St Francis.
Muir beat Arcadia by 20 or so points. I can't remember the exact score. Not 40.
MUSTANG FANS, AND PASADENA FOLKS HERE IS MUIR'S SCHEDULE!!! Taken from calpreps.com
Muir vs. Diamond Ranch at Ganesha (Pomona, CA), 7:00pm
Oaks Christian at Muir, 7:00pm
Muir at Venice 7:00pm
Muir at Glendale High 7pm
Burroughs at Muir 7pm
Burbank (CA)* at Muir 7pm
Muir at Arcadia 7pm
Crescenta Valley at Muir 7pm
Hoover at Muir 7 pm
Pasadena at Muir 11/15 1pm Rose Bowl (Turkey Tussle)
Hello Anonymous,
St. Francis edges Muir for the No. 1 slot because of St. Francis' tough nonleague schedule AND tough league schedule in addition to powerhouses come CIF playoffs. You can't judge St. Francis and especially throw in its record from last season because after all they lost their quarterback. I don't know many teams that can bounce back strong without their starting quarterback.
Should St. Francis lose to Arcadia and Muir beat Diamond Ranch then obviously they'll swap at the very least. If both teams win then we'll look at margin of victory.
The top 10 definitely will structure itself by Week 2 or 3.
So why does st.francis allways come out number 1 in the pre seaosn polls????. Muir is clearly the better team, they lost to arcadia who muir beat by 40! what was st.francis's record??? what was muirs 10-3 Miguel dont follow!
They don't start until next Monday. From all I hear and what I know it could be a long season.
My observation of Muir is that they are showing Diamond Ranch a ton of respect simply by putting them on the schedule...and Diamond Ranch has done the same. These are two programs with a tradition of scheduling very tough teams in the pre-season. If Howard were truly not impressed by DR then he would not have put them on the schedule.
Muir may or may not be one of the top teams, but I know they put together the best pre-season. That is a Muir tradition, for better or worse. I was in the stands at PCC when Muir knocked off top-rated and Division I Fontana with Sali putting on a show (a couple years back).
I don't agree with making statements to the paper like Coach Howard did, but that's his call.
Co-sign @ Goldenarm's comment
Matt,
how is La Canada looking?
Hey Matt,
Oaks Christian beat Muir, 36-20.
For what it is worth Diamond Ranch lost to Oaks Christian last year by 7. What did Muir lose by?
D-Ranch 24
Muir 14
The Stangs have never been the league leader in table manners. Sept is coming so time has come to drop the etiquette and get serious. Anyone who has ever stepped off the bus and played over on Lincoln - well you know you are on hostile ground. That said. I see no problem with Coach Howard's statements, because DR is going to show up and play regardless what Howard is saying.
The Stangs could bring front page excitement back into the Valley this year. I hope they do.
Me telling myself: YOU SEE WHAT YOU JUST STARTED, MIGUEL?!? Now the predictions will be flooding in!!!
It's all good guys. Lets see who gets it right and who gets it the closest. This should be fun.
Week 0 Prediction
Muir 20
DRanch 14
Dranch 14
Muir 35
Thanks, Stang....I got a few e-mails and voice mails this morning about why I didn't mention Pasadena.
Guys, I'll be writing so many stories this year. There will be plenty of room to spread the love.
Here's my prediction:
Diamond Ranch 24
Muir 21, Final
Other predictions coming soon
Oh yea Miguel,
I appreciate the coverage on the Mustangs! Excellent piece.
I think Arcadia might give us more of a challenge than Diamond Ranch. From what I read so far about the scouting, the are used to playing weak East San Gabriel Teams. They have yet to hear the stomp of the Mustangs.
"Don't torture yourself, you wouldn't understand, its a Stang-Thang"
Allow me to chime in. to hsfbfan, its not about disrespecting your opponent. If you know Howard, that statement was for his players. Muir has always had the swagger about them, and in most cases backs it up. I would know, i am a Mustang. I would disagree with the statement, that Howard is creating a bubble that might burst. I think he is giving his guys motivation to go hard for the next two weeks. Diamond Ranch i'm sure is a worthy opponent, but forget all the pleasantries, this is Mustang football, we expect nothing less from our head coach. Big ups coach Howard.
Kentera, give me one good scouting report on Diamond Ranch.
Too all who doubt Muir, go ahead, we welcome it. Its clipboard material for us. Trust the players are aware what is said about them. The difference between a Mustang and the rest of the field, is we actually turn clipboard material in to wins. 7-0 in league last year. Really don't see anything different happening. Maybe some fans will get he picture taken with Will Smith when we play Oaks Christian.
Maybe this year if Muir wins league, Coach Howard will at least show up at the CIF Division coach's meeting to support some of the Pacific League players ,including his own, so they don't get aced out of the ALL-CIF voting
go muir
Hey Muir and Howard,
You keep trying to convince yourselves that your not impressed by D-Ranch. The French swimmers were not impressed by Michael Phelps either. Oops!
I'm not StangFan but I'll tell you what, real hsfbfan, Coach Howard's bold statements didn't really come off to me as cocky.
Is he very confident? No doubt. I'm not one to judge someone's coaching abilities, but from being around Howard he's a respectful guy. People will read the story and say Howard popped his mouth. (I had one of our Ad guys who works in the office who said to me, 'Wow, looks like Muir is creating bulletin board material for Diamond Ranch.')
It seems that way but maybe Muir is just that good this season. Did Howard disrespect D-Ranch's program by saying he's not impressed? That's certainly up for debate.
Wow. That's a bold statement. I am certainly impressed by D-Ranch. In order to beat who you are battling, you gotta respect them. You get wins by playing with respect. I am sure D-Ranch is put alittle xtra into their practices now.
Sounds like the attitude of the USA basketball team in the 2004 games.
Stang Fan,
Tell me, is that good coaching? Howard is creating a bubble that might burst.