Saturday Morning Quarterback: Talk your smack or cry me a river! (Muir-DRanch video highlights included)

I know this comment is out of date but I just came across this rag during a little online surveillance ("innernet sirfin" for you SG folks). I saw Shady Gambino's off the wall comments about Cathedral HS and Randall Carroll. It takes big huevos and no brain to call a team soft when they whipped a supposed good SG team like they stole sumpin'. Carroll played little on offense as he was still recuperating. He's done alright since them in Cathedral's spanking of the supposedly tough El Segundo Eagles with 18 returning starters. Cathedral soft? The Phantoms stopped SG on 1st and goal on 8 consecutive plays! (pass interference against the Phantoms on 4th down).

Shady - your name is perfect. Only a "shady" idiot would have the nerve to second guess Pete Carroll of all people. Do you remember that Randall Carroll is the state title holder in the 100 and 200? That he hits like a freakin' mule on defense?

Soft? I'd like to see your shady a** line up against the Phantoms. You'd cry all the way home to the sorry SGV.

Stang Fan,

I don't mind most offensive packages, as long as a team buys into it and becomes proficient. The Wing-t is certainly not my favorite offense, but the Wing-T typically allows the offensive linemen to gain favorable angles and advantages, it allows a smaller (but quick) line to pull and outnumber people at the point of attack. There is a heavy reliance on running the football and there is suppose to be a lot deception. That all typically adds up to a system that does not put a tremendous amount of pressure on a sophomore quarterback. That may be why West Covina was able to win CIF in 2004 using a Sophomore QB.

I know our coaches have more of a challenge this year than they will next year. We had a significant talent drain, even though we still have plenty of ball players. The things that were troublesome stemmed from a lack of organization.
There were a lot of organizational mistakes. Very poor execution in the kicking game. We had delay of games on special teams. It was clear that we were not well organized. On the other sideline was Dimalante. I don't think Arcadia's play calling was tremendous (it did not need to be), but they are pretty well organized. Coach D has been HC at Arcadia since 1995. Maddox has been an HC for one week. I guess the Asst. HC role was not quite the same. I am confident things will get better.

I am sure that by this time next year our team will be better conditioned and more cohesive.

Big A:

There are no excuses for what happened on friday. But to answer your question, Monrovia was that bad. It looked more like a scrimmage game than anything else. when you looked at the game closer It was not a sparkling moment of great football put on by either team. I think that Arcadia benefited greatly from the Monrovia mistakes. As far as judging the Arcadia Offense, I didn't really see any, after the Arcadia coach made a few adjustments so that the QB could find some open recievers you offense began to pick up. But Both teams will be on the job training this year and maybe by the time playoffs begin, they will play to their full potential. As for Arcadia going far in the Pacific this year, I dont see them making the playoffs. (MUIR, Burroughs, Burbank, Pasadena-Arcadia) in that order. But good luck.

Angry Dena Dog

Wow you're taking my thoughts and putting them on this blog. Only you forgot one thing. Have them explain why coach Tip never got a chance to lead the Dogs I guarrantee you we would have had a winning streak cross town. Muir alum won't admit it but if we had Tip there would be panic on Lincoln.

@ "The Stang Fan" & All Adena Alumni

I was not trying to be "creative" That what we called JMHS back in the day, just like they called us Pasadena Humane Society" anyways, I give props to JMHS If it can't be PHS then who better than JMHS? We all have family and friends who attended both schools ( I went to Eliot so 1/2 went PHS and 1/2 to JMHS) Not all alumni supported the mills coaching decision..... I just want the tradition, pride and school spirit to return to PHS. I KNOW what it's like to BEAT JOHN MUIR, been there, done that....The students today have no idea, the coaches have no idea. Go back to the white pants with the red strip down the leg, the bulldog on the helmet, etc. What has happened to "The Pride of Pasadena"? and "The Long Red Line"?

As I said before, 2925 Sierra Madre Blvd had better wake up, or just plain shut up......I hope coach mills and his staff, players and the students of PHS read these blogs. Maybe they can explain????

Goldenarm,
Was TC hit hard with kids not coming out?

Duarte Jordan Canada brother, Jesse Canada, as resurfaced at Mt. SAC as a starting receiver. He went to CAL in the same class with Deshaun Jackson.

NY,

I gotta tell you I too fell for the initial hype behind Coach Maddox, failing to realize what it takes for a new coach to instill his own program. Well that AND the fact that M-town lost ALL those players really hurt them vs. Arcadia.

I know you said you don't mind the Wing-T, but when I read in the paper that the Cats used that as their base set I was disappointed, I've NEVER been a fan. Then you mentioned that, in fact, they ran another offense vs. Arcadia. What do you think Maddox is trying to do exactly when it comes to offense?

PurdueAlum05,

Losing Maldonado hurts. A month or two back, someone had detailed his value for this upcoming season. A lot of defections- and for some reason many kids have left fball altogether this year. Weird.
So. Pas JV had a large turnout of parent and fan support last year when they came to TC..filling the visitor stands about 1/2 for an afternoon game.

As far as the Mead scrimmage, that is a tough, large opponent for the first time you stick your feet into the water. If nothing else, it should grow some hair.
Good luck this season.

GloucesterCoach,
Don't get your hopes up for SP. One of their best players (John Maldonado) transferred to PHS and I heard they might not even win 4 games. San Gabriel will be a tough team for SP and should be over matched in this one. Sorry to get your hopes up.

GloucesterCoach,
Don't get your hopes up for SP. One of their best players (John Maldonado) transferred to PHS and I heard they might not even win 4 games. San Gabriel will be a tough team for SP and should over matched in this one. Sorry to get your hopes up.

Scott,

Good to hear from you. Glad to hear things are going well at New Mexico. As you know, Matt Schilz (K-State bound)is our starting QB this year but you remember my son Danny who will be the guy next year like last. Put in a good word for him with the Lobos coaching staff ok?

Tom S: Yes, things are going well here in my new home state. We're 0-2 with a very good Arizona team coming in, but it's fun going out to practices and seeing the kids compete. The Maranatha-La Salle game is one I would've loved to see. I'll be keeping an eye on the scoreboard online. And thanks for the kind words.

Where is all the dranch fans at now? yall tucked yall tails!!!! That top corner yall have is not good! he got scored on a simple fade route, the on offense was locked by the corner and was picked off. Drancch tryed to put him in the backfield but that didn't work! OVERRATED!!!!! Yall didnt lose the game, the Stangs took it from yall!!! Muir had same amount of turnovers and penelaties so.... suck the lose up and stop crying!!!!!

Big A,

I thought Monrovia would be better as o-cat has stated many times on this blog. I don't know if arcadia was that good or monrovia was that bad. Whatever the case is, we'll find out a lot more this week.

Goldenarm,

I can't say enough about how proud I was to see Arcadia play the way they did. 27 players and they still found a way to win. WOW! They played with a ton of effort, cramping up and keeping the wildcats offense down a bit in the 2nd half.

All I can say is Golper won the Williams-Golper match up this past Friday night.

I expected more out of Monrovia considering how much people were hyping them up but that game would have been a lot closer had Monrovia not spotted Arcadia 14 points.

Regardless, Arcadia proved they are still fighting, no matter how many players they have on the field. 11 is all you need!

Monrovia 15
Duarte 14

Stang Fan

I can't even respond to your remark because since 1984 we are 1,21 and 2 against your school. The best thing my fellow Dogs and I can do is shut up because responding would only make is look more foolish than we do on the football field. So until we get lonlely win number 2 and I don't when that will be the floor is yours.

Check out the phs fans. A little upset with Mills are we? Hasn't he improved the team ever year since he got the job? I for one hope he stays, but primarily for other reasons. Namely 0-3 in the Tussle.

Miguel, I wrote a breakdown about the Muir game that was sent to the admin for approval and it's still not up. Just checking to see if you got it. Btw, 3-7? Ouch!!! But hey, that's expected for someone so new to the area, and I'm sure you'll get on track in the next couple of weeks. I told you, you should of went with the Stangs...but that's ok, you'll learn. Although picking OC this week is certainly the smart pick.

LET'S GO STANGS!!!!!!!!!!

MIGUEL MELENDEZ,
Kevin Mills has to regroup his team and figure out what went wrong.PHS BULLDOG NATION JUST WANT TO KNOW WHEN WOULD MILLLS COME UP WITH A GREAT GAME PLAN!!!
I FEEL BAD FOR THIS YEARS GROUP OF YOUNG MENS ON THIS TEAM!! DON'T HAVE A GOOD COACH LIKE BURBANK,Arcadia,MUIR
WEST COVINA.SOME OF THESE SCHOOL MAY NOT HAVE ALL AROUND TALENT,BUT THEY DO GET THE MOST OUR OF THERE
PLAYER AND OUR THERE GAME PLAN!!! WHAT HAVE MILLS DONE LAST FEWS YEARS??? PHS BULLDOG ALWAY GOOD IN BASKETBALL YEAR AFTER YEARS.SAME THING CAN BE ALSO IN FOOTBALL!!
WHAT IS MILLS RECORD THESE LAST FEWS YEAR??
THESE GROUP YOUNG MENS JUST NEED A BETTER COACH!!!

MIGUEL MELENDEZ,
YOU AERE RIGHT!!! YOU HIT IT RIGHT ON THE NAIL!!!
Mills finally has the depth he's wanted so it's time to put up!!

NY, and all the M-Town fans,
Arcadia is a tough season opener, especially for a new coach. Gotta give them credit for fighting.

Props to Muir,
Did not see that coming at all.

And yes after a long long time away I'm back. I took a new job and am now starting to settle in. Can't wait to see how SP does against' San Gabriel in Week 1.

Scott: Good to hear from you. Sounds like all is going well for you in New Mexico.
I'm looking forward to Fridays game. Should be exciting and lots of fun for all who attend
Tom S

Madd Dogg,

I agree with you, many a great player has walked of halls of PHS, Mario Clark and Jimmy Wilks, also come to mind. Why aren't their offspring playing for Pasadena? Are ex PHS players coming back and re-investing their time like many Muir player and coaches have? Heck, Brownfield organized the local all-star game in this area. It's not just the coach and the players? Speaking of lost traditions, 1 of the reasons for attending a Pasadena High School home game, was to watch the award winning band and drill teams perform, sometimes better than the football team. Madd Dogg were on the same page, it really makes it hard to attend and cheer.

To my dena Alum. Demographics have not changed the fact that HS has had some talent walk through its'halls. Chris McCallister, Lester Towns, and Chidi. NFL players, some suberbowl winners, as well as probowlers. HS has lost its' touch. It can not shake this loosing mentality. appearance over performance is only a portion of the problem. The talent is there we all know that but i will say this the tradition that used to be there was working and as the saying goes if it aint broke don't fix it

Tom S, we'll see what Maranatha is made of against La Salle. I would have to pick La Salle in this one. Then again, I know the Minutemen will be ready.

WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!

WAS THERE EVER ANY DOUBT! LIKE COACH HOWARD SAID, DRANCH SALAD DRESSING WAS NOT IMPRESSIVE. THEY SAID MUIR WAS THE UN-DISCIPLINED TEAM, WRONG!!! DRANCH COULDNT THROW A ROCK IN THE OCEAN!!! GET OUTTA HERE!!!

WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!
WHOSE HOUSE??? STANGS HOUSE!!!!!

WAS THERE EVER ANY DOUBT! LIKE COACH HOWARD SAID, DRANCH SALAD DRESSING WAS NOT IMPRESSIVE. THEY SAID MUIR WAS THE UN-DISCIPLINED TEAM, WRONG!!! DRANCH COULDNT THROW A ROCK IN THE OCEAN!!! GET OUTTA HERE!!!

I'd have to agree with any dena' high traditionalist, that things have changed drastically in the past 30 years. Much of the enrollment changes demographically are reflected in the teams that put on the local fields today. It's no surprise that many inland empire teams are doing well, check affordable housing! That being said there's absolutely no reason to arbitrarily; yearly, change or alter the uniforms. If your not putting a quality product on the field I don't care how you dress it up. I know budgets are burdened, but sticking to tradition won't cost ya much!

Angry Dena Dog,

The "HS" you went to died YEARS AGO, and it's NEVER coming back!!! Get over it already.

"Jail house" on Lincoln? That's creative. But hey, I guess when you've lost to your archrival as much as you guys have you might as well throw even the kitchen sink.

And how dare you say phs doesn't follow certain traditions any more. You couldn't be further from the truth....don't they lose in the Rose Bowl EVERY YEAR!!! If that's not tradition I don't know what is.

mills stay with tradition put the bulldog with the rose on the arm of the jersey and go back to the colors that took us to the semi finals(lost to Camarillo)white pants red stripe teach the kids hard work like we learned. the new ain't working, just like the uniform you wore 2 years ago! follow coach hamilton ,griff,mike and white and you cant go wrong! they tought how to be WINNERS and we were class of 85

the names are Fernando aguilar and Paul divine .the mustangs are going to work hard this week. here comes oaks

Tom S, as a fellow MHS parent please dont start up already. Murphy has asked us to not do the smack or whiny "where is the respect" crying. We won 1 game that everyone expected us to. If we beat a Muir (and we wont) than I will admit that we deserve some respect. BUT we are a small school with parents and egos which at times produces kids with egos. Every year St. Margarets kills us, while the score was close (what, 2 years ago) if you were at the game you know who owned the ball the majority of the time. Last year, what was it....42-0 in the 2nd quarter? Something like that. So please, no requests for top 10.

One step at a time Tom, one step at a time....

Miguel:
So will the Minutemen’s win over Linfield Christian be enough to place them into the top 10 this week? Not sure how you missed putting them in last week’s standings. What’s your take on this week’s exciting local rivals La Salle vs Maranatha game. La Salle will be coming in hungry after their loss against Village Christian and Maranatha has to be on a high with the huge 2nd half rout. So let the smack start up between these two teams supporters who have been very vocal on these blogs in the past but have been very quite so far this season.
Go Minutemen !!!!!!!

As H.S. alumni, all that talk about a "O"line, what line? they look like a bunch of Junior hi players. And what's up with the black in the uniform? last time I checked Pasadena High School colors are RED & WHITE. Maybe mills should go back to TRADITIONAL things, and maybe his team will find some PRIDE, SPIRIT, and the TRUE meaning of being a PASADENA BULLDOG. Here's a clue, look at the team over @ the jail house on 1905 Lincoln Ave, haven't changed colors or traditions and they keep WINNING...hmmmmmm oh, and they will probably keep the bell another year. This IS NOT the PHS I went to, played for, marched for,, cheered and screamed for! this is an embarrassment. From the team to the cheerleaders (not in uniform or performing at the first game of the season, even in red & white shorts and shirts) to the band ( WE NEVER PLAYED ELVIS MUSIC AT A HS GAME) You folks on Sierra Madre had better wake up, or get use to being without the bell, why even play in the Rose Bowl? you don't deserve it..........

Let me say something I should have said from the start. Golper looked great, and he sounded even better in his post-game interview. This kid has a great head on his shoulders.

Nobody,
I agree that our QB had a great debut.

You are preaching to the choir. As a lineman, I agree that success starts and stops with the offensive line. However, we do need better coordination between the running backs and o-line with pass protection. Linemen are not the only positions responsible for blocking. It did seem, too, that we had bigger guys on our defensive line than our offensive line. Not sure why Arcadia's linemen can go both ways but our guys dont. We had a lot more bodies than Arcadia but did not effectively utilize substitutes.

My point was that in the first game of the season a team is fortunate to look good in one offensive package, much less two COMPLETELY different packages. Toggling between a Wing-T and Shot-gun will result in the Helen Keller-type of situation that we saw last night. Sometimes Nintendo schemes don't work in real life.

NY and Goldenarm

It doesn't matter if the QB was 5'4" or 6'5" nor does it matter if they were in shot-gun or under center, if the Oline can't block anyone, you can have both Vince and Steve Young back there and it still wouldn't matter. And it might help if the center didn't snap it to the tail back. The QB was fine, in fact 10-14 for 169 yards and 3 TDs is really good. 2 out of the 4 incompletes where drops that hit the receivers in the hands. it's the Oline that needs help and so does the special teams. You never let a kick off bounce, you catch it!! Letting it bounce around just gives the coverage team an extra 2 seconds to get on top of you.

I was at the duarte game last night, the score does not indacte the game to me. we where on defence alot last night. we have some really big plays called back are running back looked very good and i feel really good going into the monrovia game. the qb struggled but it was his first start. i think we understand what we can and cant do and we will be ready for THE TOWN!

GO FALCONS!!!

How about that Muir Defense led by those two defensive ends kept most of the diamond ranch rushing yards inside the tackles. Also they dad a lot of pressure on that quarterback I think that is only the beginning for those two defensive ends they are going to get better as the season continues. I would like to know who are those two defensive ends that are starting for John Muir High School. Please post their names or at least talk to them maybe even an interview so that people would know who they are.

How about that Muir Defense led by those two defensive ends kept most of the diamond ranch rushing yards inside the tackles. Also they dad a lot of pressure on that quarterback I think that is only the beginning for those two defensive ends they are going to get better as the season continues. I would like to know who are those two defensive ends that are starting for John Muir High School. Please post their names or at least talk to them maybe even an interview so that people would know who they are.

NY

it would help the QB if he took 3 additional drop back steps after receiving the shotgun snap...his throwing stance is a little scrunched up, probably dropping him to 5"1. At least if he was deeper he might find a lane of visibility. Nonetheless, his completion ratio was not horrible by any means, I give the kid credit for not folding up trying to play out of a hole as far as the scoreboard. There were no timing routes that I saw, just throw to the open guy, or the guy "less" covered.

We "won" our scrimmage, but sucked in some areas as expected. It is all about getting better.

CONGRATULATIONS STANGS!

By the way Miguel,

What did Coach Dimalante tell you at the end of your interview about feeling disrespected?

Miguel,

Saying that Arcadia stopped Monrovia's Wing-T is a bit misleading...We really did not run much Wing-T. In fact, it looked like we were still searching for a bread & butter package to build around. Either way, a team will never become proficient at the Wing-T if it tries running a lot of shot-gun. Likewise, a team will not be good out of the gun if they try running a lot of Wing-T. Please don't ever run a shot-gun set with our backs to the goal-line again. We are not a zone-read team. We don't have Vince Young at QB. When your back is to the end zone, the NUMBER ONE priority needs to be BALL SECURITY.

That said, our QB looked good in the sprint-outs, but putting a 5'4 QB in shot-gun is tough, especially if it is not his primary set.

We have a first-time head coach. There is no substitute for real-time experience in ANYTHING in life. We knew there would be growing pains. The good news is that things will get better. The bad news is that I bought into the hype of a quick turnaround. Maddox seems to have strong character, so I am routing for him and my 'Cats. I just wish we would have looked more organized and had played better Defense, especially on the long methodical drive when Arcadia put the game away in the 3rd Quarter. I was looking for the kitchen sink approach to stop them....

I am sure that eventually our special teams will resemble a team that works on special teams.

Want to congratulate Gabrielino on their first win of the year. Way to play HARDNOSE defense. Great job GHS. Keep it up, continue to work hard and represent!!!

P.S sg is WEAK and OVER HYPED

Dranch... stinks! qb is terrible! oaks chrsitian is next!

Wow, what did I just witness tonight? Cathedral is the softest, most over hyped team I've seen in ages. I really cannot believe that USC signed that Carrol kid. To say he is soft is not even close to accurate. Think melted butter. The only reason Cathedral won this game is because they had more talent than SG. Poor coaching and soft play = overhype.

What does that say about SG...? Nothing good I'm afraid. Undersized and outmatched. I was really surprised at all the love they were getting here, I thought I was honestly missing something, like they had 3 or 4 5 star players transfer there. Turns out I'm not crazy and SG is going to need all the luck they can get this year to make the playoffs, because luck is all they have if they can't compete with a terribly overhyped team like Cathedral.

Welcome back to Earth Matadors, hope the preseason hype didn't inflate your heads too much.

Burbank 26, Simi Valley 18

What was the score to the Burbank HS vs. Simi game?