Star-News preps writer Keith Lair and I will be going head-to-head throughout the season, and I will update our records each Monday on the “Star Picks” thread.
Melendez: Last week: 12-3; Overall: 86-36
Lair: Last week: 12-3; Overall: 96-26
Notes: I don’t understand how Keith is 10 up on me, but my 3-7 start in Week 0 didn’t help at all. I’ll take solace in that I’ve had 626 football knowledge only three months compared to Keith’s 10 years-plus. My wrong picks were: Duarte (whooped by Azusa); St. Francis (whooped by Crespi); and Alhambra (lost to Montebello). Keith’s wrong picks were: Duarte, Alhambra and Bell Gardens (lost to San Gabriel).
This week: Two very good games this week that pop out right away are Crescenta Valley at Muir and San Gabriel vs. Alhambra. The former will decide the Pacific League title. But after watching Muir at its best, the vote here goes to the Mustangs who just might be the very best team in the San Gabriel Valley. Period. It’s homecoming at Moor Field. (I wonder what they’ll think of this alumni?). The edge here goes to the Matadors who have an established running attack, something Alhambra has severely lacked since the departure of Brown & Smith. I had a really hard time picking Temple City over South Pasadena. The nod almost went to the Tigers but I went with the probably outcome, though that game will be close, me thinks.
Friday’s Games with Predictions
San Gabriel vs. Alhambra at Moor Field, 7 p.m. — Melendez (San Gabriel)
Crescenta Valley at Muir, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Muir)
Arcadia at Burroughs, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Arcadia)
La Canada at Monrovia, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Monrovia)
St. Francis at St. Paul, 7:30 p.m. — Melendez (St. Francis)
El Monte at Rosemead, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Rosemead)
Blair at San Marino, 7 p.m. — Melendez (San Marino)
Temple City at South Pasadena, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Temple City)
Workman at Duarte, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Duarte)
Gabrielino at South El Monte, 7 p.m. — Melendez (South El Monte)
Pasadena at Glendale, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Glendale)
Viewpoint at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m. — Melendez (Rio Hondo Prep)
Bell Gardens at Keppel, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Bell Gardens)
La Salle at Mary Star of the Sea, 6 p.m. — Melendez (La Salle)
Marshall at Brentwood, 3:30 p.m. — Melendez (Brentwood)
Saturday’s Games with Predictions
Chadwick at Pasadena Poly, 3 p.m. — Melendez (Chadwick)
Maranatha at Campbell Hall, 1 p.m. — Melendez (Maranatha)
Bosco Tech at Cathedral, 7 p.m. — Melendez (Cathedral)
