Saturday Morning Quarterback Postgame: St. Francis loses on controversial call; Temple City ousts San Marino; Monrovia, Rio Hondo Prep, Pas Poly win big
(UPDATED 12:32 A.M.)
What should have been a momentum-swinging play midway through the first quarter proved disastrous for St. Francis High School.
The Golden Knights didn't get off to the best of starts and Justin Sciarra's frantic attack in the end fell short as Alemany pulled away with a 24-21 victory Friday night in Mission League play.
The victory gave the Warriors (8-1, 2-0) at least a share of the Mission League title. The loss puts the Golden Knights (6-3, 1-1) in a must-win game next week at home against
Chaminade if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive. Justin Sciarra came of age in the second half after a disastrous start that lasted only two minutes.
He led the frantic attack that got St. Francis to within striking distance after an impressive sequence of plays midway through the fourth quarter.
The rally would not have been necessary if not for a controversial call that negated Dietrich Riley's 53-yard fumble return with 5:58 left in the first quarter.
What appeared to be a fumble by Alemany quarterback David Mercalf on an attempted handoff was later ruled a shuffle pass by the umpire.
Riley's score would have tied the score, 7-7, and given St. Francis the momentum it had desperately needed. Instead, the ball was brought back, which prompted Golden Knights coach Jim Bonds to rush on the field in protest. He needed to be held back by three of his assistant coaches as he went after the referee.
Alemany didn't score on that possession, but the damage had been done.
St. Francis didn't get off to the best of starts.
Sciarra's first pass slipped past Luther Walker's hands and was returned 45 yards by Marabel to put the Warriors ahead, 7-0, just 22 seconds into the game.
The Golden Knights didn't fare any better on their next possession. On first-and-15 at Alemany's 39, Sciarra was backed out of the pocket and forced a pass that was intercepted by Brendon Costi.
Sciarra was immediately pulled out of the game and replaced by backup Justin Posthuma.
St. Francis trailed, 21-0, heading into halftime after Mercalf scrambled for a 32-yard rushing score with 9:08 left in the second quarter and his 1-yard run with 24.1 seconds left in the half.
Sciarra shook off the horrendous first half and played like a veteran, leading the late attack.
He guided an 11-play, 98-yard drive that lasted 4:42 and was capped on an 18-yard run by Riley with 7:18 left in the fourth quarter.
Sciarra went 6-for-7 on a nine-play, 87-yard drive that was capped on a 6-yard touchdown pass to Riley with 3:40 left in the game and St. Francis trailing by only 21-14.
Alemany marched down to the St. Francis 13 and after unsuccessfully drawing the Golden Knights offsides, Todd Kilroy converted a 23-yard field goal with 2:13 left in the game.
Sciarra again led the attack on a nine-play, 68-yard drive that was capped by a 1-yard score from Evan King with 36.1 seconds left in the game to put St. Francis to within three.
The Golden Knights went for an onside kick but it was recovered by the Warriors, who kneeled twice to end the game.
Sciarra completed 11 of 19 passes for 185 yards with two interceptions and a touchdown to lead St. Francis. Riley rushed for 52 yards on nine carries.
Alemany was led by Mercalf, who completed 5 of 10 passes for 79 yards. But it was his work on the ground that tortured the Golden Knights defense, as he rushed for 128 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns.
During the third quarter there was an obnoxious St. Francis fan in that stands who irked me.
He was yelling at Luther Walker after a few dropped passes. It came on the drive where Dietrich Riley scored on an 18-yard run.
Sciarra's wobbly pass to Walker was dropped. It was catchable but in Walker's defense it wasn't the best of passes. The fan started yelling at Walker. It was loud. Loud enough for Walker to hear.
Sciarra again threw to Walker. After a valiant effort where he dove to the sidelines, Walker came away empty. The fan laid in him again and yelled, "Luther, get back in the huddle!" Walker looked up to see who this guy was. I believe one of the assistant coaches looked up as well.
This fan should have kept quiet. Dude, let the coaches do the talking and you enjoy your hot chocolate in the stands. Riley went on to score on that drive, but the fan had his arms crossed while others cheered. He eventually clapped effortlessly.
This guy should have been ejected from the game.
ST. FRANCIS FOOTBALL COACH JIM BONDS
On the controversial call by the referee:
"You can't appeal a call like that, once they've made the call it's a call. That could be the difference in the game but there was a lot of things we didn't execute. I was proud of the way we battled in the second half."
On Justin Sciarra's remarkable play in the second half:
"He's a gutty guy. He's a competitor. I thought the decision he made on the second interception in a league championship game (was his fault) so we had to give Justin Posthuma a chance. I don't blame (Sicarra) for the first (interception). We didn't get any points with Posthuma so we went back with Sciarra and (he) showed what a competitor he was in the second half."
On Alemany QB David Mercalf:
"He's a better runner alive than he was on film. We saw him play a couple games live and he didn't do much on the ground as he did tonight. They get us unconscious on the power pitch and they sneaked him down the middle."
On Mercalf's 32-yard scramble for a score:
"We had some injuries. We were having some troubles getting lined up. Matt Vidales went out with a broken leg, we think; He's our starting fullback and inside linebacker and the guy that was starting on the defensive line had to take his spot at linebacker (Eric Dowling) and he got banged up late in the game so he's on the bench. We just got thin and it was just a case of being misaligned and the quarterback caught us off guard."
ALEMANY COACH DEAN HERRINGTON
On his QB David Mercalf
"He's a very good athlete just like the St. Francis QB. We told him to be ready to tonight. You don't expect him to go 60-yard on a quarterback sneak. We had the game under control and to let them come back it was just... "
On the controversial call:
"It was a pass. I told the refs before the game that when they come there we pass the ball. Why he didn't blow the whistle is because he didn't know that it hit the ground. Once he found out it hit the ground there's no play."
On Mercalf's mobility that surprised Bonds:
"He's ran the ball well all year. He hasn't busted 60-yarders but he's ran for first yards. He's a very good athlete and that's why he's back there."
On the playoff scenario:
"We have a tie for a championship, it all depends on St. Paul and Chaminade. If St. Paul wins and St. Paul beats us it's a three-way tie and with a coin flip you can be out. If Chaminade wins we clinched the first spot."
(St. Paul defeated Chaminade, 35-28, OT)
Friday,'s Games with Thoughts
Alemany 24, St. Francis 21 -- You have to feel for the Golden Knights. This really was the refs blew, and it wasn't just that call. There were numerous calls that didn't go in favor of St. Francis. But Jim Bonds, classy as always, didn't point any fingers.
Temple City 21, San Marino 10 -- OK, I'm ready to hear it from all of you. I'm going to use my "I'm a rookie" card. Either way, the Rams proved all the doubters and I'm sure that only included me. Max Ruckle rushed for 177 on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns. First play of the game Ruckle sprinted for a 77-yard touchdown score. The Rams were not messing around. They went for an on-side kick and though nothing came of it, it showed they wanted to take over and do it early. Coach Randy Backus had a mouthful of quotes after the game. "We responded with a great defensive effort tonight," Backus said. "They intercepted one and then we got one right back. Then we had that great stop down there at the goal line at the end of the first half which turned out to be huge, because if they score there, they're down by one score and they were getting the ball to start the second half. "But we responded and got that stop on fourth down to hold them where they were." If the Rams don't win next week and San Marino beats Monrovia, La Cañada can get in, so this was like Temple City's first playoff game.
Schurr 14, San Gabriel 7 -- How does this happen? Really? Matadors head into the Alhambra game huffing and puffing only to be on the verge of missing the playoffs.
Burbank 29, Arcadia 22 -- Todd Golper gives it his all and he paid the price. The senior linebacker tore his ACL bad and is most likely done for the season. What a career for this kid. On to bigger and better things at UCLA.
Muir 47, Hoover 0 -- Bring on the Bulldogs!
Monrovia 48, Blair 12 -- DJ Coles and Marquise Williams combined for 233 yards and six touchdowns. The Wildcats can clinch the Rio Hondo League title outright at home next week with a win over San Marino.
Crescenta Valley 35, Pasadena 6 -- It's all about pride now for the Bulldogs.
Bell Gardens 24, Alhambra 20 -- I've said it all season long: the Moors are an enigma.
Duarte 54, Bassett 0 -- Falcons roll while Coach Wardell Crutchfield serves a mandatory suspension.
Rosemead 36, Gabrielino 6 -- Patiently waiting for the Panthers...
Montebello 34, Keppel 16 -- Aztecs played inspired.
Cantwell Sacred Heart 50, La Salle 7 -- Oh man.
Maranatha 39, Calvary Chapel -- Minutemen finally win big as they should have been all season.
Pasadena Poly 34, Viewpoint 6 -- This win creates a showdown for a shot at the Prep League title next week against Rio Hondo Prep.
Rio Hondo Prep 28, Webb 6 -- Kares ride Antonio Alaniz and Tim Esguerra for a shot at the crown.
St. Bernard 44, Bosco Tech 20 -- On to next season for the Tigers...
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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. |
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Thank You Mr. Golper for writing nice things about Fernando Aguilar Jr. It was really nice talking to you at the Arcadia-Muir game. Tell your son that Fernando Jr. and I are hoping that Todd gets better and wish him the best of luck at UCLA. I still remember the first time both of our kids met at the soph-frosh football camp for the first time.
Miguel
Its all good man. Now that you've admit it, I can grant you your pass now. I was watching the lakers putting work on the rockets last night, it was beautiful. Well whenever your in Pico Rivera, Stop by El rancho to see Reggie and I should most likely be there teaching. So should u owe me Chilies now since SM,"Was not who you thought they were!!!!" or do you want to wait until Monrovia gives it to the titans???? hahaha Well at least your not picking the bulldogs for an upset hahahaha. If you did that, I'd have to take that free pass I gave you back.
Well I don't think I can stand another year watching the Bulldogs lose to the Mustangs. So I will have to read about this game from the newspaper. The game I will be attending is San Marino v. Monrovia. I know this is going to be a fighting game! San Marino has just lost their first game to Temple City and Monrovia has a lot of Seniors on there team that are going to be bringing it on for their Sr year! So sit back and watch a Real Football game! This is going to be my game of the week!
Goldenarm and Hal
I'm still here. I don't blog as much as everyone else, because truthfully, I don't follow the other schools as much. I've been one of Coach Parks' biggest supporters both on and off the blog. I know we had a disappointing year, but I have complete confidence in his coaching ability and look forward to next year. We still have this week against South Pas and could end up with our first league win of the year.
On another note, I wish the Turkey Tussle would be held on a Saturday. I'm a Bulldog, and even though they haven't had a good year, I'd like to be able to go, but we have our last game of the year and to me that's more important. Can't the league do something to change the day? I remember the game being on a Saturday when I was at PHS.
I went to the AHS v BHS game only to see Todd Golper play because I had missed my previous opportunities. It was tough to see a kid with his talent not able to continue on, but I was glad I was there to see his team never give and battle every step of the way in that game. Of course Burbank would never be mistaken for Muir, but Burbank actually played well for a change so it was not easy for Arcadia to hang in there until the end.
After what I saw-I believe that Arcadia will battle CV for every inch of field position and if CV makes some mistakes, Arcadia will win.
Best wishes to Todd.
My bad, Philly B.
It's a lesson learned on my part. I happened to be at the Chili's in Pico Rivera last night. I was there with my sister watching the Lakers game before I headed off to a date who lives near by there.
As soon as I walked into the newsroom I asked our reporter who won. He said Temple City. I let out a loud "Damn!!" and everybody laughed including Keith Lair.
I had it coming.
Well Miguel, what can I say than I told you so. How could you pick T.C. at home. I mean I tried to tell you that San Marino would let you down. It wasnt even close. Those kids at T.C. were motivated and the outcome of the game shows it. I cant wait for San Marino to come to M-town and show them why they will always be 3rd best in a weak league. Playoffs are coming up. And I hope the likes of Monrovia,Muir, T.C. SF, go far and deep in the playoffs. The Muir is playing, I dont see why they cant get all the way to the finals, but I know its one game at a time. Looks like Duarte is coming into play as well, even after that embarrassing lost to Azusa.
Mr Golper you and your son are a class act. Best of luck to Todd on his recovery and his future at UCLA.
John Golper,
Having caught Todd in action at several camps and combines, I have great respect for the focus and commitment a young man needs to maintain such a high level of intensity and conditioning year round. His attitude and performances at those combines alone shed nothing but a positive light on Arcadia High School and SGV football in general.
I was truly bummed when hearing of his injury. I hope it proves to be a non-surgical rehab, but in either case I wish the best of outcomes for Todd. Seeing him in a Bruin uniform next season - well, lets just say the Bruin schedule will be clearly posted by the TV.
Mr. Golper,
Keep us all updated on his rehab. Even when he is at UCLA kicking butt, let us know how he is doing. With out a doubt, he will go down has an apache legend. It's was nice of you to come on the blog.
The kids have to rally around Todd this friday. I believe they could do it against CV and get into the playoffs.
Mr.Golper,
I am not scared to swallow my pride. I was one of the guys at the beginng of the season that felt your son was overrated based off his performance against muir last year. But after seeing him play his senior year he is by definition a football player . In the game against muir he took some hard hits and he continue to get up. with that said your son is tough and with that alone he will do well at ucla!!!
*think about this* in 2 years ucla vs oregon state - hopefully golpher , walker , and LAnce all are starting that will be a pacific league reunion.
Good luck golper and family.
Mr. Golper,
Let me simply say it was an absolute PLEASURE watching your son play the past couple of years. He played with a passion not found among young players anymore. From what I hear he is one HELL of a kid. Two weeks ago as I was leaving the Arcadia game I noticed Todd having a conversation with a Muir player and both players were quite engaged and looked like old friends catching up on old times. After such a one-sided affair I was thoroughly impressed.
I was VERY disappointed to hear about Todd's injury. It's unfortunate that he won't be able to finish his high school career like he wanted to, however, due to hours and hours of hard work and dedication he EARNED the PRIVALEGE to play for four more years in the PAC-10! I for one will be cheering LOUDLY every Saturday when the Bruins take the field with #18 roaming the middle.
Good luck Todd! You made quite the impression with MANY of the Muir faithful and we ALL wish you nothing but the best in the future.
P.S. Thank you for the kind words about Muir Mr. Golper. It means more than you'll ever know!
As Todd Golper's Father, I want to thank those who have extended their best wishes to Todd. As you can imagine , he is pretty down right now but he does read this Blog and I can assure you he appreciates your sentiments. He sees his local orthopedic doc tomorrow but the early indications from all the medical people who have examined him , including an orthopedic doc on the sidelines for Burbank, indicate he has a torn ACL at minimum. Todd is a tough kid who normally plays through injuries but this one has truly knocked him out. It is disappointing to him to not be able to finish out his Senior year and help his team .He had set a goal of getting Coach Dimalante at least 7 wins this season (to get Coach D to 100 at Arcadia) and to the Playoffs , which Coach D has never missed. It is now up to Todd's teammates to get there without him. They played really hard at Burbank after Todd went out , so they need to play with the same heart against CV.
The timing of this injury to Todd hurts in many ways. He had just received an invitation to play in the Offense-Defense game on Jan 2 in Myrtle Beach ,SC , which will be televised on Fox right before the Sugar Bowl . And he was waiting word from the Army All American game . It looks like all that is out now. But he will do everything he can do to rehab so that when he reports to UCLA in late June he is ready to go.
Todd has a lot of friends at different area schools , so we will be watching with keen interest the various playoff scenarios. If Arcadia can't do it , we are certainly rooting for Muir to take the Southeast Division and bring honor and respect to the Pacific League and West SGV. This is the best and most well-balanced Muir team I have seen in years.They are well- coached and play with discipline and character. Coach Howard has done a great job with them. Myles and Fernando- Todd is there for you guys. Dietrich - you know what we expect of you ( and please follow us to UCLA). Josh, Marquise and the Monrovia guys- you are doing great , just keep on playing hard. Matt Schilz- go for it, guy and good luck at K State next year. Chase- it's been a tough year for you guys but you should be able to do it next year.
realhsfbfan,
its sucks because when we scrimmaged Arcadia you had 2 D lineman that really impressed in head to head with our line guys....and I think some of our line guys are damn good. It was just passing league BS, but enough to show the power and skill was there. I have no idea if these two guys are still upright and active Apaches or not.
Your secondary also had some good characters...it was probably not the strongest base of players overall for Arcadia in recent years, but throw Golper into the mix and you got a competitive D, no doubt.
It is still troubling that the Apaches and Coach D don't have 60 kids waiting and hoping for a uniform back in June/July...but that is the shape of things I guess.
Maybe Big A has similar feelings to those you state...hopefully Arcadia gets a win this Friday and hangs for awhile. Pull one out for Golper and the seniors- they all could probably use a lift.
Guys,
Honestly for me, it's tough how the year has shaped up for arcadia. That's why I laid off the blogging for the time being. I have nothing to talk about.
NY mentioned injuries for arcadia. I have counted 4 ACL injuries on the team this year and all were starters, 3 were seniors. What can you do?
Arcadia is not completely out of the playoff picture yet. If they lose friday against CV, then there will be a 3 way tie for the 4th playoff spot. I think they will do a coin flip for the final spot.
Goldenarm,
The slowing vibe the past couple weeks may have been a byproduct of recent matchups. It's almost as if TC/SM was the only notable local matchup, with playoff and league title implications looming. Sadly, the handwriting was on the wall with Arcadia. They have been one tragic injury away from missing the playoffs for the past few weeks. Tragedy struck Friday night, and for the pride of the WSGV I hope that Todd Golper is able to shine like a star at UCLA.
Back to the slowdown: Monrovia played Blair this week. Muir played Hoover. Those games don't ignite the spirit for chest-pounding. Saint Francis is essentially an out-of-area team once league starts. The Tussle will bring some excitement this week. Monrovia vs San Marino is a VERY important game for us AND for San Marino. Temple City must stay focused in order to potential have a first-round homegame AND a possible share of the RHL title.
I still think the Stangs need to focus this week in order to avoid making PHS's entire year seem successful. If I were Coach Howard, this week would be 100% dedicated to the fundamentals of blocking, tackling, timing, ball security, stance & start, no mental mistakes, repetition and more repetition. Heck, this late in the season is when all coaches should have figured out what they are good at and just keep sharpening their tools throughout the playoffs.
I commend Blair fans this season. Last year their blogging presence was very active with positive comments. Those same bloggers very easily could have been on here this year with a constant assault on those responsible for the turnaround. I feel like Blair supporters have been more positive than negative toward the new coach. PHS "supporters" have lobbed plenty of hand grenades this year toward the same guys they were praising last year.
In looking for a solution - my apologies to Miquel for throwing some fault his way. He did not deserve it.
Thing is - all the causes suggested just don't seem to add up to the degree of overall stale vibe going on right now.
Comments from some of the best guys like Gloucester Coach, Big A, miketv, Muddy Waters, O-cat, many M-towners, Dad of 3 and even NY....seem less frequent around here nowadays. Maybe other crap is happening in peoples lives...but normally us fballers come together and chew it up this time of the year, even in tumultuous times. Is the "don't be anonymous" edict scaring other newbies off? You would not think so.
This Friday is the gateway to no mans land or playoff time in some cases. The tussle, the who could play who scenarios....should be mucho to talk about
Stang Fan
We here at Panther Town feel that we can play with anybody. We may not win but we will put a hurt on any team. I tell you one thing we are waiting like crazy for playoffs to start! I know that Muir has a good team with alot of speed, but our defense likes to hit and also plays with alot of speed. Our offense is more of a in your face and try to stop it kind of thing. Good luck Stangs and represent the west valley because this side of town has got to come up.
Hey, moderators are like the government. They should provide a forum but we don't need them to tell us what to do or think or discuss. Stang Fan just demonstrated exactly that with the timely recommendation that we on the WSGV rally to support local teams in the upcoming playoffs. I think it would be awesome if Muir's Coach "Shell" (hardly a shell) would break out his t-shirt making machine and introduce a new line of WSGV-wear. "Football In December Starts Hear" or "Bring Home the Rings" with a list of all local teams in the playoffs...Then as fewer teams advance, we should wear the gear and show up in support of those teams still in the hunt.
I think part of the problem is that teams are showing their true colors:
1. not much to say about muir everyone knows they are the best in the area.2.
St.fanny only has D.riley and seems like other teams exposing them because the offense has been struggling, but st.fanny does have a tough league . If they dont make the playoffs psn loses 10% of its bloggers until next summer.
3.Rosemead and muir are just wanting for the playoffs. I havent seen to many rosemead fans.
any rosemead fans out there? Do you guys think you can match up against muir or st.fanny?
4.arcadia is done for the year so there is another big portion of the bloggers.
5.last reason why the blogs may be dead is RHL is still up for grabs and no one whats to say anything and there teams loses. To me it looks like anyone in that league can lose any given friday night or pull of an upset! i wish pacific had that type of competition.
*miguel bring back the player of the year posts. that always gets hits or even talk trash about fred and the ESGV . me ( !stang!), stang fan.goldenarm,real hsfbfan,observer,Hal Lamaster , and the migthy HUckster all have your back. its playoff times!
STANG NATION IS ALIVE!
GO WSGV!
st. francis got the short end on bad ref call.. it was a fumble ran in for a TD THAT WAS CALLED BACK BECAUSE CHAMINADES COACH HERRINGTON CRIED..it should not have been overturned, st. francis will beat chaminade in playoffs..can hardly wait
It has been a little quiet this season.
Pasadena High bloggers are not barking like last year in preparation for Tussle week (that's understandable) and Blair followers have kept silent much of the year. I'm not sure there are any Marshall Fundamental bloggers out there.
I think the buzz was created last season because so many different teams were having success and there was real hope come playoff time.
With the top 3 Rio Hondo League teams order of finish still in doubt there is plenty to talk about.
Can San Marino rebound against a skilled Monrovia team? Can La Canada put it all together and hold off a surging Temple City squad? Who gets their first league win, Blair or South Pas?
And what schools might lie ahead for them in the playoffs?
The Pacific League might get bunched up if certain things happen next week, but the front runner is Muir.
GA,
I hear you loud and clear. Btw, I hope your Rams smack up on some east side teams in a couple of weeks, and I'll definitely have my Colorado State "horns" on.
In terms of the blog activity however, I'm not so sure last year's hits had as much to do with Galetti as they had to do with ALL of the posters who were pouring in to offer an opinion. Like you said, this thread should have at least 100 posts. That's more on the bloggers than the moderator....I could be wrong, but even Galetti would just let the post-game thread sit the whole weekend while we all went at it and he would have something new up on Monday, just like Miguel.
Anyhow, lately it's been feeling like the Whittier Daily News blog, which is downright LOUSY! Try going over there sometime....it's actually depressing.
WAKE UP BLOGGERS......IT'S PLAYOFF TIME!!!!!!
You do make a good point, MHS Fan with a long name, with Brentwood ranked 3 and MHS ranked 2nd and with the league title on the line it should be a great game.
See ya there.
TC is the best 5-4 team around.
still, I am not sure the Rams can bring the intensity of Friday to bear again, BUT THEY MUST.
There is always the possibility SM will beat Monrovia and TC will fall to La Canada - eliminating the Rams from a playoff trip. Man, right now I can't hang with the thought of only ONE more game and the season is done.
Whatever happens, I mirror the statements of The Stang Fan and fully back whomever from the WSGV comes out to play. Obviously, come December save my seat on the Stang Wagon!!
Stang Fan,
the blog is dead - but where is the moderator??
I know the football scene is not dead, the stands were overflowed at TC last week, 4 to 6 deep along the rail all the way from the stands to the snack bar. The yelling was deafening!
The SM/TC game was huge for the community.
As far as playoff teams from the RHL and their success = you could be right OR you could be wrong. I don't see anybody running the gauntlet, but a team or two could make noise in bracket play depending on seeding. Then again - some likelihood points to the max 2 round deal we are used to.
Even the regulars are not showing up here and doing their thing. Maybe because Blair, PHS and a slew of others are underperforming this year nobody is fired up??? I don't know. You would expect this topic to be well over 100 hits by now, but it is not being fueled in the way Galletti fueled it.
Miquel - not sure what you can do man - but save the blog!
The Maranatha Coaching staff has developed a great bunch of guys that all have talent and heart. It is a deep team where the non starting players are near equals. Depth, Coaching, Speed and the having a balanced attack on the ground and in the air make the thought to stop. Although they struggled on Offense this last game , look for them to come out strong. Brendwood will be tough. I hope this paper wil realize this as a big game.
The Maranatha Coaching staff has developed a great bunch of guys that all have talent and heart. It is a deep team where the non starting players are near equals. Depth, Coaching, Speed and the having a balanced attack on the ground and in the air make the thought to stop. Although they struggled on Offense this last game , look for them to come out strong. Brendwood will be tough. I hope this paper wil realize this as a big game.
!stang!
You are right. The blog is dead. I noticed that last week, and now that I think about it, what I'm realizing is that playoffs are coming and the reality of this year's weak WSGV is setting in. Muir, Monrovia, Rosemead are looking the strongest in terms of deep playoff runs. Others like SF, TC, SM and SG will make the playoffs, but probably won't make much noise (although SF very well could.) Maranatha seems to be playing REALLY well, but then there's that "competition" factor as well as the fact that they have to play St. Margaret's.
Everyone else....done. Arcadia, phs, Alhambra, Blair, La Salle, etc. are all playing their last weeks. Last year they were ALL in the playoffs, now they're done. Honestly.....this SUCKS!!!! We need ALL the WSGV teams to do well in order to garner respect. Imagine if last year's Pacific would have been in this year's Southeast Division. YIKES!!! It would have been UGLY for A LOT of ESGV teams. This year Muir and SG will be the lone representatives from the west side (CV, Burroughs, and Burbank don't count.) Last year we would have had at LEAST two teams in the semifinals.
Look....it is what it is. I know come next week I'm going to be rooting for ALL the WSGV'ers in the Mid-Valley to whoop a$$. This is the first ever WSGV vs. ESGV and we need to all represent for each other. I know some rivalries may be too intense to root for your rival, I'm cool with that. But pick up the torch for EVERY OTHER team that'll be playing in weeks 11, 12, 13, and hopefully 14.
LET'S GO STANGS!!!!!!!!!!! and
LET'S GO WSGV!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE BLOGS ARE DEAD!
its playoff time people!
Wow.What an interesting Friday. Temple City rammed the Titans, Moors got Lanced and the Matadors got their cape snagged by the Spartans. I guess our teams will always surprise us. I must say though, this year all of the school's seen a rather increase in spirit level. Like last night, never have I heard Matador stands that loud at away games (or even home games), or such loud stomps from the Schurr stands across the field. It's refreshing to see schools so spirited. Let's see what next week brings.
Golper is a stud. He's played hurt all season and was still a beast on the field. He'll do well in Westwood.
FEEL THE PAIN
LOL...do they suck so match that they are last years almont league co champs? and because they go to the playoffs? I don't get it. Maybe it's jealousy....yeah that's what it is..... MOORS SUCK!!
sg gets blasted by the moors and loses to schurr and will go into the playoffs as a 3 seed from almont and be blown out first game ...for sure...The moors played really well last night vs. bg and should of won the game no doubt. 1 player had a really bad game and it cost them the play-offs no beating around the bush here i tell it like it is sure 1 play here and 1 play there would have sealed the deal for the moors victory but all in all 1 kid had a "horrible game" and it cost them the post season i dont believe even if they made they playoffs they would have went far this year but (IF) the moors can keep a couple of key player that are suppose to return they will be real strong next year if not then this "pain" will continue next season. For now im gone til' next year good luck to all the teams going to the dance and may the best team win.
san gabriel still sucks~!!
I see big changes in the TOP 10 coming this week... :) Miguel?
Last night's game was a complete waste of time. The refs started the running clock.....IN THE 2ND QUARTER!!! I hope that somehow, someway the coaches at Hoover can turn that ship around. If not, they have got to go to another league.
I'm usually FIRED UP about the Tussle week, but having an 8-1 Muir team against a 1-8 phs team is going to lead to a BLOWOUT! Normally, I wouldn't "go there" but the joke that is the phs program is a damn shame. While the game still holds A LOT of meaning for the communities of Pasadena/Altadena in terms of history, socializing, networking, etc. the actual game is going to be horrible. Huckster, you're my boy, but your *words* mean NOTHING!!! They are about as empty as the dogs offensive stat sheet. I think you're funny as HELL and your more knowledgable about football than A LOT of people give you credit for, but whenever you speak about the Tussle you sound like "The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf," or should I say, "The Little Dog Who Cried STANGS!"
After 9 games, there are not much left of the "dogs" but some bones. Everyone has picked them clean. The Mustangs will have to get their fill in the playoffs.
over here at muir we starve our players all week, then we eat the dogs in the bowl!!!
My appologies..I did not see the small write up when I checked online this morning. At least there was something written.
How does the RHL work out now that SM lost to TC? who still has a chance of making the playoffs?
FEEL THE PAIN
so you still exited? if it makes you feel better you can have my leftover candy from halloween! maybe it will take you back to when you beat SG....a meaningless victory nonetheless, I thought BG was going to be a piece of cake? Told you it's a weird league like that!
Agent_DAC
keep dreaming, your trying too hard....this year the real 07 championship LOL!!!. You make it seem like this isn't a rebuilding for SG aswell! If you haven't noticed this is that "bad year" which basically means the rebuilding year of another great football squad. It's just funny how alhambra thinks their Winners by beating one specific team...HA!
The REAL 2007 almont league co champs SG and Schurr
2008 playoff bounders SG, Schurr, BG. NO MOORE! alhambra it's done! you guys should have a loser league championship next friday between moorons and keppel instead LOL!!! sad but true XD
Sad to read that Arcadia's Todd Golper was seriously injured last night. Great player.
I don't think the Arcadia loss to Burbank shows the league in a poor light. It just shows that by the end of the season, injuries can take their toll. And Arcadia didn't have a lot of players to start with this season. At the season's start Arcadia beat Monrovia, a team that just captured at least a share of the RHL title.
TC's effort against San Marino doesn't surprise me. The Rams are turning it on at the right time.
It's going to be a fantastic finish in the Rio Hondo League. Monrovia hosting San Marino next Friday and LC at TC. It's gonna be a photo finish and their could be a 3-way tie for first. Get the coins ready.
I wanted to see Chase Rettig play so I was at the La Salle game last night. He is impressive. He can really throw the ball. But Cantwell was too much in every aspect. Just like at Temple City, it was Homecoming at Cantwell, so that only added to the Cardinal's intensity.
I can't figure out Alhambra. They truly have been the Jekyll and Hyde team this year.
Pasadena is just playing out the string.
real hsfbfan-
The last few minutes were fun to watch. If Burbank doesn't make that interception at the end-who knows.
My opinion- if Golper had been 100% and able to play the whole game-Arcadia wins going away. Arcadia having to throw made one of the best DB's (Cardenez) in the league look even better.
I was impressed with Arcadia's effort-never gave up and played hard.
Wow. Maranatha beat another 2-6 team, and still want front page press. Do any of their opponents this year have a winning record? The Alpha league is one of the weakest leagues in the CIFSS. How did they get all those home games this year?
If the reported knee injury is correct -Best wishes and speedy recovery to Todd Golper.
His great conditioning and attitude will be assets to his rehab - come back stronger TG!
MHS Fan, once again you embarrass the School, the students and faculty. MHS is a good school and Coach Murphy asked us parents to specifically not complain in the blogs. Sure its historic (for us) but keep it in perspective, sadly they have not won an undisputed league Championship in what...10 years?
When we play the big teams then we should get big team coverage. You dont read about the minor baseball teams much do you? The year we went to CIF, Star News gave us attention and then some.
Lets be thankful for what we have, a 7-0 record, a quality coach and some disciplined players.
Once again Maranatha wins in a blowout and doesn't even play as well as they could have. An Historic run that now makes them the only undefeated team left in the area and a chance to complete the perfect regular season next week at Brentwood. Boy am I glad I could read about a 4-4 Poly team in the paper today. What an impressive season they are having!!!
Miquel, Miquel
You got that elephant size Rookie card out - that is cool by me.
Double rookie when you just had to add the Titans BY AT LEAST TEN POINTS.
Me and you are good from my end. I ask only that you honor one aspect of our wager - give the O and D lineman some ink, they fought like hell last night. I know somewhere in the SGV, Muddy is exhuberant with the TC victory, no longer living in fear of GA wearing those Angels Flight pants.
It was a complete team victory, spearheaded by a Backus generated Defensive plan - set in order by the rock solid, unblockable Nick Conora, who stuck just about everyone last night - except Mike Mooney. MM and friends surely did not expect the homecoming they got.
On offense, it was the plan most TC'ers like myself had longed for - and the coaches have been building on- let the kids bring it. They brought it last night. San Marino does have a low pad level D that pursues well, it took serious effort to crash through that D.
Max and Joey were dragging tacklers all night....tacklers already tenderized like abalone by our O-line.
The D blew down the Titans, who had to rely on foo-foo halfback passes or TC's PI calls to get big chunks of real estate. With respect, Dooley ran hard. So hard in fact, late in the 4th he looked dazed and completely out of gas. Of all the Titans, this kid left it all on the field - he is the real deal. Forgatch completed some good throws - but he was living under severe and hostile pressure all night - so intense that SM was screening, drawing or - suffering the consequences, SACK CITY.
The crowd was off the chart, packed with alumni, recent and ancient. The extensive skyrockets and fireworks of the halftime show - were but a sparkler compared to the electricity of Ruckle's "take it to the house" first play of the game.
A GREAT WIN!!
WHERE GONNA BEAT H.S. IN THE ROSE BOWL, WHERE GONNA BEAT H.S
so watching tonights game of SF vs Alemany it shows the not only does coach herrington recruit, he does a little extra to have the refs make calls in alemanys favor. that guy has problems
hey JF matador let me make it simple......AHS creamed SGHS and quit talking......that game this year was for the real 07 championship...Sg was talking alot.....but yeah we won you can ship the plaque over with AHS signature on it.......u guys beat schurr and yeah u can brag but the one lost last year means something and even this years defeat......dont be talking if u havent beat AHS once....this year is a rebuilding process...we are going to have squad next year...a real good one....ive been a AHS fan my whole life i dont mind if they have a rebuilding season...and yeah i went to that sghs game at halloween..yeah u guys walked out of the haunted moor field alright.
07 true champs AHS and schurr!!!!
08 rebuilding
09 AHS YOU KNOW!!!
Miguel,
Man, ACL is bad news. Let all wish him a speedy recovery. He will come back from this setback as a bigger and stronger man. He represented the SGV to the fullest. On to UCLA....
Burbanksports,
Arcadia lost on a late TD by burbank. Arcadia started a freshman RB and DB. Arcadia played without star Todd Golper from the 2nd quarter on. Something happened to him on a play and he didn't get up. He was helped off the field and it appeared he has a serious knee injury. I say this because if he broke his knee he would have rubbed it with dirt and played.
Haha Miguel,
What happened with your prediction? Titans by 10? It's cool, you're still pretty ignorant and fresh in the West San Gabriel Valley. You'll be much better next year. Go TC, watch out La Canada.
Miguel-
tell the telemarketing department to put my subscription on your tab.
Is it just my opinion, but did Burbank defeating Arcadia make the Pacific League look even worse?
Go Home Matadors
if nick catillo was still playing for SG you and everyone knows SG would have a better record and would definitely beat schurr...as we almost did today. But you guys still have a hungry Bell Gardens team!
You do this every year by ranking St Francis number one every year and they never win league. They are just a solid 6 and 4 team but can't win the big games. You need to knock it out with the favoritism you are losing your credibility! Tough league schedule, we all know this but you have to win the big games! Nice staff, the best? Nice guys don't win championships and this is a replay of the last several years. Great players but no coaches to sell the goods.
Waiting for next year again!!
San Gabriel coaches were sore losers and showed no class after the game. Accusing Schurr of recruiting former SG running back Castillo. He was a non-factor in the game. Schurr has now clinched their 6th consecutive Almont legaue title. Jones, I thought you and your staff had more class than that.
WOW i guess SM Titans saw a real Aggressive & HARD HITTING. TC RAM "D" swarming to the ball tonight & MAD MAX RUCKLE with the first long TD run on the first play....Great game Goodluck SM on next weeks game u guys will have your hands full with Marquis Williams of Monrovia...he will break long ones like he did against TC......GO RAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well well well...sooo alhambra? what now? you guys lost against BG. No league championship, no playoff spot!, what now? beat the crap out of keppel? and for SG it was a close game, but still got a chance for playoffs :p
huge accomplishment for SF to beat Alemany
good luck Golden Knights