.....Star Picks....It's Playoffs time!!!

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: 10-6-1; Overall: 124-51-1
Lair: Last week: 10-6-1; Overall: 135-38-1
Last week: Whoa! What were Keith and I drinking last week?!?! Keith and had the same picks wrong: Gabrielino (lost to El Monte); Temple City (tied with La Canada); South Pasadena (lost to Blair); Maranatha (lost to Brentwood); St. Francis (lost to Chaminade); Montebello (lost to San Gabriel).
This week: Here we go again. Freddy J trying to stir things up. Here's what he said over on his blog:
"In the Southeast, I'm taking Diamond Ranch over Muir. Muir's all-everything Rueben Thomas injured his knee against Pasadena on Friday and is questionable, and two others suffered injuries but will likely play Friday. I know it's not a popular pick on the Westside, but the Panthers' brutal schedule finally pays off for them. It's tough beating a good team twice in the same season, but Muir is limping into the playoffs while the Panthers are hitting their stride."
This time it's not Ken Howard providing bulletin-board material. I'll know more about Thomas later today. But my guess is he wouldn't miss the playoffs for anything. That said, Thomas carries much of the load for the Mustangs and if he can't run like he's used to that can be a liability for Muir. San Marino, St. Francis and Flintridge Prep go down this week.
Friday's first-round with predictions:
Diamond Ranch at Muir, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Muir)
Arroyo at Temple City, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Temple City)
El Monte at Monrovia, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Monrovia)
Duarte at L.A. Baptist, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Duarte)
Cerritos Valley Christian at Rosemead, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Rosemead)
San Marino at Paraclete, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Paraclete)
San Gabriel at La Serna, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (San Gabriel)
St. Francis at Quartz Hill, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Quartz Hill)
Ontario Christian at Maranatha, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Maranatha)
Flintridge Prep at Riverside Christian, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Riverside Christian)
St. Anthony at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Rio Hondo Prep)





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My bad...thats me below.
corporateballer,
Well times have certainly changed since you were in school. Hell, Venice beat Carson just last night. The same Carson that damn near beat Mater Dei early this year. ANd Venice has actually been VERY successful in the 2000's having reached the City FInals and semis a couple of times this decade. THey have sent at least 10 kids to D1 schools the last few years and had a HELL of a team last year when Muir decided to sign them on. Not saying they are world beaters, but certainly a damn good City team.
Btw, Alhambra is not unlucky, they are "un"coached. Again, there aren't ANY great coaches in the WSGV, BUT from what I read and hear the coaches at Alhambra are TERRIBLE! Truth is, I've never seen them play so I probably shouldn't pass judgement like that, but for the little talent that they do have there is NO WAY they should be missing the playoff in such a God-awful league as the Almont.
But good luck to your son next year, I hope he balls out.
is there anyone left in alhambra that knows anything about the game of football??
Almont leaguer
thanks! ha imagine how it would be if we sneaked crockum in to our squad! haha just a thought
jf matador,
57-14,87-14,whatever...if we were healthy and at full strength like we were against your lucky lil mats we woulda beat up on them 2 but that wasn't the case and no excuses buddy!
good luck 2morrow night your gonna need it!
jf matador,
57-14,87-14,whatever...if we were healthy and at full strength like we were against your lucky lil mats we woulda beat up on them 2 but that wasn't the case and no excuses buddy!
good luck 2morrow night your gonna need it!
MOOR FANS!
Man why are moor fans still here? they always spew up blogs and blow things out of proportion, btw almont leaguer sg beat montebello 57-14.
And by the way,
my son plays for the Moors,they are a much better team than what you claim them to be.They were very un-lucky
this year and plagued with injuries,or else they would have been at least 8-2 but hey stuff happens in high school football.By the way my son's a junior and you will be hearing his name lots next year,promise!
Good luck against D-Ranch I think you guys got a lil too much skill for them to handle, but should be a great game.I'm actually thinking about checking it out.PEACE
Stang fan,
I have a good question for you.
Why Venice? I attended a city school and as much talent
as you guys have you would think you would schedule a more challenging team if that is your point.
How about a team like Crenshaw, or Dorsey, Carson....?
I bet I can answer that one stang!
Trust me I attended one of these schools and played,so i won't even go there!LOL
Dr. Stang fan,
I'm really starting to feel sorry for you on the realz bra!
Which pre-season teams prepare the Almighty Superior Stangs for the play-offs?
Ranch dressing 4-6? the team that will knock you out 1st round?
Venice??? give me a break...
Oh yeah can't forget OAKS Christian? why even put your team thru that?
Is that one of those moral victory games?
Get punched in the mouth just to see how tough you are?
Now I will light a candle and say a prayer that we can play you guys real soon doc...
Just so you can prove how INFERIOR we are to the Almighty stangs...that will be #1 on our Christmas list!
It's real funny how you mention TC as being a real team,and much respect to them because they are a great program,ask them how bad we are buddy...
Montebello lost to SG 55-14???
We smash SG every year doc,we lose to Montebello by 7?
Are you that ignorant doc? maybe there is a good reason why we lost but see we don't make any excuses for losses like you bra....
So. el monte horrible???
The only reason why they lost is because they lost their QB early,INJURIES bra!2 be honest they impressed me way more than Muir.
Average Schurr team? we'll see how average they are after friday.
As a matter of fact we'll see a lotta sh....after friday night doc!
And p.s. por favor doc,no excuses!
Dr. Stang fan,
I'm really starting to feel sorry for you on the realz bra!
Which pre-season teams prepare the Almighty Superior Stangs for the play-offs?
Ranch dressing 4-6? the team that will knock you out 1st round?
Venice??? give me a break...
Oh yeah can't forget OAKS Christian? why even put your team thru that?
Is that one of those moral victory games?
Get punched in the mouth just to see how tough you are?
Now I will light a candle and say a prayer that we can play you guys real soon doc...
Just so you can prove how INFERIOR we are to the Almighty stangs...that will be #1 on our Christmas list!
It's real funny how you mention TC as being a real team,and much respect to them because they are a great program,ask them how bad we are buddy...
Montebello lost to SG 55-14???
We smash SG every year doc,we lose to Montebello by 7?
Are you that ignorant doc? maybe there is a good reason why we lost but see we don't make any excuses for losses like you bra....
So. el monte horrible???
The only reason why they lost is because they lost their QB early,INJURIES bra!2 be honest they impressed me way more than Muir.
Average Schurr team? we'll see how average they are after friday.
As a matter of fact we'll see a lotta sh....after friday night doc!
And p.s. por favor doc,no excuses!
What the hell am I doing? I can't believe I'm going back and forth.....with an ALHAMBRA fan?!?!?!?!?! Lmao!!! Sorry bloggers....my bad. I should know better.
Back to some REAL teams now......
Dr. Stang Fan,
According to you sir every teams INFERIOR to the STANGS!
GLENDALE!GLENDALE!GLENDALE!HORRIBLE!!!
Your a funny dude and please believe I hope we play sometime soon.Your comparing the Alhambra program to HOOVER? come now buddy your just hating...why so much hate?
I can sense a lil fear in your voice.
A lil lack of confidence in your Superior team?
Truth is your far from superior doc...
You just ain't got the guys up front to get to the show
like your talking about.
Comprende' amigo,UP FRONT!
I always hear you doubt your superior offense at times
not being able to execute?
UPFRONT AMIGO!!!
GO GLENDALE,FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!
How many points you score on the Dynamiters,18???
UPFRONT AMIGO!!!
Thanks Goldenarm. I forgot about Keppel.
I remember those giants from Arcadia. Then they had the Matthews brothers, etc. a little later on too.
We thought they must have something special in the Arcadia water system to grow boys that big.
Those were great days for area football. Pasadena was a powerhouse.
Hal
regarding the 70's Pacific League, the only team you left off was...............MARK KEPPEL!! and they did not suck back then, either. Keppel was the arch rival
of the Moors. There were always two weeks of treachery, pranks and vandalism leading up to game time.
Montebello and "The Ranch" (El Rancho, not DR)were very physical teams. PHS was regularly "the team to beat". Arcadia consistently found huge line players, rumored to be dug up from a prehistoric tar pit behind the stables at Santa Anita. I remember being awed by their size during pregame warmup. That year their line was anchored by Shoemaker and Larkin, both in the 6'7 275 range. I believe both players went on to SC.
Almont Leaguer,
I brought up Glendale because they beat the sh** out of your team, and I don't care HOW many times you've beat them previously. It's Glendale for crying out loud (no offense Hal Lam)!!! They scored 44 points on you. 44 points!!! That is H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E!!!
Don't want to talk about Glendale? Okay, well you also lost to a sorry-a$$ So. El Monte team, a terrible Montebello team, a bad Bell Gardens team, and an average Schurr team. Great team you've got there bro.
There's a reason why the Almont league coaches and administrators were THE ONLY LEAGUE who took their case to CIF to oppose their placement in the realigned Southeast Division. I can see why....
You are right about one thing though....it would be an honor for Alhambra to play against Muir. It'll never happen though, because there's no reason for Muir to be competing against such an inferior opponent that will not prepare them for the playoffs....hell, we've already got Hoover for that.
Man, I know you are DYING for DR to beat us....lmao!!!
What is almont league record against pacific league team?
El Rancho and La Puente were in the Pacific League for a little while in the 70s too.
Muir Alum,
You are absolutely right about that. If SG and Alhambra were still in the league instead of Glendale and Hoover it would be a better football league. I can't speak for the other sports.
The CIF looks at releagueing every few years. The "Blair leaving the Rio Hondo" rumor has been put out there on this blog. I don't know where they would go. Does anyone know anything about this?
Hal Lamaster,
I remember that league, I played at MUIR in those years 80,81,82. My senior year SG,ALM were sent out and Glendale, Hoover came and other than a few good seasons from those schools combined, it's been a joke. Bring SG,ALM would be better than we have now.
Guy
Why even pay any attention the ALMONT LEAGUE-ERRRR, IT'S FRUITLESS TREE!!
I remember back in the day when Alhambra, San Gabriel and Montebello were all in the Pacific League (along with Pasadena, Muir and Arcadia).
Your scouting tips leave me nervous for MHS. I am looking for a good game and hope they bring it. I know MHS has a great team with great potential. Murph is a genius and his players love him.
If they make mistakes tho, we're doomed for another Brentwood. They can do it, GO MHS!
Stang fan
the almont league is a more competitive league than the rio hondo and rosemead league *sorry for forgetting what's their league name lol* just that this year they all are at their worst for some reason. But hopefully BG SG and SChurr make some noise in playoffs and crack some skulls this friday! It would be an honor to play Muir! and hopefully their not as good as serra and stomp on them lol!
Almont Leaguer,
What about Burroughs beating Schurr 3 of the past 4 years?
Almont leaguer,
I live in the Glendale area so I watch the area squads out here and follow the Pacific League teams. This season against Alhambra, Glendale was ahead 44-7 in the 4th quarter before the subs came in. Hence the wood being laid comment. The final was 44-28.
It was a good year for GHS, they were a coin flip away from making the playoffs, which is a huge improvement over what we have seen in recent memory. But in their best years over the last 10-15 years, Glendale is a middle of the road team. We end the season looking up at Muir, Arcadia and CV. Now with the Burbank schools in the league, they have added some strength to the overall league.
Yo HAL,
May I ask who your team is?
And it's funny how everyone keeps mentioning Glendale?
How come nobody brings up the fact that the Moors beat them practically every year,but who cares?Glendale?WOOD?
Ha Ha anyways back to my question,Hally,may I ask who your team is?
Dr. Stang fan,
How many times have we played Glendale?
and how many times do we win?
why don't you get off it already...
Oh my bad you guys HAMMERED Glendale this year,right?
It's going to be a SHAME not to be able read all your wonderful words of wisdom after friday night...
Now that's gonna be a shame Doc!
Good luck next year and please no excuses STANG NATION!
I'm sorry, is the Almont League saying something.
Glendale's Dynamiters laid the wood on Alhambra.
Almont leaguer,
"Shame?" You want to talk about shame? You guys play in the ALMONT LEAGUE and you STILL missed the playoffs. Shame? Please....
First you wanted to talk logistics. I retorted with logistics. Now you want to use emotion?
Look bro, just TRY not getting DEMOLISHED by Glendale first...then come talk to me.
Dear Sir Stang fan,
It would be a total shame with all the "TALENT" you rant and rave about plus all the smack you talk,for the Mustangs to be one and done.You mentioned something in the beginning of the year how the Almont don't want nothing to do with the new division,trust me dog,none of the Almont teams are intimidated by your mighty Mustangs!
In fact it would be an honor to take the field with your royal STANGS!!!
Dear Sir Stang fan,
It would be a total shame with all the "TALENT" you rant and rave about plus all the smack you talk,for the Mustangs to be one and done.You mentioned something in the beginning of the year how the Almont don't want nothing to do with the new division,trust me dog,none of the Almont teams are intimidated by your mighty Mustangs!
In fact it would be an honor to take the field with your royal STANGS!!!
My bad that was me below...
Almont leaguer,
I'M starting to crack YOU up? Dude, your squad didn't even make the playoffs, and they played in the WORST league in this division! By far......
Yes, we did only score 13 points in the Tussle, but the Moors lost, excuse me...GOT HAMMERRED.....by Glendale. You know, that same Glendale team that finished 5th place in the Pacific League (albeit a MUCH improved team).
Is the Pacific League dominant? HELL NO! It's an average league with some good teams, some bad teams, and no great teams. I know that. With that said though, let's take a look at some numbers from the Almont League.
0-2 vs. the Pacific this year.
4-7 vs. Southeast div. (2 of those wins came vs. 1-9 Wilson, the others were vs. El Rancho and Whittier)
Almont's #1 lost to Pacific's #3
Almont was only league not awarded a seed in playoffs
Almont's highest rated team in calpreps only recieved a 10.8
Not very pretty, is it? You also mentioned that Shcurr is giving up the least amount of points in this area. Really? Let's see...in league they gave up 13.8 points a game and over the entire season they gave up 15.1 points per game. Not bad. However, let's take a look at Muir's defensive numbers (all the while considering they played a much more difficult schedule). In league they gave up a whopping 3.7 points a game, and over the season they gave up a total of 8.9 points a game (which includes OC's 3 pick-6's). You tell me which D you think is better...
Now, nowhere did I ever mention Schurr beating SH would be a miracle.....improbable yes....impossible NO! They have a shot, especially if they run the ball and control the clock and play physical on D. From what I hear SH simply can't run and passes A LOT, and I'm sure that the Schurr coaches are plugging away at the film to figure out how to stop it. Should be an interesting game and I wish them luck...although I would LOVE for Muir to get a crack at SH in the 2nd round.
And as far as Muir not winning 'ships and Schurr owning a title in the last few years, well let's just say....it sure looks nice down here in these lower divisions.
Almont leaguer
what the heck is a masador, you mooron get it right haha
but ANYWAY you guys played healthy against BG and lost!, we were healthy and ready and beat them. The shurr game was a fair loss because no one was overconfident and both were hungry and ready. But cmon we gave you guys a a BIG chance for playoffs and what happens...you loose to BG. In all seriousness that game was a big fluke *sg vs ahs*. But w/e jealousy is expected from every moor fan.
Yo Mr. Masador,
The Moors lost with 5-6 starters against Schurr and couple key starters against Montebello.If they were at full strength I promise you that they would be in the play-offs instead of SG.I guess there is bad luck and good luck.In your case it was good luck.No excuses buddy just the truth.The closest the Moors were to being healthy was against you guys and what do you think happend?
Anyways Moors return all their key starters next season,
so we will see...GOOD LUCK ALMONT LEAGUE TEAMS!
yeah I totally agree with Matt. When people say no comment it means please don't write about it now. Why is it so important to get that story. By posting only that headline you threw Backus under the bus. "Incident" could mean any number of things and lead to rampant speculation. You have done damage to this guy's reputation that might not be able to be undone.
MOORSocHATER
actually SG been in playoffs the last five seasons. You know the magic run in 03, first round blowout to Rowland in 05 and then the great historic season of 07 and finally this year. But in the other hand you got the Moors who loose in first round constantly, and besides this year SG is a lot stronger than last year. Frankie villalobos squats over 460, and Alejandro bobadilla is the strongest linmen right now. The only thing killing the matadors since last year was not athletes....it was special teams and strength. Small and strong this year, just look at montebellos stomping by SG, they wanted that game. Alhambra got pounded by Schurr and montebello!
I think Schurr could be the upset pick of the week, but if they win it really should not be considered an upset. I don't know much about them, but they are definitely a battle-tested program. Just two years ago Schurr won CIF and they beat La Habra in the semis.
Mr. Stang Fan,
Your really starting to crack me up.
It is very disturbing to me how your PACIFIC league
is just so dominating...???
All the mess you talk about your mighty mustangs,
you would think you guys were CIF champs every year.
13 POINTS against the Dogs? no excuses there champ...
Schurr h.s. won the CIF championship not too long ago
if i'm correct.They've allowed the least amount of points
of most defenses around here.If they beat South hills on Friday it would not be a miracle buddy.I agree with you on the rest of the teams,SG and BG,will not advance.
Would it be a miracle if the Mustangs get past the 1st round? Good luck to all teams
Man, I've been spending WAY too much time over on the eastsider's blog, it's good to be home. You know I can't just take all that sh** sitting down. It cracks me up how those cats over there think they are just going to RUN through these divisions without any SORT of resistance. Hilarious! Both writers and most of the fans have DR over Muir. DR? Over Muir? See, I told you it was funny....
And they have all but christened San Dimas into the 'ship. Do they see how it all aligns for the Cats this year. El Monte in the first round and Duarte in the quarters? Meanwhile the winner of the big backyard brawl comes stumbling out of the gate just to look up and stare an untouched and firmly upright M-town right in the eyes. I was really hoping The Mead could've met Monrovia in the 'ship, but hey it is what it is.
Oh, and Goldenarm, your boys have a FANTASTIC opportunity to be playing that 3rd playoff game. Hopefully the boys stay focused on the task at hand, just like their coach would plead for them to do.
SF....what the hell happened vs. Chaminade? Those dudes lost to Burbank for crying out loud! Well, I guess most people could say that about our game vs. PHS too. When all is said and done Friday night, I look to see the SF Dietrichs....wait, wait, wait....I mean Knights pull out the victory up in the high desert.
I would LOVE to see the Mead beat SD and head into the semi "re"matchup with Monrovia. Take care of business Panthers. When teams just BLOW through their league they have a tendency to play down come playoff time. Balls out fellas!
SG and the Almont league, thanks for coming...your parting gifts are at the door. Or can Schurr pull off the improbable?
JF MATADOR,
you sure do talk alot about your matadors, having not done well in playoffs, or even making playoffs constantly in the last 5 season's. 2003 was a power house with kevin harris. i remember playing ''superman'', being stopped from coming out of the locker room, just because he was heading to the field with an entourage of cops protecting him. they had size speed and strength. which does not match up at all to your teams size this year. I say, match up to the 03 season this year and then talk. because you could say all you want about how good your lil gremlins are but your still branded by the moors!!
Good luck to all the area teams in the first round. I want to comment on the TC coach's situation. Posting that little blurb really stinks. You mention that you are trying to contact the TC Principal and school district officials. Why not wait to see what they have to say before you flash something on line. Why not talk to the coach. Very bad move on your part Miquel. Journalism at its worst.
No one should be concerning themselves with the MHS program. We have one of the brightest and sharpest young minds in football leading our team. A coach that can really relate to his players and who in return is highly respected by them.
Watching practice yesterday, there does not seem to be any type of feeling sorry for the performance that took place last Friday afternoon. Players were flying around, coaches were coaching there was a great atmosphere out there.
We will have a large crowd of MHS loyals on Friday night and except the boys to play hard with no excuses……
Believe or don’t, it’s your choice………
JF Matador
Good luck to El Monte. Unfortunately they draw an emerging powerhouse coming out of the RHL.
NY
I think this year is good as it gets for TC or M-town to get past that 2nd round mojo of late. Last year we drew Bishop Diego in round 2 and it was lights out. BD ended up nearly beating Santa Clara and Cierre Woods in the CIF final mudbowl. M-town did far better against Paraclete, staying close but eventually tasting defeat.
Our problem is not the draw, but our own internal misfirings - which since Monday of LAST WEEK have sent a cloud of "not knowing" over the team and players at a time "when all hands on deck" is needed to motivate and effectively prepare for the coming 1st round and ramped up playoff intensity.
I've said nothing until yesterday, when I got drawn in because of the "tone" of comments both here and on the trib blog. I don't like the PSN thread. Killing the link to add comments is no literary high road - when the headline itself is inflammatory, somewhat presumptive and lends no definable facts to aid readership in understanding the situation.
This is no trivial blow to the Rams, to be simply overcome by assistant coaches who grudgingly accept a temporary job status change and do whatever they know best to keep the ship on course. Coach Backus is now Ram football - in the same way Mike Mooney was Ram football.
Our kids weathered the Mooney departure in 06 and bounced quickly back up. When their new coach had serious medical issues and underwent surgery, they kept it together.
I wish the best of outcomes for Mr Backus and for the kids who have done everything asked of them. Coaches Loya and Valdes are no 1st year "know nothing" dudes, they will have the team ready to play Friday.
This week Ram fans and Arroyo will see the same bad As&*es that stomped the life out of San Marino. Go Rams!!
Good luck to all.
I think TC has a good chance of making it to the semis if they stick to what they are good at and hopefully impose their will.
I obviously love Monrovia's chances as well. CIF definitely did us a favor. Yes, Rosemead got screwed but it is not Monrovia's fault. As far as I know, the CIF has never knowingly done Monrovia any favors.
Philly B,
That loss in 2001 was to North Torrance. But remember North Torrance played in the Finals that year and lost to Santa Monica. That entire league got moved up several divisions afterward. Also, I think that was the year that Ryan Ohara, Jason Martin and Thomas Herring transferred out. The South Torrance DISASTER in the first round was in 1996. All we needed to do was have Calvin Alford take a knee three times and run out the clock. Unfortunately, we ran it twice (one time too many) and a young sophomore and future star fumbled. South Torrance then through a hail-Mary down near the goal line and then scored the next play. I think Chad Morton may have been on that South team??? There was a stretch of about 6 or 7 years where Monrovia went to the finals three times but lost in the first round 3 or 4 times. You never know how the playoffs go. That's what makes them so exciting.
Good luck Monrovia.
TC will be READY for Battle against Arroyo...Nick C. will lead the "D" again along with Robert Schwarzbaugh leading the D-Line they will be fine and Ruckle and Stewart will do the straight up the gut damage to the Arroyo Knights....
and elias buckwalter, it's great to be an optimist, but unfortunately, the sh*t hit the fan.
the Rams better not go into this game expecting to walk over the Knights. Nothing motivates a team like a blowout (more or less) and then a chance for vindication. We saw what happened to the Wildcats in the Fall 06 rematch vs. La Salle...
looks like technical difficulties are hampering anyone from getting a comment in.
I want El Monte to win because they are not known anywhere, and I want SG to go to finals again and face shurr (if they beat South hills) for that league championship, payback!, and if It is south hills then it's payback for the CIF championship game lost to them on 03. But first win the first rounds and make it happen! this is exiting!
Why even post a headline about Backus when you know absolutely nothing about what happened? As usual you guys always screw everythng up! You're damaging the guy's reputation.
UH-OH! TC better 'Step their game UP' in the first round without their head dude!
Freddy picked monrovia to go this week against El Monte??????????? Has he lost his mind or has he been drinking the same stuff Miguel was when he made this picks that he missed. I understand St. Francis because they have not been what I or anybody else thought they would be. I mean they were the talk of the blog for the first 5weeks of the season and now it seems like they're limping into the playoffs. Grant it they play a much tougher schedule then most on the westside, but even though its a tough schedule, I expected St. francis to come up and do better in their league, maybe they'll surprise everyone in the first round, but I doubted. Fred should know better, then to pick against monrovia in the first round. I cant even remember the last time Monrovia lost in the first round. I think it was South torrance 2001
It will be exciting to see how the teams from the Alpha and Academy Leagues do in their new playoff bracket in the East Valley Division. There are some very strong teams in that group, who have always had to play some large schools in that bracket. Teams like San Jacinto and Citrus Hill etc, who themselves have moved up to another bracket.
Cal Preps has Maranatha beating Ontario Christian 24-20. Glad to see they think it will be a close game. Matt Schilz is a great QB and Maranatha has a great passing game. Ontario Christian, who has played great defense at times this season (the only team I know to hold St. Margarets to 7 points total in 1st half) will need to pressure Schilz on every play and knock him down alot in order to have any chance of stopping their very potent offense. If they can do that and limit their turnovers they have a chance to surprise, otherwise it may be along night for the Knights.
One team to remember in the East Valley bracket (lower bracket) is Aquinas. Look for them to reach the finals and play St. Margaret’s. If they can play a disciplined game and limit their penalties, watch the Falcons to hand St. Margaret’s and Harry Welch their first loss in a long, long time.
Monorovia will not go down this week. i dont see them losing to el monte.
btw still waiting for u in that picture with amat gear on....
monrovia will not go down this week. you seriously think el monte can handle them?
im still waiting for you to pay that debt you owe when st francis lost to amat.
RE: Maranatha vs Ontario Christian -
Maranatha will need to bring their "A game." They cannot get complacent against Ontario Christian. La Salle scheduled Ontario Christian in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, and have two losses to show for it (although 2007 was a 1 point loss.) Ontario Christian travels well (visitor's side will be packed) and they seem to be a school that really emphasizes success on the athletic field (athletics are a big emphasis at the school.) Have a good week at practice, and get prepared - they will not be a walk over.
hello
Solid picks Miguel. Good to see you're not a "homer" like Fred. After the overrated Del Rio League and Rowland get beat this week, maybe Fred will see the light.
i think you are pretty right on for your predictions except that San Gabriel will get beat by La Serna and it wont even be close. San Gabriel was fortunate to finish third in a weak league while La Serna came very close to winning the Del Rio League title-this will be no contest - LS will win by at least 14 points.
i think you are pretty right on for your predictions except that San Gabriel will get beat by La Serna and it wont even be close. San Gabriel was fortunate to finish third in a weak league while La Serna came very close to winning the Del Rio League title-this will be no contest - LS will win by at least 14 points.
Homer picks! haha
Miquel,
In your comments you state "Monrovia, St Francis and Flintridge Prep go down this week".
If you are picking El Monte to beat M-town, you must have a direct line to the house of Allah, because there is no way the Cats lose to ElMo.