December 2008 Archives

Discuss anything and everything you want....

Sorry I've kept you guys out of the loop. It's not on purpose I promise you. In a week I'll be moving into my new town house in South Pasadena, which means I have to be out of my old apartment by the 31st, this Wednesday. That's what's been keeping me busy off the blog and limited to game assignments/Rose Bowl coverage. Things will settle back to normal by the start of next week, I hope. No longer will I be dreading the 40 minute drive from Downey to Pasadena to arrive early in the morning and no more hour-plus drive home in traffic. I'll be loving the 14-minute drive to and from work, which means I'll be much more productive, at least that's the main plan =) As for tonight, I will be heading to the La Salle-Temple City Classic in a bit where I'll cover St. Francis vs. La Canada at 7:30 p.m. at La Salle High. Andrew J. Campa will cover the other semifinal, Alhambra vs. Montebello at Temple City High, 7:30 p.m. About a week ago, I had planned on posting a Top 10 moments in WSGV Preps ala Robledo's Top 10 Sports Stories. But I've been working here only four months and it's probably not enough a time to compile such a list. That's where you come in. What are your top stories of the year. Fill me in. Just for kicks, the best football game I ever covered this year had to be without a doubt La Salle vs. Maranatha, my pick for Game of the Year.

Player of the Year: Tra Sumler
School: Rosemead High
Year: Senior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205
Notable: The senior was the premiere running back in the San Gabriel Valley. His speed and strength made him hard to bring down and also made him one of the best linebackers in the area. He rushed for 2,451 yards and 33 touchdowns, averaging nearly 190 yards per game. He led the Panthers to a Mission Valley League championship and to the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game.

Coach of the Year: Ken Drain
School: Rio Hondo Prep
Years: 20th
Notable: Led the Kares to their 12th CIF championship with a win over Riverside Christian in the CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division championship game. Rio Hondo Prep also clinched the Prep League title with the help of two 1,000 yards+ rushers in Tim Esguerra and Antonio Alanis.

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Isaac Valdez, San Gabriel, Jr.
RB: Marquise Willliams, Monrovia, Sr.
RB: Jordan Canada, Duarte, Jr.
AP: Reuben Thomas, Muir, Sr.
WR: Marcos Villalobos, San Gabriel, Sr.
WR: Mitchell Crockom, Alhambra, Jr.
WR: Myles Campbell, Muir, Sr.
OL: Chris Flores, Rosemead, Sr.
OL: Matt Calver, Monrovia, Sr.
OL: Josh Ouellette, Temple City, Sr.
OL: Tim Starr, Duarte, Sr.
OL: Joseph De Leon, Muir, Sr.
K: Brian Gonzalez, Alhambra, Sr.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Rian Younker, St. Francis, Sr.
DL: Fernando Aguilar, Muir, Sr.
DL: Edward Vasquez, Rosemead, Jr.
LB: Todd Golper, Arcadia, Sr.
LB: Nick Conora, Temple City, Sr.
LB: Gilbert De La Rosa, Rosemead, Sr.
LB: Joe Vazquez, Monrovia, Sr.
DB: Dietrich Riley, St. Francis, Jr.
DB: Steven Yortsos, San Marino, Jr.
DB: Mitchell Garner, Muir, Sr.
SS: Marcus Graves, Muir, Sr.
P: Bobby Maldonado, Rosemead, Sr.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Matt Schilz, Maranatha, Sr.
RB: Max Ruckle, Temple City, Jr.
RB: Scott Dooley, San Marino, Sr.
AP: Jarron Williams, Muir, Jr.
WR: Terell Cornell, Maranatha, Jr.
WR: Steven Colliau, South Pasadena, Sr.
WR: Gianni Bruno-Lopez, Temple City, Sr.
OL: Nick La Croix, Arcadia, Sr.
OL: Luis Diaz, Rosemead, Jr.
OL: Joe McMahon, San Marino, Sr.
OL: Alejandre Bobadilla, San Gabriel, Sr.
OL: Robert Felton, Muir, Sr.
K: Eric Chalifour, Pasadena Poly, Sr.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Ryan Watkins, Temple City, Jr.
DL: Paul Devine, Muir, Sr.
DL: Eddie Garcia, Rio Hondo Prep, Sr.
LB: Michael Weston, La Cañada, Sr.
LB: Joey Diaz, Rosemead, Jr.
LB: Frankie Villalobos, San Gabriel, Sr.
LB: Josh Lowden, Monrovia, Jr.
DB: Kendal Boggs, Monrovia, Sr.
DB: Joey Stewart, Temple City, Sr.
DB: Bobby Michael, Monrovia, Sr.
SS: Cesar Chavez, Rosemead, Sr.
P: Daniel Cisic, San Marino, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR FIRST-TEAM CAPSULES, HONORABLE MENTION AND THE FINAL STAR-NEWS FOOTBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS

"You spoke to soon about disappointments; this blog has a bad odor to it. Dude come up with something that people want to comment on. Numbers are the same because people are coming in to see what you have posted but leave without commenting when they see what seems to be no effort on your part. Come on Miguel bring something interesting to the table." -- I'm just say'in

I don't know what I'm just say'in's problem is but I wish him a happy holiday as well. Truth is, I've never been one to look forward to the holidays (hence the picture above) given that I have not been home for every major holiday the last five years (welcome to the glamorous life of a sportswriter). Slowly but surely I'm getting into the spirit of it all, but this isn't to say I'm not appreciative and thankful this time a year. I would like to thank all our correspondents who helped us with football coverage this season. Sometimes you hated what they wrote and sometimes you loved them. But without them no way we cover every game in the San Gabriel Valley. There's a reason why football fans from the Antelope Valley, San Diego and Los Angeles areas come to our blog and read our coverage. Special thanks to correspondents John Honell, Scott French, Mike Baca, Casey Cranford, Ismael Reynoso, Ariel Carmona, Bruce Little, Rudy Ramos, Mike Munford, Casey Thompson, Ali Jawad, Jerry Luna, Henry Montemayor, Ross Kimsey, Miguel Arcieniega, John Sherrard, Jeremy Balan, Nathan Cambridge, Nathan Hawkins, Royce Kirkland, Guillermo Tovar, Rick Matthauser, Ed Russell, Jason Lowder, James Moya, Mario Aguirre and Elizabeth Botello. I want to thank every blogger who has helped me become a better sportswriter and every critic and praise from parents, coaches and sports fans. Thank you for taking me in your beloved community and for making me feel like a celebrity when I'm out and about in the SGV. Even when I covered the Lakers I'd never get that kind of treatment. Well, maybe just a little. Special thanks to Star-News Editor Frank Pine, Managing Editor Steve Hunt and Tribune preps editor Freddy Robledo for the opportunity to work here after five long absent years from the SGV. Thanks to my colleagues at the Tribune and Star-News who have welcomed me with open arms and thanks to our wonderfully patient sports copy desk who never seem to get annoyed at my last-minute revisions. I am building a fort here on Colorado and Lake that will only get stronger and better in the months to come. FYI, the Pasadena Star-News 2008 All Area Football Team will publish Christmas Day and will be up on the blog at 5:30 a.m. for those who can't wait to let the holiday smack-talking to begin. That's it for now, folks. Enjoy the holidays and be safe. From my family to yours, Feliz Navidad.

POOL A:
Filmmore
Flintridge Sacred Heart
La Cañada
La Salle

POOL B:
Agoura
Arcadia
Flintridge Prep
Serr

All games at La Cañada High School gym

Friday's Games:
Arcadia vs. Flintridge Prep, 2:30 p.m.
Agoura vs. Serra, 4 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Flintridge Sacred Heart, 5:30 p.m.
La Salle vs. Fillmore, 7 p.m.

Saturday's Games:
Arcadia vs. Serra, 2:30 p.m.
Flintridge Prep vs. Agoura, 4 p.m.
La Cañada vs. La Salle, 5:30 p.m.
Filmore vs. Flintridge Sacred Heart, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 29
Agoura vs. ARcadia, 2:30 p.m.
Serra vs. Flintridge Prep, 4 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Filmore, 5:30 p.m.
Flintridge Sacred Heart vs. La Salle, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Pool A 4th place vs. Pool B 4th place, 2:30 p.m.
Pool A 3rd place vs. Pool B 3rd place, 4 p.m.
Pool A 2nd place vs. Pool B 2nd place, 5:30 p.m.
Pool A 1st place vs. Pool B 1st place, 7 p.m.

POOL A:
Salesian
La Cañada
Santa Clara
Village Christian

POOL B:
Burbank
Golden Valley
Grace Brethren
Maranatha

All games at La Cañada High School

Friday's Games
Burbank vs. Maranatha, 3 p.m.
Grace Brethren vs. Golden Valley, 4:30 p.m.
Salesian vs. Village Christian, 6 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Santa Clara, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday's Games
Maranatha vs. Grace Brethren, 3 p.m.
Golden Valley vs. Burbank, 4:30 p.m.
Village Christian vs. Santa Clara, 6 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Salesian, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 29
Santa Clara vs. Salesian, 3 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Village Christian, 4:30 p.m.
Burbank vs. Grace Brethren, 6 p.m.
Maranatha vs. Golden Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Pool A 4th place vs. Pool B 4th place, 3 p.m. (For 7th and 8th place)
Pool A 3rd place vs. Pool B 3rd place, 4:30 p.m. (For 5th and 6th place)
Pool A 2nd place vs. Pool B 2nd place, 6 p.m. (For 3rd and 4th place)
Pool A 1st place vs. Pool B 1st place, 7:30 p.m. (For 1st and 2nd place)

I wouldn't know what it's like to be a parent, and I don't know that I want to. But I can only wonder how most parents spend their holidays. I know I've spent most of my major holidays covering major sporting events (like the Rose Bowl) but for the first time this season I will have Christmas day off. While most families take vacations I will be covering holiday tournaments as I'm sure most of you will be attending (as if you had a choice) your son and/or daughter's basketball or soccer tournaments. But unlike just about every high school varsity team in the area, the La Cañada High School girls soccer team will not be taking part in a holiday tournament. La Cañada coach Louie Bilowitz has had it that way since 1994 when he realized that his son's senior year would probably be the last time they could all take a vacation. Since then, Bilowitz has opted to not play in holiday tournaments, realizing most families would rather take the holiday break to vacation as a family, perhaps for the last time before the kids head off to college. "I've coached the girls now for five years and coached the boys for 15 years," Bilowitz said. "When my son was a senior in high school in 1994 I realized that he was going to be going to college and summer he'd be with friends and that was the last time we were going to be with him." The parents were not only receptive to the idea but appreciative. So where will you be this holiday break?

Congratulations to all who were selected players of the years, coach of the years, first-teamers, second-teamers and honorable mention!

Boys Water Polo: Wednesday, Dec. 24
Football: Thursday, Dec. 25
Girls Cross Country: Friday, Dec. 26
Boys Cross Country: Saturday, Dec. 27
Girls Volleyball: Sunday, Dec. 28
Girls Tennis: Tuesday, Dec. 30

From Rivals:

ORLANDO (Fla.) - It doesn't take long to realize Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas is a national championship-caliber football team.

Just ask a coach who has been at the top of the high school football universe.

"They are the best, no doubt about that," Lakeland coach Bill Castle said after falling to the national champion Raiders in Florida's Class 5A state championship game.

Castle led the Dreadnaughts (14-1) to a pair of national championships in 2005 and 2006, but he could not come up with any solutions to stopping St. Thomas (15-0) in a 56-7 drubbing Friday in Orlando, Fla., a game that clinched the RivalsHigh national title for the Raiders.

It marked the first national championship and fifth state title for St. Thomas and coach George Smith, who has guided the Raiders for 32 years. Three of the last four national champions came out of Florida's Class 5A, which is arguably one of the most challenging divisions in the country.

"If you win the state championship in the state of Florida, you've got a decent football team no matter what class you are in," Smith said. "We didn't talk about that [the national championship], but if that comes with it, that is a very unbelievable event."

Click here to read the rest of the story and for a list of the nation's Top 100 teams.

When I covered Major League Soccer at The Register I was well-known for asking the tough questions whether it was after a game, practice or at a press conference. I'm sure U.S. Soccer men's national team head coach Bob Bradley would admit it and so would every executive/coach who has worked and works for Chivas USA, my first pro beat as a 20-year-old sportswriter (of course when I covered the Lakers I let the big boys do the heavy lifting). But after listening to Rob Parker's tone and his last question not only did he clearly cross the line but it sounded personal despite what he wrote in his column today on the Detroit News website. Parker goes on to write in his column how he and Rosemead native Rod Marinelli have had talks after press conferences and their mutual respect for one another. Heck, even former Chivas USA coach Bob Bradley pulled me aside one time after a soccer practice and asked me why I wrote a critical story, calling a 0-0 tie tasteless. We talked for a good 20 minutes about the game, his experience coaching the Chicago Fire and comparing the media in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. There was also that one time Bradley yelled at me for continually asking whether one of his best players was in fact pondering to leave the club. Turned out I was right; the player left to Mexico. And his predecessor (Preki) and I went at it, too, after a report that the team was trading a marquee player. I was sure there was video footage of it but I can't find it and I know there is audio recording because there were five other reporters who watched it unfold. Coaches/players/executives reach a level of comfort with the media. When Bradley was hired as the U.S. MNT coach I approached him and said it was probably the last time I'd interview him since I was thinking about leaving journalism to go to law school. He wished me well, shook my hand and had words of encouragement for me. The point is there's a difference between asking tough questions, staying professional and acknowledging respect for one another as opposed to crossing the line, something Parker clearly did

From Steve Ramirez (AKA The Instigator) on Robledo's blog:

There's an old saying in politics, whether you are republican or democrat, that thou shall never speak ill of another party member.

The Lions problem lies not with the coaching staff, but with the players that former team president Matt Millen put together. I reflect back to motor sports, and what Al Unser Jr. once told me, and that was that if two cars are close in performance, the better driver can make a difference. But if one car is clearly quicker, the best driver in the world is not going to make that difference up. It's the same in team sports, where if the gap in talent level is too great, the best coaching staff in the world is not going to be able to win with it.
I guess Parker doesn't know that. And the Fox Sports staff agrees with me, listen to what they say at the end of the video.

It wasn't long ago I was lambasted for an article I wrote being critical of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. I asked U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati a few years ago what his thoughts were about coaches saying the academy undermined high school competition, specifically in Southern California. He compared me to Mr. Jack Bell for asking such a question which he answered vaguely if I recall. FYI, Jack Bell is a journalist for The New York Times.

In a soccer preview a few years ago, here's how I ended my report:

U.S. Soccer Development Academy a hit?

The West Coast Classic in January is one of the toughest high school tournaments in the nation. Case closed? Time will tell.

I will get into this subject more as we get closer to league play, but the consensus among high school coaches is the academy is doing more harm than good. With this side of town being a hot bed for youth soccer, I wonder what are the parents' thoughts of the academy and if you prefer the academy over high school competition where there is just as much exposure, if not more. What schools and/or players are still being affected by the academy and why should kids make the grueling decision, playing for your high school team or the Academy? I know this was a hotly contested issue in Orange County, but there are other soccer hotbeds, this part of town included.

Click here to read what my boy Jaime Cardenas, formerly of the Los Angeles Times, wrote on the Academy.

And ... for a complete break down of the Academy by Jaime Cardenas, click here.

For the record, Cardenas and I cover high school soccer together in Orange County while he worked at the Los Angeles Times and I with the Orange County Register. We had numerous debates over the Academy and the plan was to both write explanatory reports on the academy, but just as I was about to report on it I was promoted from Major League Soccer to Lakers/Angels while Cardenas got heavily involved in the origins of the academy as you can tell by his well-done reporting.

Discuss anything and everything you want....

Above: Stop raising your hand, Joey Diaz, the Panthers are still the No. 1 team.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16 at precisely 9:21 a.m. I created the "final" top 10 rankings. I had been getting a lot of heat already for not having a photographer at the Rio Hondo Prep game and again for not having a story about the Kares in Tuesday's paper. I figured, heck, why not ruffle every one else's feathers by giving them a spoof top 10 poll. That's exactly what I did. I was telling Freddy how I thought I was losing my readers/comments on the blog. The truth is, I hadn't lost my readers. In fact, our numbers were up! What hadn't been coming in as much as I'd want were the comments. So I somewhat randomly guessed the final top 10 rankings to get Stang Fan, MADD DOGG and others to come out of hibernation and keep the conversation going (would you REALLY think I'd end the final top 10 rankings WITHOUT a 10th-ranked team?!?!?) After all, isn't that what a blog is all about?

THE STAR-NEWS FINAL TOP 10 RANKINGS

1. ROSEMEAD (11-3) -- The Panthers can compete with just about any team in the San Gabriel Valley. They're loaded in the trenches, they have a good passing QB and of course Tra Sumler. Still, I wonder why Koffler didn't hand the ball to Sumler more often. Sure, he had 28 carries but against Monrovia he had at least 10 more carries. Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda. Rosemead had a fantastic season and made the West, err, San Gabriel Valley proud.

2. MUIR (9-2) -- The "One and done" wonder was fun to watch all season. I think I caught at least three games. Kenny Howard said Myles Campbell would have a breakout season and he did, catching nearly 800 yards receiving. The Mustangs have weapons at just about every position to compete with the big boys, whether it's on the defensive line (Fernando Aguilar and Paul Devine), at quarterback (Jarron Williams) or at receiver and running back (Campbell and Reuben Thomas). If Chris Dunlap was healthy all season who's to say Muir doesn't fare better against Diamond Ranch in the first round of the Southeast Division playoffs. That might be far fetched, or is it? It doesn't bode well that the Pacific League was weak this season. The Mustangs needed some stiff competition before the playoffs began but they didn't get it, and then came the Panthers; starving for a playoff win which may have ultimately been what caught Muir off guard.

3. MONROVIA (10-3) -- Steve Garrison to Ryan Maddox. The legend passed the torch to a legend-to-be. What Maddox did at Monrovia was amazing. Pundits are asking, "Who did they really beat?" but one must give credit where credit is due. Maddox inherited the schedule the Wildcats played this season. If I was a betting man, Maddox would have a tougher preseason schedule. The Monrovia staff at one point asked themselves whether they should scrap the Wing-T offense. But Maddox opted to continue with it and Monrovia improved week after week, riding Marquise Williams to the semifinals.

4. ST. FRANCIS (6-5) -- In each of their final three games, the Golden Knights fell victim to a bad call here or there from the officials. This is not to say St. Francis shouldn't shoulder the blame for not capitalizing on opportunities, but there's little doubt the Golden Knights are talented. With Dietrich Riley returning next season and a more mobile QB in Justin Posthuma, look for St. Francis to climb the mountain next season and compete for the Mission League title and past the first round of the Western Division playoffs. And here's hoping a Muir vs. St. Francis happens next season. The community deserves it.

5. TEMPLE CITY (7-5-1) -- The Rams showed for at least one half against Paraclete in the semifinals of what a complete team playing in sync can do. Temple City had Paraclete on the ropes but faltered in the second half. If you thought the Rams played well this season wait until next season when a junior-loaded line returns next season to block for junior Max Ruckle, who rushed for most of his yards late in the season. Morgan Hatch did most of the intangibles that perhaps went unnoticed to a not so keen eye, but anybody with football knowledge knows how valuable he was to the team. The guess here is Tim Loya will not be taking a head coaching position. So much time and dedication goes into coaching and it gets much tougher when you're a head coach that is NOT a teacher on campus. Randy Backus has been back on campus teaching for a week now, and It's unfair for the Temple City administration to have Backus wondering whether he'll return as coach or not. Give the man a break and get it over with whatever decision they've probably already come to a conclusion with.

6. DUARTE (6-6) -- Come to think of it, there are so many exciting players to be on the look out for next season including Jordan Canada. The junior rushed for nearly 2,000 yards. The Falcons lose some big boys on the line but Wardell Crutchfield III is showing promising signs. He was the leading tackler for Duarte and he's only a sophomore. Too bad Canada wasn't healthy all season long. Who knows how more exciting the MD Classic would have been.

7. SAN MARINO (8-3) -- The Titans had a promising start. They played simple but effective football with Scott Dooley running circles around defenders. But he was able to do that because of a big line led by Joe McMahon. Who knows what happens if Steven Wright doesn't go down to an injury. The Titans likely would have had a more balanced offense. San Marino raised eyebrows with wins over San Gabriel and Cantwell, but lost some luster with losses to Temple City, Monrovia and then Paraclete, the eventual Mid-Valley Division champion. Still, they were able to create some buzz in a community that seemingly had forgotten about football.

8. SAN GABRIEL (5-6) -- The Matadors were on the cusp of making a nice turnaround, only to lose to a questionable La Serna team in the first round of the Southeast Division playoffs. Isaac Valdez was a stud at quarterback, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards. At that rate, he'll finish his senior season throwing for over 9,000 career yards at San Gabriel. He also rushed for nearly 700 yards, making him the complete quarterback in the WSGV. Marcos Villalobos was his favorite receiver (1,000+ receiving) but it's a wonder how the Matadors couldn't do more damage in the playoffs. That's when you realize a running game can compliment and balance out a true offense.

9. RIO HONDO PREP (10-3) -- Two running backs who rushed for over 1,000 yards legitimately makes the Kares one of the top teams in the WSGV. It's likely they'd have more than a hard time beating the teams above but it's not unlikely they wouldn't give them a run for their money. Eddie Garcia was a monster on the defensive line with over 100 tackles and eight sacks and Tim Esguerra and Antonio Alanis gave Rio Hondo Prep a true 1-2 punch in the back field. Say what you want about the Kares, but with a total enrollment of only 87 students and the distinction of being the smallest school playing 11-man football in California, Rio Hondo Prep has quickly become a powerhouse among small schools.

10. MARANATHA (11-2) -- Matt Schilz threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns and Terrell Cornell caught for just over 1,000 yards. He's only a junior and he's certainly shown his potential, but who will throw to him next season? The Minutemen need a stronger preseason schedule. Playing tougher opponents certainly would have prepared Maranatha against the likes of its nemesis, St. Margaret's. Among the highly-anticipating football schedules to be released in the months ahead, I'm looking forward to the Minutemen's. But will it be too late at this point? Will it lose its luster after Schilz takes his pro-style arm to possibly a Pac-10 school? Perhaps. But sometimes it's fun to think about what could have been.

Most Valuable Player: Tra Sumler, Rosemead
Quarterback of the year: Angel Alejandre, Rosemead
Lineman of the year: Chris Flores, Rosemead

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Jose Garay, South El Monte
RB MIke Vasquez, Arroyo
RB Luke Ayala, El Monte
AP Raul LIra, Rosemead
WR Bobby Navarro, Rosemead
WR Chris Rodriguez, Arroyo
WR Manny Acosta, South El Monte
TE Luis Diaz, Rosemead
OL Javier Lozano, Arroyo
OL Julio Tena, El Monte
OL Oscar Quinones, El Monte
OL Javier Sanchez, Rosmead
K Bobby Maldonado, Rosemead

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DB Alex Chang, Rosemead
DB Chris Noriega, Arroyo
DB Fernando Noriega, El Monte
AP Mike Chavez, Arroyo
DL Edward Vasquez, Rosemead
DL Javier Lozano, Arroyo
DL Oscar Quinones, El Monte
DE Luis Diaz, Rosemead
DE Matt Philip, Arroyo
LB Cesar Chavez, Rosemead
LB Gilbert Delarosa, Rosemead
LB Joey Diaz, Rosemead
LB Mike Vasquez, Arroyo
LB Julio Tena, El Monte

FOR SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS CLICK ON THREAD

Most Valuable Offense: Dietrich Riley, St. Francis, Jr.
Most Valuable Defense: Rian Younker, St. Francis, Sr.
Most Valuable Player: Malcolm Marble, Alemany, Jr.
Most Valuable Lineman: KC Obi, Alemany, Sr.

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
OT Kris Durham, St. Francis, Sr.
OT Sergio Figueroa, Alemany, So.
OG Ian Abot, Alemany, Sr.
OG Mike Janious, Alemany, Sr.
OT Matt Miller, Chaminade, So.
OT Nick Armer, Chaminade, Sr.
OT Craig Romero, St. Francis, Sr.
RB Malcolm Marable, Aelmany, Jr.
RB Dietrich Riley, St. Francis, Jr.
RB David Metcalf, Alemany, Sr.
WR Ronald McCrory, Chaminade, Sr.
WR Chris Gant, Alemany, Sr.
WR Malik Speed, St. Francis, Sr.
K Matt Goudis, Chaminade, So.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE KC Obi, Alemany, Sr.
DT Rian Younker, St. Francis, Sr.
DT Ian Rodriguez, Alemany, Sr.
DE Mario Obando, St. Paul, Sr.
LB Anthony Espinoza, Alemany, Jr.
LB Michael Demery, St. Paul, Sr.
LB Nick Grudotzke, Chaminade, Sr.
LB Chris Cabrera, St. Francis, Jr.
DB Nick Cook, Alemany, Sr.
DB Anthony Daniels, Chaminade, Jr.
DB Kevin Garcia, St. Paul, Jr.
DB Osagie Odiase, St. Paul, Sr.
P Adrian Montecinos, St. Paul, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS

Most Valuable Offense: Isaac Valdez, San Gabriel
Most Valuable Defense: Frankie Villalobos, San Gabriel
Most Valuable Player: Ricky Mendez, Schurr
Lineman of the Year: Cesar Estrada, Bell Gardens
Coach of the Year: Ben Negrete, Schurr

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
WR Angel Sanchez, Schurr
WR Mitchell Crockom, Alhambra
WR Marcos Villalobos, San Gabriel
TE Max Ochoa, Schurr
OT Marc Gonzalez, Schurr
OT Xavier Pineda, Bell Gardens
OG Joshua Melendez, Schurr
OG Alejandro Bobadilla, San Gabriel
C Miguel Fernandez, San Gabriel
QB Darrian Cazarin, Alhambra
RB Daniel Vargas, Bell Gardens
RB Edwin Molina, Schurr
RB Albert Martinez, Bell Gardens
K Giovannia Salazar, Bell Gardens

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DT Sean Abeyta, Schurr
DT Alejandro Bobadilla, San Gabriel
DE Daniel Ramos, Bell Gardens
DE Mark Avila, Schurr
LB Robert Duran, Schurr
LB Justin Munoz, Bell Gardens
LB Heriberto Duenas, Bell Gardens
LB Edwin Molina, Schurr
LB Arthur Brown, San Gabriel
DB Carlos Arredondo, Schurr
DB Ryan Beatty, Alhambra
DB Marcos Villalobos, San Gabriel
DB Fabian Amaro, San Gabriel
P Angel Sanchez, Schurr

CLICK ON THREAD FOR SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS

What a game tonight.

La Cañada will take on Bishop Amat tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the Arroyo Tournament. I will be there on assignment bringing you all the action in Friday's paper. I hear all these things about "Bishop Amat" ruling girls basketball in the San Gabriel Valley. Well, I'll just have to find out for myself if that's true or not. I got to catch Sherman Oaks Notre Dame last night before the Monrovia-Downey tipoff. Notre Dame has a girl (No. 32 or 22) that is strong inside and talk about hops, she's got 'em. That will be a good game Saturday when Monrovia faces a formidable challenge in Notre Dame. For the record, the Lancers are 6-0 and are coming off a 73-18 drubbing over Kennedy. The Spartans are 6-1 and are coming off a 51-45 win over Flintridge Prep. Certainly, the Lancers will be a test for the Spartans and it'll be interesting to see how they respond to adversity. La Cañada is led by Courtney McCutchan's 12 points per game.

I welcome all stories from bloggers who happen to run into good reads, even if it's not from our site ;-) This read comes from The Wall Street Journal, the link sent via e-mail from a fellow blogger New York. It's a good read for parents and students struggling to get the attention of recruiters.


Above: Alisha Eckberg's family followed a Web guidebook to attract recruiters. (Michael Justice for The Wall Street Journal)

From The Wall Street Journal

Kirsten Bladek had a problem.

Three weeks into her senior season on the Monarch High School volleyball team in Colorado, the 5-feet, 10-inch setter found herself warming the bench. Her dream of an athletic scholarship seemed dead -- especially since her family couldn't afford the $1,000 or so that many parents pay these days to hire a private athletic-recruiting counselor.

But then in September, Ms. Bladek spent $39.99 to post her athletic résumé and pictures of her playing on the Web site beRecruited.com. The shots, combined with videos posted later, highlighted her ability to set the ball from in front of her forehead, with arms thrust out like Superman in flight. That display, combined with some telephone campaigning by Kirsten and her mother, got college coaches to start paying attention.

"I've been getting so many calls from random numbers, half of them I'm scared to pick up," says Kirsten, who recently took an all-expenses-paid visit to New Mexico Highlands University, where she was offered a scholarship.

Ms. Bladek's experience highlights the changing landscape of athletic scholarships. Coaches and recruiters easily notice top-tier talent in big-name sports. But mid-level high-school athletes or those in lesser-known sports often pay high-priced private consultants to connect them with coaches. With fees ranging from $700 to $5,000, the system has been expensive for students and inefficient for coaches -- who get scouting recommendations only on kids who can afford to pay the consultants.

Now, do-it-yourself services have emerged that allow student athletes to showcase their abilities for a fraction of the price. Aside from beRecruited.com, other sites include Prepchamps.com, TRUpreps.com (owned by CBS Corp.'s MaxPreps unit), ActiveRecruting.com, Collegecoaches.net and SportsWorx.com. There are also numerous sport-specific sites.

Click here to read the rest of the story on The Wall Street Journal's Website.

La Cañada Tournament

Tonight
St. Francis vs. Maranatha at St. Francis, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday's Games (All games at La Cañada)
Schurr vs. Little Rock, 4:30 p.m.
Saugus vs. Maranatha, 6 p.m.
St. Francis vs. Village Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Friday's Games (All games at La Cañada)
Schurr vs. Lincoln, 3 p.m.
St. Francis vs. Saugus, 4:30 p.m.
La Cañada vs. Little Rock, 6 p.m.
Maranatha vs. Village Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday's Games (All games at La Cañada)
Seventh-place game, 2 p.m.
Fifth-place game, 3:30 p.m.
Third-place game, 5 p.m.
Championship game, 6:30 p.m.

Freddy Robledo was all over the Greg Gano hiring like white on rice and he's revealing on his blog that Gano has already assembled a super star staff. So who's staff is better, Damien's or Bishop Amat's?

Damien supporters might be interested to know that Gano already has begun assembling his staff. Former Wilson football coach and athletic director Dave Merrill, who guided the Wildcats to a section championship in 1997, is retiring at Wilson and becoming the offensive coordinator. Former Monrovia coach Steve Garrison, who took the Wildcats to three CIF championship games in the 1990's, is also joining Gano's staff along with his longtime Los Altos assistants Lee Fair and John Howing.

So much for Garrison taking over at Pasadena. A legend leaves the WSGV.

The Star-News All Area team comes out on Christmas. Until then, I'll release All-League teams as they reach my inbox or via fax. Yes, I'm calling on you, coaches/AD's.

MVP: Marquise Williams, Monrovia
Co-Offensive Back of the Year: Scott Dooley, San Marino; Max Ruckle, Temple City
Offensive lineman of the Year: Josh Ouellette, Temple City
Defensive back of the Year: Steven Yortsos, San Marino
Co-Linebacker of the Year: Nick Conora, Temple City
Defensive lineman of the Year: Ryan Watkins, Temple City
All-purpose: Sean Denney, La Canada

OFFENSE FIRST TEAM
Thaddeus Brown, Blair
DJ Cole, Monrovia
Joey Stewart, Temple City
Morgan Hatch, Temple City
Trayvon Wysinger, Blair
Steven Colliau, South Pasadena
Michael Weston, La Canada
Joe McMahon, San Marino
Josh Lowden, Monrovia
Matt O'Malley, Temple City
Ted Kavich, La Canada
Kizz Prussia, Monrovia
Gianni Bruno-Lopez

DEFENSE FIRST TEAM
Terrell Jones, Blair
Michael Rollins, San Marino
Steven Colliau, South Pasadena
Bobby Michel, Monrovia
Robert Schwartzbaugh, Temple City
Jermaine ARnold, Monrovia
Joe McMahon, San Marino
Ben Harwich, San Marino
Grant Haggard, Monrovia
Josh Lowden, Monrovia
Joey Stewart, Temple City
Michael Weston, La Canada
Daniel Cisic, San Marino

CLICK ON THREAD FOR SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS

I know Damien is not in our area but this is huge news for San Gabriel Valley football fans. Former Los Altos coach Greg Gano has been named the next Damien High School head coach, Freddy Robledo reports on his blog. Gano, who won four championships while with Los Altos, will be introduced at the school later today. Freddy will have more in tomorrow's paper. Robledo reports: "I can tell you this, he's already assembling an all-star staff, I'll tell you more about the names when they become official. There will be some huge surprises."

Hmmm ... Interesting.

This story comes from longtime staffer Jim McConnell, the man we call, "The King" around the office. He writes a weekly Then & Now column. He gives us a bit of history today about high school basketball tournaments. It doesn't involve our area teams but it was such a great read I had to post it. Enjoy.

JIM McCONNELL

MEMO TO: High school basketball coaches and athletic directors.

RE: Basketball tournaments.

MESSAGE: If you are thinking about starting a tournament, do not under any circumstances label it a classic. A 1957 Chevy Bel-Air coupe is a classic. Your puny little eight-team tourney - jury-rigged so that the home team will always be in the championship game - is not.

There's no question today's high school basketball players - boys and girls - are bigger, stronger, faster and can jump higher than those of 50 years ago. But, somehow, the local basketball tournaments have lost a lot of their luster. December just isn't the same for hoop fans.

Back in the 1970s, the area was famous nationwide for the Tournament of Champions. That event, hosted by San Dimas High School, brought together the best teams in the state.

Tournament director Bob Espinoza did a great job of luring the top teams to San Dimas. True, the format meant that host school San Dimas was going to be routed, game after game and year after year. But, looking back, those Saints players can now tell their kids they played against the likes of Bill Cartwright, Bill Laimbeer, John Williams, etc. Who remembers scores?

San Dimas ceased hosting the Tournament of Champions in the 1980s. The T of C is still around, now based in Orange County, but it is no longer the premier showcase of prep talent it once was.

In this area, the granddaddy of basketball tournaments emains the Covina Christmas Tournament. The tourney will mark its 55th year when play gets under way on Dec. 26.

1. ROSEMEAD (11-3) -- The Panthers made an improbable run to the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game and beat two notable teams (San Dimas, Monrovia) to get there.

2. TEMPLE CITY (7-5-1) -- Under the direction of interim coach Tim Loya, the Rams played superb football the final weeks in the season before running into a pesky Paraclete team in the semifinals of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

3. MONROVIA (10-3) -- I wonder, what would happen if Temple City and Monrovia would meet again? The outcome might be the same or it very well could be different. Still, the Wildcats definitely raised the bar for next season and I know Steve Garrison was impressed with Monrovia's run.

4. RIO HONDO PREP (10-3) -- The Kares won their 12th CIF-Southern Section Division championship last week. That's only second to Long Beach Poly's 18 CIF titles. The Kares were on the brink of playing in the CIF State Small Division Bowl championship game. What an amazing season.

5. DUARTE (6-6) -- One must wonder how much better the Falcons would have been if Jordan Canada would have been healthy all season long. They could have had the No. 1 seed from the Montview League and they probably don't run into Monrovia in the quarterfinals.

6. MUIR (9-2) -- The Mustangs are still a good team despite another first-round ouster. Jarron Williams back next season will be fun to watch. He could be better than Reuben Thomas at next season's end.

7. MARANATHA (11-2) -- The Minutemen rebounded well after losing to Brentwood in the Alpha League finale and made a run to the semifinals of the CIF-SS East Valley Division playoffs.

8. SAN GABRIEL (5-6) -- In hindsight, the Matadors should have gone further in the playoffs and fared better in Almont League play. I'm expecting big things from the Matadors with QB Isaac Valdez directing the offense next season.

9. SAN MARINO (8-3) -- Things will be tough next season with Scott Dooley and Steven Wright gone next season. Steven Yortsos will anchor the defense. But as far as this past season goes, the Titans put on a great show in the regular-season. They reignited and mesmerized an entire community.

10. NOBODY -- There was not another team that could argue its way into the No. 10 spot. Can you really think of one?

Just got off the phone with Pasadena High athletic director Tony Brooks. After talking about basketball we dove into the football coaching vacancy. I tried to get names but no dice.

Brooks on how far along Pasadena is in the hiring process:

"We're looking to get the interview process in January. We've opened it up and people are turning in resumes. We're getting a lot of interest including from people back East. What we'll do is put a committee together which will consist of administrators, teachers, coaches and a returning player and maybe a parent."

Brooks on when Pasadena will make the hire:

"We want to get something done by February because that's the start of the second semester. You don't want to wait too long."

Brooks on whether the vacancy will come with a teaching position:

"Right now, hopefully it will. That'll attract more interest but that has to be solidified through the principal to try to fit that. It's always nice to have the person on campus in some capacity."

Brooks on who has applied (Brooks was asked for specific names but no luck):

"A few locals, but when we get down a little more serious - this is just collection process - and when we get down to some serious applicants and finalists I'll be happy to divulge."

In the words of Kevin Mills, stay tuned.

Alhambra Tournament
Pool A: Bonita, Warren, Santa Fe
Pool B: San Gabriel, Crescenta Valley, Northview
Pool C: Montclair, Hoover, Franklin
Pool D: Alhambra, Gabrielino, Duarte

Tuesday's Games
San Gabriel vs. Crescenta Valley, 3 p.m.
Montclair vs. Franklin, 4:30 p.m.
Bonita vs. Santa Fe, 6:15 p.m.
Alhambra vs. Duarte, 7:45 p.m.

Wednesday's Games
Duarte vs. Gabrielino, 3 p.m.
Northview vs. San Gabriel, 4:30 p.m.
Santa Fe vs. Warren, 6:15 p.m.
Franklin vs. Hoover, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday's Games
Hoover vs. Montclair, 3 p.m.
Warren vs. Bonita, 4:30 p.m.
Crescenta Valley vs. Northview, 6:15 p.m.
Alhambra vs. Gabrielino, 7:45 p.m.

Friday's Games (South Gym)
(Game 3) A2 vs. B2, 3 p.m.
(Game 4) D2 vs. C2, 4:30 p.m.
(Game 5) A1 vs. B, 6:15 p.m.
(Game 6) D1 vs. C1, 7:45 p.m.
(North Gym)
(Game 1) A3 vs. B 3, 3 p.m.
(Game 2) D3 vs. C3, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday's Games
11th place - Loser Game 2 vs. Loser Game , 10:30 a.m.
9th place - Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 1, Noon
7th place - Loser Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 1:30 p.m.
5th place - Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3, 3:15 p.m.
3rd place - Loser Game 6 vs. Loser Game 5, 4:45 p.m.
Championship - Winner Game 6 vs. Winner Game 5, 6:30 p.m.

Here's a call for all AD's and coaches to fax or e-mail tournament brackets in the area. E-mail to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com or 626.432.5248. The La Salle Tournament starts next week but you can send brackets now and post other marquee tournaments in the area here in the comment section.

In girls basketball, I need brackets for the Arroyo Tournament (Dec. 15-22); Magnolia Tournament (Dec. 13-20); Ayala Tournament (Dec. 26-30); La Canada Tournament (Dec. 26-30); and the Burroughs Tournament (15-19). Gracias.

Rio Hondo Prep claimed its 12th CIF-Southern Section championship. Is Coach Ken Drain among the best in the San Gabriel Valley? Better believe it.

....

Did Rosemead really have to play way out in the boonies?

....

Trust me, folks, it was cold. You know it's cold when Paraclete folks bring their personal heaters into the stands with them and you know it's cold when the hottest item in the snack bar is hand warmers

....

So what happened to Rosemead? Missed tackles, dropped open passes, couldn't capitalize on long drives and Paraclete's defense is that good

...

At least four Paraclete fans discussed Rosemead QB Angel Alejandre during halftime. One of them said, 'Their QB is a lot better than advertised' 'He's just finding them wide open'

....

When Paraclete fans started singing, 'Na na na na, hey hey, goodbye' some parents and the clock operator got upset and asked them to stop

Okay, lets do it again. I'll provide live blogging of tonight's Mid-Valley Division championship between Rosemead and Paraclete at Knight High School in Palmdale. It could start raining, snowing, and the wind will be blowing like crazy, so enjoy your warm little house and let us bring it to you. I'll update the boxscore as it unfolds, and offer my thoughts in the comment section during the game.

Mid-Valley Division championship
Rosemead 7 3 0 0 -- 10
Paraclete 7 7 0 0 -- 21
Scoring Summary
First quarter
PA - Dante Donato 8 run (kick good), 7-0, 7:29
RO - Gilbert De La Rosa 15 fumble return (kick good), 7-7, 4:07
Second quarter
PA - Matt Cordova 22 pass from Robbie Thompson, (kick good), , 14-7 5:15
RO - Bobby Maldonado 33 yard field goal, 14-10, :05
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
PA - Brandon Buteyn 90 punt return (kick good), 21-10, 7:42

The game starts at 7 p.m. at Knight High in Palmdale. Does anyone know if there's a press box at Knight High? I hear the school's relatively new. Also, there are no nearby locker rooms for either teams, so halftime will get chilly guys. I'm all bundled up and ready to go. Another day, another dollar. Good luck to Rio Hondo Prep. They take on Riverside Christian in the CIF-SS Northeast Division championship game. Our very own Andrew J. Campa will report from Arcadia tonight and bring you the action in Sunday's paper.

As you know, Freddy and I will be making the drive to Palmdale tomorrow afternoon for the Rosemead-Paraclete CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game. We plan to leave Pasadena around 3:30 p.m. We'll have dinner somewhere up there, most likely Coaches in Lancaster but that's still up for debate. I'm prepared for the cold but looks like Freddy is freakin out!

From Robledo's blog:

Rosemead-Paraclete on deck: Rosemead, where you taking me? This is the weather forecast in Palmdale for tomorrow night's game.
Windy. Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers...occasionally mixing with snow in the foothills late. Lows around 30. West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent. Help!

Geez, only three comments in the "Biggest disappointment this season" thread. Not sure if you guys have lost interest in my flavor or just haven't had time to tune in on the thread. To be honest, I have not been on top of the blog as much as I would have liked as we near the end of the football playoffs. Maybe I'm just being too hard on myself since I have tried to crank out three stories every day, plus the blog and putting together All-Area for football and girls tennis. Nevertheless, I have found this season to be very exciting and now that the first football season is under my belt I know I'll be more in tune and better prepared next season. The first season's always tough, right? Well, not so. Look at the amazing things Ryan Maddox was able to get done at Monrovia. A Rio Hondo League championship and an impressive run to the semifinals. It took a while for Marquise Williams, Nick Bueno, DJ Cole, Kendal Boggs and the rest of the crew to get the Wing-T down but they did and in the process raised the bar for next season. What about Temple City? The Rams also got to the semifinals despite chaos behind the scenes. Who would have known Temple City had two outstanding running backs in senior Joey Stewart and junior Max Rucklke. I'll tell ya, he'll be fun to watch next season. And the Rams return a star-studded line who are only juniors this season. Josh Ouellette is the lone senior. And if he's as good a writer as he is blocking I might be in danger of losing my job in a few years. Rio Hondo Prep has been a bit of a surprise, too. To think the team that started 2-3 heading into the Prep League is a win a way from playing in the CIF State Small Division championship, provided that St. Margaret's and Francis Parker both lose in Saturday's CIF-Southern Section and CIF-San Diego division championship games. What a season.

It's not until the last second with the game tied when you realize how much the kicker means to the team.

Through the upright, he's the hero.

Misses wide, hangs his head low in disappointment.

Rosemead High School football coach Matt Koffler has always emphasized the importance of special teams which makes the kicker an essential part of the group, too.

Senior Bobby Maldonado, a soccer-turned-football player, has done quite alright for himself.

He has been the kicker for the Panthers varsity team since making the team his freshman season, which will culminate Saturday night at 7 when Rosemead plays Paraclete at Knight High in Palmdale for the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game.

In each of his seasons, Maldonado has tallied at least 50 points and this season he's amassed 80 points. Along the way he's had the fortune of winning games when the

Panthers relied on his right foot. More often than not he's come through.

"He's just a stud," Koffler said. "He's one of those guys that although he's a kicker he shows up every day.

"He's very accurate at what he does and we're huge on special teams and we need to have a good kicker; he's one of them."

The playoffs haven't been too kind for Maldonado.

He missed two PAT's against San Dimas two weeks ago and he missed a 52 and 35-yard field goals last week against Monrovia in the semifinals.

But much of it is attributed to a San Dimas lineman rolling on his kicking foot, which swelled up leading up to the Monrovia game. His foot is fine now and despite the injury and the few misses in the playoffs, Maldonado keeps his confidence high. He knows he has the support of Koffler and his teammates.

"We think he's one of the best, if not the best, kicker around," Koffler acknowledged. "He's a very special punter and very special place-kicker.

"Most of his kickoffs head to the end zone and most people don't realize what he does."

The Panthers will rely on Maldonado's leg to sail the ball into the end zone on kickoffs and punts in an attempt to prevent long run backs on special teams.

"We want to control the field some how and how we control the field is make sure you're excellent in the kicking game," Koffler said. "If we can make teams go the long distance, 80 or 70 yards, then we want them to do that instead of 40 or 50-yard drives; that's why we concentrate the kicking game so much."

PAYING TRIBUTE

When long-time Rosemead wrestling coach Louie Madrigal passed away about eight months ago, and former head coach Jim Zant died from a car accident six months ago, Koffler wanted to honor them in one way.

Madrigal coached wrestling at Rosemead for 30 years and Zant coached the Panthers to the 1982 CIF championship.

You'll notice a green "JZ" and a black "LM" on the back of the Panthers' helmets, Koffler's way of honoring the fallen heroes. Why green for Zant?
He was a huge Notre Dame fan.

Oh, he was Irish, too.

Not sure what was expected from Pasadena this season, but they were not the only team that flopped this season. Just off the top of my head I can think of Muir and Alhambra. The Bulldogs had a lot of depth entering the season but for one reason or another they just couldn't connect the dots. Their offense was sporadic at best, though Pasadena did give Muir a run for its money in the Turkey Tussle. Speaking of the Mustangs ... They played impressive in the regular season but when it came time to walk the walk in the playoffs Muir fell apart. Alhambra had a stud wide receiver and a good quarterback in Mitchell Crockom and Darrian Cazarin but the tandem couldn't lead the Moors to a playoffs appearance and finished near the Almont League cellar. Here's hoping these teams get it together next season. Any of you got info on the Pasadena situation? Folks over on Sierra Madre are keeping mum about the situation. What about Tim Loya as the new head coach of the Bulldogs?

As you all numbingly know, high school football is still alive with Rosemead and Rio Hondo Prep playing for a CIF division championship against Riverside Christian and Paraclete, respectfully. Add the fact Keith Lair is on a week-long vacation and you've got a one-man show here on Lake and Colorado, which is keeping me real busy with football. I'm counting on you soccer freaks to keep us abreast of what's happening in high school boys and girls soccer. What key games/tournaments will be played in the following weeks and who should I keep an eye out on. When I'm done selecting the All-Area team for football I'll be all over this puppy with soccer and basketball notes.

Here is the Star-News boys soccer top 10 rankings:

1. St. Francis
2. Pasadena
3. La Canada
4. Monrovia
5. South Pasadena
6. Arcadia
7. San Marino
8. Blair
9. Muir
10. Temple City

Here is the Star-News girls soccer top 10 rankings:

1. Flintridge Sacred Heart
2. Arcadia
3. Monrovia
4. La Salle
5. La Canada
6. Pasadena Poly
7. Alverno
8. Maranatha
9. Westridge
10. South Pasadena

Above: Eddie Garcia finds inspiration and a good role model close to home -- his mother.

These are the kind of stories that just melt your heart, and stories like these are what I truly enjoy writing about. It hit especially close to me when interviewing for this story. I had a single mother who raised three of us, and at one point were homeless for two weeks; we lived in the street for a couple days. I told Eddie Garcia's mom that everything would be OK one way or another. My mom made it and it is why I'm appreciative and admire single mothers. Behind every good man stands an even greater woman, and that woman was my mom.

HOMEGROWN INSPIRATION
Rio Hondo Prep's Garcia looks to mother as example

By Miguel A. Melendez
Staff Writer

Since he was 3 years old, Eddie Garcia always saw a familiar face working up a sweat.

It was his mother, Martha, who often worked long hours, and it wasn't unusual for her to take up an extra one or two part-time jobs in addition to a full-time job to make ends meet.

It was that kind of determination and sense of urgency that Garcia admired and emulated.

"You raise me up so I can stand on mountains."

He's in his final year at Rio Hondo Prep, where he's not only taken advantage of every opportunity but also been at the forefront of everything he's been involved with, whether on or off the field.

The Kares hope Garcia doesn't let up Saturday night at 7 when Rio Hondo Prep hosts Riverside Christian in the CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division championship.

Garcia was voted toughest player on the team by his teammates last season, and he's known for his intensity. It's no surprise, then, why he leads the team in tackles (77) and sacks (4) this season.

"He's the backbone of the team," Rio Hondo Prep coach Ken Drain said. "He's what keeps us together out there."

But when it comes to his mother, Garcia is about as sensitive, appreciative and loving as one can be.

"You raise me up to walk on stormy seas."

Martha came to the U.S. at an early age after leaving her native Oaxaca , Mexico. She raised Aurelia, 21; Connie, a senior at Rio Hondo Prep; and Garcia, 18, by herself since her divorce when Garcia was 3. Garcia's father has since started a new life in Minnesota, and Garcia said he has little to no contact with him.

"But she's been there all the time," he said. "I don't know what we'd do without her."

The family of four lives in Monrovia. They don't indulge in much, except when it comes to education.

"We don't have much and we're not rich, but I always wanted them to have a great education," said Martha from her home.

"When they started, I wasn't sure how I'd pay for it, but I knew I would have to find a way."

Matt Koffler received a letter earlier this week from Derek Bland who helped the Panthers win the 1982 CIF championship (For the record, that's a year before I was born).

Just about an hour ago, I got a call from a fellow Rosemead alumnus who wanted to get in touch with Koffler and send an e-mail or a letter.

Mike Prunk, 53, graduated from Rosemead's Class of 1973 and played linebacker for the Panthers' varsity team in 1971 and was captain in 1972.

Prunk played quarterback his freshman year (then it was called the "C" team); played center on the "B" team his sophomore season. In the middle of Prunk's junior season, fellow teammate Jim Wyatt was involved in a serious car accident. Prunk broke into the starting lineup and Rosemead advanced to the semifinals of the Division IV-A playoffs where they lost to Bishop Amat. John Sciarra was the quarterback for the Lancers that season before going on to star at UCLA and the Philadelphia Eagles (Sciarra's son, Justin, was the St. Francis quarterback this season).

During Rosemead's run to the semifinals, Prucker recalls numerous pep speeches but one he remembers is that of Wyatt whose speech was recorded from his hospital bed replayed during a team practice.

"He gave a heck of a speech," Prucker said. "That one sent chills down my spine."

Had the Panthers beaten Bishop Amat that year, Rosemead would have played in the championship game at the Coliseum. In the semifinals, the Panthers had two touchdowns called back and lost by a touchdown to the Lancers. Rosemead lost to Santa Maria in the second round the following year in which Prucker was selected All-CIF, All-Western San Gabriel Valley and defensive back of the year.

When Prucker attended the 50th reunion he saw many of his former teammates there, and it was at that time he learned he'd been inducted into the Rosemead Hall of Fame.

"It was a great team but we never made it to the finals," he said. "It was nice to see them again. I know Rosemead doesn't have a lot of kids to choose from and when we played we were small but quick and wouldn't take no for an answer, the same as these kids."

Prucker said it's unfortunate the game is so far away. He would have liked to see the game closer. Many of the 1973 class who played for the Panthers currently reside in Glendora, including starting quarterback Tom Chrom, backup quarterback Pete Talley and defensive lineman Jeff DeSalvo.

It's always nice to remember your roots.

"You media types are such DORKS! When in the cold, layer up ... The cold will mostly affect those not in the game: reserves, coaches, fans, and the whimpy media (who are making too big a deal out of this!)."

--The Ice Princess, on "Rosemead football gets winter gear" thread at 1 p.m.

So I got a lot of heat for writing that Rosemead will play in frigid, yes frigid, temperatures against Paraclete at Knight High in Palmdale on Saturday night for the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship. I wake up this morning to turn on my favorite morning news show and waddaya know?!?! I find this! Like I said, I'll take my hot chocolate with four marshmallows, por favor.

A "FROM THE SIDELINES" EXCLUSIVE

It's been four days since Temple City interim football coach Tim Loya left the field since the Rams lost a thriller, 27-6, against Paraclete in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

After us reporters got done interviewing him we asked Loya to make sure he'd come back. Why wouldn't you want a guy like Loya to stick around. If there are such things as a players' coach, Loya quickly assumed that role for reporters, too.

Loya's response to the media after the game was he'd been overwhelmed. Not by the responsibility that it takes to be a head coach but the logistics of getting to time on practice after battling through traffic to Temple City from his work as a worker's compensation specialist in Glendale.

"The situation itself never overwhelmed me," Loya said. "We all shared the responsibility. It's hard when you're not a teacher; when you're not on campus full-time. It makes it difficult for us walk-on coaches to leave the job and to leave for practices on time. It makes it really really hard and that's what makes it so tough.

"You end up driving all over the place and having to rush things to make it to practice and I've been doing that for a long time."

So what has Loya thought about since he left the field last weekend?

ABOVE: Raul Lira (No. 11) watches a play from the sideline.

There have been heroes and unsung heroes along the way.

Raul Lira has quietly clocked in and out for Rosemead High School.

The senior has become a fixture in coach Matt Koffler's lineup at wide receiver. Don't forget returning punts and kickoffs, too.

He's returned six of them for touchdowns and averages nearly 31 yards per catch this season.

And whoever said fútbol and football don't mix couldn't have been more wrong.

Lira is on the Panthers soccer team.

But more impressively, this is his first season playing varsity football.

His near-30 yards per catch could be an added weapon for Rosemead when it travels to Palmdale to play Paraclete on Saturday night at 7 at Knight High School in the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game.

Lira initially tried out for the football team his sophomore season but decided it wasn't for him, yet.

When he came to tryouts this spring Koffler didn't think he'd make an impact, at least not initially.

"He came in this season and stuck it out," Koffler said. "First year guys don't usually do good their first year because of the physicality of the way we do things but Lira responded very well. He's helped us big time."

Lira has spent time with the track and field team and it was in soccer where he not only built his stamina from running the entire game but also learned to play physical, something he quickly adjusted to while playing for the Panthers.

WESTMINSTER -- The last time Rio Hondo Prep won a CIF-Southern Section football championship was in 2005.

At the time, Antonio Alanis, Tim Esguerra, Eddie Garcia and Julian Hernandez were playing on the freshman squad.

They witnessed the glory that is high school athletics.

Three years later, Alanis, Esguerra, Garcia and Hernandez found themselves at the center of it all when they attended Monday's CIF-Southern Section football press conference and luncheon at the Rose Center in Orange County.

Some teams came in shorts, polo shirts and tennis shoes but the Kares players looked gentlemanly and royally, wearing white collar shirts and a tie tucked inside their black, cotton vest that had an "RHP" crest on the left pocket-side.

Rio Hondo Prep coach Ken Drain has been to quite a few of these. One of his assistants, Mark Carson, also attended but, along with Esguerra, couldn't contain themselves from taking a picture of the guest speaker.

USC football coach Pete Carroll took the podium and out came the digital cameras. Carroll's presence in the podium commanded attention, enough for Esguerra to put down the brownie ice cream sundae and take a picture of Carroll.

A surreal experience it was for the seniors.

"Pete Carroll was here so that was pretty special," Drain said. "It's always kind of the same routine but for the kids it's a fun experience."

But Monday's luncheon wasn't the ultimate stop. It was just the beginning of what lies ahead.

The Kares will play host to Riverside Christian on Saturday night at 7 in the CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division championship game.

The road to the title game wasn't all glitz and glamour. There were some squalor times, too.

UCLA-bound linebacker Todd Golper (Arcadia) underwent surgery on his knee today. The surgery went well. Doctors at UCLA were able to repair the meniscus by suturing it back together. The recovery time will be longer (initially expected to be ready to run by January) but more successful in the long run. The MCL and partial PCL tear will heal itself. Doctors said he will be able to start running on it by mid-March and Todd plans to be fully ready to go by the time he reports to UCLA spring camp in late June. Will Golper restore Bruins football tradition back at UCLA? I hope so.

During the first half of last week's Rosemead-Monrovia game, I walked the home sidelines keeping stats. During halftime, I headed over to the visitors side and talked with a few people before the second half got underway.

Some quick observations:

For one, there were WAY too many people on Rosemead's sideline. Among the masses there I saw three Schurr football players, some assistants from San Gabriel and Alhambra and way too many fans that needed to be in their seats.

Walking the sideline was also St. Paul head football coach Pete Gonzalez. But what struck me as odd was St. Paul defensive coordinator Gil Jimenez on the rise with a Rosemead assistant coach. Jimenez was yelling down plays to the Panthers D-coordinator. I, along with my colleague Andrew J. Campa, saw Jimenez relay plays for the better part of the second half. Others from the Mid-Valley News also saw him and it struck them as odd, too. We wondered if there was some sort of CIF rule barring coaches from other teams helping out. We couldn't think of one but brought up whether it was unethical. It's one thing for a former coach walking the sideline to yell out plays but it's another thing when a coach is up on the high-rise just short of putting on headphones. So if Rosemead wins does that mean St. Paul gets credit for the win, too? That was the initial thought when I found out Jimenez was a coach at St. Paul, but then the Mid-Valley News guys and I figured Jimenez was probably an old friend of Koffler.

I brought up the subject with Rosemead coach Matt Koffler earlier this morning. Turns out Jimenez was part of Rosemead's 1982 championship-winning team, the lone year the Panthers won a CIF football title. As an alumni, Jimenez simply was helping out the school where he once played. Well, that explains it, I guess.

"NY's idea of sending someone up to check the field conditions is a good one. I hope Koffler is wise enough NOT to let this become a distraction, just because the media sees it as one."

--Goldenarm

I have no idea what you're insinuating, Sir Goldenarm. But an issue Rosemead coach Matt Koffler had was the temperature up in Palmdale. I've been up there plenty of times and I reminded Koffler about the conditions. He was aware of it and was hoping someone would donate winter gear for the Panthers.

Koffler & Co. got their wish.

Rosemead football will have winter gear donated and it is in the process of being order as we, uh, speak. The athletic department and the school figured out a way to get them the gear and Koffler was ecstatic about that. For the record, the gloves (above) and thermo (below) are just pictures, not the actual gear Rosemead will don Saturday night. The Panthers will get gloves, thermos and jackets that surely will help keep them warm.

We're beginning the process of picking the Pasadena Star-News' 2008 All-Area football team. 12 on offense, 12 on defense, an all purpose and the player of the year for a total of 26 all-area players. Also, don't forget the coach of the year, another tough task. I'll list the positions, you fill in the blanks, por favor...

First Team Offense (13 players)
Player of the year: ?
Coach of the year: ?
QB - 1
RB - 2
AP - 1
WR - 3
OL - 5
K - 1

First Team Defense (12 players)
DL - 3
LB - 4
DB - 3
SS - 1
P - 1

WESTMINSTER -- Before the start of Monday's 33rd CIF-Southern Section Football press conference and luncheon, two foes met to discuss specifics.

Near the corner of the Rose Center's ballroom, Rosemead High School football coach Matt Koffler sat with his contingent as they listened to Paraclete coach Norm Dahlia talk about the best way to get to Knight High School, home of Saturday's CIF-SS Mid-Valley Division championship game.

Among other things, Dahlia suggested restaurants Koffler and the Panthers could eat before -- and possibly after -- the game, slated for 7:30 p.m., in Palmdale.

One factor Koffler couldn't get over was the fact frigid temperatures are expected Saturday night. In an effort to anticipate the cold temperatures in December, the Panthers have practiced at night the last three weeks, but perhaps nothing will prepare them for the high 20's and low 30's temperatures come game night.

When asked if he'd consider taking the team to Palmdale for one walk-through to get a feel for the environment, Koffler noted it wasn't entirely his decision.

"That would be at our principal's (discretion)," he said. "I think we should get some thermos donated from our ASB (Associated Student Body) office over there.

"I'm trying to make it the best experience our kids can have, but I think the school should purchase us some thermos, some gloves, some jackets and a room to stay."

Koffler, of course, was joking about the school purchasing a room for Rosemead to stay in Palmdale on Friday night.

Long-time preps sportswriter Gerry Gittelson of the L.A. Daily News lost his job last Thursday. I never met him but I've read his byline since I was in high school. He was a colleague of my former roommate, Ivan Orozco, who also lost his job in a round of layoffs a few weeks ago at a paper owned by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Gittelson, one of the hardest working prep writers in Southern California, wrote this in his final blog.

Well, this is my last Blog. I was informed today that I've been laid off from the Los Angeles Daily News because of ongoing budgets cuts.
A huge part of me is devastated, of course, as i've put my life and soul into being a sports reporter through the seasons. But I'm also just grateful and happy to have had a chance to do what i love for so long, and to have been able to enjoy being a writer because it's really been a pleasure. I've never thought i worked a day in my life. That's how much I love writing. I'd like to thank my editor, Vincent Bonsignore, who has been a great co-worker and a great friend since the day I arrived at the Daily News as a Friday-night stringer in 1997. I'd also like to thank all my other good friends at the newspaper -- Gene Warnick, Rich Hammond, Kevin Modesti, Chris Hart, Erik Boal, Ramona Shelburne, Jack Pollon and so many others. And I am forever grateful to former Daily News staffers who helped me along the way, especially Eric Sondheimer, who I've tried to emulate at every turn, along with Mike Anastasi, Michael Rosenthal, Darrin Beane, Rick Hazeltine, the late Matt McHale and all the others who've touched my life.
It's a new turn, a new chapter. God only knows what will happen next, but for some reason i know it's going to be OK.
I'd love to keep in touch with everyone. My email is gerryg123@hotmail.com
All the best forever and ever,
Gerry Gittelson

I covered the Monrovia-Duarte quarterfinals game a few weeks ago. It was too cold for my liking. It must have been in the low 50's. My hands were numb and I could barely keep stats and notes as my penmanship went from nice to one of a first grader. The more I thought about it the more glad I was about not leaving SoCal for a job as a sportswriter at the Indianapolis Star.

But when it became clear Rosemead would be playing Paraclete in Saturday's final in nearby Lancaster, I couldn't stop thinking about the weather. I know Rosemead coach Matt Koffler would like his team to have thermos and gloves provided by the school's ASB. You folks making the trek from the San Gabriel Valley to Knight High in Palmdale better bring some hot chocolate (I'll have mine with four marshmallows) because the temperature that night is expected to dip to 32 degrees. It's going to be 24 degrees on Sunday night!

As you know, Rosemead is a Tribune and Star-News school. Last week, Freddy and I agreed that if Rosemead advanced to the final and played at Paraclete we'd both cover it. When I walked into the West Covina office this morning, Freddy laughed and pointed at me but I wasn't having it. Freddy wanted to balk about taking the trip but he conceded. Even now he jokingly said I could handle writing two stories by myself up in Palmdale while he took the day off. For the record, he's agreed to tag along and carpool to Palmdale early in the day. But lets find out what you guys think and have to say about it.

(UPDATED 2:27 p.m.) Riverside Christian will play AT Rio Hondo Prep at 7 p.m. (NOT 7:30 p.m.) and Rosemead will play against Paraclete at Knight High School in Palmdale. The lunch at the CIF luncheon was very very good: Tri-tip, chicken salad, noodles, baked potatoes and fudge brownie ice cream for dessert. So much for watching my diet today. Got chance to talk with Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton after the luncheon. I mentioned I had been right on all my second round predictions through the finals in four divisions. Layton excitedly said, "Oh good." Uh, not so. I have Charter Oak beating Diamond Ranch in Friday's finals. I'll be there to blog live for Robledo. I'm cashing in on a free Subway sandwich from a co-worker who bet De La Hoya would win. He's out $5 now. I'm back from taking a look at my new apartment-to-be (I hope) in old town Pasadena. Anyway, I'm in the office and I'll release the comments that have made their way to the black hole).

Last week: I'm not going to gloat (stop laughing) but I have gone unbeaten in my second round through finals predictions in the Mid-Valley, Northeast, Southeast and Western divisions. The only division I missed a few games was in the East Valley Division, but I did have St. Margaret's beating Maranatha in the semifinals and the Tartans winning the whole thing, again, and again, and again.

This week: We (and by we I mean me) will have daily coverage of the two remaining area teams: Riverside Christian at Rio Hondo Prep in the Northeast Division and Rosemead at Paraclete in the Mid-Valley Division. The Kares will play at home while the Panthers travel to play Paraclete at Knight High School in Palmdale.

Saturday's games with predictions:

Mid-Valley Division -- Rosemead vs. Paraclete at Knight High School in Palmdale, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Rosemead)

Northeast Division -- Riverside Christian vs. Rio Hondo Prep, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Rio Hondo Prep)

Behind the visitor's stands was a house with Christmas decorations, two snowflakes and a "Go TC" in green lighting.

About half a dozen people stood and watched from the roof that overlooked the Temple City High School football field.

They witnessed a near-flawless first half for the Rams, who had just about everything go in their favor.

But then came the fireworks just before the start of the second half. It proved to be a bad omen for Temple City, and everything that could go wrong for the Rams did.

Paraclete's smash-mouth style of play in the second half paved the way for a 27-6 win over Temple City in Saturday's semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

The Spirits (10-3) will play Rosemead (11-2) in next week's title game at a neutral site in Lancaster.

Paraclete senior running back Brandon Buteyn rushed for 153 yards on 22 carries, but quarterback Robbie Thompson completed 7 of 8 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown and ran for a 55-yard score with 4:04 left in the second quarter to give Paraclete a 7-6 halftime lead.

Temple City (7-5-1) kicker Drew Tinsley kicked a 25-yard field goal with 3:30 left in the first quarter and had a 41-yarder with 6:39 left in the second quarter to give the Rams a 6-0 lead.

Joey Stewart helped set up the last field goal when he ran back a trick play 55 yards after a 12-yard completion from Morgan Hatch to Gianni Bruno-Lopez.

But the Rams' failure to capitalize on two possessions inside the Paraclete 20-yard line
ultimately caused them the game.

Paraclete went on a 13-play, 57-yard drive to start the second half, and Thompson capped the drive with a 2-yard run.

That drive took almost eight minutes off the clock and gave the Spirits a 14-6 lead.

Thompson completed a 10-yard pass to Lavonte Barnett for another score with 1:18 left in the third quarter to make it 21-6.

Just as time was running out in the fourth quarter, Hatch lobbed a pass to Max Ruckle.

But he fumbled on an attempted lateral and Brandon Owen returned it 18 yards for the score with no time left.

It was the first time the Rams advanced to the semifinals of the divisional playoffs since 1998. The last time Temple City reached the finals was in 1984.

Rams interim coach Tim Loya said the run was overwhelming and added the squad will only get better next season.

Saturday's final with comments coming soon:

PARACLETE 27, TEMPLE CITY 6 -- The story I wrote does no justice to the game. I was unaware of early deadlines on the weekend. But not bad a story for having only 19 minutes to write it, eh? What a game. Temple City should hold its head high and be proud of what it accomplished this season. The Rams rose from the ashes in a season many expected Temple City to do little damage; the playoffs weren't even something many outside the Rams circle thought could be done. The first half was an unbelievable atmosphere on the home side. Bruno-Lopez with a lateral to Joey Stewart who returned it 55 yards to Paraclete's 13. Two field goals was all the offense the Rams could get out of some long drives, and it didn't cut it Saturday night. Paraclete played completely different in the second half. They pounded the ball, chewed major time off the clock and kept pounding away. But the Spirits had three turnovers in the first half and against a team like Rosemead it's just not going to cut it. Rosemead will walk over Paraclete next week, 45-10. On fourth down and a few yards to go, Paraclete opted for a 41-yard field goal attempt. I asked Spirits coach Norm Dahlia what was up with that. I told him most coaches would have taken a knee given there were only 10 seconds left in the game. His response was he wanted to give his kicker some confidence after missing two field goals last week and I believe another tonight. Nonetheless, he praised Tim Loya for his effort and said the Rams were very well-coached. I agree. I don't know what the future holds in store for Loya but someone needs to give this guy a job. Pasadena? Who knows, but he is smart, cordial and an all-around good guy. He said he's not interested in a head coaching position but think of how much he'd serve the community and the kids if he were to dedicate his time to full-time coaching. Oh the possibilities.

RIO HONDO PREP 28, LINFIELD CHRISTIAN 21 -- I heard this was a controversial game, so I'm hoping some Rio Hondo Prep peeps can fill us in. I'll have more on this after I talk to Ken Drain at Monday's CIF luncheon. Freddy and I will be there and report with stories in Tuesday's paper. That's it for me folks. I'm outta here. It's been a long day with being at the Rose Bowl since 9:30 a.m. Talk to you guys in a few days.

WHO: USC vs. UCLA

WHEN: 1 p.m.

WHERE: The Rose Bowl

LINE: USC by 33

The last UCLA-USC football game I attended at the Rose Bowl was when Skip Hicks and Cade McNown led the improbable comeback to beat USC in double overtime. If you don't remember, Hicks on the first play from the scrimmage ran 25 yards, breaking several USC tackles. To me, that's one of the most memorable games in UCLA football history.

Things won't look so rosy for the Bruins today, but I'll still be decked in UCLA gear and sit on the 50-yard line, 21 rows up by tunnel 4. I'm taking my brother with me, a USC fan, and we'll have a good time. We plan on getting there around 9:30 a.m. for the pre-game party.

There's been a lot of talk about both USC and UCLA will wear their home jerseys in the same game for the first time in 26 years.

USC will be penalized one timeout at the start of the game for doing it. How nice of Rick Neuheisel to agree to immediately call a timeout to make it an even playing field (Yeah, I laughed at the last three words of that sentence, too).

With red jerseys out on the field maybe UCLA QB Kevin Craft won't throw as many interceptions. If he does it can get ugly.

After the Rose Bowl I'll head to the office, change and head to Temple City. Will the shoe fit for the Rams or will midnight strike early?

Friday's semifinal scores
Rosemead 16, Monrovia 6 -- What a season for the Wildcats. A lot of people expected them to do little in the Rio Hondo League after a sluggish start but Maddox got things rolling. He was patient, smart and won his players over; they bought into the system that got them all the way into the semifinals of the CIF-SS playoffs. Maddox was not out-coached by no means. Rosemead simply had too much in the trenches and Tra Sumler kept pounding away, en route to 315 yards rushing on an insane 38 carries and two TD's. Aside from one monstrous run (a 66-yard score), Sumler didn't do much but he kept pounding the ball for 5-10 yards that would amount to his insane yards. Neither quarterback was a factor in the game. Marquise Williams rushed for 110 yards on 17 carries and scored a TD. How lucky for the WSGV to have two very good RB's in our back yard.

St. Margaret's 63, Maranatha 0 -- St. Margaret's is just a beast, simply put. Is this game still considered a rivalry? I'll leave that up to you guys to decide. The question now is where is Matt Schilz headed? I hope he goes to a Pac-10 school so we can keep tabs on his career. Good for him to have played injury-free. I wonder how much damage the Minutemen could have done with Schilz in the lineup last year. Joel Murphy is a classy coach and like he said, it's time to look forward to next season. Hope you seniors had the ride of your life.

After watching my UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, I'll head over to Temple City and cover that game. Lots and lots of football for me this week. I can't believe I get paid $$$ for this.

CLICK HERE FOR SCORES!!

Saturday's semifinal games with predictions:
Paraclete at Temple City, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Paraclete)
Linfield Christian at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Rio Hondo Prep)

On paper, Monrovia and Rosemead high schools look evenly matched. But make no mistake, both teams are different in their own unique way.

Payback will be on the mind of one team and perhaps redemption on the other when the Wildcats play host to the Panthers on Friday night at 7:30 in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

It's no secret both teams are fueled by a relentless ground attack.

Marquise Williams wearing green for Monrovia and Tra Sumler wearing maroon for Rosemead.

Williams relies on his quickness and ability to exploit open holes while Sumler is a specialist at bouncing off tackles and muscling his way down the middle.

Both teams will attempt to establish the run, and it'll be interesting to see how the oppressed team responds when the holes are nowhere in sight.

Enter the quarterbacks.

Senior Angel Alejandre is averaging 176 yards passing per game and has 2,110 yards on the season with 16 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Sophomore Nick Bueno has held his ground, passing for 1,001 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Those numbers, however, can be deceiving.

"Alejandre is a senior and very good quarterback," Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox said,
"not that our quarterback isn't. We've asked (Bueno) to do less than Rosemead asked
Alejandre to do, but both quarterbacks are very good in the system that they run.

"With (Bueno) we have him do a little less and as he matures we are asking him to do more and more."

"(Bueno) does a good job of scrambling when he goes back to pass," Rosemead coach Matt Koffler said. "He really hurt us in Week 2. He can make some plays but the other running backs, not just Marquise, do a good job for them. We know we're going to have our hands full."

Though Rosemead and Monrovia both are run-oriented teams, the Wildcats rely more on a ground attack than the Panthers do.

But despite the lower numbers than Alejandre, Bueno certainly is more than capable of catching defenses off guard with his deft passing ability. That Bueno's numbers are lower than Alejandre's is by plan.

"Our offense is based on deception and taking what they give us," Maddox said. "we run plays to exploit that, whether it's with our run or pass."

The argument has been made the Panthers are much more physical up front on both sides of the ball.

"I would not agree," Maddox said. "I think they're a physical team but we're just as physical."

The key to coming away with a victory?

"It's going to come down to the team that makes least mistakes," Maddox said.
A lot has changed since Week 2 when Rosemead handed Monrovia a 42-21 defeat, a game in which Sumler did not play the second half after a first-half ejection.

"We've grown as a football team since then and I'm sure they have as well," Maddox said.
Despite the No. 1 seed, Monrovia is aware of the tough task at hand.

Added Maddox, "Rosemead's the most complete team we've played all year."
Despite beating the Wildcats in Week 2, the Panthers didn't earn a seed but at this point of the season it's not a big deal.

"The seeding wasn't a big deal," Koffler said. "We approached every game like it was a championship game because that's what it is.

"Now we're looking at Game 3 in a championship environment."

Now that's a big deal.

That's my buddy Steve Fryer, the face of The Orange County Register. He is not only a great friend but a mentor (In my first summer at The Reg four years ago, Fryer said I reminded him of ESPN.com's Mark Stein, who worked at The Register in his younger days before hitting it big time. Naturally, I almost couldn't breath after that kind of compliment).

Now that I got the Kleenex-grabbing disclaimer out of the way lets get to the good stuff.

Fryer has provided bulletin board material for Orange County teams since even before I was born. And now he's spreading the "love" over to our picturesque side of town by providing "bulletin board" material for Maranatha. It should be noted I've done my fair share of providing bulletin board material for the Minutemen, too.

BUT NEVER ON VIDEO!!!!

Click here to watch video of The Orange County Register's Steve Fryer and Dan Albano discuss the Maranatha-St. Margaret's game in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section East Valley Division playoffs. For whatever reason, the audio is not as good as they usually are, so throw on some headphones to listen better. Despite mangling Matt Shilz's name in the video, Dan Albano, another good friend, defends Maranatha in the video but in the end votes for St. Margaret's.

Click here to view the St. Margaret's-Yucca Valley quarterfinals box score.

More from OCVarsity (The Register's high school website):

MARANATHA (11-1) VS. ST. MARGARET'S (12-0)
Site, time: St. Margaret's High, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: The top-seeded Tartans can tie Mission Viejo's county-record winning streak of 41 games with a victory. St. Margaret's notched the 14th victory in the streak against with a 21-20 victory against Maranatha in the '06 Northeast Division final. The Tartans also beat Maranatha, 56-14, in Week 2 last season. Last week, St. Margaret's defeated host Yucca Valley, 17-6. The 11-point margin of victory was the smallest of the season for St. Margaret's, who had two touchdowns nullified by penalties. The Tartans are allowing an average of 4.9 points a game. The defense will be tested by Maranatha quarterback Matt Schilz, who has passed for 2,553 yards and 28 touchdowns. Schilz had committed to Kansas State but is reportedly now looking elsewhere. Last season against St. Margaret's, Schilz suffered a broken femur early in the game. Schilz's top target this season has been receiver Terell Cornell, who has 60 catches for 1,019 yards. Maranatha's lone defeat came in the Alpha League to Brentwood, 24-0.
St. Margaret's played last week without standout running back John Murayama (hamstring). The junior is questionable to make his first playoff appearance Friday, Tartans coach Harry Welch said. Fillmore plays Twentynine Palms in the other East Valley semifinal Saturday.
DAN ALBANO/OCVarsity

*This post is not limited to only football. Chime in on girls volleyball, boys water polo, cross country and girls tennis.*

We're a few weeks away from publishing our All-Area team as well as our coach of the year and player of the year. (What do you guys think about a Mr. SGV award? Just a though)
The conversation about who should be player and coach of the year have been discussed here in the office and you'd be surprised if I told you what people are whispering. When I was at the OC Register I had my own criteria for picking my All-County soccer and tennis teams. What criteria should be used here? I'll be making my selections next week but here's your chance to have your say on the Best 11 this side of the 626.

Above: Sherman Oaks Notre Dame quarterback Ryan Kasdorf was named the Gatorade California Football Player of the Year on Wednesday. (Lori Shepler/Los Angeles Times)

The Sherman Oaks Notre Dame junior quarterback passed for 3,291 yards and 36 touchdowns. He led Notre Dame to an 11-1 record, winning the Serra League title.

He also had a 3.75 grade-point average, which is an important component of the Gatorade player of the year evaluation procedure.

He now becomes a candidate for Gatorade national player of the year. Last season, he led Notre Dame's sophomore team to a 10-0 record.

Click here to read the rest of Eric Sondheimer's story in the Los Angeles Times.

I know what you're thinking.

Are you crazy, Miguel? How can it be an upset when Monrovia is the No. 1 seed?!?!

Well, that has no barring on the question as I'm sure you've all equated when comparing both teams.

We all know Rosemead deserved at least the No. 2 seed, and given the Panthers handed the Wildcats a whoopin' in Week 2, Rosemead has the slight edge heading into Friday's game.

The Panthers bolster arguably a much more physical line on both sides of the ball, as one commenter noted on another thread.

We all know the matchup among the running backs and at this point it seems to be a clear tie among Marquise and Tra. Someone else brought up a very good question: Which RB has a better supporting cast.

Lets start by comparing the QB's:

Angel Alejandre, Sr., Rosemead = 137 completions; 208 attempts; 2,110 yards; 175.8 yards per game; 16 touchdowns; 3 interceptions

Nick Bueno, So., Monrovia = 66 completions; 120 attempts; 1,001 yards; 83.4 yards per game; 10 touchdowns; 3 interceptions

Both teams are run-oriented teams, though the Wildcats tend to run/pass 65-35. The Panthers are not as heavy but the run certainly dominates the play selection.

Should one team find a way to clog the box and shut down the run they'll have to opt for the pass before it's too late. In this instance, the Panthers get the edge, again.

So if Monrovia beats Rosemead, is it an upset?

Yep.

Above: Flintridge Sacred Heart will be led by, from left to right, Samantha Norton, Pip Harragin, Bianca Garoian, Sinead Fleming and Isabelle Johnson.

They're back.

Some of the West San Gabriel Valley's best high school soccer players return for their senior seasons. Their junior and sophomore years, too.

It's a time of optimism and a time to build in preparation for the start of league play and the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.

Last year, the best playoff finish was made by La Salle, which reached the quarterfinals.

A look at the Top 10:

NO. 1 FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART -- It's about the young and old.

The Tologs return eight seniors. They also have eight incoming freshmen on the roster. Only one player from last season's JV team, which went 14-3, made it to the varsity squad this season.

"The best players play, regardless of class," co-coach Frank Pace said. "We have a lot of really good freshmen."

The Tologs, who went 12-7-4 but lost in the first round of the CIF-SS Division I playoffs last season, return a defense that has had 21 shutouts in the last two seasons. That includes Sinead Fleming and Pip Harragin. Fleming has signed a national letter of intent to play at New Mexico next season. Harragin has signed with UC Davis.

Senior Samantha Norton and sophomore Natalie Zeenni, who transferred from Arcadia, are also on defense. Junior Danielle Molina is back at defensive midfield. Junior Dominique Oro returns to goalie, but she is being pushed by two players. Senior Catherine Yonai was supposed to be the starter last season, but she had shoulder surgery and missed the season. Freshman Lindsey Espe is also challenging for playing time.

"We really like competition at every position," Pace said. "It makes our team better."

Among the newcomers is freshman midfielder Tera Trujillo, who is a member of the U.S. Under-15 national team, and forwards Katie Johnson and Breena Koemans.

But they could be struggling to find playing time, even though the Tologs lost All-Area Player of the Year Carter Vettese. Senior Isabelle Johnson is back; she was the second-leading scorer behind Vettese. Senior Bianca Garoian also returns.

Pace shares the coaching duties with Kathy Desmond, who is entering her 14th year with the program.

I can't imagine any empty seats or standing room for this week's showdown when Rosemead visits Monrovia at 7:30 on Friday night in the semifinals of the CIF-SS Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

In last week's quarterfinals, Duarte had plenty of seats available on its home stands while there barely was standing room on Monrovia's side. Must have been cozy over on that side.

But for those who get stuck without a seat or give up looking for parking at or near Monrovia High, be sure to check out our blog for live updates from all-around sports guru Andrew J. Campa who will lend a help while I track down the story, stats and tidbits.

Aside from quarter-by-quarter updates, we'll deliver updated scoring summaries and real-time updates on the comment section. If you have a question leave a comment and I'll hunt down an answer.

Like John Legend's new song, I'm ready to go right now!

For those who call in results for boys and girls basketball, soccer, and wrestling, we're returning to traditional box scores on Thursday. We simply get more names in the paper this way. Please have the normal information available when you call in results to 626-962-8811, Ext. 2213 or 2242. If you choose to email in results, please do so within 30 minutes following the game to scores@sgvn.com.

To think, the Temple City High School football team potentially could have been a coin flip away from missing the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
Yes, it was that close.

But Tim Loya, the Rams offensive coordinator-turned-interim coach, made the call, a gutsy call that paid off in more ways than one; it also instilled confidence in the players whose season seemingly was on the line.

Temple City scored in the final two minutes against La Cañada in the regular season finale, but the Rams still trailed, 14-12.

"We knew that a win would get us in," Loya recalled. "But at that point we needed to get the tie to avoid the coin flips."

Loya opted for the two-point conversion.

The rest is history.

Temple City went on to finish second in the Rio Hondo League, and in two days the Rams will play host to Paraclete at 7:30 p.m. in the semifinals of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

Temple City is on a magical run, perhaps the "Cinderella" team of these playoffs, yearning for midnight to strike no earlier than a week from Saturday.

The magical ride has been a near indescribable experience for Loya, who took over on an interim basis after head coach Randy Backus was put on administrative leave.

"It's pretty surreal, yeah, that's the best way to put it," said Loya in his first lengthy interview Wednesday morning. "It's happening so fast that you don't really have time to digest it. It's been a fun ride and the kids are enjoying it and playing football for themselves, as they should be.

"They're high school kids, they should enjoy the experience, and that's what matters."

For seven years, Loya has been Backus' top assistant, making the calls on offense.

But despite being thrust into the interim head coach position and earning praise from colleagues for his poise, composure and soft demeanor, it's the behind-the-scenes role that Loya relishes most.

"When I coach I do it for the kids, and that's truly what I enjoy," Loya said. "It's never been about having my name in the paper or a win-loss record, that's never been anything I've ever wanted.

"I feel confident in my abilities as a coach, but there's a lot of other things that go into it."

With Backus out for the time being, the Rams coaching staff has suddenly dwindled to just three. Mike Cable and Marti Valdez round out the rest of the coaching staff.

"Marti and Mike have been absolutely great," Loya said. "None of this would be possible without them. A lot of the credit goes to them."

What makes it even more difficult is that none of the current assistants, including Loya, are teachers or employees of Temple City High.

"Being (Backus) was the only teacher on campus and the defensive play-caller, he mattered more than what you'd actually think," Loya said, "and now that he's gone there's only three of us. That's been more difficult with him not being around."

Despite compiling a 2-0-1 record since taking over and slowly making a name for himself,
Loya has all but ruled out the possibility of taking over the program or being a head coach elsewhere.

"I never wanted to be a head coach," he said. "I've never even considered it for one second. (Backus) is still the head football coach."

The seniors have taken it upon themselves to avoid a let down. And although it happened in the first round against Arroyo and escaped with a 7-6 win, Loya said they turned it around during practice later that week, en route to an impressive 17-0 win over highly-touted Azusa.

"This particular group of seniors have gone through a lot since before last season began," Loya said. "They went through the whole spring and summer without a head coach, then Backus got diagnosed with cancer and missed a couple of games in the season, and some how (the seniors) have never taken a 'Why me?' attitude.

"They've been through a lot in two years and after what happened a couple of weeks ago they're rallying behind themselves, if anything else."

All of last week, leading up to its game against San Dimas High School in the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoffs, Rosemead football coach Matt Koffler heard it from just about every place he went.
Nico Barbone this. David Joseph that.
All the while the Panthers boasted one of the premier running backs in the San Gabriel Valley in senior Tra Sumler, who was ready to tear up the field with his bruising physicality and elusive speed. But despite routing the Saints 59-22, the running back versus running back debate will continue when Rosemead takes on Monrovia at 7:30 p.m. Friday in a semifinal showdown. The Wildcats, who defeated Duarte 41-21, are led by Marquise Williams, who rushed for 233 yards and scored five touchdowns in the victory. "Those two guys are special," Koffler said, "so I don't think it should end."
But the reality is it will end for one team this week.
And aside from relying on Sumler, who also scored five touchdowns in his team's win Friday, and a balanced attack with quarterback Angel Alejandre, the Panthers will need their defensive line to continue its dominating performance, which hides week after week behind the Sumler shadow. "Our defense has been overlooked all year," Koffler said. "Our defensive coordinator and our defensive line are just phenomenal."
Marc Paramo is the defensive coordinator in his second season with Koffler, who
credits Paramo for a superb defense that limited San Dimas' offense to 22 points after it averaged more than 30 a game. "He deserves all the credit in the world," Koffler said. "When you stop a team that's averaging 30 points a game, that's pretty special."
The defensive line is anchored by seniors Edward Vasquez, Armando Avila and Chris Flores, along with junior Luis Diaz. "Without them it doesn't work," Koffler said.
The Rosemead coaching staff didn't watch Paraclete beat Northview 14-0 in last Saturday's other quarterfinal. "I did not watch it and I did not have any coaches at that game," Koffler said. "We are taking this one game at a time and our main focus is Monrovia, a team we definitely cannot overlook."

NO. 1 MUIR -- In Northwest Pasadena, the rich do indeed get richer.

"I think we will be better than last year," Mustangs coach Gary Johnson said. "We're going for that ring."

That's a lot to back up, considering Muir went 14-0 in the Pacific League, reached the CIF Division I-A semifinals, losing to Mira Costa 49-44, and then advancing to the CIF State Division III Southern California championship game, losing to Magnolia 40-39. The Mustangs finished 28-3.

"We expect great things in CIF and State," Johnson said.

It helps that 6-foot-1 senior center Brittnay Henderson and 5-8 swing Eliza Pierre are back. Both committed to Division I programs during the early signing period; Henderson to Kentucky and Pierre, rated the No. 2 point guard in the country by ESPN, to Cal.

"I definitely think it will help them because they can avoid the hype of who's watching them and what kind of scholarship they are going to get," Johnson said.

The Mustangs also picked up 5-9 junior Taylor Gomez, a transfer from Artesia. Senior Kiarra Day will see ample playing time and Paige Robinson will play point guard. Marty McClendon, a 5-11 junior forward/center, and Taylar Mills, a 6-0 standout hurdler on the track and field team, join the squad.

The Mustangs open the season against Magnolia on Monday in the Troy Tournament.

"We want our revenge," Johnson said, with a laugh. "No, we want to play all the good teams. It makes us better."

Click on thread for the rest of the Top 10

From Rivals.com

It looks like it's going to be back to the future for Kansas State football.

Matt Schilz has opened up his recruiting after being a long-time K-State commitment.
When Kansas State made its run toward to the Big 12 championship it did it with a dual-threat quarterback and it looks like that's the direction the Wildcats will go under again coach Bill Snyder.

K-State has informed Maranatha three-star quarterback Matt Schilz that a change to a dual-threat system will be made now that Snyder is now the coach, compared the pro-style offense run under former coach Ron Prince.

"After speaking with the new K-State coaching staff and learning they plan to run the option offense, Matt has decided to look elsewhere," Schilz's mother, Staci, said Tuesday afternoon.

"He feels that type of offense is not a fit for what he does best as a pocket passer. He is excited to look at other schools."

Schilz, who is the nation's No. 34 pro-style quarterback, had been a long time Wildcat commitment.

He originally picked the Wildcats over interest from Oregon State, San Diego State, Washington State and SMU. Schilz is having an excellent season and should become one of the West's most heavily courted quarterbacks.

He's led Maranatha to the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section East Valley Division playoffs after a 23-22 overtime win last week against Big Bear. He's thrown for 2,553 yards and 28 touchdowns.

So who is the better running back, Rosemead's Tra Sumler or Monrovia's Marquise Williams? That's like asking what runs better, a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. Both are seniors and led their respective teams to a league championship. But here are how the stats break down on the powerful backs:

Tra Sumler = 229 carries; 2,026 yards; 8.85 yards per carry; 184.2 yards per game; 26 TD's

Marquise Williams = 225 carries; 1,966 yrds; 8.74 yards per carry; 163.8 YPG; 24 TD's.

Williams needed at least three games to get used to the Wing-T, which isn't as easy to grasp. You can make the argument that Sumler did not play the second half against Monrovia, and he also didn't play against Harvard-Westlake as he served a one-game suspension for his ejection in the Monrovia game. Hmmmm...

Paraclete football coach Norm Dahlia was kind enough to take some time off and speak with me to talk some football.

As you know, the Spirits visit the San Gabriel Valley again this weekend when they take on Temple City at 7:30 p.m. in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

Dahlia didn't straight out say it, but they're reading the blog from way up in Lancaster. He said he's been to Temple City and knows how loud the crowd can get out here.

On paper, both teams arguably look evenly matched with the exception that the Rams throw the ball a lot more than Paraclete.

This game could go quick with potent running backs at each team's disposal. The key to winning Saturday's game?

"Just staying consistent and lack of turnovers," Dahlia said. "The turnover battle is the most important battle in the game because it's a huge momentum changer, especially when we're playing at Temple City and I've been there in the past and the fans rally around the team."

I told Dahlia I was at the Paraclete-Northview game and commended his large contingent on the other side of Covina District Field, and that's when I found out Dahlia does indeed read the blog.

"I thought it was kind of cute that someone mentioned we brought half the desert," he said. "We have 800 students at our school and we are competing schools of (bigger) size and our parent following is huge with a lot of our sports so we trust that our parents are going to travel, that's been a tradition."

Dahlia was alluding Goldenarm's comment when he wrote in the Saturday Morning Quarterback Postgame thread, "Paraclete had major fan support last night, 1/2 the desert was in the stands."

NO. 1 PASADENA -- The Bulldogs finished 22-6 overall last season and won their fourth consecutive Pacific League title. Pasadena has lost just one league game the past four seasons.

But despite all the regular-season success, the Bulldogs were ousted by Arroyo Valley in the second round of last year's CIF-SS playoffs.

"We're optimistic about this year," Pasadena coach Tim Tucker said. "We think we'll have a great year with a number of players returning.

"We have the size and one of the bigger teams in high school basketball."

The Bulldogs will be led by San Jose State-bound Joseph Henson, a 6-foot-9, 255 pound senior who will provide an intimidating presence in the front court.

Henson had an outstanding sophomore season before injuries plagued his junior year in which some major Division I schools pulled the plug on their recruiting interest.

But Henson fought his way back into what may be the best condition of his life.

"It's probably the first time the kid has been in shape," Tucker said.

Henson recovered from hip surgery and earned a scholarship. He signed with San Jose State just a few weeks ago.

"The kid has come back strong and lost all the baby fat," Tucker added. "A lot of schools liked the fact that he got back in shape, but he chose San Jose State because they stuck with him. It shows his character."

Henson will have plenty of good company in the front court with 6-foot-9 junior Steven Adams, who grew three inches in the offseason, and 6-foot-6 small forward Tyler Slye.

Adams is considered one of the best power forwards in the country and is ranked No.4 in the nation in his class by some recruiting publications.

National powerhouse Kentucky and just about every Pac-10 school, including UCLA, have taken a look at Adams.

Slye brings a Michael Cooper-esque style to the Bulldogs this season, and he even wears the same number (No.21) the former Lakers standout and Sparks head coach wore as a Bulldog.

Pasadena hosts the fifth Rose City Classic, a tournament that features the best teams in the Southland. Among some of the best players showcased will be UCLA-bound forward Tyler Honeycutt, who will lead Sylmar.

The Rose City Classic, won by the Bulldogs the past two years, runs through Saturday with the championship set for 8 p.m. at Pasadena.

For the rest of the top ten, click thread

Last week: You know the story. Yours truly went unbeaten last week and was the only one who picked Monrovia (over Duarte); Rosemead (over San Dimas); Temple City (over Azusa); Rio Hondo Prep (over Boron) and Maranatha (over Big Bear). With the exception of the East Valley Division, the semifinals I predicted last week will be played this weekend. Who's the rook' now? Hope you guys had a great holiday weekend just like I did. Nothing beats four days off, so I'm ready for some more futbol, I mean, football.

This week: Well, the story is about to end for some of you. It will be the final football game so go out there and soak the experience. It was a nice run for the Westside given this season was supposed to be a "down" year, especially in the Rio Hondo League. Freddy is taking Rosemead as a two-touchdown favorite (I say the final will be Rosemead, 21-14) and Paraclete as a three-touchdown favorite (I say the final will be Paraclete, 38-10).

GAME OF THE WEEK
Rosemead at Monrovia, 7:30 p.m.

Friday's semifinal games with predictions:
Rosemead at Monrovia, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Rosemead)
Maranatha at St. Margaret's, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (St. Margaret's)

Saturday's semifinal games with predictions:
Paraclete at Temple City, 7 p.m. -- Melendez (Paraclete)
Linfield Christian at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m. -- Melendez (Rio Hondo Prep)

MID-VALLEY DIVISION
Semifinals: Rosemead over Monrovia; Paraclete over Temple City
Championship: Rosemead over Paraclete

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Semifinals: Charter Oak over Rowland; Diamond Ranch over West Covina
Championship: Charter Oak over Diamond Ranch

NORTHEAST DIVISION
Semifinals: Mojave over Riverside Christian; Rio Hondo Prep over Linfield Christian
Championship: Rio Hondo Prep over Mojave

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
Semifinals: St. Margaret's over Maranatha; 29 Palms over Filmore
Championship: St. Margaret's over 29 Palms

WESTERN DIVISION
Semifinals: Mira Costa over Palmdale; Quartz Hill over Alemany
Championship: Mira Costa over Quartz Hill