Football: The (real) final top 10 rankings explained
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.
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
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Thank you for a great post
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The majority of MHS parents are great, you always have the pyscho 10% at every school.
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Football Man:
Why all of the problems with Scott Galetti?
He did a great job with his coverage here and he is a great guy. What is your problem???
Football Man:
Why all of the problems with Scott Galetti?
He did a great job with his coverage here and he is a great guy. What is your problem???
Football Man,
If that schedule is correct for M-town - Wow and excellent.
Observantcat, what does Maranatha’s struggle against La Salle have to do with Monrovia’s ability to beat St. Margaret's? Are you saying that Monrovia would simply walk through St. Margaret’s the 3 time CIF and small school State Champions? That’s a pretty brass statement there, would love to see it happen. If the game were to be scheduled, I wonder who the pressure would really be on?
Miguel;
Monrovia High 2009 Schedule
Arcadia
Duarte
San Dimas
Rosemead
La Salle
Rio Hondo League
Sounds like an up-grade....
New York:
At the beginning of the season if you recall, Maranatha struggled to beat La Salle and Monrovia could have realistically beaten La Salle by more than sixty points if the coaches chose to do that. But in all fairness to St. Margerets they just play a better style of football over there compared to over here. I still think that a Monrovia or Rosemead would have handed them their walking papers but their athletes are far more prepared than a La Salle or Maranatha.
MHS Supporter;
Scott Galleti is a JOKE.Thank Goodness for the Fresh new guy.UTEP!WOW they sure must have been desperate up there in El Paso.Sorry saw his name and just brought back a bunch of horrible memories.Hope he learns from the $h!tty job he did down here..
New York, I'd love to see St. Margaret's play Rosemead or Monrovia for that matter. From the looks of their two very close wins in the playoffs, they seemed to have issue with teams that are very physical, Yucca Valley 17-6, 29 Palms 17-3. Which are totally the make ups of Rosemead and Monrovia. I think that those would be two very excititng games to watch, heck even playing TC would be a banging game as well. (Miguel, you still OC pull or ties right? Why don't you give Coach Welch a call, see what he thinks)
Once MHS players believe that they can be just as physical (like the game I witnessed up in Big Bear) then their chances of being able to compete with St. Margaret's (for an entire game) will improve. Until then or when CIF decides St. Margaret's needs to move up (Crespi) things will stay pretty much the same. Good season but no prize at the end of it.......
Observer, you are so correct. There just is no pleasing many of the parents of MHS but what are you going to do. Everyone has the right to come on here and “vent” their frustrations and lobby for their kids to get more playing time.
MHS has come a long way in a short time, 3 playoff appearances in a row and yes we got routed by the eventual champions (as did everyone else) but that’s football.
I am very excited to see what MHS does this upcoming season with what should be a solid senior leadership class one that was totally missing from where I was sitting this past season.
I wish everyone would just give it a rest and move on. MHS can’t change anything that took place last season except learn not to put all their eggs in one basket and from what I am hearing Coach Murphy has already been receiving many applications and that major shake ups in the coaching staff on both levels are in place for the 2009 season, so we will see.
Stay dry, be safe and Merry Christmas to all………..
New York, my answer for solving St. Margaret's is simple....KEEP PLAYING THEM!!!!
Hey Miguel, what difference will a tougher pre-season make? A tougher pre-season does not necessarily guarantee you anything, you still have to step on the field and get it done. Are you saying games played in zero, week 1 or so on will benefit you in weeks 11,12,13,14? Have you looked at St. Margaret's pre-season schedule lately? not really something to brag about, if you have a team and coaching staff that dedicates itself in the off season like St. Margaret's obviously does, then you have no worries come playoff time. Do you really think Coach Welch wants to take a chance at having his OC undefeated record setting winning streak put in jepardy? I think not......
Miguel,
Where do you think St. Margaret's (small school champ)would finish on this list? Which teams in this top ten would have beaten Maranatha 63-0?
You Maranatha fans are impossible to please. I've said this before, but if Coach Murphy ever gets annoyed of you, he's more than welcome to come to Cat country.
Think about what you're saying MHS supporter. You're calling an 11-2 year a "disapointing year" and you're already ripping your own team to elevate someone who in all likely hood is your own kid. Wow, kind of pathetic! The whole soft schedule is a little played out considering they beat quality teams in the playoffs. St. Margaret's ripped them a new one, along with every other team so get over it.
Maranatha, I've also said this before; stop being a bunch of spoiled brats and enjoy the fact that your program is doing better than ever. I usually like to read stuff about the "Natha" but you parents piss me off.
MHS Supporter,
What is the answer for getting past St. Margaret's?
Regarding Maranatha...It was a bit of a disapointing year because their "weaker" schedule did not help them and they relied too heavily on their athletic ability and did not play smart enough.
Miguel, I'm surprised you have not read the recent history of Maranatha but they had good Sophomore QB last year named Danny Beckwith who was one of their leaders last and this year as a captain. He should be their QB next year and if so, should do a better job of leading his team than Matt. He is not as tall and is not at trained but has the drive and leadership ability it takes to help his team succeed. He can run better than Matt and he has a strong arm. So there you go. Just in case Scott Galetti didn't fill you in, that is some MHS recent history.
Miguel,
Your last two sentences about Muir hit the nail square on the head....I couldn't have said it any better myself. Btw, I think the only one who didn't "get" the first "final poll" was your boy Madd Dogg....I know, I know, I wasn't surprised either.
goldenarm,
At the Monrovia/TC game, Bueno only threw 4 passes, of which 2 were dropped.
So Coach Welch now has TWO state bowl victories while coaching at schools at different ends of the spectrum (Canyon beating De La Salle) and now St. Margaret's? Impressive is an understatement.
Does St. Margarets have the potential to turn into a powerhouse? I suppose that would be a decision that its administration needs to make. They would need to consider opening up the admissions a bit.
I know this is not an SGV topic, but considering the number of times Maranatha has played this team over the past three seasons I think it is relevant.
As a TC supporter, the toughest loss this season was not to Paraclete, but to Monrovia.
The Rams easily played good enough to win, with our O-line in a gritty battle all game with M-towns tough D-line and excellent backer corp. Ruckle had something like 175 yds, and Joey Stewart was battling for every inch on every carry.
Our stubborness to throw long balls into a waiting, sitting back secondary hurt us. Other than that, we played excellent defense - including 0 completions and one INT for Bueno.
The RHL MVP was thee difference. His two spectacular 80 yard runs, each the first play following a missed field goal, captured and sealed the victory for the Wildcats. There is absolutely no doubt M-town would not have won this game without these two plays accounting for 160 plus yards. MW was an absolute game-changer.
Congratulations to Mr. Marquise (Rufus) Williams.
MIQUEL,,,,,,,,,
With a deadline flamethrower burning your nalga, you get no Pulitizer prize. However, given time to collect your thoughts and facts - I can easily see why PSN sent you over to HR to get an employee badge.
This is some great stuff. I think it holds promise for all of us hoping for bigger and better things from PSN in 09. Your comments without question show you have learned about area teams, coaches and players...not secondhand info, but stuff that shows you know how to get in the mix.
Early season, you got thrown into the fire, stumbled out and landed in Buffalo dung....but have come through it looking like a bald-headed journalist of respectable skill.
Next year will be great. Glad you will be covering it all.
King
I caught some of that on Prime ticket, UNREAL.
Hamilton was a good team...but made to look bad, because of a ferocious defense and precision-run offense courtesy of SM.
Some of the trap blocking and zone flood pass patterns were just incredible. Unstoppable stuff. Speed everywhere on SM.
Did you notice all the helmet headsets?
I am thinking about going tonight (800pm) to Carson to check out the "open" division game - LB Poly.
Good rankings. No longer a good blog. Your antics and arrogance spoil the spirit of what Fred used to lead.
Miguel:
It's Joe McMahon not Jim...
This St. Margarets team is good...I mean real GOOD!!! they make this Hamilton team look like a JV squad...big ups for representing So.CAL!!
Miguel:
I liked the other one better. Just the thought of Stang Fans facial expression of thinking Rio Hondo Prep was ranked higher than his beloved John Muir was enough to keep a smerk on my face. Now you have restored his little confidence. Also, if you waited just a little while longer, things were starting to heat up with Golden, Real and a few others. Well good job in your rookie campaign.
P.S. Next season try not to give "Francis" so much love. Spread the love a little. Rio Hondo League might be your stomping grounds next year.
No arguments about these rankings, they fit the bill.