Koffler: "Jimmy (Arellanes) is my dog. He understands what we have over here. It's more of the prep writer over there who hypes them all the time, but (Arellanes) knows what type of talent we have here." .. Oh yeah, it's on!
Northview coach Jim Arellanes on Rosemead's Matt Koffler relishing the role of underdog: "I'm sure he is saying that, that's his deal. He did that when we were at Rosemead (as teammates) and I'm sure he's going to continue to do that. But I don't buy it, they have some significant talent on that side. We talked the other day, we didn't have as sharp a practice as we have been. We're like 'Hey guys, we're not just going through the motions, we want to have fun, but at the same time we want to win.' Our guys understand that, they want to represent our side of the Valley. I don't buy into that underdog role at all, they have some players."
Matt Koffler's response: "Jimmy (Arellanes) is my dog. He understands what we have over here. It's more of the prep writer over there who hypes them all the time, but (Arellanes) knows what type of talent we have here. We do use the underdog role because we're never favored in any game, that's according to the prep writers on that side; not you because you called it last year, and you were even new to the area and were pretty much right on. It's someone else kinda writing the hype."
Inevitably there was going to be a response from Robledo: That is what Rosemead coach Matt Koffler told Star-News reporter Miguel Melendez after I promptly predicted a 35-14 East victory tomorrow night in the Hall of Fame game. So Koffler, err Coughler called me out, well Koffy should know I make these predictions when you have guys from the East who compete for CIF championships in bigger divisions and win, and because the East had won six straight until last year and is 17-10-2 overall. Besides, is it any secret the football on the East side of town is not only stronger at the top, but has more more parity than its west counterparts? To say the east should be favored is a no-brainer.
Uh, oh! Them sound like fighting words ...
Koffler is referring to my picking Rosemead over San Dimas in the second round of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs. Robledo picked San Dimas to win and win bad. Robledo had to eat his words all the way to Lancaster in sub-freezing (at least it felt that way, anyway) temperatures.
Robledo's prediction: East wins, 35-14
Melendez's prediction: West wins, 21-17
By the way, Robledo and I made a bet the Star-News All-Stars would beat the Tribune All-Stars in the annual basketball classic a few months ago. Of course, I won, but there was never a payoff set. This time I'm pressing on a payoff so lets see if Koffy's favorite prep writer east of the 605 comes up with something worth shaking hands for.
30th HALL OF FAME GAME
WHEN: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bassett High
WHO: East (coached by Northview's Jim Arellanes) vs. West (coached by Rosemead's Matt Koffler)
LAST YEAR: The West snapped the East's six-game winning streak last year, winning 34-14 behind South El Monte wide receiver Tommy Cogburn, who stole the show with three touchdowns.
SERIES: East leads, 17-10-2
RELATED LINKS
HOMEGROWN INSPIRATION: Rio Hondo Prep's Garcia looks to mother as example (Star-News)
By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer
ROSEMEAD -- As talented as his all-star squad may be in the backfield, Rosemead High School football coach Matt Koffler is equally as excited about the West's talented corp of receivers.
Expect to see an assault through the air as well as on the ground when East meets West in the 30th annual Hall of Fame Game at 7:30 Friday night at Bassett High.
Sure, the West team has two talented running backs in Rosemead's Tra Sumler and Monrovia's Marquise Williams, both of whom can leave tire marks all by themselves.
Williams rushed for 2,051 yards and scored 25 touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoffs.
The low-key Williams has strong shoulders to stiff-arm defenders with ease, and speed to breakaway down the middle.
Sumler was one of the premiere running backs in the San Gabriel Valley, with speed and strength that seemed unmatched by the opposition. He rushed for 2,451 yards and scored 33 touchdowns last season, averaging 190 yards per game and leading the Panthers to the finals of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs.
But lurking in the background and waiting for a chance to shine are others, such as South El Monte's Manny Acosta.
The 6-foot-3 wide receiver had 63 receptions for 1,138 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Acosta's decorated high school career includes first-team All-Mission Valley League honors in football, and second-team All-San Gabriel Valley Tribune honors.
He was a three-sport athlete this past season. In basketball, Acosta led the Eagles to their third straight league titles and his third straight league MVP honor. He was selected to play in the Tribune/Star-News All-Star Game after averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds, both team highs.
Acosta recently was named Male Athlete of the Year by the Tribune.
"We have a lot of good receivers," Koffler said, "but you look at a kid like Acosta and you can't help but think of what amazing things he can do on the field."
Not to be outdone
Rio Hondo Prep, the only CIF-SS school under 150 students that plays 11-man football, was the lone team in the West San Gabriel Valley to bring home a CIF title last fall.
Leading them there was Eddie Garcia, voted the toughest player on the team by his teammates last season after leading the team in tackles (77) and sacks (4), good for second- team All-Star-News honors.
Lost among the giant masses of players who are bigger, stronger and faster was Garcia's infectious smile.
"Tired," said Garcia as he walked off the field after a recent practice. "But it's fun."
miguel.melendez@sgvn.com
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About this blog
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
RHL,
I heard TC's running the SPREAD offence?
That makes no sense at all...
With the O-line they have returning?
I don't know that's just my opinion.
How physical can you be in that style offence?
UN-CHARACTERISTIC!
Moorland (sp?) is the head coach. I don't know if he's any good as a coach but his combined Rio Hondo League record is bad according to maxpreps. 6-18-1 in five years is really bad. That's as far back as it goes. He might be a nice guy...but that record shouldn't cut it. Mooney has a proven track record. I'll be surprised if Moorland can withstand the pressure of coaching with he "that yells all the time." Especially if they're stealing players from Muir. No reason to lose in the RHL if that's true.
It'll be an interesting year in the RHL. I like Monrovia to win it again. TC to finish second. If TC let's their OL play physical football, they could win it. It looks like business as usual in the RHL.
Who is the head coach at San Marino...all we hear about is Mooney.
TommyT,
Correct, he will be a sophomore next year.
It may be that the senior Do saw the TC program as a bit unstable, and thought it best for the younger brother to play for MM at SM. That is speculation and a guess on my behalf.
Most know what a great multi-sport athlete his brother Wil was. A big asset to TC athletics.
Wow, $15,000 for track uniforms? Must be awfully nice ahaha. Anyways, I don't think Coach Zubia is on the varsity staff at SM because all the Varsity coaches i've seen are the same ones of years past.
Goldenarm,
You might be right about Do being the corner I was referring to; considering how good his brother was a few years back, I wouldnt be suprised that his younger brother is starting by his sophomore year. I think he'd be a sophomore by now? Correct if I'm wrong
Coach Mike Knowles was fired from Muir. Then they hired a snake. The snake was a moron who stepped into the spotlight with no head coach experience. The snake lost a meet to Hoover HS for Muir's 1st time ever. The snake purchased uni's for just under $15,000. Why? The snake lost some more track meets. The snake promised the kids many things. And the snake kept losing and losing. At the end of the year the snake quit. Was anyone surprised? Now the snake is at San Marino HS where he coaches football. And the snake has lured some Muir kids down there with him. Is anyone surprised? We all know what happens when you lie down with snakes. Oh yeah, those kids are track guys anyway and not real football players. Good luck to them all. Except for the snake.
Whistle Blower
even "if" (and a big "if" it is ) something borderline
wishy washy were happening at SM...lilely it won't hit the radar or cause even a ripple.
Apparently Jordan Canada's transfer has CIF just barely sniffing the air...and that is a BIG, HUGE, program changing kind of transfer...even with the talent already there.
San Marino did not like going 8-0 and then fizzling out like a wet Piccolo Pete at the end. They are going to come out fast again this year. They actually have depth it appears - and are extremely well coached.
I know I am saying it again, but the RHL winner this year is going to be a very good team. One that will do well in post season. Monrovia should be favored, but by no means is a lock.
SM has a pipeline and are aggresively adding some names....
Tommy Titan,
I am wondering if the kid you describe is the younger brother of Williams Do....... I am guessing it is. I am going to miss the hideous, yet welcome screeching of his dad, Mr. Do senior...yelling Go Raaaaaaaaaaams!! and dancing with the cheerleaders, etc.
Mooney yelling??? He always could get a point across.
I got a chance to see San Marino and there were indeed a couple transfers with the team. I think one of them was Carlton from Muir but I'm not sure who the other one is. They can definetely fly but I don't know how in the world they'd get a transfer. The funny thing is is that even with them Maranatha handled them pretty easy. I actually think overall though we're going to have a pretty good season and surprise some people. Now, if Coach Mooney can just stop yelling every second of every practice and actually teach these kids what he knows, we'll be in even better shape.
Easy to get transfers and cheat when you OC is the Asst. Principal. Sam Marino Sold its soul to the devil.
btw, what were the result of the east vs west game??
hey !stang! and Goldenarm:
I saw both of the san marino passing league games against alhambra and maranatha, and i saw 2 muir athletes there, but i am not certain that they have officially transferred to san marino. But from what i saw, they arent the "top receivers" as they didnt do anything special. However, there was one kid on SM who plays left cornerback and he was just dominating all the competition. He didnt go against Crockom of Alhambra, and he locked it down, allowing only 1 5 yard completion. Against Maranatha, he was extremely physical, sometimes drawing anger from the natha team. The reciever he covered was a good 4 or so inches taller and he still locked it down. Miguel, you should look into this. If he's any indication of the SM defense, things look good for the Titans!
!stang!
may be some truth in that one
Miguel, I heard that one of muir top WR has transfer to San Marino. Any titian fans know how true this is?
I
Miguel, I heard that one of muir top WR has transfer to San Marino. Any titian fans know how true this is?
I
Chase Rettig has been offered by Boston College according to Scout. Good luck to the kid, regarding his future but he should've stayed at La Salle so we could've seen him play one more season.
Goldenarm,
The arcadia kid you are referring to is Taylor Lagace, I believe...maybe I missed spelled his last name. He played varsity last year as a freshman when the team lost just about everyone. He's not bad. He has a golden chance to make some waves in the pacific league this year. The only thing hurting him is basketball, that I can see. He is one hell of a basketball player, but I hope he realizes he can be a better at football, maybe at the D1 level. There are too many of his types in basketball, but very few in football.
The line is solid this year. Arcadia will make the playoffs but i don't know how far, however the year after this season, 2010, I can see them making a run for a CIF championship.
Seems like the HOF Commitee and the rosemead staff rather bring kids in fro LA city and provate schools than local talent. it kills the spirit of the game and destroys what it was made to be. all those st. paul kids played on the east side a few years back now they r on the west teams while local players are in the stand watching their senior year dissappear
After getting past round 2 for the first time in a decade, no TC'ers on the roster.
Rather than selecting from out of area, - somebody at TC - should have made this right and given another senior Ram a shot at playing by submitting some back up names. Gianni-Bruno Lopez, Antuan Roy, Nick Conora, Ryan Watkins...there were others besides Josh O who had All-RHL and/or ALL- CIF credentials.
Hype or no hype -
Sumler and Marquise Williams in the same backfield....is worth a ticket alone
3 schools beginning with "A" with a much improved football season ahead:
ARCADIA
ALHAMBRA
ARROYO
APACHES have a slew of good receivers, large and small and whomever said Garrett Tuck will make impact this year....was right on the money. His drop, his release and his confidence look primed. He throws well on the run or roll. Arcadia may have a jewel in their midst with this kid. Wide outs look good. Pesky,lightning quick, thin black haired kid (name unknown) is big time elusive. Arcadia loves the out and up, and especially that combo pattern that puts stress on the cornerback to choose quickly between short and long man in the flat....that play is gonna get them some 6's this year.
If their line is as good as they say....Apaches are definitely reloaded. NOTE: Bald head of RB under hat on Arc sideline...a definite plus as well to Coach D's coaching crew.
ALHAMBRA
At least 5 top notch receivers to throw to. A BIG backfield again - with a bruising (Wilson)agile kid, that is a load to tackle. Large grumpy lineman abound.
Should the Moors get a nasty defense together, this could be the year of the blue/gold. Reudaflores needs to generate the team unity that lacked last year - and eliminate senseless penalties.....with that -this bunch makes a serious playoff run.
ARROYO
27 returnees, many starters return. Rivera is throwing the long ball well. On the 18th of July, we get a look at the Knights line crew...that should narrow it down. Plenty of talent and toughness...not alot of size in the defensive secondary, but aggression not lacking.
In that pic, did that Arroyo guy get run over?