Above: The St. Francis offense lines up against Crescenta Valley last Friday night (Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer)
STAR-NEWS TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Miguel A. Melendez
1. St. Francis (2-0) — Turns out CV proved to be more than a worthy opponent. St. Francis was challenged, and just like Apache Joe called it, this was one was close. St. Francis might get another tough one this week against Burroughs. Despite the close win, it’s my assessment the Knights are the area’s best team, though the Wildcats are closing in and closing in fast!
2. Monrovia (3-0) — So much for last week’s “showdown.” The real showdown is Friday night at Monrovia where the Wildcats, No. 1 in the Mid-Valley Division, play host to No. 2 San Dimas. We’re going all out with this game: photographer, videographer and one of Southern California’s best journalist, Scott French. You can bet San Dimas is wanting to get its hands on Monrovia film. How they’ll stop Nick Bueno is beyond me. They not only have to account for his quick feet, but his arm is becoming a secondary option, at least it was against Arcadia and Rosemead. Each team is winning by large margin and score about 40 points per game. This game will ultimately come down to defense, where, again, Monrovia is loaded. By the way, what are they feeding Ellis McCarthy??? Whatever it is, I want some .. In case you haven’t already noticed: San Dimas (3-0) at Monrovia (3-0) is the PSN’s Game of the Week.
3. Muir (0-3) — Lost but still moved up. Yup, that’s how unpredictable these rankings have become. But take a closer look. Yes, the Mustangs lost to a tough Venice team, and despite a down year Muir is still talented. That being said, Alhambra, San Marino and Temple City can probably give Muir a run for its money, and then some. But until someone from the Pacific League knocks off Muir, the Mustangs remain up high because of their dreaded schedule. Why does it seem like Pasadena this season may break the Turkey Tussel losing spell? Here come the e-mails …
4. Alhambra (1-1) — A win is a win but the Moors still appear a bit raw. They needed a late-Vailele Peko interception to seal the win. Alhambra needs to win convincingly if they are truly to be considered an Almont League title contender. Joseph Becerra is filling in nicely as a go-to guy in the Moors’ offense. He caught six passes for 110 yards. Mitchell Crockom caught eight passes for 103 yards, modest numbers for a player with huge potential.
5. San Marino (2-0) — Benny Hung kindly shared the spotlight last season, but that’s not the case this season. He rushed for 232 yards and scored three touchdowns last week. They face an inferior team in Hoover this week, but you can bet D.R. Moreland will have this team prepared and won’t expect a walk in the park.
6. Rosemead (1-1) –The Panthers are hurting — bad. No mobile QB plus a secondary that was exposed last week amounted to a drubbing by the Wildcats. It won’t get any easier for Rosemead when it hosts Harvard-Westlake. Wait another week before slapping the “rebuilding” tag on the Panthers.
7. Temple City (0-2) — Will the Rams get their first win against the Apaches and “The Bald One,” as Goldenarm so eloquently refers to Randy Backus. It seems like Anthony White’s spread offense has ruffled some feathers. The TC faithful may be getting too ahead of themselves. This is preseason. You experiment a bit and figure out how to improve. If not for two mistakes late in the game those same fans unleashing their wrath would instead jump of joy because of a 2-0 start. Sooner or later Temple City’s going to win, and it very well may come against Arcadia. Until now, Temple City went toe-to-toe against Arroyo and Alhambra, but it’s clear the Rams are the superior team this week.
8. San Gabriel (1-2) — I’ve said it already: If not for injuries to three starting players there’s no telling how well the Matadors truly are this season. We’ll get a different look of San Gabriel come Almont League play.
9. Bosco Tech (3-0) — Next time the Tigers have a day Saturday game, grab a couple bucks and head over to Bosco Tech and enjoy a couple hot dogs and the stellar balanced attack. Johnny Calderon leads the way, and every reporter that’s covered Bosco Tech raves about sophomore QB Dillon Welsh.
10. La Salle (2-1) — The Lancers should keep their heads up. It’s obvious they are much improved. They scheduled the likes of San Marino, Monrovia and Temple City to measure where they are this season. Even if they lose, they win. That’s because going up against the big boys will be valuable down the road.
