Taking a closer look at how the Top 10 fared in Week 3. New poll released Tuesday.
1. ST. FRANCIS (3-0) — With so much talk and attention focused on Dietrich Riley, opponents are forgetting another stud: Justin Posthuma. He had a huge game over the air and on the ground in leading the Knights offense to a 35-20 win over Burroughs. The only question is, with so much talent on this team is a 35-20 win good enough?
2. MONROVIA (4-0) — Are the Wildcats the No. 1 team in the area? That’s up for debate, but after Monrovia’s 36-17 win over San Dimas, the No. 2 ranked team in the Mid-Valley Division, it’s clear the Wildcats are for real and poised to make a serious run in the playoffs. Really, who can stop Nick Bueno, De’Shawn Ramirez, Derrick Johnson and Justin De La Nuez? They each bring an added element that equates to an explosive offense. It’s a thing of beauty to see how it’s all so well executed. Then you have Josh Lowden and Ellis McCarthy, a 6-foot-5 beast pancaking a poor offensive linemen at a high school near you. Wildcats are a quite the machine, but should they be No. 1?
3. MUIR (0-3) — The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Mustangs. Lets see if they are well rested and ready to defend their Pacific League title. Like I said in the Star Picks thread: Muir is 0-3 heading into Pacific League action, and like many of you it’s hard to gauge where the Mustangs stand against their counterparts. But we’ll get an early indication and depending on how Muir fares Friday night against Burroughs, we’ll know if this truly will be a rebuilding year.
4. ALHAMBRA (2-1) — The Moors prevailed, 21-17, over L.A. Wilson. That’s a respectable showing. Joseph Becerra is lighting it up for the Moors. Opposing defense are so focused on Mitchell Crockom they’re forgetting the Darrian Cazarin-Becerra connection. Lets see if this kick starts the momentum Alhambra needs with one game left in nonleague (South Pas, Fri.) before the Almont League opener at Schurr.
5. SAN MARINO (3-0) — De ja vu? The Titans could go 5-0 heading into the Rio Hondo League opener vs. Monrovia, though San Gabriel (Oct. 9) will have something to say about that. San Marino’s smash-mouth football is providing effective results, and you can bet Benny Hung (355 yards, five TD’s) is thus far having quite the ride.
6. ROSEMEAD (1-2) — OK, so we knew this was going to be a tough year for the Panthers, what with a sub-par performance against Monrovia. But to lose 42 zip? Ouch. Not what you’d expect from the Mid-Valley Division runner-up. Nevertheless, that’s what nonleague is for, to find out what wrinkles need to be ironed. We can agree, however, there are more than just a few wrinkles. Rosemead plains out needs a trip to the dry cleaners. Matt Fregoso was the one bright spot for the Panthers last week.
7. TEMPLE CITY (0-2-1) — Well, what can I say that I haven’t already. Ah, yes. The spread offense has become a thorn in the side of the TC fanbase. If nothing else the spread offense has created a deception the Rams exploited against Arcadia. Fake handoff to Max Ruckle and Justin Smith runs for a 6 yard gain. Then 7, 14, 11 and 35 yards, the last coming in a TD. Ruckle carried the ball 24 times for 158 yards rushing. Smith went 19 for 27 with 178 yards passing. Don’t get blinded by the fact you long for a running game: The Rams are improving, they’re still dangerous, but work is still needed. Goldenarm says La Caada is the only team who has a legitimate shot at knocking off Monrovia. It’s time to look in your back yard, Mr. Mayor. The Monrovia-Temple City game will be a showdown I wouldn’t want to miss.
8. SAN GABRIEL (2-2) — Matadors recorded a solid 28-2 win over Contreras. But lets keep it real: It was Contreras. Nevertheless, this was a much-needed win for a seemingly struggling San Gabriel team. The bye is here. Time to nurse those injuries back to health, give San Marino all it can handle before heading into the Alhambra game with a 2-0 league record.
9. BOSCO TECH (3-0) — Tigers had a bye last week, and with a slated Saturday afternoon game, that means I get a chance to watch them play, then head to the mall to buy a new suit for my b-day party that night.
10. LA SALLE (3-1) — Lancers will more than likely be 3-2 after Friday night, but this will be a quality loss. I know. It’s not PC to write La Salle off with a loss, but that’s the edumacated guess here. Then comes Temple City (Oct. 9) before the Lancers meet Bosco Tech for a shot at the Camino Real League championship. Quite the turnaround, eh?
OTHERS TO CONSIDER: La Caada (1-1); Rio Hondo Prep (4-0); Arcadia (0-2-1); Maranatha (1-2).
