Melendez: This season is full of plots at every turn

It's the kind of season that can tear us apart, ultimately choosing to go to one game, but wishing we could split into two or three to attend another.

While many of us want to see Arcadia and Monrovia clash on Friday, the intrigue of a Muir-Diamond Ranch showdown may be the game that draws the most interest.

And too bad if the Mustangs can't avenge their loss from last year's first round ouster to the Panthers on their new field, a storyline in itself. With all of the fires going on, this game might be moved far away from the Altadena.

Regardless, the game's venue will be the last thing on Muir's mind if it loses, though I don't see it happening.

Take a stroll down Lemon Avenue and you'll run into a rejuvenated Temple City program under rookie coach Anthony White. A spread offense coupled with a standout-studded coaching staff has all the makings of a season blowing up in their faces or a pleasant surprise. I'm guessing the latter.

The bar was set high last season when the Rams made a surprising semifinal run in the CIF-SS Mid-Valley Division playoffs.

Whether Temple City is taking on its former coach in Randy Backus, now an assistant at Arcadia, in Week 3 or White facing his little brother, Matt Fregoso, and the Rosemead Panthers in Week 4, all eyes will be on the Rams this season.

Modest expectations, however, are in order at Pasadena where another rookie coach takes the reigns.

Mike McFarland has already made an impact with his Zen-like approach of building from within and establishing a sense of continuity in a program that desperately needs it.

Pasadena, too, plays on a new football field, creating a sense of pride in the community; the nice fields no longer reserved for just the fancy schools such as Maranatha.

Speaking of the Minutemen, they unveil their new weapon in North Carolina transfer Cody Keith. His stats from last year are modest at best, but then again he is a Steve Clarkson client, and Clarkson doesn't admit just anyone into his quarterback camp.

Maranatha isn't quite Quarterback U, but with former Minutemen QB Matt Schilz now at Bowling Green, it'll be interesting to see what Maranatha's perception will be if Keith, too, lands at a major Division I school.

Maranatha is at the very least a small-school power with big-school talent.

Who can forget the Minutemen's showdown last year against La Salle? Maranatha's last-minute drive to win the game in the final seconds was an instant classic and the most exciting game of the year.

For that reason alone who isn't growing restless to see what this rivalry has in store for us in Week 1?

Am I missing anyone?

Oh yeah, only one of the most coveted recruits:

Dietrich Riley.

The St. Francis senior has fielded well over a dozen offers, and for good reason.

He's the area's most versatile player. He can play running back, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback or safety and his speed, strength and bruising tackles are what makes Riley a true threat on every play.

Enjoy Riley and all the storylines. Before you know, it'll all soon be over.

Good times go by so quick, don't they?

miguel.melendez@sgvn.com