Star-Picks: Everyone is 0-0 as league begins. Me too.
The Stang Fan: You should e-mail me your record every Saturday so I can update it when I start this thread. Step to it, bro!
Melendez last week: 9-4 (Total: 56-39-1)
Last Week: My four losses were Keppel, La Canada, San Gabriel and Arcadia. I very well could have gone 12-1 if not for last-minute losses by La Canada and San Gabriel. I think Keppel wasn't too far off either. Impressive win by Pasadena. I mean, really. How can you not want to root for the 'Dogs? (Unless of course you're allegiance is to 1905 Lincoln Ave) ... There's a lot of raw talent on that PHS team. Great defense, but they can only do so much with a mistake-prone offense digging holes. If they can limit the silly mistakes and be more disciplined in terms of turnovers then you have a PHS team with a lot of upside.
This Week: How can I not be at the Monrovia-San Marino game Friday night? Easy. Notre Dame visits St. Francis. The pick here goes to Monrovia, obviously. I know, shouldn't have used the word obviously, but really, c'mon. The Wildcats are the No. 1 team in the CIF-SS Mid-Valley Division and what weaknesses does Monrovia really have? Maybe Observantcat can enlighten us. Monrovia is a battle-tested team, and despite that the Wildcats have pretty much steamrolled through the competition. San Marino, not so much. I still think Benny Hung, if he plays, will present a formidable challenge to a young defensive line. QB Joe Forgatch and WR Stevie Yortsos are an offensive prowess all by themselves, but I don't see them testing the Monrovia secondary. Speed, speed, speed. Should be a good first half. Back to St. Francis ... This will be my first-look at Dietrich Riley. I hear Justin Posthuma had an off night last week, but I'm sure he'll bounce back. I'm eager to see how cohesive the Knights defense is playing this season. But first, I'll be at the Temple City-La Canada game Thursday night. Someone said it best, think it was Goldenarm -- the winner of Friday's Monrovia-SM and TC-LC game will shape the outcome of the Rio Hondo League. I'm banking on Monrovia and Temple City earning a "W" and setting up next week's showdown at Temple City. Bring it!
THIS WEEK'S GAMES (WITH PREDICTIONS)
THURSDAY'S GAMES
Temple City at La Canada, 7 p.m. -- Temple City
Pasadena at Burroughs, 7 p.m. -- Pasadena
FRIDAY'S GAMES
Notre Dame at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m. -- St. Francis
Monrovia at San Marino, 7 p.m. -- Monrovia
Arcadia at Muir, 7 p.m. -- Muir
Brentwood at Maranatha, 7 p.m. -- Brentwood
Alhambra at Schurr, 7 p.m. -- Alhambra
South Pasadena vs. Blair at PCC, 7 p.m. -- South Pasadena
Gladstone at Duarte, 7 p.m. -- Gladstone
Gabrielino vs. El Monte at Arroyo, 7 p.m. -- El Monte
San Gabriel at Keppel, 7 p.m. -- San Gabriel
Arroyo at Rosemead, 7 p.m. -- Arroyo
Flintridge Prep at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m. -- Rio Hondo Prep
Saddleback Valley Christian at Pasadena Poly, 1 p.m. -- Pas Poly
Mary Star of the Sea at Bosco Tech, 1:30 p.m. -- Bosco Tech
Marshall vs. Calvary Chapel at Downey, 7 p.m. -- Calvary Chapel
SATURDAY'S GAME
La Salle vs. Verbum Dei at St. Matthias, 7 p.m. -- La Salle
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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. |
im back sg mat.
and no you moor fans will not be rattled!!
you will be watching from the stands
while your boys get smacked around on the field.......
no individuals on this team so i wont give numbers.
just a superior team that why we run the ALMONT.
ENJOY.
took me 5 mins to find out who else I had to slightly correct someone.
but before that. I think you gotta give the
game of the week to Notre Dame vs. St. Francis. My first pick would of been PHS Vs Burroughs hs. But becuz its on thursday, I dont consider it game of the week, but its a big game for the bulldogs!!!! They NEED this win more than anything to get some kind of respect for their league!!! If they dont get this win, I'll say it now, they wont even get 2nd or 3rd place in league. Burroughs always has a good team, that comes and beat both of our pasadena teams! Tired of reading about that one. Come Bulldogs, let em know your contenders and not pretenders, screw the rankings and top ten. Just show them your guys defense.
And a side note, SF Alum,'
ND has the best band in Southern Cali?????
Sorry to say you are mistaken.
I'll give you a list: and there is no bias, I teach at a h.s. that is doing real good things, but they dont make this list:
Mt. Carmel, Diamond Bar, Etiwanda, Chino*, Arcadia*, Riverside King, Kaiser, Shurr*, Temple City*
Thats about it the asterisk, means politics, yeah i said it politics in band. Joke on it all you want but its true. and now Im done
FB Einstein,
I dont even know what to say to that comment.....Man everybody knows, i mean everybody knows. Monrovia is playing faster, and no they wont just get one big play, they'll get several. San Marino doesnt produce speed on the field. they produce their turf to make dummies like you think they have speed, but they dont! HAVE! SPEED! You're talkin bout monrovia being undisiplined????? Ok yeah they made alot of penalties against la salle, what was the final score though???? you win by 30points but you got some penalties??? Im congradulating the win and we'll go to work to finesse things next week. Heres the funny thing, monrovia took care of A very good running team San Dimas. They have a big sleek fast running back, reminds me of my friend Trevon Moore back in the 02-03 season(we called it the golden years) They were ranked No.2 and monrovia took them out with ease. They have a running back, san marino has a good QB and a good WR.....we have an entire fast defense from the D-line to the DB's I'd bet all the money in the world that none of our DB's will get BURNED by SM receiver corps.
Even T.C. fans know that the titans have no shot to even come close to a 14point lose. That is worse than my pick of el rancho upsetting SF at SF. I hope you really do watch football because Im giving you the, "COME ON MAN!!!!!"
Einstein,
Your posts may have been forwarded onto flag@tcfb.ed
RE: Anonymous
I'm gonna pull-back on this one because I've obviously ruffled some feathers in the hat of someone who wears green and gold. Either way I stand by my statement. Why are you worried about the numbers in the box? 55 and 6 will be in the box whether there is a FB or not! The difference will be who is in the face of 55 and 6 when you hand it off to 8.
Re: Observantcat
It sounds like you guys are poised for a run, if that's the case I will be bandwagoning come November...till then...see you next week at Hitchcock Field!
SO, PHS isn't good enough to be ranked here??
Thats too funny. The losses PHS had were against last years Foothill League champion Saugus and Westchester who has been highly ranked in the LA fishwrap just behind Crenshaw & Venice all season. They went on the road and knocked last seasons Moore League Player of the Year QB out. LBJ has never recovered since. The fields & ball are gonna be wet on thursday/friday so its add a whole new dimension to the games. Bring an umbrella!!
DOGS!! - Your wonderful post is exactly why private schools stay alive!
come out little pony(stang fan) we know you guys are 0-5 anit no ones problem but dem sorry A$$ coaches over there yall took some of the PHS players over there and still cant do $hit.The reason yall nigga$ was good last year was cuz of a DOG in BINGO and all dem other seniors #3,#4,#2,#55,#7,#21,(#24)
yall will lose to the DOGS this year
so stop being scared and come out Stang Fan aka Risindez
Say bye bye to your job O coorinader you gone after dis year
i been to all yall games
PHS 20 Muir 6
come out little pony(stang fan) we know you guys are 0-5 anit no ones problem but dem sorry A$$ coaches over there yall took some of the PHS players over there and still cant do $hit.The reason yall nigga$ was good last year was cuz of a DOG in BINGO and all dem other seniors #3,#4,#2,#55,#7,#21,(#24)
yall will lose to the DOGS this year
so stop being scared and come out Stang Fan aka Risindez
Say bye bye to your job O coorinader you gone after dis year
i been to all yall games
PHS 20 Muir 6
FB Einstien:
Everyone knows that on any given Friday that any team can come out and play their absolute hearts out and WIN a game. In the Monrovia case, it's just a matter of playing their game to the fullest and letting the rest speak for itself. In the past it may have been a bit easier to live with the fact that teams could do things to stop Monrovia's momentum in a game. But this year I'd say that they would be up all night trying to come up with a game plan when the best solution is to just pray our bus doesn't show up.
One of the biggest difference in the Monrovia program within the past 10 years is that we are now keeping our players instead of them transferring out. Imagine this years squad with Thropay, Golden, Youngblood, Muema and the Canada bros.
Ok Goldenarm
Who you got, PHS or JBHS?
......and p.s.(spartan guy) You better pray to the RAIN GODS that it continues until Friday night 7pm! TRUST
I guess I'll show my age when I say I've been watching RHL football for nearly 10 years and in all those years not much has changed when it comes to this division. Coaches have come and gone but the players in this area have stayed the same. I do believe that Coach Maddox has done a hell of a job in his short time at M-town. My argument is simple...THEY ARE NOT UNBEATABLE...you can keep splitting hairs all you want but at the end of the day hard hitting smart football always wins. If Monrovia does that week-in and week-out then crown them! Until then, lets watch and enjoy...
Where's the Spartan fan,
We had a bye this past week that's probably why smart guy.
Moor fans are always on the blog WIN or LOSE unlike the almighty spartan fans.
Yes we are all so "RATTLED" to play you guy's,
you'll be lucky if you get our boys to come out the locker room! Ha
I'm hoping your boys take on the same attitude as you sir!
The game will come down to QB play, special teams, and defense... basic football stuff big guy, and i'll put my fedia' on #9 n' Company.
There will be lot's of back peddling on Friday night
that's for Schurr!!! ATOWN BABY #9,#1,#2,#32,#4, ha ha...
We are so RATTLED were shaking!LOL
what ever happened to just a fan? lol
Hopeful teams don't get too cocky and remain focused on solely one game at a time. And other than pomona, keppel hasn't really been shutout so SG's defense should try to keep Keppel offensively scoreless. Goodluck.
It's that time of the yr. Where's CuriousGeorge / Moorsfan and the rest of the groupie's .....Oh it Schurr week everyone must be alittle rattled... Who win this one Curious "Guy" who seem to know way to much to just be a fan..must have some inside coaching info.
Mr. "Kick Coverage"
NY
no, time has not passed you by. there are more kids nowadays who seem content to remain on IR. I don't know the reasons why.
even at 100 years old - playing is always better than watching.
The "player view" is nothing like what you see on TV.
Goal line stands stay heavy in my mind...also the jubilation of big victories.
Anyone that thinks San Marino has any chance your just fooling yourself.
It will not matter what "GamePlan" you choose.
Monrovia could play JUST Defense for 4 quarters and still beat SM they're just that much better!
Goldenarm,
What type of self-respecting offensive linemen are talking to cheerleaders during the football games? Soft, soft, soft. No wonder they are in street clothes on game night. Maybe times have passed me by....
I know one thing that is still current: the best pass defense is the pass rush. LOM (lumps on Moore) should be a new statistic for your D-line this week. The greater number of times you touch their QB, the more help you will give to your secondary.
FB Einstein,
Your playbook for beating Monrovia was valid on and off for at least 20 years, but certainly not this year and likely not again going forward into the forseeable future. Coach Maloney and Mooney knew that strategy well when Maloney's San Marino teams (some with Mooney as Offensive Coordinator) won six consectuvie RHL titles in the 1990s. They used the same strategy to beat Temple City back then as well.
Not all of what you said is stale. Trying to keep the game close through ball control is valid and obvious. That's what all teams should try to do. Monrovia has not yet been "tested" in a close game. San Marino recently showed some character in a victory drive against San Gabriel. So, a close game, whenever it happens, will test everyone including the playcallers and the playmakers.
Again, my advice to our coaches: if timing happens to be a bit off due to the bye week, pound San Marino with Bubba Johnson. Run strait at them with a running back who is bigger than their linemen. Now THAT strategy is a time tested method for beating the smaller San Marino team. That is one strategy we often overlooked back in the day, much to Coach Maloney's liking. He could have all the X's and O's perfectly coordinated but he could never make them bigger than they actually were.
You can always tell league play is near when they unbolt the security door, roll up the metal shutters and LET LOOSE THE O-CAT! Damn, somebody get the cattle prod and load the tranquilizer gun!
Yes, O-cat, I am concerned about our secondary. The good news is, as a group they are getting better week to week. We are a defense of sophomores, juniors, seniors who did not play last year and a freshman. It takes a while for a group so diverse to jell. One good thing, this group has wheels, probably a faster TC secondary than seen in some time. My gut feeling says they will do fine on Thursday.
My concern is our ball security and what the coaches intend to do about it. It is time to pay attention to detail, because the devil is in the details, and a single hold call or illegal motion/shift can be what costs you a game in league. Especially against a quality, motivated opponent like La Canada.
Our line unfortunately, is covered in Band-Aids and Braces and the rest are in the Street Clothes Brigade, scamming phone numbers off the cheerleaders while pretending to take stats. The depth chart that was on the chalkboard in July is long, long, gone.
Fortunately, us TC'ers know how to breed tough lineman. and the ones that remain are going to show up Thursday ready to go head to head with the Spartan line, which always seems to play us with extreme intensity. No one is going to run away with this game, it will be down to the wire.
Go Rams.....
Matt, see ya Thursday
GA
FB Einstein,
You are thinking of another Monrovia. That was the Monrovia that preferred fistfights at their banquet instead of trophies, skipped summer weight training and / or better yet, just transferred somewhere else and dissed the M-town program altogether.
All teams make mistakes. Some have the talent and foundation to overcome them. Thinking this Monrovia team is somehow going muff the punt, fumble the snap and forget who has deep 3rd...and give you a chance to upset them....dude, that is a major daydream. Mooney knows what buzzsaw is coming his way.
This is no fly by night one season wonder. This is what will be coming out of Monrovia for years to come. The sooner all the RHL starts loading up on provisions and grenades the better. Expecting a Maddox coached team to be undisciplined is much like living in California under the pretenses we will never have another earthquake.
FB einstein,
"TC are you listening? This should be your game-plan next week. If you don't find a Fullback soon you will get blown-out by the Cats!"
Get over it. If you want a two back set than walk your tail down Huntington and write about 1 2 punch Hung, Do and D.R Moreland's squad. Yeah Lets bring another player in the box to help 55 and 6.
How about this game plan! GET OVER IT!!!
FB Einstein:
I think the second statement is what makes me write back to you in this fashion.
"Maybe it’s because they play undisciplined football at times and instead of blowing teams out from the 1st to the 4th quarter, they have to overcome themselves and stupid mistakes"
You have been looking way to close to the Saturday morning Quarterback section to understand the true dominance of Monrovia's game. So Far this Season Morovia has been much more discipline that all of the teams it has played. Yes, they have made some costly mistakes at times, but no where near calling them undisciplined. Coach Maddox has been gracious enough to allow ALL of his players to take a role in the wins this season. If we played from 1st thru 4 quarter with our starters you may want to double what the outcome has been from our offense. So just to correct you on your statement about playing with discipline throughout the games so far, ask any fan from any team how much Discipline this Monrovia team plays with. No hard feelings, I just dont like the stereotype of what you may determine as discipline. Our players play with pride and dignity each and every down. There have been no rejections for discipline on the Cats this season nor will have there been any chaos on our sidelines. Thats my gripe with your statement!!!
Even with great offensive players like Yortsos Forgatch and Hung, SM doesn't stand a chance because of M-Towns lock down D and who has stopped their O???and rumor has it that SM lost a starting corner and WR due to suspension
Even with great offensive players like Yortsos Forgatch and Hung, SM doesn't stand a chance because of M-Towns lock down D and rumor has it that SM lost a starting corner and WR due to suspension
Calm down observant one.
Go back and read what I wrote. I never said SM would win or even have a big lead. I simply said they could "HANG" with M-town if they played a perfect game. No penalties...run the ball...and...tackle...tackle...tackle!!! If SM can keep it close...like 14-7 going into the 4th quarter then they have a chance. I give Monrovia much respect because they are the best team the RHL has to offer, but that doesn’t make them unbeatable. As for your statement..."this team has yet to play up to its true potential," Hmmm, I wonder why..? Maybe it’s because they play undisciplined football at times and instead of blowing teams out from the 1st to the 4th quarter, they have to overcome themselves and stupid mistakes...which brings me back to my statement that if you frustrate the Cats into playing down to their “true potential” then SM and TC have a chance.
I will be there on Friday! For the record, I got M-town in a close one...28-20.
Go Golden Knights!
Stang Fan,
bring your punk a$$ out of hiding! To all the other Muir faithfuls, bring yawls a$$e$ out of hiding, because the "HUCKSTER" is sitting on Muir side causing all kinds of trouble! I will be fully lit up before the game rooting hard for my "BULLDOGS"! Oh, I've put cash on the game when we (PHS) were clearly the underdogs so now I want to see u sorry a$$ mule fans man up! when your the underhorse! You COWARDS!!!!! IN YOUR OWN BLOOD YOU'LL BAKE! WHO'S HOUSE! DOG'S HOUSE!!!!!
ROSEMEAD vs ARROYO
RIVALRY GAME. THATS ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID.
!!!FEAR THE MEAD!!!WAR PANTHERS!!!
FB Einstein:
Stick with the rocket science. Your football savvy is completely off base, That game plan may work on TC but not Monrovia, Our defense is too quick and poised for long plays, we will keep them with a third and long and from what I am seeing is that Our Defense is as Discipline as they come. I dont think that you know how much better this team is compared to 2008, Our D is very discipline and even better in the RED zone. Since you guys play on Thurs. maybe you can stroll down Huntington Dr. and watch a preview of what TC is to expect. Then rethink the science of trying to play keep away. The biggest problem with your theory is that SM will need to have a big enough lead to try and balance that theory with an explosive offense that will probably score at will. Speaking of True colors???? the only color this team has to worry about is the opposing teams colors. Monrovia has yet to play up to it's true potential, but from what I am hearing the horses will be let out in league play. Let's hope that your secondary is ready for the LC offense. That would be a more practical theory to worry about. You thought Marquise Williams was good! Wait until you get a feel for what's about too hit you for the next 3 years!!
ohhhh jesus that ST. francis over ND makes me nervous
SM can hang with M-town if they play ball-control offense, which Mooney will do. Get to the fourth quarter and anything can happen. SM also has to play mistake free and gang-tackle on defense. SM will give up the big play eventually but SM must stay poised and eventually Monrovia will show its true colors and hurt themselves...frustrate them with the run and hard-hitting defense...speed kills but so does UNDISCIPLINED football!
TC are you listening? This should be your game-plan next week. If you don't find a Fullback soon you will get blown-out by the Cats!
Monrovia is so fast off the ball, and speed kills. Against La Salle I knew we were in trouble when they put their field goal kicker in as a RB, and he explodes for a 25 yard TD run.
Monrovia's speed will decimate anything SM can throw at them. Hung is good, but he has not seen the likes of Monrovia's speed.
Yeah i heard Forgatch Hung and Yortsos are good, but c'mon, they don't stand a chance against a bigger and faster m-town defense. It won't be close at all
Miguel,
I like you bro, but don't pick us (PHS) for nothing! Don't rank us! Write nothing about us until Nov. 14th edition of the StarNews! We should be going for our 3rd win over them bums in the Bowl!
oops.. nevermind.. BTW we are at PHS field not PCC
I know we are not anyone’s favorite team, BUT Blair is playing on Friday... against South Pas at the PHS field.
Hey, I'm not the one on the field making plays. But I get what you're saying. I'm rooting for the 'Dogs. In fact, I always root for our area teams to win when they play outside competition.
Miguel, you picked PHS over B.Burroughs. I am hoping you didnt just jinx us Dogs!