STAR-NEWS RANKINGS

1. MONROVIA (9-0) — Nick Bueno. Nick Bueno. Nick Bueno. Nick Bueno. Nick Bueno. Just thought I’d get writing Bueno’s name out of the way. Some “Monrovia” folks are saying they themselves are tired of hearing/reading about Bueno. But if you read my story last week carefully, I wrote: “While it’s Bueno garnering most of the attention, there’s also no doubt Monrovia (9-0, 4-0) is pummeling opponents with a valiant team effort. For instance, Bueno’s 23-yard run with 9:13 left in the fourth quarter was set up by Monrovia junior Christian Blanco, who on third and 8 from the La Ca ada 33 ran for a 10-yard gain to give the Wildcats a first down. Bueno connected with Grant Haggard for a 40-yard touchdown score with 8:33 left in the second quarter. Bueno did it again with 10:58 left in the fourth quarter, this time with Jordan Trujillo, whose score also was from 40 yards. La Canada (4-4, 2-2) hurt itself with penalties and turnovers, and it didn’t help that quarterback Rocky Moore established little, if any, rhythm. He was intercepted by Monrovia’s Derrin Jenkins and Evan Sanchez. Moore also couldn’t withstand the constant pressure in the pocket – Monrovia’s Haggard, Ellis McCarthy, John Adams and Josh Lowden each recorded a sack; McCarthy, a sophomore, now has seven this season.” …. Anyway, the Wildcats are the No. 1 team after St. Francis lost last week.

2. ST. FRANCIS (7-2) — The Golden Knights drop to No. 5 in the Western Division rankings. They were ranked as high as No. 1 early in the season. St. Francis can’t afford another loss this week when they travel to play Alemany Chaminade on Friday.

3. TEMPLE CITY (5-3-1) — Isn’t it odd that the Rams are not ranked in the Mid Valley Division? If you look closely, Temple City’s opponent, San Marino, is ranked at No. 9. Aside from the Turkey Tussle, here’s a huge showdown if you can’t make it to the Rose Bowl.

4. RIO HONODO PREP (9-0) — The Kares earned their second forfeit win of the season. To be fair, Rio Hondo Prep probably would have won anyway last week. Still, the Kares I’m sure would have wanted to play and keep their juices flowing.

5. LA CANADA (4-4) — Nice try last week, but no dice. The Spartans were overwhelmed in all facets of the game by Monrovia.

6. SAN MARINO (7-2) — Must-win game is Friday at home. What’s the game plan? How do you stop Temple City?

7. SAN GABRIEL (5-4) — I saw it coming. A loss to Schurr, again. The Spartans are used to playing in these pressure-moment situations. Simply put, San Gabriel is not.

8. PASADENA (5-4) — The Bulldogs not only climbed a few spots in our rankings, but they also made their debut in the Southeast Division poll. Pasadena sits at No. 9 after its stunning win over Burbank. Aaron Simpson has become one of my new favorite players.

9. ALHAMBRA (5-3) — Squeezed past Bell Gardens last week. A win’s a win, and they’ll need to find one Friday to make the playoffs. Alhambra should get the win, they play Keppel. And there’s no way the Gil Ruedaflores era should end without a playoff trip. Regardless, Ruedaflores should be carried off the field and on the shoulders of his players. Over two decades at one school. That’s impressive. Thanks for the memories, coach.

10. MARANATHA (7-2) — Quite a few things are on the line for the Minutemen. They have not won an Alpha League championship outright in a long long time. Not only that, but the Minutemen are hoping to keep their No. 2 ranking in the East Valley Division.

Melendez last week (overall): 13-5 (108-57-1)

Last week: I’m still buzzing from last Thursday’s game. PHS’s Aaron Simpson connects on a 45-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Wells with 1.7 seconds left to give the Bulldogs an incredible 45-41 win over Burbank. It was easily the best game I’ve covered all season. I got wrong picks when I went with Bell Gardens (lost to Alhambra); Cantwell (lost to La Salle); St. Francis (lost to Alemany); Duarte (lost to Workman); and Burbank (lost to Pasadena).

This week: This is it. After today, some of you will never wear a football uniform again. For the seniors, soak in the experience. The lights. The band. The smell of the food. The smell of the dirt. The smell of the grass. When you walk onto that field it may be the last time you get to enjoy the roar of a crowd. Enjoy the night or day while it’s still there. Win or lose, you were part of something special you’ll cherish the rest of your lives. We will have Turkey Tussle coverage every day this week, leading up to Friday’s game at the Rose Bowl. But this game isn’t the only one with playoff implications on the line. St. Francis, Temple City, San Marino, Alhambra, La Salle, Flintridge Prep and Pasadena Poly all need to win to get an automatic bid. Flintridge Prep seems to have the hardest road there because it not only plays Chadwick but the Rebels also need the Panthers to lose. Thursday I’ll be covering Arcadia and Friday I’ll once again be at the Rose Bowl.

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE — WITH PREDICTIONS
Thursday
Arcadia vs. Crescenta Valley at Glendale, 7 p.m. — Arcadia
Sierra Canyon vs. Marshall at Pasadena, 7 p.m. — Sierra Canyon

Friday
Muir vs. Pasadena at Rose Bowl, 7 p.m. — Pasadena
Temple City at San Marino, 7 p.m. — Temple City
St. Francis at Chaminade, 7:30 p.m. — St. Francis
La Canada at South Pasadena, 7 p.m. — La Canada
Campbell Hall at Maranatha, 7 p.m. — Maranatha
Keppel vs. Alhambra at Moor Field, 7 p.m. — Alhambra
Blair at Monrovia, 7 p.m. — Monrovia
La Salle at Bosco Tech, 1:30 p.m. — La Salle
Duarte at Bassett, 7 p.m. — Duarte
Rosemead at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. — Rosemead
Montebello at San Gabriel, 7 p.m. — Montebello
Rio Hondo Prep at Webb, 2:30 p.m. — Rio Hondo Prep
Pasadena Poly at Viewpoint, 2:30 p.m. — Pasadena Poly
Flintridge Prep at Chadwick, 3 p.m. — Chadwick

We should have quite a list of baseball, softball and basketball signing letters of intent on Wednesday, but until now I have yet to receive any comments or e-mail. We want to have a group photo for our story that will publish Thursday, but I need to know where your sons, daughters, players, nieces, nephews are signing. If you know of anyone signing, let us know or email me at miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. We’re getting a list together for a group picture…

Pasadena High School was vandalized Sunday night in anticipation of the Turkey Tussle against rival John Muir.

School officials said parts of the school’s field, including a depiction of the school’s bulldog mascot, were painted blue, which are John Muir’s colors.

Obscenities were spray painted in parts of the field as well as the word “Muir.”

Police are investigating the vandalism, but don’t know whether the culprits are Muir students or possibly just a couple of the school’s football fans.

The two high schools meet Friday at the Rose Bowl.

Officials said that vandalism happens most years, but were hoping to avoid it this year since the high school put in a new field.

Discuss and anything you want, especially football…