September 2011 Archives

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FRIDAY'S SCORES
Arcadia 42, Muir 7 -- Myles Carr completed 14 of 20 passes for 185 yards and touchdown passes to Robby Haines (2), Taylor Lagace and Brian Ponce. Sheldon McKinely left in the second quarter with an ankle injury. There was a scary moment prior to McKinley's injury when Tairen Owens was knocked out after a tackle on Lagace. Owens appeared to lead with his head and suffered a stinger. He lay motionless for several minutes before her rolled over and eventually slowly walked off the field. Haines also recorded 2.5 sacks, applied relentless pressure on Muir's Kevon Seymour and Josh Washington. Lagace returned a punt 72 yards and Seymour returned a kickoff 97 yards for the Mustangs' lone score. Alex McElwee recorded an interception and recovered a Muir fumble, setting up two scoring drives. Muir finished with a meager 35 yards on the ground and no success through the air. Seymour started at quarterback but later gave way to Washington, who also found little to no rhythm.

South Hills 34, Monrovia 30-- With Vincent Hernandez not able to go with an injured shoulder, Jamel Hart rushed for 155 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Huskies to a come-from-behind victory. Wildcats RB De'Shawn Ramirez had just four carries for -2 yards.

South Pasadena 6, Alhambra 5 -- Bizarre, I know. At least the score makes it seem that way. The defense was superb for each team, as South Pasadena was limited to two field goals from Dominic Frescura. He kicked a 25-yard field goal with seven seconds left in the second quarter to tie the game 3-3. He squibbed the kickoff, hitting Alhambra before the Tigers recovered. With one second left on the clock, Frescura converted a 30-yard field goal to take a 6-3 lead heading into the half. South Pasadena mishandled a snap that went into the end zone to give the Moors a safety. Alhambra QB Josh Mendoza went 12 of 25 for 139 yards, but his final pass attempt went through the hands of Demeitrias Russell and into the hands of Bryan Bednarski to seal the win for the Tigers.

Maranatha 41, La Canada 10 -- Maranatha's Defense hdl La Canada to 22 first-half yards, giving up only 63 on the night. Andrew Elffers completed 16 of 21 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns and Darien McGee caught two touchdowns, ran for another and returned a kickoff for 100 yards. Beast. Troy French also had three catches for 63 yards. La Canada's Franklin Cervenka nailed a 36-yard field goal with 5:13 left in the third quarter for the Spartans first points. Kyle Herron's 3-yard touchdown run with 8:30 left in the game capped the Spartans' scoring.

Burroughs 49, Pasadena 34 -- Zander Anding had a killer game with 27 carries for 312 yards and two touchdowns to lead Burroughs. He also returned a kickoff 99 yards for a score. The Indians were leading 28-13 at the half. Pasadena played well, but was playing catch-up the entire game. Brandon Cox carried the Bulldogs the entire game, completing 16 of 23 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Defense, however, didn't play to par for the Bulldogs. Too many missed tackles and penalties.

South El Monte 41, Temple City 27 -- South El Monte scored 27 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to overcome a 13-point deficit after the Rams scored 20 unanswered points in the third quarter. Temple City led 27-14 in the third quarter. Temple City's Mikal Quintanilla passed for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Anthony Valencia was Quintanilla's favorite targert with 13 catches for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

Rosemead 31, San Gabriel 21 -- After a lackluster first-half for Matt Eddy, who had only 34 yards on 15 carries, he woke up and ended up with 35 carries for 183 yards and four touchdowns. San Gabriel's Andy Guerrero and Alex Villalobos connected for two touchdowns and Guerrero threw for 192 yards. Villalobos recorded 145 yards catching. There were almost 40, COUNT THEM, 40 penalties in the game. Our Guillermo Tovar said he stopped counting after 35 penalties.

Bosco Tech 27, La Salle 24 -- Bosco Tech mounted a comeback to beat the Lancers in the Del Rey League opener. La Salle squandered an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

St. Francis 35, West Ranch 0 -- St. Francis was lights out. The defense limited West Ranch to just 44 yards on the ground and 64 total yards. West Ranch never passed midfield. Ouch.

Keppel 40, Fulton Prep 0 -- Fulton Prep forfeited in the fourth quarter because of injuries and lack of players. Esequiel Jimenez had 22 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Takashita completed 7 of 13 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns and one on the ground. Nathan May and Julio Tinajero caught both touchdown passes. May also recorded an interception and the Keppel defense held Fulton to 28 total yards.

OTHER SCORES
Gabrielino 20, Pasadena Poly 13
Bell Gardens 35, San Marino 23
Duarte 52, Basset 6
Paraclete 86, Marshall 0
St. Monica 33, Blair 7

Coveritlive with Mike "The Cousin" from Mtown for Monrovia-South Hills

By Brian Charles and Frank Girardot, Staff Writer

PASADENA - John Muir High School head football coach Ken Howard Friday was placed on administrative leave after a scuffle with a student.

The scuffle, which occurred Wednesday, happened after Howard and other school personnel searched the Northwest Pasadena high school campus for a student reportedly in possession of a weapon, Howard said.

"The kid was resisting," Howard said. "I told him to sit in his seat and it got physical. I wrapped the kid up and escorted him from the classroom."

During the struggle, the unidentified student was injured, according to Randy Ertll, a community activist. Ertll said the student was choked and slammed onto a desk.

The student received medical care, and was bruised on his back and there was blood on his neck, Ertll said.

Howard, a former school security guard, said in 17 years on the Muir campus he's never had a similar altercation.

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Muir and Pasadena high schools will take part in a basketball charity tournament Sunday at Calabasas High that will benefit former Muir star Joe Frazier, the victim of a recent hit-and-run motorcycle accident who has slipped into a coma.

Muir boys basketball coach Gamal Smalley said what started out as a small basketball game between the Mustangs and Calabasas, where Frazier is an assistant boys basketball coach, evolved into an outpouring of support from surrounding communities.

The event was spearheaded by former Muir teammate and Cleveland Cavaliers center Ryan Hollins, Calabasas basketball coach Jon Palarz and Muir's Smalley. Proceeds will go to help Frazier's medical expenses. Event organizers are asking for $10 donations.

The event, initially a one-game showcase, now is an eight-game tournament beginning with Calabasas' junior varsity team taking on Campbell Hall at 10:45. Pasadena will take on Oaks Christian at 6:15 p.m. followed by the final game of Muir-Calabasas at 7:30.

Frazier was a standout at Muir before earning Big West Conference All-Freshman team honors at Cal State Northridge, where he still holds the school record for most steals (10) in a game.

"Joseph is such a special young man and has touched the lives of so many people that we definitely wanted to help him and his family in any way we could," Smalley said. "In doing this event we also hope to bring awareness to such dangers as texting while driving, helmets for cyclists, as well as a sense of overall community that Joseph has made happen, even through this tragedy."

The game initially was scheduled to be held at Cal State Northridge where Frazier played for Bobby Braswell, but Smalley said the NCAA did not approve the venue. He also said Braswell stated his players will be at Calabasas on Sunday to support the cause because they were touched and inspired.

Photos courtesy of Maranatha AD Brian DeHaan

Two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXXIV MVP Kurt Warner paid a visit to Maranatha High on Tuesday evening. Warner gave the Minutemen a 10-minute pep talk after practice concluded, and he brushed on several subjects. To be clear, I totally would have gone and shot video of this, but, like Maranatha, I found out last minute and I was in West Covina working on PrepXtra Live when all this came about.

Warner was next door shooting a Christian-based movie. Maranatha athletic director Brian DeHaan said Warner met the kids in between takes and mainly talked about "pursuing excellence in everything you do, leadership and respect."

"It was really an inspirational talk," DeHaan said. "It was great for our kids to meet him."

Warner, whose 12-year career is considered one of the greatest stories in NFL history, was selected MVP in 1999 and 2001 with the St. Louis Rams. He also led the Arizona Cardinals to Super Bowl XLII. His story is well documented. Undrafted in 1994, Warner bagged groceries in Cedar Falls, Iowa before a stint in Arena Football League. He finally signed with the St. Louis Rams in 1998 before a history-making season in 1999 when he threw for 4,353 yards and 41 touchdowns.

During the Q&A session, Maranatha's Matt Hall asked to shake Warner's hand and a fellow teammate asked if Warner ever thought about giving up while bagging groceries.

"He said no," DeHaan recalled. "That that was never a thought that crossed his mind. He just believes in whatever you're doing, whether you're bagging groceries or playing in the NFL, you have to pursue it with excellence."

Warner talked about maintaining relationships with college teammates while bagging groceries and working out his schedule so that he can continue working out in the mornings and preparing for a football career while also making a living in the meantime.

"There are a lot of books that have been written by him, for him and with him," DeHaan said. "It was great for the kids to hear about him persevering."

Here are the games scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 6. Please let me know if this is what your school has scheduled as well and if any other teams are making changes.

Paso Robles at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.
Sage Hill at Pasadena Poly, 3:30 p.m.
Blair vs. View Park at Rancho Cienega, 7 p.m.
San Marino vs. Golden Valley at Canyon Country, 7 p.m

Above: Darin Smith (14) after a big play against La Salle.

We know about Andrew Elffers, Omar Younger and Darien McGee, all standout players who have led the charge offensively for Maranatha this season. But one guy who seems to fly under the radar and hasn't gotten the attention he deserves is senior Darin Smith. The 6-fooot, 185-pound outside linebacker in four games this season has 36 tackles and four sacks. Against Salesian last week, Smith recorded 13 tackles and had a momentum-swinging sack in Salesian's final drive of the game. And if you remember, Justin Coats recorded an interception in the waning seconds to seal Maranatha's 38-35 win over Salesian, but it was Smith whose pressure on blitzes and eye for the ball in the secondary that also had a big impact.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST YEAR'S GAME

Star-News photo by Dave Thomas

Above: South Pasadena and Alhambra last year. The Moors prevailed, but this week's meeting at Moor Field should be a closer contest.

MID‐VALLEY DIVISION
RNK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) REC W/L OPPONENT SCORE
1. Maranatha (Olympic) 4‐0 Won Salesian 38‐35
2. Covina (Valle Vista) 3‐1 Won Walnut 42‐6
3. San Dimas (Valle Vista) 3‐1 Won Monrovia 31‐14
4. Arroyo (Mission Valley) 3‐1 Lost Hart 17‐42
5. Monrovia (Rio Hondo) 1‐2 Lost San Dimas 14‐31
6. La Puente (Montview) 3‐0 Won Wilson/H.H. 28‐13
7. Alhambra (Almont) 4‐0 Won Wilson/L.A. (LAS) 28‐14
8. Village Christian (Olympic) 2‐2 Lost Bishops School (SDS) 20‐49
9. Whittier Christian (Olympic) 2‐2 Won St. Margaret's 28‐7
10. South Pasadena (Rio Hondo) 2‐1 Won Glendale 49‐21
MY THOUGHTS: It's too bad that the loser of the Alhambra-South Pasadena game will likely drop a few spots, and in South Pasadena could be dropped. That's not fair to either team since they're playing well and should remain in the top 10. Maranatha will stay at the top if it wins the rest of the way, that's no secret so don't even give me the whole "jinx" thing. We knew Monrovia would drop after losing to San Dimas. How much grace the Wildcats will get from voters remains to be seen.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
RNK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) REC W/L OPPONENT SCORE
1. West Covina (Hacienda) 3‐1 Won Glendora 20‐19
2. Arcadia (Pacific) 2‐1 Won Temple City 37‐21
3. Los Altos (Hacienda) 4‐0 Won Ayala 21‐17
4. Bonita (Hacienda) 2‐2 Won Marshall 50‐22
6. La Serna (Del Rio) 3‐1 Lost La Mirada 0‐31
7. Muir (Pacific) 2‐1 Bye Bye Bye
8. Mayfair (Suburban) 2‐2 Won Valley Christian/C. 31‐14
9. El Rancho (Del Rio) 3‐1 Won Montebello 22‐7
10. Whittier (Del Rio) 3‐0 Won Roosevelt (LAS) 27‐20
MY THOUGHTS: Arcadia could run the table if it remains focused. How Muir drops one spot makes no sense to me.

WESTERN DIVISION
RNK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) REC W/L OPPONENT SCORE
1. St. Paul (Mission) 3‐0 Won Garfield (LAS) 31‐8
2. Chaminade (Mission) 2‐1 Lost Alemany 14‐38
3. Arroyo Grande (PAC‐7) 3‐1 Won Cabrillo/Lompoc 56‐21
4. Serra (Mission) 3‐1 Won Banning (LAS) 27‐7
5. St. Francis (Mission) 3‐0 Won Venice (LAS) 27‐17
6. St. Joseph/Santa Maria (PAC‐7) 2‐1 Won Mater Dei (SDS) 35‐7
7. Culver City (Ocean) 3‐0 Won Redondo Union 40‐23
8. Dominguez (San Gabriel Valley) 2‐2 Won Jordan/Long Beach 25‐8
9. Atascadero (PAC‐7) 3‐1 Won Seaside (CCS) 49‐7
10. Ventura (Channel) 4‐0 Won Nordhoff 35‐20
MY THOUGHTS: St. Francis remains at No. 5, but check this out: three teams from the Mission League are ranked. Now that's one tough league.

NORTHEAST DIVISION
RNK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) REC W/L OPPONENT SCORE
1. Desert Christian/L. (Desert Mountain) 4‐0 Won Silver Valley 52‐6
2. Bishop Union (High Desert) 2‐1 Won Rim of the World 62‐19
3. Salesian (Santa Fe) 3‐1 Lost Maranatha 35‐38
4. Rio Hondo Prep (Prep) 3‐1 Won Boron 40‐38
5. Boron (Desert Mountain) 2‐2 Lost Rio Hondo Prep 38‐40
6. Mojave (Desert Mountain) 3‐0 Won Vasquez 46‐0
7. Pasadena Poly (Prep) 3‐0 Bye Bye Bye
8. St. Genevieve (Santa Fe) 4‐0 Won Marshall/Pasadena 49‐6
9. Kern Valley (High Desert) 3‐0 Won Chadwick 47‐39
10. Desert (High Desert) 2‐2 Won Antelope Valley 15‐0
MY THOUGHTS: Rio Hondo Prep's thrilling win over Boron last week causes a switch between the Kares and Boron, who drop to No. 5. As I've said before, Pasadena Poly won't really be challenged until it meets rival Rio Hondo Prep in League play, consequently meaning the Panthers could have trouble gaining ground in the polls.

NORTHWEST DIVISION
RNK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) REC W/L OPPONENT SCORE
1. Lompoc (Los Padres) 4‐0 Won Dos Pueblos 23‐0
2. South Torrance (Pioneer) 2‐1 Lost Palos Verdes 7‐44
3. Centennial/Compton (Pioneer) 3‐0 Bye Bye Bye
4. Carpinteria (Tri‐Valley) 2‐0 Bye Bye Bye
5. St. Bernard (Del Rey) 4‐0 Won Lawndale 39‐14
6. Cabrillo/Lompoc (Los Padres) 3‐1 Lost Arroyo Grande 21‐56
7. Verbum Dei (Del Rey) 3‐1 Won Blair 54‐14
8. Santa Ynez (Los Padres) 1‐1 Bye Bye Bye
9. Templeton (Los Padres) 2‐1 Bye Bye Bye
10. Fillmore (Tri‐Valley) 3‐1 Won Frazier Mountain 59‐30
Other Bosco Tech (Del Rey) 4‐0 Won Santiago/G.G. 49‐0
MY THOUGHTS: Bosco Tech's dominating win (and that's putting it lightly) over Santiago should have been enough for the Tigers to slip into the top 10. Not so, say the pollsters, who keep Bosco Tech in the same spot as last week. Not buying it, but rest assure, if the Tigers continue to win in similar fashion they'll be in the top 10 and playoff-bound.

I went 15-1 last week, the lone loss coming in the San Gabriel-Baldwin Park pick. Big games this week with the Pacific League opener that also happens to be a league showdown. Arcadia visits Muir. You all remember last year the Apaches pulled through to give coach Jon Dimalante his 100th career win at Arcadia. A first half domination allowed the Apaches to rest their starters in the second half against Temple City while at the same time giving the second and third units some valuable playing time. Muir is coming off a bye, and here's hoping the game isn't marred with penalty after penalty after penalty after penalty, etc ... I still think the Apaches are on a roll and, at this point in the season, are more disciplined. The teams are tied, I think, when it comes to skill players. Muir's Kevon Seymour, Tairen Owens and Darick Holmes Jr. are formidable weapons just as Arcadia's Taylor Lagace and Sheldon McKinely. Arcadia, though, has the edge at quarterback with Myles Carr playing like a man on a mission. In the trenches, Muir seems a bit bigger up front but they're prone to getting drawn offsides and into false starts. In short, this game could be a nail biter. South Hills will give Monrovia another wake-up call Friday. If you don't think so just look at who the Huskies have played this season and the results: Lost to Colony 30-29, beat St. Monica 61-0; lost to West Covina 35-33. Cal Preps predicts the Wildcats beating South Hills in a close game 31-30, but I just don't buy it after what Monrovia was selling last week. Blake Hayworth got the start at quarterback, and while the St. Francis transfer proved accurate in his throws, Hayworth's first five attempts fell incomplete, though he had little help from his receivers. He's a true pocket guy, but he needs protection and saw his lineman getting pushed back forcing the pocket to collapse. Defensively, the Wildcats were getting beat in the secondary and poor tackling led to extended drives. This is not the Monrovia anybody expected to see: undisciplined and lack for focus. Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox is too experienced and too good a coach to not have these kinks fixed come playoff time, but at this point the Wildcats definitely are in search of their identity: are they a passing team? are they a running team? Monrovia by my count handed the ball just five times apiece to DeShawn Ramirez and Marquise Bias. To make matters worse, defensive lineman Levi Helm dislocated his right shoulder, adding more to Monrovia's plight when it comes to injuries.

WEEK 4 GAMES WITH PREDICTIONS
Friday's Games
Arcadia at Muir, 7 p.m. -- Arcadia
South Hills at Monrovia, 7 p.m. -- South Hills
Alhambra vs. South Pasadena at Moor Field, 7 p.m. -- Alhambra
La Canada at Maranatha, 7 p.m. -- Maranatha
Burroughs at Pasadena, 7 p.m. -- Burroughs
South El Monte at Temple City, 7 p.m. -- South El Monte
Rosemead at San Gabriel, 7 p.m. -- Rosemead
La Salle vs. Bosco Tech at Cantwell-Sacred Heart, 7 p.m. -- Bosco Tech
West Ranch at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m. -- St. Francis
Fulton at Keppel, 7 p.m. -- Keppel
Pasadena Poly at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. -- Gabrielino
Duarte at Bassett, 7 p.m. -- Duarte
San Marino at Bell Gardens, 7 p.m. -- Bell Gardens
Marshall vs. Paraclete at Antelope Valley College, 7 p.m. -- Paraclete
Blair vs. St. Monica at Santa Monica College, 7 p.m. -- Blair

Saturday's Game
Flintridge Prep at Malibu, 1 p.m. -- Malibu

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.

St. Francis football coach Jim Bonds will be honored as an ABC7/NFL High School Coach of the Week tonight on Sports Zone following ABC's College Football Game of the Week featuring LSU and West Virginia. St. Francis (3-0) is the area's No. 1 team and ranked No. 5 in the tough Western Division. Look for the Golden Knights, coming off a 27-17 win over Venice, to move up in the CIF poll when it's released Monday. The award is presented to one coach each week throughout the season. The award honors those coaches who not only stand out because of their coaching on the field, but also for their efforts on behalf of the students, the school, and the community, and is based on nomination letters submitted by ABC7 viewers and school supporters. Congratulations, coach Bonds!

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WEEK 3 SCORES
San Dimas 31, Monrovia 14 -- Here's all you need to know about the Wildcats in the first half: only one first down (courtesy of a San Dimas pass interference call), punted on four of their first five possessions and runs of 55 and 22 from DeShawn Ramirez because of penalties. San Dimas by contrast had eight first downs in the first half. Monrovia rushed for 22 yards as a team. Yup, AS A TEAM. Save for two big plays by Ramirez, the offense was nonexistent. San Dimas relied on Domonic Jollevet who ran circles around the Monrovia secondary. He rushed for 135 yards on 25 carries and scored on runs of 7, 22 and 2 yards. Monrovia needs to clean up the penalties. San Dimas took advantage of Monrovia's mental breakdowns like a walk in the park. There was a lot of confusion out on the field, especially defensively when the Wildcats were caught off guard. Monrovia was already without Ellis McCarthy (knee) and Justin Jones (shoulder). It got worse Friday night. Levi Helm, a defensive end, left the game in the first half with a dislocated right shoulder. Not good. Want something to be happy about 'Rovia fans? "The highlight for us to look at is the loser of this game the last two years has won the CIF championship," Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox said. "We're not going to keep playing like tonight all year. So we'll get better."

Arcadia 37, Temple City 21 -- The Apaches put Temple City away in the first half, leading 37-0 at the half. At the end of the first quarter, Myles Carr had three touchdown passes and led 22-0. Carr finished 10 of 13 for 265 yards, all in the first half. The Apaches didn't throw a single pass in the second half as Temple City put up three cosmetic touchdowns against the Apaches reserves.

Pasadena 21, La Salle 14 -- La Salle opened first on an Israel Lacy 12-yard touchdown run. But the Bulldogs came back on the ensuing drive with an 8-play, 80-yard drive capped by a Cleo Bates 3-yard rush. Brandon Cox connected to Marcus Green for a 9-yard touchdown pass to give the Bulldogs a 14-7 lead. Cox then passed to Keith Law for a 24-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-7. Cox was 10 for 11 in the first half for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Lewis capped the Lancers' scoring with a 12-yard touchdown run. There was a scary moment in the fourth quarter with 4:17 left. Jalen Gray converted a big third down, but had a helmet-to-helmet collision that required an ambulance. He was taken off a stretcher, but he moved his legs and raised his arms.

Rosemead 23, San Marino 14 -- Matt Eddy had 213 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns, including an 83-yard touchdown run. Kwame Do had a quite night with 110 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown.

Alhambra 28, L.A. Wilson 14 -- Ezra Broadus rushed for 135 yards on 20 carries and scored on runs of 10 and 1 yards. Alhambra had a total 352 yards on the ground and 441 total yards. Quarterback Josh Mendoza had three interceptions in the game, but don't let this performance fool you. Mendoza is a stud QB.

Maranatha 38, Salesian 35 -- Juston Coats intercepted a Salesian pass with three seconds left to preserve the victory. Maranatha QB Andrew Elffers finished with 151 yards passing and passed for two touchdowns and also ran for one. Omar Younger had a big game. He rushed for 147 yards on 15 carries and scored on a 33 yard touchdown run. Darien McGee returned a kickoff for 99 yards.

Crescenta Valley 25, La Canada 14 -- Tough night for the Spartans. Crescenta Valley took the opening kickoff for a 12-play, 80-yard drive and the Falcons finished with 514 yards of total offense; 336 on the ground and 176 through the air. Crescenta Valley led 21-0 at the half. La Canada was 7 of 23 passing for 120 yards. Like I said, tough night.

Rio Hondo Prep at Boron, ppd. (lightning) -- This game was postponed because of lightning. Will be played Saturday night at 7:30 at Rio Hondo Prep

OTHER SCORES

South Pasadena 49, Glendale 21 --
St. Francis 27, Venice 17
Sierra Vista 21, Keppel 14
Bosco Tech 49, Santiago 0
Baldwin Park 26, San Gabriel 22
Gabrielino 35, Contreras 14

ARAM TOLEGIAN COLUMN

It didn't take long for me to get a response from the CIF-Southern Section after this newspaper's blogs posted the replay of the Tuesday PrepXtra Live broadcast, in which a panel that included myself, Fred J. Robledo, Steve Ramirez and Pasadena Star-News Editor Frank Girardot discussed the ongoing drama in the high school sports world that centers around two words: athletically motivated.

During the segment, which still os available for viewing by going to any of our prep sports blogs, Girardot asserted the controversial athletically motivated rule equates to communism. That didn't sit well with the CIF-SS, nor has much that anybody recently has to say about the topic. That's because it's become very clear, at least to this sportswriter, that whenever people open their mouths about this controversial rule they really don't know what they're talking about. Myself included.

Can you blame us? It's confusing. The rule is confusing. It sounds simple enough: if a student transfers to another school and the reason is deemed to be athletically motivated, then that student has limited athletic eligibility.

But just what does "athletically motivated" mean? The Orange County Register's Steve Fryer asked that question point-blank to new CIF-SS commissioner Rob Wigod back in August and the answer he got was, "Steve, I do not (have an answer)." Wigod went on to say the rule, or definition of it, essentially is deciphered on a case-by-case basis.

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Above: Lexi Resch (4) is one of the coolest freshman players I've ever interviewed. She not only played with such confidence and flair, but she also gave great quotes after the game. And after I was done with my interview, I extended my hand to shake hers. Instead of the usual business-like hand shake, I got the down-low-five-fist-pump. I thought that was pretty cool! Oh, and by the way, she had a game-high 20 kills, so you know she'll be a force for the Apaches and a major migrane for opposing teams.

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By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

GLENDALE - Growing up is part of the process for a young team, and the Arcadia High School girls volleyball team did plenty of it Thursday.
The Apaches took a comfortable lead in the final game but then needed a comeback to preserve a 26-24, 22-25, 20-19, 25-23 win over Glendale in Pacific League action.

Freshman Lexi Resch led the way with a match-high 20 kills and senior Brittney Lee wasn't far behind with 19. The tandem carried Arcadia (7-1, 3-0) in the final game with Resch recording the final three kills before a return by Glendale (12-7, 1-2) went out of bounds to seal the win.

Arcadia coach Charles Freberg said learning how to win is part of the growing process.

"Our girls had to fight for their wins and they did, which is what we need to learn how to do," Freberg said. "We act like a young team on and off, and part of learning how to play the game is making decisions that are going to be good for your team and not put them in jeopardy."

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Video credit: James Tsukamoto, senior, Maranatha class of 2012

There was a time when Alhambra's uniform consisted of solid gold helmets. When I went there, the idea was that the uniforms would resemble Notre Dame's uniforms, except instead of the iconic "ND" on the sleeve we had a solid "A" for Alhambra. It's also the reason why our fight song was Notre Dame's Victory March. The home jersey was dark/navy blue with gold pants and the road uniforms were white. Last year, Alhambra added what to me looks like a generic-looking scriptive Moors. Personally, I would have perferred for them to remain solid gold, but if they were going to make a change why not embrace the unique mascot and go with this logo:

It's the same logo Alhambra's baseball team uses on its baseball hats. I remember a while back when I was in high school reading an issue of Sports Illustrated, and on it featured a small section devoted to the most unique high school mascots. Alhambra made the list, and I was proud that our mascot had an actual meaning and it wasn't just some generic mascot like the Bears or Tigers. (If you didn't know, The Alhambra -- a palace and fortress complex located in the Province of Granada, Spain -- was constructed during the mid-14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada in al-Andalus. I remember one time as a freshman our marching band took part in a parade in San Diego and someone asked, "You guys are from Alhambra?" and we said, yes. Then they asked, "You guys came all the way over here from Spain?" Hilarious.)

Anyway, from what I heard the helmets went from gold to blue this season in an effort to save money from having to add a coat of gold paint on the base helmet, which is the blue helmet you see this season. So that's that.

There was a time when Temple City would look forward to its first win of the season, because if I'm correct that meant adding horns to the helmet. There was some controversy a few years ago when Anthony White, then the head coach, added the horns right right away, straying from tradition.

As you can see, this year's helmets have "TC" on them, which I think actually looks pretty cool, and I really like the old school-looking jerseys with numbers on the sleeves. I think old school TC fans can live with the jersey, but I'm not so sure about the helmets since they probably grew up with the horns. So have at it and vote.

TEMPLE CITY'S HOME UNIFORM AND ALHAMBRA'S ROAD UNIFORM FROM LAST YEAR

Well, that didn't take long. Because for the first time there's a significant shuffle in the Star-News Top 10 rankings, I've decided to post them here and explain why, although I think at this point they're pretty self explanatory. Here we go..

1. ST. FRANCIS (2-0) -- This is a no-brainer. After blanking Crescenta Valley in Week 2, coupled by a Monrovia loss, the Golden Knights move to the No. 1 spot. A real road test comes Friday at Venice, and we will have a reporter there so expect a story in the paper. We all know about St. Francis' weapons, but its defense shined last week, and as coaches like to say, defense wins games.

2. ARCADIA (1-1) -- Huge statement win over Monrovia last week. From the outside looking in I wonder why the Apaches continue giving up leads. Arcadia led 20-6 before Taylor Lagace came to the rescue in the waning minutes. Arcadia proved it's a true Southeast Division contender.

3. MONROVIA (1-1) -- I'll finally get to see what's going on with the Wildcats, who got some bad news Monday that Ellis McCarthy won't play Friday against Mid-Valley Division rival San Dimas. Also not playing is starting linebacker Justin Jones, who left early in the game against Arcadia with a separated shoulder. Overcoming adversity is part of the sport. Here's a chance for the Wildcats to show what they're made of.

4. MARANATHA (3-0) -- Slow start against Azusa, but the Minutemen blitzed past the visiting Aztecs in the second half. I don't think we've yet to see Maranatha play a complete game, and when that finally happens, watch out.

5. MUIR (2-1) -- Penalties, penalties, penalties. Thirteen, to be exact against Rancho Cucamonga. The Mustangs actually gave Rancho Cucamonga a game, but turnovers and penalties stymied Muir and there was no way to claw back in the second half. Muir looked gassed heading into the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, this was against an Inland Division team. Imagine what the Mustangs can do if they play mistake-free football? They could go far, but that's all assuming injuries doesn't plague Muir. Teams that make deep runs always have substantial depth, and that's something as we all know by now Muir has lacked over the last decade.

6. ALHAMBRA (3-0) -- Quarterback Josh Mendoza is a super star, simply put. The junior continues to take considerable steps forward with each game. The only concern is a slow start, because against a more disciplined and senior-heavy team the Moors could be in some trouble. I don't see this happening, and if Alhambra heads into the Almont League unbeaten look for the Moors to be the Mid-Valley Division's darkhorse.

7. SAN GABRIEL (1-2) -- Don't be surprised if a search and rescue team is out scavaging the area looking for the Matadors offense. San Gabriel mustered just six points against San Dimas. It's not the team I expected. After watching San Gabriel against Muir and reading about the Matadors against South Pasadena, I would have thought they'd be pumped and ready for a step-up game.

8. ROSEMEAD (0-2) -- Two quality losses, if you wanna call them that because I know Matt Koffler doesn't see any loss as quality. A loss is a loss, but for the sake of argument, the Panthers have faced tough competition and my guess is they'll finally get in the win column Friday.

9. PASADENA POLY (3-0) -- The Panthers need to perfect their schemes while it has the luxury of tweaking during nonleague play, because let's face it, they won't face real competition until they meet Rio Hondo Prep, and then the playoffs.

10. RIO HONDO PREP (2-1) -- The Kares dropped 40+ points against Kilpatrick. But it's Kilpatrick so there's not much telling there. Rio Hondo Prep will get a true test on the road at Boron.

Above: Ellis McCarthy (18) tackles Arcadia's Alex McElwee in last week's game.

UPDATE: As if losing in devastating fashion last week against Arcadia wasn't enough, Monrovia fans have to deal with another loss heading into Friday's game against Mid-Valley Divisional rival San Dimas.

Five-star recruit Ellis McCarthy, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound defensive tackle ranked fourth nationally at his position, will miss the game because of a right knee injury suffered late in the fourth quarter last week in the Wildcats' 30-22 loss to Arcadia.

It's a double whammy for the Wildcats, who also lost Justin Jones, a junior starting linebacker who separated his right shoulder against Arcadia.

Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox said McCarthy will sit out after taking a helmet to the knee. Maddox also said McCarthy "wasn't walking tremendously well" the following day.

When reached by phone Tuesday while undergoing therapy, McCarthy said the knee is starting to feel better.

"I know I didn't break anything," he said. "The X-rays said it was fine. I just have a sleeve on it."

McCarthy said he's going to try to practice today after he sees how he feels. His father, Ed McCarthy, confirmed his son will not undergo an MRI as initially planned.

McCarthy, asked if he would play should the knee heal in time for Friday's game, wasn't so sure.

"I don't think I'm playing," he said, "but I'm going to try to work it out and get better for next week."

"If coach Maddox said he's not going to play," his father said,

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

PASADENA - Israel Lacy cannot get enough of the spotlights.

It might be on the dance floor, behind the piano or drums, in front of the cameras, the basketball court or the football field. The La Salle High School junior running back is a teenager with many talents.

"He's blessed," La Salle football coach Antoine Peterson said. "There is nothing he can't do if he keeps his mind on it. He's just blessed."

Lacy comes from a performing family. His mother, Candace, is a piano teacher. Lacy began playing the drums when he was 1. He can play six instruments, sing, dance and act.

But right now, he has put all that theatrical showmanship on the sidelines to concentrate on his athletic showmanship.

"I missed the adrenaline; the rush you get when you're under the lights or when you see that big crowd and everyone is here watching it," Lacy said. "I missed the whole environment of it. I missed not playing sports at all."

Lacy first enrolled at Los Angeles High School of the Arts to hone his musical and theatrical talents.

But after one year, he transferred to La Salle. He has always played basketball, but the 5-foot-7, 170-pound Pasadena resident wanted to play football, too.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Above: They're cheering at Maranatha...

MID‐VALLEY DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD RESULT OPPONENT SCORE
1. Maranatha (Olympic) 3‐0 Won Azusa 47‐28
2. Arroyo (Mission Valley) 3‐0 Won Montebello 29‐22
3. Monrovia (Rio Hondo) 1‐1 Lost Arcadia 22‐30
4. Covina (Valle Vista) 2‐1 Won El Monte 52‐10
5. Village Christian (Olympic) 2‐1 Lost Sierra Canyon 13‐58
6. San Dimas (Valle Vista) 2‐1 Won San Gabriel 59‐6
7. La Puente (Montview) 2‐0 Won Northview 43‐34
8. Montebello (Almont) 2‐1 Lost Arroyo 22‐29
9. Whittier Christian (Olympic) 1‐2 Lost Kern Valley 21‐28
10. Pomona (Valle Vista) 2‐1 Lost Bloomington 22‐25
Other Alhambra (Almont) 3‐0 Won Temple City 33‐14
Other South Pasadena (Rio Hondo) 1‐1 Won Hoover 39‐6

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD RESULT OPPONENT SCORE
1. West Covina (Hacienda) 2‐1 Won South Hills 35‐33
2. La Serna (Del Rio) 3‐0 Won Bonita 21‐20
3. Arcadia (Pacific) 1‐1 Won Monrovia 30‐22
4. Los Altos (Hacienda) 3‐0 Won Wilson/H.H. 32‐6
5. Bonita (Hacienda) 1‐2 Lost La Serna 20‐21
6. Muir (Pacific) 2‐1 Lost Rancho Cucamonga 6‐35
7. Mayfair (Suburban) 1‐2 Lost Lakewood 29‐42
8. Rowland (Hacienda) 2‐1 Won Rosemead 20‐19
9. El Rancho (Del Rio) 2‐1 Won Bell Gardens 27‐26
10. Santa Fe (Del Rio) 1‐2 Lost St. John Bosco 0‐51

WESTERN DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD RESULT OPPONENT SCORE
1. Chaminade (Mission) 2‐0 Won Valencia/Valencia 14‐10
2. St. Paul (Mission) 2‐0 Won Norwalk 48‐6
3. Arroyo Grande (PAC‐7) 2‐1 Won Templeton 45‐17
4. Serra (Mission) 2‐1 Won Mira Costa 33‐0
5. St. Francis (Mission) 2‐0 Won Crescenta Valley 35‐0
6. St. Joseph/Santa Maria (PAC‐7) 1‐1 Lost Palma (CCS) 10‐14
7. Culver City (Ocean) 2‐0 Won Peninsula 42‐7
8. Dominguez (San Gabriel Valley) 1‐2 Won Compton 21‐14
9. Atascadero (PAC‐7) 2‐1 Won Independence (CS) 34‐6
10. Ventura (Channel) 3‐0 Won Rio Mesa 44‐13

NORTHEAST DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD RESULT OPPONENT SCORE
1. Desert Christian/L. (Desert Mountain) 3‐0 Won Frazier Mountain 49‐24
2. Salesian (Santa Fe) 3‐0 Won Pioneer 28‐7
3. Bishop Union (High Desert) 1‐1 Won Chadwick 44‐27
4. Boron (Desert Mountain) 2‐1 Won Desert 46‐12
5. Rio Hondo Prep (Prep) 2‐1 Won Kilpatrick 48‐0
6. Vasquez (Desert Mountain) 1‐2 Won Santa Clarita Christian 44‐6
7. Chadwick (Prep) 1‐1 Lost Bishop Union 27‐44
8. Pasadena Poly (Prep) 3‐0 Won Marshall 34‐6
9. Mojave (Desert Mountain) 2‐0 Won Sage Hill 36‐0
10. Desert (High Desert) 1‐2 Lost Boron 12‐46

NORTHWEST DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD RESULT OPPONENT SCORE
1. Lompoc (Los Padres) 3‐0 Won Santa Barbara 36‐14
2. South Torrance (Pioneer) 2‐0 Won Burbank 32‐21
3. Cabrillo/Lompoc (Los Padres) 3‐0 Won Dos Pueblos 28‐7
4. Carpinteria (Tri‐Valley) 2‐0 Won Nipomo 24‐13
5. Centennial/Compton (Pioneer) 3‐0 Won Lynwood 14‐12
6. Santa Ynez (Los Padres) 1‐1 Lost Paso Robles 7‐27
7. Templeton (Los Padres) 2‐1 Lost Arroyo Grande 17‐45
8. St. Bernard (Del Rey) 3‐0 Won Valley Christian/C. 30‐27
9. Fillmore (Tri‐Valley) 2‐1 Won Morro Bay 24‐15
10. Verbum Dei (Del Rey) 2‐1 Lost Christian (SDS) 12‐34
Other: Bosco Tech (Del Rey) 3‐0 Won Gladstone 51‐27

Cross country coach and contributor Bob Ramsey runs the best cross country site in the San Gabriel Valley, with updates from over the weekend from the Rosemead, Woodbridge and Mt. Carmel Invitational. Check it out.

San Gabriel Valley and Whittier all-encompassing Top 15
Please Note: It is notoriously difficult to compare XC performances. The athletes list below ran different and possibly inaccurately measured distances, in different weather, over different running surfaces and terrain. The list below tries to account for those differences by converting times to a norm of a flat, 3-mile course. Your mileage may vary.

BOYS
1. 14:27 Ryan Vargas, Sr - Arcadia - Woodbridge
2. 14:38 Sergio Gonzalez, Sr - Arcadia - Woodbridge
3. 14:40 Aaron Mora, Sr - Whittier - Rosemead
4. 14:41 Estevan De La Rosa, So - Arcadia - Woodbridge
5. 14:44 Josue Gonzalez, So - Arcadia - Woodbridge
6. 15:16 Daniel De La Torre, Jr - La Salle - Mt. Carmel (converted, 14:46)
7. 14:55 Charlie Shen, Sr - Arcadia - Woodbridge
8. 14:57 Henry Rodriguez, Sr - El Rancho - Woodbridge
9. 14:59 Francis Lee, Sr - Arcadia - Woodbridge
10. 15:00 Bobby Villagomez, Sr - Los Altos - Rosemead
11. 15:01 Tom Ebiner, Sr - Damien - Woodbridge
12. 15;07 Jair Juarez, Sr - Los Altos - Rosemead
13. 15:08 Alexander Tranquada, Sr - South Pasadena - Woodbridge
14. 15:09 Paul Messana, Jr - South Pasadena - Woodbridge

GIRLS
1. 17:17 Veronica Yamane, So - Arcadia - Woodbridge
2. 17:17 Alejandra Quintero, Sr - Arcadia - Woodbridge
3. 17:25 Marissa Scott, Jr - Bonita - Woodbridge
4. 17:26 Kelli Hunt, Sr - Whittier Christian - Woodbridge
5. 17:29 Laura Guidolin, Fr - Arcadia - Woodbridge
6. 17:45 Bailee Henry, Jr - El Rancho - Woodbridge
7. 17:58 Anna Barcelo, Sr - Nogales - Woodbridge
8. 17:59 Marilu Pulido, Sr - Whittier - Rosemead
9. 18:06 Megan Renken, So - Claremont - Woodbridge
10. 18:07 Merin Artf, So - Claremont - Woodbridge
11. 18:10 Melanie Deciga, So - Walnut - Rosemead
12. 18:13 Alyssa Rivas, So - Mayfield - Rosemead
13. 18:14 Anahi Betart, Fr - Walnut - Rosemead
14. 18:20 Kailyn Scott, Fr - Bonita - Woodbridge
15. 18:20 Coley Mozillo, Sr - Mayfield - Rosemead

Flintridge Prep coach Antonio Harrison said a small roster riddled with injuries has led to the cancellation of Saturday's game against Campbell Hall at Occidental College.

"Our boys want to play and are willing to go out there for me, for their teammates, and for themselves," Harrison said. "No one ever wants to have to cancel a game when the boys have worked so hard. However, with multiple injuries as a result of a small roster from last week, we are currently down to a 12 to 13 man roster with one of the boys being our kicker.

"My first duty as a head coach is to have a concern for these boys safety and well-being. As competitive as I am, I am not an idiot. It was an extremely tough decision to make but I want these boys to be healthy and at least have a fighting chance as we head towards league play. As of now, we plan on playing the Malibu game on Oct. 1 and plan on playing out the rest of the season. But in our current state, we just don't have the manpower to play another team. Not just Campbell Hall, but any team."

... better yet, don't answer that.

I went 9-3 last week with wrong picks coming from Monrovia, San Gabriel and La Salle. It's not that I didn't think Arcadia, San Dimas and San Marino couldn't win, I just figured -- based on what I have seen and/or read -- that the teams I picked would come through. I think what blew me away is the fashion in which the teams I picked lost. Monrovia again fell behind 20-6 at the half and needed a comeback before taking a modest 22-20 lead before Arcadia's Taylor Lagace dashed Monrovia's hopes of remaining unbeaten. Then there's San Gabriel, a team with good upside and definite talent gets blitzed past San Dimas, 59-6. I don't think the Saints are 53 points better than the Matadors, but I did think San Gabriel would have a better showing and display the kind of effort that it's a real contender in the Mid-Valley Division. At this point, probably not. La Salle's had three tough games. Not sure what's going on with the Lancers. They have able players, but the offense has gone M.I.A. In my column I had written that the Lancers would win no more than four games this season based on this season's beefed up schedule. Pasadena's on deck, and the Bulldogs are coming off a better showing against Cathedral. Pasadena came close to sending the game into overtime and possibly giving Cathedral its first blemish of the season. That the Bulldogs were that close is an improvement to the thrashing two weeks ago against Alemany. I'll finally see for myself what's going on at Monrovia when I cover them Friday. Temple City's got its hands full with a resurgent Arcadia team, and the feeling here is Maranatha will face a tough and physical Salesian team before pulling away in the second half. Let's see how this week goes.

WEEK 3 SCHEDULE WITH PREDICTIONS
Friday's games
San Dimas at Monrovia, 7 p.m. -- San Dimas
Temple City at Arcadia, 7 p.m. -- Arcadia
La Salle at Pasadena, 7 p.m. -- Pasadena
San Gabriel at Baldwin Park, 7 p.m. -- San Gabriel
San Marino at Rosemead, 7 p.m. -- Rosemead
Alhambra vs. L.A. Wilson at Moor Field, 7 p.m. -- Alhambra
Salesian at Maranatha, 7 p.m. -- Maranatha
Crescenta Valley at La Canada, 7 p.m. -- Crescenta Valley
South Pasadena at Glendale, 7 p.m. -- South Pasadena
Gabrielino at Contreras, 7 p.m. -- Gabrielino
St. Francis at Venice, 7 p.m. -- St. Francis
Keppel at Sierra Vista, 7 p.m. -- Sierra Vista
Bosco Tech vs. Santiago at Bolsa Grande, 7 p.m. -- Bosco Tech
Rio Hondo Prep at Boron, 7 p.m. -- Rio Hondo Prep

Saturday's games
Flintridge Prep vs. Campbell Hall at Occidental College, 1 p.m. -- Campbell Hall
Marshall vs. Sun Valley Ply at St. Genevieve, 7 p.m. -- Sun Valley Poly
Blair vs. Verbum Dei at L.A. Southwest College, 7 p.m. -- Verbum Dei

CLICK HERE FOR OTHER SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SCORES

FRIDAY'S RESULTS
Arcadia 30, Monrovia 22 -- This isn't an upset by any means, but it's a huge win for the Apaches. This ought to get them fired up for the Pacific League opener next week at Muir. Arcadia trailed 22-20 with 2:25 left in the game. That's when Taylor Lagace came to the rescue. He took a slant rout on fourth-and-6 from the Arcadia 45 and turned it into a 55-yard touchdown reception that proved to be the game winner. Arcadia led 20-6 at the half, so giving up leads seems to be an issue for the Apaches. Nevertheless, the In-N-Out Classic belongs to Arcadia. Double-double. Animal style.

Rancho Cucamonga 35, Muir 6 -- Rancho Cucamonga was too strong up front and too big, too. Muir was held to 81 yards rushing in the first half and finished with a whopping 85 yards the entire game. Penalties again were an issue for the Mustangs, accumulating 13. Kevon Seymour and Tairen Owens were kept in check, except for two big plays for Seymour. He ran for 77 yards to the Rancho 9 but the Mustangs were stopped after a big loss on fourth and goal. Seymour also connected for a 53-yard touchdown pass from Josh Washington with 3:07 left in the game. Rancho Cucamonga's Camryn White scored on runs of 11 and 5 and Tyan Washington added another from 2 yards. Quarterback Dimitri Morales connected on 8 of 14 passing for 133 yards including a 63-yard touchdown pass to Jermel Walker. Alani Latu also returned an interception 34 yards for a score for the Cougars.

Maranatha 47, Azusa 28 -- Azusa jumped out early 14-7 after the first quarter. Andrew Elffers & Co. used a big strike to come back and overpowered the Aztecs' secondary. Elffers connected with Darien McGee for three touchdowns for 60, 31 and 41 yards. Elffers then hit Clifton Martin twice for scores of 58 and 75 yards. Azusa's Desmond Reed had 162 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries and an 84-yard kickoff return in the losing effort.

St. Francis 35, Crescenta Valley 0 -- Jared Lebowitz opened the game hitting his first six completions. He finished the night 11 for 19 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. The Golden Knights led 21-0 at the half. Lebowitz connected with Christian Hess on a 55-yard touchdown strike with six seconds left in the first quarter. Travis Talianko had four receptions for 51 yards and returned an interception 97 yards. The ball was tipped by linebacker Ryan MacALeenan.

San Marino 24, La Salle 0 -- Kwame Do scored three touchdowns on runs of 4, 3 and 12. Matt Wofford connected on a 22-yard field goal as the Titans handed the Lancers their third consecutive defeat.

La Canada 16, Glendale 14 -- Andy Painter had 87 yards on eight carries, including a 42-yard run that got the offense going for the Spartans. La Canada enjoyed success on the ground, rushing for 204 yards. The score was 6-6 at the half. La Canada's Franklin Cervenca kicked a 22-yard field goal in the third quarter to go up 9-6. The Spartans came back with a 15-play, 86-yard drive, 14 of which were consecutive and on the ground, capped by a Painter 2-yard run to make it 16-6. Glendale came back with its own 80-yard run and converted the two-point conversion to pull within 16-14 with 1:52 left in the game. La Canada ran it down to 28 seconds and Grant Owens intercepted a Glendale pass to close the game for the Spartans.

OTHER SCORES
San Dimas 59, San Gabriel 6
Pasadena Poly 34, Marshall 6
Bosco Tech 51, Gladstone 27
Cathedral 21, Pasadena 13

THURSDAY'S SCORES
Keppel 13, Gabrielino 0 -- Huge win for the Aztecs. Great to see them come away from a game winners. This should boost Keppel's confidence for the upcoming games.

Alhambra 33, Temple City 13 -- Moors prove to be too strong. This offense can be scary and I'm sure it hasn't hit all cylinders. Alhambra's finally a veteran team and could go far.

Rowland 20, Rosemead 19 -- From the looks of it, a heartbreaking loss for the Panthers.

South Pasadena 39, Hoover 6 -- South Pasadena rushed for 299 yards and raced to a 26-0 lead at the half. Good defense by the Tigers, too.

Rio Hondo Prep 48, Kilpatrick 0 -- We knew this was going to happen. It's about time the Kares play like their usual self and put up some points on the board.

UPDATE: Got a phone call from a school board member from one of the participating schools. This person called In-N-Out and wondered if they'd be interested in partnering with this rivalry. Word from their GM is company policy is not to sponsor something that corporate hasn't approved. Hey, at least someone got on this, and if nothing else let's make this an unofficial title. And stick with this: The winner has bragging rights for In-N-Out that Friday night.

Observantcat came up with the Santa Anita Bowl because the schools are pretty much divided by the Santa Anita Race Track. Makes sense. I came up with the In-N-Out Classic, and if anyone can find a way to have the local In-N-Out make this happen then you've really got something going here. How's this for now: Whichever team wins Friday night, it has bragging rights for In-N-Out for post-game celebration while the losing team is relegated to their nearest burger joint. My boy Todd Golper chimed in and thought that "as odd as the In-N-Out Classic sounds, it actually has meaning. I know that after games, typically you will find most kids meeting up at the In-N-Out on Santa Anita Ave. after games. Many times, Arcadia/Monrovia athletes would clash because it is a midpoint between both the HS's and many of the kids from the schools know one another. It was a perception of who's "turf" it was at In-N-out just three or four years ago after games and especially after my Junior and Senior seasons after beating Monrovia, we felt that the In-N-Out was ours. I'm sure Monrovia has felt the same for the last couple of years."

Rock the vote.

The task was daunting even before Pasadena hit the field for practice this spring.

Bulldogs football coach Randy Horton scheduled two powerhouse programs for their first two games of the season. The season opener was against Alemany of Mission Hills, a team that was undefeated last year heading into the CIF-SS Pac-5 Division semifinals before losing to eventual two-time defending champion Servite, 28-21. On Friday, Pasadena (0-1) visits Cathedral of Los Angeles.

"We schedule them to get those guys ready for (Pacific) league," Horton said. "I've always been taught that you have to play the best to be the best."

Pasadena headed into the season opener battling uncertainty. But one thing Horton and the Bulldogs didn't lack was confidence.

Alemany showed Pasadena who's boss with a 55-0 drubbing, and despite what the score indicated Horton has his view of how things turned out.

"When we looked back on film a lot of it is just mistakes we made," Horton said. "We gave away three touchdowns. We dropped a pass when it was only 7-0 and dropped an interception for a touchdown. We had chances out there, but we had blown coverages and missed assignments. We didn't do a great job of coaching that night, so it's not all the kids' fault. I don't think they're 55 points better than us, but it is what it is. Alemany's a good, disciplined team."

Therein lies the Bulldogs' problem.

"With my kids it's all mental," Horton said. "It's not so much the physical part."

Horton said Pasadena needed a bye last week after losing to Alemany and now prepares for another tough road game against the Phantoms (1-0). That the Bulldogs open the season in two tough environments could serve them well in the long run.

"It's good because it builds character for our kids," Horton said. "I want to see what our kids are made of. One thing the kids did was work hard (against Alemany) and they didn't quit."

Luck was on Pasadena Poly's side.

There was no other way for Panthers girls volleyball coach Steve Beerman to explain their come-from-behind 23-25, 18-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-13 win over rival Mayfield in front of an electric crowd in the Prep League opener Tuesday night at Poly.

"They were the better team today," Beerman conceded. "They were more skilled, played faster than anyone we've faced. We were lucky to win, and you can quote me on that."

In a rematch of last year's semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3A playoffs, senior outside hitter Alexis Genske recorded 23 kills and Mimi Morrish fueled a key run in the fourth game to put the Panthers (6-0, 1-0) ahead. Morrish finished with 11 kills.

Granted, it was just one comment, so not quite the invasion. But they're reading, and at least one fan has some strong words for the boys on Lincoln Avenue.

RANCHO FAN said:
This pic is ludacris. Muir doesn't have a chance in hell against Rancho Cucamonga high school.This game will be a blow out just like the other two schools the cougs have played. Muir has so called division 1 talent so when the defense from rancho shuts them down what does that mean for their defensive players. Guess they will be recruited by pac 12 as well. Muir will need to go get trumphet from pcc and bring bac the mcculloughs hell even teh great Coach Crutchfield couldn't dig them out of this butt whoppin. BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL...
September 12, 2011 9:51 PM

Bulletin board material, indeed.

Muir was penalized 18 teams in its season opener against San Gabriel. At the time, Mustangs coach Ken Howard said he wasn't concerned.

Muir beat Saugus 27-9 last week, but again was penalized 18 times.

"I'll give you about 15 this week and we'll keep working at it," quipped Howard. "I didn't complain in the first game because it's our first game. No excuses to have that many in the second game.

"I can blame officiating and I can blame bad calls, but they're learning just like we're learning. We're going to try to get a quick fix on it."

Muir on Friday hosts powerhouse Rancho Cucamonga, the No. 5 team out of the very tough Inland Division.

SPECIAL APPEARANCE

Brandon Jackson's family attended its first Muir football game since Jackson was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in February.

Jackson was a fullback/linebacker who was gunned down as he was walking hom from a friend's party in Altadena. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest in Jackson's killing.

Howard said the family sat near the 50-yard line . Also making an apperance at school was cornerback Tyqwan Glass, who suffered a season-ending injury during practice last week. Glass, who recorded two interceptions that set up scoring drives in the season opener, was considered the team's top cornerback.

"We had some energy given to us seeing Brandon Jackson's family and Glass at the game," Howard said. "The family came to their first game and Glass came to see the team at school after he got out of the hospital. That fires us up. The ups and downs we've had has turned into a blessing."

La Salle football coach Antoine Peterson was so impressed with Mike Novell's performance last week against Maranatha that he's declared Novell, a senior, the starting quarterback for Friday's game at San Marino.

Peterson until last week had conceded to playing two quarterbacks, but Austin Wallis, a junior, struggled to generate drives. He completed 6 of 9 passes for 57 yards and the Lancers (0-2) could not capitalize on five Minutemen turnovers.

Novell, who has a significant height advantage at 6-foot-1 over the 5-8 Wallis, entered the second half against Maranatha and finished with 179 yards on 13 of 24 passing. Novell, however, did have an interception to none from Wallis.

Nevertheless, Novell impressed.

"He handled himself well," Peterson said. "The team responded to him, so he deserves it (the start)."

La Salle grew frustarted at its inability to generate a scoring drive. Even when they got a break in the first half after Maranatha fumbled at its 10 yard line, the Lancers felt like they came away empty with just a 27-yard field goal from Rachel Albright, La Salle's lone points of the night in a 20-3 loss. Worse, La Salle's given up 46 consecutive points dating back to two weeks ago in which the Lancers led 21-0 in the third quarter before losing, 26-21.

"It was unbelievable to me," Peterson said. "We just couldn't get anything going. We stalled and couldn't capitalize off any of that momentum. It was another game we gave away. We can't keep giving games away."

BARRERO SCHEDULES MRI

La Salle's Matt Barrero went down with an injury with 10:58 left in the fourth quarter and lay still on the field for five minutes before getting up on his own power.

But as he tried jogging off the field, Barrero took all but four steps before his right knee buckled and again went down. He was helped off the field and did not return to the game.

Peterson said Barrero is scheduled to have an MRI done today.

"His parents said the swelling is done and he's doing well right now," Peterson said. "We're hoping it's just a sprain, but we won't know until we get the results back."

Barrero, a senior defensive tackle, had a lineman's dream last week when he returned a fumble 90 yards for a score.

MID‐VALLEY DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD
1. Monrovia (Rio Hondo) 1‐0
2. Maranatha (Olympic) 2‐0
3. Village Christian (Olympic) 2‐0
4. Arroyo (Mission Valley) 2‐0
5. Covina (Valle Vista) 1‐1
6. San Dimas (Valle Vista) 1‐1
7. Whittier Christian (Olympic) 1‐1
8. Montebello (Almont) 2‐0
9. Pomona (Valle Vista) 2‐0
10. La Puente (Montview) 1‐0
Others: Bell Gardens (Almont) 0‐1 Lost Torrance 43‐50; Azusa (Montview) 0‐1 Lost San Dimas 16‐41; South Pasadena (Rio Hondo) 0‐1 Lost San Gabriel 10‐27; Rosemead (Mission Valley) 0‐1 Lost Montebello 9‐20.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD
1. West Covina (Hacienda) 1‐1
2. Bonita (Hacienda) 1‐1
3. Mayfair (Suburban) 1‐1
4. Muir (Pacific) 2‐0
5. La Serna (Del Rio) 2‐0
6. Arcadia (Pacific) 0‐1
7. Santa Fe (Del Rio) 1‐1
8. Los Altos (Hacienda) 2‐0
9. California (Del Rio) 1‐0
10. Crescenta Valley (Pacific) 1‐0

WESTERN DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD
1. Chaminade (Mission) 1‐0
2. St. Paul (Mission) 1‐0
3. Arroyo Grande (PAC‐7) 1‐1
4. Serra (Mission) 1‐1
5. St. Joseph/Santa Maria (PAC‐7) 1‐0
6. St. Francis (Mission) 1‐0
7. Culver City (Ocean) 1‐0
8. Dominguez (San Gabriel Valley) 0‐2
9. Atascadero (PAC‐7) 1‐1
10. Ventura (Channel) 2‐0

NORTHEAST DIVISION
RANK SCHOOL (LEAGUE) RECORD
1. Desert Christian/L. (Desert Mountain) 2‐0
2. Salesian (Santa Fe) 2‐0
3. Bishop Union (High Desert) 0‐1
4. Boron (Desert Mountain) 1‐1
5. Rio Hondo Prep (Prep) 1‐1
6. Vasquez (Desert Mountain) 0‐2
7. Chadwick (Prep) 1‐0
8. Desert (High Desert) 1‐1
9. Pasadena Poly (Prep) 2‐0
10. Mojave (Desert Mountain) 1‐0

WEEK 2 SCHEDULE AND PREDICTIONS
Thursday's Games
Gabrielino at Keppel, 7 p.m. -- Gabrielino
Alhambra at Temple City, 7 p.m. -- Alhambra
Rowland at Rosemead, 7 p.m. -- Rowland
Hoover at South Pasadena, 7 p.m. -- South Pasadena
Kilpatrick at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m. -- Rio Hondo Prep

Friday's Games
Monrovia at Arcadia, 7 p.m. -- Monrovia
Rancho Cucamonga at Muir, 7 p.m. -- Rancho Cucamonga
Azusa at Maranatha, 7 p.m. -- Maranatha
Crescenta Valley at St. Francis, 7 p.m. -- St. Francis
San Dimas at San Gabriel, 7 p.m. -- San Gabriel
La Salle at San Marino, 7 p.m. -- La Salle
Pasadena Poly at Marshall, 4 p.m. -- Pasadena Poly
Gladstone at Bosco Tech, 4:30 p.m. -- Bosco Tech
Fulton at Duarte, 7 p.m. -- Duarte
Pasadena at Cathedral, 7 p.m. -- Cathedral
Flintridge Prep vs. Grace Brethren at Occidental College, 7 p.m. -- Grace Brethren
La Canada at Glendale, 7 p.m. -- La Canada

BREAKING NEWS: There are no stories available on the Tribune, Star-News or Whittier Daily News prep pages as we had a major breakdown with our system tonight, but they will be in Saturday's paper. Yup, just like the 80s, drop your $1 at the newsstand and read all the stories.

Friday's Results
Maranatha 20, La Salle 3
St. Francis 31, Arcadia 28
Arroyo 48, Temple City 21
Alhambra 34, La Canada 14
San Gabriel 27, South Pasadena 10
Muir 27, Saugus 9
Bosco Tech 48, Gabrielino 16
Montebello 20, Rosemead 9
Workman 13, Keppel 2
St. Genevieve 49, Flintridge Prep 13
Rio Hondo Prep 12, Big Bear 0

COVERITLIVE: Join "Mike the Cousin" during our live chat of Bishop Amat vs. Servite at 7:30 p.m, as well as updates from other area teams.

Looks like Monrovia fans were a little worried about the offense in the first half with the Wildcats trailing 9-7 at the half. Ouch. Not sure what happened or how they turned it around. Our Keith Lair was there to report on the game, and from what he tells me it drew quite the attention. UCLA's Rick Neuheisel, USC's Ed Orgeron and others from Oregon State and San Jose State were there, presumably to watch Mornovia's Ellis McCarthy. I was at the San Marino game tonight. I'm under the weather, and because we found out late this game was moved to Thursday I decided to cover it. San Marino has some talent, no doubt. But the Titans were definitely not challenged by Eagle Rock. The Titans (1-0) led 24-0 at thehalf and did not allow Eagle Rock (0-2) to get past its own 38 yard line. The Eagles didn't complete their first pass until 2:21 left in the second quarter and didn't get past midfield until less than a minute left in the game. San Marino held Eagle Rock to 38 yards rushing in the first half while the Titans racked up 222 yards rushing in the first half allone, 119 of them from Do, who finished with 178 yard rushing on 19 carries. He scored on runs of 5, 1 and 45. Matt Wofford commanded the offense pretty well at quarterback. Still not completely sold on San Marino. I'll check out La Salle on Friday and know whether they'll give San Marino a run for its money in Week 2. That's it for now. See yall Friday.

THURSDAY'S RESULTS
Monrovia 29, Glendora 16
San Marino 31, Eagle Rock 0
Duarte 40, Blair 0
Douglas vs. Marshall at PHS, 7 p.m.

More details to come as soon as Muir coach Ken Howard gets back to me, but here's what you need to know. Tyquwan Glass, a senior free safety, broke his left femur during practice late Tuesday night. Howard said Glass's foot got caught on the turf during practice and required surgery this morning. They are getting out of preparing him for surgery as we speak. It's a tough break for the Mustangs. Glass recorded two interceptions against San Gabriel in the season opener. Both picks set up driving scores in the Mustangs' 43-20 win. Huge loss for Muir.

The inevitable has happened. After Andy Guerrero's rough start in the season opener against Muir last week, San Gabriel coach Jude Oliva has decided to start Eric Alvarez in Week 1 against South Pasadena. This is a role reversal from last year when Alvarez started the season opener as a sophomore before Oliva made the switch with Guerrero, who ultimately had his season cut short because of a broken ankle. San Gabriel's passing game was nonexistent in the first half. Alvarez started the second half and finished the game completing 7 of 15 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Alex Villalobos saw his stats go up in the second half before finishing with 10 catches for 97 yards.

"We are going to start Eric Alvarez this week after the second half he had," Oliva said. "We kind of felt he deserves the nod this week. We saw a lot of Andy Guerrero on Friday playing running back. That's kind of what we're goin with. We're still getting Andy ready just in case, but he'll be featuered in a lot of places this week."

As for Guerrero at running back, the starting job still belongs to sophomore Joseph Mayorga. More in Thursday's paper.

The changes keep coming. First I got word that the Blair-Duarte game was moved from Friday to Thursday and the Eagle Rock-San Marino is also scheduled for Thursday night at San Marino. There are changes because, according to San Marino athletic director Andrew Gayle, there's a shortage of referees in the San Gabriel Valley. Here at the Star-News, we can handle any audible. Keith Lair will cover Glendora at Monrovia; Ariel Carmona will cover Blair at Duarte; and I'll cover Eagle Rock at San Marino. I really wanted the chance to check out Monrovia against Glendora, but I'm hearing that we might have video from that game for Friday's blog. I'll keep you posted. Coaches, athletic directors: If there are ever any changes like this please text or email me ASAP so we can coordinate. Thanks!

The CIF-Southern Section top-10 polls can be puzzling at times, and that was evident in the polls released Tuesday.

There seems to be little emphasis on strength of schedule and more emphasis simply on wins and losses.

That was the case particularly in the Mid-Valley Division, where Maranatha High School (1-0) jumped three spots, from No. 5 to No. 2, behind Monrovia, which opens the season at home Thursday against a Glendora team that gave Charter Oak - the No. 9 team in the tough Inland Division - all it could handle before losing 17-6.

Maranatha coach Pete Karavedas, in his first season at the helm, took the new ranking in stride.

"Those things are all mostly about your record," he said. "Monrovia at one point last year was No. 8 because they played a tough schedule, but everyone knew they'd be there at the end. We'll put (the poll news) on our team Facebook page, but you and I know it's nice to have but it doesn't necessarily mean much."

Or at least not yet.

The final polls decide the final seedings in the playoffs, so they could impact postseason scenarios.

The Minutemen, who defeated Big Bear 41-12, jumped ahead of Covina, San Dimas and Whittier Christian, each of which lost its season opener last week.

Nevermind the fact that Covina - ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll - lost in overtime to defending Southeast Division champion West Covina (26-20). Covina is now No. 5.

"If I was them, I would still have Covina at No. 2, I'm not going to lie," Karavedas said. "I don't think you should penalize a team like Covina for losing in overtime to the defending Southeast Division champion."

San Dimas - ranked No. 3 in preseason - lost to Bonita, the No. 2 team in the Southeast Division, and the Saints are now No. 6. Whittier Christian dropped three spots to No. 7 after losing to Orange County power Esperanza, 49-34.

"The top four seeds, as we know, play the four at-large teams," Karavedas said, "but right now, at this point of the year, you take it in stride.

"If Monrovia loses to Glendora by one and we beat La Salle, we'll be No. 1 and Monrovia will be No. 2, which is crazy because Monrovia is playing a team that played Charter Oak last week and lost by 11."

Above: La Cañada's Katie Pierce celebrates a win over FSHA in 2010.

STAR-NEWS PRESEASON TOP 10
Compiled by Keith Lair
1. La Cañada
2. Pasadena Poly
3. Mayfield
4. Flintridge Sacred Heart
5. Arcadia
6. Gabrielino
7. San Gabriel
8. La Salle
9. South Pasadena
10. San Gabriel Academy

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

Volleyball is no longer a sport for just beach high schools. The past several years of CIF- Southern Section playoff action have proven that.

La Cañada always seems to find a spot in at least the Division 2AA quarterfinals every year, Pasadena Poly reached the Division 3AA final last year, and San Gabriel Academy became the first West Valley team to advance to the CIF-State playoffs.

Local teams are loaded again this year, and expect to make long hauls into the playoffs.

No. 1: La Cañada

There's no question the Spartans have the firepower up front. Junior outside hitters Micaela Anderson and Kendall Wallbrecht and senior Laura Schroeder return, as do senior middle blocker Claire Hilsen and junior Katie Pierce, as well as setter Kirstie Shurie.

"They are just all stepping up," coach Brock Turner said. "The juniors have begun to take charge on the court and they are taking charge off the court, too."

The lone issue is libero. La Cañada lost Eirene Kim to graduation, but Turner said Catherine Horner, who was a defensive specialist last year and is in her fourth year on the team, has done just fine. Megan Swartzlander started on the back row last year. Madison Teodo, Ana Dewar and freshman Loren Shin will also step in.

"Her experience will help," Turner said of Horner.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING PREVIEW

MID‐VALLEY DIVISION
1. Monrovia (Rio Hondo) 0‐0
2. Maranatha (Olympic) 1‐0
3. Village Christian (Olympic) 1‐0
4. Arroyo (Mission Valley) 1‐0
5. Covina (Valle Vista) 0‐1
6. San Dimas (Valle Vista) 0‐1
7. Whittier Christian (Olympic) 0‐1
8. Bell Gardens (Almont) 0‐0
9. Azusa (Montview) 0‐0
10. Montebello (Almont) 1‐0

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
1. West Covina (Hacienda) 1‐0
2. Bonita (Hacienda) 1‐0
3. Mayfair (Suburban) 1‐0
4. Arcadia (Pacific) 0‐0
5. Muir (Pacific) 1‐0
6. La Serna (Del Rio) 1‐0
7. Santa Fe (Del Rio) 0‐1
8. Diamond Ranch (Hacienda) 0‐1
9. Walnut (Hacienda) 0‐1
10. Burbank (Pacific) 1‐0

WESTERN DIVISION
1. Chaminade (Mission) 0‐0
2. St. Paul (Mission) 1‐0
3. Arroyo Grande (PAC‐7) 0‐1
4. Dominguez (San Gabriel Valley) 0‐1
5. Serra (Mission) 0‐1
6. St. Joseph/Santa Maria (PAC‐7) 0‐0
7. Atascadero (PAC‐7) 1‐0
8. St. Francis (Mission) 0‐0
9. Culver City (Ocean) 0‐0
10. Oxnard (Pacific View) 0‐0

NORTHWEST DIVISION
1. Lompoc (Los Padres) 1‐0
2. South Torrance (Pioneer) 0‐0
3. Santa Ynez (Los Padres) 0‐0
4. Cabrillo/Lompoc (Los Padres) 1‐0
5. Carpinteria (Tri‐Valley) 0‐0
6. Bishop Montgomery (Del Rey) 1‐0
7. North Torrance (Pioneer) 1‐0
8. Templeton (Los Padres) 1‐0
9. Nordhoff (Tri‐Valley) 0‐1
10. La Salle (Del Rey) 0‐1

NORTHEAST DIVISION
1. Bishop Union (High Desert) 0‐0
2. Desert Christian/L. (Desert Mountain) 1‐0
3. Salesian (Santa Fe) 1‐0
4. Boron (Desert Mountain) 0‐1
5. Rio Hondo Prep (Prep) 0‐1
6. Vasquez (Desert Mountain) 0‐1
7. Chadwick (Prep) 0‐0
8. Desert (High Desert) 1‐0
9. Pasadena Poly (Prep) 1‐0
10. Mojave (Desert Mountain) 1‐0

Yup, the Maranatha-La Salle crosstown rivalry has been dubbed "The Battle for the Crown" "Showdown for the Crown" as agreed by athletic directors Brian DeHaan (Maranatha) and Anthony Harris (La Salle). I still don't get what crown they're talking about, even though I'm sure it was explained to me a couple times. It's being called "Showdown for the Crown" because Pasadena is known as the "Crown City". Nevertheless, the Maranatha-La Salle rivalry's never needed a name to explain exactly how intense these games can get. It's one of the best rivalries in the area, and I covered one of the best games in my career three years ago when Maranatha's Matt Schilz made an impressive final drive to beat La Salle 27-26. What a tough way, though, for La Salle to lose in the season opener last week. The Lancers were up 21-0 in the third quarter and lose to Village Christian, 26-21. Ouch. No doubt La Salle will be hungry and maybe even angry coming into Friday's showdown. That it's a rivalry only adds to the dynamic of this game. Of course, before any of this goes down the spotlight belongs to Monrovia, which opens the season at home Thursday against a Glendora team that stood strong against Charter Oak. Looks like the Rogain has penetrated Fred Robledo's head. He's picking Glendora to pull off a shocker over Monrovia. If Glendora wins, I'll treat him to lunch. If I win, well, I don't really need anything. Here's a thought: we'll now have common opponent to see how the Wildcats would rank against Farrar & Co. Our Keith Lair will be there to cover the action. I'm going to say it: Arcadia beats St. Francis. Let's see how this turns out for me, and whether I'm ever welcomed back to St. Francis. I'm going to just throw this out there: Who grills better food, Arcadia or St. Francis? The Knights do a heck of a job over there, hands down.

LAST WEEK: Melendez 8-4

WEEK 1 SCHEDULE WITH MY PREDICTIONS
Thursday's games
Glendora at Monrovia, 7 p.m. -- Monrovia
Blair at Duarte, 7 p.m. -- Duarte

Friday's games
Maranatha at La Salle, 7 p.m. -- Maranatha
St. Francis at Arcadia, 7 p.m. -- Arcaida
Temple City at Arroyo, 7 p.m. -- Arroyo
Alhambra vs. La Canada at Moor Field, 7 p.m. -- Alhambra
San Gabriel at South Pasadena, 7 p.m. -- San Gabriel
Saugus at Muir, 7 p.m. -- Muir
Eagle Rock at San Marino, 7 p.m. -- San Marino
Gabrielino at Bosco Tech, 7 p.m. -- Gabrielino
Rosemead at Montebello, 7 p.m. -- Rosemead
Workman at Keppel, 7 p.m. -- Workman
Flintridge Prep vs. St. Genevieve at Occidental College, 7 p.m. -- Flintridge Prep
Big Bear at Rio Hondo Prep, 7:30 p.m. -- Rio Hondo Prep
Marshall vs. Douglas at Pasadena, 7 p.m. -- Marshall

Saturday's game
Malibu at Pasadena Poly, 3 p.m. -- Pasadena Poly

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

Andrew Elffers may not throw for 3,000 yards again for Maranatha High School this season.

Running back Omar Younger may have something to do with that.

But don't get the wrong impression. Younger by no means has made it his intention to steal the spotlight away from one of the area's rising quarterbacks in Elffers who threw for 3,328 yards and 37 touchdowns, making him the No. 3 passer in the nation among sophomores.

Maranatha this season switched to a West Coast offense that will implement a running game in hopes of giving the Minutemen another dimension to an offense that, for the most part, lacked a running game last year. Perhaps the biggest reason Maranatha was known last season as a pass-happy offense was because injuries desemated a talented backfield with injuries.

"With last year's offense he was fighting to get in," Maranatha coach Pete Karavedas said. "They had a senior running back in Chris Cornell who was really good. But Omar was fighting for time. This year he's our number one (running back) and he'll get a lot of touches."

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CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE MUIR-SAN GABRIEL GAME

NOTE: I will send as many live updates as possible at every game I cover this season. So be sure to follow me on Twitter @StarNewsPreps so you get the latest from whatever game I'm covering.

Tonight's results
Muir 43, San Gabriel 20 -- Muir proved to be too much for San Gabriel. Kevon Seymour returned a punt 59 yards for a score and Tairen Owens had 112 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. Freshman wide receiver Darick Holmes scored two touchdowns and Tyquwan Glass recorded two interceptions. First-year starter Josh Washington was impressive completing 10 of 22 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns. San Gabriel got on the board early in the first quarter on an Andy Guerrero 11-yard run. But Muir roared back with 37 unanswered points in the first half. Eric Alvarez took over at quarterback in the second half after a nonexistent first half. Alex Villalobos caught 10 passes for a game-high 97 yards.

Village Christian 26, La Salle 21-- The Lancers had two touchdowns negated because of penalties in the first half but still was up 14-0 at the half. Matt Barrero perhaps made the biggest play of the game, returning a fumble 90 yards for a score to make it 21-0 midway through the third quarter. Sadly for the Lancers, it went downhill from there. Village Christian mounted a comeback led by Cayden Boyd, who had four consecutive completion, three of which were touchdowns. La Salle's defense looked pretty winded out there and just couldn't keep up in the shocker. It didn't help that the offense wasn't finishing drives anymore.

Maranatha 41, Big Bear 12 -- Andrew Elffers looked sharp, going 13 for 20 for 224 and three touchdowns. On the ground, Elffers added two touchdowns. Darien McGee caught six catches for 130 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown reception from Elffers. He added a 47-yard touchdown run. Robby Flewelling had a touchdown reception from 35 yards.

Alhambra 47, Mountain View 7 -- Anthony Ortega had a 51-yard touchdown run and Josh Mendoza went 5 of 7 for 65 yards and threw for a touchdown and ran for another. The Moors were in complete control. Nathan Quinones was solid on both sides, recovering a fumble, caught a 4-yard touchdown pass and wreaked havoc in the backfield. Mountain View committed six turnovers (five fumbles, one interception). Demetrias Russell returned an interception for 51 yards and a 71-yard punt return. Huge game.

Gabrielino 35, Cerritos 20 -- Gabrielino quarterback Lorenzo Mena connected for a 56-yard touchdown pass to Alex Munoz and a 5-yard pass to Carlos Monjares. The running game was alive and well as Monjares in the third quarter scored on runs of 54 and 25 yards. He also caught a touchdown pass in the opening quarter. Monjares finished the night with 129 yards on 11 carries.

Alemany 55, Pasadena 0 -- Alemany's Devon Dunn scorched the visiting Bulldogs in his first career varsity start. He completed 16 of 21 passes for 241 yards and three first-half touchdowns. He also scored on a 19-yard run. Dunn connected with UCLA-commit Steven Mitchell on touchdown catches of 16 and 4 yards.

OTHER SCORES
Bassett 27, Keppel 6
Bosco Tech 28, Wilson 24
Duarte 42, Marshall 27
Parker of San Diego 26, Rio Hondo Prep 14
Flintridge Prep at Bell-Jeff, 7 p.m.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR A BLAIR FOOTBALL PHOTO GALLERY

Tonight's results
Blair 25, Fulton Prep 14: Shedrick Walker returned a fumble for an 11-yard score, connected with Bryce Luna for a 25-yard touchdown and recorded an interception to lead the Vikings. Antavion Allen returned a punt 55 yards and also recorded an interception for Blair.

Pasadena Poly 20, Brethren Christian 13: A strong defensive stand led the Panthers to a victory on the road in Orange County. Pasadena Poly's John Zelek slapped away a pass from its own 10-yard line, a play that shifted momentum and ultimately the outcome. Pasadena Poly led 20-6 at halftime. Poly's Harrison Hodgkins had a game-high 91 yards on 21 carries.

Above: Oregon State and former Muir star Lance Mitchell, right, answers questions as head coach Mike Riley smiles during the Pac-12 Football Media Day at the Fox studios in Los Angeles.
(Staff Photo/Keith Birmingham)

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES - Oregon State's Lance Mitchell's main goal for the upcoming football season is to come home for the holidays.

He wants to play his final collegiate game at home, in Pasadena, which means the Beavers would be in the Rose Bowl for the first time in nearly 50 years.

"I still want to play in the Rose Bowl again and (win) the Pac-12 championship," said the senior last month at Fox Studios during Pac-12 Media Day. "Hopefully, I can get that done."

The former Muir High School star has already accomplished a lot during his time in Corvallis, Ore., but Mitchell, considered one of the top safeties in the Pac-12, is seeking more, especially after the Beavers went from being one win away from the Rose Bowl in 2009 to finishing 5-7 and losing four of their final five games last season. Oregon State, which has experienced a revival under coach Mike Riley, hasn't played in the Rose Bowl Game since 1965.

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