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
