Star Picks: I'm not even ashamed that I changed my pick, taking Rio Hondo Prep over Pasadena Poly. Maranatha opens Olympic League vs. Whittier Christian. I'll be there.

I'm on my way to catch Ellis McCarthy's press conference for his Army Bowl jersey presentation. When I get back, or later this week, I'll elaborate on my picks and give you my reasons for picking Rio Hondo Prep and Maranatha to win this week. If there are any changes or if I have your team scheduled on the incorrect day/time, please leave a comment on here so we can coordinate. Thanks.
WEEK 7 SCHEDULE WITH PREDICTIONS
Thursday's game
Marshall vs. Kilpatrick at Pasadena, 7 p.m.
Friday's games
Alhambra at Schurr, 7 p.m. -- Alhambra
San Gabriel at Keppel, 7 p.m. -- San Gabriel
Bosco Tech at Bishop Montgomery, 6 p.m. -- Bosco Tech
St. Francis at Serra, 7 p.m. -- St. Francis
Rosemead at Gabrielino, 7 p.m. -- Rosemead
Workman at Duarte, 7 p.m. -- Workman
Whittier Christian at Maranatha, 7 p.m. -- Maranatha
Glendale at Muir, 7 p.m. -- Muir
Burbank at Pasadena, 7 p.m. -- Pasadena
Blair at Monrovia, 7 p.m. -- Monrovia
La Canada at South Pasadena, 7 p.m. -- South Pasadena
Temple City at San Marino, 7 p.m. -- San Marino
Saturday's games
La Salle vs. Verbum Dei at L.A. Southwest College, 7 p.m. -- Verbum Dei
Flintridge Prep vs. Viewpoint at Occidental College, 7 p.m. -- Viewpoint
Rio Hondo Prep at Pasadena Poly, 3 p.m. -- Rio Hondo Prep





Chadwick was really good. Their quarterback is terrific along with all of their receivers. They only threw 10 passes against Poly though because their ground game was so effective and they were running the clock out the second half. Their defense looked stout and was more physical than years past. I'm really looking forward to when Chadwick plays at Rio Hondo. That should be a great game.
To James... I had no idea that Poly was that hurt. I too hope for a speedy recovery for all the Poly kids. Hopefully the rest of the team can stay injury free and get the team through this tough time. As far as Rio's kids go, I'm not sure what the extent of their injuries are but I know they will come out with whatever they have and do their best. How did Chadwick look? did they pass a lot? just curious. Still waiting for Mr. Melendez to elaborate on his change of heart.
I'm sorry to hear about the Rio Hondo players. I hope for a speedy recovery. Do you know how long they will be out for? Poly was down to their fourth string quarterback, so their coach elected for a running clock in the second half rather than to forfeit. Their team is in a sad state right now
To James.... I'm sorry to hear that all of Poly's players were hurt in their game against Chadwick. Perhaps you mean a few key players and not the whole team. With that said, it should still be an exciting game for Poly seeing as Rio Hondo Prep lost their starting fullback/linebacker, their starting tailback/safety, and I believe two of their top OL/DL. Games like this show us who can rise to the occasion and pull together as a team without relying on a few individuals to carry them through. Oh, by the way, the Poly team that I'm talking about in my earlier post was the team that played Gabrielino and lost, so to say that the only reason Rio Hondo Prep is going to beat Poly is because Chadwick hurt all of Poly's players is a lame excuse and complete nonsense. The fact of the matter is Rio Hondo Prep is ready for the challenge, injured or not and will show up on the field with no excuses, ready to play and win. I sincerely hope that every injured player on both teams gets the rest and rehabilitation they need to get back in uniform asap. Counting Poly out before the game is even played is ridiculous and shows no faith and encouragement to the boys who will go and play on Saturday. Still waiting for Mr. Melendez to elaborate on his pick change for this game.
To James.... I'm sorry to hear that all of Poly's players were hurt in their game against Chadwick. Perhaps you mean a few key players and not the whole team. With that said, it should still be an exciting game for Poly seeing as Rio Hondo Prep lost their starting fullback/linebacker, their starting tailback/safety, and I believe two of their top OL/DL. Games like this show us who can rise to the occasion and pull together as a team without relying on a few individuals to carry them through. Oh, by the way, the Poly team that I'm talking about in my earlier post was the team that played Gabrielino and lost, so to say that the only reason Rio Hondo Prep is going to beat Poly is because Chadwick hurt all of Poly's players is a lame excuse and complete nonsense. The fact of the matter is Rio Hondo Prep is ready for the challenge, injured or not and will show up on the field with no excuses, ready to play and win. I sincerely hope that every injured player on both teams gets the rest and rehabilitation they need to get back in uniform asap. Counting Poly out before the game is even played is ridiculous and shows no faith and encouragement to the boys who will go and play on Saturday. Still waiting for Mr. Melendez to elaborate on his pick change for this game.
SF might pull up another big win!!! Knights look like a real deal team in their league! st paul watch out
Re RHL and Pacific realignment.
Remember there are a lot more sports than that. Certain sports are ruled by certain schools.
If you looked only at swimming and water polo you would think LC and SP might be served to move from the RHL.
If you looked at golf and tennis (esp girls tennis) you would think SM should move to Div I.
If you looked at basketball it might be Monrovia and LC.
Soccer it might be SM and LC.
volleyball it would be LC
Sure Monrovia is on a run in football, baseball and and other sports, but one only need look at Blair's 1971 #1 in the nation football team to see how things can change in unexpected ways. School enrollment size is a good indicator of what level to play at, the smaller the school (except private that recruits) the more you must admire the program that competes well or beats larger schools.
Based on enrollment
Monrovia 1737
TC 1586
SP 1518
LC 1456
SM 1146
Blair 1035
Rio Hondo will win only because Chadwick injured all of Poly's players.
Mr. Melendez, was there a moment over the last several weeks when you thought Pasadena Poly would beat Rio Hondo Prep?. Obviously there must have been if your statement about changing your pick is true. If so, I'm curious to find out when you felt that way and why you decided to change your mind. You see, I've seen both teams in action and for the life of me cant recall one second when I would have gone with Poly beating RHP. Poly has played NOBODY to speak of while RHP has proven themselves with a tough pre-league schedule including the likes of Parker, Boron, Village Christian, Big Bear etc. Please help me understand when and why you felt that Poly would beat Rio Hondo Prep. Thanks.
Miguel i hope you have an article about Muir's Kevon Seymour today when he get his jersey for the U.S game. This is the first time the SGV has two U.S army all americans.
@HS Football Fan,
There was a write up on Brandon Cox last week:
www.insidesocal.com/paspreps/2011/10/football-brandon-cox-does-his.html
From what i had heard and saw in person last friday night, Pasadena highs QB Brandon Cox is a extremely impressive talent. he may be, as a junior, one of the best talents in the San Gabriel valley. I was just wondering when we might see a wright up on him or even better coverage of the PHS games. What do you think about this Miguel?
workman over duarte really its duarte over workman, get your picks right.
you need an explanation to pick maranatha to beat WC? that's like saying you need an in-depth study to pick la salle to lose.