December 2011 Archives

BOYS BASKETBALL
La Salle/Temple City Tournament
Today's games
St. Paul vs. Bell Jeff at La Salle, 3 p.m.
Montebello vs. Village Christian at La Salle, 4:30 p.m.
South Pasadena vs. Keppel at La Salle, 6 p.m.
L.A. Baptist vs. La Salle at La Salle, 7:30 p.m.
Hoover vs. Franklin at Maranatha, 6 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
New Year's Ball Tournament
At La Canada HS
Tuesday's Games
Franklin vs. Hart, 2:30 p.m.
La Canada vs. Ramona Convent, 4 p.m.
Arcadia vs. Golden Valley, 5:30 p.m.
Flintridge Sacred Heart vs. Moorpark, 7 p.m.

BOYS SOCCER
La Canada Holiday Classic
At La Canada HS
Tuesday's Games
Canyon vs. Pioneer, 1 p.m.
El Monte vs. La Salle, 2:30 p.m.
Golden VAlley vs. Milikan, 4 p.m.
La Canada vs. St. Bernard, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS SOCCER
Los Tacos Tournament
At Glendale Sports Complex
Tuesday's Games
Flintridge Sacred Heart vs. St. Joseph, 10 a.m., Field 4
Ayala vs. Corona del Mar, 10 a.m., Field 5
West Ranch vs. La Salle, 11:30 a.m., Field 4
Royal vs. Saugus, 11:30 a.m., Field 5
Flintridge Sacred Heart vs. Royal, 2:30 p.m., Field 4
La Salle vs. Corona del Mar, 2:30 p.m., Field 5
St. Joseph vs. Saugus, 3:45 p.m., Field 4
West Ranch vs. Ayala, 3:45 p.m., Field 5

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Myles Carr, Arcadia, Sr.
RB: Marquise Bias, Monrovia, Sr.
RB: Tairen Owens, Muir, Sr.
AP: Kevon Seymour, Muir, Sr.
WR: Alex Villalobos, San Gabriel, Sr.
WR: Luke Williams, Monrovia, Sr.
WR: Taylor Lagace, Arcadia, Sr.
OL: Kristion Grbavac, St. Francis, Sr.
OL: Kevin Spencer, Monrovia, Sr.
OL: Dave Drain, Rio Hondo Prep, Sr.
OL: Gabriel Rousset, Arcadia, Sr.
OL: Michael Bassette, Temple City, Sr.
PK: Mason Bryant, Monrovia, Jr.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Ellis McCarthy, Monrovia, Sr.
DL: Robby Haines, Arcadia, Sr.
DL: Carlos Purser, San Gabriel, Sr.
LB: Brett Walsh, Monrovia, Jr.
LB: Ryan McAleenan, St. Francis, Sr.
LB: George Frazier V, Monrovia, Jr.
LB: Denzel Talifero, Muir, Jr.
DB: De'Shawn Ramirez, Monrovia, Sr.
DB: Travis Talianko, St. Francis, Sr.
DB: Alex McElwee, Arcadia, Sr.
SS: Joey Villalobos, San Gabriel, Sr.
P: Franklyn Cervenka, La Cañada, Sr.

STAR-NEWS FINAL TOP 10
1. Monrovia (11-3)
2. St. Francis (9-3)
3. Muir (8-5)
4. San Gabriel (9-5)
5. Arcadia (9-3)
6. Rio Hondo Prep (13-1)
7. Pasadena (6-6)
8. Alhambra (9-3)
9. Maranatha (8-3)
10. San Marino (7-4)

CLICK FOR SECOND TEAM, STORIES, CAPSULES AND HONORABLE MENTION

ALL-ALMONT LEAGUE TEAMS
FOOTBALL
MVP -- Alex Villalobos, San Gabriel
Offensive MVP -- Andy Guerrero, San Gabriel
Defensive MVP -- Nathan Quinones, Alhambra
Lineman of the year -- Carlos Purser, San Gabriel
Coach of the Year -- Jude Olvia, San Gabriel

FIRST TEAM
Offense -- Quarterback: Josh Mendoza, Alhambra. Backs: Jorge Remingio, Bell Gardens; Erza Broadus, Alhambra; Eric Magos, Schurr; Marcos Portillo, Montebello. Receivers: Joseph Villalobos, San Gabriel; Isai Fernandez, San Gabriel; Jorge Romo, Montebello, Oscar Gayton, Alhambra. Tight End: James Salazar, Bell Gardens. Linemen: Daniel Herrera, Bell Gardens; Joseph Rubino, Montebello; Brian Lopez, San Gabriel; Justin Luu, Alhambra; Gino Livotti, Montebello. Kicker: Ricardo Pena, Bell Gardens.

Defense -- Linemen: Daniel Servin, Montebello; Hunter Garcia, San Gabriel; Christian Caraveo, Alhambra; Sean Yee, Schurr. Linebackers: Robert Garcia, Montebello; Chris Aguilar, Schurr; Thomas Guevara, Bell Gardens; Andres Jimenez, San Gabriel. Backs: Joesph Villalobos, San Gabriel; Albert Lara, Bell Gardens; Erza Broadus, Alhambra; Randy Portillo, Montebello; Punter: Juan Hernandez, Montebello.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR SECOND TEAM

2011 ALL-OLYMPIC LEAGUE
Offensive MVP: Amjed Aboul-Hosn, Village Christian,Sr.
Defensive MVP: Matt Hall, Maranatha, So.
Line MVP: Clayton Granch, Valley Christian, Jr.

FIRST TEAM
LeJon Peterson, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Chris Tripoli, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Andrew Elffers, Maranatha, Jr.; Matt Hall, Maranatha, So.; Darien McGee, Maranatha, Sr.; Sterling Sanchez, Maranatha, Sr.; Omar Younger, Maranatha, Jr.; Cody Buskirk, Valley Chr., Sr.; Brandon Bynum, Valley Chr., Jr.; David Coley, Valley Chr., Sr.; Clayton Granch, Valley Chr., Jr.; Anthony Nocera, Valley Chr., Sr.; Jaylen Ray, Valley Chr., Sr.; LeWayne Wright, Valley Chr., Sr.; Amjed Aboul-Hosn, Village Chr., Sr.; Nick Hamilton, Village Chr., Jr.; Scott Maxwell, Village Chr., Sr.; Garrett Van, Village Chr., Sr.; Daniel Abernethy, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Cody Bronkar, Whittier Chr., Jr.; Andrew Delaney, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Grant Escobar, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Corey Gineris, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Joel Rhone, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Ryan Wallace, Whittier Chr., Sr.

SECOND TEAM
Josh Nguyen, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Sean Smith, L.A. Baptist, Sr.; Robert Flewelling, Maranatha, Sr.; Adam Harr, Maranatha, Sr.; Matt Payton, Maranatha, Sr.; Daniel Rasmussen, Jr.; Darin Smith, Maranatha, Sr.; Patrick Avila, Valley Chr., Jr.; Zach D'Amico, Valley Chr., Sr.; Clay Thomas, Valley Chr., Sr.; Rodney VanDenBerg, Valley Chr., Jr.; Scott Vander Ploeg, Valley Chr., Sr.; Misha Gordon, Village Chr., Sr.; Eli Jerjerian, Village Chr., Jr.; Luke Rawlings, Village Chr., Jr.; Josh Rolls, Village Chr., Sr.; Daniel Chacon, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Matt Hearn, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Jacob Hughes, Whittier Chr., Jr.; Jack Huitt, Whittier Chr., So.; Ryan Morales, Whittier Chr., Sr.; Grady Smith, Whittier Chr., Sr.

Above: St. Francis standout Travis Talianko is San Jose State-bound. Dude is a working machine.

2011 ALL-MISSION LEAGUE
Most Valuable Player: Jalean Greene, Serra, So.
Most Valuable Offense: Terrell Newby, Chaminade Jr.
Most Valuable Defense: Kache Palacio, Serra, Sr., Tal Dardashti, Chaminade, Sr.
Most Valuable Lineman: Ryan McAleenan, St. Francis, Sr., Taylor Hindy, Chaminade, Sr.

FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
LINEMEN
Andrew Chen, Chaminade, Sr.
Alexis Madrigal, Cathedral, Sr.
Jose Sanchez, Cathedral, Sr.
Tavita Tua'au, Serra, Sr.
Joe Marrone, St. Francis, Sr.
Kristioin Grbavac, St. Francis, Sr.
Chris Garcia, St. Paul, Sr.
Tyler Carrillo, St. Paul, Sr.
BACKS
Austin De Los Santos, St. Francis, Sr.
Anterio Bateman, Serra, Jr.
Logan Scott, Chaminade, Sr.
RECEIVERS
Chris Sebastian, Harvard-WEstlake, Jr.
Clinton Hooks, Harvard-Westlake, Jr.
Raymond Ford, Serra, Sr.
KICKER
Billy McCreary, St. Francis, Sr.

FIRST TEAM
DEFENSE
LINEMEN
Kris Cooper, Serra, Sr.
Sam Hardy, Chaminade, Sr.
Howard Lynch-Balani, Chaminade, Sr.
LINEBACKERS
Thomas Brown, Serra, Sr.
Jacob Bowman, Chaminade, Sr.
Luke Anderson, St. Francis, Sr.
Kevin Romo, St. Paul, Sr.
Raul Castillo, St. Francis, Sr.
Alex Cadiff, Harvard-Westlake, Jr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Da'Mari Scott, Cathedral, Jr.
Adoree' Jackson, Serra, So.
Patrick Wooten, Serra, Sr.
Donovan Lee, Chaminade, So.
Charlie Porter, Harvard-Westlake, Sr.
Travis Talianko, St. Francis, Sr.
PUNTER
Chad Kanoff, Harvard-Westlake, Jr.

CLICK ON THREAD TO SEE SECOND TEAM

2011 ALL-RIO HONDO LEAGUE
Most Valuable Player: Blake Heyworth, Monrovia, Jr., Kwame Do, San Marino, Sr.
Offensive Back of the Year: Marquise Bias, Monrovia, Sr.
All-Purpose Player of the Year: De'Shawn Ramirez, Monrovia, Sr.
Offensive Linemen of the Year: Michael Bassette, Temple City, Sr.
Defensive Linemen of the Year: Ellis McCarthy, Monrovia, Sr.
Linebacker of the Year: Brett Walsh, Monrovia, Jr., George Frazier V, Monrovia, Jr.
Defensive Back of the Year: Anthony Craft, Monrovia, Jr.

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
WR: Luke Williams, Monrovia, Sr.
WR: Mason Bryant, Monrovia, Jr.
TE: Justin Cornford, South Pasadena, Sr.
OT: Henry Crane, Monrovia, Sr.
OT: Kevin Cummings, Temple City, Sr.
OG: Marty Vardanian, La Canada, Sr.
OG: Bryan Wong, Temple City, Sr.
C: Ryan Stone, South Pasadena, Jr.
QB: Sheddrick Walker, Blair, Sr.
RB: Kyle Herron, La Canada, Sr.
RB: Sean Magill, South Pasadena, Sr.
RB: Nathan Lee, South Pasadena, Jr.
PK: Matt Wofford, San Marino, Jr.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Brendan Daly, La Canada, Sr.
DL: Lorenzo Casas, Monrovia, Sr.
DL: Alec Fox, Monrovia, Sr.
DE: Marquise Harrison, Monrovia, Sr.
DE: Nick Gott, San Marino, Jr.
LB: Kyle Herron, La Canada, Sr.
LB: Ryan Hill, San Marino, Sr.
LB: Jared Mendez, Temple City, Sr.
DB: Miguel Lagunas, South Pasadena, Sr.
DB: Grant Owen, La Canada, Jr.
DB: Garrett Glazer, San Marino, Jr.
DB: Luke Williams, Monrovia, Sr.
P: Franklyn Cervenka, La Canada, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD TO SEE SECOND TEAM AND HONORABLE MENTION

Above: Arcadia's Myles Carr, who completed 63 percent of his passes and passed for 2,484 yards and 30 touchdowns, has drawn interest from Stony Brook, Montana State and Nevada.

2011 ALL-PACIFIC LEAGUE
Player of the Year: Zander Anding, Burroughs, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year: Myles Carr, Arcadia, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: Robby Haines, Arcadia, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Jon Dimalante, Arcadia

FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
Herman Castro, Burbank, Skill
Brandon Cox, Pasadena, Skill
Michael Davis, Glendale, Skill
Taylor Lagace, Arcadia, Skill
Marro Lee, Crescenta Valley, Skill
Tairen Owens, Muir, Skill
Luke Taboyoyong, Hoover, Skill
Freddie Barnes, Pasadena, Offensive Line
Ryan Campbell, Arcadia, Offensive Line
Gus Farrat, Burroughs, Offensive Line
Armen Pashai, Crescenta Valley, Offensive Line
Lester Quintana, Burroughs, Offensive Line
Gabriel Rousset, Arcadia, Offensive Line
Pavle Atanackovic, Crescenta Valley, Kicker

DEFENSE
Clarence Irvin, Arcadia, Defensive Line
Ike Nwachie Burroughs, Defensive Line
Noah Stubblefield, Crescenta Valley, Defensive Line
Kevin Vega, Glendale, Defensive Line
Kody Jensen, Burroughs, Linebacker
Justin Springfield, Crescenta Valley, Linebacker
Denzel Talifero, Muir, Linebacker
Chad Eggerston, Crescenta Valley, Defensive Back
Alex McElwee, Arcadia, Defensive Back
Jose Pereyra, Burroughs, Defensive Back
Kevon Seymour, Muir, Defensive Back
Daniel Marbach, Burroughs, Punter

CLICK ON THREAD FOR SECOND TEAM AND HONORABLE MENTION

Above: Ellis McCarthy (18) putting the hurt on Andy Guerrero.

(WHARTON, N.J.) Dec. 21, 2011--The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee has announced the six finalists for the prestigious Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year award, given to the top prep lineman in the country. Muñoz is regarded by many as the top offensive lineman in professional football history and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame after 12 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was honored in being named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, as well as to the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team. Muñoz' college career was played at the University of Southern California where he was a two-time All-American 1978-79. The winner of the award will be announced at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Awards Dinner on January 6, 2012, in San Antonio.

The 2011 Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year award recipient was U.S. Army All-American Ray Drew of Thomasville, Ga., who is now with the Georgia Bulldogs. The 2010 recipient was Seantrel Henderson from St. Paul, Minn., who is currently the starting right tackle for the Miami Hurricanes.

For more than a decade, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the Nation's premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America's future college and NFL stars. Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Lattimore, and Andrew Luck all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans. The 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl drew a crowd of nearly 38,000 to the Alamodome, and was the most-watched sporting event on television over the weekend, excluding the NFL playoffs.

2011 FINALISTS
Darius Hamilton, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NJ), DL
DJ Humphries, Mallard Creek High (Charlotte, NC) OL
Kyle Kalis, St. Edward High (Lakewood, OH) OL
Ellis McCarthy, Monrovia High (Monrovia, CA) DL
Kyle Murphy San Clemente High (San Clemente, CA) OL
Adolphus Washington, Taft High (Cincinnati, OH) DL

From my colleague Erik Boal at the L.A. Daily News via Bob Anon:

La Cañada football coach Dan Yoder has submitted his resignation following three seasons, deciding to focus on earning another educational degree.

Yoder went 13-18 during his tenure, including a pair of Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoff appearances, after replacing Rich Wheeler in 2009.

Muir's 8-0 start is the best start in nearly two decades, but as to when exactly the Mustangs had their best start in school history is just that, a mystery.

Muir coach Gamal Stalley said it's been a "really long time" since the Mustangs opened the season with eight consecutive wins, and its 6-0 start was its best in 16 years. Muir is coming off a win over Saugus last weekend to win the La Canada Tournament.

That the Mustangs, ranked No. 8 in the CIF polls, are playing well may not come as much as of a surprise considering they return 10 players from last year's team that reached the Division 5AA title game.

That success moved Muir to Division 4AA, dubbed the "super division" because it includes powerhouse La Verne Lutheran, L.A. Price and Windward, among others. Early in the season, Smalley said "we might as well be playing the Lakers" after learning Muir was moved up a division. But success in Division 4AA is not farfetched especially the way Muir has played as of late.

Over the summer, Muir played Loyola and Orange Lutheran, two powerhouses that were nationally ranked in the preseason. Muir lost to Loyola by two and lost to Orange Lutheran on a buzzer beater.

"So we know we have something special this year," Smalley said. "We have to find a way to remain consistent. We're still trying to find our way, but it's a good start, nonetheless."

Muir is one of two teams (the other being Crespi at 7-0) to remain unbeaten among the 44 teams in Division 4AA.

La Salle's 7th Annual Camp Aggie Baseball Clinic
What: Christmas baseball camp for youth ages 8-14
When: December 27-28th, 2011
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: La Salle Baseball Field (3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena)
Campers Receive: Each camper will receive excellent professional
instruction on a personal level and a camp t-shirt. Showcase scrimmage. Guest Speaker: Former Dodger and Angel Great - Jay Johnstone (public welcomed to see Jay) 10:00 December 28.
Director: Harry Agajanian-Head Baseball Coach at La Salle. 
Fee: The cost of the camp is $50. Checks should be payable to Harry Agajanian.
To Sign Up: Email lasallebaseball52@yahoo.com. Leave player's name, email address, and t-shirt size.
Questions: Any questions you can call the coach direct 626-255-1145
What to bring: Campers should wear baseball attire. Bring your own cleats, bat, batting gloves, helmet, and catcher's gear. Campers should bring a light snack.

Pasadena High School's trip to Sacramento for a boys basketball tournament last weekend didn't turn out so good, and that's putting it lightly.

"It was a nightmare weekend up there," Bulldogs coach Tim Tucker said. "It really was."

Pasadena (3-5) went 1-3 in the prestigious St. Hope Elite Nike Classic, its lone win coming against Northern California's Foothill, 63-39, in the opening round. What followed next is almost unexplainable.

Pasadena went toe-to-toe with Bakersfield, regarded as the best team in Kern County. Pasadena led 61-59 when the unthinkable happened.

"It's crazy that we lost on a 60-foot bank shot," Tucker said. Pasadena still advanced to the semifinals against Sacramento. A four-point game with two minutes left in the game and the Bulldogs suddenly check out, losing 87-79.

"There's two minutes left and we can't buy a basket down the stretch," Tucker said.

A defensive break down with the game on the line in the fourth-place game and Pasadena loses to Pleasant Grove, 62-60 after an unguarded layup to win the game.

Pasadena was one of three L.A.-area teams taking part in the tournament along with L.A. Dorsey and Compton High, which didn't fare any better than the Bulldogs. Tucker said the officiating was suspect at best. He pointed to forward Blake Hamilton, who averaged 23 points in the tournament, getting called for three fouls in the first two minutes of the game against Sacramento.

"It was borderline rediculous what they were calling," Tucker said. "They were not L.A. friendly."

Through the nightmareish weekend there still was a bit of good news. For one, center Brandon Jolley, who suffered a high ankle sprain two weeks before the start of the season, made his first appearance on the court and earned an all-tournament selection.

Jolley, a 6-foot-5 junior, did not play in the Rose City Classic where Pasadena made a run to the semifinals against La Verne Lutheran. Still, the Bulldogs managed to play Lutheran close in a 65-53 loss. Lutheran features several Division I-bound athletes as does L.A. Price, whom the Bulldogs lost to, 72-70.

"There's definitely no panic on this campus," Tucker said. "We're definitely the best 3-5 team in the state. If you ask reporters up there they'll say we're really good, but we're a little unlucky right now. I told the kids it's not a bad thing to drop in the polls because of the teams we lost to.

"We could have easily won the tournament. Nobody has played the schedule we have played. We play the best teams and we don't run from anybody. I really believe when the dust settles Pasadena will still be around standing."

Pasadena is off until next week when it heads to San Diego to take part in the Mt. Carmel Tournament.

Arcadia star WR/SS Taylor Lagace has decommitted from Washington and will be headed to UCLA, according to sources. Lagace, a three-time Star-News All-Area first-team selection, was all but headed to Washington after making a verbal commitment late summer. The departure of Demetrice Martin (Muir grad) from Washington's coaching staff to UCLA has caused a shift in some recruits, Lagace being the first to be on the fence and now making the switch. Martin was the defensive backs coach at Washington and will coach the same position at UCLA.

Notice the new color on Muir's road uniforms? Out with the navy blue and in with the royal blue. For the Muir faithful who go back in the day, this color is nothing new. I'll let Muir boys basketball coach Gamal Smalley explain.

"(Muir girls basketball coach) Gary Johnson and myself were the starting back court in the 70's and the color blue that we wore was royal blue," Smalley said. "We went back to royal blue because we thought it would be cool. The gym is royal blue and the bleachers are royal blue. Some where in time someone changed it to navy blue, but every year Muir has won a CIF championship has been in royal blue, so we had to take it back to when Muir was successful."

The Muir girls team also will wear royal blue unis.

So now you know.

Muir's 8-0 start is its best start in over two decades. The Mustangs are one of two remaining undefeated teams among the 44 in CIF-SS Division 4AA. Crespi is the other undefeated team. Muir is No. 8 in what many consider Division 4AA as the super division.

There will be a celebration of some sorts when Monrovia gets back from Christmas break. It's looking like it'll be sometime in January, whether it's a parade remains to be seen, but Monrovia school officials said a celebration is in order. Last year, Monrovia hosted the Wildcats with a parade that started at Monrovia down Colorado Blvd., and down Myrtle before a grand arrival to Library Park where a sea of fans welcomed the champions. Stay tuned.

Below: The work of Ed McCarthy. I shot this with my iPhone. It's a hoodie with the artwork front and center. Nice work.

What: Chris Rix Christmas Combine
When: Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Who: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs. TOP GUN Division for HS and College players will run from 9am-12pm. YOUNG GUN Division for athletes from ages 8-13 will run from 1pm-3pm.
Where: West Covina High School-ThybergField
Cost: The cost is $30. There are scholarships opportunities available for families in need. Part of the proceeds from the camp will go to charity for the holiday season.

To register call (626) 646-9594 or (626) 872-0068 and also email athlete info to ChampionTraining@live.com

"It's the Christmas season. My vision is to provide a fun and inexpensive opportunity for players from the San Gabriel Valley to come out and compete in the great game of football one more time before Christmas break," Rix said in a press release. "I realize most of them won't be in this kind of environment again until spring ball. This is for skill players who can't get enough football, want to continue to grow in their craft and have fun doing it. Football is a game and games are supposed to be fun. "

"I want this camp to be one every athlete can attend. If a family cannot realistically afford the cost of the camp, they can bring an unopened toy that will be donated to a needy family for Christmas and I will happily scholarship their son."

Rix's vision is for the 'Christmas Combine' to turn into an annual event. He plans to expand the combine to other positions in the future.

Chris Rix will lead the camp along with his coaching staff from Champion Training Academy.

In my four years selecting the Star-News All-Area team, I have never been this tough a tme making deserving selections. If you don't believe me, give it a shot. The Star-News All-Area team includes offensive/defensive players of the year as well as coach of the year. If you think there are slam dunks, I'd like to hear your thoughts on why.

2011 Star-News All-Area Team
OFFENSE
QB:
RB:
RB:
AP:
WR:
WR:
WR:
OL:
OL:
OL:
OL:
OL:
PK:

DEFENSE
DL:
DL:
DL:
LB:
LB:
LB:
LB:
DB:
DB:
DB:
SS:
P:

Inland Insider Tom Kiss and crew's postgame highlights and interviews

Above: Brett Walsh (10) jumps into the arms of Matthew Norman (72) as Monrovia celebrates a 53-14 win over San Gabriel in the CIF-SS Mid-Valley Division championship.

MONROVIA TAKES CONTROL, ROUTS SAN GABRIEL 53-14

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

MONROVIA -- The first 24 minutes was a heavyweight bout that saw an overwhelming underdog do everything but take a physical beating.

In the mist of its first finals run since 2003, the San Gabriel High School football team traded punches with defending champion Monrovia, an epic battle that ultimately proved short-lived.

In typical Monrovia fashion, the second half became an offensive clinic while its punishing defense threw San Gabriel's offense into a wreck. Perhaps it was only fitting that, after pummeling through opponents the last three weeks with strong second-half surges, the Wildcats would score 39 unanswered points in the second half to run away with a 53-14 win Saturday night to win its second consecutive CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship.

ARAM TOLEGIAN: Wildcats setting the bar high for rest of division

There are two undeniable signs that pop up when a high school football program makes the jump from being simply good to a powerhouse.

The first is CIF championships and the second is the presence of blue-chip talent on the roster.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the back-to-back Mid-Valley Division champion Monrovia Wildcats.

For the second consecutive year, the Wildcats preside over a division that surely won't make headlines outside of the 626 area code, but that really isn't the point. The way the Wildcats have taken ownership of the division and the caliber of players they've done it with is.

Saturday's 53-14 win over San Gabriel was something most fans expected. But why was Monrovia's stadium packed if the result simply was a formality?

THIRTEEN A LUCKY NUMBER FOR RIO HONDO PREP

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

ARCADIA - There is nothing magical or unlucky about the number 13. Just ask the Rio Hondo Prep football team.

The Kares scored their 13th consecutive victory en route to their 13th CIF-Southern Section title on Saturday. They defeated visiting Desert Christian of Lancaster, 34-13, in the Northeast Division title game.

No, there was nothing magical or unlucky. Just brute force with maybe a little bit of trickery thrown in.

Quarterback Colby Rivera completed a trick 33-yard touchdown pass to Christian Torrico with 15 seconds left in the first half to put away the pesky Knights, who were making their first CIF-SS championship game appearance

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING STORIES

Below: Classy move by Monrovia's De'Shawn Ramirez, who consoles San Gabriel WR Alex Villalobos after win.

1. KEEP HEYWORTH COMFORTABLE: Blake Heyworth is not a mobile quarterback. He has a quick release, which is what makes him a true passer. If he gets flushed out of the pocket that puts him out of his element. Any hurry, take down or sack will give San Gabriel momentum. Monrovia's O-Line has done a superb job of giving Heyworth (2,276 yards, 24 touchdowns) plenty of time to go through his progressions. Keep it going.

2. ESTABLISH THE RUN: San Gabriel's defensie front of Mackenzie Ferro, Carlos Purser, Hunter Garcia and Joshua Baca are a physical bunch. The fearsome foursome have 23 of San Gabriel's 26 sacks. Marquise Bias can't soley rely on his strength to get his yards. San Gabriel is a determined group, but if the Wildcats are to exploit the secodary holes they'll first have to get the Matadors to commit stopping the run.

3. CONTAIN VILLALOBOS, GUERRERO: Alex Villalobos (1,818 yards, 19 touchdowns) is two inches short of being a legitimate Division I receiver. His numbrs say otherwise, but Villalobos has never let his size stop him. Even when he has been contained (like against Maranatha), Villalobos finds a way to make an impact, be it on special teams or defensively. Guerrero is another Nick Bueno. Guerrero has passed for 2,999 yards and rushed for 1,371 yards. He's combined for 40 touchdowns through the air and on the ground. He may be the X-factor. If he gets out of the pocket, watch out.

4. MINIMIZE PENALTIES: Monrovia can't get sloppy just because it's the superior team. San Dimas lost last week despite rushing for 356 yards. How was that even possible? 17 penalties, that's how.

5. STAY GROUNDED: OK, we all know Monrovia is heavily favored to win this game. But just because that's the case the Wildcats can't come into this game too confident. Respect your opponent and let your play show why you're heavily favored. Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox said coming into this game over confident won't be an issue. I believe Maddox when he says that, but you can never stress it.

1. CONTAIN THE BIG PLAY: Monrovia can put teams away with minimum plays. If San Gabriel can't contain the big plays you can bet it'll be a long night for the Matadors. Monrovia is capable of scoring easy with deep pass plays or on a run that gets away becuase of poor tackling. It's that simple, and, yes, De'Shawn Ramirez and Marquise Bias are that good.

2. PROTECT YOUR QB: Andy Guerrero could take a beating if his line gets too overwhelmed. Guerrero's success can be credited to an O-Line that's found a way to give him just enough time to find the open receiver or open lanes. Word to Guerrero: throw the ball away and run for your life when 18 comes your way. Beware of giving away blind spots, take advantage of bubble screeens and keep the defense guessing.

3. COMMUNICATION: There's no way San Gabriel can line up with man coverage against Monrovia. Just. No. Way. Monrovia's size, speed and athleticism dwarfs San Gabriel's. This is going to sound like a cliche, but total team effort is the ONLY way the Matadors have a chance. So when San Gabriel is defending in zone communication will be key. Where's the receiver? What happens if....? San Gabriel is gonna have to rally to the ball and not allow for confusion to slip in. Joey Villalobos (140 tackles, three interceptions) will anchor the secondary, but he's going to need help when receivers break loose.

4. CONTROL THE PACE: San Gabriel its offense to stay on the field. Three-and-out ain't gonna cut it because San Gabriel doesn't have the weapons to trade punches with Monrovia. For every Andy Guerrero and Alex Villalobos ther's a Blake Heyworth, De'Shawn Ramirez, Marquise Bias, Luke Williams, Marquise Harris, Anthony Craft, Mason Bryant, etc. Somehow, some way, San Gabriel needs to keep this game close. If it's withine two possessions in the third quarter, who knows? Upset alert?

5. KEEP FOCUS: Last but not least, San Gabriel can't get flustered by all the hype. They'll have to find a way to keep their nerves calm, though it may prove easier said than done. San Gabriel is making its first finals appearance since 2003, but this team was barely old enough to really know that Santa Claus doesn't exist the last time the Matadors were here. Jude Oliva and Don Bernard were part of the 2003 coaching staff. They'll have to do everything they can to tell them every detail and what to expect on Saturday. This will truly be a home game for Monrovia with the game actually at Monrovia. A lot of green everywhere and a huge sign on the scoreboard to remind San Gabriel whose division it belongs. Keep the miscues to a minimum. Monrovia can really exploit that and make you pay for them. Penalties negating plays and pushing San Gabriel back will only make the uphill battle that much steeper.

Above: San Gabriel's majestic entrance is a thing of beauty.

I meant to write this story for the paper this week but I just couldn't get to it in time so here it is on the blog.

San Gabriel, in my opinion, has one of the coolest entrances to a footbal stadium. I first witnessed this in the opener against Muir and I was really taken by surprise. I enjoyed it because, hey, what Mexican doesn't like mariachi music. The crowd went wild and Muir looked on wondering what was going on. Can you imagine the look on the other team's faces? Maranatha also saw this when it played at San Gabriel in the playoff opener.

If you haven't been to a San Gabriel home game, press play on the YouTube video I posted and picture this:

The mariachi music comes on as the football players are met with a roaring applause. They march in a single line from the top of the home stands, in between the boosters sitting on the 50-yard line and proceed down onto the field. It's usually Vicente Fernandez's music blaring from the speakers. On any given home game they'll play one of his most popular songs. From "Duelo a Caballo" to, one of my personal favorites, "El Rey."

So how did it start?

It started three years ago during San Gabriel's homecoming game. There were pre-game fetivities on the field, so the Matadors thought they would warm-up on an adjacent field and then head to the locker before making their way back onto the field.

One problem: The gates to get back onto the field were locked. A quick check at another gate also revealed a locked gate. Keith Jones, the head coach at the time, had left his keys in the locker room, so the Matadors had no choice but to walk up and enter the stadium where fans make their way onto the home bleachers. San Gabriel proceeded to march down the bleachers closest to the scoreboard.

"Everyone started going nuts," Jude Oliva recalled. "They went nuts because it was homecoming and they thought we planned some kind of special entrance."

Oliva's mind went to work.

"I had seen where the University of Clemson came down in very similar fashion, through the tunnel and down the hill," Oliva said. "The fans were surrounding them and giving them a lot of love. I approached coach Jones and told him it'd be cool if we came through the middle of the stands where the boosters sit, close to the 50-yard line."

The kids then asked for a soundtrack to their march, and the boosters took it from there.

"We saw how La Habra enters with what the Blue Man Group does with fire extinguishers," Oliva said. "We added a fog machine and adding to it every week."

So how did San Gabriel settle on mariachi music this season?

"A lot of our kids and coaches are Latinos and grew up in the Latino culture," Oliva explained. "We all love mariachi so that seemed natural. The kids thought it'd be cool to come down like boxing prize fighters."

San Gabriel is predominantly Latino, with the exception of Mackenzie Ferro, Maurice Le, Donald Toung, Quy Thong, Jimmy Nguyen and twins Wayne and Daniel Pollock.

Ferro, a senior linemen, grew up his whole life with senior wide receiver Alex Villalobos, so he embraces the Latino culture.

"And I know we have a few Asian kids," Oliva says, "But they always tell me, 'Coach, I know we're Asian but we have a brown heart.'"

No way Monrovia plays mariachi for San Gabriel on Saturday, but if the Matadors pull off the biggest upset in school history, don't be surprised if they're marching back to the bus singing in full-lung capacity "....pero sigo siendo El Reeeeeeeey"

MID-VALLEY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP: San Gabriel at Monrovia, 7:30 p.m.

NORTHEAST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP: Desert Chr. at Rio Hondo Prep, 7 p.m.

Editor's Note: San Gabriel's run up to the 2003 CIF-SS Division VII title game against South Hills was a memorable one. The Star-News takes a look back at the events that led up to the big game.

The setting was intimidating.

San Gabriel High School had never in its then-49-year history won a playoff game prior to 2003. So you can imagine the nerves as the Matadors made their way into The Grand in Long Beach to take part in the CIF-Southern Section press conference and luncheon, where suddenly they stood among some of the elite high school football programs in the Southland.

San Gabriel earned an invitation after making an improbable run to the then-DivisionVII title game against powerhouse South Hills.

Matadors coach Keith Jones was flanked by a delegate of players, among them starting senior wide receiver/cornerback Juan Magallon, who recalled San Gabriel's run up to the title game like it was yesterday when reached by phone on Wednesday.

"It was intimidating at first," Magallon recalled walking into the luncheon. "We could tell all these other coaches and players had been there before. But they started talking about how great our team was, and it felt right us being there. Everything we had done we earned the right to be there."

San Gabriel went unbeaten in nonleague play before an Almont League-opening loss to Schurr. But the Matadors didn't lose hope, winning three of their next four games to make the playoffs.

Eight years later, San Gabriel finds itself in a similar position as the Matadors (9-4) prepare to take on Monrovia (10-3) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the CIF-SS Mid-Valley Division championship game.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Above: Rio Hondo Prep's Jake Holguin, left, and Colby Rivera have helped the Kares reach Saturday night's CIF-SS Northeast Division title game.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

ARCADIA - The last time Rio Hondo Prep produced a Division I college football player was in 2004 when Landon Goodwell signed with UTEP.

Who's to say the Kares can't do it again, maybe even twice in the same year.

It's a common misperception that Rio Hondo Prep, with its small school size (99), doesn't have the athletes, size, speed and athleticism to produce players at the next level.

Meet Colby Rivera and Jake Holguin, the next tandem who could put Rio Hondo Prep on the map. They've done their part so far, leading the supposedly rebuilding Kares (12-1) to the CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division championship game against visiting Desert Christian (11-2) of Lancaster on Saturday at 7 p.m.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

Twenty-seven seniors will take part in the second West San Gabriel Valley All-Star volleyball match, to be played Sunday at Monrovia High School.

Thirteen players will represent the Private schools team and 14 players will represent the Public schools team. The two teams represent two CIF-Southern Section finalist schools and five teams that won league titles.

There will also be an underclass game with 29 participants, representing five league champions.

The seniors will play best of five and the underclass athletes will play best of three. The senior Private school team won last year's inaugural match.

Tiare Tuitama, who coached La Salle to the CIF-Southern Section championship match, will coach the Private seniors team. Longtime Arcadia coach Charles Freberg will coach the Public seniors.

Pasadena Poly also reached a CIF-SS championship match. The Panthers will be represented by outside hitter Alexis Genske. La Salle will be represented by setter Katherine Haderlein and middle blocker Diamond Ridley-Pierce.

Mayfield, which also made a playoff run, will be represented by defensive specialist Alex Arnett and middle blocker Carrie Morris. Rio Hondo Prep, which also made the playoffs, will have middle blocker Devanie Davis and libero Daniella Sanchez. Also representing the Prep League will be Flintridge Prep outside hitter Kate Woolley and opposite Julia Miller.

From Flintridge Sacred Heart will be setter Alessandra Orlandini and defensive specialist Jessica Martin. From Maranatha will be outside hitter Brooke Forrester and libero McKay Weiler.

Freberg coached the Apaches to second place in the Pacific League.

Monrovia coach Wayne Teng will assist him.

La Canada, San Gabriel and Gabrielino all won league titles and will have six players in the game.

From La Canada will be libero Catherine Horner an setter Kristie Shurie. From San Gabriel will be outside hitter Anarose Bui and setter Am Lau and from Gabrielino will be outside hitter Jessica La and setter Joann Chac.

Eight other players also made playoff appearances. Representing Monrovia will be outside hitter Felicia Beeman and opposite Noralia To'omalatai, from Arcadia will be outside hitter Brittney Le and setter Brittany Woo, from San Marino will be middle blocker Kathleen Sloan and opposite Andrea Yen and from Alhambra will be outside hitters Magan Chiang and Marisa Baltazar.

Mayfield coach Megan Rush, with help from assistant coach Deon Jones, will lead the underclass Private team.

There are eight juniors on the team. They include Maranatha's Skylar McLeod and Lauren Holstein, Mayfield's Josie Luck, Madeline Watkins and Maggie Dunn, Flintridge Prep's Bryn McFadden, La Salle's Riley Spriesterbach and Flintridge Sacred Heart's Colleen Degnan.

Joining Spriesterbach are Lancers sophomore Caroline Knop and Haley DeSales, the lone freshman on the team. Joining the Tologs' Degnan will be sophomore Katie Conley.

The other sophomores are Pasadena Poly's Hannah Kaufman and Natalie Treister.

Teng will coach the Public underclass team. It will feature six juniors and six sophomores.

Arcadia's Alexi Resch will be the lone freshman on the team.

Also on the team will be teammate Catherine Su, a junior; San Gabriel juniors Tiffany Ha and Jasmine Lau; Alhambra's Taylor Warren; La Canada juniors Micaela Anderson and Kendall Walbrecht; San Marino juniors Amanda Yee and Felita Lin; Monrovia sophomores Kelsey Molnar and Kayla Howell; South Pasadena sophomores Claire Kieffer-Wright and Samantha Figueroa; and Gabrielino sophomores Michelle Vuong and Nahyma Castro.

The underclass game is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. and the seniors game at 6:45.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

MONROVIA - Luke Williams noticed a stark difference during an invitation-only combine workout at Arizona State in June.

Williams, a 6-foot-3, 189-pound wide receiver who at the time was a senior-to-be at Monrovia High School, had just finished running a route against one of the top high school cornerbacks in the nation.

Clearly this was another level.

"The corners weren't just robots defending receivers," Williams recalled. "They did more than just run with you. They did extra things to make it difficult for receivers. You have to learn (as a receiver) to move around and help your quarterback."

Williams spent the rest of his summer working on conditioning and improving his speed. He often was found on the track running 100- and 400-meter sprints with track teammates on their own time. Williams ran routes and acclimated to quarterbacks George Frazier V and Blake Heyworth, who at the time were competing for the starting spot.

Still, it was that workout in Tempe, Ariz., that made a lasting impression on Williams. It's a big reason why Williams became the go-to receiver for the Wildcats (10-3), who host San Gabriel (9-4) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Above: Dr. Richard Cheung tending to an injured Evan Sanchez in 2010.

Dr. Richard Cheung has spent the last eight years as a doctor/trainer for Monrovia's football team, helping Dr. Todd Adamson, who has been there for a decade.

Cheung, who has his own practice, Pasadena Chiro Center, is also a San Gabriel graduate.

Monrovia (10-3) hosts San Gabriel (9-3) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship game.

Cheung's affiliation goes beyond graduating from San Gabriel in 1987. He spent several seasons as an assistant on the boys and girls tennis teams and the girls basketball team in the early to mid 1990s. He also was a long-term substitute teacher.

Spending nearly a decade wearing Monrovia colors on the sidelines has swayed a bit his rooting interest, though he's still a contributing San Gabriel alum, he says.

"I'm absolutely elated that San Gabriel has made the finals again," Cheung said. "But I think talent-wise Monrovia is playing the best football right now and that's going to make it difficult for San Gabriel to win."

The pick?

I want a good game, I don't want a blowout," he said. "How's that?"

Above: Rio Hondo Prep hosting 2008 title game. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Cowell and James Sadana

Desert Christian lobbied to move the venue for Saturday's game, arguing it would bring 800 fans. The argument was quickly shot down by the CIF-SS, according to coach Ken Drain, who said the CIF-SS looked into Desert Christian's attendance of its last three games and determined a venue change away from Rio Hondo Prep was not necessary.

"Based on attendance CIF checked for the last three games they just don't think it's worth the money to go out and rent a place," Drain said.

Rio Hondo Prep hosted the 2008 title game and was forced to move the game to Covina District Field, a move that cost $2,500 to rent the facility. Linfield Christian had said it would bring roughly 800 fans but only about 350 fans made the trip.

"It rained so that might have dampened some people's spirits about coming," Drain said. "We're going to bring additional bleachers just in case for Saturday's game. We'll be able to take care of the crowd."

Above: Rio Hondo Prep's Charles Quintero was a running machine. His brother, Andrew, won't get a chance to showcase his talent in Saturday's title game.

Andrew Quintero is sneaky.

The Rio Hondo Prep starting senior linebacker, who has been out with a broken collar bone suffered Oct. 14 against Viewpoint, went to the doctor last week.

But it wasn't a routine checkup for the season-ending injury.

Quintero scheduled the appointment the week leading up to the Kares' semifinal game against Boron in an attempt to convince his doctor he could play football again.

Quintero, a 5-foot-9, 160-pounder who suffered the injury late in the second quarter while starting in place of injured running back Alex Tayco, was far from returning to any kind of physical activity.

The short answer was "no." Quintero was still two months away before he could play football. With no luck there, Quintero went to Rio Hondo Prep coach Ken Drain with a proposition.

"He asked me what if he could get a note from his mother to let him play," Drain said. "He really wants to play, but I told him that was not going to work for me."

Quintero will sit out Saturday when Rio Hondo Prep (12-1) hosts Desert Christian (11-2) of Lancaster in the CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division title game. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

Quintero is a three-year starter and among the select group that reached the Northeast Division finals in 2008 where the Kares lost to Linfield Christian.

Offensive linemen Dave Drain (6-3, 235) and Javier Rodriguez (6-3, 275) are three-year letterman. Drain is a three-year starter and Rodriguez is a two-year starter.

Tayco also is a two-year starter on defense and KJ Moore is a three-year starter at linebacker.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

SAN GABRIEL - No first grader should have to wake up at 3 a.m. to get ready for school, but Carlos Purser had no choice.

The daily trips from Palmdale to Van Nuys for school took their toll on Purser, but it was just the beginning.

The standout defensive tackle at San Gabriel High School soon spent the early part of his summer after first grade living in a one-bedroom hotel with his mother, Margo Garcia, stepfather and four siblings. From there, it was a two-month stint at a shelter in Glendale.

"It was just different from anything I've ever known before," Purser recalls. "We had a schedule of when to eat and when to shower. We couldn't be at the shelter during the day, but it was OK because I would be at school."

The weekend was another story.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Above: Monrovia QB Blake Heyworth commands the offense brilliantly.

It only seemed that out of nowhere came a quarterback battle for the starting spot at Monrovia High School.

It almost was a given that upon Nick Bueno's graduation George Frazier V would take over. There was no question the highly touted junior had the skills and, most important, leadership.

Over the summer Blake Heyworth transferred from St. Francis. The junior quarterback's arrival didn't immediately turn the position situation into a battle, at least not yet.

Heyworth, for one, was recovering from surgery on his throwing shoulder. He not only still was learning the offense but he was not cleared for a hardship waiver from the CIF-Southern Section.

It was quite the conundrum for Maddox - give Frazier all the first-team snaps over the summer and into fall camp until Heyworth was cleared, or prepare Heyworth just in case.

Maddox, leading Monrovia to its third consecutive trip to the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division finals on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against San Gabriel, took the latter route. Frazier shared reps with Heyworth over the summer, but it was clear Frazier still was expected to start.

"Until Blake got cleared he understood that George was going to get most of the reps with the first team," Maddox said. "If he wasn't cleared George would have been our quarterback. It was one of those things where we didn't know what was going to happen so we had to wait."

Heyworth wasn't fazed and gradually began taking hold of the offense, but the season was fast approaching and Heyworth still wasn't cleared by CIF. It was becoming clear Frazier would start in the season opener against Glendora. That week, just days before breaking ground on the 2011 season, Heyworth was cleared.

The quarterback battle now was official.

Heyworth's hardship waiver paved the way for an daily battle at practice. Heyworth, a 6-foot-2, 185-pounder, did not play against Glendora and saw limited time in a loss to Arcadia. Then, in Week 3, Heyworth got the nod against San Dimas and passed for 202 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-14 loss.

The following week wasn't kind either, a 34-30 loss to South Hills. Heyworth then engineered an impressive comeback against Paramount the following week by passing for 396 yards and six touchdowns in a 40-36 win.

Monrovia is 7-0 since, and Heyworth clearly has taken command of a unit that has dismantled defenses in the playoffs. Whittier Christian, for example, gave up 67 points. Heyworth has passed for 2,276 yards and 24 touchdowns against just four interceptions.

Maddox's "just in case" approach paid off.

"Their strength coming out was their leadership ability," he said. "Heyworth's got it. Whatever it is. He has an amazing touch and is a great student of the game. He sees the field very well usually putting the ball in the right spot.

"You can see the improvements, and as a coach you like to see the progress. We're gonna be very fortunate to have him back next year."

There was a lot of fuzz last last year when Monrovia was supposed to host the Mid-Valley Division championship at its brand new home field against Whittier Christian. Those plans were scrapped because Whittier Christian was concerned the Wildcats didn't have enough seating available on the visitin side, coupled by low-standing bleachers that provided an obstructed view. The game subsequently was moved to Arcadia where the game drew a standing-room only crowd. Monrovia again is the designated home team against San Gabriel in the Mid-Valley Division championship on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., only this time the Wildcats will actually host the title game. Monrovia officials said the stadium's seating issue from last year is just that, so last year. Monrovia athletic director Randy Bell said seating capacity on the visiting side is 1,000 (2,500-3,000 on the home side) and that the visiting bleachers were raised over the summer, eliminating the obstructive view. Bell added that "if we need to go higher we might do that. We'll see." Monrovia learned its lesson from last year of not fixing its visiting bleachers. It was too bad the Wildcats couldn't play their title game at home at their new stadium, and you can bet Monrovia will not let it happen again. So if Monrovia says it will add more seats if needed, you can bet they'll do exactly that. I like that championship football games are played at the school's home stadiums. The Pac-5 Division can have Angel Stadium, I'll take the neighborhood field any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. The atmosphere at Arcadia last year for the Mid-Valley Division final was electric, but it looked a bit off with Arcadia logos all over the place as Monrovia routed Whittier Christian. I can already imagine the mile-long of cars lining up at or near Monrovia High firing up the BBQ grill (chicken for me) and fans from both sides arriving there early to start the party as the anticipation builds. I can't wait.

Wish I had seen this when it ran, but here it is, nonetheless. Stephen Boyle over at Sports Illustrated wrote a very good piece on Monrovia's Ellis McCarthy complemented by a very good video which I've embetted below. We've known for some time that McCarthy would like to stay close to home when it comes to playing college football, and he reveals as much in the piece when he's quoted saying "I haven't had a game that my parents haven't seen me play since ever, really". You have to wonder if San Gabriel can even block a player of McCarthy's caliber even if you throw three (that's right, THREE) guys at him. At the end of the day, San Gabriel's offensive linemen will say they played against a future NFL defensive tackle.

Above: Muir fans immediately after the game ends.

Twelve fans.

That's how many I counted in the stands after Muir broke from its final huddle after its remarkable run ended in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division playoffs.

Muir deserved better.

By contrast, the other side was packed after La Serna's impressive 28-3 win over the Mustangs, a game many considered an upset.

Say what you want, that the Mustangs underpeformed, but there should have been a throng of fans waiting patiently in the stands cheering Muir off the field one last time in 2011. Fans owed Muir their appreciation after reaching its first semifinals trip since 1999. The cheerleaders stuck around. Everyone else should have, too.

I guess I'll never understand Muir's fan base: dismal home crowds and a small traveling contingent to away games. If you're a parent who made a conserted effort to attend home and away games this season, I applaud you for making the drive and braving the traffic and cold weather. But for those who only seem to care about the Turkey Tussle and only show up to that game to catch up with old friends I question where your loyalty truly lies. Just as much as I question to the nut fan who had the audacity to shout his displeasure of the Mustangs' performance with 7:27 left in the fourth quarter, that the Muir coaches gave up coaching, calling it "Pee Wee football".

Ridiculous.

I know one "fan" doesn't speak on behalf of all true Mustang fans, but it certainly doesn't bode well. The mood on the Muir sidelilnes was somber, to say the least. I saw frustration -- even anger -- from players who felt the outcome would have been the complete opposite after destroying Santa Fe in the first round and Diamond Ranch in the quarterfinals.

Say what you want, that Muir was outcoached, but you weren't on the Muir sideline watching coaches console players, padding them on the back and on the helmet for making this a memorable season, and that's really what it was:

Memorable.

Below: La Serna fans stick around.

Above: San Gabriel well-represented at Monday's CIF-SS football press conference. From left are head coach Jude Oliva, assistant coach Matt Lopez, Carlos Purser, Alex Villalobos, Brian Lopez and principal Jim Schofield.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

LONG BEACH - It was business as usual for Monrovia High School football coach Ryan Maddox and Rio Hondo Prep coach Ken Drain, but there stood San Gabriel coach Jude Oliva soaking in the experience of taking part in his first CIF-Southern Section press conference and luncheon Monday at The Grand.
Maddox made his third consecutive trip to the luncheon in four seasons at the helm for the Wildcats (10-3) while Drain has become a staple at these events in just over a decade as Kares (12-1) head coach.

Meanwhile, Oliva could only go off word of mouth from what it was like when the Matadors (9-4) were here in 2003 after making a surprising - yet inspiring - run to the then-Division VII title game against South Hills. Oliva, then an offensive coordinator, now has first-hand experience.

"It was great," Oliva said. "It was a fun atmosphere. You can see all the great teams and all the great coaches. I was kind of in awe of the whole experience because everyone was nice and had generous things to say to me. I didn't get a chance to come in 2003. Coach (Keith Jones) told us a little bit about it."

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Three teams left from the West San Gabriel Valley, and you all know them by now: Monrovia and San Gabriel will battle for the Mid-Valley Division championship and, of course, Rio Hondo Prep in the Northeast Division finals for the 13th time in its storied history. I'm writing this from The Grand in Long Beach, sitting at San Gabriel's table. The Matadors were here in 2003 when they reached the finals back in 2003. Monrovia is making its third straight appearance. Rio Hondo Prep was here two years ago. I will go wait until our Tuesday show to make my predictions. Some might think they will be easy to make, but believe me, this won't be. The Mid-Valley final will be Saturday at Monrovia High at 7 p.m. Rio Hondo Prep will host the final at 7 p.m. as well. The plan is to give both games extensie coverage. I will write features on all three teams that will appear in the paper this week. We will have a game preview in the paper on Saturday. I will be at the Mid-Valley final where Mike "The Cousin" will join the Star-News contingent for Coveritlive. Our Keith Lair will be at Rio Hondo Prep. My question to you right now is, who do you want to see featured in the paper this week from each team? Let me know and stick around.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

SAN GABRIEL -- There was no time for San Gabriel High Schlool defensive lineman Hunter Garcia to think.

Twenty-five seconds after San Dimas' Devante Brown scored on a 4-yard sweep, the Saints were lined up and going for the two-point conversion and the go-ahead score.

But Garcia stepped into the hole that the Saints offensive line had created on the touchdown run and Garcia stopped the exact same running play to lead the Matadors to a 29-28 victory in the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley semifinals on a very cold, but not windy, Saturday night.

"I read the block and I knew it was going to be a game changer," Garcia said. "On the play before I got my bell rung and I knew I had to do something. I did and I knew we had the gamer locked after that,."

Brown fell about 9 inches short of giving the Saints the lead.

San Dimas coach Bill Zernickow said the Saints had decided to go for two points nine minutes before Brown scored, with 2:23 to play.

"We weren't stopping them and we're on their home field," he said. "There was no question we hade to go for two to win the game.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

COVERAGE OF FRIDAY'S SEMIFINALS

LA SERNA 28, MUIR 3: A dream run for the Muir High School football team ended with a rude awakening. Everything the Mustangs had done up to this point fell apart in one fell swoop. Penalties, dropped passes and an an inability to stop the run added up to a 28-3 loss to La Serna in Friday night's semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division playoffs.

MONROVIA 41, COVINA 27: Monrovia High School won its first CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division title last year behind quarterback and division player of the year Nick Bueno. Blake Heyworth looks like that guy this time. The junior quarterback threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns to lead the defending champion Wildcats over top-seed Covina 41-27 in Friday's semifinals at Covina District Field.

ARAM TOLEGIAN COLUMN: There often are plays early in a game in which one team establishes who's boss and how it's going to be for the rest of the night. In Monrovia High School's 41-27 rout of Covina on Friday, that play came from Wildcats defensive back Anthony Craft just about eight minutes into what was supposed to be a semifinals showdown but gradually turned into a laugher.

RIO HONDO PREP 28, BORON 7: Jake Holguin did not need any of the space heaters blazing along the Rio Hondo Prep sideline. The junior created all the heat he needed in a 27-8 victory over host Boron in a CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division semifinal game on Friday night. He stripped scrambling Bobcats quarterback Austyn Fink of the ball and recovered the fumble to stop the Bobcats from mounting a rally in the third quarter. "That was really big," Rio Hondo Prep quarterback Colby Rivera said. "It took all their momentum away. It made a big difference. We could take time off the clock and everything."

FINAL UPDATE (I HOPE) FRIDAY 11:48 A.M.-- For the second time in as many days, the San Dimas-San Gabriel game has been moved, this time back to San Gabriel, according to Matadors coach Jude Oliva. The semifinal of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

"The (Alhambra Unified School) district needed to go through the city (of San Gabriel)," Oliva explained. "They were the ones that shut down the district and the game for tonight. Through phone calls and school board (channels) they finally got it done and we're playing (Saturday) at San Gabriel at 7:30 p.m."

The game, originally scheduled as a San Gabriel home game, was moved from Friday to Saturday to Montebello High because of San Gabriel's home stadium sustaining damage from the howling winds.

Oliva said that according to San Gabriel principal James Schofield, San Dimas is aware of the venue and time change.

"I just found out five minutes ago about all this," Oliva said. "I've been in as much limbo as everybody else. It's hard for me to tell anybody exactly what we're doing because I don't even know all the details"

UPDATE 8:44 p.m. -- The game will be at Montebello HS.

UPDATE 5:40 P.M. -- The game has been confirmed and will be moved from Friday to Saturday at 7 p.m. The site will be confirmed Friday at 9 a.m.

This text message from San Gabriel coach Jude Oliva regarding the semifinals of the Mid-Valley Division between San Dimas at San Gabriel:

Jude Oliva text: "Unfortunately due to the damage and (the Alhambra Unified School) district shutting down (Friday) our game has been rescheduled until Saturday 7 p.m. site TBA. They are literally working on the location (right) now. Just a heads up so you know it will be played Saturday."

San Dimas reaction: I spoke with San Dimas coach Bill Zernickow, who was not told the game was moved to Saturday and did not agree. San Dimas would like to play on Friday and has suggested alternate sites to use. When the schools come to an agreement, we'll post it.

CIF could get involved: CIF spokesperson Thom Simmons said that for now they will leave it up to the two schools to come to an agreement. If they do not come to one, CIF will step in and make the decision for them.

Above: This was the scene at Maranatha High this morning. Photo courtesy of Maranatha AD Brian DeHaan.

Power is out at the Tribune office where they take your box scores and game highlights. The only way to report scores today is via e-mail. Email yours to scores@sgvn.com ... DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER YOU NORMALLY WOULD. PHONES ARE DOWN. Power at my house in South Pasadena went down at 12:40 a.m. and came back on around 9:30 a.m. or so. At least five trees fell at nearby Garfield Park and I'm just glad no structures were damaged in my neighborhood. I hear Mission Road is bad, too, but I haven't ventured out the street just yet.

Friday's football forecast: Partly cloudy. Highs in the 60s. Areas of north to northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph decreasing to 10 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds strongest near the foothills. Lows in the lower to mid 40s.

It was only a matter of time until Marquise Bias brought the spotlight onto himself.

The senior running back on the Monrovia football team is having a spectacular year for the Wildcats, who have successfully sustained a balanced attack despite losing key players to graduation.

Evidence of that is Monrovia reaching the CIF-Southern Section semifinals for the fourth straight season under coach Ryan Maddox. Monrovia will play Covina on Friday at Covina District Field in a Mid-Valley Division matchup.

Monrovia (9-3) had the luxury of rotating running backs when Bias was a sophomore. The Wildcats easily went from a speedster to a bruiser in a matter of plays. Bias earned little playing time that season, finishing with 76 yards on four carries, but he showed Maddox that the potential certainly was there.

Bias saw his playing time increase as a junior, and he again showed promise, rushing for 208 yards and one touchdown on 36 carries.

With De'Shawn Ramirez back in the picture for his senior year, it only added to Monrovia's 1-2 punch that now includes a mature, stronger and faster Bias. The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder is averaging 9 yards per carry. His best game this season came in the opening round of the playoffs against Pomona when he muscled his way to 212 yards. And the running back who practically watched from the sidelines three years ago is now commanding the spotlight with 1,223 yards and 16 touchdowns.

"He's gotten better throughout the year," Maddox said of Bias. "He's progressively gotten better and better and proven through the years that he can definitely play at the top of his game."

Bias adds a bruising element to the Wildcats' style this season. Ramirez, who can line up at virtually every offensive position, possesses speed while Bias just runs the way he always has.

"He's a tough-nosed runner," Maddox said. "He runs hard and low to the ground. He has good vision and is definitely not easy to tackle."

Bias' steady growth came just in time, as Monrovia lost its stable of power runners from last year to graduation. That list includes Star-News Player of the Year Nick Bueno.

Bias' strong play, coupled with Ramirez's versatility and consistent play from quarterback Blake Heyworth, has the Wildcats back on track after a rough start that Maddox referred to as "a championship hangover."

How much better? Monrovia scored 67 points on Whittier Christian last week in a rematch of last year's championship game.

"I just think we're putting it all together," Maddox said. "It's a better understanding of our offense. They've made the adjustments we've asked them to do, as a result we've gotten better as a team."

In the moment

Monrovia is one game away from reaching its third straight title game, but the Wildcats did not approch the playoffs with the mentality of defending their title.

"The whole CIF championship thing ended at the beginning of the year," Maddox said. "It's about an opportunity to play a great team in the semifinals. The championship, that's last year's stuff. We have to play great or this is going to be our last game."