Notebook: La Salle, St. Lucy’s resume rivalry


SEEKING REDEMPTION: The La Salle High School girls volleyball team is hoping for a happier finish when it faces St. Lucy’s today. The Regents beat the Lancers in the CIF-SS playoffs last season. Staff file photo by Keith Birmingham

By Keith Lair, SGVN
Twitter.com/KeithLLair

It is not just a match between teams that played for last year’s CIF-Southern Section Division 2AA volleyball championship.
When La Salle High School plays at St. Lucy’s Priory tonight, it’s a match between arguably the two best teams in the Valley. La Salle (18-1) is coming off two tournament victories, including a sweep in the Otay Ranch Invitational last weekend in southern San Diego County.
St. Lucy’s (6-5), which defeated La Salle in last year’s division title match, is coming off an impressive top 16 finish in the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas.
Today’s match is scheduled to start at 5:45 p,m,
“These type of matches make us all better,” St. Lucy’s coach Sean Douglas said. “Heck, even losing them makes you better.
“You learn from those losses.”
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High School Notebook: Gabrielino enjoying the thrill of victory

Gabrielino High School football coach Harold Sanin is the first to admit his team hasn’t played the toughest nonleague schedule in the area.
But the Eagles also have done what’s expected of them – win.
Gabrielino, which defeated visiting Contreras, 35-8, last week, is off to its best start in eight seasons with wins in each of its four games and outscoring the opposition, 121-36. The Eagles are ranked No. 7 in the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division.
“We’ve anticipated, based on the schedule, we would do well,” Sanin said. “But every year we expect to do well. Traditionally, we start well, than get hit by injuries.
“But we have a little more depth this year.”
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Breaking News: Maranatha’s Elffers out for the season.


ELFFERS OUT: Maranatha quarterback Andrew Elffers
suffered a torn meniscus and will require season-ending
knee surgery.
Staff Photo by Keith Birmingham

As we reported on tonight’s Prep Xtra Live show, Maranaha quarterback Andrew Elffers, arguably the top signal-caller in the area the past three seasons, suffered a knee injury during the Minutemen’s 63-7 loss to La Salle and is out for the season.
Elffers, who has thrown for 677 yards and three touchdowns this season, injured his knee during the second series on Friday. Maranatha coach Pete Karavedas said he suffered a torn meniscus that will require surgery, ending his season.
“Obviously, he will be missed on the field as he always gives 110 percent on every play,” Karavedas said. “His leadership will still be needed on our team. But it will just be carried out in a different way. He is still the heart of this team.”
Elffers is a three-year starter, who has ranked among the area leaders in passing the past three years. He threw for 2,029 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, and 3,328 and 37 touchdowns in 2010.
Maranatha, which is 0-4, travels to South El Monte on Friday.
Steve’s take: This is one that’s difficult to fathom. The hit on the field is unmeasurable. Elffers is that good and a quarterback like that can’t be replaced. But there’s also the loss to the kid, and that’s the most disappointing thing. It’s a tough break for a good kid. And that’s the real disappointment. But as coach Karavedas said, he will just have to lead from the sidelines.

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STAR-NEWS FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Monrovia, St. Francis flip-flop top two spots; San Marino, Rio Hondo Prep and La Salle hold onto to next three spots


WATCHING OVER THE WILDCATS: Monrovia moves back to No. 1 in the Star-News rankings.
Staff file photo by Sarah Reingewirtz
STAR-NEWS FOOTBALL RANKINGS
1. Monrovia (2-1) —
The next two weeks are huge for the Wildcats. If they can beat South Hills and St. Francis, the rest of the schedule sets up nicely for a chance at a regional state bowl. But first they must take care of the Huskies in s step-up game, which I think they can win.
2. St. Francis (2-1) — The Golden Knights still might be the area’s best, but drop after losing close to La Mirada. They take to the road for the third consecutive week, then get Monrovia at home.
3. San Marino (3-0 — The Titans haven’t been toughed in their three games. I don’t see that happening this week, or until they face Monrovia in Week 9.
4. Rio Hondo Prep (3-1) — The Kares are taking care of business, and look capable of another CIF-SS playoff run.
5. La Salle (4-0) — Do you believe in the Lancers now? I do, especially after beating rival Maranatha, 63-7. This team looks like the real deal, but the schedule gets tougher when league play begins in a few weeks.
6. Gabrielino (4-0) — The Eagles are also off to a surprising start, but like La Salle, will be challenged in league.
7. South Pasadena (2-1) — The Tigers rebounded nicely, and might be able to make some noise in the Rio Hondo.
8. Muir (0-3) — The Mustangs, who played three games they had no chance at winning, now begin their real season – Pacific League play. Despite the three-blowout losses, this team might be the favorite, although Burroughs will be the top challenger.
9. Pasadena Poly (3-0) — The Panthers are also taking care of business and could challenge Rio Hondo Prep in the Prep league.
10. San Gabriel (1-3) — The Matadors looked impressive in routing Baldwin Park. If they can get that consistent play on defense, they could run the table in the Almont League.
Others: 11. Pasadena (0-3), 12. Alhambra (2-2), 13. Duarte (1-2), 14. La Canada, (1-2), 15. Arcadia (0-3), 16. Rosemead (1-2), 17. Maranatha (0-4), 18. Temple City (1-3), 19. Flintridge Prep (1-2), 20. Marshall (2-2), 21. Bosco Tech (0-4), 22. Keppel (0-4), 23. Blair (0-4).

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