Surprise, surprise, Monrovia opens the year No. 1 in Star-News Top 10 …

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Sneak preview: PrepXtra Season Preview Magazine will be out on Aug. 29 in home delivery and news racks. But we knew you couldn’t wait to get a look at the opening the Star-News Top 10, so here it is in the eyes of Steve Ramirez.

1. MONROVIA

Outlook: The Wildcats, after winning the Mid-Valley the past three seasons, look to become the first West San Gabriel Valley team to win four consecutive CIF-SS titles, matching the legendary Temple City teams (1970-73). They will be the favorites and should be be able to muscle their way through the league and division.

2. ST. FRANCIS

Outlook: The Golden Knights have one of the better rosters in the area, and they should be able to lineup against anybody in the West Valley. They are still a step behind Serra and Chaminade, which means competing for third place and a playoff spot is their only hope.

3. RIO HONDO PREP

Outlook: Despite its graduation losses, Rio Hondo Prep is still one of the top teams in the Northeast Division. They will ride the legs of Tayco, who might be the best returning back in the area.

4. LA SALLE

Outlook: The Lancers were the surprise Del Rey League champs last season, responding from a 1-9 record the season before to go 10-0 in the regular season last year. They won’t sneak up on anyone, but La Salle is again the favorite in the Del Rey League and this time a few wins in the playoffs is not out of the question.

5. MUIR

Outlook: Muir, despite it’s graduation losses, is still the favorite in the Pacific League. The speed option gives them the advantage, so expect another league title and at least a quarterfinal appearance in the playoffs.

6. SAN MARINO

Outlook: No one is expecting a repeat of last season, when San Marino was 10-2 and pushed Monrovia in the Rio Hondo League. But the return of the big boys up front should make the Titans highly competitive in league play and in the Mid-Valley Division.

7. TEMPLE CITY

Outlook: The Rams made a good turnaround to finish third in the Rio Hondo League and make the playoffs. They are a step behind Monrovia and San Marino, but a third-place finish looks to be in their future.

8. MARANATHA

Outlook: Maranatha just missed the playoffs last season. They look in position to change that, with Olivia and solid core of returners. Taking first in the Olympic League might be a tough road, but a playoff spot is an attainable goal.

9. DUARTE

Outlook: The Montview League title, with Gladstone and La Puente under new coaching regimes, could be Duarte’s for the taking. They have the potential and talent to take advantage of it.

10. FLINTRIDGE PREP

Outlook: You can pencil in the Rebels for second place in the Prep League. They are not yet at the level of Rio Hondo Prep, but another trip to the quarterfinals looks to be in their future.

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  • GP AKA Green Machine

    Muir is #3…La salle, choked it last year…RHP is not better than Muir..La Salle is not better than RHP

  • Eastern Ave.

    Muir is better than La Salle.

    RHP is always a solid “TEAM”.

    Love Muir, I Just like them better in week 9 or 10.

    Maranatha… Oh Magoo! 😀

    Duarte huh, hmm.

    Good for Flintridge!

    Have Fun everyone!

    “Football, is not a matter of life and death, it’s much more important than that!” – Henry Russell “Red” Sanders

    Maranatha… Oh Magoo! 😀

  • New York

    Some Temple City is now just “a step” behind Monrovia? They must have really improved during the off-season.

  • SMHS Fan

    San Marino has size and experience on the lines, speed and quickness at the skill positons and athelicism all over the field. All that, and a coaching staff that knows how to win. Should be as good as last years team, maybe better.

  • observantcat

    Just in time for a little Breaking News…..

    “High School Spotlight” airs at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 on Prime Ticket. In this half-hour show, Barnett and Kennedy reveal the CIF-SS Top 10 and look at teams and players to watch, while Haylock reports on the Gardena Serra Cavaliers and their transformation into a perennial powerhouse. Additionally, the Prime Ticket cameras spent a week at Monrovia High School for a behind the scenes look at the football team’s first practices of the year.

  • woanelly

    please change the name of this blog to ” other than pasadena prep sports”. you have covered not one single player from any pasadena school other than la salle (sierra madre)

    • Google Maps Is Your Friend

      La Salle is in Pasadena, not Sierra Madre.

      • woanelly

        not the real point, equal or some coverage is! this has been going on for years and the kids that do stay home work just as hard as others. if its 100 degrees on sierra madre blvd. it’s 100 degrees on montana or allen

  • woanelly

    the number of schools has not changed but the coverage has and fred,steve,aram could care less about what happens in pasadena, it’s about the east san gabriel valley. Maybe you could hire associates to cover, just like associate scouts for baseball. no wonder kids leave pasadena, there is no hype, maybe model after the oc register where every team gets covered. i wish all teams well but please cover the local teams from pasadena also. Muir, PHS, Marshall and we hope blair this year.